West Seattle, Washington
05 Saturday
If you park in one of the West Seattle Junction Association‘s “free” lots today while visiting the Farmers’ Market, you might notice something missing: The donation boxes are gone. As reported here earlier this month, the Junction Association was served with an order from the lots’ owner, the consortium Trusteed Properties, to remove the boxes or be found in violation because TP considered the boxes to be charging for parking, which the lease forbids without permission.
WSJA removed the boxes earlier this week after its response to the order drew no reply. So the donation boxes are in storage. The small replicas at local businesses are still in place and WSJA has launched another way you can chip in:
You can choose to “round up” your purchase at participating local merchants to the nearest dollar, to contribute to the fund to cover the rent increase that imperils their ability to keep offering parking ($90,000 in 2016 to $245,000 this year). You can also text WSPARK to 44321 to donate by credit card. Or donate here online. (The Junction Association is a nonprofit.)
(WSB photo from 2018 Loop the Lupe)
Summer is closer than you think. So are fun summer events like Loop the Lupe. They run on volunteer power and need to stock up on that early, so you’re invited to find out more. From organizer Brian Callanan:
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
An informational meeting on how you can help make the Loop the Lupe Obstacle Course and 5K Fun Run in 2019 a smashing success is happening Wednesday, January 23rd, 7 p.m., at the Pastoral Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. School groups, families looking for volunteer hours, WE WANT YOU!! Help us take this event over the top- -it’s happening June 8 at Walt Hundley Playfield! RSVP to loopthelupe@gmail.com.
Thanks, and GET IN THE LOOP!
The OLG Pastoral Center is on the NE corner of 35th SW/SW Myrtle.
Combat Arts Academy (WSB sponsor) proprietor Sonia Sillan announces, “2 events are happening on Saturday in support of the West Seattle Food Bank and our annual January food drive.” All the money raised by both will support WSFB, because CAA coaches are donating their time. First event is a Women’s Self-Defense and Empowerment Workshop for ages 13+, 11 am-1 pm Saturday at CAA’s North Delridge location (5050 Delridge Way SW), by donation ($30 or 30 non-perishable food items)- preregister here ASAP! Second event is Parents’ Night Out, 6 pm-9 pm at CAA’s Burien location (115 SW 153rd), also by donation (also $30 or 30 non-perishable food items) – preregister here ASAP!
Another local nonprofit is offering help to federal employees and their families who are not getting paid because of the shutdown. This time, it’s WestSide Baby. Here’s the announcement we received:
WestSide Baby is offering families affected by the government shutdown free diapers and wipes on a walk-in basis.
“We already know many families in our community are unable to afford all the tangible basics. No more families should be without clean, dry diapers for their baby just because they are not receiving a paycheck during the shutdown,” says Nancy Woodland, WestSide Baby’s Executive Director
Families affected by the furlough should come to WestSide Baby anytime during their open hours to receive diapers and wipes while the shutdown continues. Please bring proof of government employment. Hours and location information available on their website.
WS Baby’s headquarters in White Center, 10002 14th Ave SW, is the closest to West Seattle. (It’s also where you can donate diapers and wipes if you would like to ensure there are plenty for the federal families and the thousands of others the organization helps.)
Almost four months after its dropoff spot closed because of impending redevelopment, Seattle Goodwill has just announced it has launched pickup service in part of West Seattle – zip codes 98116, 98126, 98136 (updated) 98146. (Here’s a zip-code map.) “The simple act of cleaning out your closets and donating to Goodwill will help others with free job training and education programs,” says Goodwill, which will make pickups between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm, on days you can schedule in advance by going here. The items have to be left outside your residence; the driver can’t go inside. Also, if you want to schedule a donation pickup for a business, school, or church, they ask that you call instead – 206-583-8099. Here are the guidelines for how to get your donations ready.
Denny International Middle School‘s first-ever auction could use your support. There are two ways to help, as explained in this announcement:
We are the Denny International Middle School PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) and would like to ask for your support with our 2019 First Annual Live Auction, “Mardi Gras.” This event will be held at the Highland Park Improvement Club on February 9th at 5:30 pm and will feature a live big band, games, great local items to bid on, authentic New Orleans cuisine; your ticket includes beer and wine.
