Rotary Club of West Seattle – West Seattle Blog… https://westseattleblog.com West Seattle news, 24/7 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:17:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Rotary Club of West Seattle hears from King County Executive, honors WSB co-founder https://westseattleblog.com/2025/01/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-hears-from-king-county-executive-honors-wsb-co-founder/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/01/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-hears-from-king-county-executive-honors-wsb-co-founder/#comments Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:17:36 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1110636

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“I’ve got another career or two in me.”

That’s how King County Executive Dow Constantine clarified to the Rotary Club of West Seattle that he’s not retiring, just not re-running.

He was guest speaker at Tuesday’s weekly Rotary lunch meeting, which also included presentations in honor of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand.

First:

Exactly two months have passed since Constantine announced at his birthday celebration in West Seattle that his fourth term as County Executive will be his last. He told Rotarians on Tuesday that he’s “ready to do something different,” 30 years after he first ran for office, noting that his personal responsibilities include his 10-year-old daughter and “very aging” parents.

His speech touched on some of his accomplishments, as well as a sore spot or two. Public safety, for example: “There’s been some misinformation circulated about the King County Jail and who is or has been accepted. We are operating under the Hammer settlement” – more than a quarter-century old, mandating a certain jail-staffing level, he said. “During COVID … we couldn’t meet that level – so we couldn’t book for nonviolent misdemeanors,” with, he said, exceptions, such as “a big event like a protest,” or two exceptions in the past year, “everything in downtown Seattle … (and the) entire transit system.” The latter mention seemed intended to stave off questions or criticism about the recent murder of Metro coach driver Shawn Yim; Constantine said “Operation Safe Transit” starting last March has led to more than 350 arrests, and that officers downtown had been focusing on “fentanyl dealers.” He also noted the discontinuation of transit stops near 12th/Jackson on the south side of downtown “because of the street situation there.” He added that they’re working to bring the King County Sheriff’s Office – which includes transit police – up to full staffing, with measures such as a $25,000 bonus for lateral transfers: “So if your cousin in Louisiana wants to work here, now is the moment.”

Constantine segued into the observation that behavioral health is the root of much of the street disorder, and that help is expected from the 2023 voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, meant to create five drop-in centers, one exclusively for youth, 20 mobile teams around the county – plus an investment in northeast cities getting a crisis care center that’s open now – with help plus a “warm handoff” to wherever a person needs to go next — from rehab to the custody of a relative. (It might be five more years, however, before all five are open.)

Behavioral-health challenges play into homelessness, he said, but declared that problem primarily the result of a houing shortage – “safe, affordable housing will be a key factor in” getting it under control, and he said the county is working on thousands of new units. Then he quickly moved to climate change, saying the county’s major water-treatment plant at West Point is better able to withstand “increasingly strong storms” because of its new battery-based system “so when City Light flickers, we don’t lose power – we didn’t in the ‘bomb cyclone’.”

The next segue was into transit, where he declared Metro to be “leading the way toward zero emissions” and said he’d “spent my whole damn adult life trying to make up for” the anti-transit decisions made in the region more than half a century ago. The progress he touted included Sound Transit light rail, for which he (ST’s board chair) declared the region to have an “enormous appetite,” noting the crowd that flocked to its Lynnwood opening. While acknowledging the “runup in construction cost,” he insisted that “we are in a strong. position to deliver what voters approved” and said it’s vital to keep working toward having projects “shovel-ready” for when the financial factors allow. As for West Seattle light rail specifically, he said the federal “record of decision” – the next major planning milestone – is expected by the end of February.

After two more quick topic mentions – arts funding and redevelopment of the King County campus downtown – the Rotary allotted a few minutes for questions. First one was back to light rail: “When is it going to happen?” Constantine replied, “That’s an open question,” adding that “the scope is really the question – do you build the Avalon station or not? … There are 100 questions like that that the board’s going to have to answer.” One thing’s for certain, he reminded everyone, West Seattle remains scheduled to be built before Ballard.

The next questioner voiced some skepticism about transit, seeing empty buses and trains, but Constantine countered that this area saw the nation’s second-largest transit growth last year, and he again vowed to improve safety, while warning that “what’s on sidewalks sometimes spills into buses.”

After that, he was asked, “Why are you giving up work?” Constantine insisted he isn’t: “I need to, want to, continue to work for a long time, but after 16 years of this gig, I’m ready to do something different.”

TRIBUTE TO WSB CO-FOUNDER PATRICK SAND: The county executive also presented a memorial proclamation in honor of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand, who died suddenly in mid-October. That followed a presentation by the Rotary, whose members honored Patrick posthumously as a “Paul Harris Fellow” – after one of the founders of Rotary International – and also announced the creation of an annual Patrick Sand Memorial Award, with the Rotary’s Brian Waid citing WSB’s unofficial motto, referring to our coverage of as much as we can (as noted in this Seattle Times essay) – “We always show up.” Thanks to Clay Eals for recording video of most of the presentation:

The awards – including an eagle trophy for the Paul Harris Fellowship – were accepted on Patrick’s behalf by your editor (his wife and co-founder) and our son Torin.

