West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Just in from The Admiral Theater: This year’s free holiday movie, to be screened at 4 pm Sunday, December 16th, benefiting the Seattle Humane Society:
The Admiral Theater is proud to announce this year’s free community Christmas movie……drum roll please….”The Nightmare Before Christmas“.
Painstakingly and meticulously crafted, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a beautiful and unforgettable film from start to finish. It is original, funny, and moving.
Again, admission is free but we are asking for a donation to my “pet” (pun intended) charity – The Seattle Humane Society.
Bring dog/cat food, toy’s, bedding, etc. and make the holidays bright for our 4-legged friends. …
This is a classic Christmas family movie and as usual, we urge the community to show up early. It fills up fast. The movie starts at 4 PM, Sunday, December 16th.
Adding this to our West Seattle Holiday Guide – where you can find dozens of other holiday events, offerings, and giving opportunities, now through New Year’s.
Big weekend ahead for Christmas-tree buying, since December is about to arrive. If you’ve ever wandered through a Christmas tree lot and wonder which tree type was which, here’s some help: At the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) this year, there’s a special setup you can check out before you browse and buy. From left in the photo above – Norway Spruce, White Pine, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Turkish Fir, Noble Fir. This is the third year Holy Rosary has sold trees at 41st and Dakota, on the north side of its own campus (after many years at other locations), and students like Mia Presser have been visiting neighbors this week to get the word out that it’s tree time!
The doorhanger Mia’s holding (see it here, if you didn’t get one) reminds recipients not only of the location but also that part of the proceeds go again this year – 15 percent, to be specific – to West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, and the Salvation Army domestic-violence shelter Hickman House:
You also can bring food donations to the tree lot and drop them off. The Holy Rosary lot is open 4 pm-8 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 3 pm-9 pm Fridays, and 9 am-9 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Along with the trees, you’ll find wreaths and garlands, too. In case you have any trouble finding them – though it’s barely a block off California – here’s a map. They’re open daily, with the aforementioned hours, through Sunday, December 16th – and tomorrow night, you’re invited to a special community event – the first ever Holy Rosary Tree Festival, 6-9 pm Friday (November 30th):
Invite your family and friends for festive treats, crafts/activities for the kids and a LOT of holiday cheer! A professional photographer will be there to take free digital family photos. THANK YOU to Filmateria Productions for providing the photographer.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Kiwanis; that’s ‘elf’ Karl de Jong)
As you might have noticed if you travel the Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Elves have put up a banner at “Walking on Logs” as another reminder that their Community Pancake Breakfast is coming up Saturday, 7 am-11 am – ticket details and more in this WSB story. That’s one of the many events/notes you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, covering now through New Year’s. From the guide and from our regular WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up today/tonight:
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 11:15-11:45 am at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge), free and fun for the little ones.
FREE WINE TASTING: 5:30-8 pm, the December Collector’s Club wines will be showcased at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 6026 California SW. P.S. If it’s your FIRST visit to WS Cellars, you get 10 percent off your purchase – as explained here.
SHOP LATE THURSDAYS IN THE JUNCTION: After the Thanksgiving break, it’s back to this holiday-season staple – with many shops open till 9 pm (see the latest list of participants here). One special feature this week: West Seattle Fashion Night with local boutiques on the runway at Shadowland – details here.
‘THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH’: Local filmmaker Amy Benson is again showing the rough-cut version at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm, free. Something different this time: She and her filmmaking partner Scott Squire now are running a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in hopes of raising money to cover their final expenses as they get ready to go back to Nepal for one more shoot as they explore a growing threat to the lives of girls and women there.
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3062 AVALON: As previewed here last night, the next project to go before the Southwest Design Review Board for “early design guidance” is a 100-plus-unit building proposed next to another planned 100-plus-unit building, this one at 3062 SW Avalon Way. The meeting’s at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).
WESTSIDE BURLESQUE REVUE: The monthly extravaganza at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) is tonight at 9 pm (21+ only).
