West Seattle, Washington
28 Monday
Time’s running out to get holiday help to those in need around our area; some giving trees and collection bins are already packed up and gone, with early deadlines, but not all. Case in point – Alison Newquist and Ricky Toomey of AAA in The Junction are shown with some of what started as a “Soap for Hope” collection for the Family Promise homeless-families program, till it closed, and then became a collection of items needed by those living at the West Seattle encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville.” AAA is helping the local band 93 Octane put together a delivery of necessities for Christmas Eve day, and you still have time to get to their office on the southwest corner of 42nd/Alaska to drop off donations. The list of what’s needed is in our previous story;
Many West Seattle businesses (and other places) make space for “giving trees” this time of year – usually decorated with cards listing gift wishes for people in challenging circumstances. Because of the time needed for distribution, some deadlines already have passed – but not this one. Natalie Dolci from the Salvation Army‘s Hickman House, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children, says opportunities remain on their “giving tree” at CAPERS in The Junction:
If you wanted to come by the store get a wish list item for a child in need, there are three more days to do it!
If you have already committed to getting a toy or gift, there are three more days to drop it off.
Thanks so much, West Seattle, for being such a supportive community!
Any other giving trees awaiting gifts?
One of the most fun fundraisers so far this holiday season in our area happened last Sunday night at West Seattle Christian Church‘s Activity Center in The Junction. Builders of all ages comprised more than three dozen teams for the Extreme Gingerbread Challenge – some as young as Elle, who was the “foreperson” for her parents’ entry:
The Shaughnessy family built a demonstration gingerbread house, not to enter, but to showcase what the night was all about – raising money to help bring safer water to villages in Central America, a project with which WSCC has been involved for several years:
The gingerbread structure built by Bella, Jen, Mike, and Lauren is actually a replica of the church visited by WSCC volunteers doing well-building work last year with WSCC’s Pastor Dan Jacobs, who oversaw the gingerbread-fest too:
As for the entries – here’s a team of Junctionites constructing a gingerbread replica of fashion-forward Clementine Shoes (including Clementine’s proprietor Linda Walsh):
One of the winners: Furry Faces Foundation, for Santa’s North Pole Pet Adoption Center – talk about a place to find your “forever home”!
You can see the F3 creation on display for the duration of the holiday season at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), by the way, as noted in the WSB Forums – and if you want to congratulate F3, their multiple-session “Wrap It Up” fundraising gift-wrap services continue tomorrow (and twice more next week, as listed here). Other winners: The Gustafson Family, Naomi Cox, and the WSCC middle-school youth group in the General class, and with F3 in the Open class were the Aird Family and Sophia Seago. Even if you weren’t there, you can still help the WSCC well-building program (which is headed to El Salvador next year) – find out how at wsccwaterwells.org.
This Santa knows you’ve been naughty AND nice. Till 7 pm, you can get down to Easy Street Records in The Junction for a photo with not only the Santa also known as “Cocoa Crisp Crinkle” but also his fetching elf “Pickle Whistle.” (Here’s the announcement tweeted by Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan.) Suggested donation for a photo $15, benefiting Northwest Harvest and Toys for Tots.
With Christmas just nine days away, donation drives are wrapping up – and many still need you! Like these two – right across 42nd SW from each other:
(Photo by Alice Kuder)
Noon today is the donation deadline for the Toys for Tots drive at Prudential Northwest Realty in Jefferson Square (42nd/Alaska). Get a new unwrapped toy there by noon, because Alice Kuder is delivering them later this afternoon. Alice shares the photo from the Toys for Tots warehouse in Normandy Park – where she says three Marines, including Staff. Sgt. Chris Apgar (left) and Cpl. Stephanie Coverdale, are sorting and prepping donated toys for regional distribution.
Meantime, AAA in West Seattle is collecting donations for the”Nickelsville” encampment, where this Christmas tree is now up:
(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
WSB Forums members made the Christmas tree happen. But the people at the camp need the basics, too, and AAA is collecting soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries. Alison explains that the office originally was collecting donations for Family Promise – but since that shelter program for families has shut down, they’re now collecting for Nickelsville and will make the delivery on Christmas Eve. Alison says toothbrushes and deodorant would be especially helpful. She adds, “The band 93 Octane (plays at The Bridge) is putting together some gifts for the teens that are currently living in the tent city and could still use New Socks, thermal underclothes, hats, scarves, gloves and anything else you can think of that could make their nights a little less miserable.” Bring donations to the AAA office at 4701 42nd SW, southwest corner of 42nd and Alaska.
