White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(WCN photos)

With the new White Center Library in its first year, it’s seeing a lot of firsts – and this afternoon brought another. It was swearing-in day for the latest quarterly citizenship class held at King County Library System facilities. 17 people were in the class, and 14 were at this afternoon’s ceremony.

Officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presided, as did executives from KCLS, including, above, system director Gary Wasdin. He pointed out that libraries are a resource for finding out what’s happening in their communities, and that staffers will be able to help the new citizens find out how to register to vote.

Thanks to Gill for the tip about today’s ceremony. We unfortunately didn’t get there in time for the national anthem being sung by 4th graders from nearby Mount View Elementary. Also featured: A video with President Obama, also featuring Aretha Franklin singing “America the Beautiful.”

ADDED WEDNESDAY: We just got the list of countries represented by the new citizens:

Bangladesh
Burma
Denmark
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Pakistan
Philippines
Russia
Somalia
South Korea
United Kingdom

Congratulations to all!

ADDED: Two more photos, courtesy of Gill – the first one includes the aforementioned students who sang:

Lakewood Park in White Center is now officially Dick Thurnau Memorial Park. Thanks to Gill Loring for photos from the recent celebration in the Bethaday Community Space that TAF maintains at the park.

Those who attended got to see and hear local student musicians perform:

Mr. Thurnau died in May of last year; you can read about his life in this remembrance we published. Last month, the County Council passed the ordinance renaming the park in his honor; it was sponsored by local Councilmember Joe McDermott.

(WCN photo of Dick Thurnau from 2008)
More than a year after the death of longtime community advocate Dick Thurnau, the King County Council will soon consider an ordinance renaming Lakewood Park in his honor. Councilmember Joe McDermott just sent a copy of the ordinance that he put together “with a number of White Center community groups … They see this as an opportunity to create a legacy for someone who worked so hard to improve a struggling aspect of the community into something that could be widely enjoyed by many.” Mr. Thurnau lived steps from the park and worked tirelessly to both tend it personally and advocate for it and its little lake, plagued by water-quality problems that have been lessened via remedies for which he fought. Councilmember McDermott says the park-name proposal “will likely go before the King County Council not long after our summer recess, which concluded this week.” We’ll keep an eye on the council calendar to watch for a meeting date and comment opportunities. Meantime, read the proposed ordinance here, or below:

Have you seen Sarah? She was last seen on Route 120, and since that passes through White Center, we’re sharing the flyer. Added info from friends: “Sarah Calflooking has been missing since November 6th – her husband, children, and extended family are desperate for information about her whereabouts and safety. Please, if you see Sarah Calflooking or have any information, contact Seattle Police Department #5876 Detective Boggs at (206) 386-1850 regarding Missing Person Incident # 14.378377 and her husband Hiram Calflooking Jr. at (206) 851-1840. Sarah was last seen heading to downtown Seattle on the 120 bus, wearing a green Old Navy hoodie, black stretch pants, green shoes, and a red/black backpack.”

Sorry for the late notice – but just in case you’re looking for something to do tonight:

The Trusted Advocates community group cordially invites everyone to this Friday’s Storyhour. Get to know your neighbors! Youth especially welcomed!

*6:30 pm*, August 15th
*Seola Gardens Community Room,* White Center
11215 5th Ave. SW

This month’s speaker is *Gloria Sims*, a young Chicana from El Paso, Los Angeles and Washington. She’ll share her story and how we can help our youth avoid or get out of gangs and substance abuse.

FREE! Refreshments included.

Memorial plans are now finalized for Dick Thurnau, the longtime White Center resident and community activist who died earlier this week. His family shares that news and this remembrance:

Dick Thurnau, 89, a strong advocate for the White Center community, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2014.

