West Seattle, Washington
13 Friday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After almost 15 years, Rev. Peter DeVeau will deliver his last sermon to West Seattle’s St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church tomorrow.
His departure is entwined with a return – he is going to lead the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral congregation in Kansas City, where he served for more than 6 years earlier in his career.
Sunday night, community members are invited to a farewell celebration at St. John’s. We caught up with him late Friday for a look back, and ahead.
Been to the beach lately? Off Beach Drive, or Lincoln Park, in particular, there is much to see and hear – if you look closely. Thanks to another much-appreciated wildlife photographer (and sharer), Trileigh Tucker, for that photo of hooded mergansers. She writes:
We’ve just begun the exciting season when the sea ducks begin their dating-and-mating process! The males are going all out to impress the ladies, splashing and head-bobbing in ways that the females apparently find pretty endearing. Keep an eye out for mergansers, scoters, buffleheads, and others in waters near the West Seattle shore!
Trileigh is also writing about this topic on her Natural Presence website.
This past week, the City Council listened to presentations about possible changes to the mayor’s budget plan for next year. Next week, they start making decisions about possible changes, before finalizing a plan around November 21st. A group of Southwest Community Center users concerned about the mayor’s proposal to change it into a Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center invited councilmembers to visit – and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen accepted their offer, visiting SWCC on Friday afternoon, to talk and tour.
The Family Learning Program is particularly concerned; their program has grown since starting earlier this year at SWCC, and while they have been told they can keep using space there, they told Rasmussen that much of the functional space they use will be taken away by changes to the building that will be necessary to turn it into a Neighborhood Service Center. They believe the city used bad data in deciding that SWCC was underutilized, as it’s had frequent closures in the past few years for upgrades and repairs, some of which aren’t even fully paid off yet, though their availability to the public will be curtailed if these changes are made.
Rasmussen asked if the SWCC supporters had reached out to other councilmembers; yes, they said, but nobody else responded. He suggested they try again, and promised to convey what he had heard. And when asked what else they could do – he suggested offering other money-saving or revenue-raising ideas, to show what could be done to save money instead of changing operations at SWCC.
You can keep an eye on the ongoing council budget process here.
If you’re interested in a little shopping, a little art/craft appreciation, two things happening now:
RACHEL AUSTIN AT CLICK! Looking ahead to Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk for art! Artist Rachel Austin is at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction this afternoon. You can check out her “Cartography Series” during the reception continuing till 5 pm. Look closely at the painting she is standing next to (sent by Click! a short time ago) – see West Seattle’s outline?
CRAFT FAIR IN HIGH POINT: Didn’t get advance word of this one, or else it would have been in our morning preview, but Jennifer e-mailed to say that Bridge Park is hosting a craft fair till 4 pm at 3204 SW Morgan: “There are a variety of vendors here… Scentsy candles, handmade jewelry, scarves, holiday decor, African jewelry, historical photographs, handpainted plates and wineglasses, Usborne books, handmade cards, and an artist doing pastel portraits while you wait. There is a drawing for door prizes! Refreshments available as well.”
Two reports of car prowling early today in two West Seattle neighborhoods – read on for details:Read More
Big fall for Fauntleroy resident Donn Bennett. His eponymous Drum Studio in Bellevue has just been honored as “Best in Western Washington,” for musical instruments. And tomorrow, he’ll rally hundreds of drummers for the annual “Woodstick Big Beat” mega-drum charity-benefit event he organizes – not in West Seattle, but not that far, if you want to go help local children’s charities and see an inspiringly thunderous display of musicians’ teamwork. Donn says, “We’re featuring Danny Seraphine, original drummer from Chicago, and 7 other top pro drummers” – along with hundreds of Northwest drummers, gathering tomorrow at the Juanita Field House in Kirkland. The official announcement explains more:
They’ll join drummers in 15 cities across North America to set 2 new Guinness World Records for drummers playing a song simultaneously. One record for the most drummers playing a song in a single location, the other for the most drummers playing together via live internet connection. The entire international event will be directed from our Kirkland, WA, location.
