West Seattle, Washington
09 Thursday
Many holiday-season donation drives wrap up by mid-December. Not this one. Wednesday is the first of two dropoff days – here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
As we head into the holidays, it’s the perfect time to clean out your closets and donate your gently used or new clothing to support a great cause! Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School are organizing a community thrift-share event for our families and school community, scheduled to take place in January. All items will be free for families.
We are seeking donations of clothes to help stock the thrift store and make this event a success. Donations can include:
-Coats, clothing, and shoes (new or gently used)
-All sizes are welcome — kids, young adults, and adultsPlease Note: We are unable to accept items such as clothes with holes, used underwear or bras, worn-out shoes, or other items in poor condition.
How to Donate: Please drop off your donations at Chief Sealth International High School’s main office on December 18th or January 8th. Your support will help make a difference for families in our community. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
For more information or questions, or if you need an alternate dropoff time, please contact Shanyn Gilio-Tenan (stgiliotenan@seattleschools.org, 206.252.8684) or Ariana Nunez (arnunez@seattleschools.org, 206.252.8600).
The CSIHS office is open 8:30 am-4 pm; it’s inside the main entrance of the school at 2600 SW Thistle.
(WSB video)
In a weekend full of holiday concerts, this was no doubt the biggest, boldest, brassiest sound to be found … the West Seattle Big Band performing this afternoon at Admiral Church. We recorded most of the first half, in case you missed it. Above are the first three songs – a medley, “The Christmas Song,” and “Home for the Holidays“; below, “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Marshmallow World”:
Jenaige Lane and Sam Henry sang with the Big Band today; they teamed again during “Let It Snow.”
Jim Edwards directs the West Seattle Big Band, whose musicians donate their time and talents, often for students, but in this case, as a fundraiser for Admiral Church itself, getting ready to move out of its longtime home, after choosing to replace it with 21 housing units (primarily affordable homeownership) and a new church.
Thanks to an anonymous tipster for sending these photos for our nightly spotlights – taken by day, but the display is surely cheery at night too:
Walking past this super nice neighbor’s merry and bright display (7900 block 5th SW) inspired me to go home and get warm, sipping cocoa stirred with a candy cane! Thank you.
Christmas is 10 days away, so we have 10 more spotlights, and they’re not all booked up yet, so if you’ve seen – or if you have – a bright and/or unique display, please send info, with or without photos! westseattleblog@gmail.com or text our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!
The photos were sent by Lindsey Pearsall, an organizer of the Holiday Toy Swap that brought families to Fauntleroy Schoolhouse/Hall at Fauntleroy on Saturday. She reports the first-time event was a success:
We had great participation at the Kids’ Holiday Swap Shop at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse.
We intend to make this a regular event, potentially quarterly, going forward. People have expressed appreciation for being able to offload things. They want to shop for things without spending money, being able to reuse amongst the community.
We’ve had a few people come by who really needed items and weren’t going to be able to provide for their family otherwise, so that was really meaningful.
Here’s some photos in case you’re looking for content for the blog. Thanks for all your support!
Lindsey Pearsall
Two plastic birds comprise tonight’s spotlight:
Longtime reader, first time texter here. I’d like to share with you some photos of my Porch Goose Nativity scene.
We’re on 40th Ave SW and Morgan st (one house in). The Porch Goose is a bit of midwestern kitsch-whimsy, and I made the custom Joseph and Mary costumes myself.
The egg is 3D printed and lights up alarmingly bright.
We call the display “Honk the Heralds.” Enjoy!
Got lights, whimsical or otherwise? We’re still accepting photos and sighting info – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (Go here to scroll through what we’ve shown already.)
(WSB photo, 2023: Part of the haul from last year’s Cocoa and Coat Drive)
Tomorrow’s the big day – one more major West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays event- the annual Cocoa and Coat Drive at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, and friends. Go check your closet/drawers/chair backs and see if you have coats or jackets in good shape that nobody’s using (or go buy one if you have time/money), and bring it/them to the market tomorrow (Sunday, December 15), 10 am-2 pm. You bring the coat(s), you get the cocoa as a reward! Donated coats/warm clothing go to the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Clothesline.
