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Holidays 2829 results

West Seattle holidays: Christmas ship, gingerbread, solstice
December 7, 2011 2:51 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Three holiday updates this afternoon:

(December 2010 Alki photo by David Hutchinson)
When the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship and entourage visit Alki this Saturday – one of three stops that night, plus another one on Monday – it’ll be greeted by a roaming “cast of characters representing the Biblical event from the first Christmas,” from Hope Lutheran, according to Mary Welch, who says they also will perform for the crowd at the Alki Bathhouse art studio. As noted on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page, the Christmas ship’s schedule this Saturday is 5:15-5:35 pm at Seacrest, 8:50-9:10 at Lowman Beach, 9:40-10 pm at Alki. On Monday, it comes to Don Armeni, 8:40-9 pm.

Coming up this Sunday night – it’s the gingerbreadiest event of this holiday season:

That’s one of our photos from last year’s gingerbread-building competition at West Seattle Christian Church. We recently put out their call for participants, and now WSCC pastor Dan Jacobs says they have 40 teams signed up – they’re inviting you to come be a spectator! 5 pm this Sunday (December 11th) in the WSCC Activity Center along 42nd SW between Genesee and Oregon. Raffle entries and other donations benefit WSCC’s wellbuilding program.

(December 2010 photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
Last but not least … a winter-solstice event confirmed: From West Seattle’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador, Alice Enevoldsen:

In light of the Lunar Eclipse this weekend time for the seasonal sunset watch!!

When: December 21, 2011 at 4:05 pm (so come at 3:30 pm)
Actual sunset is supposed to be at 4:20, but at the summer solstice we noticed that the Sun set about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it. I added another 5 minutes for the tall trees of Lincoln Park blocking our view. In Autumn the timing seemed to line up correctly – what will it do this time?
Where: Solstice Park – all the way up the hill from the tennis courts (or, if you’re not in Seattle, wherever you have a view of the western horizon!)
Who: Everyone welcome, as usual.

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West Seattle holidays: Tonight’s featured lights; painting in progress
December 6, 2011 9:11 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Holiday scenes to share tonight:

First, our nightly featured Christmas lights – these are on 50th north of Hudson/south of Edmunds (map); we were out scouting last night and spotted them. We’ve added them to the ongoing list on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page, where we’ll have a map soon with all the featured locations; let us know if you have a suggestion! Also tonight, seen in The Junction:

Tipster Joe says this scene on Puerto Vallarta‘s window is so fresh, the Sign Savant crew was still painting the one next to it:

(Last year, we showed you “Santa Extremoso” gracing the same windows.)

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West Seattle Christmas lights: All aglow in Fauntlee Hills
December 5, 2011 6:59 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

We’re featuring at least one light display a night – and tonight is thanks to suggestions on Twitter and Facebook. It’s at 41st/Concord in Fauntlee Hills (map), a neighborhood where you’ll find more than a few other lavishly lit homes. We’re adding it to the list on the WSB Holidays page; got someplace to suggest light-lovers look? Share the location – thanks!

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West Seattle holidays: Sharing the lights; Santa at CAPERS
December 4, 2011 7:52 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Did you take advantage of the dry, clear day to put up lights? A LOT of lights? The Burns Family at 3216 SW 114th has 20,000 lights up and invites you to come have a look – they shared the photo along with that invitation. “We have been decorating our home for about 20 years starting with a few strings of lights in 1991,” they explain. Here’s a map to the area; the lights are on 5-10 pm nightly through New Year’s Eve. If *you* have a whole lot of lights – or know someone/someplace that does – we’d love to feature them again this year, and will add them to the “Christmas Lights” section on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page too; e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com (photo not mandatory, we can come take one if need be!).

Another holiday scene to share in addition to all the others we’ve photographed/reported on this weekend:

This weekend, CAPERS in The Junction not only had its annual Holiday Open House, the shop also played host, as promised, to the popular Santa Claus who used to have Westwood at the top of his list, so to speak. He was there for “DIY photos” – you bring your camera – the past two afternoons; above, he posed today with Frances and Teagan. He’ll be back at CAPERS 3-7 pm next Friday and 1-5 pm next Saturday and Sunday (next Sunday, December 11th, is a huge day for CAPERS because they’re also hosting Caspar Babypants at 11 am!). And he’s planning a Holy Rosary visit 9 am-noon next Saturday (December 10th). Of course, Santa is everywhere; the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays charity-fundraiser Santa photos were a hit today too, with quite the line when we visited for our first pic.

