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Followup: ‘Drumming works!’ Salmon show up in Fauntleroy Creek
October 29, 2012 10:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

“Drumming works!” So exhorted Fauntleroy Creek steward Judy Pickens late today, one day after leading the annual “drumming to welcome the salmon home” event at the creek overlook. As noted in our coverage of the event (photos and video here), Judy told the gathering that so far, seven spawners had tried to make it up the creek, but all turned into otter chow. However, today was a different story – in the early evening, Judy sent photos by volunteer Dennis Hinton and this report:

It’s dark now but Dennis and a new watcher, a Boy Scout after a merit badge, are still down there, which suggests the fish have continued to come from a late-afternoon high tide.

As of 5:30 PM, we had seen 10 spawners through and above the fish ladder, where they’ll have a chance to spawn and their offspring will have a chance to survive late-winter rains. The fish are a good 18″, robust, and beautiful. I’ve put out the call for watchers to get on the schedule and help document these beautiful fish.

Want to help watch? This story from last week explains how to sign up.

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Building Roxhill Castle: Days away – last call for help
October 29, 2012 2:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Building Roxhill Castle: Days away – last call for help
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The Roxhill Park playground “community build,” for a new Roxhill Castle, starts Friday. From volunteer organizer Mat McBride, one last call for help (including setup work tomorrow):

We need some tools and supplies
Most of the tools for the build are covered by the West Seattle Tool Library, because they are awesome. They don’t have everything though, and we need some specific tools, lumber, and other building supplies. The Tool Library has a list of what we still need, and you can lend or donate tools, or make a financial gift. Your gift to the library will help build the park, And it will still be at the library after. You might need it for Your next park project. You can email micah@wstools.org to talk about specifics, or just make a 501c3 tax deductible online donation; click here and they can buy it directly. The link to donate is at the bottom of the page, and any amount is welcome. I have tested the theory, it works great.

We also need shelter, you know, in case it rains. The West Seattle Junction Association has set us up with a bunch of great pavilions, but we might need more. You know, in case it rains. Do you have a pop-up shelter?

We need help with set-up
Can’t wait to start working on the project? You don’t have to! We need to get the worksite ready for a horde of volunteers. We’re planning on Tuesday, October 30th. If you’d like to help set up, e-mail roxhillcastle@gmail.com. It’s like a VIP pass, no one else will be allowed in early.

We still need volunteers
All kinds of tasks – light duty, general labor and technical work. We are building this park from scratch, not a kit. If you know folks who are good at building things from scratch, Well, have we got a deal. Seriously, tell your friends about this page, right here.

A huge Thank You to everyone who has signed up for this project
It quite literally would not have happened without you. There’s a new page on the project website dedicated to that. Have a look, Roxstar. Note – this is a large project and some names (individuals are based on the Doodle signup page) may be missing or incorrect. Please update me if so, I think it’s important.

Check out the community website for the project here.

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For Veterans Day this year, say ‘thank you’ with a card
October 27, 2012 5:43 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Veterans Day is two weeks away – and this year, it can be more meaningful than ever … if you choose to join in an organized effort to say “thank you” to those who have served. From Andrea Geraghty of West Seattle American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 – and note that you can visit the Auxiliary at the Harvest Festival tomorrow:

Have you wondered how to show your support for Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is November 11th and honors the men and women who have served in the United States armed services.

Who is a Veteran?
Veterans are people who served in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) in times of war or peace.

Who do you know who is a veteran?
Maybe it is your mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, cousin, neighbor, or teacher. You can be very proud of them. Many have given much to keep us safe and free.

Have you thanked a veteran today?
This year, considered writing a thank-you card to a Veteran thanking them for their service to our country.

The West Seattle American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 invites children (and adults) to make a card for a Veteran for Veterans Day. Cards can be dropped off at the American Legion Hall 3618 SW Alaska St (through the mail slot at the front of the building) or if your school is interested in doing it as a school project, we would be happy to pick them up.

**We will also be at the Harvest Festival on October 28th; look for the dark blue canopy, cards can be dropped off there any time between 10:00-2:00 and join us for fun activities.**

Please drop off cards no later than Thursday, November 8, 2012. Contact Andrea Geraghty at alaunit160@gmail.com to make arrangements for pickup from schools by November 1, 2012.

