West Seattle, Washington
28 Tuesday
Two followups tonight on weekend collection efforts in West Seattle that both proved highly successful:
(WSB photo from Saturday)
On Saturday, we reported on the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle food drive “as it happened.” It was part of the global volunteer-action Kiwanis ONE Day. Tonight, the Kiwanians report that they collected more than 7,000 pounds of food and almost $1,000 in cash at five West Seattle grocery stores Saturday – all going to the West Seattle Food Bank (and remember, this is the time of year when food-bank donations count extra). The club says, “Special thanks goes out to all the members of the community who generously donated to support this worthy cause.” They’re also glad to have had Key Club members join them (note the teens in our photo). West Seattle Kiwanis also wants to remind you that they meet 1st, 3rd, 4th Wednesdays for breakfast, 7 am, and lunch (noon) on the 3rd Wednesday at Be’s Restaurant in The Junction (4509 California SW)
Another event we covered “as it happened” – on Sunday, the Fauntleroy Church Green Committee invited the community to another Recycle Roundup:
(WSB photo from Sunday)
Judy Pickens reports that 1 Green Planet filled its trucks with “an estimated 12 to 14 tons of just about everything for free recycling.” The church did accept donations from anyone interested in showing their appreciation – and took in almost $1,000. She says the company’s crew chief Michael Szanyi told them that the “strong support has made Fauntleroy Church one of 1 Green Planet’s favorite places to go!”
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With Earth Day coming up later this month, opportunities for “doing good” for the environment abound. One day when you have multiple opportunities and multiple sites to choose from is Saturday, April 16th – the annual Duwamish Alive! restoration/cleanup event.
We wanted to spotlight some of the sites that will get TLC that day. For starters, Cari Simson of Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC), whose “role is to educate
the public about the Superfund cleanup site,” talked with us about their Duwamish Alive! site at T-107 Park along West Marginal Way on the east edge of West Seattle.
Dozens of special young visitors were at West Seattle Food Bank headquarters this morning – to celebrate something they helped create: Listening to Food Bank executive director Fran Yeatts are Lakeside School sixth-graders who collaborated with West Seattle Elementary fourth-graders to create new mosaics unveiled today – here’s a closer look:
The art celebration is part of a big, busy springtime for the food bank – the annual Instruments of Change benefit is just a month away, and the WS Food Bank has news about that:
The West Seattle Food Bank would like to send a very big thank you to all that have signed on as sponsors for the Instruments of Change fundraiser coming up on Friday, May 6th, 2011 at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
The Food Bank has received its largest single sponsorship to date from Jackson, Morgan & Hunt [WSB sponsor]. The West Seattle accounting firm has generously signed on as a $5,000 “Community Humanitarian” sponsor. Charles Morgan CPA, Managing Partner, stated they upped their sponsorship because we know that a lot more people are having to use the food bank’s services.
Last year families visited the agency 37,396 times, a fifty percent increase in the past several years. “We are very grateful to Jackson, Morgan & Hunt and all the other sponsors (including WSB) that are helping to make this event a success,” said WSFB Executive Director Fran Yeatts.
King County Executive Dow Constantine is the keynote speaker at this 4th annual Instruments of Change – the West Seattle Food Bank’s largest fundraising event of the year. The event also features a cocktail hour, live music and a Dessert Dash.
Tickets are selling fast. Those interested in buying event tickets or being an Instruments of Change sponsor can contact Anna Guitchounts at 206-932-9023 or at anna@westseattlefoodbank.org. Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorship levels begin at $500. Individual tickets can also be purchased through brownpapertickets.com at .
To see the full list of generous sponsors to date and get more information about the event, visit http://www.westseattlefoodbank.org/IOC2011A.asp.
