That’s what my daughter Margaux says when we leave the lights on. Her concept of CoolMom is pretty basic—making sure people and animals have a safe and clean environment to live. How? Turning off lights, composting, growing our garden, recycling. She sees it as her personal mission (and sometimes can even get a bit militant about it!)

For me, CoolMom has broadened my world. My husband and I already composted, turned off lights, used the longer lasting lightbulbs, used low or no VOC paint, etc. However, I wasn’t paying attention to how so many everyday actions can affect change on a global scale. I’m more attuned to political issues such as health care. I have learned about organic gardening and lawn care. What does this have to do with CoolMom? CoolMom is a touchstone—it’s become a place where I can learn how to do more to save our environment, sometimes by doing less. It is a community of women who are passionate and are actively addressing issues that though they seem too big or far away from my everyday life, really do affect how I live now and into the future. CoolMom is my support structure to doing what I say, not just saying what I do.

The Urban Farm Handbook is a comprehensive guide for city-dwellers on how to wean themselves from commercial supermarkets, the authors map a plan for how to manage a busy, urban family life with home-grown foods, shared community efforts, and easy yet healthful practices.

Stay tuned for a special discount on the book and a free download for Chapter 4, Growing Your Own, coming Earth Day Weekend!

About the Challenge

Annette Cottrell has pulled together a years worth of urban farming challenges, with each challenge having three levels of difficulty so people can either try something new at a slow pace, or dive in deeper into something they’ve already tried.

The challenge will take place starting in February and will continue for a year. Twelve months, eleven challenges and one reflection month, all on your schedule and at your level of ease.

For example for the month of February the challenge is on soil building. It’s too early to garden outdoors in most parts of the country but we can ready our soil. You’ll learn about worm bins, green manures, composting, biochar and amendments with some fun prizes thrown in for random winners.

Annette has rounded up some wonderful bloggers to help host monthly challenges too!

To find out more about the Urban Farm Handbook Challenge, check out Annette's Blog at Sustainableeats.com and dare to take the challenge!

I found a slideshow of 12 great ideas for using everyday objects to make your own weights, benches, and suspension systems on Fitbie, the MSN.com fitness site.

The new uses include:

• Filling water bottles with sand to use as dumbbells for bicep curls or shoulder presses.
• Repurposing ropes or towels for doing inverted rows and suspended push-ups.
• Turning a basketball into a medicine ball for doing push-ups that really focus your core.

Filling a PVC pipe with water or sand to make a slosh pipe – my favorite new piece of equipment of late.  It’s used like a barbell, but the moving fluid or sand means that you have to use your core and every other muscle in your body to maintain stability. There are lots of websites and Youtube videos showing you how to make and use a slosh pipe.

She established her own self-imposed rules: (1) she could buy food, cleaning products, and hygiene items, (2) she could buy one new item each month, and (3) she could accept unsolicited gifts. In addition, her husband was allowed to purchase personal items for himself or for their family, but Jessica was not allowed to be involved in any of the decisions or purchasing.

Jessica has only bought nine new things this entire year! Every new item she purchased was either a gift for a family member or a necessity for her two children.  Some of the items she bought included a balloon for a birthday party, a book for her cousin's baby shower, and a pack of bottles for her one-year old. Sticking to her New Year's Resolution forced Jessica to get creative in a number of situations. For example, when she found out in April that she was pregnant, she borrowed maternity clothes from other moms.  When Jessica and her husband bought a new house, she was tempted to buy new curtains and furniture but resisted the urge.  She used tools such as Freecycle.com or Bainbridge Island's online Mom's Group to seek out necessary items like a double stroller and bassinet.

According to Jessica, she learned:

• how little you need to consume as an individual.
• that there is a difference between ‘wanting' and ‘needing' things.
• that there are a lot of things she used to purchase impulsively but discovered later that she didn't need or want.
• that while it may feel good to buy new clothes and shoes, there is much more satisfaction in knowing you are being kind and gentle to the earth.
• how to live a simpler lifestyle and focus on what REALLY matters.
• that many things can have a second or third life after one person is done with them.

Jessica was tempted to buy new items many times, but her husband, family, and friends supported and encouraged her to stick to her New Year's Resolution. She succeeded! She feels like she has set a good example for her children so they can start to learn that they do not need to live a consumptive lifestyle to be happy, and she knows that her experience has shaped significant life habits that she will carry on throughout the rest of her life. Jessica hopes that her story will inspire others to make similar commitments and choices this New Year. As stated on a bumper sticker, "The best things in life aren't things." Happy New Year!

