Fresh out of the Inbox, this notice about the West Seattle Kiwanis “poker run” fundraiser – sounds like a lot of fun!

KIWANIS OF WEST SEATTLE
2nd ANNUAL CHARITY MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN, BIKE & CLASSIC CAR SHOW
PROCEEDS GO TO KIWANIS CHILDRENS CANCER CARE PROGRAM (KCCP)
BECAUSE KIDS WITH CANCER DESERVE A FUTURE

On May 14, 2011, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will host its second annual Charity Motorcycle Poker Run & Classic Car Show. Proceeds from this event support the PNW District Kiwanis Project, led by 2010-2011 Governor Frank Morehouse, which will fund cancer research at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Donations will be made through the West Seattle Kiwanis 21st Century Scholarship Fund, a not-for-profit corporation operating under chapter 501c3 of the US Internal Revenue code. Our EIN is 91-1285427.

A poker run is an organized event in which participants must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. The event is not timed—winning is purely a matter of chance.

Sign-in for this event starts at 8:30am at the lot on 40th Ave SW and SW Alaska St in West Seattle. Following the Poker Run, riders, passengers, and the general public are welcome to a BBQ and to view the Classic Cars on display presented by the Old Rides Club. Prizes will be presented to riders for the Best Hand, the Worst Hand, and other categories as determined. The pre-registration is $25 per rider and $5 for a passenger (if there is a passenger). Day of registration is $30 per rider, plus $5 per passenger. The cost of the BBQ for the general public is $10. Pre-registration closes on May 9th. Click Here To Register on the Kiwanis website. Contact the Kiwanis at westseattlekiwanis@yahoo.com with questions.

==============================================================

Date: May 14th, 2011
Location: 4700 40th Ave SW, Seattle, WA. 98116  (adjacent to Howden Kennedy Funeral Home)
Pre-registration: $25.00 per Bike – $30.00 with Passenger
Day-Of Registration: $30.00 per Bike – $35.00 with Passenger
Entry fee includes B-B-Q, bike show entry, water/snacks along route, and Prize drawing entry.

Time: 8:30am – 9:30am Registration/Check-in
9:30am – 1pm Ride (Poker Run)
1:30pm to 3pm BBQ ($10 for BBQ only)
2:30pm Bike Show

Prizes for Best Hand, Worst Hand & Additional Categories! (Winners of other categories to be chosen by majority vote from attendees)

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, now in its 83rd year, undertakes a full program of service to the communities of West Seattle with special emphasis on the growth, education and needs of children from preschool though college. An affiliate of Kiwanis International which has clubs in 83 nations, the West Seattle club is an organization of concerned adults dedicated to changing
the world one child and one community at a time.

The West Seattle Kiwanis club is one of the first service clubs established in West Seattle, and was started in 1929. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle offers you the opportunity to share your experience, knowledge, and time in service to the community. This
service is great fun and builds fellowship with other members. Excellent, diverse programs can be enjoyed at our weekly meetings. Membership is open to all men and women who possess a genuine interest in serving the community. The club meets at 7am every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, and Noon every 2nd Wednesday, at Be’s Restaurant in the Junction, at 4509 California Ave SW. Park in rear lot and enter the rear door. For more information, contact Warren Lawless at 206-938-8032 or ewl@westseattle.com

Congratulations to the Daystar Dialoguers for reaching this milestone!

Daystar Dialoguers Toastmasters Club will be five years old in June.  On May 9 we are holding a special “Guest Day” to attract potential new members.   

Most people who join Toastmasters do it to gain confidence speaking.  Then they not only become better speakers but also better listeners and better leaders.  Come as our guest to observe this safe, fun, and supportive group and learn how you can overcome your fear of speaking in public. 

Daystar Dialoguers Toastmasters Club meets twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays from 12 Noon until 1 PM.  While guests are welcome at all Toastmasters’ meetings, the May 9 meeting will be special in explaining what Toastmasters is and how it works for you.  Please arrive early because the meeting will start at noon sharp.

Daystar Dialoguers meets at the Daystar Retirement Village, 2615 SW Barton (across from the Westwood Village Shopping Center’ Target store), Seattle. Call Bill at 206/ 932-6706 if you have questions before this special guest meeting.

