West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
Right before emceeing the Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting tonight, broadcaster Brian Callanan told us it just might be the coldest one yet, with temperatures in the 20s. Yet hundreds of people still showed up to carol and cheer, right after the tree was lit:
After some truly brisk caroling, people flocked into the warm gym at OLG’s Parish Life Center for cookies, cocoa, and mingling:
In the giving spirit of Christmas, eventgoers answered the call to fill this handmade (by Dave Fitton) sleigh with food donations:
The OLG tree holds the distinction of being at the crest of the city – since 35th/Myrtle is at the highest elevation in the Seattle city limits, 520 feet above sea level.
Yes, there really is a Festivus pole at tonight’s West Seattle Tool Library/Sustainable West Seattle holiday party/fundraiser at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (that’s Chas Redmond next to it in our photo). They chose the theme of the “Seinfeld“-sparked anti-holiday just for fun – and a lot of that was being had when we stopped by in the early going, with a casual dinner, kids’ activities, silent auction, and more:
Out in the lobby, an unexpected sight – Santa Claus!
Santa (with Bill Reiswig in our photo) said he was actually on his way to another event so wouldn’t be able to stop for the traditional Festivus “airing of grievances” or “feats of strength.” We didn’t check the roof for his reindeer, but we’re sure they felt right at home on this North Pole-chilly night. If you missed the party, you can visit the Tool Library on the north side of Youngstown, open two weeknights and two weekend days each week, where you’ll even find the cider press that was in use at tonight’s party:
The nonprofit Tool Library also suggests that gift memberships make great presents – for Christmas as well as Festivus; you can even buy them online.
The photo of a male Anna’s hummingbird is courtesy of Mark Wangerin, one of several bird fans who suggest we remind you to thaw your feeders and bird baths during this mega-cold snap, so the birds have a fighting chance too. Meantime: Holiday events ramp up big time tonight – so the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide is the big source of our highlights:
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: The monthly local-authors series at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, co-sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, continues 4-6 pm today with Nicole Hardy, author of “Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin.” Details here. (2600 SW Barton)
FESTIVUS WITH THE TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library Festivus fundraising gala, 6 pm in the dance studio at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. No cover charge; any funds raised go toward maintenance and potentially enhancement of WSTL operations. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food, music, silent auction, kids’ activities, used tool sale, more; new details (and the “Seinfeld” clip to which Festivus traces its roots) are in our Thursday preview. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
ALOHA FRIDAY AT CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly Corner Bar has an “Aloha Friday” theme tonight, even featuring Hawaiian music – perfect way to beat the chill; just throw on a coat over your aloha shirt/muu muu/etc. on the way there. 6 pm; details on the HPIC website. (12th/Holden)
HUSKY’S OPEN HOUSE: Tonight brings the ever-popular Husky Deli Holiday Open House in The Junction, 6-9 pm. (4721 California SW)
OLG TREE LIGHTING/FOOD DRIVE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School will hold its annual tree lighting at the highest point in the city. 7 pm: “Join us for holiday cheer – tree-lighting ceremony, caroling with OLG Parish Choir, hot cocoa and cookies, arts and crafts for the little ones. Help fill the sleigh! Bring your non-perishable food items for our neighbors in need.” (35th/Myrtle)
WSCO CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ holiday season concert, “Winter’s Variations” – first time WSCO has performed on a Friday night, and it includes the debut of the new WSCO Woodwind Ensemble. 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium.
(2600 SW Thistle)
CHAMBER CONCERT: Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale‘s concert “The Mystery of Christmas,” Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7:30 pm. Details and ticket info on the Musica Sacra website. (42nd/Genesee)
OPENING NIGHT FOR TWELFTH NIGHT: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” based on the holiday-movie favorite of the same name. 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtimes at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
Even more on our year-round calendar! And be sure to peruse the Holiday Guide to see the many, many, many ways in which you can get festive in the days and nights ahead …
Just in from Sustainable West Seattle and the WS Tool Library – new details about tomorrow night’s all-ages Festivus party and fundraiser – the only public Festivus festivities announced in our area so far this season o’joy. In the spirit of the alternate holiday envisioned in the classic TV series “Seinfeld” (clip above), “airing of grievances and feats of strength will be included. Read on for the full lineup:
That’s the official West Seattle Junction Christmas tree, one of three in our area that will be officially lit by mid-weekend. Here’s the plan:
OLG, FRIDAY NIGHT: At 7 pm tomorrow (Friday, December 6th), you’re invited to gather beneath the highest-elevation Christmas tree in Seattle, the Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish tree at 35th/Myrtle. OLG calls it a “mingle and jingle” event – and it’s a food drive too – look for the sleigh created by Dave Fitton:
OLG hopes to fill the sleigh with canned-food donations. The event includes “caroling, cocoa, cookies, and Santa too,” continuing in the new gym north of the church right after the big tree’s lit.
