September 2012

Gray skies and crisp temperatures portending the advent of autumn were in sharp contrast to the brightness and heat generated by the Seattle Christian girls soccer team in a 4-0 shutout of Vashon Island at Valley Ridge Field in SeaTac on Friday, Sept. 21.

Perched atop the Nisqually 1A standings with an unbeaten 5-0 record, the Warriors look forward to another league title as well as a successful postseason.

"It was good that we came out and kept possession to create opportunities," said SCS head coach Melissa Dunckley. "Their goalie had some great saves. We need to put more of our wide open shots away. For this year, we're a little younger up front and in the midfield, but we have some great talent. Our defense is really strong. Abby (Kim) is a great freshman forward. The league is stronger this year with the addition of Cedar Park Christian. It was a good win when we played against Cedar Park. We're still looking for a deep run into the playoffs."

By Elizabeth Wang

The return of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet to its home terminal, on Saturday, Sept. 22, was celebrated in style with the 24th Annual Fishermen's Fall festival.

Back with salmon-filleting demonstrations, wooden-boat building, survival-suit races and even oyster-slurping competitions, the festival was aimed to educate the community about the importance of the fishing industry to the Pacific Northwest.

While admission was free, all donations and proceeds raised went toward helping the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting safety in the fishing fleets and the emotional and financial burden of the surviving families of fishermen lost at sea. The foundation also dedicated the iconic bronze and stone statue that currently towers over the Fishermen’s Terminal.

Over 300 volunteers helped to put together this year’s festival.

By Elizabeth Wang

Olympic gold-medal gymnast Jordyn Wieber stopped over in Ballard’s Fred Meyer on Sunday, Sept. 23, for a quick meet and greet with local fans before performing with the rest of her crew at the Key Arena later that evening.

Over a hundred giddy, young boys and girls, most of whom were aspiring professional gymnasts, and their supportive parents lined up for a photo-op and an autograph from the member of the “Fierce Five.”

“My daughter and son have been watching [her perform] for a few years,” said Jessie Hettinga. “It’s exciting the fact that we can have our children achieve that dream of meeting a gold medalist.”

Wieber’s visit to Ballard was part of the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions 2012, which started in California and is making its way across America. The actual tour includes performances by the rest of the members of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, the U.S. men’s team, as well as many other ex-Olympic gymnasts.

Who doesn't love the Fremont Oktoberfest? Beer, lederhosen ... more beer, more lederhosen. And cute dogs. All of life's essentials.

The Ballard News-Tribune made its way to Fremont to take some photos. Click on the main picture above to view the whole slideshow.

By Christy Wolyniak

Every girl has always dreamed of going through her best friend’s closet and high tailing it with all the loot she got her hands on.

A new Ballard business is hoping make that dream a reality. The Trove Vintage Boutique offers a comfortable atmosphere, color and everything your best friend’s closet never had.

“The name describes what we’re doing: treasure hunting. It’s a space where all one’s treasures can be found. It’s a treasure trove,” said Co-Owner, Cyrena Preszler, who runs the business with friend Sara Leonard.

The boutique reflects the passions of both women. Preszler began crafting handmade jewelry with vintage glass and beads. Leonard sold vintage clothing online to supplement her income while she was in college. When the two women became friends, it was almost inevitable that such a store would someday blossom.

“We both have a passion for vintage because of the stories and sentimental value behind them. We want to cater to a customer who appreciates that. We think we have found the right place [here in,” Leonard said.

Walking into Tony’s Coffee on 70th St NW and NW 3rd Ave, one immediately notices something missing.

Or, a lot of things missing.

Namely, where’s the over-plush seating? The pretentious art? The armory of flavored syrups? Heck, where’s the lattes?

There are none. Only drip coffee, Americanos and espresso shots.

Tony’s Coffee, which is an established company in Bellingham since 1971, recently opened a new location and is living the ascetic life in Seattle, eschewing luxury and focusing on just the craft of coffee. They opened operations back in April, only doing coffee cupping demonstrations, but have more recently opened up café operations, on August 20. For serious lovers of coffee, it’s not something to miss out on.

In any case, it’s a nice break from having to stand behind someone ordering a triple tall skinny nonfat latte with a shot of vanilla, a shot of nutmeg and a dusting of cocoa powder.

The masterminds behind the operation are David Yake, who has been with Tony’s Coffee for five years, and Erik Evenson, who was head roaster, coffee buyer and a barista at Zoka Coffee. He was also a barista for a year at Tully’s, but he didn’t talk about that.

By Christy Wolyniak

Nestled in the lush Kiwanis Ravine, the North American blue herons enjoy a natural habitat mostly undisturbed by humans. The Heron Habitat Helpers, an organization committed to restoring habitats for urban wildlife, hosted an open house at the Discovery Park Visitor Center on Saturday.

The Kiwanis Ravine is the first wildlife sanctuary in Seattle and home to the largest number of blue heron nests. Just this year, 80 nests have been found in the area -- a boom from 35 nests in 2001.

HHH was founded 11 years ago when Heidi Carpine and 25 other individuals got together to figure out how to help preserve the habitat of the blue herons as developers were closing in on the property of the Kiwanis Ravine. To her surprise, the developers near the Ravine were in full support of their efforts to protect the birds.

Chris Anderson, who is a biologist for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, spoke at the event. “Keep in mind, these animals are on a fine line between success and failure,” Anderson said.

A four-story apartment building containing 2,095 sq. ft. of commercial space, four live-work units and 35 residential units above is seeking permits from the city of Seattle at 9051 20th Ave. s.w.

The Land Use Permit sign is up now.

The plan calls for parking for 37 vehicles to be provided within an attached garage.

Project includes 950 cubic yds. of grading.

Existing structures will be demolished.

by Greg McCorkle

The sun was out and the 2012 homecoming king, queen, and the court were announced. Reminders about the fundraiser to help send Seattle Lutheran students to London and the food that’s available at the snack bar went out over the public address system. It was smiles everywhere. But nobody told the Concrete Lions about any of that. They weren’t invited to that party.

Led by the arm of Dallas Newby, wide receiver Brendon Shope and the running tandem of #17 Gibson Fichter and #31Josh Rogge the Lions cruised to a 34-6 victory. All of the Lions success can be attributed to an adept offensive line that dictated the tone from the beginning. Concrete ran at will for gashing amounts of yardage that the Saints had no answer for.

The Lions didn’t come to West Seattle Stadium to party, they came to play football and they came with a chip on their shoulder. That’s what a two hour drive from Skagit County will do for your mindset.

The Lions long ride home was likely an electric one. Seattle Lutheran's short ride home wouldn't be nearly as exciting.

UPDATE, NOV. 1:

The turquoise 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that was stolen from Burien City Garage, 14926 Ambaum Blvd. SW, owned by the owner of the garage, Duane Quande, was just recovered, thanks to Burien detectives. There was no damage to the car. The car was recovered in the SeaTac garage of the guy who stole it.

"We actually got a tip from a guy in Colorado Springs," said Shawn Cunningham, service advisor at the garage. "The person who stole the car had contacted him and was interested in trading for a car he had for sale. The guy in Colorado Springs had heard about the car stolen from our shop and he contacted us and said, 'This car looks like your car from the pictures I've seen.' We gave the information to the detective who contacted the guy in Colorado Springs. Duane is out of town but knows the car has been recovered and is in the shop. We're very excited."

Press release:

Burien- King County Sheriff’s Deputies are asking the public to be on the lookout for a turquoise 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that was stolen from a Burien business over the weekend.