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Food drive that’s on a roll: Beer Church Turkey Bowl on Saturday
November 14, 2011 5:57 pm
|    Comments Off on Food drive that’s on a roll: Beer Church Turkey Bowl on Saturday
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last year – part of the Turkey Bowl 2010 3K-pound food haul)
It’s one of the most raucous holiday food drives of the season – and its organizers say you still have a chance to get in on it! A few Beer Church Turkey Bowl lanes are available (and even if you’re not bowling, they’ll be happy to take your donation on Saturday) – just got this news release:

The 13th Annual Turkey Bowl takes place this Saturday, November 19th at 6:00 p.m. in West Seattle. Organized by Beer Church, the event is a fundraiser and food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. More than 200 guests will attend the event at West Seattle Bowl (4505 39th Ave. SW, Seattle). The event starts at 6:00 p.m. but Beer Church encourages the public to drop off food donations at West Seattle Bowl on Saturday between 1:00 and 8:00 p.m.

There is limited space for bowlers but anyone is welcome to attend the event and participate in the raffle. Bowlers must reserve an entire lane and pay $200 per lane. Each lane can accommodate as many as eight bowlers. If you are interested in a lane, please contact Kendall Jones – beerchurch@gmail.com.

“This is an especially appropriate time of year for people to think about hunger in our community,” says Kendall Jones, Director of Beer Church. “Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the abundance of food that so many of us enjoy but it is also a good time to slow down and think about the people struggling in our community. That’s why Turkey Bowl is a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank: we want to help people remember that hunger is a real issue and we want to give them a fun and easy way to contribute.”

Last year’s Beer Church Turkey Bowl netted over 3,000 pounds of food and over $3,000 in donations. Organizers hope to exceed those numbers this year. Participants will include a number of teams from local breweries and local bars. In addition to bowling, the event features a raffle for prizes donated by local merchants.

Among the participants, eight local breweries will battle it out for the coveted Battle of the Brewers trophy. Likewise, eight local bars will compete for the Bar Brawl trophy. Breweries involved: Elliott Bay Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Emerald City Beer Co., Georgetown Brewing, Naked City Brewing, Odin Brewing, Pike Brewing, and Schooner Exact Brewing. Local bars involved: Beveridge Place Pub, Dog and Pony Alehouse, Feedback Lounge, Latona Pub (3 Pubs), Mission, Porterhouse Pub, and West 5.

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School volunteering: Chances to put ‘your toe in the water’
November 14, 2011 12:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

EDITOR’S NOTE: We often publish requests for volunteer help – and over the years, some have asked, what about a regular feature listing such needs? Fauntleroy resident Judy Pickens, who volunteers her time and talent to a variety of endeavors including local schools, is gathering and reporting information on volunteer needs at West Seattle schools where the need is greatest. Here’s her third roundup.

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Helping with a one-time event (such as the upcoming book fair at West Seattle Elementary) is a great way to “stick your toe in the water” of volunteering at a local school. You won’t have to learn a lot of names or make a long-term commitment; just do the task with a smile. In the process, though, you’ll get a feel for the staff and students and chat with other volunteers to help discern if being an ongoing volunteer might be for you. If not, ask the volunteer coordinator to put you on the list to contact about future one-time needs.

At Roxhill Elementary (9430 30th SW)
Contact mllehman@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adult(s) to keep students on crossing patrol focused; 9:15-9:30 AM and/or 3:25-3:40 PM Mon.-Fri. Pick your day and time.

Ongoing: Active adults to monitor students on the playground during lunch/recess, especially 12:05-12:35 PM; other times available. Pick your day and time.

Ongoing: Adults or older youth to tutor before and after school, including math and reading. Pick your day, time, and grade.

Ongoing: Adults to provide before-school supervision (7:30-9 AM) in the cafeteria. Pick your day.

Ongoing: Adults to assist the school nurse by providing basic first aid. Could be all day or early/mid afternoon. Pick your day and time.

