West Seattle, Washington
15 Saturday
(WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn)
The tumultuous midday weather didn’t stop the celebration at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center this afternoon – just forced a bit of a delay until the Lion Dance to commemorate the arrival of the Year of the Snake:
(Vovinam Burien performed this year’s Lion Dance.) The historic Vietnamese flag was also raised for the holiday, known as Tết, with South Vietnam military veterans in attendance:
Also visiting for the celebration, new citywide City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (below with center director Ducly Bui):
The festivities included food:
And a group photo:
You can visit the Vietnamese Cultural Center most Saturdays, noon-3 pm, at 2236 SW Orchard; watch the center’s website for dates of other celebrations.
ADDED SUNDAY: Thanks to Lynda Bui for Lion Dance video!
Tomorrow (Wednesday, January 29) is the day our state will officially observe Lunar New Year. We’ve received announcements about three celebrations coming up in West Seattle as the Year of the Snake begins:
(2023 photo courtesy Vietnamese Cultural Center of West Seattle)
SATURDAY, VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center at 2236 SW Orchard welcomes everyone to join its Vietnamese New Year celebration this Saturday (February 1), noon-3 pm, with festivities including a lion dance and flag-raising.
FEBRUARY 7, WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: For the second year, the WSHS AAPI Club and Chinese Program are presenting a Lunar New Year celebration, promising food, music, and culture, 7-8:30 pm in the school’s commons (3000 California SW).
FEBRUARY 8, SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: The garden just north of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW) promises a Lunar New Year Festival, with performances and other activities, 11 am-3 pm. Free, but $6 donation appreciated.
(Photo courtesy Seattle Colleges)
By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
In advance of today’s holiday, Seattle Colleges hosted the 52nd annual Community Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday at South Seattle College’s Brockey Center. The event featured music, speeches, and reflections focused on continuing Dr. King’s fight for justice.
KIRO TV anchor Deedee Sun emceed the event, welcoming attendees with a call to action. “We’re all here today because we see a better future for tomorrow,” Sun said.
(Greater Works performing ‘We Shall Overcome’)
Gospel choir Greater Works, directed by DaNell Daymon, opened with a high-energy performance of “Praise Him,” earning a standing ovation. Their second song, “The Lord is Blessing Me,” brought even more energy to the room, with the audience clapping along and many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “social justice.” (We featured two of their songs in this report on Friday.)
Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte of Mount Zion Baptist Church delivered an invocation that highlighted Dr. King’s courage and enduring relevance.
“We should ask ourselves how we can honor and continue his legacy, not just for a gathering once a year,” Beaumonte said. “Who will take the baton he spoke of and continue the support for voting rights,for housing for the poor. Who has the courage to speak out against racism, anti-semitism, do those things that are required of us for when we leave this place, our skin color is not going to matter. It will return to ashes to ashes and dust to dust.”
Keynote speaker Tim Wise (video above), a prominent anti-racist educator, delivered a candid critique of systemic racism in the U.S., quoting Dr. King: “The largest part of white America is still poisoned by racism, which is as native to our soil as pine trees, sagebrush, and buffalo grass.
“You won’t hear that Dr King quoted on Monday.,” Wise said, referring to the overlap of MLK Day with the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. “They take one line out of one speech, which I gather is the only speech they ever heard…one line about judging people on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin…You don’t get shot for that line. You don’t get shot for that sanitized version of a vision of America, he gets shot, because he said some other things, and he believed in some other things.”
U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal (video above) reflected on Dr. King’s activism during turbulent times, drawing parallels to present-day challenges.
“The year he died … has a lot of similarities to the moment we find ourselves in today,” Jayapal said. “… Dr. King would want us to come together and refuse to give in to the divisiveness, to the racism, to the xenophobia that is being fueled and spread, to stand up courageously for our most vulnerable communities, for our students, For our workers and demand what is right, no matter how difficult it may seem in the moment.”
She encouraged action, saying, “I will be spending the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King’s birthday Monday, January, 20, right here at home feeding the hungry.”
The program also honored social-justice leaders and initiatives, including the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE), which focuses on diversifying the teaching workforce. Dr. Pat Russell spoke about the program’s mission, noting that 80% of teachers are white.
