From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

No classes for Seattle Public Schools (calendar here) and some independent schools … High-school football is on as usual, though, with Chief Sealth International High School vs. Franklin at 5 pm, Memorial Stadium downtown, West Seattle High School hosting Rainier Beach, 7 pm, Southwest Athletic Complex, and Seattle Lutheran HS at La Conner, 7 pm … Don’t plan on taking the day-off crowd to Southwest Pool or local community centers (except for child-care programs): It’s a furlough day … The doors ARE open at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) for the renowned Fall Rummage Sale – 9 am-4 pm Friday, 9 am-3 pm Saturday. More details here. … Bowl tonight in Pins for Pennies to benefit Family Promise of Seattle, x pm, Roxbury Lanes … Going-out options tonight include the Twelfth Night Productions gala at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center, 6 pm … FLAVOR, concert/comedy/art show to benefit OneAmerica, 7 pm at Youngstown Arts Center, and An Evening of Cabaret with Sylvia and Tor, 8 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (more info here)

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: The Southwest District Council is scheduled to hear about potential local effects of Alaska Airlines’ “Greener Skies” proposal tonight (the same presentation was set for the Alki Community Council last month but didn’t happen after all), 7 pm at South Seattle Community College‘s board room … The city budget proposal is likely to be discussed by SWDC too, and at City Hall downtown, the council Budget Committee‘s all-day meetings continue – the departments making presentations today include Seattle Public Library at 3 pm – agenda here (includes links to the presenting departments’ budget outlines), all shown on Channel 21 and seattlechannel.org … Presented by Seattle Lutheran High School today at neighboring Hope Lutheran, 11 am-2:30 pm, “Understanding the Mysteries of the Teenage Brain” by Victoria Tennant, a presentation for teachers and other professionals but open to everyone ($40; e-mail brianabowen@clearwire.net) … The entertainment list includes weekly trivia (6:45 pm) and open mike (9 pm) at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), and Fine Films at Freshy’s presenting “Sweeney Todd” (2007), 7 pm.

The morning preview is later than usual because the bridge-backup story needed to stay atop the page till we got the “all clear.” So now, here are the highlights: One more reminder that today’s the last day to register to vote in the November 2nd election – if you want to do it the convenient way, online (you can also change your address that way too), or by postal mail (must be postmarked by today), details here … 3 library events: Baby Story Time at 11:30 am, Southwest Library and Evening Book Group at the same branch, 6:45 pm, plus Family Story Time at 7 pm, High Point Library … It’s Bingo Night at Alki UCC! Doors open 5:30 pm, games start at 6:30 … A series of four weekly Theater Improvisation classes starts at 10:30 am today, Senior Center of West Seattle … And Balorico’s monthly free dance class at Kenyon Hall is tonight, 7 pm. More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar (and please let us know if you’ve got something to add – today or beyond!).

(Photo from today’s WS Farmers’ Market added Sunday afternoon, courtesy Girl From Arizona)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Alki UCC is a community hub today, welcoming you to breakfast at 9 am, Blessing of the Animals during 10 am service, then the annual CROP Walk to raise money to fight hunger at 1:30 pm, details here (6112 SW Hinds) … The West Seattle Eagles also invite you to breakfast, steak and eggs for $9, 9 am-noon (4426 California Ave SW) … The day’s second Blessing of the Animals is presented by St. John the Baptist Church in the West Seattle High School parking lot at noon (3000 California SW) … Also at noon, join Spokespeople West Seattle for the West Seattle Farm and Fowl Tour bicycle ride, leaving the north end of South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW) … 2 pm, 90-years-young writer/comedian/activist Georgie Bright Kunkel‘s one-woman show at the Admiral Theater (previewed here) … Pencil Me In For Kids‘ first fundraiser for next school year, a “Cookie Lee” jewelry sale @ the West Seattle Eagles, 4-6 pm … Special event at the weekly West Seattle Farmers’ Market: Apple tasting! Here’s the weekly Ripe and Ready list, 10 am-2 pm (44th/Alaska).

