West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
From our citywide-media partner, the Seattle Times: Its editors’ choices for “Pictures of the Year” have just been published – this gallery has 70 images, three with clear West Seattle ties (#26, Mayor Greg Nickels; #28, ex-King County Assessor Scott Noble; #29, Seacrest). Also, if you haven’t already heard/seen this, a West Seattle photo was chosen as the Times’ Reader Photo of the Year — Janna Templin took this amazing ski-jump shot 12/23/08.
That card expressing get-well wishes for Jade West proprietor Wah Wong is now posted on the door of his cafe’, thanks to WSB’er “Grrr,” who says Harborview Medical Center told him the restaurateur is no longer in the hospital. We will work with Harborview media relations Monday to verify that. As reported here a week ago, Wah Wong was injured along with his wife and son when a suspected drunk driver hit them outside their Beacon Hill home two weeks ago. We don’t have new reports on the status of the rest of the family, but we do know the driver, 50-year-old Rodney D. James, is still in jail, in lieu of $250,000 bail. Meantime, if you want to sign the get-well card, you will find it taped to the cafe door at 6032 California SW (with a pouch of pens alongside). MONDAY AFTERNOON: As promised, we’ve checked with Harborview, whose media-relations department confirms that Wah Wong is out of the hospital; son Jason Wong is still there, and listed in satisfactory condition; Salina Wong, while reported to have been injured in the crash, was not admitted to Harborview, according to the spokesperson.
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Rick Cook, owner of Rick’s Barber Shop at 5251 California SW, has inherited both a sign and a claim to fame: “Psychic Barber.”
You’ve probably laughed, driving along California SW, when out of the corner of your eye you caught a glimpse of two white neon signs next to each other: “Psychic” “Barber.” That reaction was partly by design; after a psychic moved in next door to Rick’s Barber Shop, Rick had a matching white neon “Barber” sign made by the same person who created the “Psychic” sign.
Now, Rick owns the “Psychic” portion of the signage as well, and his front window proudly announces “Psychic Barber.”
The Psychic Barber attention came after Rick had already been in his current space for 15 years.
(All photos by WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli)
Meet Bishop Deborah Dinkins from Restoration Worship Center, which has services at High Point Community Center noon-2 pm every Sunday. Bishop Dinkins and church volunteers coordinated the HPCC toy distribution that went awry a week ago because a promised delivery didn’t come – then the call went out to see if they could make it happen today – and a few hours ago, they did, with the help of many WSB’ers and generous folks from all over the area. Look at just one table laden with donated toys, in a room that was full of them:
Families went into the room in small groups – and the kids made their choices:
Not only did they serve the dozens of families who crowded into the community center this afternoon, but church volunteer Tina Taylor (at left in the photo below) told us that they shared some of the donations with three other churches (1 of those churches alone, she said, was helping 80 more families) – and gave four bags to kids in the HPCC gym whose parents, the youth told church volunteers, were hesitant to sign up to be on the list for toys.
They repeatedly expressed their gratitude to everyone who reached out to help. One week ago, they weren’t sure they would be able to help hundreds of families have a merry Christmas – then, both Bishop Dinkins and volunteer Taylor said, there was “a miracle.”
(If you’re still looking for places to give to – we know there are Giving Trees still up all around West Seattle – the one for Hickman House at CAPERS in The Junction, for example, will be waiting through Christmas Eve.)
Call it a timely two-fer for a good cause: West Seattle’s C & P Coffee has a silent auction under way right now – taking bids online – for a copy of an award-winning Seattle photographer’s book documenting global climate change. The photographer is Daniel Beltra, who you’ll see when you click the clip above, taken from Prince Charles‘s presentation naming Beltra as winner of the Prince’s Rainforests Project Professional Award at the Sony World Photography Awards. The C & P auction is happening as world leaders attending the Copenhagen climate-change conference are being given copies of Beltra’s book. He donated a copy to C & P for the silent auction, which is raising money to help a coffeehouse team members with medical expenses. You can bid by e-mail — candpco@comcast.net – and through the C & P Facebook page (where you can also see what the bidding’s up to – to get a firsthand look at the book, go to C & P at 5612 California SW. (Photos are also viewable at danielbeltra.com.)