Update on two local teenagers’ community toy-donation drive, Holidays 4 Hope, first noted here last week:
Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill are pleased to announce that after meeting with Zippy’s Giant Burgers owner Blaine Cook this morning, the “Holidays 4 Hope” toy drive will have a donation bin at Zippy’s! The two Chief Sealth International High School seniors are collecting toys to brighten the holiday of local children. The next time you head to Zippy’s for one of their amazing burgers and vintage sodas, remember to take a new toy, book, or game to donate!
Zippy’s Giant Burgers at 9614 14th SW is the newest local site hosting a toy donation bin, joining the Original Bakery at 9253 45th Avenue Southwest, JC’s Deli at 9007 35th SW, as well as Chief Sealth International High School and Shorewood Christian School.
Please help us make a positive impact on the lives of local children and families for this holiday season! We are excited and grateful for the community support we are receiving for Holidays 4 Hope! Thank you to everyone hosting our holiday donation bins and bringing donations for the kids! We really appreciate every contribution!
For additional information on Holidays 4 Hope, contact Clint Hewitt at c.hewitt206@gmail.com or Conrad Hill at crhill2013@gmail.com
As the students write – it’s up to you now … fill those donation bins!
Four weeks till Christmas, and five nights till the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting this Saturday night! 
Today we have the lineup, so you know what to expect (and so you know you won’t miss the actual lighting if you can’t get there immediately, though the park fills up and you won’t want to wait unless you absolutely have to!):
The event’s official start is at 5 pm. The Starlite All-Stars, local musicians featured at Shadowland‘s Tuesday night singer/songwriter showcase, will start playing before then, and will continue till a few minutes after 5. That’s when Doug Baldwin from the Junction Association (and Windermere West Seattle) will introduce the emcee returning for a 4th year, West Seattle-residing radio personality Marty Riemer. He’ll be followed by ArtsWest executive director Line Sandsmark introducing a number by the “Winter Wonderettes,” the ArtsWest holiday show. They’ll be followed by the Endolyne Children’s Choir, introduced by director Amy Stagno Bokanev. You’ll also hear from West Seattle Christian Church‘s pastor Dan Jacobs (long active in Junction events – including volunteering to run the projector for summertime West Seattle Outdoor Movies) and WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland. Then at about 5:40 pm, emcee Marty introduces the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Junior Court, who will count down and light the tree. That will lead into more music by the Starlite All-Stars, as the event wraps up around quarter till six.
Please note that times are approximate – we’ve covered this since 2007 (even emceed it in ’08) and it can go a lot faster, or a little slower. Hope to see you there right from the start.
This is just one of dozens of holiday events and notes in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, updated at least once a day as the season continues – see it here.
Reminder from the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival team: “The Hi-Yu Junior Court will be at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, December 1, 7 am-11 am. Add or start your collection by getting your unique blown-glass ornament for $20. Ornaments will also be available for purchase at certain store locations, Junction Hometown Holidays events, and online. Check out westseattlehiyu.com for details.” Ornament sales benefit Hi-Yu programs. And one more reminder that applications are being accepted for this year’s Senior Court until Friday – more info in our story from last month.
The Sunday sunshine was a boon to many who wanted to get their Christmas lights up – including the small army of family and friends working on West Seattle’s biggest and brightest display at the Menashe family’s home in the 5600 block of Beach Drive. They started work at 8 this morning, Josh Menashe told us, and by the time we stopped by about five hours later, they’d made a lot of progress. We got to meet two exuberant helpers – two of Jack and Linda Menashe‘s grandchildren, Jacob Menashe‘s daughters Sophia and McKenna, who were riding in the cherry picker:
The girls helped show us some of the new/newer decorations waiting in the yard – including candy canes taller than they are:
Here’s the biggest of the light-laden stars waiting to be put up around the property:
And while some of the shrubbery already was decked with bulbs, more lights – in boxes and tubs – waited to be added to the mix:
The Menashes will continue working on their display throughout the week, and they’re expecting to officially turn the lights on at 7 pm this Saturday (December 1st) – if you want to be there, that’ll give you (and us!) time after the West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, (5 pm Saturday). Another date to note – the evening of December 15th, Santa will be at the house for photos, as a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank.
