West Seattle, Washington
09 Thursday
Just announced by Michael Mandell of M3 Bodyworks, a longtime WSB sponsor – a new location a short distance north of M3’s old one!
As of September 6th, 2010, M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is pleased to officially announce its relocation from the old clinic at 5410 California SW to our new space at 5236 California SW (map)!
Our new clinic is only a block away from the old one, but it offers many exciting improvements. We will be more visible and accessible, with a front entrance right off the street. We will have more treatment rooms, which will make it much easier for us to accommodate your scheduling needs, especially those last-minute appointment requests (you know who you are)! We will also have a small courtyard where you may sit and relax before or after your massage.
We at M3 Bodyworks believe that this move will help us fulfill our mission to provide the community of West Seattle with outstanding massage therapy at a great price. To help welcome you to our new home, we would like to offer you $10 off your next 60- or 90-minute cash visit*. Just mention “West Seattle Blog $10 off“ when booking your appointment. We are looking forward to seeing you for many years to come in our new clinic!
M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic, 5236 California Ave SW, Suite D, Seattle WA 98136
(206) 331-3999
M3bodyworks.com(*Only one per customer, valid for new or existing customers. Not applicable toward package discounts or copays, not valid when combined with other coupons or discounts)
This morning, we welcome a new WSB sponsor: Melanie Carey, CH, hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner at West Seattle Wellness. As per the WSB new-sponsor tradition, here’s what she’d like you to know about what she does: 
“Actually, I feel like I UN-hypnotize people”, Melanie says. “We are all walking around in a trance most of the time, moving through our routine, serving our addictions and habits. My sessions offer a place away from everyday life, to clear your mind, hear yourself think, and connect with what you really want from your life.” Whether it’s time to change, or time to get ready to make that change, hypnotherapy is the most effective method out there. Hypnotherapy is for freedom from smoking and other addictions, letting go of weight, birthing without fear, or discovering blocks to fertility, hypnotherapy can help with any issue that exists. It empowers you. “I have never felt so relaxed” is what Melanie says she hears most often from her clients at West Seattle Wellness. Deep relaxation and freedom from issues – a new way of handling problems. It doesn’t have to be a fight; it is inspiring and empowering. If you’re wondering: What is Reiki? Reiki is a hands-on therapy that clears energy blocks in the body. It is similar to acupuncture, except without the needles. Reiki can offer relief from: stress, allergies, depression, anxiety, emotional and mental confusion, insomnia, or any other dis-ease. It is worth experiencing the peace and beauty of Reiki. You can find Melanie Carey, CH, at West Seattle Wellness LLC, online at westseattlewellness.com – where you’ll find an online appointment scheduler! – or call 206-453-5397.
We thank Melanie Carey, CH, at West Seattle Wellness for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Back in December, we introduced you to Kenny Wolfe, who was taking over the former Westside Pharmacy immediately south of West Seattle Nursery. He thought he’d have the renamed West Seattle Pharmacy – closed when its former owner moved to the then-new QFC in The Junction last fall – open before long. Eight months have passed, and he and wife Scarlett Wolfe are finally almost there, as the brand-new sign in the window (top photo) says. We pulled over to check in last night when we saw saw that sign and another one on the shop’s north side, just painted by West Seattle’s popular “Sign Savant“ Japhy Witte, so fresh that he was still there talking with them when we walked up.
The espresso bar in the drugstore space has been open for a week-plus – using Pioneer beans, and please note, per the sign, they’re making smoothies too – and they intend for West Seattle Pharmacy to be a coffeehouse/Internet café as well as a drugstore, with Wi-Fi and probably even a desktop computer to be used by customers who don’t bring their own. Getting the pharmacy open took a lot longer than expected because of various delays, Kenny explains, including a long wait time for the state Pharmacy Board to get to their application. But now everything’s falling in place. What the Wolfes would love is if you come in – even now, before the drugstore opens – and let them know what you’re interested in buying. They plan to offer a wide range of merchandise including medical, health and fitness equipment as well as over-the-counter sundries, and they promise that since they’re your small, independent drugstore, if you ask for something, they’ll do their best to get it – no corporate approval needed – “we ARE corporate,” they grinned. (They’re at California/Brandon; here’s a map.)
