West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle weekend scenes: Seafair Commodores (and friends) bowl for scholarship $

West Seattle’s own Officer Lumpy from the Seafair Clowns was among the familiar faces – well, OK, familiar costumes – making an appearance at West Seattle Bowl this morning for the annual Seafair Commodores Bowl-A-Thon. Even with Seafair season a few months away, it’s never too soon to raise money for the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women – one of its many beneficiaries, 2012 Miss Seafair Veronica Asence, posed with the Commodores’ Commandant Paul Davis and Chief of Staff Kathryn Bohot:

It’s only three months till the official Seafair kickoff on June 21st; the Seafair Pirates‘ landing on Alki is just about two weeks after that, July 6th; you can see this year’s full Seafair schedule here.

West Seattle Cooking Club moving to weekend meetings

One of the clubs whose meetings are regularly featured in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the West Seattle Cooking Club, is changing its schedule. It has long met mostly on Monday afternoons, but now it’s changing to every other Sunday, we’re told by WSCC’s Jenn Gibson. That starts with this Sunday, 3 pm, at Beveridge Place Pub, when the theme will be “breakfast cereal” – so you’re asked to make and bring something involving a recipe using breakfast cereal. Because of Easter, the next meeting will be three weeks after that (“Foods Inspired by the Movies” on April 14th), and we’ll have the rest of the calendar in ours – or check the WSCC website.

West Seattleite Dave Nichols receives President’s Volunteer Service Award for ShelterBox work

Front and center in that photo is Dave Nichols, a West Seattleite who has just been honored with The President’s Volunteer Service Award. He was photographed with colleagues from ShelterBox USA – the work for which he was honored. ShelterBox is an international disaster-relief organization that helps in the aftermath of disasters both natural and human-caused, delivering green boxes with “emergency tented shelter and other lifesaving supplies,” as the organization describes it. Dave works to raise awareness and money, which helped ShelterBox assist people caught up in more than 30 disasters in 23 countries last year alone – “providing families with disaster-relief tents, cook stoves, water purification units, blankets, mosquito nets, children’s packs, and other essential equipment.” P.S. You can assist ShelterBox’s mission through online donations at shelterboxusa.org.

‘Best Bagger’ Andrew Borracchini set for Letterman show Monday

(EDITOR’S NOTE: On Sunday night 3/24, it was announced this appearance will be on Tuesday 3/26 instead)

(National Grocers Association photo from last month’s competition)
Just in from Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) – Andrew Borracchini, the Admiral store staffer who is the national champion “Best Bagger,” will show his skills on “The Late Show with David Letterman” next Monday (March 25). It airs on Channel 7 in our area, just after 11:30 pm. Andrew won the title during the National Grocers Association’s convention in Las Vegas last month, the second year in a row he has gone to the competition as our state’s “Best Bagger,” the first time he’s won the national title.

West Seattleites in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day ‘People’s Parade’

As festive as Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (WSB coverage here) was, just imagine being part of a parade *in* Ireland – as were West Seattleite Brad Burzynski and family: Jules, Bella, and Sophia. Brad shared photos from this morning, and a report

Started our day with a traditional Irish breakfast of bacon, sausage, fried mushrooms, blood sausage, egg, toast and (since it’s a special day) Bailey’s Irish Cream in our coffee. We marched in the People’s Parade representing West Seattle. Before we came we all got sweatshirts from our local Irish pub – A Terrible Beauty. Although the day started out snowing and raining, by the time the parade started, the weather dried up a bit and we had an awesome time. We heard people speaking Italian, German, Russian, and many other languages like Canadian. We saw flags from all over the world. This has been a great week and we are glad we could send a little bit of Dublin back home to our dear West Seattle.

The People’s Parade is explained here – a first-time offering in Dublin, as part of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a weeklong celebration reaching out to visitors from around the world as well as locals.

