WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: ‘National Lora Appreciation Day’

(Photo courtesy John Bennett)

If you happened to be in The Junction around 7:30 last night, you might have seen those two ladies riding in a classic Cadillac, doing parade waves. That was part of a surprise party thrown for Lora Radford (above right), executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association, which she has led through the pandemic as local businesses’ chief cheerleader, beacon of hope, informational clearinghouse, lobbyist and red-tape fighter, and more. Friends lured her to the courtyard by Hotwire Coffee – which she owned for more than a decade before the WSJA gig – and showered her with appreciation, from a proclamation to pizza:

(WSB photos, here and below)

The “National Lora Appreciation Day” presentation was emceed by Lora’s chaperone for the Cadillac ride, entertainer Sylvia O’Stayformore:

Lora offered words of gratitude and said simply, “We got through the pandemic together.”

P.S. Next big Junction event is getting closer – the Sidewalk Sale on July 8-10!

Al Semple June 27, 2021 (12:12 pm)

Well Jack Miller came. I think we need firer works off the space needle with her name. Congrates!!!:)

Mariem June 27, 2021 (3:06 pm)

Congratulations WSJA! On another topic:I hope in the future junction more retail businesses might stay open later during the week. 6pm seems to be a time when most the shops close. Many working professionals cannot get to the junction by 6pm during the week. Why not open later and close later? My dollars end up going elsewhere if it’s something I need to buy during the week. I’m sure there are reasons most of the stores have historically chosen the hours they have chosen, but wonder if someone can shed light on the rationale. Is it mostly retired folks shopping in the junction, for example? Thanks .

Al June 27, 2021 (4:36 pm)

As a suggestion, call the shop and ask for what you need. Many have great websites or ask if you know what you want. All I have asked have delivered. As an example, called Again and Again for dress pants for a kiddo. They were delivered in the evening. Pegasus Books saved us during the pandemic with their book order service and delivery was offered, but locker service worked well. Our local shops are a lovely resource.