JUNCTION, SATURDAY NIGHT: At 5 pm Saturday (December 7th), come to Junction Plaza Park at 42nd/Alaska for the gala West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) tree lighting. This year, local insurance agent/cowboy bandleader Brent Amacher will emcee, with performances by Endolyne Children’s Choir, the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band, and singers Jay Cates and Mark Pickerel.
DELRIDGE TRIANGLE, SATURDAY NIGHT: Also at 5 pm Saturday, a ceremony will illuminate the official White Center Christmas tree in the Delridge Triangle Veterans’ Park (right outside Mac’s Triangle Pub at Delridge/16th/Roxbury).
This weekend is brimming with other holiday happenings too – bazaars, open houses, two Christmas Ship visits, music, more – we’re continuing to add them all to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide!
(Photo courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum is decked for the holidays – just in time for a wave of special events to roll into the Alki Beach landmark. Volunteers including Bonnie Gromlich, Debbie Neifert, and Kerry Korsgaard (above) spent the past few days decorating, with an eye toward Saturday, when the museum will offer cookies and hot apple cider on its spacious porch 4-6:30 pm in honor of the Christmas Ship’s Alki visit (scheduled for 5:10-5:30).
Earlier on Saturday, you are also welcome at the museum for its monthly volunteer orientation, 11 am-1 pm – details here.
P.S. SWSHS has two other events ahead, though they’re not at the museum itself – tomorrow (Thursday) night at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), the Historical Society co-presents a free “On Stage” discussion about “Stories of the Civil War“; as part of the program, past president Judy Bentley will talk about “Free Boy,” which she co-authored, telling the story of a 13-year-old slave who escapes. The discussion precedes tomorrow night’s performance of “Little Women: The Musical,” for which SWSHS members are eligible for discounted tickets good that night only. Full details on the SWSHS website. And 4-6 pm at Westwood Village Barnes & Noble, it’s the SWSHS-co-presented “Words, Writers, West Seattle” author appearance featuring Nicole Hardy – as previewed here earlier this week.
Could it be a preview of things to come sometime this winter – maybe even later in the week? “Snowfall” graced the holiday wonderland known as the Menashe Family Lights on their first official night of the season. It’s a new feature this season, according to Josh Menashe; if it’s on, you’ll see the flakes flying from the south side of the front yard. Walking by is the best way to get a close look at so many of the megabright display’s features including the bear:
(This photo and the next four are by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Look closely between the lights for an unlit decoration – the St. Nick statue:
And look up to see the many stars … including these, on the south side of the house:
Look toward the house to see these nutcrackers standing watch by the front door:
Here’s an opening-night-only scene – Menashe family members posing for group photos under the lights – at center, your hosts for the light show, Linda and Jack Menashe:
Last but not least, a step back to see the show in all its splendor, thanks to Jeff Pond of JP Images:
You can see the Menashe Family Lights at 5605 Beach Drive SW (map) nightly.
(WSB photo, added 12:24 pm)
10:32 AM: In today’s West Seattle Sunday preview, we promised an update if blustery weather changed the plan for the Junction Hometown Holidays Santa Workshop. Here’s our first update, just in from Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose:
We have a very windy day in West Seattle, and unfortunately this will have a negative impact on Santa’s Workshop. But we’ll make do! Please be prepared for a change in plans!
The plan was to set up several tents to create a Santa photo booth and craft activities. We have serious concerns that the tents may flip in the wind gusts and create a safety hazard for families. As a result, we decided to cancel the “workshop” and we intend to create a simple Santa photo set without tents. Donna will be photographing kids in a windy open park setting as long the rains hold out.
If rain does start, we’ll move Santa to City Mouse Store for a meet and greet and you’re welcome to snap your own photos. There would be no room for photography. The weather forecast predicts a bit of rain at 11 am and then just cloudy. Wind all day.
The safety of neighborhood families was the sole reason for this change. The weather is unpredictable today, and tents can also have unpredictable behavior. We need to err on the side of safety. So sorry for the changes. But if it’s not raining, come on down for wind-filled visit and photo with Santa!
