West Seattle, Washington
31 Sunday
(WSB photo from May)
From the nonprofit that operates farmers’ markets including ours:
Volunteer opportunity to support local farms and food access!
The West Seattle Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help on market days with social distancing protocols and logistics, helping to keep our beloved farmers market running smoothly and safely for all. If you’d like to be a friendly, knowledgeable (masked) face inside the market, please fill out our volunteer application form! Of course, we’ll make sure you have time to shop too!
The photo and invitation are from proud mom Genya Scharks:
Tomorrow, July 16th, at 4 PM at Hiawatha Park track, our son Ian Scharks will complete the last 1.2 miles of his one-mile-a-day marathon walk to raise money for Black Lives Matter. We are inviting friends, wearing masks and physically spaced, to come cheer him on for the finish of his marathon.
He has raised $9,581 toward his $10,400 goal. He will be a 6th grader at Pathfinder K-8. He has cerebral palsy and autism and started walking with crutches last school year. Previously he used a walker or wheelchair. In March he was able to walk one lap with his crutches, but now is completing one mile, or 4 laps, each day.
In addition to showing up tomorrow to cheer for Ian, you can also donate to his fundraiser – go here. On that page, Ian explains, “I am inspired by Capt. Tom Moore and Tobias Weller in England, both who raised money by walking with assistive devices. I want to make a difference about the inequality Black people face in our nation.”
Bloodworks Northwest sent this “urgent alert” for a donation event on the 4th of July:
Blood Donations Needed Over 4th of July Weekend!
Bloodworks NW has partnered with Seattle Seahawks and Seafair to host a Pop-up Blood Donor Center at CenturyLink Field. Tomorrow, July 4th, there are still 35 donor appointments available. Our state is in a blood crisis and your blood is needed to service our local hospitals and patients. Please make your blood donation for tomorrow at www.BloodworksNW.org and use code SEAF – All donors who sign up by the 11th receive a $20 grocery gift card and will be entered into win a Seahawks Swag Bag that includes a full-sized authentic helmet autographed by Tyler Lockett and a 12 Flag autographed by Bobby Wagner.
Two sweet notes that arrived in the WSB inbox almost simultaneously this afternoon:
BENEFIT JAM SALE: The photo and announcement are from local students Sasha and Annika:
Hello West Seattle Neighbors,
My friend and I will be selling homemade strawberry jam – that we made from homegrown strawberries from our yard – this afternoon starting at 2:00. We have 60 jars of super-sweet strawberry goodness. We will be at the corner of Genesee and 51st on the sidewalk at the back of the Genesee Hill Elem school. All money will be donated to Black Lives Matter, Seattle-King County. We will set up so we can safely distance from each other – though please wear a mask. If you are out on an afternoon walk or running afternoon errands, swing by!
NEW FROZEN TREATS: From Evan at Lady Jaye (4523 California SW):
We have an awesome soft serve machine and we are creating our own magic shells and toppings. Stop by if you have a sweet tooth!
A group of students, led by two sisters, is working in two ways to do good deeds this summer. Along with tutoring, they also are organizing. Etienne Reche-Ley explains via email:
My name is Etienne and I am a rising sophomore at Stanford. This spring, my sister Noemi (she is a rising junior in high school) and I started a free online tutoring program to help WA State public school students from falling through the cracks during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have brought together 150 tutors who are high school and college students at schools around the world (many of them are West Seattle High School grads – Mikki Dysart and Sam Niederberger are part of our leadership team) who speak a total of 10 different languages. We are tutoring more than 70 students consistently.
Our goal is to reach a diverse crowd of students, focusing on those who are suffering most from the pandemic, students of color, low-income students, students who speak a language other than english, and students who face other disadvantages.
Right now, we are hosting a food, baby product, and book drive that will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. The books will be distributed to local families through drop-off locations and we are encouraging people to donate multicultural books.