Sue Shotridge from Vashon Island is one of the vendors you’ll find at the encore Native Holiday Art Market at the Duwamish Longhouse, happening today only, until 7 pm (following the traditional three-day market in late November/early December). She’s brought prints, cards, calendars, blankets, and more. Around the great hall of the Longhouse, many other Native creators are selling their work.
One booth is raising money for the Blue Heron Canoe Family‘s participation in the Journey to Elwha next year. Nearby, we found these gift packs:
If you’re hungry, you can also buy fresh-made frybread, soup, and tacos toward the back of the room. The longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW; if you’re driving, plenty of parking on both sides of the street, and a signal to get you safely across if you park on the east side. (The Longhouse sponsored WSB this past week to help amplify word of today’s market.)
(WSB photos)
1:08 PM: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is bustling with vendors and shoppers midway through the first-ever Delridge Winter Market!
The hallways and rooms are full of people to meet and creations to browse and buy. Fresh hot food outside too:
This is a don’t-miss event, 4408 Delridge Way SW until 3 pm. More photos when we are back at HQ.
2:38 PM: Among the dozens of vendors – Judith is selling clay creations in the hallway near the entry door (that’s Daniel with her):
Nearby is Ammara:
So many different types of merchandise – including floral creations from Kamayan Farm in Carnation and other growers:
Apparel, body care, coffee, tea, jewelry, many gift possibilities! African Community Housing and Development, which presents the Delridge Farmers Market spring through fall, is hosting this too, and sponsored WSB to be sure more people heard about it. In addition to the vendors, a variety of free resources – from acupuncture to haircuts to cooking demos – awaited visitors, too
(WSB photos)
That’s the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Winter Wonderland holiday-cheer crew with Santa at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), one of the official stops on today’s business-district trail of fun, happening until 2 pm. (added) Santa was posing with pets as well as people (and penguins):
A few doors down, you can stop at Seattle Yarn for free crafting fun – this family was making snowflakes:
Look for carolers and more fun. The weather’s calmed somewhat too.
Yet another one-of-a-kind holiday event to preview – the first-ever Delridge Winter Market is happening tomorrow, 11 am to 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). It’s presented by the same nonprofit organization that sponsors the summer/fall Delridge Farmers’ Market, African Community Housing and Development. You’ll find fresh, local food, baked goods, artisan crafts, and much more, offered by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses – most of the market’s more than 40 vendors are listed here. Along with what’s offered for sale, you’ll also enjoy live music, and the market will offer what ACHD promises will be “a huge range of free resources including free massage, acupuncture, kids’ haircuts, and cooking demos.” And for those in need, as is the case with Delridge Farmers’ Market, the Delridge Winter Market will offer free bags of produce, first-come, first-served. (Thanks to ACHD for sponsoring WSB to get the word out further about the market.)
Tonight’s Christmas lights accompany an invitation for tomorrow, sent by Valerie:
Where can you find a darling deer and a charming snowman cross country skiing in West Seattle? 3431 48th Ave SW.
Join us for a neighborly hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie from Mrs. Claus’s cocoa cart on Saturday, December 14th from 5-7 pm.
No, you don’t have to offer treats to have your lights showcased – photos are optional too (but appreciated) – westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. (Scroll through this archive to see what we’ve shown already!)
After a year of big events presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – including the 4th of July Kids’ Parade, Music in the Parks, and the Admiral Funktion street festival – you have one more to enjoy! Tomorrow (Saturday, December 14). “Winter Wonderland” beckons you to multiple locations in the heart of The Admiral District, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s what ANA says you’ll find:
Enjoy festive foods for the whole family at Arthur’s and dance in the snow (weather permitting), then enjoy coconut macaroons for kids at Circa. Skate over to West Seattle Grounds to make star ornaments and enjoy free hot cocoa for kiddos. Seattle Yarn will be making the season merry and bright with paper crafts (11 am-2 pm) and while you’re there consider donating to their Heart of Washington Winter Clothing Drive. Then bop on down the road to Wicked Rae’s to craft winter snow globes (from 10 am-noon). And don’t forget to snap some fun holiday photos at Hoste‘s popular Elves Cottage and Mud Bay’s annual Happy Pawlidays Photo Booth where you can also donate to their Giving Tree to help pets in need this season. And don’t miss out on getting your photo with the big man himself, Santa, at West Seattle Realty! You can also support our neighbors in need this holiday season by dropping off donations for the Westside Neighbors Shelter at West Seattle Realty.
