West Seattle, Washington
17 Friday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Southwest Precinct‘s commander spoke at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly lunch meeting today.
Captain Krista Bair, who’s been leading the precinct since summer, told WSB earlier this fall that community partnership is vital. Her interaction with community at this event started even before her speech; a Rotary member talked about how his 22-year-old car had been stolen twice – and recovered (as he told the story, he pointed out it was at the moment parked right outside the lunch venue, the West Seattle Golf Course banquet room) – thanks to an Automated License Plate Reader in Renton the first time. Capt. Bair confirmed SPD cars have that technology too.
Taking the mic at the front of the room a short time later, Capt. Bair said she’s a former West Seattle resident now living in Burien – and she almost immediately launched into Q&A. The first question was about a particularly egregious case and why not everyone was booked into jail; Capt. Bair said, “I’m just as dumbfounded as you are,” and noted that the question related to an incident involving juveniles, but said “I don’t have an answer for you, but don’t give up, as community, come together and collaborate.”
Second question had to do with the car shootings a few nights ago. “I’ve been told we should call in even if others have – right?” The captain replied, “That’s a perfect example of needing the community in order for us to do our work. …. We have certain priorities, bullets being shot are a priority.” But depending on what’s going on, staffing citywide can be “triage,” and she acknowledged that responses can be “frustrating. … each and every time, even if you know other people are calling … it shows there’s a need for resources in that area …” and be patient with the 911 calltakers “trying to get information” so officers can be fully informed.
What about Southwest Precinct staffing? She noted that the precinct has about 80 deployable people. 4 am-2 pm is first watch. The department has arbitrary minimums – if 10 is the minimum for that shift, for example, should they be below that level, they’ll reach out across the city to try to fill the vacancies. Second watch is 11 am to 9 pm, so the first/second overlap is when they usually would have the most people on the street, with a 12 or 13 minimum. Third watch is 7 pm to 5 am. Officers are “augmenting” – filling the vacancies – a lot, she said. Training and time off, among other things, take people out of the mix.
The next person with a question discussed a street encounter and how he learned about the “keywords” the 911 operators pick up. He mentioned a person with a possible gun – and a fast response ensued.
What are the crime stats and trends? the next person asked. Capt. Bair said crime prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, who had accompanied her, would have to look that up. (Satterwhite said year-to-year stats as of a few days ago showed a 10 percent increase in property crime, while auto theft is down 30 percent in the precinct – and they’re still giving away steering-wheel locks.) But there’s a weekly meeting about “shots fired” incidents, for example, and citywide hotspots are discussed; there are also meetings about trends like the store robberies, and there’s a “plan of action” (apparently beyond the recent arrests).
Next question: Are the juvenile criminals organized, as in gangs, or more random? Capt. Bair said “depends on who you ask” and noted that the Gun Violence Response Unit is really a gang unit too. But while the juvenile robbers are “very organized,” they aren’t necessarily a “gang,” she said.
Next question: What recruiting tools does SPD have available? Capt. Bair said the officers themselves are the best recruiting tool, in her view, “and I tell my officers that on a regular basis.” She said interim Chief Sue Rahr has been a good influence on the process too, as boosting the recruiting has been her top job. They’re also campaigning for lateral transfers – officers who are working somewhere else. She said that it’s not just her 30 years of experience that has her saying she feels the department is excellent – well-trained, and dedicated people.
She also said that Rahr has created a program called “Trust-Centered Leadership,” which includes communication, cultural awareness, and self-care – “the bottom line, the goal is always the same, to serve the people you are here to serve and help.” As an example, she mentioned going to the East Precinct just as it reopened after the CHAZ abandonment. As a lieutenant, she learned some important management skills with that experience, needing to recognize the mindset of the people you’re leading, not just your own. And she again mentioned that Chief Rahr is here just because she is passionate about the work – she came out of retirement to do this, after all. Right now officers don’t have time to do much more than go from 911 call to 911 call but hopefully that will change when staffing increases in the next few years.
