West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Champs

    THE CHAMPS: WSHS team’s big victory

  • Fire

    CAMP LONG: Help rebuild the history

  • Holiday Guide

    WS HOLIDAY GUIDE: See what’s in it!

Update: Extension cord blamed for fire in apartment over market
September 6, 2009 12:58 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Checking on the aftermath of the fire in the Juneau Street Market building on the southwest corner of California/Juneau (map), covered here as it unfolded late last night/early this morning (here’s our report, with video) — Both the market and neighboring Ho-Win Restaurant are locked up, with no notes on the door when we checked. We did meet one of the residents who escaped the fire in the apartment over the store. He says they’re OK and staying in a hotel. As for the fire’s cause, Fire Department spokesperson Helen Fitzpatrick just told us it’s been determined the fire was accidental, sparked by an “overheated extension cord.” Damage is estimated at $300,000, and confined to the second story of the building

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West Seattle whale-watching: Orcas spotted, northbound
September 6, 2009 12:47 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Rick sent photos after seeing what looked like four orcas heading northbound past Brace Point about 9:15 this morning – that’s the wide shot, with the Vashon ferry dock in the background; here’s a closer view:

There’ve been multiple South Sound sightings of orcas lately, as far south as the Olympia area; according to this Friday story from The Olympian, the ones seen there were “transients,” not belonging to the three orca pods considered “Southern Residents” usually seen around Puget Sound. 3:55 PM P.S. – We are remiss not to mention the Orca Network EVERY time we have an orca story – you can report sightings through their website, where you also can subscribe to their daily e-mail with a roundup of regional sightings and other whale-related news – go to orcanetwork.org. 9:36 PM UPDATE: Rick did report the sighting to the Orca Network, and got a note back saying his sighting helps them confirm that five orcas seen off South Whidbey later in the day were indeed the “transients” that had been hanging out in the Olympia area.

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Decorate a chair, fight hunger – via the White Center Food Bank
September 6, 2009 9:40 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center | WS culture/arts

The White Center Food Bank (which serves part of southern West Seattle, too) has issued a unique “call for artists” – decorate a chair to be auctioned at WCFB’s upcoming Harvest Dinner/Auction. Think you might be able to help? Read on!Read More

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Today: Farmers’ Market; peace potluck; Modeco open house
September 6, 2009 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on Today: Farmers’ Market; peace potluck; Modeco open house
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle people | Westwood

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Even though the tomato tasting’s now postponed for a couple weeks, the market’s on, rain or shine, its managers say. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Here’s today’s Ripe ‘n’ Ready list; check for market bulletins/updates on Twitter at @nfmaseattle.

PEACE POTLUCK: West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice has its monthly meeting tonight at Alki UCC (61st/Hinds), starts at 6 pm, with potluck at 7, everybody invited. More info on the group’s website, or contact John Repp at jmrepp@comcast.net.

MODECO FLATS’ OPEN HOUSE: Modeco Flats is a new condo building near Westwood Village — one of our newest WSB sponsors — and it’s proud of a four-star “Built Green” rating that it says is a first in West Seattle. Features (listed here) include stainless-steel appliances and bamboo floors. See for yourself at an open house today, 1-5 pm. 8826 25th SW (map); more info here.

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Updates: Apartment fire atop Juneau St. Market/Ho-Win building
September 5, 2009 11:10 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(cameraphone photo added 11:23 pm)
ORIGINAL 11:10 PM REPORT: We’re on our way to check out the fire in building call at California/Juneau. According to the scanner, California’s about to be closed in both directions there (map).

11:15 PM: In comments, Colleen says it’s the minimart building at the southwest corner of California/Juneau. Police are closing traffic a block north and a block south of that intersection. Update – co-publisher Patrick is there now and confirms that’s the building, lots of smoke. Photo in a moment. Raining heavily, by the way.

11:21 PM: From the scene – Fire Department is focused on the second floor and has just busted through a door. According to scanner, they’re sending a public-info officer out (which is just mostly an acknowledgment it’s a big deal and there’s media interest). There are also traffic closures on side streets, so stay FAR away from that area.

11:23 PM: Via scanner, firefighters report “tapped fire on 2nd floor” – that doesn’t mean OUT but it’s progress. Update from Patrick: They’ve also busted in through the Ho-Win next door to the mini-mart. Less smoke coming through the roof. (We’ve just added a cameraphone photo.) Scanner confirms crews had to make “forced entry” to both the store and the restaurant.

