West Seattle, Washington
05 Wednesday
(Reader photo)
We reported briefly on that collision at 35th/Avalon this past Tuesday night. It sent motorcyclist TerRon Dawson to the hospital with a broken pelvis, we learned via comments. Readers asked about a chance to contribute to his recovery, so his former wife Emily Dawson, shown below wth TerRon and their children, set up this crowdfunding page.
Emily said in email to WSB – as noted on the page – that TerRon, who works as a contractor, also is expressing gratitude:
TerRon wanted to especially mention that he was thankful for the show of community during his accident. He said there was an off-duty firefighter who helped hold his head steady and gave words of comfort, and there were many others who helped gather his things that had scattered in the accident like his backpack and boots. He really appreciated everyone’s help.
We’ve had some great success stories about local athletes recently, and here’s the latest: Local ultramarathon swimmer Denise Simens, who also coaches high-school swimmers, competed at nationals in Portland last weekend, and her friend Chelsie P sent the story and photos:
I wanted to shine a spotlight on a West Seattleite making a splash! My good friend Denise Simens just swam the Portland Bridge Swim in Portland, OR (last weekend). This event is an 11-mile long open-water swim in the Willamette River. The event was the official 2025 United States Masters Swimming Ultramarathon-Distance Open Water National Championships.
Denise improved her time from last year by 41 minutes, and took first place in her age group by 17 minutes. In addition to being ranked #1 in the Country by age group, she also finished 6th overall female and 22nd overall athlete (out of men and women). Entries were limited to the first 100 qualifiers across the country and registration closed quickly this year! The qualifying standard was to complete either a 5,000M or 5,500YD swim in less than 1:40 (an hour and forty minutes.)
For a bit of context, any swimming event over 10K is considered an ultramarathon, and the distance swum yesterday nearly doubles the distance of the minimal requirement. Next up for Denise is an inaugural event in September called the Mt. St. Helens Classic, hosted by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association (NOWSA). This event is four ultramarathons in 4 lakes, swam in just 4 days after Labor Day Weekend.
I would like to mention that Denise is also the Head Women’s Swimming Coach for Chief Sealth International High School! She has been a West Seattle resident for nearly ten years.
Chelsie also sent the results from last weekend.
Last month, we noted that a Seattle walking fan named Holden was organizing “saunters” around the city and that his next one would be in West Seattle. Last Saturday was the big day, and it was a success! Holden sent this West Seattle Saunter report with photos today:
Howdy Y’all,
Back on May 17th of this year, hundreds of people showed up in the pouring rain to walk the entire length of Seattle, from north to south, in the inaugural Seattle Super Saunter. Despite the weather it was a truly positive experience of folks exploring the city, making new friends, and getting some good exercise. A goal of the event was having some way of connecting disparate areas of the city together, and getting folks to experience neighborhoods that they might not otherwise see. And although we felt like the event did a good job in that aim, there was one large part of Seattle that felt difficult to include, and one that often goes overlooked by folks in other parts of the city, West Seattle.
So in an attempt to rectify not being included in the Seattle Super Saunter, we thought why not give West Seattle its very own saunter. So on Saturday July 12th and beginning from the West Seattle Water Taxi Pier, the West Seattle Saunter took its first step. The simple plan was to traverse 12 miles around West Seattle on foot and see some of the best spots West Seattle has to offer such as Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, Myrtle Reservoir Park, and Summer Fest at Alaska Junction.
At the beginning there were probably about 150 folks who came out to saunter on what ended up being a gorgeous and wonderful day. What was especially nice was to have a good ratio of folks from West Seattle and New Seattle (the mainland), probably about half and half.
Something that was also great was seeing so many folks use the water taxi. Another goal of these saunters is to encourage folks to use transit, so it was the perfect opportunity for folks to use the water taxi. The 773 shuttle also made it convenient for folks to get from Summer Fest at Alaska Junction back to the Water Taxi at the end.
Some of the highlights of the day included:
-Getting to hear about the Alki Healthy Street over at Constellation Park
-Learning about what life was like with the West Seattle Bridge being out
-Seeing a seal over at Lincoln Park, right after this woman had promised her friend there would be one
-Swarming the Super Deli Mart at 35th and Barton with our large group
-Visiting the highest point in the city and exploring the cute neighborhoods and parks near High Point
-Meeting Everett, who was 9 years old and who walked the whole 12 miles and finding out later he got rewarded with a big ice cream cone at the end
-Finishing up at West Seattle Summer Fest and enjoying all the vibrancy of the event. It was such a treat to meet so many great people on Saturday and I heard from plenty of folks that they had never been to West Seattle or that they had not been since before the pandemic.
So this felt like the perfect opportunity for people to explore and re-explore alongside the wonderful residents of West Seattle. If you were not able to make it out on Saturday, I hope you take the chance to get to see West Seattle on foot (take the water taxi too!). Although at times West Seattle can feel like an afterthought to folks on the mainland, there really is so much to see, do, explore, and enjoy out on the Peninsula, as I am sure your readers already know. I know I’ll be back soon and I’m sure plenty of folks from Saturday will too.
Thank you to West Seattle for being so wonderful and thank you everyone who showed up to make Saturday special!
If anyone would like to stay in the loop for any future saunters, you can join our email list here or follow the Instagram.
(Lou Cutler with Pathfinder students during 2019 ‘Laps With Lou’)
Retired teacher and Make-A-Wish volunteer Lou Cutler says it’s the “honor of a lifetime” to be chosen Grand Marshal for this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade, coming up in just a week and a half, on Saturday, July 19th. Parade organizers have just officially announced the honorees who you’ll be able to cheer toward the start of the parade – Lou as Grand Marshal, and longtime local community advocates Joanie Jacobs and Dan Jacobs as winners of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Community Service. Here’s the announcement sent to us by the parade team:
The West Seattle Grand Parade is thrilled to announce its 2025 honorees — community champions whose dedication, heart, and service have made a lasting impact on our neighborhood and beyond.
