West Seattle, Washington
14 Friday
2020 is almost in the rear-view mirror. If you want to kick off 2021 with a boost to your health and fitness, you can do it with the n free Get Fit, West Seattle program, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). The pandemic doesn’t have to get in the way. First, you can join in on the Get Fit Info Night, live online, at 6 pm Tuesday (December 15th). That’s when you’ll learn about the free training program that will start in early January, culminating in you running a half-marathon in June. WSR’s Lori McConnell reassures you, “It is a program for beginners. We will start everything virtually! You will get a training plan and encouragement!” After the Info Night, you’ll look ahead to the kickoff at 10 am January 2nd, also live online: “We can encourage one another as a group as we get off the couch and train.” GFWS will include group runs when health rules permit. Questions? Email lorimcconnell@hotmail.com.
If you have a few minutes to answer some questions, a community group would appreciate your assistance. Here’s the announcement:
The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address the high rates of youth substance use in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. The coalition will use these surveys to guide their work in selecting effective prevention programs and services for youth and the community. Please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous survey.
The survey is online in English y en Español.
One item for tonight on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar that we want to remind you about – it’s free, and all are welcome: The Westside School Parent Association is presenting “Coping with Uncertainty,” so parents/guardians can learn “how to manage stress and anxiety for you and your child” in these deeply uncertain times. It’s a live online presentation followed by Q&A, with featured guest Sivie Suckerman, LMHC, who the WSPA says “has worked with youth and families for nearly 15 years in community mental health, crisis outreach, school-based mental health, private practice, as well as residential treatment.” Adults and students of all ages are invited to attend. Contact Dorothy Lemoult at dorothy.lemoult at gmail dot com ASAP for the Zoom link and questions.
If you can give this holiday season, here are three ways to do that for people served by Navos, which sent this announcement:
During this unprecedented time, Navos Behavioral Health services are more critical than ever. Help make the holidays brighter for some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and adults in our community with a gift of gift cards (grocery stores, VISA or Target preferred), or new hats and gloves (for all ages). Financial donations (tax-deductible) also make a big difference!
-To make a secure donation to our holiday gift card drive, click here.
-Donations may be dropped off at Navos’ West Seattle campus at 2600 SW Holden Street through Friday, December 18th at noon. To arrange a dropoff, please email development@navos.org
-Donations may be mailed to Navos’ West Seattle campus:
2600 SW Holden Street
Attn: Alice Braverman
Seattle, WA 98126Together we can help hundreds of vulnerable children, youth, adults and families living in poverty have a happy holiday! For questions regarding Navos’ holiday drive, please call 206-933-7196, or email development@navos.org.
The Navos West Seattle campus has inpatient and outpatient behavioral-health care as well as housing.
We continue spotlighting holiday-helping opportunities all season long – you can also check the list any time in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Thanks to Janel for the tip: Two more outdoor flu-shot clinics open to all Seattle Public Schools students are coming up this month, at Madison Middle School, 8:30 am-4:30 pm December 9th and 1-5 pm December 17th. Here’s the flyer with a QR code you can use:
You can also register by using this form or calling 206-933-7842.
You’re welcome to be part of a “Mental Health 101” workshop the next two Wednesday nights, online. Here’s the invitation:
Recognizing that the rainy season, pandemic restrictions, and holiday stresses can be hard for people prone to depression or other mental-health issues, Fauntleroy Church, UCC, will host a free two-part workshop, “Mental Health 101,” on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9.
Experienced facilitators with the National Alliance on Mental Illness will lead the 6:30 – 8:00 pm Zoom sessions with a focus on how to support caregivers and those struggling with mental-health issues, along with tips on self care.
“Mental health topics can be scary and carry a stigma that often makes them a taboo topic of discussion,” said Molly Seaverns, a member of the church’s Christian-education ministry. “We’ll provide a safe place to explore any misconceptions about mental health and learn practical skills for caring for ourselves and walking beside those who need support, especially now.”