The thank-you cards will be distributed to Veterans currently living in the West Seattle area and Veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

(Cards: Please do not include personal address/contact information; this will not be a pen-pal. Cards should be no larger than one 8 ½ x 12 sheet of paper folded in half (cards may be folded smaller). No envelopes.

Thank you, West Seattle; if you’re interested in learning more about the American Legion Auxiliary, please contact us at alaunit160@gmail.com.

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West Seattle family’s Halloween hope: ‘Trick or Treat for Transplant’
October 26, 2012 1:07 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

As Halloween approaches, we’re sharing a special request made on behalf of a local family by the relatives, friends, and volunteers who are working to get the word out about their situation:

A 2-year-old West Seattle girl, Evelyn, will be receiving a much-needed kidney this Halloween. The living donor is her father, Keith, a local small-business owner (he owns Evergreen Window Cleaning).

As you might imagine, this is a real hardship for the family, so a team of volunteers has formed to help the family raise funds for transplant-related expenses through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

We are asking the community to join us on Transplant Day, Halloween, to put a smile on this family’s face as we “Trick or Treat for Transplant!” People can help by doing any of the following:
-Print Trick or Treat for Transplant flyers (viewable/printable from here) and pass them out with your Halloween candy
-Make a donation to COTA for Evelyn S to help the family with transplant- related expenses (all donations are tax-deductible and can be made via cotaforevelyns.com). Every little bit helps!
– Leave Evelyn a message on her website (www.cotaforevelyns.com) or Facebook page (Friends of Evelyn S)

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Something to say about development? Design Review Board openings
October 25, 2012 3:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo from SW Design Review Board’s 9/27/2012 meeting)
Tonight (6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle), the Southwest Design Review Board convenes again, this time to review 9051 20th SW for what might be the final time. Ever wonder, who’s on the board and how they got there? The city is recruiting right now – for openings citywide including two on the Southwest DRB. See the official announcement to find out how to apply –

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Don’t let a playground go un-built! Another call for Roxhill Castle
October 23, 2012 1:07 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Leathers and Associates rendering of new Roxhill Park play area)
Some volunteers have stepped up since the last announcement seeking volunteers for the “community build” that is required to get Roxhill Park‘s new Castle in place November 2nd through 6th – but there’s still room on the roster, says organizer Mat McBride:

Hey do-gooder, the Roxhill Park Needs You. This park may go unrealized for the lack of a few more folks willing to give just a little more. There are currently about 68,000 people over the age of 18 in West Seattle. To date, this project has about 140 volunteers. A lot, but not nearly enough. If you are one of the 67,860 adults in West Seattle who hasn’t yet signed up, don’t assume someone else will do the good work for you. Trust me, I do a lot of volunteering, I’ve run the numbers, and That isn’t happening.

I am asking you for 4 hours. If you care about parks, kids, social justice and equity, community, or crime – I’m asking you for 4 hours. Give this project 4 hours of your life and you will have made a difference. Sound like a stretch? It isn’t. This park has a direct link to all of these things. This place matters. In return, you’ll get fed by a local joint you love. You’ll get some great exercise (oh, hello calorie-rich holiday season, I wasn’t expecting you so soon). You will get the immense satisfaction of having joined in something larger than yourself and making a difference (I am not exaggerating this).

I’m asking for just 4 hours. Claim your place here: http://doodle.com/gusyyykv9zzrdksy

Can’t do 4 hours, but still want a part of the action? This project has partnered with the West Seattle Tool Library, who will provide some of the tools and supplies that will build this park. We don’t have enough of either right now, and your gift or donation to the Tool Library will help the build the park and the library at the same time (our greatest needs are: ladders, air compressors, sliding compound miter saws, cordless impact drivers, and electric impact wrenches). To make a gift or donation to the West Seattle Library, contact Micah Summers, the Tool Library director – micah@wstools.org.

The community website for the project is here. P.S. Please note that volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

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Happening now: Fall/Halloween dog portraits @ West Seattle Nursery
October 21, 2012 3:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

That’s photographer David Walega coaxing Evander Holyfield the boxer/mastiff to pose under the portrait tent at West Seattle Nursery this afternoon. Till 4 pm, you can take your dog to see David there – it’s a benefit for Art For Animals’ Sake, as explained in the WSB Forums. P.S. If you don’t see this till later and therefore missed it, David tells us he’ll be doing pet portraits again December 1-2 at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District, also for AFAS – more details on the MU calendar.

