day : 03/12/2011 10 results

West Seattle wildlife: Wintertime visitors seen near Alki

December 3, 2011 11:07 pm
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 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

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From photographer Danny McMillin – a seasonal sighting:

Brant geese feeding on eelgrass near Constellation Park on Alki (today) This is my first sighting of Brant this fall/winter. They’ve migrated from their summer breeding grounds in Alaska and the high Arctic of Canada. Man, that’s a long way to fly!

Danny frequently contributes to the WSB Flickr group and we’ve been fortunate to be able to showcase some of his photos here on the site. You can see more of his work in a photography display that’s about to open at Shanti Salon and Spa (WSB sponsor), “A Sampling of Birds II,” opening next Wednesday and continuing all month. Danny will be at Shanti on West Seattle Art Walk night next Thursday (December 8), 6-9 pm (2138 California SW).

Video: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting!

UPDATE, 5:40 PM: The official West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree is lit, after another festive ceremony that saw hundreds packed into Junction Plaza Park, with holiday music from the Endolyne Children’s Choir and the Starlight All-Stars band, emceed by Marty Riemer from The Mountain. The post-lighting music has just wrapped up.

ADDED 6:18 PM: Our video clip shows the countdown and the tree-lighting – the actual counting was done onstage by the West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court (Queen Thea, Princess Amanda, Princess Elena) with Marty. Here are the first two songs by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:

The Endolyne singers perform at Chief Sealth International High School this Tuesday night, with the West Seattle Community Orchestrasconcert details here. Here’s the Starlight All-Stars later:

Before the lighting ceremony in the park, the West Seattle High School Band played Christmas music in the heart of The Junction:

It’s all part of the Hometown Holidays celebration (co-sponsored by WSB), which continues tomorrow with Santa photos 11 am-3 pm at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska), $15 donation goes to local nonprofits including WestSide Baby, whose executive director Nancy Woodland spoke tonight. Other speakers: West Seattle Junction Association president Todd Carden of Elliott Bay Brewing, with a quip about the official tree:

West Seattle Christian Church‘s Pastor Dan Jacobs spoke too, about the spirit of the season.
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ORIGINAL REPORT (4:56 PM): A crowd has gathered at Junction Plaza Park and musical warmups are under way … c’mon down!

West Seattle holiday bazaars: Schmitz Park, Freshy’s, WSUU…

We’re now out on the bazaar beat. As previewed in our West Seattle Saturday” lineup this morning, there’s an abundance of places to check out arts and crafts today, in addition to shopping at our area’s fine stores. Till 3 pm, there’s the annual holiday bazaar at Schmitz Park Elementary:

On the east side of the cafeteria, don’t miss the students whose crafts are raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. (Post-bazaar update – We’re told they raised almost $100 for the food bank!) In other sections of the bazaar, you’ll find other student vendors (as well as adults):

Jack Bennett and Ben Godwin (in the aviator’s cap), both Schmitz Park first-graders, are selling airplanes and comics. Nearby, fourth-grader Blake is selling handmade duct-tape wallets:

Lots to check out at 5000 SW Spokane till 3.

On to Freshy’s Coffee in the Admiral District, where there are a few vendors outside and more inside:

In the foreground is the work of Starheadboy (who told us he also has a display up at Red Cup Espresso through this month). Inside – perfect for today’s weather – you’ll find warm hats (and more) from Maxx Designs:

The Freshy’s event is on till 4, as is a Holiday Gift/Art Fair at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation church in Gatewood (7141 California SW):

The vendors there today include Shelby:

And there’s even more going on out there … here again is today’s **long** preview.

Happening now: ‘Stuff the bus’ with Nickelsville donations

More than 100 people who don’t have anywhere to go in from today’s bone-chilling damp cold will benefit from the donation drive that’s culminating today at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights – where they’re hoping to “stuff the bus” with items for the people of all ages living at the encampment that calls itself Nickelsville, which moved back to West Seattle (West Marginal Way SW/Highland Park Way SW) last spring. Our Friday update has the newest information on what they’re hoping to collect, with active living manager Nichole overseeing things:

They’re collecting money too – donations are being accepted for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies right outside the MH entrance, 2326 California SW.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Car stolen from bridge park-n-ride

Out of the WSB inbox, from Gary:

My dark green 4-door 1996 Honda Accord was stolen yesterday (Fri 12/2) between 8 AM and 5:15 PM from the Metro park and ride underneath the WS bridge. I parked in the lot closest to Avalon. WA license #ABW 9695. Bumper sticker on rear says “All Mixed Up rocks.” Has been reported to Seattle police.