Final question, about the 12th/Jackson trouble spot on the south side of downtown – what can the police due about the prevalent drug use and suffering? Capt. Bair replied “continue with enforcement …is the quick answer.” But the questioner said he had never seen any sign of police response. Bair said “getting the right people out there” is the best answer – the city’s CARE team, for example. Mental-health professionals, case managers, others are needed. “We need other partners to assist us with that … right now the CARE department has been phenomenal.” Officers get dispatched too and then hand off to the CARE team members, so they can move on to calls that truly require an officer.
She was presented with a book of nature photographs by Art Wolfe, as a token of appreciation for her appearance.
OTHER ROTARY NOTES: A recent fundraiser brought in more than $1,600 for fighting hunger; the club also will be volunteering at a local food-distribution center in lieu of next Tuesday’s lunch gathering … 19 trees, 3 wreaths, and 2 gift baskets have been donated for the upcoming Festival of Mini-Trees that the Rotary is presenting on December 4.
Today we welcome the Rotary Club of West Seattle as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what current president Mark Ward wants you to know about what they do and how you can learn more about becoming part of it:
“Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.” – Shirley Chisholm
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million community volunteers who use their passion and energy to work together to create positive, lasting change in their communities and around the world.
You’ll find Rotary Clubs in most cities around the world and in over 220 countries. Our West Seattle Club, one of more than 50 Rotary clubs in the Seattle metropolitan area, was founded in 1947 and today meets at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse every Tuesday at noon. Our diverse and inclusive group of about 50 members work together with low ego and high integrity – and we know how to have fun while doing it.
From maintaining the Rotary Viewpoint Park and Totem Pole on 35th Avenue SW that our club established in 1976, to our annual sponsorship of the West Seattle Grand Parade, our club has deep roots in the West Seattle community. We provide tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships every year to West Seattle students, run the annual Pencil Me in For Kids program, organize quarterly street cleanups on Delridge Way with Seattle’s Adopt-A-Street program, and provide senior yard cleanups with the Center for Active Living (formerly the Senior Center). And our annual fundraisers, the Festival of Trees in December and Rainbow Bingo in March, are just around the corner.
Internationally, we’re leading service projects in Guatemala to provide safe cooking stoves to impoverished households, in Costa Rica to provide economic stimulus for small-scale coffee farmers, and we regularly contribute to the Rotary-adjacent humanitarian disaster-relief program ShelterBox that provides emergency shelter to families around the world who’ve lost their homes to disaster or conflict.
As Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” If you’re interested in working with us to create positive, lasting change, and network with your West Seattle neighbors in the process, we’d love to have you join us for lunch some Tuesday!
We meet every Tuesday from noon until 1:30 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course Clubhouse, 4470 35th Avenue SW. Please RSVP to to ws_rotary@yahoo.com.
For more information, visit westseattlerotary.org.
We thank the Rotary Club of West Seattle for sponsoring community-collaborative news via WSB!
(WSB photos)
That’s Sue Lindblom, who – with the Rotary Club of West Seattle and her former business Illusions Hair Design – has been helping local students get ready for the new school year since 1996, via Pencil Me in for Kids. Today Sue’s delivering this year’s donated backpacks and school supplies to six local schools.
She and other volunteers gathered Wednesday afternoon at American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle to get everything ready for today’s deliveries to Arbor Heights, Highland Park, Roxhill, Sanislo, and West Seattle Elementary Schools and Louisa Boren STEM K-8. Classes at those and other Seattle Public Schools start next Wednesday.
You can support Pencil Me in for Kids by donating to the Rotary Service Foundation.
Every weekend – and some other days, too! – groups of West Seattle volunteers are out doing community work. This weekend, that included volunteers from the Rotary Club of West Seattle, which sent the photo:
They report, “The north mile of SW Delridge is cleaner today thanks to West Seattle Rotarians. Saturrday, members of the Rotary Club of West Seattle picked up trash as part of the City’s Adopt-a-Street program. New club member Ann Theony led the group project.” Other volunteers: Greg Dirks, Julie MacDonald, Al Bernahl, Martha Sidlo, Mark Ward, Brian Waid, Stefanie Fenix.
