July 2011

When you build a signature building on the highest hill in Seattle it means that building will automatically get more attention than most. But that attention is welcome to the people and leaders of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (OLG). They are not only are building a Parish Life Center/Gymnasium but are going about it in a way that makes them an example for all those who will inevitably look up to them.

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The church is located at 35th s.w. and s.w. Myrtle in West Seattle near the highest elevation in the city (510 feet above sea level).

The $3.5 million project, which broke ground July 18, is the latest part in the church's master plan. That plan, developed a few years ago consisted of, "A new pastoral center, and a hall/gym," said Mr. Frank Handler Parish Administrator,"We're building a parish hall that will function like a gym. Even the interior colors we want to be inviting for people that want to have family celebrations, anniversaries, weddings as opposed to, 'You can have it in our gym,' we want to have a very beautiful hall, but it will still have all the functions of a gym."

On July 22nd, at approximately 6:45 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 5700 Block of 15th Avenue NW.

The suspect, described as a white male, 30-35 years old, with close-cropped light brown or reddish hair and goatee, wearing a white long sleeved shirt and black pants, fled the store carrying cigarettes and beer.

When the clerk gave chase the suspect pulled out a black handgun and pointed at the clerk. The employee ran back to the store to call 911.

It is possible that the suspect may have fled the area as a passenger in a red 1990s Ford Windstar van. Officers conducted an area check but did not locate the suspect.

The work party for the Barton Street P-Patch was out in full force on Saturday, July 23 as the weather got good and the retaining walls along a pathway through the center of the space were built. The walls were being artfully assembled with large rocks embedded into the top layer for decorative (and practical) purposes.

The P-Patch itself was made possible through the Parks and Green Spaces Levy and was given the grant by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. The land was owned by the city but has been unused for many years. Neighbors came forward and suggested the P-Patch idea and planning for the space began.

Designs for the project were finalized after several reviews and the final, radial pattern was chosen.

It's being built by volunteer labor and the opportunity to help get it completed is still there.

Every Saturday from 9:30-3:00 and Sunday from 11:00-3:00 the 34th s.w. and s.w. Barton is home to a work party. The first of these took place in the middle of May.

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Today's 2011 West Seattle Grand Parade hosted by the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 drew crowds, cheers, and comments by many satisfied with Seattle's weather saying, "At least it's not 105 degrees like they have in Texas." The sun added sparkle to the floats and costumes of many colors, although purple, gold, and green seemed to dominate. There were 56 official entries on the program, but several more seemed to squeeze in.

"This is the biggest birthday party you've ever seen in King County. I'm 85 years old today," said Art Peters, who, with wife Gloria were the Parade Grand Marshals, driven by daughter Connie Davolt in her convertible. Both Peters' wore Navy uniforms. " He served in the Navy in WWII and Korea. Gloria was in the Naval Reserves. She is 86.

A perfect day for a perfect parade," said Hi-Yu Queen Kelsey Bells from atop the float. "I'm so excited."

The West Seattle Rotary kids parade was a colorful and musical event July 23 with the inclusion of the Junior All City Marching Band, led by Sealth High School's Marcus Pimpleton.

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The entrants in the parade trickled in slowly before the 11:00 am starting time but then quickly swelled in number as the start time approached.

The children of fallen sailor Jarod Newlove, Jordan and Addison Newlove honored their dad with an appearance and the usual array of bikes, wagons, and dozens of kids in costumes walked the route from Oregon Street (where they gathered first) to Edmunds Street, all as a prelude to the American Legion Grand Parade that followed.
Click HERE for a story and slideshow about that.

Karoline Morrison, owner of the old Carnegie Library, officially launched her book, "Twilight of the Blondes", last night with a party at Harbor Steps in downtown Seattle.

It was an evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres, laughter and fashion as Morrison shared stories of her time as a cigarette girl at Hollywood's historic night club, Ciro's, which was the playground of Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and the like.

As the "Queen of the Sunset strip," Morrison experienced Hollywood at its peak and downfall. Her book is a bittersweet journey that eventually leads to the old Carnegie Building in Ballard.

At the book launching party, Morrison displayed some of her costumes worn as a cigarette girl in Hollywood and a showgirl at the Seattle World Fair.

Published by Tigress, Twilight of the Blondes is available at local bookstores and online at Barnes & Noble.

Westside School at 7740 34th Ave s.w. was standing room only for the performance of The Lion King July 22.

The much loved musical tells the story of Simba the lion cub and his journey to become king.

The production was part of Sing Out Seattle, led by David Hunter Koch, and featured live music accompaniment
led by Robert Jones.

Sing Out Seattle is a summer youth program focusing on musical theatre performance and education for kids 6-12 years old.

Taught by theatre professionals, each camp instructs young performers skills in music, dance and theatre by creating a safe environment to inspire self-confidence, participation and cooperation.

All camps are 2-weeks in length ending with a public performance on the evening of the last day of each camp.

Songs by Elton John and Tim Rice included: “I just Can’t Wait to Be King”, “Hakuna Matata”, “Circle of Life” and many more.

The 1985 comedy Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, starring Pee-Wee Herman is tonight's West Seattle Outdoor Movie.

This film was director Tim Burton's feature length debut and has become a cult classic. Pee-wee's Big Adventure tells the story of Pee-wee Herman embarking on nation-wide adventure in search of his stolen bicycle.

West Seattle Outdoor Movies are shown in the courtyard at 4410 California Ave SW between Hotwire Coffee and Dr. Wolff. Bring blankets, chairs family & friends for the 7th year of the WS Outdoor Movies.

The pre-show entertainment is provided by the Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show.

All movies start at dusk and are FREE. Gates open at 6:30pm Concessions and raffles too, all proceeds go to charity.

www. wsmovies.orgtwitter.com/westseattlemovies

While you are there, pop into Hotwire Coffee and check out the photographs on display by the West Seattle Herald's own Patrick Robinson.

The 2nd annual West Seattle High Point Health fair on July 22 was a very busy event with people from all across West Seattle coming for the free, and healthy food, and more importantly, at a time when health insurance is expensive and hard to get, people came for tips on how to get and stay healthy.

Sponsored by the Community Health Plan of Washington, The Seattle Housing Authority, King County Housing Authority and Neighborhood House (where the event was staged at 6400 Sylvan Way s.w.) there were a wide range of information tents and an amazing array of activities.

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The Free health services offered included:
Blood pressure checks, a blood glucose test (for potential diabetes), and a rapid HIV test. More than 20 health providers took part.

Seattle School Board president candidate and West Seattle resident Steve Sundquist (West Seattle District VI) is taking on Martha "Marty" McLaren, Joy Anderson and Nick Esparza in the Aug. 16 primary. The West Seattle Herald interviewed McLaren and will interview Anderson and Esparza next week.

The top two vote-getters are chosen by voters in their district where there is a primary race, four of the seven districts in this election. Then all of Seattle votes for their favorite candidate in all four districts. In addition to Sundquist, other incumbents being challenged are Peter Maier in District I, Sherry Carr in District II, and Harium Martin-Morris in District III.

Sundquist's bio

Steve Sundquist serves as School Board President. He is a 21-year resident of West Seattle, life-long Democrat, school and community volunteer, retired finance manager, and Fauntleroy Church leader where he helped build consensus for a co-location agreement with the YMCA to serve our community's youth. His two daughters, 18, and 21, graduated Chief Sealth High School.