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month : 02/2010 337 results

Video: West Seattle YMCA kicks off “Partners With Youth”
February 4, 2010 1:39 am
|    Comments Off on Video: West Seattle YMCA kicks off “Partners With Youth”
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Wednesday night at The Hall at Fauntleroy, smiles and energy spread among more than 150 volunteers as the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor) kicked off its Partners With Youth campaign. Dinner, games and a raffle filled the evening.

That’s Dawn Baber (standing) and husband Carl (seated at her right). Partners With Youth raises money for activity scholarships and in-school programs, among other things (there’s a more detailed description in this report on last year’s fundraising success). Volunteers will be making phone calls as well as talking to prospective donors face-to-face in the weeks ahead. (You can also donate online.)

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West Seattle help for Haiti: Local woman’s Valentine’s Day plan
February 3, 2010 11:44 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Hundreds – if not thousands by now – of West Seattleites have reached out to help the Haiti earthquake victims in ways big and small.

But Alki resident Angela Williams felt one thing was missing: A direct, personal, hands-on connection. “Any time there’s like a crisis or trauma, I have an overwhelming feeling to help or deal with the emotional aspect instead of just saying, ‘here’s a check’ … money seems like not doing enough, not connecting with event.”

Going to Haiti to try to personally connect wasn’t quite feasible, so the next best thing was to hatch a plan for people who care to connect with each other, while they learn about what’s happened in Haiti since the quake, and figure out how best to help.

We found out about Angela’s event through a Facebook event invitation that led to a somewhat mysterious website:

Read More

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Neighborhood alert: Encounter near Morgan Junction
February 3, 2010 9:56 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Rachel just sent a note she wanted to share about someone who came up to her house about an hour ago – read on:Read More

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Live in the Genesee (Hill) area? Community council in your future
February 3, 2010 9:42 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

From the Southwest District Council meeting that just wrapped up: One of this year’s goals has been to increase participation from more areas of the western half of the peninsula, which is the SWDC’s turf, so there’s been talk about helping community groups start (or restart) in two unrepresented areas – Genesee/Genesee Hill and Arbor Heights. So far, SWDC co-chair Chas Redmond reports, there’s progress in Genesee – and an organizational meeting is planned March 16, 7 pm, West Seattle PCC (WSB sponsor) – everybody in that area’s welcome, and you’ll likely see flyers soon urging you to be there. We’ll check on the exact area targeted here; this is what the city has mapped as Genesee, but it seems to stretch way past the area that had been discussed. (Lots more SWDC news to come.)

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West Seattle school news: Open houses, playground, book sale
February 3, 2010 7:58 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We have updates from several West Seattle schools tonight. First, it’s open house night TOMORROW at Madison Middle School:

Welcome 5th Grade Families to Madison Middle School Open House
Thursday, Feb. 4th — 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Come visit Madison classrooms, meet teachers & administration.
Ask questions about curriculum, feeder-patterns, GeoBee, etc.
We look forward to seeing you @ Madison!

We’ve also received word tonight of a preschool open house this Saturday – it’s a new school, and they’ll get you the open house details if you RSVP:

Saturday, Feb. 6th 9:30am-11:30am
The Cove School
www.thecoveschool.com
RSVP: admissions@thecoveschool.com

And Saturday afternoon/evening, Cometa Playschool has its next open house:

Open House
Saturday, February 6th from 4-6 pm
at Cometa Playschool, 3212 California Ave SW

Moving on to next week – on Thursday, Feb. 11, West Seattle High School has its open house – principal Bruce Bivins shares the news release with full details (see it here) – here’s the schedule of events that night:

6:00-6:30 Departmental Fair in the Commons
Hors d’oeuvres prepared and served by our culinary arts students
Student-performed music
Meet with faculty and learn about course offerings and expectations in each department

6:30-7:00 Presentation
Welcome & Introduction from Principal Bruce Bivins
Student video: “Why Westside?”
Scene from student-directed play, “Jumpin’ Jupiter”

7:00-8:00 Panel Discussions (choice of two)
1. Student Panel: Students discuss life at Westside
2. College-Prep Panel: Faculty discuss advanced learning opportunities and program expectations within the departments
3. 9th Grade Panel: Faculty and students discuss school requirements, resources and supports, and summer-bridge expectations

7:00-8:30 Explore Westside: School facility and lab tours throughout the evening
8:30-10:00 Basketball Game
Prospective students and their families will receive free admission to the boys’ varsity basketball game with special appearances by our Pep Band, Cheerleaders, and Spirit Mob

