West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
We first mentioned this planned meeting in coverage of this month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, where community members announced it while asking police for advice. Now, they’ve shared a more detailed announcement and want to reiterate that all community members are welcome to come help talk about the problem and solutions, not just those with direct ties to the schools:
URGENT ACTION MEETING regarding West Seattle youth alcohol and drug abuse
The West Seattle High School PTSA is sponsoring a community meeting with Neighborhood House, Seattle Police Department, Seattle Parks Dept., West Seattle High School, Madison Middle School, along with other community members, to discuss drug and alcohol abuse by youth around West Seattle High School and Madison Middle Schools.
Thursday, October 10th
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
West Seattle High School (meeting in the Library)
3000 California Ave SWOver the summer 4 young teens were hospitalized after overdosing in our community on cough medicine. Many parents are concerned about the apparent increase in marijuana and alcohol use and sales around Hiawatha Park and the schools.
By working together, we can address these issues and create a safer environment for our kids – but it takes everyone working together.
For questions, or more info please contact: Mike Graham-Squire, Neighborhood House, 206.353.7945, mikegs@nhwa.org
A few years ago, there had been a community group active in tackling these situations, but it went dormant for a variety of reasons. Again, organizers of this meeting stress that everyone’s welcome to come help plan and take action.
Family and friends of Bob Gramm will gather next Saturday at The Kenney to celebrate his life. Here’s the remembrance shared with us by his daughter:
Robert “Bob” Gramm died September 9, 2013, at 95 years old. He was born in Seattle, August 2, 1918, to Paul and Genevieve (Barnecut) Gramm. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1936.
He worked as an airplane mechanic at Boeing, until joining the Army Air Corps just as World War II was ending. He served in the occupation forces in Japan and the Philippines. He returned to Boeing and became a cost estimator, retiring after 35+ years.
In 1944, he married Barbara Jacobson and they enjoyed skiing, hiking, and traveling. Bob loved salmon fishing and boats, made wine, flew kites, and tinkered inventively.
The faces and voices of the World War II era are disappearing from among us as time goes by and takes its inevitable course. Those who are still here are making sure the stories and memories aren’t lost – like Georgie Bright Kunkel, the 93-year-old West Seattle writer/performer/activist who not only was a “Rosie the Riveter,” but is also continuing to work to find others. She sent us this message to share with you:
Since the West Seattle Rosie the Riveter group was started by Georgie Bright Kunkel (photo right), there have been many Rosies “discovered” in our area. The blog reported on the first program held at Mt. St. Vincent several years ago. Of the original group, only two are left. There are more Rosies out there who haven’t been discovered yet, so if you read this and were working at a WWII job* please let Georgie know.
The Washington Women in Trades organization has been a mentor to the Rosies and honors them at a banquet every year.
E-mail Georgie at gnkunkel@comcast.net and join the ranks of Rosies. Each one needs to be chronicled so all Rosies will go down in history.
*Or, of course, if your mom, grandma, great-grandma, or a friend/acquaintance was a Rosie – get her in touch with Georgie. Meantime, if you missed the 2009 WSB story to which she alludes above, featuring the stories of West Seattle “Rosies,” check it out here; we have indeed since published obituaries for two of the women featured in that story – here and here.
Despite the downpour, a scheduled garden/grounds-beautifying work party went ahead as scheduled at West Seattle High School today – with volunteers from Seattle Pacific University helping at the work party organized by Janet Jones for the third year. Janet’s husband Bryan Jones, who shared the photo, noted “it’s the first year they should have brought snorkel and fins… (but) there are smiling faces amongst the dirt and rain; it’s a hardy and happy group of students that come every year! And Janet is also grateful for the on-site assistance and active help from Seattle Public Schools gardener(s).”
(P.S. This is one of four locations in West Seattle – in addition to many others around the city – where SPU freshmen and transfers were scheduled to help out as part of the school’s annual CityQuest event.)
