West Seattle, Washington
17 Wednesday
As mentioned previously, the day before Inauguration Day is not only MLK Day, it’s also the day that President-elect Obama has suggested as a National Day of Service. Add another person to the long list of those answering the call — Katy L from Fairmount Springs:
In response to Obama’s call to National Service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this Monday, I am organizing a diaper drive at the Jefferson Square Safeway store on behalf of WestSide Baby. We will be there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., collecting diapers for low-income families in the South King County area. Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of Westside Baby, tells me their supply of diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, as well as training pants, is completely gone. They have had to turn families away.
For those looking for an opportunity to serve that day, we still need a few more volunteers to help out. You can contact me at revkaty@nwlink.com. Otherwise, please stop by to say hello or drop off some diapers, if you can.
Other events are listed on usaservice.org, the website set up for Day of Service – and service opportunities beyond that. Here’s the latest list of results for our search of West Seattle and environs – several more events added since last we checked a few days ago.
That tantalizing photo shows a Palm Springs condo that’s part of what’s up for auction at Schmitz Park Elementary‘s annual fundraiser. It’s coming up Saturday, January 24th, but RSVP deadline is this coming Monday, and Schmitz Park parent Gretchen Frampton sent an invite to share with you:
Schmitz Park Elementary invites you to their Catch the Dream Auction! Enjoy a fabulous evening and support your local school at the same time! Saturday, January 24th, Schmitz Park Elementary is hosting their annual Catch the Dream Auction. Items include a week-long stay at a beautiful, newly remodeled condo in sunny Palm Springs California, an electrical home service upgrade (value $3,800!), spring yard clean up, salon certificates, and much more.
RSVP now! Contact Lee Baker at leebe13@gmail.com by Monday, January 19th
Select from the following dinner options (tickets $70 per person):
Grilled Filet of Beef
Pine Nut Crusted Northern Salmon
Roasted Cornish Game Hen, Portobello
Crunchy Eggplant, Beefsteak Tomato StackAuction details:
Saturday, January 24th
Sheraton Seattle Hotel
5:00pm – check-in and registration
5:30pm – Silent Auction opens
7:15pm – dinner
8:00pm – Live AuctionMoney raised funds critical reading, math, music and physical education programs.
Got a school fundraiser coming up? We’d be happy to share info about yours too! Send info to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
In addition to the snowstorm and Water Taxi meetings – WestSide Baby is hoping to see volunteers show up to help sort through holiday-season donations – we published details on partner site White Center Now yesterday but wanted to put up a last-minute shoutout here: 7-9 tonight, here’s the scoop.
Two local school notes, starting with an invitation from Concord Elementary, which is in South Park but is included in Seattle Public Schools‘ “West Seattle South” cluster: It’s trying to get the word out about its unique Two-Way Bilingual Program, and there’s a parent-information meeting one week from tonight. Concord PTA president Susie Clark (who is also a teacher, at Madison Middle School) explains, “The dual language program is unique in that is gives our native Spanish speakers a chance to learn reading and writing in Spanish and our native English speakers have the opportunity to learn Spanish starting in kindergarten with 30% of their day in Spanish and increasing to 70% by the time they are in 5th grade.” Susie sent along the informational brochure – it’s in two parts, here and here. Interested families are welcome to attend next week’s meeting, 6:30 pm January 21, 723 Concord Street (map). Susie is also happy to answer questions (e-mail her at sgclark@seattleschools.org).
LAFAYETTE FOOD DRIVE: Lafayette Elementary is now collecting food for the White Center Food Bank – which serves part of West Seattle too – year-round, after an incredibly successful drive kicking off the new year:
More than 2,100 items were donated in what was just supposed to be the school’s annual drive – parent Amy French tells the story:
The Lafayette Elementary student council had a new idea this year while planning their annual food drive for the White Center Food Bank. They held a competition to see which class could collect the most items and kept track of the donations by teacher on a bulletin board in the front lobby. The donations quickly filled the collection barrel and started to fill the school’s front lobby. All of the classes participated, but two classes led the competition: Ms. Rollins’ class collected the most items (251) and Mr. Beal’s class (203) came in second place. Last week, the White Center Food Bank team had to make two van trips to transport all of the collected food down to their facility in White Center.
