West Seattle, Washington
18 Wednesday
(Photo courtesy Alki UCC)
Alki UCC members have been preparing materials like those for tomorrow’s community art event in response to vandalism and theft of banners outside the building they share with Kol HaNeshamah. The backstory is here, and all are invited to stop by and participate, 11:15 am to 12:30 pm at 6115 SW Hinds. Tomorrow is also the monthly community donation drive hosted by Alki UCC, with the opportunity to drop off items 11 am-3 pm in front of the church (which is where the community art event also is happening). This month, they say: “Men’s work clothes are a continued priority! Our donations drive serves many men participating in day labor who go through a lot of jeans, khakis, sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, work boots, jackets … and lots of NEW socks to keep their feet healthy.”
(WSB photo: Pumpkin-decorating at 2023 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Yes, spring/summer event season is just getting started, but one of fall’s biggest events will have a moment in the spotlight at a tasty fundraiser next Tuesday. It’s the annual Endolyne Joe’s dine-out day for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, a free-admission event that runs entirely on donations and volunteers. If you come to the restaurant (9261 45th SW in the heart of Fauntleroy’s mini-business district) on Tuesday, May 21 (it’s open 8 am-10 pm), you’ll be part of it. Here’s the announcement from festival organizers:
Join us @ Endolyne Joe’s on Tuesday, May 21st, for a full day of fundraising! A portion of the daily sales from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be donated directly to our beloved Fall Festival. Dinner time (4-9 pm) @ Joe’s will have the famous raffle ticket sales for amazing gift baskets donated by our local community.
If you haven’t been to the Fall Festival before – check out our coverage from last year.
(WSB file photo)
If you can help, Keith Hughes at Westside Neighbors Shelter – which continues to operate year-round, entirely donation- and volunteer-powered – sent this list of donations that would be useful right now:
Here is a list of some essential supplies that we are running very short on.
Top Ramen packages
Cup-O-Noodles
Coffee Mate Creamer
Pancake syrup8 oz paper cups (cold cups)
12 oz hot cups (without lids)
mens size large boxers and T-shirtsThank you so much for continuing to supports our efforts to help the homeless in WS.
The center is at 3618 SW Alaska, co-housed with West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160.
(WSB file photo, Senior Center’s north side)
The Senior Center of West Seattle has been working on a new name, as noted when we shared their call for mural artists back in March. Now they have it – and they’re about to reveal it, at this Tuesday’s annual fundraising breakfast. The event is sold out, but the center plans to publish the new name online Tuesday morning too (and we’ll have it here). You’re also invited to visit the center on Tuesday (and beyond) to find out more – and the nonprofit’s update on all this includes:
There’s also still time to support the Senior Center’s annual fundraising campaign. The nonprofit’s goal is to raise $50,000 between now and the end of May to fund the essential services they provide in our community—like meals, classes, lectures, support groups, counseling, digital navigation, and more.
You can help with that by going here. P.S. We’re expecting to hear an update about the mural Tuesday, too.
More than 200 items, from local business gift cards to exotic getaways, are up for bidding right now during the Madison Middle School PTSA‘s online auction. All are welcome to participate. It’s open until Saturday night; the PTSA says auction proceeds go to “help support supplemental activities and materials for our students and faculty.” Browse the items and register to bid by going here!
One week from tomorrow, thousands of people will volunteer at dozens of sites around the city for the One Seattle Day of Service announced by Mayor Harrell. If you’re not already signed up to help out somewhere, his office sent this list of West Seattle opportunities:
Volunteer opportunities and event partners:
Alki Beach Beautification Event (sponsored by Pearsall Properties) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Don Armeni/Seacrest Park Beautification from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
West Seattle Junction Plaza Park Beautification (sponsored by West Seattle Junction Association) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Street Beautification Event (sponsored by Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, Key Clubs West Seattle and Chief Sealth International High School) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
High Point Open Space Association Bee Festival Event from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (three shifts)
Dirt Corps West Seattle Park Beautification Event (sponsored by Dirt Corps) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Riverview Neighborhood Cleanup from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
West Seattle – First Tongan UMC Street Beautification Event (sponsored by First Tongan UMC) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
West Seattle – Arbor Heights Elementary Gardening Event (sponsored by Arbor Heights Elementary School) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Delridge Roxhill Park Beautification Event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
African Community Housing & Development Community Engagement and Market Cleanup from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (two shifts)
Residents can sign up for volunteer shifts by going to seattle.gov/dayofservice.
