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READER REPORT: Troop 282’s first Court of Honor since pre-pandemic

Thanks to Jay Brock for sending the report and photo:

(Photo by Mike Grueter)

BSA Scout Troop 282 held their triannual Court of Honor at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. This ceremony recognizes the efforts that the Scouts put into their training with promotions to the next ranking, badges, and other awards. Eleven merit badges were awarded, and five Scouts received their next rank. Three of those Scouts: Jeremy Beebe (not pictured), James Brock, and Asher Morgan, were recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Rank is the highest rank a Scout can earn and only about 4% of scouts nationwide achieve it. Troop 282 has a storied history of shattering that percentage.

This Court of Honor was special for the Troop as it was the first one held in person in over a year. The 25 Scouts, friends, and parents at the park for the occasion were also entertained by skits, songs, and jokes from the patrols of Troop 282. Elliot, the Master of Ceremonies for this Court of Honor, did a wonderful job hosting the evening.

Troop 282 is looking forward to transitioning away from online meetings and focusing on the OUT in Scouting. Plans for the summer include summer camp at Camp Parsons, skills hikes to welcome our newest scouts, and hiking/biking outings for the patrols. Troop 282 will be meeting every Tuesday in June at 7:30 pm at the south end of Lincoln Park, and is open to all boys and girls. Feel free to join us for a new experience in Scouting!

If you have a boy or girl interested in joining Troop 282 or Scouting, go here.

GRATITUDE: Heartening demonstration at Alki Beach

The photo is courtesy of Charlotte, an Alki resident who wanted to publicly thank the Westside School (WSB sponsor) students who waved signs during that demonstration at the beach today. “It was refreshing to see the promotion of civility articulated from this diverse representation of the next generation,” she said. “I like to think they get it. They gave many local residents a lift this afternoon. I spoke with the group and the students came up with the idea at Westside School because they felt the message just needed to get out. We’d like to thank them.”

CONGRATULATIONS! Native Action Network award for local educator Boo Balkan Foster

The Native Action Network has presented its Enduring Spirit Award to Boo Balkan Foster, the šəqačib teacher at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School. From the announcement on the Seattle Public Schools website:

… Award recipients are honored for their lifetime commitment to building strong, healthy Native communities and intergenerational connection.

Leaders like Boo have advocated powerfully for environmental protections, access to quality education, holistic health and wellness, cultural preservation, traditional knowledge, tribal sovereignty, strengthening of treaty rights, tribal economic development, and beyond.

Boo is the šəqačib teacher at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School. Boo designed the framework of šəqačib, a class promoting school engagement and academic progress in a culturally sensitive environment for Native youth, to empower her students by centering student voice. The success of Boo’s first course paved the way for more offerings in SPS.

She also piloted curriculum for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, resulting in shifts to align learning levels for high school students. A fierce advocate, Boo is steadfast in demanding Native students have a voice in decision-making.

“It is humbling to be recognized with the current and past leaders of the Enduring Spirit Award,” Boo said. “I am an awe of their dedication, strength, and brilliance. I am honored to be called teacher by students whose wisdom and perseverance inspire me every day. It is a privilege to continue the work of those upon whose shoulders I stand.”

As part of her recognition, Boo was presented with the Inheritance Blanket created by Native artist Sarah Agaton Howes, which pays homage to an Anishinaabe tradition, where the Bear Clan are known as carriers of medicine.

Boo was nominated by fellow SPS staff member Amy Markishtum.

“I have had the privilege of watching Boo from the beginning of her teaching career where we worked together until now, 26 years later, and the impact she has had on her students and families.,” Amy said. “She not only sees them as individuals, but she also sees their potential and helps them to be the best they can be. She inspires them. She has a high bar of expectations for them, and her students rise to her expectations. She is not only their biggest fan, but she will also advocate for them as they navigate middle and high school.”

Native Action Network is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.