It wouldn’t be “Catsino” without cats, now would it? These two are part of the crowd at the Furry Faces Foundation fundraiser “Catsino,” under way at Beveridge Place Pub till 6. And F3’s Teri Ensley is ecstatic – she told WSB it’s a full house, all 85 tickets sold. And between the players and the hosts – some memorable sights:
More photos after the jump:Read More
No rain so far – fine time to head to the beach (sun or no sun), and while you’re there, stop by Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW) and sign up for the bone-marrow registry (while also checking out the art that’s on display and on sale!). Nothing painful – just the one-in-a-million chance that maybe someday you would have the chance to save somebody’s life, maybe that of Christy Bemis, whose story is at the end of our report about Marnie Devlin (at left in top photo), who came up with the marrow-drive idea to celebrate her 25th birthday, and got community sponsors to donate prizes and treats (Alki Arts donated use of its space, too).
The event continues till 6 tonight.
7:56 PM UPDATE: Via Facebook, Alki Arts reports more than 100 people registered!
Both of these events started with one person’s idea, magnified by help from and participation by others: The first day of Shelley Lebert‘s community garage sale for Japan relief at 3014 45th SW was already going full speed when we stopped by this morning. Shelley (holding the sign) was so excited about the team effort that had made it happen, she gathered some of the other volunteers with her when we asked to take a photo. All the while, garage-salers kept pulling up out front; if you go before the end of today, or 9 am-4 pm tomorrow, be sure to note there’s lots of stuff BEHIND the house.
In front, there’s also a fundraising bake sale:
Shelley was thrilled the sun came out this morning and the weather dried out; she told us how hard the volunteers had worked in the midst of the drippy weather yesterday, sorting donations and buying tents just in case. Again, 9 am-4 pm again tomorrow, 3014 45th SW.
Meantime, along Alki this afternoon, you might have spotted the group dog-walk to raise awareness for the plight of pets in the quake/tsunami zone:
CL shared that view across the street from the dog walk’s starting point at Anchor Park; this is the walk that Anthony from Left Coast Dog Service announced yesterday – that’s his trademark green van with a Japanese flag draped on the side. We counted dozens of dogs and people by the time they grouped up and took off; we have a video clip to add later. too:
(If you’d like to donate to those helping animals affected by the Japan disaster – here’s the link on Anthony’s banner.)
Scenes from two more West Seattle events happening this afternoon: That’s Sabra from Purrfect Pals with Chantou, a 1-year-old female who is one of three cats (the other two are 1 and 8) brought to Pet Elements in search of “forever homes” during this afternoon’s Morgan Junction Pet Adoption Stroll. You’ll find dogs at Stella Ruffington’s, 7003 California SW. The Pet Adoption Stroll (details in this WSB Forums post) continues till 4 pm. In The Junction, meantime, it’s Earth Month at CAPERS:
Lisa from CAPERS shared that photo – she explains, “CAPERS kicks off earth month with a showcase of products that are ‘Green’ for your home. (Today till 3 it’s) Meyer Wells Reclaimed Wood Furniture, Caldrea Homekeeping, Oecotextiles in the house showcasing the green aspects of design. Don’t miss the BPA-free waterbottles & red wine resistant linens too.” They’re at 4521 California SW.
Till 3 pm, there are five places you can donate nonperishable food to the West Seattle Food Bank via the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle’s one-day food drive. We caught up with West Seattle Kiwanians and Key Club members outside PCC Natural Markets‘ West Seattle store (WSB sponsor) above, and fellow Kiwanians from Rainier Valley (with help from WSHS Key Club) at Jefferson Square Safeway below:
More information about the food drive, including the full list of stores, is here.
The earthquake/tsunami victims and survivors of Japan include pets – and a West Seattle entrepreneur has just announced he’s leading a “mass dog-walk” at Alki tomorrow. Anthony Hardt of Left Coast Dog Services invites “all people and dogs” to join him at noon at Anchor (Luna) Park, from which they’ll head west toward the Alki business district. Hardt tells WSB they’ll accept donations if participants want to participate, but they also will “have a big banner showing a secure website with PayPal so folks can donate online” to this Japanese animal-advocacy organization.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: After the main story, we have a side note from someone whose life might be saved by a donor found this way. This isn’t someone Marnie pointed out, but someone who was sharing news about it on Facebook. Please be sure to read past the jump for her story.)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As she nears her 25th birthday, Marnie Devlin has been thinking about ways to make a difference. “My friends seem to have these ‘quarter-life’ crises where they wonder about their (life) directions, and I’ve always laughed and thought they were being silly. But now (turning 25) I think maybe I should do something I can point to as an accomplishment.”