Finally, since the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, take a break to enjoy the Admiral Church Choir’s Roving Carolers and say hello to the Admiral Neighborhood Association penguin, who will be waddling through the event!
One of this weekend’s unique holiday markets is happening in SODO and featuring a West Seattle business, fragrance-maker Filigree & Shadow (WSB sponsor), who shared the announcement:
My fragrance studio will be closed this Saturday as I’ll be at Metropolist Events in SoDo for the Second Annual Scented in Seattle Holiday Market!
Looking for unique holiday gifts? Join us to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of artisan fragrances, soaps, candles, and body care products crafted by local businesses.
Event Highlights:
Artisan Fragrance Vendors: Discover niche perfumes from independent makers and connect with the creators behind your favorite scents.
Perfume Swap: Bring your gently used perfumes and trade them with fellow enthusiasts.
Special Exhibit by Jesse Hardy: Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind installation created exclusively for this event.The market runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is free to attend. Street and lot parking are available, and Metropolist is fully ADA-accessible.
Celebrate the season and find the perfect gifts while supporting local artisans. We can’t wait to see you there!
It’s at 2731 1st Ave. S.
(WSB photo)
5:38 PM: That’s Gretchen Flickinger, one of seven artists showing their work tonight at CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor). CAPERS is one of the Junction venues where you can both enjoy a West Seattle Art Walk reception and late shopping (a holiday-season Thursday tradition in The Junction) tonight. And watch for Santa, who’s roaming (if you don’t catch him on the street tonight, CAPERS is hosting him for photos 8:30-11 am this Saturday and next). Lots of other Art Walk venues to browse – go here for the spotlights – and The Art of Music concerts coming up at 6 pm (CAPERS is hosting one of them).
6:32 PM: The photo of artist Lora Radford above is from her Wild at Heart pop-up at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) – featuring stonecast candles and bowls. (Buy a medium or large bowl, get a small bowl for free.) Also at WSG tonight, orca photography by Brittany Noelle:
7:36 PM: Also at West Seattle Grounds, as part of The Art of Music, Taylor John Hardin:
At CAPERS, Alyvia Miller:
At Beveridge Place Pub, Willow Scrivner:
And at Great American Diner and Bar, MoonGirl:
Thanks to The Art of Music curator John Redenbaugh for the musician photos!
ADDED: And thanks to Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association for a few more artist pics – Ellen Zrimsek was at Forever Young:
Diane Bellisario at Good Society:
And from the ModHome pop-up at WEND Jewelry:
Next Art Walk is the first of 2025, Thursday, January 9.
As you might have noticed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, this weekend brings another sleigh-load of unique holiday events. If you’re looking to have a low-impact gifting experience for the kids in your family – this swap event Saturday might be what you’re looking for:
Kids’ Holiday Swap Shop – Declutter, Discover, Delight!
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Location: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California Ave SWThis free, eco-friendly event is a chance to:
-Declutter your home.
-Discover new-to-you treasures.
-Connect with the community.Event Schedule:
Items Set-Up: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Browse & Swap: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Clean-Up: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Charity Pick-Up: 4:00 PMBring gently used toys, books, and games to swap, and take home items your family can use. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities, spreading holiday cheer even further!
Admission is free; if you want to RSVP, you can do that here.
Tonight’s spotlighted lights are from, and by, Dana in North Admiral:
Hey neighbors! For the past six years, I’ve been decking the halls (and walls!) with thousands of twinkling lights. Every year, I add something new to the show, and this year is no exception. We’ve got a bigger, brighter display with new animations, and our mischievous elves are back and more animated than ever!
Come on by and check out the lights from 5 PM to 11 PM every night through New Year’s. We hope to put a smile on your face and brighten up your holiday season. 4321 SW Atlantic St. [map]
Thanks again to everyone who’s sending photos and/or suggestions – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. You can see what we’ve shown already by scrolling through this archive!
