day : 30/04/2013 11 results

Another successful Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church last Sunday (WSB coverage here) – Judy Pickens reported today that the church’s Green Committee estimates 400 vehicles brought almost 12 tons of recyclables for free dropoff with nonprofit 1 Green Planet. Adds Judy: “We’ll do it again on September 22!”

Memorial Saturday for West Seattle ES teacher Heidi Hudeckova

April 30, 2013 7:52 pm

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattle Elementary wants to make sure that everyone who knew teacher Heidi Hudeckova knows about the memorial for her at the school this Saturday. Counselor Laura Bermes tells WSB that Heidi died last month, just 50 years old, from a brain aneurysm, adding, “Heidi taught at West Seattle Elementary in the Developmental Preschool Program. Graduated students from that program populate local schools throughout West Seattle. We’re hoping to get the word out so that those who loved Teacher Heidi, and those whose lives she touched can share in this celebration.” Parent Ellen Bremen says of Ms. Hudeckova, “Heidi was an institution there; her years of experience and almost magical intuition of what makes a ‘higher needs’ child thrive changed countless children’s lives, as well as their parents.” The memorial, described as an informal potluck for sharing memories, is planned for 11 am-1 pm Saturday (May 4) at the school, 6860 34th SW.

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County Executive visits Small Business Awards winner Easy Street Records to kick off next competition

April 30, 2013 5:51 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Last October, we stopped by Easy Street Records in The Junction to talk with proprietor Matt Vaughan about ESR being honored as King County Executive’s Small Business of the Year. This afternoon, he hosted County Executive Dow Constantine in the Easy Street café for the announcement that it’s time for the next round of nominations:

You can nominate a business with 50 or fewer employees that’s been in business, in King County, for at least three years. For the news release announcing that it’s nomination time (with a link to send in yours), click ahead:

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The Kenney says it’s seeking a ‘sponsor’ to take over

April 30, 2013 4:19 pm

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| The Kenney | West Seattle news

A spokesperson for The Kenney (WSB sponsor) says it’s seeking a “sponsor” to take over its operations, and has four prospects. Here’s the announcement we just received:

The Kenney Retirement Community, located at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, is in the process of seeking a new sponsor to assume operations of the retirement community.

The Kenney board of directors has been interviewing non-profit, faith-based organizations who share a similar mission of serving seniors. Covenant Retirement Communities, Mennonite Services Northwest, Wesley Homes, and a fourth (yet to be named) have indicated interest in the potential of a transaction to become sponsors, and each is evaluating the feasibility to assume operations of The Kenney later this year.

In today’s changing health care environment, affiliation with other sponsors has proven to benefit senior living providers and the residents they serve. Benefits include group purchasing programs, efficiencies in staffing and systems, and the ability to provide a broader network of services.

Last summer, an interim CEO and Ontrac Management Services were engaged by The Kenney to assist during this transition. Ed Mawe, Interim CEO, and The Kenney board of directors have been communicating with residents, families of residents and staff frequently about the sponsorship search. Communication about the sponsorship search process has been transparent with all parties, sharing discussions about the preference to find a sponsor who shares similar values with the heritage of The Kenney.

The Kenney continues to provide quality continuing care with residential apartments, assisted living, memory care and support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Potential sponsors have expressed their intention to continue the services and the fine tradition of care.

The Kenney marked its centennial four years ago. From 2008 through 2011, it pursued a redevelopment plan that eventually was downsized to some standalone changes including the addition of a memory-care unit, opened last year. Meantime, as for today’s announcement, we’re asking a few followup questions and will add to this story when they’re answered.

4:36 PM UPDATE: Ontrac’s Moraine Byrne has replied to our questions: No, The Kenney is “not in danger of closing. All financial obligations are being met (and it’s) operating well within budget.” She says its occupancy is also “strong.”

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Duwamish River cleanup: EPA hearing tonight; HPAC briefing notes

April 30, 2013 3:22 pm

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| Environment | West Seattle news

(Cargo traffic on the Duwamish River; photo by Don Brubeck)
With only a month and a half remaining for public comments on the EPA’s proposed cleanup plan for the Duwamish River, one of its official public hearings is tonight at 6 pm (after an early session that’s just about to get under way) at the Georgetown campus of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – here are the details from the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition‘s website. The coalition sent a board member to this month’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting – read on for the points made in that mini-briefing:

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2 ways to help Stamp Out Hunger food drive on May 11th

April 30, 2013 1:30 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

As always, letter carriers’ nationwide Stamp Out Hunger food drive coincides with West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (second Saturday in May) – and whether you’re shopping or selling on Saturday, May 11th, we encourage you to set out a bag of donated nonperishable food by your mailbox/mail slot first thing that morning. There’s one more way to help – we’ve just heard from Food Lifeline, and they’re looking for volunteers to help with donations at the Westwood and Junction post offices that day: If you can spare some time, and are at least 16 years old and able to handle heavy lifting, please go here to sign up ASAP!

