West Seattle, Washington
17 Wednesday
The planning process for a potential new municipal misdemeanor-offender jail to serve Seattle and several other King County cities has been proceeding fairly quietly, but proceeding nonetheless. West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way remains one of the sites on the list. Now, the City Council has released results of a study they ordered on whether drug treatment and other diversions could reduce the need for jail beds – read on for their news release, plus links to two documents related to the report itself:Read More
Later this month, The Kenney‘s century-old Seaview Building will be considered by the city Landmarks Preservation Board for designation as a city landmark – but tonight, it’s a stately backdrop for the retirement center’s annual barbecue. What’s for dinner, you ask? Salmon and hot dogs, among other things:
And though “green” may not be a color you associate with sizzling barbecue, The Kenney’s been making headlines for its Green Team (as reported here last year), and that led to some showcasing tonight as well:
Tonight’s music is being provided by the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band, who you can catch tomorrow night at Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s first show in this year’s Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) series (6 pm, free):
The Kenney’s guest list for tonight included hundreds of residents, neighbors, family and friends, and they’re scheduled to continue the celebration till about 7 pm.
A Westwood man is charged with possessing and dealing in child pornography, according to King County Superior Court documents. The charges filed within the past week against 23-year-old Chas Voelckel result from a search of his home last October, in an investigation that began in June 2008, when police received a complaint about child-pornography images uploaded to a photo-sharing site. Investigators found 1,600 photos and more than 50 videos on computer equipment linked to Voelckel, according to court documents, which say he did not deny possessing child pornography. Some of the children in the photos are described in the court documents as “known victims” as young as 8 years old, though there is no indication that Voelckel took any of the photos himself. In addition to possession, he also is charged with dealing in child pornography, because of records showing that he transferred files to other people. Prosecutors asked that his bail be set at $25,000, saying investigators found online chat records in which Voelckel expressed a desire to sexually abuse a 10-year-old, and noted that:
“While the defendant may wish to be released to the custody of his mother, it’s important to note that his mother was fully aware that he was downloading and viewing child pornography and saw no problem with it because she believed that the children who were being sexually abused were from other countries.”
The mother’s address is listed as the same as the suspect’s. Meantime, in addition to the charges, court documents also indicate authorities were seeking a warrant for his arrest as of a week ago; there is no indication that he has been booked into King County Jail, so we will be checking tomorrow on his status. (Note: This story was first reported earlier this afternoon at seattlepi.com; we subsequently obtained the court documents, from which we gathered all the information reported in our story.) ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe tells WSB that Voelckel is scheduled for arraignment next Thursday, though he has not yet been booked.
You might remember the mugshot at left from last October, when police asked everyone to be on the lookout for Daniel P. Ward, wanted for stabbing his girlfriend multiple times with a box cutter at the Stewart Manor building at 34th/Morgan. He was arrested in November, and a tipster told us this afternoon that his trial just ended. King County Prosecuting Attorney‘s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe confirms that Ward was found guilty on all charges: Attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and felony harassment. Donohoe says the sentencing range is 20-30 years in prison, and Judge Michael Hayden is scheduled to sentence Ward on September 4th.
Were you in one of those photos? An entire decade has passed since the year that sounded so far in the future when Prince sang about it in the ’80s … but passed, it has, and now West Seattle High School Class of 1999 reunion organizers are trying to get word out to their classmates. Jessica Seeley shared the photos, along with the invite:
West Seattle High School Class of 1999 Reunion
Location: Alki Beach Bathhouse
When: Saturday, September 26, 5:00 PM
Cost: $52 per personJoin us in celebrating the West Seattle High School Class of 1999 10-year reunion at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle.
Tickets are $52 via PayPal. Prices include:
-Appetizers
-Non-Alcoholic Berverages
-Beer and Wine
-Desserts
-Entertainment
-Spending time with the Class of ’99Act quickly as ticket prices will go up if you buy them at the door!
We’re trying to get the word out to everyone any way we can, but we are still missing e-mails and mailing addresses. If you know of someone who … hasn’t heard about the reunion, please forward this to them! We want everyone to be included.