A special event tonight at West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, designer Jim Winder‘s music-synched light show at a little house on SW Charlestown across from the water tower: Singer Judy Pancoast flew cross-country for a free concert to open her holiday-season tour, visiting homes with animated Christmas-lights displays that incorporate her music. In our video, two versions of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” – and you’ll notice the dancing during the second one, since the audience was in the street, closed one night only so the concert, followed by the light show, could be enjoyed block-party style. Photos to come!
ADDED 1:53 AM: Scenes from the show, by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams:
That’s WSL mastermind Jim Winder with a wave for the crowd. Among those watching, Mike and his dad:
After the concert, the colors:
13 more scenes, ahead:
The brant are back! So reports Danny McMillin, with that photo shared via the WSB Flickr group. Meantime, two groups of highlights again for today/tonight, first, starting with a few from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
‘SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY’: We of course highly recommend “Small Business Every Day,” but if you’re making an extra effort today, note that the West Seattle Junction Association has a list of deals (including one at longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits). Also check out the fab shops in The Admiral District, on Alki, in Delridge, Morgan Junction, White Center, South Park … good things are everywhere.
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, DAY 2: The Duwamish Tribe invites you to its Longhouse in West Seattle again today for the Native Holiday Gift Fair, continuing today and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm: “Unique gifts in every price range. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon and more. Lots of snacks – frybread, baked goods, hot chocolate and more. Free admission and parking for shoppers.” 4705 W. Marginal Way SW; Friday coverage here.
CHRISTMAS TEAS BEGIN AT LA ROMANZA BISTRO: Christmas Teas on Saturday and Sundays at La Romanza Bistro (WSB sponsor) through January 6th. (More info and reservations, here.)
LIGHTING CEREMONY AND CONCERT @ WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: Tonight’s the “block party” for the Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular/West Seattle Lights display at 3908 SW Charlestown – the street will be blocked off, tonight only, between 39th and 40th, for the 7 pm gala opening-weekend lighting ceremony and a free concert by Judy Pancoast, who, as you can read here, is launching a coast-to-coast tour of homes that feature her music in their animated lighting displays. The light show is always free too – but donations to the West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation are appreciated, through the WSL website (or bring WS Food Bank donations to the show).
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest‘s holiday production continues at 7:30 tonight – full details here.
SANTA PHOTOS, CHRISTMAS TREES, MORE … find EVERYTHING holiday, here.
Now, from the regular WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOOD DRIVE: Miss the one on Friday? Another chance today, at Westwood Village, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (closed 11:30 am-12:30 pm). More info here.
HELP RESTORE SANISLO’S WETLAND: 10 am-2 pm work party today, planting trees – spend an hour, or two, or three, or four. 1812 SW Myrtle; details here on what to wear/bring.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Every Saturday, it’s scheduled to be open 12-3 pm to the public. (This is the same place that has coordinated volunteers the past two Saturdays to go to Nickelsville – as reported here.) 2236 SW Orchard.
WAYNE LOVEGROVE AT C&P: 6-8 pm, acoustic guitar, free performance at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California.
CASEY MCGILL AND ORVILLE JOHNSON: Performing at 7:30 pm tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
WEST SIDE GLORY: Billed as a “queer variety show,” this production will hit the stage at Skylark Café and Club tonight at 8 pm, 3803 Delridge Way SW. Details here.
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide: Santa Claus has arrived! First sighting, at Westwood Village – where we found Santa standing outside his new digs in the former Dress Barn location, bigger and more visible than the previous space on the breezeway. Inside, decorations plus a giving tree, with gift-giving for the Salvation Army:
Santa is presented there again for a second year by holiday-photo specialists Arthur and Associates (the Westwood schedule is here). Other Santa photo opportunities in West Seattle this season include City Mouse Studio and Store in The Junction during three Hometown Holidays Sundays, five visits at various West Seattle venues by “Santa Al,” and the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Community Pancake Breakfast on December 1st – they’re all included here (along with two “Santa Paws” events for pets!), and we’ll add any more Santa visits we hear about!
