(Photo added 9:28 am: Admiral District decorations are up!)
Welcome to the first work/school week of December. Fairly quiet on the calendar for today/tonight, as we all recover from the first major weekend of holiday events, but here are a few highlights:

MONDAY ARTISTS: Watercolorists welcome – from beginners to experts – to this group that meets weekly, 9:30-noon, at Island View Apartments (across from West Seattle High School). Details in the calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s ingredient – bring a dish made with it – is broccoli. 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); club info here.

TALK TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SCHOOL BOARD: West Seattle/South Park school-board director Marty McLaren‘s next community-conversation meeting is tonight, 6 pm, at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way).

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Big weekend for the Junior Court and Hi-Yu volunteers, at the West Seattle Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Junction Tree Lighting, and Hometown Holidays Sunday – and tonight all are welcome to the Hi-Yu Holiday Open House meeting, 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Church Hall (California/Hanford), with float designs on the agenda.

COMMUNITY MEETING FOR FAUNTLEROY-VASHON-SOUTHWORTH FERRY ROUTE: It’s on the other side of the Sound, but if you have concerns/issues/questions, it’s the place to be, 6 pm in Port Orchard. Topics include King County’s Barton Pump Station expansion project and its effects on the neighboring ferry dock. Details, map, agenda, here.

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
That’s Vera the red-nosed person, fresh from the facepainting corner in the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Headquarters tent at California/Alaska today during the first of three special Sundays in The Junction. Though sunbreaks and rain waves traded places for much of the early afternoon, the Timberland WagonEars mule-drawn carriage did brisk (free) business, with people waiting patiently even when it got showery:

The carriage jingled through The Junction for four hours:

Here’s the driver’s-eye view:

The carriage rides skip next Sunday, but will be back in two weeks (on Sunday, December 16th). Someone you will find again next Sunday – Santa Claus!

6-year-old Harrison French came to City Mouse Studio (4218 SW Alaska) to show Santa his drawing of reindeer and Mr. Claus, as well as his Christmas wish:

(Click image for larger view)
And yes, inevitably there was the occasional little one who didn’t quite get the Santa concept:

That’s 22-month-old Elliott Secan. (P.S. While it was DIY photo time with Santa today, pro photographer Donna Ryan will be on hand the next two Sundays. Santa-photo proceeds benefit WestSide Baby!) Back outside and kitty-corner at Hometown Holidays Headquarters, hot cocoa awaited 9-year-old Amelia and 8-year-old Bailey Hermann

If you didn’t make it out today – or even if you did – don’t miss Hometown Holidays Sunday number 2 next weekend, 11 am to 3 pm in The Junction – and before then, you’re warmly welcomed at multiple Junction stores during Shop Late Thursday.

Thanks to Lise Thivierge for the photo from Seacrest showing this morning’s high tide at the West Seattle Water Taxi dock. You could say the holiday tide is rising – with lots happening this weekend, starting tonight! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (which we’re continuing to update daily!) and WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (updated daily year-round):

SANTA PHOTOS: Today “Santa Al” will be available for photos – free with your camera, or have a photo taken for $5 – at Small Clothes today (and tomorrow), 10:30 am-1:30 pm, first of several appearances in West Seattle. Westwood Village’s Santa photos continue daily too. And check the Holiday Guide for lots MORE Santa this weekend – “Ex-Westwood Santa” starts his rounds tomorrow, and the Junction Santa will be at City Mouse on Sunday – this first time is BRING YOUR OWN CAMERA, though. All the details here (scroll to the Santa Photos section).

FIREFLY CAFE AND CREPERIE’S OPENING DAY: The new eatery at California and Genesee has a sign on its door saying it’s opening no later than 11 am.

SAMPLER TOUR OF ARTISTS’ GALLERIES “Sampler” tour of local artists’ galleries, 4-9 pm tonight (and continuing this weekend) – full details here.

HOLY ROSARY LOT ‘FESTIVAL OF TREES’: As previewed here yesterday, the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) will celebrate the first big weekend of the season with the first “Festival of Trees” 6-9 pm tonight at the lot, north of the school at 41st and Dakota. You don’t have to wait till then to get your tree, though – it’s open 3-9 pm on Fridays (and 9 am-9 pm Saturdays/Sundays, 4-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays).

HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: The famous, tasty holiday open house at Husky Deli in The Junction is scheduled for 6-9 pm tonight.

LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s venues featured in the regular calendar – follow that link to see the individual listings – include Sid Law @ C & P, Barbie Anaka @ Salty’s (those first two venues are WSB sponsors), BOWI @ A Terrible Beauty, three acts at Skylark, The Slags and more @ Benbow Room.

‘THE WINTER WONDERETTES’: At ArtsWest, it’s the “new ’60s Christmas musical,” continuing at 7:30 tonight. Details and ticket sales are on the ArtsWest website.

Preview this weekend’s HUGE holiday happenings (including the West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday night at 5) by going here!

(Crow photographed along Harbor Avenue by Bill Bacon)
Made it to midweek! Some highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details on the SPL site (other library events are on the system’s ongoing calendar).

DESC CONSTRUCTION-INFO MEETING: As noted here last night, residents in the vicinity of the DESC Delridge Supportive Housing program are invited to a Q/A meeting with the contractor at 3 pm today at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge, across the street from the project).

SUPERSTORM SANDY SOUP-AND-SANDWICH FUNDRAISER: Visit the West Seattle Eagles‘ hall in The Junction to enjoy this week’s soup-and-sandwich offering starting at 4:30 pm, with proceeds benefiting storm survivors on the East Coast. Details here.

**Note – Salty’s has announced that this event is postponed until January 31st.** ‘BOOMERS AND BEYONDERS’ AT SALTY’S: 6-9 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), Pat Cashman and researcher Mike Hearl lead boomers through a look at how to “finish strong” in the final third of their lives. More info here.

DNDC-HPAC JOINT MEETING: Bottom line, if you live in eastern West Seattle, this community meeting’s for you. 7 pm tonight at the Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden), the HP Action Committee and Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meet together. The agenda includes an update on the Delridge Paving project (for which a contractor has been chosen, as we reported last week).

POETRY AND STORYTELLING: The monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. Eugenia Toledo and Carolyne Wright are the featured readers, according to the Poetrybridge website, which also has details on the open-mike portion of the program.

‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest begins the second week of its holiday production – 7:30 pm; tickets available at the playhouse’s website.

OTHER ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS – What you need to know about Santa photos, Christmas tree sales, giving opportunities, and more, continuing today/tonight – all in the WSB West Seattle Holidays Guide … and since the season is still semi-early, we’re continuing to add events, benefits, etc., as we get word of them – editor@westseattleblog.com if you haven’t sent yours yet!

We spotted the garland-hanging crew in The Junction earlier this morning – getting ready for Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB again this year) starting this weekend (schedule here!) This IS another good day for decorating if you can, since the rain might be back by tomorrow. Here are a few highlights for today from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

AUTUMN POTPOURRI FESTIVAL: “A little of this ’n that” at Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) now till 1 pm. Gift items, jewelry imports, collectibles, decorations, crafts, desert plants, Santa Claus, bake sale, jazz with the Ellis Brothers, lunch at 11:45 am.

PEPS ORIENTATION: 1:30 pm for new/expectant parents at Bright Horizons (38th/Alaska, lower floor of Link). Details here.

OPEN ARMS ‘SHORT AND SWEET AUCTION’: West Seattleite Sabrina Urquhart is on the board of Open Arms Perinatal Services, which helps low-income women and their families, with results including increased breastfeeding-initiation rates, decreased C-section rates, and fewer cases of low-birthweight babies, and shared the news that they are raising money through an auction and entertainment event at 6:30 tonight at SANCA in nearby Georgetown – details here.

WEST SEATTLE STEM ELEMENTARY PTA MEETING: 7 pm tonight at the school (aka K5 STEM at Boren), 5940 Delridge Way SW. More info on the PTA website.

4TH ANNUAL JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) welcomes you tonight to celebrate the rock legend. Special guest: Another local legend, Pat O’Day, with his personal collection of rare Hendrix photos. 7 pm, 6451 California SW – more info here.

Will we see orcas again today? Thanks to 10-year-old Audrey for sharing that photo she took on Saturday; you can see other photos from yesterday’s West Seattle sightings by going here; you can see what it looked like from the Vashon side of the sound via this video by Ed Brooks. Wildlife keeps no schedule, but here’s what IS scheduled today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC NOTE: If you’re heading out this morning, remember that the Seattle Marathon is under way, starting from Seattle Center (other info here).