Lafayette’s student council sponsors two community service projects a year–one in winter and one in spring. James Morrison, Macy Crooks and Shelby Walker (shown in the photo above) were the student council officers in charge of promoting the drive, keeping track of how many items were brought in, and updating a bulletin board daily to monitor our success. A huge thank you to these student leaders, Mimi Armistead (staff lead for Lafayette’s student council), and to all the generous Lafayette families who donated food.
Since this effort was so successful, Lafayette is going to continue collecting food for the White Center Food Bank (with a goal of a barrel a month) for the rest of the school year.
You can help the WCFB any time by donating online (go here); our area’s other food bank, the West Seattle Food Bank, takes online donations too – go here.
Three items of West Seattle news related to next week’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States:
SHOE DRIVE: The WSB Forums shoe-collection drive has just kicked off. Read all about it here; collection boxes are now in place, including the one shown at left at Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Another one’s set up at Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center. Please take new (or lightly used) shoes to one of those spots between now and Inauguration Day; they will all be donated to Soles4Soles (read about that organization here). If you have a question, here’s where it’s being discussed in the forums. And here’s the official flyer.
DAY OF SERVICE: One day before Inauguration Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday 1/19, is a National Day of Service – and Laura calls our attention to a link where you can find West Seattle-area events and opportunities. We found five atop the list in this configuration; if you know of more West Seattle service opportunities that day or the preceding weekend, please add a comment here, or e-mail us (editor@westseattleblog.com) – thanks!
WEST SEATTLE LABRADOODLES: Dog lovers know the Obama family has been talking about bringing a new pet to their new home, and in an interview yesterday (see the video here), the President-elect revealed they’re considering either a labradoodle or a Portuguese water dog. Longtime WSB’er Amy Gates is a labradoodle breeder – here are two of hers:
Amy is the owner of Sound Labradoodles, breeding multigenerational labradoodles. She tells WSB, “This means our dogs breed true — we’re not just putting a poodle and a labrador together. Australian labradoodle breeders have refined the breed over the past 30 years, including infusing a few other breeds like Irish Water Spaniel into the breed.” She says the breed is appealing to the Obama family because of the allergy-friendly aspect (Malia Obama is allergic to most dogs): “Due to the breed refinement, our dogs are more reliably non-shedding and allergy friendly. A simple poodle-lab cross will not have a reliable result. It might shed, and it might cause allergies.” Amy also says Labradoodles are perfect for the kind of busy environment that’ll constitute life as First Dog: “Labradoodles are really people-focused. They were first bred as service dogs, and many labradoodles are still used as service dogs and therapy dogs. This means they can be trained to be very calm and patient with lots of people around, which is definitely a factor in the Obama household!” Amy’s website is at www.soundlabradoodles.com.
Another reason to think about spring and summer here in the heart of winter: A request for your opinion on the type of art that could grace the West Seattle Wayfinding kiosks to be installed at key walkable points around West Seattle, thanks to a $100,000 city-matching-funds grant. Two workshops have been held in recent months to invite more community involvement with kiosk development; now the “pilot” kiosk is in progress near the Delridge Library, and project leaders want your thoughts on art concepts for the kiosks that will go up in other West Seattle neighborhoods, to provide information and direction for those on foot – read on:Read More
From Toni Reineke with Westside Symphonette, West Seattle’s community orchestra:
We are short 3 trombones, 1 or 2 trumpets, and at least one French horn player … we have great strings this year (though we could always use more, especially violas). We even have an oboe player!
