day : 06/06/2014 11 results

More Log House Museum totem-pole celebration photos: The people who were there to write a new chapter in its history

(Our first report on this morning’s ceremony is here)

(Photo by David Hutchinson)
This morning’s celebration of the former Admiral Way totem pole’s new home at the Log House Museum wasn’t really about the pole – it was about the people. Not just the dignitaries:

(This and subsequent photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)

It was especially about the kids – most of whom arrived with the dignitaries – County Executive Dow Constantine walking from his alma mater, Schmitz Park Elementary, through the park:

Mayor Ed Murray, who attended Alki Elementary, walked with its students, and talked with kids even once he was in place:

At Murray’s left is Marcy Johnsen from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, a childhood playmate of his, from her time living in what’s now the museum. The young attendees made the event especially memorable:

Some helped keep their fellow students safe, as they guarded intersections on the walk to the museum – following a quick run to get ahead:

Also there with safety in mind – SPD:

(Photo by Liesbet T.)
Considering the Schmitz Park, Alki, and Lafayette students on hand helped the crowd total pass 900, it was amazingly calm. Finally, the big moment came, and student representatives joined dignitaries in pulling streamers to unveil the totem pole:

Here’s video of what happened from there:

(More of the ceremony is in the archived Livestream video in our first report.) A Native American blessing was bestowed by Blake Shelafoe:

The energetic voice that guided everyone through today’s event, that of Historical Society executive director Clay Eals, who emceed:

Some of the people who were there today represented both past and present – the Schmitz family, for example, represented by family members including Dietrich Schmitz and Vicki Schmitz Block:

The pole was carved in 1966 from a log that came from a tree in the Schmitz Park forest.

(Photo by Liesbet T.)
And now you can make your own memories – visit the pole on 61st south of Stevens any time, and learn about West Seattle history inside the Log House Museum during its regular hours Thursdays-Sundays, noon-4 pm. (You might even want to become a volunteer – the next orientation is tomorrow morning, 11 am Saturday!)

P.S. If you missed our earlier reports including more about the pole’s history – see this page on the museum website.

ADDED 4:17 PM: Time-lapse of the event by SWSHS volunteer Brad Chrisman, starting with preparations, then the gathering of the immense crowd, and beyond:

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West Seattle scene: WSHS Marching Band birthday show!

June 6, 2014 9:07 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

You never know what you’ll get to bid on at a school auction – and what you’ll win. Steve W. shares the story (and photo/video) of how his bid led to a marching-band surprise for a family member:

Last fall at the WSHS Auction, we were the winning bidders of a “Personal Marching Band Performance” at a date to be named. We chose to use this for my father-in-law’s birthday. He was quite surprised to see a marching band coming up the street with a banner that read “Happy Birthday Bud” on it. The band, directed by Ethan Thomas, played 10 or so songs, much to the delight of my neighbors.

If any of the WSB readers would like their own “Personal Marching Band Performance” they can bid on it at this fall’s WSHS Benefit Auction, which will be held on Friday, November 21st. They might have to bring deep pockets, however – as “Bud” may be wanting a repeat performance.

This happened last Sunday – so if you heard mysterious marching-band music echoing around Gatewood/south Morgan Junction/Fauntleroy, this probably explains it!

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West Seattle traffic alert: Crash in The Junction

June 6, 2014 7:55 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Doug B for this photo from 42nd/Alaska, with a damaged vehicle blocking the westbound side. Seattle Fire has since cleared the initial “motor vehicle accident” call, so apparently there were no serious injuries.

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Happening now: Went to West Seattle High School, any year(s)? This reunion’s for you

June 6, 2014 6:12 pm

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

It’s All-School Reunion night at West Seattle High School – this year’s spotlighted 50th-anniversary class is the Class of 1964, gathering in the Commons, while other years gather in rooms around the school. Also there, Marcy Johnsen from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, just hours after their big totem-pole ceremony, showing off the SWSHS tote bags ($20):

And Janet Jones with the Steps at Stevens project, which has another design meeting coming up June 23rd. If you have some ties to WSHS, drop by in the hours ahead!