(Photo by Melissa Ponder for Native Action Network)

PRIDE MONTH: White Center flag-raising at Delridge/Roxbury

(WSB photos)

This is Pride Month, and the White Center Pride Flag is flying high at Delridge/Roxbury. We were there for tonight’s ceremony – also a flag-swapping; new flags replaced the worn American and Pride flags that had been atop the flagpole just south of Mac’s Triangle Pub.

After the flags were hoisted, decorations closer to ground level went up too.

Watch here for events – tonight for example, Pride Skate starts at 8:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink.

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle’s Adonis Williams wins Changemaker Challenge

West Seattle High School junior Adonis Williams, an activist for much of his young life, has won a national award from Students Rebuild, in the “Changemaker Challenge.” From the announcement:

As the Challenge closes on June 4th — the culmination of a nine-month process that brought together students from 55 countries and all 50 states — Students Rebuild has selected six changemakers to honor for their community-change efforts, including Adonis. Each award recipient will receive $1,000 to further their efforts.

Adonis Williams is a high school junior, artist and activist. At the age of 12, Adonis was one of eight young people who, in partnership with Our Children’s Trust, sued the Washington State Department of Ecology for failing to adequately protect them and future generations from the effect of climate change. Since then, he has remained deeply involved in environmental activist work across various organizations in the Puget Sound region, including Greenpeace, Seattle Tilth, and Plant for the Planet.

Adonis dearly appreciates the world’s life support systems and the ecology of the natural world around him — and takes every chance he gets to appreciate the beauty of mother earth, which fuels his activism.

(Students Rebuild, which provided the photo, is part of the Bezos Family Foundation.) The Changemaker Challenge awards for middle- and high-school students, including Adonis, will be presented in an online ceremony at 11 am Friday; you can watch by RSVPing here.

RETURNING: Lou Cutler’s Make-A-Wish laps at Pathfinder K-8, pandemic-modified 2021 plan

(WSB photo from 2018 Laps With Lou)

It’s been a June tradition for almost two decades – now-retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler raising money for Make-A-Wish by running/walking around the school’s field, one lap for every year of the age he’ll be on his late-June birthday. Last year, with campuses closed for the pandemic, Lou instead walked “one big lap” around West Seattle with a few supporters. This year, students are back at Pathfinder, so Lou will be back, but in a modified manner – laps on two days, June 8th and June 10th. Lou says this is the plan:

To avoid having multiple classes on the field at one time, the solution was to have me walk two laps with one classroom at a time and rotate in new classrooms every 15 minutes. Since each classroom is divided into morning and afternoon sessions, there would be 35 different groups coming to walk two laps each with me, which amazingly would be 70 laps, my upcoming age.

The days of the walk will be June 8th and June 10th and we will start at 8 AM.

I will end up doing the equivalent of a half marathon over these two days, as I will walk extra laps with teachers to reach 13.1 miles … I will complete the marathon walk on my official 70th birthday on Friday, June 25th. I will start at Pathfinder and depart at 10 AM and be joined by MAW volunteers and staff and any friends who want to come along for a great walk and cause.

This will be the 18th year of the MAW event, and thus far, we have raised $81,228 and naturally would love to raise the total significantly this year.

Lou’s also made a priceless contribution to Make-A-Wish with a quarter-century of volunteer work. You can donate/pledge right now by going here.

BIZNOTE: Youngstown Coffee, HeartBeet Café expanding space + organizing Morgan Junction Pride Parade

Two notes from Youngstown Coffee Company and HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Café in Morgan Junction (6032 California SW) – first, proprietors Autumn Lovewell and Monica Colgan are expanding their space:

Starting Friday, June 4th, Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Cafe will have seating open next door. We are excited to have space for you to meet a friend for coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Or bring your family for a nutritious meal from HeartBeet. And since we’re headed for warmer weather, don’t forget to take advantage of our outdoor patio tables under the shade.

Coming soon in our new space, we will be selling very cool Youngstown merchandise and feature even more local retailers and artwork crafted by LGBTQ- and BIPOC-owned small businesses.