From West Seattle Thriftway:
With a heavy heart, we regret to inform our community of the sudden loss of a beloved friend and co-worker, Frank Foozer. Frank passed away on September 25th and is survived by his wife and unborn child, and a very large family. Frank was quick with a smile and had a warm heart. We loved him as did the community and he will be sorely missed.
Please Join Frank’s family and friends in a celebration of his life.
Monday, September 30th, at 4 pm.
Lake Ballinger Estates Cabana Building
23503 Lakeview Drive
Mountlake TerraceA memorial account has been set up at the Chase branch within West Seattle Thriftway to help the family with memorial and medical expenses. If you would like to contribute, ask the teller about “Frank’s Fund.”
(The photo of Mr. Foozer, 31, and his wife is courtesy of Thriftway, a WSB sponsor.)
They are not saying they’re definitely striking, yet – but members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21 have voted to authorize a strike against several chains, including Safeway and QFC, which have 5 stores in West Seattle – union leadership announced this morning. They say contract talks have been under way since March, and they are still concerned about company proposals such as no health-care coverage for those who work less than 30 hours a week. The union says if a strike is called, there would be at least 72 hours’ notice.
A memorial service is planned this Saturday at Providence Mount St. Vincent for Hugh P. Wallace, whose family shares this remembrance:
Hugh Patrick Wallace passed away peacefully September 22, 2013, with his family by his side, at the age of 91.
He was born in Seattle January 29, 1922, to Michael Wallace and Bridget Curran. Hugh married the love of his life, Betty June Thorburn, January 30, 1943, and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the 4th Division, where he fought in the Central and South Pacific and survived the Battle of Iwo Jima.
After serving his country, Hugh returned to Seattle, where he remained active with the American Legion and served as a Commander of American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713. He worked in construction as a heavy-equipment operator until his retirement.
(WSB photo from 2012 Beat the Burn)
Just got a reminder on behalf of Port of Seattle Firefighters, who are presenting the Beat the Burn benefit 5K run/walk (and kids’ dash) in West Seattle again this year – coming up this Sunday, 9 am, this time with the start/finish line at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza:
The 5K is open to all runners, walkers, firefighters and family members of all ages. Well-behaved leashed best friends welcome too. This year 5K runners will run with firefighters. The event features a kids’ area, beer garden, and healthy snacks compliments of Whole Foods Market and Talking Rain. Participants take home a commemorative sports bag and an opportunity to win $4,200 in prizes (gift cards, theatre tickets, harbor cruise and more).
Beat the Burn and the perennial “Boot Drive” support Camp Eyabsut, which provides a unique camp experience for burn survivors ages 7-17. Special thanks to the Port of Seattle Fire Department /Local 1257 and Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation for their leadership.
Sign up online by Friday night at 11:59 pm – note that the kids’ dash is free!
A funeral Mass is planned at Holy Family this Wednesday morning for 84-year-old Theodore (Ted) John Wiese:
Ted went home to the Lord 9-19-13 at the age of 84. Born in Woodburn, OR in 1929, he married Doris Marie Prinslow on October 2, 1954, after being honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marine Corps and attending OSU. He retired from The Boeing Company after 26 years and was ordained to the Diaconate, serving the Archdiocese of Seattle for the past 24 years at Holy Family Parish, White Center.
