West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
Three days before Veterans Day, a West Seattle man who served in World War II got an early gift.
Rebuilding Together Seattle, with help from Renewal by Andersen, worked on the Beach Drive home of World War II veteran Elvino Naccarato. Along with fencing, the volunteers worked to build safer stairs and a porch.
They also worked to clean and organize the home, hauling away what they cleaned up as well as debris from work they did.
Kerianne Halpin, a spokesperson for the project, explained, “We want to help someone who helped us through their dedicated service. By making improvements to his home, we will make it safer and more comfortable for Elvino.”
P.S. RTS accepts applications from qualifying homeowners in need. It welcomes volunteers, too.
Want to be inspired and informed? Check out a great slate of speakers without crossing the bridge. Just announced by Kol HaNeshamah, their first “FRED Talk”:
Listen to what Harborview Medical Center Medical Director, J. Richard Goss M.D., has to say about Ebola, Obamacare and other hot topics which impact our community Sunday, Nov. 23, from 3-5 PM at Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, as part of West Seattle’s first FRED Talk.
If you are familiar with Ted Talks, you will understand FRED Talks. FRED, which stands for Fresh, Relevant, Educational & Dynamic Talks are a way for community members to come together to hear from those who are on the front lines working hard in our community each day.
“We see one another at the grocery store, ride busses together, attend our children’s’ games or performances and say hello,” says Kol HaNeshamah Rabbi Zari Weiss, “but we seldom take time to really learn about the challenges and the joys we face on a daily basis at work. FRED Talks are designed to give us the opportunity to hear more from one another about why we do what we do each day.”
Other speakers, November 23, include Scott Schill, producer of Frank vs. God, a full-length feature comedy currently making a splash at film festivals around the country, Danielle Eidenberg-Noppe, education ombudsman at the Washington State Office of Education, and Alice Braverman, the development director at Navos Mental Health Solutions.
FRED Talk speakers will share stories of gumption, grit and gratitude and allow time for questions. Attendees will hear from all four speakers with a short intermission along the way. Suggested admission is $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Children’s activities will be available, ages 3-11, for $5 a session.
“We are excited to invite community members from West Seattle and beyond to join us for this interesting and engaging afternoon,” Weiss says.
Proceeds from this event will go toward KHN, West Seattle’s progressive synagogue community.
Serving? Have served? You’re invited! From Kyle Geraghty:
American Legion Post 160 of West Seattle and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 would like to invite all active duty, reservists, members of the national guard, veterans and their families to our annual Veterans Day Italian Dinner. It will be held on Sunday November 9th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This is American Legion Post 160’s thank you to all veterans in our community who have served our country. The menu includes: pasta, homemade sauce, garlic bread, salad, dessert, coffee and tea. The cost is absolutely free.
Here’s the official flyer with more information.
P.S. WS Food Bank has a big event next Saturday – a turkey drive in the HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) parking lot at 41st/Alaska, 11 am-2 pm – bring a 10-to-12-pound turkey or $15 cash.
(First two photos courtesy West Seattle Chamber of Commerce)
Many hands make light work, it’s said. And so it went this morning along the Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge, as a dozen-plus WS Chamber of Commerce volunteers cleaned up the slope from “Walking on Logs” to the sign with which they’re posing above.
According to Chamber board chair Nancy Woodland (of WestSide Baby), they only needed two hours to get everything picked up and bagged up. This was our photo from about midway through.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
While “Walking on Logs” is on city right-of-way land, the sculpture was installed as part of the West Seattle Murals project two decades ago with the agreement that it and the area around it would be community-maintained. Murals project leader Earl Cruzen did it almost singlehandedly for years, until he was on the brink of 90; four years ago, the Walking on Logs Landscape Restoration Group formed to help, but it’s a big task and they need help too (they were out at the site a month ago).
