West Seattle, Washington
16 Tuesday
Our annual West Seattle 4th of July info page is now up with the local holiday basics, including special events and transportation changes. We expect additions and updates in the days ahead, especially from local food/beverage establishments that plan to be open – just e-mail us the basics, editor@westseattleblog.com. The page is here, and you’ll see it on the navigation tabs beneath the sunset-photo header on every WSB page through next Friday night.
Nine days until West Seattle’s 4th of July Kids’ Parade … 20th annual parade, this time! And it’s the second year for current coordinators Jackie Clough and Allyson Schreck; Jackie shares the new flyer with everything you need to know, embedded atop this story (if you don’t see it there, please click here), and says they have a very specific volunteer request for parade day (one week from Friday):
We could use 4-6 adults to help us at the beginning of the parade, helping us get started.
Can you help? Once the parade gets going, Jackie promises, you’ll be able to move on and join in with the morning’s events. E-mail her at jackie@alkipartytreasures.com. Meantime, for the pre-parade ceremonies, she adds: “We have a fantastic National Anthem singer this year: Leilani Nitkey, a 6th grader at Madison Middle School this fall.” Haven’t been to the parade before and wondering what it’s like? Here’s our coverage from last year.
(WSB photo from 2012 parade)
Just under four weeks until the Fourth of July; if you were wondering – a few have asked – yes, the Kids’ Parade in Admiral is on! That’s the word from Jackie Clough, who took over parade coordination last year along with Allyson Schreck. They’re organizing it again this year and will have more details soon. It’s also on the agenda for next Tuesday night’s monthly meeting of the Admiral Neighborhood Association (7 pm June 10th at The Sanctuary), whose parade support each year including selling treats during the post-parade games at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. If you’re new to the area, this is West Seattle’s only 4th of July parade, and it’s a low-key, no-floats stroll through North Admiral neighborhoods, with kids, pets, bikes, scooters, strollers, wagons, decorations, costumes – here’s our coverage from last year (including video). So again, whether you want to be a participant or spectator, go ahead and mark your calendar for Friday, July 4th, 10 am start, 44th/Sunset.
Sunshine again graced West Seattle’s traditional Memorial Day commemoration, the annual ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The flags placed by local Scouts waved in the breeze; local veterans shared thoughts and exhortations from the podium:
That’s American Legion Post 160‘s Keith Hughes; also speaking today, from VFW Post 2713, Steve Strand, below left (in his current workday life, acting commander of SPD’s South Precinct):
With him in photo (above right) is Kyle Geraghty from Post 160. Dozens came to honor and remember:
The traditional somber “Taps” were played, of course, but before and after the ceremony, classic Americana from Duwamish Jazz:
This was the Memorial Day ceremony’s 87th year.
(Bald eagle in madrone, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
No traffic report today since there’s not likely to be much of it, but the holiday transit changes top our info list for this Memorial Day:
TRANSPORTATION: Metro is on a Sunday schedule … The West Seattle Water Taxi also is on a Sunday schedule (no Vashon WT service) … Sound Transit buses are on a Sunday schedule … The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route is on a regular Monday schedule.
TRASH/RECYCLING/ETC.: If you have Monday pickup, you can expect normal service today, according to Seattle Public Utilities; the South Transfer Station is open normal Monday hours, too.
SCHOOLS: Seattle Public Schools and Highline Public Schools are closed, as is South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) and most if not all independent schools.
LIBRARIES: Seattle branches are closed, as are King County branches.
FREE CITY-STREET PARKING: No charge to park today in Seattle neighborhoods that have city-operated pay stations/meters.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE HOLIDAY … as listed here.
CITY-RUN COMMUNITY CENTERS AND SOUTHWEST POOL … closed today.
COLMAN POOL IS OPEN! The outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore is open today, noon-7 pm, as its first pre-season weekend concludes.