Seattle Parks is presenting “Big Day of Play” a week from tomorrow at Magnuson Park. Before you say “North end? Too far!” check this out – Parks points out today that they’re offering free shuttles from community centers including Southwest CC and Delridge CC in West Seattle. The schedule for the “Big Day of Play” events 9:30 am-5 pm Aug. 28 (including stage performances starting with the popular band Recess Monkey) is here; the schedule of free shuttle buses is here. There’s also a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (info here) and a fun run too.
These aren’t happening IN West Seattle, but the recruiting notice for volunteers to help with two drills is shared by WSB’er LyndaB, and given our peninsula’s leadership role as a hotbed of disaster preparedness, somebody out there just might want to help. And the volunteers for the first one can be as young as 14 – high-school students, that means community-service credit! Read on:Read More
Just noticed something you’ve probably noticed already if you’ve looked to the west or south – despite the bright sunshine, you can’t see the Olympics or Mount Rainier. If you suspected smoke from wildfires including the one that’s been visible at sunset the past two nights – you’re right. This just in from the state Ecology Department:
Smoke from several wildfires burning in Washington and British Columbia is spreading throughout the state.
That trend is expected to continue for a few days. Some clearing of hazy skies is expected later this week, possibly by Wednesday.
“Smoke from a wildfire can travel rapidly, affecting air quality hundreds of miles downwind from the fire’s location,” said Stu Clark, Air Quality Program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology). “Smoke pollutes the air you breathe and harms your health, especially if you have existing health conditions.”
The announcement, including advice for people sensitive to pollution, continues after the jump:Read More
(Photo added 12:55 pm)
TODAY: Till 4 pm, West Seattle’s most renowned 3-Day for the Cure team, Team Tracy, is outside West 5 selling bracelets and T-shirts and accepting donations – the big walk is a little over a month away (9/24-9/26, Redmond to Seattle). West 5 also is donating a portion of today’s proceeds during the fundraiser, if you head in (air conditioning!) for food and/or drinks.
TWO WEEKS AWAY: Just 2 weeks left till Northwest Hope and Healing‘s Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run! 9 am Sunday, August 29th, leaving Alki Bathhouse for a 5K round-trip course along the water. This year for the first time they’re closing Alki Avenue for the event – the projected time frame is 8 am-11 am – with more than 1,000 people taking part, that’s just too many to funnel onto the sidewalks/bike path. Signed up yet? You can do it online here.
As was observed during this morning’s groundbreaking for Transitional Resources‘ new Avalon Place facility (2988 SW Avalon Way, just north of the old Tillicum Village building) – here’s the before/after:
TR is one of those places you drive by all the time without realizing it’s there. Its business is to help those with “serious, persistent” mental-health challenges, dozens of whom either live in its current buildings along Avalon, or get services there. Now it’s adding a brand-new building that’ll provide 16 “permanent, affordable housing” units, as well as space for other services, and that’s what brought TR staff, board members, and dignitaries out for today’s brief ceremony. In our video, the woman toward the right is TR CEO Darcell Slovek-Walker; the others include King County Executive Dow Constantine and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen (project funding includes county and city dollars). Slovek-Walker tells us the house now on the site (you can see it in our video) will be demolished within a week or two; construction of Avalon Place should take about seven months.
(Thursday photo by Susan DuTemple)
By noon tomorrow, the fog from earlier in the week might seem like a particularly pleasant memory. The National Weather Service has called for an official “heat advisory” for noon tomorrow through 10 pm Monday. According to the newest forecast, we could be in the mid-90s tomorrow and Sunday, with only a bit of cooling the following three days. You know what this all means – time to haul out the “who has air conditioning” lists! These started a month ago during the last heat advisory. Here’s the one with A/C-equipped restaurants; here’s the (longer) list of “other places with A/C.”