And down the road when more of us are vaccinated, get excited for community events and the ability to rent out our small space for your event.

Here we are a year later and super excited to celebrate by inviting more of you in to our little space here in the Morgan Junction. Thank you for your continued support! Together we will be radical in our work toward a more just and kind world.

The expansion space formerly held Sound Fitness. Meantime, if you haven’t already seen this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, Youngstown and HeartBeet are presenting a Pride Parade in Morgan Junction on Friday, June 11th:

Bring your family and meet up with your friends for a safe outdoor parade-walk around Morgan Junction. Wear your festive Pride gear and bring supportive signs for our transgender youth.

-Skates, bikes, strollers, and dogs welcome
-Outdoor event rain or shine
-Free Pride goodies and samples
-Lady Jane DJ
-Pride specials with proceeds benefiting Lambert House in Seattle

The route starts at Morgan Junction Park at 5 pm, heads north on California Ave, crosses the street at Findlay, comes around back down and ends at Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Cafe, where there will be free Pride goodies for kids, specials on drinks, and music.

The park is in the 6400 block of California SW.

Senior Center of West Seattle membership campaign: ‘Bring a Friend’

May 20, 2021 5:10 pm
|    Comments Off on Senior Center of West Seattle membership campaign: ‘Bring a Friend’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

As the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) offers more in-person programs, they’re also offering a membership deal – free for first-time members who join while a friend is renewing. Here’s the announcement:

The Senior Center of West Seattle is promoting a new “Bring a Friend” membership campaign. Thanks to a matching gift of $5,000 from West Seattle Realty, first-time members will have their $50 membership fee covered for the first year when joining with a current member who renews.

Only available during May and June, this membership option is open to the first 100 new members. To sign up a friend, stop by the Senior Center or call 206-932-4044 ext 1.

The Senior Center is also adding more in-person programs beginning this month. Classes and activities offered on-site include art class, a writers group, Qigong, a quilters group, computer help, and weekly movies. Advance registration is required for all in-person classes and activities. Throughout the pandemic, we have been providing meal delivery, social worker outreach, counseling, vaccine assistance, on-site specialty services like foot care and dental hygiene and a variety of virtual programs.

(West Seattle Realty is a longtime WSB sponsor.)

UPDATE: Missing woman found

UPDATE: The missing woman has been found safe, her family reports.

EARLIER:

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Tomorrow is Neighbor Day. Here are 6 West Seattle examples of neighborliness

Saturday (May 8th) is Neighbor Day in Seattle. No major events again this year, but to get you into the spirit, the Department of Neighborhoods has published a list of neighbors around the city who were nominated for a special spotlight – the department “asked the community to submit nominations for people, businesses, and organizations who went above and beyond to help and support their friends and neighbors.” The West Seattle neighbors who are included on the list are:

Odetta Owen Boudreau, for the food-pickup program at Highland Park Improvement Club
Joe Wadden, who picks up trash while out for walks
Ella McRae, community builder for Seattle Housing Authority in High Point
Circa in The Admiral District, community-spirited restaurant
Lori Kothe for creating Poogooder
Jeff Daley, nicknamed ‘Mayor of Gatewood’

Read more about them and the others spotlighted from around the city by going here. And then you’re invited to celebrate Neighbor Day “by indulging in random acts of kindness.”

West Seattle Chamber of Commerce hires Whitney Moore as new executive director

May 3, 2021 5:35 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Chamber of Commerce hires Whitney Moore as new executive director
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director, Whitney Moore. It’s been nine months since the Chamber announced the departure of Julia Jordan, who had held the title of CEO as had her predecessors. Moore most recently worked as marketing/programs leader for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce; she is a West Seattle resident. In its announcement, the Chamber says Moore brings “talents in community engagement, leadership, innovation, and a passion for small businesses” as well as “many years of leadership, communications, event planning, and strategic marketing experience.” Moote is quoted as saying, “I plan on addressing the most pressing threats to our business community and continue working toward sustainable economic recovery and growth.” She’ll be part of this year’s online edition of the Westside Awards event, 7:30 am Tuesday, May 18th, with tickets now available.