The Rotary Club of West Seattle has a lunch meeting most weeks at noon Tuesday at the West Seattle Golf Course – see the upcoming speaker schedule here.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2025/01/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-hears-from-king-county-executive-honors-wsb-co-founder/feed/ 4
HOLIDAY GIVING: West Seattle service clubs, businesses’ big gifts https://westseattleblog.com/2024/12/holiday-giving-west-seattle-service-clubs-businesses-big-gifts/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/12/holiday-giving-west-seattle-service-clubs-businesses-big-gifts/#comments Sat, 21 Dec 2024 04:58:54 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1109284 We’ve been inviting you, often, to give this holiday season, if you can. And you’ve answered the call! As further inspiration as the holiday season nears its crescendo, here are four more West Seattle service clubs and businesses who’ve given big gifts recently (in addition to other people, businesses, and organizations we’ve featured previously):

(WSB photos)

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES: That’s the giving tree in the West Seattle Eagles‘ lounge this afternoon, just before a delegation from WestSide Baby arrived to pick up the stacks of presents given by warm-hearted members:

The trio from WS Baby were Will, daughter Emery, and (not pictured) volunteer Gayle. The Eagles gifts included six strollers and five big boxes of diapers – enough overflow that it didn’t all fit under the tree!

(Photo via Thunder Road Guitars on Instagram)

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS: TRG reports it’s “teamed up with our friends at Gretsch Guitars to donate 50 acoustic guitars to public schools here in West Seattle. We’re proud to give back to a community that has been so supportive of us. We also encourage you to consider donating or volunteering with schools in your area this holiday season.” A good idea any time! (Also note that Thunder Road is open extra days/hours until Christmas – Sunday too! – 6400 California SW)

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: The photo above is from a recent Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) meeting where three checks totaling almost $3,000 were presented to the West Seattle Food Bank. The club explains:

The funds were raised through multiple initiatives:

Harvest Against Hunger Grant – This grant, made possible by a nomination from Gina Topp, recognizes WSFB’s vital role in addressing food insecurity in the community.
Hunger Strike Bowling Tournament – Proceeds from the Rotary’s annual tournament were directed to WSFB.
Rotary District 5030 Contribution – District 5030 also allocated a portion of Hunger Strike proceeds to benefit WSFB.

During the meeting, Harvest Against Hunger Executive Director David Bobanick presented the checks to WSFB Executive Director Fran Yeatts.

ALL THE BEST PET CARE: The regional chain that opened a West Seattle store this year (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) more than doubled the donations in its fall pet-food drive, teaming with customers and with brands Weruva and Nulo. Together they all gave more than 50,000 pounds – 25 tons! – of premium cat and dog food. Early next year, the donations will go to area organizations including Alley Cat Project, Ballard Food Bank, Bella’s Voice, Dog Gone Seattle, Homeward Pet, MEOW Cat Rescue, Motley Zoo, Pawsitive Alliance, Seattle Area Feline Rescue, Seattle Veterinary Outreach, Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary, Washington Health Outreach, and White Center Food Bank.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/12/holiday-giving-west-seattle-service-clubs-businesses-big-gifts/feed/ 2
Stats, staffing, more as Southwest Precinct commander talks with Rotary Club of West Seattle https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/stats-staffing-more-as-southwest-precinct-commander-talks-with-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/stats-staffing-more-as-southwest-precinct-commander-talks-with-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/#comments Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:11:11 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1106812

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.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/stats-staffing-more-as-southwest-precinct-commander-talks-with-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/feed/ 1
Rotary Club of West Seattle: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-welcoming-a-new-wsb-sponsor/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-welcoming-a-new-wsb-sponsor/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:17:18 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1105780 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!

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/11/rotary-club-of-west-seattle-welcoming-a-new-wsb-sponsor/feed/ 1
BACK TO SCHOOL: Pencil Me in for Kids does it again (and again, and again …) https://westseattleblog.com/2024/08/back-to-school-pencil-me-in-for-kids-does-it-again-and-again-and-again/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/08/back-to-school-pencil-me-in-for-kids-does-it-again-and-again-and-again/#comments Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:27:31 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1100083 (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.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/08/back-to-school-pencil-me-in-for-kids-does-it-again-and-again-and-again/feed/ 1
WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Rotarians’ Adopt-a-Street cleanup https://westseattleblog.com/2024/06/west-seattle-weekend-scene-rotarians-adopt-a-street-cleanup/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/06/west-seattle-weekend-scene-rotarians-adopt-a-street-cleanup/#comments Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:39:55 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1094640 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.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/06/west-seattle-weekend-scene-rotarians-adopt-a-street-cleanup/feed/ 2
LAST CALL: Two more days to apply for two scholarships offered by West Seattle Rotary https://westseattleblog.com/2024/03/last-call-two-more-days-to-apply-for-two-scholarships-offered-by-west-seattle-rotary/ Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:21:29 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1087951 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!