8:14 PM: Also seen during our brief stop – Gail Stevens Anderson, WSHS ’63, with the West Seattle Garden Tour book for this year:

The tour’s coming up July 20th; WSB is again among the co-sponsors. And from the class of ’63 and ’64 respectively, Mike Munson and Marsha Munson:

Along with socializing and reminiscing, the All-School Reunion also includes scholarship presentations.

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Followup: How to help South Delridge fire survivors

June 6, 2014 4:37 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Monday’s fire)
After Monday’s deadly fire in South Delridge – taking the lives of one resident of the house and four puppies – people asked if there was any way to help the survivors. Now there is. Friends have set up an online fundraising page for Stefan and Stephanie, who lost not only their friend Lester and four puppies, but also most of what they owned. Stefan, says the gofundme.com page, is the drummer for the band Smashie Smashie (whose Facebook page includes a tribute to Lester), and lost “a lot” of equipment in the fire, which was ruled accidental and started in the kitchen. A benefit show is in the works, friends say, but in the meantime, anyone who wants to make a donation can do it by going here.

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Seen from West Seattle: P-51s’ D-Day anniversary flyover

June 6, 2014 2:53 pm

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| Seen around town | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Thanks to Gary Jones for sharing photos from the P-51 Mustang flyover previewed here last night – scheduled to wrap up right about now at the Snohomish County home of the Historic Flight Foundation, which coordinated it in honor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day today. The warplanes flew over downtown around noontime:

Click the top photo to open a similar view at twice the size. (And thanks again to Bob, who gave us the heads-up about this!)

ADDED 5:48 PM: A view from Jim Clark:

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West Seattle food updates: Burger Boss, Tat’s Truck open this weekend; Thai-U-Up thai’s the knot

June 6, 2014 2:30 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two quick notes looking ahead to this weekend:

BURGER BOSS ‘SOFT OPEN’ SATURDAY: When we first reported on Burger Boss (20th/Barton in South Delridge) back in April, they mentioned a plan to soft-open in early June. They’re achieving it, co-proprietor Brian Azzano tells WSB, tomorrow, starting at 4 pm, “for dinner and beyond.”

TAT’S TRUCK LAUNCHES SUNDAY: Last week we mentioned that West Seattleites are launching a truck spinning off from the popular Tat’s Deli in Pioneer Square, and that they expected to launch it in WS. Thanks to James for keeping an eye on the Tat’s Truck website and pointing out that they’ve announced they’ll debut at Hans VW (35th/Graham) 11 am-2 pm this Sunday. (Also thanks to SeattleFoodTruck.com for calling our attention to that too.)

SPEAKING OF TRUCKS … one of this area’s regulars is off the street until next week, and it’s for happy news: the proprietors of Thai-U-Up, a dinnertime fixture at the 30th/Roxbury gas station, announced via Facebook that they’re closed through June 10th (reopening next Wednesday) because they’re getting married. Congratulations!

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Fire Station 36’s seismic/safety upgrade almost done

June 6, 2014 12:26 pm

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| Delridge | West Seattle news

For about a year, West Seattle’s bridgeside Fire Station 36 has been in temporary quarters off Harbor Avenue while seismic/safety upgrade work has been under way. SFD says the job’s almost done and they’re planning a community open house to celebrate, 11 am-1 pm on Saturday, July 12th – mark the calendar! Other fire-station upgrade projects are on the way in our area, the biggest being a brand-new Station 32 on the site of the existing one.

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1st report: Log House Museum hosts hundreds to celebrate Admiral Way totem pole’s new home and public display

June 6, 2014 10:25 am

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle live | West Seattle news

(Added – our photo from immediately after the unveiling)
10:25 AM: We’re testing live streaming today with the Log House Museum totem-pole unveiling – here’s the link to the page on Livestream.com where you’ll see live video/audio, if it’s working.

11:10 AM: Awesome event! Lots of coverage to come.

(Including County Executive Dow Constantine and Dietrich Schmitz leading Schmitz Park Elementary students on a walk down to the museum – where they joined Alki and Lafayette students as well as other attendees.)

(Crowd & media, with Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen at center, in hat)
11:25 AM: Adding a photo or two here pending full coverage later. And here’s the archive of the second half of our live stream, which includes the unveiling – our second report later will have our main clip, but check this out for starters:

Thanks to those who checked out the live stream – it was done via handheld iPhone, and there are steadier ways to do it, but you have to start somewhere. P.S. The Log House Museum is open until 4 pm today (noon-4 Thursdays-Sundays), and the totem-pole exhibit we mentioned yesterday is now open to visitors too.

