West Seattle Herald | Recent Articles

The land of Odin

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:05 -0800

This is the first installment in a series of stories about 97-year-old Morey Skaret, a West Seattle resident who has led a colorful life. The details in the stories are taken from interviews by the author over a period of weeks late last year. In 2003, a book containing many of the same vignettes recounted here was published. None of the content of this series of articles was taken from that book.

I will treasure you as my companion
I will celebrate the joys of life with you
I promise to support your dreams
Stay with me forever

—Handwritten inscription on the back of the calling card of Captain Morest L. Skaret, Retired–U.S. Coast Guard.

Morest L. “Morey” Skaret casts a weather eye across the gently rising, rain-dimpled waters of Puget Sound. From his “Captain’s perch” atop Fauntleroy Cove, Morey’s steady gaze takes in not only this morning’s mist-shrouded horizon; it reaches back much farther, fathoming the eddies and ripples still swirling from waters plied long ago.

From their living room window, not many people can see the point of land which cradled the primitive but popular pool where they lifeguarded seventy-five years ago. Or the narrow, winding passages through which they towed unruly rafts of logs as a young tugboat operator. Or the massive stone fireplace built by their father from beach rocks at Lincoln Park during the Great Depression.

But Morey can see these times and places—and much more.

Morey shifts in his chair. Something has caught his eye again, just beyond the shaggy boughs of evergreens framing the bustling ferry dock and its snug harbor. “I think that’s an eagle—no, it’s a crow. . . .”

And that leads him into a story, which is, perhaps, more of a lesson. In all his 96 years, Morey says, he has never been sick a day, except once when he took ill and was forced to lie abed for a month. “I crossed my arms over my chest like this,” he says, demonstrating the pose—arms up, chin-down—from his chair. “I was on that bed for a long time, pretty well out of it, talking gibberish. And I think that maybe Odin came to see me, clear from Norway.

“They have a story about Odin in Norway: Before the year 1000 they believed in the god Odin and his wife Frigg and their son, Thor. And they say that every crow—and the crows are all over the world; there’s lots of them in Norway, too—one eye of the crow belongs to Odin, and the other eye is the crow’s. But the other eye—everything that comes into vision in that eye—Odin knows. If you do something wrong, look around; there’s always a damn crow sittin’ somewhere.

“So the poor people in Norway: ‘Oh, God: Odin is watching me.’

“They have this story about a farmer, a rascally old Norwegian up in Skaret fjord, who was cutting hay. And he had a pretty little girl from the next farm over who helped him. Well, the wife and the husband and the girl were cutting hay. Around noon the wife said, ‘I’m going back in the house and make a lunch. I’ll bring it out to you in about an hour.’

“So he and the girl sat down behind the haystack . . . and he had a little love affair with this woman. And all of a sudden he looked up, and there was the damn crow, lookin’ at him. And he was shocked: ‘Odin! Odin knows! Now Odin knows that I have sinned.’

“So, when he went to church, he used to put one dollar in the bucket. This time, after the crow had seen him with the girl behind the haystack, he put in five. . . .

“My dear aunt would tell that story and laugh,” Morey says. “She was the same age my dad was then, around 100. My aunt was very proud of us: the first Skarets to come back to Norway. Dad had left a big family over there; and I went back with him.

“My aunt—a chubby, wonderful little lady—she hung on my arm down the streets of Volda, a little town on the Skaret fjord. My aunt still believed a little bit—a lot of those Norwegians do still think about Odin, especially where we come from in northern Norway.

“So when Odin came to see me,” Morey says, reflecting on when he was ill, “he said, ‘You’re a Skaret.’ Our people’s home on Skaret fjord has been there since the year 1200. The foundation is all made out of stone. The only thing new is the roof—they have to put a new roof on every twenty or thirty years.”

Morey looks westward again. “I’m lookin’ for that eagle; I wanted you to see it. He’s the only one that dives for fish, you know, those little candlefish. They’ll come right to the surface, and play around like this. And Mr. Eagle, he’s supposed to have the sharpest eye of any bird. He’s up there, and when he sees him, he takes his wings and tucks them in like this; and he dives like a bomber, like a plane would. And he hits the water full force. And when he comes up, he’s got Mr. Fish. And he sits there and he puts his neck up like this—the fish is stickin’ out—and he swallows him right down whole, kickin’ around in his belly. . . .”

Morey’s vista is ideal for watching the world go by: the big ships out on the Sound, the ferries that dock like clockwork at his doorstep, the pedestrians who shuttle by, stopping to savor the view from the pocket park he carved from the brambles. “See out there,” he says, “that’s all public land. It was all blackberries when I came here in 1936.”

A yellow slicker slides down the sidewalk. “Look at that young girl,” Morey says, eyes sparkling. “She’s smiling, she’s so happy with something. She usually looks up here and waves, that little Korean girl walking by.”

Morey’s grandfather clock chimes out the hour. Elsie Freeland, his longtime friend, neighbor and luncheon companion, appears in the doorway. I think that’s my cue, although I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if I joined them. Morey’s bench—whether it be the wooden monument he built across the way, a cozy chair in his living room or a shared booth in his favorite restaurant—is always open to friends.

The rain quickens, spiraling steady streams down Morey’s curved glass wall. A little wind sneaks up off the water, spiriting mottled bits of summer around for one last dance. The ferry sounds its lonely horn. A black crow creases the feathery sky, one eye on the world below.

Next week: You gotta talk Englisk

Reminder: South Park Bridge Closures

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:41:51 -0800

The King County Road Service Division is advising motorists that the South Park Bridge spanning the Duwamish River will be closed to both vehicle and marine traffic from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily Wednesday, Feb. 10 through Saturday, Feb. 13. The four-day closure will allow engineers to perform noise and water quality testing and simulate vibration that might occur during bridge construction.

During the closure, engineers will conduct pile driving to measure noise, vibration and take water quality samples. Data collected during the tests will assist the county in planning for construction of a new bridge when financing becomes available.

During the closure, motorists can detour via the First Avenue South Bridge. The bridge will remain open for bicycle and pedestrian use.

Everybody's Fine is a journey of reconciliation

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:46:41 -0800

“Everybody’s Fine” starts out as a mediation on yard work. Frank Goode (Robert De Niro) is sprucing up his place in anticipation of a visit by his four grown children. This is a big deal to Frank. Retired and recently widowed, Frank has a lot of time on his hands and no one to share it with. But as the scene unfolds, the kids call one by one to bail on the visit. Frank is suddenly transformed into a cautionary tale of retirement’s perils: a lonely man with a tidy lawn.

Frank is also a stubborn guy and he decides that if the kids can’t come to him, he’ll hop on Amtrak and visit them.
“Everybody’s Fine” follows Frank’s journey, not just around the country, but into a long overdue understanding of what his children’s lives are really like and the unintended consequences of the way he raised them.

Director Kirk Jones gets lucky in casting Robert De Niro as Frank. De Niro has this uncanny talent for projecting a powerful personality through characters who stumble over their words. For us to believe this story, Frank has to feel like a force that shaped the lives of his children while at the same time failing to connect. Frank tramples on his conversations with his children with tightly held opinions about what is best for them. But De Niro also telegraphs the yearning behind those opinions: a love for his children that he can’t quite bring to the foreground.

As a result, the kids have grown adept at managing their dad. They weave their interactions with Frank around secrets and lies making sure dad sees only what he wants to see. When Frank shows up unannounced at their doorsteps, he’s greeted with cracks in the facades they have built for his benefit and the shards of truth rattle him.

Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell and Kate Beckinsale make a promising start as three of Frank’s kids (the fourth sibling has dropped out of sight and no one is willing to tell Frank what’s going on) but their characters never quite get the traction that De Niro does. The fault lies with the writing. Jones does double duty as both the director and the screenwriter. It’s a vanity he should have spared us; his writing is wispy a best.

Jones fails to realize that if we’re expected to follow along on Frank’s journey to finally connect with his children, the journey itself has to be compelling. Instead we do a lot of waiting: Waiting for a Greyhound bus to deposit Frank someplace, waiting for the vague clues his children drop to finally add up to something.
Along the way Frank does run into some very interesting character actors—Lynn Cohen (Miranda’s housekeeper, Magda, from “Sex and the City”) shows up as an obtuse old lady on the train and Melissa Leo (don’t you just cheer whenever she shows up in a film?) is a trucker who picks up Frank when he misses his bus—but they aren’t given the dialogue to create interesting characters. When you realize that the scenes aren’t going to amount to much you could almost cry because Jones has unwittingly replicated one aspect of travel: boredom.

Just when you’ve given up hope on “Everybody’s Fine,” Jones rallies for a strong finish. Frank discovers why his fourth child, David, has dropped out of sight and it pulls the rug out from under his assumptions about his family and himself as a father. His other children finally let Frank see the lives they have built for themselves—lives he would not have chosen for them, but fulfill them as adults. De Niro again drives the story with a subtle but emotional performance. He makes you feel Frank’s sorrow and joy as his expectations crumble and his family rebuilds itself on a new foundation.

“Everybody’s Fine” bookends a family’s journey towards reconciliation. It makes a promising start and ultimately finds it’s way to a rich, emotional ending. However, in the vast, empty spaces of the film’s center, you may wish that someone had provided you with a paperback book to help kill some time.

Everybody's Fine
Directed by Kirk Jones
Rated PG-13
(Two Stars)

Depression: Another perspective

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:26:26 -0800

“How can you know what is right for the world? By knowing what is right for your own life.” – Tao Teh Ching

If you or a loved one experience feelings of depression for short or long periods of time, you are familiar with its oppressively heavy cloak.

Studies show that 9.5 percent of Americans 18 and older are diagnosed with depression and 27 million are prescribed medication for their symptoms.
These medications for depression are, by design, short-term remedies which mask – not cure – symptoms, create dependency, withdrawal symptoms, adverse side effects, new illnesses and have an 80 percent relapse rate.

