(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)

If you’re at the Turkey Bowl, you might as well dress like a bird. That’s one of the sights our photographer saw at last night’s Beer Church Turkey Bowl at West Seattle Bowl. For more than 20 years, this event has brought together brewers, brewpub operators, and other members of the beer community to raise money and collect food for the West Seattle Food Bank.

(Organizers- top row from left: Chris Burns, Kendall Jones, Kim Jones, Shayna Burns, Shannon Burns, Tom Burns. Bottom row from left: Wyatt Brinkman, Ellie Burns, Mary Burns, Thomas Burns)

The holiday tradition also included raffles and a silent auction:

And more bowling:

(Dylon Tubb bowling)

Organizers Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones are known for the Washington Beer Blog, for which Kendall is the main contributor.

(2023 WSB photo)

We’re exactly two weeks away from a major pre-holiday giveaway that’s happening for the 21st year: Eastridge Church is giving away 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries at its two campuses, including West Seattle (39th/Oregon). This year’s date is Saturday, November 23, and the giveaway starts at 9 am, continuing while supplies last. No questions asked – just show up. (People usually line up on the sidewalk along 39th.) The church’s lead pastor Steve Jamison notes that what they give away doesn’t just “provide one meal for one person … because it’s all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, it actually feeds a whole family.”

Turkey Bowl is returning this year to the West Seattle Bowl!

When: Saturday, November 16th, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: West Seattle Bowl

Benefits:
West Seattle Food Bank

Come bowl with us – just ONE LANE REMAINS! Get details by emailing seattleturkeybowl@gmail.com.

Or just come join the party!

>Food Drive – bring non-perishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank.

>Raffle Prizes – buy tickets for a chance to win baskets and other fun giveaways.

>Beer – lots of good local beer on tap including the Beer Church Pale Ale by Elliott Bay Brewing (with a portion of proceeds also benefitting the food bank).

This event is all ages. We hope to see you there!

1,500 Free Thanksgiving Turkeys and Bags of Groceries for Families in Need

This Thanksgiving, for the 21st year in a row, Eastridge Church will giveaway 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries to those in the community who need a little help to put a holiday meal on their table. On Saturday, November 23, beginning at 9 a.m. (while supplies last) the church will give away the 1,500 free Thanksgiving turkeys and bags of groceries to people in need at their two locations: Issaquah and West Seattle.

The 1,500 free meal packages include all the elements of a traditional Thanksgiving meal and does more than simply fill the gap for one meal. “Eastridge’s annual turkey giveaway not only provides one meal for one person. Because it’s all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, it actually feeds a whole family,” said Steve Jamison, Eastridge Church lead pastor. “We love reaching the community through our annual turkey giveaway because we can meet a physical need for so many people, and encourage community, friendship and family.”

The 1,500 dinner packages will be given out first-come, first-served, with no demonstration of need required to receive the assistance.

When: Saturday, November 23, starting at 9 a.m., while supplies last

The West Seattle Campus of Eastridge Church

4500 39th Avenue SW, Seattle

For more information, contact Eastridge Church at 425-270-6300 or EastridgeToday.com/turkey.

Ten months after we first mentioned West Seattle’s roaming guinea fowl – when there were at least four of them – this pair is still drawing attention. The photo is from Robert Livingston at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, which got a visit from the guinea fowl about a week and a half ago. We’re writing about them again today because we’re still getting relatively frequent reports, often from people who think they’re turkeys – such as the reader who emailed us after seeing them near 39th/Oregon about an hour ago. They’re still most often seen on the east/northeast side of The Junction. As we’ve noted before, they do apparently have a home. Fun fact from this infopage: They can be “an effective means of pest control.”