One last round of West Seattle Halloween scenes:
Straight Blast Gym (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge hosted a trick-or-treat-and-more party – Coach Sonia and friends are in the top photo, and below, some of the cool costumes we spotted while dropping by:
Straight Blast has a “Parents’ Night Out” event tonight, by the way – details here. Meantime, Doug B sent a photo of his “haunted yard” in Seaview:
And earlier in the day, things got spooky at West Seattle Corporate Center (aka “the building with the big flag” at Delridge/Andover):
Hope it was a fun Halloween for all – here are links to our earlier coverage:
*Admiral District trick-or-treating
*Admiral Church trunk-or-treating
*Westwood Village trick-or-treating
*Nightmare on 44th
*Skeleton Theatre
Out of the WSB inbox, from Ron Templin:
The Chief Sealth Class of 1965 will be having their 50-year class reunion on August 22, 2015 at South Seattle College. More information will be forthcoming as the planning process continues. We are looking for many of our graduates. Graduates can contact us by emailing us at Sealth1965@yahoo.com with their name, maiden name, address, and email address.
Two and a half years ago, we noted local fitness instructor Loni McIntosh‘s cancer battle, as friends organized a fundraiser. Today, we have word that Ms. McIntosh’s long fight is over, and that everyone who knew her is invited to gather for a memorial walk next Saturday:
Beloved fitness instructor and longtime member of the West Seattle community, Loni McIntosh, passed away from brain cancer Wednesday 10/15. Please join us to celebrate Loni as we do a walk and gathering in her memory on Alki Beach next Saturday, November 1st at 10 am. We will meet outside the Alki Bathhouse for a few words and walk as a group. Rain or shine. Let’s remember Loni with fun stories and memories of the tough, kind, loving person she was. Please wear blue/teal if you can.
Ms. McIntosh was 57 years old.
Not only does fall bring a new school year, it also means re-start time for many groups and activities that generally follow the school calendar, with summertime breaks. Diana shared that photo of West Seattle’s Girl Scout Troop 44032 visiting The Admiral District, “kicking off the new Girl Scout season learning to paint at Mind Unwind Art studio on California. Mind Unwind partners with the community to get art back in schools.” More about that, here; more about Girl Scouting in our region, here.
The family of William A. (Bill) Ericson is sharing this remembrance after his death this week:
Bill passed away October 13, 2014, at the age of 91.
He was the youngest of four children born to Ernest and Nellie Ericson in Star Lake, Minnesota. After being discharged from the Merchant Marines after World War II, Bill traveled to Seattle, where he met the love of his life, Olga Romei, and they raised three children.
Bill was a self-motivated entrepreneur who started his own real estate company, Ericson Realty, in the early ’60s and was immediately successful due to his hard work and diligence.
After retiring in the ’80s, his favorite pastime was socializing with friends and family, telling the best stories and jokes you can imagine and helping those who were in need. Bill never forgot a joke and something always reminded him of another story.
He is survived by his children William, Dini (Leif), Greg (Sue); grandchildren William III, Cale, Koen, Nolan, Nicole, and Noelle; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will dearly miss his stories, jokes, guidance, and generosity. A private family memorial was held.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial is planned tomorrow for Bennett McKnight, also known as Lucky Freeman:
Our brother is gone.
His kindness and generous spirit will continue on with those who love him.
Bennett was a local artist, well known and beloved to many in West Seattle. He enjoyed frequenting many of the local businesses and always was enthusiastic about supporting the local community.
Memorial Thursday, October 16th
5:00 pm-midnight
West Seattle Veterans Center
3618 SW Alaska
(Photo courtesy Matt Sellars)
(Photo courtesy Symetra)
If you’re going to the Seahawks–Cowboys game at CenturyLink Field this afternoon – listen up for your chance to applaud a local teacher. Chief Sealth International High School family/consumer sciences teacher DeAira Handugan is scheduled to be there for an on-field presentation of her “Heroes in the Classroom” award. Two former students nominated her; one is quoted as saying, “It is impossible to be in her presence and not look at her as a role model.” The award is presented by the Seahawks and Symetra, who present it to 16 teachers around the region each year; besides the recognition at today’s game, it also brings Handugan a $1,000 donation for classroom supplies.