Lou Cutler Named Grand Marshal
Longtime West Seattle educator and beloved Make-A-Wish volunteer Lou Cutler has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade. Lou is a former physical education teacher at Pathfinder K-8, best known for creating “Laps with Lou” — an annual birthday tradition that became a powerful fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.
Since 2003, Lou has walked or run one lap for every year of his age, raising more than $100,000 to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. (Editor’s note: The past two years, he’s walked variations of his tradition – here’s WSB coverage of his most-recent fundraiser-on-foot.) With more than 275 wishes granted as a volunteer, Lou’s commitment has touched hundreds of lives and inspired an entire community.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be selected as Grand Marshal,” Lou shared. “For many years, my Pathfinder Unicycle team rode in this Parade — we always loved the energy of the crowd. Nothing beats the community spirit and pride that West Seattle residents display. Being Grand Marshal makes my millennium!”
Lou will lead the parade down California Avenue SW on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, beginning at 11 am from California Ave SW and SW Lander Street.
Orville Rummel Community Service Award: Dan and Joanie Jacobs
This year’s Orville Rummel Community Service Award honors Dan and Joanie Jacobs, a dynamic duo known for their lifelong dedication to community-building in West Seattle. Describing themselves as “neighborhood people at the core of our being,” the Jacobs are tireless volunteers, event organizers, and connectors.
From their early years supporting West Seattle Christian Church and launching the Ginomai artist space and West Seattle Art Walk, to their more recent roles with the Admiral Neighborhood Association, the Jacobs have helped shepherd countless neighborhood events including the AMP summer concert series, Admiral Block Party, Fourth of July Kids Parade, Halloween Trick-or-Treating, and Winter Wonderland. Their leadership, creativity, and compassion have shaped West Seattle’s civic and cultural identity for more than two decades.
Dan & Joanie Jacobs are fond of this quote by Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Join us on Saturday, July 19th to celebrate all three of these extraordinary West Seattle leaders and to watch the 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade, which kicks off at 11:00 am from California Ave SW and SW Lander Street.
At last report, the parade had more than 70 entries. You can watch it from anywhere along California, southward to The Junction, where it ends at SW Edmunds.
Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The lunch room at Brookdale West Seattle was alive with celebration today, as neighbors and friends alike gathered to celebrate resident Rosa Facciuto’s 107th birthday. Partygoers enjoyed lunch and sang along to “Moonglow,” “Sweet Caroline,” and a favorite of Rosa’s, “Hey Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams.
Rosa was born on July 7th, 1918, in Seattle. In her life, she’s seen two world wars, the space race, the civil-rights movement, as well as the rise of the telephone, and later the internet. Today was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a chance to reflect and appreciate the life she’s had so far, including jobs as an Alaska Airlines flight attendant and Seattle Police secretary.
“I’m on top of the world,” Rosa remarked while opening one of the many cards stacked in front of her. The party was in high spirits, and the community showed up with an outpouring of appreciation and support. Many of her friends took the time to write down comments, which were read at the party. “She’s an inspiration to all of us,” one friend wrote. “She is beautiful and intelligent,” snother friend wrote – “But she doesn’t have good eyesight.” Rosa interjected.
“Don’t sit at home and mope, get out and keep active. If you don’t have a job, volunteer.” Facciuto said, when asked if she had any advice for the younger generations. “Don’t abuse yourself either, you’ve got to take care of your body. And choose your friends well. You’ll be all right if you run around with the right people.”
Performing the music today was local musician and community member C.C. Engel. She’s played piano and sang at Rosa’s last three birthday celebrations, and says she’ll keep performing at them for as long as she can. Previously, Engel has worked across Seattle, from New Luck Toy to the Chelan Café. “As long as she’s here, I’ll be here,” Engel promised.
These days, Rosa keeps active as a member of Brookdale’s poetry club and goes to bingo three nights a week. She says she’s grateful for the people she has around her today. “I love everybody here, and I’ll never ever regret that I’ve been here this long.”
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Before Mallory Carlson, a young mom of three, talked with us about the reason for our phone interview, she wanted to tell us about her love for West Seattle.
She moved here the first time at age 14, to live with an aunt and uncle. She attended Chief Sealth International High School.
The second time she moved here was the first time with her husband and their first child, a son who’s now 4 years old. They had to leave because her husband’s job search led them to California. “We’ll be back,” they promised each other. And this spring, they managed to return to what Mallory calls an “incredible community,” home to many members of her family.
It seemed like the first step into a warm, bright future. They had expanded their family with identical twin girls half a year ago.
And then, just weeks after their return to West Seattle … “this happened.”
That word, “this,” encompasses so much heartache … but also hope. Sisters Josie and Lucy were diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukemia that Mallory says affects only 100 babies a year – ALL. The girls are now two weeks into an experimental chemotherapy treatment that they will have to endure for nine months. And that’s if they’re lucky. That’s inpatient chemotherapy at the start of a two-year treatment plan, their mom explains.
“The girls are stable – but not doing well,” Mallory told us when we talked Tuesday afteroon. “At least, they’re not in danger of dying today. … For every day, we’re grateful, but this is truly terrifying.”
Mallory is a self-employed wedding photographer. She can’t work now for multiple reasons – not just the need to stay at Seattle Children’s Hospital with Josie and Lucy, but also because she has to limit her exposure to other people, for fear she’ll catch something and spread it to them. “If they catch a cold, it could kill them, so I’m trying to be incredibly careful.” Her husband has just started his new job and hasn’t accumulated paid time off, so he has to keep working so that they can cover mounting medical bills and keep the “fixer-upper” West Seattle house they’d bought before “this.”
