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From the “teens doing positive things” file
March 24, 2008 10:17 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle people | West Seattle video

Not all public-school students in West Seattle go to Seattle Public Schools. More than 100 attend school on Vashon, which is closer than the in-city school commutes some local families make. Among them is Max Westerman, who says the student commuters have to wait a long time to get a ferry back to WS after school; instead of just griping about it, he started a petition to ask Washington State Ferries for a 2:50 pm Vashon-Fauntleroy sailing, similar to one offered during the recent 2-boat schedule:

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(We talked with Max last week when he brought his petition drive to Fauntleroy Food Fest.)

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“Birthday” celebration for legendary West Seattle native Ivar
March 17, 2008 3:07 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle people

haglund.jpgIf you’re new-ish to the area, you might not know that “the” Ivar — founder of Ivar’s restaurants — was a West Seattle native. If he hadn’t gone off to the eternal Acres of Clams in 1985, Ivar Haglund (photo left) would be turning 103 this Thursday, and a news release issued by Ivar’s today says they’re offering cups of chowder at $1.03 on Thursday in his honor. You can read a great bio of Ivar (classic pix and all) at HistoryLink.org. (Nearest Ivar’s locations to WS are the downtown waterfront location and the Burien “seafood bar” location; Ivar’s also owns Spud’s on Alki but there’s no indication it’s participating.)

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Congratulations to “Handbags for Hunger” organizers
March 16, 2008 6:47 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle online | West Seattle people

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Above, “during” and “before” pix from the WSB Forum members’ smash-hit benefit this afternoon at Beveridge Place Pub — ringleader JoB has posted a wrapup in this forum thread, and we just got this note from Pete Spalding of the West Seattle Food Bank board:

WOW!!!! Where can I start?

First of all from all of our clients, the Board of Directors of the West Seattle Food Bank would like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to the organizers, everyone that participated and to Gary the owner of the Beveridge Place Pub for making a big difference on a Sunday afternoon.

I could not believe the number of folks that turned out for this quickly, but well-organized event. Lots of energy in the room for not only the West Seattle Food Bank but also for a great program, Dress For Success. Through everyone’s hard work and charitable mood it was a most successful event. The big event today raised a whopping $704.51 along with approximately 300 pounds of donated food.

Just a quick plug to say that our work at the West Seattle Food Bank goes on everyday of the year. The need in our community is on the increase right now and we certainly appreciate all of the very generous folks here in our West Seattle community that help us keep our doors open to our neighbors in need.

Here are a couple of other ways you can help us right now:

1. If you are a Bruce Springsteen fan you know that he is playing at KeyArena on March 29th. You can go to this link charityfolks.com/cfauctions/auction_verticalngo.asp?slrid=1048
and bid on a pair of tickets to the show as well as passes to the E Street Lounge before the concert begins. The proceeds from this bidding will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

2. On May 1st we will be celebrating our first anniversary in our new building by holding an event at the Hall at Fauntleroy. It is called Instruments of Change because everyone that comes that night is an instrument of change for our West Seattle Community. The event begins at 6 pm and tickets are $75. The ticket includes a sit-down meal along with some great entertainment. Phyllis Campbell, President/CEO of the Seattle Foundation, will be our guest speaker. You can go to our web site www.westseattlefoodbank.org to buy tickets or for more information.

Once again thanks for a great Sunday afternoon event. WSB readers ROCK!!!

Ditto that from us. Huge “way to go” for the folks who expanded their online friendship into the offline world and found a way to morph a meetup into a chance to do even more good in the community. You can join the ongoing discussion here.

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Admiral family searching for missing autistic daughter
March 16, 2008 3:50 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(5:30 PM MONDAY UPDATE: Police say Jordan has been found – more info here.)

missinggirl.jpg(ORIGINAL SUNDAY NIGHT REPORT) That’s a photo of missing West Seattle 14-year-old Jordan King, sent to WSB by her mom Paula, who has been handing out flyers near their Admiral home. Paula says Jordan has been missing since Thursday. In addition to being autistic, Paula says of Jordan, “She is homeschooled and has no memory for phone numbers so she could be very lost.” The family asks that you call 911 — they of course filed a police report, so there’s a record in the system — if you have any idea where Jordan might be. (Her description: 5-2, 138 lbs., dark-brown hair, hazel eyes, last seen in light-pink pants, black tank top, black tennis shoes, black hoodie.)

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Happening now: “Handbags for Hunger”
March 16, 2008 2:30 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Quick photos snapped just before the official start of the West Seattle Food Bank-benefiting festivities. Beveridge Place Pub, now till 4 pm. Full details here (or scroll two posts down if you’re on the home page).