To purchase tickets visit: dennyinternationalmiddle.tiptopauction.com/auction2019
The objective of the PTSA is to bring additional funding to our school that supports an increase of after-school programs, technology, club offerings, sports and to assist teachers with classroom educational development, as well as support other scholar activities. PTSA funds are used to benefit all scholars and organizations at Denny International Middle School.
Although we have received exciting donations from local businesses and organizations in the community, a truly successful auction requires parent and family participation and donations. Can you create a themed basket for the event? Some ideas include: Travel Basket, Martini Party, Grillmaster BBQ, Picnic Set, Spa Glamour, Chocolate Decadence (wine and fine chocolates), Pet Treat Basket, Music to My Ears (cd collection), Tee Time (golf theme), Home and Garden (tools and seeds), A Day at the Beach (towels, sunscreen, toys, snorkel gear), Family Movie Night (popcorn, DVD, theater candy). We request NEW AND UNUSED ITEMS ONLY PLEASE, unless you are creating a vintage basket.
Are you a season ticketholder for a sports team or a theater with a few dates you will not be attending? Donate your tickets and the Auction Committee will create a basket with them and add team swag.
We ask that you consider donating to our worthy cause by January 23, 2019. Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the school, located at 2601 SW Kenyon Street, Seattle, WA 98126, ATTN: PTSA AUCTION, or arrangements can be made for a volunteer to pick up your donation. Please contact Angelica Mendoza at angiemg2002@yahoo.com or Susan DeFant at sldefant@gmail.com to make arrangements. Your donation may be tax deductible.
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration. We appreciate and need your support!
(WSB photos/video)
Those are a few of the hardy souls – mostly from Seattle PD and other law-enforcement agencies – who are taking twice-hourly “plunges” into Puget Sound all day today outside the Alki Bathhouse. Their mission is twofold: To raise money for Special Olympics of Washington and to raise awareness of The Big Plunge on February 9th (you’re invited to be part of what they hope will be a recordsetting event that day). They’re having fun, too – we stopped by for the eighth plunge at 11:30 am and discovered the group conga’ing from the bathhouse to the water:
Video:
Between plunges, they’re staying warm inside the Bathhouse. And you might notice some of their flotation gear outside:
This is set to continue on the hour and half-hour until 5 pm. Meantime, you can register for the February 9th Big Plunge by going here.
(Photo courtesy Invest in Youth)
If you’re hoping to spend more time being helpful this year … maybe this is for you! The announcement is from Invest in Youth:
Did you resolve to give back to your community this year? This is your opportunity! Invest in Youth is in need of local volunteer tutors at Roxhill Elementary. As a tutor, you are paired with an elementary school student (a 3rd-5th grader) and work with that same student for the rest of the year. This match allows you to see your impact on the student’s week-to-week progress. It is an extremely rewarding experience for both students and their tutors!
The commitment for tutors involves:
● 1 hour per week at a local school
● An entire school year
● Several breaks for holidaysPlease consider becoming a tutor with Invest in Youth and complete an application on our website.
If you are not sure that you can make a commitment every week, or for the entire school year, Invest in Youth is always in need of regular substitute tutors. Please contact Jude (jbrown@investinyouth.org) for specifics.
You’ve probably seen regional-media reports about Alan Naiman, a Seattle man who died last year at age 63 and left $11 million to children’s charities after what was by all accounts a frugal life. West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby wants people here to know that they were among the beneficiaries.
“We received a large gift from Alan at the end of 2017 and we were all surprised,” said Nancy Woodland, Executive Director at WestSide Baby. “After reaching out to extend our gratitude, we never heard back but continued to be thrilled. When we learned just weeks later over a phone call that he had left $425,000 to WestSide Baby along with other large gifts to other fantastic children’s nonprofits, the tears were flowing.” …
WestSide Baby will use the gift to purchase basic items urgently needed by families this winter in addition to growing programs to reach more children in 2019. “We feel a great responsibility to ensure Alan’s gift best supports families and children in our region getting the tangible items they need to live healthy and happy lives. We are so grateful.”
In case you missed the announcement last weekend, you have a fun chance to help WestSide Baby by attending a free screening of “Mary Poppins Returns” this Saturday (January 5th) – here’s how.