*This article was first posted in 2009.

Coal Export could tip us over the global warming precipice. Sounds like gloom and doom, but we have the ability to stop this from happening. To understand how coal export affects global warming, a little Science is in order. (skip here, if you already know the science)

Our annual average concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is 391.57 up from 2010 average of 389.78. In the past decade the average annual increase has been 2.07 parts per million per year.

What do these numbers mean? Scientists believe that 350 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. As we move further beyond 350 the earth becomes warmer and our global temperature increases, affecting climates, plants and animals, and humans. We're already beginning to see disastrous impacts on people and places all over the world. Glaciers everywhere are melting and disappearing fast—and they are a source of drinking water for hundreds of millions of people. Mosquitoes, who like a warmer world, are spreading into lots of new places, and bringing malaria and dengue fever with them. Drought is becoming much more common, making food harder to grow in many places. Sea levels have begun to rise, and scientists warn that they could go up as much as several meters this century. If that happens, many of the world's cities, island nations, and farmland will be underwater. The oceans are growing more acidic because of the CO2 they are absorbing, which makes it harder for animals like corals and clams to build and maintain their shells and skeletons; and this directly impacts our economy and shell fish farms in the Pacific Northwest. Coral reefs could start dissolving at an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 450-500 ppm. These impacts are combining to exacerbate conflicts and security issues in already resource-strapped regions.(courtesy 350.org)

Makes you want to throw up your hands and say nothing can be done, right!? Don't stop here, there are things you and I can do to make a difference. Including, stopping coal export from Washington State.

Coal Export Terminals and Trains

What does this have to do with Coal Export? Scientists also believe that the majority of the CO2 in the atmosphere comes from human's burning fossil fuels. Coal is one of the fossil fuels that we use to produce energy and with that burning comes a high cost to our health.

Two coal export terminals, Longview and Cherry Point, are planned so far, both in Washington state. They have the potential to dramatically increase the amount of coal shipped to Asia. With these two coal export terminals, coal companies have the potential to export 100 million -and possibly 130 million or more- tons of coal annually. In recent years, the US coal export has only been a few million tons to Asia and just a fraction of that to China. With these two coal export terminals on line, Washington could easily multiply total American coal export to China tenfold.

One of the primary objections to coal export terminals is the spread of coal dust. Exporters store coal in large piles at terminals, and these piles -and subsequent coal trains carrying the coal- produce coal dust carried by the wind where it settles on roads, houses, farms that feed us, school yards and water ways that feed our fish and wildlife and drinking water.

Health Costs of Coal Export

What you can do to help stop Coal Export

Coal companies have deep pockets and a long track record of using their power and influence to get what they want. Peabody Energy, the world’s largest coal company, and Arch Coal are routinely fined for violating worker health and safety and environmental standards. These companies are not good neighbors and will put profit before people to protect their bottom line.

Let us stand up for clean air and water and for healthy kids and communities! Educate yourself about the issue and Take action by:

• Signing the Power Past Coal Petition

Speak out by signing a petition urging elected officials to oppose West Coast coal export terminals. Then, share the petition with your friends!

• Ask Commissioner Goldmark to not permit the coal export terminals!

Commissioner Goldmark oversees the Department of Natural Resources, which has the authority to approve or not approve a lease for the proposed pier and wharf combination to service the Gateway Pacific Terminal. The lease is for public aquatic lands owned by you and me–it’s up to…

• Call Governor Christine Gregroire

Call Governor Christine Gregroire at (360) 902-4111 and ask her to ensure that Washington says NO to coal export and YES to a clean energy future

Thank you for caring about your children's health and the environment! Together we can make great things happen.

You’ve walked the talk. You’ve biked the bridge. You’ve shared the ride. And you’ve made a difference. Boy oh boy, what a difference it was! 

Over 1,200 proud West Seattle citizens participated in our program resulting in:

• 14,723 gallons of gas saved. That’s two fuel tanker-trucks full!
• 285,621 pounds of pollution was prevented from entering our skies. That’s the same weight as 1,495 average American men (pre-holiday food and festivities weight, of course).
• 294,455 miles were not driven. That’s equivalent to approximately 240 miles (think driving from Seattle to Spokane) per participant!