*************

At Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton)
Contact stpaolone@seattleschools.org

One time: Fri. Dec. 2, 7-10 PM. Adult for general assistance (including clerking the bake sale) during the Winter White-Out Ball/Family Picture Night.

Ongoing: Adults to support classroom teachers with tasks such as listening to students read or copying materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick your hours/days M-F, 9 AM-3 PM.

*************

At West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW)
Contact smtaylor@seattleschools.org

One time: Adults to unpack/set up in advance of the annual book fair on Dec. 7. Also adults to pack up, starting at 7 PM on Dec. 7.

Ongoing: Adult to support the school’s “Husky Buck” behavior incentive program by copying/distributing forms (any day), drawing/recording names (Mondays), and keeping prizes stocked (periodic).

Weekly: Adult or older youth to assist the school counselor in hosting a 20-minute “Best Attendance” popcorn party for the winning class; any day Tues.-Fri.

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Help for the holidays: White Center Food Bank turkey drive
November 13, 2011 10:54 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

The White Center Food Bank not only serves our neighbors to the south in its namesake community, it also serves people in West Seattle as far north as SW Myrtle. So you’re helping people in both communities if you can respond to this request, just received (note it’s actually two requests in one – for turkey donations, and for volunteer holiday-distribution help):

On November 19 from 9 am until 7 pm, White Center Food Bank will be holding a Turkey Drive to collect donated frozen turkeys and chickens for their upcoming Thanksgiving holiday distribution. White Center Food bank expects to serve over 1,000 families for the holiday. This year’s turkey shortage combined with high wholesale prices (currently $1.25 a pound) make it difficult for the food bank to purchase turkeys at normally deep discounts. Starting (today), local sales and deals on turkeys will be posted on the White Center Food Bank’s Facebook page. Other meal items that are needed include: olives, cranberry sauce, pickles, cookie or cake mixes, cool whip or whipping cream, pumpkin, any type of canned milk, muffin mixes and pie crust mixes.

To donate, any turkey or chicken should be frozen. White Center Food Bank located at 10829 8th Avenue SW will be open November 19 until 7 pm to accept any donation. Other times to drop off are available; please call 206-762-2848. Volunteers are still needed to assist with holiday distribution as well including Monday through Wednesday, November 21-23 from 12:30-3:30 pm.

Here’s the WC Food Bank’s post this morning about turkey deals (got one to add?). P.S. We’re compiling requests for holiday help – here’s how to send one.

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Happening now: Daisy Scouts’ bake sale in The Junction
November 13, 2011 10:16 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Location, location, location, the saying goes. That’s what Holy Rosary‘s Daisy Scout Troop has for their bake sale this morning outside the church, continuing into the early afternoon. Not only are they right outside the church at 42nd/Genesee – that’s also kitty corner from West Seattle Christian Church, a block up the street from Hope Lutheran Church, and on the north edge of The Junction, if you happen to be headed that way for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market or other shopping. They’re donating part of the proceeds to veterans, so patriotic themes abound, including a flag-design cake and red/white/blue decor – and Thanksgiving touches, too:

The bake sale has an indoor table at Holy Rosary, too.

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Orca-detecting dog stars at Killer Whale Tales’ celebration
November 12, 2011 10:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(August 26, 2011, photo by Jeff Hogan)
West Seattleite Jeff Hogan photographs orcas, watches them, studies them, and teaches about them. Much of the latter work is done through Killer Whale Tales, the educational nonprofit he founded and runs. Tonight, instead of being out on Puget Sound, he was a stone’s throw from the Duwamish River with more than 100 people celebrating KWT’s work at its 11th anniversary dinner/auction gala:

They gathered at the Duwamish Longhouse, with a special guest among the orca experts on hand:

That’s Tucker, the dog famous for his ability to sniff out orca scat – pointing researchers to samples they can use to learn more about the beloved whales, and how we can help save them. Tucker’s work was the topic of a presentation tonight. (You can read more about him in our story about a different Longhouse event earlier this year.) Partygoers enjoyed entertainment, too, from accordionist Hugh Sutton:

Lots of interest in the silent-auction offerings:

If you couldn’t get to tonight’s gala, you can still support Killer Whale Tales’ work – here’s how.

