December 11: Kids Self-Defense Class at Lee’s Martial Arts (http://www.lmawestseattle.com/), 2-4 p.m. This class is designed to inform and empower children ages 6-11 on the basics of self-defense. The class includes a highly rated film, role playing and physical self-defense skills. Material is presented in an age-appropriate way and is taught by Lisa Skvarla, chairwoman of American Women’s Self-Defense Advancement (http://www.awsda.org/), a national nonprofit educational organization, and a third-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Cost: $30 / advance registration and payment are required. (Please arrive 15 minutes early so the class can start on time.)
Contact: 206-938-3375 / LMAWestSeattle@aol.com / 3270-A California Ave. S.W.

Stop ‘N Shop Thrift Store Sales
4504 California Ave. S.W.
Dec. 9-12: 50% off last marked price on Christmas decorations.
Dec. 13: West Seattle Senior Center Members get 50% off on almost everything in the store.

Parents Nite Out - Rainbow Girls Babysitting Fundraiser
Friday, Dec. 9, 6-10 p.m. This evening for parents is for all school age children, so plan a special nite out or do some holiday shopping without the kids. Activities will include crafts, dinner, games and a movie. Cost: $20 for 1 child or $35 for 2 children. Limited space: a $10 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot. Info on location and reservations: Jan Hunter 206-849-7906 or janfernandezhunter@gmail.com. Rainbow gets girls ready for life! Check us out at www.nwrainbow.org.

Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Boutique
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave S.W.
Extended holiday hours - Saturdays, Dec. 10 & 17, 11-3 p.m. Regular weekly hours - Mon. - Fri., 10-3 p.m. We have a large selection of holiday clothes, decorations and gifts in addition to our usual wares of clothes, knick-knacks, collectables, etc. All proceeds support residents at the Mount.

4th Annual Highland Park Elementary Bazaar
1012 S.W. Trenton St.
December 10, 10-3 p.m. Also a bake sale, lunch for sale, and a huge raffle with donations from vendors and local businesses. Info at highlandparkbazaar@hotmail.com

Vendors Needed for Highland Park Elementary 4th Holiday Bazaar
1012 S.W. Trenton St.
December 10, 10-3 p.m. In addition to the Bazaar, there is a bake sale, lunch for sale and a Huge raffle with donations from vendors and local businesses. Vendors e-mail highlandparkbazaar@hotmail.com (no calls to the school).

Admiral UCC Presents 8th Annual “Admiral Sings Christmas”
Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ
4320 S.W. Hill St (at California Ave. S.W.)
www.admiralchurch.org
Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. with refreshments served 30 minutes before each performance. A festive community sing-along of favorite Christmas songs and carols, featuring Keith Terhune and Overton Berry with the Admiral Choir. Admission is free. Donations may be given to support the program. Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food banks.

Wonder Christmas Cantata
Fauntleroy Church
9140 California Ave. S.W.
December 11, 4 p.m. This world premier of a cantata by Fauntleroy Church Music Director Bronwyn Edwards features choir and insturments on the sanctuary performance stage. Carol sing and reception, as well. Free for all ages.

West Seattle Junction Holiday Events
Hometown Holiday Thursdays, Dec. 8, 15 & 22 many Junction Merchants are open ‘till 9 p.m. Pair with happy hour and you’ve got a great time!

Hometown Holidays Sundays,
Dec. 11 & 18, 11-3 p.m. come meet Santa and have a photo taken. City Mouse Studio & Store, 4812 S.W. Alaska St. A suggested donation of $15 or more will benefit West Seattle charities. Mule drawn carriage rides down California Ave. pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules, 11-3 p.m. Join us at Hometown Holiday Headquarters in front of Key Bank for festivities, fun for kids, and info on shopping, the Holiday Raffle, and neighborhood events, 11-4 p.m.

Farmers Night Market
Thursday, Dec. 22, 5-8 p.m. in the Junction Plaza Park. Here’s your final chance to gather truly farm fresh goodies for your holiday table, plus music, lights and warm, cozy treats.

League of Women Voters Open Meeting with West Seattle Elected Officials
The Kenney, Community Room
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Monday, Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m. The public is invited to join West Seattle members of the League of Women Voters to meet our neighbors who are local elected officials. Hear their thoughts on major issues facing our community. Opportunities for questions and informal conversations. Free.

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave. S.W.
206 937 7169
We still have holiday decorations and gifts and, best of all, they are 50% off marked price. Our Holiday Sparkle Clothing Event continues with a good selection of party wear to add to your festive look. All merchandise with pink tags is 50% off through Tuesday, December 20th. The American Cancer Society shop is now open Thursday evenings until 8:30 through Christmas, in addition to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. All other days 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will close at 3 p.m. for our own holiday party on Tuesday, October 13th.

