Holidays 2824 results

(2008 WSB photo from West Duwamish Greenbelt)
A different twist on holiday fire prevention, shared by Sheila Brown from Camp Long:

Fireworks and Our Urban Forests: West Seattleites Can Help

West Seattle has 800 acres of urban forest, fully 1/3 of the forests of all Seattle. Many of the forests have active volunteers restoring and maintaining them for present and future generations, led by Forest Stewards in the Green Seattle Partnership network. Our Forest Stewards would like your help in preventing fires this holiday.

Take a walk in an urban forest this weekend, get out of the heat and enjoy. And while you’re out there, keep an eye out for smoke or other signs of fire danger. The more people use our trails, the less likely mischief makers will set off illegal fireworks.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. Each and every one of these incidents could have been prevented.

Private use, sale, or possession of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Seattle. Make the right choice, the safe choice and leave fireworks to the professionals. If you want to include fireworks in your July Fourth celebration, plan to attend a public display, such as those scheduled for discharge over Lake Union.

On the 4th of July, 9-1-1 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 9-1-1 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 9-1-1. Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 9-1-1.

Fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number (206) 625-5011.

“Fireworks are a huge risk for starting an unintentional fire,” said M.J. Harvie, Aviation and Fire Staff Officer. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to be aware of any fire restrictions in place around the state due to the rising fire danger. Because the weather is warming up and vegetation is drying out, fires can ignite quickly.

As the busy Fourth of July holiday approaches, the forest professionals would like to remind everyone that fireworks of any kind are prohibited on public lands. “Each year there are instances of fires caused by fireworks in the forest,” said Forest Supervisor Jose Linares.

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Reminder: Today’s a holiday “too”

July 3, 2009 5:31 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

If you missed the note earlier this week – lots of closures and changes today; here’s our list. And if you’re still making your Fourth of July plan, here’s our West Seattle holiday rundown, sans fireworks. (As always, the West Seattle Weekend Lineup will be out later this morning, with events both holiday and non-holiday, today through Sunday.) Plus, King County has another of its money-saving “furlough” days on Monday, so if you have county business, you won’t be able to get it done till Tuesday.

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West Seattle 4th of July: Cross your fingers the forecast holds

July 1, 2009 11:33 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle weather

Not a cloud in the sky today – Chas Redmond got that iPhone photo near The Mount, and we took one while at the Municipal Tower for The Sanctuary at Admiral‘s landmark-nomination review:

So about that forecast. We like to go with the National Weather Service version – and they’re still calling for sunny and 80s on Saturday. Before then, though, we might see 90s on Friday. (Thanks in advance for any extended-holiday-weekend photos you share – editor@westseattleblog.com any time!)

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Seattle citywide traffic alerts for 3-day holiday weekend

July 1, 2009 5:51 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle traffic alerts

SDOT just sent the list. No Viaduct closures this time. But the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade Saturday morning is mentioned (it does have a few traffic effects), among many other events citywide – read on:Read More

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Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade updates: Got water balloons?

June 30, 2009 11:07 pm

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Good news from Sherri Chun – the people represented in that photo from just before last year’s Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade, West Seattle’s ONLY Independence Day parade, will be back for this year’s edition on Saturday! Sherri just e-mailed to say that Mayor Nickels and the Hi-Yu Junior Court have confirmed. And she’s putting out the call for something specific:

We are anticipating nice weather – I am seeking volunteers to bring water balloons for the annual water balloon toss. Please e-mail me if you’re willing to bring 20 filled water balloons. sherri.chun@att.net. You can drop them at my house the day before, or I can come get them. Get out your red, white and blue, and we’ll see you there!

Every kid in West Seattle is invited to be part of the parade – be at 44th and Sunset (map), 10 am Saturday (that’s a half-hour earlier than previous years). And if you can, please bring a dollar donation per child – as Sherri explained two weeks ago, the fund that pays for the parade permit (and fun activities afterward at Hamilton Viewpoint) is running low and they’ll have donation boxes out to collect money to make sure the parade happens again next year, and beyond.