All are welcome to register with the church office (jackie@fauntleroyucc.org) to receive the Zoom link. Find details at fauntleroyucc.org/congregator-posts/mental-health-101-dec-2-and-dec-9-2020-630-800-pm.
While we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, there’s one virus you CAN get immunized against right now – influenza – and health authorities are stressing that it’s more important this year than ever because of the pandemic. If you have a Seattle Public Schools student in your household and they’re still not vaccinated, another free outdoor clinic is coming up this week: This one is hosted by the health center at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), 11:15 am-4:15 pm next Friday (November 20th). It’ll be behind the school, next to the gym doors, and you can schedule an appointment for your student(s) by using this online form or calling 206-455-9025. Here’s the informational flyer in English and en Español. (If Friday doesn’t work for you, check to see if the Thursday Roxhill clinic we mentioned earlier has room.)
Another outdoor flu-shot clinic is coming up at a local school. This one is just for Seattle Public Schools students – but they can be students from any school in the district, not just Roxhill Elementary, where the clinic will be held, Between 11 am and 4 pm on Thursday, November 19th, in the Roxhill parking lot , vaccinations will be available both by appointment and for walk-ups. The shots are being offered “at no cost to families, regardless of health-insurance status,” according to Roxhill’s health-center coordinator Josie Allen. To register in advance, you can call 206-452-2660 or scan the QR code on this flyer.
That’s Ella, an Aussie/Border Collie mix, 5 months old when she was rescued from 2011 storms in the Midwest, given a new home by Stefanie. After 9 years as “amazing companions,” Stefanie has lost Ella … and she has a message for others, in hopes of saving their dogs from her fate:
WARNING: Immunize your pet against Leptospirosis. It is lurking in West Seattle.
I lost my dog suddenly/unexpectedly 6 weeks ago. She got a bacterial infection contracted from wildlife urine that is preventable if an “optional” immunization is given. The vets need to counsel all owners about this horrible disease, which causes the dog’s organs to fail, and to strongly advocate and recommend it. By the time you see any symptoms, it is very late to reverse and is miserable for the patient. With all the knowledge of this infection and the increase of wildlife in our parks and neighborhoods, it is critical to protect your pets. I would not want anyone else to have to go through this.
Ella was “fit and healthy and happy” when she got sick, Stefanie says. As for where she contracted the disease, Stefanie doesn’t know: “I took her on walks in all the local parks and even have wildlife in my backyard garden.”
Today, we welcome West Seattle Pilates as our newest sponsor. New WSB sponsors get a chance to tell you what they do, so here’s what West Seattle Pilates would like you to know:
West Seattle Pilates is owned and operated by Jenny Melville and located in the ActivSpace building on Harbor Avenue. She has lived in West Seattle for the past decade and taught Pilates all over the Seattle area for 9 years. Pilates helps lengthen and strengthen the muscles in your body. It is great as a practice on its own or can be added to other fitness modalities for conditioning. West Seattle Pilates opened in March of 2018 and offers small-mat Pilates classes and private lessons.
West Seattle Pilates takes pride in maintaining long-term clients. Jenny creates a safe environment that welcomes people no matter their fitness level and body type. She is able to work with clients who have chronic injuries and different pathologies. Jenny is creative in her approach and up to the task of helping someone move and feel better. After a Pilates session, people leave feeling energized and mindful of the smaller muscle groups they worked. Clients notice better posture, stronger core, and an overall feeling of greater mobility in their bodies.
West Seattle Pilates has volunteered their services including to West Seattle High School to introduce Pilates to freshman students. Jenny is very willing to give back to the community and has donated several gift certificates to various events/auctions over the past couple years.
