Join Neighborhood Halloween Kayak Trip On Union Bay

Last year's Halloween paddle

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information from a neighbor:

A few friends and I are planning to paddle board or kayak out on Union Bay at 9am on Halloween morning and would love to see other witches and other costumed paddlers out there. 

We will launch at Waterway 1. We’ll likely be 3-4 paddle boards and maybe a double kayak. 

The weather looks to be sunny at that time, fingers crossed!

Anyone interested can contact me or just show up! anita@threebythree.com

Friday Villa Haunted House Put On By New Owner Of Pro Robics Building

A Villa Academy  (5001 NE 50th Street) parent would like to share this information about a Halloween event at Villa put on by Summit Capital Partners, a Real Estate investment and Development company.

The owner, Jim Thorpe, purchased the Pro Robics building in November of 2019 for $7.6 million, according to King County records for his headquarters. The seller was Aerobics Building LLC, which acquired the corner property in 2004 for $3.1 million.

ProRobics closed last year after 30 years in that location.

Jim Thorpe told the Laurelhurst Blog that his company purchased the building to renovate and have their corporate headquarters and it will be fully occupied for commercial use. The space underwent some remodeling. Approximately 30 staff are working in the offices of the real estate investment company.

Jim Thorpe, the Seattle-based Real Estate Entrepreneur, is Pleased to Announce
the 7th Annual Laurelhurst Haunted House

 

Jim Thorpe, the founder of Seattle-based Summit Capital Partners is thrilled to announce his collaboration with a Villa Academy community service project to benefit Northwest Harvest.

SEATTLE, Washington  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Halloween weekend approaches, Jim Thorpe and Summit Capital Partners are putting the final touches on their most spirited project to date, the Laurelhurst Haunted House. This is the seventh year Jim has collaborated with his son for his community service project at Villa Academy. The haunted house is a passion project for Jim. He believes it is the perfect opportunity to rally the community together and bring awareness to a cause he cherishes dearly. Break out your spookiest costume for a worthy cause and an evening filled with excitement.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $1.00 or a non-perishable item. Jim’s goal this year is to raise $5,000 and 5,000 non-perishable goods. All contributions benefit Northwest Harvest, with matching donations from Summit Capital Partners.

The construction team at Summit Capital is responsible for bringing the haunted house to life. It takes two weeks to build, from planning to execution. Featuring live-action characters, spooky effects, and the opportunity to pose with an eight-foot-tall Jason Vorhees backdrop, this is an event your neighbor will not forget.

Jim Thorpe founded Summit Capital Partners to share his passion for real estate development. Summit Capital specializes in sourcing and acquiring financial opportunities and risk-adjusted solutions throughout the Puget Sound. His team at Summit Capital Partners will be assisting throughout the 3-day production. From working the entrance to performing in the haunted house, you do not want to miss the opportunity to meet the people behind the magic of this unique haunted house.

Neighbor Reports Unusual Trick Or Treater

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information from a neighbor on East Laurelhurst Drive:

Last night, at 7:51pm, I opened the door to a female trick or treater, who was acting oddly. She was Caucasian, had long brown hair, was around 11-13 years old, wearing a black sweatshirt with the word SWAT on the back, black jeans, and white tennis shoes.  

She was previously at my door, at 7:19pm, with 2 friends (the friends were dressed as a blue bear and cow respectively). On the second visit, when I opened the door, she was sitting in the chair on my porch and announced "you caught me" right before grabbing 6 pieces of candy, shoving them in her bag, and walking away.