If someone in your household could use college-scholarship money, the Rotary Club of West Seattle wants to remind you today that two more days remain to get applications in for two scholarships they’re offering:
APRIL 1 is the deadline for the Gambriell (up to $7400) and the Past Presidents ($6,000) scholarship applications. Go to westseattlerotary.org, click on scholarships, and follow the directions. Graduating seniors who live in the West Seattle area or go to school in West Seattle may apply for both, and for the Past Presidents Scholarship, you can actually be a graduating senior or someone who needs to get back to finish their degree!. If you have any questions, please contact seillusions@gmail.com HURRY!
The Rotary Club of West Seattle has three scholarship programs, and two are open to community applicants. If you’re interested, it’s application time right now, according to this announcement from the Rotary:
The Gambriell Scholarship is designed for those who might otherwise not be able to attend college and is available to graduating high school seniors . The money available for the Gambriell is approximately $7,000 and can be awarded to one recipient or it could be split among two or three deserving youth.
The Past Presidents Scholarship is also available for graduating seniors along with others who have attended college and wish to finish or continue their education. The Rotary Club will select only one winner to receive that $6,000 scholarship.
Applications can be found at westseattlerotary.org. Click on the Scholarships tab and full instructions and requirements can be found there. The deadline is April 1, so make sure to email before the deadline!
It’s at the very least an excuse to wear an aloha shirt here in the heart of almost-winter. Friday night, get tropical with the Rotary Club of West Seattle at their fall fundraiser, playing ParrotHeads Rainbow Bingo with legendary bingo leader Sylvia O’Stayformore, plus music paying tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett. All are welcome, not just club members. Yes, there will be margaritas (among other cocktails). It’s happening at the West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), 5:30 pm, and you can buy ticket(s) here. Proceeds support the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation‘s many community projects, including scholarships.
Before local Seattle Public Schools start the new school year one week from today, volunteers and donors pitched in for another year of Pencil Me In For Kids, which procures and distributes school supplies for students in need.
Pencil Me In For Kids is a project of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, with help including donations from Fauntleroy Church. Volunteers gathered at the American Legion Post 160 hall on Tuesday afternoon to sort supplies, and distribution was planned today. You can support PMIFK with donations to the Rotary’s foundation.
Inside the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum, there’s more room to roam – recent renovations removed an interior wall. The change was unveiled just as the museum opened its new exhibit about Longfellow Creek, featuring not only beautiful photos and other displays, but also learning opportunities for all ages:
Also new at the Log House Museum: The sixth Peace Pole installed in the area by the Rotary Club of West Seattle. We mentioned it briefly after its installation two weeks ago and visited for its dedication ceremony Friday afternoon. It’s in the garden space in front of the historic log house, facing SW Stevens just west of 61st SW:
Below are the ceremony speakers – L to R, Kerry Korsgaard from the museum’s board, programs and community-outreach director Elizabeth Rudrud, and Rotarians Christine Peak and Keith Hughes:
Keith explained the history of the Peace Pole Project, which has placed more than a quarter-million poles worldwide, and the reason the museum was chosen as a location for one:
This pole is inscribed in Lushootseed, Cantonese, Spanish, and English; the message is, “May peace prevail on Earth.” You can see it outside the museum any time; to go inside the museum, visit during regular public hours, noon-4 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
That’s one of two new Peace Poles installed around the peninsula by the Rotary Club of West Seattle
Congratulations to the four local students announced as the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s latest scholarship winners:
On May 9th, West Seattle Rotary awarded the 2022-23 West Seattle public high school Student of the Year (SoY) and Gambriell scholarships.
Will Fralia of West Seattle High won the $6,000 1st place SoY scholarship. He will be attending Washington State University. Drew Atkinson of Summit Atlas High won a $1,000 co-2nd place SoY scholarship. He will be attending the University of Washington. Evelyn Alfaro of Chief Sealth Int’l High won a $1,000 co-2nd place SoY scholarship (she could not attend due to an International Baccalaureate exam conflict). She will be attending the University of Washington. Each awardee was chosen by their high school to be their school’s SoY nominee from among their Student of the Month awardees. A SoY Evaluation Team of West Seattle Rotarians then made the final determination, a job made very difficult by the nominees’ extraordinary qualifications.
