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West Seattle Tuesday: Roads; school; Scouts; crimefighting…
September 20, 2011 6:30 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Recent WSDOT aerial of the south-end Viaduct Replacement Project, from the WSB Flickr group pool; click for larger view)
With one month and one day to go till the dreaded 9-day Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, WSDOT plans another media briefing today. (We previewed bus changes here last night.) That’s one of the stories we’ll be covering today. And a smaller round of road work is among the other highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: “Spot paving” work is scheduled to start today on a block of California SW south of Edmunds in The Junction and continue tomorrow, throughout the day both days. Full details in city’s announcement here.

MEET THE PRINCIPAL: West Seattle High School PTSA invites the school community to an informal chat with Principal Ruth Medsker. She will be hosting informal coffee chats throughout the year. 9-10:15 am in the main office conference room.

END-OF-SUMMER BARBECUE: Super Deli Mart at 35th/Barton invites the community to its “end of summer” barbecue, 3 pm-7 pm, no purchases required. Super Deli Mart’s owner says, “We will be roasting corn and serving hot dogs in addition to chips and drinks. This will be a lot like our birthday party, but more low key.”

RETURN OF THE ORCHESTRAS: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ new season begins, with rehearsals starting at 5:30 pm (read this carefully for the latest information on who, when, and where, plus how to join).

RETURN OF THE WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: After its summer hiatus, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council returns to its monthly public meetings, and you’re invited to join them tonight at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), 7 pm. In addition to crime-trend updates, this month’s spotlighted topic is Identity Theft, with Angie Kaake from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

SKY POLLUTION: Organizers of Bigsplash Seattle say “aviation emissions” a toxic threat too few people are paying attention to, and they’re planning to change that, starting with an event at Café Rozella tonight, including live music by the popular Haggis Brothers – details on this Facebook event page.

CUB SCOUT PACK 282 KICKOFF/INFORMATION EVENT: Please join Cub Scout Pack 282 for our annual Kickoff meeting, 7-8 pm, at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave SW. We will enjoy games, popcorn, door prizes, Pinewood Derby races and an opportunity for interested boys between grades 1 – 5 to learn more about our fun activities and how to get involved. For more information, please call Steve Shelver at 206-938-8614 or e-mail shelvers@wwdb.org.

BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda belly-dance showcase shimmies its way through Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm.

TRUMPET/GUITAR DUO: West Seattle jazz trumpet player Chad McCullough e-mailed to share word he’s playing with Portland-based guitarist Storm Nilson at Locöl tonight, 7:30 pm.

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West Seattle schools: Arbor Heights gets a win at Safeco Field!
September 20, 2011 3:54 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Arbor Heights Elementary put a team on the field at The Safe on Saturday, as part of the celebration for AH winning the first-ever Mariners-Nikon Earth Day Program. The school was recognized for its “green” initiatives, led by teacher Angie Nall (in the teal shirt), including composting and “upcycling” (as featured here previously). The moment in the spotlight before the Saturday night game – chronicled above – was part of the prize, as were new Nikon D3100 cameras. And even a pose with The Moose!

Thanks to everybody who sent tips about this, including the parent volunteer who provided the photo and video. (Got school news? Let us know so we can share it!)

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West Seattle wildlife: Lincoln Park’s barred owls, seen again
September 20, 2011 2:38 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

That’s one of two owls that wildlife watcher/writer/photographer Trileigh Tucker has just seen for the first time in a while:

It’s been quite a few weeks since I’ve seen the Lincoln Park Barred Owl pair, but (Monday) morning (thanks to the loud cacophony of Steller’s Jays announcing them) I saw both owls of the pair, not too far apart. Thought you might like to know they’re here and doing fine!

Trileigh continues to chronicle wildlife sightings/thoughts on her “Natural Presence” website.

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Metro riders: 2 rounds of changes coming up in October
September 19, 2011 9:47 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you ride Metro buses, two events coming up next month may affect the way you get around. Many are wondering how the October 21st-31st Alaskan Way Viaduct closure will affect routes between West Seattle and downtown, and while Metro is working on that, they also want to be sure you keep your eyes on the upcoming October 1st “service change,” just a week and a half away.