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, FINAL DAY: The Duwamish Tribe welcomes you to its Native Holiday Gift Fair – third and final day today, 10 am to 5 pm. Buy directly from native artists and craftpersons; enjoy holiday spirit and a big lighted tree. Unique gifts in every price range – fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon, more, with snacks and beverages available, plus free parking for shoppers. The Duwamish Longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW in West Seattle.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round! 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska.

BUY YOUR TICKET FOR NEXT SATURDAY’S KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Find the West Seattle Kiwanis at the WS Farmers’ Market and get an advance discount ticket for next Saturday’s annual Community Pancake Breakfast.

SANTA AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: First weekend of Santa photos in the new “Santa’s Village” location (ex-Dress Barn); hours and Santas listed here.

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 1-4 pm, Arts & Crafts Show at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW). From the announcement: “Just in time for finding a special smaller gift for your friends and co-workers: We are inviting several of our favorite ‘crafters’ to come show their wares for the day. Small items will be available at very affordable prices. You will want to join us for a mimosa and a fun shopping afternoon!”

‘GREY MATTER’ SCREENING: As part of the Global Lens series, this film will be shown at 2 pm at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, free. The description: “Set in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this radiantly self-referential film-within-a-film describes the vision and trials of a determined filmmaker named Balthazar, as he tries to produce his first feature, The Cycle of the Cockroach.” It’s one hour and 40 minutes long.

CALLIGRAPHY AND CARDMAKING FOR TEENS: Youth 12-18 are invited to the Southwest Library (35th and Henderson) for this Teen Space program starting at 2 pm – more info here.

MUSIC WITH YOUR COFFEE: Cynthia Alexander performs live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 3-5 pm today.

‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: 3 pm matinee today for the holiday production at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) in The Junction.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL … it’s flute and guitar chamber ensemble Duo Rubicund, 5 pm (7904 35th SW). Details and ticket info here.

Day before Thanksgiving; here are two groups of notes:

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page:

DESSERT DONATION: The traditional free community dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy isn’t till tomorrow, but organizers welcome dessert donations, which you can drop off as early as 10 am-3 pm TODAY (or after 9 am tomorrow). South side of the old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California SW.

FOOD BANKS’ LAST-MINUTE HOURS/NEEDS: West Seattle Food Bank is open 9 am-3 pm for donations (and told us yesterday that canned hams are their biggest need), southeast corner of 35th/Morgan; the White Center Food Bank (10829 8th Ave SW) is open 8:30 am-5 pm, and says turkeys are what they need most.

From the regular year-round WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (plus a last-minute sighting or two):

HELP FOR NICKELSVILLE: Via Facebook, The Forsythe Studio in The Junction (4456 California SW) announced it’s collecting donations today, 10 am-7 pm, for Nickelsville – “ANY warm clothes, blankets, socks, etc. for the displaced families suffering from flooding … ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated! Things will be picked up (today) and distributed on Thanksgiving morning! We thank you in advance!”

MORE HELP FOR NICKELSVILLE: Just found out that Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor; 4410 California SW) is collecting donations too, through the end of the holiday weekend. Proprietor Lora Swift says – “waterproof outerwear; gently worn boots, coats, pants, hats, and socks. Pet supplies too.”

LIVE GLASS-BLOWING: “Because we know you have family in town looking for entertainment, we will have live glass-blowing 11 am-5 pm,” says Avalon Glassworks” (2914 SW Avalon Way).

LUNCH TO HELP SUPERSTORM SANDY VICTIMS: The West Seattle Eagles are raising money to help fellow Eagles back east – every Wednesday lunch in November goes to that cause; more info here.

NEW BABY? Early Days drop-in support group at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction welcomes you, noon-2 pm, more info here.

LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s listings on the calendar include Jonny Smokes’ Thanksgiving Eve show at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm.

(Monday photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
Two days till Thanksgiving, and the full holiday lineup (open restaurants/coffee shops, grocery-store hours, free dinners, other events) is on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page. But for Thanksgiving Eve-Eve, here are some of the regular calendar’s highlights for today/tonight:

BENEFIT DANCE CLASS: Gildenfire‘s class is at 10:45 am at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) for 2-4-year-olds, free with 2 cans of food, to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. More info in our calendar listing.