We started our winter/spring session last Tuesday but players are welcome to join any old time. They could call me at 206-243-6955 or e-mail tonireineke@comcast.net.
Next rehearsal is at Chief Sealth (in the Boren Building) this coming Tuesday, January 13.
You may recall the saga of Zack the cat, a stray taken in by Jane, who then discovered he’d suffered a serious leg injury, apparently from a car, and needed costly surgery. Jane was absolutely unable to pay for it herself, and out of desperation – after many tears – e-mailed WSB to ask if we might forward a request for help in covering the costs; we first told you about Zack and Jane right after Christmas. One of the reasons Zack wound up switching hospitals, to get treatment at a lower cost, was guidance from the West Seattle-based nonprofit Furry Faces Foundation. F3’s Teri Ensley tells us donations have now reached about $500 and adds this update:
First, may we say that West Seattle People continue to show what an amazing neighborhood this is to live in. Thank you for your caring and for your outreach to Zack and Jane. Having met both of them (thanks to WSB’s posting), we can say that Zack is a very lucky cat to have found Jane and she is delighted with this laid back, sweet cat…even when he is (was) in pain. Zack is up and around; can jump up on the bed; etc., so doing very well with his recovery from the two surgeries as he was neutered at the same time. As we like to say ‘It’s Hip To Be Snipped’. ; )
Jane, Furry Faces Foundation (F3) and Lien Animal Clinic decided to transfer Zack’s care and surgery to Furry Faces Foundation account, so he did not have to wait for the donations to come in before having his surgery (a week ago) Friday. Zack’s surgery cost $1239.90 and all donations towards Zack’s care may be mailed to/made in person at Lien Animal Clinic at 3710 SW Alaska St, 98116. Folks may make the check out to Furry Faces Foundation or to Lien Animal Clinic (with ‘Zack’ or ‘Furry Faces Foundation’ referenced on the check). Lien will ensure all funds go to Zack’s care, under F3. Additionally, they have offerred to keep a list of Zack’s donors so thank you cards may be written.
If our community donations happen to not cover the entire amount, there is a generous individual that will pay the difference. We are not mentioning his name as we do not have permission to do so. If the donations more than cover Zack’s costs, then the overage will remain in F3 ‘Oliver’s Fund, which helps animals whose humans are financially restricted with unexpected Vet bills and pet food. We will be sure to update the WSB as to the funds donated.
As discussed in comments following yesterday’s coverage of the Spokane Street fire (here and here), though it apparently started in Pacific Sheet Metal, it also burned The Dutchman next door – a site rich in Seattle music history. WSB’er RealLowVibe just tweeted word of this website set up to help the Dutchman recover. Today’s update from the fire department is that investigators still can’t go in because of all the water flooding the site (see photo above, taken yesterday by C. Simmons), and it may take several days for the scene to be safe enough for them to enter.
We mentioned West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival‘s quest for a “new” float trailer last fall. That’s still a work in progress, and now the float needs a home too. Can you help? Here’s the latest, from Hi-Yu treasurer Kelly Mitchell:
Planning is underway for the 2009 parade season, so what’s next? The engine repairs completed at the end of last season will make it possible to keep the float running for the next 2 years while we raise funds and build a new float platform. With a few repairs to the frame and an upgrade to the sound system, it will be ready for this year’s many parades. The theme for the 2009 float has been chosen; it’s West Seattle Hi-Yu 75 Years ‘How Sweet It Is’. [as reported here last month] That being said, there are two critical issues to resolve.
This year’s parade season depends on obtaining a covered car trailer for the float. Our existing flatbed trailer has become too demanding and dangerous for the volunteers. We are consistently the last crew to leave a parade. Getting the float on the trailer requires a carefully followed procedure for bracing the trailer, driving the float up steep ramps, and securing it. Then the unwieldy tarp must be pulled over the float and secured for freeway-speed winds. This whole process takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours on a sunny day. At midnight and/or in the rain, it can take substantially longer. Our peers with covered vehicle trailers, drive in the float, secure it with a built-in system, and shut the door & leave. Unless we happen to have volunteers with trucking or equipment hauling experience, people have to be trained each year. The unpleasant hours that volunteers spend at this reduces the hours that we have available for coordinating community events.