We’ve received another very creatively-written event notice from WSB Sponsor, Tibbetts United Methodist Church, for their book sale on May 21st. We’ve never heard of an eKindook reader, have you?

From 10:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday May 21st. Tibbets United Methodist Church (3940 41st Ave SW) holds our semi-irregular somewhat annual used book sale.

Readers Unite! Join us to stand anachronistically, albeit proudly, lauding our Luddite ways. Our mission is to stem the tide of the eReader revolution. Tibbets United Methodist Church (WSB Sponsor, 3940 41st Ave SW), from 10 am – 1 pm holds its “semi-irregular somewhat annual” used book sale. Together we can overcome! Besides, how else can we sell hardbacks for the rock bottom price of a buck, paperbacks are just half that.

Not a book owner? Discover the secrets many thousands of people already know about book ownership; owning one is cool, owning lots of books is pretty darn sexy. Super models the world over already know the secrets, so should you. To think, you can lose weight, be sure to ask any student hauling a hefty backpack of books around campus. Will you get the same result with a six ounce, eKindook reader, nope. Friends will be envious of your intellect as you clarify the mystery of string theory. Later that evening, your dinner guests will be amazed at your golden clarified butter. Both skills learned from reading “Clarifying String Theory and Ghee – Take the Mystery Out of Theoretical Physics and Cooking”. Sure, you say, “I’ll get my books from the library”, true, but, caveat borrower. your kindly librarian will eventually want them back. What happens when you buck the system? Late fees are just the tip of the iceberg (p54. “Fun Facts About Icebergs”), who wants to be tracked down by the library police force? Before you know it, you’re photographed, fingerprinted, library card shredded and you’re on your way to the big house, oh the shame. Nuff said.

In addition to satisfying your craving for intellect, we also satisfy your craving for goodies. Available for sale, a selection of treats and coffee. Plus the highly desirable “comfy” chair” (p102. “The Best of Monty Python”) to sit and ponder your purchases. Relax, read, have coffee, oh, and if you spill it on a book, mop up and keep continue reading. Try that with your eKindook reader!

Spring concert lineup announced in our email today from the Westside Symphonette and String Ensemble –

Save your next two Tuesdays, May 3rd and May 10th, for wonderful evenings with refreshing, relaxing, and fun music.

First, on May 3rd, the Westside Symphonette and String Ensemble will present music ranging from Bach to Disney to contemporary.  Plan to tap your toes and even enjoy some singing along!

The String Ensemble, our entry-level group, including students in grades three through six, will play hoe-down style music and “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music.

The Westside Symphonette, our intermediate group, will perform music ranging from Bach’s “Sleepers Wake”, to an energetic contemporary piece, to selections from Mary Poppins! 

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. Suggested donation $5 for adults, $1 for students. 

Then on May 10, come hear our Symphony perform orchestral classics, including Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, two movements from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Lecuona’s Malaguena! 

Our resident woodwind ensemble will present its premiere public performance of local composer Jeremiah Oliver’s “A Forest Lines the Banks”, Vaughan William’s gorgeous Rhosymedre, and a quirky Shostakovich Polka round out the program. 

Same venue (Chief Sealth International High School auditorium), different time (7:00 p.m.), same low, low suggested donation: $5 for adults, $1 for students! 

For more information contact Toni Reineke & Rob Duisberg, Co-Conductors
West Seattle Community Orchestras
toni@wscorchestras.org
Home: 206-243-6955

As you make your summer plans, if you’re a cyclist you might want to just walk on to the ferry and head for Vashon’s “Park to Park” cycling tour. This press release just in –

EQUAL PARTS PEDAL AND METTLE: STOV ANNOUNCES 2011 VASHON CYCLING EVENT, “PARK TO PARK” 

Sustainable Tourism on Vashon’s “Exercising Our Better Selves” takes shape in a lively two-course cycling tour that winds from park to park on July 31 

VASHON, WASH.- April 26, 2011-On Vashon Island, summer brings the promise of fresh air, quaint farm stands and long, winding country roads perfect for bicycling. Long-utilized as a favorite meeting place of regional cycling clubs, Sustainable Tourism on Vashon invites cyclists of all abilities and ages to Vashon for its July 31, 2011 event, Park to Park. This cycling event offers two suggested rides (a choice of 33.7 miles if meeting near the North End ferry dock, or 24.3 miles, meeting at Paradise Ridge Park). Cycling clubs, families and individual cyclists are welcome on these self-paced courses. 

