West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
After you’ve converted a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern – or pumpkin curry, or … – the question remains: What to do with all those seeds? You can simply roast them, or, try what the neighbors on 40th SW near The Junction did again this year, getting together for a Pumpkin Seed Cookoff. Kerry White shared photos and info – above, the winners: Kerry reports, “Bob took the Judges’ Award, Aubrey got the Most Entertaining Seed, Paul was first, Will second, and Brady third.” As for what they created, Kerry says, “The winner was ‘A Sweet Surprise’ that was super crunchy. Second place was Buffalo; third place was a jerk seed. Most entertaining was a candied seed loaf, and the judges’ award was pumpkin-seed-ale caramels.”
Congratulations to the creative cooks of 40th SW!
Congratulations to more local martial-arts participants! Kris Wilder, owner/head instructor of West Seattle Karate Academy, shares the report and photo:
Several members of the West Seattle Karate Academy traveled to Puyallup to compete in the Washington State Isshinryu Karate Tournament. From left to right, Issac (Bronze in individual kata and Gold in Synchronized kata), Sprocket (Silver in individual kata), Sadie (Silver in individual kata and gold in synchronized kata), Wyatt (Gold in synchronized and silver in individual kata), Brandon (Bronze in individual kata and a Gold in synchronized), center, Master George Shin, and left, Kris Wilder. A good time was had by all the competitors and parents alike.
Veterans Day is two weeks away – and this year, it can be more meaningful than ever … if you choose to join in an organized effort to say “thank you” to those who have served. From Andrea Geraghty of West Seattle American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 – and note that you can visit the Auxiliary at the Harvest Festival tomorrow:
Have you wondered how to show your support for Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is November 11th and honors the men and women who have served in the United States armed services.Who is a Veteran?
Veterans are people who served in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) in times of war or peace.Who do you know who is a veteran?
Maybe it is your mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, cousin, neighbor, or teacher. You can be very proud of them. Many have given much to keep us safe and free.Have you thanked a veteran today?
This year, considered writing a thank-you card to a Veteran thanking them for their service to our country.The West Seattle American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 invites children (and adults) to make a card for a Veteran for Veterans Day. Cards can be dropped off at the American Legion Hall 3618 SW Alaska St (through the mail slot at the front of the building) or if your school is interested in doing it as a school project, we would be happy to pick them up.
**We will also be at the Harvest Festival on October 28th; look for the dark blue canopy, cards can be dropped off there any time between 10:00-2:00 and join us for fun activities.**
Please drop off cards no later than Thursday, November 8, 2012. Contact Andrea Geraghty at alaunit160@gmail.com to make arrangements for pickup from schools by November 1, 2012.
The thank-you cards will be distributed to Veterans currently living in the West Seattle area and Veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
(Cards: Please do not include personal address/contact information; this will not be a pen-pal. Cards should be no larger than one 8 ½ x 12 sheet of paper folded in half (cards may be folded smaller). No envelopes.
Thank you, West Seattle; if you’re interested in learning more about the American Legion Auxiliary, please contact us at alaunit160@gmail.com.
We’ve noticed his handle in WSB comments now and then … but didn’t realie till today that Metal Jesus is a West Seattle-based video personality/producer with a much-subscribed YouTube channel, “dedicated to all things retro video games and music,” that’s drawn 1.6 million-plus views. MJ’s real name is Jason and his channel Metal Jesus Rocks releases a new original video every week – above, today’s edition is a retrospective on the ’90s Seattle music scene – the sleepers as well as the superstars.
Jason, er, Metal Jesus describes himself as “a long-haired West Seattle rocker dude who used to work in the video game industry back in the 90′s at Sierra On-Line (Bellevue publisher of PC classics like Quest for Glory, King’s Quest, Leisure Suit Larry and much more),” later becoming “the editor of a professional video-game-review website, and (dabbling) in audio & video production.” You can join his channel’s 13,000+ subscribers (or just browse through the archives) here.
That’s Andrew Borracchini of Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in The Admiral District, at the national grocery-bagging finals in Las Vegas this past February; we’ve just learned he’ll be in the finals next February too. For the second consecutive year, he’s won the state title for “Best Bagger.” Here’s the official announcement we received this morning:
Andrew Borracchini, an 18-year-old grocery bagger from West Seattle’s Metropolitan Market, just bagged the championship in the Washington State Best Bagger competition for the second year in a row. Andrew competed and won against 11 other contestants from across the state for the $1500 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to compete at the national Best Bagger taking place in Las Vegas in February 2013.
