West Seattle, Washington
20 Thursday
ORIGINAL 12:43 PM NOTE: This just in from Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: Its community-barbecue celebration LINKS has been moved indoors – still at Delridge Community Center, but it’ll be inside, still 2-6 pm with live music, entertainment, food and other fun. 1:19 PM UPDATE: It’s actually indoors at YOUNGSTOWN ARTS CENTER across the street (4408 Delridge). See you there. 3:45 PM UPDATE: Here’s a photo from about an hour ago – tables are set up inside the theater, lots of food, entertainment should be in full swing by now:
Many of today’s events are all or partly indoors, but even if you were looking forward to what’s supposed to be happening outdoors – the forecast says the rain WILL lift. Not predicting sunbreaks, but “rain” is supposed to make way for “cloudy with chance of showers.” 
We have NOT received word of any rainouts; we’ll add word of anything we do hear, but in the meantime, the show must go on. Two of this afternoon’s highlights: The Alki Statue of Liberty Time Capsule ceremony (with West Seattle High School alum astronaut Greg Johnson starting a round of local appearances) at 2 pm, 
which is also the start time for the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association‘s LINKS barbecue at Delridge Community Center (2-6). A highlight tonight: Easy Street Records in The Junction celebrates Pearl Jam‘s new “Backspacer” with a 9 pm party preceding the midnight sale — bring a donation for West Seattle Food Bank – giveaways, raffles, music (they’ll be playing cuts from “Backspacer” starting at 11), and if Easy Street’s full when you get there, the party’s officially spilling over into West 5. More here. For today’s full list of events, click here.
That trio of volunteers staffed a cheery concession table full of candy inside the gym at Holy Rosary School as the 20th annual Westfest (WSB sponsor) got under way last night. It continues 10 am-10 pm today – lots of outdoor fun, of course, including bouncy rides for kids (and we saw a portable climbing wall too), plus bingo:
We also heard via Twitter from West Seattle-resident TV personality Jim Dever (@jimdever) that the “West Seattle Idol” talent show at Westfest at 4 pm today is not to be missed. Here’s the Westfest map and schedule; here’s a map to Holy Rosary.
Also continuing today, the big sale at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood (Google Street View above; here’s a map) to help Baby Maarten, a 1-year-old who’s in the fight of his life (chronicled here), getting treatment for a brain tumor. By several accounts, including what organizer Claudia wrote here, Day 1 was terrific, and there’s still lots left for you to shop on Day 2. (Speaking of sales, if you’re going to be out and about, check out the listings for yard/garage sales today in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums.)
Holy Rosary School‘s big fall festival Westfest (WSB sponsor) starts at 6 tonight … the 2nd annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by WSB) takes over Junction streets all day Sunday … WSHS Grad Night has a fundraising car wash tomorrow, which is also when you’ll find the first in a series of monthly Family Fun events at High Point Community Center … Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association invites you to the LINKS Community Barbecue tomorrow afternoon … the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) has announced fun events for America on the Move week – just part of the SEVENTY events/activities in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club – read on!Read More
ALKI HOMESTEAD’S FUTURE: The landmark’s owner, Tom Lin, is scheduled to be the guest at tonight’s Alki Community Council meeting, to discuss his plans for the historic building, heavily damaged by fire in January. 7 pm, Alki Community Center.
SOUTHWEST LIBRARY LACE: Before Seattle author Heather Barbieri reads from her novel, “The Lace Makers of Glenmara” at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library at 6:30 p.m., Julie Enevoldsen from Friends of Southwest Branch Library will be demonstrating bobbin lace, starting around 5 pm: She’s a member of Lacemakers of Puget Sound and invites you to stop by and see how lace is made by hand, as it is in the book. Also at the reading, Square One Books (WSB sponsor) will be selling books.
COFFEE CINEMA: The documentary “1000 Journals,” about people whose lives are touched by 1000 traveling journals, will be shown at Freshy’s Coffee tonight at 7.
TRANSITIONAL RESOURCES DINNER: “An Evening of Inspiration,” benefiting West Seattle-based Transitional Resources, starts at 6 tonight with a silent auction/reception, The Hall at Fauntleroy, $25 for three-course meal, wine/cash bar available, silent auction, entertainment by Garfield Jazz Combo.