We have officially wrapped up the project and have closed our survey. Thanks for your input – it will help us create a better project in the future. We hope you continue trying new ways to getting around West Seattle and beyond. Look for future opportunities on the In Motion website.

Haven’t had enough yet? We say...don’t stop till you get enough. Check out the city of Seattle’s Walk Ride Bike Challenge. They’ll be starting a new session in January. The more sustainable travel trips you take-- the more chances to win! Find out more here!

Thank you again West Seattle movers and shakers! Stay In Motion!

Sincerely,

Your West Seattle In Motion Team

A conversation between CoolMom friends on how to shop for Holiday gifts without buying all that stuff:

Lisa,

Thanks for sharing these great ideas for holiday gift giving.  I'm really going to try to make it through the holidays without buying stuff.  For the kids we're hoping to get away with used toys.  The only problem there is the Santa issue--why would Santa give used gifts?  Any ideas?

Regarding gifts from the kids, I'm going to engage them in helping me make a family calendar on Shutterfly.  I also want to decorate ginger bread cookies for friends and family with them. We have some holiday cookie cutters and we just got cutters for the first letter in each family member's name so we can each decorate our own cookies. Maybe we'll work on decorating baskets or boxes to put the cookies in?  And I always have the kids give photos of themselves to family. Frames are the only challenge but I bet we can find some nice looking used frames at Goodwill. And I'm planning to buy tickets for my parents and aunts to go see King Tut with our family.

The kids won't appreciate the significance of this until they see it, but anyone old enough to remember the show that toured the US in the 70's will be pscyhed when they learn this exhibit will be even bigger.  Plus it will be that much more fun for all of us to go see it with my boys who will be 5 and 7 when we go.

For my mother I bought a beautiful used scarf at Labels last year so I plan to get her something from there again this year.  I've always bought books and music for my husband and step father, but to move away from CDs a friend suggested that I get them a one month subscription to Spotify.  That's good for this year, but then what will I get them next year and for their birthdays?  Men are so hard!. My non-green family members are more of a problem.  The cookies, calendar and photos from the kids will work for sure.  They would not appreciate used frames but maybe I can find sustainable bamboo?  Maybe I can get them tickets to see King Tut or some other event in NYC?  If not, I'll try to keep it to books or music.

Happy holiday planning!

Best,

Rachel

It’s not bad timing, as I finally got around to bringing the winter clothes up from the basement last week, and have been dragging my kids away from all the Christmas catalogues to try on their old coats, boots, and sweaters from last year to see if any of them still fit.  Hope springs eternal!

Any winter clothes they’ve outgrown that are still in good shape will go to Westside Baby, a local organization that provides diapers, kids clothes, and other necessities to families in need.

As for the clothes that are stained or torn, this winter I’m getting out my scissors, needle, and thread to see if I can up-cycle those rags into winter accessories for the whole family.

My first project was to take a frayed sweater and make it into a hat or two.  I found great instructions at A Hoot and a Holler.  One note: If the sweater you are using is at all a loose knit, throw it in the washer and dryer to shrink it and tighten up the weave a bit so it does not unravel while you are sewing.  I cut and sewed these two hats - one for my daughter and one for her cousin, Ivy, who was visiting for the weekend, in about 30 minutes.

Next I’m going to use the sleeves of the same sweater for fingerless gloves for me.  My sister also suggested an infinity scarf from the body of the sweater.  Endless possibilities!

WHEN: Monday, December 5, 5:30 pm
WHERE: Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
WHAT: Seattle City Council Public Hearing on proposed Plastic Bag Ordinance

People for Puget Sound will provide talking points and a bag pin with your testimony.

Please also send an email today to the Seattle City Council members so they know you support this ordinance.

Plastic Bag History and What This is all About.

Back in 2009 CoolMom was one of many supporters of the plastic bag fee. As most of you know, the fee did not pass. The Seattle City Council has introduced an ordinance to put a ban on take-home plastic bags and a 5 cent fee on paper bags (which the stores will keep).  The goal of this ordinance is to encourage people to switch to reusable alternatives so we can keep our Sound clean and our marine wildlife, which ends up on our dinner tables, healthy. CoolMom supports this ordinance and here are some reasons why:

What are the negative environmental aspects of plastic bags?