George Barron, a West Seattle High graduate and graduating South Seattle College student, won the $6,000 Gambriell scholarship. He will be attending Western Washington University. Ashton Sawade, a West Seattle High student, won the $1,500 2nd Place Gambriell Scholarship. He will be attending Washington State University. A Gambriell Evaluation Team of West Seattle Rotarians made the determination from among 10 applicants, once again a job made very difficult by the nominees’ extraordinary qualifications.
The SoY awards are made possible by donations to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit operated by West Seattle Rotary volunteers. Donations can be made online (go to westseattlerotary.org) or by attending its fundraisers, such as the recent Rainbow Bingo and the May 20th Breakfast Fundraiser.
The Gambriell awards are made possible by an endowment made to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation in memory of Vern Gambriell, which is also operated by West Seattle Rotary volunteers.
Your next chance to support the Rotary Club’s community work is by joining them for the aforementioned fundraising breakfast at 8 am tomorrow (Saturday, May 20th) – details are in our calendar listing.
(Photos courtesy Rotary Club of West Seattle)
The Rotary Club of West Seattle continues honoring local students for their achievements, and with this announcement, points out that honors go to students in alternative programs as well as conventional high-school paths:
Twice during this school year 2022-23, Fall and Spring, the West Seattle Rotary has presented a Student of the Semester (SoS) Award to a student chosen by the Southwest Youth and Family Services (SWYFS) GED Prep Program. These are outstanding students who are expected to earn their GED by the end of the school year and go on to an accredited post-secondary program.
They receive an award certificate, $100, and a chance to be chosen as the SWYFS GED Prep Student of the Year (SoY). The SoY winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship from West Seattle Rotary during a ceremony on June 13th. On April 11th, West Seattle Rotarian Alan Mitchell presented the Spring SoS award to Jessica Delker during the Club’s lunchtime meeting at the West Seattle Golf Course. She was introduced by Case Manager Amanda Alvarado and presented a brief, highly evocative bio.
Jessica was also accompanied by her 11-month-old son Joel (above), her mother, and her partner.
Jessica exemplifies the high potential of teenagers and young adults who are enabled by SWYFS to follow an unconventional pathway to a high-school degree, college, and career, despite daunting life circumstances. West Seattle Rotary worked with Amanda and other leaders in the SWYFS GED Prep Program to tailor the SoS and SoY awards for its students’ special needs.
You can read more about the SWYFS – based in North Delridge – education programs here.
An extra Rainbow Bingo event in West Seattle this month – this one’s a fundraiser for the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, whose work we’ve featured lately, from cleanups to scholarships. It’s happening three weeks from tonight – here’s the invite:
Do good while playing Rainbow Bingo!
West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation invites you to its 1960s-themed Rainbow Bingo and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, April 22! Emceed by Sylvia O’Stayformore, it is guaranteed to be a fun and groovy night at the West Seattle Golf Course.
Each year, the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation provides new clothing and school supplies to elementary students throughout West Seattle, awards thousands in scholarships to local high schoolers, runs park, street, and yard cleanups throughout the community, and assists with global humanitarian and development efforts.
But it can’t do all of that work without you! Funds raised from this event will go directly to the all-volunteer Foundation’s 2023-24 service projects.
Silent auction starts at 5:30 and includes a three-night Leavenworth Getaway package, a catered dinner for 6 with wine pairing, gift certificates to breweries and local eateries, and much more! Bingo starts at 7:00 pm.
Register soon because space is limited. 21+ only. Individual tickets $40. Tables $300. Tickets at bit.ly/3F7ujiD.
A special thank you to our Gold Event Sponsors for hosting this event! NUCOR Seattle, Waid Law Office, PLLC, and West Seattle Dental Center.
P.S. This is separate from the Senior Center of West Seattle’s Rainbow Bingo event on Friday, April 21, which is another great event … go support them too!