Coming from a family of blood donors, and being an EMT, Marnie is well aware of the need for bone marrow donors, and the importance of getting people signed up with the National Marrow Donor Program. She says, “I realized it how easy it is and I thought if my friends knew how easy it is, most of them would sign up. My original idea was to get 25 people signed up for my 25th birthday. I posted my idea on Facebook and Twitter, where the (Puget Sound) Blood Center saw it and wanted to help.”
Thanks to the collaboration with the Puget Sound Blood Center and a number of local businesses, Marnie is hosting a full-on marrow donor registration event this Sunday (April 3rd) at Alki Arts (2820 Alki Avenue SW.) Owner Diane Venti is donating the space and from 2-6 pm, Marnie will be serving champagne and goodies baked by her family while PSBC registers potential marrow donors for the Be The Match program.
Marnie explains that because people think the registration procedure involves something painful and invasive, they won’t do it. Turns out, that’s wrong.
Daily update from West Seattle for Japan organizer Dave Montoure of West 5: “$7936.45. Only a couple of checks left to collect! Amazing.”
If somehow you missed it, almost 30 West Seattle businesses participated in last Sunday’s fund-raise-a-thon – which Montoure had announced just a little more than a week earlier – with special items, percentages of proceeds, donation jars, and more. (And $-raising continues – there’s a raffle during a tweetup at West 5 starting tonight at 5:30 pm.)
It’s a West Seattle High School tradition to have a safe/sober “Grad Night” celebration – and this year Chief Sealth International High School is having a “Grad Night” too. Tickets are on sale, $50 through April 15th, then $60 after spring break, but the school notes that the actual cost is more like $150 per student. All the same, in recognition that $50 is still steep for some, the Chief Sealth PTSA has set up a way to “sponsor a senior” by donating all or part of the cost of a ticket through an online purchase. If you’d like to be a sponsor, here’s where to go.
From the team at Neighborhood House in High Point:
Prom, as many of you know is a rite of passage for high school youth in America, and one that many youth/families can not afford. So – help us help our girls.
High Point Family Center and YELS are going to host a prom dress ‘clothing fair’ in late April and would love donations of – Prom Dresses (gently used and clean) and Accessories (purses, shawls, hair clips etc). You can drop off your donation at 6400 Sylvan Way SW. … Just remember – your nightmare-inducing mermaid dress just might be a youth’s dream dress!
Optimal times for dropoff times are Monday-Friday 10 am- 4 pm and Saturday 10:30 am-12:30 pm (ask for Aparna or Dena). If you have a question – 206-588-4900, extension 626. (And here’s a map to 6400 Sylvan Way SW.)
A few quick updates tonight – WEST SEATTLE FOR JAPAN: Up to $6,300 from Sunday’s all-day/all-night fundraise-a-thon, per our quick check with organizer Dave Montoure of West 5 late today; more merchant reports to come … LA RUSTICA DINNER FUNDRAISER: The Beach Drive restaurant‘s special Monday night dinner service raised $2,900, according to La Rustica’s Beth McDaniel … BAKE SALE TOMORROW AND FRIDAY: Community School of West Seattle has done the baking; now, you do the buying – details in our story from yesterday.
From Wendy Weeks – a reason to go through your closet before Saturday. That’s the day she’s hosting a “Style Swap Benefit,” 11:30 am-2 pm Saturday (April 2nd), at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW):
Empowering women in developing countries is one way that we can directly make a change on a global level. On April 2nd, you have the opportunity to contribute toward change. How does this work? Attend our Style Swap and bring your favorite out-of-size clothes. Contribute 20 dollars to participate and you will help fund the scholarship of a high-school girl at a school in Malawi.