SPD's Halloween Safety Tips

The Seattle Police Department offers these safety tips for tomorrow's trick or treaters:

Halloween Safety Tips

FOR MOTORISTS & BICYCLISTS:

• Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Halloween night.
• Be patient and SLOW DOWN! Give children lots of time to cross the street. Costumes can impair their ability to see and hear you and to get out of the way quickly. It also may be difficult for young children to cross a street quickly and they may not see potential traffic threats, or anticipate driver behavior.
• Excited kids may forget to “stop, look and listen” before crossing the street. Since they may be trying to visit as many houses as possible in a short period of time, children could quickly dart in front of your car.
• Be extra cautious in areas where vehicles are parked along the side of the street. Trick-or-treaters may dart into traffic from between parked cars.
  Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Also watch for children walking on medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

FOR PARENTS and CAREGIVERS:

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or “glow sticks.”
• Dress children in costumes that are light-colored and clearly visible to motorists.
• Use face paints or make-up rather than masks that could impair vision.
  Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Small children should be accompanied by adults.
• Older children should stay in groups.
• Make sure props such as swords, scythes, pitchforks, spears, wands or knives are flexible (not rigid) with smooth or rounded tips to prevent eye or other injuries if fallen on.
• If driving children to trick-or-treat, make sure they exit the vehicle on the curb side and not the traffic side.
• Instruct your children not to eat any candy until they bring it home and you examine it thoroughly. Inspect commercially wrapped candy for tampering (unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers). Discard anything suspicious. Throw out homemade treats.
  Secure identification (name, address phone number) on or within a child’s costume.
• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they become lost or have an emergency. (9-1-1 service can be dialed free from any phone).

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS:

• Don’t assume the right of way when crossing a street. Motorists may have trouble seeing you. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean they all will.
• Be very cautious of strangers. A stranger is someone you don’t know who behaves in an inappropriate way. Adults asking children for help can be potentially dangerous.
• Trick-or-treaters should only visit houses that have porch lights turned on.
• Never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Don’t run! Always walk when crossing streets or going from house to house.
• Cross streets only at corners and crosswalks. Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Remove mask or any item restricting eyesight before crossing streets.
  Don’t take shortcuts through back alleys or parking lots.
• Look “left, right, left again” for cars before stepping off the curb to cross a street.
• Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know.
• Don’t eat any treats until you get home.
• Have an adult check all candy before eating it.
• Stay focused on your surroundings. If you feel threatened, go to the nearest store or restaurant and ask to use the phone. Call parents or the police.

FOR HOMEOWNERS:

• Turn on your porch light. Provide ample outdoor lighting.
• Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch, yard, and walkway. (Flower pots, lawn furniture, lawn decorations, bicycles, children’s toys, ladders, garden hoses, dog leashes, support wires, low tree limbs).
• Pets can be frightened by Halloween activities. Restrain or bring them indoors to protect them from cars or accidentally hurting trick-or-treaters.

Tonight Laurelhurst Elementary Halloween Carnival

Laurelhurst Elementary is having its annual Kids Carnival today from 5- 8pm. Tickets can be purchased at the event.

The School PTA told the Laurelhurst Blog:

The carnival features a variety of Halloween-themed crafts, games, and activities such as guess the candy corn and a spooky hair salon. Kids can also enjoy a crafts table as well as an inflatable. A pizza dinner will be available for purchase for $7 per person. 

This fun community-wide fundraiser benefits the Laurelhurst PTA and is open to the public. It's a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and support your local public school! Join the whole community for a great night for kids of all ages.

Also a parking reminder, that parking is not allowed on the west side of 46th Avenue NE or north of the parking sign in front of Seattle Community Church. 

Many years ago residents along the street worked with the City to have parking allowed only on one side (the east side) due to the narrowness of the street. When cars are parked on both sides, it is very hard for fire trucks, large vehicles and even cars to safely move up and down the street, as well as residents to back out of their driveways.

Tomorrow Monster Bash At St. Stephens Church To Benefit Children's Hospital

Three Feet of Sunshine's 11th Annual Monster Bash, benefitting Seattle Children's Pediatric Palliative Care, is happening tomorrow from 3-7pm at St. Stephen's Church (4805 NE 45th Street). The cost for the event is $13 and will be held rain or shine.