He is survived by his wife Doris, sister Jeanette Moore, his children Connie (Richard) Sanders, Larry Wiese, Greg Wiese, Julie (Bruce) Hanson, Lisa (Karl) Hansen, Tom (Wendy) Wiese, Margaret (Jeff Haack) Wiese, and Paul Wiese, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Church, Seattle at 11:00 am September 25. To leave an online condolence, please visit Yaringtons.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Catholic Community Services or Holy Family Parish.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Thanks to local historian Peder Nelson for pointing this out: Today is the 100th anniversary of movie star Frances Farmer‘s birth. Her family lived on Capitol Hill when she was born on September 19, 1913, but moved to West Seattle in the early ’20s, and she went on to attend West Seattle High School, gaining her first round of fame for an award-winning essay titled “God Dies.” She died in 1970, but her legend lives on, as much because of her tragic later years as her silver-screen career – even her HistoryLink.org biography, published 10 years ago, spends far more time on the former than the latter. That’s a big reason why five years ago, Nelson organized an Admiral Theater mini-festival that was about “celebrating Frances Farmer for her life and what she did, away from all the tragedy,” as he told us in our interview for this 2008 WSB story previewing the event. She is most definitely not forgotten – Shadowland in The Junction, for example, carries the same name as a biography of Farmer. In 2011, Nelson led walking tours about “The Life and Times of Frances Farmer,” passing spots including the home where her family lived in the 2600 block of 47th SW. She was just 56 when she died of cancer in Indiana.
1:30 PM UPDATE: Man reported missing has been found and is safe.
EARLIER:
It’s a big autumn for West Seattle writers/artists publishing books – and we are particularly proud of the one whose book officially went on sale today: Longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli, whose “tiny people in a world of big food” photographs and wry captions now comprise a book titled “Big Appetites.” The first published photo in the series – more than five years ago! – was the one atop this story Christopher wrote for WSB. Since then, the “Big Appetites” series have been showcased in galleries and publications from coast to coast and around the world. And in case you missed the CBS TV feature last weekend:
That’s just one of many stories about Christopher and the new book – and how he creates the photos; several WSB’ers also sent us the link to this NPR story. He’ll be signing “Big Appetites” right here in West Seattle on Thursday night: During the September edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, Christopher will be at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor). Before then – read about the photo series here – and, in his own words below, what Christopher told us about how this all began, and snowballed:
The original genesis of Big Appetites was in a lot of the media I watched as a child. The concept of scale juxtaposition – with tiny figures in a normal-sized world – seemed to be employed everywhere, in films like The Incredible Shrinking Woman and Honey I Shrunk to Kids, to TV shows like Dr. Shrinker and in endless commercials from the Keebler Elves to the Pillsbury Doughboy to the tiny Ralston Purina chuck wagon that would get chased into the kitchen by a dog. When I was a child I was an avid collector of Matchbox cars, I was constantly building scale models and I also loved electric race car sets and model railroading. In a more contemporary sense, an exhibit I saw at the Saatchi Gallery in London in December 2002 (by the Chapman Brothers) which used tiny figures in large dioramas reignited the idea. I was also inspired by a work called The Travelers by Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz that used similar figures inside snow globes.
The first images I made in this series were done at the end of 2002 and in early 2003 when I still lived in New York City.
That spot on the north side of Westwood Village, between Massage Envy (WSB sponsor) and Staples, will be the new home of the Highline Medical (also a WSB sponsor) clinic that’s moving from Roxbury/17th. We confirmed the Westwood clinic plan on Saturday morning, while covering the Admiral Theater event celebrating the winner of Highline’s student “health tips” billboard-art contest, for which we published the call for votes back in June.
That’s the winning artist, Audrey, who goes to school at Holy Rosary. Her billboard is scheduled to go up this week alongside the West Seattle Bridge – here’s her winning art exhorting everyone to exercise:
Audrey’s win also is a win for her school, which gets a $500 health-education grant.
P.S. The Westwood location is scheduled to open in November; Highline clinics also have name changes in the works because they’ve become part of the Franciscan Health System.
Karol Fern Sample, gone too soon at age 44, will be remembered with a celebration of life this Sunday. Brad Johnson asked us to share the invitation, which includes some information about her life:
(The celebration is planned) on the lawn just outside Colman Pool in West Seattle this Sunday, 9/8, at 2 o’clock, right after the last noon swim of the outdoor season, where fellow swimmers and others … are asked to make arrangements so that you can join us as we celebrate the life of our dear and recently departed Karol Fern Sample, who, after two courageous years of fighting cancer, moved out into the universe to spread her fairy dust, positive energy, and bigger-than-life smile this past Monday morning, September 2nd.