(Photo courtesy Jim Loder)
Thursday night, OutWest Bar is hosting a benefit that will help save lives on the other side of the world. Starting at 6 pm Thursday, an auction and proceeds from drink specials, plus a share of the night’s bar proceeds, will go to Omilero, an organization whose director of development Jim Loder is a West Seattle resident. Omilero is working on a sustainable way to provide Nigerian families with safer drinking water through the use of clay water-filtration pots. Loder provided the photo, showing families using water filters provided in their first phase. Regarding Thursday, he explains, “This event is in support of our next phase, now that we’re confident the local populations want and will use the filters, where we will bring in filters to serve an additional 10,000 people. We expect that to be in place by February 2012. We hope our next phase will be to build a ceramic studio in country where local potters will learn the process and will then be able to build the filter locally. That investment will be about another $50,000 to complete the construction, siting, and training of local potters. Our end goal is to establish a sustainable, locally run enterprise that will support clean water and promote economic development.” Wondering about the name? According to Omilero’s website, it means “Water is the cure,” in the Yoruba language. And the problem it’s curing is a deadly one – Omilero says disease spread through contaminated water kills at least 10 Nigerian children each day.
With less than two weeks till Christmas, the giving trees, food drives, diaper drives, etc., all acquire a new sense of urgency – as does the need for volunteer help at some local nonprofits. One of them is the White Center Food Bank – which, remember, serves part of West Seattle too – and Ann just sent this request:
We are still looking for volunteers for our holiday distribution on Monday, December 19 from 12:30 – 3:30. Volunteers will assist clients that have signed up for holiday distribution by assisting clients to gather foods from our distribution line during this time period. Best for adults, volunteers will be on their feet for the time period and should dress warmly. If anyone can assist, contact Audrey Zemke at 206-762-2848 or email audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org. Thank you!
Please take a minute when you can and scroll down the West Seattle Holidays page for some of the other giving opportunities around our area.
Haven’t had a chance yet to get a Santa photo with your pet? Till 5 pm today, you can do exactly that and help the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic, which treats pets whose owners are in need, by going to The Puppy Perfectors, 9629 17th SW. West Seattle Girl Scout Rainbow Troop 52698 is presenting the event; photos are by donation ($25 or more – here’s the official flyer), but you can also help by stopping by for coffee, cocoa, or a holiday Stuffed Cakes treat ($3/$2/$1 donation respectively), and/or drop off a donation of canned pet food or other pet items (Puppy Perfectors has a collection ongoing through the holiday season). Thanks to April for sending the photo!
The tales of generosity and compassion keep rolling in, especially from the communities centered around local schools. Lisa Keith coordinated the Sanislo Elementary food drive again this year, and shares photos and a wrapup report:
Once again, the big-hearted kids at Sanislo Elementary School have had a tremendous annual food drive. The students and families of our community gave BIG this year, and the result is Sanislo’s largest food drive total in recent memory, with donations of food, toiletries, cleaning products and baby needs totaling over 1612 pounds!
There is a friendly (but fierce) competition between classes to see which group can bring in the most donations and win the coveted Food Drive Cup. This December, the honor goes to Mr. Simmons’ 4th graders, who brought in 348 pounds. In second place was Ms. O’ Connor’s 3rd grade class, with 248 lbs., and in third, Ms. Tsuboi’s 1st graders, with 206 pounds. (Ms. Tsuboi’s class should really get an honorable mention for “Cutest and Most Consistent Donors” during our daily weigh-ins, as well.)
A huge thanks goes to students from Ms. Crowley’s 5th grade class for helping to sort our many, many donations, and to Laura Probst and Julie Robinson-Jasper, who assisted with the weigh-in and sorting each day during our two week drive. With over half our students qualifying for free and reduced meals through the district, we also very much appreciate the efforts of our school social worker, Nina Bowman, who will distribute the donations to Sanislo families in need. Children who may have gone hungry during winter break will now have a happier holiday.
Three holiday updates this afternoon:
(December 2010 Alki photo by David Hutchinson)
When the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship and entourage visit Alki this Saturday – one of three stops that night, plus another one on Monday – it’ll be greeted by a roaming “cast of characters representing the Biblical event from the first Christmas,” from Hope Lutheran, according to Mary Welch, who says they also will perform for the crowd at the Alki Bathhouse art studio. As noted on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page, the Christmas ship’s schedule this Saturday is 5:15-5:35 pm at Seacrest, 8:50-9:10 at Lowman Beach, 9:40-10 pm at Alki. On Monday, it comes to Don Armeni, 8:40-9 pm.
