West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
10:10 AM: Pacific Science Center planetarium supervisor, NASA Solar System Ambassador, and WSB “Skies Over West Seattle“ contributor Alice Enevoldsen of West Seattle is anchoring PSC’s live online coverage of the upcoming MAVEN launch to Mars right now. The launch window opens in about 15 minutes; Alice is at the launch site in Florida. Check out the coverage here, and read about the mission here; see the NASA TV feed here.
And lift off of the #MAVEN spacecraft on a journey to Mars aboard an #Atlas5 rocket: pic.twitter.com/kbAWwvMoZE
— NASA (@NASA) November 18, 2013
10:35 AM: The rocket has launched.
Family and friends will gather in Kenmore on Saturday to remember 74-year-old Loretta Ann Kirby (Lenning), who grew up in the Lowman Beach area. Her family shares this remembrance:
Loretta passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957 and attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she learned how to waterski and play pinochle. She worked for United Airlines until her retirement in 2004.
She was born to Gladys and Ingvald Lenning and is survived by her husband Bob, and sons Scott Jacobson, Jeff Jacobson, & Mason Kirby, as well as four grandchildren and her sisters, Audrey Lenning Anderson, Margaret Lenning Norberg, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Inglewood Golf & Country Club in Kenmore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, with a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Thanks to Arrowhead Gardens for inviting WSB to their Veterans Day observance, which featured an Honor Guard from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County. The Honor Guard brought and raised a flag:
The event included residents parading around the grounds to and from the flagpole:
Their commemoration also included a poetry reading.
(P.S. In case you wondered – we did! – here’s how to ask JBLM about providing visitors like these for an off-base event.)
On this day during which we honor those who have served – a nod also to those who supported their efforts back home, including the women who became known during World War II as “Rosie the Riveters.” Five years ago, West Seattle “Rosies” had their first meeting. 
Then, this past September, we reported organizer Georgie Bright Kunkel‘s search for more “Rosies”; today, we’re publishing her update:
The Rosie the Riveter group in West Seattle is up and running again. The announcement in the blog brought several new Rosies forward. Since not all Rosies are computer-techie, their offspring might have to reply. So if your mother was a Rosie the Riveter during WWII, please contact Georgie Bright Kunkel at 206-935-8663 for more information. Or e-mail gnkunkel@comcast.net.
The renovated main hall was already candlelit when we took that photo just before the doors opened for tonight’s free dinner for veterans (and active-duty, reserve, retired servicepeople) and their families at the West Seattle Veterans’ Center. American Legion Post 160 and Auxiliary members are cooking up the gourmet Italian dinner and took a quick photo-op break at our request:
As part of tonight’s dinner, a conference room at the Veterans’ Center/Post 160 is being dedicated in honor of Doris Gross, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and trailblazing Legion leader, first woman to be a statewide commander among other achievements (here’s a 2010 story about her). This portrait of her was unveiled tonight:
Dinner is being served at the WSVC (3618 SW Alaska) until 8 pm – just show up!
Don’t lose that election spirit yet! Less than 24 hours are left in a quick-and-easy online vote – and one of the three candidates is the West Seattle woman featured in the video you see above, Tari Coffey. She is a finalist to become Verity Credit Union‘s next “Verity Mom” – a yearlong role. And as you can see in Tari’s video, her campaign includes promoting West Seattle! Voting ends at noon tomorrow. The vote has NO strings attached – no requirement to “like” or sign up for anything – just go here.
(Click image for larger view; Tracy Burrows is the signholder in the center)
Another cancer-fighting “Team Tracy” has emerged in West Seattle – this time, rallying with the color purple, the official color of the fight against pancreatic cancer. The photo is shared by Madalyn, who explains the photo and its inspiration, as well as the namesake of this “Team Tracy,” who gathered for an event on Sunday:
Hi, my name is Madalyn Mincks and I live in West Seattle and I, like many of you, are friends and acquaintances of West Seattle’s Tracy Burrows. Tracy has been featured in our great West Seattle Blog on many occasions and she is extremely active with West Seattle High School’s PTSA, serving as President this year. In September, Tracy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has recently completed her third round of chemotherapy at SCCA Clinic.
Tracy is one of the most inspiring, intelligent, humorous and positive people most of us have ever met. Our friendships and her courage brought together over 80 participants in support of Team Tracy yesterday morning.
I would like to share a photo from yesterday’s PurpleStride Walk/Run. Magnuson Park was a beautiful location and over $222,000 was raised in the fight against pancreatic cancer. It was a powerful and inspiring day! The event was also a way to to kick off November as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!
When I asked if Tracy would be okay with my posting of the photo, she said yes and further commented that “Hopefully it will be inspiring to other folks who are in this cancer fight along with me.”