By participating in this charitable act, you and 49 other women will sponsor a student for her entire high-school experience. All monies collected will go directly to the scholarship fund of a girl to be selected by the school. But wait, there is more!
There is a side benefit for you as well! You can purge your closet of those clothes that you love but will never get in again and in return you may find some gems to bring home!
Just bring your clean and well-cared-for items (tops, bottoms, shoes, purses, scarves, jackets, etc…) to the swap between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm and at 12:00 you can start looking for your new best outfit! We can even arrange to pick-up your items ahead of time either from a north or south end Seattle location. Call before March 30th for information concerning an advanced clothing pick-up or drop-off.
So contribute 20 bucks, clean out your closet and find some new treasures! All clothing not swapped that day will go to charity. Light refreshments will be served. A complete description of the school and how this non- profit works will be available on the day of the event.
You can call Wendy at 206-769-1049.
Two updates tonight on West Seattle help for Japan. First, we checked in again with West 5‘s Dave Montoure on the second day of tallying up the donations/proceeds percentages from the nearly 30 businesses that joined in West Seattle For Japan on Sunday:
As of 2:00 p.m. we had passed the $6,000 mark, with 15 businesses left to collect from. Getting e-mails that several of those businesses made deposits after I checked at 2:00 p.m. Tremendous!
West 5 also is hosting a “tweet-up” (Twitter users’ gathering) on Thursday night that will include a Japan-fundraising raffle, starting at 5:30 pm.
Meantime, Community School of West Seattle is getting ready for a fundraising bake sale – teacher Jen Foster shares the update, and this photo:
Jen writes:
In a whole school effort, students, teachers and parent volunteers have been busy all day baking for our bake sale.
We will have some gluten-free, some nut-free, and of course typical bake-sale favorites like brownies and Rice Krispie treats for purchase.
Last year we were lucky to have a Japanese pre-school teacher, Mayuko, who returned to Japan in September. While she was with us, she taught the kids some Japanese words and origami. When the students heard about the earthquake and tsunami they thought of Mayuko. We have been in contact with her through e-mail and Facebook, and she said the best way to help was to send $ to the Red Cross.
*All of the bake sale proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.
Our k-2 class has been busy making origami cranes. These cranes have been strung onto mobiles and will be for sale also. The class decided that they would like to donate their proceeds to Mercy Corps.
Bake sale at CSWS, 9450 22nd Ave SW
Thursday 2:45 PM-3:30 PM
Friday 11:45-12:30 PM
Longing for the warmer months so you can get out and garden? Here’s something to fuel your dreams: The West Seattle Garden Tour may seem like a long way off – three and a half months! – but tonight, you can preview the gardens on this year’s tour. WSGT’s website is now in full bloom, so to speak, and that includes the garden descriptions and photos. For example, check out the “Outrageous Waterfront Garden.” This year’s tour is July 17th, and there’s still a little time to sign on as a sponsor, too (we did) – proceeds benefit local nonprofits; sponsorship info is here.
Just in from West 5‘s Dave Montoure, organizer of Sunday’s communitywide West Seattle for Japan benefit:
There are two remaining West Seattle for Japan posters at West 5 that can be had for a donation (in any amount), just ask the bartender on duty. We will be printing an additional dozen posters that will be available at the West 5 this week.
This Thursday, an informal “tweetup” will be held at West 5, with participants raffling items and donating proceeds to West Seattle for Japan.
Many thanks to Viking Bank West Seattle for providing the ³West Seattle for Japan² account and agreeing to waive account fees. They will even allow donors to this account use their coin counting machine at no charge (dig in the sofa!). This account will remain open for several weeks, and anyone can swing in to make a donation.
Thanks West Seattle!