In a weekend of big events this Saturday and Sunday, one of the biggest is the 2nd annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (with WSB among the sponsors), for which California SW in The Junction will be shut down all day Sunday. Coordinator Michael Hoffman from Liberty Bell Printing had more than 100 cars pre-register – and some of their proud owners don’t have to go far to participate in the show – like Bakery Nouveau proprietor William Leaman, who showed us his 1964 Ford Falcon Club Wagon the other day:
And he told us the van’s story:
The van will be in front of Bakery Nouveau during the Junction Car Show (the street closure is going to be a lot like West Seattle Summer Fest, only extending another half-block north to Genesee). After Leaman talked with us about his cool wheels, it was off for a ride:
Car owners are also welcome to register on show day – space available, first-come, first-served. The car show website explains where to be, and when, to participate. Coordinator Hoffman says, “We have two of the best car show people in Seattle, Dean Olson and Scott McMahill, handling the day of logistics. Steve and Dean also head the Roadster Show that take place yearly at the Convention Center.” And while the show is free, he suggests bringing a few dollars to get in on some great prizes for a great cause: “We are also having a raffle, with all proceeds going to the West Seattle Helpline. There will be over 30 items donated by local merchants. The main prize is a $350 gas BBQ grill donated by Junction True Value. And TILA Mortgage has donated two round trips on the Victoria Clipper and one night’s lodging, worth $250.”
West Seattle has its own community orchestra – and starting this Tuesday, it’s welcoming interested local musicians to join in for a new season. Here’s the latest news as shared by Westside Symphonette founder Toni Reineke:
Westside Symphonette announces: Two new conductors! A new orchestra! Three new string coaches! September 15—and every Tuesday!
Several new additions are in store for the Westside Symphonette Community and Youth Orchestras’ 2009-2010 season, beginning September 15, meeting at Chief Sealth High School in the Boren Building.
In addition to Toni Reineke, co-conductor and founder of the orchestra, the Symphonette is welcoming Julia Tai and Robert Duisberg, co-conductors [photos above]. Julia is a doctoral student at the University of Washington studying instrumental conducting with Maestro Peter Erös and violin with Ronald Patterson. She is co-concertmaster of the UW Symphony and the conductor of the UW Contemporary Ensemble. Robt Duisberg has been a composer and music director in Seattle for 30 years. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition and conducting from the University of Washington as well as a PhD in Computer Science.
The Symphonette is launching a third orchestra for beginning string players this fall. Symphonette Strings is for youth and adults who are just getting started playing the violin, viola, cello or bass. Through a generous grant from the Wallace Foundation, the string group will have adult coaches provided by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras.
In addition to the Symphonette Strings, the Westside Symphonette will continue with the Junior Orchestra, for beginning to intermediate players, and the Senior Orchestra for more advanced players. The groups are open to all ages, youth through adult. Informal auditions are held for placement in the proper group. Each group performs publicly two to four times per year.
Come join the Symphonette! Openings are still available for this fall for every orchestral instrument. Please contact Toni Reineke at 206-243-6955 or tonireineke@comcast.net for further information.
ADDED SEPT. 15: Missed the times in the original report above – Toni says it’s 5:30 start time for junior orchestra and beginning strings, 6:45 for senior orchestra.
That’s a Google Street View of West Seattle’s Southwest branch of the Seattle Public Library. (9010 35th SW; map), where two big events are coming up. Julie Enevoldsen from Friends of Southwest Branch Library shares both announcements. First – this one’s less than a week away:
Friends of Southwest Branch Library would like to invite all patrons to an informal Meet & Greet reception for our “new” branch manager, Jane Appling, on Saturday, September 19th from 1-2 pm in the meeting room at the branch.
In June, branch manager Theresa Mayer accepted a new position as Outreach Services Manager at the Central Library, coordinating programs and services to immigrant and refugee communities and the Library Equal Access Program serving people with disabilities. We’ll miss Theresa, but wish her well in her new position!
Jane Appling is our new branch manager (and branch manager of South Park) as of early July. Most recently, Jane served as the Library Services’ Operations and Analysis Manager. She offers extensive and varied public library experience, a very insightful perspective, and a passion for serving the community. Come and meet her on September 19!
Second – a call for artists:
The Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library and the Friends of Southwest Branch Library invite community artists of all ages to the 18th Annual Southwest Community Art Showcase.
(Local artists) may sign up by calling 206-684-7455, or by stopping by the Southwest Branch between Thursday, Oct 1 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Artists of any age and artwork of any medium are welcome.
Art work by Southwest community members will be on display at the Southwest Branch from October 26 through November 15. A meet-the-artists reception is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the library. Artists participating in the Showcase are encouraged to attend. The reception is a chance to discuss art with the artists in a low-key, friendly setting. This is an opportunity to meet your creative neighbors! Refreshments will be served. Join us!