(We went to that page and found the “text-based” option – direct link here – easiest to scroll through; use the District 1 tab.)
(Schmitz Park, in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In the spirit of the people who brought Fauntleroy Creek back from near-death, a new community coalition is dreaming of restoring another creek to its salmon-sustaining glory.
Right now, the stream in Schmitz (Preserve) Park ends unceremoniously underground and then into Elliott Bay via an outfall. The vision is to daylight it and let it run to the sea along its historic path to Alki.
To daylight this vision, a roomful of community leaders gathered at renowned photographer Art Wolfe‘s Seaview home this past Tuesday night for a presentation that Wolfe himself introduced, with a slideshow of images of Schmitz Park in its greenest glory.
“This is a good idea for this time,” declared Wolfe – good for people, good for wildlife (he mentioned his most recent book “Wild Lives“). That wildlife includes salmon; they have just a few home creeks left in the city limits, including Fauntleroy and Longfellow, but Wolfe expressed certainty that Schmitz Park’s creek could join them. “I think it’s worth trying to open-air the creek to salt water.” That would be a few blocks downhill to the north, at Alki Beach.
The room rippled with people murmuring “yes” in agreement. Wolfe continued showing images of what he found in Schmitz Park earlier this spring – trillium and salmonberry flowers, hummingbirds “like little gems,” a pileated woodpecker, red-breasted sapsucker, the snags where birds can find food and respite, trees coated with moss. Wolfe said everyone should see it for themselves: “This kind of environment” – the forest’s “boggy bottom” – “is what purifies the water and makes this a viable salmon-spawning resource.”
His photos also included the not-so-scenic grate over a segment of the creek at 57th and Stevens – here’s the Google Maps Street View image of that spot:
From there, he recounted, the culvert “empties so far out (in Elliott Bay) that nobody realizes (fresh water is mingling).” Wolfe said a potential vision for the Schmitz Park creek could be to run the streambed along a street and down to the beach, “maybe a sidewalk along one side and the creek on the other.” But he stressed that it’s “early in the game” and this is just an idea for now. But: “I think we need more salmon-spawning streams.”
Next to speak was Daniel Nye, co-chair of the new coalition, the Schmitz Park Creek Restore Project. He too spoke reverently of Schmitz Park, “sacred ground,” observing that its old-growth trees “have been here waiting and watching … for centuries since the icebergs retreated.” The forest, he reiterated, is “a spiritual place.”
Nye recounted the park’s history – long before it was a park, it was part of the home territory of the Duwamish people (whose chair Cecile Hansen and council member Ken Workman were among the guests at the gathering). In 1851, the Alki arrival of the white settlers known as the Denny Party started a wave of change on the peninsula. The Schmitz family (whose representative Vicki Schmitz Block was at the gathering) set aside the 53 unlogged acres that became Schmitz Park.
Nye talked about the park’s design by the famed Olmsted Brothers (shown above in an image from a federal website). Their plan “was only partly realized,” he noted – hopes of a “treed corridor (that) went from Alki to the Park” went unrealized, though, as he observed, the features that were realized included the WPS-built “art deco bridge” circa 1936.
This new effort, he said, could make a long-held dream come true. That’s why Nye and co-chair Brian Barilleaux are “getting together a group of people and approaching Seattle Parks with a plan of how to achieve this, and how to finance it.” Nye noted that this is a rare chance to “protect and preserve” something that has not yet been totally transformed from its origins. “We also want to restore the ties to the community and the gift of this park that was given.” And it would be a gift for our area’s life-sustaining salmon. “There are no marine species (in the creek). because it was cut off … even though it’s clear water, it’s essentially lifeless. We want to bring the fish back. … If we restore it, the fish will come.”
But long before the grand dream of daylighting the creek might come true, Nye said, people can take relatively simple action now to help the park and creek – removing ivy and graffiti, clearing blocked sections of the creek within the park. And in the big picture, “There are several ways to get the creek to the beach.” Looking back into history, they think the Alki Elementary playground might have held a “natural lagoon”: “The ghosts of that lagoon are still there,” so perhaps the creek ran in that area to get to the sea.
