(October 2009 photo courtesy of Greg Whittaker from Mountain to Sound Outfitters [WSB sponsor] and Alki Kayak Tours)
Story and photos by Jonathan Stumpf
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

As promised, the Alki Community Council introduced new webmaster/Alki News Beacon editor Glynnis Vaughan Thursday night in its new meeting location at Alki UCC.

But before the introduction of Vaughan, the council was treated to a presentation by United States Coast Guard Auxiliarist Lyn McClellan (left). The room of about 20 clearly enjoyed the half-hour discussion about the history of the Alki Point Lighthouse.

The USCG is thrilled to have it open to the public during the upcoming summer weekends (Memorial through Labor Day weekends) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and although the light is automated now, and the neighborhood side is veiled from it, the established-in-1887 lighthouse and its history are still worth the visit, with visitors from 68 countries stopping by during the last two years. You can read lots more about it here.

ACC member David Hutchinson reported that the latest engraved-brick sale for the Statue of Liberty Plaza is making headway with 112 brick sales to date. The possibility of putting on another concert at the Statue like last summer was also mentioned, but no motions were made until the idea had time to go before an ACC board review. Also in attendance tonight was Chas Redmond, to promote and announce the upcoming kiosk planning meeting for the West Seattle Trails wayfinding project on February 4 at Alki Community Center from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Content, images, themes and art need to be chosen for three Alki kiosks; if you’re interested in contributing to the discussion, you should attend.

With the Haiti earthquake still fresh in people’s minds, ACC member Penny made a quick announcement about being safely prepared for “not if, but when the next earthquake strikes Seattle.” She handed out a flier listing the nine designated emergency community gathering sites you can see here (also linked from an ongoing ad in the WSB sidebar – be sure to memorize the location closest to you).

(Paul and Libby Carr, Glynnis Vaughan, Michelle Cross)
Lastly, vice president Randie Stone, officiating in the absence of president Jule Sugarman, introduced the new Alki News Beacon editor and webmaster Glynnis Vaughan. With a strong background in public affairs, marketing and public relations, Vaughan, a communications specialist by day for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, hopes to elevate the profile of the council, and unveiled the brand new Alki News Beacon quarterly.

She also hopes to start offering more membership rewards (thorough readers will find one in the current issue – see it here) and possibly hosting documentary film nights, showcasing local filmmakers. “I’m relying on community members to help,” she said. “We need their support.”

The Alki Community Council usually meets on the third Thursday of each month, 7 pm at Alki UCC. Get updates inbetween meetings at alkinews.com.