West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
Family and friends will gather September 13 to remember Denise Small, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
To Denise Small’s friends and family, she was a positive force, a loyal friend, a hard worker dedicated to her goals, an amazing sister, daughter, partner, and friend, someone who never gave up, whose “lists contained lists,” and whose legendary catchphrases included “Make it happen for yourself!” and “Everybody’s a winner!” “Work with what you got!” “Spin it up!”
To all of them, Denise Small is enormously missed.
Before Denise left this world on May 29, 2025, she spent every moment of it living her life to the fullest.
Born in Tukwila, Denise went to school in the Highline School District at McMicken Heights Elementary,
Chinook Junior High, and Tyee High School, where she graduated in 1985.Denise dove straight into the business world, earning a degree at ITT Peterson and eventually joining the Minolta company in Seattle, where her top sales earned her a spot in the President’s Club for five years in a row.
At Minolta, Denise met Jill Keeton, who remembers, “Denise was in a role that was foreign to me—a member of the diva club that I admired from afar. But we clicked.” What followed were 26 years of “friendship that was unwavering. Nothing was off the table in discussion. Trust. Kindness. Laughs. Tears. Frustrations. Worry.” Denise and Jill traveled together, enjoyed meals everywhere “from crazy Denny’s to the sophisticated Top of the Mark,” and on many adventures, Denise would remind Jill with one of her famous catchphrases, “We got this!”
Denise’s love for travel was legendary; she shared in recent years that she didn’t need to make a bucket list because she’d already visited so many places across the Pacific Northwest and the world. Jill remembers trips to Rome, Paris, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and LA, as well as “Spa days. Band days. A TMZ bus trip and seeing Leonardo di Caprio’s house. No whys needed — it was all fun.”
A favorite trip of longtime friend Chris Assau was to Chile, where his father, a concert pianist, was being honored with a museum. “Denise got on Chile TV on a late-night TV show discussing classical music,” he recounts. “It was an unprepared cameo!”
Denise was known for hitting “any spa, anywhere, anytime,” says her partner Randy. “Denise loved it all. In recent years, she loved our annual trip to the Sol Duc hot springs in Olympic National Park.”
Randy first met Denise at Seattle nonprofit Northwest Center (NWC), where Denise worked for 21 years before retiring in 2024. Denise was devoted to her work at NWC, which provides services to children and adults with disabilities, making a huge impact on the organization’s marketing efforts and helping make NWC’s iconic Big Blue Truck a regional household name.
Denise progressed through roles as NWC’s Business Development Manager, Director of Marketing, Senior Director of Operations of The Big Blue Truck, and eventually Vice President. She was known for her marketing and operations know-how and her ability to plan and execute incisive strategy and complex, multi-channel campaigns while enlisting countless coworkers and myriad business and media contacts to ensure success. She led Northwest Center’s 50th anniversary marketing campaign including brainstorming creative strategy and securing major media sponsorships.
“Denise brought an open, creative, never-say-no attitude that made for an amazingly good time on any business development project that involved her,” Randy remembers. He loved Denise’s positive energy, a sentiment shared by many who knew her.
While Denise loved exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states in her vintage Pleasure-Way camper van, you could also spot the camper on many summer days in scenic areas like Alki Beach. A longtime West Seattle resident, Denise adored West Seattle Summer Fest, where for several years she hosted a booth for The Big Blue Truck. She frequented neighborhood art walks, plant sales, outdoor movies, concerts, and nearly every restaurant, coffee shop, store, and nightspot the area had to offer. Denise participated in many West Seattle Community Garage Sale Days with her friend Chris, including the most recent sale on May 10, 2025. She also got the most out of what she called “deck life,” enjoying family, friends, and her beloved parakeets on her sunny front deck, perched on a hill with views of lush firs and the top half of Mt. Rainier.
Even when Denise was going through cycles of cancer tests and treatments, she remained a loyal and involved sister, daughter, and friend. She took trips to Montana to visit family, treated her dad to steak and lobster dinners and theater events prior to his death in 2018, and acted as a caregiver and advocate when her mother’s health began to decline. And she never seemed too tired to share one more story, stay for one more nightcap, enjoy one last number from the band, or try one more new thing: on her last New Year’s Eve, Denise tried a King Crab leg for the very first time.
“Denise will be remembered as the ginger she was, as a baller, as the person who spun it up [another famous catchphrase] and made it happen,” says her sister Jody Huber.
“She was my compass, taught me what was important in life,” says Chris.
And when Randy sums up what advice he thinks Denise would want everyone to take, he also sums up her remarkable spirit: “Do not hold back. Do what you dream of. Make it happen for yourself.”
