November 2021

New Junction Exec. Director Chris Mackay brings business savvy and compassion to the job

By Patrick Robinson

Christine Mackay has been the new Executive Director of the West Seattle Junction Association for only a few days and her background suggests that after she gets acclimated she will bring her deep business experience and big heart to the role. 

But getting acquainted with all the people, organizations, programs and events is at the top of the agenda.

A 25 year West Seattle resident Mackay was the co-founder of a travel organization called Crooked Trails which began as a for profit agency but later evolved into a non profit that promoted the idea that travel could be thoughtful, and responsible. Over time Crooked Trails became a resource and consulting group for community based projects from building schools to meeting halls in such places as small villages in Nepal, Kenya, Thailand, and Peru.

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SDOT:West Seattle Bridge community engagement helps shape the program

information from Seattle Department of Transportation

by Ethan Bancroft on November 18, 2021

    Earlier this year, we held 10 focus groups and more than 60 one-on-one conversations with community members from West Seattle and the greater Duwamish Valley.

    These discussions with residents and businesses in West Seattle, South Park, and Georgetown have been summarized in a “What We Heard: West Seattle Bridge Program Community and Business Outreach Summary.” This report highlights the themes we have heard and lays out what we have done to address communities’ concerns, as well as our next steps.

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    How to care for a living Christmas Tree

    This is the sixth n a series of columns prepared by the staff at the award winning West Seattle Nursery.  The Nursery is open for shopping, following COVID guidelines and they offer an array of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, garden supplies, decor and gift items. They are located at 5275 California Ave SW and you can find them online at https://www.westseattlenursery.com

     

    If you’d like an alternative to a cut or an artificial holiday tree, a living tree might be a good option. Before you buy, think ahead. Where will you want to plant the tree in spring? When you know where it will go, choose a conifer that will work well in that spot.

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    Pat's View: Too much politics

    By Patrick Robinson

    Over the last decade or so, and perhaps longer, and certainly since the rise of social media, we’ve all seen something insidious taking place and frankly, with our explicit permission.

    We’ve seen politics, at all levels become the center of too much attention, too much angry conversation.

    We’ve politicized seemingly everything from sports to healthcare. Every aspect of life is now apparently the topic of a political debate.

    This isn’t a paean to how good it used to be. More of a wake up call to do a bit more self examination. 

    There has always been a group of people for whom politics is life. Shaped by a variety of factors they bring something else to the matter. Passion.

    These people are party activists, precinct chairs, active fundraisers and door knockers. They believe.

    However, that’s not a large number. Most people won’t put their body where their brain is.

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    Keeping Track: Where area sports stars meet their future

    By Tim Clinton

    SPORTS EDITOR

     

    huard
    Kennedy Catholic graduate Sam Huard (7) gets set to hand the ball off during Saturday's game against Arizona State.
    Photo by Chelle

     

    Huard gets into third game

    Kennedy Catholic graduate Sam Huard got into his third game of the season for the University of Washington football team Saturday, completing three of five passes for 20 yards in a 35-30 loss to Arizona State in brief appearances.

    The strong-armed lefty will likely only play in one more game as a true freshman to preserve his redshirt season of eligibility.

    Smalls makes a big recovery

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    Don't stay in your bubble, meet Matt Brown's bubbles instead

    So many people have grown accustomed to staying inside, keeping to themselves, and avoiding contact the past two years, that some social graces may have grown rusty. 

    Meet Matt Brown.

    He is Project Manager for the well known STS Construction in West Seattle and says they are extremely busy. "I'm working on a bunch of projects right now," he said, So his free time is at a premium. 

    How does he spend it? Pretty often for the last eight months he's found himself making giant soap bubbles.

    He goes to Gasworks Park on Lake Union or along Beach Drive in West Seattle where he knows he's bound to encounter people.

    "I just love meeting people and seeing their reactions," he said. 

    The longest lasting bubble he's seen was still going across the water when he lost sight of it so they are amazingly durable sometimes.

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    South Seattle College Student Life Pantry offering free Thanksgiving fixings

    The South Seattle College Student Life Food Pantry is teaming up with the @WSFoodBank to offer free groceries for the holidays. On Nov. 20 from 10-2, drive through the north parking lot at 6000 16th Ave SW for free turkey and fixings while supplies last.

    • Get a FREE turkey and a box of produce/dairy, or turkey and sides.
    • Maximum 2 families per car. Each family must be present & show proof of address.
    • Masks required. Must remain in your car.

    Program is available to students, faculty, staff, and the
    community. Limited numbers, so arrive early.

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    Sportswatch: Sporting events worth keeping an eye on

    By Tim Clinton

    SPORTS EDITOR

     

    High schools

    Volleyball

    Mount Rainier and Kennedy Catholic both open Class 4A state tournament action with a pair of matches Friday at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome.

    The Rams start their day bright and early, battling Wenatchee at 8:45 a.m.

    That is match No. 1 on the schedule, while Kennedy Catholic drew top-rated Bothell in match No. 8 at 12:30 p.m.

    Teams play second matches in the evening starting at 5:45 p.m. win or lose.

    Placement matches take place Saturday.

    Pros

    Seahawks

    The high-flying Arizona Cardinals come to Lumen Field to play Seattle in a 1:25 p.m. National Football League game Sunday.

    Channel 13 will televise the action live.

    Sounders

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    Sports Roundup: Lancers, Rams slam way to state

    By Tim Clinton

    SPORTS EDITOR

    Marathon five set matches were the order of the day as Kennedy Catholic and Mount Rainier dug, set and spiked their way to state Thursday.

    The No. 8-seeded Lancers qualified for the state Class 4A volleyball tournament with a 3-2 victory over No. 1-seeded Emerald Ridge to open District 3/4 action.

    Mount Rainier took over the Curtis High School gymnasium floor after that and followed suit, defeating Rogers by a 3-2 score to also clinch a state tournament berth.

    Mount Rainier of Des Moines missed an earlier opportunity to qualify for state, losing to Olympia, 3-1.

    State runs Nov. 19-20 at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome.

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