He was born February 17, 1925 in Pingree Grove, IL, the 6th son of Alice & John Thurnau. He graduated from Edison Technical Institute in Seattle and served in the Army in the South Pacific in WWII from 1943 to the end of the war in 1946. Upon his return home, he married Helen Grisham of Illinois, on April 25, 1946. On their honeymoon they traveled by train to Seattle where they made their home. Dick worked for Mack Trucks starting as a mechanic and working his way up to Manager of Service Engineering for the Mack Western Division in Hayward, California. He retired in 1980 with 30 years of service, moving back to Seattle & the home he bought in 1948. He loved woodworking and made many beautiful things for family and friends. He worked tirelessly for his group called Friends of Hicklin Lake to clean up the lake water and the surrounding park & neighborhoods. He was also an ardent supporter of TAF (Technology Access Foundation, a school which teaches young people about technology), which is now located at the edge of the Lakewood Park Property. He will truly be missed by many.

Dick had four children, Terry Thurnau, deceased (Wendy Schufreider), Kathleen Dombrowski (Joseph), Marvin Thurnau (Sue) & Cheri Buettner (Gordon), 8 grandchildren, Robert, Jennifer, Todd, Jennifer, Cynthia, Mandy, Samuel, Suzanne, 12 great grandchildren Tim, Kevin, Hayden, Jacob, Sawyer, Trevor, Tyler, Meranda, Crystal, MacArthur, Marshall, Lucas, Abigail and 1 great, great grandchild, Adrian.

He is also survived by Marcia Wollam, a significant partner with Dick and who has assisted him with his community efforts, especially with the Floating Islands that are now part of Hicklin Lake.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, May 9th, at the Technology Access Foundation Building, 605 SW 108th, Seattle, WA 98146. To honor Dick and in lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to TAF at the same address.

Just last Friday, we reported here on King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s proclamation of “Dick Thurnau Day” in honor of the longtime community advocate, recently diagnosed with cancer. Sunday morning, Mr. Thurnau passed away, according to North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin. No memorial information just yet but we expect to hear from Mr. Thurnau’s family soon. He was 89 years old.

(WCN photo of Dick Thurnau from 2008)
A special honor today for a man who’s worked hard, well into what should have been his sit-back-and-rest years, to improve his neighborhood: Today is “Dick Thurnau Day” in King County, by special proclamation, it was announced at last night’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting. NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin shared the image of the official proclamation document:

As the proclamation acknowledges, Dick, now 89, has lived near Lakewood Park for decades and has been particularly devoted to protecting, improving, and advocating for its small lake, now known as Hicklin Lake. Just last year (WCN coverage here), “floating islands” were put in place to help improve its water quality, after a long campaign by his group Friends of Hicklin Lake to get something done. He also tended to the land side of Lakewood Park, organizing volunteer cleanups, community barbecues, and much more.

We’re told Dick is in a new fight now, having recently been diagnosed with cancer. If you would like to send well-wishes, his address is 1031 SW 112th, zip code 98146.

A funeral Mass is planned at Holy Family this Wednesday morning for 84-year-old Theodore (Ted) John Wiese:

Ted went home to the Lord 9-19-13 at the age of 84. Born in Woodburn, Oregon, in 1929, he married Doris Marie Prinslow on October 2, 1954, after being honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marine Corps and attending OSU. He retired from The Boeing Company after 26 years and was ordained to the Diaconate, serving the Archdiocese of Seattle for the past 24 years at Holy Family Parish in White Center.

He is survived by his wife Doris, sister Jeanette Moore, his children Connie (Richard) Sanders, Larry Wiese, Greg Wiese, Julie (Bruce) Hanson, Lisa (Karl) Hansen, Tom (Wendy) Wiese, Margaret (Jeff Haack) Wiese, and Paul Wiese, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Church at 11:00 am September 25. To leave an online condolence, please visit Yaringtons.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Catholic Community Services or Holy Family Parish.

(WCN publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to whitecenternow@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering longtime florist Laurie Rosenthal, 66, this weekend. (You might remember her from the now-closed White Center shop South End Florist.) Here’s the remembrance her family shared:

Laurie Jean Rosenthal, was born to Louis and Leona Hostak on December 31, 1946 and passed away after a short battle with cancer on May 1, 2013.