The event begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. with routes that course through both Vashon and Maury Islands. Cruise through stunning rural scenery and spectacular water views while enjoying the island’s incredible parks. A light lunch is offered to participants at the finish at Paradise Ridge Park. 

Choose your course registration and start location:
1.      North End by ferry dock  (Vashon – Fauntleroy ferry run)
33.7 miles (does not include bike route back to ferry-8.6 miles)

2.      Paradise Ridge Park
24.3 miles  (center of Vashon Island)

Register before July 27 and pay advance admission: $20 adults, $12 for children ages 12 and under. Beginning July 27, late registration is $25 and $15, respectively.  Register online by credit card at www.parktopark.org, or on island with retailers by cash or check at Essentials 4 (17504 Vashon Hwy. SW);  The Little House (17636 100th Avenue SW); or The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (19529 Vashon Hwy SW). The tour packet for bicyclists will be available at the registration sites. For ferry information, click here <http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/Schedule/Default.aspx> . Note: King County Metro bus service does not run on the day of the event.

Park to Park is presented by Sustainable Tourism on Vashon (STOV), a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the beauty and rural nature of our islands, and only promoting culturally and ecologically responsible tourism.

Sponsors of this year’s event include Puget Sound Energy, Sawbones Worldwide, Essentials 4, Institute for Environmental Research and Education, Minglement, The Little House, and The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie. Find out more about STOV by visiting www.stov.us

For more information contact
Kathleen Fitch
Sustainable Tourism on Vashon (STOV)
stov@centurytel.net  206.463.7706

Greenwood’s 826 Seattle (funded in part by store front Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company) has landed in West Seattle at the High Point Center run by Neighborhood House.

Writing, Homework Help, and Tutoring 
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 – 5 pm

• Experts and Tutors to Support Writing and Learning
• Building skills for academics 
• Hands-on activities supports homework
• Serving ages 8-18
• Drop In Welcome

April 26^th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

Catch the Writing Bug
With Jamal Hussein and his team from 826 Seattle
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 pm – 5 pm 

• Write Your Own Book
• Work with Real Writers to build writing skills  
• Writing Clubs
  • newsletter, pen pals, poetry, music …
• Hands-on activities and Homework Support
• Serving ages 8-18
• Drop In Welcome

April 26^th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

If you have questions about either of these programs please call Dena Nelson 206.588.4900 ext. 606 or 826 Seattle’s Jamal Hussein, Programs and Outreach Assistant, at jamal@826seattle.org

A press release from South Seattle Community College announces a Forum for Veterans and Families. This event focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and college resources.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Resource Forum
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
0900 – 1530 (9 am – 3:30 pm)
South Seattle Community College
Brockey Center
6000-16th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98106
www.southseattle.edu / Driving directions: www.southseattle.edu/campus/map.htm#sscc

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Resource Forum is designed for military veterans and their families who have been affected by TBI. The day-long event features presentations, small group workshops, and panel discussions with veterans who have been exposed to TBI. Facilitators and medical personnel will address needs and issues related to TBI, while student veterans who have been exposed to, or experienced, TBI will share their stories.

The event also features a comprehensive resource fair where veterans will find information about college and/or VA benefits, programs of study, higher education pathways, and job search resources. Potential employers looking to hire veterans will be on hand.

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Resource Forum is free of charge but attendees must have a direct relationship with veterans who have, or may have, TBI. Free lunch will be provided for attendees, but pre-registration is required. RSVP to Michelle McMeel, at michellem@dva.wa.gov, or (360) 725-9844.
The forum is presented by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council.

South Seattle Community College has been designated a Military Friendly School for 2011, based on its role in accepting and serving student veterans. The college’s experienced staff and personal is committed to ensuring that each and every veteran that comes to South has all the means necessary to complete his or her academic goals.