CEREMONY AT FOREST LAWN: 2 pm, come to Forest Lawn Cemetery (WSB sponsor) just east of High Point for the traditional Memorial Day commemoration with American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713. (6701 30th SW)
Following up on the American Legion Post 160/Auxiliary Unit 160 announcement of Memorial Day weekend poppy availability, we stopped by West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) at noontime. There we found, above, two veterans who just wanted to be identified as Mac and Bob offering poppies and accepting donations. Mac served in the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps; Bob, in the Army. The poppies, each labeled as “handmade by veterans,” both “honor the dead and help the living,” as explained here. Volunteers will be back outside Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan) 10 am-3 pm tomorrow. You can also honor a Memorial Day tradition by attending the 2 pm Monday ceremony at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) – details here; Mac and Bob promise you’ll see them there.
Tomorrow and Sunday, you can honor the meaning of Memorial Day by accepting a poppy from representatives of American Legion Post 160 and Auxiliary Unit 160, who will be distributing them at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). Post 160’s Kyle Geraghty explains:
The traditional poppy distributed Memorial Day weekend signifies “honor the dead and help the living.”
The poppy as the memorial flower for the American war dead is a tradition which began in the years following World War I. Veterans remembered the bright red, wild poppies which grew and bloomed on the battle fields and graves of those men buried in the sacred plots of French soil, which was Flanders’ Field. Soldiers of all nations came to look upon this flower as a living symbol of their dead comrades’ sacrifice and a sign of hope and renewal for those who lived to remember.
Today, the poppies distributed Memorial Day weekend are made by hospitalized veterans in V.A. hospitals or nursing homes and thousands are ready for a big distribution in May.
West Seattle American Legion Post 160 and the Unit 160 Auxiliary will be continuing the annual tradition of offering poppies this Memorial Day weekend. All money received during the distribution of these poppies is returned to the veterans through service programs of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
When you see someone offering a poppy, know that your donation helps veterans and wearing the poppy shows your support for those veterans.
Post 160 and Unit 160 plan to be at Thriftway 10 am-3 pm both days.
Thanks to Barbara Mote for sharing photos as her son and other Boy Scouts from Troop 284 (which celebrates its centennial next year!) carried out a pre-Memorial Day tradition at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), adding flags and crosses to the graves of those who served in the military.
Forest Lawn is where West Seattle’s traditional Memorial Day service is planned on Monday.
You’re invited to join local American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713 at 2 pm Monday to remember and honor those who served; Forest Lawn is at 6701 30th SW.
Looking ahead to the upcoming holiday, we checked with Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW; WSB sponsor) to verify that they’ll again host the traditional Memorial Day ceremony/service with American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2718. They confirm that it’s set for 2 pm Monday (May 26th) as usual, everyone welcome. Never been? Here’s our coverage from last year.
Today is Easter Sunday, and the sixth day of Passover. And it’s the time of year when – as shown in Danny McMillin‘s photo – the geese known as brant are in our area fueling up for their northward migration. Enjoy watching them while they’re here. And enjoy your day, which includes these highlights:
EASTER SERVICES: West Seattle churches that sent requests to be listed for today are on this list (starting with the UCC churches’ combined sunrise service at Alki). Several also are featuring egg hunts after/between services.
SALVATION ARMY EGG HUNT: 9:45 am in the gym at their White Center/West Seattle facility. (9050 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, it’s on, 10 am-2 pm. Special extra today: Blue Geisha Tattoo will be back for a second Easter Sunday with free facepainting and temp tattoos for kids. (44th/Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: Late start for Easter Sunday, noon, Walt Hundley Playfield @ High Point. (31st/Myrtle)
GARDENING PRESENTATION AT WEST SEATTLE BRANCH LIBRARY: Yes, Seattle Public Library branches ARE open today, and at the Admiral branch, you’ll find a special 2 pm presentation about cool-season gardening – details in our calendar listing. (2326 42nd SW)
ALL-AGES LIVE MUSIC: The Feelgood Band of the Year performs at Skylark Café and Club, 4 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SING FOR OSO: As previewed here earlier in the weekend, the Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle is hosting a karaoke fundraiser for mudslide victims today, 3-7 pm, donations to the American Red Cross. (2234 SW Orchard)
9:42 AM: Our first photo in from the first egg hunt of the day – West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), popular as ever – this little egg-seeker just wanted to stop down and enjoy his finds!