ALSO: Note that tomorrow night, there are special events to cool you off – West Seattle Outdoor Movies (co-sponsored by WSB) in the courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) features “Wayne’s World” at dusk – and tomorrow’s the last of three monthly movies presented by Coastal next to its Alki store (“Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle“).
This afternoon we welcome new WSB sponsors, Dr. Paul Smits, DDS, and Dr. Kyle Smits, DDS, who own and operate a dental practice in West Seattle, at 5647 California SW (map). 
Dr. Paul Smits has operated his practice in this location for many years, and the office has made a couple of new enhancements this summer. Dr. Paul Smits‘ son, Kyle, joined the practice after graduating from the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. They are currently installing a new computer system and digital X-ray equipment; this will lead to paperless charts and will help make each visit more efficient. In addition, the doctors say digital X-rays will reduce the amount of radiation exposure and help improve the doctors’ ability to diagnose dental conditions.
Acknowledging that most people don’t count going to the dentist as one of their favorite activities, Dr. Paul Smits and Dr. Kyle Smits say they try to make visits more enjoyable. They strive to create a personal relationship with each patient by learning about their lifestyle, their concerns, and their budget. Dr. Paul Smits says he and his son will continue to provide an efficient, gentle approach to dental health that also respects the patient’s time. The doctors are members of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, long-time sponsors of the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival, and regularly participate in several study groups with local dentists. They also belong to Seattle-King County Dental Society, Washington State Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Both doctors have appointments available for both adults and children and can be reached at 206-935-4611.
We thank Dr. Paul Smits, DDS, and Dr. Kyle Smits, DDS, for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
That video clip is tonight’s KING5 story about Jayme Miller, a White Center woman, and 1994 West Seattle High School graduate, whose friends are working to get the word out about a fundraiser coming up in a little over two weeks. As you’ll hear in the story (here’s the full online version with text), she is fighting her way back from a rare neurological problem, transverse myelitis, that struck out of the blue three months ago and left her suddenly, terrifyingly paralyzed. Jayme’s friend Sydni Smith also sent WSB word of the fundraiser (and a photo), explaining:
… While in therapy Jayme surprised the doctors again and again. She pushed her herself harder and added new challenges each day. Walking 10 feet down the hallway last month, using a walker and with an aide behind her in case she fell, was a monumental victory. Every time she was told she might not be able to regain a function, she willed herself right through that obstacle.
Jayme went home on Tuesday the 20th of July. She still has many mountains to climb, but hopefully she will keep progressing and regain full function. At this point she’s able to walk short distances with the aid of a walker and a “spotter” behind her in case her legs suddenly give out.
She has medical insurance, thankfully, but with three months of hospitalization and being away from work, her medical bills are another mountain she’ll need to climb. The ten-day stay in the hospital cost $200,000. The Doctor visits while in the hospital were between $80 – $140 each. The ambulance ride cost nearly $900 and each day in Mount St Vincent she was charged $575 a day for the room alone.
We’re holding a fundraiser/birthday bash we’re calling Walk On, Jayme! which will be held at RockSport Bar and Grill August 21st. There will be a silent auction from 7:30 to 9:30. Bring cash or your checkbook and bid on items from local artists and businesses and follow it up with Karaoke and dance hits hosted by DJ Tony B.
You can also donate to help her right now – via PayPal (which works if you have a credit card – you don’t have to be a PayPal accountholder), click “Send Money” and send it to WalkOnJayme@gmail.com. Or if you can give something for the silent auction at the August 21st event, e-mail Sydni at heysyd@gmail.com. There’s a sharable Facebook event page for this too – find it here.
