West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
Ann Anderson sent the photo and story of a small act of kindness on this sunny Saturday:
Wanted to send out a big thank you to these West Seattle residents who were taking a row off of Duwamish Head early this morning. Their lifeboat was called into action when a photographer dropped her camera into the water off the small pier near Salty’s. After unsuccessfully attempting to get the attention of nearby scuba divers, the lifeboat rowed over and stood by while the photographer (me) jumped in and dove down retrieve the camera from under the pier. It turns out that the familial group – Hayden, Emily and Katherine – were out celebrating not one, but two birthdays today (in a quiet, isolated, C-19-responsible way) when they so kindly assisted a stranger in distress.
The photo is from Kim Mickelson west of The Junction: “Making the best of our son’s 21st birthday in quarantine.” Happy birthday, Tristen!
Life goes on, with adjustments. The video and report are from Bill Schrier:
Nancy Morrison is a long-time resident of the North Admiral District. Today a bunch of her neighbors got together to sing her Happy 91st Birthday, from the street and with social distancing.
Among the groups that have found a way to carry on in the coronavirus crisis: Scout troops! Above are Scouts from West Seattle’s Troop 284, during an online class. We asked for the image after hearing from Chance Mason, who emailed us this report:
I am 12 years old and a Scout in Troop 284. I thought you might be interested in reporting on how Scouts are continuing o operate during self-isolation. Although we are not able to go on campouts or meet to work on projects together, we are meeting over Zoom. We just held our troop and patrol elections. We are also working at home on merit badges such as Family Life, Cooking, and Radio.
Chance’s merit-badge counselor Eric Linxweiler adds, “We’re trying to take advantage of this time to continue scouting journeys while we can’t do it outside in the environments we like so much. We really can’t wait to get back to our community service also, especially our annual Scouting for Food, which has been suspended for now.”
P.S. This story from the WSB archives reminds us, Troop 284 has a century-plus o history!
Alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Helen at Our Lady of Guadalupe sends word of one reason why:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has a team of “Angel Buddies” ready to check in on our neighbors!
During this difficult time of uncertainty and staying home to stay safe, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has a team of volunteers who are making weekly calls to check in on our community members and neighbors in West Seattle, offering messages of Hope that we will get through this pandemic crisis together! If you know of someone who would like to receive a call from one of our “Angel Buddies” contact Marion Kari at Our Lady of Guadalupe, via email, at: marionk@olgseattle.org.
The more we spread the message of hope during this time of isolation, we can strengthen confidence that as a community, we will be stronger when we are able to resume our normal lives.
Today is the once-every-decade U.S. Census day – so local leaders have sent this reminder for everyone to participate:
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Council President Lorena González, and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda today urged Seattle residents to complete their 2020 Census form and help Seattle access much-needed federal resources. As of March 31, 2020, 42 percent of Seattle residents had completed their Census form, as compared to a nationwide completion rate of 34.7 percent.
From March 12-20, households received the first of several invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. This invitation included a unique ID code that can be used to complete the Census online. Seattle residents can go online today, with or without that code, and fill out their Census form at www.my2020census.gov. The Census form can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. A citizenship question is not included on the 2020 Census form.
Last week, Mayor Durkan sent a letter to the United States Census Bureau requesting that the Bureau extend the 2020 Census deadline from August 14, 2020 to September 30, 2020. The letter to the Census Bureau was co-led by Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, and Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose. In total, 40 bipartisan mayors from across the country signed onto the letter calling on the Census Bureau to extend the Census deadline. The Census Bureau has not yet responded to the mayors’ letter.
You can read the rest of their news release here.
The photos and explanation are from Hal:
A neighbor left a nice note in my mailbox. I don’t know who left it but it was very nice. I drew a heart on a separate piece of paper and taped them both to my house’s front window, I thought maybe the person who wrote it might see that it was appreciated.
Thanks to the friend who suggested Hal share it with us, so we could share it with you!
Another update today from the Senior Center of West Seattle, looking ahead to next week:
The Senior Center of West Seattle (SCWS) shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding global novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 at the SCWS, nor any staff with symptoms.
The SCWS will be closed through Friday, March 13th except for the essential programs listed below. We do not have a date that we will be reopening due to these exceptional circumstances and we are following recommendations from the King County Department of Public Health.
