White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

Two weeks from tomorrow, the multi-site volunteering event known as Duwamish Alive! offers hundreds of people the chance to give some TLC to Seattle’s only river and its watershed. Some volunteering opportunities are already linked from duwamishalive.org – and one event organizer, Anna from King County Parks, has already sent us this invitation to share with you:

Duwamish Alive! at White Center Heights Park
Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: White Center Heights Park, 10208 7th Ave SW
Contact: parksvolunteer@kingcounty.gov
Registration required

Come volunteer with King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the King County Volunteer Program’s inaugural Regional Day of Service. On Saturday, October 17th, we’ll be bringing volunteers to Duwamish Alive! — a biannual event hosted by the Duwamish Alive Coalition for the last 20 years to improve the health of the Duwamish watershed
through collaborative stewardship and volunteering.

The Executive and Duwamish Alive leadership will kick off the event at White Center Heights Park, hosted by King County Parks. Then he’ll be planting native trees, removing blackberry and ivy, and spreading mulch. Come volunteer alongside the Executive and learn more about how your work protects not only the Duwamish River ecosystem, but our
community at large.

(WCN photos by Torin Record-Sand)

As usual, the White Center Library Guild‘s summer sale is offering more than books. Our photographer visited in the first hour to take a look.

If you look closely at the rummage-sale-style tables, you might spot treasures like this:

Some plants are available too:

The sale continues until 4 pm today and 11 am-4 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 25) inside the library at 1409 SW 107th, with proceeds benefiting library programs.

Another fundraising sale to help White Center Library programs is coming up!

As we’ve shown you many times during WCLG sales over the years, they offer not only books but an eclectic array of other items.

Big community cleanup on Saturday (May 2) – if you haven’t already signed up with the White Center Community Development Association to volunteer somewhere, go here to see what’s available. Volunteers will all meet at, and return to, the White Center HUB, starting at 8:30 am.

Just announced by the White Center Food Bank, three events:

eApril 16, 5–7 p.m. — The White Center Food Bank will celebrate the debut of our first recipe book, “Bringing People Together, One Plate at a Time,” during the Rat City Art Walk.

The book features recipes from customers, staff, and community partners, showcasing the diverse flavors of the White Center community. Guests can enjoy light appetizers and beverages, preview the book, and place pre-orders at the event.

This event is a preview and pre-order opportunity. An official launch will be announced at a later date.

TASTE OF WHITE CENTER, PRESENTED BY WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK, JUNE 20, 12 PM-3 PM
You’re invited to White Center Food Bank’s 5 th Annual Taste of White Center (World Cup Edition) on June 20 th from 12-3 pm.

With 35+ restaurants participating, attendees purchase $5 tickets to try a variety of foods like banh mi sandwiches, tacos, bubble tea, shave ice, and much, much more. Join us for a fun-filled event with food, kids’ area, music and more!

More info coming soon!

White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern, May 8 , 6 PM – 10 PM
Join us for a White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern on May 8 th . We’ll start off the night with the rock and soul of Roxbury Saints, then we’ll move to the high energy ska of The Kings of Seattle and finish the night with the latin soul and warm-weather music of The Pazific.

Come dance with us and keep the community fed. Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7 pm, $25 (+fees). Tickets available here

Bring shelf-stable food to donate and all proceeds benefit White Center Food Bank.

Now that it’s April, it’s almost Duwamish Alive! time. Support your local ecosystem – the official announcement explains how:

Duwamish Alive! Celebrate Earth Month by Caring for Our Duwamish River
Volunteer on Saturday, April 18, 10 am-2 pm

Join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Duwamish Alive! while caring for Seattle’s only RIVER — the Duwamish, as we work together to improve its health. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces from Seattle to Kent in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon and the Puget Sound. Proving that by working together, we can make a substantial difference in improving the health of our region. We be working at sites, from Kent to Seattle to restore and preserve our areas of native habitat in the river’s watershed.