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West Seattle scene: Low tide from a high-flying perspective

April 30, 2013 12:19 pm

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| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Click image to open a larger view)
With one more low-low tide coming up this afternoon (-1.7 at 3:12 pm), we’re sharing this scene from the month’s lowest low tide back on Sunday, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen over Alki Point and Constellation Park, as well as the north end of Beach Drive. He says it wasn’t the low tide that caught his eye so much as the geologic features of the area – explained here.

ADDED 1:53 PM: Thanks to Rob for pointing out in a Facebook comment that we’ll see even lower low tides on Memorial Day weekend – minus 3 feet, and then some, each afternoon from Saturday 5/25 through Monday 5/27.

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West Side Music Academy: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

April 30, 2013 10:47 am

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Today we welcome West Side Music Academy as one of the newest WSB sponsors. Here’s what WSMA would like you to know:
West Side Music Academy has been a part of the West Seattle community since 1998, beginning with owners Chris and Cami MacDonald, teaching lessons from their home on SW Dakota Street. Today WSMA boasts a great line-up of vibrant teachers offering a wide variety of lessons as well as group classes. All of our teachers are experienced musicians who are actively performing, recording and/or guiding budding musicians, each with their own unique way of drawing out the creative juices. West Side Music prides itself on providing a positive musical experience. Lessons are custom tailored to fit each student’s learning style. Students and instructors work together to create musical goals and implement a plan to reach and even surpass those goals, instilling confidence, patience, and a passion for the creative process.

WSMA accepts students of almost any age, child or adult (no baby classes as of yet). Many students join us at a very young age and stay on through elementary, middle and high school. Adult students are welcome as from-scratch beginners or to pick up where they left off.

We currently offer lessons in VOICE, GUITAR, BASS, SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE, VIOLIN, BRASS and PIANO.

Our summer classes include: ROCK BAND (various levels), GIRL BAND (various levels), RHYTHM GROUP, JAZZ ENSEMBLE, PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC (3-4 yr olds).

Our staff includes: Katie Voss (piano), Matt Benham (guitar), Aaron Jenkins (woodwinds), Birch Pereira (bass,piano, guitar), Nouela Johnston (piano), Heidi Fivash (piano), Coreena Brown (voice), Chara Hokama (violin), Cami MacDonald (piano), Cameron Sharif (piano), Eric Junge (piano), Scott Morning (trumpet), and additional staff for summer classes. Stephanie Hargrave is our trusty office manager. She will help you find just the right teacher to fit your style.

Also in our building at 4214 SW Dakota is Great Start Preschool! Both West Side Music Academy – 206-937-2343 – and Great Start Preschool – 206-779-5299 – encourage you to give us a call and set up an appointment for a free introductory lesson! We look forward to meeting you.

We thank West Side Music Academy for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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Happy 10th anniversary, West Seattle Community Orchestras! Celebration concert in 2 weeks

April 30, 2013 9:03 am

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Tuesdays are rehearsal nights for the West Seattle Community Orchestras, and tonight they are continuing to get ready for a very special event that is just two weeks away. If you haven’t seen it on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar yet, here’s the official announcement:

This year marks the 10th Anniversary for the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO). They will hold a celebration concert on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium, 2600 SW Thistle St.

For the first time all three orchestras will be performing in one program. In addition WSCO reveals a rare and special treat performed by cello players in all three orchestra groups. Guest conductor Rob Duisberg leads this wonderful Cello Choir, performing Also sprach Zarathustra, R. Strauss, arranged by Flaherty and Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye and Halsey.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates, including boats

April 30, 2013 6:44 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Two boat-commute notes as the morning gets going: The West Seattle Water Taxi is back in service this morning after a short bout of trouble during Monday’s pm commute, and Washington State Ferries’ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is back to three boats – Klahowya isn’t fixed yet, but as of early this morning, it was replaced by Sealth.

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High-school baseball: Wildcats end regular season with extra-innings win

April 30, 2013 6:41 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The West Seattle High School Wildcats‘ division-winning season ended with an 8-7 extra-innings win following a late rally by Bishop Blanchet. Thanks once again to Greg Slader for photos and the recap:

Sam Hellinger (5 innings, 7k, 2 ER) pitched the Wildcats into a 6-2 lead through five innings over the Spartans, only to see it evaporate and to trail 6-7 in the sixth inning. The boys rallied to tie the game, and then freshman Jamie Maples #19 (photo above; 4.1 innings, 3K, no runs) pitched to extend the game into extra innings. Spencer Elder #3 (photo below) was rather disruptive on the base paths, as he was on base every time he was up to bat (2-2, double, RBI, 3 walks, 2 runs).

After Spencer walked to load the bases in the tenth inning, West Seattle finally won as Sam walked with the bases loaded. The Wildcats are Metro Sound division #1 as the playoffs begin next Monday @ Hiawatha vs. the Mountain Division #4 team.