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West Seattle Veterans Day: Local student’s campaign to help troops
November 11, 2011 12:09 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

On this Veterans Day, a group of college students is working to help military personnel via a campaign called Students for Soldiers. Among them is Christina Powell (left), who e-mailed WSB to explain that they’re working to “procure items for care packages which will be sent only to troops stationed at FOB’s (Forward Operating Bases). These soldiers were chosen because they are in remote areas, often the most dangerous, and do not have access to Exchanges. Exchanges that are on the military bases are where soldiers are able to buy such daily necessities as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby-wipes (the easiest way to clean oneself in the desert), and so on. Without access, they must simply go without these daily necessities, depleting morale and running the risk of illness at a time when they must be the most alert and cautious of danger.” Christina is looking for West Seattle community support because, while she’s a Washington State University student, she’s studying via “distance degree,” and works at Celtic Swell on Alki.

Originally, our goal was going to be to send 300 packages to troops however, we have teamed up with a non-profit organization called US Troop Care Packages (USTC) located in Pasco, WA that says ‘if we get the goods to them, they will cover the shipping costs for packages.’ Now, our GOAL is to raise $5000 in goods to be sent to Pasco who know how to get these items to soldiers at FOB’s. All 25 of us are now reaching out to our friends, family, churches, and communities (be it local, state, or nationwide) to help us with this cause. I believe that as a community, we can all come together and truly make a difference that will have an impact far greater than any that we could imagine.

The direct link to our Facebook page where you will find all of our information, updates, and the link to the Amazon WishList is:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003042561352&sk=wall

Donations: We have set up an Amazon WishList that contains the most needed items for soldiers on FOB’s right now. This WishList shows the items, all travel sized, with the information and price right there. This method allows you to buy items, pay and ship directly to the USTC for care packages to be compiled. Everything is safe, secure, every cent accounted for and completely traceable.

The direct link for the Amazon WishList is:
http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/VVQ6A6WMQYTP/ref=cm_wl_sortbar_v_page_1?_encoding=UTF8&page=1

As an example: On the site listed above, you will find among the list “Huggies Baby Wipes Travel Pack, Case of 12 Packs” with a picture, description, and price options. With this item that runs $20, you have just given 12 soldiers (assuming they don’t share) the ability to clean their face and bodies in the desert. You simply select which items you’d like to donate and add them to the cart. When ready, click “check out”. Select the first option for shipping addresses as the WishList already is programmed with the address for USTC who will then put all items together and mail them overseas.

Christina says there was plenty of inspiration for the campaign, particularly the fact that she has classmates who have served, and the fact her family is “full of Marines.”

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West Seattle beverages: Whale Tail Ale for The Whale Trail (& others)
November 9, 2011 11:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS beverages

It was Whale Tail meets Whale Trail tonight at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – hub of launch-party night for charity-benefiting Whale Tail Ale. Each establishment that sells Whale Tail chooses which nonprofit will benefit, and The Feedback chose The Whale Trail, founded by West Seattleite Donna Sandstrom (second from right), posing with Feedback co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert (left), Tony, and Gia. The Whale Trail educates people about orcas, and encourages land-based viewing. They had info on hand for Feedback visitors tonight – Lynne and Evangeline showed off the setup:

We went to White Center to check out a few other Whale Tail Ale-serving participants – like Full Tilt Ice Cream, where we found proprietor Justin Cline with Shannon:

Justin is, you may have heard, celebrating the opening of Full Tilt’s fourth store, in Ballard (more here). Across 16th SW, Company is pouring Whale Tail Ale too:

That’s Aaron and Micah, who is a brewer for Big Al Brewing, which brewed Whale Tail Ale as well as its predecessor, Löwman Brau. What’s next? You’ll have to wait and see. But check out Whale Tail first. Here’s where to get it (and who they’re donating to).