City Mouse is two doors west of the park, at 4218 SW Alaska. We’re Junction-bound shortly and will add updates/photos here as the event proceeds.
12:24 PM: Just added a photo. As Susan wrote, it’s “wind-filled,” but families (and Santa, and photographer Donna) are braving it. Hasn’t rained so far. Ultimately, it’s all good news for beneficiary WestSide Baby AND for a unique Santa-photo memory, to say the least. If you miss this one, all the Santa-photo venues we know of for this season are listed in their own section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Event and Info Guide.
1:37 PM: Via a comment below, the Junction Association says they’ve now gone to Plan B – meet-and-greet with Santa inside City Mouse – until 3 pm. $1200 raised for WestSide Baby already!
(Black turnstone, photographed last week by Mark Wangerin)
Blustery start to the weekend’s end. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide and our regular year-round calendar:
ST. JOHN’S ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR: One of two gift fairs in West Seattle today – shop from local artisans 9 am-1 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Hall; details here. (California/Hanford)
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: It’s the final day of the three-day gift fair featuring the work of Native arts/crafts creators at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle, 10 am-4:30 pm; details here. Here’s our report from a Friday visit. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, even on holiday weekends, the Farmers’ Market is there 10 am-2 pm Sundays. (44th/Alaska)
SANTA PHOTOS AND MORE IN THE JUNCTION: As previewed here last week, today is the one and only day that West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) is offering a chance for professional Santa photos; Junction Plaza Park is scheduled to become Santa’s Workshop, 11 am-3 pm, with Donna Ryan photographing Santa and kids for a suggested $15 donation to charity, plus activities for all visitors. If there are any changes because of the blustery weather, we’ll update here, as we plan to be in The Junction checking things out in advance. (42nd/Alaska) **SEE 10:36 AM UPDATE HERE**
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Got a UK-style recipe? Make it and bring the results to today’s 3 pm meetup of the West Seattle Cooking Club at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction. (6419 California SW)
‘LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL’: First matinee for the ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) holiday-season production of the classic story, 3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
‘EPIC PHOTO’ AT THE BRIDGE: Today is the day that, before The Bridge closes its original location (tomorrow is the final night), they invite patrons past and present to come join in an “epic” group photo under the readerboard, 3 pm. (35th just south of Avalon)
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 4 pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood, the Rose City Mixed Quartet performs holiday music both sacred and secular. All welcome; no admission charge. (39th/Thistle)
MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: First official night, starting at 5 pm, for West Seattle’s most-aglow home, as previewed here. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
And outside West Seattle …
POINT ROBINSON LIGHTHOUSE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: We hear now and then from groups on Vashon/Maury Islands who want to let you know what’s going on right across the water. That includes an invitation to today’s noon-4 pm Holiday Open House event at Point Robinson Lighthouse; details/map here.
North to south, you’ll find shopping specials at many independent local businesses today. But don’t just make it a one-day thing, because all season long:
The WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide includes a standing invitation for local businesses to let us know about their shopping events – open houses throughout the season, as well as this special day. Here’s what we’ve received word of for today, north to south – lots more out there, we’re sure, so if YOUR West Seattle business has something special going today, please let us know ASAP!
ADMIRAL DISTRICT
Various Admiral merchants: On behalf of his shop and fellow merchants in The Admiral District, Stu Hennessey (photo above) from Alki Bike and Board sent this roundup for today:
A variety of offers and events are happening, like West Seattle Fabric Co.‘s (2210 California SW) effort to bring the holidays back home with discounts on fabric bundles, make-and-take sewing demos, and a discount on sewing kits. They are also offering a 5% discount for nonperishable food donations. The B-Full Salon (2609 California SW) is offering gift certificates for a variety of relaxation services at 20% off.
The Atomic Boys retro toy store (4311 SW Admiral Way; proprietors Parris and Kent Sadow, photo above) is covering the tax on every purchase as well as giving away their tote bags (while supplies last) with a $50 or more purchase. Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW) has a variety of products on discount and will be serving healthy refreshments during the day. Stop in to warm up with some hot drinks. Speaking of drinks, The Cask (2350 California SW) is offering $4 draft drinks all day.
Other businesses are signed up for the big day including Mind Unwind art gallery (photo above).