Want to know more about Friends of Southwest Branch Library? Go here.
They’re the fastest vegetables in the West – today, anyway – the zucchini you’ll find converted into racing machines today at West Seattle Farmers’ Market (where we recorded that clip during this event two years ago). Starting at 10 this morning at the market (44th/Alaska), “kids of all ages” (as the announcement puts it) can make their racers out of produce and parts supplied for free. Shopping, too? Here’s today’s Ripe and Ready list.
Hit the Farmers’ Market early, then meander up California to PCC Natural Market (WSB sponsor) for the West Seattle store’s 20th birthday bash – free burgers, macaroni salad and birthday cake, cooking demonstrations, plus samples of other items (even chocolate), plus the ever-fun PCC Kid Picks van … the schedule’s here; party starts at 11 am, 2749 California (map).
That’s also when you can get an hour and a quarter of free yoga at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor), 5639 California SW (map). From there – to the beach! where Cones For Kids will get you Husky Deli ice cream 1-4 pm, presented by the Eternally Joyful Guild supporting Children’s Hospital. This year, you’ll find them by Picnic Shelter #1, west of the bathhouse.
Just as Cones For Kids wraps up, the neighbors of North Delridge will be firing up S’mores in the Park at Delridge Community Center/Playfield (4501 Delridge; map), 4-6 pm. Hot on the heels of the well-attended Ice Cream Social, they’re hoping to draw neighbors from all over the area to meet and share treats.
Then the night wraps up at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW; map), with nationally renowned singer/songwriter Susan Werner in concert at 7 pm – ticket info’s on the FC website.
These are just the highlights – see more on the West Seattle Weekend Lineup list – click here to hop directly to the Sunday section.
Lashanna sent that photo just as “Crank It Up” was about to get going in South Park’s Cesar Chavez Park (7th So. and So. Cloverdale; map). She’s there doing facepainting – as she’s done at lots of West Seattle events too! “Crank It Up” continues till 6 pm and is just a short hop from West Seattle – here’s the list of what’s happening, starting with a bike ride that’s under way now and then moving on to live music starting at 3 with The Not-Its (who played the Alki community picnic recently) – There’s Full Tilt Ice Cream at “Crank It Up” too! UPDATE: Another photo from Lashanna – Ambulance is one of the bands that played – she says they’re all middle- and high-school students from Ballard:
That’s how this sunny Saturday started at Seacrest, as photographed by Christopher Boffoli … 
and it just keeps getting better. At right, a little pic sent by West Seattle High School assistant volleyball coach Jim Hardy, who says they’re washing cars an extra half-hour, till 2:30 pm, and says they’re thankful for everybody supporting Westside volleyball: “This is both a major fundraiser for the program to help offset some budget reductions from the School District, and part of a Team Building weekend. Supporters are asked to make donations. It is going to be an exciting year for the team which features some good young players who should continue to improve through the season.” They’re in the WSHS parking lot. Meantime, remember everything going on today is in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup (to jump directly to the Saturday section, click here – and if you know of something NOT on the list, please add a mention in comments!).
Accordions doing ABBA? That video is from a California performance last fall by Those Darn Accordions, who are at Admiral Theater tonight, 2343 California SW (map), 8 pm. But first – what to do today? In the shopping mood? Fauntleroy Church‘s Second-Time Sale:
9 am-3 pm, bountiful bargains, 9140 California SW (map). From there, head north to get your car washed for a good cause; you can support the West Seattle High School volleyball team by taking your wheels to their wash in the WSHS parking lot (3000 California SW; map) 10 am-2 pm. Once your car’s clean — how about bringing home a new furry friend?
We saw those cute little guys at a Southwest Community Center foster cat Adopt-A-Thon last fall; today, another group of home-seeking kitties will be at SWCC, noon-3 pm. Then you can do even more to help reduce cat overpopulation by going to a benefit tonight for FCAT, which traps and sterilizes feral cats; Dong Khanh Cafe (9655 16th SW; map) is where you’ll find the fun, food and music, starting at 5 pm. One more event for tonight: West Seattle Montessori School (WSB sponsor) wants to show off its brand-new campus and invites you to an open house tonight for tours, free food and fun – 5:30-7:30 pm, 11215 15th SW (map).
More events in the latest West Seattle Weekend Lineup!