Tomorrow night (Thursday, December 12) brings three reasons to be out celebrating community and creativity in the heart of the holiday season:
SHOP LATE THURSDAY: West Seattle Junction shops are staying open late again tomorrow night, and you’ll find Santa roaming, plus the return of the Silver Belles carolers (with a repertoire of holiday parodies, as featured in our coverage last week) – the fun starts after 5 pm.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5 pm is also start time for Art Walk, in The Junction as well as around other peninsula neighborhoods – you can see the map here (this quarter’s venue list is above), and scroll through the spotlights for specific artist receptions here. Group shows, individual shows, early, late – and so many possible gifts!
(2022 reader photo of harpist Alyvia Miller)
THE ART OF MUSIC: Four musicians are presenting concurrent mini-concerts Thursday night, 6 pm to 7:45 pm! Taylor John Hardin is at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) in North Admiral, MoonGirl is at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) in The Junction, Alyvia Miller is at CAPERS (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor) in The Junction, and Willow Scrivner is at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) in Morgan Junction.
Two weeks until Christmas and Hanukkah, and still lots of holiday happenings ahead! One of the events in our Holiday Guide still has room for participants.
Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) asked us to share this announcement:
Village Green West Seattle invites you to share your talents at our vendor fair! We still have 5 tables available free of charge for local vendors. Our Holiday Market will be from 11 AM-4 PM 12/17/1014!
That’s Tuesday of next week, and everyone is invited to shop, not just Village Green residents. If interested in being a vendor, please email Corinne at corinne@villagegreenretirement.com.
This is a big week for holiday-season/winter concerts in West Seattle (you can see the list in our Holiday Guide). Among the groups performing are the ensembles within West Seattle Community Orchestras; two presented their free winter concert on Monday night, and two more are performing tomorrow (Wednesday, December 11), 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle). Above is a clip sent tonight by Dawn Hepburn, a member of the WSCO Concert Orchestra, from its performance of “Sleigh Ride” on Monday night. No tickets required for tomorrow’s concert – just show up! (Here’s more info about the WSCO.)
Time for tonight’s Christmas lights spotlight! Thanks to Eric for the photo:
Miracle on 34th street (okay, 34th Ave SW). On 34th a block and a half south of Camp Long.
If you see, or have, lights we should spotlight on WSB, please email the location (with or without photo) to westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. Go here to scroll through our archive of past spotlights!
Tonight’s photo of standout West Seattle Christmas lights is from Wyatt near the Charlestown water tower (aka standpipe):
Here is my house for this year! I am one of the organizers of Alki Holiday Lights, and the community may recognize my handmade trees from the event! This year I am debuting the name I came up with for my display: “Wylights”! I would also like to share a message with the community and younger people trying to find themselves: “Where I am today is a result of trusting the process and listening to my heart. You will build something beautiful when you follow what truly speaks to you. In that you will find self-fulfillment.”
Wyatt’s house is at 3729 40th Ave SW (we publish full addresses if we hear directly from the resident; otherwise we publish vicinities) – and Wyatt plans to add more lights this season! If you have, or see, lights we should spotlight on WSB, please email the location (with or without photo) to westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. Go here to scroll through our archive of past spotlights!
(WSB photos, Saturday)
One of the events we covered and co-sponsored this weekend was the well-attended Kiwanis Club of West Seattle pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. This morning, the club’s president Denis Sapiro sends words of thanks, with a reminder that this is the final day for their online auction of donated local items:
The Kiwanis Club thanks all the attendees and donors for making the Community Breakfast a grand success. Scout Troop 284 & 8284 did a great job getting the Hall arranged, serving the meal, and cleaning up! Seattle University Circle K members cooked the meal.
Key Club members from West Seattle High and Chief Sealth International assisted with the raffle, Santa photos, and technical support. Gunnery Sergeant Samuel Hernandez and Sergeant Angalina Roseberry represented Toys for Tots standing with Santa in the photos, too.
Today, Monday the 9th, is the last full day to contribute to the Kiwanis online Silent Auction at: app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/kiwanis-club-of-west-seattle-2024-auction-43120
Donations to the Kiwanis 21st Century Scholarship Fund can be tax deductible, https://kiwaniswestseattle.org
Our holiday-lights spotlights continue with this photo sent by Dayna:
Our neighbor has a really great light display on 45th Ave SW between Admiral and Lander!
(That’s just west of Lafayette Elementary.) If you have lights – or have seen lights – to suggest for a WSB spotlight, please email us (with or without photo), westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (Scroll through this WSB archive to see what we’ve shown already – plus past year’s features.)
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