day : 17/12/2023 9 results

UPDATE: Hazmat response at Terminal 5

December 17, 2023 10:11 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:11 PM: If you’ve noticed the lights and sirens at Terminal 5, Seattle Fire has sent a hazmat response to a reported spill. It was initially described as either salt or a salt-like material, in powder form; they’re still assessing the situation. They’re telling dispatch that it’s happening aboard the ship currently at T-5, which MarineTraffic.com shows is container ship MSC Dakar X.

10:27 PM: Some of the substance was described as having been spilled on the dock too. But no injuries have been reported, and SFD is dismissing most of the responders.

VIDEO: Perfect night for West Seattle Runner’s 2023 Christmas Light Run

No rain, no snow, no sub-freezing temperatures – perfect weather as the group above headed out on the annual Christmas Light Run coordinated by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):

WSR proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell mapped the run along a route they said would take runners past everything from a yard with more than a dozen inflatable Santas to the Gai Family‘s Madonna.

The shop offers multiple free events every month, including group runs every week. (Last one of the year will be an early New Year’s celebration, 8 am Saturday, December 30th, with champagne and sparkling cider toasts afterward.) In the New Year, WSR also will start another free Get Fit “couch to half-marathon” training series, beginning with an info night at 6:30 pm January 3rd – email lori@westseattlerunner.com with questions.

BIZNOTE: Open play all day during last week for Outer Space Seattle

No new owner yet for Outer Space Seattle, so proprietor Caitlin Huertas says this is its last week – last chance to enjoy the space-themed indoor playground:

This is Outer Space Seattle’s last week unless a new owner steps in.

Open all week for Open Play, 10 am – 8 pm, Monday 12/18 – Friday 12/22.

Last day: Friday 12/22.

Caitlin announced the closure plan and sale listing last month. She opened Outer Space Seattle at 2820 Alki Avenue SW for four years.

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: ‘Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!’

December 17, 2023 6:29 pm
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 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Brendan for the photo! The “Peanuts” display at 2128 47th SW [map] is up again this year – getting close to half a century of making people smile; last year the display’s creator Don Rice told us it was year 47, so this would be year 48! (Starting just a decade after the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” TV special that inspired it, which by the way is only showing on Apple TV this year.)

Got lights? Seen lights? Tell us about them via westseattleblog@gmail.com – and scroll through this archive to see everywhere we’ve shown so far!

FREE: Need a tree? Holy Rosary’s leftovers up for grabs

Sent by Holy Rosary School:

The Holy Rosary tree lot is closed for the season. About a dozen trees have been leaned against the retaining wall on the Holy Rosary playground. These are free trees that need to find a home.

You’ll find them on the north side of the school, off 42nd SW between Genesee and Dakota.

WEST SEATTLE ART: Help shape project at site of new 1.25 million-gallon overflow-storage tank

(Project rendering)

Another public-art project is in the works for West Seattle, and a survey has just opened to seek your feedback in shaping it. From the King County Wastewater Treatment District‘s announcement:

King County will build a 1.25-million-gallon underground storage tank on the west side of the First Avenue Bridge to reduce sewage and stormwater overflows into the Duwamish River during large storms. Water stored in the West Duwamish Wet Weather Facility will flow to the West Point Treatment Plant for cleaning before it is safely released into the Puget Sound. To learn more about the project, visit the project website.

Fencing Panel Art

Help shape the facility’s public appearance by sharing your perspectives about the Duwamish River valley! Fencing designed by Seattle artist Ann Marie Schneider will ring the new facility. Input from the community will be incorporated into the fence-panels art. We would love to learn how you see this dynamic river valley landscape can be integrated into the facility fencing appearance to reflect our commitment to stewardship in concert with the resiliency of our river.

The project had a separate community survey last year; results were part of a briefing at HPAC‘s meeting last April. To answer the new survey, which is open until January 24, go here. The facility is expected to start construction in 2025.