(Reader photo sent Monday by Lara)

Every day we’re continuing to get reports about the pair of birds we’ve dubbed the wandering guinea fowl of West Seattle, including people who haven’t seen our previous stories and/or who mistake them for turkeys. So we’ve been meaning to mention them again, and today’s the day, because we received a call from someone who saw them near the bridge entrance at 35th/Fauntleroy and was worried the birds were in danger of wandering into traffic. That, they’ve done, in other parts of The Triangle and The Junction, so the concern is not necessarily unmerited. In short, we first mentioned them last year; they have a home northeast of The Junction but they are allowed to roam, and seem to do so avidly. Because of that, the Seattle Animal Shelter told us last month, they’ve attempted to capture the guinea fowl, but haven’t had any luck with that. So what would happen if they did capture these birds? SAS spokesperson Melissa Mixon told us, “If they were in our custody, they would go on a stray hold. If no one reclaimed them, they could be placed for adoption.”

Another highlight just in for the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) has a monster event planned for Black Friday:

So let’s recap that: Buy a $10 raffle ticket at TRG on Friday starting at 10 am and not only are you entered in the guitar drawing, you get lunch (burger and shake) from the Dick’s Drive-In truck, which will be there noon-2 pm. (One lunch per person, though you can buy more raffle tickets if you want!) Holiday sale continues Saturday and Sunday too! Shop local, shop musical at this one-of-a-kind West Seattle shop.

If you could use a little holiday help in getting a turkey on the Thanksgiving table, now’s the time. Above, Eastridge Church started its annual giveaway at 9 am – 40 volunteers giving out 700 turkeys and tote bags of groceries, according to Pastor Craig Mathison:

Just walk up to the front of the church at 39th/Oregon. Meantime, the West Seattle Food Bank‘s annual drive-up/ride-up turkey distribution has just started in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor):

(Photos added)

The Food Bank tells us demand is “way up” this year:

If you can’t get to either event this morning but you need pre-Thanksgiving food help, the WS Food Bank’s headquarters at 35th/Morgan will be open noon-7 pm Monday, 10 am-2 pm Tuesday and Wednesday.

11:17 AM: The WSFB just called to let us know they’re out.

(Friday morning photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Today brings the first major wave of holiday-season events, so we’re breaking the preview lineup into two parts – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

EASTRIDGE CHURCH TURKEY GIVEAWAY: Hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries available outside the church at 39th/Oregon, starting at 9 am, continuing while they last. This is a walk-up distribution. Details here.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT MASONIC CENTER: 9 am-4 pm, annual bazaar at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK DRIVE-UP TURKEY DISTRIBUTION: 10 am-1 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), the WSFB distributes turkeys and food boxes – info here.

PEACE LUTHERAN HOLIDAY BAZAAR: First day of two-day bazaar, 10 am-3 pm at 39th/Thistle:

Arts and Crafts
Bake Sale
Fair-Trade Food Gifts
Children’s crafts (10-2 today only)
Hot lunch (11-1 today only)

Proceeds benefit church programs and benefit…
West Seattle Food Bank
White Center Food Bank
Westside Neighbors Network Shelter

ARROWHEAD GARDENS CRAFT FAIR: 10 am-3 pm, handmade items for sale in the community rooms on the west side of the complex at Arrowhead Gardens. (9230 2nd SW)

ADMIRAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET: Old World-style Christmas Market at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), craft fair, bake sale, other food and beverages, 10 am-4 pm.

SHOREWOOD PTA HOLIDAY BAZAAR: A bit south of West Seattle, the annual bazaar at Shorewood Elementary (2725 SW 116th) is happening 10 am-4 pm. Donation drive for WestSide Baby, too.

THANKSGIVING FUNDRAISER & FIRE-CIDER PARTY: 10 am-noon, meditation, healing, and fire-cider-making at Bend N Move (3850 Delridge Way SW).

WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD BAZAAR/BOOK SALE: Secpnd day of two-day bazaar and book sale at White Center Library – 11 am-4 pm. (1409 SW 107th)

Now, the rest of what’s up today/tonight, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend going with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

SW HOLDEN NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: As previewed here, you can talk with the project teqm at 17th/Holden 10 am-noon, now that they’re “mid-design” on this runoff-reducing, traffic-calming plan.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is planting season, and you can shop for student-raised plants at the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open 10 am-2 pm on the north end of campus.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

PLAY GAMES! The South Park Library invites you to drop by and celebrate International Games Month, 11 am-3 pm. (8604 8th Ave. S.)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

RECONNECT SOUTH PARK: Have you heard about the community campaign to remove the section of Highway 99 that bisects South Park? This event is a chance to catch up and/or get involved. Organizers explain, “This gathering is the first step in exploring options to getting to a shared vision for the 44 acres that occupy the 1.2 miles of Highway 99.” 12:30 pm mingling with food, 1 pm discussion, at Concord International Elementary School (710 S; Concord)

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the new reds!

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

AT KENYON HALL: Miles and Karina, featuring their film “Talk Tales,” doors 7, performance 7:30 at
Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), reservations here.

FUNDRAISING DANCE PARTY: Help raise money for a high school in Kenya by dancing with Stella’s Stars to the music of Beatles tribute band Flaming Pies, 7 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle. (4217 SW Oregon)

‘GREAT NIGHT’: Saturday night program for young adults 18+ to hang out 7 pm-midnight, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: The Retromancers, The Mrs. Bill Larsens, Pirate Radio, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT POGGIE TAVERN: West Seattle rock band Legal Issues plays at 8:30 pm. 21+. (4717 California SW)

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, Halloween or holiday-season happening, or ? If the community’s invited, get your event on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

(WSB photo, 2022 Eastridge Church turkey giveaway)

With Saturday just two days away, we’re reminding you that this year’s two pre-Thanksgiving turkey giveaways happen that day. Starting at 9 am, Eastridge Church is providing hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries, at 39th SW and SW Oregon (across from West Seattle Bowl). It’s walk-up, not drive-up/ride-up. Then starting at 10 am, the West Seattle Food Bank has its annual turkey-and-food-box giveaway in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Both are first-come, first-served, while supplies last.

(WSB photo, WSFB giveaway, November 2022)

If you need help to get a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year, you have two opportunities next weekend to get a free turkey. Both are happening on Saturday, November 18. Starting at 9 am, Eastridge Church will give away hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries, at 39th SW and SW Oregon (across from West Seattle Bowl). Starting at 10 am, the West Seattle Food Bank will present its annual turkey-and-food-box giveaway in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Both are first-come, first-served, while supplies last, and neither requires any ID or proof of need.

West Seattle Food Bank is giving away turkeys, drive-up or walk-up in the South Seattle College north parking lot, 10 am-1 pm Saturday, November 18th.

Do you need or know someone who could use a helping hand this year to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table? We’ll be giving away 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries to the community on Saturday, November 18, between our campuses in Issaquah and West Seattle. No proof of need required. Giveaway begins at 9 am. While supplies last. Help us bless our community this Thanksgiving during our annual Turkey and Groceries Giveaway!

As mentioned here last Friday, local business organizations organized a fundraiser for Turkey/Syria earthquake victims – you shop/dine/drink at participating businesses this Friday-Sunday (February 24-26), and they in turn will donate part of the proceeds to one or both of these relief groups: AHBAP and White Helmets. The West Seattle Junction Association sent this graphic with this list of who’s in:

The region has been shaken by another deadly quake this week, two weeks after the one that is blamed for more than 40,000 deaths.

Twelve years ago, almost 30 West Seattle businesses – and many of their customers – joined in a one-day fundraiser to help Japan recover from the earthquake/tsunami disaster. Now another catastrophic earthquake has taken thousands of lives, this time in Turkey and Syria, and local businesses are again joining forces for a community-led fundraiser. The West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce asked us to publish this invitation for businesses to be part of it:

West Seattle supports Syria and Turkey earthquake relief efforts:

Want to join? If you are a business owner in West Seattle, email Chris Mackay at chris@wsjunction.org by end-of-day Monday (February 20th) and let her know you would like to join.