Seen this car? West Seattleite Bill Schrier hopes so. You may know him as webmaster for the 34th District Democrats, and/or in his acclaimed role as technology boss for the City of Seattle. But right now, he’s a car owner who put out a photo and details on Facebook, which we’re republishing here with his permission:
Be on the lookout for our 2001 silver Honda CRV stolen from Queen Anne at about 5:00 PM (Thursday). … License #940XMJ (Washington State), has a Wisconsin Badgers sticker on the back, plus the unique combination of an Army Reserve bumper sticker and a “peace” bumper sticker (which are shown as insets in the photo …). Call 911 if you see this vehicle. I’m offering a reward of everlasting gratitude and dinner in our remodeled kitchen. After talking to the responding police officer: (1) if you have a Toyota or Honda, get a club or similar very visible locking device and (2) park in West Seattle, not Queen Anne.
4:17 PM UPDATE: As Bill posted below in comments, his car has been found – with some distinctive new items inside:
SPD found it on University Street downtown across from SAM earlier this afternoon. Trashed inside (stuff strewn all about, CD’s missing), but only noticeable damage was a crack in the front bumper. Now I have two more requests: (1) anybody know a good auto detailer to clean the perp germs out of the car? and (2) be on the lookout (BOLO) for the perp who eats Mrs. Freshly’s Golden Honeybun donuts, shops at Whole Foods,and wears a size DD black bra,all of which I found in the vehicle!
ADDED 5:37 PM: And if you are skeptical about all that, Bill posted this photo on his FB page as proof (again, used here with permission):
Another update on the swimming-star grandson of a local couple, who medaled in the nationals in Federal Way two weeks ago:
Nick Thoman (our grandson) broke the world record for the 100 back stroke, short course, in the first leg of the Medley relay, 48.9 seconds (WR 49.2) This is at the ‘Duel in the Pool’ being held in Manchester, England with USA Swim vs. Europe. The USA Swim Medley Relay (4 x 100) also broke the WR with 320.71 (former record 323.33). Next Nick came in 2nd in the 200 backstroke, Grevers 148.74, Nick 150.05 and Peirsol 151.08. Tomorrow, Nick will swim the 100 back stroke. Stay tuned.
Proud Alki Grandparents, Ginger & Glenn Brewer
Here’s British coverage of the competition.
At Twilight Artist Collective, proprietors Mary, Erin and Allison celebrated “ugly sweater night” along with West Seattle Art Walk night. That’s one of 10 photos we’re sharing on a night that also saw the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce celebrate the season – read on for the quick tour:Read More
That sign greeted visitors at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) tonight, where they served dozens at a pasta dinner with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the families of the murdered Lakewood police officers. Dessert treats too – chef Lisa Thompson showed off the cupcakes-in-progress when we peeked into the kitchen:
Both West Seattle Merrill Gardens (the other one is at 35th SW/Snoqualmie) participated in tonight’s fundraiser – just got word that the two together raised almost $1,500 – it came with this photo snapped by MG (all other photos in this story are by us) at the 35th SW location:
A bit further south, Animals First Foundation rallied supporters at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):
From left, that’s Jeremy, Stacy, Sara, Carina, Alysson, and Erin from AFF, which is an animal-advocacy group whose work is described here. Not far from the Feedback, we visited The Hall at Fauntleroy:
At the 34th District Democrats‘ holiday party tonight, that’s host Richard Bartlett raising a toast. We also spotted State Rep. Sharon Nelson, who finds out on Monday if she’ll get the interim County Council seat for District 8 (she sought it in case councilmembers decide to choose someone who won’t run for the permanent seat in a year, which the other 34th District legislator in the final four, State Sen. Joe McDermott, intends to do):
Other partiers included Dina Johnson, more often behind the lens, taking photos at events from Highland Park Action Committee meetings to regular 34th District Democrats gatherings:
What’s up tomorrow night? The biggest event: the West Seattle Art Walk, which includes special Shop Late festivities in The Junction. More on that coming up – and browse some of the highlighted artists on the WS Art Walk website.
They’ve helped keep thousands from going hungry — and their only reward is knowing what a difference they’ve made in all those lives. But tonight, West Seattle Food Bank volunteers got a special thanks – a dinner in their honor at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Food Bank board president Pete Spalding (honored last weekend with a West Seattle Volunteer Recognition award) says it’s important to celebrate them for “all of their hard work and dedication to helping our clients.” You can, of course, help the Food Bank even without volunteering – just go here. (PS – There are many ways to help those in need this holiday season, listed on our West Seattle Holidays page, and even if there’s not a specific holiday drive, if you’re with a nonprofit that would like to put out a specific request for ways people can help, please let us know so we can share – we often hear from people asking “what can I do to help?”.)