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West Seattle holidays: First Lutheran Church’s St. Nicholas Faire fundraiser
December 4, 2011 6:16 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Till 7 pm, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s basement is aglow in white Christmas lights and good cheer for a combination gift-basket silent auction and wine-tasting event, the 3rd annual St. Nicholas Faire. There’s an admission charge, with funds raised benefiting West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank. (We found board members from the former – the church’s pastor Rev. Ron Marshall – and the latter – Pete Spalding – on hand.) The 110-plus gift baskets were put together by Larraine King, who organized the event, with a bit of help:

The baskets have themes from cookies to toys to cuisine and beyond, even this beach “basket”:

The wine is courtesy of Rev. Marshall’s winemaking brother Rich Marshall of award-winning Maryhill Winery:

If you missed this and this weekend’s other bazaars/fairs, and giving opportunities, no worries – more next weekend – keep an eye on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page!

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Log House Museum decks the halls, prepares for totem-pole project
December 4, 2011 4:44 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The house that’s home to West Seattle history, the Log House Museum, is a lot more Christmasy tonight after a volunteer decorating party this afternoon. When we stopped by, volunteer Pete was helping with the lights outside:

Inside, the gift shop – which is now on the museum’s first floor, instead of in the annex out back – is having a holiday sale. And we talked with museum/Southwest Seattle Historical Society leaders about perhaps the biggest project ahead in the New Year, restoration and upright display of the totem pole that’s been stored at the museum:

That’s the one that used to be at the Admiral Way Viewpoint. Artech, which restored the Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole after its theft and return two years ago, will do the work on this one too. Funding will come in large part from a grant made by the National Society of Colonial Dames of the State of Washington. (added) WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli photographed it in 2004, while it was still in its old spot:

You can stop by the Log House Museum at 61st/Stevens any Thursday-Sunday, noon-4 pm, to see the exhibits and find out more about everything new they’re doing with everything old!

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Update: 1st round of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos raises $1,500 for local nonprofits
December 4, 2011 1:23 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

While Santa Claus got ready to see his next visitor, volunteer Lauren from WestSide Baby offered a bright-as-Christmas-tree-lights smile. WS Baby is one of the local charities benefiting from the $15 donation for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos happening till 3 pm (and again 11 am-3 pm next Sunday, December 11th) at photographer Donna Ryan‘s City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). Also stop by the H-Holidays booth at California/Alaska for extra holiday cheer – and enter the Junction’s $3,500 Holiday Raffle while you’re going from shop to shop (here’s the list of participants – look for a wrapped entry box like the one in this story).

ADDED MONDAY: The Junction reports $1,500 was raised for local nonprofits with Sunday’s Santa photos!

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West Seattle holidays: Decoration day in the Admiral District
December 4, 2011 12:46 pm
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 |   Admiral Theater | Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Many storefronts are already festively lit and decorated in the Admiral District, and more will be by tonight – including wreaths going up on some of the business-district light fixtures, like this spot outside Alki Bike and Board (whose proprietor Stu Hennessey is in our photo, with Dave Weitzel from Weitzel Construction). The “work party” was already planned before today’s forecast took a turn for the sunny! Also helping decorate – Max and Quinn, as in the Atomic Boys‘ original namesakes (sons of store owners Parris and Kent Sadow):

Among the holiday fun coming up in the Admiral District, Dinah Brein at the historic Admiral Theater says she’s finalized the date for the free Christmas movie, 7 pm December 20th. She’s still finalizing the movie; once again this year, she asked us to ask you for ideas – see the suggestions here.

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Happening now: Art on sale & in the making, at C & P
December 4, 2011 11:44 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’re out in public with the art you put your heart and soul into, it helps to have a cheering section nearby. If our photo’s angle were a bit wider, you would see Rose Jarvey‘s mom off to the left. Rose is one of the artists showing and selling their wares at WSB sponsor C & P Coffee‘s Holiday Arts/Crafts Fair right now, till 2 pm (5612 California SW). It’s all about family over in the other corner of C & P’s front room:

That’s micro-photographer extraordinaire Machel Spence (who has shared work here on WSB many a time) and daughter India – while mom’s known for photographing tiny marvels, India created these:

Feet away, Barbara Noonan was using coffee and croissant as a still-life inspiration for another chalk creation:

She was C & P’s featured West Seattle Art Walk artist last month. Others we saw at today’s fair include Ebrima Jatta with Africa-inspired crafts, painter Sheila Lengle, and Jewelry by Brett Today’s other bazaars/fairs/events are listed on our ‘West Seattle Sunday‘ preview, here.