We are planning to buy a new trailer similar to the one that the Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival purchased this year. Photo shows the trailer at the Seafair Torchlight Parade:
This 30′ extra-height vehicle trailer will cost about $12,000 and should last at least 20 years. We believe that is an obtainable goal this fall and winter, in addition to the annual memberships that we depend on for the festival’s annual scholarships and events.
Additionally, Harbor Properties is beginning construction on the site where we have been storing the float. Hi-Yu thanks them for graciously providing us with this space. Since we now need to vacate we will once again need a storage location. A covered trailer will provide many more storage options in, or close to, West Seattle, but until then we are looking for a new home for the float. To store the float we would require space in the dimensions of 30′ x 15′ and a larger space would accommodate the work activities that go into building the new items for this year’s theme. We are very excited to get started on this year’s float but we need your help and quick! If you have a space or know of anyone who may be able to help us or you want to help with this year’s construction, please contact Kelly Mitchell at kelly_mitchell@isp.com or 206-932-0665.
We first told you December 27th about Zack the cat — found by Jane, who has adopted him after being unable to find his original owner, and then discovered he had an injury that required costly surgery she couldn’t afford. WSBers answered her request for help, in a variety of ways, and Jane finally is able to provide an update:
I wanted to thank you all for your loving concern for Zack and for your donation. I was unable to raise enough money for Zack’s surgery at West Seattle Animal (Hospital) and they had to return those donations. I did make arrangements at Lien Animal Clinic at a lower cost for the surgery and if you would like to forward your donations on Zack’s behalf to Lien Animal Clinic, 3710 Alaska Street, Seattle, WA. 98126, it would be much appreciated.
Sincerely, Jane
After receiving that : The surgery has been done, but the bill hasn’t yet been paid. Zack’s leg was removed, and he was neutered. The donations that had been made through the previous clinic totaled about half the $1500-plus cost; those checks are being returned and Jane is asking the donors to please rewrite the checks to Lien (here’s its website) – and she is hopeful that more donations will be made to help cover the full cost. As we did following the first report, we would be happy to forward any e-mail to her if you want to correspond with her directly: editor@westseattleblog.com
We mentioned this a few days ago on partner site White Center Now but want to share it here too: Next Monday night at Holy Family School (20th and Roxbury; map), a benefit dinner will be held to raise money for the Randy Terlicker Endowment Fund. He was one of the four Seattle firefighters who lost their lives in one of the most tragic incidents ever to rock our city’s public-safety community, the Pang warehouse arson (also memorialized by the Pioneer Square sculpture shown at left, which pays tribute to the four and to all firefighters killed in the line of duty). The night of the dinner marks exactly 14 years to the day since the 1/5/95 fire that killed Terlicker – a Holy Family alumnus – along with Lt. Walter Kilgore, Lt. Greg Shoemaker, and firefighter James Brown. The dinner event will also serve as a memorial for the four, with the Seattle Fire Department Pipes and Drums Band scheduled to take part, as well as presentation of colors by the Walter Kilgore Memorial Honor Guard, and remarks by Randy Terlicker’s family and friends. The endowment fund provides HF scholarships to families who need financial assistance to attend the school. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 pm (after a 6 pm social hour); call HF at (206) 767-6220 to check on ticket availability.
Two items from the WSB Forums that you should know about if you haven’t seen ’em already:
DON’T THROW SHOES, DONATE THEM! “Bob Loblaw” came up with a great idea to improve on social-network suggestions about throwing shoes on Inauguration Day (example here). Bob writes, “While I’m all for throwing shoes at the Federal Building on January 20, as is being planned on Facebook and elsewhere in ‘honor’ of our outgoing president, I’m starting to think it’s a waste of shoes. Any interest in a “shoe drive” that day instead? I’d be happy to load up the car with new children’s shoes and run them to a local charity in honor of our incoming president.” Interested? Here’s where to join in – he’s looking for ideas, suggestions, support if you’re up for it.