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West Seattle retirees got game: Wii at The Mount
March 16, 2008 1:14 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle video

We saw it in the Providence Mount St. Vincent newsletter that landed in the WSB postal-mail box one day: Wii bowling at The Mount. So much for the old image of retirees sitting around playing canasta, or maybe, just maybe, shuffleboard. They were kind enough to let us drop in to see for ourselves:

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As you can see, they’re doing pretty well. Resident assistant Ken Howard told us that it’s really just a matter of, if you can’t get out to play the games, this is a new way to bring the games in to them:

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By the way, if you’re not familiar with Providence Mount St. Vincent, it’s the huge complex on the west side of 35th along the big rise south of Alaska, nicknamed “The Mount,” and it’s been around longer than some of its residents – more than 80 years. It’s even home to a unique child-care program that brings together the oldest and the youngest members of the West Seattle community. As for the Wii — it’s also being used at local libraries, with occasional how-to’s for adults, and the Delridge Library is offering teens open play with Wii and Dance Dance Revolution this Wednesday, 3-5 pm.

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WS businesses help West Side MOPS pamper moms for a morning
March 8, 2008 12:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle people | West Seattle video

West Seattle moms who belong to West Side MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) — may be feeling just a tiny bit less stressed today, if they attended the group’s annual Spa Day. 33 local businesses donated goods and services for the event — from treats to trims, massage to makeup, plus gift bags and door prizes. Here’s a quick clip of just part of the busy scene Friday morning at West Side Presbyterian Church:

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West Side Presbyterian is also where West Side MOPS members regularly meet – 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month, October through May. If you want to find out more, contact info is on the group’s website.

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West Seattleite’s “Exile Project” opens tonight @ WSHS
March 7, 2008 11:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

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This weekend and next weekend, you have two live-theater options in West Seattle. One is ArtsWest‘s continuing “The Sweetest Swing in Baseball” (WSB sponsor); the other is “The Exile Project,“ opening tonight at the West Seattle High School Theater. (Shown in the photo above, Wendy Woolery and Gary Reed.) It’s billed as “an original Seattle musical-theater production” about “one man’s efforts to build a life after prison.” It’s produced, choreographed, and co-written by West Seattle’s Holly Eckert (and the music is by another West Seattleite, Amy Denio). We asked Holly if the tone of “The Exile Project” is as heavy as the subject matter could be – her reply: “This is a human story, and human stories are always filled with both light and dark sides. Remember, this man has just been RELEASED from prison, that’s a pretty happy moment for him filled with fantasies about pretty girls and cold beers. He returns to his mother’s house where he finds comfort as a middle-aged man in the arms of his mommy. This is a story that also penetrates this man’s subconscious and as we all know, that terrain is full of irony, satire, wisdom, humor and sadness. This play travels through both light and dark moments to tell a human tale. It’s that diversity of emotional territory that make it entertaining and engaging. Often, as we all know who have walked through it ourselves, tragedy is scattered with satire and humor. If you love a good story, great music, and terrific dancing, you’ll enjoy The Exile Project.” The production has its own website here with tons of information including performance times and ticket info; it plays at WSHS this Friday-Saturday-Sunday and the same three days next weekend.

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Saturday scenes: Cookies, trees, rainbow and hail, signs
March 1, 2008 10:36 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle people | West Seattle schools | West Seattle video

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We found those two Girl Scouts selling cookies outside Thriftway this afternoon – second day of local Scouts’ sales – their West Seattle cookie-selling locations are listed here. (We got Thin Mints, $4/box, yum.) More West Seattle Saturday scenes ahead, including the rainbow-and-hail video link:Read More

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Saying goodbye: Tim St. Clair memorial today; 2 other notes
March 1, 2008 12:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Reminder that you are invited to the Alki Bathhouse 4-7 pm today to help celebrate the life of longtime West Seattle Herald reporter Tim St. Clair, who died earlier this week after battling cancer. Two other notable passings have come to our attention in the past few days: WSB regular Jan reports that well-regarded guitarist and West Seattle native Rick Novito died this week (he played most recently with Leroy Bell, whose MySpace site has a few tributes); Jan says Rick’s memorial is set for Thursday at Holy Rosary (Sunday night update: 4 pm, according to this published obituary), and there are efforts to organize a jam in his honor afterward. Here’s a photo of Rick sent by his family:

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Last note, Cafe Rozella is remembering a longtime patron known as Panchito; the CR blog pays tribute here.

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Happening today, early edition
March 1, 2008 8:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

So much happening today that we have another round of reminders to come in a few hours — but first, some events that begin this morning: 9 am, the West Seattle High School Class of 2008 fundraising car wash starts at the WSHS parking lot; 10 am, the West Seattle Family Wellness Fair starts at High Point Community Center; also at 10, the Sanislo Elementary used book sale and bake sale gets under way. Much more on the Events page.