Add to this the fact that depression often goes undiagnosed in a culture where a state of discontent is often the accepted norm, and we start to see that it is time to look at other ways to understand and treat depression.

As a practitioner who sees clients with symptoms of depression, it would not be my wish to take the medications away.
However, I see them as a crutch, and we don’t want to walk with a crutch for the rest of our lives. What we want is for our broken parts to be mended so we can stand on our own two feet.

Popular theory tells us we should use strong medications for our ailments, silver bullets if you will, to make our ailments go away and allow us to function.
Yet, medications do nothing to address the root problem, which can become a ticking bomb.

Indigenous cultures do not have the degree of disconnect from nature and each other that we experience in the “modern” world and typically do not experience depression as we know it.
However, they recognize the journey that brings humans closer to themselves.

They understand that in order for people and cultures to grow, they must face the dark as well as the light. In other words, we must face our discomforts.
To be born, we must die in some way by letting go of our white-knuckled beliefs that no longer feed us in order to rediscover our true center.

As Pema Chodron writes in her book, "Comfortable With Uncertainty:" “Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth.”
If your spirit is slowly dying on the vine and desires change, discomfort is a valuable tool to grab your attention.
How do we embrace discomfort in a culture that shuns most everything that doesn’t appear happy?

We want so much to feel safe, but it is precisely that which holds us prisoner to old thoughts that makes us depressed. So we medicate, as unsatisfying as that is.
The purpose of this article is not to answer these questions as much as to open a window into another perspective.

Staying with your discomfort is not an easy task, especially in this world where many feel isolated not only from each other but ourselves.
And many feel ashamed, as if something is wrong with them, when it’s quite possible that you are being pulled by something greater than your understanding at the moment.

There is opportunity in crisis if we are willing to be open and venture into the unknown.
Michael Meade, mythologist and inspired writer, poet and activist, writes: “All creation emerges from the darkness."
There are options for people who want to look beyond the accepted norm, and Seattle is rife with them. There are also lifestyle changes that we can do for ourselves.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely known as a viable cure for pain and functional diseases. But, what is less well known is that it is also a powerful tool for emotional healing.
The World Health Organization validates its effectiveness for such disorders.

Mental and physical processes get stuck, and TCM can open us to those maligned and forgotten parts of ourselves in order to rediscover our own wholeness where we can let go of outmoded ways of being and open to new, more authentic versions of ourselves.
TCM can also help us to heal the physical pain that prevents us from being fully present in our bodies.
Healing from emotional illness with TCM is best done with a practitioner who specializes in mental health, as it involves specific methodologies.

The active participation between both client and practitioner is essential to the healing process, allowing a deeply rewarding and lasting experience.
Dr. Friedman Schaub uses mind-activating technologies to work with the subconscious where emotional patterns are formed.
We store emotions from our past and the psyche habituates to them, even if they are negative.
When you can gain access to these subconscious patterns and let them see the light of day, they are freed and released, never to come back.

That, combined with integrating and working with negative core beliefs that we are not aware of, enables Schaub to help patients feel more safety, comfort, self-appreciation and overall empowerment.
Trina Doerfler uses non-entrainment biofeedback to correct emotional “trauma” to the brain that gets imprinted upon us throughout our lives.

Humans contain a cellular memory from birth about what a balanced mental state is, and through her sessions she is able to help people restore that memory.
Doerfler found her calling while looking for help with her daughter’s OCD. When her daughter was cured, she devoted her practice to this unique type of biofeedback in order to help patients heal from a wide variety of emotional illnesses as well as many of the side effects like insomnia.

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman and Robert Ullman treat depression and mental disorders as well as ADD in children with constitutional homeopathy.
This is not the Arnica you buy at the store. It involves an in-depth, individualized interview and has shown to be very effective.
Cari Dimartini teaches yoga for depression at the NW Community Yoga Center in Ballard.

Her groups meet for eight-week sessions, allowing trust to develop among her students.
The opportunity to freely share is a relief for most people, who often feel alone in their feelings.
She sees the yoga mat as a laboratory to try things out differently, akin to “sitting in the fire.”

People become less trapped in their mental state and more connected to their physical body. They feel empowered to do more for themselves and are willing to take more risks in and out of class.
The body, at the core, is designed to move. Exercise is like an essential nutrient.
Research proves that exercise dramatically affects mood and positive clinical changes in depression. It activates key transmitters related to mood and improves the physical highways by which they travel.

The key is consistency. Some people with mild depression find their symptoms disappear simply by committing to a regular exercise program.
And, of course, food. A well-balanced diet consisting of ideal foods the body needs is powerful medicine.
Equally, the wrong foods over time are a powerful detriment to our well-being.

A decade-long research project has shown that a Mediterranean diet free of saturated fats and harmful oils, low on meat and dairy intake, moderate alcohol use and increased levels of legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables, fish and healthy oils, such as olive and Omega 3s, is directly related to healthier mental states.
Emotions need a body to be expressed, and there is a physical basis to every emotion.
If the body is healthy and getting what it needs, our thoughts have a better chance of feeling balanced.

It is important to have consistent mental health support from a counselor or group, especially as one journeys into new and unfamiliar territory.
Your journey may be your own, but your well-being is of benefit to us all.

Sarah Gardner is a licensed acupuncturist since 1994 and specializes in treating depression and other mental health disorders. She practices in Ballard/Crown Hill and can be reached at www.moongatemedicine.com.

On The Go - Week of 2 -08-10

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:53:22 -0800

Mardi Gras Dinner and Dancing
Bridge Park Retirement Community
3204 S.W. Morgan St.
206-938-6394
Tuesday, Feb. 16th,
5:30-8:00 p.m.
Join us for Southern cooking and Fat Tuesday merriment - live music.
Space is limited. RSVP at 206-938-6394. $5 fee. Free parking.

Hearing Loss Association of West Seattle
West Seattle Christian Church Library
4400 42nd Ave. S.W.
Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m.
Library - 2nd door south of S.W. Genessee St.
All welcome with or without hearing loss. This months presentation will be by John Waldo, a lawyer working to make theaters, movies and the like more accessible to the hard of hearing and deaf. Social time after meeting.

Tai Chi for Seniors
LifeCare of West Seattle
Feb. 12th at 10:30 a.m.
Complimentary. Tai Chi Instructor Stephen Coats will teach a system designed for slow meditative physical exercises, relaxation, balance and health. Call Cathleen at 206-935-2480.

Ecumenical Inter-faith Ceremony
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
3rd Annual Community Oyster Roast
Golden Gardens Bathhouse
Sunday, May 9. Foot-stompin’ live music by Ballard’s own “The Tallboys”. 2 seatings: 2 - 4 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Advance Tickets: $50 call 206-297-7002 or http://www.pugetsoundkeeper.org/events/3rd-annual-community-oyster-roast www.pugetsoundkeeper.org/events/3rd-annual-community-oyster-roast.

2010 West Seattle 5K
Run/Walk Alki Bathhouse
2701 Alki Ave. S.W.,
Seattle, 98116
Sunday, May 23, 8:00 a.m.
Register now for our second year event to benefit West Seattle High School PTSA. Enjoy this scenic 5K route along Alki Beach from Alki Beach Park to Anchor Park and back. See http://westseattle5k.com for more information

West Seattle Garden Club
Alki Congregational Church
6115 S.W. Hinds St.
206-932-2540
Friday, Feb. 26,
10-2 p.m.
Interested gardeners are invited to meet for the Club's regular monthly meeting, starting with a Business, followed by the Morning Study Program to be given by a member. A brown bag lunch at noon, with dessert and beverages provided by the club. $5 donation.

American Sewing Guild
The Kenney Home
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
206-937-5774
Saturday, Feb. 13,
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Monthly meeting along with our regular Sew and Tell, Helen will demonstrate her Cover Stitch Machine and Willeke will demonstrate the different uses for her Serger.

50th Class Reunion
Graduates of Highline High School,
Burien, WA will be celebrating their 50th Class Reunion on September 10 and 11, 2010. The Friday nite Pre-event will be a fantastic Barbeque Mixer at the "Cove" in Normandy Park. The Main event is an all day celebration at the Seattle Museum of Flight culminating with a gala Dinner/Dance. Continuing the celebration is a 7 night Alaska Cruise round trip Seattle, WA on the Sapphire Princess September 12-19. Agent for the cruise is Travelers Connect. Visit our website http://www.highline1960classreunion.com for further details or call Sandy Roemhild 253/332-5835.

Mid-Winter Break Day Camp
Alki UCC
6115 S.W. Hinds St.
206-938-0145
Tuesday, Feb. 16 through Thursday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Children 4-14. Join us for games, crafts, stories, snacks, movies, baking projects, beach walks, and much more. Lunch is included. $50 per child for full day or $25 for half days (9-1 or 1-6).

4th Grade Used Book Sale
Sanislo Elementary School
1812 S.W. Myrtle St.,
Seattle 98106
206-252-8380 Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4th grade used book sale to raise money for their annual educational overnight trip. Many books of all types for sale as well as coffee, tea and treats. If you have books to donate, drop them by the school or call Lisa at 206-767-3561 for other arrangements.

Sweetheart West Seattle Community Dance
Hiawatha Community Center
2700 California Ave. S.W.
206-264-5646
Saturday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. 7-8p.m.-- Beginning Swing Lesson- (no partner or experience required,) 8-10p.m.-- Dance to Swing, Waltz, Blues and More! We'll pick some of our most fun romantic tunes to dance to. Cakes so we'll all be sweet and Valentine's Day Decorations. Don't know how to dance? Don't worry, Mini-lessons throughout the evening to keep you dancing! Singles and couples welcome- No Sweetheart Required. Lesson and Dance $12, Lesson or dance Only $8 Daycare Available for a very modest fee! Instructor and DJ- Lilli Ann Carey www.danceforjoy.biz/

Kenyon Hall Performances
7904 35th Ave S.W.
206-937-3613
www.kenyonhall.org
Friday and Saturday, Feb 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. Let’s Fall in Love, Kenyon Hall;s Valentine, starring Connie Corrick, Lou Magor, Madeline Bersamina, Pat Wright and special guest. Tickets $8 - $14. Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tenor Jadd Davis performs Franz Schubert’s song cycle, Die Schone Mullerin. Tickets $8 - $14.

