day : 07/12/2013 9 results

Video: Holiday spirit, West Seattle pride at Junction tree lighting

December 7, 2013 7:04 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Though the temperature was already back down into the 20s, hundreds of people came to the heart of The Junction to celebrate tonight’s Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. They heard warm words of West Seattle pride from Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan, who welcomed the crowd on behalf of the Junction Association, talking about the revitalization of The Junction and how the community has embraced it. He introduced first-time emcee Brent Amaker, known for his country band The Rodeo as well as for his West Seattle business hat (insurance agent) – below, Brent and Matt with Oliver Little, the logistics powerhouse behind big Junction events like this and Summer Fest:

Musical guests included the Endolyne Children’s Choir as well as Jay Cates and Mark Pickerel; the warmup performance was by the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band:

(added) Here’s video of the event in its entirety, starting with Matt’s remarks:

(Still a couple video clips to add Sunday, including the Sealth band and the WSHS band, which performed nearby just before the lighting event.) Meanwhile, check out the Hometown Holidays schedule here – next big event, an Art Walk/Shop Late Thursday extravaganza this coming Thursday (December 12th).

West Seattle holidays: 1st of this year’s 2 Christmas Ship nights

The sun had just set when the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship and its accompanying vessels arrived at Lowman Beach tonight, first of two stops on its first of two nights visiting West Seattle this season. Seattle Parks set up a hospitality tent as always, as well as a bonfire, while, from onboard, The Dickens Carolers spent about 20 minutes serenading hundreds lining the shore. After Lowman, the Christmas Ship sailed on to Alki. If you missed tonight’s stops, you have another chance on Monday, December 16th, when the Christmas Ship will bring the Pacific Sound Chorus to Elliott Bay just off the shores of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) and vicinity (Seacrest Park) 9:15-9:35 pm. Its full schedule of stops around Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and Lake Union is here.

Happening now: Art Under $100 at South Park Community Center

December 7, 2013 3:58 pm
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 |   South Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

So much happening in West Seattle today/tonight (as listed here earlier), there are few reasons to leave – but this just might be one of them: The increasingly legendary Art Under $100 sale, on at South Park Community Center until 9 tonight. Above, the neon art is by Koko Jamison. You’ll find West Seattleites there too, not just artists but volunteers – we found Bob Anderton emceeing, Tonya Hennen selling raffle tickets:

Tonya’s husband Bill Reiswig is on the artist roster. Meantime, our eye was caught by Liam, Keely, and the picture of Mojo Jojo:

SPCC isn’t far from West Seattle – head down Roxbury and over 509 to Cloverdale and turn left (north) on 8th; it’s at 8319 8th Avenue S.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; condo-storage break-in

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports this afternoon: First, we received e-mail today from Jeff, who is still hoping to get his car back, stolen Tuesday near 27th and Kenyon, a gold Honda Accord, plate # ADU3170. Call 911 if you see it.

This next report’s sender asked to be anonymous:

We are in the 3800 block of Beach Dr., on the ground floor of the building is a locked door leading to 6 storage closets, also locked (but not, alas, with deadbolts). My neighbor went in there (Wednesday) and found all 6 doors open,with obvious jimmy marks on the outside door. I can’t tell if anything’s missing … but wanted to let the neighborhood know that thieves are on the prowl and this type of door (no dead bolt) is attractive to them. We’re having better locks installed.

And another reminder – if you haven’t read SPD’s holiday-season safety/crime-prevention advice, originally published here just before Thanksgiving, read it now!

West Seattle holidays: Schmitz Park sale includes student-made gifts, ornaments, bake-sale benefit

Lots of student creativity at the Schmitz Park Elementary holiday bazaar/arts-crafts-etc. sale happening right now, until 3 pm. Above, third-graders are having a bake sale, and half the proceeds (as mentioned in our Holiday Guide) will go to West Seattle Elementary‘s outdoor-education crowdfunding campaign. Among the arts/crafts vendors, you’ll find Cali with handmade items including the ever-popular duct-tape wallets:

Ben and Fin have turned superhero figurines into Christmas-tree ornaments:

Closer look:

Schmitz Park is at 5000 SW Spokane, and the sale is on until 3 this afternoon.

West Seattle holidays: First bazaar @ Peace Lutheran Church

December 7, 2013 12:07 pm
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 |   Gatewood | Holidays | West Seattle news

A silent auction of Christmas Barbies is one of the most unusual things you’ll find at the first annual Peace Lutheran Church holiday bazaar, under way right now at the church in Gatewood. Handmade items too (including knit scarves to keep you warm!) – and if you are short on decorations for your tree, the ornaments on this one are all up for sale!

Lunch is being served, too, until 1 pm. Peace Lutheran is at 39th/Thistle.

West Seattle Saturday: Junction Tree Lighting; Christmas Ship; bazaars; Santa; MUCH more…

(Reader photo: Frozen bubbles over ice-shrouded pebbles!)
Bundle up and get out! Hundreds of your neighbors in West Seattle (and a bit beyond) have been getting ready all year for this one huge day – the LONG list of highlights from the WSB Holiday Events/Info Guide and our year-round calendar:

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: On until 11 – details and photos in our previous story. (40th/Edmunds)

SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: At the school, 10 am-3 pm. **SPECIAL FUNDRAISER:** The third-graders are having a bake sale and plan to donate half their proceeds to the West Seattle Elementary crowdfunding effort for outdoor education. (5000 SW Spokane)

PEACE LUTHERAN BAZAAR & LUNCH: First-ever holiday bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church – details in our calendar listing. 10 am-4 pm, with lunch available too, 11 am-1 pm. (39th/Thistle)

