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- Frink Park
This tract of wooded land was given to the city in 1907 by John M. Frink, a Washington State Senator, whose mansion is still located in Leschi at 31st & Jackson on the SW corner, an imposing home that looks east toward the park. Frink Park is the antithesis of the many manicured city parks with broad walks for strolling. This is a heavily vegetated park with 3000 feet of hiking trails. It is essentially located in a ravine with a creek and small waterfall. Its 17.2 acres are diligently being returned to a place of native plants as volunteer work parties remove the invasive ivies and blackberries. A group called Friends of Frink Park was formed in 1999 to work on the restoration of this park. The couple that spearheads this project are Darcy Thompson and Darrell Howe; they won a Denny Award for their achievements at the 2011 Denny Awards ceremony. Despite the magnitude of this project, they maintain their motto is one acre at a time. This is the place to come if you want to hike in dense woods but still be in the city; this is not a place to stretch out on a grassy lawn and study the clouds above. This park is located at 388 Lake Washington Blvd. S, 98144. It borders the upper west end of Leschi Park. The upper portion of Frink Park is easily accessed by the #14 Metro bus. Park Features 17.2 Acres Chief Leschi Trail Nature Trails Historic Bridge Creek with Waterfall Viewpoints Location See it here: Google Maps
- Flo Ware Park
Location S Jackson St & 28th Ave S, Seattle WA 98144, (see it on Google maps) Details This small neighborhood park at 28th & Jackson was dedicated to Floresina (Flo) Ware by the city on 5/8/82 in recognition of her many good works. The park was renovated by the Leschi Community Council in recent years with city and foundation grants as well as private donations and sweat equity by dedicated volunteers. A half basketball court was installed and small chess board tables which double as flat surfaces to eat one's lunch. There is a BBQ for more elaborate meals. The playground is modern equipment with safety features such as the spongy surface which softens falls. The art works are mosaics created by the art students from Coyote Central and the many inspiring comments of Flo Ware are embedded in the walkway. The park is accessible by Metro bus #14. The park is used by neighborhood children and students from the Seattle Girls' School nearby on Jackson. and the Leschi Community Council honors Flo Ware each year in May with a community potluck. Note: there are no public bathrooms. There is a water source and electricity is available if you make arrangements with the Parks Department. Permits for park use are also available through the Department of Parks & Recreation... otherwise, it is first come, first served. Park Features 0.5 Acres On bus 14 route Flo Ware Memorial Basketball Half Court Chessboards Picnic Tables Playground Equipment Who was Flo Ware? Florestine R. Ware (1912-1981) was a remarkable woman. She constantly spoke out in a calm, positive manner for academic improvement in central area public schools, quality health care for the aged, and for more employment opportunities for the poor. Flo Ware organized the Central Area School Board and the Foster Parent Association. She spearheaded the Meals On Wheels program for the elderly, and from 1968 - 1979 had a radio talk show on KRAB. She recieved more than 75 awards for her community work. In addition to her community and national activities, Flo Ware was foster mother to 20 children. Soon after her death in 1961, there was an outpouring of feeling from the Central Area community that a memorial to her be created. In 1982, the city paid tribute to Flo Ware by renaming the Jackson Street Mini-Park in her honor. Source: Mary T. Henry, Tribute: Seattle Public Places Named For Black People (Seattle Stance Press, 1997) Events Flo Ware is the location for Flo Ware Day and the Hopscotch Event.