Plastic bags blow around and end up along our roads and creeks. They then wash in stormwater out to Puget Sound and ultimately out into the ocean. They break down into smaller bits but don’t readily decompose. The negative aspects of plastic bags include:

• Using up nonrenewable resources Bags are made of petroleum products and natural gas and thus are another way we are using up our petroleum resources.
• Physically impacting wildlife. Plastic bags are neutrally buoyant and so float in the water column and can be mistaken for jellyfish or other food by wildlife, such as turtles. Bags are found in the stomachs of turtles, whales and other animals, leading to deaths by starvation when their digestive system is blocked.
• Carrying toxic contaminants. Plastic is “oilier” than ocean water and therefore acts like a sponge for persistent toxic chemicals such as PCBs. It is believed that the bits of plastic in the aquatic environment are a pathway for toxic chemicals into fish and other wildlife that ingest them (because plastics break down into tiny pieces that are as small as plankton), but this has not been extensively studied yet.
• Physically clogging stormdrains. Plastic bags in many countries litter the countryside and end up clogging stormdrains leading to seriously exasperated flooding problems, especially in Bangladesh.
• Clogging recycling machines. Our city recyclables go to recycling centers where they are sorted and separated into different products so that they can be bailed and sent on for further processing. A major problem is that plastic bags tend to clog the rollers on the machines. The City of Portland has documented that ¼ of their workers’ time is spent removing plastic bags from the line that have caused clogs and thus work shutdowns.
• Contaminating our commercial composting products. Seattle residential and business yard clippings and food waste are sent to local commercial composting facilities that break down the organic matter at high temperatures in a few months to produce a high quality compost product. Unfortunately, a large number of plastic bags get dumped into the bins along with the organic material. This leads to a significant amount of “contamination” of the compost with pieces of plastic bags. The facilities try to remove some of the plastic, but are unable to remove the majority of it. (taken from the greenbagcampaign.org)

Click below to find answers to these questions:

Why Stop Using Plastic Bags?

The Myth: Why Aren't Plastic Bags Free?

Will Banning Plastic Bags Help the Environment?

Thank you to Our Volunteers!

We want to thank all of our volunteers who helped gather the gently used toys, price them, baked a yummy treat for our bake sale, and helped set up and staff the day of the sale. Special thanks to Michelle G., Mary, Colleen, Ali, Abby, Kristy, Laura, Mimi, Jeannie, Hillary, Brooke, Emily and her Mom, Toni, Natasha, Michelle P. and Amy. With your support we had a wonderful event. Thank you!

West Seattle Community, We Thank YOU!

CoolMom and its members want to thank all the collection sites: C &P Coffee, PCC, Gatewood Elementary, Community School of West Seattle, Arbor Heights, and Pathfinder.  Thank you for allowing CoolMom to collect toys at your locations and for supporting both CoolMom and WestSide Baby! We count on our caring community to support our Annual Toy Swap 'n' Sale and once again you came through for us! We also want to thank all the families (in West Seattle and beyond) that donated items for the sale and to those who came to the sale to shop! We appreciate your support for our organizations and that you chose to shop for gently used items for the holidays. Thank you to all the businesses and schools that supported our efforts by posting signs about the sale.

Thank you to the West Seattle Blog and the West Seattle Herald for once again supporting our efforts by getting the word out about the event. We appreciate all that you do!

************

Vounteer to Help Make this Event a Success!

go here to sign up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/coolmom

Here are the details:

WHEN: West Seattle, Saturday, November 12th, 9am to 2pm

WHO: Presented by CoolMom.

All proceeds benefit CoolMom & WestSide Baby

WHERE: Fauntleroy Church, 9140 California Ave. SW (Barton & California) West Seattle, WA 98136.

WHY: CoolMom wants to help families reduce spending and their carbon footprint this holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste in the United States increases by more than 25%. By buying locally used toys instead of newly packaged toys purchased at several stores throughout the state or country, families can reduce their travel fuel consumption and reduce their impact on our recycling and landfill centers. Buying quality used toys also saves families money, which helps in these tough economic times.

There are 2 ways to participate:

1. Donate items before the sale & receive a $5 credit towards your purchase the day of the sale.
2. Nothing to donate? Show up and shop to your heart's content.
Please don't forget your reusable bags to collect your treasures.