FOLLOWUP: For those wondering about memorial plans for Lou Magor

Almost two weeks have gone by since word that Lou Magor had died. Comments on our April 16th story included photos and memories from many whose lives he had touched and enriched, not only in his role running Kenyon Hall, but also as a performer and teacher. We promised to let you know when we heard of memorial plans, Here’s the first word we’ve received, from Pastor Paul Corner of Wallingford United Methodist Church, where Mr. Magor served as music director,

We at Wallingford United Methodist Church were discussing how best to remember Lou, and we thought his life was too big to try to do a comprehensive celebration of his life in a short amount of time that would include all the various communities which he was such a vital part of. (Tilden, Kindermusik, Kenyon Hall, Bach Choir, the Total Experience Gospel Choir, and others.) We also know that singing (and a lot of it) will need to be as part of that more complete celebration.

Because of COVID and the amount of planning that will be involved, that wider-focused celebration will need to wait a few months when it will be safe to gather in person and sing, but we are looking forward to working with those communities to that end. We do not have any date in mind as of yet, as that will need to be worked out with all these groups.

In the meantime, since Lou was our Music Director for 30 years, our church community has decided to have an online memorial service for him on Saturday, May 15, at 11 am that will focus more specifically on his life in our community. It will be on our church YouTube page, with a “coffee hour” to follow on Zoom. (This is the format we have been using for worship all through the pandemic.). As with our Sunday morning services, all are welcome to it.

The coalition with which Mr. Magor operated Kenyon Hall, Seattle Artists, has a tribute and biography on the hall’s website. Regarding the hall’s future, they note, “Even as we mourn the loss of a truly elegant musician who was our great friend, leader, and mentor, we dedicate ourselves to the task of moving forward as an organization with thoughtfulness, care, and joy. It will be difficult without him, but we will work especially hard to share his legacy and bring back as much joy as possible.”

FOLLOWUP: Beach Drive crash victim identified as retired fire captain

(WSB photo, Friday)

Two days after a collision on Beach Drive killed a scooter rider, he has been publicly identified as a retired Kirkland Fire Department captain. The Kirkland Firefighters union posted this:

Your Kirkland Firefighters are so sad to announce the sudden and tragic passing of one of our own. Retired Captain Keith Adams was killed [Friday] in a motor vehicle accident in West Seattle. Captain Adams served the citizens of Kirkland for 37 years until his retirement in May of 2018. It isn’t possible to capture how we are all feeling at this moment, but we can say that we are grateful to have known Captain Adams and his family. Please say a prayer for his wife and three daughters who are now struggling to figure out how to move forward without their husband and father. The family requests privacy at this time. Captain Adams loved his career of service to this community and it only felt appropriate to tell you of his passing.

(In addition to that announcement, we have separate confirmation of the crash victim’s identity.) Police say he was riding northbound on Beach Drive in the Me-Kwa-Mooks vicinity when a driver parked on the east side of the street pulled out into his path to attempt a U-turn. The online case record does not yet show whether that driver has been or will be cited.

ADDED MONDAY: From Mr. Adams’ family: “In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Medic One Foundation. Donations can be made here: mediconefoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate-online.”

SHOW YOUR COMMUNITY LOVE: Rainbow flags up for adoption again in The Junction

(WSB photo, June 2020)

Again this year, the West Seattle Junction Association is offering you the opportunity to adopt a rainbow flag – they’ll be flying in The Junction during the weekend of June 26th-27th. Here’s the announcement:

We need love and support more than ever. Show your pride and love for all by adopting a beautiful 3′ x 5′ rainbow flag to fly the weekend of June 26th and 27th. Even though Pride is still up in the air due to the pandemic, we can still show our support for all humankind.