Whitewater Swim Club Swim Team Try Outs
Evergreen Community Aquatics Center
606 S.W. 116th St.
206-296-4410
Any Weekday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. Try out for free with Coach C.G. or Coach Joel. Whitewater Aquatics offers professional instruction for swimmers from beginner to national levels - and a fun, family oriented atmosphere. Info at www.WhitewaterAquatics.com

West Seattle AA American Legion Baseball
The team is forming for the 2012 Spring/Summer Season. Current High School Juniors & Sophomores are eligible. Info: 206-310-9397 or 7040JENSEN@comcast.net.

Lecture Series for Families
Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ
4320 S.W. Hill St (at California Ave. S.W.)
206-932-2928 / www.admiralchurch.org
This first Monday of the month 7 p.m. Cost is $5.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meetings
Mount St. Vincent-2nd floor, Peps West Room
4831 35th Ave S.W.
Every Tuesday, 5:45-7 p.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. Info: Jan 206-762-7844 or Bunkyjanjan@yahoo.com

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment or
Manicure/Pedicure Volunteers
Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
425-443-1484
Leave a message. yuliyam@u.washington.edu

Crone of Puget Sound West Seattle/South End Discussion Group
First and third Tuesday of month. 1 p.m. This is a social group where women of a Certain Age can discuss issues related to aging with Power, Passion and Purpose. Open to new members. Call Bea, 206-932-3953 for meeting time and place.

Partnership for Youth Justice Program
King County Superior Court needs volunteers in West Seattle to serve on panels to determine consequences for minor juvenile offenders as an alternative to the formal juvenile justice system. Shirley Noble at 206-296-1133 or Shirley.Noble@kingcounty.gov

West Seattle Garden Tour Volunteers Needed
Volunteers needed to plan the 18th Annual WS Garden Tour. The WSGT Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at an appointed member’s home for a potluck. Not necessary to be a Master Gardener volunteer opportunities are available. info@westseattlegardentour.com

AARP Defensive Driving Workshop
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton St.
First Saturday of every month, ongoing, 9-5:30 p.m. $12 for members, $14 non-members. Call 206-937-6122 for info or to RSVP.

Continuing Education Classes
South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Ave. S.W.
Register now: 206-934-5339 or www.LearnAtSouth.org

Holiday Cookies
Saturday, Dec 10, 9-noon. Get a head start on those favorites to give as gifts or keep! Learn to create three holiday hits. Leave with cookies and recipes. Cost: $39 + $10 materials fee.

eBay - The Basics of Selling
Saturday, Dec 10, 9-noon. Whether you want to get rid of stuff or desire additional income, this class is your foundation. Learn to create a listing that sells and how to handle the mailing function. Cost: $49.

Website Today, Profit Tomorrow
Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m. Discover easy-to-use design tools that can help you build your personal or business website in 60 minutes. Lecture class. Cost: $59.

At Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 SW Oregon St.
206-932-4044

Hearing Loss Support Group (New)
Last Wed of each month, coming up Dec. 28, 1-2 p.m. Explore with others the challenges of being hearing impaired. Give and receive support for solving problems. No charge.

Basic Computer Class
December 20, 22, 27 and 29, 9:30-1130 p.m. Instructor: Vince Ferriols. Our computer lab is fully up and running with our computers running the complete Microsoft Office 2007 suite, and laser printers for black & white and color. All computers have been set up with graphics (photo) and audio (sound) editing software. Cost per series: $10 members/$15 non-members.

Hair Trim & Style by Joy Carpino
Tuesdays, Dec. 20, 9-11:30 a.m. with 1/2 hour appointments. Cost: $15. Joy offers Hair Trim and Style for men and women (NO Shampoo). Call 932-4044 x1 for appointments.

Footcare & Manicures
Mondays, ongoing. Cost: Footcare $20 member/$22 non-member; Manicures w/polish $20 member/$22 non-member and no/polish $15 member or non-member. Cancellations must be made by 4 p.m. Friday prior to appointment to avoid being charged. Call 206-932-4044 ext. 1 for appointment.

Chair Massage by Ann Shafford
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.am. 15 min. appointments - sign up at the front desk. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays, 9:15-10:30 a.m. Drop-in, $5 mem/$7 non-mem. Chair and standing postures (no floor sitting). Improve breathing, posture, flexibility, balance and peace of mind. Postures can be adapted to your abilities or limitations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Enhance Fitness Exercise Classes
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, on-going, 8-9 a.m. & 9-10 a.m. (2 sessions). Free to Group Health members or $30 for 5 weeks. Innovative and fun strength-training classes, using wrist & ankle weights, aerobics, balance and stretching.