“These children are not seeing themselves,” Russell said. “When you don’t see yourself you get the message loud and clear, ‘this is not for me.’ We need to make sure that every child knows that education is for them and that’s what ARE is about.”
Speakers also included Seattle Colleges Chancellor Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap (video above), who spoke of her time as president of SSC, talking about its evolution toward becoming an anti-racist institution.
The event concluded with Greater Works’ rendition of “Oh Happy Day,” led by the choir and joined by the audience. Sun closed the celebration with a message: “I hope this day wakes you up.”
The event served as a kickoff to Seattle Colleges’ second annual Social Justice Week, continuing the conversation and commitment to equity inspired by Dr. King. See the event listings here.
(Photos by Shirley Asmussen. Above, closeup of winning tree Las Posadas)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
During December’s season of giving, area food banks were flush with donations to keep shelves well stocked. Then came January’s season of want, when donations typically drop off and managers struggle to serve everyone in need. Thanks to the Festival of Trees hosted by Fauntleroy Church through the start of the year, the dropoff this year was not so severe.
(Carolyn Tucker oversaw the boxing of food for delivery to food banks)
Area residents who viewed the trees voted for their favorites by donating nonperishable food destined for West Seattle and White Center food banks. Last week, volunteers counted, checked expiration dates, sorted, and delivered a total of 937 cans, boxes, and bags of food weighing more than half a ton – 1,123 pounds.
(Youth-group members Vander Timblin and Elliot Sales helped sort the “votes” for favorite tree)
The 14 trees created by families and groups reflected traditional themes (i.e., peace and gingerbread), environmental concerns (i.e., orcas and trash), and just for fun (i.e., Christmas penguin and nostalgia). The winning tree, by the congregation’s immigration task force, reflected Latin America’s colorful “Las Posadas” celebration of Mary and Joseph‘s search for a safe place to stay.
Three other trees received honorable mentions – The Gingerbread Man by Hazelwood Preschool (“Through a Child’s Eyes”), the Trash Tree by Jamison Johnson (“Most Earth-Friendly”), and The Way We Were by Solo Seniors (“Traditional Beauty”). (See two of those trees here.)
(Students volunteering at Lincoln Park on MLK Day of Service 2024 – photo by forest steward Lisa McGinty)
By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A reader asked WSB to compile a list of volunteering opportunities for MLK Day of Service next Monday (January 20). Local options aren’t plentiful, but here’s what we’ve found so far.
Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: Plant Trees
Event: Plant Trees for MLK Day of Service
Plant native trees and shrubs, remove invasive plants and mulch new plantings.
Time: 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
Location: Pigeon Point Park, 1901 SW Genesee
Registration: Sign up as an individual or group on the DNDA website
Bring: Dress for rain or shine with long pants, layers, closed-toe shoes and rain gear. Bring water and work gloves if you have them. Youth under 18 need a signed waiver.
They provide: Tools, gloves, light snacks, and training on restoration activities and safety.
Green Seattle Partnership: Lincoln Park
Event: Lincoln Park – MLK Day of Service
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Park, West Seattle
Help remove invasive plants (e.g. blackberry, ivy, holly) and make room for native trees and plants.
Registration: Register here (a few spots are left)
Bring: Dress for winter Seattle weather. Bring a signed Youth Participant Waiver Form if under 18. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots. Bring a personal water bottle, garden/work gloves (if you have them), and dress in NW layers.
Where to Meet: Near the map kiosk in the NORTH parking lot on Fauntleroy Way SW (and SW Rose St).
Parking: NORTH parking lot or street parking on Fauntleroy Way.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops at SW Rose St by the parking lot.
Contact: Lisa McGinty (lmcginty206@gmail.com), WSHS Earth Club Leaders: tatumpaddock20@gmail.com or cmlewis260@gmail.com.
Neighborhood House
Event: MLK Day of Service – Facility Cleanup
At Neighborhood House High Point, this volunteer opportunity focuses on cleaning and organizing various sites to ensure welcoming and functional spaces for families. Pick up trash, dust windows, organize boxes, power wash, beautify playgrounds, organize files, and move furniture.