Denise Small left this world surrounded by loved ones, of whom there were many. She will be greatly missed by her loving partner Randy Stockton, mother DeAn Small, brother Darrin Small, sister Jody (Greg) Huber, and nephews and niece Shawn, Dalya, and Ben. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Small. Her absence is keenly felt by countless friends including Jill, Natalie, Lydia, Chris, Laura and Nicole, her little birds, and legions of friends and colleagues across the Seattle region in the disability, marketing, media, nonprofit, and business communities.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held in West Seattle on September 13th, 2025, at the Dakota Place Park Building from 12 to 4 pm, 4304 SW Dakota.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Let us know if you encounter any flashing signals or other holdovers from this morning’s big but mostly short-lived power outage.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am; sunset will be at 8:13 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Overnight Highway 99 tunnel closures for resurfacing are scheduled to continue tonight – details here.
–Admiral Way Bridge seismic work continues.
-The low bridge is scheduled to close this weekend, Saturday-Sunday, August 23-24, for cylinder work. (We’ee re-verifying specifics with SDOT.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
2:17 AM: More than 6,800 customers are out, mostly in north West Seattle. Cause unknown so far.
2:22 AM UPDATE: Apparently it’s a tree into wires in the 4800 block of 26th SW. SFD is en route.
2:33 AM UPDATE: SPD dispatch also has broadcast a report of a “split pole” in the 4700 block of 25th SW. … Previous outage was this same time of the morning, 2 am-ish, last Wednesday; in that one, a tree fell into a line south of The Junction, affecting 2,000 fewer customers than this outage.
2:43 AM: The firefighters that just arrived told dispatch “multiple trees, multiple lines” are down and suggested they warn City Light this is going to be “a big job.” … Dispatch just told SFD that the outage has “affected a pump station” which in turn might mean lower water pressure.
3:01 AM: Two people have texted that their power’s back on; still waiting for SCL map to update. In many outages (like last Wednesday), some get their power back relatively quickly, others are hours later.
3:06 AM: Map now updated – fewer than 300 customers still out, mostly in North Delridge:
There’s also a pocket of 16 customers still out on Alki, west side of Duwamish Head.
9:26 AM: City Light shows 40+ customers still out. A reader has sent photos of the scene:
Summer’s not over yet!
Tonight’s golden sunset – and some pink highlights – was captured by three photographers. Above, from David Hutchinson; below, from Doug Eglington:
And from Curry Gibson:
We note the sunset times (sunrise too) in the traffic roundup every weekday morning, and we’re a little sad to see that the last 8 pm sunset is a week from tomorrow.
A reader texted us over the weekend to say, “Looks like Nucor is getting a dark green paint job. Looks great!” No photo, so we went over to have a look late today. Our photo shows the south side of the steel-recycling mill, along SW Andover, visible from West Seattle Health Club. We asked a spokesperson for Nucor (which is a WSB sponsor) about the repainting – here’s what we heard back:
We are in the midst of painting the buildings at our local mill this summer and anticipate doing an additional round of painting next year, including building roofs. This investment is part of our overall work to maintain our mill responsibly for our teammates and our neighbors. We chose green to help reflect the character of our neighborhood. The last time the mill was painted was about a decade ago and it was time for a fresh coat. We look forward to making additional investments at the mill, like the removal of the old, decommissioned smokestacks and the current painting project.
We reported on the smokestack removal back in May.
P.S. The repainting’s not done yet, so you can still see the previous beige-ish color on part of the building.
(WSB photo, earlier today)
Behind those doors, the Menashe and Sons Jewelers owners and staff were working today to get ready to reopen tomorrow for the first time since Thursday’s high-noon smash-and-grab robbery, shown on security video the family-owned shop has released:
They were working today on inventory, continuing to catalog what had been stolen so police would have photos to circulate. The shop stressed in a statement on Friday that no jewelry or watches left by customers for service had been taken. They plan to be open 10:30 am to 5 pm tomorrow.
Meantime, we asked SPD if they had any updates on the investigation – short answer, no; longer answer, they say they’ll “release information when/if arrests are made.” If you have tip(s), the hotline is 206-233-5000 and the incident # is 25-233180.
5:10 PM: According to emergency radio, King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are or were pursuing a stolen silver Hyundai Elantra, plate starting with BDR, and Guardian One is assisting them. The last location reported on Seattle Police radio as an FYI was 16th/107th in White Center, but the helicopter is further north, currently.
5:15 PM: And the helicopter’s south again.
7:27 PM: WSP confirms what a commenter below reported, that the man subject to a Silver Alert, last seen in West Seattle, has been found.