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West Seattle Sunday: Shopping, Santa, recycling, dream homes…
December 4, 2011 8:14 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Fresh this morning – a micro-scene at Lincoln Park, courtesy of photographer Machel Spence, who’ll be at the C & P Coffee Company holiday arts/crafts fair today – part of another busy list of possibilities! From the WSB West Seattle Holidays and Events calendars:

C & P HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: Meet the artists and shop at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 9 am-2 pm (5612 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Today you’ll also find a booth with Waste Management promoting and answering questions about its recycling challenge – with its neighborhoods around the city (including West Seattle) competing over the next few months to win a $50,000 neighborhood-improvement grant, depending on which one has the biggest reduction in waste.

WEST SEATTLE ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR: Final day, wide variety of West Seattle artists featured at local artist studios during the Seattle Sampling Artists Studio Tour: Visit Penguina Designs Studio (penguinadesigns.com), Brace Point Pottery (bracepointpottery.com), Ken Turner Pottery Studio (kenturnerpottery.com) or Marilyn Moore Studio all without leaving West Seattle! Multiple artists are featured at each studio; full details at seattlesampling.com. 10 am-5 pm.

BRUNCH, ANYONE? While you’re out shopping … WSB sponsor Fresh Bistro serves brunch 10 am-3 pm; see the menu here.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: SANTA PHOTOS! Santa Photos in The Junction! 11 am to 3 pm at City Mouse Studio and Store, with photographer Donna Ryan; suggested donation of $15 or more goes to help West Seattle charities.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS HEADQUARTERS: 11 am-4 pm, in front of KeyBank at California/Alaska, it’s Hometown Holidays Headquarters for information on festivities, shopping, the Holiday Raffle and in-store events. Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) info here. (P.S. In case you are wondering, the mule-drawn carriage rides are the NEXT TWO Sundays, NOT today.)

DECK THE MUSEUM WITH BOUGHS … (etc.): You’re invited to join in decorating the Log House Museum and potluck lunch 12-2 pm. Help get the Log House Museum ready for the holidays! Join us to string lights and decorate the tree. Also bring a side dish or small dessert for a Potluck Lunch with staff, board and volunteers! And, if you have some, we need extra lights for outside and thumb tacks, small nails, or a staple gun to hang them. So come on over; it’s always fun to share work and food! 3003 61st SW.

HOLIDAY ART, ENERGY, AND HEALING: Greet old friends, make new ones, and shop for unique, uplifting gifts at Alki Arts, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Stone readings, crystals, Peruvian rattles, crystal/flower essences, animal totem pendulums, smudge kits, art, books, and more! Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, Robyn Fritz of Alchemy West, and Vicki Draper of Vi Miere will be there to answer your questions about energy healing for people and animals as well as assist you in finding the right energetic gift for yourself, family, or friends

CAPERS’ OPEN HOUSE AND “DIY SANTA”: CAPERS holiday open house continues 11-5; meet Mary Conzatti of M. Frances Jewelry (noon-4 pm), and take your own photos with Santa, 1-5 pm.

DREAM HOMES TOUR: Multi-agency Open House tour of 11 West Seattle “dream homes,” 1-4 pm. From the announcement: “Our intention has been to generate an energy within our community through agency solidarity, as well as to show what the housing market coupled with the current interest rates can buy. We love West Seattle and want to do whatever we can to help it thrive in this economically challenging time. There are some amazing opportunities available for first time home buyers all the way up to those ready to move up!” Here’s the list of homes.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: Dreading the holidays because of the death of a loved one? Grace Church will host a “Surviving the Holidays” one time seminar, 2 pm, 10323 28th SW. Everyone is welcome. Contact Barb at 206-932-7459.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO STYLE: 3 pm matinee for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall. Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast at historic Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and at Kenyon Hall, $15/adults, $12 students & seniors.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: Also continuing today, ArtsWest presents the Seattle premiere of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. 3 pm; ticket info here.