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (volunteers are encouraged to dedicate 4 hours.)
Location: 6400 Sylvan Way SW
Registration: Register here
Bring: Dress comfortably for cleaning and outdoor work.
A Cleaner Alki: Lincoln Park
The local cleanup coalition says Genesee Hill Elementary School is organizing a Block Drop cleanup at Lincoln Park for MLK Jr. Day. Participants can meet at the south parking lot near the ferry dock, with options to head into the upper park or down to the beach. Additional park-sprucing projects may be available, especially near the beach.
Time: Monday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park / South Lot, 8617 Fauntleroy Way SW
Parking: Park in the south lot by the water side near the birdhouse.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops nearby.
Registration: No registration required. All are welcome to join.
YMCA West Seattle (WSB sponsor)
Event: Annual MLK Day of Service (Details TBD)
The YMCA in West Seattle typically organizes volunteer activities in honor of MLK Day, although nothing formal has been published yet.
Registration: It is recommended to register as a volunteer in advance.
Keep an eye on the YMCA’s website for updates and specific event details.
Find more volunteer opportunities outside of West Seattle here and here. And if you have anything local to add – please let us know, westseattleblog@gmail.com, so we can add it – thank you!
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
By dusk tonight, all candles on the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle‘s giant menorah at Alki Beach were lit. On the last of Hanukkah’s eight nights, it took Rabbi Eli Duban two tries to get the flames to take – facing toward the south finally worked.
(WSB photos/video from here by Tracy Record)
The rabbi noted that the Hanukkah story shows that even a “small light can dispel a great darkness.”
More than 50 people gathered for the waterfront ceremony organized by Ilana Duban, with music, crafts, and donuts.
After the menorah-lighting, everyone was invited to stay for a “fire show” – a performer dancing with small torches on the promenade.
The Torah Learning Center sponsored other Hanukkah-related activities in the days and weeks leading up to tonight’s gathering, including a story hour and a crafts event.
(Aerial photo by Sly Stewart)
It was as much shrieking as swimming when more than a thousand people ran into and out of Puget Sound along Alki Beach this morning during the 2025 edition of the West Seattle New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim. Here’s our video of what it looked and sounded like, starting with organizer Mark Ufkes leading the countdown through his trusty megaphone:
(WSB video by Tracy Record)
But if you haven’t done the Polar Bear Swim before, these participants’ faces might tell you more of the story:
(This WSB photo and next five are by Dave Gershgorn)
Many participants “swam” in groups – we found athletes from the Chief Sealth International High School girls’ gymnastic team under a canopy pre-swim with coach Chris Troupe – and a portable heater:
(This WSB photo and next two are by Lora Radford)
And of course organizer Mark went in too, as he always does, and was all smiles afterward:
Not everyone just ran in and ran out, though! Some had to stop and pose in the 49-degree water (nine degrees warmer than the air):
(This WSB photo and next two are by Dave Gershgorn)
And some went for total immersion:
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
P.S. Special Olympics of Washington is bringing its (unrelated except in spirit) Polar Plunge fundraiser back to Alki this year – set your calendar for March 8.
(Stadiums’ New Year’s Eve colors, photographed by Doug Eglington)
Welcome to 2025! Here’s some info we hope will be helpful on your New Year’s Day holiday:
BUSES: Metro‘s on the Sunday schedule. (The free rides were just for New Year’s Eve, so fares ARE being collected today.)
WATER TAXI: Not running today.
FERRIES: Weekend schedule on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route – check for alerts here.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this map.
COFFEE AND RESTAURANT/BAR HOURS: This year, we made lists, though closures for New Year’s are far fewer than for Christmas; open coffee shops are here, open restaurants/bars are here.
GROCERY HOURS TODAY: Three grocery notes for today: Trader Joe’s is closed; PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) opens later and closes earlier (9 am-9 pm); Whole Foods opens an hour later, at 9 am.
NEW YEAR’S DAY WALKS: Emerald City Wanderers are hosting New Year’s Day walks, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church. The 5- or 10-kilometer walks are noncompetitive, starting between 9 and noon. There is no fee, though contributions to help cover costs are welcome. Hot soup and snacks will be available after the walks. St John’s is at 3050 California Ave SW.