So they are crowdfunding, painful in its own way for someone who says she’s never had to ask for help before, “but I have to put my pride away.” In addition to raising money, Mallory is also trying to raise awareness and end the stigma that invariably arises with the word “cancer.” If people don’t want to help her family, she says, maybe Lucy and Josie will inspire them to donate to a foundation researching childhood cancer.
Research has suddenly become a large part of the family’s life. The girls are part of a clinical trial right now – a trial that hadn’t begun when they were diagnosed, but, Mallory explains, was opened seven months early to admit them. It is a trial that expands the chemotherapy currently used to treat ALL.
How did they both get it? Because they shared a placenta, one spread it to the other, Mallory explains. Josie was the first diagnosed, and the double diagnosis drew researchers’ attention quickly, enabling them to get into the aforementioned trial. “It could save them, at least keep them in and no matter what happens to them, it could change medical history … (but) even if it doesn’t save them, I want to bring awareness to this awful, awful rare disease.”
Their care is estimated to cost $1 million per twin – per year. “We are doing everything we can, but this fight is bigger than us alone,” Mallory says. And bigger than two very little girls living in a hospital right now.
Here’s the crowdfunding/updates site set up by friends and family.
(Photo courtesy Lou Cutler, as he and friends stopped on the shore last Wednesday)
Last week we were on Pigeon Point as retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler and friends headed out on a peninsula-wide walk to raise money for Make-A-Wish, the nonprofit for which he’s volunteered for many years, helping ailing kids’ wishes come true. Last week’s walk was also a birthday celebration for Lou – turning 74 this year; in many past Junes, he celebrated with a Pathfinder event running/walking the same number of laps as years on the school field that he’d been alive. This time, he planned to walk 13 miles around West Seattle – and succeeded:
(It) was a beautiful day for a walk and always a pleasure to have great company along the way and the MAW kids and their families to inspire me all along the way.
Due to previous commitments of my compadres, I finished the final 4 miles by myself and to be quite honest, that was a bit of a challenge as I may have become dehydrated along the way and the exercise music I always use to motivate me during walks wasn’t available as my phone died at mile 10. The last 3.7 miles were much slower than the previous 10 miles and I wouldn’t have finished without the inspiration I receive from the MAW kids and their families!!
We checked today and supporters/donors have brought Lou’s campaign within a few hundred dollars of the goal he set. If you’re interested in donating, here’s the link.
Congratulations to Elliot Caron and Andrew Orland, West Seattle’s newest Eagle Scouts. They’re part of Troop 282, which provided the report and photos:
Amid wild applause and celebration on Sunday, June 8th, West Seattle’s Troop 282 awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout rank to Elliot Caron and Andrew Orland — an honor earned by only 6% of all eligible scouts. Their achievement marks their culmination of years of dedication, leadership, and service to the community. Each of their projects reflect their interests in building up communities and bringing people together.
Elliot, a senior at West Seattle High School, is set to embark on his next adventure at the University of San Diego, where he’ll pursue academics as well as compete on their Division 1 crew team.
His Eagle Scout project (above) for Explorer West Middle School was designing and building benches and a meeting area to serve as a space that will serve students, parents, and educators for years to come.
Andrew, a junior at The Northwest School, helped West Seattle’s elder community at Arrowhead Gardens. His Eagle Scout project (below) was to transform an outdoor space into a welcoming garden area with a bench for residents to enjoy.
As he looks ahead to his college journey, Andrew is exploring schools where he can continue his passion for competitive soccer.
Troop 282, founded in 1949, stands out as one of the few Scouting troops that welcome both boys and girls — and boasts one of the highest percentages of youth who successfully achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The Troop gathers at West Side Presbyterian Church, offering a welcoming space for new members looking to embark on their own Scouting adventures. More details about joining can be found at troop282.net.
The West Seattle Junction’s annual Pride Month display of rainbow flags is happening today. The West Seattle Junction Association told us they chose the date because of the celebration that VAIN is leading during tonight’s Art Walk – meet up at the shop (4513 California SW) 6-6:30 pm, then head south to California/Alaska for celebratory dancing.
The Junction’s first rainbow-flag display was in 2019, after an “adopt-a-flag” fundraiser.
(WSB file photo)
One week ago, we published our early list of West Seattle/White Center events for Pride Month. Here’s our updated list, mostly from events sent to us for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – please let us know if you have something to add to it:
SMELLS LIKE QUEER SPIRIT: “Music! Drag! Poetry!” 5 pm Friday, June 6, showcase at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
YOUTH PRIDE MINI-PARADE: Meet at 5 pm at Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW).
WHITE CENTER PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL: Noon-11 pm on Saturday, June 7, the street festival takes over 16th SW in downtown White Center, between Roxbury and 100th.
SOUTH DELRIDGE EVENTS DURING WC FESTIVAL: Terraplanted and Mr. B’s Meadery both have plans on June 7 too.
VIP EXPERIENCE DURING WC PRIDE: Ticketed event at Lumber Yard Bar and Boombox, noon-midnight, “featuring two queens from the recent season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Arrietty and Acacia Forgot.”
KARAOKE FOR THE SPIRIT: Progressive, queer-affirming churches’ gathering to sing secular songs at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm Sunday, June 8..
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION FLAGS: This year, the Junction Association says, the rainbow flags will fly on June 12, in support of the next event on the list (and they’re signing up volunteers to help put the flags up) …
PRIDE CELEBRATION ON ART WALK NIGHT: VAIN is organizing a two-part celebration on June 12, which is West Seattle Art Walk night – meet up at the shop (4513 California SW) at 6 pm, head south to dance at Walk All Ways (California/Alaska) at 6:30 pm.