Laurie was a faithful, loving and passionate daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. She stayed in the Seattle area all of her life, and was a popular florist at Fran’s Flowers and South End Florist for many years. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor, practical jokes, love of animals, and most of all, her love of family. She adored the love of her life Lonnie, her son Joe and daughter-in-law Debbie, and her son Tony and daughter-in-law Tina. She also loved teasing her brothers and their wives Jim and Mary and Don and Myrna. She was preceded in death by her brother Bob.

She especially loved her grandchildren Anthony, Joshua and Katie. Anytime Josh and Anthony had a baseball game, you would find her in the stands cheering as loud as she could. She never missed a game! She also enjoyed camping and ice cream with Katie. Her numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins were near and dear to her heart. Lana and Bev were her dearest friends and she loved them and their families with all of her heart. She loved all of her many friends and cherished each friendship. All who knew her, loved her and will greatly miss her.

An open house to celebrate Laurie’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm in Enumclaw. Contact Tony at tlrosenthal@comcast.net for details.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite animal charity.

One week from tomorrow, family and friends will celebrate the life of Ryan Lien-Shepard. Today, they share this remembrance:

On Monday, March 25th, we lost Ryan Lien-Shepard at the young age of 35. He was taken from this world far too early. He was a son, a brother, a uncle, a grandson, a nephew, and a friend that was loved by many. He leaves behind Marla, his mom, his siblings Ciaira, Shanna, Aaron, Jocelyn, his niece, and his son Luke. ;-) Ryan’s unexpected passing has left his loving family and friends mourning and heartbroken.

Ryan was born and raised in White Center. He went to Evergreen High School where he graduated in 1995. Ryan not only was a family friend of Burien Bark but also an employee for the past 4 years.

At this time we are asking for help in any way possible. Please consider making a donation in any amount, great or small. Donations can be anonymous or not (your choice) and 100% will go directly to Marla’s bank account. For those of you that wish to donate directly to the family and help during this tragic time, we have set up a memorial fund in Ryan’s name.

youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/ryan-lien-shepard-8-29-1977-3-25-2013/49791

You can also go into Sterling Bank in Burien or Burien Bark to make a donation in person.

Ryan’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 6th from 2 pm-6 pm at the White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW

Please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers as they process such a tremendous loss. Thank you so much for your love and support.

We know at least one White Center couple has been part of the history-making events in our state these past few days since same-sex marriage became legal: Gill and Alex. If it’s happening in White Center, they’re usually part of it – community meetings, neighborhood cleanups, graffiti patrols, block watch, you name it. They’ve been together going on two decades, and now they are married. Here’s how Gill tells it:

We met in 1995, purchased our house in White Center in 1998 and have lived here ever since. We “discovered” White Center and many of our neighbors while walking Mac (mixed beagle/basset) over the early years.

Of course, we wanted to get married as soon as Washington would permit it. Therefore, we braved the very friendly and enthusiastic crowds Thursday morning to get our marriage license. Yesterday we married in a civil ceremony presided over by King County Judge Judith Ramseyer. She and her friends helping her couldn’t have been happier to see us married. It was a truly remarkable event to be remembered and cherished for the rest of our lives.

Since 12:01 am Thursday, King County has issued 710 marriage licenses.

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Margaret Ryan was remembered tonight in downtown White Center as a community champion and good friend. Two and a half weeks after Ms. Ryan was murdered, a plaque in her honor was dedicated in the planting area on the southeast corner of 16th and Roxbury, during a candlelight ceremony.

Aileen Sison and Vera Johnson had organized the tribute. They both shared memories, as did others including White Center Chamber of Commerce president Mark Ufkes, and Ms. Ryan’s youngest son Patrick Lamb, who said his mom was working to help make connections in the community, and everyone coming together in this way was a sign that she had make connections happen.

Ms. Ryan’s 42-year-old son Brodie Lamb is charged with first-degree murder in her death; he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this past Thursday.