That’s the photo that won West Seattle’s “Diver Laura” James – the “citizen scientist” and advocate whose work is often featured on WSB – a kayaking trip on the Duwamish River with music star Macklemore. The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition just announced that Laura’s photo won its “River for All” contest. Debris/trash from the river is part of the photo, and yet, she meant for it to be anything BUT a message of despair over its extreme pollution. Writing about the photo concept on her website, she explained:
Usually images of marine debris are somewhat hopeless. A mermaid caught in a fishing net, lying (presumed dead) on a sandy beach. Beaches covered in trash. Dead birds with belly full of plastic. These images, as powerful as they are, don’t always work for me. My message is one of strength and hope. Empowerment. Dream big. That was the concept behind this shot.
And yes, as a prolific producer, Laura created a behind-the-scenes video:
BtS Duwamish #riverforall Photo Contest shoot from Laura James on Vimeo.
Here’s the DRCC announcement about the photo contest; here’s the gallery of other entries; and here’s why Macklemore is involved – his own essay about the river that forms much of West Seattle’s eastern border, declared by its admirers and protectors to be “a river for all.”
P.S. And as noted here on Wednesday, you too can be a Duwamish River ally and protector – just sign up to commit four hours during Duwamish Alive! one week from Saturday.
P.P.S. If you haven’t read Laura’s post yet – note that, beyond the contest, she writes about looking for collaborators for other visual projects to tell the river’s story.
A Celebration of Life is planned this Saturday for Kristine Lenning, who died last week at 62. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:
Kristine M. Lenning
July 13, 1952 – September 26, 2014Kris passed away at her home in West Seattle, surrounded by friends and family. Kris was preceded in death by her husband Donald G. Lenning and is survived by her daughter Alexa Victoria Lenning, brothers Bernard, Kenneth, and Steven Larson, and sister Kathy Hodges.
Kris recently retired from Century Link after 44 years of service. She fought a long and courageous battle against cancer, never losing her zest for life, her sense of humor, and loving concern for others. Kris was a gifted artist who loved sharing her talents with friends, and especially children. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice and her family of co-workers that helped care for her. There will be a Celebration of Life for Kris on Saturday, October 4th, 2014, at West Seattle Golf Course from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Remembrances to the Cancer Society in lieu of flowers, please.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Biggest party in West Seattle tonight: The Spotlight Gala at The Hall at Fauntleroy raising money for Southwest Youth and Family Services, the North Delridge-based nonprofit with more going on inside its nondescript headquarters than you’d guess just from passing by. Emcee for the night, former Mayor (and major soccer fan) Greg Nickels, there with wife Sharon Nickels:
Two of our area’s state legislators were there to support SWYFS – State Senate Democratic leader Sen. Sharon Nelson of Maury Island:
And longtime State House Rep. Eileen Cody of West Seattle:
SWYFS executive director Steve Daschle was all smiles:
His agency is focused on education, counseling, and support services, and has expanded its reach in the past year-plus, stretching further into South King County by merging with New Futures. It’s also reaching out to invite West Seattleites to find out more about what it does and how to help and/or get help; toward that goal, you’re invited to an open house 2-6 pm Thursday, October 9th, with a hot-dog barbecue and prize raffles as well as entertainment. SWYFS is at 4555 Delridge Way SW, just south of Delridge Community Center and east of Delridge Playfield.
FIRST REPORT, 3:55 PM: For a short time about half an hour ago, the west end of the eastbound West Seattle Bridge was backed up to Fauntleroy. Anne Higuera from Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) sent the photo and explains why:
Just watched as hundreds of people stopped their cars on the West Seattle Bridge to wait while a couple of valiant dog catchers blocked traffic and captured a little dog that refused to stop and was running all the way down Fauntleroy and onto the bridge. They finally wrapped him up in a jacket and put him in a box and I’m going to assume that they’re going to then try to locate the owners of the dog. Everyone was so well mannered. Not a single horn blown and everyone waited patiently until the little dog was captured. It was really sweet.
We heard a bit about this on the scanner but had no idea how it turned out until Anne’s note. The dog might be hurt, according to a tweet from Dan. (If whomever now has the dog sees this, we can of course put a note on the WSB Lost/Found Pets page, where we’ve had multiple “found dog” reports today but no “lost” reports yet.)