Thanks,
Jessica Seeley
You can use the Share This link below to e-mail this item, or to share it via Facebook or Twitter, among other services. And you can make your reservation by e-mailing the organizers directly: wshs1999@gmail.com
Some fire and police investigations wrap up fast – some don’t. For the ones that don’t, we check back with the investigating agency from time to time. Here’s what we found on two such checks:
That was the aftermath of the fire that tore through an Arbor Heights house near 35th/108th on May 25 (original WSB coverage here), seriously injuring one man. Information on his condition was never been made available to media; privacy laws were invoked while he was in the hospital. We asked Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen if the fire’s cause was ever found – short answer, no. It will remain on the books as “undetermined.” That’s also the result of the investigation into this one, another fire in May:
A neighbor shared that startling photo from the May 3rd early-morning house fire in the 1700 block of 44th SW (original WSB coverage here). The house was empty and listed for sale; no one was inside; no injuries were reported. Vander Houwen says investigators ultimately could not find the cause of this one either, and it will remain on the books as “undetermined.”
Today we welcome a new sponsor, The Subtle Body, a West Seattle Ayurvedic center located on the second floor of 3620 California SW (map). As always, we offer new sponsors the chance to tell you about their businesses, and here’s what The Subtle Body wants you to know: Ayurvedic comes from Ayurveda, which means the “Science of Life,” a 5000-year-old system of health care originating in India. Ayurveda addresses each individual, and seeks to bring you back to your own state of balance. 
Your consultation will include recommendations on diet, daily routine, herbs, yoga and 
seasonal cleanses. We also offer a rejuvenation program consisting of Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic steams and Shirodhara. The center is run by Nickole Thornton (left) and Bethanie Sand (right). Nickole has practiced Ayurveda since 2000, traveling across the U.S. providing Ayurvedic lectures, Consultations, and Panchakarma Detox Therapy. In addition to her Ayurvedic expertise, she specializes in Deep Tissue Massage and NeuroMuscular Therapy with Therapeutic Stretching. Bethanie has been studying, teaching and working with Ayurveda since 2003. She’s involved in the Washington chapter of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, bringing practitioners of Ayurveda together in community and for the advancement of Ayurveda in Washington. In addition to offering Ayurvedic consultations and treatments, Bethanie specializes in CranioSacral Therapy — a gentle, yet effective way of releasing pain, tension and old holding patterns in the body and nervous system. For an appointment or consultation, you can reach Nickole at 206-799-0718 or Bethanie at 206-949-8442. Thanks to The Subtle Body for choosing to grow their business by sponsoring 24/7 local news, information and discussion on WSB; the entire sponsor team is listed here, with info on how to join!
“DOG DAYS OF SUMMER”: Michele at West Seattle Thriftway just sent word that CityDog Magazine is coming back for its next cover-dog search, Sunday, August 16th – last year, the winner was one of the dogs “discovered” at WST, Cohen (left)! This is part of the store’s “Dog Days of Summer” promotion, including barbecues the next four Saturdays to raise money for local animal-advocacy groups. Plus, on cover-dog-search day 8/16, as well as the following Sunday 8/23, the Humane Society’s MaxMobile will be at Thriftway with adoptable pets.
HIAWATHA CONCERT TONIGHT: One more reminder, two acts for the price of one – actually there’s no price, because it’s free! – at tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show: Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory and Cajun/Zydeco band Swamp Soul. It’ll be chillier than last week but the forecast still calls for the sun coming out before showtime, 6:30 pm, east lawn of Hiawatha.
AND MORE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY/SATURDAY: Same basic forecast – cooler than usual – for those nights, but don’t let that keep you inside: Friday night is the first Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) show (also free), with the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band (gates open at 5, music at 6) and Saturday night is the next West Seattle Outdoor Movies on the Wall screening, with the ’70s classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (so many scenes in that one are perfect for the big screen), ALSO free, gates open at 7, movie at dusk, courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor).
CROSS-BAY PIE WAR: Our friends at fellow independent neighborhood-news site Magnolia Voice are thinking a Magnolia-vs.-West Seattle pie war might just be in the works. Here’s why.
COOKING WITH CLASS: (added shortly after we first posted this roundup) Just got the news that registration is open for Cooking With Class, the annual event at Salty’s on Alki that’s a nonprofit fundraiser, a cooking class and a gourmet food/wine dinner all in one. It’s set for September 15. Full details here.
“Ca” sent that photo, describing this house only as being on Admiral Way, and noting it’s not a prank, but rather a celebration:
Everyone keeps asking us why our house was TPed the other day. My son qualified for All City Swim with Arbor Heights pool.
