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Another chance to help breast-cancer patients while “on the move”
October 7, 2009 8:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

nia_81.jpgTwo weeks after the Alki Beach 5K, you’ve got another chance this Sunday to raise $ for Northwest Hope and Healing while you’re “on the move” – it’s the third annual NiaDivas‘ benefit class. Read about the Nia Technique here; the class is 10-11 am Sunday, Youngstown Arts Center, $15 suggested donation, register online here.

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New feature at West Seattle’s only official off-leash area
October 7, 2009 2:03 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Wood chips await helping hands to move them into place for a new feature at Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area in Highland Park, West Seattle’s only official off-leash area: Westcrest steward Steve McElhenney tells WSB that this will be “a new “special needs” area of the park. I pitched my idea to Seattle Parks a few weeks ago to clear out an area right inside the offleash area north parking lot to create access for the elderly and disabled folks with dogs that had a hard time getting to the upper area.” Steve says that, thanks to Dennis Dylan and crew at the tree-service company JTS, they have lots of chips waiting to be spread – volunteers are welcome to join in and help 6-8 pm tomorrow night and 10 am-noon Saturday.

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Musical instrument you don’t use? Students would love it!
October 5, 2009 1:30 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | White Center

If you have an instrument gathering dust in the closet or on a shelf, here’s a chance to get it into the hands of someone who can put it to good use: WSB’er Eliza is organizing a music-instrument-donation drive for White Center Heights Elementary (just a few blocks over the line from WS – here’s a map). Eliza says the school (where her mom works) “just got a really amazing music teacher” but doesn’t have enough instruments to accommodate all the kids now interested in studying with her. Eliza explains, “The school doesn’t have the budget to buy new instruments and the parents can’t afford to rent them or buy them for the kids.” So, she says, “If you have any old/used/formerly loved instruments you could donate that would be so much appreciated!! I will pick them up, I will come to you, I would just like to get these kids a chance to learn a skill they might otherwise miss out on. Please feel free to e-mail me at egjunkerman@yahoo.com or give me a call, 206.818.7376.”

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Message from a survivor: Team Tracy looks ahead to 3Day 2010
October 3, 2009 9:28 pm
|    Comments Off on Message from a survivor: Team Tracy looks ahead to 3Day 2010
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

As children of mothers lost to cancer, both of your WSB co-publishers especially appreciate those on the front lines of the fight to vanquish it – including so many in West Seattle, like the well-known West Seattle-based Breast Cancer 3Day group shown above, Team Tracy. The team’s namesake Tracy Dart is a young breast-cancer survivor. She has a challenge for you, and anyone else who sees this:

The 2010 3 Day event in Seattle is one year away. September 24-26th, 2010. I thought, why not start early in recruiting our team. Team Tracy will be back in full force this year. This past year 10 of us raised over $27,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Breast Cancer Trust.

As a whole, the Seattle 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk raised $5.5 million dollars. Not too shabby! BUT, attendance was down this year in Seattle, and we raise $3 Million less than we did in 2008. This year, I want to grow our team…and I’m inviting any West Seattlites (and beyond) to be a part of it! So many times I hear people say that they have always wanted to participate in the event, but they didn’t have anyone to walk with. That excuse can officially be kicked out the door.

So this is my call to action…as a survivor of this nasty disease…I don’t intend on lying down and waiting for someone else to raise the money. If I want to see a cure in my lifetime – I feel like we need to bring out the big guns NOW! The time is NOW – and we will not give up hope that a cure is in sight. I am setting the bar high, and I want Team Tracy to raise $60,000 this year. More importantly I want to get more people involved in this life changing 3 days – men, women, anyone 16 years of age and older, active folks, couch potatoes, vitamen takers, beer drinkers…we don’t discriminate. Here are a few reasons why I think people should get involved…

Washington State has the highest rate of Breast Cancer in the country. 2.4 million women in the United States are currently diagnosed and being treated for Breast Cancer. 40,000 women will die this year from this disease! The recurrence rate of Breast Cancer is high and normally happens within the first 3 to 5 years.

