February 2016

Now in its fourth decade, Seattle Tilth offers the Master Composter / Soil Builder program in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities to train community members to become compost educators -- and climate change heroes! Compost reduces global warming, storm water pollution and food waste while building healthy soil and growing healthy plants.



A diverse team of community volunteers participates in 28 hours of classroom learning, hands-on practice and field trips. Learn how to compost while learning about soil science, natural yard care and recycling.

Training includes eight sessions during four weeks starting on Tuesday, March 22 in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood (4649 Sunnyside Ave N).

After the training, each Master Composter contributes 35 hours of volunteer outreach, teaching practical techniques to other community members throughout the city. Volunteers work on projects of their own choosing – at schools, churches, community centers, businesses and community gardens.

Food waste is such a problem that the City of Seattle prohibits food waste from going in the garbage.    



By Katy Wilkens

Most canned, boxed or commercial soups share one trait: they are full of unhealthy salt, which raises blood pressure, causes you to retain fluid, stresses arteries and can lead to kidney failure.

But there’s a fun alternative: fast, easy soups you pack in a jar to travel bravely from home to work, or anywhere you need a good meal. Add ingredients in layers, putting wetter foods at the bottom. When it’s time to eat, add boiling water. At work, use a coffee maker or a microwave. If you’re traveling, carry a Thermos of hot water, or ask a barista or flight attendant to fill your jar.

It’s time-efficient if you pack several jar soups at once, but they don’t have to be all the same. Have multiple proteins, change the veggies, or use precooked pasta or rice instead of noodles. Choose ingredients that are precooked or will cook quickly.

Use wide-mouthed, one-pint glass Mason jars. Take off the metal lid, and the jars are happy being heated in a microwave, or having boiling water poured in them. Pack several soup jars, and you are set for a few busy days.

Try these ideas:

by Lindsay Peyton

Musician Tom Collier didn’t have to look far when searching for inspiration for his newest album.

He simply thought back on his childhood in West Seattle. Soon tracks named after the neighborhood began to take shape, including “The Junction,” “Genesee,” “Fauntleroy Mist” and “The Admirals’ Point of View.”

He completed the album “Across the Bridge” and released it at the end of last year.

Collier had a wide expanse of memories to draw from – and many of the recollections of his early years included music.

He started playing music at 4 years old. His parents were both musicians; Ward played trumpet and Ethel was a talented pianist.

The couple had read somewhere that playing percussion was a good way for boys to release energy.

“They didn’t want to buy me a drum, so they got me a xylophone,” Collier said.

By Pat Cashman

While watching a new episode of “Better Call Saul” the other night, I recognized a guest actor immediately. Why wouldn’t I? I once gave him a ride to the airport.

More on that later in this column. (In TV news they call this a “tease.”)
Meanwhile, it seems that everybody can lay claim to some brush with celebrity.

My brother insists he’s met several U.S. presidents—among them, Reagan and Clinton. Of course, he doesn’t have any photographic proof of those encounters—but he does have a snapshot where he appears to be eating a hot dog with Calvin Coolidge.

My mother used to regale me with stories of how she used to play tennis with the singer
Andy Williams growing up in Chicago. “He even sang to me one time,” she’d say swooningly. For some reason my dad didn’t much care for the guy.

Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

Location: Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon Street)

Mayor Murray has proposed to replace and expand the Seattle Housing Levy, which is expiring at the end of the year. This local investment has successfully created and preserved over 12,500 affordable homes throughout the city in the last 35 years. Join City staff and your neighbors to learn about the Housing Levy and share your thoughts.

· What has the Levy Done?

· What is proposed and why?

· What have we learned?

· What are your priorities?

More info at: www.seattle.gov/housing/levy

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

West Seattle had someone else take out their frustrations on it in a big way Friday afternoon.

Rainier Beach, which has been ranked in the top two among Class 3A boys basketball teams all season, was coming off an upset loss at the hands of O'Dea three days earlier and proceeded to pound the Wildcats by a 71-40 score at Bellevue College.

The loser-out Sea-King District 2 tournament game was vastly different from the previous meeting between West Seattle and Rainier Beach.

The Wildcats only lost to the Vikings by a 67-57 score in a Metro League tournament contest Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Rainier Beach survived to go on and play for the Sea-King District's fifth and final berth into the regional level of the state tournament at 3 p.m. Saturday, also at Bellevue College (formerly known as Bellevue Community College).

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

Thursday, Feb. 18
Girls basketball
Bellevue 58, West Seattle 50
The Wildcats went up against a tough Bellevue team Thursday and took an eight-point loss in Sea-King District 2 tournament action at Bellevue College.
The loss was only the second of the year for West Seattle. whose overall record fell to 22-2.
West Seattle advances to play Mercer Island for the district's No. 3 and No. 4 berths to state at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, also at Bellevue College.
The Wildcats will then advance to state regional action at a location to be announced next week, playing for a berth into the state final eight tournament in the Tacoma Dome the following week.
Neah Bay 43, Seattle Lutheran 35
Seattle Lutheran lost a low-scoring game to Neah Bay at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Puyallup on Thursday, dropping the Saints into 10 a.m. Saturday game against Mount Rainier Lutheran at the Lummi Nation School to play for he Class 1B Tri-District No. 5 and No. 6 berths into state regional play.

Wednesday, Feb. 17
Boys basketball

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

Thursday, Feb. 18

Girls basketball
Bellevue 58, West Seattle 50
The Wildcats went up against a tough Bellevue team Thursday and took an eight-point loss in Sea-King District 2 tournament action at Bellevue College.
The loss was only the second of the year for West Seattle. whose overall record fell to 22-2.
West Seattle advances to play Mercer Island for the district's No. 3 and No. 4 berths to state at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, also at Bellevue College.
The Wildcats will then advance to state regional action at a location to be announced next week, playing for a berth into the state final eight tournament in the Tacoma Dome the following week.
Neah Bay 43, Seattle Lutheran 35
Seattle Lutheran lost a low-scoring game to Neah Bay at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Puyallup on Thursday, dropping the Saints into 10 a.m. Saturday game against Mount Rainier Lutheran at the Lummi Nation School to play for he Class 1B Tri-District No. 5 and No. 6 berths into state regional play.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

A male, described by King County Sheriff's as being in his late 30's or early 40's was found shot to death near the intersection of 9th Ave SW and SW 100th near White Center.

Deputies responded to a 911 call about a man lying in the road, and upon arrival It was apparent he had a gunshot wound. Medics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cindi West, Media Officer for the Sheriff said, "Neighbors told us they had heard at least one gun shot."

No suspects were seen and there is no further information at this time.

District 1 City Council member Lisa Herbold will soon be starting her District 1 office hours. Every other week she will be holding office hours from 12:00pm – 7:00pm; the in-district office will rotate to help best serve all communities in District 1.

In a note to those on her mailing list she said, "I’m still working on finalizing a schedule and locations, but I do know that my first office hours will be at the Southwest Neighborhood Service Center (2801 SW Thistle St) on March 4th from 12:00pm – 7:00pm.

I’m including evening hours for folks who want to stop by after work. These will be open office hours for anyone to stop by; additionally, you’re welcome to schedule a meeting with me through my scheduler, Alex Clardy. There likely will have to be adjustments as we move forward, but I’m eager to try this out and see what works and what does not. Your input is welcome!"

You can reach her at lisa.herbold@seattle.gov