Fruit and juice samples are part of what awaits you at the second Delridge Fresh Food Spot ‘Night Market’, in the north lot of Super 24 at Delridge/Findlay (map) till 8 pm tonight – the samples are free, but fresh produce is on sale too. The first Night Market, as part of transforming Delridge into a fresh-food oasis instead of its current “food desert” status, was held on a Saturday, but this one’s on a special night to link up with everybody out and about for Night Out. Just look for the signs:
(From December 2009 – “current” and “future” views of Avalon Place site)
Last December, the project finished Design Review – now, construction’s about to start. Transitional Resources has officially announced August 14th as the date for its groundbreaking ceremony at the site of Avalon Place (2988 SW Avalon Way). Read on for the TR news release:Read More
Today we welcome a new sponsor, West Seattle Natural Medicine, at 3256 California SW (map). As always, new sponsors are offered the chance to tell you about their business: The clinic is run by Dr. Katherine Oldfield and employs three other doctors – Dr. Debbie Whittington, Dr. Molly Gray, and Dr. Jennifer Lush. (Photo right, clockwise from top: Drs. Oldfield, Lush, Whittington, Gray) She and her staff work with patients to create long-term plans for health and nutrition. Dr. Oldfield says, “I’d like to think that we help empower people to realize that they have considerable control over their own health. We take the time to explain lab work thoroughly and explain what’s going on in their body physiologically to help them understand what is making them feel bad. Finally, we help them turn their health around with diet, exercise, counseling and maybe supplements, hormones, or a prescription.” West Seattle Natural Medicine welcomes those who are looking for another approach to seeking out health care. They do family medicine, pediatrics, allergy treatments, women’s health and physicals – including gynecological exams – and they draw blood for lab work at the office. Dr. Oldfield says the clinic has a great reputation for being compassionate, safe, consistent, and thorough. “We are very nice and approachable and treat everyone equally. Patients feel very comfortable talking to us. When patients are in a safe environment we can learn more about them and therefore help find the underlying cause of their health concern.” Dr. Katherine Oldfield is not only the director of the clinic, but also an instructor for PCC Cooks at PCC Natural Markets (also a WSB sponsor) and a member of CoolMom. She’s a specialist in women’s health and also a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility. You’ll find the clinic online at westseattlenaturalmedicine.com; you can call West Seattle Natural Medicine at 206-938-1393.
We thank West Seattle Natural Medicine for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
Till 8 pm – produce from Clean Greens is part of the first-ever “Night Market” outside the Super 24 on Delridge – another event to offer more healthy food to people living in an area that needs more access to it. There’s a bit of garden showcasing going on, too:
And entertainment:
This is the kickoff to a season of Friday and Saturday produce markets, with Clean Greens, in the same spot, as reported here two weeks ago – so you should see the team back at Super 24 (5455 Delridge Way) 9 am-5 pm next Friday and 10 am-6 pm next Saturday.
Before the holiday weekend really revs up – we wanted to share this look ahead to something that’s happening next Saturday. Same day as West Seattle Summer Fest and the Seafair Pirates’ Landing at Alki, but this is big in its own way too, and everybody who’s rooting for little Hannah Grage is hoping you will stop by. She’s a West Seattle 4-year-old fighting cancer – acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diagnosed in April – and her family needs help with expenses, so friends, neighbors and relatives are having a garage sale/bake sale/lemonade-stand fundraiser one week from today – Saturday, July 10th. It’ll be 8 am-2 pm (so there’s plenty of time to go BEFORE, or after, Summer Fest and/or Pirates), 7228 39th SW (that’s in Gatewood; here’s a map; here’s the flyer for the fundraiser). You can read more about Hannah’s fight by going here, to see what her mom’s been writing about what they’re going through.
Holiday weekends, unfortunately, are always times of great need for blood. So Kim at Puget Sound Blood Center says they’re hoping more prospective donors will make appointments for one of two drives in West Seattle in the next few days – tomorrow, there’s a last-minute mobile drive at Westwood Village (by Pier 1), 9 am-3 pm (closed 11 am-noon); Monday, they’ll be at PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor), same hours. Walk-up donations will be welcome but if you think you can participate in either one, please call for an appointment ASAP – 800-398-7888.
