West Seattle, Washington
10 Sunday
You might remember that video from last year’s amazing music-synced Christmas lights display on a house by the Charlestown water towers. This is our first update from Jim Winder since May – he’s the mastermind, but the house with the display belongs to a friend. He sent this photo:
That’s from some work done over the weekend, and Jim explains: “I set up some of the new elements this past weekend just to make sure it was all going to work as planned. Hopefully in the next week or so, I will also have our website up. Looks like our ‘Lighting Ceremony’ will be on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 27th), though there will probably be some shows on that Friday.” Last year had about 10,000 lights, but this year, they’re going for more than 50,000, according to the update we published from Jim in May.
Just under two weeks till Halloween, but the celebrations are already beginning – so we’ve pulled the information about everything even remotely related (including “fall festival” events) onto one WSB page again this year, grouped by type of activity, and added it to the lineup of tabs atop every WSB page. Some of what you’ll find: The official Admiral Treats and Treasures (one of 4 local business-district trick-or-treating events) map is linked to its listing; The Sanctuary at Admiral is offering a new event, a silent movie with live organist; local Toastmasters will tell spooky tales at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) tomorrow night, and that’s the earliest event on the list. See it all here – and let us know if something’s missing, so it can be added – thanks! (Jack-o-lanterns photo from Heidi & Daniel, Halloween 2007)
(Toy Swap photo from 2009)
Once again this year, CoolMom is planning its annual Holiday Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale, a chance to recycle what you don’t need and pick up something you want that somebody else doesn’t need. The sustainability-focused group is planning two versions this year, both on November 13th, including one in West Seattle (the other’s in Wallingford). It’s set for 9 am-1 pm that day at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Proceeds benefit WestSide Baby and FamilyWorks as well as CoolMom. From the CM announcement:
There are 2 ways to participate:
1. Donate items before the sale & receive a $5 credit toward your purchase the day of the sale.
2. Nothing to donate? Show up and shop to your heart’s content.
Please don’t forget your reusable bags to collect your treasures. Cash and Check only.
Bag up donations – toys, sports clothes and products, baby gear, but no clothing or car seats (got any of the latter? take ’em to WestSide Baby this Saturday). To get your $5 credit, make sure your name is on or in your donation bag, so you can redeem the credit on sale day. Here are the West Seattle donation locations, which CoolMom’s Terri Glaberson tells WSB are set up now:
PCC West Seattle [WSB sponsor]
Gatewood Elementary School
Arbor Heights Elementary School
Community School of West Seattle
Pathfinder School
C&P Coffee [WSB sponsor]
Small Clothes
CoolMom is a Washington State Not-for-Profit 501(c)3 – organized to unite families to take action on climate change through education, lifestyle change, and advocacy. The West Seattle group meets the first Wednesday of every month, 7 pm at C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California SW.
With Halloween just three weeks away, we’ve got two more big event announcements: First, Skeleton Theatre (an animatronic, narrated, sound-effect-enhanced production in a South Admiral front yard) will be back October 31st-November 1st, this time with an all-new show after two years of the pirate-themed presentation. It’s rock ‘n’ roll this time – make no bones about it. There’s some info about the new show at skeletontheatre.com. Also in Admiral – the first big doggie-costume contest we’ve heard about so far:
That’s from the flyer (see the full version here) just shared by Muttley Crew Cuts for this year’s Muttster Mash, a chance for people to party along with their pooches – beer and wine too – 7 pm-11 pm on October 30th. To see more of what’s in store as Halloween approaches (and other local events/meetings/workshops/etc.), check out the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.
Two more Halloween-season events just sent in for the WSB West Seattle Events calendar … Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral is having a costume contest October 29th, 3-6 pm. (That happens to coincide with the Admiral Treats and Treasures trick-or-treating event.) Meantime, a new twist on West Seattle’s artsiest pumpkins:
That photo is courtesy Shannon Felix at Avalon Glassworks, who shares this announcement:
Design your own glass pumpkin and watch it being made at Avalon Glassworks on Sunday, October 17, 2010. You choose the color, shape, and stem type and see your unique piece being created. A limited number of time slots are available for purchase on our web site, www.avalonglassworks.com/designyourown.aspx at $60 (plus tax) each. We will also accommodate as many drop-ins as possible, first-come, first-served.