- Heather Lea Garrick
Born and educated in Chicago, Heather was recognized at a young age as a gifted artist and in high school was offered a prestigious Chicago Art institute scholarship to pursue her art studies. Heather then attended Syracuse University where she got a science degree in studio studies. She moved to Seattle in 1991 and founded Heather Lea Garrick Clothing. Her work has appeared in Yoga Journal, Vogue, and many other design publications. Heather’s design studio is located in the heart of Seattle’s dynamic Central District. She sells her work online through Etsy, at local community events and out of her studio. Heather is passionate about creating items of love for her customers that feel sexy free, joyful and holistic. Heather Lea Garrick website: www.etsy.com/shop/paintedpants email: hlgarrick@yahoo.com
- Jennifer Bloom
I come from New York. After my fine arts education, I returned to New York to immerse myself in the culture, food, style, and fashion and enjoyed many successful art shows. I have been fortunate to sell my work in both private galleries and custom portrait commissions. (Gusty, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 48" by Jennifer Bloom, detail) HautePortraiture started from my love of animals, especially dogs. Although I also paint fish, cats, horses, and people, I am particularly influenced by humor found naturally in the animal kingdom and use that as much as possible in my portraits. I am influenced by comedians and life’s ironies. My paintings capture your animal’s personality. I am available to paint your dog all I need is a clear photograph to get started. Pricing is contingent on the complexity of the photograph. ~Jennifer Bloom Website: www.hauteportraiture.net Email: Jopulent@aol.com Phone: (206) 661-4538
- Mary Garvey
Mary Garvey is a Seattle native who attended Holy Names Academy and Central Washington University. She has had a diverse career that fits her eclectic interests. Throughout her life she has been an Escrow Officer, a successful Real Estate Broker, an Interior and Landscape Designer, and a Flight Attendant. As a flight attendant she traveled the world for 13 years. Mary has always had a passion to learn, achieve and master venues that excite her – she doesn’t have a boring bone in her body. (Coco by Mary Garvey) Mary was always fascinated with glass; having observed the glass blowers in Venice, Italy. She has studied at the Pratt Institute of Seattle, with subsequent training at Seattle Art Glass, Seattle Community College and Bullseye Glass in Portland. For the last 2 years she has taught 200-plus aspiring students the Art of Glass Fusion at Ingraham High School. She has worked and instructed with Alan Goodwin, the Art Department Chairperson at Ingraham. She stated that the art students at Ingraham “are so smart, quick and creative – its inspiring to see the brilliance of these young people”. Stepping into the limelight with her Fusion Glass Fantasies, she is creating lovable, eclectic art, specializing in colorful figures, custom art, and stand-up glass sculptures. Her people and animals make you smile, laugh and be happy. Studying a photograph of her sister, she created an image of what was happening in her life that day, and depicted the mood perfectly. Mary’s work is one-of-a-kind, and she will create personal glass sculpture depictions from photographs provided by her clients. Mary Garvey Email: mhartmanmhartman@msn.com
- Tom Hoffman - Watercolors
BOOK REVIEW Leschi artist Tom Hoffman has written an elegant, beautifully produced book, entitled Watercolor Painting—A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium. As the publisher, Random House describes the book: “The beauty of a watercolor painting lies in its diaphanous layers, delicate strokes and luminous washes. However, the very features that define the beauty of the medium can make it difficult to master. This complete guide to understanding the relationships between color, value, wetness and composition unravels the mysteries of watercolor to help your practice evolve.... Whether you’re a serious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this book will guide you toward the all-important balance between restraint and risk-taking that every watercolorist seeks.” The book is generously illustrated with watercolor paintings from a worldwide range, including two paintings by another Leschi painter, Kate Barber. The issuance of the new book, Watercolor Painting, is an occasion that is being celebrated by a talk by the artist and an exhibition at Gage Academy on Friday, January 18, 7:00 pm and book-signing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The exhibition will be shown from January 11 to February 15. The Gage Academy is located at 1501 10th Avenue East (next to St. Marks Cathedral).