Meantime, if you know someone who could benefit from the tutoring offer:
We offer free online tutoring for WA State public school students. Our tutors are high school and college students who speak 10 different languages and who are eager to help. This summer, we are here to help students catch up on schoolwork, spend their free time in a productive way, prepare for a challenging new school year and give parents a break! Click this link to have your student paired with a tutor.
Questions about tutoring, and/or donations for the drive? Email togethertutoringprogram@gmail.com. The project also has a website and Instagram page.
If yo have time to spare this summer – local kids need you. The request is from FareStart:
FareStart helps people overcome barriers to employment by teaching work and life skills needed to succeed in the foodservice industry — and in life. By investing in people and building community, we transform homelessness, hunger, and poverty into human potential.
Since early March, FareStart has distributed over 600,000 meals to the community. Over the summer, FareStart will be providing over 2,000 meals a day to families and children at 26 Seattle Public Schools and we need your help!
Volunteers are needed to help distribute meals at Seattle Public Schools including West Seattle High School, Denny International Middle School, and at Concord International School in South Park. Shifts are available Monday-Friday through the summer from 10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you are interested, fill out our volunteer form to learn more: https://www.farestart.org/covid-19-volunteer-opportunities
Thank you for helping us in our mission to transform lives, disrupt poverty and nourish communities through food, life skills, and job training.
(Natalia, Helena, and Lara Frazier, after filling the new Little Free Pantry for the first time)
The announcement and photo are from Jeana Frazier:
New Little Free Pantry at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
Please spread the word about one of the newest “little free pantries” in the West Seattle area! Located outside the office at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave. SW (next to the West Seattle High School parking lot), this pantry is available for all members of the neighborhood to “take what you need or give what you can.” Church attendees will be stocking the pantry on a regular basis, but members of the public are encouraged to donate non-perishable food, personal-care items, paper goods, and so on.
Little free pantries are a no-barrier access point for food. They aren’t intended to replace food banks, but rather to work alongside them, getting food to neighbors who may be skipping a meal. It is our hope that the neighborhood will embrace the little free pantry at St. John’s Church and help to reduce food insecurity (made worse by Covid-19 and the recent economic downturn).
Want to put up a LFP? See this WSB story from last month.
Great day for a walk! That’s what Lou Cutler (with support team Denise and Juli) is doing right now – 11.5 miles around the peninsula, to celebrate his 69th birthday and raise money for Make-A-Wish!
As noted in our preview – not to mention annual coveerage! – Lou usually celebrates his birthday a few weeks early by returning to Pathfinder K-8, where he taught PE before retiring five years ago, and running one lap around the field for every year of his new age, with students and staff joining him throughout the day. This year, the campus was closed, so he’s walking one big “lap” around West Seattle. We caught up with him at Lowman Beach.
You can support Make-A-Wish – which brings hope and joy to seriously ill children – via Lou’s page, here.
(WSB photo from 2018 Laps With Lou)
It’s one of our favorite stories to cover every June … but COVID-19 has changed it this year! Instead of running a school day’s worth of birthday laps at Pathfinder K-8, with members of the school community exuberantly joining in, retired PE teacher Lou Cutler has found another way to support Make-A-Wish this year, as he turns 69 years old. He explains:
The 69-lap Make-A-Wish run was scheduled for June 1st and was sadly, but rightly cancelled, as there was no way to do the event safely.
Over the years I was always asked if the day of the run was my birthday. I answered no and explained that if we ran the race on my actual birthday of June 25th, I would be running all by myself and the whole spirit of the magnificent event would be immensely diminished without the energy and enthusiasm of the students and the rest of the Pathfinder Community.
Not wanting to let the year pass by without paying tribute to Make-A-Wish and the spectacular wishes that are provided to the wish kids and families, I decided that I will throw myself a fabulous birthday party and walk 11.5 miles, the equivalent of 69 laps, on June 25th.
Not wanting to attract a big crowd and get MAW in trouble, I am not notifying the students of the time or route of the walk, but rather will be joined by a few Make-A-Wish Volunteers and staff for all or part of the walk and I will do it as a MAW fundraiser.