More than FIFTY events on the list this week – including: Sunday’s the big 20th birthday party at PCC Natural Markets‘ West Seattle store (WSB sponsor), kicking off at 11 am with free food, cooking demos, samples, more (details here). All weekend long, looks like the weather will keep the summer spirit alive – other Sunday highlights include the Zucchini 500 at West Seattle Farmers’ Market and free Sunday yoga at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor), North Delridge Neighborhood Council‘s S’mores in the Park … but first, Saturday’s busy too, with the West Seattle HS Volleyball Team fundraising car wash, Cat Adopt-A-Thon at Southwest Community Center; cats also get a boost from the FCAT fundraiser in White Center Saturday night, which you can check out before Admiral Theater showcases Those Darn Accordions .. Now, the FULL WSB West Seattle Weekend Lineup:Read More
Remember West Seattle Art Walk night last month? Thunder, lightning, downpours? Looks like tomorrow’s expected weather will be much more conducive to wandering. And the offerings keep getting more and more creative. Sampling from among the ranks of WSB sponsors who are participating, for example, Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction is presenting The Paint Ball – billed as “Four artists, 120 minutes, public scrutiny, suffering” (more here). At Brunette Mix in The Junction, Gatewood artist/writer Pam Mandel (also known for Nerd’s Eye View) is showing collages. Ventana Construction, between Alaska and Morgan Junctions, is having an “artist blowout.” Back in The Junction, Wallflower Custom Framing will show the work of Kelly Rae Cunningham, whose creations adorn walls in Mural Apartments (where Wallflower’s in the ground-level-retail area). Across the street at Dream Dinners in Jefferson Square, Betty Olson Vacca‘s oils, pastels and watercolors. Other WSB sponsors participating: Click! Design That Fits in Admiral, M3 Bodyworks between Alaska and Morgan Junctions, Coffee at the Heights in Sunrise Heights, Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy. One more participant of note: A very young artist, Schmitz Park Elementary third-grader Romy Ehrsam – who likes to draw, paint with watercolor and make block prints – will show her work at Shoofly Pie in The Junction. Here’s the printable map to all of tomorrow night’s participants; look for more venue/artist highlights at the official Art Walk site, and if you have something to highlight, let us know for the next preview tomorrow morning!
(WSB photo from August 17)
The second-to-last day of the Delridge Produce Cooperative‘s four-week “Mobile Market” pilot project ended early today because of the stormy weather – but you can check out the (free!) produce stand’s grand finale tomorrow (Monday), south lawn of Youngstown Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way, where we took the photo you see above; here’s a map), 3:30-7:30 pm. After that, DPC founder Galena White hopes you will help plan an event to celebrate the progress so far and talk about what happens next:
The ‘Mobile Market’ team would like to plan a party at which we will give out the results of the survey, share stories of our experiences at the booth and celebrate the connections we made, and talk about the next step in building our community’s food infrastructure. Everyone and anyone is invited to the party, including the volunteers, produce contributors, people who visited the booth, and anyone who wanted to visit but didn’t get the chance. We need help planning the party and we need volunteers to help make it happen.
We’d like for anyone who wants to help to join us in planning the party this Tuesday, September 8th at Pearls, from 6-8 pm. We’ll make plans for where the party should be held, what kind of refreshments we should have, and what the program will be like; and then we’ll all choose which tasks we want to accomplish. Planning the party should be almost as much fun as the party itself, so we hope that a lot of people come!
Pearls is at 4800 Delridge Way; here’s a map.
If you aren’t so sure about braving the damp, cool breeziness – assuming tomorrow doesn’t surprise us all with calmer weather – here’s one indoor option: The Comerford School of Irish Dance is kicking off a new season of lessons at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska; map). The official announcement says you can “get ready for holiday jigs and reels” with “instruction by three licensed teachers with World Championship experience and honors.” The class schedule for Mondays and Tuesdays, starting tomorrow, is here; for more info, celticartsnw@hotmail.com or 206-935-3225.
Emily sent that photo of the musicians at the Sunrise Heights dance, continuing till 9 pm, and reports a fun time’s being had by all:
Super fun and great turnout despite the weather! Live music and BBQ. 30th between Myrtle and Othello.
Here’s a map; here’s more info. If you’re in Sunrise Heights – between Westwood/Gatewood and High Point – you can find out more neighborhood happenings on the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association website.