Nearby at Lafayette Elementary, their playground project has just received a big boost – here’s the latest newsletter update:

The Playground Committee started the year off with a generous donation of $10,000 to the PTA earmarked for the playground from a Lafayette family. Whoever you are, thank you so very much! Several fundraising events will be announced specifically for the playground improvement project in the coming year. One will be a Ski and Sports Equipment Swap in April. Save your items for sale or donation for that event. More details will be coming on that event. Feel free to attend any of our meetings. For more information, or to get involved, please contact Janine Bostock at Janine@avadesignbuild.com

And looking ahead to next month, we’ve just added this to the WSB Events calendar:

Sanislo Elementary’s 4th Grade Used Book Sale.
Sanislo Elementary School
1812 SW Myrtle St, (206) 252-8380
Saturday, March 13th from 10 am- 2 pm.
Sanislo’s 4th graders are having a Used Book sale to raise money for their annual educational overnight trip. There will be many books of all types for sale as well as coffee, tea and treats. You are invited to this fun event!
If you have books that you would like to donate, drop them by the school or call Lisa at 206-767-3561 for other arrangements.

(added) And tomorrow night is your first of 2 chances to see local students put on a show – thanks to Michele for sharing this:

A stage production of Mulan will be performed by the West Seattle Academy (& West Seattle Montessori [WSB sponsor]) at the West Seattle High School Theatre this Thursday (2/4) & Friday at 7:00 pm(2/5). Tickets are $10 at the door.

WSA/WSM performances boast professional choreography and set design… and they are very entertaining!

Not recommended for children under age 5.

Got school news? Share it! Here are all the ways you can reach us – choose whatever works for you.

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Crime Watch: Drug bust, break-in attempt, stolen signs…
February 3, 2010 4:26 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three items for West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon. First, two notes came in asking about a King County Sheriff’s Office operation in the 9000 block of 35th SW (map) overnight. KCSO spokesperson Sgt. John Urquhart tells us it was NOT related to the SWAT-involved raid four blocks south last week, but this too was a “drug bust” and resulted in at least one arrest so far. Meantime, we’ve got a burglary attempt and a case of suspected sign-stealing -read on:Read More

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Apply to create art for the new West Seattle Reservoir parkland!
February 3, 2010 3:17 pm
|    Comments Off on Apply to create art for the new West Seattle Reservoir parkland!
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Just in from the city – a call for artists for two city park projects – including the expansion of Westcrest Park that is planned for the top of the “lid” that’s going in atop adjacent West Seattle Reservoir. (The next public meeting to talk about park design is THIS SATURDAY, 10 am-noon at Southwest Community Center.) Read on for the details of both projects – each with a $150,000 budget:Read More

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“Jason McKissack Act” passes State House unanimously
February 3, 2010 2:36 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

That’s the word from West Seattle Rep. Eileen Cody. While we went to Olympia for last week’s public hearing on the bill, EHB 1679, which would prevent catastrophically injured public-safety personnel like former Southwest Precinct SPD Officer Jason McKissack from losing health benefits, we weren’t able to go to today’s vote, but Rep. Cody sent word on the results. Next stop: The State Senate. Last year it made it through the House but stalled in the Senate; if you want to express your opinion, State Sen. Joe McDermott represents our area; his contact info is here. ADDED 5:27 PM: The Seattle Police Guild has just sent a news release with more info – read on to see it:Read More

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West Seattle help for Haiti: Update on Eagles’ fundraiser
February 3, 2010 12:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

From Amy McGrath with the West Seattle Eagles: Final tally from their Saturday night fundraiser – $4,526.43 for Mercy Corps. And Amy says they’re still collecting shoes till February 13th – new or gently used, take them to the Eagles (immediately south of the post office in The Junction). It was a fundraising doubleheader for the Eagles – they had a live/silent auction that same night, right before the Haiti benefit, and Amy says that brought in $1,100 for the Eagles’ Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund. (P.S. Updates coming later today on more new West Seattle-linked help for Haiti.)

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Citizens’ Budget Conference: Miss it? Now you can see it!
February 3, 2010 11:15 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The first guy you see as soon as you hit the “play” button on that newly available Seattle Channel video from last Sunday’s Citizens Budget Conference at Seattle Center is West Seattle activist/advocate/volunteer Chas Redmond, chair of the City Neighborhood Council, co-chair of the Southwest District Council (which meets tonight). The conference was offered as a chance for citizens to have a say on the head end of the city budgeting process – how do YOU think your money should be spent? Chas was one of several West Seattle participants; we asked afterward for reflections/comments on what happened, and you can read on for his response:Read More

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Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday: West Seattle events
February 3, 2010 10:11 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

The city Department of Neighborhoods has just sent out the citywide list of events scheduled for Neighbor Appreciation Day this Saturday. Three listings are in West Seattle; topping the list – you can go see your neighborhood fire station!