CO-WORK MEETUP: The WS Office Junction team is continuing to organize “co-work meetups” as it works on a permanent location. You’re welcome to join them noon-1:30 pm today at Uptown Espresso in The Junction: “This week we would hope to steer the conversation to what everyone is working on in their businesses to see if we can get some collaborative networking started.”

DESSERT WITH TRANSITIONAL RESOURCES: TR is having Thanksgiving dinner today – and inviting the community to drop in for potluck dessert – bring one and come share, 1-4:30 pm. Details and map in calendar listing.

TALKING TRANSIT AT CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Safety and other issues raised by West Seattle transit changes, including the expansion of the Westwood transit hub, are at the heart of the agenda – with guests from Metro, Sound Transit, and SDOT – tonight at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster). Also bring your neighborhood crime concerns.

BELLY DANCING: It’s the monthly Alauda showcase at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

More nightlife and other listings on the year-round WSB West Seattle Events Calendar here; full holiday listings, Thanksgiving through New Year’s, in the WSB West Seattle Holidays guide here!

8:55 PM: Over the past week or so, we’ve received scattered reports of unexplained booms in the Lincoln Park vicinity. No fire/crime/injury reports resulted, so they’ve remained a mystery. We’re uphill from south Lincoln Park and just finally heard one for ourselves. We’re monitoring the scanner/911 log and if anything results, we’ll update. Nothing so far, and it’s been five-plus minutes. We also launched a discussion on the WSB Facebook page and there are several reports of people seeing a flash in the ferry-dock area at the time.

9:54 PM: An hour’s gone by, with no report of injury/fire/damage/power outage etc. (not even a 911 dispatch) So, a mystery, for now.

(Coprinus at Lincoln Park, photographed by Machel Spence)
Good morning! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – including chances to fight hunger via giving (or receiving) food donations:

TURKEY GIVEAWAY: 500 turkeys and bags of groceries are to be given away in West Seattle by Eastridge Church starting at 9 am – no prerequisites, no questions asked. They’re at 39th and Oregon, across from West Seattle Bowl.

OPEN HOUSE AT J.F. HENRY: This weekend is the big open-house weekend at houseware/tableware specialists J.F. Henry Kitchen, Tableware & Gifts (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Homemade cookies, hot cocoa, special demonstrations and savings, all weekend long – 10 am-6 pm today, 10 am-5 pm Sunday.(4445 California SW)

FAUNTLEROY ART/CRAFT FAIR: Today’s day 2, 10 am-4 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), with artists and crafters selling and showing their work. Here’s our Friday report.

FIRST-EVER BAZAAR AT SLHS: 10 am-5 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School invites you to its first-ever holiday bazaar in the gym (40th/Genesee), including food/beverages and the school robotics team showing its stuff.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT MASONIC HALL: 10 am-4 pm, 40th and Edmunds, the Alki Masonic Hall has a holiday bazaar today too.

NORTHWEST ART AND FRAME OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-5:30 pm, with demonstrations, prize drawings, and more. Full details here – and the Facebook event page has info too.

TAKING ON FERRY IDLING: CoolMom is scheduled to spend the day raising awareness about the pollution caused by idling while you’re awaiting the ferry in Fauntleroy, 11:30 am-4:30 pm.

FAMILY FUN WITH THE HARMONICA POCKET! They’re playing High Point Community Center this morning, 10:30 am. If you didn’t buy an advance discount ticket, it’s $5/person, $20/max per family. Here’s the description from Seattle Parks:

“SINGING THANKSGIVING”: This interactive 50-minute set gets young and old alike singing American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain. Audience members are invited to co-create and improvise lyrics on a Harmonica Pocket original song. Give Thanks and sing names of harvest fruits and vegetables on Apple Apple. Dance, fingerplays, a waltz with a pumpkin, and zany skits tie this program up into a thoughtful, playful package.

SPECIAL DONATION DROPOFF AT WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 2-5 pm today, bring turkeys and other food donations directly to the WS Food Bank via its garage off SW Morgan east of 35th – more details here.

