West Seattle, Washington
21 Friday
(The Olympics, glowing in this morning’s light; thanks to Shannon for the photo!)
Today’s highlights are almost all holiday-related, with a few exceptions. From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page and Events calendar:
TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION CHANGES TODAY: No West Seattle Water Taxi service; Metro is on the “reduced weekday” schedule … P.S. Parking meters/pay stations in Seattle DO charge today, no holiday.
GOVERNMENT NOTES: Most government offices are closed. Seattle Public Library branches are open (if they’re usually open on Fridays); city-run community centers are closed.
HIGH TIDES: This is the so-called “king tide” time of year; next high tide is around 3:30 this afternoon, 12 feet. (Here’s the chart.)
PARADE DOWNTOWN: Chief Sealth International High School‘s marching band is part of the lineup for the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown, which starts at 9 am (more info here)
LOCAL BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: See the West Seattle Holidays page for a sampling of what West Seattle brick-and-mortar businesses are offering.
GIFT FAIR AT THE LONGHOUSE: The Duwamish Tribe invites its West Seattle neighbors to its Longhouse Thanksgiving weekend for a Native Holiday Gift Fair today through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. It is a chance to buy directly from native artists and craft persons. There will be lots of holiday spirit and a big lighted tree. Unique gifts in every price range. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, t-shirts, coffee and more. Lots of snacks–frybread, baked goods, hot chocolate and more. Free admission and parking. 4705 W Marginal Way SW. More information at 206-431-1582 or duwamishtribe.org.
SANTA PHOTOS: Daily photos with Santa at Westwood Village (breezeway just east of Bed Bath Beyond). Carolers today, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, and each Saturday thereafter. Giving tree for the Salvation Army. Hours and Santas listed here.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES: The new Charlestown/California lot opens today; more listed on the Holidays page.
BURLESQUE: Special Friday show tonight at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm (3308 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC: Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm (5612 California SW) … Black Bangs performs live with special guest Kathleen Wheeler at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm (6451 California SW)
That’s Lee Bui, director of the Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle, and daughter Lynda Bui. We photographed them late this morning at the encampment that calls itself Nickelsville – where a flock of volunteers from the Vietnamese community had come to provide both a feast …
… and flu shots (with the help of pharmacist Dr. Rosalie T. Nguyen)!
Lee Bui organized the huge Thanksgiving gift, explaining that every year, the center gets holiday solicitations for help, and usually donates money. But, he said, he drives by Nickelsville each day (taking his wife to work) – and after stopping to get a firsthand look, decided to organize something more meaningful this holiday season. (He says they’ll be back for Christmas, too.) The volunteers gathered under canopies for the operation; the only place to warm up was a campfire nearby:
The Vietnamese Cultural Center is in its sixth year of operation at 2236 SW Orchard just west of the Tug Inn, north of Home Depot; they’re open to the public for visits/tours noon-3 on Saturdays.
(P.S. A chance for you to help residents of Nickelsville is coming up on December 3, when Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights has organized a “stuff the bus” event – here’s our recent report with details.)
Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering‘s kitchen at The Hall at Fauntleroy is bustling right now – we dropped by to see the comings-and-goings shortly before they started serving their traditional catered free Thanksgiving dinner (everyone’s welcome, till 3 pm, 9131 California SW). In addition to T&TS team members, volunteers abound – including those sorting through donating clothing items that are available for anyone in attendance who needs them:
This is one of three free-dinner events in West Seattle extending an open invitation to anyone and everyone this afternoon – the West Seattle Eagles are serving a “Thanksgiving to Remember” at their aerie (4426 California SW), and Good News Christian Fellowship invites everyone to the free dinner they’re serving 1:30-5 pm at the St. James building, 9421 18th SW.