SCWS ESSENTIAL PROGRAM UPDATE
Community Dining – starting on Monday, March 9th we will be providing sack lunches to participants 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10th Food Bank Distribution – We will provide prepared bags of food for pick-up starting at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 11th Meals on Wheels will be delivered as normal.
Social Workers are continuing outreach and will have office hours for individuals as needed.
Tax Help Appointments – will take place on Thursday, March 12th and Friday, March 13th.
Stop and Shop: We will keep the Stop and Shop open as long as we have volunteer coverage. Communications will go out as we know more and if we have to close.
The Washington State Department of Health and Seattle & King County Public Health advise that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large public gatherings where there will be close contact with others. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified that there is an increased risk of exposure for people with weakened immunity, pregnancy, and those over the age of 60 in large gatherings.
CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
As we continue to monitor and respond to the situation, we request your partnership in keeping everyone in the community healthy and minimizing the spread of infectious disease. To facilitate this goal, if you have symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR have traveled to a country the CDC has designated with a travel warning level 3 (Mainland China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and Japan) in the last 14 days, please do not enter the buildings. We recognize that we must each do our part, individually and collectively, to provide the safest possible environment for our PNA community.
Additionally, the SCWS reminds you to exercise caution when reading and using social media responsibly. There is a great deal of misinformation on social media platforms that may alarm or mislead your family or others. You can find accurate, up to date information on webpages set up by the CDC at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Washington State Department of Health at Novel Coronavirus Outbreak 2020.
We will continue to communicate frequently about the SCWS response and post updates on our website (www.sc-ws.org) and our phone message 206-932-4044 and westseattleblog.com.
We’ll keep the newest Senior Center update linked on our cancellations, postponements, changes page, too.
That’s 8-year-old Arbor Heights Elementary student Nathan Tavel, who – as we showed you Friday night – bowled his heart out to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank. WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino sent the wrapup today:
Nathan bowled 12 games with a total of 1612 pins the first hour & 9 games & 1538 pins the 2nd hour. All teams lost to him and we raised $940! Nathan is an incredible bowler and we thank him, the teams that bowled against him, and West Seattle Bowl for donating the alley fees & drink purchases!
Nathan, who’s been bowling since age 4, challenged teams to beat him in pin totals – and as Judi mentioned, he triumphed against them all.
After six years, Lyle Evans is retiring as executive director of the Senior Center of West Seattle.
The transition just started Monday – Amy Lee Derenthal‘s first day as interim executive director; she is a West Seattleite and longtime veteran of nonprofit work who has been leading the SCWS board.
In his farewell message in the newest SCWS newsletter, Evans says:
I will be leaving to spend more time with family and friends and follow my lifelong dream of travelling internationally.
My time at the Center has been the singular best experience in my professional life. The past 6 years spent here at our “Jewel of the Junction” have enriched me as a leader and as a human being. I am extraordinarily proud of our fulfilling and important work providing a welcoming, inclusive second home where all seniors and those who love them can feel safe, included and vital. In 2019, we served over 4100 seniors in West Seattle.
We talked with Evans and Derenthal by phone; they plan to work side by side over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.
She has applied for the permanent position and told us, “It’s my dream job.”
You’ll have a chance to say goodbye to Evans at the center’s annual fundraising breakfast, “The Joy Is in the Journey, “ on April 28th; get info and tickets here.
(WSB file photos)
That’s Hope Lutheran School eighth-grader Spencer Mueller with the results of his Saturday donation drive for Bike Works. We stopped by for as-it-happened coverage, after a preview earlier in the week, and he promised to send a followup – here it is, with photos:
Thank you everyone for bringing bikes to my Bike Drive on Saturday. My goal was to collect 20 bikes; we achieved that in the first fifteen minutes. In the end, we collected 89 bikes, lots of parts, and numerous helmets to donate to the nonprofit Bike Works! They will fix up the bikes so they will have a new life. Bikes that weren’t salvageable, will be taken apart and used to repair other bikes or be recycled.