I pray that I won’t be part of that recurrence statistic…but I also know that it is a very real threat! If that day comes, I want to have no doubt in my mind that I did EVERYTHING in my power to make a difference…that I got everyone I know involved in finding a cure…and that we raised as much money as we could…to help my chances of survival – and the chances of survival for thousands of other women and men.

I’m asking for anyone who has thought about walking, to make the commitment. And I know it’s a doozie! 60 miles is a haul…and raising $2300 is no chump change. But you have a year – to train, fundraise and be a part of something HUGE!

To learn more about the Breast Cancer 3 Day, CLICK HERE!
To join TEAM TRACY…CLICK HERE!
If you have questions about the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk and joining Team Tracy – e-mail TEAM TRACY at teamtracy2010@hotmail.com

Side note: Tracy manages the new West Seattle store Cherry Consignment (featured in this WSB story), which is donating 10 percent of sale prices to the 3Day this month (which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month) – read more about that on Facebook.

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West Seattle scenes: Food-drive helper; statue visitor
October 3, 2009 4:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scenes: Food-drive helper; statue visitor
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

We stopped by one of the Prudential NW food drive spots – West Seattle Thriftway – just intending to get a photo to add to the advance blurb published this morning, but Kristi Freeburg and helper Audrey made such a cute picture, we’re showcasing them separately. Audrey was there to make a point: Local food banks need pet food donations too. The Prudential drive is over but you can help the local food banks any time – follow the links: West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank. Meantime, here’s a photo you could caption “Bird’s Eye View from Nerd’s Eye View”:

Gatewood author/artist Pam Mandel (best known for her site Nerd’s Eye View) shared that photo taken at Alki.

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West Seattle Garden Tour now seeking next year’s gardens
October 3, 2009 4:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

We’re still more than nine months away from next year’s West Seattle Garden Tour, but the gardens for next year are chosen much sooner – and organizers are inviting more people to apply right now, since they tour prospects during October. (The photo above is used by permission of WSGT, showing one of last year’s highlighted gardens.) This page on the WSGT website has more info on the tour and how to find out if your garden might qualify.

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8 days till Eat Local Now! – check out the chef/food lineup now!
October 3, 2009 2:05 pm
|    Comments Off on 8 days till Eat Local Now! – check out the chef/food lineup now!
 |   Environment | Health | How to help | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Eight days till the October 11th Eat Local Now! dinner/auction/entertainment event at Alki Masonic Hall, with co-presenters including Sustainable West Seattle and CoolMom, and co-sponsors including WSB. Kate Kaemerle shares the latest on WHOSE food you’ll be eating at Eat Local Now! – check it out:

The featured chefs include many West Seattle favorites, including:

Toby Matasar – Eats Market Cafe
Tony Kurzinski – Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor)
Dalis Chea – Fresh Bistro
Hajime Sato – Mashiko
Nance Tourigny
Bill Taylor
Maria Gonzalez
Brad Glaberson

Local food providers include New Roots Organics, 21 Acres Farm, Beechers Handmade Cheese, Boistfort Valley Farm, Field Roast Grain Meats, Full Circle Farm, Helsing Junction Farm, Jubilee Farm, Lazy Locavores, Local Roots Farm, Plum Forest, SPUD! and Theo Chocolates. Local beer, wine and cider will be available at a cash bar from Elliott Bay Brewery, Georgetown Brewery, Bainbridge Winery and Rockridge Cidery.

The evening includes dinner, speakers active in the local-food movement, exhibitors, a silent auction, music and dancing. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a locally produced dinner while celebrating the people who grow, cook and support the local food movement.

Tickets for 2009 Eat Local Now! are available online at eatlocalnow.org or Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006 or brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under 10.

Alki Masonic Hall is in The Junction, 41st/Edmunds. See you there!