The PurpleStride event raised money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). According to the event website’s homepage, Team Tracy was a top-5 fundraiser!
Congratulations to Amelia – at right in the photo – who won Overall Champion in the children’s division of the Northwest Congress model horse show last weekend. Proud mom Karen shared the photo of her daughter with a show judge. Karen explains the competition, which, for kids, isn’t about creating the models, but working with them, in intricate detail. The show, held in Kent, involved people bringing their model horses and putting them, Karen said via e-mail:
… into ‘classes’ by what real breed the model is most like. The show is divided into OF (original finish model as you get them from the store) and CM (models that you customize by resculpting and painting.) The children’s portion of this show was only for OF models. But there is a lot that goes into it!! The kids first have to not play with and scratch up the model, which is not easy! Then , they have to assign a breed to the model based on what the model looks like, what color it is and how it’s moving. Often, the box will say it’s one kind of model but the color is wrong for a real horse, or the model is not really representative of that breed. Then the kids must get a show number and create a master horse list of the horse’s individual show number, the breed, the horse’s name (that they make up themselves) and what class the model will show in.
This is a very competitive thing at adult level. We met adult collectors … who had over two thousand models that they show. Shows are held all over the country and they have national championships once a year.
The show was well run and the children’s judge was great! She gave so much helpful advice to the kids and explained why she judged as she did. All of the kids there were such great sports, too! They listened and took in the advice, with good cheer and they all congratulated each other when they placed or won. It was an amazing day!
You can find out more about the model-horse-showing hobby here.
This morning’s gusty wind and occasional rain didn’t daunt hardy volunteers who showed up to clean up the bike trail beneath/north of the West Seattle Bridge. This is the cleanup organized by Dave Winters of Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor), an avid bike rider, who’s at right below with his bike-riding partners Scott and Valerie Schorn:
A few other cleanups were scheduled today elsewhere in our area – including one at WSHS until 1 pm, and a Green Seattle Day hub in the West Duwamish Greenbelt; haven’t been able to check on those yet, but we did get word (thanks, Mark!) that the Friends of Lincoln Park event was postponed.
In the center of that photo is Mark Small, a West Seattle High School graduate and former Major League Baseball player who died last week at age 45. The photo was shared by Jeff Jones, who’s at right in the photo (with Jim McCall at left, Joel Snow behind him). In e-mailing us about Mr. Small’s passing, Jeff said, “West Seattle lost a legend … Mark Small was a West Seattle grad in 1986 and went on to play in the big leagues for the Houston Astros. There are not words to describe how big a personality he was; everyone loved him. My heart goes out to his family and everyone lucky enough to have met him.” Mr. Small’s full obituary is published at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) and says that a celebration of his life is planned for 11 am this Sunday (November 3) at Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens.
The life of West Seattle High School graduate James Ewing, gone at just 21 years old, will be celebrated this Sunday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:
James Douglas Ewing, 21, passed away peacefully at home October 19, 2013 surrounded by the love of those close to him. He was born June 27, 1992 to Ted Ewing and Ellen Becker and grew up in West Seattle. He and his father were “Ted and James” since James was a toddler and remained close friends into adulthood. They shared many great adventures on dusty baseball fields, boating in Puget Sound, helping his dad at work, dirt biking and snowmobiling. James attended Schmitz Park Elementary, Madison Middle School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in June 2010, where he participated both in wrestling and baseball.
James continued his education at Highline Community College. Without warning he had a seizure and was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. This is an aggressive form of brain cancer and cannot be cured, but only fought and James made the decision to fight and live the rest of his life to the fullest. He spent many hours in medical care, but continued doing fun things with loved ones. During these years, there were many trips to the mountains and Puget Sound enjoying life while at the same time knowing that life would not be as long as it should be for someone so young.
He had spent the last years fighting valiantly, and early this fall was told that he may have only several months to live. He lived much, laughed much, and loved much. The world is left to mourn. He was much loved. His memory will live on in the sounds heard from a baseball field of a game in progress, the bright glint of sun off the water on a summer afternoon, and immeasurable other beautiful moments happening around us every day.
Please join us in a memorial celebration of our beloved James to be held Sunday. November 3rd at 1:00 pm at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S 220th, Des Moines, WA 98198. It is time to celebrate a life well lived and support each other in this time of loss.