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Happening now: Schmitz Park’s 2012 Move-A-Thon
October 19, 2012 2:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Schmitz Park’s 2012 Move-A-Thon
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Also winding down as the school day approaches its end – Schmitz Park Elementary‘s around-the-playground fundraiser, the 2012 Move-A-Thon, is too. This year’s fundraising goal is $30,000. Kids don’t have to collect pledges or bring donations, but they do all get to go out and spend part of their day on the eighth-of-a-mile course. Along with the volunteers and staff, they had an audience – younger kids who might be participating someday:

Schmitz Park also has an online donation option – here.

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Happening now: Lafayette Elementary’s 2012 Walk-A-Thon
October 19, 2012 2:15 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Lafayette Elementary’s 2012 Walk-A-Thon
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This morning’s rain stopped just in time for the two West Seattle schools with all-day outdoor fundraisers. Here’s the scene at Lafayette Elementary, whose 540-plus students will each spend about 45 minutes going around the playground by the time today’s annual Walk-A-Thon ends toward the end of the school day. On the sidelines, camera-clutching parents have been tempted by a bake-sale fundraiser:

They’re hoping to raise at least $65,000 this year to pay for programs and materials listed on this webpage, which also includes a link for online donations.

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Celebrate local music: West Seattle Community Orchestras gala
October 17, 2012 2:02 pm
|    Comments Off on Celebrate local music: West Seattle Community Orchestras gala
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Add another party to your fall schedule! The West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSB sponsor) are seeking your support as they provide an opportunity for musicians young and not-as-young to learn, grow, and entertain. Here’s the announcement of their upcoming benefit:

A gorgeous trombone quartet tribute for Japan in early 2012; a world-premiere woodwind composition in 2011. The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Fall Gala on November 10 is sure to present a musical surprise that engages and highlights the contributions and talents of local musicians. Celebrate and support local music November 10th at the Highland Park Improvement Club beginning at 5:30 pm with a silent and live auction and of course, performances by members of all three of WSCO’s orchestras. Food by local chef Rose Zhu and a cash bar will round out the evening. Tickets now available via WSCOrchestras.org, $25 adults and $10 children 12 and under.

WSCO operates three orchestras for musicians of all ages and abilities, each group meeting weekly for rehearsals with two concerts yearly. Students through grade 12 receive free membership in any of the orchestras which includes coaching, mentoring and of course performance opportunities. WSCO believes the intergenerational nature of the orchestras offer great musical experiences for all participants, providing opportunities to learn and grow together. To purchase tickets and view auction items: WSCOrchestras.org – To donate auction items: WSCOauction@gmail.com

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Seeking sponsors: Chief Sealth International HS’s dinner/auction
October 15, 2012 1:17 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

School-fundraiser dinner/auction season is beginning, and one of the first on the schedule is Chief Sealth International High School‘s “Passport to Excellence” event on November 9th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Not only are they selling tickets and taking donations, they’re also looking for business sponsors:

Sponsorship levels start at $50; having our event expenses underwritten by sponsors helps us direct the proceeds from the auction to the many programs and activities that Chief Sealth PTSA, Chief Sealth Athletics, and Denny-Sealth Performing Arts support throughout the year. We are expecting more than 200 attendees and will provide visibility to our sponsors at the event and via our website and messages out to our 1300 families! Of course we’d love community members to come join us at the event and/or donate items and services, too. Ticket sales and item donations can be handled online as well.

Detailed information can be found at chiefsealthptsa.org/auction.html

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West Seattle scene: Girl Scouts’ gift to encampment
October 14, 2012 5:18 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

Sheryl shared the photo, along with this report:

Girl Scout Troop 40766 donated a check for $100 to Tent City [“Nickelsville”]. The money was raised last year through cookie sales. Because there is no electricity or running water at Tent City, the girls decided to contribute money toward their expenses. Nickelsville residents pay over $1600 a month just for portable toilets and sanitation.

The girls encourage anyone to also help contribute. Checks can be made out to Nickelsville and mailed to 3229 Harbor Ave SW Seattle, WA 98126. The girls will personally deliver your checks. All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for caring about our neighbors in need.