Thursday morning, murder victim Margaret Ryan‘s 42-year-old son Brodie Lamb appeared in King County Superior Court, pleading not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder. He remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says a case-setting hearing is set for December 13th. Before then, friends, family, and community members will gather this Saturday at 4:30 pm for a tribute to Ms. Ryan, right before the 5 pm lighting of the White Center Christmas Tree at Veterans’ Triangle Park. Investigators say Lamb confessed to stabbing his 69-year-old mother to death two weeks ago after breaking through the door of her home when she tried to keep him out.

The two county-side corners of 16th/Roxbury are getting TLC today to prepare for a tribute to community advocate Margaret Ryan, murdered a week and a half ago. Above, Vera Johnson and Aileen Sison, who convened a planning meeting last Monday night, are among those fixing up the planting areas; we photographed them on the southeast corner – here’s the work site on the southwest corner:

The tribute is expected to be dedicated next Saturday night (December 1st) before the White Center tree lighting, around 4:30 pm (the lighting’s at 5 at Triangle Park across Roxbury). Meantime, Ms. Ryan’s son, 42-year-old Brodie Lamb, is charged in her death, and awaiting arraignment next week.

(Also posted on our partner sites West Seattle Blog and White Center Now, as this tragedy touches all three communities)

Last weekend, a one-car crash in South Park took two young lives and changed three others. We are gradually learning more about those involved – including some with White Center ties.

One of the teenagers killed in the crash has been laid to rest: After her viewing in White Center and funeral Mass at Holy Family, 13-year-old Lucie Hernandez, a Denny International Middle School student, was to be buried at a cemetery in Tukwila Friday afternoon.

Viewing is Sunday and a funeral Mass on Monday at St. Mary’s in the Central District for 16-year-old Luis Martinez, who was a student at TEC High School on the Evergreen campus in White Center.

The two boys who survived the crash are also Evergreen campus students, according to Highline Public Schools, at TEC and at the Arts and Academics Academy, while the third survivor has been identified as Lucie’s sister Karla, a ninth-grader at Chief Sealth International High School.

We had previously reported an account to help Luis’s family with expenses, accessible via any BECU branch, in the name of Victor Herrera, account number 3579847581. Donations were accepted at this past Wednesday’s Denny/Sealth concert in West Seattle (coverage here from WSB). And now, there’s a benefit planned Monday night (November 19th) to help both Luis and Lucie’s families:

The event will be at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant in Renton from 5 pm-9 pm. There will be a $10 buffet fee and a chance to drop off additional donations. Radio Variedades radio host Mercedes Garcia will be hosting the event live on the radio and encouraging the community to come and support. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to spread the word.

The restaurant is at 540 Rainier Avenue South (here’s a map).

Monday night, you’re invited to a meeting to help plan a tribute and memorial for Margaret Ryan, the local writer and community advocate murdered at her apartment earlier this week.

On Monday, November 19th at 6:30 pm we are meeting at Mago Signs on 16th SW to begin planning a dedication and memorial planting in honor of Margaret Ryan, who was murdered this week.

This week we lost a very passionate active member of our community. Please join us. Share with us any ideas, suggestions or contributions to honor one of our active members of this community. Potluck dinner. Please bring an item to share. …

This kind of violence happens randomly, in no particular demographic, and to no particular single type of person. This is the result of a disease/illness of the mind and spirit, not a reflection of the community.

Please help us to build strong community by coming together again to honor one of our local fallen heroes who was a victim of violence and say no-we will not let this go by unnoticed and we will unite, standing up against judgement and criticism.

The meeting is at 10032 16th SW. You can RSVP via the Facebook event page, here. Meantime, Ms. Ryan’s 42-year-old son remains jailed in connection with the killing; prosecutors are expected to decide today whether to charge him.

Congratulations to the Spencer family – Rich, Joan, and daughter Rachel – as the family business reaches a milestone today: Half a century! Spencer’s Automotive is the Shell station/auto-repair shop at the corner of 15th and 107th:

Till 3 pm, it’s party central:

Bouncy house, climbing wall, Full Tilt Ice Cream treats, and on the east side, hot dogs:

Rich Spencer bought the business from his dad – who died just last February – back in 1989, according to posters that are up at the station, explaining its history.