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The WSB West Seattle 4th of July info page

June 30, 2009 10:12 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

We’ve collected event listings, fireworks/travel/transportation/etc. information and other holiday notes on one page as in years past. See the 4th of July page here – and please let us know if you see something missing or have a holiday-related question it doesn’t answer. Thanks!

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Looking ahead: Friday’s a holiday “too,” with changes/closures

June 29, 2009 6:34 am

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| Holidays | Transportation | West Seattle news

Since July 4th is on Saturday this year, Friday is also a holiday for many – particularly government agencies. We’re still finalizing the 4th of July list of events and FYIs, but in the meantime, the FRIDAY changes include: Most government offices are closed; Metro buses will be on a Sunday schedule; the King County Water Taxi and shuttles are on a Saturday schedule; the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry will be on a holiday (Sat-Sun) schedule; most post offices will close at noon but there WILL be mail delivery service Friday (not on Saturday); note that trash/recycling/yard-waste service will be normal Friday AND Saturday. (And if you’re looking for July 3rd fireworks shows – none in West Seattle but there are a few in this statewide list of summer fireworks statewide.)

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8 days till July 4th: Rules for fireworks, and where to see them

June 26, 2009 5:09 pm

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| Holidays | Safety | West Seattle news | White Center

Driving through White Center this afternoon, we noticed fireworks stands like that one set up in a few spots. In unincorporated King County and the few other places where personal fireworks are still legal, they go on sale at noon Sunday, but you’re only allowed to use them 9 am-midnight on July 4th (except for Normandy Park, where the use period is the same as the sales period). Here’s the full King County list of fireworks rules – note they are banned in Seattle and in Burien, which is relevant to part of White Center, since that means a change if the “North Highline South Annexation” proposal passes in the August 18th election. And if somehow you haven’t heard, reminder, NO Elliott Bay fireworks on the Fourth, since Ivar’s canceled them; if you’re still trying to decide where to go instead, here’s the full statewide list of fireworks shows.

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West Seattle 4th of July: Your invitation to a picnic

June 21, 2009 4:00 pm

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | Holidays | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Celebrate Liberty on the Fourth of July – by visiting the old Alki Statue of Liberty (and then if you want, later, the nearby plaza’s new one) at the Log House Museum‘s gift shop. But that would be just one side attraction at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s annual membership picnic. Even if you’re not a member yet, you’re invited to come join at the picnic, which will offer free hamburgers, hot dogs, coffee, tea and lemonade – just bring a side dish to share – and help launch “Telling Our Westside Stories,” which the Historical Society explains as: We’ll collect your memories of the land, water, beaches, and hills of the Duwamish peninsula.” (The LHM is at 61st/Stevens in Alki; here’s a map.)

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Happy Father’s Day! Low tide, car show, brunch, WSFM, fundraiser

June 21, 2009 5:31 am

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo from last month, shared by Gregory Wright)
FATHER’S DAY TIDEWALK, ANYONE? 10 am-1 pm, beach naturalists will be out south of Alki Point and (south of Colman Pool) on the Lincoln Park shore, as a very low tide – minus 3.0 – bottoms out just after 10:30 this morning. (And even lower tomorrow!)

FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW: It’s an annual tradition. Classic/antique cars on display at Providence Mount St. Vincent (here’s a map), 1-3:30 pm. Free. South side of the building.

FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH: Looking for brunch options? West Seattle restaurants where you’ll find brunch include our three restaurant sponsors — Cafe Revo (opening today at 10), Skylark Cafe and Club (open at 9 am), and Ama-Ama Oyster Bar and Grill (open at 10).

FATHER’S DAY AT THE WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska. Here’s the “Ripe ‘n’ Ready” list; check the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market Alliance Twitter feed for last-minute alerts and on-site discoveries.

FUNDRAISER FOR A FATHERLESS FAMILY: We first told you about this last Monday – the Phares Phund event at Alki Bathhouse, 4-7 pm today.