This project was started in 2019, and due to the outpouring of love, the Junction has now adopted this programming into part of the yearly events. In 2021, you’ll be proudly flying your 60 rainbow flags all along California Ave!

It’s an exciting and supportive project and we want you to be a part of the party. The rainbow flag program is a fundraiser for the West Seattle Junction, a nonprofit serving your community.

You can also volunteer to place and remove the rainbow flags in the Junction. You’ll receive a special 6″ x 8″ flag you’ll be placing on the Junction flag that is placed at the (Walk All Ways intersection).

This is the third year for the flag-adoption program. The adoption form includes info on the adoptions/messages sent in so far (including ours).

Southwest Athletic Complex to be renamed in honor of Nino Cantu

Two and a half years after the untimely death of Southwest Athletic Complex grounds/event manager Nino Cantu, a long-sought tribute is close to reality. At last night’s Seattle School Board meeting, a proposal to rename SWAC in his honor was formally introduced. The board heard from Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark and Mr. Cantu’s longtime friend, Denny/Sealth kitchen and loading-dock manager Doree Fazio-Young (the video below should start at the beginning of the meeting presentation, but if not, it’s 4 hours, 21 minutes, 32 seconds in):

As she had during a tribute to Mr. Cantu shortly after his death in October 2018, Fazio-Young spoke of not only his achievements but also his warmth – “he was everybody’s best friend.” Here’s the agenda document with background on the proposal, which was circulated among the Denny IMS and Chief Sealth IHS communities last fall:

After last night’s introduction, the next step is for formal School Board approval April 7th. Then, a sign for the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex will be created and installed, and a community celebration will be planned for halftime at a Chief Sealth football game in the fall.

ALSO TODAY: West Seattle student organizes Kids vs. Racism rally

Thanks to the person who just sent a tip on this: Not in West Seattle, but not far, and someone local is making it happen – Seneca Nguyễn, a 10-year-old student from Louisa Boren STEM K-8, has organized a Kids vs Racism rally to show support for the Asian American Pacific Islander community, noon-1 pm at Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave. S.). The event is featured in a long regional list of AAPI-supporting community resources and events published by the South Seattle Emerald.

CONGRATULATIONS! Judi Yazzolino retiring from key West Seattle Food Bank role

From kids holding door-to-door neighborhood food drives, to businesses with donation barrels, to attendees at benefit galas, so many people in the community support the West Seattle Food Bank. Someone who has for years helped organize that support – and much more – is saying goodbye. Here’s the WSFB announcement:

The West Seattle Food Bank staff and board of directors congratulate Judi Yazzolino on her retirement on April 1st. Her passion and commitment for our community has been a catalyst in building strong community support for the West Seattle Food Bank.

A longtime West Seattle resident, Judi joined the WSFB in 2013 to share her expertise gained in a career in media sales and marketing. In her role as the food bank’s Development Director, Judi excelled in creating awareness of the West Seattle Food Bank’s mission and vision.

“I have been so excited and grateful to be able to share my knowledge with the WSFB and give back to my community for the last 8 years. It has been a joy,” Judi shares.

She became a key communicator for the food bank’s programs and the people we serve. Judi developed lasting relationships with our many donors and the business community. As a result of Judi’s fundraising, marketing and branding, the food bank raised its profile in the community achieving significant growth.

Judi’s accomplishments are broad and expansive. Her achievements are the result of the wonderful relationships she’s built and the gratitude she shows in return.

· Instruments of Change, A Grand Affair, and Taste of West Seattle rely on engagement for the cause to secure sponsorships for hosting, business owners to donate, media to spread the word, as well as donors to attend.

· Presence in community events relies on strong relationships with association leaders’ who are key to creating community awareness.

· Food drives are the result of communicating the realness of food insecurity in our community and building relationships with individuals, grocers, civic groups and small and large businesses to fight in the cause. Success relies on communicating and providing hosts and volunteers with critical information and materials to help them in their outreach.