(UPDATED LATE AFTERNOON after a drive around WS revealed a few more “open” signs)
(Photo by Machel Spence, mushroom in Lincoln Park at sunset)
Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s our first round of showcased info from the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, which is where you will find even more info, including free workouts, free dinners, church services…
WHO’S OPEN FOR COFFEE: Here’s who told us they’d be open:
Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), 4410 California SW, 8 am-2 pm
(Barista George on duty this morning @ C&P)
C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, 7 am-1 pm
Beachside Café, 61st/Alki, 8 am-1 pm
Bird on a Wire Espresso, 35th/Henderson, 7 am-2 pm
Caffe Fiore,, 2206 California SW, 7 am-noon
Caffe Ladro, 7011 California SW, 7 am-2 pm
Café Rozella, 9434 Delridge Way, 7:30 am-noon
Cupcake Royale, California/Alaska, 8 am-noon
Diva Espresso, open 8 am-1 pm
Freshy’s Coffee, 2735 California SW, 8 am-1 pm
Java Bean Organic Coffee House, 2920 SW Avalon Way, 7 am-2 pm
Pioneer Coffee, 2536 Alki SW, 7 am-11 am
Red Cup Espresso, 4451 California SW, 7 am-noon
Starbucks Alki, Morgan Junction, Admiral Way, 5:30 am-4 pm
Starbucks drive-through on Avalon Way, 5:30 am-5 pm
Thriftway coffee bar, California/Fauntleroy, open 5 am-4 pm (updated closing time)
Tully’s on Alki, open 6 am-4 pm
Uptown Espresso at California/Edmunds, 6 am-2 pm
Uptown Espresso at Delridge/Andover, 7:45 am-3 pm
GROCERY STORES OPEN TODAY:
Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), 2320 42nd SW, open til 2 pm
QFC, 42nd/Alaska and Westwood Village, open til 6 pm
Safeway, 4754 42nd SW/2622 California SW/9620 28th SW, regular 24-hour schedule
West Seattle Thriftway, California/Fauntleroy 5 am-6 pm
RESTAURANTS OPEN TODAY: Note, this is by no means an all-inclusive list – it’s who answered our calls for “let us know if you’re open” plus what we found online.
A Terrible Beauty (hours ?)
Be’s Restaurant, 8 am-2 pm
Christo’s on Alki 8 am-1:30 pm
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 4 pm-2 am
The Thaitan, with full menu and delivery
The Bridge sent the most detailed announcement:
The Bridge will be open from 4 pm-2 am on Thanksgiving with bar service only. We are offering our full menu till 1 am, as well as our fresh sheet, which features an all-out tribute to Turkey! Turkey Chili, Turkey Tetrazzini, Open Faced Turkey Sandwich, Turkey Dinner (Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy). For dessert, we are offering Pumpkin Cupcakes with a caramel center topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting!
(added 4:23 pm) Just drove around town looking for “OPEN” signs and saw a few more: Puerto Vallarta and Maharaja in The Junction; Admiral Pub with a marquee “free dinner till 6, donated money goes to diaper drive”; Alki Tavern; and even Admiral Jack in the Box)
Again, check the WSB West Seattle Holidays page for today’s free workouts and dinners.
TRANSPORTATION P.S. No Water Taxi; Metro is on Sunday schedule; Washington State Ferries have varying schedules; metered city parking is free today.
No major events today/tonight – but we have some holiday reminders and updates:
PUT THE GIVING IN THANKSGIVING: Last chance today to help out your local food banks before Thanksgiving. White Center Food Bank, we’re told, is low on everything – turkeys, boxed food, canned food, you name it. The yellow tent in our photo is in their parking lot for holiday food distribution; just head on over to 8th and 108th and drop off whatever you can give, by 7 tonight.
OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: We’ve got a list on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – and we also got a tip that WestSide Baby is out of coats. (Their ongoing “wishlist” is part of our giving list – and if you know of more giving opportunities, please keep ’em coming so we can add to it.)
FREE THANKSGIVING DINNERS: The Hall at Fauntleroy, the West Seattle Eagles aerie, and St. James Annex are three places you’ll find them tomorrow, all also on the Holidays page. We don’t have any current calls for volunteers, but the Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes-catered dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy always welcomes pies and cookies to be dropped off, today, or tomorrow morning. (9131 California SW)
THANKSGIVING ‘WHO’S OPEN FOR COFFEE’ LIST: It’s done! We’ll post it on the home page tomorrow morning for quick reference, but today, if you’re making a plan, find it on the Holidays page.
THANKSGIVING RESTAURANTS LIST: We have a few on the Holidays page and are putting out the call one more time – if you own, or know of, a restaurant that will be open for all or part of Thanksgiving, please let us know so we can add it. We’ll be making phone calls later but a quick note would be appreciated if you see this first! P.S. Shoutout to The Thaitan, whose proprietor Pop was the first to e-mail us to say he’ll be open with a full menu AND delivery tomorrow.