PRIDE IN OZ @ KENYON HALL: Two performances of Pride Month’s Kenyon Hall Cabaret all-ages drag show, 6:30 pm Friday (June 13) and 1:30 pm Saturday (June 14) – get tickets early!
PRIDE CELEBRATION ROLLER DERBY BOUT: Rainier Roller Riot‘s bout “Pack Is Queer“ is a Pride celebration, 5:30 pm June 14 at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
PRIDE PET PHOTO BOOTH: 11:30 am-2:30 pm at Mud Bay Admiral (2611 California SW) on June 22.
SEATTLE PRIDE NIGHT OUT: Organize your own block party with inspiration from the West Seattleites who started it, June 26, 5-8 pm.
EMERALD CITY KINGS BALL, PRIDE EDITION: Featuring kings from near and far – 8 pm June 27 at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PRIDE COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER: All month long, Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) offers a special cocktail, The Sylvia River-ita, with half the proceeds supporting Lambert House.
What else? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com so we can add to the calendar (and this list) – thanks!
Terry asked us to share this:
Big thank you to the women who stopped to assist my husband on Saturday morning, May 31st at California Ave SW/SW Hill Street after witnessing his fall. I failed to properly thank these kind ladies who stayed by his side and watched our dog while medics treated him and I was able to arrive. Thankfully he only suffered a couple of fractured ribs and a broken bone in his right hand; given his complex medical history, the injuries could have been much worse. Thank you again for being good neighbors – your assistance is very much appreciated.
(WSB photos)
Pride month begins tomorrow, but Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge got an early start with a Pride Kickoff Party on the playground last night. Rainbows were everywhere, from chalk creations to costumes:
Sponsors and participants included the PTA, GGLOW, and area organizations like White Center Pride:
WC Pride’s street festival is one week from today, June 7 on 16th SW between Roxbury and SW 100th.
(WSB file photo)
June arrives this Sunday, and so does Pride Month. Here’s our local list – please let us know if you have something to add to it (LIST UPDATED JUNE 4):
SMELLS LIKE QUEER SPIRIT: “Music! Drag! Poetry!” 5 pm Friday, June 6, showcase at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
YOUTH PRIDE MINI-PARADE: Meet at 5 pm June 6 at Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW).
WHITE CENTER PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL: Noon-11 pm on Saturday, June 7, the street festival takes over 16th SW in downtown White Center, between Roxbury and 100th.
SOUTH DELRIDGE EVENTS DURING WC FESTIVAL: Terraplanted and Mr. B’s Meadery both have plans on June 7 too.
VIP EXPERIENCE DURING WC PRIDE: Ticketed event at Lumber Yard Bar and Boombox, noon-midnight, “featuring two queens from the recent season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Arrietty and Acacia Forgot.”
KARAOKE FOR THE SPIRIT: Progressive, queer-affirming churches’ gathering to sing secular songs at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm Sunday, June 8..
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION FLAGS: This year, the Junction Association says, the rainbow flags will fly on June 12, in support of the next event on the list (and they’re signing up volunteers to help put the flags up) …
PRIDE CELEBRATION ON ART WALK NIGHT: VAIN is organizing a two-part celebration on June 12, which is West Seattle Art Walk night – meet up at the shop (4513 California SW) at 6 pm, head south to dance at Walk All Ways (California/Alaska) at 6:30 pm.
PRIDE IN OZ @ KENYON HALL: Two performances of Pride Month’s Kenyon Hall Cabaret all-ages drag show, 6:30 pm Friday (June 13) and 1:30 pm Saturday (June 14) – get tickets early!
PRIDE CELEBRATION ROLLER DERBY BOUT: Rainier Roller Riot‘s bout “Pack Is Queer“ is a Pride celebration, 5:30 pm June 14 at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
PRIDE PET PHOTO BOOTH: 11:30 am-2:30 pm at Mud Bay Admiral (2611 California SW) on June 22.
SEATTLE PRIDE NIGHT OUT: Organize your own block party with inspiration from the West Seattleites who started it, June 26, 5-8 pm.
EMERALD CITY KINGS BALL, PRIDE EDITION: Featuring kings from near and far – 8 pm June 27 at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PRIDE COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER: All month long, Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) offers a special cocktail, The Sylvia River-ita, with half the proceeds supporting Lambert House.
What else? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com so we can add to the calendar (and this list) – thanks!
(Photo by Jeffrey Lynch, courtesy West Seattle 5K)
Sunday’s West Seattle 5K (WSB coverage here) was the biggest yet in the fundraising run/walk’s history, which dates back to 2009! Final number of participants in the event coordinated by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA was 1,678, up 7 percent from last year; amount of money raised (after expenses) was almost $62,000, nearly 50 percent more than last year; other stats included 100 volunteers, 91 students registered, 16 staffers registered, and 31 sponsors (including WSB). Along with sending the stats, race organizers are sharing their annual message of thanks:
Thanks to all of you, Sunday’s West Seattle 5k was a great success! Community, the schools and Alki Beach are some of the things we love most about West Seattle, and these all came together Sunday to make this the biggest West Seattle 5K yet.
We had nearly 1,700 participants and raised over $60,000 for much-needed programs for students, teachers, and staff at West Seattle High School.
Thank you to the runners and walkers who participated, our generous sponsors, and our volunteers who made this happen.
Yours Truly, 2025 Race Co-Directors – Kelley O’Connor, Pam Hembrow and Athena Frederick
Volunteers to recognize:
Nicole Ott for securing sponsors and all the hard work that comes with helping them.
Amy Doll for coordinating the supplies, kids, teachers and staff – and sharing her birthday weather with us!