Event: Visit your Neighborhood Fire Station
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Event Location: Seattle Fire Stations. Visit
www.seattle.gov/fire/firestations/stations.htm for list of Seattle Fire Stations.

Event: Raise the Beds at C&P Coffee (presented by CoolMom)
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am
Event Location: C&P Coffee, 5612 California Ave. SW

Event: Alki/Admiral neighborhood Open House
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Event Location: Hiawatha Community Center
Event Contact: Lakema Bell, 206-684-7441

Though it’s not on the list, we might suggest that the North Delridge Neighborhood Council Adopt-A-Street cleanup Saturday morning – meet at Delridge Community Center 9:45 am – is a good way to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day too.

ADDED THURSDAY: It’s been brought to our attention that this list sent out by the city is missing at least a few other West Seattle events. We’ll be adding those to our events calendar. Thanks!

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Today/tonight: Library changes; Bagshaw in WS; CoolMom …
February 3, 2010 8:31 am
|    Comments Off on Today/tonight: Library changes; Bagshaw in WS; CoolMom …
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB Events calendar:

NEW LIBRARY HOURS: Here’s our most recent reminder; the new schedules take effect today. As Diane noted in this comment, the two West Seattle libraries that will be open 7 days a week – Admiral and Southwest – will actually now open earlier two days a week (10 am on Mondays/Tuesdays instead of 1 pm).

ONE EFFECT OF LIBRARY CHANGES: Reminder that the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is NOT meeting tonight – its former meeting site, Delridge Library, is closing earlier on Wednesdays, so this month’s meeting is 6:30 pm **next Tuesday**, Feb. 9, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, with a decision yet to be made on the permanent day/location. (And join NDNC for the quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup this Saturday; meet outside Delridge Community Center at 9:45 am.)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: When reps from West Seattle’s major community councils and other groups/organizations meet tonight, the agenda includes two guests: City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw and the city’s Historic Preservation Officer, Karen Gordon. You’re welcome to be there – 7 pm, board room at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – here’s a map for the central-campus area.

URBAN FARMING ADVOCATE AT YOUNGSTOWN: The youth involved in FEEST at Youngstown are scheduled to meet this afternoon with Will Allen, a leader in the urban-farming movement, who is also speaking at a free citywide public event at 7 tonight at Mercer Middle School.

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8:30 pm, 30th/Roxbury. (Here’s the full list of ongoing open houses at Seattle Public Schools.)

EARLY DISMISSAL DAY FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Students are out 2 hours early (here’s the school-year calendar).

COOLMOM’S MONTHLY MEETING: Here’s a preview from the Sustainable West Seattle website; highlights will include a closer look at the city’s new “carbon calculator” that you can use to facilitate a lower-impact lifestyle. 7 pm, C and P Coffee, 5612 California SW.

JUST FOR FUN: “Groundhog Day” is tonight’s Fine Films at Freshy’s presentation, Freshy’s Coffee, 2735 California SW, 7 pm. At 7:30, the second week starts for performances of ArtsWest‘s “Love Song,” and at 8, the second of 2 nights for “From Africa to the White House,” the spoken word/musical performance by Taya Aluko (with Lou Magor on keyboards) at Kenyon Hall.

(Got something for the calendar? Lots of options for sharing it – thanks!)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Super 24 robbery; Admiral stab attempt
February 2, 2010 11:19 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
And two more incidents police are working right now: In the 2300 block of California, there was an attempted stabbing. Nobody cut, the scanner clarified before we could even head out the door. They’re searching for a suspect. Then in the 5500 block of Delridge (map), police are looking for armed robbers who are reported to have held up the Super 24. 12:08 AM: Adding a photo. No indication of any arrests so far.

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Believe it or not – one MORE car mishap in West Seattle
February 2, 2010 11:00 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

That photo’s just in from Aaron, who says it happened about an hour ago at 17th/Graham, which is a block west of where the bicycle crash happened this afternoon (one of the four crashes in this roundup). He says it’s believed that “(a) driver lost her brakes in a car, drove backwards down the street, and ended up on a utility pole support cable.” Instantly brought back memories of this one we covered (with photos and video) in Fauntleroy in December 2007. No word of injuries in tonight’s mishap – one engine was sent out, but the call’s already closed.