THE BEST OF 2008, AS YOU SEE IT: Yes, we will probably write the inescapable “West Seattle 2008 in review” item tonight or tomorrow, as we did, in ever-evolving style, in 2005, in 2006, and in 2007 (when we published several “Top 7 of ’07” lists). But much more interesting: What’s on YOUR best-of list as 2008 ends? WSB Forum members are discussing it here.
Just in time for the (snow-challenged) holiday-shopping season, the Senior Center of West Seattle reopened its renovated Stop and Shop thrift store. Now the shop’s hoping to get some volunteer help and donations as it heads into a new year – here’s an update from Cindy Gwinn:
We are looking for volunteers for all shifts. We are open from 10-4, 7 days a week. We work 3-hour shifts, 10 to 1, 1 to 4. They would be running the cash machine, setting up displays and meeting and greeting shoppers. Students looking for community hours for college, or needing retail experience. Would love all help.
All donations can be dropped off 7 days a week, and can be left in the back of the Center in the covered parking area. Please, no TV’s or stereos. For more information, call Cindy at 206 915-5595 or come by the Shop.
Never been there? SE corner of California/Oregon (map), street level.
That’s Zack the formerly stray cat. At least, that’s what Jane, who took him in, is calling him. She sent us the photo along with a request for help – he needs it, and she can’t entirely provide it. Read on:
Three weeks ago a stray cat I call Zack came in my yard scared and hungry. After a week Zack let me pet him and I took him in because of the cold weather. I noticed his left back leg was injured and due to the snow I was unable to take him to the vet until yesterday.
I feel so bad and can’t stop crying. The vet told me Zack was probably hit by a car (and) needs to have his leg amputated. I am disabled and do not have much money. I had to take my grocery money to pay for his treatment. The thought of having Zack’s leg removed is killing me and I asked the vet if there was any way to save his leg by re-breaking it and having pins put in and he said the cost would be in the thousands and no way I could afford it. The cost to have Zack’s leg removed would be around $1,500.
Zack is around 2 yrs old and he has not been neutered. He is as sweet as can be. I am going to keep him and am writing to see if anyone could help by donating some money to the West Seattle Animal Clinic on 42nd on Zack’s behalf. I would deeply appreciated it. I tried looking for Zack’s owner without success.
Jane says she has let the clinic (West Seattle Animal Hospital) know she is trying to find people to help with the surgery costs, and says you can leave a note there that you’re donating for Zack’s surgery costs. Clinic contact info is here. Or if you want to contact Jane with some other idea of how to help Zack, you can e-mail WSB at editor@westseattleblog.comand we’ll forward your note.
Two weeks after the first serious snow started to fall on our area, more stories continue to emerge about how hard people worked to be sure the weather didn’t stop them from doing what needed to be done. At one point, we published an urgent call for help from Rick Jump (left) at the White Center Food Bank, saying they needed volunteers to help distribute holiday food baskets for hundreds of families; he subsequently reported that many people answered the call and they had more than enough help. What Rick didn’t mention, though, is the lengths he’d been going to, to keep the WCFB — whose official service area includes part of West Seattle — running. That story emerged in e-mail we received last night from Christi Stapleton, who along with Beth Grieser wanted to make sure Rick and the volunteers got a special shout-out, as well as everybody who has helped WCFB and West Seattle Food Bank:
The White Center Food Bank has been working overtime to get enough food and workers together to help out, but it’s been tight lately: demand is up, donations are down.
The Executive Director, Rick Jump, is really dedicated, as are the volunteers and staff.