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In case you wondered: No fireworks = no July 4th roadblocks

June 15, 2009 8:30 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(61st/Admiral photo from 7/4/2008)
Less than three weeks — already! — till the Fourth of July, and by now you’ve likely heard, no Elliott Bay fireworks. So as not to assume, we doublechecked, while talking today with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen, to be sure that meant no Alki traffic restrictions like last year. He confirmed, that’s indeed the case – no roadblocks planned – but he promised that a special holiday “patrol” will keep close watch on the spots where people will be gathering, even without the Elliott Bay show.

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Invitation to join – and help – the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade!

June 11, 2009 9:04 am

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| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

That’s WSB video from last year’s 4th of July Kids’ Parade in the Admiral District – and Sherri Chun has just sent word of the plans for this year, with a request for help to make sure it happens next year (and beyond) too:

Yes, we are having a parade this year! As usual, we’ll meet at 44th and Sunset to kick things off. Start time is 10:00 am. We’re still waiting for confirmation (but are hopeful) that Mayor Nickels will again be able to join us. The parade will end at Hamilton Viewpoint park, with games and bake sale treats courtesy of the Holy Rosary Moms’ group. A huge shoutout to Dave Weitzel at Weitzel Construction [WSB sponsor] for providing our portable toilets. Dave, we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you also to Holy Rosary Parish for underwriting our parade insurance and for providing our PA system, and to all the volunteers who make it happen.

This year we are really, really counting on the community’s support. Several years ago we had a volunteer development director, whose job it was to solicit donations from local businesses. Sadly, this person retired due to a combination of job and personal life changes. This year we are financing the parade using the last of her development efforts. If we are to continue having this parade in the future, we need additional support from the community. Parade and park permits alone are $350. Additional costs include the generator, beach balls (an annual tradition at the park!), printing, and miscellaneous decorations. This does not include the cost of portable toilets, which are very important (and expensive over the holiday weekend!).

This year we are asking each family to donate $1 per child toward future parades. There will be donation boxes by the games table, the concessions stand, and next to the portable toilets. Please help ensure the future of our annual 4th of July Kids Parade! Thank you, and we look forward to seeing all of you and your families on the 4th of July!

Sherri Chun and Jodi Bennett
Parade Coordinators

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With no Elliott Bay fireworks this year – where CAN you see some?

June 8, 2009 5:54 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

We reported this more than two months ago — the Ivar’s announcement that it was canceling its annual fireworks show over Elliott Bay – the one that draws thousands to West Seattle’s north- and east-facing shores. But not everybody got the word back then; we got a question today from someone who hadn’t heard, so we’re mentioning it again: NO Elliott Bay fireworks this Fourth of July. You can sort of catch part of the Lake Union fireworks from here; not quite the same. So if you’re starting to think about the Fourth of July and wondering where you CAN see fireworks – here’s the complete statewide list (including some shows NOT on the 4th).

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West Seattle Memorial Day 2009: Forest Lawn commemoration

May 25, 2009 5:56 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

With the retiring of the colors, this year’s West Seattle Memorial Day commemoration at Dignity Memorial/Forest Lawn concluded a few hours ago. Veterans young and old were among those at the event – from a man in a “KOREA VET” cap, heard discussing the North Korea missile test, to Iraq War veterans like City Council candidate and former Highland Park Action Committee chair Dorsol Plants (who served for five years, until 2007). Another younger veteran on hand was Christopher Shea, commander of American Legion Post 160, which presents this ceremony each year; he recounted the reason for the holiday:

Today’s special guest speaker was Vietnam War veteran Margarita Suarez, who recalled her harrowing work as a nurse, sharing memories with a message that had some in tears:

The simple spirit of patriotism imbued the service, including singalongs led by guest vocalist Tom Carlisle:

And Scouts from Troop 284 performed wreath duty (listen for the crows):

Other participants in the ceremony included Pastor Tom Isenhart and musician Jim Edwards, who played “Taps.” This is the 82nd time the Post has presented this service — one of the longest-running Memorial Day events in the Seattle area.