Continuing Education
South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Ave. S.W.
206-764-5339
Tuesday, Feb 2 - Feb 23,
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.,
The U.S. Civil War - Beyond the Battles: failed attempts that could have avoided war. Cost $65.
Wednesday, Feb 3 - Feb 10, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.,
Stained Glass Mosaic Mirror Art,
Cost $49 + $20 materials fee.

Drop-in Dog Training Classes
9629 17th Ave. S.W.
206-935-0289
Must attend orientation held Saturdays, 2 p.m. Dog training for all levels. Move through the levels at your own pace and convenience. No charge for orientation. www.puppyperfectors.com or nancy@puppyperfectors.com

Pulling It All Together
Personal Safety Nets
4740 44th Ave. S.W.
Suite 102
206-659-0665
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10-3 p.m. Personal Safety Nets, present an opportunity to assess and build your own Personal Safety Net: the people, plans and resources you need to have in place for life's challenges and changes. $75, includes book, workbook and notebook. Pre-registration required.

West Seattle Senior Center
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-932-4044
Fridays, 11-2:30 p.m. Looking for a volunteer to "call" Bingo. An experienced caller is preferred, however, training is available.
Call Margie 206-932-4044 x8 or margiew@seniorservices.org Rainbow Bingo Fundraiser Volunteers Needed
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-932-4044 x8
The Senior Center has a need for volunteer instructors to teach the AARP Defensive Driving Classes at the Center. The training takes 2 days, is taught in Everett and/or Gig Harbor. Expenses are reimbursed by AARP. We have mentors to help you get started. You will need to teach 3 or more classes a year. If interested, call Marge Lutton 206-322-0490 for more information.

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave. S.W.
50% off all pictures & frames and all items tagged in yellow. On Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, Feb 10, 11, & 12, 50% off all merchandise in the Shop. Saturday, Feb 13, 50% off all merchandise with any RED on it. All proceeds go to fight cancer. The Shop is open to customers and donators every day except Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ACS Discovery Shop always needs volunteers. Pls call 937 7169.

Daystar Toastmasters
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 SW Barton
Monday, Feb. 22. Come as a guest to experience the safe, supportive atmosphere in which you can grow your communication and leadership skills. Improve your ability to think-on-your-feet and become more comfortable speaking to groups. Meetings are the second and fourth Mondays each month from 12 noon until 1:00 PM. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for orientation. See http://daystarclub.freetoasthost.us.
Any questions email to: contactus@daystarclub.freetoasthost.us or call Bill at 206/ 932-6707. Yoga Monday & Thursday evenings with Terilyn Wyre
6:30-7:45 pm –
Intermediate/Advanced Hatha flow yoga class 8:00-9:15 pm –
Beginning Hatha flow yoga class Lilli Ann Carey and Dance for Joy Tuesdays, January 5. to February 9:
Waltz 1 (6:15 PM)
Waltz 2 (7:30 PM)
Intermediate/Advanced Cross-Step.
Swing 2 (8:45 PM)

Cool moves.
Singles and couples welcome. No partner needed.
Gildenfire Dance classes for children begin Monday, January 11.
3:45 pm – Preschool Dance Class
4:30 pm – K-3 Dance Class Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
206-501-1971
Monday and Wednesday Jan. 4-March 10
6:30-8 p.m.

Learn to speak Spanish and have fun doing it.
This 10 week class addresses conversation and grammar. $100 for a 5-class card, $180 for a 10-class card.
Pre-registration is required, call Brenda Howald 206-501-1971. Sunday Service Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation
4736 40th Ave. S.W.
206-935-0418
Sunday, Feb 21, 10:30 a.m.

“What Makes the Four Noble Truths Noble?”
Charles Morrison has taught at the college level for many, including “the history of ideas.” He is on the faculty of Antioch University as well as teaching and practicing Hatha yoga and Buddhist meditation. Service Leader: Phoenix Raine. Sunday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m.

“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Ministry”.
Rev. Eric Kaminetzky is a life-long Unitarian Universalist serving the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, NC as Assistant Minister. Gerry Spence, trial lawyer, said, “I’d rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.” What follows is a story about Unitarian Universalism, and how it settled in on a child in the park on a sunny day in the 70’s. Service Leader: Rev. Peg Morgan.

YMCA Events
West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA
4515 36th Ave. S.W.
http://www.westseattleymca.org
Friday, Feb. 5,
Family Night,
6:30-8:30 pm @ West Seattle location.
Play together as a family in the Kids Gym and Swim in the pool. Members: Free non-members bring canned food for the West Seattle food bank or Diapers for West Side Baby Saturday,
Feb. 13,
Parents Night Out, 5:30-10 pm @ West Seattle location, 4515 36th SW. Kids ages 3 months – 12 years have a safe and fun evening at the Y while parents go out or relax at home.
$22.50-$30 depending upon child’s age/membership status. Space is limited. Registration required.
Friday, Feb. 26,
Family Social, 6:30-8:30 pm @ West Seattle location. Movie Night! Enjoy a family movie and popcorn. Register. Donations to Food Bank.

Strong Kids Strong Teams,
Mondays & Thursdays 6-7:30 pm. Teaching children, teens and families to take charge of healthy eating and being active. An 18 week program that combines nutrition guidance and physical activity to help overweight youth develop healthy lifestyles. More information contact Becca Gray at 206.935.6400 ext. 173 or rgray@seattleymca.org. Program fees are supported by the YMCA Partners With Youth Campaign.
Creative Movement
February 1-22, Mondays, 3:30-4:15 pm @ West Seattle. Music, creativity and fun for children ages 3-5. Members: $32, Program Members: $56. Register
Tumbletots (formerly Parent/Tot Kids Gym)
@ West Seattle, February 3-24, Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 am, Kids ages walking-3 plus a parent interact with colorful climbing equipment, hoops, balls & parachutes. $20 Members, Program Members: $35. Register
Money Strong Families
Tuesday Feb 9, 6-8 pm @ West Seattle. Free class for children ages 7-11 and parents to learn about savings, spending and shoring your money. Registration required.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH ZUMBA
Alki Community Center will offer a Zumba fitness class, which is inspired by Latin dance and music. Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines including Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Hip Hop, Reggation, Rumba, Flamenco and many more styles.

Sessions begin Saturday, Jan. 9 and continue until Feb. 13. If you miss the first session, don’t worry. There’s another. A second session begins Feb. 20 and continues until March 27. The cost is $40 per class series. Register online at www.seattle.gov/parks or call Alki Community Center at 206-684-7430.
Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens St.

Business Networking
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Meeting Room 2
Wednesdays, 8-9:30am.
Are you an electrician, architect, or photographer who wants to grow your business in West Seattle? If so, the Westside Professionals chapter of BNI wants to meet you. Bring 50 business cards for referral-based networking with a established group of local professionals on Wednesday morning at The Kenney. Breakfast will be served. We have open categories for other businesses as well. For more information, contact sfelix@quidnunc.net

Spring Tea and Silent Auction
The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave. S.W.
Sunday, March 21, 2-4:30 p.m.
Tea sandwiches, savories and sweets! Funds raised will support the Miss West Seattle Hi Yu Scholarship Program and help build the float that represents West Seattle at parades throughout the Puget Sound. Tickets are $25 per person or reserve a table of 10 for $250. Call 206-937-0263 or wshiyu@yahoo.com. Seating is limited.

Seattle Parks and Rec.
Ages 50+
Delridge Community Center
4501 Delridge Way S.W.
Tai Chi-Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. NIA-Fridays 11:30-12:30 p.m. Classes begin the week of January 4. Please contact Ryan Spencer 206-684-7423 or Mary Dalzell 206-935-2162 for complete information.

GoGreen '10 Conference
Olive 8 at the Hyatt
1635 8th Ave.www.gogreenconference.net
Wednesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with reception to follow.
This is a unique opportunity to learn the latest in sustainable practices for your business.
Price by April 1, $174. Groups of 2 or more by April 1, $150.

Citizenship Class
Southwest Branch
Seattle Public Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Study to become a U.S. Citizen, prepare for the Citizenship interview. Improve you English. Citizenship application assistance is also available.

Ballroom magic
Kenyon Hall
7904 35th Ave. S.W
206-679-7229
Monday night
Ballroom and Latin dance classes for adults. $15 per person. FREE class every 1st Monday of the month.
After school dance program classes Mondays and Wednesdays in November for ages 6 and up. Open enrollment.
Visit www.baloricokids.com or call to register.

Stop N' Shop
4504 California Ave. S.W.
Shoes, toys and green tag clothing will be 50% off regular price from February 10th, 2010 through February 16th, 2010. All proceeds go to the Senior Center of West Seattle. Our hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm seven days a week. We are running low on inventory and would greatly appreciate your donations. For more information please call, 206-932-4044 Ext. 7 and ask for Aylene.

Weight Loss Challenge & Free Nutrition Class
3420 S.W. Cloverdale St
206-947-4967
Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.
12 week friendly competition, based on nutrition, lifestyle, exercise classes. Last challenge lost 238 pounds! $35 participation fee goes towards Jackpot and paid back to the "Biggest Losers" www.WeightLossChallengeSeattle.com Tot treks and tyke hikes Camp Long
5200 35th Ave. S.W.
684-7434
Children ages 2 – 3.