EARLIER: Circulated by SPD: Read More
Thanks to Cindi for the pic and tip. We don’t know how much longer they’ll be there, but a utility crew has blocked off the outside southbound lane of 35th just past Findlay and is working in a hole in the street. That’s several blocks north of where the street becomes one lane each way, so give yourself extra time if you’re heading that way.
Sent by Eric:
Hi! If your little black terrier mix looking pup ( with a bandana) lightly bit our kiddo yesterday afternoon in Arbor Heights, near SW 106th St and 39th Ave SW, can you please message Squeakers1234@protonmail.com ? Or if you know somebody who has a new dog that fits this description, please let me know. Our son is OK, but we want to make sure the dog is up-to-date on vaccines and avoid getting the rabies shots, so I’d love to reconnect with her to confirm the dog’s vaccine status. The owner was very nice but I forgot to ask and get the their contact information because I was a bit flustered when it happened. Thanks!
TUESDAY UPDATE: Eric says they’ve found the dog’s owner and verified it’s vaccinated.
From Jade Nguyen, proprietor of recently reopened Bonjour Vietnam and adjacent speakeasy The Alley in The Junction, where Be’s Restaurant – operated by her mom – used to be:
To our West Seattle Neighbors, Family & Friends
(WSB photo, 2020)
For those who remember Be’s, it was a cherished diner in the neighborhood since 1986. Built by Be herself, and for decades it was more than just a diner – it was a home. She created a space where strangers became regulars, and regulars became family. Since her retirement, her daughter had introduced a new vision, bringing Vietnamese cuisine to the space while honoring that same spirit of connection.
In recent years, Be’s health declined, and it is with heavy hearts that we share her passing.
As we honor her memory, we’ll be rebranding and looking ahead to continue serving the community she loved so dearly. We appreciate your kindness and patience as we take time to grieve this loss.
With love and gratitude,
Bonjour Vietnam, formerly Be’s
We will be hosting a casual Celebration of Life September 14 , 6 pm, 4509 California Ave SWIn honor of my mom’s favorite pastime, we will be hosting karaoke at 8 pm
Regarding the rebranding, Jade adds, “I am planning to rename the business back to Be’s, in honor of her memory.”
Those are the winners in this summer’s first West Seattle scavenger hunt, Summer Scramble, coordinated again this year by Alice Kuder as a way to have fun and support independent local businesses. Today Alice sent us the wrapup report!
More than 175 West Seattleites participated in the 3rd Annual Summer Scramble Treasure Hunt from July 31st to August 3rd. Young and old, families and individuals, long-time residents and newbies, all reported experiencing fun and laughter while making lasting memories. In all, 58 teams submitted 232 selfies to compete for four treasure chests.
Contents of the chests were donated by these generous (and playful) business owners (listed in alphabetical order):
Angora Rugs & Decor – 4517 California Ave SW
Charcuterie by Annalise – 6032-B California Ave SW
Fine Baking Company – 6969 California Ave SW
Good Sister – 6059 California Ave SW
Great American Diner & Bar – 4752 California Ave SW
Hagosa’s House – 4800 Delridge Way SW
Inner Space Design – 6031-B California Ave SW
Just in Case, Disaster Preparedness – justincaseplans.com
Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar – 6503 Calif Ave SW
Nepenthe Massage – 9447 35th Ave SW
Panterelli’s Patisserie – 4210 SW Alaska St
Seattle Style Salon – 7350 35th Ave SW
Snapdragon Bakery – 4500 California Ave WA
Space Bar Wellness – 2705 California Ave SW
West Seattle Runner – 2743 California Ave SW
Willow West Seattle – 4536 California Ave SWThe above-named businesses joined the more than 100 local businesses that have supported the eight Scavenger Hunts I have sponsored in the past five years. One more reason to declare that West Seattle is the Best Seattle!
Please show these fabulous merchants your appreciation for their presence in our neighborhoods by patronizing their shops. Shopping locally really does strengthen our community.
This year, the non-business clue sites were all designated Emergency Communication Hubs. If you aren’t aware of the hubs, I encourage you to check them out so you know where to go for information when a natural disaster happens.
*Pictured above* are the four teams who won the treasure chests through a combination of solving the clues, sending in selfies, and being chosen in a random drawing of others who did the same. From left to right, the team names are: Mad Hunters; Thompson Team; Super Squid Muffins; and Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure.
If you weren’t able to participate in Summer Scramble as it was happening, you can still download the clue sheet and map and Scramble on your own. The free downloads are available at wondersinaliceland.com.
The 4th Annual Summer Scramble will happen July 30-Aug. 2, 2026. And don’t miss the 6th Annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, coming Dec. 5-14.