EVENING SHOPPING: 3rd annual St. Nicholas Faire, a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline, at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4105 California SW, 4 pm to 7 pm. Cost is $5 per person, $15 per family (with at least one can of food per person) or $10 per person, $25 per family (when there are no donations). Come and buy gift baskets and baked goods for people on your holiday shopping lists. Also enjoy wine tasting, a wine toss and tasty treats and drinks!

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Video: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting!
December 3, 2011 4:56 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

UPDATE, 5:40 PM: The official West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree is lit, after another festive ceremony that saw hundreds packed into Junction Plaza Park, with holiday music from the Endolyne Children’s Choir and the Starlight All-Stars band, emceed by Marty Riemer from The Mountain. The post-lighting music has just wrapped up.

ADDED 6:18 PM: Our video clip shows the countdown and the tree-lighting – the actual counting was done onstage by the West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court (Queen Thea, Princess Amanda, Princess Elena) with Marty. Here are the first two songs by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:

The Endolyne singers perform at Chief Sealth International High School this Tuesday night, with the West Seattle Community Orchestras – concert details here. Here’s the Starlight All-Stars later:

Before the lighting ceremony in the park, the West Seattle High School Band played Christmas music in the heart of The Junction:

It’s all part of the Hometown Holidays celebration (co-sponsored by WSB), which continues tomorrow with Santa photos 11 am-3 pm at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska), $15 donation goes to local nonprofits including WestSide Baby, whose executive director Nancy Woodland spoke tonight. Other speakers: West Seattle Junction Association president Todd Carden of Elliott Bay Brewing, with a quip about the official tree:

West Seattle Christian Church‘s Pastor Dan Jacobs spoke too, about the spirit of the season.
****
ORIGINAL REPORT (4:56 PM): A crowd has gathered at Junction Plaza Park and musical warmups are under way … c’mon down!

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West Seattle holiday bazaars: Schmitz Park, Freshy’s, WSUU…
December 3, 2011 1:12 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’re now out on the bazaar beat. As previewed in our “West Seattle Saturday” lineup this morning, there’s an abundance of places to check out arts and crafts today, in addition to shopping at our area’s fine stores. Till 3 pm, there’s the annual holiday bazaar at Schmitz Park Elementary:

On the east side of the cafeteria, don’t miss the students whose crafts are raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. (Post-bazaar update – We’re told they raised almost $100 for the food bank!) In other sections of the bazaar, you’ll find other student vendors (as well as adults):

Jack Bennett and Ben Godwin (in the aviator’s cap), both Schmitz Park first-graders, are selling airplanes and comics. Nearby, fourth-grader Blake is selling handmade duct-tape wallets:

Lots to check out at 5000 SW Spokane till 3.

On to Freshy’s Coffee in the Admiral District, where there are a few vendors outside and more inside:

In the foreground is the work of Starheadboy (who told us he also has a display up at Red Cup Espresso through this month). Inside – perfect for today’s weather – you’ll find warm hats (and more) from Maxx Designs:

The Freshy’s event is on till 4, as is a Holiday Gift/Art Fair at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation church in Gatewood (7141 California SW):

The vendors there today include Shelby:

And there’s even more going on out there … here again is today’s **long** preview.

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Happening now: West Seattle Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 2011
December 3, 2011 10:14 am
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 |   Holidays | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

With a crew of volunteer pancake chefs including Michael LaFranchi (and his holiday-spirit apron), the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is filling the Masonic Hall this morning for its 65th annual Community Pancake Breakfast:

…and that’s only half the room! There’s still time to get there before 11; $6 adults/$3 kids for pancakes, ham, and orange juice, with proceeds benefiting Kiwanis community programs including research into childhood cancer. Plus they are collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. In addition to volunteers from the Kiwanis, high-school clubs, and Scouts, West Seattle Hi-Yu volunteers and junior royalty are on hand too, and you can buy one of their gorgeous glass fundraising ornaments:

And a very special guest … in the background of this shot featuring Hi-Yu Junior Princess Amanda, Queen Thea, and Princess Elena … Santa!

40th/Edmunds – the canopies and signs point the way to the entrance.