BETWEEN ADMIRAL AND ALASKA JUNCTIONS
White Crane Wellness: Massage gift certificates on sale noon-4 pm; handmade wreaths on sale to benefit Pathfinder K-8 environmental-education programs. Free mugs, coffee, tea, cookies. (3435 California SW)
Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor): Anniversary sale, as detailed here. (3916 California SW)
THE JUNCTION
(Firefly proprietor Charell Estby; WSB photo taken today)
Firefly Café and Creperie: Firefly is celebrating its first anniversary! $1 for 8 or 12 oz lattes all day, free drip coffee, free apple cider with tangerine ginger for the kids, balloon artist 10 am-noon. (NE corner of California/Genesee)
(West Seattle Cyclery proprietor Brad Loetel; WSB photo taken today)
West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor): Sale today – everything is 25% off, and 2013 closeout bikes are an additional 10% off. (4508 California SW)
(Fleurt’s holiday decor; WSB photo taken today)
Fleurt (WSB sponsor): Make a purchase between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm today and get a rose! (4536 California SW)
(WSB photo: Click! early this afternoon)
Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor): Sale/trunk show/launch for Sarah Loertscher Jewelry; details here.(4540 California SW)
BETWEEN ALASKA AND MORGAN JUNCTIONS
M3 Bodyworks (WSB sponsor): One-day sale – gift-certificate deals! Buy online here. (5236 California SW)
(added) Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor): Until 2 pm, retail deals, listed here. (5619 California SW)
MORGAN JUNCTION
Second Gear Sports: From Second Gear Sports: Extended hours, free coffee and treats, $5 off a $25 purchase and $15 off $75 or more. Seahawks-themed gift items, among other things. (6529 California SW)
ALSO TODAY
Duwamish Longhouse Native Gift Fair: Day 2 of vendors offering Native-created crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and more at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle, until 4:30 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
Though a few local businesses have had trees since last weekend, today is the traditional start to Christmas tree season, and so it is Day 1 at the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot on the north side of campus. It was already bustling at midday. The HRS tree lot (a WSB sponsor again this season) has a few unique attributes: Besides being a fundraiser for the school, the tree lot gives 15 percent of its proceeds to local charities (West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, the Salvation Army’s Hickman House domestic-violence shelter). Also – it has a comprehensive website with lots of info. And this might well be the only tree lot distributing doorhangers, like the example shown here by Henry:
Holy Rosary Tree Lot is open until 9 tonight, 9 am-9 pm weekends and 2 pm-9 pm weekdays, through December 15th. And next Friday (December 6th) at 6 pm, you’re invited to the annual Celebration of Trees holiday event.
OTHER PLACES TO BUY TREES: We are continuing to update a comprehensive list in the WSB Holiday Events and Info Guide, with tree sellers from Alki to White Center; if you know of someplace we’re missing, please let us know!
It’s National Native American Heritage Day, the Duwamish Longhouse points out, as its three-day Native Holiday Gift Fair begins. Some artisans are even at work as shoppers visit, including Jimmy Price, in our photo above. Below, some of the items created and offered for sale by Louie Gong – skateboards and smartphone cases:
(See a closeup of the cases in this photo we shared on Facebook.) Most of the artists are in the main longhouse gathering room, but don’t pass through the museum area too quickly – that’s where we spotted Paul D.G. Eubanks and friend, right next to the Christmas tree:
Clothing and jewelry are among the other items you’ll see – and drinks and snacks are available for purchase too. The Duwamish Longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW (map) in West Seattle, and the gift fair continues until 4:30 pm today, then 10 am-4:30 pm again tomorrow and Sunday.
Volunteers from West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center kept their tradition of Thanksgiving giving for the encampment residents of “Nickelsville,” even though it moved on to three new locations three months ago. Center director Lee Bui shares the photos. He says the group led by Dr. Tran Hai Khanh, M.D., went to all three sites within a few hours at midday today, first Skyway, then the two encampments in central Seattle. The brought clothes and seafood gumbo and gave haircuts and vaccinations.
Bui says that while it was foggy, it was more beautiful than last year since it wasn’t raining!
The Vietnamese Cultural Center, if you haven’t been, is at 2236 SW Orchard, a block west of Delridge, and is open to the public on Saturday afternoons. This is the third year it’s brought a group of volunteers to Nickelsville – at the West Seattle site in 2011 and 2012, and now the three others – for Thanksgiving.