The dream stretches beyond the creek. They envision the possibility of a National Heritage Area, with buildings such as Alki Point Lighthouse, the Alki Beach Bathhouse, the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead – and the awaiting-a-new-home Stone Cottage could factor into this too (among those at the gathering was Mike Shaughnessy from Save The Stone Cottage). Wayfinding to help people with area trails could be a factor. Barilleaux added, “Make it a historic monument and historic attraction.”
Other possibilities suggested by Nye: Restoring ties with local schools; demonstrating Indigenous agriculture such as camas (recently planted at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse) and berries; honoring the “sacred” nature of the forest and creek through connecting with local faith communities.
So how to make it happen? Schmitz Park already has inspired generosity and future vision, Nye noted, with a nod to yet another person in the room, Bruce Stotler, who has donated his park-adjacent home to become part of the park when he’s gone. “He’s an inspiration to all of us … in the tradition of Emma and Ferdinand Schmitz.”
An initial list of coalition supporters was shown – and an invitation offered for all to join – that means you, too. “Even if there’s nothing you think you can contribute to this, you can pull out ivy!” They’re going to have ivy-removal training sessions soon, and then organize teams to go to the park in June and July and get going.
You can find out more about the restoration proposal here, and you can email with questions or to volunteer at SchmitzParkCreekRestore@gmail.com.
Two food-donation drives ahead – first, this announcement is from West Seattle High School care coordinator Stacey Fernandez:
I am hosting a food drive tomorrow for the WSHS Pantry (which benefits students). The drive will happen tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7th from 4-5:30 PM. Location is WSHS Historical Entrance, which are the doors facing Hiawatha. I have attached a list of items we are requesting.
The school is at 3000 California SW.
Then this Saturday (May 11) – along with West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! – the second Saturday in May is also the USPS letter carriers’ nationwide Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Set out a bag of nonperishable food wherever your mail is delivered. Donations are collected, sorted at local post offices, and distributed to organizations that serve food banks.
Still planning your garden and/or containers for the heart of the growing/blooming season? Friends of Roxhill Elementary has a fundraiser going right now:
Spring is here! We are partnering again with Flower Power Fundraising to sell flower bulbs, kitchen garden herbs, sprouts, seeds, and more to bring some joy to your home garden or window sill this spring and raise money for our school.
Check out our fundraising website:
http://friendsofroxhill.fpfundraising.comShare the link with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives across the country. They have a variety of plants for every climate.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary receives 50% of the profits from every order. Orders are shipped directly to the person placing the order (there is a $6.99 shipping fee).
Order deadline is May 15, 2024. Thank you for supporting Roxhill Elementary!
Again this year, Gatewood Elementary is planning a community event, and welcoming teenage and tween-age volunteers to help make it happen. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Volunteer opportunity for Seattle Public School middle and high school students to earn service hours:
Gatewood Elementary is hosting the 2nd Annual Gatewood Gator Fair on Saturday, June 1st, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and is looking for volunteers to set-up and break down the event, run carnival games, help out at booths, etc.
The event is rain or shine and the community is invited.
Volunteer shifts are: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 1- 3:30 p.m.
Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48A8A629A1F4C34-48659222-gator#
Questions? GatewoodGatorFair@gmail.com
School address: 4320 SW Myrtle Street. Parking in the neighborhoodPublic transportation: Rapid Ride C line stop is Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Myrtle St.
It’s a fusion of art, chemistry, and community support! Chief Sealth International High School teacher Carolyn Autenrieth explains:
I teach Ceramics at Chief Sealth International High School, and we are gearing up for our RAKU clay event again in June! As with many of our HS Art programs, funds are usually tight, and to do this event with the wonderful folks of Seattle Pottery Supply, we have to raise an additional amount to cover expenses and clay: $750
This is our 4th time providing a wonderful experience for our students to witness art and chemistry come together in real time! We are lucky to have Eric from Seattle Pottery, who does a great job with the equipment, also engaging the students actively in the process.
Please consider donating through this link to support our event. Thank you so much.