Share nature with your children.
Learn effective and fun outdoor activities and ideas for other times and places. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Sorry, no strollers. Activity Fee: $7 per adult/child pair. $3.50 for each additional person. Kindermusik Kenyon Hall
7904 35th Ave. S.W.
937-3613
Now scheduling.
Give your child a head start.

Kindermusik, for families with children aged birth through seven years, begins the first week of September.
To register, visit http://www.kenyonhall.org.

Seeking ESL tutors
Our volunteers are at least 18 years old and fluent in English. An application, interview and background check are required. Training and on-going support are provided. After the initial match we ask tutors to meet with their students twice per week for 1.5 hours each time, for at least 6 months. For more information visit
www.stjames-cathedral.org/esl or call Cecilia at 382-4511 or email cwalsh@stjames-cathedral.org

At the farmers market
www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org
This week will feature peppers, sweet potatoes, candied ginger, potatoes, pumpkins, walnuts, hazelnuts, apple cider, autumn/winter squash varieties, pears, apples, kiwi, pluots, quince, eggplants, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, greens, chives, fennel, garlic, ginger, horseradish, kohlrabi, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, radicchio, radishes, shallots, tomatoes, taro root, turnips, rutabaga, herbs, cheese and dairy, eggs, pork, beef, chicken, duck, lamb, veal, goat, pate, soup stocks, mushrooms, wine, fish and seafood, dried fruits and veggies, dried mushrooms, fresh pasta, honey, artisan breads, fresh pastries, chocolates, cider, jams, jellies, sauces, spreads and preserves.

At Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 SW Oregon St.
932-4044
Caregivers’ Group 2nd and 4th Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Are you taking care of a family member? Join us to discuss issues, share solutions and get the support necessary when one is a caregiver. AARP Tax Assistance Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., call for additional information. Appointments are required. They are here to assist you with your simple tax needs.
CPR Classes
Tuesday, Feb. 9 , 13 and 23,
1-5 p.m. Cost $55. Sign up with Scott 206-734-7484/
Painting Poetry
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 16, 23, 1-2:30 p.m. $20 per member, $28 nonmember. Individual creative process with guidance and support helps reveal and express a personal story.
Stress Management
First Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Info: Learn techniques (cognitive/behavioral) to lessen your stress response. Cost: $1 donation
Gentle Yoga
Every Wed, 9-10:15 a.m. Chair and standing postures. Improve flexibility, breathing, balance, posture, peace of mind. Cost: $5 members, $7 non-members
A Matter of Balance
Tuesdays, Jan. 19-Mar. 9, 1-3 p.m. Learn to reduce the risk of falling. Registration required. This is a free class.
2nd and 4th Mondays, 1-2 p.m. Are you a spouse, son, daughter caring for a loved one with dementia or other chronic illness, in or outside your home? Your challenges are many. Join us for support and practical information. FREE.

YMCA events
After school program
Alki Kid’s Place
6115 S.W. Hinds St.
Activities include crafts, games, Legos, movies, music along with quiet time for homework and tutoring. Alki Tae Kwon Do program is included for full time enrollees. Ages 4 – 14, 3 – 6:30 p.m. Cost: $20 per day or $90 per week.

Seattle Swing Dance Club
Alki Masonic Hall
4736 40th Ave. S.W.
First and third Sundays:
Workshop I: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Workshop II: 4 – 5 p.m.
Beginner free lesson: 4 – 5 p.m.
Dance: 5 – 9 p.m.
For more information visit www.seattlesdc.com

Volleyball
Southwest Community Center
2801 S.W. Thistle St.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon.
Men and women ages 50+ wanted for drop-in play volleyball.
For information call Mary at 935-2162.

District Council meetings
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
Every third Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m.
Each month representatives from neighborhood councils and other community organizations provide reports on what issues and concerns they are working on and announcements about up-coming community meetings and events.

Volunteers needed
Sustainable West Seattle is seeking volunteers for our 2nd Annual Sustainable West Seattle Festival. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. For information go to www.sustainablewestseattle.org or email alkistu@hotmail.com

Watts Basketball Sundays
West Seattle High School
3000 California Ave. S.W.
Year-round skills training sessions with Seattle hoop legends Donald and Slick Watts. For boys and girls grades 3-8. Register online at www.wattsbasketball.com. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the WSHS Boys Basketball Program.

Stay-at-home dads
Hiawatha Playfield Playground
2700 California Ave. S.W.
Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Our goal is to develop a resource and community for stay-at-home dads, fathers who are primary caregiver in their family, and other involved dads are welcome. All fathers are invited to network with us.

Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball
12U
West Seattle Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball is looking for athletes with a good attitude and desire to play tournament softball this spring and summer. If you are interested in arranging a tryout call Coach Greg at 669-6881 or email gkormanik@comcast.net

Propose a neighborhood project
http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/btgnsfcrf
Have ideas for neighborhood improvements? Propose a project today. The Neighborhood Projects Funds can be used for small-scale improvements such as sidewalk repair, traffic circles and traffic calming, sidewalks, school zone speed limit signs, playground improvements, etc.

Ballroom dancing with Loretta
West Seattle Senior Center
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
420-3255
All ages, singles and couples welcome.
Tuesday, 6 – 7 p.m. Introductory Latin: Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa
Tuesday, 7 – 8 p.m. Beginner Latin: Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa
Thursday, 6 – 7 p.m. Beginner Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango
$10 donation.

Just Walkers
Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. new class through South Seattle Community College Preschools for parents and toddlers now about 14-18 months old. Fun for little ones and a parent educator to talk with. Call 854-5279 for information.

Swing Dance club
Alki Masonic Temple
4736 40th Ave. S.W.
The Seattle Swing Dance Club has lessons at 2:45 p.m. and dancing begins at 5 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. For more information call Merrill at 523-3205.

Volunteers Needed Volunteers needed
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave. S.W.
Providence Mount St. Vincent has a thriving volunteer program and seeks additional volunteer help in three key areas: office work, childcare, and visitors to the adult family home. For information call Storey at 937-3701 ext. 28170

Please submit events for On The Go to Sharah@robinsonnews.com. Events submitted will appear online and in our print edition. Events submitted for print must be received by the Friday prior to publication.

SLIDESHOW: Mick Flynn and Guitar Archeology

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:06:21 -0800

If you are a member of the baby boom generation and are also a rock music fan, you may recognize the band name ‘Child’. Along with bands like Bighorn, Jr. Cadillac and the Bean Barry Delights, Child lived and played fruitively along with literally hundreds of other bands that have come out of the Northwest region during the years between 1970 and 1980.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

This was the decade when Led Zeppelin ruled local rock radio airwaves and every bell-bottomed, blow-dried, limo-riding, platform-shoe-and leather-jacket-wearing rockstar wannabe was pitching their best songs to promoters, tavern and club owners and anyone else who might listen all over the Puget Sound area, hoping to get a shot at a record contract, or at the least a bit of cash and a good time.

During their run for the gold ring, Child played the big shows and the small clubs and while they did not break out to enjoy the success of brethren groups like the Steve Miller Band or Heart, falling into a gap between Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, Child most certainly made some cash and had a good time to boot. Along with a coterie of rock players who spanned the region and years, including Heart drummer Michael Derosier, Jeff Kathan (Montrose, Paul Rodgers) and Rick Randle (Bighorn, Randle-Rosburg), Mick Flynn played guitar in the band after his first band ‘Meatball’ morphed into Child. After Child grew up and left home, he formed his own ‘Mick Flynn Group’ which had popular appeal overseas.

Mick Flynn was born in Berkhamstead Hertfordshire, England in 1950, the son of an English munitions maker and a USAAF glider pilot stationed at RAF/Bentwaters in Woodbridge. Growing up, young Mick was exposed to the british music scene early on by a cousin was in a band (Lee Walker and the Travelers) that played with the Beatles. “Dez taught me my first chords, I was twelve years old, 1962.” The onset of English rock music migrating ‘across the pond’ happened at the same time that Mick’s family moved to the states.

“I always felt like the British invasion followed me here,” thusly cementing the need for the seminal influences of the genre in his life. “We moved to Lynnwood that first year, and then to Des Moines in ‘66.” Micks father soon opened Dale’s Appliance in Des Moines and Mick attended Mt. Rainier High School, graduating in 1968. The Northwest music scene, aside from the tremendous effects of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, had it’s own style and attendant standout bands. ‘I used to walk up to the Spanish Castle, I saw Merrilee Rush (and the Turnabouts), the Sonics, the Kingsman, the Bumps, Paul Revere and the Raiders and George Washington and the Cherry Bombs.”

Flynn smiles, “I was prejudiced for where I came from…these groups trying to be as good as the English bands.” Was it the Beatles that set the standard? “I was more of a Stone’s fan.”

At the tender age of twelve, Mick’s sister obtained a backstage pass at a Stones show, returning to give her little brother an official autographed 1968 Gaumont Theater Rolling Stones Tour Programme. That is a good sister.

Mick’s first guitar was a borrowed Stella from his neighbor, Billy Bird. With just one string, little Mick learned his first song. You guessed it: The Theme from Peter Gunn.

Flynn meets us at the front door of his tidy south Seattle home with his
pretty blonde wife and neat-as-a-pin garden. Inside are a number of examples of collectible guitars, from a Fender Esquire (a Telecaster variant) to a full size Martin Acoustic and including a pair of very rare, 1930’s Audiovox Lap Steel guitars, one of them in an original tweed case.

If not for the Beatle boots and the standard rocker-issue tight black jeans, Flynn’s gentle demeanor and attention to eye contact makes him seem more like a college professor or shrink. Next to Mick sits Barry Kennelly, a good friend who has fronted the popular Northwest Band, the Bean Barry Delights since the early seventies. A statement made about the Delights in the past tense ruffles Barry’s composure, ‘you mean IS not was,’ to clarify that the the band is still alive and kicking.