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West Seattle Hi-Yu wraps up “very successful” parade season
October 2, 2009 11:32 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Unless you’re personally involved with the West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival, you may not realize that its volunteers are at work for months before the peak summer events, and months afterward – pretty much all year round. But parade season is ending after tomorrow, and Hi-Yu President Tim Winston sent these photos with this update tonight:

We are wrapping up a very successful parade season with the Issaquah Salmon Days Parade, Saturday at 10 am.

This will be the last outing for our “How Sweet It Is†candy-themed float. It has won awards in 7 parades (out of 8 where we are eligible).

Thanks to John at GT Towing who has been storing our float.

BTW, Monday starts the new season for Hi-Yu. I am president again for the next year and most of the board is continuing.

Our major project for the fall is a new, covered float trailer. We are looking for a few major sponsors that will be recognized with advertising on the new trailer. A photo of a trailer like the one we plan to order is attached.

Thank you!

Tim Winston
President
West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival

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Friday night notes: Click! party now; Prudential drive tomorrow
October 2, 2009 7:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle businesses

The cupcakes from West Seattle’s own Splendid Cupcake are going fast at the Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) 5th birthday party, says Click’s John Smersh, who shared the pic. They’re there till 9 pm, with treats and discounts. Click! is in the Admiral District at 2210 California SW. Tomorrow, as you may have seen in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, lots of chances to share your time, talent and treasure — including the food drive promoted at Walking On Logs:

Dawn Nelson from Prudential Realty sent the photo tonight as another reminder of their food drive tomorrow at five local supermarkets – 10 am-2 pm at all three West Seattle-area Safeways, plus West Seattle Thriftway and White Center Albertson’s. She says they’ll be out rain or shine!

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Two benefits just announced for Chef Sean Goff’s family
October 2, 2009 11:42 am
|    Comments Off on Two benefits just announced for Chef Sean Goff’s family
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

After the untimely death of Cafe Revo co-owner Chef Sean “Chano” Goff two weeks ago (story here with tribute comments), it was noted that the family’s left with medical bills to deal with from his long illness, while continuing to run the popular Italian restaurant (a WSB sponsor) in the Luna Park business district. This morning we have word of two benefits coming up, both promising food and fun while building a fund for the family:

THE SANCTUARY AT ADMIRAL, OCTOBER 14: Here’s the flyer for this one, sent by Sanctuary at Admiral owner Dahli Bennett. It reads in part:

“Big Nightâ€
Dinner and a Movie Benefit at Sanctuary at Admiral

Please join us Wednesday, October 14th
-Four course Italian dinner-

Prepared by Chef Constance Bennett hailing from the Tipsy Pig in San Francisco and Chef Andrew Ingrahm of Café Revo fame.

The evening starts at 6pm with appetizers and wine, followed by a special communal style dinner. After dessert and coffee, we will get settled in for a viewing of the film “Big Night.”

$50 tickets are on sale at Cafe Revo.

WESTENDERS’ “OPERATION CHANO,” NOVEMBER 7: This one’s also dinner-and-a-movie. The Goffs have been active in the scooter community – including the mural on the restaurant’s south side – and the Westenders Scooter Club is organizing this benefit at the Rainier Yacht Club – here’s the official flyer sent by Nicky Ducommun, which includes:

Guests will enjoy a pasta feed, beverages, and a raffle. DJ Ace Face will be spinning tunes, and Eric Pravitz will screen his scooter-themed adventure-comedy “Mondo Scooterama†for entertainment … “A rollicking adventure-comedy that pays homage to the ‘biker’ movies of the 50s
and 60s, Mondo Scooterama features a talented young cast of up and coming Northwest actors, and features hilarious cameo appearances by well-known figures on the Seattle scootering scene!â€

Suggested donation, $20. (Here’s a map to the RYC.)