ADDED 11:02 AM: Thanks to Mike Katz for sharing this photo:
Eleanore and Mimi meet the Easter Bunny! Many thanks to Thriftway for their 27th annual Easter Egg Hunt! We had such a great time. We’d like to thank all the staff for putting in such a wonderful community event.
ADDED 3:24 PM: More WSB photos, starting with a different “Easter bunny” encounter in the store:
Egg hunters and families just kept streaming in:
Treasure even turned up by the coffee bar …
… and we spotted a basket at a checkstand …
… and a chance to recycle the plastic eggs on the way out!
Thriftway has dozens of its own photos from today on the store’s Facebook page.
(WSB photo from 2013 Thriftway egg hunt)
If you have one or more kids determined to have the most fun possible at the Easter Eve egg hunts in West Seattle and vicinity on Saturday – here’s where to go, and when:
9 am – West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan; WSB sponsor) egg hunt
10 am – Seattle Parks & Rec community center egg hunt of your choice:
*********Alki – 5817 SW Stevens – is billed as for ages 11 and under
*********Delridge – 4501 Delridge Way SW – for ages 3-11
*********Hiawatha – 2700 California SW – for 3-11
*********High Point – 6920 34th SW – for 3-11
*********South Park – 8319 8th Ave. S. – for ages 1-10
11 am – Eastridge Church egg hunt at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – bring donations for the diaper drive for WestSide Baby
We’re still adding other special weekend events to the calendar, so if you have something for Saturday/Sunday (including services), it’s not too late – editor@westseattleblog.com.
Though Handel’s “Messiah” is a Christmastime staple, it was actually written for Easter season. In that spirit, West Side Presbyterian Church is hosting a singalong – and playalong! – Friday, May 2nd:
The entire oratorio will be performed under the direction of Carreen Smith, director of music at West Side. All singers and instrumentalists are invited to participate. Sing the entire oratorio, all choruses and solos! If you don’t sing or play, come listen! Bring a vocal score if you have one. Vocal scores and orchestra parts will be available for loan at the event. Refreshments will be available at the two intermissions. There is a suggested $10 donation. All proceeds go to Care Net of Puget Sound. West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California SW.
Doors open at 6 pm, the music begins at 7.
P.S. Speaking of Eastertime, the annual WSB Easter/Passover page will be up Monday, so if you have an event (religious or secular) to which the community is invited, and haven’t sent it yet, please do – editor@westseattleblog.com – ASAP, so we can include it!
We’ll confess we weren’t able to make it downtown for today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but thanks to King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, we are able to show you a bit of the West Seattle High School Marching Band‘s performance as they marched along the parade route on 4th Avenue.
As noted here on Thursday, the Denny International Middle School Marching Band was scheduled to be in the parade too – any pics/video of them (and/or other participants from West Seattle), please consider sending – editor@westseattleblog.com – so we can add!
5:43 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark for sharing photos of his school’s band in the parade:
As with WSHS, it was a repeat performance.
P.S. One week from tonight you can hear musicians from Denny and adjacent Chief Sealth International High School at their Big Band Dinner Dance fundraiser, also featuring the esteemed West Seattle Big Band – all the details are in our recently published preview.
P.P.S. Today’s parade included the Highland Park-based Seattle Police Mounted Patrol, who just published photos via Facebook – including this one.
Going to the Irish Heritage Club-presented St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown on Saturday afternoon? Once again this year, you can cheer for West Seattle participants – the parade-order list includes marching bands from West Seattle High School and Denny International Middle School, as well as the Comerford School of Irish Dance, plus the Highland Park-based Seattle Police Mounted Patrol. All were in last year’s parade (see our coverage here). Saturday’s parade starts at 4th and Jefferson at 12:30 pm, heading north to Seattle Center; see the route here.