SPEAKING OF RESTAURANTS: Shop local on Black Friday and you’ll get 25 percent off your meal at Fresh Bistro (WSB sponsor) that day for showing a West Seattle shop receipt for $50 or more.
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUEST: Update on the popular synched-to-music Helmstetler Family Spectacular/West Seattle Lights show that starts this weekend (here’s our check-in from last Sunday) – Jim Winder sent word that Zach Scott of Seattle Sounders FC will be the special celebrity guest for the lighting ceremony at 7 pm Saturday (across from the Charlestown water tower). As Jim notes, that’s particularly appropriate since they’re collecting donations this weekend for the family of Ed Kingston, the volunteer soccer coach who died suddenly last month while coaching his son’s team at Riverview Playfield. (Zach made a West Seattle visit back in September, at the Lafayette Elementary playground dedication.)
TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No West Seattle Water Taxi tomorrow or Friday; Metro will be on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving, a reduced-weekday schedule on Friday.
Admiral Theater boss Dinah Brein says, “It’s that time again……time to decide the annual Free Admiral Theater Xmas Movie. We’ve already shown Elf, A Christmas Story and Jim Carrey’s A Christmas Carol. We want something both kid friendly and adult friendly.” Got any suggestions? E-mail her at admiraltheater@gmail.com. They’ll also take up a collection for charity that night, too; the movie will be screened one night the week before Christmas.
From Seattle Police – timely advice to reduce the chance you’ll become a holiday-season crime victim: What to do/not to do when you’re away OR at home – all the way down reminders about Christmas lights and charity solicitations. Check out Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon‘s latest newsletter here (PDF).
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Nursery)
West Seattle’s first Christmas trees of the season have arrived. West Seattle Nursery received its first shipment on Sundays – Noble Firs – and kindly gave us permission to use a photo. Christmas-tree availability is part of what we’re updating again this year on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – who’s got them, where and when. (WSN’s Marcia Bruno tells us that the “natural nobles” arrive sometime today, and also that their tree prices will be lower this year, since they got a better deal from suppliers. We also just got word of a new tree lot in progress, heading out to check on that!) The Holidays page is updated multiple times daily with the newest holiday information. Right now, you’ll find Thanksgiving info at the top, including Thursday’s free dinners and workouts, supermarket hours, and (a WSB tradition) where to find coffee on the holiday.
Thanks very much to everyone who has already sent holiday event listings and other holiday-related info, and we renew the request for YOU to send anything and everything that might be relevant to the Holidays page – bazaars, sales, concerts, parties open to the public, Santa photos, Christmas ships, Hometown Holidays, gift-wrapping events, businesses’ holiday hours (including restaurants/coffee shops open Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or New Year’s Day), and places/people that could use YOUR help this holiday season (from donation drives to giving trees to ongoing nonprofit wishlists). E-mail is our favorite way to get info (editor@westseattleblog.com) but we have other options listed here if that’s more convenient for you. Thanks and happy holidays!
On a cold, cloudy Sunday afternoon, what better place to be than … up on the roof. Jim Winder, mastermind of the Helmstetler Family Spectacular synchronized light show atop his friends’ home across from the Charlestown water tower, was hard at work continuing to put up features when we stopped by. It’s the kind of light show that manages to look impressive even unlit, in daylight:
This year more than 60,000 lights will flash and dance atop, on the sides of, in front of, etc., the house, including high-rise features he was still working on this afternoon:
If you haven’t seen this show the past two years (WSB 2009 coverage is here, 2010 coverage here) – you can get an idea from the videos on the site Jim has set up, westseattlelights.com (here’s the page of 2010 songs, just for starters). One thing you’re going to want to look closely for when you stop by – the new West Seattle Food Bank donation bin out front:
They’re also collecting cash donations – the first weekend, everything will go to the family of Ed Kingston, the volunteer soccer coach who died suddenly last month after suffering a heart attack while coaching his son’s team. They’ll be collecting through the season for the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, too. 7 pm Saturday night (November 26th), the lights go on! Lots more info here.
