November 2010

The park that has been built atop the Myrtle Street Reservoir at the intersection of s.w. Myrtle St. and 35th Ave s.w. opened quietly Tuesday with the partial removal of temporary fencing. A full grand opening will follow but no official date has been announced.

The fence removal meant that nearby neighbors had a chance to finally enter and test out the playground equipment and take in the view. Sandra Cohen said, "I think it's fantastic. I think as many places as we can have for kids to go is good because it's a rainy place and the more activities we have the better." Cohen had supported the option to install a skate park on the site but understood other neighbors concerns about noise.

"It's a wonderful addition to our neighborhood. Our kids need it. They need a place to play nearby and it looks to be like they spent our government's money really well," said Ron McMaster.

Looking at the view with her daughter Miya, Maari Falsetto said,"Do you know that nobody has seen that view? It's the first time it's been open to the public here at the highest point in all of Seattle."

Western Washington's blood supply has reached critical levels in O-, A- and B- blood groups, according to the Puget Sound Blood Center.
A blood group is labeled critical when it is less than a two-day supply. A four- day inventory is considered operational.
Due to the recent snowstorm and icy weather, Puget Sound Blood Center has lost over 1,200 donations from those not able to donate.
Also, as the blood center moves into the holidays, it is entering a time of year when donations are traditionally down.
It takes over 900 donor registrations every day to maintain an operational blood supply in Western Washington.
For the safety and care of patients, the Blood Center urges donors stop by one of the 11 donor centers or the over 100 blood drives held each week.
Schedule an appointment with Puget Sound Blood Center by calling 1-800-398-7888. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome. Visit www.psbc.org for donation center hours of operation and driving directions and a complete listing of blood drives throughout the region.

Two of Burien's biggest non-profit organizations serving children and families have combined into one organization.
On Nov. 1, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center (established in 1921) became a part of Navos, one of the largest providers of community mental health services to low income people in King County.
After planning and consideration by the agency's Board of Directors and senior staff, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center (RDCC) made the decision to join with Navos. Operating as a single and larger organization will create efficiencies as Navos has earned a reputation as a well-administered organization with strong financial management and support services, according to Dykeman board members.
Jim Dykeman, grandson of the founder, Judge King Dykeman and a long time RDCC Board member, endorsed the agreement to combine agencies, commenting, "I am very pleased about this new relationship with Navos. By integrating our resources during these difficult economic times, RDCC will have additional capabilities to provide programs and services to the more vulnerable children in our community.

Waltzing in a Winter Wonderland!
Our Local West Seattle Community Dance at Hiawatha!
Part of our Ongoing 2nd Saturday Dance Series
We'll turn the lovely dance space into a winter wonderland with lights and decorations. Want to help with decorating?, contact Lilli Ann 206-718-1858

Saturday, December 11th, 7-10pm
Hiawatha Community Center
2700 California Ave SW

7-8pm-- Beginning Slow Dance lesson- Romantic dancing. (no partner or experience required, )
8-10pm-- Dance to Swing, Waltz, One-Step/Blues and More!
Don't know how to dance? Don't worry, Mini-lessons throughout the evening to keep you dancing!
Singles and couples welcome- No Partner Required for the lessons or dance!
Warm friendly community.
Lesson and Dance $12, Lesson or dance Only $8

Childcare Available for a very modest fee! Contact Lilli Ann if interested.
Instructor and DJ- Lilli Ann Carey www.danceforjoy.biz/ 206-718-1858
To find us, follow red and white DANCE! signs from California and Lander.
Sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation & Hiawatha Advisory Council 206-684-7441

Seal Sitters Training
Date: Thursday, December 9 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Last week brought enough snow and cold temperatures to bring Seattle to a halt for a few days. In West Seattle, it seems the weather may have brought crime to a near halt as well. From Nov. 23 until Nov. 29 there was only one burglary reported (non-residential) on s.w. Thistle and a total of five car prowls reported. It seems even the criminals would rather stay in and cozy up to a good book and ample blankets.

Sustainable Ballard is having their Annual Holiday Barter Fair this evening. At this event, attendees trade self-made items or coupons for services offered that others can use as holiday gifts.