Dave Montoure
Just out of the WSB inbox:
King County Metro is hosting two transportation focus groups for West Seattle residents in April 2011:
King County Metro is bringing a new program to West Seattle in the Admiral, Alaska, and Morgan Junctions. The focus groups are designed to help shape a new program to increase the number of people walking, biking, taking the bus, and carpooling in and out of West Seattle.
Two focus groups will be hosted on the following days/times:
Tuesday April 5th at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Avenue SW, from 6pm to 7:30pm
Wednesday April 6th at Gatewood Elementary, 4320 SW Myrtle Street from 6pm to 7:30pmParticipants will receive a 2011 Chinook Book a guide to living well and having fun in the Puget Sound good for savings of up to $3,000 at local businesses. Food and beverages will be provided.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot at www.westseattletalks.org or by calling Derrick Van Kirk 206-652-2310 or emailing derrick@feetfirst.org
(Sunday night photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
WEST SEATTLE FOR JAPAN: Well into last night, WS4J organizer Dave Montoure and others were still making origami (folding-paper) cranes at West 5 – aiming for 1,000, a symbol of good luck and a wish come true. Since many are eager to know what their participation resulted in, for donations to Peace Winds and KnK, we just checked with Dave, who says he’s “getting the word out to all businesses right now, we should have an early tally later this afternoon, but anticipate a full tally at a date later in the week (some folks are still raising money!)”
And separate of the almost-30-businesses West Seattle for Japan unified effort, here are three more:
MACHEL SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDRAISER: You’ve enjoyed some of her photos here on WSB, as well as in local shows and elsewhere online (including her own site). Machel tells us she is listing two photos to raise money for Japan:
There will be a limited edition of only 20 listings and I am donating every penny raised from either of these listings to Japan (minus shipping cost) … I will have these photographs up for exactly two weeks. These photographs are very special to me, the hands represent the idea that all people are equal and we are all part of the same big world and the lantern is a symbol of hope in Japanese. You will get a 20X20 professional archival print and it will be directly shipped to you. I have both in my house and stare at them all the time I just love them so much. All funds will go directly to UNICEF when the sales are over in two weeks and I will post on Flickr and Etsy how much was raised …
Here’s the link. One per person, Machel says, so please specify which one you want.
LA RUSTICA TONIGHT: As previously mentioned, La Rustica Italian Restaurant (4100 Beach Drive) is opening tonight – it’s usually closed Mondays – especially to raise money for Japan relief. 5-9:30 pm, no reservations, first-come, first-served.
GARAGE SALE THIS WEEKEND: Another reminder of the benefit sale planned by Admiral resident Shelley Lebert this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-4 pm both days at 3014 45th SW – with anyone and everyone welcome to contribute items to be sold to raise money for quake/tsunami relief. Here’s our original report with all the details.
(Also one more reminder of the Japan candlelight vigil at Admiral Congregational Church, California/Hill, 7:33 tonight.)
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here to see it or scroll down the WSB home page. Our morning coverage is here; our afternoon coverage is here.)
If you haven’t already been out to join in the nearly-30-business fundraiser West Seattle for Japan – or even if you have! – there are places to go and things to do tonight. Above, the WS4Japan poster outside Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW: WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Jeff Gilbert designed it – they’re donating the profits from food and beverages sold today/tonight. Inside, Leslie and Amy were behind the bar as of about an hour ago:
We dropped by The Bridge (35th SW just south of Avalon) at mid-afternoon, while LT was behind the bar:
According to The Bridge’s Facebook page, she’s made way for successors tonight – but they’re continuing on as The Triangle’s anchor for the fundraiser. In The Junction, Mashiko is offering a $25 bento tonight, half the proceeds to be donated, with its ingredients highlighting Northeastern Japan traditions. (Photo added – Mashiko’s owner Chef Hajime Sato hard at work tonight:)
Other places open tonight from the official list on the West Seattle for Japan Facebook page’s info tab – West 5‘s spinning with DJ Deanzig tonight – here’s the story proprietor Dave Montoure did with KING 5 earlier today:
Also part of West Seattle for Japan tonight, Shadowland, Mission, Porterhouse, Beveridge Place Pub, Skylark Café and Club (with the Spike reunion), Fresh Bistro, JaK’s Grill, Wing Dome, and Taqueria Guaymas.