WSUU ARTS/CRAFTS SHOW/SALE: 4th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 10 am-4 pm, including jewelry, felted hats, knits, watercolor and acrylic paintings, designer bags and accessories, weaving, pottery, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, and more. Free refreshments. (7141 California SW)

ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY BAZAAR. 10 am to 3 pm in building “B,” with artists displaying their quality handcrafted gifts and collectables – jewelry, holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments, wreaths, crochet hats and scarves, more. Music and refreshments too. (9220 2nd SW)

BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE: 10 am-7 pm, VFW Hall in The Triangle, proceeds benefiting student world travel. (36th/Alaska)

WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Prospective families are welcome to visit Westside School (WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon – details here. (34th/Holden)

SANTA PHOTOS: “Santa Al” is at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) from 10 am-1 pm. Later from 1:30-4:30 pm, he’ll be at Smallclothes. Bring your own camera to either location, where you can take your shot with “Jolly Old St. Nick” – or for a $5 fee, you can get a photo taken with a print made on-site. … Also, “Ex-Westwood Santa” is at CAPERS for DIY Santa photos (you take the picture) from 1 to 5. Suggested donation per sitting $10. All donations will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

HOLIDAY ART SALE: More than a dozen artists in one Alki spot, 10 am-6 pm. (3245 60th SW)

(Added 10:11 am: “Santa Paws” photo shared by Doug Baldwin)
SANTA PAWS: Photos with Santa Claus and your pet(s)! West Seattle Windermere in The Junction, 10 am-1 pm. Cash or nonperishable food donations, to benefit charity (4526 California SW)

ECLECTIC HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE Eclectic Holiday Studio Sale, 12-5, with ceramics, jewelry, prints, encaustics, wine toppers, small art quilts, and more. All handmade from local artists. … “Bring your camera and take a photo with a stuffed but friendly Santa from the old dime store!” (5417 42nd SW)

KNOW A ‘ROSIE THE RIVETER’? Georgie Bright Kunkel and other local “Rosies” are meeting today, 1:30 pm – but you have to call in advance – details here.

BE IN A VIDEO! West Seattle Office Junction needs extras for a promotional video they’re shooting 2-3:30 pm today. “No pay, just fun – bring a laptop and sit at a desk pretending to work,” says co-proprietor Stefan. Just show up! (5230-B California SW)

SOUTH PARK ART UNDER $100: One of the biggest arts/crafts sales of the holiday season, and we know some West Seattle artists are among those participating. 2-9 pm at South Park Community Center; see details here. (8319 8th Ave. S.)

WINTERFEST: Big event at Concord International Elementary School in South Park – fun and fundraising! 2-6 pm, performances, folk dancing, raffles, carnival games, face-painting, food, kids’ crafts, holiday photos, more. Admission $1. (723 S. Concord St.)

ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA, 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church: “Not to be missed, this fun and festive Christmas Tea includes a Silent Auction.” (California/Hanford)

BLITHE BAZAAR: This afternoon/evening in downtown White Center, you can shop the 4th annual Blithe Bazaar, “a cozy evening of sips, sweets, and shopping, supporting local artisans and crafters.” Hosted by Center Studio (WSB sponsor). (9611 16th SW)

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS PUB CRAWL with 12 stops, starting at A Terrible Beauty at 4 pm. Full schedule, map, etc. on this Facebook event page.

CHRISTMAS SHIP VISITS: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki Beach. Bonfires, caroling, music from the onboard chorus.

WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #1: Stop by the Log House Museum for cookies and cider on the cheerily decorated porch, as previewed here, 4-6:30 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #2: Christmas Ships and Sips at Coastal! “Join us for the annual Christmas Ship (visit) on Alki and shop an exclusive Brooklyn Grace Trunk show! The ship will be singing around 5:30 pm, giving plenty of time before and after to come in for some holiday cheer in a cup and great sales!” 4-7 pm. (2532 Alki SW)

TREE LIGHTING IN THE JUNCTION: 10th annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm. Brent Amaker emcees, Endolyne Children’s Choir, vocalists Mark Pickerel and Jay Cates, and Chief Sealth International HS Marching Band perform. Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska)

TREE LIGHTING IN SOUTH DELRIDGE: White Center Tree Lighting is at Delridge Triangle Park, 5 pm. (16th/Delridge/Roxbury)

ELLIS BROTHERS JAZZ TRIO WINTER CONCERT 7-8:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. West Seattle’s Ellis Brothers (Jack, 14, and twins, Luke and Ben, 12) will perform their interpretations of jazz standards and a some holiday favorites. Light refreshments will be served by Emeritus-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor). Tickets are $5 at the door. (2700 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: Tonight, WSMM presents two movies about coal – details in our calendar listing. 7 pm, at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)

Happening now: Have breakfast with West Seattle Kiwanis, and Santa!

December 7, 2013 8:22 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Don’t throw the bread in the toaster or pour the cereal into the bowl – go have breakfast (if you haven’t already) with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle!

It’s been a tradition for more than half a century. They – and Santa Claus (below, with Kiwanian Mike LaFranchi)! – are in action until 11 am at the Masonic Center (40th and Edmunds).

Just $10 at the door, and kids under 10 eat free; proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital cancer research and the Kiwanis’s community work.

(Linda Cox and Warren Lawless of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle)
And bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can! More details here. (Photos added 9:15 am)

Weekend traffic reminder: Highway 99 closed north of downtown

One weekend traffic reminder if you are heading out of West Seattle: Highway 99 is closed north of downtown, between the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street, as part of the ongoing Mercer project, and is scheduled to be closed all weekend; northbound 99 traffic will have to get off at the Western Avenue exit. If you’re going to the lower Queen Anne/Seattle Center area, there are surface closures too. It’s all explained here.