Just announced by the Salvation Army – new White Center leadership:

The Salvation Army Northwest Division announces the appointment
of Captains Raymond and Jennifer Erickson-King, to the Seattle White Center Corps. Prior to this
appointment, the Captains managed the Youth & Young Adult Programs at The Salvation Army
Intermountain Division (Denver, CO). In White Center, they replace Majors Maynard and Kathy Sargent,
who retired.

The news of their appointment didn’t surprise the Captains Erickson-King. As Salvation Army Officers,
they expect to be reassigned throughout their careers. The commitment of being an Officer includes
moving your family frequently, and accepting reassignments based on career development and filling
the needs of The Salvation Army locations. The assignment at White Center is an acknowledgement of
their ability to manage a large community center and congregation.

The Seattle White Center location is among the largest and most active Corps in The Salvation Army
Northwest Division. It serves more than 6,000 individuals per month. Among the variety of programs
and services offered to the community are community lunch for seniors; food pantry; rent/utility
assistance; after-school tutoring, athletic leagues, and music lessons for kids and teens; summer
overnight camp; summer day camp for kids, and holiday assistance.

Originally from Dallas, Oregon, Captain Raymond received an Associate of Arts degree in Ministry from
The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Crestmont, CA, in 1998. Throughout his career, he has
managed many Salvation Army locations, including Waimea and Honokaa, HI; San Pedro, Long Beach,
and Merced, CA; and Tri-Cities, WA. He is an alumnus of Corban University (Salem, OR), and holds a
Master of Business Administration and has earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology:
Family Studies and Business Administration: Management and Communication.

Captain Jennifer was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Los Angeles. She received an Associate
of Arts degree in Ministry from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Crestmont, CA, in
2005. She served with Captain Raymond at the appointments in Tri-Cities, WA; Merced, CA; and Denver,
CO.

Just might be the most interesting thing you do all weekend – check it out:

You are invited to the monthly TRUSTED ADVOCATES Storytelling Program

OUR STORIES, OUR VOICES

Date:
Friday, June 15th

AT:
The White Center Community Cultural Center
9421 – 18th Ave SW
(& SW Cambridge) – Hillborn Room

Time:
5:30 Light meal from presenters culture/heritage
6:00 Storytelling Program
– followed by Q/A segment

Our Special Guest this month:
ABUZAR KACHIYEV (an Ahiska or Meshketian Turk)
and translated by YASEMIN SAN

Abuzar Kachiyev arrived in the city of Kent as a refugee from Russia seven years ago.

He and other Ahiska (or Meskhetian) Turks living in the Krasnodar region of Russia suffered significant human rights violations until the US government reached out to this community. A limited number of Ahiska Turks, like Abuzar’s, were granted the right to resettle in the US. Abuzar, has worked as a civil engineer and has a large family that is very attached to their cultural norms.

Abuzar will talk about the unheard story of a community, the Ahiska Turks of Russia; people without a land, people with no documents, families hiding from ruthless authority … AND their journey to an unknown land, the USA.

Yasemin San moved to Seattle from Turkey in 1979. Upon her arrival, she was immersed in the Turkish community and created a folk dance group, which still performs in festivals and other special events. She was also one of the pioneers of the Ethnic Heritage Council, an umbrella organization for ethnic communities and arts organizations. Yasemin works as a legal interpreter and is an active volunteer in the Turkish immigrant and Turkic refugee communities. She has organized cultural events for the last 32 years.

Yasemin will briefly talk about the Turkish and Turkic peoples (who they are; where they live) and their immigration stories going back to the very early times. She will refer to the cultural aspects of Turks, including some folk customs and rituals.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW!

EAT SOMETHING NEW!

Get out of your house and venture into the neighborhood and meet new people.

They really are quite interesting.

WE’LL SEE YOU ON JUNE 15TH!!!

Any questions call: Nancy Calos-Nakano 206.795.0833 or trustedadvocates@gmail.com

Stay tuned, next Month: Sam Mitsui on Japanese Internment – Friday, July 20th