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: The “Walk ‘n’ Roll for Ataxia” on Alki, benefiting the National Ataxia Foundation in its fight against the not-so-well-known nervous-system disease (explained here), starts at 10 am from Alki Beach shelter #1 … 1 pm, Jack Block Park is the starting point for the FUNdraising food-bank benefit presented by longtime WSB sponsor SoundYoga (more details here) … 10 am-2 pm, Prudential NW team members are collecting food donations at local supermarkets … It’s Solar Washington Tour day – sample West Seattle solar scene starting at Solar Epiphany’s new offices (recent WSB feature here) at 6016 California SW, 10 am … West Seattle has 3 “Blessing of the Animals” events this weekend (as noted here); the first is 10:30 this morning, Providence Mount St. Vincent lobby … If your beloved pet happens to be a Dachshund, there’s a roundup at 1 pm at Westcrest Park‘s small-dog area today.

Quick “happening tonight” notes, later than usual because we dashed out to look for the orcas: Seattle Civic Dance Theatre invites you to Family Fun Night in their Fauntleroy Schoolhouse HQ tonight, 6-9 pm, details here … Two high-school football games tonight: West Seattle HS hosts Cleveland at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm, and Chief Sealth IHS is on the road in non-conference play against Eastside Catholic in Sammamish, 7 pm.

(Photo of the morning: Recent shot of the West Seattle (Admiral) library branch, by Danny McMillin)
Events of note today/tonight in West Seattle and beyond – All Seattle Public Schools families in West Seattle are invited to Chief Sealth International High School tonight for the district’s “welcome back” night with district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson, 6:30 pm … All Seattle Public Library branches, including the 4 in West Seattle, are closed till 1 pm today because of a citywide all-staff meeting … As of late last night, half a dozen tickets remained for Eat Local Now! (dinner/entertainment/silent auction celebrating sustainable local food, 6 pm at Sodo Park, co-sponsored by WSB), check here to see if any are left! (10:43 am update: Sold out!) … 6-8 pm at Shadowland, it’s a fall fashion show featuring five West Seattle boutiques, taking donations for the Gulf Restoration Network – details here with a shopping afterparty afterward till 10 at three of the participants … info here too … A new “just build the tunnel, already” group is rolling out its campaign to the media at 10 this morning on the downtown waterfront (Pier 62/63) … And this is the deadline to sign up for the Fauntleroy Art Show and Gift Faire Nov. 19-21. Get details and the application form at www.fauntleroyucc.org.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: This is the first “early dismissal” day of the year for Seattle Public Schools – students are out two hours early so that teachers have professional-development time … And that’s not the only SPS note: West Seattle’s school board rep Steve Sundquist has a community chat availability at 11 am today, Delridge Library, plus, West Seattle High School‘s PTSA has its first meeting of the year tonight, 7 pm in the school library (all welcome, you do not have to be a member) … High Point Library is hosting Game On! for teens this afternoon, 3-5 pm, featuring Wii and Dance Dance Revolution games plus refreshments … The closest King County budget public hearing to West Seattle is at 6:30 tonight at County Council chambers downtown … The West Seattle location of Dream Dinners (longtime WSB sponsor) invites you to an Open House/tasting, east side of Jefferson Square (facing 41st SW), to try out their October menu – RSVP by clicking here and then going to “view sessions for October menu” – choose either 5:30, 6 or 6:30 (event password is “dinner”); call 206-938-5999 with questions … More on WSB West Seattle Events calendarthe calendar!

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: In addition to the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA dedication (previewed last night) at 2 pm, today’s list also includes free Sunday Yoga at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor) 11 am-12:15 pm; Bowling for Bullies, a benefit to raise funds for, and awareness of, what organizers call “the amazing Pit Bull ‘breed'” and rescued dogs who need a second chance, partial proceeds to Bullseye Dog Rescue with rescue dogs on hand for adoption, 1:30 pm at West Seattle Bowl … and as always, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska), with apples and wild mushrooms among the new items on today’s Ripe and Ready list.

The forecast looks great. Here are five ways to do good today: Join JACK FM Radio for a beach cleanup 8 am-11 am, meet at Tully’s on Alki; West Seattle radio/Web personality Marty Riemer is hosting the event, and the first 50 people who sign in and then come back with a bag of beach trash each get a pair of tickets to the Jack Johnson concert in the Gorge … 2 West Seattle locations for National Drug Take-Back Day, 10 am-2 pm (full details here) … Go to West Seattle Produce for a Car Wash ‘n’ Shop event to benefit West Seattle High School Volleyball, 11 am-3 pm … Tonight the West Seattle Eagles host their first-ever Wild Game and Seafood Extravaganza to benefit the Sarcoidosis Foundation – $20/person for dinner, dancing, DJ, and silent auction – call (206) 938-4426 to check on ticket availability … Also tonight, a benefit at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for Nepali women – details here; it starts at 6:30 pm … And that’s only part of what’s going on today – our full list of events and activities around West Seattle is here.