4:45 PM UPDATE: We have heard now from both the dog’s owner and the finder – the latter, via comments, saying it’s been taken to Seattle Animal Shelter; the former, via e-mail, explaining the dog, a Jack Russell Terrier mix named Woody, bolted from Petco in The Junction “just fitted … for a new harness & lead and obviously it didn’t fit! He backed out of it and ran for it.”
We’re hoping they all connect quickly!
That photo is from the volunteers comprising the Walking on Logs Landscape Restoration Group, some of your West Seattle neighbors (backstory here) who have been doing what they can to honor the longstanding mandate for community upkeep of the area. This is their last cleanup session of the year; the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is looking at organizing one at the start of November. (The Chamber keeps the sign-up sheet for nonprofit promotional use of the site – what’s up right now replaced the guerrilla messaging spotted earlier in the week).
P.S. You might not notice unless you’re passing by as a passenger, but we’re told the aspens are in fine form and the snowberries are blooming!
One of West Seattle’s most historic porches was the scene of a party earlier tonight, as the the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly After Hours gathering came to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum. SWSHS executive director Clay Eals recounted some of the organization’s big events, including one that dwarfed tonight’s gathering:
The photo he’s holding is from the June 6th dedication of the renovated totem pole that stood at the Admiral Way Viewpoint for years. SWSHS’s next big event is the Champagne Gala Brunch in November (with sponsors inclding WSB); you can reserve your ticket(s) now. As for the Chamber, its next lunch meeting, October 9th, features Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman. It’ll be an outdoor event in the Port-owned Jack Block Park (rain or shine!).
(Photo courtesy The Kenney)
Among the hundreds of people who joined in the Pacific Northwest Walk to End Alzheimer’s today were four residents of The Kenney (WSB sponsor), along with staffers and family members. They raised $1,600 and walked the full two-mile route along Lake Union. Proceeds from the walk – more than $270,000, in early estimates – go toward “the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association,” according to the event website. The rise in cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia has led some retirement centers to make big changes; The Kenney added its Memory Care Community in 2012.
The historic, now-community-owned Fauntleroy Schoolhouse is one of more than 500 sites around King County getting free TLC today during the United Way of King County “Day of Caring” event. Companies from around the region have sent more than 11,000 workers to volunteer – like the people from Car Toys who were busy around the schoolhouse’s grounds, including Fauntleroy Children’s Center.
We got there just in time to say hi to UWKC’s CEO Jon Fine, who chose it as his first stop on a tour of several volunteer projects.
Another local site getting Day of Caring help, the White Center Food Bank:
“Day of Caring” volunteers there (including Sally and Lynda in our photo) are from Bentall Kennedy. WCFB is just four weeks away from its big annual fundraising Harvest Dinner/Auction, by the way (October 18th at SSC’s Brockey Center), and you can still get tickets by going here.
ADDED 5:55 PM: The Kenney (WSB sponsor) shares the photo of “Day of Caring” volunteers from Microsoft:
40 Microsoft employees in all worked on landscaping around The Kenney’s campus, donating more than 175 hours of work in all.
Congratulations to Dorothy and Everett Wright of West Seattle, who just celebrated a big anniversary. From their daughter Wendy Hobson:
Everett and Dorothy Wright celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary (August 19, 2014) with a party a few days later at their daughter’s home with family and friends.
They got married on their fourth “date,” after meeting in Chicago at Christmastime in 1943 when Dorothy went to stay with her sister.
Dorothy’s oldest sister was married to Everett’s older brother. They went out to dinner – then Everett (who was in the Air Force in 1944) went back to Louisiana. They wrote to each other for 8 months. He came back to Chicago on leave, proposed, and they got married a few days later. They took the train to North Dakota and spent their honeymoon with her parents on the farm.