A memorial is planned tomorrow in Newcastle for former West Seattleite Jim Baugher, who died last weekend. Here’s a remembrance shared by those who knew him well.
Jim L. Baugher, former West Seattle resident, passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 47 on October 21, 2012.
Jim lived life to the fullest and was an inspiration to many. He was vibrant, smart, and loved to laugh. While he never claimed to be perfect, he continually strived to learn, to grow, and to inspire others. We are so grateful for the short time we had with Jim, and his accomplishments and approach to life are worth sharing so you can get to know the Jim we knew.
As a father of four, he cherished each child for who they were as an individual. Through his oldest son Tim, he was given the gift of two beautiful twin granddaughters, Madeline and Ava, and witnessing Tim (27) blossom from a son into an invaluable friend. He was so proud of Zach (25), who recently graduated from Evergreen College, and who shared his love of skiing and adventure. His son Skyler (13) wowed him with his artistic talents, kind nature, and exceptional smarts. His only daughter, Analise (5, with him in photo above), had daddy wrapped around her finger from the day he laid eyes on her in China, where he served as her anchor as she transitioned from orphan to daughter. Analise is a kindergartener at Lafayette Elementary.
Actor Josh Lucas shopped at Fleurt in The Junction this afternoon, reports starry-eyed proprietor Sam Crowley, who shared the photo with this report:
Dreams come true. My favorite celebrity crush – Josh Lucas – stopped into Fleurt this morning for his grandma’s birthday flowers. Picked out some candles too. … His wife was in Fleurt a few weeks ago and told Josh how much she loved it, and told him to get the flowers from me.
Lucas’s career is detailed on this iMDB page; he has Puget Sound roots, including relatives in the region and Gig Harbor High School as his alma mater (1989).
Next Saturday morning, family and friends will gather at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) to remember Bob Minckler. His family shares this remembrance:
Robert (Bob) Minckler passed away on September 25, 2012 at the age of 90. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, a 1940 graduate of West Seattle High School. While in high school, he fell in love with and later married the girl across the street – Audrey (Gessner) Minckler. Bob served his country as a Merchant Marine during WWII. After being honorably discharged from the military he went to work for Reliable Transfer & Storage Company where he worked until his retirement. Bob loved playing golf, spending time with his friends and family, and setting up shop to create works of art. After retirement Bob enjoyed spending winters in Hawaii and keeping an eye on the grandkids.
Bob was thankful to have had the good fortune of surrounding himself with wonderful friends with whom he and Audrey were able to join on their many travels. These past few years, Bob felt most passionate about undertaking a project to grant his fellow Merchant Marines full veteran status.
He is survived by Audrey, his wife of 70 years, daughter Barbara (Richard) Wagner, son Mark (Leslie) Minckler and daughter Betty Lee Minckler. Grandchildren: Amy Guilizen, Gaile (Jason) Brandenburg, Christopher Kintz, Michael & Lauren Minckler, Jacob & Max Zimmerman. Great grandchildren: Audrey & Liam Brandenburg.
A memorial service will be held on October 20, 2012 – 10:00 AM at The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. Donations may be sent to The Kenney Foundation.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial service is planned at West Seattle’s Forest Lawn tomorrow afternoon for Darrell Locklin, who died a week ago at age 78. His family shares this remembrance:
West Seattle native Darrell Locklin was born February 21, 1934, and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1952. He entered the army in 1956, and was stationed at Killeen Base in Texas, where he earned commendations for scholastic achievement and finishing first in his class in special weapons training (despite a life-long dislike of guns). And he met Katherine Kelly.
They married in 1958, returned to Seattle, bought a house in 1964, and settled in to raise a family, and where they lived until his death. He put many hours and even years into improving the house. Even in the past year, when it looked and felt like it was finally done, he said he still had some things he wanted to do.
In 1970 he graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in social work and went to work for the Department of Social and Health Services. He transferred to the Department of Corrections and became a probation and parole officer. In 1984 he moved to Reynolds Work Release (a transition facility for offenders re-entering the community), and retired in 1995, completing a 20+-year career in social and public service.
His interests in life were varied. He played and coached softball, and coached both his children in little league baseball. He passed on (or tried to) his interest in baseball, cars, and hydroplane racing.
Tomorrow at the Feedback Lounge, friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of “Stumbletown” Steve Adams. Feedback co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert sends this remembrance:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of West Seattle resident and fixture “Stumbletown” Steven E. Adams, 56, who unexpectedly passed away on October 8, 2012.
A lifelong West Seattle resident, Steve was extremely passionate about his neighborhood, family, friends, sports, his beloved cat Scully. He was also a prolific songwriter and collaborated on several community charity music projects and even recorded three albums of original material.