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Duwamish Alive! next Saturday: Sign up now to volunteer
October 13, 2012 8:58 pm
|    Comments Off on Duwamish Alive! next Saturday: Sign up now to volunteer
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(2010 Duwamish Alive! photo by Cliff DesPeaux for WSB)
Whether you paddle on the river, or walk into the watershed, there’s a multitude of ways you can help during the twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! cleanup next Saturday. All ages welcome! Choose a volunteer site here – or read on for details in the official announcement:
Read More

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Another Seattle-vs.-SF match: Vote for Gatewood Elementary!
October 13, 2012 4:00 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Speaking of football: In connection with the Seahawks‘ upcoming Thursday Night Football game vs. the 49ers, Gatewood Elementary is up against a San Francisco school in an online vote for $1,000 in grant money. P.E. teacher Alex Beaty had been seeking crowdfunding to pay for equipment so students can “move to music”; the NFL picked up his proposal and ran with it, all the way to the special football tie-in. It’s a no-strings-attached type of vote – just a click, as often as once an hour – go here before Thursday!

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Another fundraising walk/run in West Seattle: Miles for Midwives
October 11, 2012 9:58 pm
|    Comments Off on Another fundraising walk/run in West Seattle: Miles for Midwives
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We’ve learned there are two fundraising walk/run events coming up in Lincoln Park before the month is out. We’ve already mentioned the Monster Dash on October 27th, benefiting West Seattle’s Cooperative Preschools (WSB sponsor). But before that, October 21st is the date set for Miles for Midwives 2012. Organizers explain:

Miles for Midwives takes place every autumn to raise awareness around the benefits of midwifery and the important work of Washington midwives! Your participation helps to ensure that families in Washington State have greater access to quality women’s health care and the lower health-care costs associated with utilization of midwives. Proceeds from Miles for Midwives benefit the Washington Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and the Midwives’ Association of Washington State.

You can register online by going here – it’s $25 if you sign up by October 18th, one week from tonight. On Miles for Midwives Day, on-site registration starts at 8 am, a “kids’ lollipop run” at 9:45, then the official run/walk (not officially timed, by the way) at 10 am, near Shelters 1-2 in the south end of the park. It’s a 2.5-mile loop along the perimeter, down to the water, around Colman Pool, back up into the park, and we’re told it’s stroller-/pet-friendly.

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Got six minutes? Help launch a grocery store
October 10, 2012 10:43 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

If there were a co-op grocery store on Delridge Way, what would you like to see it carry, and how would you like to see it operate? If you can spare six minutes, Delridge Produce Cooperative is still accepting responses to a survey it launched a few days ago – short, anonymous, but extremely helpful to an up-and-coming organization that is in talks for the retail space planned in the 5400 block of Delridge Way when the DESC supportive-housing building opens – not just for produce, but for a co-op grocery store that would carry much more. The survey is here.

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Give a foster cat a forever home! Alki adopt-a-thon on Saturday
October 9, 2012 9:50 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

thecats.jpgThe official WSB mascots, both adopted from shelters as adults, are making a cameo tonight to point out that the Seattle Animal Shelter is bringing foster cats to Alki Community Center this Saturday (October 13), noon-3 pm. “If you have room in your home and your heart for an orphaned animal, this is a great opportunity to come and see some of the wonderful pets available from our foster-care parents,” says Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter director, in the official news release. (We found our tortoiseshell at one of these adopt-a-thons, 10 years ago!) There of course are lots of great adoption opportunities in West Seattle year-round, but the city only comes by every so often. More fine print about the process, after the jump:

Read More

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Roxhill Castle update: Lots of volunteers still needed, stat
October 9, 2012 1:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As our photo from this morning shows, Roxhill Park is a very busy construction zone right now, with the skatespot and playground-renovations site both in progress. As mentioned here last week, the community build date for the new Roxhill Castle play structure is coming up fast – just a few weeks away, November 2-6 – but could be canceled/postponed if enough volunteers can’t be rounded up. The company that made the old Roxhill Castle – which was deteriorating and had to be replaced for safety’s sake – and the new one, Leathers and Associates, only puts in “community-built” structures – as the slogan on their website puts it, “Community-built builds community.”