In honor of Lou’s dedication, and the kids whose wishes come true (Lou has volunteered with that for many years too), you can go here to donate – and to see a video showing some of the joy of Laps with Lou over more than a decade and a half.
That’s a photo of community generosity as received during one of Alki UCC’s food-and-more drives this spring. If you can give, tomorrow’s your next chance. Here’s the reminder:
Thanks to our community’s generosity, Alki United Church of Christ (Alki UCC) is once again accepting donations outside our building for an In-Person, Socially-Distanced Food Drive at 6115 SW Hinds this Sunday, June 21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contributions of non-perishable food and other items will be distributed via the White Center Food Bank; top requests include Canned Meat/Soup/Fruit (pop‐top cans preferred), Rice, Noodles, Peanut Butter, Oats, Toilet Paper, Diapers, Similac Formula, Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer and Baby Wipes.
The drive benefits our vulnerable neighbors in need, those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19. Check alkiucc.org for updates.
Before the school year wraps up – a call for volunteers for next year:
Chief Sealth International High School is extremely excited to announce that we are entering our 5th year of partnership with the Technology Education And Literacy in Schools (TEALS) Program, which provides support to students who want to explore computer science in the classroom. We are now planning for the 2020 – 2021 school year and as in years past, we are reaching out the West Seattle Community in search of software programmers or engineers willing to share their programming skills with our students.
TEALS volunteers have enjoyed a successful partnership with Sealth by exposing students to challenging coursework which has been extremely successful in getting students hooked into computer programming and interested in pursuing higher education in the field of computer science. Volunteer training is provided during the summer and involvement in the classroom varies. Volunteers can team-teach or simply help out in the Computer Science classroom. They commit to two days per week during the 1st period of the day which allows them to maintain their regular work schedule. Past volunteers have provided classroom support to students and have enjoyed helping teach CS in the classroom. The experience in the CS classroom is very fulfilling, as a 2-year volunteer said, “When I see a student ‘get it’, and see them take what they learned and do something I never thought of, I get as much satisfaction as they do.”
Interested CS professionals are encouraged to explore more at the volunteer section of the TEALS website, or contact Chief Sealth teacher Luke Azinger (ljazinger@seattleschools.org or 206-252-8550), for more information.
The district is expected to announce tomorrow what scenario it plans for next school year regarding online/in-person instruction.
Stopped by Admiral UCC Church a little while ago to check on their outdoor food drive. Still time to stop by if you have any of this to donate: Non-perishable and canned food, pet food and cat litter, baking supplies, seasonings and herbs, bagged fresh produce, or home-grown organic vegetables. Look for the canopy and bin, 4320 SW Hill, until 4 pm. (If you miss today, they have three other Saturday food drives planned this summer, 1-4 pm June 27th, July 11st and 25th.)
From the Alki Elementary PTA – how they’re helping, and how you can help:
During these unprecedented times of true uncertainty, Alki Elementary has set out to shine the light on small businesses and families in need here in West Seattle. We have always relied on our community’s support to help us fund staff positions (counselor, nurse, and hourly staff) and programs within our school, and our community has never let us down. Now, our call to return that support is clear. We are filled with ideas and moving forcefully with meaningful action through our “IN communITy TOGETHER” initiative.
By way of our collective minds and hearts, we have already launched 3 separate efforts during this pandemic, honoring our mission to serve and support those our own neighborhood.
*Selling flowers for our local flower farmers on Mother’s Day was wildly successful, due to the synergy of teamwork. The idea lives on, as other schools have adopted our model and continue to host sales for Lee Lor Gardens and Blong’s Garden.
Currently, two more efforts are taking place.
*For Father’s Day we are supporting Husky Deli, The Beer Junction, and Safeway on Admiral as we sell pre-orders of DIY ROOT BEER FLOAT KITS for drive thru pick-up at Husky Deli on Father’s Day, June 21st.