But, with the weather this year, their dedication really stood out. There was enough food for everyone, but the weather meant that volunteers had a hard time getting there to help!
The snow and ice made travel difficult for all, but Rick’s street was too icy to drive, so he walked 2.5 miles to the food bank and slept there THREE nights to make sure all families could be served. Volunteers braved the snow to help out.
Admiral Safeway and Roxbury Safeway ran a promotion at the register to allow shoppers to painlessly and quickly add a ham for the food bank to their grocery bill! The response was great and allowed the food bank to distribute hams to every family that came to the food bank over the holidays. The Jefferson Square Safeway ran the same promotion and those hams were donated to the West Seattle Food Bank. All in all, it was a great program. Thanks to all the shoppers that donated, Safeway management for their patience and to the Safeway staff for making it a successful food drive.
The families were thrilled with the ham and the special holiday food. They all were appreciative to be able to serve a special holiday meal to their families.
Special thanks to everyone that donated their time and, of course, money, to keep the food banks going. It’s important work and you are appreciated. Keep it up!
If anyone has questions, wants more information or wants to donate (time or money), call Beth Grieser at 206-938-5706. She coordinates the food bank distribution for the 34th District Democrats and the West Seattle Democratic Women. With a little more prodding, they will have her on the board of the
White Center Food Bank, too!
Christi sent the following photo of some WCFB volunteers. Right after it, you’ll find links you can use right now, without even leaving your house, to donate money directly to the WC and WS Food Banks.
The food banks’ website pages with links to donate $ online (and more info on how else to help them):
White Center Food Bank here
West Seattle Food Bank here
Scroll down each of those pages to look for the DONATE button.
Puget Sound Blood Center has put out a warning that the blood supply is at a critically low level, with many scheduled donations canceled during the snowy/icy weather – but today, according to the PSBC mobile-drive schedule, there are two ways for you to donate close to home: PSBC will have blood drives at Admiral Safeway, 9 am-3 pm (California/Lander; here’s a map), and at Holy Family in White Center, 10 am-4 pm (20th and Roxbury, Tice Hall; here’s a map). Appointments were suggested but the site says walk-ins are welcome.
We asked the folks at Twilight to send a photo of what’s come in so far for the Treehouse for Kids toy drive they launched to turn something bad — this week’s art theft — into something good. If you’re going to The Junction, drop new, unwrapped toys off at Twilight (west of Easy Street) before they close at 3 pm. They’re collecting nonperishable food for West Seattle Food Bank, too.
(multimedia encaustic by Cyn Moore, stolen from Twilight yesterday)
That’s how Mary at Twilight Artist Collective in The Junction headed what they just sent as a followup to yesterday’s theft (WSB story here), along with the image above. Here’s the “good thing” part:
What type of person STEALS art?
Think your holidays suck? Imagine the poor soul who had to resort to stealing 4 pieces of Art from Twilight…Imagine not being able to buy your loved one a gift. So we’re hosting a gift drop-off for foster kids at Twilight…Don’t have a toy to drop off? We’ll donate 10% of proceeds from sales today and tomorrow to Treehouse for Kids.
ABOUT TREEHOUSE
Since 1988, Treehouse has filled the gaps for kids in foster care, providing services that no other agency addresses: money for extra-curricular activities and summer camp, professional educational support services, resources to fully participate in the everyday activities of growing up, clothing and supplies to help them fit in at school. www.treehouse4kids.orgABOUT TWILIGHT
Twilight Artist Collective is a high energy, creative group of artists focused on providing the venue for other local artists to share inspiration, expose people to original ideas through art, and build a sustainable artist community. We are committed to making art a part of our everyday lives, and strive to be the catalyst for a greater collection, exhibition and appreciation of fine art.In addition to exhibiting throughout the region, the Twilight Artist Collective also operates two stores, one in Pike Place Market and the other in the West Seattle Junction, where they show and sell work from all the artists in the collective. The store offers fine art in a variety of mediums including: paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and much more. Please visit www.twilightart.net or our store for more information about the collective and our unique art from local artists.