SKILLS & DRILLS BASKETBALL CLINIC: Three hours of basketball tune-up as kids get ready for the winter sports season, 2-5 pm at West Seattle High School, with guests including WSHS head coach Donald Watts and Sonics legend Slick Watts – here’s our original story with details.

LOCAL YOUTH AT YOUNGSTOWN – 2 CHANCES TO SEE THEM! Freehold’s Engaged Theater presents “Aloud,” with the cast including local youth. And it’s free! Get the details here. 4 and 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

DONATE FOOD TONIGHT DURING THE TURKEY BOWL! The bowling lanes are sold out last time we checked, but the Beer Church Turkey Bowl at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) tonight is still a fun event to watch, and the perfect chance for you to drop by with nonperishable food donations to add to the tally benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. It all starts at 5:30 pm.

GARY BENSON’S CD RELEASE PARTY: He performs and celebrates his new CD at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tonight, 6-8 pm.

BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE AT ZIPPY’S: In White Center, it’s Art Walk night (third Saturdays), and this is the second time that Zippy’s Giant Burgers (WSB sponsor) is presenting live music – this time, a Black Sabbath tribute band, starting at 9 pm (9614 14th SW).

NIGHTTIME BEACH WALK: 10 pm-midnight at Me-Kwa-Mooks – details here.

Even more is happening today/tonight – these are just a few highlights; check the calendar for more!

(Recent fall-colors aerial of Duwamish Head/North Admiral, by Long Bach Nguyen, shared via WSB Flickr group)

BIRTHDAY PARTY WORK PARTY: As previewed here last weekend, today is the annual Nature Consortium work party in honor of County Executive Dow Constantine‘s birthday. You can join them at College Street Ravine between 10 am and 2 pm.

SPECIAL STORY TIME: Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village reports “a special storytime between 1-3 pm today, with Rite Aid’s Health and Wellness Ambassadors doing the storytelling! There will also be a craft, making hand turkeys for Thanksgiving!”

ROAD TO COLLEGE – WITH FREE DINNER: Got a high-school student in the house? Free dinner and information about college access and related topics, 5 pm tonight at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

FALL HARVEST AUCTION FOR WSHS: The annual West Seattle High School fundraising auction is tonight at 5:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).

FREE WINE TASTING: The weekly Thursday tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor; 6026 California SW), 5:30-8 pm, will feature Spanish wines this time.

SHOP LATE THURSDAY – INCLUDING COOKBOOK AUTHORS AT CLICK! The Junction’s Shop Late Thursdays are back for the 2012 holiday season, 6-9 pm, and one big event is happening tonight at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor; 4540 California SW) – cookbook authors Kim O’Donnel (“The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations”), Jeanne Sauvage (“Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays”), and Cynthia Nims (“Salty Snacks”). Full details here.

TEST DRIVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WESTSIDE SCHOOL: Big event tonight for prospective middle-schoolers and their families:

Westside School is hosting a really exciting, interactive event this evening starting at 6:00 pm. Prospective students for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will have an opportunity to “test drive” the Middle School at Westside. They are invited to come and learn about Westside’s Middle School program, through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Talk with our fantastic Middle School teachers, and meet our administrators. Learn more about it HERE.

(Westside is a WSB sponsor; 7740 34th SW.)

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CENTER! Come check out the advisory council of the Southwest Teen Life Center and Pool – 7 pm tonight on the lower level of the center, 2801 SW Thistle. These are the community volunteers who help support activities there (among other things), as explained in the official notice.

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: The group for local business owners meets tonight at Lezlie Jane‘s Hilltop Studio at 7 pm. The theme is Marketing Ideas for the New Year. Address: 10643 19th Ave SW – phone: 206-383-7283

SOUTH PARK BRIDGE MEETING: As first reported on partner site The South Park News, the bridge work is running longer than planned and it won’t be done before early 2014. Tonight, you can find out more during a county-organized community meeting at the South Park Neighborhood Center, 8201 10th Avenue South, 7 pm.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL MEETING: 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds). Here’s the agenda:

1) Nominations and election of ACC Board and Officers
2) Review of Tentative 2013 Budget
3) Results of November 13th FAA Greener Skies Meeting with Beacon Hill Community
4) Progress on ACC’s 501 (c) (3) Application
5) ACC Goals for 2013

Tonight’s nightlife highlights (music, comedy, pub quiz) and more – plus what’s ahead tomorrow and beyond – on the calendar!