It’s the season for special events supporting the nonprofits that add so much to life on our peninsula. We reported on the West Seattle Food Bank‘s gala over the weekend, and next up, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society will gather supporters for a memorable evening this Friday. You can help SWSHS even if you can’t join the party in person – an online auction open to everyone is happening right now! Go here to browse what’s available – including West Seattle staycations (cottage on Alki!), a Yellowstone getaway, local tours (music tour! nature tours!), and gift cards to local shops and restaurants. Go to the SWSHS website at loghousemuseum.org to find out more about both the online auction and Friday’s gala, and to sign up for one or both!
With less than eight weeks to go in the school year, students are looking ahead to next year while working toward the end of this one. That’s why one club at West Seattle High School is hoping for community support. The announcement and photo we were asked to share were sent by Kamil:
Hello! We are West Seattle High School’s Intersectional Feminist Club! We are a group of around 45 students dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming community in WSHS. We are committed to learning from each other and our community while honoring our individual identities through a feminist lens. Our overall goal is to empower our members and build a stronger community in WS rooted in feminism. We hold weekly meetings for all interested students. Within the past school year, we have held meetings about the history of feminism, analyzing the Barbie movie, Hour of Code, hosting book clubs, holiday cookie decorating, and more! We are most proud of our self-hosted, free Self-Defense class and our Menstrual Product Drive (2,092 products collected!), all proceeds to SODO Mary’s Place.
As we are nearing the end of the school year, we are seeking donations to operate our free self-defense class for WSHS students, help buy graduation cords to recognize our hardworking seniors, and for the upcoming school year’s activities. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you for supporting WSHS’s IFC!
Donate at: schoolpay.com/pay/for/WSHS-Intersectional-Feminist-Club–Fundr/Sbk0bX4
Story by Tracy Record
Photos/video by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
The West Seattle Food Bank is providing food to 30 percent more people than it did a year ago.
If that sounds like a big increase, consider this: The need for another WSFB service, emergency financial assistance, has gone up 300 percent.
All that is part of why every dollar given at the WSFB’s “Instruments of Change“ dinner/auction mattered so much. The crowd gathered Saturday night at The Hall at Fauntleroy heard about the people behind those numbers – an average of 500 families served every day that the Food Bank’s 35th/Morgan HQ is open for distribution, home deliveries to 400 more families every week, more than 400 students getting “backpacks” of food to take home for the weekend, when there’s no school meals to stave off hunger. And the WSFB operates the Clothesline clothing bank, too, whose clientele has doubled.
To help pay for all those services for another year, hundreds of supporters not only bought tickets to the dinner, but also had the opportunity to give more in multiple ways at the event, such as the traditional “dessert dash”:
There was also bidding on auction items – the silent auction included this bicycle:
The live-auction options included a West Seattle “staycation” that went for $400 and an annual favorite, the taco-and-margarita party with WSFB executive director Fran Yeatts and former operations manager Lester Yuh (auctioneer Matthew DiLoreto awarded two, at $2,600 each)
Before the bidding, Yeatts took the microphone to speak about the WSFB’s “explosive growth” as well as a big upcoming staff change and a highlight of the night – the annual Instrument of Change Award, presented this year to C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) proprietors Pete and Cameron Moores.
As Yeatts explained, C & P supports the food bank in myriad ways – from regular musical fundraisers tp Pete’s weekly volunteer delivery-driver shift!
Also speaking was the new WSFB board president, Joe Everett, who you might know as the longtime City Attorney’s Office liaison at the Southwest Precinct. He spoke about how his public-service career has shown him so much of what happens “when our social safety net fails” but he’s heartened at the support for the work WSFB does “to stop those things before they happen”:
A video produced by Straight 8 Films was shown later, introducing gala-goers to WSFB clients and volunteers, with the observation “None of us ever expect to be in need … but it happens … and when it does, you can expect the West Seattle Food Bank to be here.”
Earlier in the program, there were shoutouts for some of the elected officials past and present who were in attendance. We photographed them, and a few others, during the “happy hour” that opened the event. First, from left, State Rep. Emily Alvarado, State Senator Joe Nguyen, and Deputy King County Executive Shannon Braddock:
Below, former State Rep. Eileen Cody and former King County Councilmember Joe McDermott:
Below, WSFB’s outgoing development director Breanna Bushaw (thanked by Yeatts in her speech) and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce executive director Rachel Porter:
And incoming WSFB Development Director Robbin Peterson with executive director Yeatts:
If you couldn’t get to the event, you can help WSFB in multiple ways every day of the year – here’s how.