Coming up this Sunday night – it’s the gingerbreadiest event of this holiday season:
That’s one of our photos from last year’s gingerbread-building competition at West Seattle Christian Church. We recently put out their call for participants, and now WSCC pastor Dan Jacobs says they have 40 teams signed up – they’re inviting you to come be a spectator! 5 pm this Sunday (December 11th) in the WSCC Activity Center along 42nd SW between Genesee and Oregon. Raffle entries and other donations benefit WSCC’s wellbuilding program.
(December 2010 photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
Last but not least … a winter-solstice event confirmed: From West Seattle’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador, Alice Enevoldsen:
In light of the Lunar Eclipse this weekend time for the seasonal sunset watch!!
When: December 21, 2011 at 4:05 pm (so come at 3:30 pm)
Actual sunset is supposed to be at 4:20, but at the summer solstice we noticed that the Sun set about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it. I added another 5 minutes for the tall trees of Lincoln Park blocking our view. In Autumn the timing seemed to line up correctly – what will it do this time?
Where: Solstice Park – all the way up the hill from the tennis courts (or, if you’re not in Seattle, wherever you have a view of the western horizon!)
Who: Everyone welcome, as usual.
From West Seattle High School teacher Michelle Sloan:
The West Seattle High School Marketing Club and class needs your help judging the annual regional marketing competition.
Where: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Washington, (Parking included for judges)
When: January 11th, 2012, 8:45am- 1:30 pm (Snacks and coffee included)What exactly do I have to do?: You will be listening to Marketing students “pitch” their marketing plans to you. Students will have approximately 7 minutes to explain their Marketing Plan and then you will score their presentation based on the scoring rubrics we will provide you. You will have a 5 minute break between presentations to score their performances. You will also have a break in the morning and a snack break.
How is this helpful?: Judges have a very important job of helping Marketing students take their presentation skill more seriously. It helps students to work harder knowing they will have to present their ideas to you. Working on presentation skill will help students in many areas of school and life.
Who is hosting this event: Washington DECA Marketing Club
Parking: We pay for your parking in the MeydenbauerIf you can help out please contact:
Michelle Sloan, West Seattle High School Ceramics/Marketing/Photography Teacher, masloan@seattleschools.org
Followup from Nichole at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) – residents and other community members succeeded in “stuffing the bus” with donations for Nickelsville residents of all ages last Saturday. We brought you an in-progress update here; Nichole sent followup photos today, including the “stuffed bus” above and this next pic of someone who also deserves a nod – resident council leader Richard Matteo, who played a big organization role too and was out that cold morning collecting cash donations at the coffee/cocoa/cookies table:
Right after they finished collecting at 4 pm, as it was already getting dark, they drove the bus down to the encampment (West Marginal Way SW/Highland Park Way) and unloaded everything that had been donated:
(P.S. The neighborhood closest to Nickelsville will be talking about it tomorrow night – Highland Park Action Committee has Nickelsville on the agenda again, 7 pm Wednesday at the Highland Park Improvement Club building, 12th/Holden.) Meantime – tons of holiday giving going on all over West Seattle this season – hooray for everyone’s generosity! We’ve listed some of the opportunities on the Holidays page, and there’s more in the pipeline – please let us know if you have a drive going on, or a request to share.
Dozens of West Seattle girls joined forces tonight for an evening of friendship and generosity. The report – and photos – are courtesy of Rosina Geary, Troop 40890 leader:
Six West Seattle BROWNIE Girl Scout Troops got together tonight for their 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Approximately 80 Girl Scouts (2nd and 3rd graders) gathered together to celebrate the holidays, exchange cookies, and get to know one another.
These Scouts had a great time celebrating the holidays tonight. At the same time, they hope to pass this good holiday cheer to the homeless and hungry members of our community. Here is what they did —
*Each Scout donated canned foods, which will be delivered to the West Seattle Food Bank.
*Each Scout also donated 1 dozen cookies (that’s 80 dozen cookies!). These will be given to:
*The Union Gospel Mission – An organization that provides emergency care and long-term recovery services to hurting and homeless people in Seattle.
*PSKS (Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets) – An organization that provides support and services to Seattle area homeless youth and young adults.
Till 7 pm, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s basement is aglow in white Christmas lights and good cheer for a combination gift-basket silent auction and wine-tasting event, the 3rd annual St. Nicholas Faire. There’s an admission charge, with funds raised benefiting West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank. (We found board members from the former – the church’s pastor Rev. Ron Marshall – and the latter – Pete Spalding – on hand.) The 110-plus gift baskets were put together by Larraine King, who organized the event, with a bit of help:
The baskets have themes from cookies to toys to cuisine and beyond, even this beach “basket”:
The wine is courtesy of Rev. Marshall’s winemaking brother Rich Marshall of award-winning Maryhill Winery:
If you missed this and this weekend’s other bazaars/fairs, and giving opportunities, no worries – more next weekend – keep an eye on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page!
