May 2013

Assistant Principal for Denny International Middle School Patricia J Rangel shared this story and photo of Principal Jeff Clark. Clark is often called "the man in blue" for his blue suits and obvious pride and commitment to the school.

At Denny International Middle School, home of the Denny Dolphins, school pride is taken quite seriously, and by none as much as by its principal, Jeff Clark. To encourage stellar attendance during the MSP State exams, Clark challenged students to improve their first period attendance rates.

If done he dared the students, "I would be more than happy to dye my hair 'Dolphin Blue.'" As more and more students rushed through the front doors to make it to class on time, more peroxide and blue Splat Hair dye was acquired to convert the normally gingered hair Clark into a Dolphin from head to toe.

By Gwen Davis

BLRB architects reported to roughly 15 neighbors Wednesday evening that plans for the new Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill were soundly underway, with to-scale 3D diagrams.

Principal architect for the project, Lee Fenton told the West Seattle Herald he’s pleased with how the process is going, and that after this stage, BLRB will get a cost-estimate for the plans.

Fenton talked to the audience about barrier options between the school and neighbors’ property, themes for the large glass walls and a possible green roof. Audience members brought up issues including increased traffic on SW Dakota St., parking and demolishing current structures.

This story will be updated with more details.

By Bill Schrier

The regular meeting of the 34th District Democrats on May 8th was a Candidates' Forum for all offices contested in the August 6th Primary except Seattle Mayor. In attendance were candidates Richard Conlin, Sally Bagshaw, Mike O'Brien and Albert Shen,Seattle City Council, Joan McGilton, Rose Clark, Joey Martinez and Lauren Berkowitz for Burien City Council. Sheriff John Urquhart, City Attorney Pete Holmes and other candidates also made appearances.

The meeting started with an update from Rep. Eileen Cody and Senator Sharon Nelson on the recently concluded regular legislative session and the upcoming special session.

The full candidate list and the candidates responses can be found here.

When you adopt a Greyhound as a pet you might have a set of expectations. Known for their speed (they can run at up to 40 to 50 miles per hour), Greyhounds are used in dog racing in 27 tracks U.S. and many more in the world, where similar to horse racing they attract gamblers. But where do Greyhounds go when they retire? Some are adopted like Sweeper, the pet of the Bennett family. But the Humane Society estimated that in the year 2000 11,400 retired dogs were killed.

Sweeper's story is far happier. He was adopted from Greyhound Pets Northwest "He was born in Oklahoma and raced in Florida," Matthew said, "and his racing name was 'Dog-a-Flyin'. They retired him when he was 4 1/2 which very late. Usually they retire them when they are 2 or 3. He ran over 120 races and placed first or second in about half of those, so they kept him racing for a long time. But not only was he a great racer, he's just the sweetest dog of all time."

A truck hauling bricks, dirt and another trailer full of yard clippings was heading up the steep hill between 37th SW and 36th SW on SW Juneau Street around 6pm on Wednesday May 8.

When the driver of the older model truck shifted from first to second gear, the u-joint in the drive line snapped and he lost control of the vehicle.

Since the hill was steep he rolled backward immediately and the trailer turned around and jumped the curb, finally impacting a cyclone fence. No one was hurt in the incident.

Update for May 24
West Seattle High School Student Sarah Rosenthal, winner of the Pro-Start Cooking Competition covered by the Herald on May 8 (full story below), has been selected for the final three to compete for the title of Top Teen Chef in the U.S.

Rosenthal was competing with 63 students across the country for the chance to compete for the title, and the winner will cook with renowned chefs at the White House (yes, that White House).

The update comes from Rosenthal's culinary arts teacher at WSHS, Danielle Henry.

"I am so proud of Sarah and can’t wait to see her compete in the next round!," Henry proclaimed.

Original story on May 8
The meals generated at public schools are generally the butt of many jokes, with gummy mashed potatoes and mystery meats adding to the negative stereotype. May 8 at West Seattle High School was a major departure from the norm as three talented students and chefs-to-be battled against each other in creating gourmet meals for celebrity chef and Food Network star Maneet Chauhan.

If you have antiques you'd like to know the value of, you will get your chance to participate in local take on the famous "Antiques Roadshow when Providence Mount St. Vincent presents Antiques Discovery Day on Saturday May 18, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, which will be held at Providence Mount St. Vincent's Second floor Resident Lounge, 4831 35th Ave., SW, in West Seattle, will also feature coffee, conversation and a Community Fair.

In the spirit of “Antiques Roadshow,” the popular PBS television program that features professional antique appraisers who reveal the history, lore and estimated current market value of privately owned treasures, the public is invited to bring old items such as paintings, rings, vases, powder jars, lamps, sconces, radios, etc. to be appraised.

Local appraisers will help determine the value of the family treasure you’ve always wondered about. These onsite experts will provide oral valuations of individual items for $5 per item (limit four items per person). All proceeds will benefit the residents and programs of "The Mount," a senior living care facility that celebrates life, living and individual capability.

Press release:

A multi-year effort spearheaded by the City of Des Moines Arts Commission to bring an outdoor gallery of sculptures to the downtown Des Moines Marina District is nearing completion. On May 17, five sculptures by Washington State artists are slated for installation at sites along Marine View Drive S and in the Marina.

Among the local artists represented, Des Moines resident George C. Scott will have one of his sculptures, a cast glass in powder-coated steel piece called “Tide Pool,” installed at Marine View Drive and S 216th Street. Another sculpture created by students in the Highline School District’s Puget Sound Skills Center welding program, will be situated at Marine View Drive and S 227th Street.

Other sculptors who will have their work included in the Arts on Poverty Bay downtown sculpture gallery include Gretchen Daiber of Leavenworth, Leo Osborne of Guemes Island, and Lin McJunkin of Conway, WA.

There will be a formal opening celebration of the Art on Poverty Bay sculpture project on Saturday, June 1, at 1 PM in the Des Moines Marina, on the Promenade to the northwest of the Harbormaster’s Office.

One man was hit by police gunfire and an officer was hit by a car in an incident Wednesday afternoon at Southcenter mall in Tukwila

Here is a report by our news partner Q13 Fox News:

http://q13fox.com/2013/05/08/shooting-at-southcenter-mall/#axzz2SkSGk02I

Organizers of the White Center Artwalk have posted the list of participating locations and artists for the event set for Thursday May, 9 from 6pm to 9pm. The Artwalk is a walking tour featuring art, special events, music and more in White Center. It's free and open to the public.

You can learn more about the event on their site, Ratcity Artcity.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Ave SW)

Chris Doelling: Acrylic on Panel

Chris does mostly 'vaguely landscape or organic abstracts'. Her work is wrought with depth and contrast found in the work pulls people in for a more prolific eye journey.

Center Studio (9611 16th Ave SW)

Jennifer Forland Lately: Installation