During the headier days of fame with Child, Mick played big venues like the Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane, opening for Aerosmith, BTO and Journey as well as being the first act before Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner and Robin Trower at the Seattle Arena. The tavern and school circuit is the common route for all rock n’ roll bands, and Mick explains, “We played at My Place, The Embers, and the Target Ballroom in Burien, we played Highline and Green River college and EVERY high school.” But along the path to fame, like any performance artists, the band had to endure dingier stages like Digby’s Tavern in West Seattle, and the infamous Flame Inn on Ambaum Boulevard. Laughing out loud, Flynn verifies, “We played lots of dingy gigs!”

Asked if the band did much practice between gigs, Mick demures, “No, we never practiced” This elicits a comment from friend Barry, “I think they spent more time having pictures taken..”

Child stood out from other club-circuit regular because of the higher percentage of their own material and also because of the unusual line up of three guitarists all playing odd-looking Gibson Flying V’s or matching, angular Firebirds.

But what seems to stand out to this day for Mick Flynn is an abiding love for the historical and technical minutia of vintage rock music paraphenalia, as well as the anecdotes that go along with the musicians that used them.

Among the most prized possessions musical instrument collectors can own is the Gibson Les Paul. In 1970, a Les Paul Standard in good, playable condition could be scored second hand for around $250 dollars. Today that guitar has increased in value well over a thousand fold, selling (depending on condition) anywhere from $4000 to $400,000.

There is a resurgence in interest in Les Pauls, and according to Wikipedia’s page on the subject, ‘In 1964, The Rolling Stones Keith Richards obtained a 1959 sunburst Les Paul. The guitar, outfitted with a Bigsby tailpiece, was the first "star-owned" Les Paul in Britain and served as one of the guitarist's main instruments through 1966. In 1966, Eric Clapton also recognized the rock potential of the late '50s Les Paul guitars (particularly the 1958–1960 Standard sunburst models), and gave them wide exposure. He began using Les Pauls because of the influence of Freddie King and Hubert Sumlin. Soon artists such as Peter Green, Mike Bloomfield, Mick Taylor, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page began using the Gibson model.’

‘My 1959 Gibson Les Paul Burst. I bought this from Seattle guitarist Ned Neltner for $750. Most people thought I was crazy for paying sooo much for a used electric guitar !’

Listening in as Flynn and Barry Kennelly relive high spots of their years of brushing elbows with rock luminaries is fun. Barry explains (complains) about how a $90 dollar Tweed Fender Twin amplifier he found at Ben’s Loans in Renton ended up in the hands of Stone’s guitarist Keith Richards and Mick chuckles through an anecdote about sitting between Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck at the Four Seasons Hotel lounge and being mistaken by a fan as the famous one of the trio. During the late seventies and early eighties Mick ran his own vintage guitar store in West Seattle and was known as the go-to guy by the big rock acts that toured through the state for rare and necessary guitars and amplifiers, at one time selling out of six selected axes for the band The Who in one fell swoop.
Nowadays, Flynn will play guitar onstage on occasion, but concentrates his energies on buying and selling vintage guitars and on maintaining his website ‘GuitarArcheology.Com’ with his cousin Kelly Flynn, where they post photos and information on guitars and amplifiers up for auction, as well featuring historical anecdotes about rock and roll mainstays like the Stones, Jimi Hendrix and the Who. The website touches on the bands and their relationships to the use and development of machinery like the coveted Sunn and Vox amplifiers.

Visit www.guitararcheology.com’ for more.

You can contact Scott Anthony through kenr@robinsonnews.com

The Gold Lame' Dress

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:26:52 -0800

Clothing for women is much more exciting than clothing for men. I have always wondered why men continue to dress in the same business suits with ties completing the outfit when women have chosen to be freer in what they wear. There is no contest when women dress to go to a party. Dresses range from floor length gowns to mini-dresses allowing for cleavage to show dramatically.

Just the other day I was in a hot tub mingling with the twenty somethings in their two piece bathing suits. One kept adjusting her bra top as if her breast enhancement might somehow need putting back into place. I joked about men being attracted to women’s pulchritude but remarked that my husband loved me for my mind. Then I remembered that when I met my husband I had prepared for this evening well. I had taken out my shoulder pads that we WWII women used to wear and padded my bra with them. So he was deceived about my womanly appearance on our first meeting at the old Trianon Ballroom. Later he admitted that he was attracted to my shining, dark brown eyes. Yeah, right!

Well now I must rely on being invited to birthday parties to get to dance since I don’t venture out to dance halls anymore. Just the other night I went to the 50th birthday party of the daughter of one of my younger friends. What a rush to be with all those young fifties. As my eyes grazed the room one outfit stood out. There was a tall young woman in a gold lame’ dress in nearly four inch heels. I thought to myself, how can I compete with that outfit? Then I realized she was the “birthday girl.”

I joined the youngers in dancing up a storm. Since I never appreciated dancing with men who wanted me to twirl and do all manner of dance steps that I was not comfortable with I really appreciate dancing to Rock and Roll music even as ear shattering as it is. I can dance alone or join a twosome on the dance floor. I can make up my own moves shaking my hips and combining some old dance steps along with waving my arms in abandon.

A fellow almost my age was dressed in a fuchsia sport coat and a fuchsia fedora as he exhibited his dancing ability in a debonair manner, twirling the young 50ish woman in her gold lame’ dress. Now I must take back what I said about clothing for women being more exciting than clothing for men. Maybe the tide is changing. And certainly a cashmere dress covered with sequins, which was once worn by the guest of honor’s aunt when she was a model in Las Vegas, is now making its way back in style.

Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.

Scared Sick: A West Seattle woman's battle with hypochondria

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:23:26 -0800

Editor’s note: This is the third installment of this story. The other installments can be read at the links shown.

Jenny, 28, of West Seattle, is a hypochondriac and is exploring different treatment options. Many people who suffer from hypochondria or severe medical anxiety find themselves in an unhealthy and frustrating cycle that is difficult to resolve.

She realized, with the help of her friends, that it’s time to make changes in her life and get help. Recently, she was unsuccessful at organizing a support group. Treatment for hypochondria is a long and sometimes complicated process.

Now Jenny seems confused and overwhelmed when she thinks about the next step toward a better life. “I’m not sure whether I should look at this from a strictly medical view or from a self-actualization one,” she states.

She has thought about using mental health sessions that her job offers to employees. "I asked at work about counseling sessions and there are a lot of ‘hoops’ to jump through to get them, and since I don't work full time, I might not qualify for all of them.”

Jenny already feels fed up and frustrated.

Lyn Criddle, a Ph.D. nurse practitioner in Seattle, treats patients with Jenny’s type of medical anxieties. “Many people with these types of anxieties are afraid of the treatment.”

She says that medications work very well to treat the anxiety but getting hypochondriacs, who have extreme fear of the side effects of medication, to actually take them, is very challenging.

Also, she adds that when patients face other normal life anxieties such as graduate school, a new job, or a move to a new city, their symptoms are exaggerated even more.

Everyone experiences bodily pains and quirks but hypochondriacs overreact and pay attention to every little new sensation, fearing it is the beginning of a serious medical condition.

Their obsession with death and the compulsive need to search the Internet for a diagnosis of their symptoms, creates a cycle that is tough to break. “It’s hard for physicians to break into the anxiety of these types of patients,” says Dr. Criddle.

Physicians might feel pressured to treat the patient medically, even if they suspect hypochondria, and real medical conditions can result if the patient is treated.

This only makes the hypochondria worse and the situation more convoluted.

“On the other hand, the anxiety that accompanies hypochondria can cause real medical conditions, such as heart disease. So it’s a lot to sort through as a therapist and medical provider.” It’s a catch-22.

“Jenny is lucky to have friends who support her by approaching her with their concerns,” says Dr. Criddle.

“Many people with this level of medical anxiety give very clear signals that they are convinced the new blemish on their arm is fatal and it’s very hard for friends to feel comfortable confronting such certainty.”

This week Jenny met with a therapist and plans to continue treatment.

“The therapist believes my problems stem from being raised by an addict.” But Jenny feels conflicted since she now has a great relationship with her mom even though Jenny strongly suspects her mother still uses drugs.

“There were many happy and positive things my mom taught me.” She adds, “It would break her heart to know I am going through this partly because of her behavior back then.”

Jenny admits that part of her doesn’t want to dig up the past and do the work necessary to heal. But she’s aware that if she doesn’t act now, her condition could worsen and she could suffer more.

And that’s not a symptom she’s willing to live with anymore.

Recently, Jenny has stopped smoking in an effort to get things moving in the right direction for her healing process.

“In a small way I feel like I finally can control something. Who knows, maybe I will be smoking this time next month, but for now at least I have some sense of power and control over my existence.”

Lettermen gather for Monogram Club lunch

patr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:33:53 -0800

The Monogram Club shared both team spirit and lunch Thursday, Feb. 4, at the West Seattle Golf Club. Nearly 50 of its 140 members that meet four times a year showed. To become a member you must have lettered in a varsity sport at West Seattle High School at least 50 years ago.

In addition to reminiscing, club members donate $8,500 per year in college scholarships to about seven West Seattle High School male and female athletes. Their scholarship program has continued since the club began in 1965 and have awarded 194 scholarships.

The eldest club member is 99. He lives in Everett and couldn’t find a ride.

After him, a mere five years younger is Al Bolstrom, Class of ’34. He usually shows up and may be considered the club’s patriarch. He’s been playing handball following WWII and just received the National Handball Association’s Kendler Award. However, he lettered in basketball and baseball.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to belong to the Monogram Club, but it doesn’t hurt. Just ask current club president Ed Bangsund, Class of ’53, who lettered in baseball, basketball, football, and track as a pole vaulter. He was Boeing’s director of space operations and said that in Florida he worked on all Apollo and Space Shuttle launches.

“We did check-outs of all the Boeing-built payloads,” said Bangsund, who said with a wide smile that he wished his job included his vaulting into outer space. “Boeing’s inertial upper stage small rocket went into the Space Shuttle’s payload bay. The first computers I worked with had big punch cards that were massively labor intensive and took overnight to make calculations.