Just got word from WestSide Baby – which helps thousands of children and their families every year – that you are invited to a special West Seattle showing of “Mary Poppins Returns” next Saturday, courtesy of a well-known West Seattle dad. The announcement:
Join us for a special complimentary showing of Mary Poppins Returns on Saturday, January 5, at 10 am at the Admiral Theater. Admission is absolutely free. Suggested donation of diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, new kids socks/undies, or funds in any amount to help kids and families in need. westsidebaby.org/donate-now
In 1964, the original Mary Poppins movie was released – and even played for a time at the historic Admiral Theater! Lifelong West Seattleite and current King County Executive Dow Constantine attended the show with his mom. This year, he wants to thank this community by treating families to a special free morning showing of Mary Poppins Returns at the Admiral Theater.
Dow shares, “In 1964, mom took me to see my first film – the original Mary Poppins. For mom’s birthday last week, the whole family went with her to a matinee showing of Mary Poppins Returns – my own daughter’s first chance to see a film in a real theater! We thought it would be fun to honor mom by inviting the community to the movies.”
WestSide Baby provides essential items like diapers, clothing and equipment to local children in need. Donations from families attending the show will reach children within western King County in early 2019.
WestSide Baby Executive Director Nancy Woodland is thrilled to partner for this fun event. “WestSide Baby is focused on the very basics for kids. During the holiday season, there is incredible generosity of spirit in West Seattle and that magic means many more children will be safe, warm and dry in early 2019. Mary Poppins swoops in to remind kids and adults alike to keep the fun and magic a part of every day. I can think of no better way to celebrate this community, open the doors to a movie AND ensure more children receive what they need.”
Theater doors will open by 9:45 and seating is limited to 250.
If you’re not familiar with WS Baby, here’s a quick overview:
WestSide Baby meets the basic needs of vulnerable children to promote safety, security & healthy development. They provide essential items to keep children safe, warm and dry by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing and equipment. In 2018 they distributed over 1.4 million diapers to families in need, and served 40,000 children in western King County. Their model is unique. They receive donations from the community, check and sort those donations, and distribute them directly to 114 partner agencies, who are experts in their families, and the children they serve. These professionals get the items the children need, and WestSide Baby can focus on collecting the basic essentials. WestSide Baby was “born” in West Seattle in 2001 and now serves children throughout all of western King County.
(And if you haven’t been to The Admiral – it’s at 2343 California SW.)
The montage and message are from Lisa McGinty of Friends of Lincoln Park:
A grateful thankYOU to the awesome volunteers who came out last Sunday! 100 more trees and shrubs planted and a large patch of invasive plants removed!
If you get a chance to visit the park over the holidays, don’t forget to take a deep breath and thank the forest for all the hard work it’s done for us this year! See you in 2019 🌿✌️🌲
FLiP and other organizations kindly share work-party announcements with us for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – so you know when and where to help out!
‘Tis the season to sing. These West Seattle women raised more than $1,000 tonight by doing it – in hopes of saving lives. They perform together as a band called La Fawnduh and, explains member Kelly Malloy, “TWO of our dear friends (one a band member) have had young children diagnosed with brain cancer in the last 3 years.” So they decided to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund. They booked some stops in advance; we caught up with them at a home in Arbor Heights, and recorded a holiday medley:
Kelly says they hoped their caroling could be not only a fundraiser but also “could help raise awareness to a cause worth knowing more about.” (Take a minute and look at these eight fast facts – then scroll down that same page to meet kids including Avery and Roarke, the two Kelly mentioned. Consider donating here.) By night’s end, she told us, they “hit 9 spots, ended at Phoenecia, also went to the fire house, and stopped at a UPS truck.”
Maybe you can give an incredible gift this holiday season: The gift of a stable place for a young adult to stay. The video explains the Host Homes program; if you’re interested, the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) invites you to find out more on Thursday evening:
The Host Homes King County program matches young people (ages 18-24) with hosts in the community who can provide the space and opportunity for young people to build independent living skills, gain stability, and focus on goal attainment. … This program provides much-needed stability for young people who are “almost there” — many are already working and close to obtaining housing, and just need an extra boost to make sustainable change in their lives.
Host families are volunteers from the community who willingly offer a room in their home that provides safe, short-term, and supportive housing to young people who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. This is a simple and direct way to make an impact on King County’s homelessness crisis.