ALKI POLAR BEAR SWIM: You’re invited to join in the annual tradition of running into Puget Sound with hundreds of others at 10 am sharp, from the beach across from Duke’s, or really, anywhere along the sand – here’s our most-recent reminder.
HANUKKAH’S FINAL NIGHT: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will light its giant menorah one last time at 4:30 pm east of Alki Bathhouse, all invited.
OTHER NOTES: Seattle Parks closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed … Solid-waste pickups are on one-day delay for the rest of the week.
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365!
Story, photos and video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Highland Park neighbors of all ages took to the streets on New Year’s Eve to walk in the annual “Not-So-Silent-Night Parade” organized by the Highland Park Improvement Club. The annual event has been going strong since 2009 (except for the COVID shutdown).
Neighbors gathered at the start of the parade route at the Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), drawing a crowd of well over 100:
The group paraded to the Riverview Playfields to celebrate the end of 2024, and to welcome (complete with festive luminarias) the arrival of 2025:
Here is our full video of the paraders: Highland Park New Year’s Eve parade
Here is our full video of the post-parade gathering at Riverview Playfields: Highland Park New Year’s Eve parade at Riverview (includes the lighting and swinging of the “sage comet” in honor of those dearly departed from us in 2024)
After the parade, organizers served hot chocolate and tasty treats:
Parade organizers dressed in festive attire for the occasion:
(Pink clouds to the west at sunrise – photo sent by Janice Christiansen)
Happy New Year’s Eve! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar, here’s what we have on the list for today/tonight:
FARE-FREE TRANSIT: See this morning’s traffic etc. roundup for info on who’s not charging you to ride today/tonight.
NEW YEAR’S EVE (AND DAY) WALKS: “The Emerald City Wanderers again will host noncompetitive walks on New Year’s Eve and Day, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Different 5K and 10K walks will be offered on each day. On New Year’s Eve start any time between 4 and 7 PM from the Church, and enjoy hot soups and treats afterward in the Church community room. On New Year’s Day start any time between 9 AM and noon, with hot soups and snacks afterward. This is a great way to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025. Donations are requested. Info: Mike Nagan at m.nagan@comcast.net.”
NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE: Highland Park Improvement Club will again lead a neighborhood walk/parade with noisemakers on NYE to say goodbye to the old year. Details:
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with friends and neighbors with an all-ages, family-friendly march through Highland Park. An annual event since 2009 (with the exception of the COVID shutdown), the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade is a community celebration to ring in the new year. All ages welcome.
5:30- 6 pm: Assemble at the Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). The store will be open for mingling, snacks and libations.
6 pm: Parade begins
Bring your personal noise or music makers and festive lighting, and help ring in 2025 as we parade down to the Riverview Playfields for a ceremonial goodbye to the old and welcome to the new!
Tips & Info
We parade via sidewalks primarily on quiet side streets
The route is approximately one mile, with some moderate hills. Folks are welcome to join in at any point.
This is an all-weather event! Light up your umbrella, wear your snow boots, come bundled up for whatever the season brings us.
Don’t feel up to walking? Onlookers are welcome to wave and cheer us on – or meet the marchers at the end of our route to join the ceremony and hospitality table by the Playfields. Route ends at SW Webster and 11th Ave SW. Pets may want to stay home — it can get loud!
NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW AT TIM’S TAVERN: Seven bands! Doors 6 pm, show 6:30 pm, all ages. Details here. (16th/98th, White Center)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE BOWL/THREE9 LOUNGE: 7 pm-midnight, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT MAHARAJA: DJ Kingblind! 8 pm until 2025, at Maharaja in The Junction (4542 California SW).
NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: Live music at The Skylark with Cofgod, Our Ex Parris, Manatee Alchemy, Déjalo, doors at 8, music at 9, 21+. Free champagne toast at midnight! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm-2 am, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE BREWING: 10 pm, DJ Raw One with hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT POGGIE TAVERN: Champagne toast at midnight. (4717 California SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINING: See the Holiday Guide for info, including our list of New Year’s Day restaurants that also are open tonight.