“My last 10 years with Boeing before retiring in 1995 was spent working together with Russians in international space operations. We came up with the joint venture, Sea Launch. The Norwegians built the ship, and we took it from Long Beach to the Equator where it takes less energy to launch. My parting shot was working with the International Space Station.”

His grandson, Cam Weaver, from Kent, became a star rookie for the Seattle Sounders soccer team. He now plays for the Houston Dynamo. His grandfather proudly wore a Dynamo shirt at the luncheon.

“We’re not looking for the best athlete or best scholar to grant our scholarships,” Bangsund said. “We associate a lot of it with need. We want to help a little bit.”

With his shiny white mane, Class of ‘54’s Tim Hill is easily noticeable mingling with other club members. He lettered in Varsity tennis for three years.

“We weren’t a great team, but we won a few matches,” he said humbly.

Hill is a Seattle fixture. In 1966, he won his House of Representatives seat in his 44th district. He was recruited to run for the Seattle City Council by “Choose,” an Effective City Council (CHECC), a group of young reformers. He then became King County Executive for eight years.

Jerry Thornton, Class of 51, lettered in baseball and football. His father, Thurle, was awarded an all-sports trophy and was in West Seattle High School’s 1925 class.

“I was playing and caddying at West Seattle Golf Course since 1945,” said Bob Bruck, Class of ’51 varsity golf player. “The course opened in 1940. Trees that are all mature now were little seedlings. Back in the 40’s and 50’s, there were ‘out-of-bounds’ on 14 holes. Those have been replaced with hazards.”

Paul Quam is an honorary club member as he coached football for West Seattle High School, ‘69-‘77.

“We were competitive the first five years,” he recalled. “Some of the retired teachers get together for lunch once a month. I run into my old students in West Seattle now and then.”

“My parents moved from Bellingham to Alki when I was five,” said Don Peterson, Class of ‘53. He lettered in baseball two years, basketball two years, football one year.

“I attended Alki Grade School, James Madison, West Seattle High, UW, then I was in the Air Force for 30 years, Intelligence Communications and Business. I lived in Turkey three years, Italy, Germany, Vietnam, was at the Pentagon, then Texas, Alabama, and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.”

There he was head of the department of physical education and associate athletic director.

Don’s father, Trygve, worked at C&H, a grocery store at 63rd and Alki. He then opened his own business, Trig’s Food Center, where his sons Don and Dave z(also a Monogram member) helped out, on 61st Avenue across the street from the Alki Statue of Liberty.

“My brother and I didn’t want to take it over,” said Don. “I stacked my last stack of potatoes and left as soon as I finished college.”

Peterson enjoys his membership at the Monogram Club and suggested that athletics have helped keep the members healthy.

“There’s a good camaraderie here,” he said. “And everybody seems to be alert, interested, and in good shape.”

SLIDESHOW: Football Fun on Super Sunday

patr — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:37:04 -0800

The game between the Colts and the Saints wasn't the only game going on, Feb 7th. There are those here who love football so much they get out and play it themselves even on Super Sunday. "We play about four times a year," said Mitchell Weeks," on election days and on Super Sunday, New Years and Thanksgiving Day."

This is a group of weekend warriors who don't mind the mud and play hard. Though it's not tackle and there are no referees, everyone in
this casual game understood that fun was the primary goal.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

Among those playing on Sunday were Dave Jones, Eileen Norton, Alan Painter, Mitchell Weeks, Alex Lehmann, K.G. Fukumoto, and Jesse Fukumoto.

Hapless encounters with birds

patr — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:31:59 -0800

Meet Hap Walker

He is Highline Medical Center's facilities medical supplies distribution and sterilization manager. What that means is he is responsible for seeing that the various nursing floors and departments have the supplies they need to treat their patients and in addition to this he oversees the sterilization of all surgical instrumentation-- the whole magilla.

We were both in the hospital's Midway therapy unit and I urged him to sit down and talk. I found out he has worked for Highline for 32+ years, was born on a ten-acre farm on the Cowlitz River, loves fly fishing, and has a small collection of rifles and shotguns but, has not been hunting since he was five years old.

His dad gave him a BB gun one day just to plink at tin cans and taught him how to use it.

He was out in the family's barn looking for targets and spotted a sparrow on a high wire. He hit it miraculously and knocked it down.

He instantly began bawling from guilt, dropped the BB gun and ran into the house.

His Dad said, "Well, son, if you only wounded it, you need to kill it."

They went out to the scene of the deed and picked up the fluttering bird. Dad said the poor fledgling was suffering from a broken wing and then went into the house, got his 410ga. shotgun and showed Hap how to hold it and pull the trigger.

Hap who was still crying his eyes out wanted to take the sparrow to the vet but his dad said, "No, you need to kill it."

So Hap reluctantly pulled the trigger, feathers instantly went everywhere, the little bird disappeared and he has never hunted since.

I was stunned by the story.

When I was seven I made a sling shot, and used it to plink tin cans.

I had to tell Hap that one day I gathered some small rocks, walked across the street from our house into a small cluster of tall trees and spotted a baby Robin on a low limb.

I put a rock in the leather pouch and hit my target dead center. Right in his fluffy red breast. I was torn by guilt and turned tail, ran back to our house, raced down the basement and flung my deadly weapon into our wood-burning furnace.

Torn by guilt, I dragged myself outside, took one of my mom's trowels and went back to the woods to bury my evil deed.

Wow! My baby Robin was not in the weeds. I looked up and there he was back on his limb.

I was so relieved I started to bawl.

Then, I raced back to my basement to get my sling shot out of the furnace, vowing never to kill another baby robin in my whole life.

And not just because my slingshot was burned up.

Stepping out

Elsbeth and I were visiting Highline Hospital recently for some x-rays and afterward we went down to the restaurant and sat down at one of many tables.

I hung my cane (still in use since repairs on my fractured leg) on the edge of the table where it instantly slid off and clattered on the floor.

I bent over and discovered our names on a tile. I was amazed. I knew that there are hundreds of names on tiles honoring donors when the hospital was built but never knew we had bought one.

What a fun surprise to find it by chance. Just think. If I had not broken my leg I might never have known.

As my beloved mom used to say, "The Lord works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform."

I don't know if the hospital still does that but it was a pleasing discovery and I owe it all to that noisy cane.
He is Highline Medical Center's facilities medical supplies distribution and sterilization manager. What that means is he is responsible for seeing that the various nursing floors and departments have the supplies they need to treat their patients and in addition to this he oversees the sterilization of all surgical instrumentation-- the whole magilla.

His dad gave him a BB gun one day just to plink at tin cans and taught him how to use it.

He was out in the family's barn looking for targets and spotted a sparrow on a high wire. He hit it miraculously and knocked it down.

He instantly began bawling from guilt, dropped the BB gun and ran into the house.

His Dad said, "Well, son, if you only wounded it, you need to kill it."

Hap who was still crying his eyes out wanted to take the sparrow to the vet but his dad said, "No, you need to kill it."

So Hap reluctantly pulled the trigger, feathers instantly went everywhere, the little bird disappeared and he has never hunted since.

I was stunned by the story.

When I was seven I made a sling shot, and used it to plink tin cans.

I had to tell Hap that one day I gathered some small rocks, walked across the street from our house into a small cluster of tall trees and spotted a baby Robin on a low limb.

Torn by guilt, I dragged myself outside, took one of my mom's trowels and went back to the woods to bury my evil deed.

Wow! My baby Robin was not in the weeds. I looked up and there he was back on his limb.

I was so relieved I started to bawl.

Then, I raced back to my basement to get my sling shot out of the furnace, vowing never to kill another baby robin in my whole life.

And not just because my slingshot was burned up.

Stepping out

Elsbeth and I were visiting Highline Hospital recently for some x-rays and afterward we went down to the restaurant and sat down at one of many tables.

I hung my cane (still in use since repairs on my fractured leg) on the edge of the table where it instantly slid off and clattered on the floor.

I bent over and discovered our names on a tile. I was amazed. I knew that there are hundreds of names on tiles honoring donors when the hospital was built but never knew we had bought one.

What a fun surprise to find it by chance. Just think. If I had not broken my leg I might never have known.

As my beloved mom used to say, "The Lord works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform."

I don't know if the hospital still does that but it was a pleasing discovery and I owe it all to that noisy cane.

Feral cat event at Feedback Lounge

steves — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:54:20 -0800

The Seattle-based animal advocacy group, Animals First Foundation, presents West Seattle cat maven Teri Ensley of Furry Faces Foundation who will give a short talk about feral cats at the Feedback Lounge, Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 6:30 pm. - 9:30 p.m.. Snacks will be served, and then the playing of the card game, Bunco, will follow.

Prizes will be awarded. Entry fee is $10.

Facebook link to event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=312382607753&index=1

Feedback Lounge
6451 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136
(206) 453-3259

Late night Metro Bus/Vehicle Collision

patr — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:16:35 -0800

On 2/6/09, at approximately 1:13 a.m., a metro Bus was traveling W/B on the Columbia St Ramp onto the S/B lanes of the Alaskan Wy Viaduct.

As the metro bus changed lanes on the Viaduct, a Black Mercedes collided with rear bumper of the bus and lost control. A passenger sustained a head injury and was treated by Seattle Fire on scene. The passenger was transported to Harborview Medical Center (HMC).

A Drug Recognition Officer, responded to HMC to screen the driver for signs of impairment and/or intoxication. There were signs of impairment observed during the evaluations.

Accident takes out utility pole

patr — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:08:25 -0800

According to neighbors near the intersection of California Avenue and Monroe Street a black late model Corvette was approaching at approximately 11:30 AM on Saturday Feb. 6 driven by a man with a female passenger and "swerved to avoid hitting a dog" causing the car to leave the road and impact a utility pole on the corner. Also according to witnesses on the scene the driver refused treatment, no word on his passenger.