Share This

]]>
Need college money? Application time for scholarships offered by Rotary Club of West Seattle https://westseattleblog.com/2024/02/need-college-money-application-time-for-scholarships-offered-by-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/ https://westseattleblog.com/2024/02/need-college-money-application-time-for-scholarships-offered-by-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/#comments Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:17:05 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1085795 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:

Rotary Club of West Seattle is now accepting applications for Two different college scholarships to be awarded this spring. A requirement for both is that the person needs to be living in our local community or attending school in our local community.

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!

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2024/02/need-college-money-application-time-for-scholarships-offered-by-rotary-club-of-west-seattle/feed/ 3
COUNTDOWN: Four nights away from tropical fun at ParrotHeads Rainbow Bingo https://westseattleblog.com/2023/11/countdown-four-nights-away-from-tropical-fun-at-parrotheads-rainbow-bingo/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 04:55:00 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1077879 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.

Share This

]]>
HELPING: Pencil Me In For Kids distributes school supplies to West Seattle students https://westseattleblog.com/2023/08/helping-pencil-me-in-for-kids-distributes-school-supplies-to-west-seattle-students/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/08/helping-pencil-me-in-for-kids-distributes-school-supplies-to-west-seattle-students/#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2023 23:18:41 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1072198

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.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2023/08/helping-pencil-me-in-for-kids-distributes-school-supplies-to-west-seattle-students/feed/ 2
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Changes inside and out https://westseattleblog.com/2023/07/log-house-museum-changes-inside-and-out/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/07/log-house-museum-changes-inside-and-out/#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:28:56 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1067843

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.

Share This

]]>
https://westseattleblog.com/2023/07/log-house-museum-changes-inside-and-out/feed/ 4
Two more Peace Poles in West Seattle https://westseattleblog.com/2023/06/two-more-peace-poles-in-west-seattle/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/06/two-more-peace-poles-in-west-seattle/#comments Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:07:32 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1066713

That’s one of two new Peace Poles installed around the peninsula by the Rotary Club of West Seattle

  • . It’s the fifth one, now in place in front of the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens). Keith Hughes sent the photo with word that Peace Pole #4 is also in place, at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle). A dedication ceremony is planned there at 12:15 pm tomorrow (Sunday, June 25th), and all are welcome. Helen Oesterle from OLG explains that the Peace Pole there is also in collaboration with Eagle Scout Nick Krum, and intended “to acknowledge that the highest point in the city of Seattle is on the traditional land of the Duwamish People, past and present.” Rotarians have placed more than a quarter-million Peace Poles around the world, as invitations for people to contemplate what they can do to foster peace. (Others in West Seattle are at Fauntleroy Church, dedicated last September; at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), also dedicated last September; and near Fauntleroy Creek, dedicated last November.)

    Share This

    ]]> https://westseattleblog.com/2023/06/two-more-peace-poles-in-west-seattle/feed/ 3 CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle Rotary celebrates scholarship winners https://westseattleblog.com/2023/05/congratulations-west-seattle-rotary-celebrates-scholarship-winners/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/05/congratulations-west-seattle-rotary-celebrates-scholarship-winners/#comments Fri, 19 May 2023 22:25:18 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1063868 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.

    Share This

    ]]>
    https://westseattleblog.com/2023/05/congratulations-west-seattle-rotary-celebrates-scholarship-winners/feed/ 1
    CONGRATULATIONS! Young mom chosen Rotary Club of West Seattle’s Student of the Semester https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/congratulations-young-mom-chosen-rotary-club-of-west-seattles-student-of-the-semester/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/congratulations-young-mom-chosen-rotary-club-of-west-seattles-student-of-the-semester/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:09:40 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1061429 (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.

    Share This

    ]]>
    https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/congratulations-young-mom-chosen-rotary-club-of-west-seattles-student-of-the-semester/feed/ 3
    BINGO! Rotary Club of West Seattle has a groovy invitation for you https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/bingo-rotary-club-of-west-seattle-has-a-groovy-invitation-for-you/ https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/bingo-rotary-club-of-west-seattle-has-a-groovy-invitation-for-you/#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:46:58 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1059972 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!

    Share This

    ]]>
    https://westseattleblog.com/2023/04/bingo-rotary-club-of-west-seattle-has-a-groovy-invitation-for-you/feed/ 1