Our Halloween page is almost ready to go so if you have a Halloween/harvest-themed festival ahead in the next few weeks, please let us know!
Just in from Greg Whittaker at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor):
We are holding a Ski Swap and Haunted House at the VFW Halloween Weekend, benefiting the West Seattle Snowsports Council (WSSC). Many different manufacturers’ reps will be bringing sample product, so great deals on some of the best new gear in the NW.
We will be holding a WSSC planning meeting Wednesday, October 13th, so anyone interested in helping with the Haunted House or Ski Council is invited to attend.
Ski Swap and Haunted House
October 29th – Gear Drop Off 4-7 PM, Haunted House Setup
October 30th, Ski Swap and Haunted House 10-6
October 31st, Haunted House and Ski Swap 10-4, Gear Pickup 4-6pm
At the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall (VFW), 3601 SW Alaska St (across from M2S)WSSC Planning and Haunted House Meeting: Wednesday, October 13th @ M2S, 6 PM
Think snow!
Last month, we reported the days/times for two of West Seattle’s three annual business-district trick-or-treating events: Admiral Treats and Treasures is set for 3-6 pm, Friday, October 29; West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating 1-3 pm Saturday, October 30th. Today, after a visit to the Westwood Village offices, we have their date/time as well: Sunday, October 31st, 4-7 pm. (Till the forthcoming WSB Halloween page is up and running – got an event to share? – you’ll find all this on the Events page – be sure to share your event info!)
There’s always somebody who says it’s too soon to start talking about this, but hey, these two events are now less than two months away, and one has a deadline coming up this week! First, the deadline – the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Gift Faire (coming up November 19-21) is asking would-be participants to apply by this Thursday, September 30th; more info is here, and the application is here. Meantime, vendors are being sought for Schmitz Park Elementary‘s first-ever Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair, set for November 20th, and organizers say they’re hoping to make it a West Seattle-wide event, not just for their school community. If you’re interested, and have handmade items to sell, e-mail Anne at arwergin@mac.com or Gina at jgcoats@comcast.net (here’s the letter they’ve circulated).
TRANSIT: Metro is on a Sunday schedule, and the King County Water Taxi‘s West Seattle run (including shuttle buses) is on a regular weekday schedule, while the Vashon run isn’t operating (details here). Sound Transit – per its Facebook page – will run its express buses on a Sunday schedule, but no Sounder train service. Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a weekend schedule.
TRASH/RECYCLING: Normal schedule, per Seattle Public Utilities
CITY-RUN POOLS/COMMUNITY CENTERS: Southwest Pool’s maintenance closure continues; Colman Pool is open (then closed until the weekend, its final two days of operation this year); this would be the last day for the last open wading pool in West Seattle, Lincoln Park, IF it was going to be 70+ degrees but that doesn’t look likely. City-run community centers are closed.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Last day of the weeklong systemwide closure
LIQUOR STORES: Open
MAIL DELIVERY: No
PARKING: If you visit an area of the city with parking meters/pay stations, note there’s no charge today, since Labor Day is a “parking holiday”
FOR A REGIONAL OVERVIEW: Here’s the “what’s open/closed” roundup from the Seattle Times (WSB partner).
LOOKING FOR COFFEE? We haven’t checked everybody’s schedules, but we do know that longtime WSB sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW) is open 7 am-7 pm.
As the official after-holiday comes to a close, that photo was just sent in by MDS, who says he took it from the Admiral Way viewpoint. WSB was among the businesses contributing to make the show happen after it almost didn’t – yes, we’d rather see Elliott Bay fireworks, but that wasn’t an option, so. as opposed to no fireworks, we chipped in. (As did two WSB sponsors, Ventana Construction and Merrill Gardens – see the full donor list here.) And the event producers are already starting the donor drive for next year.
(Fireworks photo by Candy)
Since Independence Day fell on a Sunday, the official observance is today – banks and most government offices (including Seattle Parks-operated community centers) are closed, Metro’s on a Sunday schedule, there’s no mail delivery. However, since libraries were closed yesterday, they’re open today. And the West Seattle-downtown water taxi is on its regular schedule.