*Lastly, our initiative to FEED THOSE IN NEED is the pride and joy of IN IT TOGETHER. We have partnered with the existing effort of local restaurants here in West Seattle (The Westy, Mission Cantina, The Bridge, Peel and Press, and West 5), as well as the Alibi Room at Pike Place Market to provide healthy meals to first responders, seniors, healthcare workers, and those experiencing food insecurities due to the pandemic. A $10 donation will provide one meal as well as support our local community needs through ALKI CARES FUND. Alki Cares supports families severely impacted by COVID19, providing them with groceries, supplies, and more. To date, we have provided 235 meals!
This Friday, you’re invited! From the Senior Center of West Seattle:
Rainbow Truth or Dare Pajama Party with the Senior Center
Join the Senior Center in your pajamas from the comfort of your living room couch for a live streamed game of Truth or Dare with Sylvia O’Stayformore on Friday, June 12, from 7-8 p.m. There will be prizes for the teams that raise the most money, plus fun options for food and drinks, including the Senior Center’s wildly popular rainbow Jell-O shots!
Every dollar raised will support the Senior Center’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, which is providing meals, groceries, social worker outreach and other essential services to West Seattle seniors.
Friday, June 12
7-8 p.m.
Virtual (link will be sent to registered participants)$20 suggested donation to participate. Sign up here.
In these past few pandemic months, many local school fundraisers have gone online, since their usual in-person events couldn’t be held. The season’s not over yet – here’s an invitation from supporters of the nonprofit Fauntleroy Children’s Center:
The Fauntleroy Children’s Center 33rd Annual Auction is going on now online! Now until midnight on Sunday, June 14th we are excited to extend to our Greater West Seattle Community the opportunity to bid on over 200 fun items and experiences all while supporting FCC. Click on our online auction link to sign-up, browse the catalogue, and bid high (and often!).
The goal of our fundraiser is to fill FCC’s annual budget gap which funds: tuition assistance for families in need; continuing education classes for staff members to stay up-to-date on new research and practices in early childhood development; as well as classroom materials, field trips and toys for outside play. We are also putting out a call for direct donations (tax deductible) which will all go towards supporting teacher pay during the COVID-19 crisis.
For additional information, please visit the Fauntleroy Children’s Center website or email the FCC auction committee at auction@fauntleroychildrenscenter.org.
Fauntleroy Children’s Center is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community and families of the greater West Seattle area since 1977 by offering high quality childcare in an educational environment.
Now that it’s June, it’s graduation month – or, if you don’t know anyone in the Class of 2020, surely you have some other reason to celebrate, so here’s a way to do it with flowers, as announced by the West Seattle High School PTSA:
Brighten up your days with a beautiful spring bouquet while supporting the WSHS PTSA and our local farmers! The PTSA is partnering with Hmong Flower Farmers to offer beautiful bouquets to honor our graduating Seniors. If you don’t know a senior, buy one for yourself or an essential worker in your neighborhood! Order by June 4th (Thursday) for pickup at the high school on Saturday, June 13th, 10 am-noon. If you can’t make it in person, we will deliver for you for an additional $10 (within West Seattle only please). Cost per bouquet is $20 pickup/$30 delivered. Proceeds benefit the WSHS PTSA. Learn more and place an order today!
The photo and report are from Amanda:
We’ve got a lemonade stand set up on the corner of 62nd and SW Stevens st. In the Alki neighborhood. They are raising money to buy face masks and donate them to people in need at hospitals.
Amanda says they’ll likely be there a few more hours – “until we run out of cups.”
