Story and photos by Randall Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

As reported here a few weeks ago, Dumplings of Fury is set to furiously serve several styles of dumplings to the masses tomorrow when the hotly anticipated restaurant officially opens for business at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Proprietor Ben Jenkins used a “soft open” Tuesday night to give his new venture a test run, giving a handful of Westsiders the chance to see the completed space and, more importantly, sample the food.

An abbreviated menu available Tuesday night offered guests not only a variety of dumpling options, but also revealed steamed-bun sandwiches and soup.

Patrons will also be able to indulge in strawberry or mango bubble tea, soft drinks, bottled beer, and wine served in cans.

The shop has minimal countertop seating, with eight bar stools inside the rather small space and another four small tables arranged for al-fresco dumpling eating. Considering the fairly quick preparation of the food, however, turnover of the seating should not be an enormous problem. Even so, orders Tuesday were conveniently packaged in fairly robust to-go containers.

Matt Siegel and Deborah Caul of Columbia City stumbled upon the restaurant opening via a “bit of serendipity” and managed to get a preview of what many West Seattle restaurant-goers have long been awaiting.

“It’s fresh, and hot, and a little bit different,” says Caul, who says the couple had come to The Junction to have dinner at Lee’s Asian Restaurant across the street, but learned too late that the Junction fixture is closed Tuesdays.

Siegel says the Xai Long Bao (soup dumpling) reminded him of wildly successful Taiwanese dumpling restaurant Din Tai Fung and that, despite the 20-minute drive from Columbia City, he’d return for more. “I’d come over here before I’d go to Bellevue.”

West Seattleites Ashley Coulson and Stephanie Moores were instant fans of the restaurant, praising not only the food, but the assortment of wines, the quality of the table chili, and “the best people-watching” from the outdoor tables.

Dumplings of Fury – first mentioned here 11 months ago – will be open daily Wednesday through Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., 4302 SW Oregon. Jenkins says that extending hours later, particularly on weekends, is a possibility down the road.

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BUY DIAPERS! It’s WestSide Baby’s big Stuff The Bus week

July 19, 2016 9:54 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

Even if you don’t have a baby or toddler in your family … this is the one week a year when you should buy diapers, if you can.

(HomeStreet Bank team with the bus you’ll find there on Sunday)

This is the big “Stuff The Bus” week for WestSide Baby, which makes sure that thousands of our area’s littlest residents get what they need … diapers to stay dry. Sunday is the official Stuff The Bus drive at HomeStreet Bank (41st SW/SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm, but if you can’t bring diapers down that day, you can drop them off at HomeStreet before then, or at other diaper-drive locations (such as another WSB sponsor, C & P Coffee at 5612 California SW, or at Les Schwab Tires in The Triangle. And here’s what you need to know about what to bring:

Last year WS Baby gave out 1.2 million diapers … and that wasn’t enough for all the families who needed help. The organization’s website explains, “Ten thousand children under age 2 live in poverty in King County. If those 10,000 children require an average of six diapers a day for 365 days, the total need is approximately 22 million diapers a year.”

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VIDEO: West Seattle Big Band @ Hi-Yu Concert in the Park

July 19, 2016 7:21 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

7:21 PM: Clear sky over Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn right now as the West Seattle Big Band headlines the annual Hi-Yu Concert in the Park.

The WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards (above, during trombone solo), is featuring vocalists Sarah Ackers and Jeff Carter as well as talented soloists.

Sarah Ackers and Jeff Carter duet with @wsbigband at @wshiyu Concert in the Park. pic.twitter.com/g93lHcgKaB

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 20, 2016

It’s a free concert, for all ages – kids are running around at the back of the crowd, while devoted band fans are listening intently up front.

Sometimes these concerts have even been known to inspire people to dance. It’s on until at least 8 – come on over if you can. We’ll have video later. (Added – Here’s the WSBB with Glenn Miller’s “St. Louis Blues”:)

8:01 PM: During a quick break for the band, Hi-Yu royalty and Youth Ambassadors spoke to the crowd, and current Hi-Yu leaders Joanne and Jim Murray did too.