A long line as always this morning along 39th south of Oregon for the Eastridge Church turkey giveaway. This year, Eastridge had 1,000 turkeys and grocery bags to give away, split between their two campuses, West Seattle and the Eastside. We checked out the setup just as it was getting under way – here are some of the amassed bags of groceries:
Eastridge has been doing this for nine years, starting at its Issaquah campus before expanding to West Seattle.
5-8 pm tonight, it’s your first of three chances to browse and shop this year’s Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show. It’s at Fauntleroy Church, 9140 California SW; we dropped by a bit earlier this afternoon for a quick peek, and spotted the Fauntleroy Y Piecemakers – who are the only participants displaying their work, not selling it. Here’s the list of participants. If you can’t get there tonight, 11 am-3 pm tomorrow and 11 am-1 pm on Sunday.
(October photo of Nickelsville, by Kevin McClintic)
On a cold morning, with possible snow showers looming, people are still sleeping outdoors all over the city – including more than 100 in the West Seattle encampment that calls itself Nickelsville. Nichole, the Active Living Director at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), says residents choose a community service project this time of year, and they’ve chosen to adopt Nickelsville, but they need YOUR help to really make it big. She is planning an event to gather donations – with collections starting immediately, and a “Stuff the Bus” day on December 3rd, 10 am-4 pm. She toured the encampment this week and has this list of needs so far:
Tarps
Tents
Firewood
Wool socks
Female hygiene supplies
Blankets
Camp Stoves
Propane for Camp Stoves
Canned food
Before the actual “stuff the bus” event, you can still drop off items 7 days a week, 8 am-8 pm. Nichole also hopes to put up a giving tree, so that on December 3rd, you can pick up a tag and bring back a gift. She says, “My residents are 100% behind this and very excited to have a project where they can make an impact on the homeless community.” She’s still collecting information about other needs at the camp, and we’ll add it when available. Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights is at 2326 California SW.
Though West Seattle artist Debbie Numoto is gone, her art lives on – and it’s back at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) for the holiday season. Here’s the announcement from Illusions:
They’re Baaaaack!
Illusions is proud to announce that we are again featuring the “Snowman” artwork of West Seattle resident (the late) Debbie Dawn Numoto. Debbie was a long time client and friend of Illusions, and for over a decade she has been our featured artist on our art walls during the holiday season. Many knew her because of her many years of employment at NW Art and Frame.
Realizing that her artwork is one of the most highly anticipated showings each year, her family has graciously offered to loan us some of her favorite pieces and framed originals belonging to friends & family. These will not be for sale but will be featured for the public to come and view during regular business hours through the end of December. Fortunately her family has also provided a LIMITED number of her SIGNED prints from her collection available for $25 each.
If you never saw her work please stop by. If you have pieces hanging on your walls, this will be a great opportunity for one last time to admire the incredible life she gave to her many other paintings. Illusions has been honored to be able to showcase her paintings and are thankful for what Debbie has brought to our community as an artist and as a friend.
Ms. Numoto died of cancer three months ago at the age of just 49; here’s the obituary published on WSB.
Our previous report listed free dinners in West Seattle on Thanksgiving. Now, here’s YOUR chance to help people in need. Two local food banks are accepting turkeys and other food donations this weekend. First, from the West Seattle Food Bank:
Frozen turkeys and other food donations will be gratefully accepted at the West Seattle Food Bank on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM and on Monday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Pull into our parking garage off Morgan St. just east of 35th Ave. SW [map]. Contact us at 206-932-9023 for additional hours for donations on site.
Also, donations can be accepted during the Turkey Bowl on Saturday from 5:30 PM-8:00 PM at West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave. SW.
We published the White Center Food Bank turkey-drive announcement earlier; they’re requesting frozen turkeys and chickens this Saturday, 9 am-7 pm, at their HQ, 10829 8th SW [map]. Here’s our original announcement, which also includes contact information if you want to find out about other dropoff hours.