Afternoon Exercise Class
Mondays & Fridays, 3 p.m. (minimum 6 participants needed). $35 in advance for 10 sessions or $5 per class. We start with standing movement to fun music, followed by basic balance work, then seated strength training using resistance bands (provided). We’ll move, breathe, relax and enjoy ourselves.

Volunteers Needed
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-932-4044 x8
The Senior Center needs volunteer instructors to teach the AARP Defensive Driving Classes. Training takes 2 days, is taught in Everett and/or Gig Harbor. Expenses are reimbursed by AARP. You will need to teach 3 or more classes a year. Call Marge Lutton 206-322-0490 for more information.

WSHS Host Families Needed
Host families are needed for foreign exchange students who will attend West Seattle High School for the second semester. Host families do not need to have teenagers of their own; young families as well as empty nesters are excellent high school student hosts. For info: 360-661-0552 or j.henderson33@hotmail.com.

Old Clothes = New Opportunities Donation Station
Northwest Center ‘Big Blue Truck’
Diamond Parking Lot
44th Ave. S.W. & S.W. Edmunds St.
Fridays - Sundays, 9-5 p.m. Clean out your closets and drop off your reusable clothing and household items at the donation station. For a complete list of donations accepted visit bigbluetruck.org or (800) 992-2060. Donations are tax deductible and donors receive a $3 off coupon to Value Village.

West Seattle Senior Center Needs Volunteers
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
Make a difference by getting involved! For info 206-932-4044 or email at margiew@seniorservices.org.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Guadalupe Church-Pastoral Care Center
7000 35th Ave. S.W.
Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. For info at 206-932-2621.

Irish Dance Lessons
West Seattle VFW Hall
3601 S.W. Alaska St.
Mondays & Tuesdays in the late afternoon & early evenings. Open to children and adults. Information at 206-935-3225.

Business Network with Westside Professionals
The Kenney - meeting room 2
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Wednesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. Build your business through referrals and networking. For info, contact sfelix@quidnunc.net

Plant Donations
Furry Faces Foundation is accepting plant donations for our next plant sale.
Proceeds support: “It’s Hip, To Be Snipped,” and “Oliver’s Fund.” furryfaces@hotmail.com or 932-1652.

Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
206-938-3276

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment
Every second Thursday, 12:45-1:45 p.m. We need someone to play piano or entertain seniors for an hour or so during Birthday Celebrations.

Volunteers for Sign Language Communication with Deaf
We are interested in someone who knows sign language to come in once or twice a month at their convenience to speak with a senior deaf resident. This would be very beneficial for us to have an opportunity to interact with them as well as provide practice to volunteer who studies or wants to practice using sign language.

BNI West Seattle Champion Meeting
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Thursdays, 7:45-9:15 a.m. Learn how to grow your business with quality referrals. We are looking for a Naturopath and an event planner to pass referrals to. $10 includes breakfast.

Daystar Toastmasters
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton
Come as a guest to experience the safe, supportive atmosphere in which you can grow your communication and leadership skills. Second and fourth Mondays of each month, 12 - 1:00 PM. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for orientation. See http://daystarclub.freetoasthost.us. Any questions email to: contactus@daystarclub.freetoasthost.us or call Bill at 206/ 932-6707.

Citizenship Class
Southwest Branch
Seattle Public Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Study to become a U.S. Citizen, prepare for the Citizenship interview. Improve you English. Citizenship application assistance is also available.

Seeking ESL tutors
Our volunteers are at least 18 years old and fluent in English. An application, interview and background check are required. Training and on-going support are provided. For more information visit www.stjames-cathedral.org/esl or 382-4511 or email cwalsh@stjames-cathedral.org

Volleyball
Southwest Community Center
2801 S.W. Thistle St.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon.
Men and women ages 50+ wanted for drop-in play volleyball.
For information call Mary at 935-2162.

District Council Meetings
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
Every third Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m. Each month representatives from neighborhood councils and other community organizations provide reports on what issues and concerns they are working on and announcements about up-coming community meetings and events.

Stay-at-home dads
Hiawatha Playfield Playground
2700 California Ave. S.W.
Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. Our goal is to develop a resource and community for stay-at-home dads, fathers who are primary caregiver in their family, and other involved dads are welcome. All fathers are invited to network with us.

Volunteers Needed
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave. S.W.
Providence Mount St. Vincent seeks volunteers to help in many areas: hair salon and gift shop, child care, field trips, one-on-one visits with elderly residents. For information call 937-3701 ext. 28170. www.providence.org/themount

Deadline for receiving items for On The Go is Noon Friday for the following week’s Herald/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space availability. Email event submissions to: calendar@robinsonnews.com.

Items can be accepted from nonprofit groups and government agencies only.