These trading goods can include home made items such as candles, sweet treats, jewelry, leatherwork, etc. as well as a professional service such as cooking, cleaning, petsitting, haircuts, design, and accounting.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring 10 copies of their favorite holiday recipes to swap with other food enthusiasts.

This will be a lively event with music and holiday cheer. No speaker, no audience. No special dress required, but feel free to show off your Surfin' Santa sweater or I Heart Chanukah ball cap.

6:30 Potluck (please bring a dish or $5 to contribute to food order)
7:00 Barter Fair and Recipe Swap

Holiday Barter Fair and Recipe Swap
November 29, 2010 ** 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunset Hill Community Club
3003 NW 66th St.

It was a year ago this month that the voters of Seattle elected Mike McGinn as the Mayor of Seattle. Now that the dust has settled on the most recent election, it’s time to take a step back and assess the Mayor’s performance, especially as it relates to Ballard. Unfortunately for Ballard and Seattle, it’s not looking good unless Mike can mend his ways.

Joe Mallahan and McGinn were political novices who rode a wave of anti-Nickels sentiment to capture the top two spots in last year’s mayoral race. The chief difference between these two Democrats (because, hey, the top two ballot is all about giving the voters “choices”) was that Mallahan supported Nickels’ tunnel vision and McGinn was against it until he changed his mind just before the election.

The following is an excerpt from the autobiography of our Publisher, Jerry Robinson called "Listen to Your Father". At age 90 he is still actively writing and contributing to the newspapers. In this excerpt he recalls a boyhood memory from the 1920's in Portland Oregon.

By Jerry Robinson

One day I was at the Peninsula Park Pool by myself. I don't know where Russell my brother was. It was a hot day and I was doing what I liked to do best. Nothing.

Some guys were playing Rock, Scissors, Paper. Some guys were leaning up against the wall stuccoing*. I liked just laying on my back on the hot concrete with my eyes closed in a puddle of warm water that dripped off my swimsuit. If you close your eyes you can see all sorts of obiblical designs on your eyeballs. I don't know what that means but it was one of my favorite words. Sometimes the little squiggly lines move from the top of your eyeball down to the bottom. Then you quick open your eyes and snap them shut again and the obibilical figures look different. I liked doing that a lot.

Sometimes the big kids would bother me to get their handball for them.

It's time to think about getting a Christmas Tree and if you love the smell of a natural tree there are several places around West Seattle to buy them including Tony's at the corner of 35th s.w. and s.w. Barton but for hundreds of families the place to get their tree for the past 21 years is from Holy Rosary. The lot has moved this year to be adjacent to the school at 41st. s.w. and s.w. Dakota on the Holy Rosary School playground and they have a broad selection of trees on hand.

Trees
Noble Fir: 3—10 ft.
Grand Fir: 3—8 ft.
Douglas Fir: 3—8 ft.

Accessories
Cedar Garlands and Deluxe Wreaths

15% of the proceeds from sales made at Holy Rosary go to Hickman House (Salvation Army), a shelter in West Seattle for women and children, the West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline. Last year they raised more than $8000.

To learn more you can visit them online at http://treelot.holyrosaryws.org/

They opened on Nov. 27 and will have trees and other decor available through Dec. 22nd.
Their hours are Monday - Friday 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.

Camp Long Lodge was buzzing with bartering on Saturday, Nov. 27 as people from around the area arrived with a wide variety of items to trade in the Sustainable West Seattle Money Free Shopping Spree.

One of the participants, Steve Tracy from Boulevard Park was there to trade for his recycled aluminum trivets. He's been making them for more than twenty years. "I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet so I'll be looking here for something," Tracy said. As for barter as a way to do business he said, "There's a place for it but you still need cash."

The brainchild of Alki Bike and Board's Stu Hennesey the event is growing every year. Patrick Dunn of Sustainable West Seattle described the event. "There's no money spent on this. It's just a lot of people's crafts, recycled goods or things that they have, quality things that they have around their house that they'd like to trade. Your first trade is scheduled. Each person gets a number so for example a 3 with trade with a 3 and then from there you are on your own. You can bring as many things to this as you like."