Nutcrackers appear on Seattle streets

Have you noticed the decorated nutcrackers along the streets of downtown Seattle? They're there for the holidays, to showcase the talents of local artists and raise money for Northwest Center, a 42-year-old local nonprofit that serves youngsters with developmental disabilities.

The public art is inspired by Pacific Northwest Ballet's annual performance of "Nutcracker," a Seattle holiday tradition for more than two decades.

Local organizations such as the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Flight are sponsors of individual nutcrackers.

They'll be around town until Jan. 4, then they'll be available for sale to the public through an online auction. Look for the five dozen different nutcrackers on city sidewalks from Seattle Center to Pioneer Square and in neighborhood plazas and building lobbies. A map and audio tour of the nutcrackers, and purchasing information, is online at www.nutcrackermarch.org.

Community calendar

Pet-food drive

Through the holiday season: The Seattle Humane Society has started its annual Holiday Pet Food Drive, and Safeway stores across King County are collection points. Last year, the drive collected more than 16 tons of pet food to help pet owners care for their pets. Collection barrels are out for donations of any kind of pet food, especially dry cat food. Donations can also be dropped off at the shelter's Bellevue headquarters, at 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way. The drive runs through Dec. 30.

Commission opening

There's an opening on the Seattle Women's Commission, which advises the mayor, City Council and city departments on issues that affect women in Seattle. Mayor Greg Nickels will appoint someone to fill the spot. Commissioners recommend policy and legislation, provide feedback and opinion on issues of city and state budgets, and act as liaisons between Seattle women and city government. Terms are for two years, and the appointment must be confirmed by the City Council. Applicants must live in Seattle and be available for monthly meetings.

To apply, submit a résumé and a letter of interest by Friday. E-mail submissions are preferred. Send to Felicia.Yearwood-Murrell@Seattle.gov. Information: 206-684-4537.

Celebrate the holidays

The Holiday Carousel at Westlake Park, a downtown Seattle Christmas-season tradition for the past two decades, is open. The suggested donation for rides is $2, and proceeds benefit Northwest Center, serving children with developmental disabilities. Information about the Holiday Carousel is online at www.downtownseattle.com. The carousel will be open daily, except for Christmas Day, until Dec. 29.

Nov. 26, 1945: A Lake Chelan School District bus carrying 20 young students, ages 6 to 17, skidded off a road during a snowstorm and plunged down a 30-foot embankment into icy Lake Chelan. A woman who happened to be also riding on the bus and five youngsters escaped through broken windows and reached shore. The 24-year-old bus driver and 15 students drowned. The accident was, at the time, the worst school-related accident in state history. A monument and small memorial park were later established near the site of the accident, about one mile east of Lake Chelan State Park.

Source: Historylink.org