One week till Thanksgiving, and we have word of three FOUR free dinners that day in West Seattle. Even if you don’t want/need to go, maybe someone you know does – so help get the word out! Note that one of these is asking both for advance RSVP, and also for volunteers:
YOUNGSTOWN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER: Philippia Goldsmith says they’re looking for “families who have no other place to go for the holidays and need/want to join other local families for a good meal.” Families, please RSVP ASAP to Renée at renee.hipp12@gmail.com. This dinner has some needs, too:
Volunteers to donate a side dish
Volunteers to help with set up and teardown of the space
Entertainment (mostly music and/or board games for the kiddos)
If you can help with any of those, e-mail Phillippia at phillippiagoldsmith@live.com. (Youngstown is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.)
THE HALL AT FAUNTLEROY: Once again this year, Tuxedoes and Tennis Shoes Catering is putting on its famous free community Thanksgiving meal. And as usual, they say they already have plenty of volunteers – BUT they welcome pies and cookies to be donated for dessert. You can start bringing them down the day before Thanksgiving, or that morning. The dinner will be noon-3 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California SW. Questions? 206-932-1059.
ST. JAMES ANNEX: On the south end of West Seattle – considered by some as the north end of White Center – Good News Christian Fellowship plans to offer a free Thanksgiving dinner, 1:30 to 5:00 pm, at St. James Annex, 9421 18th Avenue SW. All welcome, and they’re also welcoming “donations of food, cash, and clothing.” Contact Michael Spann at 206-854-2245 or michaelspann206@gmail.com to contribute (or inquire).
(added) WEST SEATTLE EAGLES: Just got word that the WS Eagles will again be having a free community Thanksgiving dinner: “Come and enjoy a mouth-watering homemade feast with your fellow West Seattleites. Dinner served from 2-5 PM. Everyone is welcome. Please use the door nearest the alleyway.” Their aerie is at 4426 California SW; call (206) 938-4426 with questions.
Any others? Let us know ASAP as our West Seattle Holidays page is almost ready to go up, and this information will all be there, along with other giving – and enjoying! – opportunities throughout the season. (editor@westseattleblog.com)
With Christmas getting closer, you might be thinking about Santa Claus. He tends to appear in West Seattle’s two major shopping spots each season: The Junction, and Westwood Village. Both are changing it up a bit this season:
THE JUNCTION: We’ve already briefly mentioned this year’s schedule for Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB). 
The schedule includes three Sunday visits by Santa Claus, at City Mouse Studio and Store. The first two, December 4th and 11th, offer professional photographs, for a donation of (at least) $15 that benefits West Seattle charities; on December 18th, no photographer, but you are welcome to bring your own camera for a DIY picture with Santa (charity donations encouraged). The hours for all three Sundays will be 11 am-3 pm. You’ll find Hometown Holidays fun at California/Alaska 11 am-4 pm each of those days too, and mule-drawn carriage rides till 3 pm on Dec. 11 and 18. (Other HH events are listed here.)
WESTWOOD VILLAGE: When WSB Forums members wondered aloud about Santa plans for this year, Luckymom30 discovered a big change – Arthur and Associates is taking over. Westwood Village, you may recall, has new ownership, and new management; we pinged WV assistant general manager Andy Thompson to ask about the holiday change. He says, “It will be different, but … we think it will be better.” Instead of Santa making only weekend-afternoon appearances as in past years, he will be at WV daily from November 25th through Christmas Eve, morning through early evening. The center also plans to have carolers make regular appearances – Friday, November 25th, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, and then those same hours every Saturday through Christmas Eve. There’ll be a Giving Tree to help kids in need through the Salvation Army. (We are waiting to hear back from Arthur and Associates to confirm WV photo pricing; in past years, photos were free with a food-bank donation.) 2 other notes: “Black Friday” means 12:01 am Target shopping at WV, according to Thompson, and they’re working with Barnes & Noble on setting up gift wrapping “for the entire shopping center.” (We’ve already heard Sanislo Elementary is planning to be there on November 27th.)
ADDED 2:44 PM: Just heard back from David Mickelson at Arthur and Associates, who says they asked the popular Westwood Santa “if he would be interested in continuing,” but, Mickelson says, he wasn’t. Read on for more of what he had to say about their 68-year-old Seattle-based company and its Westwood plans:Read More
(WSB photo from last year – part of the Turkey Bowl 2010 3K-pound food haul)
It’s one of the most raucous holiday food drives of the season – and its organizers say you still have a chance to get in on it! A few Beer Church Turkey Bowl lanes are available (and even if you’re not bowling, they’ll be happy to take your donation on Saturday) – just got this news release:
The 13th Annual Turkey Bowl takes place this Saturday, November 19th at 6:00 p.m. in West Seattle. Organized by Beer Church, the event is a fundraiser and food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. More than 200 guests will attend the event at West Seattle Bowl (4505 39th Ave. SW, Seattle). The event starts at 6:00 p.m. but Beer Church encourages the public to drop off food donations at West Seattle Bowl on Saturday between 1:00 and 8:00 p.m.