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Friday night: Bordeaux, Bites and Bingo with the Chamber
October 1, 2009 11:14 pm
|    Comments Off on Friday night: Bordeaux, Bites and Bingo with the Chamber
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Still some room left to party with the folks working to make West Seattle an ever-better place for business … the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Bordeaux, Bites and Bingo fundraiser is tomorrow (Friday) night, 6 pm at Sodo Park, operated by West Seattle-based Herban Feast (parent to Fresh Bistro). Great food, wine and fun – plus (as you can see on the poster above) raffle prizes. As West Seattle grows, the Chamber should grow too, but can’t without your support – we joined the C of C a few months after becoming a business two years ago, and wholeheartedly endorse membership for all businesses, large and small – the more self-sufficient our community can be, with strong businesses (and potentially more jobs!), the better. And it’s not just about business: It’s also about sustainability (there’s the Chamber’s “Green Team”), civic affairs (the monthly Lunch with LEOs [local elected officials] brown bag), and other initiatives. So go enjoy BBB with the C of C. Call 206-932-5685 to snap up one (or more) of those remaining seats.

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Help brighten up Admiral streets – this Saturday
October 1, 2009 4:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Help brighten up Admiral streets – this Saturday
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

With Shipwreck Tavern, Porterhouse, Brickyard, Angelina’s remodeling, CF West Seattle, Muttley Crew Cuts‘ admiralogo.jpgmove, West Seattle Bloom Preschool, Revolution Coffee going nonprofit, Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) celebrating its 5th tomorrow (who’d we miss?) – the Admiral District is jumping these days. And this Saturday, it can use YOUR help making sure all these changes are framed with spiffy-clean streets. Admiral Neighborhood Association president Mark Wainwright just sent out a reminder that the quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup is this Saturday – meet at Metropolitan Market (where the cheese celebration continues, by the way) at 9 am for coffee/treats, then spend a few hours brightening up your community.

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Old cell phone? Don’t toss it – help domestic violence victims
October 1, 2009 10:33 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If you have one or more old cell phones sitting around because you don’t know the best way to get rid of them – here it is. Via Facebook, Megan Wilson sends news of a cell-phone-collection drive she’s organized to help victims of domestic violence. Between now and December 11th, take the phone(s) to the counter at Easy Street Records in The Junction, any brand, with or without charger. Megan explains, “Each phone collected is given to the Shelter Alliance that refurbishes the phones to help victims of domestic violence during safety planning. For each phone submitted, the Shelter Alliance will give money to the Victim Support Team that I volunteer with.” (Here’s info on that team.) Any special instructions? we asked. Megan’s reply: “It does not matter what brand/type the phone is. The phones should be deactivated and Shelter Alliance does erase data. It is best, however, to erase your own personal data from phone before turning in.” P.S. Megan adds: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here’s how to get help – or call this hotline any time: 800-562-6025.

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While we’re talking homelessness: Family Promise update
September 29, 2009 9:42 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

famprom.jpg

One year ago, we published a feature story about Family Promise of Seattle, a small organization with the very specific goal of helping homeless families stay together while they get back on their feet. It’s based in the building you see above — an old fourplex leased from adjacent West Side Presbyterian Church — but that’s just its day center; local churches help house the families it helps. Recently, board member Laura Bermes e-mailed to share an update on the group – and with all the conversation triggered by “Nickelsville” and the SHARE sleepout protest, this seems like a relevant time:

Have you ever struggled to pay the rent, or wondered what would happen if you lost your job, or what might happen if you were to fall ill without adequate insurance? It doesn’t take a lot of bad luck to become homeless in Seattle. The cost of living keeps increasing, opportunity for employment keeps decreasing, incomes are falling and families are finding themselves homeless. In the Seattle School District last year, more than 900 students were identified as being “homelessâ€. It happens – and, yes, it happens right here in our sweet West Seattle. Fortunately, West Seattle offers a meager, but effective sheltering program for families where volunteers provide meals and a safe place to sleep at night through the generous support of area churches, and families find social service support at a Day Center.

