Specials & Shorts
Many homeless assistance programs have had to suspend operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a handful continue to help Seattle's most vulnerable population, including the Chief Seattle Club. The Pioneer Square based organization provides social services for the city's homeless Native Americans, but during the coronavirus crisis, has expanded their outreach to help all in need. Video by Ian Devier
Many homeless assistance programs have had to suspend operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a handful continue to help Seattle's most vulnerable population, including the Chief Seattle Club. The Pioneer Square based organization provides social services for the city's homeless Native Americans, but during the coronavirus crisis, has expanded their outreach to help all in need. Video by Ian Devier
COVID-19 has left 1.6 million people in Washington state struggling to put food on the table. The need is especially high in parts of Seattle and South King County. Various city departments including Human Services and the Office of Sustainability and Environment have funded food access and nutrition for older adults and people experiencing homelessness. A grocery voucher program is now helping 9,000 Seattle families. Seattle senior centers are making meals for delivery. And philanthropic organizations, businesses, and nonprofits, like FareStart, are also assisting in the community-wide effort to battle hunger. For updated information please go to seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.
In March, Henry Liu looked around Seattle's Chinatown/International District and noticed nearly all the neighborhood's seniors had vanished. Many are sheltering indoors and avoiding the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, a virus that can be more deadly for the elderly. So how would this vulnerable population get food needed to survive? Henry and the organization he works for, InterIm Community Development Association (InterIm CDA), sprang into action. For the past several months, the nonprofit has been delivering free groceries to the International District's seniors, serving more than 1,000 households weekly.
Have you noticed a parade of fire engines, police cars, ladder trucks, and other first responder vehicles winding their way through Seattle neighborhoods on Friday nights? Don't be alarmed, it's Seattle Fire Department, teaming up with Seattle Police Department, for Friday Night Lights. They're driving engines and ladder trucks through residential streets to let you know they are here to serve. Residents can come to the window, porch, balcony, or front lawn to check out the "light show."
If you are a Star Wars fan, you know that May the 4th is a big day! The date serves as a worldwide celebration for the most ardent fans of the popular film series, many of whom dress in elaborate Star Wars inspired costumes. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused in-person local events to be cancelled, including visits to children at area hospitals. But for one local fan group, the Star Wars 501st Garrison Titan, they are finding new ways to reach out to these vulnerable youngsters. Produced by Randy Eng
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A recording studio hits pause
It's an all too familiar story in the arts. Audio engineer Joe Reineke, owner of Orbit Audio and co-founder of Seattle Recording Arts, is struggling to keep his business alive during the pandemic. Reineke reflects on the future of art as he looks for a path forward for his Pioneer Square studio.
Social distancing restrictions may have shut down your hair salon, but that doesn't have to mean a bad hair day. Hairdresser Ivy Lou Jacobs from Beehive Salon in Seattle's Tanglewood neighborhood shows some simple ways to stay well-coiffed at home when your hairstyle is overdue for a 'do!
In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended voluntary use of masks in public. Many people with textile skills have stepped up to make masks for others, including Susan Ishii-Yin. These days, she's sewing masks for herself, her family and some very lucky friends, and helping build community along the way. Additional photos and videography provided by Shelby Yin.
COVID-19 has forced us to take unprecedented measures to help stop the spread of the deadly disease. One group especially vulnerable is the homeless population. The City of Seattle, under Mayor Durkan, has moved swiftly to protect these residents by opening seven new shelter locations. The added shelter capacity has helped re-distribute homeless residents, enabling them to use social distancing to stay healthy. For updated information please go to seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.
In her regular studio practice, interdisciplinary artist Timea Tihanyi of Slip Rabbit Studio uses 3D-printing to create ceramic sculptures. But lately, she's been using the studio's technology to produce reusable face shield cradles for front-line caregivers addressing the coronavirus pandemic at UW Medicine. Slip Rabbit Studio's efforts are part of a UW campus-wide maker collaboration to address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in this timely example of the old saying "many hands make light work."