- Carol Lade at CarolMade
Thank you for the opportunity to promote my CarolMade shop in the Leschi News. I have always done something crafty. At times I have quilted, done glass etching, made wreaths, knitted, crocheted and I have always gardened which I consider creative when I am designing my garden. A number of years ago I needed some help in making a necklace for a pendant that a friend brought me from Asia. I got wonderful help from my local bead store and I couldn't help noticing the bracelets on the sales woman's arm. She was wearing a triple wrap bracelet and I fell in love with it. It was so me - a little hippie and definitely earthy. I was so excited when she told me that the store taught classes in making them. (Braided wrap bracelet in the perfect color all year- turquoise. These beads are iridescent seed beads braided into gray cord. This bracelet is light weight, comfortable and closes with a silver button. $24, by Carol Lade) I realized that I loved bracelets while bicycling through Europe in the 1970's when I was constantly looking at my wrists while on my bike. I needed something colorful to look at so I bought them because they were light weight, inexpensive and I could see them. Bracelets are what I love and I love making bracelets. My bracelets must be comfortable because I don't like anything tight or heavy on my wrists so that is what I create. I get a great deal of peace and inspiration from nature. And ooh colors - I love so many color combinations. That must be obvious when you look at my shop at Etsy.com/shop/CarolMade. The beads in my wrap bracelets are hand stitched three times through the cord. It takes me about 5 hours to make a wrap bracelet, but I love doing it. They range in price from $42-$50. The beads include natural gemstones and Czech glass beads and I close these bracelets with an interesting and coordinating button. I also make braided wrap bracelets using seed beads and these are $24. My single wrap bracelets are also carefully stitched using the same gemstones and/or well made glass beads. They range from $15 to $30. I have lately been making leather bracelets that close with an easy to operate magnetic clasp. I use a variety of leathers from Italian to vintage to suede in a variety of colors and they are decorated with antique silver or brass findings and colorful rings. These bracelets are custom fitted before I attach the clasp and they are priced at $24-$45. Carol Lade at CarolMade Phone: Home 206-524-7591, Cell 206-819-7241 Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/CarolMade
- Two Big Blondes
No, not a new business to report, but a new business owner! Meet Lisa Michaud, who bought the business from her aunt, Susan, after wisely spending 6 months working there to learn the ins and outs of the business. Lisa is not new to the business world as she and her husband had run a boat charter and sightseeing business in St. Lucia, but she longed to return to her community (Leschi) and have her children attend the same schools she attended while growing up here. Lisa also has a social service background; she worked for Senior Services while the family spent time here. One aspect of Two Big Blondes that really pleases her is bringing in residents of Mary’s Place Shelter to select outfits for themselves. Lisa manages the merchandise flow with frequent sales so she can keep the clothing seasonally appropriate.Watch her for the next big sale in December: 10th-14th with store wide discounts from 5% to 90% off! For more information, go to www.twobigblondes.com.
- IORA
We welcome a new business in the space once occupied by Safeco, the area on top of AutoZone at 23rd & Jackson. This is a primary health clinic for seniors: IORA. The community was welcomed on Oct. 21 to an open house with tour of the facility (which is still under renovation.) The staff includes two geriatricians, health coaches and social workers. Classes in managing chronic conditions are planned along with clubs for diabetic or walking groups. The focus is on comprehensive and preventive (not reactive) care with follow-up and coaching to achieve one’s goals. IORA has a large parking lot and is served by the #14 and #48 buses.
- EastPAC Meeting, March 2015
Terri Johnston, SPD, spoke about the history of Block Watches. The program started in the 70’s but has diminished due to budget cuts and decreasing support from SPD. Captain Davis is a big supporter of Block Watches and feels the neighbors have much to offer in keeping their area safe. The disappointing news was that Chief O’Toole has decided to transfer Captain Davis to West Seattle. In the 13 months that Captain Davis has been in the East Precinct, there have been many successes and more openness. Davis is a community person, approachable and a good listener. We have had constantly changing leadership in our precinct and it is especially discouraging when someone like Captain Davis is transferred. Davis’ monthly report (based on reported incidents) indicated that car prowls are down and car thefts down 33%, but residential burglaries are up. A report from the Gang Unit stated that gangs are vying for territory, with specific mention of a shooting at 26th & Washington where a rival gang car was rammed and shots fired. The problem house near 27th & Spring was investigated with a narcotics warrant. The SPD had help from the DEA and confiscated both drugs and 7 weapons. The Feds could seize the property and sell it, but they are currently working with the extended family for resolution.