Followup: West Seattleites’ Tomboy Exchange hits funding goal

(Photo courtesy Tomboy Exchange)
One month ago, we reported on Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, the West Seattleites who went to the crowdfunding site Kickstarter in search of $75,000 to launch a clothing line geared to women 40+ called Tomboy Exchange. Today they’re celebrating success, with supporters helping them meet and exceed that goal. Their official announcement says the $76,000 they raised “will launch TomboyX’s first line into full production and help start an online boutique.” The clothing will be made here in Seattle, they reiterate: “It’s an important factor to TomboyX that the clothing is designed and made locally — to keep jobs in America, stimulate the economy, and offer the best quality garments possible.” Keep an eye on tomboyexchange.com.

Another cleanup: Our Lady of Guadalupe student’s project

One more weekend community cleanup that brightened West Seattle – thanks to Brian Callanan for the photo and report:

Eighth grader Gabriel Berger (in glasses, right) picked up trash along 35th Ave SW with a group from OLG as his eighth-grade service project. Another pickup at 9:30 am next Sunday, just outside OLG church. We picked up well over 100 pounds of trash in forty-five minutes!

Memorial service Wednesday for Victor Weith, 1920-2013

A memorial service is planned Wednesday for 92-year-old Victor Weith, whose family shares the remembrance that he himself wrote:

Victor Paul Weith
April 12, 1920 – March 8, 2013

Several years ago, Vic wrote his own obituary:

“Born in Alva, OK, 4/12/1920. Spent next 20 years in Alma, Kansas. Graduated from Alma High School.

Two of my buddies and myself decided to go to Seattle in 1940 to look for better jobs. We worked for Boeing and Bremerton Shipyards. Met my future wife in December 1941; we married in October 1942. I went into the service in February 1943 in the 11th Airborne Division. Spent the war in New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon, Okinawa, and then Japan. Our division was the only Airborne Division that was in the Pacific. Participated in a lot of war in several years.

My wife and I moved to West Seattle in 1945 and still have our home there. I spent most of my working years in sales.

I had several exciting things happen to me. In 1981, as I was getting ready to retire I picked 18 out of 20 Monday Nite NFC football winners, earning my wife and myself a trip to the Super Bowl. Then in 1993, playing golf in La Quinta, California, I had two holes in one on the same day. The odds for that was 67 million to one.

I had a very good life and a wonderful wife. It was great! We had 4 children: Susan Blakely (husband Dick), Michael Weith (deceased), Cathy Kemper (husband Neil), John Weith (wife Patty). Five grandchildren: Brad Herriges (wife Cara), Sean Herriges (wife Miho), Abbey Weith, David Weith, and Ryan Kemper; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis, Andrew, and Nicholas Herriges.”

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday (March 13, 2013) at Holy Family Catholic Church, at 9622 20th Ave SW. Reception following.

Charter School Commission appointees include 2 with local ties

Since voters approved an initiative allowing charter schools in our state, a Charter School Commission had to be set up to oversee them, and appointees were announced this week. Among them: West Seattle resident Steve Sundquist, who served one term on the Seattle School Board before losing his re-election bid in 2011, and Technology Access Foundation head Trish Millines Dziko, a Vashon resident whose organization is headquartered at the new Bethaday Learning Space in White Center’s Lakewood Park. The official announcement of the appointments is here.

Happening now: West Seattle Girl Scouts’ cookie sales, Day 2

Thanks to Girl Scout Troop 43774 for sharing a photo from their cookie-sale station outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – they’re there till noon, but other Scouts will be there later too (all the way till 8 tonight), and other stores and sites are hosting cookie sellers as well. You can find them all – dates, times, places, troops – via the Cookie Locator. This is day two of cookie-selling season, which continues through March 17th. P.S. See the sign for “Operation Cookie Drop”? Here’s what that’s about.

America’s Best Bagger, back at work: Metropolitan Market – Admiral throws Andrew Borracchini a party

Less than a week after winning the title of America’s Best Bagger at the National Grocers Association convention in Las Vegas (WSB coverage here), Andrew Borracchini is back at work today at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor). Management and co-workers held a celebration in his honor this afternoon, before he got back to the bagging business. We stopped in for a photo and asked a couple quick questions: When did he know he would win? Soon as he was called back up as one of the five finalists, he replied, he knew he had it. (We took this screengrab of the Final Five from the live UStream feed during the event:)

And, what’s the plan for his $10,000 prize? Saving it for now and deciding later, Andrew replied. (He also gets a trophy, and the store is slated to get a special commemorative “Best Bagger” checkout stand!)