Local advocate/organizer Mat McBride is spearheading the community aspect of this project and was making the rounds of three meetings last night (we heard him speak to the North Delridge Neighborhood Council) to explain what’s needed – 70 volunteers (must be at least 18) per shift per day during the build. Plus, tools and food for those volunteers. If you can lend a hand, please sign up ASAP – if “a certain level of volunteer commitment” is not achieved soon, “the build dates might be canceled,” he says. It’ll just take a few hours out of a day – but you’ll be making a difference for all the kids who will play there in the years ahead. Sign-up information and more is on this website: roxhillcastle.wordpress.com – or just go here. Questions about the project? roxhillcastle@gmail.com

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Fight West Seattle, White Center hunger: WC Food Bank’s Harvest Dinner/Auction
October 8, 2012 1:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Fight West Seattle, White Center hunger: WC Food Bank’s Harvest Dinner/Auction
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

It’s calendar-marking day. Something else you won’t want to miss – less than two weeks away! The official announcement:

The White Center Food Bank will host its 8th annual Harvest Dinner and Auction on October 20 at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center beginning at 5:30 pm. The event will feature a live and silent auction with items ranging from wine collections to weekend getaways at premier northwest locations. Tickets (pre-registration only) are $65 and available at whitecenterfoodbank.org or by calling our offices at 206-762-2848.

White Center Food Bank serves West Seattle from SW Myrtle Street through White Center to SW 140th in Burien, bordered by Highway 509 and Puget Sound. In 2012 we are on track to serve 60,000+ individuals, much like 2011. The need in our community remains high for food assistance as record numbers throughout our state face food insecurity – many for the first time in their lives. Seniors are particularly feeling the pinch and our outreach efforts are expanding to serve this special client group that often finds themselves unsure of how to ask for help, and where to get it. We place a special emphasis on fresh, healthy foods that promote and maintain health for all our clients, from babies to seniors, as well as providing shelf-stable pantry items.

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2 galas ahead: SW Seattle Historical Society; West Seattle Helpline
October 5, 2012 1:32 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 galas ahead: SW Seattle Historical Society; West Seattle Helpline
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Your favorite neighborhood nonprofits are thrilled to get donations any time – but they’re also happy to have you join in on gala celebrations, too, in the fun-draising mode, and two more are coming up:


(Space Needle from an airplane, 1962 – explained in this WSB story)
SOUTHWEST SEATTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The SWSHS “Stand Tall for History” Gala Champagne Luncheon is just a week away, Saturday, October 13th, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). From the announcement:

With the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay as the backdrop, the historical society will celebrate the Gala theme by enjoying a stimulating audio-visual program by Alan Stein and Paula Becker, authors of “The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and Its Legacy.”

From the construction of the 604-foot-tall Space Needle to the antics of Elvis Presley, this presentation by Stein and Becker just two days shy of the 50th anniversary of the close of the 1962 fair is designed to entertain and inform. As a bonus, copies of their acclaimed coffee-table book will be available for sale and inscription.

In line with the theme, attendees will be able to write their own memories of the 1962 fair, for placement in a time capsule to be maintained by the historical society.

Besides the World’s Fair theme, those who attend will enjoy a silent auction of unique items with a historical flair, as well as the eagerly awaited tradition called the Dessert Dash. It all will be topped off with champagne.

Tickets for the Gala are $75 apiece ($25 for children age 4 to 12) and are available at the historical society’s Log House Museum, 3003 61st Ave. S.W., open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or by calling 206-938-5293.

WEST SEATTLE HELPLINE: From executive director Tara Byrne:

The West Seattle Helpline is having its annual fall fundraiser dinner with the theme “Give the Gift of Warmth and Light” at the Duwamish Longhouse on Saturday, November 10th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $95 at wshelpline.org. A delicious dinner will be provided and there will be a silent auction and a video about who we serve and what we do. All proceeds will benefit families facing emergencies in West Seattle. This fundraiser will help us work towards empowering our neighbors to gain back self-sufficiency after facing an emergency by providing warm clothes for families, rent and utility assistance, school supplies, and bus tickets. The need is the greatest in the fall and winter months.

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2 food drives: Therapists all month, Rotarians on Friday
October 1, 2012 8:28 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 food drives: Therapists all month, Rotarians on Friday
 |   How to help | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Two food drives that will be all the more successful with YOUR help:

ALL MONTH LONG: Sound Physical Therapy has challenged other clinics in West Seattle for “a good-natured competition to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month.” All month long, they’ll accept food donations – and at month’s end, the West Seattle Food Bank will weigh the donations and announce who “won.” Even if you’re not a client, stop by the nearest clinic and drop off a donation! Also participating (we’ve linked each name to their website so you can find the clinic): Highline PT, Life in Balance, BioJunction Sports Therapy, Southwest Hand Therapy, Cascade Dizziness and Balance, Kinetic Physical Therapy. (The “wish list” for the food bank is the same one in the next item.)