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here or scroll down WSB home page. Our morning coverage is here. And remember, this continues on into the evening, be part of it tonight!)
We’re in The Junction as the all-day-all-night West Seattle for Japan benefit continues. Above, Dave Montoure of West 5, who hatched the idea, and Pat Schmitt of Peace Winds America, one of the beneficiaries. We talked with them a little while ago to find out exactly what your money is going for – Peace Winds is based in Seattle, with an affiliate in Japan, and people on the ground in four of the hardest-hit cities in northeastern Japan. For just one example – Schmitt says they just delivered more than 500 kerosene stoves, and thousands of gallons of fuel, to areas where quake/tsunami survivors are having a hard time staying warm. The operation is moving soon from relief to recovery – they will need to help rebuild. Peace Winds is one of the largest NGOs (non-government organizations) helping in Japan, Schmitt explains. Montoure used to live in the quake zone and says he has spoken with a friend who told him the situation at shelters is hard to imagine. So your money’s going to a great cause – like the donations being collected in this box at West 5:
And the donation jar near the turntables at Red Cup Espresso about a block north (it’s always Turntable Sunday at Red Cup):
Up California SW a bit further, you’ll find these special bags at Cherry Consignment, bonuses for those buying at least $20:
Then back into the heart of The Junction, Easy Street Records is among those donating part of their proceeds today – here’s our overview of the shopping crowd:
And at Many Moons Trading Company, in the midblock breezeway off the west side of California SW between Oregon and Alaska, sidewalk chalk invites you inside:
On Alaska just east of California, there’s City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor):
Also, CAPERS, where WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen photographed Mary Summers:
The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is participating too, and we’re off to see what’s going on there – less than half an hour to go, but lots of time to get to the *other* venues (Team WSB is stopping by others too) – the list is on the info tab of the West Seattle for Japan FB page; also, if you missed the link atop this story, we have the 27 participants with storefronts all mapped here. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a community-wide effort to help … we even spotted King County Executive Dow Constantine (getting an origami-crane-making lesson right after we arrived at West 5 just before noon).
ADDED 4:40 PM: Remember, Morgan Junction is in on this too, with Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and Beveridge Place Pub, which has this cool sign on the sidewalk:
More to come – there’s dinner and entertainment still part of the deal.
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here or scroll down WSB home page – meantime, for this report, we are putting our latest stops FIRST, below!)
THIRD REPORT, 11:23 AM: WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen stopped by Coffee to a Tea with Sugar and found their contribution to West Seattle for Japan – cherry-blossom cupcakes, with ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the proceeds donated! They’re in The Junction at 4541 California SW. (Earlier coverage continues below:)
SECOND REPORT, 11 AM: We’ve just visited the southernmost stop on the West Seattle for Japan map at 10223 26th SW, Village Green Perennial Nursery. Proprietor Vera and team are out back with the plants and open till 4:30 pm today. She is donating a percentage of proceeds. Also, before we get to The Junction, we asked WSB contributor Ellen to send a quick camphone pic of origami-crane-making at West 5 – here’s WS4Japan mastermind Dave and friends working on cranes:
Earlier coverage below:
FIRST REPORT, 10:19 AM: We are on the road covering West Seattle for Japan – one of our first stops, Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW; WSB sponsor), where the menu shown in our iPhone photo lists their brunch cocktails, with $1 from each one going to the Japan relief fund. Tonight at Skylark, something special too – Rod Moody (who you may know as webguy for Easy Street Records and Café, also participating today) sends word that he and Spike (for which he is singer/guitarist) are playing for the first time in more than a decade! 9 pm at Skylark. Much more to come as we stop by other WS4J venues (you can share your photos too – editor@westseattleblog.com).
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