You’ll still see Judi around West Seattle, patronizing her favorite retail & restaurants or walking her dog through the parks or neighborhoods. Judi will remain as a board member with the West Seattle Junction Association until they kick her off!

Judi’s retirement is bittersweet for the West Seattle Food Bank. We are sad to see her go but happy that she will be able to travel, ski and spend more time with her loved ones. The best to you always! In gratitude.

COOKIE COUNTDOWN: West Seattle Girl Scouts’ final sales pitch

March 16, 2021 1:42 pm
|    Comments Off on COOKIE COUNTDOWN: West Seattle Girl Scouts’ final sales pitch
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

If you haven’t yet gotten your Girl Scout Cookies this year – you are almost out of time! This is the last week, local leaders point out. So one more reminder – you have three ways to buy cookies this year, as explained by the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website:

1. Cookie Connector – Free Delivery
Use our Cookie Connector tool to get FREE, contact-less delivery! Enter your zip code to get cookies delivered to your door by a local Girl Scout and their trusted adult.

2. Ask a Girl Scout – Delivery or Shipping
Support a Girl Scout in your life by buying cookies from them directly. Don’t know any Girl Scouts? Ask your personal or social media network – Girl Scouts are advertising their digital storefronts online.

3. Door Hangers – Delivery or Shipping
Local Girl Scouts are distributing physical order forms. Look for Girl Scout Cookie door hangers in your area and follow the instructions to place your order.

See the cookie varieties here.

We invited local Scouts/troops to share their direct links for cookie buyers – here’s who we heard from (each page has info on what the Scouts plan to do with their earnings, as well as a chance to buy cookies to donate if you don’t want them for yourself):

Troop 41169, raising money to paint a mural in The Junction – here’s their link

Troop 41169 member Akemi‘s link

Troop 44448 member Ava‘s link

Brownie troop 41534’s link

Troop 41534 member Sylvie‘s link

Troop 41843 member Asa’s link

Harper‘s link

Troop 43136 member the link for Olivia‘s link

Troop 43151 member Emma‘s link

Ella‘s link

Natalie’s link

GRATITUDE: Hoping to reward the kindness of Jake, Alex, and canine companion

From the WSB inbox:

TO: Jake, Alex & their German Shepherd Guardian – REWARD*

These are the stellar people who took the time to hear my pleas for someone with jumper cables to help, so I could drive what turned out to be my battery-dead car to an appointment 9 minutes away, with only 20 minutes to spare!

GOOD SAMARITANS
After Jake ran 3 blocks to drive his car to Alaska Junction, and had tried two different methods to give my car a jump, we realized it was useless. With polite caution, he said, “I don’t know how you would feel agreeing, but I am willing to drive you.”

Without hesitation, and a good deal of relief, I eagerly nodded yes, and off we went. I arrived at the vaccination tent on Thistle on the dot of my assigned time. Double YES!

So to JAKE, ALEX and their COMPANION, t h a n k y o u , for stopping and offering me a hand. I got a free Lyft home, thanks to the county; and my car will be running for my follow-up vaccination, March 18th!

A Very Grateful Neighbor,
Janette Brown

* PS – I have called Husky Deli and arranged a $20 credit for the two humans of your party to go get grilled sandwiches there. I am partial to their veggie option, with yellow mustard & sauerkraut; but you can use the credit for anything from savory to chocolate or homemade ice cream! ; > DO BRING YOUR DOG with, and identify yourselves as THE GOOD SAMARITANS who helped Janette Brown!

LAST CALL: Who do you think should win the 2021 Westside Awards?

Just a few days left to get your nomination(s) in for this year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Here’s the original announcement, explaining this year’s focus:

Every year in the Spring, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce gathers to celebrate four categories of businesses, individuals and non-profits that have made notable contributions to the West Seattle business community.