(Photo of the morning, by smohundro, from the WSB Flickr pool)
Welcome to fall! It officially arrived last night. A few notes from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: As the saying goes, you’re not getting older, you’re getting better. So consider having your voice heard during “Aging Your Way: Conversation for Community Change,” tonight at 5:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church … On the early end of the age spectrum, Toddler Story Time resumes today at High Point Library, 11:30 am … Got something to say about the possibility of using certain city tennis courts (there’s no official list yet) for non-tennis sports (dodgeball is most frequently mentioned)? The city Parks Board has a public hearing during its meeting tonight at Parks HQ downtown (100 Dexter N.), 7 pm … Traffic advisory: The outside eastbound lane is scheduled to be closed on the Admiral Way Bridge for drain work 9 am-3 pm … At ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), “reasons to be pretty” continues tonight, 7:30 pm (here’s its thumbs-up Seattle Times review).

ADDED 9:06 AM: Also notable – a big cross-town rivalry game at Hiawatha Playfield today – girls’ soccer, WSHS vs. Chief Sealth, both of whom are undefeated in conference play, 3:30 pm.

(Picture of the morning: Mike’s iPhone photo of our peninsula as seen from his workplace across the bay)
Feels like fall got here a week or so ago – but tonight, it’s here for real – just after 8 pm our time. Mark the occasion by watching the sunset from West Seattle’s Solstice Park (map) with Alice Enevoldsen, publisher of Alice’s Astro Info and NASA Solar System Ambassador – sunset’s at 7:07 pm, show up around 6:30 and talk about the universe … Also tonight, Highland Park Action Committee welcomes neighbors to come talk about what’s up in the neighborhood, 7 pm at HP Improvement Club (12th/Holden; map) … Feel like dancing? Beginning East Coast Swing (6:30 pm) and Zydeco (7:45 pm) classes continue tonight at Alki Community Center (5817 SW Stevens; map) – you can sign up there and/or call Lilli Ann with questions at 206-264-5646 … There’s more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar! (And be sure to let us know if you’ve got something coming up and would like to see it on the calendar.)

(Picture of the morning: Before Monday got super-busy for SFD – with the SODO industrial fire and the Delridge fire/outage, among other calls – Deanie Schwarz photographed the Ladder 13 crew at Morningstar Deli in Highland Park)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets for the first time since June, 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (Delridge/Webster) … Merrill Gardens at West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is celebrating Active Living Week with a cruise theme, including cruise-travel presentations by AAA Travel at 1 and 6 pm, cruise-type activities including bingo (2:30 pm) and spa treatments, a gift shop, and games (call 206-926-9724 with questions) … Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) starts the night with open turntables at 6, followed by the monthly Alauda belly-dance showcase … West Seattle Community Orchestras (formerly Westside Symphonette) rehearse at Chief Sealth International High School tonight … And while it’s not in West Seattle, this could be of interest: The city’s proposing new tree regulations, including some that are looser than current rules; they’ll be reviewed at an open house tonight at City Hall, 5:30 pm (with presentations starting at 6), details here.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar listings for today/tonight: High Point Library (35th/Raymond) adds a new Family Story Time on Mondays, 7 pm, starting tonight … 7 pm is also start time (at the Senior Center of West Seattle) for Sustainable West Seattle‘s monthly Community Forum, tonight addressing the question “After Peak Oil – How Do We Transition?” … Fauntleroy Children’s Center hosts a parent meeting on kindergarten readiness, 6 pm (call 206-932-9590 to sign up) … Meet Navos CEO David Johnson, Ed.D., for a look “Inside Navos” at the West Seattle campus (2600 SW Holden), 6 pm … It’s the second session of fall for Bingo on Alki at Alki UCC, 5:30 pm … And it’s the first Monday for now-open-7-days Skylark Café and Club, starting at 3 pm … More on the calendar!