For more information contact: Dorsol Plants, (206) 355-7900 / d.plants@vet-corps.org

We’ve received a notice from PCC about a food drive they are holding during the month of May in preparation to feed needy kids over the summer months. Read on for full details…

These food drives are a part of PCC Healthy Kids, a multi-year initiative to improve local children’s health through nutrition. The goal of this initiative is to boost awareness of the value of good nutrition, resulting in a lifetime of wellness for the thousands of kids and families that participate at home, at school and in our stores and communities. To learn more about PCC Healthy Kids, visit pcchealthykids.com.

About PCC Natural Markets (PCC): Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retail cooperative with annual sales of $148 million and an active membership of 46,000 households. PCC operates nine stores in the Seward Park, View Ridge, Greenlake, West Seattle, Fremont, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds and Issaquah neighborhoods. www.pccnaturalmarkets.com

For more information contact Tom Monahan, Marketing Manager, 206-547-1222 ext. 189 or tom.monahan@pccsea.com

West Seattle Academy (at West Seattle Montessori, 11215 15th Ave SW), is hosting a special plant and baked goods sale in honor of Mother’s Day, and everyone is invited! Here is more information from Tara Requa, Lead Teacher at the school.

We hope you can make it to our 2nd annual Plant Sale to be held on Saturday May 7th, from 9 am-3 pm! The community is invited! The theme is “Who’s Your Mama!?” a playful celebration of the next day’s holiday — Mother’s Day.

Please join us for a fun Mother’s Day plant and gift sale including  fresh flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables, beautiful bird houses, decorated vases filled with colorful bouquets and a Garden Fresh Bake Sale.  The movie “Secret Garden” will be playing for kids with popcorn for sale!

We are also hosting a guest speaker. Amy Pennington is a food enthusiast and creator/owner of GOGO Green Garden, an edible gardening business that builds, plants and tends edible gardens for city folk in their backyards.  In 2009 Amy launched UrbanGardenShare.org, a garden  website that pairs city gardeners with unused garden space via an online matching program. Amy has been featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio an in national and international publications including Sunset magazine and the Toronto Star. She is a regular contributing writer to Edible Seattle, a bimonthly food-focused magazine highlighting the culinary bounty of the Puget Sound region, and a guest contributor on the weekly radio program In the kitchen with Tom and Thierry. Amy is local and lives in Seattle. She has written two books: Urban Pantry and Apartment Gardening. She is generously donating all proceeds to our Greenhouse! She will be speaking and signing books from 2 – 3pm at our Plant Sale.

For more information regarding this event contact Tara Requa, West Seattle Academy, Lead Teacher, at 206-935-0427.

For a second year in a row the Bridge Park retirement community (3204 SW Morgan St.) and West Seattle Nursery bring you a free gardening demonstration with Ed Hume on April 23 at 2 pm at Bridge Park.

Hume will be demonstrating “Thinking Outside of the Pot” techniques for planting summer flower annuals in some unusual containers such as a Seattle Mariners lunchbox, teapots, and old lampshades, which will be given away as door prizes. Hume’s autographed book will also be available for purchase.

There is no cost to attend but space is limited so RSVPs are required. To RSVP, or to learn more, please call Bridge Park at 206-938-6394.

Bridge Park, located at 3204 SW Morgan St. in Seattle, is one of Holiday Retirement’s more than 300 Independent Retirement Living communities throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, call 206-938-6394 or visit their website.

The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College has announced the dates for its Spring Season Wine Sale, Featuring student and alumni produced wines.  

Friday, April 22, 12 – 4 pm
Saturday, April 23, 12 – 4 pm

The Northwest Wine Academy will be featuring classic wines from the Academy for sale Easter weekend. The Academy has also now begun to sell wines produced by alumni from their own wineries.

Available for purchase will be a 2008 Well Red (Bordeaux Blend – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc) and a  2009 Field Blend ( Rhone Blend – Mourvedre, Grenache and Counois.) In addition, a very limited number of bottles of 2010 Rosé will be available.  Also on hand will be Bubbly for purchase and tasting.  All these wines will be available in gift and wine baskets filled with treats from South’s Pastry Arts program. The Academy now stocks a large number of wine accessories that make perfect gifts.