The event will have a variety of activities for all ages, including a haunted house, pony rides, Dracula’s dance-off, ghoulish games and prizes, creepy crafts, the Phantom Photo Booth, costume contest and parade, haunted house, pumpkin painting, Seattle Fire truck visit, kid's dj and dancing, crafts, popcorn, cotton candy, cauldron of prizes and the Yummy Mummy Cupcake Walk.

The popular kids band, Recess Monkey, will perform two shows at 4 and 5pm. Every guest will receive a Halloween themed cupcakes, donated by Trophy Cupcakes. And Craven Farm is donating pumpkins for each child to take home. Guests will also be treated to re-usable Trick-or-Treat totes.

Also available will be the card signing station, where giant cards will be signed and sent to Seattle Children’s patients who are spending Halloween in the hospital. Bring a new, unused costume for a Seattle Children's Hospital patient and receive an extra special trick-or-treat.

Three Feet of Sunshine was established by Amy and Klane White in July 2009 in memory of their daughter, Susannah, who spent the last year of her life at Seattle Children's Hospital, in the care of the palliative and nursing teams at Children's Hospital.

The logo was designed by Susannah at 8 years old. And the name, Three Feet of Sunshine, came from a friend of Susannah's who wrote a tribute to Susannah with that title, about their friendship, as an assignment in 9th grade.

Three Feet of Sunshine, a Seattle Children's Guild, "is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families who bear the weight of potentially life-threatening illnesses, by sharing the ever-sunny disposition and steadfast spirit of sweet Susannah - a little girl, despite spending the last year of her life in the hospital, always had a smile to give and a hug to share. We raise awareness and funds aimed at providing opportunities and extending support programs devoted to enhancing quality of life for pediatric patients and their families."

For more information go here or visit Facebook. Or contact threefeetofsunshine.org or info@threefeetofsunshine.org.

Recess Monkey performing

SPD's Halloween Safety Tips

The Seattle Police Department offers these safety tips for tomorrow's trick or treaters:

Halloween Safety Tips

FOR MOTORISTS & BICYCLISTS:

• Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Halloween night.
• Be patient and SLOW DOWN! Give children lots of time to cross the street. Costumes can impair their ability to see and hear you and to get out of the way quickly. It also may be difficult for young children to cross a street quickly and they may not see potential traffic threats, or anticipate driver behavior.
• Excited kids may forget to “stop, look and listen” before crossing the street. Since they may be trying to visit as many houses as possible in a short period of time, children could quickly dart in front of your car.
• Be extra cautious in areas where vehicles are parked along the side of the street. Trick-or-treaters may dart into traffic from between parked cars.
  Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Also watch for children walking on medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

FOR PARENTS and CAREGIVERS:

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or “glow sticks.”
• Dress children in costumes that are light-colored and clearly visible to motorists.
• Use face paints or make-up rather than masks that could impair vision.
  Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Small children should be accompanied by adults.
• Older children should stay in groups.
• Make sure props such as swords, scythes, pitchforks, spears, wands or knives are flexible (not rigid) with smooth or rounded tips to prevent eye or other injuries if fallen on.
• If driving children to trick-or-treat, make sure they exit the vehicle on the curb side and not the traffic side.
• Instruct your children not to eat any candy until they bring it home and you examine it thoroughly. Inspect commercially wrapped candy for tampering (unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers). Discard anything suspicious. Throw out homemade treats.
  Secure identification (name, address phone number) on or within a child’s costume.
• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they become lost or have an emergency. (9-1-1 service can be dialed free from any phone).

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS:

• Don’t assume the right of way when crossing a street. Motorists may have trouble seeing you. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean they all will.
• Be very cautious of strangers. A stranger is someone you don’t know who behaves in an inappropriate way. Adults asking children for help can be potentially dangerous.
• Trick-or-treaters should only visit houses that have porch lights turned on.
• Never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Don’t run! Always walk when crossing streets or going from house to house.
• Cross streets only at corners and crosswalks. Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Remove mask or any item restricting eyesight before crossing streets.
  Don’t take shortcuts through back alleys or parking lots.
• Look “left, right, left again” for cars before stepping off the curb to cross a street.
• Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know.
• Don’t eat any treats until you get home.
• Have an adult check all candy before eating it.
• Stay focused on your surroundings. If you feel threatened, go to the nearest store or restaurant and ask to use the phone. Call parents or the police.