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Holiday Makers’ Market in North Delridge

December 17, 2023 12:46 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Inside a vintage commercial building that is currently home to a photography studio, you’ll find the first Sweet Reel Makers’ Market until 4 pm. Your host at 5001 Delridge Way SW is photographer Angie Norwood Browne:

The cozy space is hosting 11 makers and artists – the needle-felted animals by Paula Wittmann caught our eye, including ornaments:

The West Seattle Art Walk‘s former longtime coordinator, artist Reeve Washburn, is there with her work too:

The listing for the market also promised “trinkets” – we noticed vintage china and jewelry:

(The building is vintage too – we mentioned it in 2021, when renovations briefly uncovered a “ghost sign.”) For more info on the market, including the list of artists/makers participating, see our calendar listing.

Celebration of life planned February 4 for Lane Townsend, 1927-2023

Family and friends will gather February 4 to celebrate the life of Lane Townsend. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Margaret Elaine “Lane” (Wise) Townsend

Lane Townsend, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2023. She was born in Seattle, Washington on October 27, 1927 to Robert Wise and Beatrice (Bryan) Wise. She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan Townsend and brothers Ken and Gordon “Oly” Wise. She is survived by her children Steve (Kay), Dave (Jan), Carl (Jennine), and Keith (Yvonne) Townsend, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. As matriarch of the family, she was a generous and beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and good friend to all who knew her.

Lane grew up in West Seattle at 1301 Harbor Avenue. As a young girl she rode the street car to Alki Elementary School and later took dance lessons in the ballroom of the Stockade Hotel. After graduating from West Seattle High School (class of ’45) and attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Music from the University of Washington, where she met and fell in love with Ivan. They were married in 1950.

A loving wife and a very involved mother, Lane was always engaged in activities with Ivan and her four boys. Whether she was serving as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, presiding over the Lafayette Elementary School PTA, or organizing parent groups for James Madison Jr. High and West Seattle High School band and orchestra students, she generously gave the gift of time to her West Seattle community.

Lane inherited her love of music from her father, and it followed her to the end of her life. A benefactor and season ticket holder for Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Opera for many years, she loved performances of Puccini’s Tosca, Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Verdi’s Aida. In her final days she would listen to classical music and gracefully conduct with her fingers in the air, which brought her peace and tranquility.

She had a fierce love for family and was brokenhearted when her father died. Through the years she remained very close to her mother, spending every Friday with her. Giving the gift of time, they would go grocery shopping, run errands, go somewhere fun… and she always had Gramma at our home for Friday night dinner.

After her father’s passing, Lane inherited his forest land, where she and Ivan learned how to be tree farmers. They built a cabin in the woods and acquired her father’s love of trees. Successful at forest management, they were recognized as Washington State’s Tree Farmers of the Year in 1977. Together, they shared their experience and knowledge of forestry with other members of the Washington Farm Forestry Association. The Tree Farm was one of Mom’s happy places and the forest and cabin have been the location of our annual family reunion (and Uncle Kenny’s salmon bake) for more than 55 years.

Playing competitive tennis, bowling with West Seattle bowling leagues, and water aerobics at the YMCA kept Lane physically active all of her life. Reading the local newspaper daily held her finger on the pulse of local and national information and politics. Combining fitness with her mental acumen and zeal for life surely contributed to her longevity. She loved to travel and loved sharing her travel experiences with others. Some of her adventures took her to Mexico, Europe, Australia, China, Russia, and Egypt. Hiking to the tops of pyramids, walking the Great Wall of China, and riding camels were all parts of her adventures!

A few years after Ivan’s passing, Lane sold her home of 44 years and bought a condominium across the street from Don Armeni Park. Located at 1301 Harbor Avenue, it was the exact same address as where she grew up, but on the 4th floor of a beautiful building with a sweeping view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. And there was always a ferry boat sailing through Elliott Bay! Watching people walk, jog, ride bicycles, and roller skate along the waterfront was a favorite pastime. Always the adventurer, sometimes she would walk down the street to the biker bar for a cold beer.