Our regional blood supplies need a boost now that more health-care services are resuming. If you can donate, this month’s West Seattle pop-up drive has two more days to go this week – Wednesday (10 am-6 pm) and Friday (9 am-5 pm). at Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW). You can book an appointment online by going here, or by phone – call 800-398-7888, Ext 1 – or email, schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
If you can donate food (and/or other staples), you have two opportunities this weekend:
OUTSIDE ADMIRAL CHURCH: Just under way, the first of six food-donation drives outside Admiral UCC Church (4320 SW Hill), 1-4 pm. As previewed here, they’re collecting “non-perishable and canned food, pet food and cat litter, baking supplies, seasonings and herbs, and bagged fresh produce or home-grown organic vegetables.”
OUTSIDE ALKI UCC: Happening tomorrow at 6115 SW Hinds:
Thanks to our community’s continuing generosity, Alki United Church of Christ is once again accepting donations outside our building for an In-Person, Socially-Distanced Food Drive at 6115 SW Hinds this Sunday, May 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contributions of non-perishable food and other items are distributed via the White Center Food Bank; top requests include Canned Meat/Soup/Fruit (pop‐top cans preferred), Rice, Noodles, Peanut Butter, Oats, Toilet Paper, Diapers, Similac Formula, Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer, and Baby Wipes.
The drive benefits our vulnerable neighbors in need, those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The food drives continue every other Sunday until further notice.
Another way to help people who need food during the COVID-19 economic crunch: A new recurring food drive outside Admiral UCC Church (4320 SW Hill):
Food Drive Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning May 23rd. 2020:
There will be a Food Bank barrel to collect food under a canopy at Admiral Church with attendants to assist with the collection of food: non-perishable and canned food, pet food and cat litter, baking supplies, seasonings and herbs, and bagged fresh produce or home-grown organic vegetables.
The food drives will be from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, May 23 and 30, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25. Your food donations are needed as the number of people needing food has increased greatly due to the pandemic.
Here’s a map.
Another local PTA invites everyone in the community to bid – and dine!
The Gatewood Elementary PTA 2020 Auction is going virtual!
Silent bidding will begin on Monday May 25.
Live streamed event is on Friday May 29 @ 7 pm.
Please visit www.gatewoodauction.org and click the online auction link to register for the event. Everyone has to register for online bidding. Anyone can participate – registration is free!
A special meal from Elliott Bay Brewery is available for purchase to be delivered in West Seattle on Fri May 29. Please order by this Friday May 22 at www.gatewoodauction.org.
Kid-made art, restaurant gift cards, Pearl Jam poster, vacation homes, and more!
Questions – please email gatewoodauctionchair@gmail.com
Thank you for your support of the Gatewood Community.
– Lauren Fabella and Matt Hoffman
Gatewood Auction 2020 co-chairs
If not for the pandemic, about 1,000 runners and walkers would be celebrating completion of the annual West Seattle 5K along Alki right about now. It’s a benefit for, and organized by, the West Seattle High School PTSA, which has a reminder for you:
We are missing you all and missing this wonderful community event! Please plan to participate and/or sponsor this event next year. Cancelling this and our other spring fundraiser has left us with a budget shortfall. If you are willing and able to donate to the WSHS PTSA, please make a donation on our website.
We’ve co-sponsored the WS5K every year since the first one in 2009. See you there in May 2021!
Two months after the stay-home order shuttered many businesses, it continues to be a tough time even for those that have been allowed to offer pickup and delivery. Many generous West Seattleites have lent an extra hand through the Small Business Relief Fund. You can even choose a specific business to support, with 100 percent of your gift going directly to that business. The West Seattle Junction Association is coordinating the fund, but it’s not a Junction-only program – you can name any West Seattle small business(es) to target your donation. Also note, it may go further than the dollar amount alone – Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor), for example, pledged to match up to $10,000 worth of donations made starting May 5th. With the added mobility crisis caused by the high-bridge closure, a strong local business community has never been more important. You can donate online via credit card, via the Junction Venmo (@westseattlejunction), or send a check via: West Seattle Junction Association, 4210 SW Oregon St, Suite A, Seattle 98116. As of the last update a week ago, donations had totaled $78,000, but West Seattle has hundreds of small businesses, so they can use a lot more support.
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