Drummers in Birmingham England assembled 588 drummers in 2008 to beat our previous record of 533 set at Qwest Field in 2005. On November 6th 2011 we’ll attempt to bring the record back to the Northwest where it all started. All proceeds will go to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to purchase musical instruments for underfunded local schools and to Camp Korey, a camp in Carnation WA for kids battling serious illness.
The event is 2-4 pm tomorrow (Sunday), 10601 NE 32nd; doors open at 10 am. Admission is $12/participant (register online here), $10/spectator, all going to charity. Quite a sight and sound, as you’ll see on the highlight reel from last year (above) – especially once it gets to the overview of the entire Field House.
(Photos by John Hinkey unless otherwise credited)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It was standing room only in Alki Elementary’s gymnasium Thursday night when students in Native American costumes held a Potlatch as part of an in-school cultural program created by Native American Artist and teacher Ronn Wilson.
A Potlatch is a traditional Native American ceremony that involves storytelling, song, dance, and gift-giving. Alki’s Potlatch was the culmination of a six-week Artist-in-Residence program called “Of Cedar and Salmon,” in which Wilson taught students the traditions and culture of Native Northwest Coast people. He’s been visiting the school twice a week for the past six weeks, sharing stories of how native cultures lived off the land, and teaching skills such as “good listening” and “showing respect.” He adds: “This is a very small piece of a big picture.”
Wilson painted the stage set; the students colored their headdresses as a school project. Kindergartener Freja showed us hers:
Students from all grades participated in drumming and performing dances such as “The Welcoming Dance” and “The Lightning Serpent Dance.” Wilson himself performed dances in elaborate costumes, including the headdress that didn’t just stick out its tongue — it stuck out a tongue with a frog on it.
The gift-giving portion of the Potlatch came at the end, when Wilson presented his own orca painting to the school, and former Principal Clover Codd (left) presented new Principal Chanda Oatis with a print of the painting:
Plus, each participating student got a poster showing the orca design and everyone present received bookmarks depicting the stage set designs.
Ronn Wilson says that beyond “getting kids to connect to Native American culture and tradition, I hope this is a catalyst for them to dig into their own history and connect to their elders.”
(Photo by Ted Johnson, from “The Foreigner,” continuing tonight at Fauntleroy Church)
Suggestions for your Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
BUSINESS CELEBRATIONS: Ribboncutting scheduled at newly opened Petco (41st/Alaska) at 8:55 am; grand-opening celebration at newly opened Stuffed Cakes (35th/Henderson), noon-3 pm, lots of details here.
STORY TIME: At Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am: The PJ Library Storytime at Kol HaNeshamah Congregation. The PJ Library welcomes Erik Lawson as our guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as our storyteller. We will be reading the book “Ella’s Trip to Israel.”
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Westside School (WSB sponsor) is having an open house 10 am-noon. Families are welcome to stroll the entire campus, speak with teachers, parents, and students about Westside School. The Open House is for all levels, Preschool through Middle School. In addition, Westside is offering weekly campus tours. For more information, contact Director of Admission David Bergler, davidb@westsideschool.org. (More information on the Westside website.)
GREEN SEATTLE DAY: Your chance to get out and help keep Seattle green, maybe even make it a bit greener. Westcrest Park in Highland Park is a hub for this event – check out the work-party opportunities here; it all starts at 10 am.
RETURN OF THE FOOD TRUCKS: After a week away, the food truck pod is back at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), 11 am-3 pm. Scheduled: Lumpia World, I Want Curry Now, Charlie’s Buns. (1:11 pm note: WSB commenter says only Charlie’s showed up)
MEET ‘HELLO KITTY’: Not in West Seattle, but the International District’s sponsoring WSB this month to let you know what’s up at the Wing Luke Museum, and today they’re inviting you to come meet “Hello Kitty” and explore Shop-O-Rama, 1:30-3:30 pm at 719 South King Street – lots more info here.