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West Seattle Memorial Day 2009

May 25, 2009 6:30 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

WHAT’S DIFFERENT: No school, no mail, no government offices (with a few exceptions), no banks, Metro on a Sunday schedule, King County Water Taxi on a Saturday schedule (as are the shuttle buses that feed it), community centers and libraries closed

WHAT’S THE SAME: Trash/recycling/yard waste pickup, Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry on regular schedule, West Seattle liquor store open, Colman Pool open, Southwest Pool open

WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: 2 pm, Forest Lawn (details here)

COFFEE, ANYONE? We don’t usually compile a complete list for this holiday – Thanksgiving and Christmas are a different story! – but we can tell you that our coffee-shop sponsors, Hotwire Coffee and Coffee at the Heights, are both open today: Hotwire is open 7 am-6 pm (and is now offering smoothies, too!), C-a-t-H is open 6:30 am-3 pm.

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West Seattle scene: Honoring the “memorial” part of Memorial Day

May 23, 2009 12:05 pm

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| High Point | Holidays | West Seattle news

The crosses are going up on the graves at Forest Lawn (map), preparing for Memorial Day, when American Legion Post 160 presents West Seattle’s annual community service. It’s scheduled for 2 pm on the rolling hills of the cemetery. (Here’s our coverage, with video, from last year.) Crosses and flags are placed on the graves each Memorial Day weekend by volunteers including local Scouts.

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West Seattle Mother’s Day — a few notes

May 10, 2009 7:06 am

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| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle Farmers' Market

First – looks like the weather will be nice for much of the day.

West Seattle Farmers’ Market? Here’s the fresh sheet; there also are a few special features today – a cooking demonstration featuring mushrooms, courtesy of Foraged and Found, plus soon-to-open Fresh Bistro mentioned via Twitter that they’re offering samples of “market fresh asparagus and lemon thyme soup.” (Asparagus photo at left by Christopher Boffoli)

Third – brunch! And beyond. We published a few notes last Thursday, “from Skillet to Skylark” — including an 11 am early opening today for WSB sponsor Cafe Revo. Also turns out that Skylark Club and Cafe (WSB sponsor) not only has the benefit brunch going on today, 9-3, but also karaoke starting at 7 – with an “auction” – bid on getting a participant to sing a certain song, and then they either can sing “your” song or bid higher and sing “whatever they want”!

Meantime, back to brunch, we also happened onto Circa talking Mom’s Day on FB and invited them to send a note for here – Nicole e-mailed us, “We’re usually not too busy on Mother’s Day, so come on down for a fresh, delicious brunch that won’t break the bank. Remember, though, parties larger than four can be in for a bit of a wait.” And Easy Street Records’ Cafe sent word of a Mother’s Day deal — read about it here.

And a non-food Mother’s Day note: Avalon Glassworks is offering a chance to “design your own float” today – read more about that here.

Any other

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West Seattle Mother’s Day: From Skillet to Skylark

May 6, 2009 6:10 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Some options for Mother’s Day in West Seattle:

SKILLET: In case you wondered what was up with the ongoing Skillet Street Food saga as the weekend approaches … such as, will they be back in the Seattle Lutheran High School parking lot for a second consecutive week? … first we checked Skillet’s website, and took note that it says Skillet’s looking for West Seattle locations (and hiring cooks, if you’re looking for work). However, upon subsequent check with Skillet proprietor Josh Henderson, he told us this morning: “We are on at SLHS for the next 4 weeks…and will view that as a trial period and review with (SLHS leadership, afterward).” 11 am-2 pm Sunday, this week’s menu here.

SKYLARK CAFE AND CLUB: This WSB sponsor will donate a portion of Mother’s Day brunch proceeds to the breast-cancer-fighting 3Day Walk, through Team Tracy, supporting West Seattle breast-cancer patient Tracy Dart (who says Skylark proprietor Jessie SK is on the team too). More about Skylark at skylarkcafe.com.

CAFE REVO: This WSB sponsor is opening an hour early for Mother’s Day (11 am), and taking reservations now; more about Cafe Revo is online at caferevo.com.

BLUE WILLOW: This Junction eatery and catering facility is offering high tea on Sunday; call 206-938-0988 to see what openings remain.

