West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
That New York Times video from 2008 tells the story of Fred Beckey, a climbing legend and West Seattle High School alumnus who has died at age 94. (Thanks to James for e-mailing to ensure we had heard.) Mr. Beckey’s obituary published tonight on Outside Online says he is “widely hailed as North America’s most prolific climber and mountaineer” – in the history books for a multitude of “first ascents.” Before he was inducted into the West Seattle High School Hall of Fame in 2014, this bio was written to explain why he should be part of it (he was in the WSHS Class of 1941); it notes there’s even a mountain named after him (Mt. Beckey in Alaska). Mr. Beckey also recently became the subject of a documentary about his lifelong obsession with climbing:
The Seattle Times reports that Mr. Beckey died today at the home of a longtime friend. According to the SeattlePI.com obituary for Mr. Beckey, his many other climbing companions included Lloyd Anderson, who co-founded REI while living in West Seattle. Mr. Beckey was still climbing in recent years, and was a prolific guidebook writer, as noted on the HistoryLink.org page that tells his story.
We stopped by 36th/Hanford at dusk to say hi to the Skeleton Theatre team, who were working hard to get West Seattle’s most extensive animatronic Halloween extravaganza ready for the next two nights, on, and behind, the front-yard stage:
As noted in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide, Skeleton Theatre mastermind Chris Walker tells us, “The theme this year is ‘Back to our Roots.’ Through the years people have asked us to do this again, so we’re going to do a show consisting of pop culture clips – like we did for the first two years of Skeleton Theatre a decade ago, with a few new tricks added in. We will end with one original scene: It’s a preview for the new show that we’ll be putting up next year.” The show is set to run continuously 6-9 pm Halloween night and the night after (Tuesday and Wednesday; here’s a map). Free but if you are moved to help the Skeleton crew cover their costs, there’s a donation button on their webpage (where you can also catch up on the backstory – ST has been a tradition since 2006!).
(Photo by Leda Costa for WSB)
If you were part of Sunday’s West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival – here are three numbers that reiterate that it rocked:
From Lora Swift at the West Seattle Junction Association – 35 community businesses, groups, and nonprofits donated time and materials for free games and activities. … Almost 300 root-beer floats were served up by The Beer Junction in the first-ever Root Beer Garden … and the biggest number of all is from the Chili Cookoff:
From Judi Yazzolino of the West Seattle Food Bank:
Thank you so much to everyone who came to the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off to taste the delicious chili at the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival on Sunday. All proceeds went to the West Seattle Food Bank, and what a success – we raised $3,146 from the tastings and $160 from the Beer Junction Root Beer Float Garden tips. We’d really like to extend a special thanks to the nine establishments who not only donated their fabulous chili but their time serving it: Brookdale Senior Living, Duos Catering, Easy Street Café, Elliott Bay Brewery, Fresh Bistro, Girls Gone BBQ, Husky Deli, Pecos Pit, and The Westy. Congratulations to Joshua & Benjamin from Duos Catering for being our 2017 winner by a landslide!
See our as-it-happened festival coverage, with video and photos, here.
(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
New in the city-permit files: An early-stage proposal to rezone a site in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district and demolish the building that’s there now, replacing it with a new 5-story mixed-use building. The early documents were filed last week for 9250 45th SW (photo above), the site also known as 4412 Brace Point Drive and bounded by Wildwood Place on the north side, just uphill from the Fauntleroy ferry dock [map]. Notes from an early conference with city reps say the building would be ground-floor “retail,” four floors residential, with 32 units proposed, no offstreet parking. (It’s on the RapidRide C Line.) The site is currently zoned NC (Neighborhood Commercial) 1-30 (for up to three stories), and the owners are proposing a rezone to NC3. Working title for the project, as shown on one early-stage sketch, is “The Fauntleroy.” Again, this has just appeared in city files, no formal application yet, but we’ll be watching for official comment periods and other parts of the process that would be required for rezoning – which ultimately requires City Council approval – as well as redevelopment. (This is the same area where traffic flow was reconfigured a little over a year ago, with the Brace Point Drive side changing to one-way eastbound.)
Just out of the WSB inbox, from Chris:
My wife and I just got back to our Roxbury Street home from a weekend visiting family to find my 1999 Honda Civic stolen (4 door, black, license plate #ASU6838). If anyone finds it abandoned on their street, please let me know.