If someone in your household could use scholarship money and hasn’t yet applied for the Gambriell or Past Presidents scholarships offered by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, we have word the deadline’s been extended – you have one more week to apply, until April 7th. Each is a $6,000 scholarship, and the application information is in the announcement we published last month.
Three more students have been honored by the Rotary Club of West Seattle as Students of the Month – here’s who won, and what’s next:
The West Seattle Rotary conducted its fourth and final 2022-23 SoM Awards event.
Above is Chief Sealth International High School‘s SoM Kyler Blanton, with counselor Chelsey Thomas and Rotarian Alan Mitchell (who’s in all three photos). Below from Summit Atlas are counselor Keenan Grayson, SoM Ethan Anderson and his parents:
And below are West Seattle High School SoM Indie Oleson and her mom:
Now, each of the three West Seattle high schools will pick their nominee for the 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary Student of the Year (SoY) Scholarship from their 2022-23 SoM Awardees. The Youth Services Committee of West Seattle Rotary will select the winner from those three nominees. On May 9th, the West Seattle Rotary will conduct its 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary SoY Scholarship Award event. The winner will receive a scholarship worth up to $6,000 and each of the two runners-up will receive a scholarship worth $1,000.
The Rotary Club of West Seattle has honored its February “Students of the Month,” who are now eligible for scholarships presented annually. Here’s the announcement sent by the club’s Alan Mitchell:
At four of West Seattle Rotary’s weekly meetings during 2022-23 (in November, December, February and March), SoM Awards are being presented for each of the three high schools in West Seattle: Chief Sealth International High, Summit Atlas High, and West Seattle High. For each school, a counselor introduces the awardee, the awardee presents a personalized bio-sketch, and Rotarians have a brief Q&A opportunity.
Each Awardee receives $100, a SoM Award Certificate, and the opportunity to be their school’s SoY awardee, chosen in early April by their school from among their SoMs. By early May, from among the three school’s SoYs, the Youth Services Committee of West Seattle Rotary will choose one overall West Seattle Rotary SoY. That overall SoY winner will receive a $6,000 scholarship. Each of the two runners-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The 3rd SoM presentation event was held on February 14th at the West Seattle Golf Club during West Seattle Rotary’s luncheon meeting. Rotarians, parents, and guests were impressed and inspired by these wonderful awardees and their counselors.
Chief Sealth International High
Counselor – Krista Rillo
Student – Franklin Jimenez-Ortega
Dad – MarcoSummit Atlas High
Counselor – Keenan Grayson
Student – Jonathan Maldonado AmayaWest Seattle High
Counselor – Kinsey Hedeen
Student – William Fralia
Mom – Tomoko
Need college money? The Rotary Club of West Seattle might be able to help. Here’s the reminder we just received:
WEST SEATTLE ROTARY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE –
APPLY NOW (deadline April 1st 2023)As in past years, West Seattle Rotary is pleased to announce that two higher education scholarship programs are available to applicants who meet the criteria:
Gambriell. The Gambriell Scholarship awards $6,000 in total to one or more residents of West Seattle who meet the following criteria:
ü Seeking admission to or enrolled in an accredited post-secondary educational program.
ü Strong financial need (documentation must be provided) — would not otherwise be able to attend college without this scholarship.Past Presidents. The Past Presidents Scholarship awards $6,000 to a student who meets any one of the following four conditions:
I. Graduating senior from a high school in the West Seattle area and wishes to earn a 4-year degree.
II. Lives in the West Seattle area, graduating from a high school outside of the West Seattle area, and wishes to earn a 4-year degree.
III. Lives in the West Seattle area and transferring from a 2-year program to a 4-year college/university bachelor’s degree program.
IV. Lives in the West Seattle area, recently earned a bachelor’s degree, and wishes to work toward a higher degree.Go to westseattlerotary.org/scholarships and click on the “Download Gambriell application” and/or “Download Past Presidents’ application” link.
These two programs are in addition to West Seattle Rotary’s Student of the Year and Cruzen scholarship programs and are open to Student of the Year candidates.