Erik Bell at Bell Fortino for all our graphics needs including shirt design, posters, banners and yard signs.
Fred Northup (and Zola) for serving as our smooth event announcer and nonstop sponsor ideas galore!
Jeff Lynch and Stuart Glascock for stepping in as event photographers.
Renee Phelps, WSHS teacher/NHS adviser and all the NHS students from West Seattle High School for putting out signage, stuffing bags and volunteering the event!
WSHS PTSA Board members – especially Holly and Chau!! Chau, thank you for your tenacity in creating a PEP band and securing our cheerleaders!
Owen Reese for coordinating our volunteers. And thank you to the 100 volunteers who worked the event!
Erika Kussmanan and Adrienne Robideaux for heading up marketing & communications along with our WSHS DECA leaders – Adelyn, Thea, Jhana, Lucia.
Adrienne Robideaux for taking on our Non-Profit Row. We so appreciate you overseeing this important portion of the event
Lori Sherick, Heidi James and Chris O’Claire for being willing to pitch in “WHEREVER”
Ron Knight (WSHS VP), Brian Vance (WSHS Principal) and Xenia Bremseth (WSHS DECA Advisor)- Thank you for embracing student involvement and overall support
Alki businesses and residents – thanks for sharing this special beach for the morning so we could hold this fundraiser to make our local West Seattle High School the best it can be for our students and teachers!
2025 Photos: Stuart photos and Jeff photos
Results: West Seattle 5k 2025 Results Link
Website: westseattle5k.com
Save the date for May 17, 2026!!
(WSB photos/video)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One of the speakers at The Center for Active Living‘s fundraising breakfast served up one word that you can use to beat stress.
The entire event, in fact, could have been characterized as stress relief of a sort – the more money the center raises, the less it has to worry about how it’ll continue being able to pay for the many programs and services it offers as “The Center of It All,” the theme of this year’s event, held Tuesday morning at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction.
Last year’s breakfast event introduced the former Senior Center’s new name, better reflecting its status as a hub of community connection for people of all ages. Since then, executive director Amy Lee Derenthal told the 200 attendees Tuesday morning, the center’s serving more people now than ever in its 50-year history – 1,500+ members, three times what it had in 2021, ages from late 20s to 100. The center has added new programs – totaling more than 50 programs each week. The center feeds people via community dining and Margie’s Cafe, and delivers 400 meals “to home-bound folks” every month. With the help of volunteers, they offer tech navigation, make home visits via Westside Friends, and staff the Stop & Shop on the center’s lower level. Plus their staff includes two social workers; their work includes running support groups that regularly serve more than 100 people.
“As a small community-based nonprofit, we’re constantly stretching our budget to meet our needs,” Derenthal explained. It’s challenging, but it’s “my dream job,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion just a bit. Here’s everything she told the crowd:
She’s not the only one for which the Center for Active Living work fulfills dreams of making a difference in others’ livesi. “It’s nice to be involved with people helping other people,” said a center volunteer/member in this new video debuted at the breakfast.
Donors experienced fulfillment too, including board member Emily Austin, who spoke about her reasons for giving.
She talked about growing up in family circumstances that led her to gravitate toward older adults, even when she was a kid. She got involved with the center after moving here in 2011. Then in 2022,she joined its board, learning about the “bravery and courage” it takes to operate a nonprofit. “We need the center to thrive fir years to come,” she said, imploring attendees to help make that possible with their gifts.
The center’s work provides everything from classes to meals to social events and group gatherings. Attendees got to sample some of those offerings – like the ukulele group:
And pianist extraordinaire Larry Knapp, who leads the lineup on Jazz Nights at the center:
Not much for music? How about movement?
Denise Geroux was onstage to demonstrate some of what she teaches at the center, focusing on “body awareness … learning how to support yourself through your skeleton …” That’s what she says we should be focused on, not just our muscles.
And then came the “stress magic” we mentioned at the start of this story. Dat Tran, stress-mastery coach, showed how the word “extraordinary” can help you conquer stress:
“Instead of focusing on lowering your stress or taking on less stress, focus on feeling extraordinary,” he advised.
Many in the room had reasons to do exactly that, emcee Ryan Sheaffer suggested, opening the morning with a round of acknowledgments, particularly for the volunteers. And he energetically led a round of live-donating – you could even contribute via text! – getting the center close to its $75,000 goal.
“Your support supports the physical, mental, emotional wellbeing of this community,” said board president Stephanie Bruno in closing. “I got involved because I first thought this woud be a great place for my grandmother .. then I realized it was a great place for me.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP: We followed up with executive director Derenthal today. She says, “Thank you to everyone who donated. We are close to our $75,000 goal. Help us cross the finish line by making a donation! Gifts $500+ are matched thanks to a generous donation from Nucor.” The donation link is here.
(Updated Monday with results)
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The decor and attire were cheerful and bright.
But a darker note of urgency also ran through the West Seattle Food Bank‘s “Nourish & Flourish” fundraising dinner and auction last night.
Food, clothing, and housing insecurity are “injustices (that WSFB) addresses at their source,” observed board president Joe Everett, opening the program with short remarks to those gathered at West Seattleite-owned DSquared‘s 4105 event space in SODO. “That is our mission … we could not do it without you, especially right now, in this moment … There are signs that in the coming months and years more families are going to need help; sources (of funding) are dwindling … so much chaos.” Here’s everything he said:
The food bank’s executive director of 24 years, Fran Yeatts, echoed what Everett had said about “chaos (at this) point in history.” She said the state of things has left her “feeling nervous about the world” even as she experiences abundance and comfort in her own life, and with that in mind, she wondered aloud, what must it be like for neighbors experiencing need?