One big change will be, as reported here recently, trips will be added to Route 54, which Metro says will mean they’re “increasing frequency from 30 minutes to every 15 minutes during weekday, midday, and Saturdays to match the existing 15-minute service now offered during weekday commute periods. This is a similar level of service that will operate to and from West Seattle when the RapidRide C Line debuts a year from now.” Three other routes with Viaduct connections will get added trips in the October 1st service change – 18 Express, 120, and 358. Then, there are the reroutes on 10 routes, some serving West Seattle, that will start October 1st and last for at least four years, as well as temporary reroutes for that Viaduct closure:

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Building West Seattle’s newest P-Patch: Every little bit helps
September 19, 2011 9:00 pm
|    Comments Off on Building West Seattle’s newest P-Patch: Every little bit helps
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Photo courtesy Barton Street P-Patch)
The “web” continues to take shape at West Seattle’s newest P-Patch (Barton/34th), but unlike spider webs, this is no solo effort – it takes a community of gardeners and helpers, and Terri Lindow sends word they’re looking for more assistance, even in simple ways:

The Barton Street PPatch is seeking more community to help build our community
garden! If you are interested in learning to build mortar and reclaimed chain link walls (a family-friendly “mud pie” activity), want to swing a sledgehammer, spend some quality time with a wheelbarrow and some wood chips, or would like to provide snacks for our workers, you are invited to stop by. Over the next 6 weeks we’ll be holding work parties Saturdays 9:30-3 pm and Sundays 11-3 pm. All are welcome!

For more about the Barton Street P-Patch’s progress, check out their Facebook group. There’s also info on the city Department of Neighborhoods website, where Barton is P-Patch #85.

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Pencil this in – in front of Potter Construction: New sculpture
September 19, 2011 5:10 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Potter Construction)
The giant pencil on that truck is a West Seattle-based artist’s sculpture with the “write” stuff, and tomorrow, it’s scheduled to get a new home, in front of Potter Construction (WSB sponsor). Here’s the announcement:

At 9 AM on Tuesday, September 20, West Seattle business owner Gary Potter of Potter Construction will begin installation of a larger-than-life sculpture of a yellow pencil on California Ave. SW. The 13.5-foot sculpture is to be installed on the street-side facade of Potter Construction’s main office at 5606 California Ave. SW. Beyond a visible way to display Potter Construction’s inspired knowledge and experience in the art of home remodeling, Potter sees this as an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of community art projects that have a positive effect on West Seattle neighborhoods.

This playful facsimile of an everyday pencil with its bright pink eraser is the creative collaboration of Rock Brothers, under the direction of artist and West Seattle resident Stephen Rock. The sculpture is made from one solid log and was hand-tooled by the three brothers on a very large lathe in their workshop in Ellensburg, WA. The colorful, hand-painted pencil was first seen as part of a larger Rock Brothers’ sculpture titled “Brush Pile” in a juried outdoor exhibit at Cal Anderson Park in 2010. This installation of multiple large-scale paintbrushes, pens, and pencils was part of MadArt in the Park’s mission to “bring art into our lives in unexpected ways and to create community involvement in the arts.”

Beginning tomorrow, every visitor and passerby of Potter Construction’s office at 5606 California Ave SW will experience this blend of joyful art with Potter Construction’s inspired commitment to enlivening everyday lives.

You can scroll down this page to see how the giant pencil was used in the aforementioned “Brush Pile” installation.

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Medical-marijuana ‘farmers’ market’ for downtown White Center
September 19, 2011 4:53 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | White Center

From partner site White Center Now: Downtown WC is about to get its third medical-marijuana business. This one will be a “farmers-market-style” operation, Northwest Cannabis Market, at 9640 16th SW, open only on weekends for starters. Full details on WCN.

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West Seattle road work: Avalon Way to get ‘spot paving’ too
September 19, 2011 3:27 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle road work: Avalon Way to get ‘spot paving’ too
 |   Luna Park | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

SDOT was already planning to be over here doing “spot paving” on California SW in the block south of SW Edmunds tomorrow and Wednesday (as reported here). Now comes word that SW Avalon Way will follow, between 35th SW and SW Spokane (map), on Thursday and Friday, 9 am-5 pm, weather permitting. SDOT’s announcement says, “One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open. Bicycles will merge with general traffic within work zones. All sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.”