Some of what’s happening now around West Seattle – The surprise sunshine (which Cliff Mass explains here) is gracing Holy Rosary‘s WestFest, where inflatable rides (with some non-inflatable components too) are a new addition this year – it’s in and around the school, north of Genesee, between 41st and 42nd SW. Inside you’ll find a bake sale, among other things (near a busy kitchen!).

WestFest continues till 10 pm; the stage schedule is here. A bake sale’s also part of the book sale at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) till 3 this afternoon, 3940 41st SW – look close and you’ll find lots of readable treasures:

Books for all ages are on the tables in Adams Hall, on the lower level of the church’s south side. And further north, another work party is just wrapping up at the old Genesee Hill School:

Tina sent photos from the fourth community cleanup at the schoolyard – these volunteers are standing by a big pile of donated mulch that’s keeping weeds from growing back in areas that were tidied up last month. You’ve still got one more chance to pitch in with the Genesee Schmitz Neighborhood Council – coming up October 16th.

Quick notes on some of today’s highlights:

BOOK SALE: Stock up on fall/winter reading at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), selling books from 9 am – 3 pm in the lower level of Adams Hall. (3940 41st SW)

GENESEE HILL GARDEN-BUILDING: The Genesee Schmitz Neighborhood Council works on the community gardens at the closed Genesee Hill School again today, starting at 9 – tools provided. (Genesee/51st)

CROSS-COUNTRY MEET: Lots of action in Lincoln Park during the annual Sundodger Invitational cross-country meet starting at 9 am – more than 1,000 college athletes competing.

WESTFEST AT HOLY ROSARY 10 am-10 pm – more here, and the stage lineup announcement is here. (42nd/Genesee)

SCHMITZ PARK WALKING TOUR: Presented by the SW Seattle Historical Society, 10 am – meet at 58th and Stevens; a target=”_blank” href=”https://westseattleblog.com/2010/09/southwest-seattle-historical-society-presents-schmitz-park-walking-tour-september-18th”>more details here.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER’S COMMUNITY CHAT: Open availability to talk with school board rep Steve Sundquist,, Southwest Library, 11 am. (35th/Henderson)

DUWAMISH TRIBE FUNDRAISER: Fry Bread for Justice fundraiser at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, noon-4 pm, with proceeds benefiting the tribe’s legal fund as it continues to fight for formal federal recognition. Fry bread $3, coffee $1, with the film “Princess Angeline” shown at 2 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

SQUARE ONE CLEARS OUT: 1-3 pm, now-closed Square One Books is giving away its bookshelves and selling other store decorations. (Jefferson Square)

NEED A BETTER HEAD SHOT? As previewed here yesterday – a pro photographer will be at Avalon Glassworks in the Luna Park business district 1-5 pm, with your chance to get a great-looking head shot, in exchange for a donation ($40 suggested) to the White Center Food Bank.

HIGH POINT CELEBRATION: The ceremony to rename High Point Playfield as Walt Hundley Playfield is set for 2 pm. (34th/Myrtle)

JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE: He’s been gone 40 years as of today – but not forgotten, and Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will make sure of that with a Jimi Hendrix tribute starting tonight at 6. (6451 California SW)

WATER TAXI: Different boat scheduled today through Wednesday – regular one’s in for work. (But the county’s changed its note about the fill-in – now it says it’ll be the Rachel Marie‘s “twin,” Melissa Ann.)

(UPDATE: Photo added 10:43 am – the “park” is still being assembled)
PARK(ING) DAY: 9 am-3 pm, West Seattle has one temporary “park,” near Easy Street in The Junction.

SQUARE ONE SWAN SONG: 11 am-1 pm, bookshelf giveaway and decoration sale (details here).

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth vs. Cleveland, Memorial Stadium at 5; West Seattle vs. O’Dea, WS Stadium at 7; Seattle Lutheran at Tenino, 7.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER: Pasta dinner starting at 5:30 pm!

HIAWATHA COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN HOUSE: 6-8 pm, open house to find out about fun fall programs (entertainment and kids’ activities tonight too!).

WESTFEST: Holy Rosary’s fall festival starts with 6-10 pm fun tonight (stage lineup and more details here).

SKIFFLE: Help Youngstown Arts Center keep its All-Access youth programs free! Party’s at 7, details here.