You may have seen the TV reports — like this one — about an emotional court hearing Monday for a man accused of hit-and-run for the crash that killed 30-year-old Jerome Dumlao as he walked across a Belltown street early Sunday. We have learned from one of his neighbors that Mr. Dumlao lived in West Seattle, and also drove a FedEx route in the area. The driver accused of killing him, who police say admitted to drinking before the crash, is in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. 3:18 PM UPDATE: We have just heard from a friend who says there’s a memorial fund set up for Mr. Dumlao’s family – through Sterling Savings Bank in Ballard.
Tomorrow, the suspects charged with murder in the February 1st West Seattle shooting death of Steve Bushaw are expected in court. The case has been much-discussed since we first reported the 4 arrests last week, then details of the charges. According to court documents, the suspects believed the victim was responsible for a crime for which he was never charged; the documents include no evidence of his involvement in that crime. The Bushaw family has declined requests for comment as the 10-month investigation proceeded, but the victim’s sister, Tanya Bushaw, asked if we would publish something she wanted to say on her brother’s behalf – here is her statement in its entirety:
Over the past ten months my family has decided to keep our comments to ourselves regarding the killing of my brother, Stevie Bushaw. We didn’t know any details as the detectives could not tell us anything due to it being an active, on-going investigation. However, on Tuesday when we found out police had arrested 4 men who were involved in his murder we were so relieved, excited, and sad all at the same time. We finally had some sort of resolution to this situation and more insight as to what happened that night. Despite these arrests, it is still an on-going investigation and we only know what has been written in the charging documents.
You cannot imagine how hard it is to hear your son/brother say “Bye, I’ll be back. I’m going to have a beer with Bryce” and then 15 minutes later he is dead and you have no idea why or how it happened. You only know he will not be back…ever!
Before this I only saw my dad cry twice, maybe three times in my life and now he cries everyday. My mother, in addition to all her tears, was sure her heart shrunk because her chest felt sunken after this happened. My daughter, 4, has had to learn about death, guns, and “bad guys” that use guns to kill people. Too many nights I had to hold her and calm her down from crying so hard because she missed her Uncle Stevie. As a whole we are all very sensitive to each other’s well being in fear that we might lose another member of this family.
(Editor’s note: That is Tanya’s daughter, Ava, held by Steve Bushaw in the photo above, shared earlier this year by the family. Tanya’s statement continues after the jump.)Read More
If you couldn’t make it to last night’s Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting in The Junction (co-sponsored by WSB), our 2nd report begins with the high-definition five-and-a-half-minute video version – a little monologuing from emcee Marty Riemer, more music from the Endolyne Children’s Choir (featured briefly in our first report last night), a bit of West Seattle Christian Church Pastor Dan Jacobs‘ holiday message about light, and of course, The Tree (including the literally crowd-sourced switch-flipper).
We also wanted to make special note of the West Seattle Volunteer Recognition honorees – Cindi Barker and Erica Karlovits took the stage on behalf of Southwest District Council (which co-sponsors the recognition program along with Delridge Neighborhoods District Council and WSB). With photos of the recipients, the blocked-in-blue text below shows what was read about them at last night’s event:
As noted in our earlier announcement of the WSVR honorees, Providence Mount St. Vincent has more than 200 volunteers of all ages – this group represented them onstage last night to accept the first Group award.
… there are 200 active volunteers ranging in age from 14 to 92 – this represents five generations working together under one roof to help support The Mount. In 2008, those volunteers donated over 25,000 hours of time and talent, which equates to a half a million dollars of gifted time. Over 65 volunteers have been active there for more than 5 years and several dozen have been active for over 10 years.
The majority of Mount volunteers are involved with supporting the recreation programs at The Mount, those activities include leading group recreation programs; working on teams with staff to bring residents on field trips into the community; and providing one-on-one visits to residents. Other volunteers run their own departments such as the thrift boutique; the Sewing Shop, and the Auxiliary fundraising department. Volunteers of many faiths also serve in the Spiritual Care department and there are several teen and adult volunteers who work with the children in the Intergenerational Learning Center at The Mount. Volunteers also help staff the Gift Shop, escort residents to and from the Hair Salon, assist the art teacher and other valuable services.
These volunteers are absolutely essential to the vitality, diversity and compassion that makes The Mount such an special place and to share their time with our senior citizens represents a true gift to the community. Again, the Volunteers of Providence Mt Saint Vincent.