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Advisory committee chosen to review tunnel-tolling scenarios
September 19, 2011 3:10 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

It’s a popular question: So when the Highway 99 tunnel opens, how much will the toll be? That has yet to be decided – but the City Council has just appointed 15 “community representatives” to an Advisory Committee on Tolling and Traffic Management for the future Alaskan Way Viaduct Central Waterfront replacement. Here’s the official announcement, with the list of appointees. They’re tasked with working with the city and state “to review potential traffic impacts on city streets and I-5 for different tolling scenarios for the SR 99 tunnel; explore ways to refine tolling strategies to meet state funding goals and minimize diversion; and also investigate strategies to reduce or mitigate diversion.” They’re supposed to come up with “preliminary tolling and traffic recommendations” by the end of next year.

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Know a Local Food Hero? Nominate your choice by Friday
September 19, 2011 2:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

This Friday is your last chance to nominate someone for the Jeff Fairhall Local Food Hero Award, which will be presented again this year at the annual Eat Local Now! dinner celebration. Once again this fall, the dinner is happening at SODO Park, the acclaimed venue operated by West Seattle-founded Herban Feast (also parent to Fresh Bistro in The Junction). It’s set for October 24 – details here – with tickets now on sale (buy them online here), and while the event’s not in West Seattle, Sustainable West Seattle is a major sponsor/organizer, along with other area groups. Our area is full of advocates who work to promote growing and eating local food – who’s YOUR hero? (Previous winners included Aviva Furman from Community Harvest of SW Seattle and the Community Orchard of West Seattle, and City Council president Richard Conlin.) Get your nomination in by Friday (September 23) – the form is here.

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Caution, work zone ahead: Sewer work in Beach Drive area
September 19, 2011 12:38 pm
|    Comments Off on Caution, work zone ahead: Sewer work in Beach Drive area
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Heads-up in the north Beach Drive area Wednesday and Thursday. From King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division:

On Sept. 21, crews with King County’s clean-water utility will begin a two-day project to replace corroded equipment inside a sewer structure on Southwest Spokane Street between Beach Drive Southwest and 62nd Avenue Southwest [map].

For safety reasons, the work is scheduled between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when system flows are lowest. Though most work will take place below ground, neighbors might experience noise and glare associated with construction vehicles and generators. During work hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane of local access on Southwest Spokane Street. Flaggers will be on site to assist drivers.

It’s possible some work may need to occur during daytime hours on Sept. 26. People with questions can contact Heidi Sowell, King County Wastewater Treatment Division community services planner at Heidi.Sowell@kingcounty.gov or 206-684-1207 or 711 TTY.

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West Seattle mom leads #Ask5for5 to fight African food crisis
September 19, 2011 11:42 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
Sarah Lenssen of Seaview is mom to three kids, two of whom are from Ethiopia. This week – to help save the lives of starving children in their homeland and other food-crisis-ravaged nations in the Horn of Africa – her #Ask5for5 campaign is being spotlighted on dozens of websites. Sarah explains that #Ask5for5 is “simple: anyone who wants to participate gives $5 and then asks 5 friends to give $5 and they each ask 5 more friends to give $5. So far 754 people have donated over $23,000 for victims of the drought and famine. 100% of the funds multiplied up to 5 times by government grants and are being administered by local organization World Vision in the Horn for relief efforts.” She started it about a month ago, and then sought other online writers to feature it during Social Media Week, which kicked off today. If you have a website and are willing to feature Sarah’s ready-to-publish “guest post” about #Ask5for5 – you can see it here, including contact information. And/or, if you would like to donate, you can do that here.

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Delridge homeless-housing proposal: Date set for 1st forum
September 19, 2011 9:40 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | DESC Delridge project | Development | West Seattle news

It wasn’t just celebration at Saturday’s Delridge Day festival, presented by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council – it was also about information, including one of the hottest current topics in the neighborhood, Downtown Emergency Service Center‘s proposal for 75 apartments in the 5400 block of Delridge Way SW to house homeless people living with mental illness (and in some cases, sustance abuse). One week earlier, we reported on Delridge neighborhood advocates’ tour of two DESC facilities in Columbia City and Cascade, and mentioned their plan for a town-hall-style forum. The date has now been announced: Tuesday, October 11th (evening, time TBA), at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. NDNC distributed flyers on Saturday in multiple languages. They also have launched a website with info about the forum; see it here.