Family Promise, West Seattle’s only sheltering program for homeless families, has served over 13 families since opening its doors in July of 2008. Single moms and their babies, toddlers, elementary, middle and high school students, and a couple of dads. The program has seen success, and has allowed hundreds of volunteers the opportunity to learn more about homelessness and to reap the benefit of caring for strangers. This is the kind of program that fits perfectly in this caring community that we all appreciate. Right now, Family Promise needs your help.

The Family Promise Board has set three ambitious goals for the continuation of this unique program: 1. to raise 90,000 in operating income by November 1st; 2. to increase Board Membership by recruiting interested business people in the community; and 3. to increase the number partner congregations / synagogues. In order to meet these goals, the Board is planning a Public Relations Campaign that will reach out to the West Seattle Community for support. We need your help to keep this family shelter in operation.

Here are Two Ways YOU can MAKE A DIFFERENCE: You can help by volunteering your time at a partner congregation, in the Day Center or by serving on the Board. You can help by donating money, or by becoming a member of “Club 206,†a group of individual donors (living in the 206 area code) that agree to give $206 a year. Visit the Family Promise website for more information or give a call to the Day Center at 937-2703.

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Join the Girl Scouts – or lead them! “Info nights” this week
September 29, 2009 12:10 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo from February 2009)
Girl Scouts are about more than cookies (although that part is fun too)! Ilana Barnes from Girl Scouts of Western Washington sends word of two information nights in West Seattle tonight and tomorrow, not just for the girls, but for prospective leaders too:

* *Who*: All girls and adults interested in learning more about Girl Scouts!

*Attention all girls everywhere*…Do you want to share and explore new things with your friends? Sing and make s’mores around the campfire? Build a rocket? Go horseback riding? Ever wondered what it would be like to grow up and be a veterinarian, baker, scientist, banker, or artist – you can learn, try, and experience all these things in the Girl Scouts. If you can think it, you can do it! It’s all about what YOU like!

*Attention all parents, guardians and adults who believe the girl in their life is amazing*…You can help her reach her full potential. Help her explore her passions, find courage, and build character so she can make the world a better place. You can help by getting involved in Girl Scouts!

The Girl Scouts of Western Washington is 99% volunteer-led and we need caring adults like yourself to take an active role in giving girls the best possible Girl Scout experience. We are looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers who are interested in bringing Girl Scouts to their Seattle community. Each year Girl Scouts has many more girls interested in joining than we are able to place in troops. Come learn how you can help!

Tuesday, September 29
6:30 pm
High Point Library
3411 SW Raymond St.

Wednesday, September 30
6:30 pm
Southwest Library
9010 35th Ave. SW

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Followup: Alki Beach 5K – after the race!
September 28, 2009 3:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

First, following up on Sunday’s Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run to raise money for Northwest Hope and Healing‘s work helping breast-cancer patients (our same-day coverage is here and here), NWHH executive director Shari Sewell has an update:

Nearly 1,400 walkers, runners, volunteers, sponsors and supporters came out on a beautiful morning for the Alki Beach 5k Walk & Run. We are so thrilled at the cooperation we received from the West Seattle community as well as the support of our participants. Our supporters have embraced our mission to help women get through breast cancer, and the event has grossed over $75,000, with donations still coming in. Donations can be made online at www.alkibeachrun.com. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Dr Glenn Krieger, who has generously supported our annual event over the past few years.

And from NWHH supporter and Alki Beach 5K participant Amy Daly-Donovan, a photo and info from an “afterparty” of sorts:

From left, that’s NWHH founder Christine Smith, Amy and husband Jim, and Shari Sewell. Amy reports $1,800 more was raised at the party, for which she provides the backstory:

I signed up for NWHH’s inaugural run event in 2003 – it was a half marathon and the longest distance I’d ever run. My young & vibrant sister had recently passed away from an aggressive form of breast cancer and I wanted to do something to honor her, and liked the idea of supporting a LOCAL organization that supported LOCAL breast cancer patients. In that first year, NWHH encouraged each participant to raise $500 and I decided to try something different rather than asking for pledges. Jim and I hosted a cocktail party and asked people to come and make a donation to NWHH. That first year we raised nearly $1,400.

