West Seattle weekend scene: St. John’s ‘Blessing of the Animals’
(WSB photos by Katie Meyer)
Every year, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral invites pets and their people to an open, public “Blessing of the Animals” event, a tradition for many churches in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, and today was the day. St. John’s new priest-in-charge Rev. Michael Carroccino and Brother Paul Dahlke from the Order of Saint Francis were in the neighboring West Seattle High School parking lot for all who showed up.
Most of the pets brought for blessings were dogs … but we also spotted Olive the cat:
As explained on the event flyer, “Today we thank God for the gifts of companionship and beauty which animals and pets bring to our lives and homes, and ask God’s blessing on them.”
Blessings are usually offered this time each fall as it coincides with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals:
At least two other West Seattle congregations offered Blessing of the Animals events today; another is still ahead, next Sunday (October 11th) at 10:30 am at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Gatewood (thanks to Sue for the tip).
West Seattle weekend scene: On their feet to fight hunger
(WSB photos by Katie Meyer)
If you weren’t part of today’s CROP Hunger Walk – you might have seen those who were, with red shirts and signs, on a 3-mile route along Alki this afternoon.
The walk calls attention to the struggle many around the world have in obtaining drinkable water as well as getting enough food to stave off hunger. As one walker explained, the distance of the walk – 3 miles – signifies how far many people around the world have to walk to obtain drinkable (or any) water each day.
The West Seattle walk was one of two in the city today, with pledges helping people in need globally as well as locally; you can donate to the cause here.
UPDATE: Attic fire at house in 5200 block 45th SW ruled accidental
(Photo courtesy Robert Ferguson)
6:24 PM:Seattle Fire is responding to a reported house fire in the 5200 block of 45th SW.
6:37 PM: SFD says this is an attic fire and that everyone got out of the house OK, no injuries reported so far.
MONDAY MORNING: SFD finally ended “fire watch” at the house, 12 hours after the fire broke out – the online 911 log showed units at the scene, rotating every few hours as is done if there’s concern about flareups, until early this morning. We’ll be checking on investigators’ official ruling of the cause. Meantime, see the comment section for a discussion of this house’s unusual history.
MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Lt. Sue Stangl with SFD says this fire has been ruled an accident – sparked by work on the house’s roof. Damage to the house is estimated at $50,000, and $20,000 to its contents.
PHOTOS: Orca sightings off West Seattle
(ADDED: Photo by Paul Brannan – orca off Fauntleroy)
5:43 PM: Caller says a few orcas are southbound – playfully, not speedily – off Constellation Park south of Alki Point right now. Might be “transients,” which Orca Network says have been in the central Sound today. Let us know if you see them!
7:46 PM: Adding a photo – thanks, Paul!
8:25 PM: And thanks to Araya Casey Photography for sharing these images:
The photos were taken in the Alki area.
West Seattle sighting: Neil Young visits Pizzeria 22
The photo is from Pizzeria 22 proprietor Cary Kemp, who reports a celebrity customer on Saturday night:
It was an honor to host Neil Young, his family, band, and crew last night at Pizzeria 22. Looking forward to his performance tonight at the WaMu Theater.
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: We asked Cary if there was a particular reason the music legend chose his restaurant. His reply explains it: “I worked for Neil for 10 years as a tour manager.”
Playground plea for Westcrest Park: Please don’t take the toys!
This reader report is from Vanessa, whose daughter plays at Westcrest Park:
Recently kids in Highland Park have started donating riding toys to the playground at Westcrest. Everyone here loves Ercolini with all the riding toys, and the new playground and trails are a perfect place to ride.
Unfortunately most of the toys have been stolen from the playground. Everything has been clearly marked “donated to Westcrest playground.” There are a few toys that are still there but the thieves have taken a big wheel, a tricycle, and a push car. The kids that are donating these toys are also frequent visitors to the park and one mother shared how her girls were upset to go back and see that the toys they put there to share with their neighbors had been stolen.
Maybe you could share this story in Crime Watch or somewhere. I know that there isn’t actually a crime here but it’s still a bummer to see this happening.
That’s Vanessa’s daughter in the photo, taken last weekend, featuring a donated toy that’s since disappeared.
West Seattle Sunday: Art, music, shopping, walking, pet blessings …
(Golden fall color at Lincoln Park – photo by Larry Buckley)
Happy sunny Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, fall freshness abounds. (California SW, between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
FREE COMPOST! 11 am-2 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club – you dig, you haul, up to half a yard per household. (12th SW and SW Holden)
ANNIVERSARY SALE: 11 am-5 pm, it’s the second and final day of the anniversary “garage sale” at Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor), as previewed here. (6529 California SW)
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: At least three planned in West Seattle today – bring your animal companion(s) and/or photo(s):
11:30 am – Peace Lutheran Church, per sign outside. (39th SW & SW Thistle)
1 pm – St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church @ WSHS parking lot next door – details in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
1 pm – Pigott Chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW)
CROP WALK: Join the walk along Alki Beach to raise money and awareness in the fight against hunger, as previewed here. 1 pm start from Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)
SOUTHWEST LIBRARY COMMUNITY ART SHOW RECEPTION: 2-4 pm, meet the artists whose work is on display for the 24th annual community art show at Southwest Library. Coffee and dessert, too. (35th SW and SW Henderson)
IRISH SONGS OF MISCHIEF AND SORROW: 3 pm concert presented by Music Northwest at Olympic Hall on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Ticket and RSVP info here. (6000 16th SW)
MORE, OF COURSE … on our complete calendar.
Heard but not found: Mystery boom in South Delridge/White Center
So far, police haven’t found the source of something very loud within the past 15 minutes or so in South Delridge or White Center. Via the scanner, we heard an SPD dispatcher say reports were coming in from the King County side of the line too, but no word of anything definitive, no reports of any injuries, so we might never find out – just thought we’d mention it for the “others heard it too” files, if nothing else.
If you missed this year’s
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