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Discussing the undiscussable, to bring it “Out of the Darkness”
March 1, 2008 1:36 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle people

With everything that is discussed openly in our everyday lives and in the media these days, you might conclude there is nothing too taboo to talk about. That would not be true; a big, dangerous one remains.Read More

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Memorial planned Saturday for Herald reporter Tim St. Clair
February 28, 2008 8:46 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

As reported earlier this week, longtime West Seattle Herald reporter Tim St. Clair died Monday night after battling cancer. (His obituary is on the Herald site.) This morning, we just received word that his memorial is set for Saturday on Alki:

A celebration of life for Tim St. Clair, Mr. West Seattle, is being held on Saturday, March 1st, at the Alki Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave. SW., from 4 PM to 7 PM. It is open to the public, Tim’s family would love to hear stories about Tim and his time in West Seattle as a reporter for the Herald. Please post this on your site at the request of his family. There will be photos of Tim from his life as well as mementos and awards and memories of a wonderful man who contributed so much to the community.

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U.S. Supreme Court to view West Seattle photographer’s work
February 27, 2008 6:55 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle people

fobesice.jpgHard to believe that the Exxon Valdez oil-spill case is not over yet, 19 years after the tanker catastrophe that soiled Alaska’s Prince William Sound and ravaged its wildlife. But today, U.S. Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments in one ongoing case — Exxon is arguing that it should not have to pay punitive damages to more than 30,000 people affected by the spill — and a West Seattle photojournalist’s work will be part of the plaintiffs’ exhibit. Natalie Fobes (shown left while on assignment in Siberia) was one of the first photojournalists on the scene; she got there the day after the spill. She says she “hitch-hiked her way around (Prince William) Sound on fishing boats and mail planes while many photographers and journalists were stuck in Valdez waiting for a plane or helicopter charter,” spending the next few months documenting the devastation as she lived with fishermen, Native Alaskan families, and cleanup workers. Fobes testified in person at some of the earlier trials. You can see some of her photos at Fobes’ website here. She says, “I got into photojournalism to make a difference. To have my photographs included in one of the largest environmental cases ever argued before the Supreme Court is amazing.”

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Veteran West Seattle journalist Tim St. Clair passes away
February 26, 2008 8:54 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Just got sad news from editor Jack Mayne at the West Seattle Herald: Longtime reporter Tim St. Clair, 57, passed away last night after a battle with cancer, through which he continued to work — covering West Seattle issues, events, and people — almost up to the end. The Herald plans to have a story up soon with more details on Mr. St. Clair’s life and work (20 years covering West Seattle); Jack Mayne says, “He will be sorely missed by all of us and by the people he chronicled over the years. Tim was not just a reporter, he was a man who believed strongly in the people of West Seattle.” When the Herald’s obituary for Mr. St. Clair is up, we will link to it here, and will also update you on memorial plans. 11:39 AM UPDATE: The obituary is now posted on the Herald website.

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Happening today: Noon dinner for Olivia, 4 pm party for Mo
February 24, 2008 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Happening today: Noon dinner for Olivia, 4 pm party for Mo
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle people

oliviacathospital.jpgOLIVIA: She’s the 10-year-old Hope Lutheran fifth-grader we told you about last Wednesday (left), fighting Crohn’s disease, a chronic intestinal inflammation that’s hell on anyone and rare in kids. Her school and church are presenting a spaghetti dinner and silent auction, noon today at the Seattle Lutheran High School gym, to help with her mounting medical bills.

MO: He’s the Hurricane Katrina survivor chow mix (right) who had a second brush with life-threatening danger last month (our original story here) in a poison scare with a possible link to Westcrest Park. This afternoon, Beveridge Place Pub is where a 4 pm party, including a raffle, is planned to help cover his costs.

As for what else is going on today – you’ll find the full list on the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.

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West Seattle Saturday scenes: Sunshine, FS 37, Kenney art
February 23, 2008 9:48 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

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Thanks to John LaSpina for that shot (taken from The Mount) – one of several we want to share from some of today’s sights around WS, including two events that drew plenty of visitors:Read More

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Sunday dinner – for Olivia’s sake
February 20, 2008 2:34 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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That’s 10-year-old Olivia Shain, cuddling her cat Bebe during one of the many hospital stays Olivia’s had to endure in her short life. She has been living with Crohn’s disease – which seldom strikes children – since she was a toddler. Olivia’s West Seattle church and school community are coming together to raise money for her massive medical bills, and inviting you to join them for a spaghetti dinner and silent auction this Sunday. Olivia’s mom, local pet-sitting entrepreneur Demery Shain, agreed to talk with WSB about her daughter, their life, and how you can help:Read More

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Keeping with the Valentine’s theme: News about a Darling
February 14, 2008 3:54 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle people

matthewandtracy.jpgWhen former Skylark manager Matthew Darling left that North Delridge hotspot, we asked him to let us know where he wound up next. This week, he and friend Tracy Dart (both pictured at left) are launching a new events/PR firm called The West Seattle Scene; they’ve got an event happening tonight, in fact, and it’s not too late to get in on it, Matthew says:

The Valentines Day Bitter Hearts Junction Bar Crawl

Thursday Feb 14th 2008

All are welcome…singles…couples…group scenes (eww)!