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT: The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to a food drive that’s also a fun way to wind up the week. From publicity chair Dave Nichols:

The Rotary Club of West Seattle is known as the fun club. While we have serious meetings and have serious goals to help the community, on the First Friday we meet at a West Seattle watering hole for fellowship and libations.

This Friday (October 5th), we will be meeting at The Cask, located at 2350 California Ave SW, from 5 pm till 7 pm. In order to be a little serious, we would like to ask the community to stop by to meet their local Rotarians and drop off a food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. We will have a donation barrel set up at the front door.

The West Seattle Food Bank serves around 900 families a week and consistently distributes more than 100,000 pounds of food each month. As far as our food donations go, The West Seattle Food Bank purchases about 12% of its food, and rely on local businesses, grocery stores, farmer’s markets and individual food drives for the rest.

While all donations help, a wish list from the West Seattle Food Bank follows:

Diapers
Baby formula
Protein items (including tuna, peanut butter, beans)
Reusable, Paper & Plastic Bags
Canned soup
Ensure
Pet Food
Hygiene items
Fresh produce
Office supplies like copy paper

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You can help! Easy ways to volunteer @ 3 local schools
October 1, 2012 11:38 am
|    Comments Off on You can help! Easy ways to volunteer @ 3 local schools
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

EDITOR’S NOTE: Again this year, local volunteer/community advocate Judy Pickens is talking with local schools about roles you can fill, if you can spare a little time to volunteer. Here’s her first compilation of the new school year.

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

The new school year brings new opportunities to make a difference in area schools by volunteering to do a one-time or ongoing task. Each school has its own personality but all have in common a culturally diverse student body, including many students new to English.

Because of increased enrollment in our public schools, they also have in common classrooms that are bursting at the seams. When class size goes up in an already culturally and academically diverse classroom, a teacher’s need for volunteer support becomes critical to each child’s having a successful year.

An e-mail to the address given will bring you more information about any of the following opportunities to lend a hand.

*************

At White Center Heights Elementary (10015 6th SW)
Contact Angelica.Ponce@highlineschools.org

Ongoing: Adults for crossing guard before (8:40-9:10 AM) and after (3:44-4:00 PM) school. Pick your day/shift M-F.

Ongoing: Adults for playground supervision, 12:02-1:00 PM. Pick your day M-F.

Ongoing: Adults to help supervise students during lunch, 12:05-1:10 PM. Pick your day M-F.

*************

At Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton)
Contact stpaolone@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as listening to students read or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days M-F, 9 AM-4 PM, and grade.

*************

At West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW)
Contact smtaylor@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adult to help with the composting program during lunchtime, 11:15-12:45. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adult to help monitor students during breakfast,, 8:10-8:35 AM. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as tutoring students one-on-one or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days 9 AM-3 PM, and grade.

One-time: Adults to help escort students during picture day, Oct. 15, 9 AM-2:30. Shift or all day.

One-time: Adult or older teen to clear and till the school garden. At your convenience.

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West Seattle schools: Lafayette ‘fires it up’ for fundraiser
September 27, 2012 1:57 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Lafayette ‘fires it up’ for fundraiser
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

School-fundraiser season kicked off almost as soon as the school year did – and this week’s launches included the start of pledging for the October 19th Walk-A-Thon at West Seattle’s most populous elementary school, Lafayette in the Admiral District. The logo for this year’s Walk-A-Thon was unveiled at an assembly this week, along with the motto: “Fire It Up!” (Which keeps with the theme that debuted at the assembly we visited earlier this month, when new principal Shauna Heath entered aboard Seattle Fire Engine 29.) Lafayette’s goal this year is $65,000, to pay for student programs they would otherwise lose, and the goal will include community contributions as well as pledges collected by students. Just two more days to become a sponsor, according to Lafayette’s announcement:

This year as a courtesy to our local business’ we are doing a “one-ask” procurement process – which means we only approach a business once this school year. Business donations are due September 29th to ensure we recognize their sponsorship on our various pieces of media that will highlight their company’s involvement. For more info, contact Leslie at wolfie2748@msn.com or visit www.mylafayette.org

P.S. If you’re inviting the community to participate in YOUR school fundraiser too, let us know!

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