Hundreds were there to do what they could to answer the need, starting with their ticket purchase, continuing on with bidding in a silent auction and paying for pre-dinner games, then bidding in the live auction called by emcee Ian Lindsay, with items from exotic getaways to dinner and cocktail parties hosted by WSFB leaders (the margaritas-and-tacos party with Yeatts and Lester Yuh sold twice, for $2,000 each).
After the live auction, and StraightEIGHT Films‘ inspirational introduction to people WSFB has helped, a round of “raise the paddle” for monetary donations brought in more than $100,000.
But that is a fraction of the increasing cost of what the food bank does (distributing 2.6 million pounds of food last year was just the start).
As one of the easel-mounted boards on display at 4105 explained, WSFB “spends up to $1 million per year on emergency rent and utilities assistance,” to try to keep people from becoming unhoused. Its Clothesline clothing bank distributes more than 85,000 pieces of apparel each year. And you might not be aware that WSFB distributes pet food, too – thousands of pounds every year.
Generous eventgoers did their best to chip in. One table even marshaled up $5,000 for first choice from among a table of tasty treats (all donated) in the “Dessert Dash.”
Everything helps, said emcee Lindsay, with so many people “living right at the edge, where something small can push you off the edge.”
The generosity was also shown by numerous local businesses who donated auction items and/or served as event sponsors. The latter list included WSB again this year, and we also were honored to accept the WSFB’s annual Changemaker Award, accepted by your editor after joining Fran Yeatts on the room-center stage:
The award was for WSB but especially poignant in view of our loss of co-founder Patrick Sand half a year ago. Of Patrick, the award announcement in the event program said in part, “With his camera in hand and heart wide open, he made sure our work at the West Seattle Food Bank – and that of so many other organizations – was seen, supported, and celebrated.”
That’s always been the heart of our work (and that’s why we would have been covering the event, as we have in many years past, even if we hadn’t been there to accept the Changemaker Award).
(Photo courtesy Ben Viscon)
A final word about last night’s event: Attendees were exhorted to invite their friends, co-workers, and relatives to join them in supporting WSFB’s mission. You can do that with money by going here, donating food/clothing during distribution hours, or volunteering by going here.
ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: WSFB says the event set two records – $234,869 raised, and 256 in attendance. Meantime, they’re hoping to reach their spring fundraising goal of $265,000 with donations during GiveBIG tomorrow – maybe even surpass it – you can donate here immediately.
(WSB photo: Impact West Seattle’s board, Hannah Gregg, Julie Davis, Rachel Lazar, Amy Huey)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Six and a half years ago, we reported on the launch of “giving group” Impact West Seattle. In the announcement of their first quarterly gift a few months later, IWS described themselves as “an example of so many people’s desire to ‘do something’ amidst a challenging political climate and in a city facing massive growth and major challenges.”
Time has passed, but all of that still applies. And the group is going strong, we learned when Impact West Seattle leaders invited us to cover their quarterly meeting this week, at which they celebrated members’ cumulative gifts surpassing the half-million-dollar mark.
A little background: Impact West Seattle members commit to giving $100 a quarter. Where the collected money goes depends on a group vote, after they’ve heard pitches by representatives of three organizations related to their quarterly topic. The topics are chosen by the members at the last meeting of each year; members then nominate relevant organizations/agencies, and an online vote sets the three who are presented, usually by the members who nominated them.
As for the money – board members say that while people can opt in and out as their circumstances change, they’ve remained fairly steady at “about 200” members, which means a gift of about $20,000 per quarter. They generally stay away from “political or religious”-oriented recipients, and also recognize that “if a member isn’t aligned with the views of a beneficiary, they can opt out.” Most members are from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and vicinity), and they focus on the greater Seattle area, though one upcoming meeting will zero in on potential beneficiaries in “Hyperlocal West Seattle.”
This quarter’s gathering was Tuesday night at the Center for Active Living (recipient of an Impact West Seattle gift last year). Attendees mingled for a bit, enjoying what Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor) was pouring, and then it was time to get down to business – after a few celebratory words from the night’s emcee, board member Hannah Gregg, with a bouquet of balloons as a backdrop.
The half-million-dollars of donations to date was “really great to celebrate,” she said, declaring that they’re looking forward to the next half-million.
Before their attention turned toward a new round of potential recipients, they listened to a recipient from last quarter, which had addressed food insecurity. Alimentado al Pueblo‘s executive director Roxana Pardo Garcia said the question her nonprofit sought to address is “why is there not a food bank that gives people what they eat?” And yet the food bank model itself needed to be transformed, too, she explained: “Our future exists because of our ability to imagine.” To the question “what did you use the money for?” Pardo Garcia had a long list, including support for small businesses and organizations that comprise “our Latino food system.” She also mentioned new needs that had just arisen – such as losing an AmeriCorps volunteer who was supposed to be helping them through September, gone because of a budget axe the Trump Administration hurled at the program.
Then came time for the night’s three presentations. These, Impact West Seattle leaders explained, are not only meant to help members decide where to direct the quarterly gift, but also to educate them about organizations and programs they may not previously been aware of. The night’s theme related to assistance for people with disabilities.
The first spotlight shone on Mainstay, described as a job-placement agency for people wtih developmental and intellectual disabilities – starting with some startling stats: 67% of people with these disabilities who don’t have a job by 21 will never have one. But with Mainstay, which is headquartered at Seattle Central College, 92 percent of job seekers found employment. It was explained that Mainstay not only coaches the potential employees, but also their prospective co-workers. As a result, the workers living with disabilities get jobs and keep them for years.
It does all this with an annual budget of just $1.2 million a year, with 12 staffers assisting more than 100 jobseekers.
When asked “what could a gift like this do for you?” the reply was that it could help Mainstay help clients who don’t qualify for funding otherwise.