But first, call 911. (Update – you can refer to SPD incident # 2017-430174.)
2:56 PM: SDOT says the “low bridge” is currently closed to vehicle traffic because of mechanical trouble – so avoid it TFN. We’ll update when we get word it’s fixed.
3:06 PM: The live-video camera on the SDOT map shows the gate’s now up, the light’s green, and vehicle traffic is moving across the bridge again.
Before we get too much further into fall, it’s still prime time for planting, and that’s what Green Seattle Day is all about next Saturday (November 4th). If you can help out 9 am-noon, three West Seattle spots would appreciate your tree-planting TLC, including:
Westcrest Park in Highland Park – get details and RSVP here
Duwamish Head Greenbelt in East Admiral – get details and RSVP here
Me-Kwa-Mooks along Beach Drive – get details and RSVP here
All ages welcome – tools (and more) provided.
(WSB photo from September report – covered riding arena at Falconridge Farm)
By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Dr. Jean Nokes, her beloved mare Cielo, and Luna, the three-legged cat who used to ride Cielo in her heyday, are still holding the fort down at Falconridge Farm, the 4.2 acre oasis in Highland Park.
As West Seattle Blog first reported in early September, Nokes and her husband Milt Ghivizzani put the horse farm up for sale because Nokes, an experienced equestrian, is no longer riding. We checked back on its status after the topic came up at last week’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting.
(Photo courtesy of the ‘haunted pumpkin patch’ creator)
Starting highlights for today/tonight – we’ve continued adding to the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide, especially spookily decorated houses that you’ve kindly let us know about, like the one above!
‘HAUNTED PUMPKIN PATCH’ ON ALKI: Just got word of this last night. An Alki resident who “has worked in the Halloween Industry for 20 years” decided it’s time to “bring the Halloween spirit to Alki,” so tonight and tomorrow, 7:30-10:30 pm, “visitors are welcome to walk through the haunted pumpkin patch in our front yard, full of carved pumpkins, skeletons, zombies, and giant spiders.” (2130 Alki Ave SW)
COSTUME STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Library: “It is story time at the High Point Branch! Bring your preschoolers and toddlers in their favorite costumes to enjoy not-so-spooky stories and fun with our children’s librarian.” (35th SW/SW Raymond)
HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: Continuing through Halloween night, see animated lights and characters from the team behind West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm nightly. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
(Saturday night’s sunset, photographed by a reader who wished to be anonymous)
And from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
VOTER REGISTRATION: New arrival or, for another reason, never before registered in this state? You can still register to vote in the November 7 election if you do so in person by end of the day. Nearest place is downtown.
ART ON THE iPAD: That’s the theme of today’s free interactive Tinkerlab activity at Delridge Library, 4-5:30 pm, all ages. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
FREE BARRE CLASSES: Barre Bohemian in Upper Morgan has three free classes each day this week, morning and afternoon – next one at 4:30 pm – sign up here. (6531 35th SW)
MONDAY MEDITATION: 7 pm at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor), “The Three Root Delusions” wraps up this series of Monday night meditation sessions. All welcome. Class fee $12. (5639 Californai SW)
MONDAY QUIZ: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, no cover, all ages, prizes! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
FULL LIST FOR TODAY/TONIGHT … is on our complete calendar.
Several people asked us on Sunday – and another one, just as we started writing this – about a dead marine mammal at Seacrest, near the West Seattle Water Taxi dock (that’s part of it in the foreground of the photo above, taken last night). As always, we referred inquiries to Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (206-905-SEAL) and then asked the group ourselves. Here’s what Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters tells WSB:
It is an adult California sea lion. There is rope tied around the body which indicates that someone unsuccessfully tried to sink the dead animal. At this point, there is no apparent indication of foul play or entanglement.
We have documented the condition of the carcass and contacted our regional NOAA stranding coordinator. The EPA recently changed requirements for towing and/or sinking marine mammals (not only large whales, but sea lion carcasses) and Seal Sitters MMSN has begun the process to secure any required permit from the government agency in order to handle the floating, decomposing seal lion. Unfortunately, that process may not be terribly expedient.