Maybe while you were in The Junction for Sunday’s Harvest Festival – or some other visit to shop and/or dine – you noticed that newly planted mini-garden on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. You might remember when it was mostly just home to a tree stump:
Here’s the person you can thank for the transformation – Elois Gruenhagen:
The retired West Seattle teacher was featured here last June for her beautification work a bit further north, by Red Cup Espresso, whose co-proprietor Breanna Baillie sent along the photos and also this story of what Elois did and why; here’s our transcription:
‘Downtown West Seattle’ says the sign. Below was a stump used as a dump. Elois Gruenhagen has walked by that stump for 6 years hoping that someone would remove it. This spring, Elois vowed that stump would be gone by fall even if she had to sit on a little chair beside it so someone would notice.
She contacted Susan (Melrose, director of the West Seattle Junction Association). The process had begun. Elois says, “It may take many to accomplish a task, but only one to start it.”
A few weeks ago, a former first-grade student, now grown, told Elois that what he remembers about first grade was that he learned to love plants and gardening so he is teaching his daughter. One person can make a difference.
Take a walk by the corner of Alaska and California where the stump used to be and see the difference.
Thank you Elois, Susan, those who furnished plants, and Great Harvest for providing water when needed.
PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PLANTING OR ANY OTHER AS AN ASHTRAY OR DUMP. THANK YOU!
And thank YOU, Elois.
P.S. Thanks also to Kerry, who e-mailed us a few days ago wondering if a “guerrilla gardener” was at work and sharing this photo:
We had just begun to investigate when Elois stopped by during the Harvest Festival to mention the project and promised information would be on the way.
The memorial service for 98-year-old Dorothy Cathey is planned at Holy Rosary this Wednesday, after a Tuesday night Rosary. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Dorothy Cathey, a long-time West Seattle resident, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 22nd at her home.
Born in Tacoma, WA on March 20th, 1915, to Fred and Marie Meyer, Dorothy was one of six children. She graduated from St. Leo’s High School in Tacoma.
In 1943, Dorothy married Marquis Leonard Cathey (Len), a Seattle police officer. Together they built a family of four children, a network of wonderful friendships, and a loving marriage filled with fun and family.
Dorothy worked at J.C. Penney as a retail associate for many years. She was actively involved with Holy Rosary Parish and the Children’s Orthopedic Guild.
Dorothy was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
We missed the 5K that started this morning’s second annual West Seattle Monster Dash, but got to Lincoln Park in time to see some of the little ones readying for the kid dashes that followed.
Three more photos ahead:
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(Spencer Schulz with parents Bryan and Regina)
17-year-old Spencer Schulz of West Seattle is now an Eagle Scout – and his family has shared the announcement in a unique format: It was written by his younger brother Reece Schulz, 13, who proud mom Regina tells us is historian for his troop:
In the first grade, scouting became a major part of Spencer Schulz’s life. As a Cub Scout, with the help of his den leader, mentor, and current scoutmaster, Mr. Grueter, he was led in the way of scouting.
In the sixth grade, Spencer became a Boy Scout for Troop 282. Over the years, Spencer has achieved all the ranks in scouting, including the highest rank, Eagle Scout. With myriad extra-curricular activities such as rowing, where Spencer raced at the US Nationals and got first in light-weight men’s four, baking, bicycling, more than 100 service hours, and altar-serving at church, he definitely has had a full plate, but still manages to put time in for scouting and being on the president’s list for school.
Spencer now goes to school at Seattle Prep and is looking forward to the new experience of college and is striving for all three palms in scouting. All in all, Spencer looks forward to helping further our society.
Family and friends will gather tomorrow in memory of Charles E. Brown, and are sharing this remembrance today:
Charles Edward Brown peacefully passed away early on the morning of Sunday October 6th 2013, surrounded by two of his grandsons, at the age of 73.
Charles was the oldest of six boys, born to Ed and Ellen Brown, on January 12 1940 in Billings, Montana. Hey joined the US Army in 1957 and served in Europe for 4 years. After serving in the military, he moved to Seattle along with his family. He began his long career working for Boeing in their Renton plant. He retired from Boeing in 1998 after 35 years of hard work and dedication.
Throughout his life Charles traveled all over the world to places such as New Zealand, Germany, Panama, and many other locations. He was very supportive to the plight of Native Americans, and donated generously to causes that supported better health and higher education for them. He was an avid mystery-novel reader and loved spaghetti western movies. He is survived by his two step-children Gregg & Gina Springer; his 4 grand-children Acacia, Aaron, Cameron, and Ethan Springer; and two great-grand-children Ayden and Addison; his brothers Bob, Pat, Gene, and Joe Brown. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 10:00 am, Evergreen Washelli Memorial. He will be extremely missed.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge, all archived here. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Local nonprofits run with a lot of help from volunteer power. Sometimes it’s thankless – but sometimes, stellar volunteers get some recognition, as happened last night for the volunteer shown above with her family in a photo shared by Josh Sutton from the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor). He explains:
Last night, about 200 Y volunteers and leaders from around King County gathered to recognize our amazing volunteers who give so much to others through the Y.