The utility pole was knocked into the intersection knocking out power to two homes. Seattle City Light crews on the scene as of 5PM were assessing the damage to the connecting pole but did not plan to turn power off. They now plan to auger a new hole, placing a new pole and then transferring the wires to the new support, and finally restoring the power lines to the affected homes.

According to City Light crews on the scene the power should be restored by midnight. The cost of a utility pole is approximately $2500, not including time and labor.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

Art awards go to area students

steves — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:13:35 -0800

Two students from Madison Middle School and one from West Seattle High School won awards for their artwork at the 16th Annual Neighborhood Appreciation Day Student Art Contest Awards Ceremony held at Dunlap Elementary School Saturday, Feb. 6.

Delaney Ballard of West Seattle High School and Marie Ong of Madison Middle School won bronze awards. Rahel Yohannes (yōhannez), also of Madison, won silver. They joined nine others from four other schools.

The Department of Neighborhoods sponsored the event, hosted by Director Stella Chao. Mayor Mike McGinn and Councilmember Mike O’Brien spoke and handed out certificates, cash awards, and t-shirts to the winners. The colorful artwork created by students depicting neighborhood scenes and neighbors helping neighbors were on display.

“Great event,” said Mayor McGinn. “Great to see the artwork from the kids. I love events like this because the folks out here right now, what they care about is, ‘Are they going to heave a safe and secure place for their kids? Will they have economic security and strong neighborhoods?’ This is a setting where I’m talking to people about the right things.”

Olympics volunteers head for Whistler

steves — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:11:37 -0800

Katrina Thompson and her mother, Kerry Thompson, 68, are taking volunteerism to new heights. That’s because each has officially been assigned a task by Vancouver Olympics officials on and around the Whistler ski resort during competitions.

Kerry’s responsibility will be keeping fans orderly that attend the Whistler Sliding Center and its luge and bobsleigh track clear of debris.

Katrina, a West Seattle High School class of ’87 graduate and former Alki resident, will be stationed in the Whistler Media Center, armed with computers, three monitors, two printers, and seven copiers.

“I’ll be sort of the hub for media,” said Katrina, an IT consultant for Avanade Inc. “A huge contingency of media from all over the world will stop by the Media Center to pick up printouts of the results from skiing, luge, curling, hockey, and other sports. I print those out. You’d think they’d prefer to get the information electronically somehow, but no. They want the sheets of paper in their hands.”

Katrina said that judges, coaches, athletes, and others receive similar printouts at the various venues where they participate, while she will deal exclusively with media requests.

“It’s thrilling,” Katrina said. “I have an all-access pass. I am most interested in watching the newer sports, like snowboarders doing tricks. Mom and I are like Olympians in our own little way.”

In addition to passes, they get winter jackets, pants, two shirts, a fleece vest, jacket, and hat which they get to keep, and one free meal a day. Volunteers must seek and pay for accommodations. Katrina and Kerry are two of some 25,000 volunteers selected. Most are local Canadians who live in the area, while only 200 or so volunteers have been selected from Washington State.

“Two summers ago when I was watching the Beijing Olympics on TV a commercial came on and said, ‘The Vancouver Olympics are only 530 days away. Register to see if you’re fit,’” recalled Katrina. “I had to fill out this super long application and was given three phone interviews. It was over a year before we were given a spot.”

Katrina is not always on the sidelines during athletic competitions. Every Sunday she tries to shave a bit of time off her 5K runs at the West Seattle Track where she participates with the Seattle Frontrunners, a gay-oriented running and walking club. She also plays soccer as she had done in high school.

Katrina’s partner, Jennifer Thompson, a graduate from Seattle Lutheran, is an event planner at the Sanctuary, that ornate brick landmark building, the former Christian Science church at 42nd and Lander, across from Hiawatha Playfield. Their son, Lewis, turns two years-old Feb. 22 and Katrina and Kerry will drive back for the day to celebrate with the rest of the family.

Seattle Public School Levies Campaign to Hold Student-Led Rally

patr — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:34:50 -0800

Schools First, the campaign to Renew Seattle School Levies, will be holding a student-led rally on February 6th to show support for Propositions 1 & 2, on the February 9th ballot.

Seattle students, parents, teachers and Schools First supporters will be gathering at the Green Lake Boat House to rally supporters and to remind voters to vote Yes! on Props 1 & 2 by February 9th. The rally be followed by a group walk around the lake. This event is family friendly and open to the press.

Date: Saturday, February 6th

Time: 12:00pm – 12:30pm

Location: The Green Lake Boat House
5900 West Green Lake Way N
(Free parking provided in surrounding lots)

Background: The campaign to Renew the Seattle Public School Levies, Propositions 1 and 2, is on the February 9th ballot. Levy funding currently accounts for 23% of the Operations Budget and 100% of the Capital Improvements Budget. Proposition 1, the Capital Levy, funds safety improvements, classroom upgrades to our schools, athletic field replacement, and improvements to technology for every classroom. Proposition 2, the Operations Levy, helps pay for instructional programs, student activities, staff salaries, bilingual and special education services, technology infrastructure, student transportation and security and maintenance.

A Presentation and Neighborhood Discussion about Walkable Livable Communities

patr — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:40:16 -0800

The SWS February General Membership meeting will take place at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave S), in Seattle on February 16 at 7pm. We encourage residents of South Park and all of West Seattle to attend! Join us for…

This project began as a charette sponsored by the Seattle Chapter of the Northwest Eco-Building Guild, that looked at ways to provide more housing within Seattle’s single-family neighborhoods. It has developed into a presentation which shows how allowing more housing in single-family neighborhoods - done the right way - can help create more Walkable, Livable Communities.

The presentation touches on some of the challenges before us – increasing population, Climate Change, Peak Oil, increased sprawl, loss of community, etc. This is followed by examples of compact housing, such as cottages, duplex/triplexes, corner shops, and others that were allowed in Seattle’s past.

Some innovative new housing options will be discussed, such as flex houses, along with strategies to encourage community and walkability in our neighborhoods. We’ll also review recommendations about how to allow these forms of housing in Seattle, ways to achieve these goals, and related community projects and concerns.

Our presenters for the evening:

Sheri Newbold – live work play (Vice President, Seattle chapter)
Justin Fogle – a peaceful world (Past President, Seattle chapter)
Jim Burton – blip design (President, Seattle chapter)

For more information please contact SWS President Brian Allen at brian@sustainablewestseattle.org or call (206) 973-7374.

Business Briefs Week of 2-01-10

patr — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:28:04 -0800

Here are some recent new business notes from West Seattle:

Bank of America
4001 SW Alaska, West Seattle 206.767.3014 Come in and say “hi” to our newest teller, Lisa.

The Puppy Perfectors, LLC
Nancy Hansen, Owner
9629 17th Ave SW, White Center
206.935.0289
New Dog Training facility offering drop-in obedience, agility, flyball, freestyle (dancing with your dog), tricks and rally classes.

Pure Hair
Malissa Wolley, Owner
3429 California Ave SW
206.933.0811
Pure Hair welcomes Keri Knauff.
Keri has been a hair stylist for 17 years and perfected her craft in West Seattle for 3.5 years.
Please call or stop by and say “hello!”

Saigon Boat Cafe
2632 Alki Ave. SW
Open 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Our Grand Opening was January 29th. Now Alki has its very own Pho & Vietnam- ese sandwiches! Owners Nhung Tran, and her sister Thu Tran also own Red Nails, around the corner from Saigon Boat Cafe at 2648 59th SW.

BG Motors
Mr. George Kizhuharov, Owner 4712 40th Ave. SW 206-985-6887 Newly opened! Offering used car sales, service and financing.

Table 35
Mr. Sammy Faour, Owner 4752 California Ave. SW 206-407-3474 Now Open! Come in to our Happy Hour.
Call to make reservations for Valentine’s Day dinner, where live music will be featured that night.

Nighttime Lane Closures on the West Seattle Bridge, Feb 8-11

patr — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:03:03 -0800

Next week SDOT’s contractor will work at night on the West Seattle Bridge, leaving at least one lane of traffic open in each direction. The contractor will work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day, from Monday night, February 8 to Friday morning, February 12.

Crews will remove and replace traffic signs, closed circuit television cameras (CCTV’s), and install a new dynamic messaging sign (DMS) to provide improved traffic information to travelers.

Motorists are asked to slow down and use caution when passing the work zone.

This work is part of the Intelligent Transportation System improvements that SDOT is making in several areas of the city for more efficient traffic management.

South Park fire victims struggle to move on

steves — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:31:10 -0800

The Phuong/Soeun family who lost their 17 year-old son, Prackesrth, or “Patrick,” to a house fire in the South Park neighborhood Monday, just after 8:00 p.m., Feb. 1, is finding aid and comfort within their tight knit Cambodian-American community and beyond.

Many possessions in their home, at 8805 5th Avenue South, were destroyed, and the Buddhist temple and community center where they have been active members are collecting clothes, kitchen items, and money for Patrick’s mother, Sody Soeun, his father, Sean Phuong, his sister, brother, and 88 year-old grandfather, who were all in the house when the fire struck. Patrick attended Madison Middle School and Chief Sealth High School.

Framed photos of Patrick were displayed on an alter at the Sahak Khemararam Buddhist Temple, 824 South 100th Street, in Boulevard Park, and a Friday night service of over 80 members packed the temple, a converted ranch house, to pray in a sort of unison song for an hour for Patrick and his family. Three resident monks led the prayer. The funeral would follow on Saturday, beginning at the temple, then moving to the Columbia Funeral Home in Columbia City.

In the front yard of the temple stands a marble centerpiece, the temple logo.

“Sean carved our temple logo,” said temple president Moeun Kang. “We supplied the marble and he volunteered the work. He volunteers every Cambodian New Year (around April 14) and comes with music and does fundraising. The prayers we sing are for Patrick. We pray for his future. When people here have personal problems they talk to the monks who offer counseling.”