If you’re not having Thanksgiving with family and/or friends, you still don’t have to be alone. A room full of your neighbors is enjoying the 15th annual free community dinner presented by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering owners David and Meg Haggerty and David Meckstroth. The tables are beautifully set with centerpieces featuring donated flowers:
The kitchen crew is hard at work (last year we joined T&TS executive chef Michael Chase for an early look at everything that goes into this mega-meal):
While T&TS caters the dinner, donated desserts are welcomed every year:
And while you don’t have to be in need to come enjoy the meal – it’s truly offered as an all-community event – for anyone who is, these donations are available too:
The Haggertys’ son Andrew (below, with his dad, who is also president of the Fauntleroy Community Association) is among the volunteers helping out:
Still time to get there if you see this before 3 pm; The Hall is on the south side of the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse at 9131 California SW.
(Common Mergansers, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
Thanksgiving Day 2013 is off to a foggy start in West Seattle (see traffic cams here, and the forecast here). We wish you a joyful holiday! Here’s the annual reminder that if you are looking for information on:
–Coffee shops that are open
–Restaurants/bars that are open
–Grocery-store hours
–Beverage-store hours
–Free community dinners (there are two!)
–Morning workout opportunities
–Church services
…as always, you can find ALL that information here on WSB, in the Thanksgiving section atop the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide.
If you’re taking transit – Metro is on a Sunday schedule; the Water Taxi is not running; Washington State Ferries is on a normal weekday schedule.
If you’re looking for a way to do a good deed today – starting at 10 am, you can donate desserts and/or warm clothing at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), where the annual free community dinner happens noon-3 pm.
More to come!
Way up on a steeply pitched roof across from the Charlestown water tower, Jim Winder was hard at work today with finishing touches on the 5th edition of West Seattle Lights / Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, which debuts with a ceremony Saturday night.
We dropped by to catch him in action after he sent the official announcement about what’s new this year:
On Saturday, November 30th, West Seattle Lights will have their 5th Annual Lighting Ceremony at the home of Corey and Taylor Helmstetler at 3908 SW Charlestown. The public is invited free of charge, but attendees are asked to bring a food or cash donation for either West Seattle Food Bank or The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.
This year the Helmstetler Christmas Spectacular will have a NEW Master Of Ceremonies … a talking and singing 8 Foot Tall Snowman!!! Along with his two talking/singing Christmas Trees, Jaeley and Jaxton!
Earlier in the year we had a Name The Snowman Contest and we will be announcing the winner and the Snowman’s new name!
If you’re planning on a Santa photo with your kid(s) this season – note that the plan for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) is different this year:
The West Seattle Junction Association is hosting ONE Santa Photo fundraiser for WestSide Baby this year.
On Sunday, December 1, from 11 am – 3 pm, Junction Plaza Park will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop. With professional photography by Donna Ryan of City Mouse Studio, a suggested donation of $15 will go directly to WestSide Baby and help local families. Digital photos will be available and perfect for your holiday cards or calendars. Additionally, neighborhood businesses will host arts and crafts booths. Thank you to Curious Kidstuff, Hotwire Coffee, and Young at Art for being Santa Helpers!
Santa will also be in The Junction on December 21 and 22 for a casual meet and greet at City Mouse Store from 11 am – 3 pm. There will NOT be a photographer on site, but a special Santa moment awaits your child. WestSide Baby elves will be hosting a diaper drive, so come prepared to receive holiday cheer and give holiday help.
See the complete Hometown Holidays calendar by going here; you’ll also find it in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide, along with other local Santa photo ops around West Seattle this season, and a sleighful of other holiday info to help you plan (and enjoy!).
1:04 PM TUESDAY: Three days until the My Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown – and we have word of at least three local participants to watch for: The Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School marching bands, plus the Salty’s nutcrackers (which are teamed with the WSHS band, according to an announcement from Salty’s [WSB sponsor]). We’re hoping to get the official parade lineup so we can check for other local participants – in the meantime, please let us know if you’re part of it, or know someone from West Seattle who is. The parade starts at 9 am Friday, and runs along the route shown above, from 7th and Pine down to 5th, south on 5th to University, then turning back north on 4th until it ends at, of course, Macy’s.
10:47 AM WEDNESDAY: Thanks to Trisha for this update: “Just wanted to add that Evergreen City Ballet will also be participating with Salty’s and the bands. The ballerinas will be wearing Nutcracker costumes and marching in the parade. My daughter is a sophomore at CSIHS and will be one of them!” (Added) Also from comments, at least one West Seattle girl, a WSHS student, will be marching with the La Señoritas Sabers drill team.