As they point out, Hi-Yu runs on volunteers … and needs more help if it’s to continue. While Hi-Yu no longer runs the West Seattle Grand Parade (it’s now presented by the West Seattle Rotary Club Foundation), it creates and operates the traveling parade float, and without the Hi-Yu float’s participation in other parades around the region, other areas’ floats wouldn’t come here for our parade – the reciprocal arrangement is how it works. Find out how to get involved via westseattlehiyu.com.

And now, another tradition during the Concert in the Park intermission – awarding of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Service to the Community. This year’s recipient, as announced in June, is Clay Eals of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. He’s here to accept it.

“This is a big honor … a time for gratitude,” Eals said, describing himself as the “Pied Piper” who’s been able to attract more people to get involved with SWSHS in recent years. “And whether you’ve lived here for 30 days or 30 years … you have reason for connection to West Seattle … why do you choose to be here, why do you continue to choose to be here? … Something ties it all together: The reasons we all have to be connected to this area do not have to do with us – they have to do with the people who came before us and built the community that we choose to be in. Literally we stand on the shoulders of giants,” including many whose names are on the trophy he’s holding. He invited everyone to come to the SWSHS’s Log House Museum (61st/Stevens, open Thursdays-Sundays, noon-4 pm).

More music coming up soon, too, so you still have time to get here.

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UPDATE: Rescue call off Alki for what turned out to be ‘inanimate object’

July 19, 2016 6:33 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)

6:33 PM: Seattle Fire is responding to a “saltwater rescue” call off the 2400 block of Alki Avenue SW [map]. Scanner traffic indicates a paddleboarder might be in trouble.

6:39 PM: According to radio discussion between responders, someone called 911 to say they thought they saw a paddleboarder “disappear” offshore. First units on shore are still looking, but also checking out an object offshore that might be driftwood.

6:47 PM: And it’s just been confirmed, according to the scanner – “inanimate object.” All units are being canceled.

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4 DAYS AWAY: West Seattle Grand Parade 2016 countdown begins

July 19, 2016 3:46 pm

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| West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2015 West Seattle Grand Parade)

One reason to go to the West Seattle Grand Parade this Saturday: It’s the ONLY parade in Puget Sound where you’ll see the Vancouver, B.C. Motorcycle Drill Team.

That’s part of the parade info we confirmed while sitting in on the annual lineup meeting last night with Jim Edwards, Dave Vague, and Doreen Vague. Every year, the week before the parade, they meet to review printed information about the entries and to arrange them in an order that makes sense for maximum enjoyment. You wouldn’t want to put two marching bands back-to-back, for example. Speaking of which – you’ll see the excellent All-City Marching Band, led by longtime director and newly appointed Denny International Middle School assistant principal Marcus Pimpleton, as well as Kennedy Catholic High School‘s band and the PNW Drumline:

This year’s parade has 70+ entries – fewer than last year largely because of a calendar quirk – July has five Saturdays this year; this parade is usually the third Saturday, not the fourth. But you’ll have many returnees to cheer for, including Joyas Mestizas:

The parade’s official starting time is 11 am from the north end of the route at California/Lander – but the motorcycle drill teams start before then (as early as 10:30 am). You can pick a spot anywhere along California; the route ends at Edmunds on the south edge of The Junction; keep in mind there’s still a lot of construction, especially south of Admiral, so you might want to scope out your ideal spot ahead of time. The Grand Parade is presented by the West Seattle Rotary Club Service Foundation, and it’s an official Seafair-sanctioned event, so you’ll see Seafair parade marshals helping local volunteers, as well as Seafair parade favorites including the Pirates and Clowns.

Also remember two special events before the parade – you might even want to participate in one if that’s not already part of your plan: The Float Dodger 5K takes off from Hiawatha Playfield, near the start of the parade route, at 9:30 am – register now, or go to West Seattle Runner (5K presenter and WSB sponsor) to sign up in person before Saturday – details are in our most-recent preview. Then at 10 am, West Seattle kids are invited to walk, ride, or roll in the Kiddie Parade, which goes south on California from Genesee to Edmunds. Our countdown continues tomorrow!