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Beverages with benefits: Hotwire ‘Gobbler’ challenge, Java Bean food drive, Whale Tail Ale beneficiaries
November 9, 2011 4:00 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS beverages

HOTWIRE’S “GOBBLER” CHALLENGE: Starting tomorrow, if you brave “The Gobbler” at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), $1 will be donated to the West Seattle Food Bank. “The Gobbler” is a unique drink flavoring, involving what Hotwire proprietor Lora Swift insists is turkey gravy, cranberry syrup, and fresh orange peel, which can be added to a latté, Americano, or just plain steamed milk. Try it, then “like” Hotwire on Facebook, write “I Gobbled” on their FB wall, and they’ll post the Gobbler badge (left) on yours.

JAVA BEAN FOOD DRIVE: Tomorrow is also the start of the annual food drive at Java Bean Coffee. From owner Tony Hoyt: “Java Bean Organic Coffee House, located at 2920 SW Avalon Way, will be hosting the 21st annual Food Drive for Northwest Harvest. They will be collecting food on site from Thursday, November 10th – Tuesday, November 22nd. Thanksgiving type foods such as stuffing mix, canned yams, cranberries, peanut butter and baby food are most appreciated.”

WHALE TAIL ALE BENEFICIARIES: Before you go out tonight to party-hop the Whale Tail Ale launch events, if you’re trying to decide where to go, consider the list of which nonprofits are benefiting from sales of the new brew at which locations:

FEEDBACK LOUNGE: The Whale Trail
WEST 5: Log House Museum
SHADOWLAND: Seal Sitters
THE MISSION: Alki Elementary School
BEVERIDGE PLACE: Nature Consortium
THE BRIDGE: Hickman House
LOCOL: Roxhill Elementary
AVALON: West Seattle Food Bank
COMPANY: White Center Food Bank
BIG AL BREWING: White Center Food Bank
FULL-TILT ICE CREAM: White Center Food Bank

Tonight’s party starts at 6. But the charity cut continues throughout the span of the weeks/months Whale Tail is available.

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Got an unused bike (or parts)? Donate at ‘Wine and Bikes’
November 8, 2011 5:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS beverages

No, it’s not about pedaling under the influence. Bicycles for Humanity Seattle and the Northwest Wine Academy are teaming up on November 19th to collect donated bikes/parts at an event also featuring the fall release of four new student-created wines: 2009 Cabernet Franc, 2009 Merlot, 2010 Chardonnay and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Set your reminder for noon-5 pm on the 19th, South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th SW. The bikes go to South Africa, for villagers to use for work-related transportation in an area where 1 in 2 are unemployed; all types of bikes are welcome – mountain and road bikes, adult bikes, kids’ bikes.

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Happening now: ‘Hope for Jan’ @ Feedback Lounge
November 6, 2011 3:09 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Timely items in the big spread of silent-auction offerings at the “Hope for Jan” benefit at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) till 5 pm – something to keep you warm. (It was below freezing by 4 am today.) Or how about this one – Meander’s Kitchen proprietor Miranda Krone cooks for your party of up to 10 people? $500 value but they were taking bids as low as $100. It’s all to help out longtime WSB’er Jan Seeley – aka “JanS” – who’s there with daughter Jessica Diamant:

They’re asking for bids by 4. The Feedback is also donating profits from food and drink specials (spicy chicken teriyaki skewers, $7; Feedback Cape Cod, $6) while the event lasts till 5 – and while you’re there, you can play pinball, meet cool people, admire the wall of 45-rpm record jackets (small slice of the abundant music memorabilia at The Feedback):

Feedback Lounge is at 6451 California SW (in another benefit effort, it’ll be epicenter of the Whale Tail Ale release parties coming up at 6 pm this Wednesday).