The other six awards were for individuals:
With Erica Karlovits, that’s Chas Redmond, one of two Community honorees:
Chas is on the board of Sustainable West Seattle, the Morgan Community Association, the Southwest District Council and is a key member of Feet First. As an advocate for walking and public transportation and all things sustainable, he impacts West Seattle from so many angles, from political to social. Chas is always present and willing to help out, drawing on his many skill sets to support in virtually every way imaginable. He is opinionated, and all his opinions are in behalf of the community. The best line from the nomination form reads “I really don’t know his length of service, but if you count the number of organizations and his impact in each – its a lifetime of any normal volunteer/activist/community member.”
The other Community honoree, Pete Spalding, couldn’t be there in person, but we’ve certainly photographed him a few times – at right, one from a Viaduct meeting in West Seattle:
Pete is a tireless advocate for his community. He has a long list of past activities, but most recently been involved in the Delridge Neighborhood District Council and Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council, served on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Stakeholders Advisory Committee, worked on the 2008 Parks and Green Space Levy, and is now on the Levy Citizens Advisory Committee, is President of the board of the West Seattle Food Bank and chair of the Southwest Precinct Citizens Advisory Council. Is tireless not the right word? As a community leader and civic representative, Pete has done an outstanding job. He listens well, considers carefully, and advocates accordingly. If the world is run by the people that “show up”, then we’re lucky to have Pete on the team.
Next, the Environment awards, starting with Judy Pickens. We’ve shown you many of her amazing activities with Fauntleroy Creek – most recently, yet another educational visit by local kids, and the annual drumming event to call the salmon home (there’s a salmon watch wrapup on the Fauntleroy Community Association website). Here’s what was read about Judy last night:
Judy Pickens has been the driving force for over 20 years for the stewardship of the Fauntleroy Watershed. She and her husband Phil donate endless time to ensuring the health of the creek ecosystem, including the salmon ladder that she successfully advocated to have built adjacent to their property. She co-founded the Fauntleroy Watershed Council and organizes events such as salmon releases by schoolchildren and restoration of the reach the beach. She uses these different opportunities to educate our community, especially the youth, about the importance of our watershed systems and how to help improve the water quality. The nominations specifically mentions the “famous dog poop study” conducted by the kids, so anyone who can invent such a creative way to grab attention of children truly is amazing.
(Editor’s note: Errors in the description of Judy’s work have been corrected since this story was originally published.)
Also honored, Jay Mirro, though he wasn’t at the ceremony (the photo at left is from a North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting this fall):
Jay Mirro is a Longfellow Creek Steward and participant in the Longfellow Creek Watershed Council and is also a co-chair of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council. The Longfellow Watershed Council organizes and facilitates creek trail, stream side habitat and water quality improvements. Jay’s commitment to the work of removing invasive plants and the planting of NW native plants at the Brandon Street Natural Area of Longfellow Creek have made this section of the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail a true pleasure to explore and wander. Jay has sought and obtained extensions to the trail network at Brandon Street and without his dedication this area would not be where it is today. West Seattle nature lovers, walkers, joggers, the creatures and even the plants themselves have all benefited from Jay’s hard work.
Next, the Youth volunteer category honorees, starting with Janet Hillier from the Chief Sealth High School PTSA:
Janet Hillier is a volunteer with the Chief Sealth PTSA, which could be a surprise to some since she doesn’t even have a child that attends Chief Sealth. But she’s a firm believer in what the PTSA does towards creating world class futures for Chief Sealth students. She created and runs the PTSA website, and this past November, she was the backbone of the their dinner and auction. She is behind many great ideas, shows up at almost every event and meeting and her planning and followup efforts are greatly appreciated by the Chief Sealth community.
And at right, the president of Southwest Seattle Pony Baseball, Paul Leonardo:
Paul Leonardo is described as the go-to guy for the Southwest Seattle PONY Baseball league. This is a youth baseball league for kids 11 to 18 years old that serves West Seattle and White Center. Paul has been president of the League for the past 4 years, and, similar to the story of Janet, Paul does this as a service to the community; he doesn’t even have a child involved in the league. Paul has a board of directors to work with, but he’s the guy doing the daily decisions, and attending to all the details that keep a league running. And while the nomination didn’t specifically say it, but we all should remember that Paul gets to deal with the parents, so our hats are off to him!
Again, this was the second group of West Seattle Volunteer Recognition honorees – the first group was honored at the West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park last July – we’ll let you know as soon as nominations open for the third round! Thanks to everyone who took the time to contribute a nomination.