Last chance to enjoy some summertime staples, like Colman Pool at Lincoln Park, open Sat-Sun-Mon before closing till May 2010 … or take a scenic walk on Saturday with the Emerald City Wanderers … taste tomatoes at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sunday … more than 40 events/activities through Monday night are all featured in the Labor Day weekend edition of the WSB West Seattle Weekend Lineup:Read More
More huge events coming up in West Seattle this month before a small pre-Halloween lull – and one of them is the 2nd annual West Seattle Junction Car Show, Sunday 9/20. WSB is proud to co-sponsor the show again this year; the official news release from the West Seattle Junction Association is out, so we’re sharing it here:
– Three blocks of downtown West Seattle at The Junction will be cordoned off on Sunday, September 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Second Annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (wsjunctioncarshow.com). This family friendly, community-oriented event will take place on California Avenue SW between SW Genesee and SW Edmunds streets and will feature classic cars and hot rods from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. Antique fire trucks from The Last Resort Fire Department, the Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane and fire safety tips for kids from the fighters of the Seattle Fire Department will also be part of the festivities. Classic car enthusiasts can register their car on the day of the event for $20 and will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Trophies will be awarded in several categories, including Best in Show, Best of Decade, Best Ford and Best of West Seattle. DJ Galen Suave will be spinning classic hits from the 1950’s and 60’s. A gas grill courtesy of Junction True Value ($350 value) as well as over 20 donated items from West Seattle businesses will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are one for $1, six for $5 or 13 for $10 and will benefit the West Seattle Helpline. Day-of coupons for many Junction merchants will be available at the Information booth, as will Car Show tee shirts and Junction bumper stickers. As always, parking is free in The Junction at four marked lots, one on 42nd Avenue SW and three on 44th Avenue SW.
“This event, sponsored by The Junction and the merchants of West Seattle, is a chance for us to give back to the community. Attendees are welcome to stroll along the street and enjoy the show with their families,” explains Michael Hoffman, owner of Liberty Bell Printing and event co-chair.
If you attended last year, you’ll note one major change – the streets will be closed in the same “footprint” as West Seattle Summer Fest, a wider closure than last year. Find out more at wsjunctioncarshow.com.
Half an hour from now, as previewed yesterday, Alki Community Center hosts a picnic and concert – food starts at 4:30, music (with Caspar Babypants followed by The Not-Its) starts at 6. In response to a WSB’er question, we checked to make sure there was no chance of rainout – Mary Pat at Alki CC says it’s on, rain or shine (the stage has a tent), and please bring that requested food donation for Northwest Harvest.
Tomorrow night’s Alki Community Picnic has been in the WSB Events calendar for a while but without the extra details we just got from Mary Pat Byington at Alki Community Center, (5817 SW Stevens), where all the fun is happening tomorrow afternoon/evening: It starts at 4:30 pm — free food and a “jump toy” for the kids – plus music from Caspar Babypants (aka West Seattle-residing rock star Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America) at 6 pm, followed by The Not-Its (shown above in a clip from last year’s Halloween party at Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center). Mary Pat adds, “Please bring a can food donation for Northwest Harvest.” (That regional organization distributes supplies to local food banks.)
BENEFIT HAIRCUTS: Starting at 9 am, proceeds from haircuts done today at Christopher’s Salon in Morgan Junction (7009 California SW) will go toward helping the owner with medical bills from a recent health crisis. Tickets also are being sold for a benefit raffle; the drawing is now set for September 7. (10:45 am note: We have gone to the salon twice since 9 am and no one is there – it’s closed – not sure what’s going on, but if you are interested in helping, call before you go to see if they’re open – 932-1760.)
“REINVENT YOURSELF” WORKSHOP: Seven local entrepreneurs are presenting this event (a WSB sponsor) starting at 8:45 today at Merrill Gardens (also a WSB sponsor; 4611 35th SW). If you didn’t register in advance, you can do so at the door – full details here.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always – here’s what’s on the Ripe and Ready list this week.
LAST DAY BEFORE LIBRARY SHUTDOWN: After today, Seattle Public Library branches are closed for a week because of city budget cuts, followed by the Labor Day holiday, so if you need to get something done, today’s your last chance till Tuesday, Sept. 8th. West Seattle has four library branches (Southwest, Delridge, High Point, West Seattle/Admiral); locations and hours can be found here.
“MARCH FOR YOUTH”: This isn’t happening in West Seattle but the invitation extends citywide – a march and rally by and for those concerned about youth violence. The march starts at 2 sites at 3 pm; full details here from the Rainier Valley Post.
We unintentionally skipped this in the Weekend Lineup but we just got a reminder note that it’s definitely on: The Ride and Glide “Extreme Sports Team” (featured above in a YouTube clip from last year) will be showing off BMX moves at the West Seattle Christian Preschool lot (41st/Genesee; map) tonight – free hot dogs at 5:30 pm, show at 6:30 pm. (If for some reason rain returns – not currently forecast – the show will move inside to the WSCC Activity Center, which is on 42nd just south of Genesee.)
| 2 COMMENTS