Over 1500 youth and young adults between the ages of 12-25 are homeless or unstably housed within King County. Shelter beds and community resources are limited, leaving the vast majority of young people without access to food or safe housing. Through the Host Homes King County Program you have the opportunity to be champion for some of these homeless young adults.
To learn more on how to help in our community, stop by the West Seattle YMCA on Thursday December 20th from 6-7 pm.
That’s the Y’s main location in The Triangle, 3622 SW Snoqualmie.
(Photo from the first of two Special Olympics Polar Plunges held at Alki in 2010 & 2011)
For the first time in eight years, Special Olympics of Washington is bringing its Polar Plunge fundraiser back to Alki Beach – and it’s hoping to make a really huge splash. The event set for 1 p.m. Saturday, February 9th, is aimed at setting a world record:
For the Seattle Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 9, polar plungers everywhere are invited to help break the Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous polar plungers. More than 1,800 participants with warm hearts and nerves of steel are needed to crush the current Guinness World Record set in 2015 in Poland.
This will be the biggest one of six Special Olympics-benefiting Polar Plunges around the state in early 2019. It’ll feature police volunteers, as it’s supported by the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, but all are welcome to participate – you can register here.
(P.S. This is not related to the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim at Alki – still awaiting official word on that!)
If you’re doing some holiday baking this week – a little extra can go a long way. The Christmas People are gearing up for their free community Christmas dinner in West Seattle, and for delivering hundreds more meals to people in need.
To make those meals merrier, they are looking for 3,400 homemade cookies! If you can bake some and drop them off, they’ll be at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction (4736 40th SW) every day from Saturday (December 22) through Christmas Day, 9 am-3:30 pm. Questions? Fred Hutchinson at 206-719-4979, pialley@jps.net.
P.S. They’re also inviting kids to a party there on Saturday, 1-3 pm, to decorate cookies and aprons and make holiday crafts.
(WSB photos)
12:02 PM: The crew from the West Seattle Helpline says it’s “exciting!” People have already filled that bin with new/gently used coats, hats, scarves, and socks multiple times, and you can help too if you get here by 2 pm. They’re on the west side of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle tent at the south end of the market (California/Alaska) and treats await you there too – candy and cocoa.
Steps away, the Santa Bus is back, for free rides around The Junction, and photos:
(Look for the Quail Park Memory Care of West Seattle [WSB sponsor] tent.) Right across SW Alaska, on the southwest corner of Walk-All-Ways, you can support Pathfinder K-8 School outdoor education by buying one of their remaining handmade wreaths – reduced prices today!
Also until 2 – while supplies last. And this is all happening while the West Seattle Farmers’ Market fills California SW with its usual festivity north to SW Oregon.
4:44 PM: Final tally from the Helpline, shared via Hometown Holidays-presenting West Seattle Junction Association:
Together we were able to collect 371 coats, hats, gloves and scarves (and an additional 89 assorted clothing items) to help keep our neighbors warm this winter! Truly a community effort.
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, three unique Santa stops coming up on this second-to-last weekend before Christmas:
(WSB file photo)
SANTA AT THE MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: It’s the most Christmasy setting possible for Santa photos – at the Menashe Family Lights, 6-10 pm Saturday (December 15). Bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
(Photo courtesy Cocoa Cris Cringle)
COCOA CRIS CRINGLE: 4-8 pm Sunday, Cocoa Cris Cringle makes his annual visit to Easy Street Records, 4 pm-8 pm. Photos by donation. (California/Alaska)
Plus…
CARTOONING SANTA Also this Sunday, it’s his annual visit to Luna Park Café, 4-7 pm. (2918 SW Avalon Way)
Lots more Santa stops, now through Christmas Eve, listed in our guide!
5:16 PM: You have until 7:30 pm to get to the only holiday shopping-bazaar-and-then-some of its kind – the St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (just north of The Junction). There’s a small admission charge because this is also a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline. The star attraction: Almost 200 gift baskets created by volunteers, and donated gift cards – the baskets address all kinds of themes and interests, from gardening to sports to kid stuff …
Bake-sale items too. And your admission includes free treats (we hear they’re dishing up some Italian food). More photos to come. The church is at 4105 California SW and if you’re driving, there’s a parking lot in back.