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West Seattle Monday: Welcome to the final days of summer
September 19, 2011 8:17 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Justin Atwell from Saturday’s Delridge Skatepark grand opening; WSB coverage here)
Summer’s making a comeback this week, we hear (forecast and lots more on the new experimental WSB Weather page), right before fall arrives. Meantime, here’s what’s up tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page:

LIBRARY EVENTS RESUME: This is the first full week of Seattle Public Library branches’ regular weekly events, after a small break that followed the weeklong furlough. Today: 2 pm, Southwest Library‘s Afternoon Book Group (reading Evelyn Waugh‘s “Brideshead Revisited”; 7 pm, High Point Library, family story time.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: This club for people who enjoy cooking meets 2:30 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. Bring your creation with the ingredient of the week: Seasonal fruit.

ADMIRAL BUSINESSES’ MEETING: Business owner/merchant in the Admiral District? Reminder that today’s the meeting with Admiral Neighborhood Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 4 pm refreshments and 4:30 pm meeting, Porterhouse.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE TALKS ECONOMICS: Think outside the economic box; come be part of Sustainable West Seattle‘s community forum on alternatives to growth economics, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm – full details here.

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATION: Meets 8-9:30 p.m at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor). Topic: Nutrition, with Carol Cartnell from the city of Seattle. From the invitation: “You might like to come with an idea that you have on ways to get kids to try new foods, incorporating cooking into the classroom, or balanced-meal/portion-size strategies. Come and share an evening with other preschool educators; we hope to see you there!”

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New life for historic White Center/West Seattle veterans tribute
September 18, 2011 9:45 pm
|    Comments Off on New life for historic White Center/West Seattle veterans tribute
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB and White Center Now)
Tonight, a new, properly illuminated flag flies over a small, decades-old tribute to veterans, re-dedicated today in the Delridge Triangle, where White Center and West Seattle meet. It’s the result of efforts by the White Center Chamber of Commerce. A full report on this afternoon’s re-dedication ceremony is on our partner site White Center Now.

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West Seattle See Dogs celebrate Guide Dog Month
September 18, 2011 5:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

Got room in your heart and home for a puppy who will grow up to do great things – namely, serving as a Guide Dog? If so, you need to meet West Seattle See Dogs – one of the guide-puppy-raising group that was on hand at Petco in The Junction today in honor of National Guide Dog Month. From left, above, Ruth Oldham, McKenna Kormanik with Guiness the puppy, and Heather Gilbert. Here’s a closer look at Guiness:

You can catch up with West Seattle See Dogs on Facebook.

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West Seattle Farmers’ Market gets squashed: Zucchini 500!
September 18, 2011 3:33 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
At the top of the “hill,” that’s Mike LaFranchi from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, during today’s Zucchini 500, an annual tradition at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Kids got the chance to make their own “racers” and then try them out. More photos ahead:Read More

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Video: West Seattle Junction Car Show 2011 – the winners!
September 18, 2011 3:07 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Updated 9:27 pm with video of the awards ceremony)

3:07 PM: Haven’t been to the West Seattle Junction Car Show yet? Still time – if you hurry! Here are a few more examples of the lovingly preserved/restored automotive history on display – that’s a 1921 Buick above, and a 1954 MG below:

From the muscle-car ’60s, a 1967 Barracuda:

The wrap-up, and yet more photos, later! (And if you’re just looking for an update on when the streets will reopen – since the displays here are on wheels, breakdown takes less time than, oh, say Summer Fest, so it doesn’t usually take long after the official 4 pm end time.)

ADDED 9:27 PM: Video of the entire awards ceremony:

Best in show: Harold and his Buick, originally shown above – the car’s 90 years old, and so is he!

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The WSBeat: 2 robberies and … casing; racing; chewing
September 18, 2011 1:01 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

Back after a couple weeks’ hiatus: From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*Four women were suspected of casing homes in the 4100 block of SW Frontenac Wednesday afternoon. One door-knocker fled after discovering one home was occupied, but the homeowner there kept an eye on her and called 911 when she went into the backyard of a neighbor. One woman, a Kent resident, was booked into King County Jail for criminal trespass. The others were investigated and released.

*Early Monday, a 28-year-old Kent resident was booked into King County Jail after verbally and physically harassing a number of people at the corner of 61st and Alki.