Memorial on February 23rd for Emily Williamson, 1970-2013

A memorial is planned February 23rd on Bainbridge Island for Emily Williamson, known and loved by many in West Seattle, especially for her work at Many Moons Trading Company, gone too soon at age 42. Her family shares this tribute; at the end we’ve added information about an art exhibit in her memory:

Emily Jean Williamson, blithe spirit and treasured daughter, sister, and friend, died on February 13, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.

Emily was born in Seattle on April 28, 1970 to Ron and Ethelyn Williamson. She grew up on Bainbridge Island and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1988. In 1992 she graduated from Evergreen State College.

After graduation she moved to Seattle and worked in a variety of jobs from being a bike messenger to taking care of children at a day care center in downtown Seattle. She also founded Fuzzy Caterpillar, a party-planning service for children’s events. And after she moved to West Seattle, she became a favorite with customers at Many Moons Trading Co. where she displayed a talent for matching people with just the right outfit. But most notably Emily will be remembered for creative energy and her whimsical paintings created seemingly effortlessly and featuring flowers, birds, and a variety of inscrutable owls.

Emily was preceded in death by her father Ron Williamson and is survived by her mother Ethelyn Williamson, her sister Jennifer, her brother David, nephew Grant Forster, niece Lauren Forster, her kind and caring housemates in West Seattle, and myriad friends.

There will be a Memorial Service at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island on Saturday, February 23, at 1 pm. Shuttles will be available for those on the 11:25 am ferry from Seattle. Look for the daffodils. Donations may be made to Arms Around Bainbridge at www.armsaroundbainbridge.com.

Also in Emily’s memory, Mind Unwind in West Seattle is putting together an exhibit of her art for next month at their upstairs Treehouse Lounge, and asking those who have some of Emily’s work to loan it for the show. We stopped by during West Seattle Art Walk last night to see what’s already been dropped off – including this:

You’re invited to include a story about Emily with the artwork dropped off 5-midnight Wednesday through Sunday till month’s end; 2206 California SW. The exhibit will be spotlighted there during next month’s WS Art Walk (March 14), too, and artwork will be returned to its owners in April.

West Seattle women crowdfunding to launch Tomboy Exchange clothing for women over 40

That’s the pitch video for a Kickstarter campaign launched this week by two West Seattle entrepreneurs, Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez:

Their brand Tomboy Exchange aims to make clothing and accessories geared to women over 40 (preview it here), with an “attitude that reminds us of our daring younger selves,” as Fran says in the video, adding in an interview on their website, “As we get older I think there are very few women who can actually pull off the same look that they rocked as younger women. They still want to look good but comfort and fit are key now.” Tomboy Exchange’s founders hope to raise $75,000 to get the business going in a big way – including making the clothes right here in Seattle – and they’ve given themselves a month to do it. After just two days, they’re already a sixth of the way there.

Son tells the tale of Earl Eugene ‘Gene’ Nokes, 1917-2013

This remembrance of Gene Nokes by his son Don isn’t “just” an obituary … it’s a story about a man, his life and times and memories. He’s gone but clearly will never be forgotten:

Earl Eugene “Gene” Nokes Sr. passed away peacefully at Providence Mount St. Vincent on February 2, 2013.

Gene was the last of his ten other brothers and sisters to check out of Nokesville, which at its inception was a large army tent located on the corner of 48th SW and Hanford St. He and his wife Margie both moved into the Mount facility back in 2000. Margie passed away in September of 2001 and after a brief hiatus, Gene and Margie will now reunite on the other side of life. Gene lived to be 95 years old and spent more than a decade in a very symbiotic relationship with his Mount Saint Vincent family and friends – they loved him and he loved them in return.