Happening now: West Seattle Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 2011

With a crew of volunteer pancake chefs including Michael LaFranchi (and his holiday-spirit apron), the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is filling the Masonic Hall this morning for its 65th annual Community Pancake Breakfast:

…and that’s only half the room! There’s still time to get there before 11; $6 adults/$3 kids for pancakes, ham, and orange juice, with proceeds benefiting Kiwanis community programs including research into childhood cancer. Plus they are collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. In addition to volunteers from the Kiwanis, high-school clubs, and Scouts, West Seattle Hi-Yu volunteers and junior royalty are on hand too, and you can buy one of their gorgeous glass fundraising ornaments:

And a very special guest … in the background of this shot featuring Hi-Yu Junior Princess Amanda, Queen Thea, and Princess ElenaSanta!

40th/Edmunds – the canopies and signs point the way to the entrance.

West Seattle Saturday: From pancakes to tree lighting to…

Tonight’s West Seattle Junction tree-lighting ceremony is the biggest event on a full slate of holiday happenings (plus a few others) – at right, we photographed the tree late Friday afternoon. From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page and Events calendar:

ROTARY CHILDREN’S SHOPPING SPREE: Happening now at SODO Sears – our ongoing coverage is here.

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Happening now! Santa photos are part of Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast, through 11 am at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds): This year’s breakfast has a special emphasis. A major part of the proceeds will help fund the Kiwanis Children’s Cancer Project (KCCP). This effort by Kiwanians of the Pacific Northwest will support fellowships for juvenile cancer research at Children’s Hospital. $6 adults/$3 kids at the door. **Bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots!!**

GIVE THE PARK A GIFT: Join the Friends of Lincoln Park doing invasive plant removal from 9 am to noon. Meet in the north parking lot at the kiosk (Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose St). Dress warm!

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. Book: “The Hanukkah Trike.”

STUFF THE BUS FOR NICKELSVILLE! Bring donations to Nichole at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor, 2326 California SW), 10 am-4 pm, as they gather items for the encampment’s residents, which include children. We published an update yesterday with the “wish list” of items, for a specific family with kids as well as the encampment in general – details here.

WEST SEATTLE ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR: Wide variety of West Seattle artists featured at local artist studios during the Seattle Sampling Artists Studio Tour this weekend: Visit Penguina Designs Studio (penguinadesigns.com), Brace Point Pottery (bracepointpottery.com), Ken Turner Pottery Studio (kenturnerpottery.com) or Marilyn Moore Studio all without leaving West Seattle! Multiple artists are featured at each studio; full details at seattlesampling.com . Hours today (and tomorrow) are 10 am-5 pm.

SCHMITZ PARK HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Schmitz Park Elementary‘s Holiday Craft Fair, 10 am-3 pm, 5000 SW Spokane Street, including crafts made by students to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank, as well as a variety of vendors.

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW AT WSUU: 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Show Featuring Fine Arts and Crafts By Local Artists. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 7141 California Ave SW.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: At CAPERS in The Junction, 10 am-6 pm (including Santa – see that listing below).

HOMEMADE BRIGADE: Freshy’s Coffee “Homemade Brigade” sale, 10 am-4 pm, details on this Facebook event page.

‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ AT THE KENNEY: Luncheon & open house/tours at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). Tours begin at 10:30 a.m., Lunch served at 11:45 a.m. RSVP ASAP to 206-938-6941. 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.

MAKE YOUR HOME QUAKE-RESISTANT: Seismic retrofitting DIY workshop at Seattle Public Library’s West Seattle (Admiral) branch, 11 am.

SANTA PHOTOS: Daily photos with Santa at Westwood Village (breezeway just east of Bed Bath Beyond). Carolers on Saturdays, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Giving tree for the Salvation Army. Hours and Santas listed here. … Bring your own camera to CAPERS in The Junction for “do-it-yourself” photos with the Santa who worked at Westwood in years past, 1-5 pm.

SANTA PAWS: Santa Paws is Coming to Town! Gather up your 4-footed friends for a free photo with you and Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3 from noon-2:30 at the Prudential Northwest Realty Office in Jefferson Square. Santa is very busy this time of year, so he only has 30 time slots available. Call 206-932-4500 to check if there’s room – 4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 600.

ALKI ARTS BAZAAR: Holiday Shopping Bazaar at Alki Arts, 1-5 pm. From owner Diane Venti: “Fun Day of Shopping with local artistic vendors! For one day only Alki Arts turns into a mini vendor showroom. Shop table to table with some of our local friends and neighbors for great gifts and treasures. We will be hosting… Three jewelry artists will have tables set up, Two handbag designers will be holding their sample sales, and one handmade scarf designer is coming, along with all of the regular art we have in stock by West Seattle’s working artists. Oh yes, and we will be serving mimosas and cookies! yum! Bring your girlfriends and shop with us!

