1st-ever West Seattle Community Recognition Awards

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That’s what the sign on Capers’ back door said. And first, we must thank them yet again for playing host, with refreshments (including delish brownies) for all in attendance. Now, thanks to the people who dropped in, some of whom you see here —

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Attendees included some folks we already knew (including some of our fine WSB sponsors), some we didn’t. (We met “Bob Loblaw”! But sorry, no photo. You had to be there.) And the winners are …

From the award-announcement flyer distributed at the event:

CINDI BARKER
“BLOGGER’S CHOICE” AWARD
Cindi is with the Morgan Community Association. From the entry form nominating her:
“She tirelessly worked on keeping the neighborhoods informed on the Monorail project. Never once taking sides or voicing her opinion. She also was instrumental in putting on the preparedness fair/workshop at West Seattle High last year. She continues to donate time and money to her community by sitting on the parks levy board, helping to build a P-patch and working on the Orchard Street park and trail project. With all that she does for the community, she still has time to hold down a more-than-full-time job with the Boeing Company.”

LARRY CARPENTER
“MAKING OTHERS GREAT” AWARD
Larry is with the Alki Community Council, and more, as this excerpt from the nomination shows:
“Quite often, the success of an organization depends on the efforts of someone who works doggedly and quietly behind the scenes, seeking neither fame nor glory; someone who loves his community and the people in it; someone who labors simply for the pleasure it gives him and the service he provides. The Alki Community Council, the Southwest Historical Society, the Log House Museum, and the whole of West Seattle have been graced by the presence of Larry Carpenter. … Larry is the type of person who brings the whole community together. He has a wondrous curiosity about others and believes wholeheartedly in community.”

PAUL SUREDDIN
“MAKING WEST SEATTLE GREAT” AWARD
Paul is a Fairmount Springs community leader. From the entry form nominating him:
“Paul has been actively engaged in his local neighborhood and the larger West Seattle community by organizing and spearheading the Fairmount Springs Neighborhood group and by assisting other WS organizations, particularly in their web site needs. The Fairmount Springs neighbors are working to improve their area through beautification projects, traffic safety projects, emergency preparedness (Paul just got his HAM radio license) and most importantly, on social activities that help people get to know each other as neighbors. Through the use of their website, they also learn how to get involved in larger West Seattle projects. … It’s that kind of thoughtfulness and concern about citizen engagement that will make West Seattle great.”

cindimugshot.jpgAll three will be profiled in-depth in the coming days on WSB, and we’ll be creating a poster to honor them, once we have pix of everybody, to put up around WS to make sure the offline community knows about it too. Cindi Barker (photo left) was able to make it to tonight’s event on short notice — next time, we promise earlier notification to the winners — and the nominations have already started coming in. Julie Mireille Anderson from Divina, who hatched the Community Recognition Awards idea as a new way to thank some of West Seattle’s best and brightest, will ringlead this quarterly, with online support from WSB, and judging support from this all-star panel:

Julie Bennett, West Seattle resident & contractor
Lisa Gluckman, Pathfinder School parent
Dave Montoure, West 5
Frances Smersh, Click! Design That Fits
Kim Tingley, Windermere Real Estate
Linda Walsh, Clementine

How can you help, you ask? Nominate somebody! We’ll be posting a new link to the forms this weekend. And mark your calendar for the next gathering — we’re looking to do this on the third Friday of each quarter, so right now that looks like Friday night, April 18 — Capers seems willing to have us back since we didn’t do too much damage — we’ll keep you posted as it gets closer.

14 Replies to "1st-ever West Seattle Community Recognition Awards"

  • Jan January 19, 2008 (2:29 am)

    I am so jealous of folks that got to attend. I tried to keep my schedule open, but…clients take first dibs on my time during the week, and many want to come in the evenings after work. I’m trying to save up for some time off later this spring to have hip replacement surgery, so money talks (being self-employed, my grinch of a boss doesn’t provide paid vacations or sick leave…hehe) Next time…well, the clients will just have to wait…I was sooo looking forward to 3 rounds in the alley with The House :)

    (by the by…feeling magnanimous? check out the donations page on my website – lol)

  • The House January 19, 2008 (8:22 am)

    I didn’t even read about this until it was over, but you all had your chance to see me since I was drinking over at Shadowlands when this was going on.

    I’ll show up to the next one with my “GFY” shirt and accept my award.

  • Rhonda Porter January 19, 2008 (8:35 am)

    Congrats to all!

  • Jo January 19, 2008 (8:37 am)

    Larry Carpenter was a tremendous help when I was researching dates/$s/etc. for the letter I was preparing for State Sen. Joe McDermott and Mayor Nickels in regards to getting the Statue of Liberty put back up on her existing base.
    Congratulations, Larry. Well deserved.
    Jo Ofsthus

  • GenHillOne January 19, 2008 (9:26 am)

    Now Jan, who told Erik to bring his client along? Isn’t that what folding tables are for ;)

  • Erik January 19, 2008 (9:40 am)

    Yeah Jan…whatsupwiddat? LoL I met Larry thursday night, he remarked that my name reminded him of a certain pea company, I knew I liked him right off!

  • credmond January 19, 2008 (9:40 am)

    Congratulations to Cindi and Paul and Larry. Still sorry I couldn’t get there but there’s always tomorrow…

    Oh, Rhett, where’s my award nomination form…

  • Gina January 19, 2008 (12:04 pm)

    You chose the right place to drink at, House. A successful business is a great thing on that corner. And the hummus plate isn’t too bad, either. Or the manila clams…

    I will second that Jan works for one tough boss.

  • Bonnie January 19, 2008 (12:21 pm)

    congratulations to all the winners!

  • Sue January 19, 2008 (2:58 pm)

    I’m sorry I couldn’t make it – would love to have attended, but darn my friend having a birthday that same night and wanting to go to dinner. :) Next time!

  • cami January 19, 2008 (3:51 pm)

    Congrats to all. Larry, we HEART you!

  • Todd in Westwood January 19, 2008 (6:49 pm)

    Ya know….we could plan other events also, like a bowling party one sat or sunday for families or a night at one of our finer 21 and over establishments for others.
    Sorry I missed it. Next event fer sure.

  • Jan January 19, 2008 (7:51 pm)

    Todd…West Seattle Bowl is awesome…and you can blend the over and under 21 groups together. Of course, I would have to sit and just cheer people on, but…hey, I’m good at that (bum hip, temp. cane use…hehe). You’re definitely right, people don’t have to wait for the next formal “event”…although we’d better all be at that one, or we’ll “be square”…hehehe…

  • Melody January 20, 2008 (11:15 am)

    Congrats Cindi!!! Your many many years of consistant dedication to our community with those fast writing fingers is finally recognized, well okay at least in a more formal manor!!! Thanks Cindi for all you do we appreciate you!!!

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