It is important to keep your body moving during this pandemic, especially if you are working from home. WSP offers classes on Zoom and private lessons on Zoom or in the studio. If you’ve ever wanted to try Pilates and the apparatus(reformer, tower, chair) there is a one-time Private Lesson Intro Pack of 3 lessons for $180 (+ tax). Feel free to give us a call at 206-822-5844 or send email to westseattlepilates@gmail.com
We thank West Seattle Pilates for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
With the annual Medicare open-enrollment period under way, we welcome Patrice Lewis of We Speak Medicare as a returning sponsor. Here’s what she would like you to know about what she does:
My goal has always been to make my living doing something I really enjoy and I’m doing that as a Medicare Health Insurance Broker. I love helping people, especially when it adds to the quality of their lives. As a broker, I have my clients’ best interests at heart, and I have a knack for explaining complicated things, which Medicare surely is! Often my clients are anxious, sometimes frustrated and even irritable when they come to me. I know first-hand the frustrations of trying to understand the complexities of Medicare well enough to decide on a health-insurance plan that’s best for your particular situation. I’m lucky to be a calm person and that helps my clients to relax.
As I work with my clients, my reward is seeing the shift in their understanding, how relieved they are, and how pleased they are with their final decision. They thank me for being patient with them and for helping them to understand how it all works. They are grateful that they now feel confident enough to make an informed decision. I know I’ve helped them because they tell me.
I’m so lucky to be doing this in West Seattle, where I’ve lived since 1985. I love living here and know the area really well, as I’ve been a Real Estate agent since 2012. I’m a member of the West Seattle Garden Tour and of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. I’ve also been a volunteer substitute aerobics instructor at the West Seattle YMCA – I loved doing that!
Just in time for the annual Medicare enrollment period, I’m doing presentations as well as individual sessions at the Senior Center of West Seattle – give them a call for more information. I’m available by phone at 206-430-3782, or email at patricelewis@wespeakmedicare.org
We thank Patrice Lewis for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(WSB photo, 2014 West Seattle Grand Parade)
For the Rotary Club of West Seattle, “End Polio Now” isn’t just a slogan. The club sends this progress report on the weekend of World Polio Day, plus news of an anniversary ahead:
The Rotary Club of West Seattle will mark historic progress toward a polio-free world while urging the community to help end the paralyzing disease
When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. We’ve made great progress against the disease since then. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. And we remain\ committed to the end.
With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary and its partners must sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has committed to raising $50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1, for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.
The Rotary Club of West Seattle will be celebrating 73 years of service to the community on November 6th. Join us as we all work to eradicate Polio for good!
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities around the globe. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world. Visit endpolio.org to learn more about Rotary and the fight to eradicate polio.
West Seattle Rotary meets on Tuesdays at noon via Zoom. Email amyleed@soundgenerations.org if you’d like to join as a guest.
9:11 PM: On Halloween, a day when fake blood is used to scare, your real blood can be used to help. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is sponsoring a half-day blood drive on Halloween afternoon – noon-4 pm Saturday, October 31st, at The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd SW). Sign up now for a donation appointment – no walk-ups during the pandemic – just go here to choose a time. Bloodworks Northwest notes, “As an additional benefit, donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.” Want more info about donating? Go here.
EARLY THURSDAY: There were 12 spots open when we published this, but it looks like they’ve all been spoken for. If that’s what you find too – check BWNW’s site for other opportunities!
(Reader photo: Teacher Michael Franzen getting his flu shot during September CSIHS clinic)
More drive-through flu-shot clinics are coming up starting this week at two local schools, with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association and Seattle Public Schools nurses teaming up to offer the service. The dates/times:
MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL (45th and Spokane)
Wednesday, October 21 – 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday, October 28 – 10 am-5:30 pm
CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (2600 SW Thistle)
Thursday, October 22 – 10 am-5:30 pm
Monday, October 26 – 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday, October 28 – 9 am-5 pm
Make an appointment in advance for everybody in your household (ages 4 and up) who’ll be coming along for a vaccination – go here to pick the date, time, and location. Bring your insurance card; if you’re uninsured, shots are available at no cost.