Friday is Pi Day – 3.14 – and one of the celebrations you’ll find in West Seattle is being hosted by librarian Nathalie Gelms at the Seattle Public Library branch in Admiral:
I will be hosting a program in celebration of National Pi Day this Friday March 14th at 3:14 pm at the West Seattle Branch of the Seattle Public Library. The program is meant for school-age kids, tweens, teens and even adults who are interested in math! Families are especially welcome as there will be stations that lend themselves to group effort. We will have these stations:
· Pretty as Pi: creating Pi designed key chains
· The Hunt for Pi: discovering what Pi is through measurement and calculation
· Cracking the Fibonacci code
AND…AND…WE WILL BE SERVING PIE FROM SHOOFLY PIE HERE IN WEST SEATTLE!!!!! *squee!*
The West Seattle Branch (informally known as Admiral) is at 2306 42nd SW. Any other Pi Day parties? Let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
West Seattle Lions president Jimie Martin says everybody’s invited – and that means you! One week from tomorrow, Monday, March 17th On March 15th, the Lions are hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction: “Festivities start at 5:30, dinner served at 6.” $15/person for corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, salad, bread, desserts, music, fun, and, they promise, “surprises.” Get your green on and go.
Thanks to Tracey for sharing the heartwarming photo and report:
While my husband and I (and four others) were waiting for Circa to open its doors tonight, a young boy walked by with his mom and started handing out these valentines. It was such a sweet gesture and nice surprise! We don’t know his name, but wanted everyone in West Seattle to know how thoughtful he is and that his random act of kindness was appreciated. Oh, and our dinner was DELICIOUS! Happy Valentine’s Day!
With drums, dancing, and firecrackers, the Lunar New Year was celebrated this afternoon by the North Delridge Vietnamese restaurant Phở Aroma, which brought in the West Seattle-based Âu Lạc Vovinam Lion Dance Team – see and hear for yourself in our short video clip:
The Lion Dance is a tradition aimed at scaring away evil spirits:
Behind-the-scenes photos ahead:
Good morning! First, for those who aren’t off this holiday, the transportation info:
(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
METRO BUSES: “Reduced weekday/no UW” schedule
WATER TAXIS: Not running
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Regular schedule
SOUND TRANSIT: Regular schedule
PARKING ON CITY STREETS: No charge today in other neighborhoods’ pay station/meter spots
Other King Day notes: No school; government facilities closed, including city-run community centers/pools; libraries closed; Senior Center closed
From the calendar:
MLK DAY OF SERVICE – VOLUNTEER IN THE WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: While most MLK Day of Service projects required pre-registration, if you’re looking for something to help with today, the Nature Consortium has a volunteer work party in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, continuing to help restore the forest. Everything you need to help is provided; just show up. They’re working today in the Soundway section, gathering at Riverview Playfield, 10 am-2 pm. (7098 12th SW)
VETERANS’ FORUM: As previewed here Sunday night, the West Seattle Veteran Center will host a town-hall forum tonight, 7-9 pm, for veterans, family members, and caregivers, focused on VA claims issues. (3618 SW Alaska)
With the second truckload of trees dropped off during their Christmas-tree-recycling fundraiser at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction today are West Seattle Rainbow Girls (from left) Zoë, Kyla, Esther, Destiny, and Laurel. This is the sixth year of tree-cycling for the group, and we haven’t heard from any other West Seattle organizations doing it, so if you missed it, here’s how to work with the city to recycle yours, and some ideas on how to handle it in a home garden.
Of course, by “tossing” your tree, we mean “recycling.” We published information about your options here right after Christmas, but you might have missed it, so here’s that link again. Short story even shorter: You have nine more days for free tree-cycling through the city (curbside or Transfer Station), or you can support the West Seattle Rainbow Girls via their annual tree-dropoff fundraiser tomorrow, 10 am-2 pm at 40th/Edmunds in The Junction.
(First two photos by Craig Young)
Looked to us like the biggest Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim yet!
Organizer Mark Ufkes (below) thought that was a fair assessment.
(This and subsequent photos/video by WSB’s Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)
Here’s our video as the hundreds of participants took the plunge from 42-degree air into 46-degree water:
12:42 PM: More photos added, ahead:
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