Steve attended West Seattle schools and graduated from Western Washington University. He went on to work for the Boeing Co. for the last 26 years.
In 2006, Steve was named King County Big Brother of the Year. An endlessly enthusiastic and positive personality, he said recently, “I like a little about everything. I need to have good books, good music, good food and great friends. I’ve been lucky enough to have all fall into my world.”
Steve is preceded in death by his parents; Bill and JoAnn Adams, and is survived by his wife Mary Anne Spada, sons Matt Adams and Eric Adams, brothers Kevin Adams (wife Terry) and Tim Adams, plus, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and in laws, along with a community of friends who will miss him.
Steve was a wonderfully free spirit. In keeping with his character, his celebration will be held at the Feedback Lounge (6451 California Ave SW, West Seattle) at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 13.
A memorial service is planned at West Side Presbyterian Church this Saturday for Jacqueline (Jackie) Joan Luther Benefiel, whose family shares this remembrance:
Aug 26, 1925- Aug 26, 2012, born in Seattle, passed away on her 87th birthday surrounded by her loving family at Providence Hospital in Everett, of kidney failure. Preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry & Richard Luther.
Jackie Joan Luther grew up in West Seattle and went to West Seattle High School and graduated with the Class of 1943. She was involved in Rainbow, she was a violinist, and played in the Jr. Symphony. She was married at Westside Presbyterian Church to her high school sweetheart, Ralph (Bud) Benefiel.
Jackie and Bud were very active in the West Seattle area and had many friends that she kept in touch with over the years.
(Photo courtesy Anne Higuera)
Two nights after speaking to and with West Seattle and South Park families at Concord International School (WSB coverage here), first-year Seattle Public Schools superintendent José Banda returned to this side of the city, for a gathering tonight at the Duwamish Longhouse. He was there to meet with Native American families, to “brainstorm solutions and create a collaborative plan of action … to support and improve the performance of Native American students,” according to his letter of invitation to Native community members, who have implored the district to do more to help students succeed.
How can robotics make life easier for seniors? That’s one question the MicroChix, a group of local Girl Scouts, are working on, as part of a special regional challenge (explained here). To help tackle the topic, they came to The Kenney (WSB sponsor) to talk with some of the residents on Sunday afternoon. In our photo, MicroChix members are showing a project they worked on previously, looking for a robotic solution to a problem faced with food service equipment, something they even discussed with Husky Deli proprietor Jack Miller. Before the challenge competition is over this winter, the MicroChix will build a LEGO robot to try to solve unique quality-of-life challenges for seniors. We’ll check back with them to see how it goes!
(Photo courtesy Whitney Young)
We’ve reported previously on two West Seattle faith organizations taking action to support marriage-equality Referendum 74 on the November 6th ballot, the Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah-led phone bank at their shared home on Thursday nights. Today, another local congregation took action – Westside Unitarian Universalists demonstrated at noontime in The Junction.
(Photo courtesy Rev. Peg Morgan)
WSUU’s Rev. Peg Morgan tells us they’ll be back this Friday, and are inviting you to join them there, 5-6:30 pm (that’s October 5th), as well as noon-2 pm on Sunday 10/14, Saturday 10/20, and Sunday 10/28.
When the family of 94-year-old Faye Franks announced this summer that she had passed away on July 10th, the date for her memorial wasn’t set – but now it is, and they are inviting those who knew her to come to the “memorial service to celebrate her long life” this Saturday (September 29) at 2 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 3940 41st SW. Her family adds that “memorials may be sent to Tibbetts UMC or to Seabeck Conference Center, 15395 Seabeck Highway NW, Seabeck, WA 98380.”
We spotlight volunteer opportunities now and then, and tonight, we have an announcement from Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) – where activity director Stephany Wong is looking for people to help their residents have fun!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with our fun and exciting activities program. Currently we could use your help with calling bingo, current events, fireside readings, music and entertainment, art classes, walking club, going on outings with a group and so much more.
Please contact Stephany Wong at the Admiral Heights Merrill Gardens for more information on how you can be a part of our fun community. 206-938-3964 or admiralheights@mgmail.org
The neighbors of Pigeon Point are known for their block parties – like one of West Seattle’s biggest Night Out block parties, and regular community cleanups. But tonight was one of a kind – thanks to a contest won by neighbor Thomas Prowell:
That’s Thomas, with wife Wendy Prowell and their dogs Ginger and Baxter – and the Taco Time NW Traveler food truck. Thomas won a TTNW contest for the Traveler to come cater a private block party with free food and drink for up to 75 neighbors, and tonight was the night. (Taco Time NW, by the way, was founded in White Center half a century ago and now operates more than 70 TT restaurants.)