I really enjoyed talking to everyone who came by and hearing the stories behind their bikes. Bike Works was ecstatic at the quality and number of bikes we collected! Thank you, West Seattle Blog, for getting the word out about my project and to the community for supporting my efforts with so many bike donations.
If you missed Spencer’s drive but have a bicycle to donate, Bike Works has a couple of dropoff spots that aren’t too far away, including the South Transfer Station.
That’s Nathan Tavel, an 8-year-old second-grader at Arbor Heights Elementary School, who tore up Lane 10 at West Seattle Bowl tonight with pretty much two nonstop hours of bowling to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank. His proud dad and mom Phil and Gina were among those cheering him on:
Phll told us Nathan’s been bowling since he was four years old. He’s been known to bowl at such a lightning pace, he can pack 32 games into an hour. Tonight, as previewed, he challenged teams to bowl against him for one or both hours – if his pin total beat theirs, they promised to donate at least $100 to WSFB. No word yet on the results but three lanes were competing with him while we were there!
King County Councilmembers have presented their annual Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service awards – here’s who received one in our area:
King County Councilmember Joe McDermott has awarded West Seattle resident Michael J. Scott with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”
“Michael Scott’s work at Swedish Hospital and as an SEIU 1199NW Union Delegate exemplifies the spirit of the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service,” McDermott said. “These awards provide us an opportunity to honor unsung heroes like Michael who have shown a commitment to improving the lives of those around them, while typically receiving little recognition for the good they do every day.”
Scott has served as a union delegate for the last 15 years with the Service Employees International Union local 1199 Northwest. In his work with the union, he has fought for better patient and staff safety, high standards for infection control, and better recruitment and retention of healthcare workers, an important factor in providing the best care for patients. Most recently, Scott and his union made patient safety concerns a top priority in contract negotiations.
Scott has also served as a member of the union’s executive board, helping to set goals that improve the lives of both health-care workers and their patients. Scott is a graduate of Seattle Central Community College and lives in the Avalon neighborhood of West Seattle.
This marks the fifth year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.
ORIGINAL 2/24 POST: When longtime West Seattle community member – and WSB community participant – Jan Seeley died last November, her family announced a memorial on what would have been her next birthday, and promised a reminder when the date approached. That date is Wednesday, March 4th, so it’s time for that reminder. Jan’s daughter Jess sent the details:
3-6 pm March 4th
The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW)Please join us to celebrate the life of Janet Seeley. We’ll be gathering in the Vashon Room at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Please bring your memories to share. Some wine and beer will be available, and also potluck foods as mentioned below.
We will be collecting donations for the West Seattle Food Bank if you’d like to give back in some way. This was a resource that was there for her in some hard times, and I’d love our community to support them! The links here are lists that the food bank needs, rather than just canned goods from the pantry.
This will be a potluck event, so please consider bringing a dish to share. Make sure if you bring a dish, that you bring it back home with you when you are done, we do not need leftovers. Here is a sign up sheet.
In the WSB Community Forums and comments, Ms. Seeley went by JanS. Here’s her obituary, published here December 1st.
MARCH 1ST: Jan’s daughter says this is canceled for now due to illness.
(File photo)
The Mount is looking for stories about its renowned preschool program, with an essay contest that runs through the end of this week. Here’s the invitation:
Providence Mount St. Vincent is offering cash awards to winners of a new essay contest open to parents and graduates of its internationally recognized Intergenerational Learning Center (ILC).
Thirty years ago, Providence Mount St. Vincent, fondly known as The Mount, created a ground-breaking program that brings together the very young and the very old in one place, through its intergenerational program model at the on-site Intergenerational Learning Center. The program has been recognized around the world and imitated for its innovative approach to child care and intergenerational bonding. A documentary film and word of The Mount’s intergenerational program has resulted in national and international media coverage and study visits from around the world.
This year The Mount is celebrating this program with the Turner Intergenerational Essay Awards. Named for Dyke R. Turner, the visionary architect who was key in inspiring and designing the program and spaces in 1991, the essay contest invites parents and graduates of the ILC to write about how their time at the center has impacted their lives.
The Mount is offering $1,000 first place awards and $250 second and third place awards in four age categories. Essays are due by Feb. 28, 2020.