More scholarship news from the Rotary Club of West Seattle – its members have chosen four recipietns for the 2022/23 Earl Cruzen Endowed Scholarship for Automotive Technology. Here’s the announcement:
Awards were presented Tuesday to four South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Automotive Technology students.
The annual award is funded by a generous endowment created by Adah Cruzen in memory of Earl and Virginia Cruzen. Mr. Cruzen was the longtime owner of Cruzen Distributing Inc., an auto parts distribution store. West Seattle is the beneficiary of Mr Cruzen’s words: “It’s not what you are getting out of life, but what you are giving to the life in your community”. He remains alive in our 11 Murals of West Seattle and “Walking on Logs” sculpture.
The awards are comprised of a complete entry-level tool set, including a 298-piece SAE/Metric Mechanics Tool Set, Screwdriver Set, Torx and Hex Bit Socket Sets, Adjustable Wrench Set, Vise Grip Set, Channellock Set, and Mobile Tool Cabinet. Thanks also to White Center OReilly’s Auto Parts for their contribution of tools.
During their academic program, recipients have exclusive access to their tool set. After graduation with their Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Arts Degree, the tools are theirs.
In the photo above, Rotarians John Enger and Tom Nychay flank the recipients, from left to right: Dylan Moinette, JoAnna Edwards, Lizbeth Meda Jimenez, and Cassandra Gillilan. Instructors Todd Jones and Doug Clapper stand behind.
All four of the award winners share a common goal of making their community a better place. Earl Cruzen can be proud.
If you or someone you know is in the SSC Automotive Technology program, look for next year’s program this fall.
(Photos courtesy Rotary Club of West Seattle)
The Rotary Club of West Seattle has announced its most recent round of honors for local students. Above is Angel Ramirez, who is studying at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and is the Rotary’s SSC Career Link Student of the Year, receiving a $2,000 scholarship that the club says “will enable him to complete his second year in South Seattle College’s Welding Program and receive his Associate’s Certificate, launching him on a very rewarding career.” Meantime, the club also announced its Students of the Month for three local high schools – below, Daryll Aguila at Chief Sealth International HS:
Ethan Nguyen at West Seattle High School:
And Drew Atkinson at Summit Atlas:
The Rotary Club’s Students of the Month receive $100 cash prizes. The club explains its award/scholarship program for local schools as follows:
At four of West Seattle Rotary’s weekly meetings during 2022-23 (in November, December, February and March), Student of the Month (SoM) Awards will be presented for Chief Sealth Int’l High, Summit Atlas High, and West Seattle High. For each school, a counselor introduces the Awardee, the Awardee presents a personalized bio-sketch, and Rotarians have a brief Q&A opportunity.
Each Awardee receives $100, an Award Certificate, and the opportunity to be their school’s Student of the Year (SoY) Awardee, chosen in early April by their school from among the four SoMs. In late April, from among these three school SoYs, the Youth Services Committee of West Seattle Rotary will choose one overall West Seattle Rotary SoY.That overall SoY winner will receive a $6,000 scholarship. Each of the two runners-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Students in West Seattle’s two alternative high school programs, South Seattle College – Career Link and Southwest Youth & Family Services – GED Prep, do not progress in a traditional four-year pathway of Freshman -> Sophomore -> Junior -> Senior -> High School Graduation -> College Admission. Working with administrators in each of these two alternative high schools, West Seattle Rotary designed customized programs that work for them.
For South Seattle College – Career Link, there are no SoM and one SoY is chosen in the Fall from students who obtained their high school diploma and matriculated to South Seattle College during the prior Summer.
For Southwest Youth & Family Services – GED Prep, there are two Students of the Semester (SoS), one each in the Winter and Spring. From those two, the Youth Services Committee will select the overall SoY, who will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
You can find out more about the Rotary Club and its programs here.
As part of a project with the Rotary Club of West Seattle, three Peace Poles have been installed so far this fall – and this is the newest, dedicated last weekend just southeast of the Fauntleroy ferry dock parking lot.