ADDED: FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall emceed as usual, encouraging attendees to “bid high, bid often”:
The “Tree of Ornaments” was a new feature:
Congratulations to all the winning bidders!
Though Christmas is still two and a half weeks away, some holiday gift donation drives like Toys for Tots have only a few days left – so if you can afford to buy just one more thing this weekend and drop it in a donation box, you can brighten someone’s Christmas … as easy as that. Above is Alice Kuder of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor), who sent the photo as a reminder about their Toys for Tots collection bins through Tuesday, not only in the lobby of their sixth-floor offices at Jefferson Square, but also on the first floor (4700 42nd SW). New, unwrapped toys for T4T, please! Other donation sites are listed in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, as well as other holiday-giving opportunities (and if yours isn’t yet, please e-mail us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!).
Two West Seattle chefs are part of the lineup for a first-ever fundraiser next week, “10 Chefs and Causes” – next Wednesday (December 12) at The Sanctuary at Admiral, 6-9 pm. The Diversity Center of Washington is hosting the event and inviting everyone. Admission is by suggested donation, $20-$200: “we want to include everyone, so pay what you can afford.” Tickets are available here. The announcement and chef lineup:
Featuring 10 rising star diverse local chefs; each will share their creation in a BITE. The menu will WOW our guests with the variation that melds our humanity. Neighbors will participate in a unique community engagement GATHERING grounded in good food, multicultural music, Annie’s rabbit petting zoo to meet Tilli and LoLa, and an auction. Proceeds from the evening will be equally shared by the 10 Causes. Here are the Chefs and Causes we will be showcasing:
*Chef Melissa Miranda/Musang for FEEST
*Chef Logan Niles/Pot Pie Factory for Post Prison Education Program
*Chef Mariela Camacho/Comadre Panaderia for Green Plate Special
*Chef Emme Ribeiro Collins/Alcove Dining Room NW for Immigrant Rights Project
*Chefs Fareed & Jennifer Al-Abboud/Medzo for
Refugee Women’s Alliance
*Chef Panithit Chummee (right)/Buddha Ruksa for Care to Help Thailand
*Chef Mutsuko Soma/Kamonegi for WSU Bread lab
*Chef Killian/Killian Drake & Saturnalia for REST
*Chef Tom Douglas for The Diversity Center of Seattle/Washington
*Chef Joshua Collins/DUOS Catering for One Million Tampons
(Duos, as you may know, manages The Sanctuary, which is at 42nd/Lander in The Admiral District.) You can read more about the chefs, the dishes they plan to make, and their chosen causes here (PDF).
3:26 PM: Thanks to Steve for the photo and tip: Retired fire trucks are staging in the Genesee Hill area right now to get ready to travel the neighborhood tonight for the Fire Truck Food Drive, collecting nonperishable food for Union Gospel Mission. If you’re in the area where they’re collecting tonight, you should have received a notice – Steve says the trucks will travel “the streets from 50th – 44th, between Genesee and Hinds.” Santa will be along for the ride too. Tomorrow night, he says, they’ll be collecting in Belvidere. We’re checking for more information on that; tonight’s collections will be between 5 and 8 pm, Steve says.
5:36 PM: We went over to Genesee Hill to find out more. There, we met Steve:
He explained that he bought the fire trucks for use in his construction business – watering down sites, for example – and then realized they could be used for more. Like gathering donated food!
This is the first year he’s done this and he hopes to make it a holiday-season tradition around the region.
UPDATED LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Steve says, “It was a successful night tonight” and that they hope to follow this route on Thursday night: “42nd to 40th from Hanford down to Manning. AND 39th to 37th from manning to Olga.” Same time frame as far as we know – 5 to 8 pm – but we’ll doublecheck.
A request for you, from Friends of Lincoln Park:
The Friends of Lincoln Park (FLiP) would like to ask for some help from the community. The 300+ trees and plants species that were carefully planted and flagged on Green Seattle Day (Nov 3), will need continued monitoring and care over their first years of life in the park.
The flagging (colored flag tape) helps us locate the newly planted trees and plants for watering during summer droughts and track their survival. Removing the flagging often damages the plants and limits our ability to help them survive. Please help the trees and plants at Lincoln Park live long and healthy lives. REMEMBER: If you see a flagged tree, please leave it be!
For more info on forest restoration efforts with FLiP, please (go here).
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