8:30-10:30 AM, TALK VIADUCT WITH COUNCILMEMBER TOM RASMUSSEN: As explained here. Drop in to talk with him about the Alaskan Way Viaduct decision-to-be, or any other city issue, Uptown Espresso in The Junction (here’s a map).
11 AM, “HOLIDAY MAGIC AND WONDER” AT THE ADMIRAL THEATER: Have some family fun before the weather goes south – hmm, north — again. Magician Steffan Soule will appear at the Admiral Theater at 11 am today and we hear Santa’s going to be there too. Read more about the show here.
10 AM-3 PM, HELP WESTSIDE BABY! The nonprofit organization that helps hundreds of families in our area every day needs people power, if you can get to their White Center HQ to lend a hand. Repost from our afternoon-evening snow coverage yesterday, note from WestSide Baby’s Nancy Woodland – even an hour can be an amazing gift, if you can spare it today:
The weather has impacted our operations this week to a near-standstill. This is especially concerning timing with orders waiting for children expecting warm clothes and toys for Christmas. We need extra hands to help us sort the many donations we’ve received (yeah!) and to fill orders for pick up by our agency partners on Monday. We’ve been closed for most of this week but will be open on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm for volunteers, donations and pick-ups. Although our parking lot can be treacherous we’re inviting people to make their way to White Center to help out if they are comfortable driving. Because of the volume, we’d love to have adult or experienced volunteers only so that we can make the most of the time we’ll have (today) before the snow hits again. Even an hour or two makes a huge difference.
We also plan to be open Monday 9-3 (weather permitting) and possibly on Tuesday too. Thanks so much to everyone who supports WestSide Baby!
WestSide Baby is at 10032 15th SW; 15th is one of the major roads in WC’s business district. Here’s how to get there.
Just spotted this while heading through the Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th intersection, and pulled over to grab a pic. The sign appeared after a day in which we checked yet another “is the project dead?” rumor — several WSB’ers sent us the link to an online report in which a writer (without a quote to substantiate) claimed “new stores were on hold” — we subsequently contacted the regional Whole Foods spokesperson, who promptly responded that report was wrong and had even omitted information she said she had given the writer to clarify a company memo he’d received, and YES, the West Seattle store is still on schedule. (As we reported here a week ago, after checking yet another round of rumors with both Whole Foods and with developer BlueStar.) So now — a sign. As we noted in last week’s story, BlueStar explains that the reason you’re not seeing active construction work at the site right now is that they’re between “phases” and will resume early in the year (that’s when they say the big crane will show up, too). The project continues to evolve behind the scenes as well; BlueStar’s project manager, Easton Craft, tells WSB today, “Based on the uniqueness of the current economic climate we are able to create some value engineering opportunities that will reduce the overall project budget. We plan to take full advantage of those opportunities. Conducting the value engineering exercise will have no discernible impact on the design of the project. We have now gone through the MUP [Master Use Permit] process twice and are excited about the current design. We are also very happy with our General Contractor, Ledcor Construction. They have been and continue to be a valued asset to this project and an excellent team player in this process.” (All WSB coverage of this project is archived here.)
Lots of quick time-sensitive mentions before some major stories start breaking (for example, the narrowed-down list of Viaduct options will go public around 3:30, if it’s not leaked sooner, and WSB will be there for that). The following is in no particular order – lots of great stuff going on:
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE: Another local business has one going – Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor), 3435 California SW, drop off a nonperishable food donation any time they’re open, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Fridays.
LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Larry Knapp sent a note to say he’s on piano at The Bohemian tonight, 6-9 pm. (Also live music tonight, as there is almost every night, at Skylark Cafe and Club [WSB sponsor], starting at 9 – Donerail, Otherwise, Lyons Mane, Skylark’s calendar page has times and links to musicians’ websites.)