Second up was Rebuilding Together Seattle, which matches up volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations to handle projects at 100 homes a year, enabling people living near the federal poverty line to stay in their homes. Maybe they need a wheelchair ramp or new flooring, for example, though not extensive projects such as new roofs. RTS assists people in a variety of categories – seniors, veterans, people living with disabilities, families. When people are approved for help, it usuallu happens within a year. The idea is that “keeping people safe and healthy in their community helps the community.” Rebuilding Together Seattle has only three fulltime staff, but will also have to figure out how to cope with the AmeriCorps cut, as they routinely had one or two volunteers from that program.
Then they heard about the Washington State Council of Firefighters Foundation‘s Camp Eyabsut for burn survivors ages 5 to 17. Jenny and her daughter Layla – a burn survivor – told the story of how the camp helped kids and teens on their “long journey to healing” – teaching them Eyabsut, which means “to rise above everything.” Layla explained that burns can leave you feeling like activities such as making s’mores or wearing a swimsuit are “risky” – until you are in a place like Camp Eyabsut, where you can be yourself. Attendance is free; the counselors are mostly adult burn survivors, and there’s on-site medical staff including therapy dogs. It’s run entirely by volunteers (including Seattle firefighters), so expenses are kept low; cost for each camper is about $1,500, so the gift would go a long way. This year’s volunteers will include the mother-daughter team, said Layla, who told the group, “The road to recovery for a young burn survivor is lifelong.”
After all three presentations, it was time to vote. Members who can’t get to the meeting can do it from wherever they are, via a QR code.
Mainstay was announced at the top vote-getter. The other two featured organizations usually benefit too, with members choosing to make their own gifts; Jenny told us Camp Eyabsut got warm words from many people she talked with after the meeting (its donation link is here – be sure to write the camp’s name in the “in honor/memory” spot – and Rebuilding Together Seattle accepts donations too). IWS co-founder Rachel Lazar told WSB that the highlighted organizations benefit in many ways: “Often our members will sign up to volunteer, or donate directly to the organizations. We have even had two members take full time roles with two of the nonprofits presented!”
So what happens now? Everyone makes their gifts via an online platform, and it sends the check. Then Impact West Seattle starts looking ahead to its next gathering – the July 28th topic will be legal advocacy, the October 23rd meeting will be the one focused on “hyperlocal West Seattle.” Along with the monetary gifts, they’re also starting food drives at their meetings, asking members to bring nonperishable food to donate.
Visitors too – here’s the upcoming meeting schedule so you can drop in to see if you’d be interested in getting involved.
(WSB photo by Anne Higuera)
Of the many groups and organizations presenting events in West Seattle today, this one was unique – Renton-based Progress Pushers, focusing on youth empowerment. They presented a resource fair at Delridge Community Center, geared to their mission “to guide, educate, and empower Black and brown youth and those most impacted by societal systems by connecting them to mentors and much-needed skills and opportunities so they can live in their greatness.” They mentor youth with trained “Credible Messengers” and told us that many of those involved have changed their lives from a path they want to help youth avoid – some have been in the incarceration system, for example. Mentors help youth through teaching life skills, leadership development, and job readiness, as well as working with them on results-based projects. Interested in getting involved? admin@progresspushers.org
(L-R, Caitlin Boyer, Tara Kankesh, Lucia Stemm-Calderon, Annika Lindberg, Adelyn Martin, Ember Wonder)
Thanks to Jen for the photo and report from the Seattle chapter of the American Association of University Women‘s reception this week honoring its 2025 STEM Scholars – high-school juniors recognized for outstanding achievement in math, science, and technology. The six students in the photo, nominated by teachers for the recognition, are the local honorees from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School:
Chief Sealth IHS – Caitlin Boyer (math), Tara Kankesh (science), and Ember Wonder (technology)
West Seattle – Annika Lindberg (math), Lucia Stemm-Calderon (science), and Adelyn Martin (technology)
According to short biographies in the event program, Cailin plans to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics, Tara plans to go into pre-med studies, Ember is interested in a computer-science career, Annika expects to major in engineering, Lucia plans to study biology, and Adelyn is mulling a career in “biology, tech, or finance.”
They were joined by other scholars from around the city at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, where they received certificates and monetary awards. They also got to hear from keynote speaker Alyssa Lind, an educator, researcher, and diver with the Seattle Aquarium who holds a master’s degree in marine biology. The announcement also notes:
The mission of AAUW is to advance gender equity through research, education, and advocacy. AAUW Seattle has been recognizing and honoring high school girls for their talents in math, science, and technology since 2001. The decision to recognize these students in their junior year was made to allow them to add this significant honor to their college applications. Learn more about the Seattle branch of AAUW and STEM Scholar Recognition Program at aauw-seattle.org
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(Photos courtesy Cookie Couture, who’s in the foreground above)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Cookie Couture, founder and hostess of the longest-running drag show in West Seattle, is being bid a fond adieu this Saturday, in what will be her last show — “for a while.” What will happen to the show? Where-oh-where is Cookie Couture headed next? What about her Belle of the Balls bingo night, which she has also hosted to the delight of Skylark crowds? Will the Westside still be the Best Side without Cookie Couture on stage? We asked her to dish on all the deets.
First, she confirmed the West End Girls show will continue with hostess Fraya Love through June. The show, often billed as “A Drag Extravaganza,” has been a monthly staple at The Skylark for more than 8 years, and as Cookie Couture – a West Seattle resident – recalls, “I reached out to them on a whim … I was tired of having to go over to Capitol Hill every time I got booked for a show. At the time, not a lot of LGBTQ stuff was happening in this neck of the woods. I had no expectations of what it was going to be like.” The first show sold out and the momentum never stopped.