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Here’s the plan for West Seattle’s second Find It, Fix It Community Walk next Monday

July 19, 2016 2:33 pm

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| West Seattle news | Westwood

Just in from the city – the plan, and map, for next Monday’s Find It, Fix It Community Walk in the Roxhill and Westwood areas – the second one in West Seattle, after the Delridge FIFI walk last October (WSB coverage here). The starting point is now finalized – Longfellow Creek P-Patch at 25th SW/SW Thistle, just east of Chief Sealth International High School; refreshments and sign-in are planned 6-6:30 pm, with the walk to follow this schedule:

6:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

· Welcome remarks from Mayor Ed Murray

6:45 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.

· Walk commences along the following route (map):

o West on SW Thistle St
o South on 26th Ave SW
o South on 24th Ave SW
o South on 25th Ave SW
o West on SW Barton St

7:55 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

· Walk concludes at Roxhill Park
· Department representatives and City staff available for follow-up questions

Participants can use the Find It, Fix It mobile app on the walk. This smartphone app offers mobile users one more way to report selected issues to the City. Make sure to download the app before the walk.

In partnership with Cities of Service, the City will offer up to $5,000 in grants for community-led projects to each 2016 Find It, Fix It Walk neighborhood. The Roxhill/Westwood Community Project Grant Application is available in seven languages at www.seattle.gov/finditfixit until Wednesday, August 3. If you have an idea for a project in Roxhill/Westwood, please apply today!

We first reported three months ago that West Seattle’s second walk would be in the Roxhill area; Westwood was a recent addition to the plan. This is the only one planned for West Seattle this year.

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West Seattle restaurants: Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery now open in The Junction

July 19, 2016 12:43 pm

| 42 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three and a half months after we brought you first word that Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery was on the way to the northeast corner of California/Edmunds in The Junction – it’s opening day!

We were there just before 11 am as proprietor Shelby Varden cut the ribbon, with help from his parents Fay and Bill. Remodeling of the space was still under way when last we checked in, but now it’s all ready for diners:

That’s just part of the space, which as we reported last month also includes areas that can be configured for groups, including a private room that has the only video monitor you’ll find in Shelby’s, just in case it’s needed for anything from a business lunch to a party. Here’s the finished mural on the north interior wall:

Shelby explained it to us last month as “the story of ice cream.” Speaking of which, here’s a photo of the menu with the ice-cream specialties and beverages; here’s a photo of the menu with everything else. On hand for the grand opening with Shelby and parents is his husband Mick Prandi, second from left:

Shelby’s hours are at the top of its website – if you want to be part of opening day, get there by 9 tonight. And note the mention of “snacky hour” 2-5 pm Tuesdays through Fridays.

P.S. We’ve recapped this corner’s history so often, we’re not doing it again, but Shelby’s declaration is, “The corner of California Ave SW and SW Edmunds St is turning over a new leaf!”

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen these stolen documents?

July 19, 2016 11:11 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Jacqueline‘s car was broken into last Saturday in the 8100 block of 4th SW and “some very important papers” were taken from her trunk, so she’s hoping you will keep watch for them. She is executor for her father’s estate, and the documents included various legal and court documents as well as mail. The surname is five letters starting with L, and the documents include birth and death certificates for various family members (same surname) as well as other documents and paperwork, some other personal property, and mail for an address in Spanaway: “The items were in a London reusable cloth bag, brown faux leather shoulder bag, and a black leather handbag. The theft happened between 1:30 am and 6:30 am on 7/17. Two transactions using a stolen debit card were made at Lucky 5 on 8856 Ave SW at 6:57 am and 6:59 am on 7/17.” If you find any of it, you can contact SPD and refer to incident number #16-256038 – or comment here.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Big Band Concert in the Park; tidewalking; trivia; more!

July 19, 2016 10:21 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Duwamish Head/Alki view of the July 4th low-low tide – photo by Long Bach Nguyen)

Explore the shore! That’s just one of the options for the rest of today/tonight. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BEACH NATURALISTS BACK FOR LOW TIDE: Not as low as it got during the new moon (when the photo above was taken), but the full moon has brought tides low enough for good beach exploring – today, -1.6 feet at 11:15 am – and you’ll find Seattle Aquarium beach-naturalist volunteers at Constellation and Lincoln Parks from now until 1:30 pm today.

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY: Kids/teens up to 18 can get a free lunch at Delridge Library Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

‘RENT SMART’: Bilingual (English/Spanish) affordable-housing help 6-7:30 pm – just drop in – at South Park Library. (8604 8th Ave. S.)

WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CONCERT IN THE PARK: 7 pm at Hiawatha Community Center, the West Seattle Big Band‘s annual free concert presented in conjunction with West Seattle Hi-Yu. Come listen – or even dance! – bring a chair/blanket and enjoy the WSBB’s big sound on the east lawn. (2700 California SW)

TRIVIA FUNDRAISER: Senior Center of West Seattle fundraising trivia hosted by Phil Tavel from the longrunning weekly Talarico’s trivia night. Doors open at 7, trivia at 7:30. Check to see if reservations are still available! (California SW/SW Oregon)

SOUTH SOUND TUG AND BARGE: “Ameripunkcana” music at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. No cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SO MUCH MORE ... for today and tonight; you’ll find it on our complete calendar page.

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Highway 99 tunneling machine on the move again, says WSDOT

July 19, 2016 9:35 am

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| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news

(WSDOT video from last week, showing road-building in the tunnel section dug so far)

Just announced by WSDOT – the Highway 99 tunneling machine is back in action after “a month of routine and hyperbaric maintenance” that started June 23rd and ended yesterday. WSDOT says, “The maintenance period included more than 40 shifts of work under hyperbaric conditions, changing cutting tools and performing other maintenance in the space behind the cutterhead.” The tunneling machine is one-third of the way – 3,108 feet – along the route, now “located approximately 120 feet beneath Spring Street, tunneling north toward First Avenue.” Two more stops like this are expected, WSDOT says.

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Memorial planned for Maxine Bundy, 1915-2016

July 19, 2016 9:12 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Maxine Bundy, who died last month at age 100, will be remembered at a service on August 5th. Here’s the tribute her family is sharing with the community now:

Maxine F. (Davenport) Bundy
August 30, 1915 to June 26, 2016

Mom was born Frances Maxine Plant on August 30, 1915, in small-town La Grange, Missouri. She would be the second of five children. At the time she was born, her father was in Montana working on a ranch. When he received the news, he hopped on a train and headed home to see his new baby girl. Maxine’s dad, always searching for the perfect job to support his growing family, moved them to Montana, where Mom spent some of her childhood years. From there, the Plant family moved to the Pacific Northwest. They lived in and around Seattle, primarily Rainier Beach.

Mom attended Emerson grade school and graduated from Franklin High in the class of 1934. Following high school, she attended comptometer school and went to work for Bell Telephone and Telegraph as a service rep. She met and eventually married Follin Davenport in December of 1940. In 1946, daughter Nancy was born and in 1949, son, Michael. Mom’s focus for the rest of her life would be the lives of her children and their families. She made sure that her children had all the opportunities she and Follin could afford. That included ballet lessons, ski lessons, music lessons, and more. She was active in the community as PTA president at Schmitz Park Elementary, Welcome Wagon, West Seattle High School Ski Club, Girl Scout co-leader, Cub Scouts and finally Fiorini Ski School. Many may remember our mom as having worked at Russell’s Jewelers.

Mom enjoyed the out of doors. She camped, skied, hiked, tried her hand at golf and even did a bit of fishing. She enjoyed hunting for wild blackberries and mushrooms with her sisters. Mom was a great seamstress, making clothes for herself and her daughter. She was always the consummate homemaker. Her home was always very neat and clean.

Follin passed away in 1985. In 1993, Maxine married Bill Bundy, a former neighbor. Throughout their 16-year marriage they enjoyed life and each other. They traveled widely, served in their church, entertained, and spent time with their families.

When Bill passed, Mom moved to Bridge Park, and for the next seven years she lived an active single life. She enjoyed the company of two special groups of ladies there and at church who supported and looked out for one another.

Mom has been described as warm, sweet, lovely, stylish, unique and indeed she was. As her children, we always knew her to be there in times of need, a companion and a good listener. She was a caring and able caregiver who was there through broken bones, measles, bee stings and more.

It should also be said that our mother was an avid Seahawk supporter.

Maxine is survived by her son, Michael Davenport (Nancy), her daughter Nancy Bringolf (Rick), seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Phyllis Keithly, of Yuma, Arizona.

A memorial service is planned for August 5, 2016, at 2 pm, West Side Presbyterian Church, West Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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