(Filigree & Shadow’s James Elliott, in 2023 WSB photo)
Filigree & Shadow (WSB sponsor) is a unique West Seattle business – proprietor James Elliott creates fragrances, in a studio south of The Junction. He’s announced his studio will close at the end of September because the building’s been sold, so you are running out of time to make an appointment to visit. Here’s the announcement he sent us:
It has been a joy to welcome so many of you into the space over the years, whether you came in to discover a new fragrance, attend a workshop, or simply share your love of perfume. West Seattle has been a wonderful home for Filigree & Shadow, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship this community has shown me. I’ve always loved being able to share my fragrances — and the fragrance collections of my friends and colleagues around the world — and to help demystify the art of perfume, making it more accessible. Thank you, everyone, for coming along with me on this journey of smelling what often seemed impossible possible.
If you would like to visit before closing, I encourage you to schedule an appointment in September, as availability will be limited. Orders placed through the website will continue to be fulfilled until the closing date of September 30, 2025.
Thank you for being part of this chapter of my journey. The experiences I’ve had here have given me the confidence to look forward to what comes next, and I hope the fragrances created in this studio continue to bring you joy for years to come.
James opened this studio 2 1/2 years ago, after seven years in business online.
(Steller’s Jay, photographed in Admiral by Stan Delles)
Here’s our Monday list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT OVER: Here’s where and when they were all found.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Through month’s end – if you have to haul something, find an alternative, or wait.
LAST WEEK FOR SUMMER FOOD: As originally noted here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break – this is the last week for this year’s program.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caregivers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm for two more weeks. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Also continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last West Seattle pool still open for the season, and the city says it WILL be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE INFO SESSION: Find out about learning at SSC! 1 pm in-person session – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)
END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: 1-3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – story time, crafts, and free cake!
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting” is NOT happening today because the council is on recess until after Labor Day (here’s the calendar).
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LISTENING PARTY AND GIVEAWAY: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be one of the first to hear Minus The Bear‘s new LP, and get a chance to win an autographed test pressing.
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45; the meditation meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
SALSA & BACHATA CLASSES: Learn the dances with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW), 7 and 8 pm classes.
POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
COMEDY SHOW – SOLD OUT! Tickets are all gone for Susan Rice‘s show at Otter on the Rocks.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The next “Write YOUR Story” free workshop for young writers still has a few spaces – here’s the announcement:
Now enrolling!
Write YOUR Story Fall 2025
Theme: Silly SupermanWho is invited? People age 7-11 who like stories
When? Every Sunday, September 24 – December 7, 2025 (12 sessions) 4:00—5:00 pm
Where? Upstairs activity room, Curious Kidstuff toy store
4740 California Ave SWStories we’ll read:
The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen and
I, Crocodile by Fred MarcellinoWrite YOUR Story, est. 2012, is a free workshop led by local writers for local kids
“We read, we write, and we have a lot of fun.”
jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1
For info or to enroll contact: juliawsea@gmail.com
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, August 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, then clearing,high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:09 am; sunset will be at 8:15 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Overnight Highway 99 tunnel closures for resurfacing are scheduled to start tonight – details here.
–Admiral Way Bridge seismic work continues.
-The low bridge is scheduled to close this weekend, August 23-24, for cylinder work. (We’ll be re-verifying specifics with SDOT this week.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
Reign FC match vs. Chicago Red Stars, 7 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
12:43 AM: Police and fire are responding to what’s reported to be a stabbing at or near Westwood Village. The victim is at a bus stop in the area. The attacker is described as a white man, blond hair, dressed all in black, 5’9″, heavy build, last seen running westbound on SW Barton, or possibly into Roxhill Park.
12:47 AM: The victim is reported to have a stab wound to the abdomen. Police are calling in a K9 team to help with the search.
1:11 AM: Based on what the K9 team is finding, the search has expanded southward. No word on the victim’s condition, meantime.
1:50 AM: The track grew cold so the K9 search – with a team borrowed from King County SO, since SPD had none available – has ended.
9:04 AM: SFD says the victim is a ~30-year-old man who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.
NOON: SPD says the victim – who had “several severe lacerations to his hands, upper chest, and left leg” – told officers he was asleep when the attacker stabbed him. If you have any information, call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000 and refer to case 25-237023.
11:29 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a possible house fire in the 8800 block of 12th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.
11:32 PM: First units on scene say it was a small fire, “now out,” and most of the response is being canceled.