As first reported here in our coverage of last month’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting, HP residents were particularly concerned about fireworks damage to the HP Elementary campus, and hoping to dissuade people from showing up to blow things up there. Illegal fireworks proliferated anyway, according to HP resident Deanie, who provided the brief video clip above – with the sights of illegal fireworks and the sound of what she describes as “an M-80 blowing up in a trash can” – and multiple explosions of that type “under the school building.” Meantime, so far, at least, no major problems (fires etc.) reported anywhere in West Seattle (here’s the archived 911 log from Sunday night, and here’s the in-progress Monday log) – though we’re not quite sure how to take this note from one local couple:
As WS residents and spectators to tonight’s local fireworks, I’d like to thank those responsible for the great fireworks over the west part of Alki and the North part of beach drive. We enjoyed the shows – BRAVO ! It made it another “Glorious Independence Day.” Could we make it an official thing ? We’ll be happy to kick in a few bucks.
ADDED 11:07 AM: Followup photos from Deanie. First, some of the trash/debris from the illegal fireworks in Highland Park. Second – Ellis Tingstad, cleanup hero, whom she says has been out sweeping up after the field-trashers:
(Our first report on this morning’s Admiral parade, with photos, can be seen here)
This year’s Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade was bigger than last year. How do we know? We usually roll video on the entirety of the parade – this year, it was so long, we had to break it into two clips! The first seven-plus minutes – starting with Seattle Fire Department Engine 29 coming around the corner (we staked out the second block of the parade) – is above; the ensuing six-plus minutes are next:
Before the parade, a few words from West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival junior royalty (Princesses Isabella and Kaitlin and Queen Kailin Jo), followed by King County Executive Dow Constantine (with parade organizer Sherri Chun emceeing):
The ceremonial whistle officially started the parade:
One more thing – our Flickr slideshow:
All West Seattle kids are also invited to be in a parade that’s just a few weeks away – the Rotary Club of West Seattle Kiddies’ Parade, which precedes the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade – the Kiddies’ Parade sign-in is at 10 am, and the parading begins at 11, on Saturday, July 24 – more info on the Rotary website (scroll down).
(Admiral Neighborhood Association concession/T-shirt stand at Hamilton Viewpoint)
Now that the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade is over, we’re at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where there’s lots of time to get here for family games – they’re starting with wheelbarrow races – even if you missed the parade.
This year’s parade was bigger than ever – our unofficial gauge is how long it takes to videotape the entire parade going by, start to finish – almost 14 minutes (we’ll have that video up later) – compared to 11 minutes last year. As promised, County Executive Dow Constantine kicked off the parade at 44th and Sunset (along with West Seattle Hi-Yu junior royalty, and parade organizer Sherri Chun).
But, as the executive acknowledged, there was a surprise visitor – the man who’s kicked it off in recent years – his fellow Admiral resident, former mayor Greg Nickels, there with wife Sharon Nickels and their trusty dog Edgar.
The roads should be open again, in case you are wondering.
12:20 PM: Added a few more photos in the story – including this example of mega-festive patriotic parade decoration:
Our video clips will be in a separate story.
(July 4, 2009, photo courtesy Gilbert: Lake Union fireworks, seen from West Seattle)
Big events in West Seattle today: Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade at 10 am (44th/Sunset), Southwest Seattle Historical Society membership picnic at noon (Log House Museum), Alki Homestead “This Place Matters” rally/group photo at 1:30 pm (on 61st SW between Alki and SW Stevens). Aside from the early-afternoon street closure for that event, police are NOT planning any traffic revisions/restrictions. You’ll find many other holiday notes – including which fireworks displays are visible from West Seattle, who’s having special sales today (and yes, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market IS open as usual), and transportation-schedule notes – on the WSB 4th of July page.
In case you haven’t checked it out yet, we wanted to point you once more to the WSB 4th of July page – info on what’s happening tomorrow, starting with the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (all welcome, starts at 10 am at 44th/Sunset), continuing on through a list of which fireworks displays are most visible from West Seattle. Traffic, transportation and shopping info too. Find it all here.