South Seattle Community College’s Northwest Wine Academy is a first-of-its-kind program in Western Washington and offers three certificate programs – Wine Making, Wine Marketing & Sales, and Food & Wine Pairing. The Academy complements the college’s highly regarded and award-winning Culinary Arts program and the new bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management program.  

The event is free and open to the public.  The Northwest Wine Academy is located on the South Seattle Community College campus across from Bernie’s Bakery.  Parking is available in the North entry parking lot.

The Northwest Wine Academy is in the Wine & Welding Building at South Seattle Community College (6000 16^th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106). Phone: (206) 934-7942. For more info email reginia.daigneault@seattlecolleges.edu or read more about the wine program here.

West Seattle Youth Arts Charity Unified Outreach is sponsoring the 2011 “Seattle City Breaker’s Reunion” and 30 year anniversary celebration featuring the return of the 1980’s premier break dancer “Ziggy Zig Zag”. Three decades of break dancers will celebrate 30 years of hip hop in Seattle. Legendary Seattle DJ (1250 Kfox & KCMU Rap Attack) Nasty Nes Rodriguez is flying in from California to co-host the event; along with current KUBE DJ and Mayor’s Award winner B-Mello, and legendary recording artist and also Mayor’s Award winner DJ Mr. Supreme.

This special ALL AGES and FREE event takes place Friday night, May 13, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm at West Seattle Christian Church Performance Hall (4400 42nd Ave SW). Doors open at 6 pm. General information is available at the Facebook Event page here where you can RSVP and talk about the upcoming event.

Guests of honor will include original Seattle Break Dance Crews (established 1981-1984) Seattle City Breakers, Seattle Circuit Breakers, Twilight Patrol, DeRoxy Crew, Breaking Mechanism, and more; many of which competed in the 1984 “Summer Break” television program hosted by Steve Pool. Additional guests are expected from “America’s Best Dance Crew” contestants Massive Monkeys, and “Dance This” artists The Vicious Puppies. Highlight of the evening will be an appearance by legendary BBoy Ziggy Zig Zag who is returning to Seattle after 25 years.

My name is Brandee Paisano and I am the School-Age Care Director at High Point Community Center. We are going to be having an Open House on April 14th for our Pre-School Program as well as our School-Age Program. I would love to get the word out and give more children the chance to enjoy our programs.

High Point Community Center presents their 2011-2012 Pre-School and School-Age Care Open House.  We will be offering information about our school year programs as well as summer day camps. Please come and join us for a tour of our program spaces and light refreshments.

April 14th, 2011 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW), 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Call 206-684-7422 if you have any questions.

Programs that will be featured are described in detail below:

Ages 3-5
Small Scholars Academy strives to foster the development of the young child through the attention to their social, intellectual, and physical needs, integrating these aspects of learning throughout the program. We offer all of the necessary components for a positive experience for your child in a safe and structured environment to explore socialize and share.
The Small Scholars program is open from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Mon-Fri.
Activity Fee:    5 Days   $315
                        3 Days $230

Ages 3-5
The Preschool Summer Camp is an exciting summer offering for children ages 3-5. With 7 fun-filled weeks of themed activities and learning, your child will truly enjoy his/her summer. We will learn new songs and dance moves, create exciting art and cooking projects, experiment with science and nature, and intergrate some field trips throughout the summer! The Preschool Summer Camp is open from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Mon-Fri.
Activity Fee:    per week $78

Ages 5-12
The School-Age Care Program allows children to play and learn through recreation activities such as arts and culture, environmental stewardship, health and fitness, academic support and much more. We assure quality and consistent care with skilled staff. The Before and After School Programs are open from 7:00 am-9:00 am and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, respectively.
Before School Fee: 5 Days $185                                 After School Fee:  5 Days $285
                              4 Days $167                                                              4 Days $257
                              3Days  $158                                                              3 Days $243

Ages 5-12
Our Day Camp Program is a wonderful summer extension of the school-year.
The atmosphere emphasizes community relationships, and also recognizes individual achievement, creativity and original thinking. Our well-trained and energetic staff works daily to offer enrichment activities in such areas arts and culture, environmental stewardship, health and fitness, field trips, swimming and more.
Activity Fee: per week $160 ($150 2nd child Discount)

The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Chief Sealth Internaitonal High School is doing its part to help students prepare for the next phase of their education. This information session should be quite helpful to those wanted to go on to college.