The idea is for this to be a potluck where we share food, but more importantly to share in the warmth of community with hugs and remembrances of Karol’s short but vital, vibrant life. This near fixture of Lincoln Park, dressed typically in a white or green wool hat with ear flaps, either rode her classic bike or walked daily around the paths surrounding this park and pool, her second home, where she could also keep watch over any stranded seal pups or orcas magically appearing out in the sound. But what many didn’t know was that this very creative, bright shining star was a gifted and highly talented visual artist, a painter.
For the second year, Labor Day was celebrated today with a flag ceremony and potluck picnic at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. Leaders of American Legion Post 160, also in The Junction, assisted:
At left, that’s Post 160 Commander Dr. Don-Michael Bradford, with the post’s former commander Kyle Geraghty. Representatives of other local organizations including the West Seattle Eagles (whose HQ is in The Junction too) were in attendance. And before the Pledge of Allegiance was said, Carolyn Monk read an essay about the Pledge:
During the first event last year, the Masonic Center’s new flagpole was dedicated. Organizers hope to continue growing this as a community event, particularly with service groups’ participation, so make a note for Labor Day next year.
A memorial is planned Saturday (August 24th) to remember Don Lenning, a lifelong West Seattle resident who died this week at age 66. Here’s a remembrance shared by his family:
Donald Gene Lenning
December 4, 1946 – August 19, 2013
Don graduated from West Seattle High School in 1965 and remained a lifelong resident of West Seattle. He was a University of Washington Graduate and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War.
Don is survived by his wife Kris and daughter Alexa. He is also survived by three sisters, Audrey Anderson, Margaret Norberg, and Loretta Kirby, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Don fought a long and courageous battle against cancer; he recently led his Sundancers team at the West Seattle Relay for Life event.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers including Dr. Milder and the Swedish Medical Center staff. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society
There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(8/12/13 photo from WSB reader KD: Route 120 bus with bullet holes in windshield)
We’re hearing for the first time from the Metro bus driver who was at the wheel of the Route 120 bus that an armed man boarded while on the run from shooting another driver downtown last Monday. WSB commenters that day had praise for the driver:
*Jay wrote: “…Our bus driver did a fabulous job.”
*Laura wrote: “… The driver of the 120 was great and is uninjured – as is everyone else on our bus.”
The 33-year-old driver, Justin Onedera, talked with Seattle Times (WSB partner) reporter Mike Lindblom, who tells his story here. Lindblom reports that Onedera says it all happened in a matter of seconds.
Thanks to Dana Guy with PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) for not only sharing news of registration and upcoming groups – but also sharing that photo, from a group of moms and babies who started meeting in June: “Getting 11 young babies to pose for a photo is no easy task!” Dana says. Now, the news from PEPS:
There are lots of PEPS activities going on in West Seattle in the next month! Registration is open now for several site based programs for parents of older babies that will take place weekly starting in September, plus we have a PEPS “While You’re Waiting” Drop In-session coming up on August 27.
In a PEPS group, parents meet (with their babies), share, and learn in sessions facilitated by a trained volunteer. Each meeting includes time for sharing parenting highs and lows, followed by a discussion of a topic related to the joys and challenges of parenting; plus break time for informal socializing and connecting with other parents.
Baby Peppers is open to all families with babies 5-12 months old when the group starts. Groups meet once a week for 11 weeks every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting September 25 at the Fauntleroy YMCA.
Little Peppers is for families with 2 children under age three (at the time the group begins). Meetings are led by a professional facilitator with the help of an assistant to keep the toddlers busy. Babies and children remain in the room with their parents for the entire meeting – which makes for a busy and exciting morning! Groups meet once a week for 11 weeks every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. starting September 19 at the Fauntleroy YMCA.