11:28 PM: Scanner confirms fire was largely centered on the building’s residential second floor, “with some extension into the attic. No word of any injuries at this point. But more engines are being called in.

11:32 PM: From the scene – the smoke has largely subsided. From the scanner – no sign of fire in the attic. Also from the scene – there’s a medic unit there but no sign that they are using it for anyone, which is a good sign of no injuries, so far.

11:39 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Evan for this photo:

They’ve just dismissed a couple of units from the scene, so this is beginning to wind down a little bit. (The rain’s subsiding too.)

11:58 PM UPDATE: Police are going to open up NORTHBOUND traffic on California through the fire scene “in about 15-20 minutes” per the scanner. Meantime, we’re still on the scene monitoring things to see if there’s any new info about how this started. We of course also will be finding out what we can about how market and restaurant operations in the building will be affected.

12:05 AM: From the incident commander at the scene: 2 people in the apartment, both OK. Officially no injuries in the fire, period. Apartment’s extensively damaged, but no word yet on fire cause.

12:34 AM: Uploading some video. This is from the wind-down phase, as one set of firefighters were up on a ladder on the north side of the building, and another team took a ladder over toward Ho-Win to set it up:

12:47 AM: This clip starts with smoke pouring from the north side of the second story, then focuses on the firefighters trying to get into Juneau Street Market:

1:00 AM: We’re not expecting to get information on the fire’s cause till later today, but will keep checking and will publish it here when that info’s available. Meantime, one more photo to share, this one from Colleen, who provided important eyewitness information via comments – just an interesting sight; note all the reflective stripes from some of the many firefighters who rushed to the scene:

Some of the firefighters from this incident had to rush right off to a call on Harbor Island – a 38-year-old man was pulled out of the water near Todd Shipyard; no official word at this hour why he was in the water (scanner talk suggests a crime investigation of some sort was under way at the scene too), but it was a big rescue callout for a while including units from this side of the bridge. (He’s on the way to the hospital right now; per the scanner, he was in the water for about 20 minutes, and seems to be OK aside from “shivering violently.”)

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Seattle Lutheran vs. Darrington: Final WS prep-football opener
September 5, 2009 9:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(video added 1:33 am Sunday – Lucas Driscoll 33-yard pass to Conner Mullan)
All three high schools in West Seattle have now had their season-opening games – two last night (WSB coverage here) and one tonight – Seattle Lutheran High School hosted Darrington at West Seattle Stadium. Final score – Loggers 18, Saints 6. Our correspondent’s just back and we’ll add more here in a bit.

1:44 AM: Added video atop this report; meantime, more on the game, as promised: The Saints played penalty-free, but failed to overcome the Darrington running game. Darrington kept the ball on the ground for the better part of the night, controlling the clock, and the score. The Saints’ only score came on a four-play drive that saw starting quarterback Lucas Driscoll, a senior, replaced by freshman quarterback Trevor Forsell. Forsell handed off to senior Jake Lovely, who ran it 35 yards for the score. On the night, Lovely had seven carries for 62 yards and was the offensive stand out for he Saints. Next week, a road game — the Saints travel to Ocean Shores to play North Beach at 2 pm Saturday (9/12).

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Happening now: Sunrise Heights neighborhood street dance
September 5, 2009 7:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Sunrise Heights neighborhood street dance
 |   Fun stuff to do | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

Emily sent that photo of the musicians at the Sunrise Heights dance, continuing till 9 pm, and reports a fun time’s being had by all:

Super fun and great turnout despite the weather! Live music and BBQ. 30th between Myrtle and Othello.

Here’s a map; here’s more info. If you’re in Sunrise Heights – between Westwood/Gatewood and High Point – you can find out more neighborhood happenings on the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association website.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: “Special statement” rain alert
September 5, 2009 6:13 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: “Special statement” rain alert
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

If you haven’t heard this already – the National Weather Service has put out a “special weather statement” for most areas around Puget Sound, including ours, warning of “significant precipitation and unseasonably cool temperatures.” Time to check the storm drains! See the NWS “statement” here.

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Considering an addition to the household? Cat Adopt-A-Thon ahead
September 5, 2009 5:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | Westwood

Thanks to Janell for pointing out that the Seattle Animal Shelter is planning a Cat Adopt-A-Thon in West Seattle next Saturday — noon-3 pm September 12, Southwest Community Center (2801 SW Thistle; map). thecats.jpgAnd if you have room for two, they’ll offer a two-for-one deal, plus discounted fees for seniors and people with disabilities. Most if not all of the cats at this Adopt-A-Thon are currently in foster care – a volunteer service which enables many more animals to have a chance at finding their “forever homes” since space at shelter facilities is limited. The official WSB feline mascots (left) wholeheartedly endorse events like this, as both were adopted from shelters as adults, one of them from a city-sponsored foster-cat Adopt-A-Thon just like this one. Here’s the flyer (which also lists events in other Seattle neighborhoods later this fall).