One other component of last night’s event – the first drawings in the Hometown Holidays $6,500 giveaway – more drawings to come; you can enter at participating Junction merchants – listed here – no purchase necessary. Marty Riemer and West Seattle Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose announced the first round of winners:
Lots more happening in The Junction throughout the holiday season – if you see this before 4, check out our Hometown Holidays Sunday story, still time to go jump into the special events – and Thursday night, the West Seattle Art Walk (6-9 pm) is also a Shop Late event in The Junction – official Art Walk site here, official (recently remodeled) Junction site here.
Many talented artists/craftspeople have been showing and selling their wares around West Seattle this weekend, as holiday shopping season intensifies – but none in a location as beautiful as the almost-one-year-old Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. The native art gift fair/sale there continues today, 10 am-5 pm. Here are some of the artists we met on a brief visit late Saturday:
Ron Alphonse‘s work includes carved cedar paddles; Margie Morris, at right, incorporated tribal symbols into holiday items such as stockings, hats, and angel dolls like this one:
One common theme for what Lisa Anderson is offering – animals:
Carryable creations are available from Gin Gin Designs, crafted by Virginia Nelson:
And the creativity extends into edibles – Veronica Ramirez is selling fry bread and baking mix at the door:
The longhouse, dedicated 11 months ago, is at 4705 West Marginal Way; here’s a map. According to the tribe’s fall newsletter, 10 percent of the gift fair’s proceeds are benefiting the tribe.
First, from Bil Hood at Seattle Lutheran High School:
Congratulations to the Seattle Lutheran Saints boys and girls varsity basketball teams. They are both coming home tomorrow with the first place trophies from the Portland Lutheran Basketball Tournament. After winning blow-outs against the Portland Lutheran High teams yesterday the Saints both matched up against Mt. Rainier Lutheran High today. The girls won a close one 35-34 and the boys walked away with a 65-55 win.
Second, from proud grandma Ginger Brewer, reporting on the Short Course National Championships for swimmers, being held at Federal Way:
The grandson of Ginger & Glenn of Alki, Nicholas Thoman, won two gold medals at last night’s meet. The 100 back stroke 52.07 ( the meet record timing) and the 200 relay 1:26:02 with swimmers Westby, Jones & Skuba. There are seven of the elete swimmers group Club SwimMac Carolina here to compete. The Brewer fan club are on board every night to cheer them on. Tonight he will swim the 200 back stroke. More excitement in store.
Ginger sent that report this morning, so it looks like we have an update since then — if we’re interpreting the online results correctly, it appears Ginger and Glenn’s grandson came in second in that competition tonight.
They’re smiling despite being incredibly busy – the kitchen crew at the Kiwanis of West Seattle‘s big pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds). Santa Claus has magically managed to make an appearance there too, as well as at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Christmas Shopping Spree – he’s in the background, but look who’s in the foreground:
Clowning around for Christmas! The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast continues till 11 am.
(Used with permission, added at 3:53 pm: Photo by ALAN BERNER/The Seattle Times – Left to right: Aunt Janet Huff, her husband Mick, Amanda’s friend Alexandra McDougall and Elisabeth Huff, Mick’s mother, at the moment of CNN’s announcement of guilty on all counts)
From Italy, the verdict’s in: Amanda Knox – daughter of Arbor Heights resident Edda Mellas – is guilty of murder, according to multiple media sources, including SKY News in Europe. Knox’s aunt Janet Huff, in West Seattle, has just told KING5 on live TV, “They didn’t listen to the facts of the case. All they did was listen to the media. … All we can do is go through the (appeals) process and try to get her home that way.” Sentence is 26 years in prison, and restitution equivalent to more than $7 million US was ordered.
COVERAGE FROM MULTIPLE CITYWIDE/WORLDWIDE SOURCES:
Wrap up story from seattletimes.com (WSB partner)
KING5.com (which has a reporter in Perugia and one with Knox’s aunt in WS)
KIROTV.com (also streaming)
Latest Google News index for Knox stories
Tweets tagged #amandaknox
Britain’s SKY News live-updating trial coverage online
WEBSITES FOCUSED ON THE CASE:
Friends of Amanda Knox
True Justice for Meredith Kercher
Thanks to the various folks who tipped us to this – got the word while we were driving. Here’s one of many sites with the latest wire story. That’s going to be after midnight in Italy, by the way.