Robin is hoping to hear from NOAA today; we’ll add an update here when she does. Whatever happens won’t be easy, she warns: “I might add that weighting and sinking a large animal is not the easiest task – nor is disposal or burial of such a large, heavy animal should he drift onto shore.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
WATER TAXI SCHEDULE CHANGE: Another reminder, today is the start of the West Seattle Water Taxi’s fall/winter schedule.
That’s 5 days a week, am/pm commute times only – find the schedule here.
LAST WEEK OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: This Saturday night/Sunday morning, we “fall back” an hour into standard time.
8:01 AM: No details but there’s an SFD medical response to the EB bridge exit to NB I-5. (Added) WSDOT says it’s a crash partly blocking the ramp.
8:32 AM: SDOT reports a collision on 35th SW near Kenyon.
(WSB photos. L-R, Mark Fuller, Marjorie Chang Fuller, John Montenegro)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It’s been almost a decade since Chef Mark Fuller and Marjorie Chang Fuller opened their first West Seattle dining/drinking establishment.
Now, they’re about to open their third, months after adding a North Seattle venture.
We sat down recently to talk with the Fullers as the new pizza-and-drinks establishment Supreme approaches its opening in the West Seattle Junction. Supreme’s head chef John Montenegro joined them for our conversation in the midst of the undergoing-renovation space at 4521 California SW.
Thanks to the parent who tipped us that, while it hasn’t been widely announced yet, notices are circulating for Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland‘s “State of the District” speech, to be presented in West Seattle this year. The district calendar confirms the event is planned for the West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), 5-7 pm on Tuesday, November 14th. Nyland has been superintendent for two and a half years but might not be for much longer. His state-of speech last year was at Franklin High School.
(Video and photos by Leda Costa for WSB)
Just north of the West Seattle Junction, another celebration this afternoon – this one, at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The movement began in Germany, so today FLCWS hosted German folk dancers from Enzian Schuhplattler, a club founded in 1965 by German and Austrian immigrants in Seattle:
And of course there was beer.
Also today, the church dedicated a plaque in honor of the anniversary:
FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall (above), designed the plaque, sculpted by Rita Marie Kepner, made from 65 pounds of bronze at the Port Townsend Foundry, and installed by Dale Korsmo. As noted on a banner outside the church, its commemoration of the Reformation’s half-millennium anniversary continues all year.
Next Friday (November 3rd), you’re invited to enjoy an evening out while ensuring that the West Seattle Helpline can continue assisting people who otherwise might find themselves out on the street. The annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors dinner/auction at The Hall at Fauntleroy (6-9 pm) is five days away, and ticket sales are scheduled to end tonight at midnight. Get yours here, right now; the Helpline invites you to “join us in celebrating and strengthening our wonderful West Seattle community. We can’t wait to spend a fantastic evening with our favorite friends and neighbors!” The nonprofit steps in to offer emergency assistance with rent, utilities, even clothing. Your generosity helps them keep doing that work.
(TRAFFIC/TRANSIT INFO: California is closed between Oregon and Edmunds … bus reroutes are linked here … festival schedule is here)
(Updated WSB photo – Root Beer Garden got busy a little while after our original photo)
FIRST REPORT, 10:08 AM: That’s the first-ever West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival Root Beer Garden – on the west side of the California/Alaska intersection. The festival has just begun, and continues until 2 pm, and our as-it-happens coverage starts now! Here are the key schedule points:
From 10 am to 2 pm: Free activities/games (mostly on California between Alaska and Edmunds)
From 10 am to 2 pm: Farmers’ Market (on California between Oregon and Alaska)
Starting at 11 am: Applepalooza at Farmers’ Market booth on east side of California/Alaska
Starting at 11 am: Chili Cookoff ($10 for 9 tastes & voting) on SW corner of California/Alaska
Starting at 11:30 am: Costume Parade (gather at Junction Plaza Park, 42nd/Alaska)
Starting at noon: Trick-or-treating (Junction businesses, some festival booths)
10:30 AM UPDATE: If you’re looking for the Scavenger Hunt, find it at the Farmers’ Market management booth on California south of Oregon. That’s a popular question here in the Info Booth in the midst of Walk-All-Ways. Just south of us, games are on – here’s Dave McCoy from Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor – their shop is at 42nd/Oregon) with the fishing game:
Next to EWA, you can jump with RopeWorks:
One of the most popular booths – Seattle Police crime prevention coordinators, with “button making machine, Halloween ring toss, SPD coloring books and many free goodies for children and adults!”