SPACE NEEDLE FIREWORKS, DRONES, LIGHTS: Yes, the Space Needle plans fireworks, a drone show, and a light show again to greet 2025. Ten-minute light shows at 10, 10:30, 11, 11:30, then the big show starts a few minutes before midnight. If you’re going down to the West Seattle waterfront to watch from across the bay, go early to get a spot!
Anything to add/change? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Every year, you can count on WSB to be your holiday-info HQ, so a quick reminder if your plans for New Year’s Eve and/or Day aren’t set – this holiday is the grand finale for this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and we have a dozen listings, from New Year’s Eve walking and parading to New Year’s Day polar-bear swimming, plus restaurant and coffee “who’s open?” lists.
P.S. Not too late for any changes or additions – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
West Seattle’s only holiday-season scavenger hunt keeps growing every year! Winter Wander creator Alice Kuder asked us to share this wrapup of how it went this season:
Thanks to the more than 200 fun-loving West Seattleites who participated in this year’s Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, the event easily met its goals to provide free family fun, promote local small businesses, and solidify a West Seattle holiday tradition.
Collectively, Wanderers solved 25 clues that led them to 15 local businesses. They submitted 377 selfies to win more than $800 in prizes! There’s no way of telling how many smiles and how much laughter everyone shared, but all reports point to lots of both.
Prize donations from the businesses filled three Flee Bags® donated by event orchestrator Alice Kuder, Disaster Preparedness Coach with Just in Case, LLC. Alice is also a real-estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, NW Real Estate.
Three lucky teams were chosen by random drawing to win the prize bags. Those teams were: The Merry Medlocks; Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins; and, 34th scAVEngers.
Mark your calendars now for the 6th annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, which is scheduled for Dec. 5-15, 2025. If you want to be notified when registration opens in November, send your request to Alice@JustInCasePlans.com. You can contact Alice at the same address if you own a local business and would like to be featured in next year’s Winter Wander.
Thank you to all past, present, and future Wanderers! You make West Seattle the Best Seattle!
Following is a list (in no particular order) of the 15 local businesses that enthusiastically participated in Winter Wander 2024 and their associated clues. Please reward them with your patronage!
How many could you have solved?
Clue: If your angle is to test your skill, this gem of a store isn’t “run of the mill.”
Solution: Emerald Water Anglers – 4707 California Ave SWClue: A centripetal force infuses the Junction; at California and Oregon there’s many a function.
Solution: Center for Active Living – 4217 SW Oregon St.Clue: Fish and rice are more than okay. Add healthy toppings at ____ ____.
Solution: Just Poké – 4735 42nd Ave SWClue: Full or crescent, whatever the phase, our wellness goods are sure to amaze.
Solution: Moon Room Shop and Wellness – 5902 California Ave SWClue: Come for the gallery, stay for the fun. Create, sip and laugh with everyone!
Solution: Alki Arts – 6030 California Ave SWClue: Go West of California for spirits galore. Add burgers and sports, who could want more?
Solution: Whisky West – 6451 California Ave SWClue: Between Red and Yellow we will show how weights and treads make fitness grow.
Solution: Orangetheory Fitness – 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, Suite 130Clue: A Cuban sandwich will bring you luck with boiled peanuts from my truck.
Solution: Aimee Owenz – 9050 35th Ave SWClue: Strength training for all on Avalon; with coaches and classes there’s no time to yawn.
Solution: Seattle Strength and Performance – 2942 SW Avalon WayClue: Sharing is good, my mama always said. Don’t need a full office? Try coworking instead.
Solution: West Seattle Coworking – 3703-C California Ave SWClue: Above the Bowl it’s not too freaky to have a drink at our cool tiki.
Solution: Three 9 Lounge – 4505 39th Ave SWClue: For packing and shipping we’re the best. So many services at _______ ____
Solution: Mailbox West – 6523 California Ave SWClue: Of clothing and homewares, curators are we. Vintage is our specialty.
Solution: Doll Parts Collective – 4832 California Ave SWClue: To kids in need, we bring cheer. Please donate now or volunteer!
