(Squirrel photographed in Lincoln Park by Machel Spence)
To assist you in feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, despite the hour of sleep lost to Daylight Saving Time’s arrival, we start with a photo of a critter who actually is (or was at the time of the photo) bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Now on to the highlights:

TRAFFIC NOTE: If you are headed north of downtown, note that a section of Highway 99 north of The Viaduct/Tunnel is closed until about 11 am for the St. Patrick’s Day Dash.

NATURE CONSORTIUM BRUNCH: The weekend full of fun fundraisers continues with the West Seattle-based Nature Consortium‘s annual fundraising brunch, noon at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE FINALE: Last day of cookie sales at local stores – details here (including link to find the sale nearest you)

AWARD-WINNING FARMERS’ MARKET: As reported here last week, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Nonprofit of the Year – and you can enjoy it today, 10 am-2 pm, in The Junction (44th/Alaska).

‘DISTRACTED’ MATINEE: At 3 pm, you can catch an afternoon performance of “Distracted” at ArtsWest in The Junction – full details here (P.S. Everyone’s invited to see ArtsWest announce its next season lineup, tomorrow night at 7:30 pm.)

DONATION-DRIVE REMINDER: Today’s a great day to shop for something to give to the donation drive for foster kids reported here last Thursday, organized by West Seattle High School senior Kellen Gearon – details and dropoff sites here.

More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!