Andrea Escame Hedger (in photo with her family) was recognized for her volunteer leadership through the West Seattle & Fauntleroy Y.
From the Y program:
“Andrea has been a Y member since she was a small child in the Fauntleroy community. The Y was a big part of her formative years; from playing in youth sports to working as a counselor at YMCA Camp Colman, Andrea progressed from participant to leader.
“Andrea says her involvement with youth programs at the Y inspired her to become a school teacher. She continues to give back – coaching her sons’ teams in Y youth sports for the last six years.
“Andrea is a knowledgeable resource for the Y sports programs and is happy to help new volunteers. Her family is also involved in Adventure Guides, camps, and she somehow finds time to fundraise for Y program support.
“Thank you, Andrea, for all that you do!”
This Saturday, family and friends of former West Seattle and White Center resident Bette Nelson, gone too soon at 59, will gather at Highland Park United Methodist Church to celebrate her life. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:
Elizabeth (Bette) Ann Nelson * 6-25-1954 to 10-4-2013
Bette died suddenly on October 4th at her beloved residence in Burien. A remarkable presence in the lives of many, she leaves a lasting impression with all. She always had a positive outlook through the most difficult times and never complained. She loved to laugh and brought joy to all with her stories. Above all, she had boundless Faith to guide her life.
Bette was born on June 25, 1954 in Stanley, North Dakota. Her father Tollef worked in the oil fields and her mother Bonita was a school teacher. Bette was the 3rd of four children, along with Byron (Teri), Stuart (Maureen), and Dan (Jeanette). She also left behind her nieces: Michelle (John), Jaimi, and Meghan and nephews Kristopher and Mitchell, stepchildren Alicia and David, and grand-nephews Jacob and Joshua.
The family lived in northern Minnesota during the early years near Bette’s mother’s parents, who were a strong presence in the family.
In 1957 Tollef relocated to Seattle in search of employment – soon followed by the remainder of the family.
It’s Saturday night, so maybe you have a minute or two to spare to help a West Seattle student who is in a cooking contest that could net prizes including $ for her school. Pathfinder K-8 third grader Carmen came up with the recipe for Five-Spice Fried Brown Rice, and she and mom Sandra made a video to enter the “Ben’s Beginnings” contest. Sandra says, “Entering cooking contests is a family hobby, and if Carmen wins, Pathfinder K-8 wins $30,000 for a cafeteria makeover!” The voting is no-strings-attached – you don’t have to “like,” register, or sign up for anything – and you can vote once a day through October 27th. Just go here.
If you get over to the West Seattle Food Bank‘s 30th-anniversary-celebration open house by 7 pm, please note it’s a two-story event. Upstairs is where you will find Rev. Ron Marshall from the WSFB board (and First Lutheran Church of West Seattle), signing copies of his book about the food bank’s history, “Hunger Immortal.” (At left in the photo is Linda, first to buy an autographed copy while we were there.) On the main floor, get a behind-the-scenes look at food bank operations:
The Food Bank is on the southeast corner of 35th and Morgan; tonight’s open house continues until 7 pm.
(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
If you don’t recognize at least two of the people in our photo – you probably aren’t involved with a local neighborhood council or project (yet!). Just as this morning’s storm hit its peak, we were visiting the city’s Neighborhood Service Center at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle) after getting word that a new Neighborhood District Coordinator had joined the South Region team. That’s her at right – Jenny Frankl, with, from left, Yun Pitre and Ed Pottharst. Their work for the city’s Department of Neighborhoods involves serving as liaisons between community groups/members and city government, and a LOT more – explained here. You might know Jenny already from the long list of Department of Neighborhoods programs on which she’s worked since 2008.
From Kari at WestSide Baby:
Federal worker Nicole Jabaily made the best of her first full day of furlough by spending the morning volunteering at WestSide Baby. Pictured here with WSB regular volunteer Nancy Ross, Nicole was a welcome addition to the regular Wednesday morning team. WestSide Baby is always looking for help—furloughed workers included! The best way to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities is to fill out the volunteer application on the WSB website: http://www.westsidebaby.org/volunteer-application
Here’s the first wedding announcement we’ve received in a while:
Longtime West Seattle residents David Pelton and Lee Kramer were married on August 24th at their church, Admiral Congregational UCC in North Admiral, in a Hawaiian-themed celebration. Together for almost 22 years, they were delighted to share the happy occasion with family and friends from Seattle and across the country. A dinner reception at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center followed the ceremony.
(L-R, that’s David and Lee.)
Wedding to announce? Text/photo, editor@westseattleblog.com
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