ADDED: It’s since been clarified, ALL are welcome – not just students/staff/families – at all of these clinics, and for anyone who doesn’t have insurance, the cost will be covered.
West Seattleite Stephanie Gerding was in for the fight of her life after two strokes in the middle of the night sent her to the hospital.
While there, she says in this online profile, she wondered if her life was about to end, too soon – until her husband put a photo of their 10-year-old daughter at her bedside. “That was the moment I knew not fighting for my life, not being there as her mom, was not an option. This was not the end for me.”
That was three years ago. But stroke recovery is not the same as simply getting over an illness: “I wish doctors told us recovery is a lifelong journey so we would have a more inclusive and optimistic outlook.” Nonetheless, she sets goals – and one of those was to be in the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, raising money for the American Heart Association. Last year was her first one. This year, it’s happening virtually, culminating this Saturday, and she’s participating again. Her husband Patrick Gerding wanted us to know, describing his wife as “a local hero.” You can support her, or participate yourself. As Stephanie describes it, it’s a matter of investing “in hope for a future with fewer strokes.”
P.S. Knowing the symptoms of stroke can save your life or that of someone you love.
Today we welcome Washington Medicare Insurance Services as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about what they offer, and here’s what Washington Medicare Insurance Services would like you to know:
Medicare Insurance Services was founded to meet the expanding need for information and expertise on Medicare planning and insurance. Medicare Insurance Services is recognized as one of Washington State’s experts in the field. Our company and leaders stand out and are highly respected throughout the entire insurance industry. We have earned a reputation for providing informed, honest and ethical representation of health-insurance products. Our representatives are trained exclusively on Medicare Insurance. We market a variety of the best Medicare Insurance products through our general agency in West Seattle. We provide a no-obligation comparative analysis of different plans to interested individuals.
Our mission is to help you obtain quality Medicare Insurance without sacrificing your assets, independence, or dignity. We commit ourselves to unparalleled excellence and integrity. Thank you for choosing us to help you with your insurance needs.
For more information, contact us at 206-933-0100 or visit our website at washingtonmedicareinsurance.org.
We thank Washington Medicare Insurance Services for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Thanks to MC for the photo from Monday’s “drive-up” flu-shot clinic at Chief Sealth International High School. Five more clinics, with the Visiting Nurse Association, are ahead in West Seattle this week and next for Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and families. You are welcome with or without insurance – MC notes, “Funding is available for free flu shots for uninsured kids and adults.” This year, health experts say flu vaccinations are more important than ever because of the pandemic – here’s why. Here are the upcoming clinics:
Wednesday, September 23
Madison Middle School – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 25
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29
Chief Sealth High School – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 1
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 2
Madison Middle School – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
You need to register for an appointment – via the link on this page.
(Wednesday photo by Suzanne Murray)
Dare we hope that this will be the final extension? The National Weather Service, in consultation with other regional agencies, has extended the Air Quality Alert, this time until 10 am Saturday. Some cancellations/closures continue – city parks are still closed today, Seattle Public Library curbside service is canceled today, and the twice-weekly BLM sign-waving at 16th/Holden is canceled again today too, per organizer Scott.
(Photo by Ann Adachi, who says that’s usually a view of downtown, from near Admiral Way Viewpoint)
As smoky as it is now, authorities warn it’s going to get worse; Notes so far today:
HEALTH WARNING: Just in from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:
Heavy smoke from Oregon has entered our region making air quality UNHEALTHY. Air quality may continue to worsen to VERY UNHEALTHY by Friday afternoon. We expect UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY air this weekend into early next week. We will continue to update as conditions change.
Fire marshals in our four-county area of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties have issued fire safety burn bans prohibiting outdoor burning including recreational fires.
Current air quality conditions are UNHEALTHY for everyone, but may reach VERY UNHEALTHY for everyone by this afternoon.
While air quality is UNHEALTHY, everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. If air quality reaches VERY UNHEALTHY, everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Right now, everyone should take precautions, especially infants, children, and people over 65, or those that are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, stroke survivors, and those suffering from COVID-19.