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Another “Parent/School Advocacy Night” at High Point center
February 2, 2010 10:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last time we covered one of these special events at High Point Neighborhood Center (photo above is from Jan. 8), which has been working with Seattle Public Schools to help local families get more closely connected, there were concerns that word hadn’t gotten out widely in advance. This time, the notice arrived three weeks in advance, so organizers hope even more people will hear about the event and be able to attend. Here’s the official invite:

Making Your School Better
A Night for Parent-School Advocacy with Seattle Public Schools Administration

Tuesday February 23, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

*MEET Seattle Public Schools Representatives
*HEAR about school Improvement Plans
*YOU Influence Quality Schools

Limited Childcare – Please Make Alternate Plans

The Neighborhood Center
High Point Family Center
6400 Sylvan Way SW
206.371.4319

The announcement we received mentioned that “school improvement plans” for West Seattle Elementary will be part of the agenda.

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Anybody missing two poodles? They’re still on the run
February 2, 2010 8:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | Safety | West Seattle news

This one’s gotten big enough it’s moved off the Pets page (like Bridge Dog a while back) … We’ve received multiple reports of two small poodles, one light-colored, one dark-colored, that have been on the run on and around 35th SW, from High Point to The Triangle, for the past several hours. This WSB Forums post from less than half an hour ago says one has now been hurt as they continue dodging traffic. We know some folks have tried to catch them but been unable to; sharing this news here on the main page both to warn you to be careful while driving 35th and to say, if you know someone looking for them, that’s where to search. Hope there’s a happy ending.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Morgan Junction bank robbery attempt
February 2, 2010 6:29 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks again to our friends at Central District News for catching this on the scanner – we have just confirmed with SPD Media Unit Det. Jeff Kappel – there was an attempted bank robbery at the Chase branch in West Seattle Thriftway about 10 minutes ago. (That branch is usually open till 7 weekdays.) No word yet of a description. 6:37 PM: Police have detained someone in the parking lot – WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is talking with police at the scene and so far they still think the suspect is on the loose – he’s asking about a description. 6:49 PM: Police at the scene say so far, the only description information they have is that the would-be robber was female, African-American, wearing a stocking cap. 7:14 PM: A little more description info that Christopher got from police – “in her 20’s or 30’s with a white knit cap and a polar fleece jacket.”

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Update: Helicopter search off Alki Point = false alarm
February 2, 2010 6:20 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

helicopterwatch.pngFirst we were talking about it on Twitter, after a military-sounding helicopter went right over WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy. Now we’re hearing that chopper activity is continuing in the Alki area. Checking to see what’s going on. (On Twitter, those who saw the chopper before dark said it was a Chinook, and at least two people have mentioned a pole protruding from it.) 6:31 PM: Nothing that Seattle Police know about. Checking with other agencies. 7:09 PM: Got an answer from the US Coast Guard. Someone reported a possible “surfer in distress” – instead, it turned out to be “logs and debris.” (And if you saw the water mid-afternoon, you would have seen lots of those afloat today; we noticed it while in the Alki area mid-afternoon.)

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West Seattle politics: Triangle Pub owner running for Legislature
February 2, 2010 6:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   34th District State House 2 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Just out of the inbox – Triangle Pub owner Geoffrey McElroy says he has filed to run for State House Position 2 in the 34th District this fall. That’s the seat now held by Rep. Sharon Nelson. The news release we received doesn’t stipulate a party, but his Facebook page says “independent.” (Nelson is a Democrat.) ADDED WEDNESDAY: Seattle Weekly’s Mike Seely (a West Seattleite) interviewed McElroy after the announcement; here’s his story (including details of the Friday night kickoff event).

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Update: 4 West Seattle crashes in the span of 90 minutes
February 2, 2010 3:43 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Everything mentioned below unfolded between about 2:30 and 4 pm (see the 911 log):

ORIGINAL 3:43 PM REPORT: Just got e-mail from Megan, a text from Sue and a tweet from Rasmus – a crash at Fauntleroy/Dawson (north of Fairmount Playfield – here’s a map) has closed Fauntleroy in both directions. No other details so far – except that Megan saw no obvious signs anyone was hurt. 3:52 PM: There’s also a “heavy rescue” call – flipped car, according to a comment below this story – at 37th/Juneau. En route to check it out. (added 5:50 pm, Tony Bradley sent a shot of that, no serious injuries reported):

And WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli has checked out an earlier call at 48th/Dakota, which he says is sending at least two people to the hospital (added 5:37 pm, video of that scene):

… should be clearing soon, though. Christopher reports, “SPD tells me that an SUV full of tourists (who only arrived in Seattle today) heading west on Dakota failed to yield and struck another SUV that was crossing on 48th. Two being transported to HMC. Firefighters had to use the jaws of life to extract one of the victims from the black SUV.”