We will be asking West Seattleites to support all participating businesses by patronizing them between Friday, February 24, and Sunday, February 26. The businesses will donate a portion of their sales to AHBAP, a Turkish-run non-profit providing shelter to victims, or to the White Helmets, based in Syria doing rescue and recovery work. Both organizations are locally based and well-respected by the locals.

One Junction business owner who is from Turkey and has family there, YogaSix studio owner Sechil Thornton, says, “So many families have experienced unspeakable heartache with the loss of loved ones and an uncertain future. There are millions of homeless people, many sleeping in tents, schools, parks or their car. Those who were fortunate to be able to flee the cities are now being temporarily housed in hotels. With no timeline, or place to start in trying to rebuild their lives. I believe we must stand with all human beings in their times of need and ensure they receive our support. Which is why we are so grateful and proud to be a part of the West Seattle community showing its support stepping up to aid in relief efforts.”

Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is known for shopping and leftovers. This year, it’ll also be a big day for football. At 11 am our time, the U.S. Men’s National Team plays its second World Cup soccer match, this time facing England. At least (updated with additions via comments) seven West Seattle establishments plan to open early for viewing:

OUNCES (3803 Delridge Way SW) is opening at 10 am.

WEST SEATTLE BREWING (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW): Also open at 10 am.

THE BEER JUNCTION (4511 California S) is opening at 11 am. (It’s also the start of Coffee Beer Week.)

PROST WEST SEATTLE (3407 California SW): Open early for every US and Germany World Cup match.

THE WESTY (7908 35th SW): Open at 10 am

TALARICO’S (4718 California SW): Open at 11 am

HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE (7789 Highland Park Way SW): Watch party at 11 am

Anyplace else? Please let us know – thank you!

Before the cooking and feasting, you have a few ways to get moving on Thursday. The sun is supposed to be back just in time for the outdoor options, too. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

(West Seattle Runner photo from 2018 Gobble Gobble Group Run)

GOBBLE GOBBLE GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is bringing back its holiday-morning run, 8 am from Alki. If you can, bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Meetup location and other details are in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING NATURE WALK: West Seattle naturalist Ann is organizing this – meet at 8:45 am at the “Luna Girls on Alki” sculpture north of Salty’s – details in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING DONATION CLASS: 9 am Power Flow class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), benefiting West Seattle Food Bank – info in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE YMCA: If you want to work out at the Y, the Triangle HQ (but not Fauntleroy) will be open 7 am-11 am on Thanksgiving. (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor)

Anything to add to the list? Email us! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

10:59 AM: Until 1 pm, the West Seattle Food Bank is offering turkeys and boxes of other food to drive-up/ride-up visitors in the north parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Here’s what’s in the boxes:

If you can’t get to either of today’s turkey giveaways but are at risk of holiday hunger, the WSFB is also distributing turkeys at its HQ (35th/Morgan) noon-7 pm Monday (November 21) and 10 am-2 pm Tuesday and Wednesday (November 22-23).

12:07 PM: Just got a text that they’ll be wrapping up shortly as the 500 turkeys are almost all gone.

(WSB photos)

At 39th/Oregon this morning, Eastridge Church volunteers are continuing the church’s longstanding tradition of giving away turkeys and bags of groceries before Thanksgiving. This year, it’s back to walk-up after they switched to drive-up during the height of the pandemic. Bags of food are given along with the turkeys:

Between the church’s two campuses – West Seattle and the Eastside – the church is distributing 1,500 turkeys this year. It continues until noon or while supplies last; we’ll update if we get word they’ve run out.

In our photo above is Jaeley, who’s helping greet people today.

(WSB photo: Holiday wreaths are up in The Junction)

With Thanksgiving approaching, this is the first weekend of the holiday season, so we’re starting this preview of today/tonight with events from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

TURKEY GIVEAWAY AT EASTRIDGE CHURCH: 9 am-noon, the church at 39th/Oregon is giving away hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries. This year it’s back to walk-up distribution; the line usually forms along 39th.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 9 am-4 pm at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW).