(WSB was a community co-sponsor of this year’s Instruments of Change.)
(WSB photos)
Continuing with today’s recycling theme – a different take on recycle/reuse, the classic rummage/yard/garage sale. The PTA/PTSAs of Highland Park Elementary and Pathfinder K-8 are teaming up on this “give and take” sale today – taking donations, with the motto “Give what you can, take what you need.”
Among those making this happen at the HPE campus (1012 SW Trenton) are Gretchen, Haley, Sher, and Ellen:
The sale’s on until 3 pm!
(WSB photo, November 2023)
When that Peace Pole was installed last November outside the building that holds the Westside Neighbors Shelter (currently in operation as a warming center), West Seattle Veteran Center, and American Legion Post 160, future plans were described for more. If you can spare some time tomorrow morning, you can help – Catherine sent the announcement:
(Here is) a request for volunteers to show up this Saturday April 27th at 10 AM at our WS Warming Center, 3618 SW Alaska St. (American Legion Hall) to help Keith Hughes with a special project. He is removing sod and installing a gravel path and Peace Poles in front of the center. Keith has plans and materials; he needs helping hands. Interested folks can show up at 10 am Saturday or contact me for more information: catherinemann (at) comcast.net
Less than four weeks until the first match for West Seattle’s new pre-pro soccer club, Junction FC. The schedule and roster are set. One ball still in play – housing for players! Junction FC sent this announcement in search of hosts:
In the spirit of community engagement, West Seattle Junction FC is reaching out to our vibrant community for assistance in identifying and acquiring volunteers who are willing to open their homes to provide temporary housing for each of the out-of-state players who are on our roster for the season. The dates needed for temporary housing are May 3, 2024, through August 4, 2024. By offering a comfortable and supportive living space, volunteers play a crucial role in helping our athletes thrive both on and off the field.
Interested in hosting a player? Learn more here: wsjunctionfc.club/housing-program
The season starts at 2 pm Sunday, May 19, at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
Your bids are welcome right now in the 11th annual auction to benefit two local nonprofit bilingual preschools on Delridge, Southwest Early Learning and the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
For the past 15 years, RIFC & SWEL Bilingual Preschools have provided high-quality, culturally enriching preschools, serving families in and around our West Seattle community. Many of the children we serve come from lower-income families that do not have the resources to go on field trips, learn a second language, or explore their interests. The money we raise through this Silent Auction will significantly benefit the children, providing enriching learning.
Our auction this year is virtual and will run until Friday, April 26th. We have many great items like self-care kits, homemade food, museum passes, and gift cards to many local shops and restaurants. All the proceeds from this auction go right back into our classroom to support our two non-profit preschools. We will coordinate pick up with the winner of our items at the end of the auction.
To browse and bid, go here!
(WSB photo, 2023)
The bright and beautiful season of hanging flower baskets in the West Seattle Junction is about to begin – the baskets arrive next Monday, according to West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay. For a second year, you’ll see bigger, reusable baskets that use less water. And community members are helping cover the costs again this year by “adopting” baskets; Chris tells WSB that about 20 of this year’s 95 baskets are still awaiting “adopters.” For $189, you’ll be adopting a basket for the entire season, including a plaque displaying your name and message; that counts as a donation to the Junction Association, the nonprofit that’s not only the merchants’ association but also the engine that powers Junction events including West Seattle Summer Fest (happening July 12-14 this year). To adopt a basket (or two!), just go here.
Four weeks from today, you can start your Sunday with a scenic run/walk along Alki during this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, May 19. This will be the 15th anniversary of the first West Seattle 5K, in 2009. If you’re not registered for this year yet, today’s a great day to do it – here’s where to go. The West Seattle 5K is coordinated by the West Seattle High School PTSA, and funds a variety of programs. If you can’t get out on the course on May 19, you can still donate. Find out how and see the race-day schedule on the registration page. (WSB is the WS5K media sponsor again this year.)
Short notice but the sunshine might have you contemplating flower baskets for the growing season ahead, and these are available to benefit local students in the Skunk Works Robotics Team. Arbor Heights resident Jen, who has two teens on the team, explains:
It’s a 4H robotics club that is part of FIRST Robotics. Our team of 30 high-school kids just competed in the Portland District Competition representing West Seattle and Burien.
