Coat drive underway for Queen Anne Helpline
Last year, more than 160 coats were collected for the Queen Anne Helpline during its annual coat drive.
Now in its third year, organizers are hoping to break that record, and are asking the community to drop off new or gently used coats that can then be given to be people in need.
Collection bins will be at the Umpqua Bank branches in Queen Anne (1630 Queen Anne Ave. N.) and Magnolia (2236 32nd Ave. W.) throughout the month of October. A bin will also be at the Queen Anne Farmers Market on Oct. 6 and 13 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Those with questions or suggestions can contact Stephanie Kastner at Coldwell Banker Danforth at (206) 999-1459, or s.kastner@coldwellbanker.com.
Free films, family history workshops at Magnolia Library
The Magnolia Branch (2801 34th Ave. W.) of the Seattle Public Library will play host to several events in October.
Free movie screenings will be held throughout the month at eight branches, with “Strange Brew,” screening on Oct. 15, and “Hocus Pocus” on Oct. 29 in Magnolia, each starting at 2 p.m. The former is also billed as part of the library’s second annual “Booktoberfest,” with popcorn and refreshments provided, along with a door prize donated by Urban Family Brewery.
Also happening at the Magnolia Branch is a pair of family history workshops, on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, both from 2 to 4 p.m.
The first is an introduction to family history research, with a genealogy librarian giving an overview of the resources available in the Seattle area, with sample genealogy charts and bibliographies provided. The second workshop will take participants through how to use electronic databases and internet resources found on the library website to search for ancestors, with a focus on the "Ancestry Library Edition,” database.
The workshops are free, but registration is required, either in person at the branch, or by phone at (206) 386-4225.
Irish Reels this weekend at SIFF
The three-day Irish Reels Film Festival takes place this weekend in Uptown, starting with an opening night gala reception co-hosted by the Irish Network Seattle on Friday starting at 6 p.m. at the SIFF Film Center.
Now in its 19th year, the festival aims to bring the best new works of Irish cinema to Seattle. The lineup features seven feature-length films (some paired with shorts), along with two short-film programs.
Tickets to the opening night gala and screening are $15, while special senior presentations of “Older Than Ireland” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and “A Doctor’s Sword” at 1 p.m. on Sunday are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors. All other screenings are $12.
Full festival passes are available for $90 ($80 for IN Seattle members).
Uptown Metropolitan Market celebrates 10 years
It’s been a decade since Metropolitan Market moved in at the corner of 1st Avenue North and Mercer Street, taking over the space formerly occupied by Larry’s Market, and the store is marking the occasion with deals and events for its shoppers.
Starting this week, the store will give customers an offer card with 10 weeks of free full size items in store, one per week through Dec. 7.
On Oct. 14, the location will host a free pumpkin beer tasting from 5 to 7 p.m., with several Elysian Brewing offerings paired with small bites.
On Oct. 20, the market will host a trivia night on all things Seattle, with questions about the city’s history, sports, and pop culture, among others. Admission is $5 per person, with four-person teams, and all proceeds benefit the Queen Anne Helpline. Metropolitan Market will match the amount raised for donation.