(From left, Sean Miller, Kimberly Miller, Carlie Williams, Alexa Severtsen, and their assistant, Seamus)
Today, we welcome a new WSB sponsor: Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts, a massage school located at 2707 California Ave SW. Here’s what they’d like you to know about the school: Its director, Sean Miller, says, “The Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts has set the new standard for massage education in Seattle. As Seattle’s only independent massage school, Northwest Academy offers a personalized education that is unparalleled.” All faculty members have a minimum of five years clinical experience and hold advanced health-care-related degrees, all the way up to the doctorate level. Sean also says, “We offer the smallest class sizes in Washington State, allowing for an individualized classroom experience. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates the art and science of massage therapy with a well-rounded holistic approach to client care.” The academy’s programs are approved by the Washington State Board of Massage, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and the Academy is licensed as a vocational school by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Sean adds, “We are dedicated to the success of our graduates. Therefore, we offer ongoing career services to all students and graduates to ensure professional fulfillment. Our career services department offers students and graduates support with career choices and assistance with job placement.” He said the one constant note of feedback he gets from his students is that the Northwest Academy offers a quality massage education as well as a supportive community. Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts is online at nw-academy.com; you can also call them at 206-932-5950.
We thank Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
After a briefing at the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting last week, we wrote about the planned Night Market and other new Delridge opportunities to buy fresh, healthy food, starting next month. This morning we have the official flyer, courtesy of Philippia Goldsmith at DNDA – and word that the Night Market’s debut will be 4-8 pm Saturday, July 10th, at Super 24, already the pilot Delridge Fresh Food Spot location. And as also discussed last week, that’s just the start – Philippia explains what else is in the works starting in a few weeks:
Starting with the Night Market kickoff on 7/10, The Delridge Fresh Food Spot Team along with Clean Greens Farm and Market will operate on Fridays 9 am-5 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm to provide a weekly produce market. On Saturdays, the Delridge Fresh Food Spot Team (DNDA staff and volunteers) will be at the Super 24 from 10 am-2pm providing food samplings using Clean Greens produce as well as information on healthy food options, simple activities for the kids and more. For more information give us a call, (206) 935-2999, or e-mail Phillippia @ phillippiag@dnda.org
The “survivors’ lap” about an hour ago marked the traditional start of Relay for Life of West Seattle – the 10th annual all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser at West Seattle Stadium. This year, 22 teams with a total of 177 members are circling the track – one by one, or maybe more – till noon tomorrow, with $35,000 pledged so far, and high hopes that it’ll be more by the time Saturday afternoon arrives. You are welcome to drop in and cheer them on – one of the most memorable moments is just a few hours away, the luminaria ceremony to honor memories of those who didn’t win the fight; that’s scheduled for about 10 pm, and again, all are welcome.
This evening, the participants got a pep talk from King County Executive Dow Constantine, who has been on hand for past relays – including the first one in 2001.
ADDED: From the late-night luminaria ceremony – we walked along the luminarias along the south side of the stadium. You can hear, like murmuring in the background, names being read, for those who were being remembered:
After the luminarias (using battery-powered lights this year rather than candles) were lit, those on hand were asked to walk quietly along the track, to remember, and pay tribute. ADDED: One of the final events of the relay – the Kids’ Lap!
(Video still to come from the big announcement at the end.)