This Tuesday evening (August 19), you’re invited to a block-party barbecue dinner on SW Henderson west of 35th SW to benefit the Fauntleroy Fall Festival! The free festival runs on donations and volunteers, and The Birdhouse is cooking up this dinner pop-up with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the festival. Just plan to drop by for dinner 5-7 pm that night – The Birdhouse isn’t usually open for dinner but has a special menu for the occasion; see it here – it includes vegetarian options as well as sides and desserts. Take-out if you prefer, but SW Henderson will be closed in front of The Birdhouse, with tables and chairs so you can dine on-site with your West Seattle neighbors.
P.S. This year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival is set for 2-5 pm Sunday, October 19 – exactly two months after Tuesday’s fundraising dinner.
Cheyanne Chadwick, a STEM educator who is program manager for HEART at West Seattle Elementary, is looking for a community member to help with an upcoming project:
This fall, my students and I will be working on a science of baking project I’m lovingly calling The Great West Seattle Bake-Off. The goal is for students to learn about the chemistry behind baking by discovering what all the ingredients in cupcakes actually do.
I’m looking for a baker (preferably someone from the West Seattle area) who might be interested in coming into my classroom in November for an hour-long demonstration/lesson on baking. No teaching experience is needed, obviously. Bakers would provide the expertise in baking itself, and I’d lead the teaching elements. I can provide more specific details (the when, where, how, whatnot) to anyone who might be available/interested.
Potentially interested? Email Cheyanne at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org.
Ready for Sunday whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports orcas are headed southbound “toward Lowman Beach,” mid-channel so binoculars are likely needed. Let us know if you see them!
(Photo courtesy Ethan Thomas)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
When Ethan Thomas first learned he had been awarded a $10,000 grant, he didn’t believe it.
“One of the counselors saw it on the news and mentioned it to me in passing,” the West Seattle High School band teacher said, “I thought she was mistaken, but she sent me and my colleague Taylor Fritts the news article link. I was astonished when I found out I won.”
As we reported one month ago, the grant was awarded as part of the Manilow Music Project, a program organized by award-winning musician Barry Manilow. Last month, Manilow performed at Climate Pledge Arena for the last time, as a part of his final tour, titled “The Last Concerts.” At each stop along the tour, community members have been invited to vote for their favorite music teacher, with nominated teachers receiving grants to help support their music programs.
We followed up with Thomas to find out his plans for the grant.
$10,000 may seem like a lot, but according to Thomas, music programs are costly. “Depending on the year and the SPS budget,” he said, “my colleague and I receive around $300 from the district to run our entire music program.” Typically, this amounts to roughly one dollar per student. Instead, West Seattle depends primarily on community support through bi-annual fundraisers, which usually raise about $20,000. This money goes towards new music, instrument repairs, band trips, uniform expenses, and scholarships for all three band programs. For some context, the cost of a single Alto Saxophone ranges between $600 to $2,500, and a single High School band can consist of anywhere between 50 and 150 members.
Fortunately for Thomas, the Manilow Music Project has a deal with online music retailer Sweetwater, which gives them special pricing on instruments, and there are no spending or time stipulations on the grant. This means they’ll be able to spend it on anything they need. Currently, one of West Seattle High School’s most pressing needs is a new tuba, which can often cost upwards of $6,000. They’re also considering buying a new bass, which is similarly expensive.
“We want our programs to be equitable and accessible to all students, and owning an instrument can be a barrier for some,” Thomas said. “We want to be able to provide students with a quality instrument that they can borrow from the school for free. … Without that money from the Manilow Music Project, we would be responsible for raising all the money for those purchases on our own. We are certainly grateful to the Manilow Music Project for supporting music programs in the cities they visit.
“I am so very grateful to work in the WSHS community,” concluded Thomas, who has been West Seattle High School’s band director since 2012. “It is humbling to think that enough people voted for me to win this award. I am very thankful for my students, their families, and those in our community that voted for me and their faith in me as a Music teacher.”
Looking ahead past this weekend, next weekend’s biggest even is the third annual Admiral Block Party, a street festival on California SW north of SW Admiral Way. The street will close for setup (and advance revelry) on Friday night (August 22), and then the Block Party is all day and into the evening on Saturday (August 23). That includes main-stage live music; we’ve published the performer plan, but the times are now set too, as provided by Dan Jacobs from the Admiral Neighborhood Association – which presents the Block Party:
Justin Kausal-Hayes – 11 am
Sad Dad Autumn – 12:00 pm
School of Rock – 1:15 pm
Michael Pearsall – 2:30 pm
Potholes – 3:45 pm
Baby Crow Flight School – 5:15 pm
Six Killers – 6:30 pm
Sun King – 7:45 pm
Again, those times are all for Saturday, August 23. We’ll have vendor highlights in our next preview.
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