They’re about midway down the east side of the south block of California. And if you head over to the park (42nd/Alaska), you can make a music/rhythm instrument to get ready for the 11:30 am costume parade!
11:11 AM: The Chili Cookoff is on! KeyBank corner of California/Alaska, go buy your flight before the chili’s gone!
Your $10 gets you a vote (who will win? big trophy this year!) and 9 tastes AND knowledge you helped the West Seattle Food Bank. Meanwhile, we are seeing some amazing costumes – and the parade hasn’t even started yet! Family costumes too – like parents as chefs and their wee ones as lobsters.
And a young astronaut!
Almost parade time – we hear the West Seattle High School Marching Band warming up to lead it.
The parade is on! pic.twitter.com/VNR0GCK0xA
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
11:50 AM: After 20 minutes, the parade has ended, after circling the festival blocks. Above, the start – that’s Jim Edwards from the West Seattle Grand Parade (and West Seattle Big Band) leading the parade on his motorcycle. Below, some of the paraders on the southbound march:
And now the parade heads south down the west side of @WSJA Harvest Festival. Next: Trick or treating at noon! pic.twitter.com/Gjl1YoNgKw
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
(Added – More video from the parade:)
Next, trick or treat time at businesses and booths, starting at noon. Meantime, the chili is going fast – might be gone before the scheduled 1 pm cutoff.
12:14 PM: Candy collection is happening, big time.
(Above, rock ‘n’ roll trick-or-treating at Thunder Road Guitars [WSB sponsor]; below, trick-or-treating at Bikram Yoga)
And Lora Swift from the West Seattle Junction Association – the merchants’ organization that presents the festival – says the chili is sold out, 225 trays gone in just a little more than an hour! We’ll find out a bit later who won the vote.
12:52 PM: The results are in! Chili winners –
#1 Duos Catering (64 votes)
#2 Pecos Pit (35 votes)
#3 Easy Street (26 votes)
(Photo added below – from left, Joshua from Duos, Judi from WSFB, Benjamin from Duos, Lora from the Junction Association:)
Congratulations, especially to the WSFB, whose clients benefit from the participants’ donation of chili and the 225 tasters/voters!
1:09 PM: Last hour and the sun is starting to break through! Perhaps because the Comerford School of Irish Dance is performing just south of us in the Walk-All-Ways intersection:
Celtic Arts NW dancing at Califirnia/Alaska as last hour of Harvest Festival kicks off @WSJA pic.twitter.com/nYSA4GzD4N
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
Meantime, the costume-watching continues, including canine costumes:
Though there’s no gate for an official count, we would have to say anecdotally that this is the most-attended Harvest Festival yet!
1:36 PM: If you’re just getting here – we can’t guarantee you candy (the Info Booth folks sharing this tent have run out) but activities continue until the end. We’ve added a few more photos above and below. The crowd’s thinned a bit – maybe since the Seahawks’ game has started.
Among those with activity booths – the Junction Neighborhood Organization:
If you live and/or work in The Junction, that’s your community council.
1:52 PM: Final minutes. Soon, this’ll be history …
We’ll have even more photos later, including more from the chili trophy presentation. And stay tuned for the Junction Association’s big winter-holidays events, including the Tree Lighting on December 2nd!
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: More unique costumes. Edward Scissorhands made an appearance:
Willy Wonka was in the WSHS Band:
An aspiring band member:
We found a family of volcanologists:
And a family of recyclers:
R2D2 was not someone in costume – it’s a real replica that has an Instagram page:
ADDED LATE SUNDAY NIGHT: One more round of photos ahead – these are by Leda Costa for WSB:
(Added: WSB photo)
8:47 AM: Thanks for the texts. A crash response on SW Admiral Way at Stevens has all lanes blocked right now, according to SDOT. We’re on our way to find out more.
9:08 AM: Our crew is there. One lane is open. Police tell us a passenger was taken to Harborview but the driver took off running after crashing the vehicle. As our photo shows, the tow truck has arrived, but SDOT is being called to clean up a fuel spill.
(Halloween decorations at 2747 44th Ave SW – just added to our guide – thanks for the pic!)