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West Seattle schools: Tilden 5th-graders assist Nature Consortium
November 6, 2011 3:55 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Tilden School fifth-graders have contributed to WSB from time to time. Here’s a report about their environmental education in action.)

By Tilden School’s Fifth-Grade Class
Special to West Seattle Blog

If you help the West Duwamish Greenbelt, you also help the Duwamish River and the world. A nonprofit organization called Nature Consortium led us, the Tilden fifth-graders, in the right direction to reforest the West Duwamish Greenbelt, which helps a lot more than just this West Seattle forest.

On October 7, we went to the West Duwamish Greenbelt to spend the day with environmental educators from Nature Consortium. We wanted to learn about the Greenbelt’s ecosystem and work toward improving its health. Our class removed invasive species like Himalayan blackberries, and planted native trees and shrubs.

Did you know that you can never step out of a watershed? Indeed, West Seattle is one big watershed. The point is, all watersheds affect the health of our waterways and oceans. Healthy green space in a watershed controls water yield, sediment levels, and water quality, providing cleaner runoff for nearby waterways. Thus, if more volunteers help reforest the Greenbelt, many unwanted pollutants will be removed.

Save the West Duwamish Greenbelt and get one step closer to saving the world. To volunteer for Nature Consortium, go to www.naturec.org.

WSB SIDE NOTE: One big event ahead for the Nature Consortium – its forest-restoration work party in the College Street Ravine in honor of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s birthday on November 15th from 10 am-2 pm. Volunteers can sign up by calling our office 206.923.0853, e-mailing volunteer@naturec.org or going online, here.

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Can they regain the record? West Seattle drummer leads ‘Woodstick Big Beat 2011’
November 5, 2011 12:20 pm
|    Comments Off on Can they regain the record? West Seattle drummer leads ‘Woodstick Big Beat 2011’
 |   How to help | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Big fall for Fauntleroy resident Donn Bennett. His eponymous Drum Studio in Bellevue has just been honored as “Best in Western Washington,” for musical instruments. And tomorrow, he’ll rally hundreds of drummers for the annual “Woodstick Big Beat” mega-drum charity-benefit event he organizes – not in West Seattle, but not that far, if you want to go help local children’s charities and see an inspiringly thunderous display of musicians’ teamwork. Donn says, “We’re featuring Danny Seraphine, original drummer from Chicago, and 7 other top pro drummers” – along with hundreds of Northwest drummers, gathering tomorrow at the Juanita Field House in Kirkland. The official announcement explains more:

They’ll join drummers in 15 cities across North America to set 2 new Guinness World Records for drummers playing a song simultaneously. One record for the most drummers playing a song in a single location, the other for the most drummers playing together via live internet connection. The entire international event will be directed from our Kirkland, WA, location.

Drummers in Birmingham England assembled 588 drummers in 2008 to beat our previous record of 533 set at Qwest Field in 2005. On November 6th 2011 we’ll attempt to bring the record back to the Northwest where it all started. All proceeds will go to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to purchase musical instruments for underfunded local schools and to Camp Korey, a camp in Carnation WA for kids battling serious illness.

The event is 2-4 pm tomorrow (Sunday), 10601 NE 32nd; doors open at 10 am. Admission is $12/participant (register online here), $10/spectator, all going to charity. Quite a sight and sound, as you’ll see on the highlight reel from last year (above) – especially once it gets to the overview of the entire Field House.

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Two days till ‘Hope for Jan,’ this Sunday at Feedback Lounge
November 4, 2011 6:18 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

This fall, the WSB Forums – added 2 years after the site’s debut – turn four. They were created when the requests for local recommendations – “where do I find a …” – started to overwhelm the front-page news stream. That’s a form of “people helping people,” and the Forums also have yielded face-to-face versions of that … as members joined together to reach out to people who need more than information. Sometimes, that’s meant face-to-face events, like the one coming up Sunday at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), a fundraising silent auction for Jan Seeley, a longtime Forums and comment-section participant you’d recognize as “JanS.” But much more than a screen name, she is a West Seattle community member, wearing hats including independent businessperson and mom.