THE BOHEMIAN: It’s offering Mother’s Day tea the day before the big day – 2 pm-4 pm (maybe after shopping West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day with Mom?) – in conjunction with Tracy of Tea Gallery fame – 938-2646 is the number for mandatory reservations.

More to come!

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Last reminder about our West Seattle Easter services list

April 11, 2009 11:02 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle religion

Just in case you’ve missed it – here’s the full list. The morning starts with two “sunrise” services – multidenominational at Forest Lawn in High Point (map) at 6:30 am, the local UCC churches joining together on the beach at Alki/57th (map) at 7 am. Note that some churches are offering breakfasts and egg hunts as well as worship services.

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West Seattle egg hunts: Indoor and outdoor

April 11, 2009 11:23 am

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| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

“Egg hunt on aisle 7” – you can almost imagine the overhead announcement. That’s just one of the scenes from inside West Seattle Thriftway, where the traditional crowd waited excitedly outside just before the 9 am egg hunt:

High stakes there – prizes in this egg hunt included a Wii and Mariners’ tickets! And if that wasn’t fun enough – an Easter Bunny sighting (our video camera followed his/her entourage):

(Added later: Thriftway now has its photos up online at westseattlethriftway.com – if your family’s in one of the photos, you can e-mail info@westseattlethriftway.com to request a copy!) Then at 10 am, community centers all over West Seattle had egg hunts too – by then the rain had stopped and the sun was even trying to come out. On the field at High Point Community Center, we spotted the REAL Easter Bunny – this gentleman who was out scattering the eggs and treats:

That section of the field was stormed shortly thereafter by the oldest kids:

Check out our video from just after they got the “go” signal:

Younger groups had their own egg hunts, one on the tennis court, one in the playfield corner at 34th/Myrtle:

If you missed today’s egg hunts, note that a few West Seattle churches are planning their own, right after Easter services tomorrow morning; see our West Seattle Easter services list for the locations.

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Where to find a West Seattle egg hunt today

April 11, 2009 6:21 am

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| Fun stuff to do | Holidays

That’s our video from last year’s egg hunt at Delridge Community Center – which, along with every other West Seattle community center, is planning one at 10 am today. First, there’s the 9 am egg hunt at West Seattle Thriftway and the 11 am Eastridge Christian event at Lincoln Park, all listed here along with church services today and tomorrow (and more).

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Happening today: King County furlough; Good Friday services

April 10, 2009 6:34 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

FURLOUGH: This is another one of those money-saving furlough days for King County government. Here’s the list of what’s open and what’s closed.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES: Many are listed on our Holy Week/Easter services page; for other Easter-related activities, such as tomorrow’s big slate of egg hunts, go here.

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Happening tonight: Art Walk, Design Review, more

April 9, 2009 6:21 am

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| Development | Holidays | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle online

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: As previewed here Wednesday, 40 venues are offering art, many with treats, all over West Seattle, 6-9 pm tonight. Get the map here.

DESIGN REVIEW: Two projects to be reviewed tonight at Madison Middle School: Transitional Resources‘ 2988 SW Avalon project at 6:30 pm, 4532 42nd SW at 8 pm.

EASTER/HOLY WEEK EVENT LIST REMINDER: Maundy Thursday services at some West Seattle churches today/tonight are part of what you’ll find on this special page we’ve put together (including all the egg hunts we could find – Saturday’s the biggest day).

FREE CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP: Thinking about remodeling or building? Longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction has a few spots left for its free workshop tonight, 6:30 pm (outlined here); RSVP or questions, 932-3009.

NOT IN WEST SEATTLE, BUT WE’RE PART OF IT: If you’re interested in the ever-lively discussion of how the news-media world is evolving, we hope to see you downtown tonight for the second No News Is Bad News event, this one focusing on new types of online ventures – such as WSB (your editor here is on tonight’s panel, along with other journalist-entrepreneurs, including two former P-I employees involved with new ventures) — and how they figure into the evolving media landscape. 7 pm, Bertha Landes Room at City Hall , free but organizers would love to have you RSVP now to save a spot.

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