More than 100 people who don’t have anywhere to go in from today’s bone-chilling damp cold will benefit from the donation drive that’s culminating today at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights – where they’re hoping to “stuff the bus” with items for the people of all ages living at the encampment that calls itself Nickelsville, which moved back to West Seattle (West Marginal Way SW/Highland Park Way SW) last spring. Our Friday update has the newest information on what they’re hoping to collect, with active living manager Nichole overseeing things:
They’re collecting money too – donations are being accepted for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies right outside the MH entrance, 2326 California SW.
Tomorrow is the day that Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) residents are asking your help to “stuff the bus” with items for the people at the Nickelsville encampment – who range in age from kids through seniors. Active Living director Nichole says some donations have been received but nowhere near enough to stuff the bus, and you’re welcome to drop things off today as well as tomorrow during the actual event 10 am-4 pm. We first reported the plan two weeks ago. Nichole says the “giving tree” idea didn’t work out but here are some specifics:
Specific family’s wish list:
11 year old – boys shoes size 10, boys’ shirt large, boys’ coat large …
18 year old – shoes 10 1/2, shirt large, jeans 30/32
Both boys need socks
Portable radio that works with small batteries..
Toys of any kind.. 11 year old is a big fan of Pokemon..General Needs wish list:
Socks, small pets clothes, cat litter, cat carrier, cooler, batteries, backpack, lots of batteries-double a’s, triple a’s and d’s.. gloves.. shoes … underwear, coats, need winter boots badly sizes 8 1/2 9 10 11 12 … flashlights, sleeping bags.. female products..female-care products.. rubber boots..underwear, hammers, winter clothes
Big Ticket “Mega Wish”
mp3/iPod/ or PlayStation portable/Nintendo DS – they have rechargeable batteries built inside.
Portable DVD player.. DVD movies of any kind, laptops for school
Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights is at 2326 California SW, and you can drop donations off till 8 tonight, as well as 10 am-4 pm tomorrow.
This Saturday, there are bazaars a-plenty around West Seattle (as listed here) – including Schmitz Park Elementary, where a parent shared news that some of the merchandise will help a local nonprofit:
Just wanted to let folks know that the Holiday Bazaar at Schmitz Park Elementary on 12/3 will include an opportunity to shop and give at the same time. The West Seattle Food Bank will be the recipient of proceeds from sales of hand made paper crafts from Ms. Grasel’s 1st grade class. The kids will be selling flowers and picture frames they constructed out of recycled paper, that can be used as gift toppers or ornaments. They will also be collecting food donations for the Food Bank. Of course there will lots of other lovely hand made crafts to purchase there as well.
From left are 1st graders Kian Hufford, Leeia Stroh, Sylvia Lamphere, and Kayley Thom. The bazaar/craft fair runs 10 am-3 pm Saturday (5000 SW Spokane).
Can you help out with this – a chance to inspire local youth at Career Night for teens at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center next week? Here are all the details:
What: An opportunity for young people to connect to professionals in all sorts of careers and ask them questions about what they do and how they prepared for their careers.
Where: High Point Center Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
When: Tuesday, Dec. 6th 4-6 pm
Why: Young people can benefit from talking to adults who are already doing the things they aspire to do about what it takes to get there! We want to give the youth a chance to ask questions and hear about what certain careers are like and for adults to see themselves as resources for youth.
Help us make our career night a success for our youth! We are looking for more professionals from areas of work in Media, Natural Science, Social Science, Medicine, Business, Architectural Studies and Engineering to briefly talk about the work that they do and answer career-specific questions from teens. If you work in a field that was not mentioned or are self employed and would like to share your experience, please also contact Khatsini, YELS (Youth Empowered With Leadership Strengths) program coordinator, at khatsinis@nhwa.org or 206 588 4900 x.627 for further steps.
Tomorrow is Shop Late Thursday in The Junction (till 9 pm) – and there’s a bonus reason to stop at Knows Perfume (4536 California SW): A fundraising silent auction of wreaths and birdhouses. From proprietor Christen Cottam:
Come check out the amazing wreaths and birdhouses on display at Knows Perfume. All are up for auction, and the proceeds will go to the West Seattle Food Bank. If you see one you like, come in and place a bid. On Sunday, the 11th of December, the auction will conclude. Knows Perfume will then notify you to pay and pick up your winning item. What an excellent way to find something lovely for your home and do something kind for a great organization like the West Seattle Food Bank. Please contact Christen at Knows if you have any questions. (206) 397-3141
We’re adding this to the BE A HOLIDAY HELPER list on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page – we’ll keep adding as the season goes on (editor@westseattleblog.com if you have an event, donation drive, or something else holiday-related happening).