Jan’s had health trouble for a while, and has won some victories, beating breast cancer, among other things. Right now she is in another health battle, waiting for a kidney transplant, because of a rare disease called fibrillary glomerulonephritis. Jan’s daughter Jessica had hoped to be a match, but tests revealed that was not to be, so Jan is still waiting and hoping. But Jessica, friends, and Forums members have done something else to help – organized Sunday’s fundraiser, including rustling up some unique auction items. Drop by The Feedback 2-5 pm Sunday to bid on something and enjoy Happy Hour (with proceeds from a special drink and appetizer going to Jan’s fund), as well as chair massage. Auction items mentioned in the ongoing WSB Forums discussion about the event so far include: great wine, coffee baskets, photographs, art, pest control services, massage gift cards, yard work, bagels from Zatz’s, an Angelina’s gift card, Curves membership, and handblown-glass ornaments. (Tis the season!) The Feedback is at 6451 California SW. By the way, its co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert is also a graphics artist extraordinaire and designed the poster art above (as well as the many others you’ll see on the Feedback’s site regarding the other events it hosts/presents).

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West Seattle scene: Helping the Helpline get ready for winter
November 3, 2011 9:42 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Winter’s on the doorstep – and that means West Seattle Helpline will be getting more requests for help from people in difficult circumstances, maybe just for something as basic as staying warm and dry, with a roof over their head. Making sure WS Helpline will be able to offer that help, was the goal of tonight’s gala dinner and auction at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle.

Above are Helpline board members Terry Burns (who emceed) and Rev. Ron Marshall. Ahead – other community leaders/members who attended tonight to show their support:Read More

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West Seattle sports: Holy Rosary 7th grader’s ‘Hoops for Help’
November 3, 2011 3:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

From the WSB inbox – Holy Rosary 7th grader Kyle Joyce asked for help getting the word out about a service project called “Hoops for Help.” Kyle’s doing it with a friend and says, “All the money we make is going to Saint Vincent de Paul.” Specifics: 3 on 3 tournament at Holy Rosary School on November 12th, up to 4 players per team, $5/person, age groups 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. “Winners will receive cool NBA prizes,” Kyle says. E-mail hoopsforhelp@gmail.com to sign up, including team name, age group, and contact info.

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3 ways to help: Helpline, Killer Whale Tales, Furry Faces
November 2, 2011 8:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

HELP THE HELPLINE: Tomorrow night at 6 at the Duwamish Longhouse, it’s the fall fundraising gala for West Seattle Helpline. Executive director Tara Byrne says one of the highlights will be “award-winning Native American flutist and storyteller Paul ‘Che oke ten’ Wagner performing.” You can still get a ticket online by going here, no later than tomorrow morning.

KILLER WHALE TALES: Also at the Longhouse, West Seattle-headquartered Killer Whale Tales plans a dinner and auction – with special guest Tucker the whale-research dog! – on Saturday, November 12th, starting with drinks and appetizers at 6 pm. Tickets are available online, here.

‘THE ART OF LOVE’: Furry Faces Foundation‘s silent auction and wine tasting event, featuring Stomani Cellars, is set for Sunday, November 13th, 3-6 pm at Ola Salon. No admission fee; all ages are welcome. Read on for the official news release:Read More

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Benefit brunch this Sunday to help Ed Kingston’s family
November 2, 2011 10:25 am
|    Comments Off on Benefit brunch this Sunday to help Ed Kingston’s family
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo from Ed Kingston‘s memorial at Holy Rosary on October 22nd)
Just got word about an event this Sunday to help the family of Dr. Ed Kingston, who died suddenly at the age of just 38 while coaching his son’s West Seattle Soccer Club team at Riverview Playfield almost a month ago. West Seattle Eagles vice president Paul Leonardo, who is also a fellow Holy Rosary parishioner with the Kingston family, invites you to a benefit brunch at the aerie:

There will be a benefit brunch for the Kingston family on Sunday November 6, 2011 beginning immediately after the 9:30 am Family Mass. Doors will open at 10 am. The benefit will be held at the West Seattle Eagles Aerie #2643. It is located at 4426 California Avenue SW (1 block from the parish). The cost will be $15 per adult and $7 for children under the age of 10 years.