In 1956, they moved from Chicago to Seattle, following Dorothy’s sisters and their families. They had a 2.5 year old daughter and a 3-month-old son, no job, no house. Everett went out to look for a job and at his first stop, called Dorothy to say he was hired and that he was starting that day! A few weeks later, they purchased the home on Genesee Hill where they still live.
Everett retired from Sundstrand Corp in Redmond in 1983 and Dorothy retired from Sears in SODO in 1986.
Everett bought his first computer when he was 80, learning to surf the internet. At 85, he decided to learn to play the bass guitar (figuring that because it only had 4 strings, it would be easier) to keep his mind sharp. At almost 96, he is still curious about everything.
Dorothy joined the Y after she retired and has enjoyed 30+ years of water aerobics. She is a big Mariners fan.
They both enjoy going on the senior bus to the Tulalip and Muckelshoot Casinos monthly. They are the parents of Wendy (Michael) Hobson and Brad (Colette) Wright, and grandparents of Aaron & Shawn Hobson and Carson Wright.
Milestone anniversary in YOUR family? Let us know!
Family and friends will gather this Saturday to celebrate the life of Henry “Hank” Matthew Ercolini, born October 8, 1923 in Seattle, died August 28, 2014 in Salem, Oregon, with many years in West Seattle along the way. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:
Hank was the oldest of the 3 boys of Joe and Julia Ercolini, a husband to Gertrude “Gertie” Ercolini for 65 years, a father of 4, father-in-law, devoted grandfather (Pop) and great-grandfather, an uncle, cousin, a devoted friend, a 1941 West Seattle High School graduate, a WWII Marine veteran, a 1948 Willamette University graduate, a math & history teacher, coach, junior high principal, referee, a world traveler, a long-time member of Queen of Peace church, a Beaver and Bearcat fan, a cribbage teacher, a landscaper by hobby, an avid golfer, a Meals on Wheels delivery boy, a favorite neighbor, a Susan G. Komen supporter, and a great friend to many.
He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he shared with everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by three of his children and their spouses: Joan Ercolini (Bend, OR), Lisa & Rod Noteboom (Moses Lake, WA), Steve & Betsy Ercolini (Seattle); his four grandchildren: Tom Watson and wife Jodie, Anne Watson, Angela Fernandez and husband Paul, and Daniel Noteboom; his great grandsons Eamon Watson and Eli Fernandez; and Tom and Anne’s father Steve Watson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Julia Ercolini, his brothers Edward and James Ercolini, his first daughter Julie Watson, and his wife Gertie.
A celebration of Hank’s life will be held at Capital Manor (in Salem, OR), Saturday, September 20th, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A gathering is planned at a Gatewood home tomorrow to celebrate the life of James M. Novello. His family shares this remembrance:
James Michael Novello, born to James and Alvera Novello on June 19th, 1945, passed at his home on September 6th, 2014 – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and uncle.
James was born in Whitestone, New York, where he graduated from Holy Cross High School. He served as a Chaplain Assistant in Hanau, Germany, while in the United States Army.
James made a home for him and his family in Washington State, where he served with the Anacortes Police Department. He would later work for Fritz Trucking Company in Auburn, where he worked until he retired.
James loved his family, friends, and neighbors, but home is where the heart is, he loved spending time with his 4-legged friends. Other memorable times would be his yearly trips to the Washington coast or game night with family, friends, and neighbors. He loved his Seattle sports teams and Neil Diamond.
James is survived by his wife Debby Novello; dad James Novello, New York; sister Linda (Ray) Riso, New York; children: Richard (Heidi) Novello, James (Monica) Novello, Kimberly (Paul) Bahnmiller, Michael (Terri) Novello; grandchildren: Shawna Murray, Nickolaus (Erin) Novello, Zackary Novello, Carson Novello, Brittany Novello, Vinny Novello, Gabrielle Novello, Cecelia Novello, Giovanni Novello, Zachary Myers, Jacob Myers, Alexis Novello, and Anthony Novello; great-grandchild Aiden Plumley.
Celebration of life will be held at the home of James and Deborah Novello on September 11th, 2014, at 2 pm at 3926 SW Ida Street, West Seattle.
His humor and laughter will be missed.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
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