And here’s the proud qualifier himself:
Congratulations! We drove past a TP’ed house in the early moments of Night Out on Tuesday but seem to recall it was in a neighborhood south of Admiral; funny, hadn’t seen that phenomenon in years. Speaking of Night Out:
P and C McCormick shared photos of the Ocean View neighborhood Night Out party, pointing out it’s sponsored by Dot Beard (right, by the sign):
Over forty neighbors showed up to enjoy refreshments and the summer evening. A long-time activist and member of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, Dot has kept all of us neighbors in line for years. Just in case, Capt Joe Kessler and Lt. Steve Paulsen from the SW Precinct came by to make sure our new Block Watch signs were installed to specifications (!) and to schmooze Ocean View Community Beach Club presidential candidate “Murphy” (in the striped red sweater). Our quiet neighborhood, bound by Marine View Drive, 35th Ave SW and SW 112th St [map], has annual events including an Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Picnic and Christmas Caroling/Hot Buttered Rum parties.
Here’s Capt. Kessler with Murphy.
(We published three previous photo reports on Night Out block parties around West Seattle – see them here, here and here.) Last but by no means least, Chas Redmond caught the early-evening sun in all its glory, shining on the Sound off Alki last night:
Thanks as always to everyone who shares photos and info with their West Seattle neighbors via WSB – e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com – or share your photos with the West Seattle Blog Flickr group (where we just noticed some great recent additions, including this spectacular Lincoln Park sunset).
Just announced by the Parks Department:
On Saturday, Aug. 8, Seattle Parks and Recreation will host Summer Splashtacular featuring free swimming, free activities, fun and games at select pools and beaches. The program is intended to highlight drowning prevention and safe swimming practices.
Free public swimming, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
· Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave. S
· Meadowbrook Pool, 10515 35th Ave. NE
There will be fun water activities for kids and families, including lifejacket relays.Free diving instruction, 2 – 5 p.m.
· Madison Beach, E Madison Street and E Howe
Enhance your swimming skills with free diving instruction.Oodles of Noodles, 12 noon – 6 p.m.
· Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
· Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. NE
· Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
· West Green Lake Beach, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
Kids can enjoy water play in shallow water with lifeguards present while playing with oodles of noodles. A noodle is a brightly colored floatation aid that kids find irresistibly fun for playing. Come by and try swimming with a lifejacket.Wading pool toys and activities, 1 – 4 p.m.
There will be toys and activities at 14 wading pools, including:
· Bitter Lake Playfield, 13035 Linden Ave. N
· Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
· Dahl Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE
· Delridge Community Center and Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
· E.C. Hughes Playground, 2805 SW Holden St.
· East Queen Anne Playground, 1912 Warren Ave. N
· Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
· Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
· Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
· South Park Community Center and Playground, 738 S Sullivan St.
· Van Asselt Community Center and Playground, 7200 Beacon Ave. S
· View Ridge Playfield, 4408 NE 70th St.
· Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E
· Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave. NSummer Splashtacular is co-sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State Drowning Prevention Network, Associated Recreation Council and seattlepools.org. For more information about Summer Splashtacular, visit http://seattle.gov/parks/pools.asp.
Toplines from last night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting:
*Officer elections are coming up in October. But first – nominations will be sought; look for that announcement on the NDNC e-mail group.
*Adopt-A-Street cleanup: You’re invited to pitch in and help out on August 29th. As usual, volunteers will meet up that morning at Delridge Community Center and take off after coffee/snacks. Watch for more details. Separate cleanups may be scheduled for area traffic circles.
*Future meeting speakers: When this topic came up, a popular suggestion was Al Poole, the city’s director of “homelessness intervention” – group members have been talking about the seasonal return of makeshift homeless mini-camps in the greenbelt along 26th SW, and this type of speaker might help educate everyone on how to handle such situations, as well as dealing with the chronic problem that the NDNC has fought in recent months (notably including the tour given to city leaders four months ago) – rundown, vacant houses, often taken over by squatters.
*Location change for next month’s meeting: Watch for an announcement – the library isn’t available that night (September 2) – suggestions included Olympia Pizza, but nothing’s final yet.