Miciana, Christianna, and Catherine with 1227 Designs are at the Duwamish Longhouse this afternoon as part of its Native Holiday Gift Fair, continuing till 5 pm today, then 10-5 again Saturday and Sunday. Once again this year, the Longhouse is full of artists and craftspersons showing and selling their creations:
That’s Karen Condos. It’s a warm, festive place to go browse and shop – 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, and it’s this weekend’s biggest craft fair/bazaar listing in the WSB Holiday Guide (with more to come later in the weekend, and next weekend too).
(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen during our stormy weather earlier this week; click image for larger view)
It’s almost ALL about the holidays today, except for our first highlight (and a few other notes you’ll find on our regular calendar):
CHIEF SEALTH ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME: A first-ever event brings a big night of basketball to the Sealth gym (2600 SW Thistle) tonight, starting at 5 pm – girls/boys scrimmages followed by the men’s/women’s alumni games; full details and lineups are in our updated preview, here.
Now, on to the holiday events and sales (SHOP LOCAL!), from the WSB West Seattle Holidays Guide:
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: 10 am-4 pm, Black Friday blood drive at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle) – details in our preview story.
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR AT THE LONGHOUSE: The Duwamish Tribe invites the public to its Longhouse in West Seattle for a Native Holiday Gift Fair, today through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm: “Unique gifts in every price range. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon and more. Lots of snacks – frybread, baked goods, hot chocolate and more. November 23rd is National Native American Heritage Day! Free admission and parking for shoppers.” 4705 W. Marginal Way SW; 206-431-1582.
(Photo added 11:40 am, barbecue at M2SO as they celebrate!)
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS 3RD ANNIVERSARY SALE: 3602 SW Alaska in The Junction, 10 am-7 pm – full details in our calendar listing. And a barbecue!
JAN’S HAPPY HOUR: Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction is having Holiday Happy Hours every Friday during the holiday season, 3-5:30 pm, offering snacks/beverages and weekly specials.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS IN THE JUNCTION: The West Seattle Junction Association website has published this guide to some of what you’ll find today (including special discounts at WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits).
TONY’S MARKET TREE SALES START: Per their sign – 9 am today is the start of tree sales at Tony’s (35th/Barton).
HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT OPENS TODAY: Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor), 3rd year for the “new location” north of the school at 41st/Dakota. As always, part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank.
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: The Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular designed by Jim Winder at 3908 SW Charlestown is scheduled to start up tonight at 5 – here’s the official season schedule. (Tomorrow is the ceremony and Judy Pancoast concert at 7 pm, with Charlestown closed in that block SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY.)
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest‘s holiday production is now on stage, 7:30 tonight – full details here.
Long before this week’s downpour brought an outpouring of help for the West Seattle encampment that calls itself Nickelsville, dozens of volunteers from the Vietnamese-American community had already planned to be there today, as they had been last Thanksgiving too. Late this morning, they were there and busy – serving hot gumbo:
… providing free haircuts:
… and giving free flu shots too:
West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center coordinated the big event again this year. Its director is Lee Bui, at center in the photo below:
The center is in its seventh year of operation and is open to the public every Saturday, noon-3 pm, at 2236 SW Orchard, across from and to the north of Delridge Home Depot.
(Santa in Macy’s Seattle Holiday Parade; photo by JC Winkler via Flickr)
Well, cheer for Santa too, if you’re going downtown for the Macy’s Holiday Parade on Friday morning – which always ends with Mr. Claus’s appearance – but we wanted to make sure you’re on the lookout for West Seattle musicians: The West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, and Denny Middle School marching bands have announced they’ll be in it; and when you see the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder go by, yell hi to West Seattleite Michelle Edwards. (Anybody else?) The parade starts at 9 am Friday “at 7th and Pine, then travel(s) west down Pine St. to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to University Street, west on University to 4th Avenue, and then north on 4th to Macy’s doorstep,” as described on the Macy’s website.
Michael Chase is one of the busiest cooks in West Seattle today. Actually, he’s not only a cook – he’s a chef – Executive Chef, to be precise, for Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering at The Hall at Fauntleroy. We watched him in action early this morning as he and volunteer helper Adam worked to get everything going for this afternoon’s free community Thanksgiving dinner (noon-3 pm).