City and county officials are having a news conference at 11:30 am; we’ll report separately on anything that emerges.
11:41 AM UPDATE: Mayor Durkan has just announced that all parks, playfields, boat ramps, and beaches are closed until Sunday, and urges everyone to stay indoors.
12:13 PM: Golf courses too.
Mayor Durkan has closed all Seattle parks, boat ramps, athletic fields, public golf courses & beaches through end of Sunday 9/13 due to unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke. Normal reopening times on Monday morning are expected, unless air quality takes a turn for the worse.
— Seattle Parks (@SeattleParks) September 11, 2020
For people experiencing homelessness, one additional shelter is opening, in SODO, with capacity for 77 people, starting at 3 pm. (1045 6th Ave. S.)
1:16 PM: Here’s the news release with details of what was discussed in the briefing.
(Back to original post) Cancellations so far because of the air quality:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE COVID-19 TESTING: The Friday testing was canceled for today.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY CURBSIDE SERVICE: This has been canceled for today.
(added 3:04 pm) DELRIDGE BLM VIGIL: The weekly vigil on the Delridge/Oregon overpass is canceled. Organizer Nancy emailed, “It’s with a heavy heart I’m writing to cancel this week’s vigil because of the extremely poor air quality due to smoke.”
Any other cancellations or changes, today or through the weekend, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Marc Milrod)
Last night, as we reported, the National Weather Service said the wildfire-smoke-fueled Air Quality Alert would probably be extended – and now that’s just happened. It’s in effect until 11 am Monday. The alert notes, “Expect conditions to be worse during the overnight hours through this period as calmer winds will allow smoke to settle.” And @WestSeaWX adds:
It's going to get bad this weekend, see attached smoke model.
Onshore flow will push all of the smoke to our south and west into our area over the weekend, esp on Saturday pic.twitter.com/aaMKpV0eEi
— WestSeattleWx (@WestSeaWx) September 10, 2020
(Photo by Mike Jensen)
The wildfire smoke is expected to hang around at least into Wednesday morning – that’s when the current Air Quality Alert expires. Right now, as this map shows, local readings are all in the “unhealthy” range. This is all from wildfires that, in our state, burned 330,000 acres yesterday alone. For our area, there’s some good news, though – the forecast has pulled back a bit on the feared mini-heat wave … now it looks like three days ahead in the 80s, no more talk of 90s.
Thanks for the tip! Melissa just pointed out that one casualty of today’s smoky air is Seattle Public Library‘s curbside service. SPL tweeted: “Due to poor air quality, the Library is unable to provide Curbside Service today and appointments should be rescheduled. Some locations are still offering restroom access and book returns. Please contact the Library before visiting.”
Though Seattle Public Schools will start the year with remote learning, some of its campuses will offer in-person student health services. The announcement is from King County Public Health:
Health centers will open on 34 school campuses in King County this September, to provide health services for students – including flu shots and other vaccines – even when the instruction is online.
Even though most schools are starting with online learning this fall, more than 30 campuses will be open for in-person health-care services.
They have School-Based Health Centers that offer routine primary care, including vaccinations, as well as mental health counseling. Several even have dental services. Seasonal flu vaccine will also be available.
The health centers serve any student enrolled in the participating school districts. They operate at 27 Seattle Public Schools, including all high schools and middle schools, along with a number of elementary schools. … The centers are independent clinics based inside schools or on school campuses, staffed by health professionals.
Public Health coordinates the network of 34 clinics, and directly operates three locations. All the others staffed and operated by community health-care providers, which compete through a Request for Application process to provide health services.
The full list of clinics around the county is here, including seven West Seattle schools – Chief Sealth International High School, Denny International Middle School, Highland Park Elementary, Madison Middle School, Roxhill Elementary, West Seattle Elementary, and West Seattle High School, all operated by Neighborcare Health.
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