Solution: WestSide Baby – 10002 14th Ave SWClue: Red tree, blue tree, green tree, white, make these grounds colorful and bright!
Solution: Florence of Seattle Assisted Living – 8424 16th Ave SWSpecial thanks to Randy Winn, who contributed much of the creativity that made the clues so much fun, and to West Seattle Blog for their help in promoting the event.
On the fifth night of Hanukkah, the mood at Kol HaNeshamah‘s annual pop-up in Junction Plaza Park tonight was definitely festive. Rabbi Allison Flash (above, with song leader Henson) wore a light-up sweatshirt and had two modes of menorah-lighting ready – candles (which as suspected wouldn’t light in the wind) and battery-powered. Those gathered sang songs including “O Chanukah,” with lyric sheets distributed to the crowd:
And once the backup menorah was switched on, blessings were sung:
Rabbi Flash spoke of a long-ago “rabbinic controversy” over whether the eight candles should be all lit to begin the holiday, then one fewer each night, or, as it’s now done, start with one and add another each night. She suggested everyone should always “be seeking to … add light to your life.” The half-hour celebration included a favorite Hanukkah treat, too – donuts:
Kol HaNeshamah, a progressive synagogue co-housed with Alki UCC at 6115 Hinds, has been doing this since 2018.
LOOKING AHEAD: Another local congregation, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle, plans a public celebration on Hanukkah’s final night, Wednesday (January 1), lighting its 12-foot “Grand Menorah” at the beach (4:30 pm).
Again this year, the final four nights of Hanukkah will bring two public celebrations in West Seattle:
(WSB photo, from Kol HaNeshamah’s pop-up in 2023)
KOL HANESHAMAH’S ‘POP-UP’ HANUKKAH: Sunday night at 5 pm in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), progressive synagogue Kol HaNeshamah will again “pop up” to offer donuts, music, and menorah-lighting. All welcome to participate on what will be the fifth night of the Festival of Lights.
(Photo by David Hutchinson, Grand Menorah on Alki earlier this week)
GRAND MENORAH ON ALKI: Wednesday night (January 1) at 4:30 pm, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will again light a 12-foot-tall Grand Menorah on Alki, east of the bathhouse, to celebrate Hanukkah’s eighth and final night. All welcome at this event (which also promises donuts) too.
(2021 reader photo by Claire)
On Tuesday night, some will stay home with a bottle of bubbly (inflatable or otherwise) to say goodbye to 2024. Others will head out. And if that’s your plan, all the better if you can celebrate right here on the peninsula. So we want to be sure our Holiday Guide‘s New Year’s list has all the options. If you know of something we’re missing – bar party? live music? late dinner with a midnight toast? organized run? or? – please send the info so we can add it to the list ASAP! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.
(Added: Some of the cookies Andrea & kids baked)
Earlier this season, we shared The Christmas People‘s request for homemade cookies to distribute at Christmastime – and many bakers stepped up again this year! We received this report with words of gratitude to share with you:
Through the tremendous generosity of West Seattle residents, The Christmas People collected more than 8,000 home-baked cookies during Christmas week. The cookies were put up in assortments of 120 per box and distributed to 15 shelters, centers, tiny-house settlements, and tent encampments.
(Photo courtesy The Christmas People>
We also provided 1900+ meals and 1000 lbs. of bulk provisions. Thank you to Ross at (cookie dropoff spot) West Seattle Coworking and all volunteers who helped us, help others.
Fred Hutchinson, co-founder and president
P.S. If anybody who baked cookies has a photo to share (of your cookies, your baking day/s, anything relevant), please send – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’d love to add to the story and have it for our archives (and promotional use next year)!
ADDED: Kim sent this baking pic:
And Bonnie showed us her finished cookies:
Thank you!
One last Christmas-lights photo to spotlight, received tonight from roving photographer Theresa Arbow-O’Connor, a sighting in North Admiral. It joins our other spotlights in this WSB archive (where you can scroll through previous years’ lights too). Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
(Photos from texter who says, “Westwood mystery artist has been spreading holiday cheer”)
Merry Christmas today, Happy Hanukkah tonight! Here’s info we hope will be useful on this holiday:
BUSES: Metro‘s running on the Sunday schedule.