We decided to make an annual event of it and have been running & partying every year since. Last year, the total we have raised through the generosity of our friends and family surpassed the $10,000 mark! We are thrilled to be able to support this wonderful and much-needed organization in such a significant way. Two of my sisters and my niece and I also participated in NWHH’s Spring Fashion Show last May and had a blast.

You can find out more about Northwest Hope and Healing at nwhopeandhealing.org. ADDED TUESDAY: We’ve received a followup also from the presenting sponsor, Krieger Dentistry, regarding their ongoing efforts to help fight breast cancer – read on:Read More

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Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run 2009, report #1: The first finishers
September 27, 2009 10:42 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Those are the top male and female finishers from this morning’s Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run, benefiting Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps newly diagnosed breast-cancer patients. (The official results aren’t online yet but via loudspeaker, he was identified as Brett Kapels, who finished 3rd last year, and she’s Regina Joyce.) This is the second year for the 5K, which previously had been a half-marathon; the West Seattleite who is NWHH’s executive director, Shari Sewell, told us they’d counted 1,298 signups by race time – up 30% from last year’s 1,000 participants. Brisk but beautiful morning. We’re processing our traditional video clip of EVERYONE at the start of the race and will publish that separately later. But first, a few more photos – first, right after the starting horn sounded:

A big group rounds the first bend onto the Alki bike path:

HUGE amount of volunteer help makes this happen – from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle volunteers with the stop signs:

… to the volunteers in the water booth, bundling up against the chilly breeze:

More later! (P.S. Thanks to Facebook friends – find us at facebook.com/westseattleblog – for pointing out that first finisher Brett Kapels is Hope Lutheran School‘s athletic director.) PPS – Here’s our video of everybody taking off – will feature it as an embed in the followup report when results are available.

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Happening today: Alki Beach 5K; Farmers’ Market; Tibbetts
September 27, 2009 6:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

ALKI BEACH 5K WALK/RUN: More than 1,200 people are signed up, we hear – and you can still do same-day registration if you get to Alki Bathhouse at 8 am. The run (from the Bathhouse to Anchor Park, and back) benefits Northwest Hope and Healing, which supports newly diagnosed breast-cancer patients as they struggle to continue the practicalities of life while dealing with their new fight for survival. (We’ll be tweeting pre- and during-race photos at @westseattleblog – you don’t have to be on Twitter to see a Twitter feed, just click that link.)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska, and watch @NFMASeattle on Twitter for tidbits once the market opens. (No Ripe and Ready list online today, sorry!)

TIBBETTS CENTENNIAL SERVICE: It’s been a big year for West Seattle churches celebrating 100th anniversaries, and the big party for Tibbetts United Methodist Church is today: Regional Bishop Grant Hagiya will preside at the 10 am service, during which former pastors will be recognized, and a gala banquet will follow the service. More here (including the latest on plans for the church’s next big rummage sale, in early October).

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Fall chill in the air – can you spare a coat for a foster child?
September 26, 2009 11:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Even when the days are warm, the nights are now cool, and you’ve probably at least thought about bringing your sweaters and coats to the front of the closet. Maybe you can take it a step further – and get a coat to somebody who can’t afford one. At Sleep Country USA in Westwood Village, the annual Coat Drive for Foster Kids is under way now through November 1st. As the official announcement from Sleep Country puts it, “many foster kids arrive with only the clothes on their backs.” You can donate “new coats in every shape and size” at any Sleep Country USA store; the one at Westwood Village is in the section of the center anchored by Bed Bath Beyond. Or, you can donate through PayPal and Sleep Country will use the $ to buy coats (here’s the link). Want to know more? 888-88-SLEEP.