This Spring, the Chamber recognizes that 2020 was an incredibly difficult time for businesses and individuals alike. For that reason, we are changing our annual Westside Awards business-nomination process to honor stories of hope and perseverance in 2020!

At a time when individuals may not have the job, home, or food security they deserve, and when businesses have been forced – through legislation or circumstance – to close doors, there are uplifting stories of those who soldiered on, to help others and to help support their West Seattle community.

Businesses and individuals are thinking outside the box, tightening their belts, and acknowledging that now is not the time for “business as usual.” These businesses and individuals deserve our recognition.

If you know of a business, non-profit, or individual that deserves recognition for personal or business actions taken in 2020, please let us know by filling out a nomination form. Click this link to take you to the form site.

Monday (March 15) is the nomination deadline. Last year’s winners are listed here.

CONGRATULATIONS! Statewide award for West Seattleite Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales

Along with direct action to save endangered orcas, education is key. A West Seattle resident who specializes in that – as well as research – has just been honored with a statewide award. Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales has received the Outreach Award from the Washington chapter of The Wildlife Society. From the organization’s announcement, prepared for an upcoming edition of its newsletter:

Since 2000, Jeff Hogan has dedicated himself to Killer Whale Tales. Jeff had an idea that would pull together his Orca research experience with theatrical storytelling, science, and childhood education. His decision to put everything on the line to start a nonprofit is indicative of just how committed he is to ensure that the next generation understands the way consumer behaviors impact the environment, and also that science is cool!

For the first 10 years of the program’s existence, Jeff ran the program, creating and updating the program materials, delivering the program, fundraising, analyzing data, accounting, marketing, and scheduling almost entirely by himself. More recently, as the program has evolved to include more-robust data reporting and communications, Jeff has been able to rely on board members to help with some of the back-end functions, but the program materials, delivery, relationship building with teachers / researchers / major funders / other similar organizations still falls mainly on Jeff’s shoulders.

He has brought engaging environmental education to 125,000 elementary school students throughout the West Coast and Canada, and over 60,000 students have completed and returned “Kids Making a Difference Now” conservation worksheets, meaning they have taken action at home to reduce their family’s environmental footprint and help the whales. Jeff has continuously been the driving force in this nonprofit and has sacrificed personally to keep it going.

Jeff has some kind of a magical presence that inspires everyone he meets to take interest in the Southern Resident killer whales, science, and/or the environment. It is truly a remarkable talent that very few others possess. Killer Whale Tales have now converted over to online learning due to the pandemic and as odd as it may sound, it has opened up a whole new set of opportunities. Jeff is now working with children and families across the globe – from India, to the UK, and up and down the eastern seaboard of the U.S., he has “pods” of young future scientists sprouting up all across the planet!

Jeff also is a researcher. He co-authored recently published research showing that vessel noise interrupts Southern Resident Killer Whales’ feeding, especially females. Vessel noise is a major focus for advocates trying to increase the chances of saving the endangered orcas from extinction.

P.S. Killer Whale Tales is a nonprofit; here’s how to support its work.

WEST SEATTLE SCOUTING: Troop 284’s weekend welcome

West Seattle’s Troop 284 had reason to celebrate this past Saturday. The photos and report are from Eric Linxweiler:

Troop 284 (founded 105 years ago, the oldest in the region) welcomed new Cub Scouts into Scouting BSA. This includes two new young ladies, who continue leading the way for women in scouting. All scouts entered in at the top rank of Cub Scouting as well (Arrow of Light).

Katie Miller (top right in photo above) served as their den leader for all five years they were at Pack 284. We are very excited to continue to prepare our scouts and eager to get outside for fun again.

The photos are in small groups, Eric explains, because they had the new members and their families arrive at staggered times for safe distancing.

The troop then had its regular meeting via conference call last night.

MISSING: David and Izzy – UPDATE, FOUND

7:38 PM UPDATE: David and Izzy are safe; they got “stuck in the mountains” and just now were able to call out.

Earlier:
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