The team is selling flower baskets again this year, in shade- and sun-loving options. They’re very comparable to baskets you’d buy at garden stores, but the Skunks get half of the proceeds! The funds go to support to help the team build a competitive robot and help reduce travel costs. They will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week or to beautify your home all spring and summer long. Last day to purchase is April 21, and pickup will be May 3 at the Skunk Works building at the old Beverly Park Elementary building. Our kids are awesome and available to talk robotics at pickup. Teens are welcome to check out what joining a robotics team is like.
Order [by tonight]: fundraiser.bid/skunks-flower-baskets
Go Skunks!
As you can see if you check our West Seattle Event Calendar, you have multiple opportunities around the area to make a difference with a few hours of your time tomorrow during volunteer work parties in honor of Earth Day. One is at the West Seattle Bee Garden, where you can learn a skill – sheet mulching – that might be usable in your own garden if you have one. In case you haven’t seen it in the calendar, here’s a reminder from Lisa at the Bee Garden:
Help us turn a zigzaggy idea into reality – tomorrow! We’ve got our overgrown patch prepared and ready for cardboard, wood chips, compost and cover crop to transform the space into a child and pollinator wonderland! Our expert friends at Master Composter Sustainability Stewards will help guide our process and answer your questions on creating new garden spaces.
Our future plans for the Children’s Garden include: lots of flowers, celebrating diversity by highlighting culturally relevant plants, yummy things to nibble, fun textures to touch, arches to walk through and even seed saving to give back to the community. All we need are people to make it happen.
When: Saturday, 4/20, 10 am-2 pm (we may finish early)
We will have some tools in short supply, if you are able to attend and can bring a wheelbarrow and/or shovel and/or pitchfork, that is helpful but not required. Bring a water bottle and lunch, dress for the weather – close toe shoes please. Light snacks provided.
We have other jobs as well: endless amounts of horsetail to pluck, walkways to weed and rake smooth, watering. There’s something for everyone :)
Many thanks for supporting our community garden!
The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park, Graham/Lanham. It will be at the heart of the annual West Seattle Bee Festival on May 18!
You might know the Southwest Seattle Historical Society best for its headquarters at the historic Log House Museum on Alki – but that’s just part of its work, as you can learn while supporting SWSHS via its gala and/or online auction in the weeks ahead. Here’s what to know:
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. It is also a year that coincides with significant anniversaries including its founding (1984), the building of the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead (1904), and the ten-year anniversary of the installation of the Belvedere/Admiral Viewpoint replica Totem Pole at the Log House Museum at Alki Beach (2014).
As the historical society commemorates these anniversaries, and begins work on new strategic goals, it is branding the annual Spring Gala and Online Auction on May 3 as Navigating Our Past, Anew. The organization will announce new initiatives, including updating signage for the Totem Pole to provide more complete historical context (Totem Poles are not representative of Coast Salish art traditions and the one at the museum is in fact a replica of an earlier pole and was carved by non-indigenous artists).
The Historical Society will also be announcing a new project to develop an interactive, permanent exhibit on the history of the Duwamish Peninsula at the Log House Museum, made possible from a grant from the newly established Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit timeline coincides with the organization’s three-year strategic plan adopted earlier this year.
Guest speakers for the event represent community partners that are integral to both projects and include Alex Gradwohl, Program Director, Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Kristina Pearson, Director, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.
The event includes food, a cash bar, and an exciting live auction featuring priceless experiences, including a chance to custom paint a traffic signal box with Desmond Hansen Art, a private tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman, and more.
In addition to the May 3 Gala, the organization is hosting an online auction from April 29 through May 2. The auction includes unique West Seattle experiences, local services, art, and gift certificates to local businesses. This year, the historical society is also auctioning numerous unique vacation rentals including a three-night stay at a luxury ranch outside Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley, Montana.
Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased online at loghousemuseum.org, which is also where you can register for the online auction, free.
The gala is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).
P.S. You can also learn more about the SWSHS and its work right now in the spotlight display at HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (41st/Alaska; WSB sponsor) – visit before next Tuesday afternoon and you can register for a drawing for two tickets to the gala!
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