There will be an omelet bar, fresh fruit, waffles, coffee, tea, juice, and hot chocolate. All proceeds will benefit the Kingston Family and all are welcome. In addition, we will be holding a raffle.

If you have any questions, please contact Paul leonardo at 206-250-5213 or Erik Ricard at 206-683-1018.

Dr. Kingston is survived by wife Laura, son Jack, and daughter Reese; his memorial fund also has a webpage, here.

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Big hair, big fun: You’re invited to ’80s Flashback Adult Prom’
November 1, 2011 8:04 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

You’re invited “to turn back the clock, dust off those old dresses and tuxes, and enjoy a night of disco balls, punch bowls, shoulder pads and big hair” – at the ’80s Flashback Adult Prom on Saturday, November 19th, a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School Class of 2012. That night from 8-10 pm in the CSIHS Galleria, you’ll enjoy music, refreshments, free pictures, and even valet parking – for only $15, and you get to compete for prizes awarded to the “best flashback attire.” (And if you went to your original prom back in the ’80s and happen to have a photo handy, send it to Sealth activities coordinator Sam Reed at sjreed@seattleschools.org – he’ll be printing photos out to display at the Flashback Prom.) Proceeds will benefit the Class of 2012 as it works toward a couple of big parties of its own later this school year – making sure prom and the “safe and sober” Grad Night celebration are affordable for everybody. You can buy tickets online (or donate if you can’t go but want to support the prom/Grad Night fund).

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West Seattle school fundraisers: Sealth pavers, SLHS holiday greens, Lafayette Walk-A-Thon
October 31, 2011 9:07 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle school fundraisers: Sealth pavers, SLHS holiday greens, Lafayette Walk-A-Thon
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

NEW PAVERS AT CHIEF SEALTH: That’s one of the first fundraising pavers to be installed in front of the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. The photo is courtesy of Friends of Sealth president Debbie Taylor, who explains, “Friends of Sealth is selling these pavers as a perpetual fundraiser to support scholarships for seniors and other activities for the students and alumni of Chief Sealth International High School.” She says they’ve been “endeavoring to get this paver project ‘on the ground’ throughout the Sealth renovation project and are well pleased that our first wave of pavers are ready for public viewing.” Want one (or more) of your own? Order them through the Friends of Sealth website, www.friendsofsealth.org .

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HOLIDAY GREENS SALE (AND GALA REMINDER): November starts tomorrow, which means the holiday season is roaring toward us. Got a reminder this morning that Seattle Lutheran High School is selling holiday greens – you can get the order form here. And the combined SLHS-Hope Lutheran School fundraising gala is now just a week and a half away – here’s our recent preview.

LAFAYETTE WALK-A-THON SUCCESS! The recent Lafayette Elementary PTA “Walk It To Win It” Walk-A-Thon was a “huge success,” reports Amy French (who also shared the photo). “Each grade of students had a 45 minute shift to walk and run laps to raise money for the PTA. Staff, teachers, students and parents all put in a great effort with blasting music and crowds cheering them on. A kindergartner ran 21 laps, which is 5 miles, and the most laps ran was 30. This event is special because the students raise the money themselves by getting pledges, and the Walk-A-Thon day is a wonderful demonstration of Lafayette Elementary’s fantastic community of students, parent volunteers and cheerleaders. The donations are still coming in, but we are expecting to reach our goal based on our generous business sponsorships and individual pledges to students. The Lafayette Elementary community would like to thank all the businesses and families who supported this event, as well as all the volunteers who made it happen! A special thank you to West Seattle Runner staff, who spent the entire day handing out water to the kids.”