YOM KIPPUR: West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah has a Kol Nidre service at 7:30 tonight, 1st Presbyterian downtown. Details in our recent story about new Rabbi Zari Weiss.

3 highlights for tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Alaska Airlines‘ “Greener Skies” proposal – which could change air-traffic patterns over our area – gets a forum before the Alki Community Council, 7 pm at Alki UCC; tonight’s “An Evening of Inspiration” for Transitional Resources, 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy; also at 6, the West Seattle Tool Library debuts its “Ask an Expert” series for DIY’ers – full details here.

(Big tugboat spotted in Elliott Bay yesterday, post-fog, by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: The 75th anniversary celebration at Spud Fish and Chips on Alki, previewed here yesterday, starts with a ceremony at 10:15 am (remember to bring donations for the West Seattle Food Bank to get the $2.75 today-only special for $1.75) … Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association is one of the partners in the new Strength of Place Village in White Center, breaking ground this morning at 11 am … At 5:30, it’s one of the final meetings of the Citizens Advisory Group for the Murray Basin Combined Sewer Overflow Project (time, location, schedule here) … Also tonight, it’s the 2nd design meeting for the future West Seattle Golf Course driving range, as previewed here yesterday, 7 pm @ the golf course clubhouse … The Delridge Neighborhoods District Council also meets at 7, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center … And West Seattleites are invited to the big presentation tonight at Benaroya Hall, starting at 7 pm, about Reshaping Seattle’s Central Waterfront – contenders for “the role of lead designer” on the waterfront, post-Viaduct, will make their case for getting the job, and the city is hoping for bigtime public involvement (they’ve even been advertising the event on neighborhood-news sites like ours). … More on the calendar!

(West Seattle Bridge onramp, by smohundro, from the West Seattle Blog Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, tonight’s big events again include chances to get involved in your neighborhood, and a chance to make music:

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION, 6:30 PM, GINOMAI
Agenda highlights: An SDOT transportation planner visits to find out how the parking changes resulting from the city’s Junction parking study are going over. What’s working well? What’s not? What needs to change? JuNO president Erica Karlovits says, “It is important for the city to get feedback from our neighborhood.” Plus, an update on Dakota Place Park.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, 7 PM, ADMIRAL CHURCH
Agenda highlights: A WSDOT rep is expected for an Alaskan Way Viaduct program; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha will be reviewed; the recent rulings on the California SW “upzoning” proposal (here’s our coverage archive) will be discussed, as will the decision not to “rechannelize” Admiral Way north of The Bridge; plus, the ongoing push for a 47th/Admiral pedestrian light.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, 7 PM, THE HALL AT FAUNTLEROY
Agenda highlights: RapidRide update – this has been the hottest topic in recent months for FCA, as they have voiced serious concerns with the proposed design for the RapidRide stops by the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and its potential effects on traffic; also, the upcoming Fauntleroy Fall Festival (which has a fundraising pasta dinner coming up this Friday).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS START REHEARSING, CHIEF SEALTH IHS:
Here’s our original announcement, with contact info if you’re interested in joining as the rehearsals begin.

(Photo added 10:44 pm, from first post-summer edition of Bingo on Alki)
Three quick notes, two involving weekly activities resuming after summer hiatus: First, Fran e-mailed to say that Monday night Bingo on Alki resumes tonight, 6:30 pm at Alki UCC – you’re welcome to play any Monday night. Second, Mary Pat from Alki Community Center sends word that Friday night skating is back this week:

Come start off school in a fun way! Bring your family to Alki Community Center for Friday Night Skate. Enjoy free hamburgers, chips and lemonade. Cost is $3 per person. (Skaters & nonskaters) You may bring in your own clean skates or borrow them from us. Come enjoy our new sound system. Time is from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m. For more information please call 684-7430. Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens St. Skate Night will continue every Friday, excluding October 8th, November 12th & 26th, December 24th & 31st.

Finally: Seven weeks to go till Halloween. We mention that only because the dates are set for two big trick-or-treating events (and we are already starting to get inquiries!): Admiral Treats and Treasures is set for 3-6 pm, Friday, October 29, according to Parris from Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys; the West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating event is set for 1-3 pm Saturday, October 30th. We’ve got a message out to see what’s planned at Westwood Village this year. This’ll all be on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, where we already have other fall events, even the West Seattle schedule for the Christmas Ship!