Gene Nokes Sr. never graduated from anything other than 8th grade, as far as I know. The story Uncle Pat told me about Dad and him and Joe and Tom and West Seattle High School went like this:

Click to read the rest of Son tells the tale of Earl Eugene ‘Gene’ Nokes, 1917-2013…

For Valentine’s Day and beyond: ‘Not your ordinary speed-dating experience’

Looking for love? Or, at least, like? Your Seattle Parks and Recreation Department‘s West Seattle Community Centers (WSB sponsor) have Recreation Speed-Dating Social events lined up the next two Thursday nights at High Point Community Center.

First, this Thursday, it’s the Valentine’s Day Adult Speed-Dating Social, followed on February 21st by the LGBTQ Adult Speed Dating Social. Both run 5:45-7:45 pm, $20 per person, registration limited to 20 people. Here’s how they work:

Recreation Adult Speed Dating Social is for adults 28-42 to engage in a fun evening of casual interactions and exciting recreation games like nerf dodge ball, tug of war, steal the bacon, and three-legged races.

This is not your ordinary speed-dating experience; dating switches will be initiated by music instead of a bell. There will be 6-minute mini dates and 5-minute recreation game intervals.

Light refreshments will be provided. Waiver and ID will be required for participation. Dress comfortable and casual.

Call 206-684-7422 to sign up.

West Seattle businesses: Eyelash Jewelry creator sees success

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

If you take a chance on your dream – it just might come true.

West Seattle newcomer and Eyelash Jewelry entrepreneur Natalie Russo can vouch for that.

She has created a product so successful, she’s been able to quit a full-time job to concentrate on filling online orders for her designs…

Click to read the rest of West Seattle businesses: Eyelash Jewelry creator sees success…

Video: Recordsetting tea crowd pours $225,000 into WestSide Baby

(UPDATED 7:29 pm with full story added to original 4:44 pm bulletin)

Story by Tracy Record
Photos/video by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

WestSide Baby‘s annual Benefit Tea raised $225,000 today, up from last year’s $175,000, courtesy of a recordsetting crowd – 550.

It wasn’t really about numbers – it was about helping hands and generous hearts.

This was the 12th tea, and the second year that the afternoon gala filled a ballroom at the Hilton Conference Center at Sea-Tac, where it moved after outgrowing previous digs.

The number of children helped by WS Baby, of course, is even more staggering – more than 22,000 – and executive director Nancy Woodland revealed a new goal – to “stretch” in the next three years to try to help even more, in an even-wider area.

Click to read the rest of Video: Recordsetting tea crowd pours $225,000 into WestSide Baby…

Metropolitan Market’s Andrew Borracchini is America’s Best Bagger, on the 2nd try

(Photo by Mike Gatty, substituted Monday for previously used UStream screengrab)
Just in from Las Vegas, via the Metropolitan Market Twitter feed – The Admiral store’s Andrew Borracchini won the Best Bagger National Championship at the National Grocers Association’s Las Vegas convention a short time ago. We checked in with Andrew earlier this week just before he and his family left for Vegas. Andrew has won the Washington State championship the past two years, and this was his second trip to Vegas to compete in nationals.

ADDED 5:39 PM: Rhonda Porter (WSB sponsor) notes in comments and here that Metropolitan Market shoppers got the news over the PA system when Andrew won. Store director Glen Hasstedt says the national champ is likely to be back at work next weekend.

P.S. Per a comment, Andrew is expected to be on “The Late Show with David Letterman” Monday night!

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE, 8:43 AM: A National Grocers Association spokesperson tells WSB that actually the plan for that is still in the works, “likely in a couple days.” Watch here for updates.

MONDAY 9:20 AM: The official news release from the Washington Food Industry Association:

On Sunday February 10th Andrew Borracchini, an 18 year old grocery bagger from Metropolitan Market in West Seattle, took home the ultimate prize at the National Grocers Association sponsored Best Bagger contest. The contest featured the best-of-the-best from 23 states for the coveted $10,000 grand prize, “Golden Grocery Bag” trophy and the “Best Bagger Golden Lane,” a special checkout stand that will be installed in his home store in West Seattle’s Admiral District.