WATER TAXI: Not sailing today.
STATE FERRIES: Weekend timetable today – check the alerts page for status/changes.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this map.
COFFEE SHOPS OPEN TODAY: We found eight – here’s our list. (Plans can change after our research, so if you encounter a change, please text or call us – 206-293-6302 – thank you.)
RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN TODAY: Fifteen are on our list – see it here. (And please let us know of any changes!)
GROCERY STORES OPEN TODAY: Again this year, as noted in our Holiday Guide, only the three Safeways (Roxbury, Admiral, Jefferson Square) are open (8 am-5 pm) – all other West Seattle grocery stores are closed until tomorrow.
CHURCH SERVICES TODAY: Four of the churches on the list in our Holiday Guide have Christmas Day services.
OTHER NOTES: Trash/recycling pickup is delayed one day for the rest of the week (next week too) … Seattle Parks closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed.
SEE A MOVIE: The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) is open this afternoon/evening – first screening of the day, 3 pm.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show continues tonight on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, opening at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.
OTHER LIGHTS TO SEE: Scroll through our archive to see the local homes we’ve shown all month!
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips and collaboration every hour of every day and night!
A texter identifying themselves as veteran radio personality Bob Rivers‘s longtime agent sent that link – a new video featuring one of his popular holiday spoof songs, taking on Christmas lights and starring West Seattle’s best-known well-lit house. So if you’ve wearied of singing along with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and/or “Joy to the World” after the 20th time, check this out. (And explore Rivers’s “Twisted Christmas” discography.)
On this Christmas Eve, a decoration display that evokes the Christmas wish for “peace on Earth”:
This winter scene at the “Candy Cane Pole” will breathe a sense of stillness into your soul. With its crisp white forest and Deer a-grazing, you will be taken back to a simpler time. Can you spy Santa peeking out the window?
Stop and pause awhile at 6303 45th Ave SW
Mr and Mrs Winter Merriment
To see what we’ve shown previously, scroll through this WSB archive!
9:13 AM: From the WSB inbox this morning:
Our Christmas cards were delivered to the wrong address yesterday and we’re wondering if the blog could help? They are labeled correctly, but a certain delivery company dropped them at the wrong house! (Photo attached – this isn’t our front porch!)
We’ve driven the few streets surrounding our house to check similar house numbers, but no matching house exists… is there a chance that the blog could help crowd-source finding our missing cards?
If you got them by mistake – contact us (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302) and we’ll connect you!
2:39 PM: Nick says “the house has been located.”
(WSB photos)
Over the past decade-plus, hundreds of residents of the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex in southeastern West Seattle have “warmed up a lot of feet,” as resident council president Diane Radischat describes it, donating more than 12,000 socks to people in our area. At a party tonight, they hosted this year’s recipients:
25 members of the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps came to Arrowhead Gardens to enjoy pizza, cookies, cocoa, and cider, and to choose presents for their families – not just some of those socks, but also hand-knit blankets, handmade jewelry, and other items geared for all ages so they could find something for everyone in their families.
The gift items for the youth to choose from were all donated by residents – including almost 1,000 socks – donated at a recent Christmas brunch, Radischat explained (she’s second from right below, with, from left, some of the other organizers, L-R, Joe, Diana, and Marty):
Over the years, the Arrowhead Gardens residents’ donations have gone to shelters, tiny-house villages, and the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Clothesline. This year’s recipients, the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, are deeply involved in their community too, with the program including outdoor work from tree planting to raingarden construction.
Thanks to Jeff for the Christmas Eve-Eve lights spotlight photo! He emailed to say: “For the young and young at heart. Merry Christmas, Mom!” This display is at 5420 40th SW and if you zoom in on the photo, you’ll see many familiar Christmas-character faces … Santa, Rudolph, “Bumble,” Frosty, Grinch, Snoopy, among others. We still have a few more in queue, so check in on Christmas Eve, Day, maybe beyond … and scroll through this archive to see what we’ve already shown!
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