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Community Harvest: 1 house, 306 pounds of donated grapes
September 26, 2009 9:23 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

You’ve no doubt heard by now about Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, which has been harvesting local produce, particularly fruit, with volunteer help, for donation to local food banks. One homeowner made what turned out to be a really big donation, and shared this note she got from Aviva at Community Harvest after 11 volunteers stopped by to pick grapes two days ago:

“I just dropped off the grapes at the food bank. 306 pounds!! Can you believe it? I would have to say that it is the highest yield/house this season, not to mention that the tree owners (kids included!) were the most fun. This has been a great way to end (well, almost end) the season – and puts us at 6400 pounds – just 100 away from our goal.”

The homeowner/grape donor (who also shared these photos, including that one of a volunteer with a big box of the grapes) added:

So, if your yard has some fruit that you aren’t going to use, please contact Aviva so they can reach the 6500 pound goal! Speaking as the homeowner who donated grapes yesterday, I can personally attest that these people are wonderful– they come to your place, pick and bag the fruit, then take it away. That is about as easy (for the homeowner, lol) as it gets! No more wasted fruit, no nasty mush in the yard, and best of all, lots of good fruit for the food bank.

Contact info for Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle is online at gleanit.org.

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Alki Beach 5K tomorrow – register today at CAPERS
September 26, 2009 12:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Beach 5K tomorrow – register today at CAPERS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Online registration is closed for tomorrow’s Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run (WSB sponsor) to benefit breast-cancer patients through Northwest Hope and Healing – BUT if you’re not already signed up, you can do it at CAPERS in The Junction till 2 pm. (Same-day signups start at 8 at Alki Bathhouse tomorrow; the 5K starts at 9 am.)

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Attention, artists: Last call to “Have a Seat at the Table”
September 26, 2009 8:01 am
|    Comments Off on Attention, artists: Last call to “Have a Seat at the Table”
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

With the White Center Food Bank‘s annual Harvest Dinner/Auction less than a month away, it’s “last call” time for artists who can decorate chairs to donate in the “Have a Seat at the Table” portion of the auction. Lynne Ingalls says, “There may still be some chairs available free for artists to decorate, otherwise, choose your own … they must be completed and submitted by October 10.” You can contact her at btrees@comcast.net or 206-933-2547 to get a chair (and more information). And regardless of whether you’re an artist, you are welcome to attend the October 17th event and support the food bank, which serves part of West Seattle as well as all of White Center: Call 206-762-2848 for tickets, or go to www.whitecenterfoodbank.org.

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West Seattle CoolMom searches for gardenable spot for 350.org
September 26, 2009 6:07 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

That’s a simulation of what West Seattle CoolMom and other area environmental groups hope to muster enough people to create at Seattle Center in a month, as part of the 350.org Day of Action. And CoolMom’s Terri Glaberson says her group is looking for the perfect spot to do something smaller, closer to home, too:

In recognition and support of 350.org International Day of Action taking place on October 24th, West Seattle CoolMom is trying to locate a plot of land that could be home to 350 square feet of garden. The idea is to create a new garden space for a local business, school or church so that the community can benefit from an ongoing working garden. Instead of CoolMom trying to locate this land by searching ourselves, we thought of asking the community for help.

What we would like is to have the community raise their hand in offering this plot of land to CoolMom so that we may establish a garden, but with understanding that this land would be maintained after October 24th by the owners of the land.

If you can suggest a site for this garden, e-mail Terri at admin@coolmom.org. And she invites you to make plans to be part of the big “350” at Seattle Center, 2 pm October 24:

The event includes exhibitors, speakers, live feed of neighborhood action events, the cities new carbon calculator-created to be user friendly for families, and a large photo op of a “three”, “five” and “zero” near the fountain. We are going to need a lot of folks to come out to form these numbers, but more importantly we want people to get involved and learn about climate change and what each individual can do to make a difference in his or her community.

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