Nikki Mackey hopes you will take two minutes to watch that video she and her filmmaking partner have just created. We heard from her last October, when she got her hair cut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) to donate to Locks of Love – right before she started treatment for breast cancer. (Here’s that story.) At the time, Nikki explained, “I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am.” And the latest:

I am an aspiring filmmaker – part of a 2-girl filmmaking team. My “partner in crime” (Connie Finn) actually lives over in West Seattle still. She and I made a PSA that was filmed back in December between my 3rd and 4th A/C chemo treatments. We had 2 days to film – 2 days that I would feel well enough for us to get it done. We filmed this in my bathroom if you would believe it – totally indie-style! … That day also happened to be my 37th birthday – one that could have easily been my last. I hope you will consider posting the film on your site. Its run time is only 2 minutes but the message is important and clear. We aren’t seeking to make any money from this film – only to save lives. I am still in chemo – I have another 9 months to go. But I am fighting hard and I aim to win – and it is all about early detection.

As a viewer advisory, we should note there is a point in the video where some may decide to turn away. But the truth of its message is inescapable. (Here’s more information from the American Cancer Society.)

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry. New WSB sponsors get the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what they’d like you to know: “Dr. Krieger, Dr. Pavlovich, and our staff have an unwavering passion for meeting the needs of every individual in a unique and personalized way. Patients often remark that our office is the only office they have been to where the dentistry is taken so seriously, but the patients, doctors and staff all have fun during the process. Our mission is to treat every patient with the same compassion and kindness as we would a family member or friend. There is, however, one thing that sets Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry apart from every office in Seattle. We are one of the very few utilizing the process of ‘Digital Co-Diagnosis,’ in which the patient becomes a vital part of the diagnostic process using cutting edge digital technology. Our office actually was one of the pioneers in developing this technique which is now used all over the world. We would love to show any potential patient how this process works because it is revolutionary. Anyone who is interested should simply call our office and set up a new patient exam. Because of our commitment to care, many other dentists in the area recognize us as one of the the leading dental offices in the Greater Seattle area. When 3500 dentists were polled, our office was twice voted as a ‘Top Seattle Dental Office’.”

Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry is at 4150 California SW; call 206-935-1855. They’re online at kriegerdental.com. Through their WSB ad, they’re offering a special to new patients this month – contact them for an appointment.

We thank Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Bryan Brenner DDS, located at 10254 16th Ave. SW (map) next to the licensing agency in Dormer Plaza. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what Dr. Brenner would like you to know:

A beautiful smile is taken for granted by those who already have one. Your smile can change the way you present yourself to the world and the manner in which you are perceived. About a year and a half ago, Dr. Brenner and his wife Cheryl (pictured with daughter Charlotte) moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with Seattle. Dr. Brenner opened his family-friendly practice with the belief that a visit to the dentist does not have to be intimidating. Patients are encouraged to ask any and every dental question they have during their visits. Dr. Brenner specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry, which includes whitening, Invisalign, veneers, dentures, porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, Cerec one-visit crowns and the planning and restoration of implants. He also provides free well-baby checks for children of his patients (6 months – 5 years) so that the children become accustomed to visiting the dentist. Bryan Brenner DDS is offering a $150 Macy’s gift card to all new patients after the completion of their comprehensive exam, cleaning, and X-rays. Dr. Brenner would also like new patients to know that they he will gladly donate that same $150 to WestSide Baby in lieu of the gift card. Find out more information online at www.bryanbrennerdds.com or by visiting Bryan Brenner DDS on Facebook. If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please call 206-762-2573.

We thank Bryan Brenner DDS for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

If you missed the food/alcohol permit training at Alki Masonic Hall on Sunday – we got one call from someone who said the place appeared locked up – Rick Dusatko has an apology for you – it was downstairs in the dining hall but they didn’t put a sign on the (locked) front door. So they’re bringing in trainers for a makeup class this Saturday:

A makeup Food Handlers Permit class will be held this Saturday, October 30, at
9:30 am, with the alcohol class at 10:30 am, at Alki Masonic Temple, 4736 40th Av. SW, IN THE DOWNSTAIRS DINING HALL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING DOWN THE RAMP AND STAIRS. The first set of blue doors, just to your left at the bottom of the stairs A sign will be posted on the front doors to direct you downstairs. FOOD AT 9:30 AM, ALCOHOL AT 10:30 AM. My apologies to everyone who missed the food handlers permit class last Sunday at Alki Temple. I am an IDIOT! I forgot to put a sign directing you downstairs, I thought it was in the announcement. You were six steps away, Sorry.

Our next regularly scheduled Food Handlers permit class will be on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 10:00 am, with the alcohol class at 11:00 am, same place – Alki Temple 4736 40th Ave SW, downstairs in the dining hall SE corner of the building, down the ramp and stairs, first set of blue doors left at the bottom of the stairs.

If you haven’t already heard about this via Facebook or Twitter, we’re mentioning here too: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is offering free mammograms tomorrow at Roxbury Safeway, 8:30 am-7:30 pm – criteria: “Uninsured women between 40 and 64.” But you need to call for an appointment: 206.288.7800.

(P.S. If you miss out on this, West Seattle Community Clinic has its next day of free breast/cervical screening for uninsured/underinsured 40-65-year-olds on Nov. 6; call 206.937.9722.)

Richard Dusatko from Alki Lodge 152 says, “We’re trying something new” – and if this turns out to be popular, they’ll do more of it:

Training and testing for food and alcohol permits will be available in West Seattle Junction on Sunday, October 24, 2010 and Sunday, November 28, 2010, at Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th Ave. SW. Food permits at 10 am with the alcohol permits at 11 am. Cost $15 each. No reservation needed. Tell your friends.

Questions? Call Rick at 206-935-6818 or e-mail vinajane@hotmail.com. (He also points out the lodge will serve breakfast on those days at 9 am, $5.)

**note, e-mail address updated 10/25/2010**

After gathering at a picnic shelter along the Alki promenade, the participants in this morning’s Walk ‘n’ Roll for Ataxia (about 50 by our informal count) headed out eastbound along the beach, with these young banner-carriers leading the way:

Ataxia is a nervous-system disorder (explained here) that in some cases can turn deadly. Researchers are working on some studies that show promise, but as with all research, it takes money, so events like this one are geared toward raising some. You can donate to the cause any time by going here.

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Geri Dube, who offers a Walk and Talk counseling practice along Alki. Geri is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping people tackling relationship issues, weight management, depression, and/or general stress. She believes that walking helps people tap into their own creative ways to deal with these matters, while at the same time getting exercise and connecting with nature and community. Geri says many clients have told her they have fond memories of insightful and even life-changing conversations they’ve had while walking with a friend. That’s why she believes that incorporating a walk into a session helps people get unstuck and move toward finding answers to questions and problems. Realizing the difficulties of finding babysitters and the usual need to multi-task, Geri invites new parents to walk with their baby strollers, and encourages pet lovers to bring “Fido” along, for outdoor sessions. She sees clients at her West Seattle home office as well, and would like to assure prospective clients that she is open as to how they would like to meet, whether indoors or out. She is covered by most insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee scale if necessary. Walk and Talk counseling, however, is not covered, so Geri provides 30-minute sessions when requested. Walk and Talk Therapy is an out-of-the-box approach that helps people find their own way through the difficult times, get unstuck and move forward. Geri has been written up in Fitness Magazine, Health Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, amongst other publications. She has been in practice almost 20 years on the Eastside prior to moving to West Seattle. For an appointment, call Geri at 425-358-0083; visit her website at gericounsels.org.

We thank Geri Dube for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.