Two years after the murder of which she’s accused, almost one year after the start of her trial in Italy, the American student with West Seattle roots is awaiting the verdict this morning. This Google News query will take you to the latest stories from sources foreign and domestic. Jurors have been deliberating more than three hours, after hearing final statements including one from Knox herself. Her father Curt Knox told reporters the family is “very hopeful” she will be acquitted. ADDED 11:07 AM: KING5 interviewed Knox’s aunt Janet Huff in West Seattle this morning.
Two months after West Seattleites Marty Riemer and Jodi Brothers were dropped by The Mountain (where he’d been for 12 years), he’s just announced a new gig, via his Facebook page, where his status reads:
We have a new home! Starting Monday, December 7, Jodi and I are bringing the comedy to 96.5 JACK-FM. Tune in on Monday to 96.5FM (my old home from the KXRX days) for the “7:19AM Funnies” and “5:19PM Funnies.” We bring you the comedy 1 minute faster; first with the funniest. That’s what happens when you give us a little free time to be creative .. we come up with a 5:19 Funny. Awesome! Details at martyriemer.com
Here’s the direct link. Just this past Monday, we published a WSB interview with the duo. Congratulate Marty when you see him at the West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting this Saturday night (5 pm, Farmers’ Market parking lot).
Also happening today – a tribute procession and memorial service downtown for a 
Seattle Fire Department Battalion Chief who worked in West Seattle for more than half of his long career with the city. Battalion Chief David H. Jacobs, Jr., was with SFD for more than a quarter century; spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen tells us he worked at West Seattle’s Station 29 (in North Admiral) from 1987 to 1997 as a Lieutenant and again from 2004 to 2008 as the Battalion Chief. In 2003, he was honored as SFD’s “Chief of the Year.” Last month, Chief Jacobs died after a battle with cancer. Prior to this afternoon’s memorial at the Lake Union Naval Reserve Center (map), a procession will follow this route, per SFD: “The Seattle Fire Department Honor Guard, Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums Band, fire engines and fire trucks will leave Sixth Avenue between Battery Street and Bell Street at 1:30 p.m. and head south down Sixth Avenue to Bell Street, go east on Bell Street to Ninth Avenue, then go north on Ninth Avenue to Republican Street and then East on Republican Street to Terry Avenue. The procession will finish heading north on Terry Avenue to the memorial site.”
Francine e-mailed to share the story of something that happened Tuesday because of the road work shown in our photo above (taken Wednesday) at the far north end of California SW – it’s part warning, and part thanks for Good Samaritans – read on:Read More
Here’s another reason to be at the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting (at left, The Tree, photographed this afternoon) this Saturday night: The latest winners of West Seattle Volunteer Recognition honors will be introduced and, with your help, cheered mightily! Today we’re giving them an advance shoutout, now that the application-review committee has announced its decision and gotten the news to the winners (in hopes they all can be there). It’s another star-studded group:
COMMUNITY
Chas Redmond
Pete Spalding
Both are involved with too many groups to list here (we’ll have a more detailed report on the winners this weekend). Just a quick sampling: Chas co-chairs the Southwest District Council and leads the West Seattle Trails project; Pete leads the West Seattle Food Bank Board of Directors and is a WS rep on the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee.
ENVIRONMENT
Jay Mirro
Judy Pickens
Both are involved in a variety of community efforts but are being recognized in this case as active stewards of revitalized West Seattle waterways: Jay, Longfellow Creek; Judy, Fauntleroy Creek.
YOUTH
Janet Hillier (Chief Sealth High School PTSA)
Paul Leonardo (Southwest Seattle PONY Baseball president)
GROUP
Volunteers at Providence Mount St. Vincent (as the nomination form pointed out: The Mount has more than 200 active volunteers ranging in age from 14 to 92!)
Congratulations to all these hardworking volunteers, and thanks to everyone who nominated someone for the honor – this is the second group this year (meet the first group here), and there’ll be another chance in the new year to get recognition for more of the hardworking volunteers who help make West Seattle a very special place. And back to the Tree Lighting, where they’ll get their turn in the spotlight – it all starts at 5 pm Saturday, Farmers’ Market parking lot at 44th/Alaska, including music, caroling, and more, as the kickoff to Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored again this year by WSB) – and remember to enter the $6,500 Junction giveaway BEFORE Saturday, so you’ll be in the first drawing during the tree-lighting event!
| Comments Off on Pictures worth more than 1,000 words: 2 Seattle Times links