TURKEY GIVEAWAY AT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: 10 am-1 pm, the West Seattle Food Bank is distributing 500 turkeys and boxes of groceries to people who drive up/ride up in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

CRAFT BAZAAR: 10 am-3 pm, shop local at the Arrowhead Gardens Holiday Craft Bazaar (9200 2nd SW).

CHRISTMAS MARKET: One more option for shopping local today – gifts and treats at the Christmas Market at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 11 am-4 pm.

ORDERING DEADLINE: Today is the ordering deadline for holiday meals/sides from Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – info is right under the first photo atop our Holiday Guide.

CHRISTMAS TREES: If you want an early tree, the first ones have arrived in West Seattle. Our Holiday Guide has that running list too.

From here, it’s the non-holiday-related happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COVID BOOSTER-SHOT CLINIC: Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW) is hosting a clinic that’s open to the public, with Pfizer bivalent boosters available to people ages 5 and up – more info in our calendar listing.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s annual meeting – non-members welcome too! – starts at 10 am at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens). Preregister here.

MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in-person gathering in West Seattle, free but registration required; details in our calendar listing.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

WINE TIME: The tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle (get what you need for Thanksgiving!) – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

RANGER & THE RE-ARRANGERS: “Gypsy jazz” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: “A rockin’ night” with Drastic Down, Seed, Foul Blooded, doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

THEATER: Last chance to see Blue Hour‘s ‘boom’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.

Something to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Reminders from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide: If you need some help with affording Thanksgiving dinner, you have two options in West Seattle this Saturday (November 19) for getting a free turkey and bag/box of groceries:

(WSB file photo)

EASTRIDGE CHURCH, 9 AM-NOON: This year the church at 39th/Oregon is going back to walk-up distribution. Between Eastridge’s West Seattle and Issaquah campuses, they plan to give away 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries, so they should have enough for all who show up. The line usually forms on 39th.

WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK @ SSC, 10 AM-1 PM: In the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), the West Seattle Food Bank plans another drive-up/ride-up distribution. They have 500 turkeys and grocery boxes (which include fresh produce) to give out. Approach from the northbound side of 16th.

*Neither of these events requires proof of eligibility – just show up to be served. Also note that there are now three free community Thanksgiving dinners planned in West Seattle on the holiday – see the list in our Holiday Guide.*

West Seattle Food Bank will distribute 500 turkeys and food boxes (which include fresh produce) to drive-ups/ride-ups while supplies last.

Three notes from the West Seattle Food Bank:

(WSB photo from 2021 WSFB turkey distribution at SSC)

DRIVE-UP TURKEYS: This Saturday (November 19th), you have two options for a free turkey if you need one. In addition to the Eastridge Church giveaway, the WSFB is distributing 500 turkeys and grocery boxes with fresh produce – while they last – at a drive-up/ride-up event in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-1 pm. Available to all, not just current WSFB clients. If you need a turkey but can’t go there on Saturday, they’ll also be available at WSFB HQ noon-7 pm next Monday (November 21) and 10 am-2 pm next Tuesday and Wednesday (November 22-23).

BEER CHURCH TURKEY BOWL TOTALS: This past Saturday night, we reported on the return of a 20+-year pre-holiday tradition, the Beer Church Turkey Bowl, which raises money and collects food for WSFB. Today, we have the totals:

Pounds of food: 1,039 pounds
Raffle Sales & In Person Donations: $4,730
Lane Sale Proceeds after paying West Seattle Bowl: $3,196
Total Funds Raised: $7,926

WSFB sends a hearty public thanks to the Beer Church, which is the philanthropic arm of the West Seattleite-published Washington Beer Blog.

HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW: We asked what WSFB needs pre-Thanksgiving. Here’s the list from WSFB’s Breanna Bushaw:

– Dry Stuffing Mix
– Gravy (jar or dry)
– Canned Vegetables
– Canned Cranberries
– Instant Potatoes
– Crispy Fried Onions
– Pie or dessert

The WSFB HQ is on the southeast corner of 35th/Morgan. You’ll also find donation bins at other locations, including many local grocery stores.