The stacks and stacks of pans include stuffing made with 8 sheets of focaccia and 30 pounds of sausage. Then there’s six pans of Carrots Provencale, with olives and garlic cloves in the sauce (and a basil garnish when it’s all done).
Back in the walk-in cooler, 5 pans of homemade cranberry sauce – plus the groundwork for simple pasta with marinara sauce, for vegetarian guests:
Here’s the real secret: We thought we’d find ovens and ovens full of roasting turkeys. Actually, Chase – who’s been with T&TS for 15 years – roasts turkey breasts: 12 of them, split, so, 24 pieces in all:
Here’s where you come in: If you are coming to dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy, bring a dessert if you can. Not mandatory. Even if you’re not, you are welcome to donate – drop one off any time – the doors should be open now. And again, ALL are welcome for dinner – it’s not just for those in need – it’s a gift to the community that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes has offered for years now. Noon-3 pm, on the south side of the old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – right next to a beautiful wooded ravine:
There’s parking behind the schoolhouse, accessible from its south/west side, by the way, and it’s right on the RapidRide bus line. (The Fauntleroy dinner details are part of the comprehensive Thanksgiving guide – and beyond! – on the WSB Holidays page.)
As the holiday begins, just a quick reminder that if you are looking right now for:
–Coffee shops that are open
–Restaurants that are open
–Supermarket hours
–Beverage-store hours
–Free community dinners
–Morning workout opportunities
…we have compiled ALL that information in the Thanksgiving section atop the WSB West Seattle Holidays page.
And if you’re taking the bus today, Metro is on a Sunday schedule. More to come!
West Seattle’s generosity has manifested yet again in the outpouring this week for flooded Nickelsville – and many other gestures of help, such as donations to food banks. Here’s another chance to give big, in small ways, this season: Chief Sealth International High School seniors Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill are launching their senior project, a toy drive they’re calling “Holidays 4 Hope.” Above, they’re with the team at JC’s Deli, one of the dropoff spots they’ve already lined up, and they’re looking for more. Here’s their story:
Families continue struggling with the ongoing impact of a slow recovery from the great recession; we asked ourselves how we as high-school students might be able to help.
Knowing how young children look forward to the holidays, we decided to see if we could make a difference for some local families in the South Park Community area. Through local sponsors, we have purchased holiday donation bins that we have located throughout the West Seattle community. Our goal is to gather new toys, books, games and stuffed animals for ages 3-10 years old, to donate to the holiday party “Winter Fest” at South Park Community Center, who we are working with on this project. It is our intention that “Holidays 4 Hope” will continue and grow in future years.
Our greatest need at this time is making people aware of “Holidays 4 Hope”. Donation bins are located in local West Seattle businesses who are sharing the “Holidays 4 Hope” on their websites or e-mail notices to their customers. So far we have donation bins located in a few local businesses.
We have one located at The Original Bakery, owner Bernie Alonzo, who is a great supporter. Also, we have just placed a donation bin inside a new deli right on 35th ave across from the Southwest library called JC’s Deli, whose owner is Jeanette Cummings. I am hoping to have one more spot somewhere in West Seattle area to place a final donation bin that has already been sponsored. Since these businesses are helping me out, I hope they would get new and more customers from their great support. We are encouraged by the response so far, but realize that starting up this endeavor will require hard work and persistence.
So their request for you is twofold: 1. Donate toys at those dropoff spots; Original Bakery is at 45th and Wildwood in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne mini-business district; JC’s Deli is at 35th and Henderson, across from Southwest Library. Join Ms. Forsell‘s third-grade class from Shorewood Christian School, which has already done its part:
2. If you have a business that could host a dropoff bin, contact Conrad and Clint at crhill2013@gmail.com and c.hewitt206@gmail.com.
Even before Thanksgiving, it’s tree time! We took the top photo at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon) this morning, as they continued setting up this year’s trees. We also have heard from West Seattle Produce (Fauntleroy south of Alaska), which has trees and will be open 9 am-9 pm daily (after Thanksgiving) through December 23rd. And trees are on sale at Junction TrueValue (Edmunds/44th). On Friday, even more tree lots open for the season – the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (on the north side of the 42nd/Genesee school again this year) and Tony’s Market (35th and Barton); on Saturday, Son-In-Law Tree Farm opens in the old Charlestown Café lot (California/Charlestown). We’ll be checking for others, and continuing to update the list that is part of our comprehensive West Seattle holiday-event/information guide.