4:49 PM: It’ll be mid-evening before our mega-roundup is done – we’re off to cover a few early-evening stories. Two photos we wanted to add here in the meantime – both from Alki photographer David Hutchinson. First, Mayor Murray walking from Alki Elementary:

And a splendid view of the totem pole:

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West Seattle Friday: Totem-pole unveiling; D-Day anniversary flyover; WSHS All-School Reunion; more

June 6, 2014 9:00 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: Marine traffic off Alki earlier this week)
Happy Friday! Busy day/night ahead – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY YEAR RALLY AT SANISLO: As announced by Sanislo Elementary:

Sanislo Elementary was fortunate enough to receive the Family and Education Levy Grant for the 2014-15 school year. As part of the grant, Sanislo will be partnering with City Year, an agency that will support the academic, social-emotional and attendance needs of students in collaboration with school staff. On Friday morning at 9:30 a.m., in anticipation of next school year, City Year will be at Sanislo to cheer on and greet students as they enter the building tomorrow morning. The Sanislo Community is extremely excited as we move into this fabulous partnership.

(1812 SW Myrtle)

TOTEM POLE UNVEILING: At 10:30 am (but get there early!), you’re invited to join West Seattle-rooted dignitaries, schoolchildren, longtime community leaders, and others at the Log House Museum for the unveiling of the renovated totem pole that overlooked the Admiral Way viewpoint 1966-2006. The intersection outside the LHM will be closed for the occasion. Here’s our newest preview. (61st/Stevens)

D-DAY ANNIVERSARY FLYOVER: As previewed here yesterday, three P-51 Mustangs are flying over the region to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, and you’ll likely see/hear them from here during the afternoon – starting with their downtown Seattle flyover at noon, after which they head to Boeing Field and points south, including Vashon just after 1:30. Our Thursday story includes the schedule. (Various locations)

WEST SEATTLE HS ALL-SCHOOL REUNION: The annual tradition starts with classic cars on SW Stevens outside the school at 4:30, and then events inside after the doors open at 5 pm, as detailed on the WSHS Alumni Association website. Whichever year/s you were at WSHS, you’re invited. (3000 California SW)

BENEFIT CARNIVAL: 5-7 pm, Mount View Elementary‘s carnival fundraiser not only benefits programs at the school but also has a goal of raising money to help with the education of kids in Honduras, where your schooling stops after elementary years if you don’t have tuition $. Read our preview here. (10811 12th SW)

BRENDA PETERSON @ WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: New time for the monthly author-reading/signing series at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village – 5 to 7 pm, starting with this month’s featured West Seattle writer, Brenda Peterson, as previewed here. (2600 SW Barton)

CORNER BAR: The Highland Park Improvement Club‘s pop-up bar goes Jamaican tonight, starting at 6 pm – details in our calendar listing. All ages until 9 pm. (12th/Holden)

WINE TASTING: Summer sips and light appetizers plus a silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund at Center Studio (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (9611 16th SW)

THAT’S JUST THE START … lots more on our calendar.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday alerts; weekend previews

June 6, 2014 6:12 am

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| West Seattle news

(WS Bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
We start the morning with two alerts for today, both in the Alki area: 61st/Stevens will be closed for a while this morning because of the totem-pole ceremony outside the Log House Museum, with hundreds of people expected to fill the street. The event is planned for 10:30-11 am, but you’d want to avoid the area for at least a half-hour either side of that, maybe a bit more. … The other Alki alert is for paving work on Alki Avenue SW continuing today between Bonair and 53rd SW.

Then starting late tonight (around 10 pm), southbound Highway 99 will close for the weekend between the Battery Street Tunnel and us. PLUS – two lanes of northbound 5 will close all weekend right by the bridge for expansion-joint work, AND the 520 bridge is closing too – it’s all detailed here. And the traditional “what ELSE is going on around the area this weekend?” preview is here.

Finally – the June “service change” for Metro starts Saturday and is explained here (major West Seattle effect – some p.m. changes on Route 21).

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