Hallo-weekend continues – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide:
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: This is today’s big event, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association (with co-sponsors including WSB). See our full preview here; see the schedule on the WSJA website. 10 am-2 pm, with free activities and games throughout, plus the chili cookoff ($10 donation for the West Seattle Food Bank) at 11 am, costume parade at 11:30 am, business trick-or-treating noon. We’ll be there for the entire festival with as-it-happens coverage. (California SW is closed between Oregon and Edmunds for the festival, and SW Alaska between 44th and 42nd)
(WSB photo)
HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: From the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY: 6 pm with The Heebie Jeebies at The Skylark. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LARRINGTONS RANCH HAUNTED HOUSE. 7 pm-10 pm. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Free “but we accept donations of cans toward support of the local food bank.” (Erskine Way/SW Hudson)
And here are the non-Halloween highlights, from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LAST WEEKEND DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: Tomorrow, the WS Water Taxi goes to its five-day-a-week, commute-times-only schedule until next spring, so today is its last weekend day of 2017.
HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY, PEEL & PRESS: The Morgan Junction restaurant/bar is celebrating its third anniversary by donating 10 percent of proceeds to the West Seattle Food Bank as holiday turkeys and chickens. Open today 9 am-10 pm. (6503 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK TRAFFIC-CIRCLE CLEANUP: Many hands make light work!
This weekend we will finish cleaning up four roundabouts in Highland Park in preparation for new trees, shrubs, and ground cover. We could really use extra hands! If you live, walk or drive near the intersections listed below, or you love to garden, or you just want to meet some neighbors, come on out and pitch in!
10 am – 11:30 am: 12th Ave SW & SW Trenton — install new plants & mulch
12 pm – 1:30 pm: 12th Ave SW & SW Thistle — install new plants & mulch
2 pm – 3:30 pm: 10th Ave SW & SW Thistle — install new plants & mulch
4 pm – 5 pm: 12th Ave SW & SW Kenyon — install new plants & mulch
Bring your own tools/wheelbarrow/etc. if you can.
SALMON-WATCHING: As reported here yesterday, the first coho have come home to Fauntleroy Creek, so volunteers will be there 2-3:30 pm to assist you in trying to see them. No dogs. Meet at the fish-ladder overlook across and upslope from the ferry dock. (Upper Fauntleroy Way & SW Director)
OPEN MICROPHONE: 3-6 pm, open mic at The Skylark, presented by neighboring Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PACIFICO: Pop act from Louisiana performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)
RHIANNON AND FRIENDS: 7:30 pm concert at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
THERE’S MORE ON OUR CALENDAR … see it all here!
(WSB file photo)
Just hours until our area’s biggest fall fun at the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, 10 am-2 pm Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
STREET CLOSURES: The festival closes an extra block of California SW, which will be off-limits to motorized vehicles between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon from early Sunday morning until late Sunday afternoon, as will SW Alaska between 44th and 42nd.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, it’s part of the festival, in its usual spot on California north of SW Alaska, usual time, 10 am-2 pm. The market includes Applepalooza – taste fall’s fave fruit, starting at 11 am, plus a scavenger hunt.
HARVEST ACTIVITIES: You’ll find most of these on California south of Alaska, *free* fun presented by more than 30 organizations and businesses during the entire duration of the festival. (See the long list of activities here!)
ROOT BEER GARDEN: Bring $3.50 if you want to try a 16-ounce root beer with Husky Deli ice cream – Easy Street corner of California/Alaska.
CHILI COOKOFF: Nine venues are competing for this year’s title – bring $10 to buy your flight of a taste from each starting at 11 am at the KeyBank corner of California/Alaska, and you’ll get to vote on who you think should win! The money goes to the West Seattle Food Bank.
COSTUME PARADE: Gather at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) before 11:30 am (you can make a musical instrument there starting at 10) and follow the West Seattle High School Marching Band around the festival grounds!
TRICK-OR-TREATING: Businesses will have treats starting at noon – some of the booths, too.
WHAT’S NEW – IRISH DANCING: Late addition to the program, Celtic Arts Northwest will perform at California/Alaska at 1 pm. (That’s where we’ll be throughout the festival, with as-it-happens coverage … see you there!)