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“Rain delay” for West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomato tasting
September 5, 2009 2:24 pm
|    Comments Off on “Rain delay” for West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomato tasting
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The special event scheduled for tomorrow’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market – tomato tasting – has been rescheduled because of expected stormy weather, according to a note from Chris Curtis at the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market Alliance. It’s now scheduled to happen Sunday, September 20th.

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What’s in a name? Potential misinterpretation, if city terminology
September 5, 2009 1:00 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

A couple of non-neighborhood news sources inadvertently raised a little alarm by publishing a West Seattle land-use notice verbatim without any background explanation or context, and since several people e-mailed us to ask about it, here’s clarification. The events venue The Sanctuary at Admiral, which became a city landmark one month ago today (WSB coverage here) in its original identity as the former Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist, has applied for the official land-use permit to allow its business to continue. As explained in a profile of the facility and owner Dahli Bennett last month (story and photos here), they didn’t have all the permits they needed before, so in addition to seeking the landmark designation, they were applying to get them. The official classification in city land-use code for an events facility like this – “the only one the city could think of,” as Sanctuary “events mistress” Jennifer confirmed when we called to doublecheck on this – is “theater and spectator sports facility.” So that’s what the land-use application says and that’s what the official city signs outside the facility (42nd and Lander, immediately east of the back end of Admiral Safeway) say, and that’s what headlines like this one in the Daily Journal of Commerce said. But no, Jennifer assured us, they’re not planning any change in what they’ve been doing – “weddings, food events, that type of thing.” They’ll probably post a letter to add to the city signs outside to explain that, too. Here’s the official land-use application notice (which includes information on how to comment on it and how to contact city planners about it).

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Another aerial view of West Seattle: Admiral, Duwamish Head…
September 5, 2009 9:00 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

That’s another spectacular view of West Seattle from the sky (note Seacrest and Don Armeni toward right-center), shared by Gatewood pilot Long Nguyen, who took the two we published here. He actually sent three recent photos, and we’re planning to showcase one each day through Labor Day. Click here for a larger version of this one.

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Twelfth Night Productions sets auditions for its fall production
September 5, 2009 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on Twelfth Night Productions sets auditions for its fall production
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

One week from today, West Seattle’s Twelfth Night Productions will hold auditions for six roles – all male, but ranging in age from teens to 60s – in its fall production “The Diviners.” They sent us the audition notice to share with you; read on for details:Read More

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Delridge Neighborhoods District Council to meet September 16
September 5, 2009 2:59 am
|    Comments Off on Delridge Neighborhoods District Council to meet September 16
 |   Announcements

Ron Angeles, who handles the Delridge district for the city’s Department of Neighborhoods, has sent around the reminder for the next Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting – everybody’s invited:

Reminder:
Delridge Neighborhoods District Council
Wednesday, Sept. 16th
7-9pm
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW

On the agenda:

Neighborhood Plan Status Reports and Update Process
Climate Action Now
Friends of Seattle Public Libraries
Neighborhood Project Fund Awardees

And…

Updates from the Neighborhoods and Community Activities New Issues and Concerns

The District Council is made up of representatives from community and neighborhood-based organizations, business and merchant groups, schools, and non-profit human services agencies. They meet 9-10 times a year to network, support each other’s efforts, and advise the City on budgetary matters related to transportation, parks, the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Neighborhood Project Fund (street and parks improvements), and other city-sponsored programs and services. Individual citizens are also encouraged to attend and participate in open discussions.

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King County Executive forum October 12 on environmental issues
September 5, 2009 2:24 am
|    Comments Off on King County Executive forum October 12 on environmental issues
 |   Announcements

Just announced:

The Washington Foundation for the Environment presents a candidate forum:

What: The two candidates for King County Executive answer questions on environmental issues facing the county

Who: Dow Constantine and Susan Hutchison

Where: The Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way

Moderated by Ross Reynolds, host of “The Conversation” on KUOW-FM
Televised on King County TV Cable Channel 22

When: Monday, October 12, 2009, doors open at 6:30 for refreshments and informal discussion, candidate forum starts at 7pm and is scheduled to conclude at 8pm

Why: The King County Executive plays an important role in setting the direction on local and regional environmental issues including growth and land use planning, transportation decisions, management of our water resources, farmland preservation and more. Come and ask the candidates questions and learn more about their positions.