The other two are at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) and at Fauntleroy Church/Hazelwood Preschool, with more to come. Read about the worldwide Peace Pole project here.
We’ve shown you the dedications of two Peace Poles placed by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, onw at Fauntleroy Church/Hazelwood Prechool and another at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), and now you’re invited to the next one – this Saturday near Fauntleroy Creek. Here’s the announcement:
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony “Fauntleroy Creek Crossing Peace Pole”
Saturday, Nov 5, 2:00 pm-2:30 pm
Fauntleroy Creek Ravine Overlook, 9102 Fauntleroy Way SWThe Peacebuilding Service Committee of the Rotary Club of West Seattle has chosen to present to Fauntleroy Creek Crossing a “Peace Pole” because this sacred land is a cross-road for youth going to and from school and for those who use the ferry system to travel to Vashon and points of interest near and far across the Olympic Peninsula. It is a place to simply cross paths and visit with a neighbor; a crossing for all the native habitats, including our coho salmon who swim through these waters to spawn at the Fauntleroy Creek; and a place where children can see the end of the salmon’s fragile lifecycle at this hatchery.
We now dedicate the “Fauntleroy Creek Crossing Peace Pole” as a symbol of peaceful crossing and to honor this sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. We hope you will pause here from time to time to reflect on the role that you can play to foster peace in our community, our country and our world.
Event Program:
• Welcome and Introductions
• International Peace Pole Project
• Rotary Club of West Seattle
• Fauntleroy Creek Ravine Overlook:”Story of Salmon as a Peaceful Focal Point”
• Procession to the Fauntleroy Creek Crossing
• Peace Pole Declaration: “May Peace Prevail on Earth”
• Instrumental Music
• ClosingOur community, friends, families, organizations, businesses, and clubs are all welcome to join together and celebrate.
Rotary Viewpoint Park is cleaner this afternoon thanks to local Rotarians. Martha Sidlo sent the photos and report:
This morning, the Rotary Club of West Seattle spruced up Rotary Viewpoint Park at 35th and Alaska.
The project was coordinated by Gina Topp, the club’s Community Service Chairwoman. Rotarians planted new plants provided by the City of Seattle, weeded, and picked up debris and trash.
The park now looks spiffier than it has in a long time.
You can learn about the park’s history on the West Seattle Rotary’s website.
Local students got an assist again this year from the volunteers and donors of the Pencil Me In For Kids program. Here’s the recap from the Rotary Club of West Seattle:
The beginning of school year 2022-23 may have been delayed, but the West Seattle Rotary Pencil Me in for Kids (PMIFK) program was able to deliver almost all of the requested supplies before September 7th. This is the 27th year for the PMIFK program.
Rotarian Sue Lindblom of the now retired Illusions Hair Design and her team there began the program in her business. After a few years, it was taken-in by West Seattle Rotary as an annual project. The goal has always been to provide local area public elementary schools with the specific school supplies they know their students will need in the Fall. Each school is different and so no two “Wish Lists” are the same. Twelve schools were contacted and nine chose to participate.
There was considerable support these past few years from the Fauntleroy United Church of Christ members, and also this year from businesses in their area. With the on-going support of Staples at Westwood Village, thanks to Assistant Manager Robert, Rotary received 1,000 school kits along with very deep discounts on all the other items purchased. West Seattle Rotarians were all smiles when delivery days finally arrived and they knew those supplies were going to help local kids through this upcoming school year.
Over two days, the PMIFK Team picked-up most of the supplies at the Westwood Village Staples, delivered them to American Legion Post 160 in West Seattle for sorting into nine school groups, and then delivered eight grouped supplies to Louisa Boren STEM K-8 as a pick-up point for that school and seven other schools (the exception being one delivery directly to Roxhill). Pictured at Boren are (l-r) Andrew Coghill and Rotarians Keith Hughes, John Enger, Martha Sidlo, and Tom Nychay.
For more information on Pencil Me In For Kids or the Rotary Club of West Seattle, go to westseattlerotary.org or send email to pencilkids53@gmail.com.
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