Convalescing after a broken hip in 2015 prompted a move to an adult care home, where she enjoyed culture in Bellevue for the past 8 years. Lane and her brother, Oly, her partner and coach in her hip rehabilitation, would take invigorating walks together, often climbing several flights of stairs. Just as she did with her mother, it was Lane’s children and grandchildren who continued sharing their gifts of time. Attending local theatre productions, concerts, street fairs, and summer picnics in the park were all cherished outings. And of course dining at her favorite Mexican restaurant, El Tapatio!

In her twilight days, Lane was at peace with herself. She had seen everything she wanted to see, done everything she wanted to do, and traveled everywhere she wanted to go. Satisfied that everything in her life was good, she would say, “I’ve have had a good life. But, for cryin’ out loud, I’m 96 years old. The party is over and it’s time to go home.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, February 4, 2024 in Bellevue, Washington. Contact Columbia Funeral Home at 206-722-1100 or a family member for details.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Seattle Symphony, or Washington Tree Farm Program.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

‘Polar Express,’ ‘Wonderful Life,’ markets, Pathfinder wreaths, concerts, Christmas Light Run, more for your West Seattle Sunday

December 17, 2023 6:12 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Reader photo)

Again today, the daily preview is in two sections – starting with listings from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY FUN PHOTOS WITH GAIL ANN: 8:30 am-noon sessions at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – Santa will be there! – book your time here.

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET: One more chance to see and buy the creations of Native artists, 10 am-5:30 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW).

(Photo courtesy Pathfinder K-8 PTSA)

PATHFINDER WREATH SALES DURING FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm on the southwest corner of California/Alaska, look for Pathfinder K-8‘s famous handmade wreaths and other “door decor”! And if you can’t get to the market, you can still buy wreaths online – pathfinderk8ptsa.org/shop.” Fundraiser for outdoor education.

LESSONS & CAROLS #1: 10 am at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW): “We will combine for one special service of Lessons and Carols. This service of timeless carols will include WSPC’s choir, instrumentalists and musicians from the NW Symphony Orchestra.”

SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP MARKET: 10 am-2 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).

HOLIDAY MAKERS’ MARKET: 11 am-4 pm (5001 Delridge Way SW) – see the participants’ list here.

LAUREN’S JEWELRY OPEN FOR SHOPPING: Shop local, shop indie! Bonus day for holiday shopping at WSB sponsor Lauren’s Jewelry in Westwood Village, open today 11 am-4 pm.

‘THE MAGICAL DOLLMAKER’:Dance! West Seattle is celebrating its 40th year in West Seattle with their annual performance of ‘The Magical Doll Maker.’ The show is at 1:30 pm at Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd, Burien). Tickets will be available for purchase at the theater the day of the performance.”

‘THE POLAR EXPRESS’: Classic movie (trailer above)! Free screening at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 2 pm. Popcorn and cookies!

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: The radio-play edition of Twelfth Night Productions‘ beloved show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), last show at 3 pm today – get tickets and details on the Brown Paper Tickets website.

‘SNOWED IN’ SOLD OUT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 3 pm today, but no online tickets are available – you can doublecheck with the box office.

FAUNTLEROY CONCERT: Christmas concert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 4 pm, all welcome.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: Gather at 5 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) and jingle on out along a route passing festively lit homes. Hang out at the shop afterward for nog, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. (Here’s the map.)

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, opening at 5 pm. Tickets and info here.

LESSONS & CAROLS #2: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Check for tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

Now, your non-holiday options, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering late-fall fruit and vegetables as well as cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more – even Christmas trees (last chance to get yours from Three Tree Farms)! Here’s today’s vendor list.

TEA AND SCI-FI SOCIAL MEETUP: 1 pm, online, explained in our calendar listing.

CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), discussing “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Or for the West Seattle Holiday Guide? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!