The Chief Sealth PTSA invites you to How to Pay for College without Going Broke! on Thursday, April 28th from 7:00 – 8:30 at Chief Sealth International High School, Room 222 or the library.  Our presenter, Paula Bishop is a CPA and Certified College Planning Specialist.  She will walk us through the ins and outs of paying for college. This is the second in a series of information nights for parents and students.  If you have specific questions you would like her to address please send them to Leslie Menstell in advance at lmenstell@hotmail.com.  
 
Questions such as

• How can we afford public or private colleges?
• How can we get scholarships?
• How does the financial aid system work?
• Do we qualify for financial aid?
• How do colleges determine aid?
• How do 529 plans and the GET program work?
• We haven’t saved enough, what do we do?

—will be answered during this session.
 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
Leslie Menstell
Chief Sealth PTSA

CSHS is located at 2600 SW Thistle Street. Map and directions here 
About the Presenter, Paula Bishop, CPA, CCPSMs. Bishop is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified College Planning Specialist. Her expertise is working with families to develop strategies to find the best college for their student at the lowest cost to the family. Paula has been a practicing CPA for the past 20 years which allows her to combine her tax knowledge with the complexities of the financial aid system. Paula frequently conducts seminars to high school groups, sports groups, PTAs and professional organizations to include CPAs, Financial Advisors and Attorneys on “The Secrets of Financial Aid for College”.

Paula holds a BS from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a MBA from the University of California at Berkeley. She is a member of the Washington Society of CPAs, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Society of Tax Professionals. Paula is the Past President of the American Society of Women Accountants in Bellevue, WA. Paula holds the designation of Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) and has received extensive training and continuing education in college financial planning. There are fewer than 500 CCPS professionals in the country who have earned this designation from the National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP).

Exciting news for women of all ages in West Seattle – The Ruby Room is holding a $10 gown sale.

The Ruby Room’s Dresses for Divas (D4D) Sale, as part of the “West Seattle Garage Sale” event is back and this time we’re glammin’ up West Seattle. We’ve done Pioneer Square, Ballard, even Bellevue – now we’re ready to take on California Avenue! And we’ve gathered an amazing selection of gently-used gowns in all sizes and styles for only $10!

Saturday, May 14
9 am – 3 pm
Cherry Consignment (4142 California Ave) 

What is the D4D sale?
– We get tons of gowns through donations from individuals and businesses.
– Some are too mature or too casual for the prom, so we’re selling them to help raise funds for the Ruby Room. Some gowns have designer labels, some are sought-after vintage, and all will make you feel like a million bucks for practically no money. 
– All gowns are only $10! Cash or checks only please. Craving a new LBD (little black dress), but you’re underemployed? Even if you’re on a tight budget you still wanna feel like a diva. And even better: All money raised goes to support high school girls whose families can barely pay the bills, let alone buy them a new prom dress.

We’ve received a press release from our friends at South Seattle Community College.

Exhibit showcases student interpretations on the nature of the self

April 4 – May 6,  2011
Opening Reception – Tuesday April 12, 2011 – 12 to 1:30 pm

South Seattle Community College Art Gallery
Jerry Brockey Student Center (6000 16^th Avenue SW)

The concept of  IDENTITY is made visual through a broad range of interpretations by South Seattle Community College art students through portraits, personals interests, affinity to historical trends, object as object, geographic location, pets, food, and multiple treatments of different subjects. Student artists have created work embodying the unique characteristics of personhood, recognition, identification, their interpretation of the essential character of IDENTITY.

Please join us for an opening reception for the artists and community from 12-1:30 pm on Tuesday, April 12.