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Video: West Seattle Rotary Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree
December 3, 2011 6:42 am
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 |   Holidays | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

We’re in the SODO Sears/Starbucks building right now along with hundreds of people from teens through seniors, all volunteers who are here with one mission: To make this a happier holiday for about 100 kids from local elementary schools. It’s the annual Rotary Club of West Seattle Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree, and as those kids arrive, they’ll be matched with volunteers for a busy morning including breakfast, choosing warm clothing – our top photo shows volunteers, sorting – shopping, talking to Santa, and more. It’s a herculean effort to organize and stage:

ADDED 7 AM: That hallway suddenly filled, as the first kids arrived:

The kids participating today are from Alki, Lafayette, Gatewood, and Roxhill Elementary Schools, Pathfinder K-8, and Concord International School. Volunteers include not only West Seattle Rotarians, but also members of the National Panhellenic Council of Seattle and its associated sororities and fraternities (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi) – plus the Loren Miller Bar Association, and youth volunteers (we just met a group from Tukwila’s Foster High School):

ADDED 8:10 AM: More photos – from just part of the crowd of more than 300 volunteers:

… to the actual shopping!

We’re sitting next to a table with two volunteers and a little girl, making a list as they ask her what she’s interested in finding; this is all about practical gifts like warm clothes and shoes, and yet it’s a fun and festive atmosphere too (a table away, other volunteers are decorating the area where Santa will start meeting with the kids a bit later … update, he arrived to cheers and applause at 8:35 am).

ADDED: And even more photos, ahead, including a visitor from the Seahawks!Read More

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West Seattle holidays: The famous Husky Deli open house
December 2, 2011 8:03 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
Every year, it’s the iconic photo of holiday-open-house season at West Seattle businesses – smiling proprietor Jack Miller bustling about Husky Deli in The Junction. The open house is on till 9 tonight, with taste treats including this chocolate cake:

(The cake was from nearby Bakery Nouveau, by the way.) Nice Santa hat!

Other members of the Miller family on hand included daughter Kate:

The annual openhouse is always a showcase for a few vendors, too – among them this time, Krista Conner‘s West Seattle Honey:

(Krista was featured on Seattle Channel this fall – here’s the video.) Husky Deli marked its 79th anniversary earlier this year. This begins a huge holiday weekend in The Junction – with Hometown Holidays activities including the tree lighting at 5 pm tomorrow (Junction Plaza Park) – preceded by the West Seattle High School Band playing outside KeyBank at California/Alaska – and Santa photos 11 am-3 pm Sunday at City Mouse Studio and Store.

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West Seattle holidays: ‘Tis the weekend for open houses!
December 2, 2011 6:28 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: ‘Tis the weekend for open houses!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As we write this, the always-popular Husky Deli holiday open house has just begun, continuing till 9 pm. Photos to come. But Husky’s not the only venue you can visit for treats, sips, and holiday cheer. Two WSB sponsors are welcoming visitors this evening:

Till 9 pm in central Westwood Village, along the road between the post office and Barnes & Noble, visit Joni and Kirk Keppler at Wyatt’s Jewelers – and the overhead Christmas tree! Starting this weekend, by the way, Wyatt’s adds extra holiday shopping hours – noon-4 pm on Sundays.

At 4828 California SW, Cascade Dizziness and Balance Physical Therapy has an open house this evening too, till 7 pm, along with other practitioners in the space:

From left, Cascade’s Lisa Eaton, with Kinetic PT‘s Fawn Coussens, and Linda Spain.

ADDED: Later in the evening, we stopped by the holiday party at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor):

Proprietors Anne and Clarence Higuera welcomed staffers, friends, and clients into their HQ, a converted home at California/Findlay (the rustic log-house-style exterior is unmistakable as you drive between Alaska and Morgan Junctions). It’s where they’re having another free remodeling/custom building workshop again on Saturday, 2 pm – more info here.

And in The Junction, WSB contributor Katie Meyer dropped in on Bin 41, which was inviting folks in for a tasting (close enough to an open house!) – winemaker Bryan Crane from Kerloo Cellars in Walla Walla was there:

Bin 41 has a special Saturday tasting this week too, 1-3 pm.

Tomorrow – tons more open houses (and bazaars, and more) – browse the list on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page!

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Flapjacks & fun: West Seattle Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast tomorrow
December 2, 2011 11:34 am
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 |   Holidays | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2010 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)
One more reminder – tomorrow morning the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle cooks for you, Santa’s on hand for photos, and lots of other holiday fun will be served up at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds on the east side of The Junction), 7-11 am. Bring new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots drive – they would love to present a big stack of future gifts when it’s all said, done, and donated. The breakfast itself costs $6 at the door for adults, $3 for kids 12 and under (that includes a Santa photo), with proceeds benefiting Kiwanis community programs including children’s-cancer research. It’s a huge day of holiday happening (as listed here) around West Seattle, so get it started right with a good breakfast and a good time. More info here!