On Thursday, April 16, 2020, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs from across the county, along with Seattle Police, AMR, and Airlift NW displayed their support for all healthcare workers by celebrating, encouraging and thanking them for their compassion and dedication in caring for our community in midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Crews parked their vehicles curbside in front of each hospital's main entrance and stood in formation holding signs of encouragement while cheering healthcare workers during the 7 p.m. shift change.
Mark Siano was quarantined in Paris when he noticed that at 8 p.m., the city came alive with noise. When he looked into it, Siano discovered that it was the city collectively applauding the health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. When he returned to Seattle, he helped spread the word about "Make a Joyful Noise," a way to celebrate the health care workers, grocery store clerks, supply chain specialists, janitors, and others working tirelessly on the front lines of the pandemic response.
"We are at the start of a marathon, this is not a sprint." Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, along with other local and state leaders, welcomed the U.S. Army and FEMA as they begin to set up a field hospital at CenturyLink Field Events Center. The facility plans to treat non-COVID-19 cases, in order to reduce the burden on local healthcare facilities. Watch the full press briefing for details.
"Ever since I was little I heard 'I have a dream.' So I'm trying to keep it alive." -Carleton Slade, Seattle Parks and Recreation supervisor. Watch as more than a thousand people marched to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday in Seattle.
It was an evening of celebrating the "dark underbelly of the holidays" at Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery in Georgetown. More than a dozen artists participated in the stores 13th anniversary and holiday party by creating art of the Central European folklore figure known as Krampus. The horned creature is the dark under lord of Saint Nicholas, punishing children who have misbehaved.
More than 400 veterans who are experiencing homelessness are being given a bit of warmth over the holidays. The Seattle Stand Down organization is providing these vets access to healthcare, housing and legal resources, haircuts, and more during their 9th Annual Seattle Stand Down event at South Seattle Colleges Georgetown campus on Dec. 12 and 13. More information can be found here.
Seattle’s 150th Anniversary Reception
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan hosts a reception to honor Seattle's 150th anniversary. Guests at the sesquicentennial celebration include current and former city leaders.
Speakers include:
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, City of Seattle
Council President Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
Secretary of State Kim Wyman, Washington State
Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk, City of Seattle
Peace Circles in Rainier Beach
Follow the Rainier Beach Action Coalition as they address youth conflict with Restorative Justice approaches such as Peace Circles. Peace Circles create processes for community-led accountability and give an opportunity for youth to fully express their emotions.
As the first in the nation to launch a community-wide led violence prevention framework with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), the Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC) is using innovative and collaborative tactics to create a safer community for young people.
Teachers, administrators, and a national data team are using data and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS creates inclusive and positive expectations for all students in the Seattle Public Schools located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood.
Universal Positive Environments
This film depicts how Seattle Public Schools is using child development brain research to help address the impact of complex trauma on students. Using their data and research, the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team creates practices and structures inside schools to build positive relationships with young people so that students are able to safely engage with learning in all environments.
Monday night's Seattle Seahawks game was not only memorable for the team's 37-30 win over the Vikings, but also for the six heroes that were honored. Receiving a standing ovation, these Chinese American World War II veterans were recognized for their service and sacrifices.
Learn more here.
"Very proud! Fun to be at the game! And fun to be here!" Donning green and blue, thousands of fans helped celebrate the Seattle Sounders FC's MLS Cup Championship during a parade through downtown Seattle. The Sounders won their second MLS Cup on Sunday, Nov 10, 2019, beating Toronto 3-1.
Kickoff to Seattle's 150th birthday
Try saying sesquicentennial three times fast! Seattle will celebrate its 150th anniversary on December 2nd. To mark the occasion, the Seattle Municipal Archives teamed up with HistoryLink.org, and together they've created a book exploring the history of the City from 1869 to 2019.
You can see some of the artifacts found in the book on display now through December at the Seattle Municipal Tower Gallery on the Level 3 Concourse.
Learn more about the City's sesquicentennial here.
From cars to public spaces, take a look back at #ParkingDay2019, where some Seattle parking spots were creatively transformed into active spaces for people on Sept. 20. Taking place every third Friday of September, PARK(ing) Day is an annual global placemaking event in which community members temporarily transform parking spaces into people spaces.
Learn more here.