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Door-to-door food drive coming up: ‘Trick or Can’
October 27, 2011 11:29 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Door-to-door alert | How to help | West Seattle news

One day before Halloween, you might get a knock on the door from someone who’ll be looking for a food-drive donation, not a treat. Angel Laycock from the soccer club HPFC Eagles says that 3-5 pm this Sunday (October 30) they’ll be out on what they call “Trick or Can“:

Small groups of our club will be going around house to house to collect canned food and what we will do is send that canned food to three different food drives which include Highline Area Food Bank, White Center Food Bank, and West Seattle Food Bank. We will be in a couple different areas that include Normandy Park, Three Tree Point, North Admiral, and a few other local locations.

Participating players range in age from 10-17, Angel tells us, and he just wants to get the word out so that you’ll consider having a food donation available if you happen to get a visit. (And if nobody comes by, trust us, there are many other drives in the works to which you can contribute.)

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2 ways to help: Hickman House and WestSide Baby both need you
October 26, 2011 1:53 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 ways to help: Hickman House and WestSide Baby both need you
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox, two chances to reach out and help – and neither will take much time. First: Natalie Dolci from Hickman House, the Salvation Army’s transitional housing in West Seattle for domestic-violence survivors, says they have a volunteer opportunity coming up:

On December 1st, we have a holiday party for the women and their children. We currently have 10 moms and 18 kids staying with us. We are looking for volunteers who would provide some food and decorations for the party. It seems like a great fit for a group and we welcome creative types who would enjoy set-up and ambience.

We do ask that volunteers maintain the confidentiality of our location and that they not attend the party to respect the privacy of the residents. However, they most certainly will get thank you notes from the kids!

You can contact Natalie at 206-932-5341, x. 104, or Natalie.Dolci@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Second – the latest “E-Flash” from WestSide Baby shows a couple of tables of note – one shows the thousands of people they’ve helped – the other, the thousands of items they need – which is where you might be able to step in:

Check the left side of the WS Baby home page for info on when and where they accept donations.

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Like ‘comfort food’? You’ll love Family Promise of Seattle benefit
October 25, 2011 12:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Like ‘comfort food’? You’ll love Family Promise of Seattle benefit
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

When last we checked in with Family Promise of Seattle, they were planning another “Comfort Food Throwdown” fundraiser – and now it’s just a week and a half away. Family Promise is the only shelter program in our area – and beyond! – to help homeless families while allowing them to stay together. At 6 pm Saturday, November 5th, 10 local restaurants and congregations will offer their favorite “comfort-food” entrees for sampling and judging. For $20, you can try five; for $30, you can try ten. It’ll all happen at Seattle Lutheran High School, and there’s a special guest star – Amy Finley, who won the “Next Food Network Star” TV contest and recently published “How to Eat a Small Country.” She’ll also lead a cooking demonstration at the event. You can buy your ticket online right now by going to this page on the recently remodeled Family Promise of Seattle website.

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Followup: New information on man hit by truck this morning
October 24, 2011 10:49 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news

During our morning-commute coverage today, we reported on what fire department medics described as a “jogger” hit by a semi-truck on the east end of the West Seattle “low bridge.” WSB’ers via e-mail and comments have provided new information on his condition and on plans to raise money to help with his recovery. He is identified by friends as Tim Nelson; he was running to work as a Viaduct alternative, according to Justin Coffey, writing on his website Peanut Butter Coast:

Tim is currently in intensive care at Harborview Medical Center. His back was broken, as well as his right shoulder, right arm and a few ribs. His skull is fractured, a lung punctured and his spleen lacerated. His injuries are severe, but his spirits are high. Whether you know him or not, please keep Tim in your thoughts and prayers.

Justin mentions a benefit planned for Friday, November 11, to help with Tim’s expenses – more information in his post. We don’t have official information from police on the circumstances of the crash. (Photo courtesy Mark)

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