We’re gonna crawl up and down the Alaska junction hitting all the bars we can. There will be a set crawl map available at the first bar, and many of the bars will offer a drink special to help us celebrate.

The ultra cool west seattle tattoo logo t-shirt will be available!!!

Please rsvp to westseattlescene@gmail.com
You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details and disclaimers!

westseattletee.jpgThat’s also the address where you can find out more about Matthew and Tracy’s new company … as well as the “ultra-cool West Seattle tattoo logo T-shirt” he mentions – logo shown at right. (And of course, as we’ve already said a dozen times today, the West Seattle Art Walk is happening in The Junction tonight as well … should be a wild night.)

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More proof that West Seattleites have big hearts
February 14, 2008 1:06 pm
|    Comments Off on More proof that West Seattleites have big hearts
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle people

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Finally got word of results from the bicycle-donation drive at PCC last Saturday (weekend coverage here) — 182 bikes donated (and a lot of bike parts), all going to help kids in Africa. WTG! One other weekend postscript — the cat-adoption event at Kitty Harbor (which was featured in this WSB report last fall) was a roaring success, according to KH’s Delyn Kosbab — new homes for all 60 of the cats and kittens that were available for adoption.

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West Seattle Valentine scenes: Hotwire’s TV turn
February 14, 2008 11:46 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle people | WS beverages

If you drove through The Junction between about 6 and 9 this morning, you probably saw that TV truck outside Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor). As mentioned earlier this week, KING 5 decided to send its morning feature reporter Tim Robinson down to hang out and talk about the Meet Your Sweetheart matchmaking that’s been going on at Hotwire (with the big party coming up Saturday night). As you probably know, Hotwire is a cozy space, and it was fun squeezing in to get a little video of, well, the other video crew doing its thing, talking to proprietor Lora Lewis and then moving on to check out the decorated bags on the wall where people are leaving Valentines for “sweeties” whose photos catch their fancy (see some of them online here):

Hotwire is one of the 20 hot spots tonight for the Valentine’s night Art Walk – biggest Art Walk yet. For the first time in a while, looks like good weather – venues, a map, and a list of “specials” are all on the flyer.

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Shoremont on Alki – a historic photo
February 12, 2008 4:40 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle people

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After this morning’s report updating the plan by the design/development company that just bought the Shoremont @ 57th & Alki, Tom J posted a comment on yesterday’s report and subsequently sent us the photo he mentioned (thank you!). It’s his uncle and dad outside the Shoremont in 1946. Tom says his dad recently celebrated his 90th birthday. The Shoremont is a few years younger than Tom’s dad – county property records say it was built in 1923.

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Looking for love AND fame? Here’s where to find both
February 12, 2008 9:19 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle people | WS beverages | WS culture/arts

On Valentine’s Eve, the Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) “Meet Your Sweetie” matchmaking event is igniting a TV frenzy. valentines-bags-002.jpgWe told you last Thursday that it was featured on Evening Magazine. Now Hotwire proprietor Lora Lewis sends word that two more TV appearances — live! — are ahead, and particularly if you’re single, you’re invited to drop by; no guarantees but you just might get interviewed, since both stations told her they’d love to talk with singles. According to Lora, KOMO 4 will be there during the 5 pm news tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) night (correction from earlier, sorry); KING 5 will be live Thursday on Valentine’s morning, with several reports between 6:30 and 9 am. In addition to showing up for all that, you can still get in on the “Sweeties” matchmaking by dropping by Hotwire any time (and checking out this page on its website) – we originally explained how this all works in this post last month. And the fun won’t end on Valentine’s Day — the main event is this Saturday, with a Sweetie Party starting at 5 pm at Hotwire, featuring participants reading their Valentines — will true love ensue? Be there to see. P.S. Hotwire also is one of the record-setting 20 venues participating in the Valentine’s night West Seattle Art Walk — flyer here — check out the second page of the flyer for “sweetie specials” at participating spots, which are now stretching BEYOND The Junction, with Thursday night venues including Click! Design That Fits (Admiral District), Authentic Home, and Styling Studio.

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