This is part of the info on the WSB 4th of July page (see the JULY 4TH tab under the header), but in case you haven’t seen it there yet – police are NOT planning any traffic/parking changes on Alki. The only major traffic effect you’ll notice Sunday is that if you happen to be heading northbound on California SW in North Admiral during the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (which starts at 10 am), you’ll have to stop for a while as the parade crosses from the neighborhood west of California to Hamilton Viewpoint. (9:21 am addendum: 61st SW also will be closed 12:30-3 pm Sunday between SW Stevens and Alki SW for the Alki Homestead rally/photo – we’re told that it’ll be reopened sooner if the crowd clears before 3.)
Sure, fireworks are great, but the big 4th of July fun in West Seattle happens about 12 hours earlier – as hundreds of kids and parents from all over WS fill North Admiral streets for the annual Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade. It’s coming up Sunday morning (here’s our original preview) – followed by family fun at Hamilton Viewpoint, with concession sales handled this year by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, also offering its new T-shirts and jackets publicly for the first time. Above is the logo that’s on the front of T-shirts and back of jackets; below right, the back of a kids’ shirt shows the ship’s-wheel logo on the back of the shirts and front of the jackets. More from ANA president Katy Walum:
The first batch of Admiral t-shirts and jackets is IN, and we’ll be debuting them at our concessions table at the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade! Mike Barker, owner of Admiral Tattoo, graciously designed the logos for us gratis – love that Admiral Tattoo! – and we’ve printed them up on American Apparel (U.S.A.-made, sweat-free) gear.
We’ll be selling the men’s and women’s t-shirts, in royal blue and red, for $20 each, and the kids’ t-shirts, in navy blue and red, for $15 each. Also available are stylish navy blue track jackets, in men’s sizes, for $50 each. A fantastic way to show your Admiral pride!
You’ll also want to stop by and see us at the end of the parade to purchase some tasty treats. Just look for our umbrella – we’ll have a pushcart with three varieties of popsicles for sale. In addition, we’ll be selling bottled water, juice boxes, chips, AND some local confections donated by our friends at Little Rae’s Bakery, Sugar Rush Bakery, and Metropolitan Market! You’re sure to find something to enjoy at our table as you celebrate the holiday with your friends and family at Hamilton Viewpoint.
All proceeds from the sales of these items will go to the Admiral Neighborhood Association, to help us to keep doing great things for this community! We will gladly accept your cash or local check.
We look forward to seeing you all at this great family event. Thank you all for your support of this community, and here’s hoping for sunshine!
Again, all are welcome to walk/ride (bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers) in the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade, which starts at 10 am at 44th/Sunset (map) – parking can be challenging since that’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood (streets close for the event, and police help the parade get safely across California SW toward the end) so take the bus, carpool, etc., if you can.
They were a hit last year, and this summer, SDOT is sending weekend traffic alerts again. This coming weekend is particularly busy, so read on to see the full list (which we’ll also link to the WSB July 4th page), which includes mention of the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (all welcome to participate!):Read More
(Photo by Gilbert, taken at Hamilton Viewpoint on July 4, 2009)
The annual WSB 4th of July events/info page will be up tomorrow morning for easy reference throughout the coming week. But while it’s still in progress, a few notes if you’re looking ahead to the holiday: The Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade is happening once again, with every kid in West Seattle invited to join in (families too) – followed by fun activities at Hamilton Viewpoint – details in our previous preview. Fireworks-wise, it’s the second consecutive year with no Elliott Bay display, but much of the Lake Union Family 4th show can be seen from northernmost West Seattle, particularly spots like Hamilton Viewpoint – this is the one saved by donations around the city, mostly from businesses (we chipped in, as did WSB sponsors Ventana Construction and Merrill Gardens). Some in southwesternmost West Seattle (Arbor Heights, the Arroyos) will have a view of the Three Tree Point fireworks, which are also donation-supported (more info here). And in case this is your first 4th of July here, a reminder about fireworks laws: They are illegal in Seattle, but not in unincorporated King County, where legal fireworks stands are allowed to open starting at noon tomorrow (the northernmost one we spotted setting up tonight is in the bowling alley parking lot across from Roxbury Safeway). However, even though sales start tomorrow, fireworks use in the unincorporated area (which is smaller since the North Highline South/North Burien annexation took effect this spring) is only legal 9 am-midnight on the 4th. (Leaving the area for the holiday? Here’s the full list of fireworks displays around the state.)