Two days till Thanksgiving! From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, and updates we’ve received, some reminders today:
DONATE DESSERTS FOR HALL AT FAUNTLEROY’S FREE DINNER: West Seattle’s most famous free holiday meal is at The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thursday afternoon, noon-3 pm. They have the volunteer help and the main/side dishes – but what they REALLY need, we’re reminded by Carol from Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering, is donated desserts, whether you’re going to the dinner or not. You can drop off a dessert donation tomorrow (Wednesday) between 10 am and 3 pm, or after 9 am on Thanksgiving Day. The Hall is on the south side of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse at 9131 California SW.
ANOTHER FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER: If you’re planning to dine a little later but would like to take advantage of a free feast just the same, join the West Seattle Eagles, whose annual “Thanksgiving to Remember” is 2-5 pm at their HQ next to the post office in The Junction.
LOOKING FOR A RESTAURANT OPEN THANKSGIVING? Here’s our list so far – we’ve made dozens of calls, but please let us know if something’s missing, or changed – editor@westseattleblog.com
WONDERING WHICH WEST SEATTLE GROCERY STORES ARE OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY? Here’s our list with that info.
FOOD BANK HELP BEFORE THE HOLIDAY: Here again are our updates on the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank, both of whom are accepting donations through tomorrow (or, follow those links to their websites and give cash, which goes even further):
–WS Food Bank here – they tell WSB today that they need “canned hams for distribution to homeless communities”
–WC Food Bank here – they tell WSB today that the big need is “turkeys, turkeys, turkeys”
Again, all of this and MUCH more (including Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s info) is on the WSB Holidays page – which you can find any time from its red-type tab atop the page.
Good news for West Seattle Lights-lovers … Monday’s mini-windstorm didn’t wreak too much havoc with designer Jim Winder‘s setup at the Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular HQ on SW Charlestown, across from the water tower. Just one star was damaged, Jim told us last night. In fact, despite the resurgent rain, he kept an early-evening appointment with WSB to run through one lights-synched song, which you can see in our clip above. (The audio’s somewhat muddied by the rain and wind, but the lights are big and bright!)
Some things you’ll want to know, especially if you missed our November 1st preview report:
-The lights launch Friday night; the schedule is on the official website – note the “special shows” for Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve (which is the final night of the season).
-The official lighting ceremony is Saturday night, with the free Judy Pancoast concert, at 7 pm. DIFFERENT THIS YEAR: Charlestown will be blocked off, that night only, for that block only – so come enjoy the block-party atmosphere! And bring donations for the West Seattle Food Bank; you can also make cash donations, which will be split between WS Food Bank and NW Parkinson’s Foundation (as explained on this webpage – where you also can donate $ any time).
How many lights? Jim is STILL adding them. You’ll find plenty of numbers on the website’s “Fun Facts” page, but there might not be a final tally till showtime! This is the fourth year we’ve covered this extravaganza, which keeps getting literally bigger and brighter.
On the holiday hunger-fighting front … first, a few scenes from the Beer Church Turkey Bowl:
That’s West Seattle Food Bank‘s Charlie Workman during last night’s benefit at WS Bowl, as he rolled what turned out to be a strike:
According to the Beer Church Facebook page, Mission won the trophy … and the WS Food Bank is the big winner. Congrats again to tireless organizers Kendall and Kim Jones:
Their update says the final tally’s not in yet, but expects it to amount to “thousands and thousands” of donated dollars and pounds (of food).
This morning, we checked in on the White Center Food Bank‘s turkey collection, which hit the road for a pre-Thanksgiving dropoff stop outside Fauntleroy Church:
WC Food Bank executive director Rick Jump was there loading donated turkeys into the refrigerated van. He told us they’d seen a good turnout of donors during the dropoff window. You can also drop off food the next few days – and just as important, volunteer some hours to get it distributed – here are the specifics.
