White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Photos by Nick Adams for WCN)
She is the all-time leading scorer in women’s professional basketball, with a career in two leagues – and on Tuesday, Seattle Storm guard Katie Smith came to the White Center Salvation Army Day Camp for some one-on-one time with day campers like Aricel Perez (above). The whole group of 6- to 13-year-olds got to hear from her too:

Did we mention Smith is a three-time Olympic gold medalist?

While she signed autographs for the kids, some of them wanted to show her a thing or two as well – in the case of 7-year-old Kelsey White, a stuffed animal:

Even the staff got a chance for a photo to remember the day:

The Storm are in the midst of the WNBA’s Olympics break and resume play on August 16th (here’s the schedule).

Next White Center Jubilee Days event is today – though it’s happening a bit south of town. Glen Acres Country Club and Golf Course is the scene of the Jubilee Days Golf Tournament, starting at noon. There’s some info on the WCJD website – and lots more in this photo caption on the WCJD Facebook page.

The final phase of the renovation work at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s tennis courts in White Center is almost finished – the colorful new surface is in place, the sealant was applied Friday, and now it needs time to cure, so that’s why the nets are down.

King County Parks spokesperson Doug Williams tells WCN that they’ll be down for a few more days in hopes that’ll keep court use to a minimum. The curing is weather-dependent, so, Williams says, the nets won’t be put back up till this weekend or maybe even early next week. The project, estimated last year at $153,000, was paid for with the help of a federal grant. (P.S. Thanks to Gill for the story tip!)

Highline Public Schools sends the news that former Evergreen football star Senio Kelemete has been drafted by the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals:

Former Evergreen High School football standout Senio Kelemete was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft this week, going to the Arizona Cardinals as the 151st pick overall.

Kelemete led Evergreen to a 9-2 record during his senior season in 2007, helping the Wolverines make the state playoffs for the first time since 2001. He was also honored as the Seamount League’s Lineman of the Year on both offense and defense.

As a University of Washington Husky, Kelemete started all 13 games at left tackle this past season and was named a team captain for the second straight year. He earned All-Pac-12 honors for the second time in his career and was awarded the Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award at the Valero Alamo Bowl in December.

Here’s his page on the Huskies’ website; his UW career concluded in the 2011-2012 season (here’s a December 2011 profile from our partners at the Seattle Times).

Just received from Evergreen Aquatic Center:
Everybody Swims! And Pay Only What You Can.

Kids can plunge into spring this year with quality swim instruction and water safety lessons at the Evergreen Community Aquatic Center in White Center.

Whitewater Aquatics Management will teach any child who wants to learn to swim and have fun safely in the water – regardless of their ability to pay – from April 17 through May 23.

A non-profit pool, ECAC and Whitewater Aquatics Management asks only that parents pay what they can afford, even if it’s nothing, for their kids to participate in this special community session.

And if you can pay and can also help other families who can’t, we thank you for your donation and the much needed assistance in giving more kids this springtime swimming opportunity.

Not only will the lessons help children enjoy swimming but will also aid in the prevention of drowning, the second leading cause of death in children.

While an eight-session lesson block usually costs $72, no one will be turned away because of cost.

But space is limited. To take advantage of the reduced rate, please sign up in person at Evergreen Community Aquatic Center on a weekday between 4:00 and 8 p.m. – as soon as you can to ensure your child’s space.

Lessons will take place twice a week, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, between 4 and 6 p.m for 30 minutes per class.

Five years after his murder, White Center’s popular Deputy Steve Cox is being remembered – with a moment of silence before last Thursday’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, a King County Sheriff’s Office event the next day at the park that carries his name, and now a White Center Police Activities League boxing event. “Leave No Doubt: In Honor of (Deputy) Steve Cox” is set for 6 pm this Saturday at Evergreen High School. Adults are $10, kids 10 and under $5. More info? Call Coach Tony @ 206-763-7525.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz sent that photo with news that the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are dug up, as work starts on a renovation project. She checked with Darlene Sellers from King County Parks, who tells WCN it’s a two-phase project:

Phase I of the project began on Monday, September 12th and is expected to run 45 days, until around October 31st. At that time the courts will be temporarily lined, and should be playable again in early November. Phase II is scheduled to begin in May and should last for about three weeks.