After a gray day, a sunbreak at sunset last night – and a double rainbow photographed by Annika Bowden. Looking ahead to tonight, highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

BEER-TASTING EVENT: Sam Smith tasting event at The Cask (2350 California SW), 6-9 pm – more info here.

DELRIDGE GREENWAY OPEN HOUSE: What’s the best way to create a route that’s safe for biking and walking in North Delridge – an alternative to braving Delridge Way itself? Come to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) tonight to talk about what you’d like to see, and find out what’s in the city’s plan so far. (More info on the city website, here.)

AUTHOR MIKE HICKEY READS @ FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), meet West Seattle author Mike Hickey, as he signs and sells his novel “Counterclockwise.” (Mike’s also a South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] faculty member and has served as Seattle Poet Populist, among other distinctions.)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE: Election debriefing and Legislature preview are on the 34th DDs’ agenda, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).

DENNY/SEALTH/UW BANDS SHARE A STAGE: 7 pm tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, a joint concert by the bands from CSIHS, Denny International Middle School, and the University of Washington Symphonic Band – free! The concert is preceded by a reception in the Sealth commons.

THANKSGIVING-COOKING CLASS: Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) head chef Jeremy McLachlan leads his popular class tonight and tomorrow night, 7 pm – but call to see if there’s any room left; the number and more info, in our listing.

Music and more on our calendar!

(Autumn-leaf carpet at 36th/Hanford; photo shared by Myrtle)
Before Tuesday gets much further along – calendar highlights for today/tonight:

SENIOR CENTER ‘SALUTE TO VETS’ LUNCH: Not too late to call to see if there’s still room – 11:45, lunch that’s free to veterans, reasonably priced for others. Info here.

AIRCRAFT NOISE/FLIGHT PATTERN CONCERNS? The rescheduled meeting for Seattle’s southern neighborhoods, with the FAA and Port of Seattle, is at 6:30 tonight at Cleveland High School on Beacon Hill – info and map here.

TUESDAY TUNE-UP, BENEFITING WESTSIDE BABY: Tonight’s “good time for a good cause” is the Tuesday Tune-Up at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), benefiting WestSide Baby. Cocktails, appetizers, live music, 6:30-8:30 pm.

NEW BLOCK WATCH: The California/Myrtle vicinity of southern Morgan Junction/western Gatewood is forming a Block Watch, and if you’re anywhere in that area, you’re invited to the organizational meeting at 7 tonight, lower-level meeting room at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church, 7141 California SW.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Neighborhood crime trends are part of the agenda tonight at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill), everyone welcome.

DEADLINE NEAR FOR ORDERING HOLIDAY TREES, WREATHS: Just a few more days to get in on this:

The Parent Association of Seattle Lutheran High School is offering Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday greenery for sale, until Saturday, Nov. 17. Preorder a Noble Fir tree of up to 8 feet for just $45, and wreaths are available in 22-, 24-, and 30-inch sizes. A perennial best-seller is the 25-foot garland for $28. Wrap up your decorating by ordering the $100 special, which includes a wreath, garland, tree and centerpiece.

Pickup will be on Friday, Nov. 30, at Hope Lutheran School; delivery in West Seattle is available for $10. See seattlelutheran.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Christmas-Greens-2012.pdf

Music and more for tonight and beyond, on the calendar!

With Veterans Day officially observed today, here are the major holiday-related changes/notes:

*Transit changes: Metro “reduced weekday service”; no Water Taxi
*Schools are closed
*Banks are closed
*Most government facilities are closed – with one notable exception:
*Seattle Public Library branches are OPEN (they observed the holiday yesterday)
*Free on-street-parking day for city neighborhoods with pay stations/meters
*Trash/recycling/yard-waste service is normal if you have Monday pickup
*No USPS delivery; post offices closed

FREEBIES FOR VETERANS TODAY: Writer David Nelson e-mailed to let us know that West Seattle businesses are included in his roundup of places offering something free for veterans, today only. See the full regional list here. We also heard directly from Celtic Swell (61st and Alki), which is offering free appetizers today for veterans AND active-duty military. And WSB sponsor C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW) is offering free coffee for veterans today.