Ready to go into all-out holiday mode? The WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page is now live – the one-stop guide to what’s happening now through New Year’s in our area, everything from free Thanksgiving dinners to Santa photos, tree lightings, bazaars, tree lots, the Christmas Ship’s stops, and MUCH more. We will continue to update it daily (if not more often) throughout the season, as we have always done, and we in fact have a few more things to add this morning. Meantime, the following is a quick roundup of today’s calendar highlights, including several ways to provide holiday help (you can always get the FIRST look by checking in now and then on our regular calendar):
WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK TURKEY DROPOFF IN WEST SEATTLE: They’ll have a refrigerated van at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) at 11 am. Details, and other ways to help WC Food Bank, in our roundup from earlier this week.
Also today:
(From the OLG bake sale – thanks to Toddy for the photo!)
FAIR TRADE SALE, ADVENT BAZAAR, BAKE SALE: Happening now till 1 pm in the new gym at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 35th and Myrtle – details on the calendar
BUY PANCAKE BREAKFAST TICKETS AT FARMERS’ MARKET: 13 days till the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast December 1st at Alki Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), as explained in our preview story – while you’re at the Farmers’ Market today, look for their booth and buy your tickets in advance (adult tickets are $1 cheaper in advance).
J.F. HENRY OPEN HOUSE CONTINUES: The houseware/kitchenware/gift store in The Junction (WSB sponsor) is continuing its open house today, 10 am-5 pm, with cookies, cocoa, discounts, and surprises – just stop in.
Even if you’re not ready to buy holiday gifts, maybe you need something new to cook Thanksgiving dinner – they have pans, utensils, a big array of cookware. Holiday decorations too. More details here – and don’t miss getting a free coupon for knife sharpening!
KNIT FOR A CAUSE – HELP SANDY SURVIVORS: Today’s the day you can drop in at Seattle Yarn or Stitch & Sew Studio to join a knit-in/sew-in/create-in to make hats, gloves, scarves for the East Coast residents who survived Superstorm Sandy, 10 am-5 pm. Or, if you have already made – or bought! – them, just drop the items off. Here’s our original story.
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT FAIR CONCLUDES: 11 am-2 pm, you have one more chance to shop at Fauntleroy Church‘s holiday sale/show of local artists’ work.
WINE AND CHEESE EVENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH FARMERS’ MARKET: 11:30 am-2 pm, Mountain Lodge Farm and Bin 41 are doing a wine/cheese tasting promoted by the West Seattle Farmers Market, at Bin 41 (next to KeyBank on southwest side of California/Alaska). Details here.
WEST SEATTLE ROTARY’S HANDBAG LUNCH: Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s purses/wallets/handbags champagne brunch, noon at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW), details here – if you haven’t pre-registered, drop by to see if there’s still room.
WEST SEATTLEITE LEADS ‘WOODSTICK’: Once again this year, West Seattleite Donn Bennett is organizing “Woodstick Big Beat” as part of a world-record attempt for drumming, 2-4 pm at the Juanita Fieldhouse. Details in the calendar listing.
TWO BROTHERS WINERY RELEASE EVENT: 3-5 pm, 3902 California SW, the first release of Two Brothers Winery‘s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The 2009 Cabernet and Merlot come from the prestigious Red Mountain AVA in the Columbia Valley.
SHIPWRECK TAVERN FAREWELL: As reported here earlier this week, Shipwreck Tavern is closing after tonight. They’re going out with a show tonight including two hot local acts, Daughters of the Dead Sea and Hobosexual, 9 pm.
Nothing says Christmas like … robotics. No, the robot’s not for sale, but many other handmade items are, at Seattle Lutheran High School‘s first-ever Holiday Bazaar, continuing till 5 pm. And robotics-team members are on hand as an added attraction – in our photo are SLHS junior Carina Andrews and senior Tyler Andrews. The bazaar has filled the gym:
Even if you’re not ready to shop for gifts yet, maybe decorations?
The bazaar and accompanying raffle and bake sale – complete with holiday-music soundtrack! – are scheduled to continue until 5. The gym entrance is on SW Genesee at 40th.
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