- EastPAC Meeting, June 2015
At the EastPAC Meeting on June 25, 2015, longtime EastPAC Chair, Stephanie Tschida, stepped down and passed the (non-existent) gavel to Troy Meyers, Squire Park resident. Troy introduced himself as the son of a police officer who had died in the line duty and he felt his knowledge of police work and his community leadership experience would make this role as Chair a good fit. East Precinct Paul McDonagh spoke about a new system of tracking crimes which should change the nature of policing. Troy described this system known as SeaStat: “SeaStat is aimed at quickly addressing crime hotspots and trends based on analysis of crime data and community reports of incidents. The Department holds regularly scheduled meetings every two weeks, involving staff throughout the department and partner agencies to discuss the latest information and come up with strategies to reduce crime. EastPAC will be regularly integrating SeaStat into our meetings, with SPD taking our feedback as the community component of the program.” The program is similar to ComStat (New York City) and this concerned some attendees who wanted reassurance that the new system would not involve stop and frisk actions. Captain McDonagh did assure the audience that this has never been a tactic for Seattle police and it is not being planned. When it came time for community input, it was pretty much concerns about incidents at Powell Barnett Park. There were many attendees who lived on the periphery of PB Park and spoke about bullets flying about and some entering bedroom windows of neighbors on 28th. Last month a home on MLK experienced the same destruction. Captain McDonagh shared their concerns and said they have a plan to deal with this but could not share the plan as this info invariably reached the wrong ears and defeated the police tactics. The residents felt good about being listened to, but the good feelings were undone when they returned home to the PB Park area only to arrive in the midst of more gunfire. Watch the LCC website for information on a planned march from Flo Ware Park to Powell Barnett Park in mid-July. We will see their EastPAC Community Meeting Thursday, June 25th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM current focus and hear about their plans. We’ll also learn how we compare to other parts of Seattle. With a goal of creating a more informed and engaged community, East Precinct command staff and EastPAC will enrich the data with a narrative and share it with the District and community councils in our community.”
- Officer Timothy Brenton Memorial In Leschi
Halloween night, 2009—Seattle Police officer Timothy Brenton and rookie trainee Britt Sweeney pull over on 29th Avenue, just north of Yesler Way, to de-brief following a traffic stop and citation made a few blocks away. While Officer Brenton was reviewing the paperwork protocol with Sweeney, a car pulled up alongside and the occupant fired several rifle rounds into the cruiser, killing Brenton and wounding Sweeney. Brenton was an officer known personally by many Leschi residents through his previous assignment as a community liaison to our neighborhood. The assailant was a stranger to Brenton, and his motivation may never be fully understood, other than as a perverse obsession, compounded by mental illness, with perceived police force abuses. The impact of the tragedy rattled Leschi, particularly those living near the site. Over the course of a week, an impromptu memorial sprung up, with an impressive mound of flowers, candles and messages as well as police officers maintaining a nearly constant vigil, all under the relentless spotlight of TV cameras. Possibly the most moving mementos were left by police officers from around the region: badges from their precincts, each wrapped by a single black ribbon. Seeking to deepen the thought behind the temporary gesture and to move beyond their own shock and grief, a neighborhood committee, led by Leschi residents Robert Cipollone, Judy Blanco, Susan Dodds and Jeff Floor, formed to design and build a permanent memorial. The design concept by Blanco begins with the distinct form of the police badge, sliced through with the absence of a black slash, harkening to the traditional symbol of mourning for a fallen officer. The graphically compelling 6699 is Brenton’s actual badge number. Strips of black granite reach out in two directions, bearing single words offered to Blanco by Brenton’s family (“father, brother, friend, mentor…”), evocative facets of the person killed. The plantings deliberately grow into the spaces around the granite strips with low-lying green mondo and liriope gradually give way to taller, looser forms of assorted ferns and Japanese forest grass. A specimen tree – Japanese snowbell – vertically punctuates the north end of the planted space. The border of the planted precinct is formed with salvaged red granite pavers set on edge, with gray granite pavers enclosing the red granite. All granite pavers were donated by the City of Seattle from the remaining stockpile of surplus material from Westlake Park. The project was dedicated on the year anniversary of Brenton’s death. It was built in large part by neighborhood volunteers, with sidewalk paving and general contracting donated by Ferguson Construction. Quirring Monuments donated the cut and polished stone badge. Funding for initial construction and ongoing maintenance has been provided through donations to the Leschi Community Council by numerous residents and organizations including the Seattle Police Guild, Blu-Water Bistro, Leschi Market and others. The Officer Brenton Memorial is located on 29th Ave, just east of Yesler Way.