The river’s watershed includes forested areas such as the Duwamish Greenbelt, one of the largest in the lower section of the river, provides important air and water filtration of pollution, especially storm runoff one of the major sources polluting our waters. Tree canopy cover also reduces our summer heat domes, unequally affecting low income, communities of color to a greater degree. The river’s ecosystem supports 5 salmon species including the threatened Chinook salmon which is a critical food source for our Southern Resident Orcas; along with wildlife that includes river otters, beavers, bald eagles, and blue herons. Each of our habitat sites supports this web of life while providing important environmental benefits to our communities – we are all connected.

We are honored to help steward these locations which are the ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples who have been here for thousands of years. Join us in caring for these special places. Family friendly, ALL are welcome. Tools and instruction are provided.

To volunteer, visit DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice.

Thanks to AH for sending the flyer that’s up for an “all hands” community cleanup tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) in South Delridge/White Center:

No RSVP required – show up, 9 am at 9440 Delridge Way SW, and you’re in!

The White Center Food Bank is asking for more support as it deals with more need. “While SNAP/food stamp benefits have been temporarily restored, uncertainty remains and the demand on our services continues to grow. We were stretched thin even before these shifts, and we are actively working to ensure we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our community,” writes WCFB’s Randy Nguyen in the food bank’s “end-of-year appeal.” They’re thankful for “incredible support, from hosted food drives to financial donations and volunteer hours, all of which have helped us keep our community fed,” but now is the time to step it up: “This season is a crucial time for nonprofits, and every gift helps us meet the growing needs of families, seniors, and individuals who rely on our services, while ensuring we can keep the community fed into the new year, when donations decline but demand remains steady.” Last year, WCFB distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food, and this year’s total will be higher. They’re asking you, if you can, to make a tax-deductible gift before year’s end – just go here.

(Photo courtesy Evergreen Aquatic Center)

White Center’s only community pool, Evergreen Aquatic Center, continues to appreciate your support! Its annual fundraiser, the Fall Harvest Bingo Bash, is happening Saturday, November 15. Ticket sales are on right now for the event, which organizers tell us “will feature bingo games, refreshments, an auction, and more, with all proceeds supporting Evergreen Aquatic Center and its continued service to the community.” That means free or lower-cost swim lessons for hundreds of local families! The Bingo Bash is 6-9 pm at Seahurst Banquet Hall (14700 6th SW, Burien), and you can get your ticket(s) right now by going here.

King County Parks wants to get early word out about this:

It’s all coming together! Saturday, October 4th 10 am-1 pm at White Center Heights Park, the King County Volunteer program will be planting 80 conifer trees. These will be bigger trees than we usually plant at our volunteer events and the Parks Operations Staff from the Sunset District will be helping pre-dig holes. These larger trees were purchased through a Washington State Department of Ecology grant supported by funding from the Climate Commitment Act. This grant is focused on planting trees to reduce airport-related pollution impacts in south King County neighborhoods. Department of Ecology identified these communities as affected by fine particulates and generally worse air quality than most other parts of the state.

The evergreen tree species selected for this park are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, long lived and will provide great shade in the old house sites. They will provide year-round canopies. Not only will they improve air quality, but they will also create beauty, slow stormwater, provide wildlife habitat, and improve park visitors’ mental health. We’re excited for so many reasons to add these large conifers to White Center Heights Park. We hope you can join us.

Registration required: x.gldn.io/e/Rb059A3tNWb

The White Center Food Bank‘s biggest fall event is a little more than one month away. Here’s your invitation to the event at Sea Mar Community Center (9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive S.):

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY DINNER & AUCTION
PRESENTED BY WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK, OCTOBER 10, 5 PM-9 PM

Attendees will enjoy delicious local food from White Center restaurants, delightful entertainment from the Khmer Community of Seattle King County Dance Group, and a “fire-side chat” focusing on our mission to keep the community fed, featuring Representative Brianna Thomas & King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

In the wake of many cuts to safety net programs and rising costs across all sectors, we continue to see an increase in need in our community. With your help we can continue to work toward addressing food security for our neighbors, while also making sure to celebrate the diversity of the community we serve.