For new and expectant parents who are interested in PEPS neighborhood-based Newborn Groups, the next West Seattle While You’re Waiting Drop-In Sessions will take place on August 27 and September 24 at Limber Yoga from 1:30-3 pm.
Friends of 62-year-old Larry Keller, killed in a motorcycle/car collision in The Junction two weeks ago and remembered in this WSB obituary, are planning a party to celebrate his life. Here’s the announcement from Guy Olson:
Our friend Lawrence “Larry” Keller passed away on July 26th doing what he loved; he passed away riding one of his motorcycles. Larry’s friends and I are having a party in his honor on August 14 at 6:00, at The Yen Wor Village. If you knew Larry, or you are a motorcycle rider, etc, please attend and say hi or share a story or two. I’m sure Larry would have wanted a fun little party in his memory. Thank you and we hope to see you.
Mr. Keller’s family has not announced their memorial plans yet, but do have an online guestbook here.
That’s Larry Keller, the 62-year-old man killed in The Junction last Friday morning when his motorcycle collided with an SUV. Police have not yet released findings in the investigation. But Mr. Keller’s family wanted to thank the community for its condolences, and to “reach out to the driver of the SUV and let him know that we are grieving for him as well as my brother.” That driver was not seriously hurt. Meantime, near the California/Oregon crash site, there is a simple tribute to Mr. Keller:
His sister Lori told us about her brother: Lawrence John Keller was born September 8th, 1950, and grew up in West Seattle, graduating from WSHS. He was a real “people person,” Lori says, known for his loud, contagious laugh. He was a motorcycle and muscle-car enthusiast – the motorcycle he’s on in the photo above is not the one he was riding at the time of Friday’s crash; it was one of several that he owned, including vintage models. He worked in construction and general labor for most of his life. He is survived by sister Lorene Sutherland of Kent and nieces Misty E. Roberts of Issaquah and Camille E. Sutherland of Kent. Memorial plans are not yet finalized.
The photo is courtesy of Leanne, in honor of her neighbor Doris turning 100 today. Doris is at left in Leanne’s photo, with her friend Helen, a former roommate from the 1930s; Doris and husband Austin moved to West Seattle in the 1940s, buying a then-new house in which she lives to this day. Leanne – mom to 2-year-old Evan, who is also in the photo – adds of her neighbor, “She is an artist, born in Skagit County in 1913, and is dearly loved by her family and neighbors.” Happy birthday, Doris!
Volunteers and givers are awesome, at any age. Two West Seattle kids are out this afternoon helping raise money for animal advocacy, and you can support them – Carey sent the photo and info:
Two Schmitz Park incoming 4th graders putting their love of animals to work through a bake sale to benefit the Humane Society, corner of 36th and Dakota. Gwen and Muriel are selling brownies, cookies, cupcakes, popsicles, and beverages!
Carey says they decided to stay out as long as they have something to sell – possibly as late as 4 pm.
Story and photos by Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Admiralty House Antiques, the North Admiral shop that’s been open a day here, a day there, for many of its 40-plus years, opens for three final – and consecutive! – days starting tomorrow.
It’s the liquidation sale we first told you about three weeks ago.
Owner Fred Dau (above) says that at 97 years old, “I’ve worked long enough, I thought I didn’t need to go do more work.”
But what really forced the decision was the death of his wife Marjorie, the day after Christmas last year. “That stopped it all, anyhow.”
Admiralty House’s classic brick storefront is still full of what truly qualifies for some of those classic terms – knickknacks, bric-a-brac, trinkets, memorabilia.
Some of it, says Chris Foss, whose Foss Estate Sales is handling the liquidation sale, has likely never been out as inventory before.
Fred told us during a recent interview in the shop that a few special things are not for sale, though.
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