This is a free event, donations welcome. For questions or to RSVP, please email info@wffe.org.

Co-sponsors: People For Puget Sound, National Wildlife Federation, Washington Environmental Council, Cascade Land Conservancy, Futurewise, Seattle Aquarium Society, Transportation Choices Coalition, Washington Toxics Coalition, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, and Climate Solutions

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Cherry Consignment: West Seattle store’s “grand opening” party
September 4, 2009 11:56 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A week and a half after first mention of the new West Seattle clothing store Cherry Consignment, it welcomed shoppers to a grand-opening party tonight. West Seattle writer Mary Sheely covered it in her first assignment for WSB.

Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Nyla Bittermann (photo left) and Tracy Dart envisioned their new store, Cherry Consignment, as a place that would welcome the community. And that community includes all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Tonight, the night of the store’s grand-opening party, prices ranged from $4-$75 and sizes from 0 to 28 (plus men’s and maternity clothing) could be spotted on the racks. And the customers came in for both.

“Nyla’s vision is to serve the fringes—those of us who can’t find stuff in a lot of consignment stores,” says shopper Jaime Untz, whom Bittermann calls “our PR person.”

“We should be able to go into a store and try stuff on and make a day of it and feel pampered,” Untz says.

Even more important to Dart and Bittermann than Cherry Consignment’s selection and prices is the new store’s atmosphere — and they’re not talking about the cherry art that decorates the walls.

Read More

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High-school football update: West Seattle, Sealth season openers
September 4, 2009 10:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We’ll add a detailed report here later; first, both games are in the books: West Seattle High School over visiting Belmont (from just outside Victoria, BC) at West Seattle Stadium, 33-6 (covered live on Twitter at @wsblive, including a half-hour delay while an injured Belmont player was tended to – he went to the hospital for observation of what’s believed to be a “neck stinger“); Sammamish over visiting Chief Sealth, 27-0. Seattle Lutheran plays its first game tomorrow (Saturday), facing Darrington at WS Stadium.

ADDED 2:11 AM: From the WSHS game – first, a short video clip of the traditional postgame congratulations etc.

WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand reports Belmont presented West Seattle with small Canadian flags. As for game highlights: Running back Danny Phan had 3 touchdowns on the night. Other stars of the game were Isaiah Jenkins, with a couple of key runs in the 3rd quarter; he also intercepted a Belmont pass that ended Belmont’s best drive of the night. Belmont finally scored with less than 2 minutes to go in the game, but missed the extra point when their kicker fumbled the ball. Next week, it’s WSHS vs. Franklin, 5 pm Friday night (Sept. 11) at Memorial Stadium (Seattle Center). Now a few notes about Chief Sealth:

(WSB photo from the final moments of Sealth @ Sammamish)
Next week, Sealth hosts Rainier Beach at Southwest Athletic Complex. In a discussion of tonight’s game on our Facebook page, Sealth’s new athletic director Sam Reed said, “The boys played hard, and I am proud of them. They competed with a small squad and got some new players some game experience. Looking forward to seeing them incorporate some more players over the next couple weeks.”

Look for coverage tonight of the SLHS/Darrington game at WS Stadium.

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Having a sale, or looking for one (or more)? WSB Forums reminder
September 4, 2009 9:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Though yard-sale season is ebbing, several West Seattle sales for this weekend are posted in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums. You’re welcome to post your sale there too, free, whether personal or business; an increasing amount of freebie listings are showing up as well. Here’s where to start!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Parking-strip garden vandalized
September 4, 2009 8:12 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gardening | West Seattle news

We took that photo of the parking-strip garden at Chris‘s house in Admiral (39th/Lander) after he e-mailed this report:

Last night our parking strip garden was vandalized.

For the past several years my wife and I have planted a parking strip garden and with the exception or a few tomatoes being snatched, they have been relatively undisturbed. One of the highlights is growing pumpkins for our kids. Over the years, many toddlers in our neighborhood have spend time counting our pumpkins and watching them grow. Our kids take great pride that they grow their own pumpkins for Halloween. This year we were fortunate enough to have an Atlantic Giant pumpkin that we have been nuturing along with a handful of jack o’ lantern pumpkins. The Atlantic Giant though not enormous was over 60 pounds.