Writers should submit an essay of no more than 500 words about how their experience at the ILC shows up in their life, or their child’s life today. Complete the entry form, found online at providence.org/themount/turnerawards, and mail or email the completed form and essay to: ann.martin@providence.org or Ann Martin, Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA. 98126.
Parents of students too young to write could work with their child to create an essay together as a fun at-home project.
The team at the Mount is looking forward to reading all the stories, especially those that demonstrate a greater compassion for elders, diverse populations and showcase their experiences within such a wonderful community setting.
“We hear anecdotal stories all the time about how students who have attended the ILC demonstrate a certain comfort with elders or those with limited abilities and also students who later seek a career in healthcare or service following their early years of learning at The Mount,” said Molly Swain, The Mount’s Foundation and Public Relations Director. “What lessons from this experience do they carry through life? We’re looking forward to reading stories about specific memories from the ILC or times when their intergenerational learning experience called them to respond in a more accepting or compassionate way, particularly with an elder.”
First place winning essays will be featured at The Mount’s President’s dinner on March 19, 2020, at The Sanctuary at Admiral in West Seattle. All essays will be archived as part of the ILC program’s history and will be used to document the benefits of the ILC program on its graduates and the community.
ADDED THURSDAY: The deadline’s been extended to March 3rd.
(WSB photos)
Congratulations to RJ Sen, whose Eagle Scout Court of Honor was celebrated last night at West Side Presbyterian Church. He is a senior at West Seattle High School and has been involved with Scouting since childhood years in Singapore, joining Troop 282 after arriving here.
He’s served in leadership roles including Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, and has been accepted as an adult Assistant Scoutmaster, according to Troop 282’s Assistant Scoutmaster Don Bazemore, who shared the news of RJ’s achievement.
Congratulations to Thea Pulido, featured here back in 2012 as Hi-Yu Junior Court Queen, making news again for academic achievement as she gets ready for college. The announcement is from Pacific Lutheran University:
Thea Pulido, a student at West Seattle High School, has been named a Pacific Lutheran University President’s Scholar and awarded the prestigious $33,000 per year President’s Scholarship — with the opportunity to compete for more. ‘
Thea was one of 103 students selected for this top academic and leadership scholarship offered by PLU.
Over 500 incoming first-year students who met the high eligibility standards applied. President’s Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, service and leadership, as well as the potential to effect positive change and leadership in both the academic and co-curricular life of PLU. This year’s President’s Scholarship recipients scored on average a 1306 SAT test score, 30 ACT test score, and have a 3.98 GPA.These top students have been invited to interview on the PLU campus in February to compete for the next level of PLU Presidential Scholarships — one of 10 $38,000 per year Harstad Founder’s Scholarships or one of five full-tuition Regents’ Scholarships.
Sad news from The Beer Junction:
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our owner, founder, and friend, Morgan Herzog.
Yesterday evening, just before 6 PM, Morgan passed away peacefully at his West Seattle home. After bravely battling multiple myeloma for the past three years, Morgan developed a respiratory infection earlier this week. This happened very suddenly and has taken us all by great shock.
The fighter that he was throughout this entire struggle, he found the strength yesterday morning to leave the ICU, so that he could spend his last few hours at home, looking out at the water, and in the company of his wife, Allison, and brother, Nate, who were both right by his side at the moment he left us. He will be forever missed.
While we were not prepared for this sudden timing, we’ve always been prepared for this possibility, and in Morgan’s honor, and wishes, The Beer Junction will remain here for you, just as you’ve been here for all of us. Thank you for your thoughts and support throughout this difficult time.
Allison, Patrick, and The Beer Junction Team
Mr. Herzog was 38 years old. He opened The Beer Junction almost 10 years ago, originally at 42nd/Alaska until the redevelopment of that site led to the move to its current location at 4511 California SW.
(At left, newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington Kaitlin Skilton; photo by Klarissa Monteros)
The photo and report are from Amy:
West Seattle’s own Kaitlin Skilton competed yesterday (Saturday) in the Ms. Wheelchair Washington competition in Mountlake Terrace. Ms. Wheelchair Washington focuses on education and advocacy. Kaitlin spoke about inclusivity.
Kaitlin won, and was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2020!
Kaitlin is now eligible for Ms. Wheelchair America, and is planning to compete. It will be held in July in Little Rock, Arkansas.