Other calendar highlights for today:

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: The theme this time is vegan – so bring a vegan dish to Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) at 3 pm.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Here’s the agenda.

RELAY FOR LIFE 2013 VOLUNTEER MEETING: Get involved now, to help out with the cancer-fighting overnight event next June. Volunteers and potential volunteers meet at 6:45 tonight, Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW).

SOUNDGARDEN ALBUM RELEASE PARTY: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and Easy Street Records co-sponsor the big event tonight at The Feedback (6451 California SW). Starts at 7 pm and includes not only the chance to hear and buy “King Animal,” but also live music by Soundgarden tribute band Bleed Together, Soundgarden videos on the big screen, and the raffle of the Hi-Yu-benefiting autographed guitar (see this WSB story) – you can still buy $5 raffle tickets at tonight’s event before the drawing.

More on our calendar!

Today is the traditional Veterans Day, though many observations await the federal holiday tomorrow. THANK YOU to everyone who has served, and to all the loved ones who support/ed them. Here’s one big event today – donation drive at the American Legion Hall (37th and Alaska), and free spaghetti dinner for veterans:

As for the rest of the day/night: Forecast says rain will return later today. Here’s what’s up:

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSURE: One exception to “holiday observed tomorrow” – SPL branches are all closed today.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round! 10 am-2 pm today and every Sunday, 44th and Alaska; the newest Ripe ‘n’ Ready list is here.

BUY KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST TICKETS: At the Farmers’ Market today, you can visit the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth and buy tickets to the club’s 66th annual Pancake Breakfast, coming up on December 1st, just three weeks away.

GO FOR A RIDE WITH WEST SEATTLE SPOKESPEOPLE: 2-(or 3-)wheeled shopping trip! Details on our calendar page; meet up at Alki Bike and Board (proprietor Stu Hennessey is leading the ride) at 11 am, 2606 California SW in The Admiral District.

(rained out) GO THROW! West Seattle Ultimate Family Frisbee is now at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point for the winter (34th/Myrtle). 11 am.

BOARD-GAMING EVENT: At Uptown Espresso in The Junction (California/Edmunds/Erskine), 1 pm. Details in the calendar listing.

‘I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING’: 2 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a production of Arthur Miller‘s play about getting older.

MOONBOTS PRESENTATION AT MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: As featured here on WSB yesterday, two West Seattle 9-year-olds are in the second round of the MoonBots competition – and presenting their robot at the Museum of Flight today, for a live webcast that’ll be part of the judging. Go cheer them on! 2 pm.

DUBSEA BIKES: Need repairs? The community repair event happens 2-4 pm today at White Center Food Bank, 8th and 108th.

STEFANIE ROBBINS & THE STRAIGHT SHOOTERS, AND CYNTHIA MARIE, AT C&P: Live music 3-5 pm today at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW).

SUNDAY RIBS AT THE FEEDBACK: 5 pm “till they’re gone,” Sunday ribs are back for fall at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6451 California SW.

More music and other Sunday options are on our calendar!

(Friday sunrise, by the Jack Block Park tracks: Photo by Don Brubeck)
Welcome to the weekend! Multiple opportunities today to get going with your holiday shopping – bazaars, bartering, open house, big sale … from the WSB West Seattle (and vicinity!) Events Calendar:

NORTH DELRIDGE CLEANUP: Go help brighten the neighborhood before fall weather gets REALLY serious. 10 am-noon. Meet at Delridge Community Center.

CAFFE DELIA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY: As previewed here on Friday, Caffé Delia, the coffee shop co-housed with White Center’s Proletariat Pizza, a WSB sponsor, is celebrating its first birthday! The party is happening now till 2 pm, 9622 16th SW.

CURIOUS KIDSTUFF SALE: The Junction’s toy shop rejoined WSB as a sponsor to make sure you get word about today’s 15 percent off pre-holiday sale, 10 am-6 pm. 4740 California SW.

(added) FIRE STATION 11 OPEN HOUSE: Upgrades are in the works for Highland Park’s Fire Station 11 (explained here), and you can find out more about them 10 am-noon today. 16th/Holden.

COWORKING MEETING: The founders of WS Office Junction – the in-the-planning-stages coworking site – are inviting anyone who’s interested to meet up at Uptown Espresso in The Junction at 10 am.

OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW SCHOOL: The brand-new Taproot School is having an open house (adults only) 10 am-noon at the Community School of West Seattle (22nd/Roxbury).

BAZAAR AT ‘THE MOUNT’: As announced:

Please join Providence Mount St. Vincent at the annual Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar, from 10 am – 4 pm in the lobby. Browse the selection of collectibles, toys, Christmas items, jewelry, household items, quilts, and a bake sale! The Bazaar will also feature special items from Emilie’s Treasures (The Mount’s onsite thrift store) and “The Sewing Ladies.” Most items available for sale are gently used, though some are new. The Sisters from St. Joseph Residence will also have two tables where they’ll sell items they’ve made. All proceeds raised at this event support the programs and residents of Providence Mount St. Vincent through the PMSV Foundation.

The Mount is at 4831 35th SW.

SHOREWOOD BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm, the annual Shorewood Elementary School Holiday Bazaar features 60 vendors from around the region – just south of West Seattle, 2725 SW 116th.

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: The annual holiday open house is 11 am-3 pm, with free espresso and hors d’oeuvres. California/Brandon.

SPACE-SHUTTLE TRAINER GRAND OPENING: The Museum of Flight isn’t in West Seattle, but it’s close, and so we’re noting that today’s the first day the new space shuttle trainer exhibit at the museum goes on full public display.

KAREN ROBBINS AT CHICO’S: The award-winning West Seattle children’s-book author is at Chico’s in Westwood Village, 1-5 pm – details here.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE BARTER FAIR: 2-4 pm at Camp Long Lodge, it’s a potluck and an opportunity to work on your holiday gifting “through exchanging services or items made from raw materials (jams, birdhouses, quilts, etc.),” according to the announcement on Sustainable West Seattle‘s website.

ALKI ELEMENTARY AUCTION: School-fundraiser season continues with Alki Elementary‘s “Blue Hawaii” auction, 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS GALA: Dinner and auction at 5:30 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club, to help WSCO with their musical mission, including free participation for young musicians of all abilities. Details in the calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE HELPLINE GALA: The fall fundraiser will allow the Helpline to “Give the Gift of Warmth and Light.” It starts with dinner, 6:30 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW).

BLUEGRASS AT KENYON HALL: The Convergence Zone Bluegrass Band performs tonight at Kenyon Hall (7504 35th SW) – ticket info on the calendar.

CANDYLANDIA DANCE PARTY: The monthly shake-it-don’t-break-it event at the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9:30 pm.

DOWNTOWN EVENT-TRAFFIC: If you’re heading off the peninsula this weekend – here’s the SDOT alert about several big events.

Even more on our calendar …

(Lincoln Park & Colman Pool – photo by Long Bach Nguyen; click image for larger view)
Welcome to Friday! A few things of note for today/tonight:

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET VOTES: If there’s anything you’re watching closely, keep an eye on the meeting that’s under way now (watch at seattlechannel.org). We spotted some items of interest on the agenda – including design money for improving the lower-bridge bike trail and construction/design money for the Delridge Neighborhood Greenway (they are on this budget sheet).

LAST DAY FOR COMMUNITY ART SHOWCASE: Have you seen the community-art show at Southwest Library yet? Today’s your last chance! The library at 35th and Henderson is open 10 am-6 pm today.

SPEAKING OF LIBRARIES – they’re closed Sunday for Veterans Day.

SPEAKING OF VETERANS DAY – USO BENEFIT TONIGHT: Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW) is hosting a benefit for the USO tonight, 7-10 pm, with “heavy appetizers,” beer/wine, games, and more. Admission is a $10 minimum donation. Full details in our calendar listing.

CHIEF SEALTH ‘PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE’: They’re not selling tickets at the door, so this is just a reminder that if you have a ticket to the school’s annual fundraising dinner/auction, tonight’s the night, 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy.

‘LEND ME A TENOR,’ LAST CHANCE TO SEE IT! West Seattle High School‘s fall production will be performed one last time, 7:30 pm tonight at the WSHS Theater – details on the Westside Drama website.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT – 5 venues! The listings are all on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar list for today’s date – click the “plus” sign on the right side of any calendar line to expand that listing, and then “read more” for even more info, as well as a map to the venue.