This morning I was greeted with three of the pumpkins in the street. One was smashed, another undamaged and the 60-pound giant damaged. The giant was not broken open and looks like whoever perpetrated this was frustrated enough that they used a knife to cut several gashes along one end. Both my children are very upset and I am disappointed that this happened. The impact stretches beyond our family to the families in the neighborhood who take the time to walk our the garden to watch the pumpkins grow.

If you saw anything, contact police, to whom Chris says this has been reported.

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Traffic alert: More details on “final” 1st Avenue South paving
September 4, 2009 7:44 pm
|    Comments Off on Traffic alert: More details on “final” 1st Avenue South paving
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

We had a short update on this yesterday; now a few more details from SDOT – if you are interested in the 1st Avenue South paving, read on for the full-length announcement:Read More

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For families, from Seattle Police: Back-to-school safety tips
September 4, 2009 5:31 pm
|    Comments Off on For families, from Seattle Police: Back-to-school safety tips
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Important information for you to make sure your kids are aware of – all detailed here, published today.

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West Seattle beverage news: Another Junction Starbucks outlet
September 4, 2009 3:33 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

Driving past Capco Plaza – the soon-to-open mixed-use building in The Junction at 42nd/Alaska/41st – we spotted a Starbucks sign just inside its southeastern doors. The site is still fenced off, so even when we walked up to take the photo you see above, it wasn’t close enough to figure out whether it’s part of the QFC (which is targeting 9/16 for opening) or a free-standing ministore in the lobby of the building, which will include other retail as well as Altamira Luxury Apartments (so far, the only announced tenant besides QFC and Office Depot has been Desert Sun Tanning). We have inquiries out, to owner/developer Leon Capelouto and to Starbucks. The sighting is notable because there’s already a Starbucks stand inside the nearby Jefferson Square Safeway and because Starbucks opened — then, after a year, closed — a freestanding store on the north end of Jefferson Square (that space is currently advertised as available for lease) – plus of course there’s a multiplicity of other coffee venues within a matter of blocks. ADDED 4:13 PM: Just heard back from building owner Capelouto. He says that’s a freestanding Starbucks kiosk right inside the 42nd/Alaska corner door.

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Peace Lutheran to host sale benefiting 1-year-old’s tumor battle
September 4, 2009 12:21 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | How to help | West Seattle news

Meet 1-year-old Maarten, a little guy who’s caught up in a big fight. Right now Maarten and his family are on the other side of the country, where he’s getting help for a brain tumor that he’s been fighting almost his entire life. But in two weeks, right here in West Seattle, hundreds of people will come together for a huge sale to help raise money for him to get better – and they’re hoping you will join them.

It’ll be at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood (39th/Thistle), 9 am-6 pm Friday, September 18, and 8 am-5 pm Saturday, September 19th.

We got first word of this from Claudia Ludwig, a West Seattleite who knows the family and is organizing the big yard/bake sale. She says Maarten was diagnosed with the tumor when he was just 3 months old, in October of last year, and has gone through many treatments since then; right now he’s getting radiation again, in Boston. Claudia says his prognosis is good, but it’s just too risky for doctors to do more surgery right now, so radiation is what they’re using. Maarten’s family is publishing updates at helpmaarten.blogspot.com. Claudia says that for the sale in two weeks, more than 200 families are already donating items and baked goods, including members of the Peace Lutheran congregation, but they could use more. She explains some of the backstory:

Maarten’s parents are scientists who have devoted their lives to bettering ours. However, by working in academia, their salary is very low. Francois works at the UW and Sacha has left her job at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) to care for her son. At this point in their cancer treatment, only the basics are covered by their insurance. Everything that is only “recommended” (the physical therapy, hearing tests, occupational therapy) is not covered. And of course this does not include the flights to Boston and the time away from work. Also, all of their family live in France and the Netherlands, so they are really on their own. All of this began only 8 months after they moved to Seattle, so their support network was small.

So when we realized we must do something to help with this increasingly difficult time, we decided on a yard sale where ALL proceeds go to Maarten and his parents to help finance the needed tests, therapies, and the many bills that are stacking up. We originally decided to gather items at our work places, and then bring them to my house to sell. Then the pile of items got bigger, so we decided to spread things to my neighbors’ yards, but even that didn’t seem like enough space. That’s when Peace Lutheran Church graciously joined us and agreed to host and lend a hand. Together we will really make a difference for this family.

Claudia says the most important way to help will be to come to the sale September 18-19 – but they still could use donations as well; there’s info on the right sidebar of the Help Maarten site regarding how to reach her, as well as how to donate money via PayPal and/or check.

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