VERY busy morning already at the first-ever West Seattle Junction Health Fair – dozens of local providers in booths set up in two rows in the Wells Fargo parking lot, right across SW Alaska from the Farmers’ Market. Stop by the very first booth along the sidewalk, where we are hanging out with Liz from the West Seattle Junction Association – you can get free The Junction/Downtown West Seattle stickers, info-cards about West Seattle Summer Fest (with the band list), which is coming up July 9-10-11; September 19’s West Seattle Junction Car Show; and this booth is also where to drop off the free raffle tickets you can pick up from many of the providers – prizes include yoga, fitness, skin care, massage and more. We’re right next to the booths for two WSB sponsors – Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy and Westside Dermatology :
Two more sponsors, Fitness Together and 8 Limbs Yoga are here too – and many other providers!
It’s all here till 2 pm. Including the Puget Sound Blood Center mobile unit – donate once, save three lives!
More coverage to come. 11:23 AM: Couple other brochures you can pick up here – the Junction Health and Wellness Guide brochure, listing more than 60 area providers/practitioners in all. Also the general Junction brochure. And Mr. Yuk stickers. Lots of great people watching – we just saw a family go by with a couple kids in one of the most interesting school sweatshirts we’ve seen lately: “Warning: Denny Dolphin/Slackers Be Warned/Denny students are college-bound …” Couldn’t read the rest at a distance (refers to Denny International Middle School in Westwood). Also speaking of people-watching – City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen has just visited the Farmers’ Market with two businesspeople from France – Chris Curtis of the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market Association helped guide their tour too – stand by for a separate story on that.
12:52 PM: A few clouds are mixing with the sunshine. The crowd’s been steady – including not only Health Fair browsers, but also blood donors – one dropped by to let us know she’d given! More of whom you’ll see if you make it down here before 2:
Gordon’s at the West Seattle Be Prepared booth – you’ve heard all about preparedness efforts here; West Seattle leads the city in readiness, and if you’re still not sure how to be part of it, he can tell you all about it.
1:30 PM: Engine 32 is here for fire-engine visits! North side of the Health Fair zone.
E-32 is based just blocks away at Station 32 on SW Alaska east of Fauntleroy. 1:46 PM: Engine 32’s cameo is over – they’re headed back to the station. 2:16 PM: Final tally from Puget Sound Blood Center: 23 people gave blood during the Health Fair!
Setup’s under way right now for the first-ever West Seattle Junction Health Fair, 10 am-2 pm in the Wells Fargo lot right across SW Alaska from the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. We’ll be sharing booth #1 at the Health Fair for live coverage (including some Farmers’ Market highlights – live cooking demonstration today as part of both events!) so stop by to say hi if you are so inclined! Another highlight today: Just after noon, it’ll be the lowest tide of the month, and if you check out the beach at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) or Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool, which is open today, by the way), you’ll find volunteer beach naturalists from the popular program organized by the Seattle Aquarium (WSB sponsor). And there’s more in store today – as listed in the latest version of the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.
(WSB photo from June 2009)
Just nine days till a unique all-night cancer-fighting event takes over West Seattle Stadium – Relay for Life of West Seattle. Rebecca sent this announcement to be sure your calendar’s marked:
The West Seattle Relay for Life is just around the corner and we hope you all can make it! Whether you are part of a team or just interested in checking out what is going on – all are welcome. 20 teams made up of more than 200 participants plan to join the festivities – why don’t you!
Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society held in communities around the nation and the world. The event runs from 6pm on Friday June 18th through 12 noon on Saturday and our teams have a member on the track at all times because just like us… Cancer never sleeps either. There will be activities and games for all ages going on all throughout the event, and lots of prizes to win and donations to pick up from some of West Seattle’s greatest supporters!
Have you heard of Relay before but been too intimidated to dive head in? This is your perfect opportunity to come and check it out without any reservations! Join us for our opening ceremony on Friday night at 6 pm where King County Executive Dow Constantine will give an opening address, followed by our Survivor Celebration.
Come out and help us celebrate, remember and fight back! We have raised more than $21,000 toward our goal of $75,000 so far – we hope you will come out and join us and help us reach our target! www.relayforlife.org/westseattlewa Any questions, contact Rebecca Polivy (bec@busstop.org).
| 4 COMMENTS