You can find out more about the Ms. Wheelchair Washington program here,
More news from the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – a new executive director! Here’s the announcement introducing you to Miller:
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is proud to announce that Miller has been named as the Executive Director of the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA. Miller joins the branch with nine years of leadership, operations, and team building experience at the YMCA and in other community organizations.
“Miller is a leader whose vision is guided by the Y’s paramount value of ensuring that all people are welcomed and belong,” says Loria Yeadon, President and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “We’re thrilled by the leadership Miller will provide to the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA.”
Miller began their career in 2010 with six years of leadership in the YMCA of Central Ohio and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. During that time, Miller oversaw membership growth, retention strategies, and inclusion initiatives to become an Executive Director providing strategic vision and community engagement for the Rauner Family Y and the West Communities Y. Having designed and delivered a nationwide diversity, equity, and inclusion training program for YMCA branch leadership and key stakeholders, Miller brings specialized training in equity and inclusion, cultural awareness, trauma and conflict resolution, race, gender, LGBTQ+ communities to the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA.
“The Y is like a second home to me,” says Miller. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA team – I look forward to learning more about how we can continue to create a sense of belonging for everyone in our community.”
Founded in the 1920s, the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA serves children and teens throughout the community with programs in eight local schools pioneering new ways to strengthen community foundations. With two locations, the West Seattle & Fauntleroy branch offers a wide variety of fitness, youth, swimming, and community programs for all ages. The Fauntleroy location includes fitness equipment, classes, and youth sports programs. The larger West Seattle facility was expanded and renovated in 2016 providing swimming, family programs, fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and a new healthy eating kitchen. Please join the YMCA of Greater Seattle in welcoming Miller to their new position at the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA.
Miller’s predecessor Shalimar Gonzales is now district executive with the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
West Seattle philanthropist Adah Rhodes Cruzen celebrated her 95th birthday with an ice-cream social at Aegis Living of West Seattle this afternoon. Clay Eals sent the photo, as well as this video of Adah being serenaded by The Ukes:
She’s made headlines multiple times in the past year and a half – first with a gift toward restoring the historic West Seattle murals that her late husband Earl Cruzen made happen, then with gifts to the Senior Center and to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, followed by one to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Last summer, she rode in the West Seattle Grand Parade as the recipient of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
Everyone wants to live in a hate-free neighborhood. What can you do to make it happen? This two-hour workshop is a great start!
Bystander Intervention Workshop: Help Make Your Neighborhood Hate-Free at Admiral United Church of Christ, 4320 SW Hill St, on Sunday, March 15 from 2-4.
Anti-Hate Alaska Junction, a local grassroots organisation, presents Bystander Intervention Workshop, which use interactive techniques to help attendees learn how to intervene in an aggressive or harassing interaction – protecting the target while not escalating the perpetrator.
Led by Reverend Andrew Conley-Holcom, this experience will increase your confidence about intervening when needed. You’ll learn to bypass your “flight or fight” reaction and bring calm and de-escalation skills if you witness a threatening interaction.
Training is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Email antihate3@gmail.com with your name and phone number. Walk-ins welcome. There will be 2 other Bystander Intervention Workshops in West Seattle in 2020: Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, September 13.
Tween/teenage girl(s) in the family? This is an invitation for them:
Troop 282 has a new and exciting opportunity for girls 11-17 years old! Female leaders with outdoor experience are forming a Scouts BSA girls’ unit and taking applications for membership. Come to our “Meet & Greet” at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 18th at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California Ave SW) to find out about this fantastic new Scouting program for girls.
Meet our Scoutmaster Juanita Beale along with other adult leaders who will mentor our young women and assist in building a strong program. Mrs. Beale has over thirty years of experience in the BSA program, is fully trained, and has five sons who all earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Risë Pyscher has backpacking and climbing experience and runs the wilderness first aid activities and trainings throughout the District.
Girls now have the same opportunity as boys to learn from the same program, earn the same merit badges, and achieve the same advancements, including Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Our Troop will run a year-round program with opportunities for fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility, with the goal of building character, good citizens, and strong leaders.
Please join us to explore this great new opportunity for girls in our community!
| 2 COMMENTS