Add another festival to the August calendar, which already has the Duwamish River Festival this Saturday and Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long (August 22-23). From just south of the city/county line, we received this invitation to share with all WSB’ers – we’ve of course published it on partner site White Center Now, too, but West Seattleites get a special shoutout:
Hello Friends of the West Seattle Blog:
My name is Frank Cantwell, and I am the Principal of Holy Family Parish School located at the intersection of 20th and Roxbury in White Center. I would like to invite you to “El Carnaval” that we are holding on August 29 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and August 30 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 2009. We are planning to close 20th Street from Roxbury for one block between the Parish and the School, and open this area to the entire community for an opportunity to meet our neighbors. We plan to have bands, a variety of food, and a beer garden. We will have our school open to everyone. We are also planning to have lots of fun and games for the children.
Holy Family Parish School has a rich history, having served the White Center community for over 80 years. We are a very diverse community and we are welcoming everyone to come together to have a lot of fun. We would love to see the entire West Seattle community come together to meet each other and have fun.
Thank You, Frank Cantwell
It’s on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar now too.
Here’s the official announcement of the meeting, now eight days away:
The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at 100 Dexter Ave. N, the Parks Administration Building at Denny Way and Dexter Avenue N.
The agenda includes:
Meridian Playground legislation briefing.Staff will brief the Board on proposed legislation, which
confirms that portions of the City-owned land at the shared Meridian Playground/Good Shepherd Center site in Wallingford, currently occupied by a P-Patch and Seattle Tilth’s demonstration garden, have formally become a part of Meridian Playground. The legislation will give the Superintendent authority to continue those uses and also to enter into agreements with Seattle Tilth or other organizations for use of an area to be renamed in the Comprehensive Site Plan from “Formal Lawn” to “East Entrance and Outdoor Education Area.”New partnership policy proposal. Staff will review with the Board a plan to draft a new Partnership Development Policy, and discuss the steps and timeline involved. The new policy will address how we can engage non-traditional partners that reflect the City’s changing demographics, potential park users and providers that are not currently participating in our programs and services. The proposed policy will address how Parks can be more proactive, creative, and engage potential private and non-profit agencies in a time of ever-tightening budget constraints.
Briefing papers on both agenda items will be available on the web by close of business on Monday, August 10 at: seattle.gov/parks/parkboard.
The Board of Park Commissioners is a seven-member citizen board created by the City Charter. Three members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; three members are appointed by the City Council; and one member is appointed by the Park Board. The Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month to advise the Parks and Recreation Superintendent, the Mayor, and the City Council on parks and recreation matters. For more information, please contact Sandy Brooks at 206-684-5066 or sandy.brooks@seattle.gov.
Two reports to share tonight – one from someone who’s seeking an alarm as the result of another burglary, one from someone whose alarm was triggered but got burglarized anyway – read on:Read More
Looks like late-in-the-day sunshine tomorrow for the third of six Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association (with more than 20 sponsors – all listed here – including WSB). The group in the clip above Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory, is on a double bill with Cajun/Zydeco musicians Swamp Soul (shown in the 2007 clip above). Special feature tomorrow night: Face-painting for kids! 6:30 pm on the Hiawatha east lawn, b/y/o chairs/blankets.
Under the heading “ARMED AND DANGEROUS, WEAPON DISPLAYED” the FBI has just sent a bulletin with this photo of this afternoon’s Junction KeyBank robber (here’s our original report):
Also on the bulletin:
The above-pictured suspect robbed the KeyBank, 4701 California Way SW, Seattle, about 1308 hrs today. He presented a demand note and told the teller he was armed. The suspect displayed a handgun tucked into his waistband. The suspect fled in the described vehicle.
Suspect: B/M
30-40 yrs
6 (feet tall), heavy-set
Eyeglasses
And here’s a photo of the getaway-car type; the FBI says the car may be in Seatac or Burien:
Any info? Call 911, or, also per the FBI:
Anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to call the FBI Task Force Detective Len Carver III at (206)262-2526 (office) or (206)786-4746 (cell).
ADDED: Here’s the flyer as distributed by the FBI.