Admission is always free and open to the public. Click here for gallery hours and information about future exhibits . For more information contact:

Contact:          Tracy Cilona
Phone:             (206) 934 – 5337
Email:               tracy.cilona@seattlecolleges.edu
Website:          http://studentlife.southseattle.edu/art.html

Spring workshop schedule announced

South Seattle Community College’s WorkSource Center is pleased to announce six free job search workshops this spring. No registration is required, but seating may be limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information please call (206) 934-6822.

Classes are held on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 6 pm on the South Seattle campus, in the WorkSource office located in RSB 79 (at the north end of the campus).

Date                                        Workshop

April 13                                   The New Job Search in the New Economy

April 27                                   Effective Resumes

May 11                                    Job Interview Basics

May 18                                    The New Job Search in the New Economy

May 25                                    Online Job Search Basics

June 8                                      Effective Networking for Employment

South Seattle WorkSource Spring hours: 
Monday                       8 am – 5 pm
Tuesday                       8 am – 5 pm
Wednesday                 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday                     8 am – 5 pm
Friday                         8 am – 4:30 pm

South Seattle Community College is located at 6000-16^th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98106.
Driving directions

For additional information contact South Seattle Community College WorkSource Center at (206) 764-5304.

Chorale from the University of Puget Sound to perform concert in West Seattle

The Chorale from the University of Puget Sound, directed by Dr. Anne Lyman, is proud to present LOVE SONGS at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle.

LOVE SONGS features a variety of choral works from all periods. The program opens with Thomas Tallis’s immortal If Ye Love Me, a tender anthem from sixteenth-century England. Erev Shel Shoshanim, a Hebrew love song about an evening garden in bloom, is based on a dance song popular throughout the Middle East. Young love is emphasized in Dello Joio’s Come to Me, My Love, followed by maternal love in Eric Whitacre’s A Seal Lullaby. The choral portion of the concert closes with upbeat pieces such as selections from Brahms’s Liebeslieder Waltzes and Alfven’s folk tune, A Maiden is in a Ring Now. The concert also features a variety of student soloists performing on piano.

Open to the entire University of Puget Sound community, Chorale is a non-auditioned mixed ensemble that meets twice weekly. Through repertoire drawn from a multiplicity of style periods and genres including world choral music, members establish a musical foundation of vocal technique, music theory, and sight singing. Dr. Anne Lyman is conductor of choirs at University of Puget Sound, Artistic Director of the Seattle Bach Choir, and is founder and director of CANONICI: Consort of Voices. She is available for an interview and can be reached at 253-720-5359 or at alyman@pugetsound.edu.

DATE AND TIME:  April 17, 2011 at 3 PM

LOCATION:  St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
3050 California Ave SW 
Seattle, WA  98116-3302 
206-937-4545

TICKETS: Free-Will Donation

March 31st at the Duwamish Longhouse, (4705 W Marginal Way SW), 6:30-8:00 pm.

Dr. Enfield is grateful to have this opportunity to meet and talk with Native families and community members about the educational issues that matter the most to you and your family. She looks forward to listening to your feedback, concerns, and questions. Free event more information at Brown Paper Tickets. 

It’s the 2nd Annual “Dogs For Dogs” Dog Social at Muttley Crew Cuts (4200 SW Admiral Way Suite C) from 7 to 10 pm. Muttley Crew Cuts offers kennel-free grooming, and doggie daycare and boarding in the Admiral District for West Seattle canines.

You are invited to socialize with other dog owners while your K9 friends play. There is a raffle and $2 “dogs”, beer and wine (w/ ID), and snacks. All proceeds go to English Springer Rescue America (ESRA).

You can RSVP on the Facebook Event page here.

Less than two weeks away, South Park is throwing a party for pets and their people, and there are West Seattle participants too, with room for more vendors. Here’s the announcement for the first-ever Bark for South Park Pet Fair:

Celebrate the love of man’s best friend with the pets and people that make up the neighborhood of South Park in Seattle. Dogs and their parents will gather on April 9, 2011 to celebrate the 1st Annual Bark for South Park pet fair. The event will be held from 11:00am to 4:00pm in the parking lot of Discount Foods located at the corner of Dallas Ave South and 14th Ave South – right across the street from the temporary dog park in South Park.