“At first I felt lonely, but a lot of people have been helping and I feel better,” said Sean, speaking to the West Seattle Herald while inspecting the exterior of his scorched home. “I am very thankful to my neighbors, to West Seattle, to everybody. People have contacted me from California to Rhode Island wanting to help my family.”

Sean, 47, was born in Battombong, Cambodia. His family came to the United State as refugees in 1984 and settled in Seattle. He worked with marble but now both he and Sody are out of work.

“I heard a large sound- boom! So I came out,” said Chho Collins, the family’s neighbor to the south. “I heard a loud voice say, ‘Oh my God! Please help my brother.’ When I went back to my house I smelled like burnt kerosene.”

“I ran out with my wife and two kids after I heard the explosion of fire,” said Sirag Vohra of 419 South Trenton, the neighbor to the west. Strips of metal siding on the east side of his house melted off. So did some of the materials of his front deck that he said Sean helped build.

“Patrick was the one who helped teach me to swim, and he talked to me a lot,” said Cody Chhun, 12, a close friend who stopped by the house.

“I’ll always remember when we and our other friends went camping and laughed and told ghost stories,” said Cody’s sister, Emily, 16. “I had some attitude problems and he taught me to enjoy life.”

To help out the family, you can drop off donations to:

The Sahak Khemararam Buddhist Temple, 824 South 100th Street, in Boulevard Park, or phone them at (206) 768-1824. Also, by email: moeunk@gmail.com

They are in urgent need of monetary donations and the following:

Towels, toiletries, kitchen items, personal hygiene.

Sean Phuong needs clothes, jacket size medium. And men shoes size 8.

Sody Soeun needs clothes; jacket and women shoes size 7.

Sophary Soeun (21-year-old daughter) need clothes, shoe size 7and a half, and for her son, age 1, and daughter, age 2.

Channy Soeun (9-year-old son) needs clothes size 8-10, shoes size 4, jacket etc.

Phann Phuong (88-year-old grand father) needs clothes, shoes, etc.

West Seattle Trails Alliance meeting develops ideas and themes for wayfinding kiosks

patr — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:22:16 -0800

The first meeting of the The first meeting of the West Seattle Trails Alliance for the Alki Kiosk portion of the project took place at the Alki Community Center Thursday night, Feb. 4, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Six members of the Alki community attended. Though the public turnout was less than hoped for, the individuals there represented the Log Cabin Museum, the Alki Community Council, and the Statue of Liberty group, which has been working on the restoration of the statue and the plaza surrounding it, as well as individual citizens. The group spent two hours working on the basic themes and overall content direction for three wayfinding kiosks which will be part of the Alki shoreline in the near future.

The effort is part of a $98,000 Neighborhood Matching Fund grant awarded last year to the West Seattle Trails Alliance for a West Seattle Trails and Wayfinding project. Feet First is a partner in the project as well as being the fiscal sponsor.

The three locations for the Alki kiosks are near 1) Me Kwa Mooks park, 2) somewhere on the strand in the vicinity of the Statue of Liberty, and 3) in the general vicinity of Seacrest Park and the existing Water Taxi dock. The group spent the first hour last night working on identifying general topical areas for the three Alki kiosks and the second hour placing these ideas on the appropriate kiosk.

For the overall thematic of all the kiosks, the suggestions so far include focusing on the Duwamish history and the many uses made of the peninsula's features as well as a secondary theme of the development of Seattle. For the Me Kwa Mooks vicinity kiosk, the thinking is that the focus should be on the Native Beginnings with additional themes of summers along the Sound, early Swedish agrarian uses, the Mosquito Fleet, early trolley links and, of course, the Orca watching and eagle watching offered at this location.

For the Statue of Liberty area kiosk, the suggestion was to continue the evolution of the area theme with this kiosk featuring Early Seattle and Alki settlements with several minor themes including the seal birthing and eagle-osprey hunting aspects of the beach and the Alki Lighthouse history as well as some of the early uses of the highway for cruising, which continues to this day. One thought was to highlight some of the 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980 and later "No Cruising" highway signs as an indication of the continuing use of this stretch of Seattle street for these classic American coming-of-age activities.

For the Seacrest Park kiosk, the theme continues with the evolution of the city with a montage of skyline photos and engravings taken over the years starting back when this area was a dock and lumber mill district. Continuing with the development and evolution theme, the Seacrest kiosk could also feature "getting to Seattle" stories and photos showing early water taxi operations, early trolley operations across the causeway and the later development of the several West Seattle bridges.

All three kiosks will have integrated themes of art, nature and community woven into them as those themes are recurring Alki Community themes. One of the features which everyone indicated they would like to see on the Statue of Liberty-area kiosk is a listing of all the features, monuments and in-sidewalk special art and commemorative elements along just this one-half-mile stretch of Alki Avenue.

Next steps in this process are to produce draft documents from the whiteboard sheets which were used last night (see example from one board) and to schedule a second meeting and continue the content-development process with a refinement of these first-round ideas, image concepts and story lines and a focus on what kinds of art should be integrated into the bottom third of each of these three kiosks. Each kiosk has a content area with a front and back and an art area with a front and back. Art themes were barely broached at last night's meeting. A meeting date for the second round was not set last night but will be announced in the near future, with the Herald being one of the recipients of the notice. portion of the project took place at the Alki Community Center Thursday night, Feb. 4, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Six members of the Alki community attended. Though the public turnout was less than hoped for, the individuals there represented the Log Cabin Museum, the Alki Community Council, and the Statue of Liberty group, which has been working on the restoration of the statue and the plaza surrounding it, as well as individual citizens. The group spent two hours working on the basic themes and overall content direction for three wayfinding kiosks which will be part of the Alki shoreline in the near future.

Seattle Public Schools respond to King County Superior Court ruling on Math

patr — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:15:09 -0800

Seattle Public Schools is now evaluating the Feb. 4 decision by King County Superior Court Judge Julie A. Spector regarding the District’s adoption of the Discovering Series math curriculum. The judge concluded that the Seattle School Board had insufficient evidence to make its May 6, 2009 decision to adopt the math curriculum, and has sent the decision back to the Board for further consideration.

This is a very surprising decision, and the District is now evaluating its next steps. Seattle Public Schools followed an extensive process in adopting these materials, which were thoroughly vetted by a diverse group including mathematicians and teaching professionals.

In addition to any action the School Board may take, the district expects to appeal this decision.

Our job as professionals is to ensure that learning and teaching goes on for all of our students. We have an adopted math curriculum, a program of professional development and instructional materials that we will continue to use as we fulfill our obligation to advance our students’ math education.

For more information, please contact Patti Spencer, 252-0204.

UPDATE: Top Hat crash victim in rear end accident dies

patr — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:30:03 -0800

The driver of a car that was rear-ended by a pickup truck at a Top Hat intersection died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Wednesday.
The driver was taken to the hospital early morning in critical condition.

The collision occurred around 6:45 a.m., Wednesday morning. A compact car and a pickup truck were stopped at a traffic signal at First Avenue South and South 112th Street. Sheriff's deputies said another pickup then smashed into the other two vehicles.
The other two drivers and a passenger with minor injuries were taken to local hospitals.

First Avenue in the North Highline area was closed for five hours during the morning commute.

SODO Transportation Construction Coordination UPDATE

patr — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:39:53 -0800

The Seattle Department of Transportation today provided an update on the various road construction projects underway in SODO (South Downtown) including work on the West Seattle Bridge, Alaskan Way, South Park Bridge and Duwamish Ave. South.

Highlights:

- The center turn lane on Alaskan Way S will be removed to provide room for a lane shift between Massachusetts and Atlantic Feb 8-20.

- Crews will be working nights on the West Seattle Bridge Feb 8-11 in both directions.

- South Park Bridge to be closed Feb 10-13, 7am-7pm daily.

- Duwamish Ave S will be closed to through traffic (except local access) Feb 15th until mid-2011.

SODO Planned Construction / Events through Feb 14
Feb 6
7AM to 3PM
Paving at 6th Ave S and S Spokane St
Crews will be replacing a panel in the intersection of 6th Ave S and S Spokane St. Police will be present to help direct traffic.
Feb 8
9AM to 2:30PM
Lane closure on Airport Way over Argo Rail yard
Crews will close the southbound right lane for expansion joint repair.
Feb 8-12
7PM to 5AM
Lane closures at 1st Ave S and East Marginal Way
Crews will close one lane of northbound or southbound SR 99 at the intersections of E. Marginal Way and First Avenue S nightly.
Feb 8-12
9PM to 5AM
Nightly closures of I-90 Off-Ramp to 4th Ave S
Crews will close the westbound I-90 off-ramp to 4th Ave S. nightly for seismic retrofit work.
Feb 8-20
7AM to 5PM
Center Turn Lane removed on Alaskan Way S in SODO
Crews will implement a lane shift on Alaskan Way S between Massachusetts and Atlantic each day that will remove the center turn lane.
Feb 8-22
7PM to 5AM nightly
Full closure of Alaskan Way S from Atlantic to Royal Brougham
Crews will close both directions Alaskan Way S between S Atlantic Street and Royal Brougham nightly.
Feb 10-11
10PM to 5AM
Closure of I-5 Ramp
Crews will close all lanes of the southbound I-5 collector-distributor ramp to 4th Avenue S and Airport Way nightly.
Feb 13
8AM to 4:30PM
Lane closure on Spokane St Viaduct (eastbound)
Crews will close the eastbound right lane of the Spokane Street Viaduct to clean drains for the Widening Project in the adjacent area.
Feb 14
8AM to 4:30PM
Lane closure on Spokane St Viaduct (westbound)
Crews will close the westbound right lane of the Spokane Street Viaduct to clean drains for the Widening Project in the adjacent area.