*Around noon on Thursday the 8th, a driver became enraged when he couldn’t pass through a construction site in the 3200 block of 61st SW. He yelled obscenities and threatened to come back and slit the tires on the construction vehicles. He drove off, but not before causing $150 worth of damage to two lighted construction barricades. The car he drove was registered to an address in the 6100 block of SW Spokane and was later spotted in the driveway there. The woman at the residence refused to provide any information and was uncooperative with officers.

Seven more summaries, including two armed robberies on the street, ahead:Read More

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Happening now: West Seattle Junction Car Show 2011, 1st report
September 18, 2011 9:24 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

It’s on! The fourth annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (with co-sponsors including WSB) is under way till 4 this afternoon:

California SW is lined with classics:

And look closely to see added touches:

No admission charge for the car show – but you can stop by the booths in the California/Alaska vicinity to buy a T-shirt or raffle tickets (benefiting charity). This is a judged car show, and toward day’s end, we’ll find out who gets the trophies!

ADDED 11:52 AM: Drier weather!

More to come.

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WS businesses: Happy 1st anniversary, West Seattle Autoworks!
September 18, 2011 8:55 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WS Autoworks’ Chris Christensen, Nathan Huie, Todd Ainsworth. Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
With cars in the West Seattle spotlight today, seems like an auspicious time to mention this: There’s something new at West Seattle Autoworks – a big new sign marking their spot along 35th SW at Webster. And it was installed just in time for the shop to celebrate a milestone: October will mark one year since their grand opening. They’re planning a first-anniversary party on Saturday, October 1st, an open-house event with refreshments including Red Star Pizza and coffee from Cafe Osita (both nearby businesses), raffle tickets, door prizes, and discount offers that’ll be good for the whole month. Drop in and wish West Seattle Autoworks “happy anniversary” 9 am-5 pm on the 1st.

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West Seattle Sunday: Junction Car Show; Farmers’ Market gets squashed; Veterans’ Park re-dedication; more
September 18, 2011 7:44 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We caught those Ford Falcons bright and early during setup for the West Seattle Junction Car Show, today’s biggest event, but not the only event! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION CAR SHOW: 8 am-4 pm, California SW is closed between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon for the annual car show. More info here. WSB is live on site, so check here for updates throughout the day. Show’s free, but bring some $ for the raffle, the T-shirt, and more. (Reminder, in case you missed the announcement a few days ago, the “Deadliest Catch” cast members canceled.)

BIG DAY AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska) celebrates squash today, as follows:

1. THE CONTEST: Bring your biggest, weirdest-looking squash from your own garden to the market info booth and enter to win a beautiful farmers market basket full of market goodies. Entries accepted and displayed until judging starts at 1:00 pm (The market opens at 10:– am so please do not bring entries before then). Squash will be judged by the experts: Our market farmers!
2. THE ZUCCHINI 500: Kids of all ages can make, then race, their very own vegetable vehicle. Car bodies and parts supplied by the farmers market. Races held continuously from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
3. MASTER CHEF COOKING DEMOS: Featuring great ideas with squash for both summer and fall. Plus, information from farmers, free recipes and ideas for making the most of local farm harvests!

Another Junction event:

MEET GUIDE DOGS AND GUIDE PUPPIES: West Seattle See Dogs and their guide-puppy-raising counterparts from Vashon Island will be inside and outside at Petco, 10 am-3 pm, in honor of National Guide Dog Month. Come meet working dogs, and help raise money for guide-dog programs.

GET FIT AND HELP BIRDS: Work out with trainer Dawn Brent and benefit bird rescue: 10 am, meet at south parking lot of Lincoln Park, full details here.

AFTERNOON TUNES: Jamtime plays bluegrass and more, 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

CALLING ALL VETERANS: The entire West Seattle/White Center community is invited to the re-dedication of White Center Veterans’ Memorial Park at the south end of Delridge Way SW, but particularly veterans – wear part of your uniform if possible. 4 pm, more details here.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Sundodger Invitational
September 18, 2011 7:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Sundodger Invitational
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Yet another big event that happened in West Seattle on Saturday – the annual Sundodger Invitational cross-country meet in Lincoln Park. Thanks to Mark Ahlness for sharing the photo from the high-school boys’ 5K. He says, “Those guys were coming FAST, and the sound was incredible as they went by.” (By the way – the results are here.)

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