If you have a 4th of July event in West Seattle or White Center that’s open to the public, please let us know ASAP so we can include it in our calendar and on the forthcoming holiday page!
(WSB photo from July 4, 2009)
Now that it’s Monday, we are less than two weeks away from the 4th of July, rain or shine. And this year will be the 15th for a West Seattle family tradition – the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade. You don’t have to be an Admiral resident to be part of it – it’s for anyone and everyone in West Seattle – no pre-registration required, either. It’s already been mentioned in our reports from Admiral Neighborhood Association meetings, since ANA is handling concessions this year, but this morning we’re also sharing some other details from parade organizer Sherri Chun: She says start time is 10 am at 44th/Sunset (map); King County Executive (and Admiral resident) Dow Constantine will be the kickoff speaker; West Seattle Hi-Yu royalty will be there too; as always, games and concessions will follow at the end of the parade route, at Hamilton Viewpoint. Sherri also sends a hearty thanks to sponsors Weitzel Construction (providing the porta-potties), speech therapist Kayle Shulenberger, and Holy Rosary School. Here’s the official flyer; this is a grass-roots effort, as always, so spread the word – the parade through neighborhood streets is always quite the sight, and a great way to start the holiday.
(Post 160 retiring the colors as the 40-minute service concluded)
Just an hour and a half after a ferocious rainshower, the sun finally made its West Seattle Memorial Day Weekend 2010 debut in time for the annual service at Dignity Memorial-Forest Lawn Cemetery and Funeral Home (WSB sponsor) honoring those who have served.
Seattle Opera mezzo-soprano Melissa Plagemann sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” (with attendees joining in the latter, as you can hear in our clip):
American Legion Post 160 Commander Chris Shea, a Navy veteran, reflected on the USA’s long history of fighting for our, and others’, rights: “We must remember, we are Americans. We do not give up – we value our freedom.” The dozens in attendance knew that firsthand – they included veterans as well as relatives of those who had served and are buried at Forest Lawn, crosses and flags marking their graves this weekend, like every Memorial Day. Shea acknowledged these are challenging times, but no challenge is insurmountable:
This was his fifth time speaking at the annual service. ADDED 6:39 PM: Kristen Rasmussen from the West Seattle Big Band (which you can see at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse celebration next Thursday) played Taps:
That photo is courtesy of Jim Edwards (who has played it in previous years) and whose Life son Kyle Edwards from Scout Troop 284 was photographed by WSB as he walked up the knoll to place the wreath at the Forest Lawn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
(Almost 400 of the 1,300+ crosses that are up at Forest Lawn this weekend are brand-new, thanks to Kyle’s Eagle Scout project, his dad tells us.)
WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: 2 pm, Dignity Memorial-Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), details here
WHAT’S OPERATING DIFFERENTLY TODAY? No school, no mail, no government offices (with a few exceptions), no banks, Metro on a Sunday schedule, Sound Transit Express buses on a Sunday schedule, most city-run community center/park facilities (including Southwest Pool) and libraries closed; if you go to a Seattle neighborhood with parking pay stations/meters, note that there’s no charge today (“parking holiday”)
WHAT’S OPERATING AS USUAL TODAY? Trash/recycling/yard waste pickup is normal, King County Water Taxi runs a regular weekday schedule (as do its shuttle buses), Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state ferries running regular schedule, state liquor stores are open, as is Colman Pool
OTHER NOTES We don’t usually compile a coffee/restaurant list for this holiday – Thanksgiving and Christmas are the big ones for that – but we do know our coffee-shop sponsors, Hotwire Coffee and Cupcake Royale, are both open today. From our restaurant-sponsor ranks, Feedback Lounge is open and offering their new $5 Lunch and $1 Munchie Monday specials. And from the WSB inbox, West 5 sent word they “will be open (today), and we’ll have our delightful Weekend Fare menu available from 11:00 to 4:00.” Wondering about other West Seattle businesses? More than 120 are on the WSB West Seattle Businesses Twitter list – if you use Twitter, look to see if they’re tweeting today.
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