West End Girls will at minimum take a hiatus over the summer when Jizzuhbelle Johnson‘s Kenyon Hall Cabaret drag show will take over the Skylark stage during the months when their home stage at Kenyon Hall will be undergoing renovations. The longer-term plan is still up in the air because of the Skylark’s location in the planned path of light rail, but Cookie Couture says she’ll be doing what she can behind the scenes, “…making sure they will continue and thrive regardless of whether I’m involved.”
The Belle of the Balls Bingo night will also continue, with Kimme Kash joining a second host Tuesday nights at 7 pm. Cookie Couture hosted her final bingo night on Tuesday of this week. She recalls collaborating with the Skylark’s bartender Sara when the venue reopened after the pandemic. “We went from 2-3 people [when we started] to [this] Tuesday night, when there was nowhere to sit.”
As Cookie Couture steps away from the show she created, she is celebrating 10 years as a performer, and a drag presence that’s spanned not just her work in West Seattle, but locations citywide where she either performed or produced shows, from Pony on Capitol Hill to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing parties and library story hours for kids to countless appearances for Pride events.
(Cookie and friends from the first West End Girls night in 2017)
That first West End Girls show is still one of her best memories. “The first one we did… I didn’t know what I was doing, A standard show has 5 or 6 performers, and we had 10 or 11. We all walked away with like $30.”
Since then, she’s honed her skills as a producer, and attracted a following that she hopes will continue to show up for the venue that has made it all possible. “I really want people to continue to support The Skylark during these weird uncertain times. There’s really nothing like it in West Seattle: punk rock one night, drag the next. It’s more important than ever to get queer art and things on the fringe out there. [There’s an effort] to minimize people like us and what we do. A “like” and a share online is amazing, but there’s nothing that’s more impactful than directly supporting the businesses.”
So where in the world is Cookie Couture going next? She admits her answer is purposely vague, but she dropped the hint that it does involve the aviation industry. “I’m taking my glamour all over the world in my new position,” she says, adding, very generically, “I’m taking some time off to explore some new opportunities.”
Those opportunities are likely to take her away temporarily, but after living in practically every neighborhood in Seattle, there’s no question where she’ll come back to. “West Seattle will always be home. Regardless if I’m gone for 6 months or 2 years, my heart and home will always be here in West Seattle.”
Cookie Couture is expecting to make appearances here and there in the coming months, particularly during Pride. She says her Instagram page at @cookiecouturequeen is where she’ll post updates. “At this point, I am scraping the bottom of my makeup kit,” she said, but, “Even though I’m putting the wig on the top shelf, it’s never too far out of reach.”
As of this writing “a few tickets” remain for Cookie Couture’s West End Girls “last show, for a while” at 8 pm Saturday (April 26), available here.
P.S. Thanks to the reader who tipped us about Cookie’s impending hiatus and suggested an interview!
Thanks to West Seattle runner Joe Drake for the photo!
Patti Shuster, Joe Drake, Mike Marshino, Huy Son, and Shannon Chappon, all of West Seattle and ready to run the Boston Marathon tomorrow.
The 129th Boston Marathon starts in 10 waves between 6:06 am and 8:15 am our time tomorrow (Monday, April 21).
P.S. We last heard from Joe a year ago, when he updated us on West Seattleites running the Tokyo Marathon, where he and Patti earned Six-Star Medals.
Today marks exactly six months since the sudden death of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. The Admiral Neighborhood Association has chosen to honor his memory and spirit with a new community award, and nominations are open! Here’s the announcement from ANA:
Introducing the Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award Honoring Unseen Dedication in the Admiral District
The Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) is proud to introduce the inaugural Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award, a new annual honor celebrating an individual whose in front of as well as behind-the-scenes service and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Admiral District of West Seattle.
This award is named in honor of Patrick Sand, a tireless community supporter whose quiet, consistent advocacy helped shape the vibrant culture of our neighborhood — from the early years of the West Seattle Art Walk to supporting beloved community traditions like Summer Movies on the Wall. Patrick exemplified what it means to give back, and we are excited to recognize those who follow in his footsteps.
About the Award
The Patrick Sand Neighborhood Advocate Award will be presented each year to a person who demonstrates outstanding service to the Admiral District. This award focuses on recognizing sweat equity—the time, energy, and effort people invest in our community — not financial contributions.
Eligible nominees may be individuals who live, work, volunteer, or own a business in the Admiral District. Nominees do not have to live in West Seattle, but they must contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. Current ANA Board Members are not eligible for the award, but ANA members are.
Nomination Process
• Nominations Open: Now
• Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2025
• How to Nominate: A nomination form will be available at connecttoadmiral.org. Community members
are encouraged to submit their nominations online.Selection & Recognition
Nominations will be reviewed by a team of Admiral neighbors, who will select one outstanding individual based on their demonstrated commitment, positive impact, and ongoing involvement in the Admiral community.The winner will be announced and celebrated on stage during the Admiral Block Party on August 23rd.
Join Us in Honoring Community Champions
This is your chance to lift up the unsung heroes who make the Admiral District such a special place to live, work, and play. Submit your nomination and help us shine a light on those who do the work when no one’s watching — just like Patrick did.
Thanks in advance to everyone who nominates one of West Seattle’s many amazing community advocates for this award!
The photos and report were sent by Alyson:
Celebrating West Seattle High School alumni Sandra and Martin Monk’s 40 years of marriage, family and community service at their home away from home, the Alki Masonic Hall. West Seattle Big Band offered a wonderful soundtrack for a memorable night that we will take with us for many years to come.
If you haven’t been to the venue – it’s actually in The Junction, and while it hosts many events each year, its main role is home to Masonic groups including Alki Lodge 152, whose leadership Martin Monk has long been part of.
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