(added) RACHEL AUSTIN AT CLICK! Meet the artist and see her “Cartography Series” creations, 2-5 pm at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction.
‘THE FOREIGNER’ IN FAUNTLEROY: This community play continues at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 2 pm and 7 pm. “The Foreigner” is a comedy for all ages. More details and ticket info here.
COMFORT FOOD THROWDOWN: Comfort Food Throwdown fundraiser for Family Promise of Seattle, 6 pm at Seattle Lutheran High School (41st/Genesee) (full details here) – or, for a bit extra, be part of the 4 pm pre-event with a cooking demo by Amy Finley!
ALSO ON STAGE: Not in West Seattle, but – Matt Jeakle and Colleen Devine, West Seattle residents and Holy Rosary School ’09 graduates, are starring in the comedy “You Can’t Take it With You” at Seattle Prep, tonight at 7 pm (with a 2 pm matinee tomorrow). William Jeakle says, “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live theater, laugh like crazy, and support up-and-coming West Seattle actors. Spend some money to support live theater. After all, you can’t take it with you!”
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Capital, postseason play in Olympia, 7 pm.
TEN-YEAR REUNION: Chief Sealth Class of 2001 10th Reunion, 7-10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria in West Seattle. Contact Arlana Angel – arlanaangel@gmail.com. And check out the Facebook group.
‘EVIL DEAD’: Two shows tonight at ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery for “Evil Dead,” based on the cult-classic Sam Raimi movies, 7:30 and 11 pm (tickets available online).
ON THE RUN: Chief Sealth runner Kenaia Neumann competes in state championships (WSB story here)
CHANGING BANKS TODAY? There’s been a national call to move your money to community banks and credit unions today. If you are thinking about this, note that two Pacific Northwest community banks are on the WSB sponsor team: Viking Bank in The Junction and Umpqua Bank, newly opened in Admiral.
SET THE CLOCK BACK: Daylight Saving Time ends tonight (actually early tomorrow) – at 2 am, it’ll become 1 am.
(WSB photo from November 2010 Feedback Lounge holiday bazaar, with Ivette, Mary, and Bradi)
Christmas Eve is exactly seven weeks away. Some like to shop early, some like to wait till the holidays are closer. This year, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is having its Holiday Bazaar on the later end of the season – so it’s time now to send out their call for potential participants:
……………………..Call to Crafters, Artists, Creators!
Feedback Lounge in West Seattle is holding our 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar, on Dec 11th!
We are interested in having your creations at our Bazaar.
The event will be from:
11:30 am to 6 pm at
Feedback Lounge
6451 California ave SWTable with floor space available per vendor. Table sizes vary at approx 3’x5′—3’x8′ etc. (smaller & larger tables are options as well) with plenty of floor space. Vendors are invited to bring their own table as well. $25 per table space all day.
We can work with you on any amount of space, table size, etc, that you might need, just let us know!
If you are interested in selling your wares at this event, please contact me directly (see my contact info below).Crafters, Artists, Shoppers, Awesome Food, Award-winning Cocktails and You!
It’s going to be a great time, and hopefully prosperous afternoon for all, so let us know if you’d like to be a part of the day! Please see attached poster.
Thank you,Gianetta Griffitts
Feedback Lounge
giagriffitts@yahoo.com
The high-school-football postseason continues for two local teams: Seattle Lutheran High School defeated Bellevue Christian, 21-19, Friday night; according to the SLHS Twitter feed, the Saints will play on Tuesday for the chance to go to the state tournament. Meantime, West Seattle High School plays Capital in Olympia tonight (Saturday) at 7. (We’re keeping an eye on other sports too, with the help of our partners at the Seattle Times, but the results aren’t always up to date, so any sports reports you have from SLHS, WSHS, or Sealth, are always welcome – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)
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