Andrew Borracchini has already won the statewide qualifying Best Bagger competition for 2 consecutive years. Today he returns to Washington triumphant after flying to New York to schedule an appearance on the David Letterman show. When asked about his performance this year compared to last, he said he “just worked harder and tried to remain less stressed.” Andrew’s Store Manager Glen Hasstedt, who has also previously trained Andrew’s brother and sister at Metropolitan Market urged Andrew to “stay grounded, stay focused on your job, and not get overwhelmed,” practiced with him 4 days per week (including weekends) for months, and every day in the weeks leading up to the nationals.

The Borracchini family, longtime members of Seattle’s grocery industry who own local favorite Borracchini Bakery, were able to attend the contest in Las Vegas to cheer Andrew on for his big win.

Metropolitan Market stores are led by Store President Terry Halverson, a member of the Board of directors of the Washington Food Industry Association —the non-profit organization that annually hosts the Washington State Best Bagger Competition and represents members of the independent, local food industry.

Andrew adds that he would like to thank his co-workers, friends, family and the WFIA for all of their support.

Happening now: Neighbor Appreciation Day 2013 in West Seattle

It’s Neighbor Appreciation Day around the city, and one highlight was a chance to tour some of the Seattle Fire Department‘s stations for a couple hours at midday. We stopped at Fire Station 11 at 16th and Holden in Highland Park, which is currently home to not only Engine 11, but also a numberless backup ladder truck. We’re told it’s one of the few straight-frame ladder trucks still in service, as the two-driver tiller trucks are now preferred. Changes are ahead for Station 11, where upgrades including earthquake-safety work will start this spring, and an on-site trailer will take the place of the permanent quarters for a while.

Though the station tours are over, other Neighbor Appreciation Day events continue. A free swim is under way at Southwest Pool till 2 pm, and the Log House Museum is celebrating with free chili and cornbread on its expansive porch. You’re welcome to stop by 61st/Stevens till 4 pm – photo to come.

Jerry Ceis, 1948-2013: Wake planned February 24

One more event has just been announced in memory of Jerry Ceis, Thanks to Doug for sharing the announcement:

There will be a wake for Jerry Ceis on February 24 at the American Legion. It will be from 2 pm to 6 pm and include music by Fever — and possibly several other folks. We will have dancing, drinking, and anything that Jerry would have approved of. More information to follow.

Mr. Ceis, remembered by his brother Tim as a man who “lived for the joy of life and adventure,” died January 9th at age 64. His official memorial service was last weekend; friends also have gathered for informal tributes.

Good luck, Andrew! Metropolitan Market’s state champ ‘Best Bagger’ off to Vegas

Metropolitan Market‘s Andrew Borracchini is off to Las Vegas for the second year in a row, representing our state in the National Grocers Association‘s Best Bagger Championship competition this Sunday. We photographed Andrew at the store (which is a WSB sponsor) yesterday as he practiced one more time. What’s new this year? we asked. For one, the baggers are using reusable bags – just like us Seattleites – paper and plastic are out.

Store director Glen Hasstedt told us that Andrew’s been practicing with a variety of items, since last year in his competition debut, they learned the baggers aren’t given any hints about what they’ll be bagging until the moment it all begins – the checkout-stand mockups have the items covered until it’s time to begin.

He says he’s ready – he won the state title back in October – and glad to have his entire family coming along. Sunday afternoon’s bagging battle is at The Mirage in Las Vegas; tonight, Andrew said, he and his dad are going to see a concert at the Vegas Hard Rock Café.

4:03 PM P.S. – Researching a commenter question, we learned the Grocers Association plans to stream the competition live – so at 2:45 pm Sunday, you should be able to watch it here.

West Seattle sightings: Movie star spotted at Admiral Safeway

And more showbiz news: Our WSBeat correspondent Megan Sheppard reports seeing Thomas Haden Church at Admiral Safeway. One quick check of Google News revealed this Deadline.com story reporting that he is in Seattle because filming has just begun on “Lucky Them,” described as an “’un-romantic comedy’ about a female rock journalist on assignment to hunt down her musician ex-boyfriend.” Don’t know if they’re shooting over here; keep an eye out for film-crew sightings. But we do know that Seattle-based director Megan Griffiths has filmed on this side of the metro area before – with “Eden,” partly shot in White Center in 2011.