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West Seattle Friday: Open houses, ‘Wonderful Life,’ music, more
December 2, 2011 8:51 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(By Steve Mohundro, from the WSB Flickr group pool; see WS Christmas lights here)
The first big holiday-season weekend begins! You think it’s busy tonight? Wait till tomorrow – browse through the Holiday Events and Info page now! From that page and the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ AT THE KENNEY: Luncheon & open house/tours at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). Tours begin at 10:30 a.m., Lunch served at 11:45 a.m. RSVP ASAP to 206-938-6941. 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.

SHOP WITH THE ROTARY: Noon-1:30 pm today, it’s a unique chance to shop for the holidays – the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s purses/wallets/handbags sale and lunch at West Seattle Golf Course. Tickets available at the door; details here.

AFTERNOON BINGO: Friday Afternoon Bingo for cash prizes at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 4217 SW Oregon, 11 am. Buy-in starts at 10:45 am and bingo starts at 11 am. Soup, sandwiches, salads, assorted pastries are available for purchase at nominal cost.

CASCADE DIZZINESS/BALANCE OPEN HOUSE: You’re invited to the Cascade Dizziness and Balance Physical Therapy (WSB sponsor) open house, 4-7 pm, 4828 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR: Shop local this holiday season from a wide variety of West Seattle artists featured at local artist studios during the Seattle Sampling Artists Studio Tour Dec 2nd, 3rd and 4th! Visit Penguina Designs Studio (penguinadesigns.com), Brace Point Pottery (bracepointpottery.com), Ken Turner Pottery Studio (kenturnerpottery.com) or Marilyn Moore Studio all without leaving West Seattle! Multiple artists are featured at each studio; full details at seattlesampling.com . Hours are 4 pm-9 pm tonight (and 10-5 both days this weekend).

WYATT’S JEWELERS OPEN HOUSE: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) Holiday Open House at Westwood Village, 5-8 pm. Drinks, desserts, holiday cheer, check out the new holiday inventory.

OLIO SINGERS AT FIGGY PUDDING DOWNTOWN: It’s the great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition downtown tonight, 5-8:30 pm, and one of the more than 30 participating “teams” is from West Seattle – the Olio Singers, who you’ll find around 4th and Pine. Here’s a map showing who’s caroling where; here’s info about the charity-fundraiser event; more about Olio’s participation (and how to sponsor them).

HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: The Junction’s most famous holiday open house is 6-9 pm tonight at Husky Deli, 4721 California SW.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO STYLE: Opening night for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall. Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. This live radio show will be performed at historic Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and at Kenyon Hall, $15/adults, $12 students & seniors.

HOLIDAY CABARET: Sylvia O’Stayformore and Tor’s Holiday Cabaret at Senior Center of West Seattle. Doors open at 7:00 pm for drinks and snacks. Show is at 8:00 pm. Tickets $8; limited seating, so come early!

BELLS OF THE SOUND: Ring in the holidays with the Bells of the Sound holiday concert. 8 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 3940 41st SW. A suggested donation of $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors will be collected at the door. Children under 8 are free. In addition, please bring toys to donate to Mary’s Place, which helps homeless families.

LIVE MUSIC: Elizabeth Dawson sings tonight at the Salty’s on Alki Café-Bar, 8-10 pm.

MORE LIVE MUSIC: Tito Ramsey will perform live at Skylark Cafe & Club, 3803 Delridge Way SW, with Danny the Street. Doors at 8 pm.

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West Seattle Christmas lights: Menashe Family display officially on
December 1, 2011 6:42 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

It’s been a work in progress for days (here’s our report from last Monday), and finishing touches were happening up till the last moment – but as of just before 6 pm, the Menashe Family‘s famous Christmas-light display in the 5600 block of Beach Drive SW is shining bright. As you’ll hear – or not hear! – in our video, there was no countdown, no fanfare, just the pulling of the switch – and on they went. Here’s a closer look at the lights in HD:

(Two years ago, a cable TV crew filmed the lighting for “Invasion of the Christmas Lights 2,” which premiered on TLC last year and will be rerun this Saturday.)