More Info & Purchase Tickets Here:
whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com/events/90319-cultivating-community-dinner-and-auction

It was announced as a sidewalk sale, but the White Center Library Guild decided to move indoors because of the morning drizzle and uncertainty about what was ahead. Wise move, considering they have many books to sell:

And who would want soggy quilting supplies?

Good idea not to have flags out in the rain, too:

There’s an amazing array of stuff – including these fun felted bags:

Sequined jewelry caught our eye as well. Get over to the library (1409 SW 107th) before 4 pm today, 11 am-4 pm Saturday, and help the guild raise money to support community programs there.

You shop, the library benefits! The White Center Library Guild‘s next big fundraising sale is set for this Friday and Saturday (July 25-26), 11 am to 4 pm both days:

The weather should be perfect for browsing and buying!

10:50 AM: 11 am-3 pm today, you’ve got a chance to help the White Center Food Bank while trying food and drink from more than 30 local purveyors during the Taste of White Center – just look for the WCFB booths in the heart of downtown, buy your $5 tickets (each one gets you a small plate, or beverage, or treat, depending on what a venue’s offering) and get started! We’re headed there soon and will add updates.

ADDED 12:36 PM: Our report!

Even if you’re not hungry – yet – you should be at the Taste of White Center! It’s a street party that, yes, is primarily to raise money for the White Center Food Bank, but there’s a lot of entertainment and information to be had too!

Mariachi musicians played outside Pho Tai, next to the new Whateke Sports Bar …

Dancers are in the Tim’s Tavern lot … and there’s a kid zone just north of 100th:

Families were also drawn to the visiting North Highline Fire Station crews parked on SW 98th:

But back to the food. Maps show all 35 participating venues – including our partner site West Seattle Blog’s sponsors Alpine Diner and Big Mario’s Pizza:

Big Mario’s is serving up big slices of cheese pizza for your $5 ticket (buy tickets at the WCFB booth at 16th SW/SW 98th – each one gets you one of the designated dishes or drinks at participating businesses):

Desserts are available too – Puffy Pandy has ice-cream puffys:

Participants are on White Center’s side streets too – even north of Roxbury in South Delridge, Young’s Restaurant, Max’s Triangle Pub, Can Bar, Nacho Mama, and Meat the Live Butcher. You can get a map/list, but not tickets, at the WCFB table on 16th right off Roxbury if you want to decide. All the ticket revenue goes to the WCFB; the participants are being compensated with sponsor funding. This continues until 3 pm!

Just received from King County Parks:

Come join us at the Glendale Forest this Saturday, June 28th, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out species that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome!Click this link to learn more and sign up here!

If/when you sign up, you’ll get location info.

Plants are the highlight at the White Center Library Guild‘s spring sale, happening right now inside the library. In the background above is a tall Japanese Maple that can be yours for $50. Or, for a lot less, young Japanese Maples, or tomato starts:

And of course there are books, books, books.

If you feel nostalgia for the pre-GPS days, we saw a couple stacks of old map books, too! The sale’s on until 4 pm today, and again 11 am-4 pm Saturday, at the library, 1409 SW 107th.

Shop local while supporting programs at your local library! The White Center Library Guild has just announced its spring sale for this Friday and Saturday (April 25-26):

The sale runs 11 am-4 pm both days. Find items of interest to readers, gardeners, and other rummage-sale fans.

10 am-2 pm Saturday, April 19, hundreds of volunteers will gather along the Duwamish River and in its watershed for the spring Duwamish Alive! work parties. Here’s the invitation:

Celebrate Earth Month and Seattle’s only river – the Duwamish – by joining us in helping steward this special place at locations on the water, in the Greenbelt, along the river and at many sacred locations of the Duwamish Tribe. We are all connected. For more information and registration, go to duwamishalive.org All are welcome – family-friendly!

(2023 photo by Gill Loring)

King County Parks asked us to share this announcement with you:

Come join us at North Shorewood Park this Saturday, March 1st, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out plants that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome! Click this link to learn more and sign up: x.gldn.io/e/q6pHMIvBgRb

North Shorewood Park is at 10044 24th Ave. SW.

4-8 pm tonight, White Center Pride has a happy-hour fundraiser at The Lumberyard – lots of holiday-themed fun – details here.