Remembering Manvel ‘Schauff’ Schauffler, 1924-2013

The family of longtime educator Manvel “Schauff” Schauffler, a founding board member of Explorer West Middle School among many other achievements, shares this remembrance:

Manvel Schauffler, who taught hundreds of Seattle-area kids history, sailing, camping, cooperation, and the joys of classroom and outdoor learning for more than a decade, passed away on January 8, 2013.

Known to all simply as “Schauff”, he taught at The Bush School in Seattle and also helped found two middle-schools, The Hyla School on Bainbridge island and Explorer West in West Seattle.

He was born in New York City in 1924, and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. His pastimes there were sailing on Long Island Sound, playing ice hockey and other sports, and rooting for the New York Yankees. He once shook hands with Lou Gehrig.

He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and met his wife, Verna, at Black Mountain College in North Carolina after the war.

Click to read the rest of Remembering Manvel ‘Schauff’ Schauffler, 1924-2013…

Happening now: Fabio enchants fans at Metropolitan Market

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Romance idol Fabio is in the nutrition business these days – and that’s what brought him to West Seattle this afternoon. He arrived early at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and has already been delighting fans and enlightening wellness-seekers, as well as drawing regional-media attention (at least one TV crew). He’s there on behalf of his Healthy Planet Nutrition business, which offers protein products and other types of supplements (read about them here). Fabio’s original claim to fame was modeling for the covers of romance novels, and he branched out to various parts of the entertainment business – including writing romance novels himself.

(Photo shared by Jackie)
You can catch up with him at the Metropolitan Market demonstration till about 7 tonight – or, if you miss him there, the tour schedule on his website says he’ll be at five other Metropolitan Markets in the region over the next three days, before heading to Southern California.

106 years old and going strong: Happy birthday, Doris Torgerson!

Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattleite Doris Torgerson celebrated her 106th birthday today at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). As several staff members and other friends stopped by her room to deliver good wishes, cards, laughter and gentle hugs, she joked with her guests, thanked them and kept keen track of the latest updates from one and all.

The afternoon culminated in a birthday cake and the singing of Happy Birthday, seen in the photos below.

Her guests Reverend John Van Lierop (former chaplain at The Kenney for 17 years) and his son John, Jr. (music teacher) were among those visiting with Doris today. Lierop, Jr. noted she is “just the best person” and like family to him. When his mother was a resident at The Kenney, Doris provided him with daily updates between visits, and “helped a lot.”

Click to read the rest of 106 years old and going strong: Happy birthday, Doris Torgerson!…

West Seattle scene: Molly’s last day at West Seattle Library

That’s Molly Humphrie, who has just said goodbye to the West Seattle (Admiral) Library Branch after more than 22 years – she’s been there since 1990. A fellow librarian tipped us off at the last minute that it was her last day, or we would have tipped you in time to say goodbye. She’s moving to the Lake City branch.

Congratulations to Sealth’s Sam Reed, district Athletic Director of the Year

(10/13/2012 WSB photo by Nick Adams – that’s Sealth AD Sam Reed at right, flanked by the orange canisters)
The 2012-2013 school year is only half over but it’s already been a year of milestones for Chief Sealth International High School‘s athletics department – like the Huling Bowl football victory in October, the first-ever Nels Enquist Alumni Game event in November, and just this past weekend, the first “friendship game” between the girls-basketball teams of sister schools Sealth and Chongqing Nankai. The man facing his players while helping them hoist the Huling Bowl trophy in our photo above is Sealth Athletic Director Sam Reed, who has just been honored as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association‘s District 2 Athletic Director of the Year. The district includes six leagues from around the metro area, representing more than 55 high schools. Reed will be in contention for statewide AD of the Year at the WIAA state conference in Spokane this April. It’s been a big year for him overall even beyond the big events mentioned above and his daily/nightly work at Sealth as AD and activities director – Reed also serves in a variety of capacities beyond Sealth itself, including Metro League president.