We’re at the Municipal Tower downtown, where the city Landmarks Preservation Board has just voted unanimously to designate the former Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist — 
now known as the events venue The Sanctuary at Admiral — as an official Seattle city landmark. Its site, exterior (described as “Art Deco”), and 1st-floor-foyer interior are the features specifically landmarked, which means any change proposed to any of those features would require approval from this board. Just before the vote, board chair Stephen Lee called it “an amazing little gem of a building that certainly deserves to be a Seattle landmark.” It was used as a church for more than half a century before the congregation merged with counterparts in Fauntleroy after the turn of the millennium; Dahli Bennett has owned it since 2003. Her restoration of the building – including, as we reported in this story yesterday, reuse of materials from some of its elements including pews — won praise from the board today as well; board member Marie Strong cited Bennett’s “sensitivity” in the reuses. After the vote was complete, Bennett and her “venue mistress” Jennifer applauded briefly and thanked the board. P.S. Here’s the list of West Seattle-area sites/buildings that already have city-landmark status. And we should note, for those who watch these proceedings closely, the board agreed with staff that The Sanctuary met designation criteria D, E and F. At the board’s next meeting August 19, they’ll decide whether to give landmark status to The Kenney‘s Seaview Building.
As that shiny new sign says, work on West Seattle’s newest park is complete. Dakota Place Park is on the grounds of the city-landmark former substation at California/Dakota, north of The Junction. While you may have noticed building-renovation work if you simply drove by, walk up now, and the full park will be in view:
Jennifer Cargal from Friends of Dakota Place Park has sent us the official announcement of its completion, and what’s next:
If you live near the Alaska Junction, you should take a stroll up to the corner of California and Dakota. Though the opening celebration won¹t happen until the fall after the art installation, neighbors are finding some new open space in the recently completed Dakota Place Park. Nestled behind the old City Light Substation, this pearl of a park offers a little shade, a little room to stretch, and some much needed open space for those traveling just north of the Alaska Junction.
Tremendous thanks goes to the Friends of Dakota Place Park, Kelly Gould of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Neighborhood Matching Fund, King County Wild Place Grant, Mark Sindell and the staff of GGLO, the West Seattle Garden Tour, First Mutual Bank, King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, and the many community donors, and the sixty plus volunteers who planted the park in June.
Note: The substation is a separate project. For information about the status of building renovation or about the park, please contact Kelly Goold at 206-684-0586 or Kelly.Goold@Seattle.Gov.
We visited Dakota Place Park today to take photos, and noted the nicely gardened patches around the park’s periphery, as well as the bench:
Jennifer shared photos from the planting parties — here’s one with a young volunteer:
According to the city project page, Dakota Place Park’s budget was $587,000+. If you’re not familiar with the site, here’s a map.
ORIGINAL 1:33 PM REPORT: Seattle Police spokesperson Detective Jeff Kappel confirms there’s been a bank robbery (he says it’s in the 4700 block of California SW – we’re on our way to verify which bank). We found out when we called to check with him about a sizable police presence at several Junction spots, after getting passed by several cars with lights and sirens. Heading back toward the bank now to see what else we can find out. Description of the robber, according to Det. Kappel: Black man, 30s-40s, about 6-1, blue jacket, green T-shirt, black handgun. More as we get it. 1:46 PM UPDATE: Per the scanner, there’s a vehicle associated with this robbery – early ’90s police-style Chevrolet Caprice, all white, with the chrome “spotlight” police-style light attached. Two black male suspects believed to be in the vehicle. Meantime, we have just verified at the scene, it’s the KeyBank at California/Alaska. 2:29 PM UPDATE: Changed the photo at the top of the story, now that our non-cameraphone photos are back in house. No other new info – police are still looking for the suspect. This is West Seattle’s third bank robbery in less than a month, after the Westwood Village Alaska USA robbery on July 10 and the Junction US Bank robbery on July 15.
(Our other two Night Out 2009 photo roundups are here and here)
(Pigeon Point Night Out party photos by Chris Wells)
The firefighters who visited Pigeon Point’s big Night Out party last night really sparked some fun. They even got into the spirit of one popular feature that neighbors had set up the party, which Pete Spalding explains in this update:
We had a visit from a fire engine from station 36 that is right by the bridge. We also had visits from Interim Police Chief John Diaz, Doug Carey from the Mayor’s office, a contingent from the Dept of Neighborhoods, our CPT officer Kevin McDaniel and then later we were visited by Capt Joe Kessler and Lt. Steve Paulsen from the SW Precinct.