HOW:
1. De-clutter and detach from all the unused toys and gear in your home.
2. Bag up your items: toys, sports clothes and products, baby gear, baby/kid furniture (no car seats please)
3. Donate your items at one of 6 collection sites in West Seattle through November 8th
4. Put your name in your donation bag & receive a $5 credit towards your purchase at the sale.
5. Come to the sale, redeem your credit, and shop!

DONATION LOCATIONS:

PCC West Seattle (California)
Gatewood Elementary School (Myrtle)
Arbor Heights Elementary School (Arbor Heights)
Community School of West Seattle (Roxbury)
Pathfinder School (Delridge)
C&P Coffee (California and Findlay)

FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Terri Glaberson, terri@coolmom.org

The full story of Think Outside the Car can be found here!

However, I’ve changed my mind.  Now, I think that the stores have done me a favor by starting their Halloween push so early. It gives my family the time we need to plan for Halloween with an eye toward using our old stuff to creating new costumes and decorations for the holiday. I’ve also been looking for ways to use the bounty from my kids’ trick-or-treating.  After trolling the web, here are the most spooktacular new Halloween uses for old things:

Costumes:

This site has both simple and elaborate ideas for homemade kids costumes: http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes/

Mother Nature Network offers clever ideas for grownup costumes: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/homemade-halloween-costumes-2011

This one is my favorites: http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/.  Thousands of people have sent in photos and instructions for their own homemade costumes.  There is a search feature, so if your kid wants to be a Viking, or a mermaid, or a Rubik’s Cube, you can find inspiration on this site.

Decorations:

Squidoo (http://www.squidoo.com/halloween-homemade-decorations) has a number of kid-friendly craft ideas for homemade Halloween decorations made from recycled materials, including egg carton spiders, a creepy candelabra, and a Halloween snow globe.

The Crafty Crow (http://www.thecraftycrow.net/) is a website I’ve been using for kid crafts for years.  They troll the web for seasonal crafts for a wide range of ages so that you don’t have to!  I can’t wait to try the apple head pirate dolls (http://www.thecraftycrow.net/halloween/) with the apples that are falling from our tree this week.

Candy:

Then there is the question of what to do with all that candy the kids collect.  I don’t want to be a Halloween Scrooge and deny them the joy of eating it.  So here’s what we do at our house, the kids get to eat as much as they want on Halloween night.  After that, they pick their 10 favorite pieces to save, and the rest gets left on a bowl on the table for The Great Pumpkin.  The Great Pumpkin come to our house while the kids are asleep and takes the candy, leaving a small toy in exchange.

I’ve heard that other households are visited by The Halloween Fairy.  Obviously, she’s the Tooth Fairy’s evil (but more fun) twin.

Now, what should YOU do with all that leftover candy?  Once again Squidoo comes to the rescue with recipes with cut-up candy as an ingredient and ideas for other uses such as saving it for a piñata or using it to decorate a cake.  (http://kimberlydawnwells.squidoo.com/leftovercandy)

A few other sites with leftover candy recipes:

http://www.cookiemadness.net/2008/11/leftover-halloween-candy-cookies/

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/halloween/halloween-candy-recipes-103008-DSH

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Halloween-Recipes/Recipes-Using-Leftover-Halloween-Candy

Hope this helps you plan your family’s Halloween.  My kids have both decided to be Ninjas this year.  Hurray!  That’s a pretty easy one to make at home.  In solidarity, my husband and I are planning to be Fruit Ninjas – a play on the smart phone game.

Dozens of dedicated Daniel Bagley parents and caregivers taught the students to value the fun, friendship, fitness and fresh air that children experience from walking together, on a crisp, damp October morning.

A few highlights.

• At least one student successfully begged his mom to walk with him to 'before-school care' when it was drizzling and still dark.
• Some families came from almost 1.5 miles away, which is pretty far for little legs.
• Bus-shaped cookies were provided for the kids on one route, thanks to a thoughtful route leader.
• With an average commute of ½ mile, Daniel Bagley students collectively walked a total of 75 miles, and saved approximately 75 lbs of CO­₂ from car emissions.
• Two Walking School Bus routes converged about 1/2 mile from school to form a mega-bus of 50 kids and 20 parents.  That's one way to stop traffic on Aurora Avenue!

A big thank you to our generous sponsors, who provided prizes to all walkers and cyclists:  Feet First, Safe Routes to Schools, the Cascade Bicycle Club, and the City of Seattle's Aurora Safety Traffic Project.