PATHFINDER SCHOOL CRAFT AND GIFT SALE UPDATE: We mentioned this several hours ago. Now we have the exact time frame for today’s sale: 1-3 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm. (Here’s a map to the school.)
ANOTHER HOLIDAY DRIVE FOR PETS: We mentioned Furry Faces/Purrfect Pals/Pet Elements yesterday. Now there’s word that Stella Ruffington, which like PE is in Morgan Junction, is a dropoff spot for the Seattle Dog Daycares Association pet food/toy drive for Lifelong Aids Alliance, through the end of the year.
SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY DRIVE: Schmitz Park PTA co-president Julie Foster wrote with word that Schmitz Park is sponsoring a Joy of Giving holiday drive to benefit Treehouse, which she describes as “an amazing local organization helping our community’s foster kids.” Joy of Giving wish lists are available at the school and online at www.treehouseforkids.org – Julie suggests printing them out, passing them around, and then get the gifts (new, unwrapped toys, clothes or cash donations) to the school by 12/19. Contact her with questions: jul.foster@hotmail.com
“PLAID TIDINGS” SHOW ADDED: If you haven’t already seen them at ArtsWest, maybe you saw their sampler at the West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting last Saturday – the guys from Plaid Tidings are rockin’ The Junction and tickets have gone so far, ArtsWest just added two more shows: 7:30 pm the next two Sundays, December 14 and 21. Tickets are available online.
LAST BUT BY NO MEANS LEAST — WSB FORUM MEMBERS INVITE YOU TO A POTLUCK BENEFIT PARTY THIS SUNDAY!!! If you haven’t already been following this on the WSB Forums (which are celebrating their first anniversary this month), Forum members are organizing a holiday get-together this Sunday and want to invite ALL WSB’ers to be part of it. It’s a potluck and also a benefit. 3 pm Sunday 12/14 at Big Al’s Brewing in White Center – upstairs, so all ages are welcome. Read on for the full list of what to bring along, including how to join in helping folks for the holidays:Read More
That’s the Pet Angel Tree at Pet Elements in Morgan Junction – we got word of it from Teri Ensley at Furry Faces Foundation, who e-mailed WSB this writeup about three holiday-pet-help opportunities that are all “on site” at Pet Elements, in conjunction with F3 and Purrfect Pals:
Holiday Pet Food Drive: People of all income levels have pets that are near and dear to them and there is a spike in the surrender rate of pets to shelters because of tough economic times. Therefore, Melanie Wells, owner of Pet Elements, is sponsoring this pet food drive in conjunction with seven other small independent pet supply stores. She says that by helping people with pet food, we can help these animals stay with their humans instead of being surrendered to a shelter.
Pet Angel Tree: People can show off their beloved companion by putting a photo and/or name on Pet Angel Tree. Ribbons, cards, scissors and other ‘ornament’ accessories are provided. There is a suggested donation of $5, however, it is not mandatory. Any donations will support Furry Faces Foundation’s ‘Oliver’s Fund’, which assists animals, whose humans are financially restricted, with unexpected Veterinarian bills and healthy pet food…because everyone deserves unconditional love.
Cat Sponsorship Holiday Cards: Purrfect Pals has wonderful Holiday cards with photos & stories of their permanent resident cats that people can give as a gift to their animal loving family members and friends. The cards are a wonderful, green gift and only a $25 donation. Purrfect Pals is an excellent rescue group who teams with many other groups, including Furry Faces, because we all want the same thing–happy, loving, permanent homes for animals. (and of course, spay/neuter).
Pet Elements is at 6701 California (map). Any other pet-helping holiday opportunities? Let us know and we’ll add them to the WSB Holidays page! (P.S. Teri also sends word that the recent “Catsino” fundraiser for F3 [WSB coverage here] raised more than $1,200 on behalf of “It’s Hip to Be Snipped” spaying/neutering work.)
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