Donating to your local food banks is a cool thing to do. Just ask Michelle, who shared that photo when she and her son (holding a turkey) bumped into former Mayor Greg Nickels and wife Sharon Nickels at the West Seattle Food Bank as they dropped off turkey donations over the weekend. It’s not too late for you to donate turkeys, too:
*West Seattle Food Bank, southeast corner of 35th/Morgan, until 3 pm today, 9 am-3 pm tomorrow/Wednesday
*White Center Food Bank (which also serves part of WS), southwest corner of 8th SW/SW 108th, open at 8:30 am daily through Wednesday (update on closing times: 5:30 tonight, 6 Tuesday, 7 Wednesday)
*While turkeys are not needed, a few other things are when The Hall at Fauntleroy opens its doors Thanksgiving Day for the 15th annual free community meal catered by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, whose Carol Madaio says, “We will gladly accept donations for desserts. This year we are also asking for donations of gently used/clean or new warm clothing such as coats, jackets, scarves, gloves and hats. We are also asking for blankets or throw blankets to be given to our guests in need of them. Desserts and items can be dropped off at the Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving Day after 10 am.” (They’re on the south end of the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California SW.)
These are the only Thanksgiving-week-specific donation drives we know about – but if you have anything to add, please let us know ASAP! Other holiday-giving opportunities, from collection drives to fundraising events, are listed in our Holiday Guide.
A one-of-a-kind holiday-gift sale is under way right now in the Our Lady of Guadalupe gym – devoted entirely to fair-trade items (as explained in our West Seattle Sunday preview) – and there’s a benefit bake sale, too. Above, Daphney is there with scarves; below, Kaitlyn, Hudson, and Andrew, with the 3rd-graders’ bake sale:
The bake-sale beneficiary is WestSide Baby. You can check this all out at the OLG gym – northeast corner of 35th/Myrtle – until 1:30 this afternoon.
Tom Henry is all smiles – and sporting seasonal style – as day 1 of the Holiday Open House at his Junction store JF Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) goes into mid-afternoon. As always, it’s two floors of fun and shopping:
Upstairs, you’ll find the treats, and special events such as author appearances today – West Seattle cookbook author Erin Coopey is there right now, until 3:30 – and then tomorrow, five demonstrations and clinics from knives to coffee and beyond, all listed here. If you come with a little one, don’t miss the model train running in the window; we grabbed a quick Instagram clip:
And you know it’s prime shopping if there’s a Santa sighting:
“Santa Al” was just making a cameo today, but will return for photos 10 am-1 pm on December 7th, two weeks from today. Meantime, the JF Henry open house is on until 6 today, 10 am-5 tomorrow with those aforementioned demonstrations, at 4445 California SW.
As listed in our West Seattle Saturday highlights, it’s a day full of great start-of-the-holiday-season events, many of which offer the chance to do good – help nonprofits and small businessfolk, for starters. Bazaars are often excellent places for that – like the one under way until 4 pm at Seattle Lutheran High School‘s gym (4100 SW Genesee). Above, scarves on sale with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the SLHS student council. And $10 holiday pies!
Also happening right now – an extra-special reason to stop in and see Lori and Tim McConnell at West Seattle Runner (NW corner of California/Charlestown, upstairs; WSB sponsor):
Mega-fundraiser Tracy Dart is the beneficiary – here’s why. Stop in and do some early holiday shopping at WS Runner, from apparel to gear like Garmin wristband GPS – snacks, silent auction, and a raffle too, open until 7 pm tonight.
(Trees now on sale at ‘The Seasonal Help‘ at Village Green Perennial Nursery)
Earlier this week, we launched this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide – Holiday Guide for short – and wanted to make note today of a few things in case you already have gone through it:
*Hoping to eat out on Thanksgiving? Some restaurants are open – here’s the direct link to the list we have so far
*Tomorrow’s turkey giveaway and two free community dinners Thursday are on the Thanksgiving list in the guide
*Today’s the last day to order a pie in the Pathfinder K-8 school benefit – scroll through the guide to the Holiday Fundraisers/Donation Drives section
*Christmas tree sales start today at two three locations; see the tree-lot list in the guide
The guide is also full of holiday bazaars and open houses – this weekend is big! – concerts and more. And we are continuing to update it at least once a day as we get word of more events to include – send yours to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
| Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: OLG’s ‘coldest tree lighting ever’