(Photo courtesy WSCC)
You have eight more days to register for what just might be the craziest – definitely the gingerbread-iest – holiday event in West Seattle, the “Extreme Makeover Gingerbread Challenge,” 5 pm December 11th in the West Seattle Christian Church Activity Center (4400 42nd SW) – but you need to pre-register ASAP. The official announcement, in case you haven’t already seen this on the Holidays page:
Join what will undoubtedly be the largest gathering of questionable talent for an amazing holiday creative venture which, while certainly being memorable, will also be contributing to our effort to provide clean water to a village in El Salvador. The registration fee is only $20 per house which includes an assembled, but not yet decorated house, as well as a contribution to our well projects. There will be a general category as well as an open-class competition where the sky is the limit. Rules and registration form can be found at http://www.wsccwaterwells.org/events.html Deadline for registration: Sunday, December 4th, 6 pm.
The official poster/flyer can be seen here.
Just added to the list of holiday helping/giving on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page: A toy drive starts today to collect presents for more than 500 kids in the South Park area, and there’s a collection site at Husky Deli in The Junction. It’s the Rick’s Toys for Kids drive, and they’re collecting through December 10th. Full details on this flyer!
No major events today/tonight – but we have some holiday reminders and updates:
PUT THE GIVING IN THANKSGIVING: Last chance today to help out your local food banks before Thanksgiving. White Center Food Bank, we’re told, is low on everything – turkeys, boxed food, canned food, you name it. The yellow tent in our photo is in their parking lot for holiday food distribution; just head on over to 8th and 108th and drop off whatever you can give, by 7 tonight.
OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: We’ve got a list on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – and we also got a tip that WestSide Baby is out of coats. (Their ongoing “wishlist” is part of our giving list – and if you know of more giving opportunities, please keep ’em coming so we can add to it.)
FREE THANKSGIVING DINNERS: The Hall at Fauntleroy, the West Seattle Eagles aerie, and St. James Annex are three places you’ll find them tomorrow, all also on the Holidays page. We don’t have any current calls for volunteers, but the Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes-catered dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy always welcomes pies and cookies to be dropped off, today, or tomorrow morning. (9131 California SW)
THANKSGIVING ‘WHO’S OPEN FOR COFFEE’ LIST: It’s done! We’ll post it on the home page tomorrow morning for quick reference, but today, if you’re making a plan, find it on the Holidays page.
THANKSGIVING RESTAURANTS LIST: We have a few on the Holidays page and are putting out the call one more time – if you own, or know of, a restaurant that will be open for all or part of Thanksgiving, please let us know so we can add it. We’ll be making phone calls later but a quick note would be appreciated if you see this first! P.S. Shoutout to The Thaitan, whose proprietor Pop was the first to e-mail us to say he’ll be open with a full menu AND delivery tomorrow.
SPEAKING OF RESTAURANTS: Shop local on Black Friday and you’ll get 25 percent off your meal at Fresh Bistro (WSB sponsor) that day for showing a West Seattle shop receipt for $50 or more.
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUEST: Update on the popular synched-to-music Helmstetler Family Spectacular/West Seattle Lights show that starts this weekend (here’s our check-in from last Sunday) – Jim Winder sent word that Zach Scott of Seattle Sounders FC will be the special celebrity guest for the lighting ceremony at 7 pm Saturday (across from the Charlestown water tower). As Jim notes, that’s particularly appropriate since they’re collecting donations this weekend for the family of Ed Kingston, the volunteer soccer coach who died suddenly last month while coaching his son’s team at Riverview Playfield. (Zach made a West Seattle visit back in September, at the Lafayette Elementary playground dedication.)
TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No West Seattle Water Taxi tomorrow or Friday; Metro will be on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving, a reduced-weekday schedule on Friday.
Local food banks are providing holiday food through Wednesday – and yet the need outstrips the supply. Though White Center Food Bank took in hundreds of turkeys on Saturday, Ann Kendall just sent word:
It looks like we are going to run out of turkeys – we’re only on day 1 of holiday distribution and things are getting sparse. In some years people have deferred on the turkeys but this year they are in high demand. We will be at the food bank to accept donations tonight until 6pm, Tuesday from 9-6 and 9-7 on Wednesday. Phone 206-762-2848 at the food bank.
WC Food Bank – which also serves southern West Seattle – is at 8th/108th. And if you can’t make it there but can donate a turkey, West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan) is accepting turkeys till 7 tonight.
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