Last Saturday night, we mentioned the Southwest Youth and Family Services Night of Giving Gala – including an award for West Seattle mega-volunteers Jim Guenther and Sandy Adams. We noted that we hoped to hear more about it, and now we have the full story on their award and other highlights of the big event, courtesy of SWYFS development coordinator Adriana Zazula:
It was a downpour over the Georgetown Ballroom last Saturday night, but that did not stop more than 200 people from attending Southwest Youth & Family Services (SWYFS) Night of Giving Gala. Amongst the guests were elected officials City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, County Council Chair Joe McDermott, State Rep. Eileen Cody, and State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. Each came to the event with the assurance of hearing “Voices of Our Community.” And that they did. From one-on-one conversations with SWYFS staff about program needs to poetry readings and music performed by current participants.
Perhaps the most passionate voice came from SWYFS Executive Director Steve Daschle on how the current political climate is affecting our families and an equally powerful testimony as to the impact of SWYFS programs from former participant, Yohan Lara Aguilar.
Another spotlight was also put on fellow West Seattle residents Jim Guenther and Sandy Adams, presented by board chair Laura Ware. Since 2009, Southwest Youth & Family Services recognizes outstanding volunteers who have made a significant contribution to our work with the Weeks Family Volunteer Award. In honor of Ben and Roberta Weeks and their children, SWYFS selects a volunteer for their abiding commitment to improve the West Seattle community and exemplify our mission of partnering with families to transform their futures.
Jim and Sandy have done so much for the West Seattle community at large over the years. Fellow community members wanted to contribute the testaments to their legacy, one of which was Managing Director of ArtsWest, Laura Lee. Lee said, “Sandy and Jim are two of the most genuine, giving, caring people that I have had the privilege of knowing. I think of them both with hands outstretched, love in their hearts, and an energy and spirit that never flags or dims. Sandy has been a crucial volunteer, taking on some of the most un-glamorous and difficult work for ArtsWest. She has a lightness in her step only matched by the lightness in her heart. Jim is smart. One of those people that you really should pay attention to every word he says because it comes from a place of such intellect and experience. He gives generously and freely and is passionate about connecting people to important work. They are both not in anything for the short-term glory or the gain, they are committed to a life of giving and a spirit of generosity.”
Jim and Sandy have taken a great interest in all aspects of the work of Southwest Youth & Family Services, including our education center, our academic and enrichment programs at New Futures. Jim has consistently taken the time to get to know our families and youth and understand the hardships that they face. Together, Jim and Sandy have donated funds for vans, technology, post-secondary scholarships, and more for our students. Their contributions allow for another chance for our youth to access what is necessary for them to transform their futures.
Southwest Youth & Family Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to event sponsors International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Nucor Steel, Amerigroup Washington, Tom & Linda Daschle, Potter Construction, Molina Healthcare, King County Housing Authority, and Alaska Airlines, as well as all the guests and volunteers who participated and supported the 2017 Night of Giving Gala.
You can be part of SWYFS too – here’s how to volunteer; here’s how to donate.
Some local businesses go big on seasonal fun – especially West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, where the Kids’ Halloween Party today offered the opportunity to decorate mini-pumpkins – and to admire mysteriously masquerading store staffers:
Next big event at Thriftway is next Thursday (November 2nd), 4-7 pm – the legendary Holiday Taste!
(WSB photos)
5:24 PM: The Addams Family photo booth is just part of the fun at the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) Community Halloween Party, all welcome, happening at 41st SW/SW Andover until 7 pm. Games and treats – costumes not required – lots of fun decorations!
7:25 PM: More photos, above and below, including the cakewalk:
Less than a week after this year’s gathering to call the coho home to Fauntleroy Creek, two have shown up. Creek steward Judy Pickens says Mark Ahlness‘s photo above shows the first one, seen yesterday afternoon: “It reverted to the culvert and appeared again this morning.” She adds, “Then another, with full color, came in this afternoon. That’s a firm two now, perhaps a pair.” So you are invited to come to the creek tomorrow afternoon (Sunday, October 29th) – volunteers will be at creekside 2 pm-3:30 pm. They can’t guarantee you’ll see one but you can take a look and ask questions. As Judy says, “People interested in taking a chance on seeing spawners will be welcome. Children should bring a parent and dogs should stay safely at home.” Come to the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW, across from the ferry terminal) and a volunteer will invite you down.
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