We had 100+ neighbors that gathered with us at the corner of 20th Ave SW and SW Dakota [map]. One of the highlights was we brought in a bale of hay and then hid small toys, quarters and nickels in the hay and then the kids got to do a scavenger hunt to find all of the hidden gems.
Darkness (and bedtime for the kids) was the only reason folks went back home. It was a great turnout and we saw several new faces to our Pigeon Point neighborhood who came out to meet their neighbors.
Three more Pigeon Point pix – including one with the full fray over the straw, and one with a delighted Engine 26 visitor:
We’ve also received photos today from Shell Marr, whose party in the 2400 block of SW Holden (map) offered a game too – beanbag toss:
Canine participants were crowdpleasers as well:
Thanks again to everyone who shared photos and/or gave us clearance to drop by. Night Out is traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August, so you can just mark your calendar right now for August 3, 2010!
Several people have asked via e-mail and Facebook whether the King County Water Taxi is planning extra runs tonight because of the huge turnout expected at the Sounders/Barcelona game. Answer from county transit spokesperson Linda Thielke: No. But please do note, they’ve already warned of possible bus delays in the Pioneer Square/SODO areas. 1:39 PM UPDATE: Just got new information from Thielke — she says Argosy has agreed to an “11th hour” addition of runs to help with the expected postgame crush:
Argosy WILL add runs to help with traffic for the Sounders Game tonight. They will continue the half hour schedule after the usual (last) 7:30 run and continue through 9:30 pm. The last sailing from Seattle will be at 9:30 this evening. This is an 11th hour addition – thank you Argosy!
And she sent a postscript minutes later:
Just confirmed with Argosy that they will delay the 9:30 sailing to West Seattle if the Sounders game is not over. The purpose of that last run will be to get folks from the Sounders game to West Seattle.
Though school doesn’t start for a month, it’s time to make sure that every student has the supplies needed for educational success. One of the local efforts working hard to make sure that happens is Pencil Me In For Kids — you may even have seen promotion in last month’s West Seattle Grand Parade (banner at left). One of the local businesses leading the charge to help local kids by supporting PMIFK is Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Sue Lindblom sends this update:
Pencil Me In For Kids is winding up their yearly drive. The bulk of the supplies they will donate to local public grade schools will be purchased from Westwood Staples this week. If anyone has any school supplies (pens, paper, glue sticks, washable markers) they would like to donate drop them off at 5619 California Ave. SW [map]. Also, if anyone would like to make a cash donation, make checks payable to Rotary Club of West Seattle and in the memo line write ‘Pencil Me In For Kids’. Staples gives a great discount for this yearly drive. This is the 15th year PMIFK has been supplying basics to kids in our area. All the volunteers want to say ‘thanks’ for past, present, and future help! And the kids thank you too!!
We’ve also received word that you can drop off supplies at the office of local Edward Jones financial adviser Jon Gerhardt, who’s at 7354 35th SW (just north of the northeastern corner of 35th and Webster; map).
Just announced by the school district – they’re looking for your help:
Seattle Public Schools is actively seeking nominations for its Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee. The committee will be comprised of parents/families/guardians who reflect the diversity of Seattle Public Schools families. The committee advises the Superintendent on the implementation of School-Family Partnerships Policy (E10.01) while also providing support and technical assistance to District schools in using family and community engagement national best practices.
Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing an excellent education for every student and we are dedicated to preparing every student to graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life. The District’s strategic plan, Excellence for All, focuses on raising student achievement by ensuring excellence in every classroom, strengthening leadership throughout the district and building an infrastructure that works well. Community engagement is one of the key strategies of Excellence for All and we are committed to working with families and community members to create a truly excellent school district for each and every student.
The Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee will consist of up to thirty parents/guardians and family members representing the diverse population of the District. Consideration will be given to involve those community members and groups who have not historically been active or represented in District decision-making processes, as well as representation by individuals of differing gender, ethnicity, race, age, geography and stakeholder interest groups.
The initial term of membership to the committee is October 2009 – October 2010. The committee’s work involves one to two meetings a month, a presentation of the School Family Partnership report to the Superintendent and a presentation to the School Board.
To be considered for the Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee, parents, guardians or family members should complete and submit a nomination form by Monday, September 21. The nomination forms and a complete description of the committee are available on Seattle Public Schools’ Web site at http://www.seattleschools.org/area/fam/PAC.xml. Nomination forms will also be available at school offices.
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