4:26 PM: Just drove through Fauntleroy/Dawson – all clear now. Here’s one of Christopher’s photos, showing the debris in the road just before it was cleared:

We’re heading to doublecheck 37th/Juneau scene. 4:40 PM: The car here is about to be towed – 37th is still blocked (residential street) a few houses south of Juneau but should reopen as soon as the tow truck moves on. 4:48 PM: Tow truck’s headed out, 37th open again. So all three crash scenes are clear for your afternoon drive home. 5:22 PM: One more to add to all that – there was a medic call at 16th/Graham we were going to check out, but the call closed before we got there; KIRO flew its chopper over – says a bike rider suffered minor injuries.

5:43 PM UPDATE: Tony Bradley sent that photo of the 16th/Graham incident and reports, “Talking to witnesses, a male bicyclist in his late teens or early twenties was riding his bicycle southbound on 16th in front of the community college and for some reason rode into the back of a small SUV that was parked on the west side of the street. The witness said there was no other vehicle involved. The bike rider fell off the bike and landed in the middle of the southbound lanes of 16th. His injuries appeared minor and he was transported to the hospital in an AMR.”

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Followup: Study under way to figure out Beach Drive slide fix
February 2, 2010 2:46 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Mid-January photo contributed by anonymous WSB’er)
We already had a request out today to SDOT for an update on the slide aftermath in the 6000 block of Beach Drive (map), when a note came in from Harold saying that crews are drilling in the road’s center line today. While SDOT’s Marybeth Turner is checking on the drilling, she has replied with information about what’s happening overall:

SDOT hired a geotechnical consulting firm to conduct a preliminary study of the slope and recommend a temporary measure that would enable us to reopen the full width of Beach Drive SW. We expect this study to be final within a week. The recommendation will help the city determine a time line for opening the road and for working toward a long term solution for the slope.

(Meantime) DPD and SDOT are working with the property owner to provide a long-term plan for slope mitigation just east of 6033 Beach Drive SW. At this point the City has not received a formal application from the owner of the sloping property, but are hoping to receive one shortly and will work to keep neighbors immediately west of the slope informed throughout the review process.

We first reported the slide early January 13th, after tips about the road closure; it happened sometime the previous evening. After some initial cleanup, the road’s been restricted to one lane at the slide spot.

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Way to go! Results from two recent West Seattle requests for help
February 2, 2010 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Way to go! Results from two recent West Seattle requests for help
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Received a couple of nice notes today that were really about YOUR response to requests for help, so we didn’t want to keep them all to ourselves. So often, if there’s a fundraiser, we report the money numbers – but we don’t always hear the numbers in terms of people who volunteer their time (among other things). First one is from Kim at Puget Sound Blood Center, re: their Bloodmobile drive outside Admiral Safeway last Saturday (previewed here):

There was a great turnout with 38 people registering to donate. Of these, our staff was able to collect 30 units of volunteered blood. We had 6 first time donors! Since each donation can go to three separate patients, this drive went towards saving or dramatically improving the lives of up to 90 sick patients in the Puget Sound area. In a matter of days/weeks, the volunteered blood will be in a local hospital saving someone’s life.

And from Romina at Neighborhood House, who has just lined up new mentors for local kids (the call went out four weeks ago):

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me make this Recruit-A-Mentor Challenge campaign at Neighborhood House a success. This campaign helped us get 11 new mentors in a span of just one month … The majority of our new mentors came from reading the post on WSB and in turn, we have mentors who live in the very community where our mentees come from. Couldn’t have been any better!

Thank you all for reaching out to help your neighbors in so many ways, big and small. Please keep sharing the requests for what’s needed and how people can help (here’s all the ways to send the info); we’ve got a few more in queue for later today.

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Reminder: Seattle Public Library branch hours change tomorrow
February 2, 2010 11:41 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

We were just going to cobble together a reminder from previous reports, when Seattle Public Library sent its official news release reminding all that tomorrow’s the day schedule changes kick in. For West Seattle, the most dramatic changes are at the High Point and Delridge branches, which will now be closed on Fridays as well as Sundays. Read on for the citywide list, including the new hours of all 4 West Seattle-area branches:Read More

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