The event will feature a number of booths from area pet stores and retailers like A Dog’s Dream Natural Pet Supply (Georgetown), Seattle Canine Outfitters (South Park), Petco (West Seattle) and others. Information about their products and free samples of their favorite healthy products will be handed out.

Receive invaluable information from pet care and training providers, like Happy Tails Dog Walking Services (Georgetown) and Seattle’s Best Dog Walking, visit dogs in need of a home from local rescues like Dogs Deserve More, or let you dog sample new bake at home treats from local vendors. A limited number of booths are still available at no cost to the vendor.

The event will also feature a number of contests for dogs, and their owners, plus giveaways – and of course, it is dog friendly.

Sisters, Kathy and Sue Kershaw, planned the event on one of their daily visits to the dog park with Kathy’s beloved dog, Zeke. Their idea was two-fold; they wanted to bring dog lovers together to show support for a permanent dog area in the neighborhood — and also bring more people down to the retail core of South Park. Restaurant and retail establishments that are hit hard by to the bridge closure last year, losing regular customers who long traveled from neighboring Duwamish River neighborhoods.

“When the South Park Bridge closed last June, the county installed a temporary dog park at one of the sites next to the closed bridge. Since construction will start on the new bridge in May, the dog park will close after just being open 10 months. We have many dogs in this neighborhood already, and people from Georgetown, White Center and Boulevard Park are bringing their dogs here to play.”

“We need to secure a place now for our dogs especially since so many people here cannot drive to dog parks in other parts of Seattle. Not having the same access to the neighboring communities is a huge issue for this area,” says Kathy Kershaw, organizer of the event. “My sister and I hope to bring other dog lovers from the community out to support the idea of a dog park and that support this area as a dog-friendly community. If anything, we need to understand each other and our pets more to make this a nicer place to live for our four-legged family members.”

The event promises to be a treat for all dog lovers and their pets alike. The hope is to continue this event annually – in a new dog park in a restored area along the Duwamish River.

Volunteers and vendors are still needed for the event. Please contact Kathy Kershaw at 206-696-0521 / 206-767-5695.

If you’re looking for a spring egg hunt, join Seattle Parks and Recreation all over the city for a variety of fun egg hunts. Some are for toddlers, some are for teens and involve flashlights! Sounds like a lot of fun, check it out with your kids.

If you’re traveling to another part of the city, you can see the entire schedule here so you can plan egg hunting fun!

Tuesday, April 19
High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW
Toddler Spring Eggstravaganza
Ages 2 – 5
10 a.m. to noon
Activity Fee: $5; please use #69489 in the SPARC registration system at
www.seattle.gov/parks.
Bring your little one for a morning of fun and activities, including a very special bunny visit
especially for toddlers. There will be games, crafts for the children, and an egg hunt (11
a.m. sharp) with age-appropriate prizes and candy. 

Friday April 22nd
Teens Only! Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Way SW
Teen Night Egg Hunt
Ages 12-18
8:15 p.m.
Free
Join us for the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle! Please remember your
flashlight and goodie bag, and there will be prizes. We’ll serve a spaghetti dinner after the hunt.
Please call 206 684-7441 for more information.

Saturday April 23rd
Teens Only! Southwest Teen Life Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt
Ages 13-19
9 p.m.
Free
Bring a flashlight and your sense of adventure–we’ll be searching for eggs. Find the most and
win a prize!

Saturday April 23rd
Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW
High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW
South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S
Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.
Spring Egg Hunts
Ages 3 – 11
10 a.m.
Free
Girls and boys ages 3 to 11 will have a great time at the spring egg hunt at their closest West
Seattle community center, searching for chocolate eggs, candy, and prizes. Please come early
to find the hunting area for your age group, and remember to bring a bag or basket for the eggs
you find.

This Sunday afternoon, Hope Lutheran School invites you to its open house and “Moving Up Day” – noon-1 pm on Sunday (4456 42nd SW). Hope Lutheran describes it as a “casual opportunity for students and parents to check out our classrooms, and get to know your new teacher for our upcoming school year. All classrooms will be open so please stop by for a visit with the teacher, along with a fun activity of some treats in the lobby. We hope you can join us!”

Hope is starting a preschool program and you can find out more about that during the open house too – here’s a link to more information on the school website.