FOR HOMEOWNERS:

• Turn on your porch light. Provide ample outdoor lighting.
• Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch, yard, and walkway. (Flower pots, lawn furniture, lawn decorations, bicycles, children’s toys, ladders, garden hoses, dog leashes, support wires, low tree limbs).
• Pets can be frightened by Halloween activities. Restrain or bring them indoors to protect them from cars or accidentally hurting trick-or-treaters.

Saturday Monster Bash At St. Stephens Church To Benefit Children's Hospital

Three Feet of Sunshine's 10th Annual Monster Bash, benefitting Seattle Children's Pediatric Palliative Care, is happening on Saturday from 3-7pm at St. Stephen's Church (4805 NE 45th Street). The cost for the event is $13 and will be held rain or shine.

The event will have a variety of activities for all ages, including a haunted house, pony rides, Dracula’s dance-off, ghoulish games and prizes, creepy crafts, the Phantom Photo Booth, costume contest and parade, haunted house, pumpkin painting, Seattle Fire truck visit, kid's dj and dancing, crafts, popcorn, cotton candy, cauldron of prizes and the Yummy Mummy Cupcake Walk.

The popular kids band, Recess Monkey, will perform two shows at 4 and 5pm. Every guest will receive a Halloween themed cupcakes, donated by Trophy Cupcakes. And Craven Farm is donating pumpkins for each child to take home. Guests will also be treated to re-usable Trick-OR-Treat totes.

Also available will be the card signing station, where giant cards will be signed and sent to Seattle Children’s patients who are spending Halloween in the hospital. Bring a new, unused costume for a Seattle Children's Hospital patient and receive an extra special trick-or-treat.

Three Feet of Sunshine was established by Amy and Klane White in July 2009 in memory of their daughter, Susannah, who spent the last year of her life at Seattle Children's Hospital, in the care of the palliative and nursing teams at Children's Hospital.

The logo was designed by Susannah at 8 years old. And the name, Three Feet of Sunshine, came from a friend of Susannah's who wrote a tribute to Susannah with that title, about about their friendship, as an assignment in 9th grade.

Three Feet of Sunshine, a Seattle Children's Guild, "is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families who bear the weight of potentially life-threatening illnesses, by sharing the ever-sunny disposition and steadfast spirit of sweet Susannah - a little girl, despite spending the last year of her life in the hospital, always had a smile to give and a hug to share. We raise awareness and funds aimed at providing opportunities and extending support programs devoted to enhancing quality of life for pediatric patients and their families."


For more information go here or visit Facebook. Or contact threefeetofsunshine.org or info@threefeetofsunshine.org.

Recess Monkey performing

…

Seattle Police's Halloween Safety Tips

North Police Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Mary Amberg shares these Halloween Safety Tips:

Trick-Or-Treaters:

• Make sure to bring a flashlight and a cell phone

• Plan out the route for trick-or-treating ahead of time, pick well-lit streets

• Only cross the street at corners or crosswalks, never cross between cars or in the middle of the block

• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic

• Only approach houses that are well-lit

• Never enter a strangers home and never accept rides from strangers

• Wait until you arrive home to sort, check and eat your treats

• Treat-or-treat in groups, preferably with an adult

Adults and Parents:

• Ensure costumes for children fit properly and are appropriate for the weather

• Whenever possible, all costumes should be light in color or reflective and not flammable

• Make sure the path to your door is clear and well-lit for trick-or-treaters

• Inspect all candy and treats before eating

Motorists:

• Drive extra carefully in neighborhoods, looking out for children who may not be looking for you

• Do not drive while wearing bulky costumes

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys very carefully

Helpful Crime Prevention Information:

This unique holiday often allows opportunity for other types of crime!