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West Seattle holiday help: Schmitz Park kids’ benefit crafts
December 1, 2011 4:09 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This Saturday, there are bazaars a-plenty around West Seattle (as listed here) – including Schmitz Park Elementary, where a parent shared news that some of the merchandise will help a local nonprofit:

Just wanted to let folks know that the Holiday Bazaar at Schmitz Park Elementary on 12/3 will include an opportunity to shop and give at the same time. The West Seattle Food Bank will be the recipient of proceeds from sales of hand made paper crafts from Ms. Grasel’s 1st grade class. The kids will be selling flowers and picture frames they constructed out of recycled paper, that can be used as gift toppers or ornaments. They will also be collecting food donations for the Food Bank. Of course there will lots of other lovely hand made crafts to purchase there as well.

From left are 1st graders Kian Hufford, Leeia Stroh, Sylvia Lamphere, and Kayley Thom. The bazaar/craft fair runs 10 am-3 pm Saturday (5000 SW Spokane).

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West Seattle holidays: Our Lady of Guadalupe tree-trimming
December 1, 2011 12:25 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

High-level tree-trimming this morning at the highest-elevation Christmas tree in the city! It’s at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School, 35th and Myrtle, right across the street from the highest point in the city (after which the nearby High Point neighborhood was named) – 512′ at Myrtle Reservoir Park. We spotted the tree-trimming crew in action while driving by a short time ago, so of course we had to pull over for a photo. OLG plans another festive tree-lighting celebration this year, as noted on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – 7 pm Friday, December 9th, all welcome (caroling too!).

It’s one of three FOUR tree lightings this season – The Junction lights its tree at 5 pm this Saturday (December 3rd) in Junction Plaza Park, and Mars Hill Church is inviting the community to its (indoor) tree lighting at 7 pm December 7th. (Added: Just got word the White Center tree lighting at 16th/Roxbury is set for December 11th.)

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West Seattle help for the holidays: Knows Perfume silent auction
November 30, 2011 8:08 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Tomorrow is Shop Late Thursday in The Junction (till 9 pm) – and there’s a bonus reason to stop at Knows Perfume (4536 California SW): A fundraising silent auction of wreaths and birdhouses. From proprietor Christen Cottam:

Come check out the amazing wreaths and birdhouses on display at Knows Perfume. All are up for auction, and the proceeds will go to the West Seattle Food Bank. If you see one you like, come in and place a bid. On Sunday, the 11th of December, the auction will conclude. Knows Perfume will then notify you to pay and pick up your winning item. What an excellent way to find something lovely for your home and do something kind for a great organization like the West Seattle Food Bank. Please contact Christen at Knows if you have any questions. (206) 397-3141

We’re adding this to the BE A HOLIDAY HELPER list on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page – we’ll keep adding as the season goes on (editor@westseattleblog.com if you have an event, donation drive, or something else holiday-related happening).

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New on the West Seattle Holidays page: Santa Paws, & more Claus
November 29, 2011 10:10 pm
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 |   Holidays | Pets | West Seattle news

So far, one of the biggest West Seattle trends this holiday season is … Santa-mania! It’s Santa everywhere. And just added to the WSB West Seattle Holidays page tonight, the return of Santa Paws, 11 am-1 pm December 10th at Windermere West Seattle HQ in The Junction … the guy in the fur-trimmed hat is there for photos with your furry friend(s). That’s our newest listing in the “Santa Photos” section. We also have a link now to the schedule at CAPERS for the bearded St. Nick we’ll call “Ex-Westwood Santa” … plus you can get a Santa photo at the Community Pancake Breakfast with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds) this Saturday, 7 am-11 am (remember to bring your unwrapped Toys for Tots donation) … and the Santa listings we’ve had since the start of the season, daily at Westwood Village and the next three Sundays during Hometown Holidays in The Junction, are there too. And did you see Santa and Mrs. Claus wandering The Junction last Sunday?

(Photo courtesy David E. Perry)
They may be in the vicinity again this Sunday, we hear, perhaps even in the crowd during Saturday’s Junction Tree Lighting (5 pm, Junction Plaza Park). Then again, Santa is everywhere, anyway … has to be, to get all those presents delivered … More holiday events, info, everything, updated frequently, here (and if we’re missing YOUR holiday event, please share the news!).

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