There is limited space for bowlers but anyone is welcome to attend the event and participate in the raffle. Bowlers must reserve an entire lane and pay $200 per lane. Each lane can accommodate as many as eight bowlers. If you are interested in a lane, please contact Kendall Jones – beerchurch@gmail.com.
“This is an especially appropriate time of year for people to think about hunger in our community,” says Kendall Jones, Director of Beer Church. “Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the abundance of food that so many of us enjoy but it is also a good time to slow down and think about the people struggling in our community. That’s why Turkey Bowl is a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank: we want to help people remember that hunger is a real issue and we want to give them a fun and easy way to contribute.”
Last year’s Beer Church Turkey Bowl netted over 3,000 pounds of food and over $3,000 in donations. Organizers hope to exceed those numbers this year. Participants will include a number of teams from local breweries and local bars. In addition to bowling, the event features a raffle for prizes donated by local merchants.
Among the participants, eight local breweries will battle it out for the coveted Battle of the Brewers trophy. Likewise, eight local bars will compete for the Bar Brawl trophy. Breweries involved: Elliott Bay Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Emerald City Beer Co., Georgetown Brewing, Naked City Brewing, Odin Brewing, Pike Brewing, and Schooner Exact Brewing. Local bars involved: Beveridge Place Pub, Dog and Pony Alehouse, Feedback Lounge, Latona Pub (3 Pubs), Mission, Porterhouse Pub, and West 5.
(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
“So many toys, so little time!” But now your dollar goes twice as far. Just got word from CoolMom that prices are cut in half the rest of the way for the Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), continuing till 2 pm.
It’s a benefit for their group and WestSide Baby, and a good way to kick off a more-sustainable holiday season, since these are “gently used” toys recycled by other local families.
The nonprofit, all-ages West Seattle Community Orchestras has just announced its winter concert lineup:
Join WSCO’s Symphony Orchestra on November 29, Tuesday, at 7 pm in Chief Sealth International High School’s Auditorium for “Holiday Gifts.” Program highlights include the 2nd Movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #5, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody and excerpts from Elgar’s Enigma.
On December 6 at 6:30 pm, WSCO’s Debut and Intermediate Orchestras along with the Endolyne Children’s Choir perform “The Joy of Music.” Highlights include Verdi’s Waltz from La Traviata, Bruce’s Fiesta Waltz, Mozart’s Symphony #25 along with holiday favorites Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Good King Wenceslas.
Concerts are free; suggested donation $5.
Starting to fill up your holiday calendar? More dates to add – courtesy of the West Seattle Junction Association. WSJA director Susan Melrose (in a comment on the Junction trick-or-treat-street discussion) announced this afternoon that the schedule’s now published – see it here. Highlights include the Junction Tree Lighting event, 5 pm on Saturday, December 3rd; Santa photos on three Sundays; mule-drawn-carriage rides on two Sundays; and something new – a nighttime Farmers’ Market, 5-8 pm on Thursday, December 22nd, in Junction Plaza Park. Also watch for your chance to enter The Junction’s $3,000 holiday raffle.
One week ago, the heart of the West Seattle Junction again brimmed with trick-or-treaters for the wildly popular two-hour event in which businesses welcomed kids to stop by for treats. Lots of smiles, lots of fun. No problems reported. But every year, some have wondered afterward, can’t the street be closed for this event as it is for other successful Junction events, like West Seattle Summer Fest and the West Seattle Junction Car Show (among others)? One local mom is doing more than wondering – she has started a dialogue with the West Seattle Junction Association, and is asking now for your thoughts. Here’s the open letter she asked us to publish:
Dear West Seattle Residents:
We are a family of 4, with two young children living in Belvidere. We are longtime residents of West Seattle and love it here mainly for the sense of community. Each year we look forward to the various Junction events where we can visit with our neighbors, patronize local businesses and roam the streets at Summer Fest, the Hi Yu Parade, WS Junction Car Show and even the Mobile Chowdown food-truck festival. The other big event we truly love is the Junction Trick or Treating, but there is one major drawback to this event.