In addition to this one-day event, the Daniel Bagley Walking School Bus program operates year-round along five set routes, generally on Friday mornings: bagleywalkingschoolbus.blogspot.com.

Safety first. walk-to-school parent volunteers are working with the city to improve key pedestrian intersections, especially near Aurora, and applying for grant funding for pedestrian flags, safety vests, and signs.

Bagley Bees bike to school, too. Students will be learning about bike safety in Health & Fitness class in late October, thanks to the Cascade Bicycle Club.  Cycling will continue to be promoted as a healthy commute option in conjunction with our Walking School Bus program this year. Looks like we'll need another bike rack!

As economic concerns overtake our national conversation, it’s time to kick back, share a great meal, and talk about growing a resilient local food economy here in Washington state. Once upon a time, home economics classes taught us how to manage our homes and make wise decisions – it’s time we revived interest and understanding of what practical, sustainable and healthy food choices are available to us here.

Lusciously, local food from the Puget Sound region will be prepared by Herban Feast chefs. Sustainably produced local beers, wines and fresh cider will be available at a cash bar.

Other organizations involved in our local food economy will have information at the event about purchasing locally as well as growing your own food.

The evening includes:

• a do-not-miss dinner
• exhibitors encouraging education and action towards purchasing and growing local food and healthy living
• keynote speaker: Greg Atkinson (details below)
• speakers active in the local food movement
• a silent auction
• live music

Eat Local Now! encourages participation in local food systems as a means to building a healthy and sustainable communities, families, individuals, and a planet.

The 8th Annual Eat Local Now! event supports our local food producers and allows the people the opportunity to talk to the farmers, fishers, ranchers, bakers and those who make the local food system possible.

Held at the beautiful Herban Feast Sodo Park venue in their historic century-old factory just south of downtown Seattle, it will be a lovely evening. It’s a fundraiser for the organizing partners: CoolMom, Sustainable West Seattle, and Seattle Good Business Network. All organizations working to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all of us.

We sell out every year, so get your tickets today! Tickets are $10 for kids and $50 for adults. Brown Paper Tickets or 1-800-838-3006.

We’d love to share this special evening with you. Hope to see you there.

With the leaves beginning to change, school starting and the wind gusting in, fall is surely here.  And like most of West Seattle's students, our first assignment for the school year was to reflect on the summer and what we did.

'What I did this Summer' by the West Seattle In Motion Program

Whew!  Rewarding West Seattle residents for walking, biking, and taking transit makes the summer fly by. If feels like just yesterday we were a small program finding our footing at the West Seattle Fest, with not a clue just how big we were going to grow in just one summer.  From just handful of participants in late July to almost 1,200 by October, we had quite the growth spurt!  But we definitely covered a lot of ground, from bike rides to Alki beach, historical walks through the Admiral District, paddle boarding on the river at the Duwamish fest, and stairway walks to PigeonPoint.  All in all, we walked, biked and rode the bus over 170,000 miles!   So that's where these calves and that hole in our shoes came from!

We made a lot of new friends along the way too.  Great bakers like Cupcake Royale, hip athletes like Alki Bike and Board, and healthy eaters like Chaco Canyon, hooked us up with great discounts when we showed our In Motion card!  We even got the 'Walking on Logs' statues talking about us too!   Finally, we've been thanking our awesome participants by passing out over 5,000 Free Ride bus tickets this summer, a few lucky folks received Chinook Books and our friends at MOHAI gave a special tour on Frances Farmer a famous actress who lived in West Seattle. So with all of this we've been pretty popular.

And, In Motion doesn't end with the start of school, we still have one more month and it's International Walk to School Month! Not only is In Motion going to be walking to school with all our friends on International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5th, we are rewarding West Seattle neighbors for driving less all month!

There is still time to join! Sign up at Kingcounty.gov/inmotion, pledge to drive less and you'll receive eight Metro Free Ride bus tickets, discounts at local businesses, and a chance to win the ULTIMATE STAYCATION ($1,000 prize package provided by our friends at COHO Reality! Every week you log your trips to, you'll get another entry into the drawing for the staycation, and when you log four weeks of trips you'll get another eight free ride tickets.  So sign up soon, before West Seattle In Motion is gone, just like the summer.

Sincerely,

West Seattle In Motion