• Stay aware, vigilant and observant of those around you

• Show confidence and trust your instincts

• If possible, don’t walk alone after dark

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or displaying expensive jewelry

• Be cautious when carrying valuables- keep hidden and/or secured

• If alcohol is a part of your Halloween celebration designate a driver or plan alternate mode of transportation
• Report all suspicious behavior to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911 immediately.

Saturday Monster Bash At St. Stephens Church To Benefit Children's Hospital

Three Feet of Sunshine's 9th Annual Monster Bash, benefitting Seattle Children's Pediatric Advanced Care Team, is happening on Saturday from 3-7pm at St. Stephen's Church (4805 NE 45th Street). The cost for the event is $13 and will be held rain or shine.

The event will have a variety of activities for all ages, including a haunted house, pony rides, Dracula’s dance-off, ghoulish games and prizes, creepy crafts, the Phantom Photo Booth, costume contest and parade, haunted house, pumpkin painting, Seattle Fire truck visit, kid's dj and dancing, crafts, popcorn, cotton candy, cauldron of prizes and the Yummy Mummy Cupcake Walk.  

UW Dental School will provide some Tricks-and-Treats-to-Protect-Your-Teeth goody bags which include sugar-free candy, an apple, a water bottle, toothbrush, toothpaste and some tips on how to enjoy delicious Halloween treats in a mouth-friendly manner.

The popular kids band, Recess Monkey, will perform two shows at 4 and 5pm. Every guest will receive a Halloween themed cupcakes, donated by Trophy Cupcakes.  And Craven Farm is donating pumpkins for each child to take home.  Guests will also be treated to re-usable Trick-OR-Treat totes. 

Also available will be the card signing station, where giant cards will be signed and sent to Seattle Children’s patients who are spending Halloween in the hospital.  Bring a new, unused costume for a Seattle Children's Hospital patient and receive an extra special trick-or-treat. 

Three Feet of Sunshine was established by Amy and Klane White  in July 2009 in memory of their daughter, Susannah, who spent the last year of her life at Seattle Children's Hospital,  in the care of the palliative and nursing teams at Children's Hospital.

The logo was designed by Susannah at 8 years old. And the name, Three Feet of Sunshine, came from a friend of Susannah's who wrote a tribute to Susannah with that title, about about their friendship, as an assignment in 9th grade.

Three Feet of Sunshine, a Seattle Children's Guild, "is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families who bear the weight of potentially life-threatening illnesses, by sharing the ever-sunny disposition and steadfast spirit of sweet Susannah - a little girl, despite spending the last year of her life in the hospital, always had a smile to give and a hug to share.  We raise awareness and funds aimed at providing opportunities and extending support programs devoted to enhancing quality of life for pediatric patients and their families."

For more information go here or visit Facebook.
 

Conga line

face painting

pony ride

Free Uber Rides For Halloween Party Goers

  

SPD Department Lieutenant Yuen and SDOT Transportation Director Scott Kubly at Wednesday Press Conference 

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information:

The City of Seattle is teaming up with Uber to offer discounted rides during  Halloween. This partnership is part of Seattle’s Vision Zero plan to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries on city streets by 2030.

From today through, new and existing Uber users can safely catch a ride home from Halloween festivities in Seattle by entering promo code HALLOWPOOL for a free ride, up to a $10 value.  

On October 28, Uber users will also receive VIP access to the Georgetown Morgue Haunted House, when they show their Uber trip receipt.   

“Halloween means more people will be out and about – kids trick-or-treating, people going to parties –so it’s important for everyone to be extra cautious,” said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Scott Kubly. “If you’re planning on a night out that includes drinking, plan ahead by using rideshare or taxi.” 

According to the National Highway Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic collisions are known to increase on Halloween—especially during peak trick-or-treating hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.   

“Uber is committed to providing reliable transportation for Halloween,” said Brooke Steger, general manager of Uber Washington. “We want to make it easy for people to leave their keys at home and also give them the peace of mind that they’re not putting others at risk.” 

Go here for more information on Road Safety and Vision Zero.