Each year hundreds of parents, children, relatives, strollers & dogs flock to the Junction in full Halloween costume to trick-or-treat the Junction shops for only 2 hours. The streets are NOT blocked off and everyone is left crowding the sidewalks. Inevitably, there’s a logjam which leads people to step off the sidewalk either in the way of a parking car or right into the street. While I’m thankful there have been no accidents to date, it’s simply a matter of time. There has to be a better, safer way to celebrate the day.
If the Junction can close the streets for all the wonderful events I list above, then they can certainly close the streets for the safety and enjoyment of families. Understanding there are permitting costs (around $3800, I believe) and time and energy in coordinating with the City and Metro (which I’m willing to take on), there is also the benefit of bringing additional business to the Junction shops and bringing our community closer together.
Here’s what I propose…..we rally as a community, raise the money for permits, close the streets and delight in a day of trick-or-treating from 10 am to 3 pm (to capture the kids who nap early, the ones who nap late and folks who want to grab lunch at a Junction eatery!)
Here’s what I need now…..I know WSBlogers are great at commenting and speaking their minds. I’m counting on you to voice your support for closing down the streets for Trick or Treating in the Junction 2012. That’s all I’m asking…for now. Once I’ve garnered enough community support from residents and businesses, I’ll be back again for fundraising!
I’m committed to seeing this process through and count on your support!! Let’s make Halloween 2012 spooky and safe!!
Your neighbor, Behnaz Nelson
So – what do YOU think?
DONATION DEADLINE COMING UP FOR TOY SWAP & SALE: We’ve mentioned before that CoolMom‘s Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale is coming up November 12th (Fauntleroy Church, 9 am-2 pm) … and if you’d like to get a credit to apply toward whatever you buy, the deadline for donations is this Tuesday. Donation locations, and more info about the Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale, can be found on the CoolMom website.
WEST SEATTLE BARTER FAIR: A unique way to find gifts – and share potential gifts – right after Thanksgiving. The date is set, 4-8 pmNovember 26th. From the Sustainable West Seattle website:
Join us for a fun and unique “money free shopping spree” geared toward the holiday shopping season on ‘Green Saturday’, the day after “Black Friday”. We’ll be enjoying a potluck at the same time, so bring a gift to share!
This unique event will be held in an equally unique setting — The Lodge at Camp Long. The object of the Barter Fair is to promote more meaningful gifting of products through exchanging services, or items made from raw materials
The “Money Free Shopping Spree” is gift trading. Categories include: Services, Art Crafts, Home Crafts, Food Crafts and Salvaged/Refurbished Items.
If you know what you will bring to trade, they would love to hear from you in the comment section on the SWS site.
(WSB photo from November 2010 Feedback Lounge holiday bazaar, with Ivette, Mary, and Bradi)
Christmas Eve is exactly seven weeks away. Some like to shop early, some like to wait till the holidays are closer. This year, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is having its Holiday Bazaar on the later end of the season – so it’s time now to send out their call for potential participants:
……………………..Call to Crafters, Artists, Creators!
Feedback Lounge in West Seattle is holding our 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar, on Dec 11th!
We are interested in having your creations at our Bazaar.
The event will be from:
11:30 am to 6 pm at
Feedback Lounge
6451 California ave SWTable with floor space available per vendor. Table sizes vary at approx 3’x5′—3’x8′ etc. (smaller & larger tables are options as well) with plenty of floor space. Vendors are invited to bring their own table as well. $25 per table space all day.
We can work with you on any amount of space, table size, etc, that you might need, just let us know!
If you are interested in selling your wares at this event, please contact me directly (see my contact info below).Crafters, Artists, Shoppers, Awesome Food, Award-winning Cocktails and You!
It’s going to be a great time, and hopefully prosperous afternoon for all, so let us know if you’d like to be a part of the day! Please see attached poster.
Thank you,Gianetta Griffitts
Feedback Lounge
giagriffitts@yahoo.com
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