WINE TASTING: Bin 41 in The Junction has a special Saturday wine tasting, 1-3 pm.

ORNAMENT-MAKING PARTY: At Young at Art, now open in The Junction (42nd south of Alaska, west of Jefferson Square), 2-4 pm, fun for the whole family before the tree lighting!

REMODELING/CUSTOM HOMEBUILDING WORKSHOP: Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) had a couple spots available as of late last night, for this free 2 pm workshop at their HQ (California/Findlay) – info here.

ART UNDER $100 IN SOUTH PARK: This big sale is happening tonight too, 3-10 pm at South Park Community Center (details here).

BELLI CAPELLI ANNIVERSARY: This West Seattle salon is celebrating 20 years! Open house 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Live music, hors d’oeuvres, raffle tickets and door prizes, for the first 40 guests. 3902 California SW.

BAZAAR IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Blithe Bazaar in West Seattle, 4-8 pm near Arbor Heights Elementary – full details here

JUNCTION TREE LIGHTING: The West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting event is at 5 pm. Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) – West Seattle High School Band plays at 4 pm outside KeyBank; Endolyne Choir and others perform during the tree lighting itself.

CLOTHING, TOYS, ETC. SWAP: Join Duwamish Co-housing for the second annual Fall Clothing, Toy, and Household goods Swap on Saturday, December 3rd from 5-8 PM in the Common House. Please bring your clean, gently used clothes (women’s, men’s, & kid’s), accessories, toys, and durable household goods on Saturday to swap! All clothing items should be clean and free of any tears or stains. Toys should have all parts and be in good working order, as should small household items. Please bring instruction manuals for small appliances. (No furniture, white elephant, large appliances please). Light beverage service will be provided- feel free to bring a snack to share. Duwamish Co-housing is located at 6000 17th Ave. SW. There is limited parking in the community so please park on 16th Street (across from South Seattle Community College) and come down the zig-zag pathway across from the middle entrance to the college.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO STYLE: 7:30 pm – second night for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall. Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. This live radio show will be performed at historic Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and at Kenyon Hall, $15/adults, $12 students & seniors.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: Continuing tonight, ArtsWest presents the Seattle premiere of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. 7:30 pm; ticket info here.

‘ROCKY HORROR’: The monthly midnight showing at Admiral Theater is tonight.

Video: West Seattle Rotary Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree

We’re in the SODO Sears/Starbucks building right now along with hundreds of people from teens through seniors, all volunteers who are here with one mission: To make this a happier holiday for about 100 kids from local elementary schools. It’s the annual Rotary Club of West Seattle Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree, and as those kids arrive, they’ll be matched with volunteers for a busy morning including breakfast, choosing warm clothing – our top photo shows volunteers, sorting – shopping, talking to Santa, and more. It’s a herculean effort to organize and stage:

ADDED 7 AM: That hallway suddenly filled, as the first kids arrived:

The kids participating today are from Alki, Lafayette, Gatewood, and Roxhill Elementary Schools, Pathfinder K-8, and Concord International School. Volunteers include not only West Seattle Rotarians, but also members of the National Panhellenic Council of Seattle and its associated sororities and fraternities (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi) – plus the Loren Miller Bar Association, and youth volunteers (we just met a group from Tukwila’s Foster High School):

ADDED 8:10 AM: More photos – from just part of the crowd of more than 300 volunteers:

… to the actual shopping!

We’re sitting next to a table with two volunteers and a little girl, making a list as they ask her what she’s interested in finding; this is all about practical gifts like warm clothes and shoes, and yet it’s a fun and festive atmosphere too (a table away, other volunteers are decorating the area where Santa will start meeting with the kids a bit later … update, he arrived to cheers and applause at 8:35 am).

ADDED: And even more photos, ahead, including a visitor from the Seahawks!Read More

West Seattle wildlife: College St. Ravine coyote on the rocks

Pete says he was in his office along College Street Ravine in North Admiral this morning when “to my surprise, a visitor showed up outside my window.” He says the coyote went through the yard 4 times. Meantime, Bly reported a south Morgan Junction sighting (California/Frontenac) via Twitter.

Coyote reports we’ve received over the past three-plus years are archived here.

West Seattle holidays: Olio Glee Club carols for Figgy Pudding

Thanks to Mitch Spute for the quick clip of West Seattle’s Olio Glee Club caroling downtown Friday night in the much-watched Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. He shared this photo, too:

Winners will be posted later today on the competition’s Facebook page. Meantime, last we heard, Olio was still open to new members – follow the name link above to get to their official site and find out more.