Several sites around West Seattle/White Center/South Park got an extra boost from volunteers today, during the United Way of King County “Day of Caring”:
At WestSide Baby‘s WC headquarters, the volunteers included former Mariners player Dan Wilson and wife Annie Wilson, photographed with WS Baby executive director Nancy Woodland. They are the chairs of UWKC’s campaign this year. WS Baby also welcomed dozens of volunteers from Virginia Mason. Full story – with video – is on our partner site White Center Now.
In West Seattle, volunteer sites included the Westwood Village QFC:
That’s where we photographed Judy Nash and Sukhvinder Singh Gulati, Microsoft employees there to help with a food drive to benefit the White Center Food Bank. Microsoft also shared some of its staff with the Nature Consortium‘s work party in the West Duwamish Greenbelt today. (Anyone else who worked on “Day of Caring” today – as a volunteer or a nonprofit host – let us know!)
The Junction is a popular place for wedding photos these days! West Seattleites Chris and Mariko Raynor are announcing their marriage after returning from their long honeymoon in Thailand. Chris is a remodeler and Mariko is a paralegal. Chris says their wedding July 21st was at a chapel in Kent, with the officiant from West Seattle’s Our Lady of Guadalupe, Father Jack Walmesley. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
(One of WSF’s new 144-car ferries, under construction at Vigor, via WSDOT on Flickr)
The soon-to-be-headquartered-in-West-Seattle Bartell Drugs is throwing its weight behind the proposal to name a new Washington State Ferry after a well-known West Seattle native – entrepreneur Ivar Haglund. The idea emerged last month; when Seattle Times (WSB partner) columnist Ron Judd wrote about it, we noted it on the WSB Facebook page, but hadn’t heard anything since. This morning, a news release from Bartell says the company will have petitions in all of its stores through September 23rd (along with an ongoing prize drawing, including gift cards for Ivar’s). The news release quotes company leader George D. Bartell as saying, “The ‘M/V Ivar Haglund’ plying the waters of Puget Sound would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. Ivar brought the color and pioneering spirit of Puget Sound to our doorsteps through his music, restaurants, and colorful personality.” Ivar died in 1985. His namesake company supports the naming effort too – and it should be noted the new ferries are being built on West Seattle’s Harbor Island.
P.S. After receiving the Bartell news release about this, we asked for the latest timetable on the corporate HQ’s West Seattle move. Spokesperson Barry Bartlett says it’s currently on track for mid-to-late October. They’re moving – administrative operations, not a store – from Georgetown into the West Seattle Corporate Center, known as “the building with the big flag,” at Delridge and Andover, as first reported here August 7th.
A memorial is planned on September 23rd for Joe Miller, who died a week ago, just a few weeks short of what would be his 57th birthday. We received this tribute to share with you:
Joseph Brian Miller
September 24, 1955~September 5, 2012
Joe was born September 24, 1955 at the West Seattle Hospital to August “Gus” and Kathleen Miller. He was the 4th of 6 children and easily the most charming from birth. He was considered by some to be a local celebrity, everyone knew and loved Joe Miller. Words fall short to describe the good feelings everyone had for Joe Miller.
He was a graduate of Chief Sealth High School. He worked in sales and marketing for more than 30 years and lived many places, but his heart always remained in West Seattle where he was raised. Joe spent the last 20 with Trendwest Resorts, now Wyndham Resorts, frequently earning awards for his top performance. It was a natural fit for a man who truly loved people.
Thanks to Brenda Donner for sharing the news that Fauntleroy’s legendary Capt. (ret.) Morey Skaret, 99 years young, was among the honorees at last night’s Seattle Police Relief and Retired Seattle Police Officers Association banquet. Capt. Skaret also served in the Seattle Police Department, and Brenda says, “The banquet honored SPD officers who have retired since last year’s banquet. Then they honored those previously retired who were in attendance; thus Morey’s honor … He was the ‘lowest serial number’ of all retired Seattle Police Officers in attendance; his SPD serial number was 406!”
One of the brothers killed in a motorcycle crash earlier this week had West Seattle ties, as a former WS resident and parent of a student at Alki Elementary. Services are planned this weekend for 39-year-old Gerald Lutz, who along with brother Eldon Lutz died after their motorcycle crashed in Kirkland Saturday night. His online obituary published by Bonney-Watson on Capitol Hill includes details on Mr. Lutz’s viewing/Rosary on Friday night and celebration of life on Saturday.
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