The money is from a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant (process explained here) obtained in 2009.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Southgate Roller Rink hosted the Rat City Rollergirls All Stars‘ bout vs. the visiting Texacutioners today – a fast and furious sport spectacle which ended with the All Stars slamming to victory in their namesake neighborhood’s recently reopened rink, 132-110.

This was the first bout that the All Stars have held at Southgate in a number of years. RCRG told WCN that White Center holds a special place in the hearts of the team members. This morning’s bout was scheduled quickly and was a trial run for future bouts for the All Star team, which is composed of members from all four Rat City teams. RCRG held the bout for their season ticket holders (also known as the Rat Pack) – it was not open to the general public.

Southgate Roller Rink will continue to host bouts with an emphasis on Junior teams, but also with adult teams on the horizon. More information about the All Stars and tickets for Rat City Roller Girls public bouts at KeyArena can be found at ratcityrollergirls.com and general skating hours and upcoming Southgate bout announcements can be found at southgaterollerrink.com.

8:39 AM: Big party in downtown White Center today – Cambodian New Year, with SW 98th closed off east of 16th SW for the occasion, events are scheduled to start at 10:30 am.

11:07 AM UPDATE: From Deanie Schwarz at the celebration – we added her video of the benediction above; here’s the schedule for the next few hours:

11:30 Rappers SJ and Princy
11:50 Dance Troupes: Coconut Dance and Rice Dance
12:00 Traditional Games and Banana Eating Contest
12:30 Healthy Cooking Demos
1:00 Dance Troupe: Scarf and Karp Dance

Then tonight, it’s Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink! Details here.

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for White Center Now/West Seattle Blog)
Shortly after the renovated Southgate Roller Rink opened its doors to general-public skating for the first time in more than five years (here’s our original February story about the reopening plan), this line snaked out the door and out along the walkway to the front door last night. Once inside – an energetic crowd. The following photos are by Ellen Cedergreen for WCN/WSB. First, the Derby Girls took the floor in early evening before the official opening session, to work on fundamentals:

Then at 8:30 – the first public session:

The old saying “a good time was had by all” seemed to be in order. Even for Ronda Stapleton, who Ellen says may have been the first to take a tumble, but was still smiling, bravely showing off her bruised arm:

Southgate has a skate shop, too, in case you want to buy your own skates and gear (rental skates are included in the admission fee if you need them):

Video in the works.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz sent video from the “soft open” for Southgate Roller Rink, officially opening tomorrow night.

ADDED EARLY THURSDAY. More from Deanie:

Rat City Rollergirls’ Annie Warhead and Know Mercy (l, r) say that lots of other RCRG’s teams’ members are planning on attending Thursday night’s event.

That’s Jesse, Company Bar owner, narrowly escaping a fall by holding onto the table where “Meaty” of Uncle Mike’s BBQ is putting on skates. Meaty was celebrating his 65th birthday tonight. Company Bar will be offering happy hour-priced drinks all weekend to anybody who has their Southgate admission ticket when ordering at Company.

Born and raised in West Seattle, Gil McLynne said he used to go to the Southgate Rink all the time when he was a kid. It’s been about ten years since he’s been on skates. Asked how many times he fell tonight, Gil said he preferred not to disclose that, but girlfriend Megan quickly chimed in that she made it around several times without falling. In spite of a couple of falls, Gil was excited about Southgate, “This is so great. It is really awesome. These guys are going to do great here.” Gil thought a men’s derby league might be a fun idea.

Keshia Elder and Ada Johanson, both skaters, are the first Southgate employees. They fit all the customers with brand new skates and while they will provide the right fit for your shoe size, they can’t guarantee you will remain vertical and moving.

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
Inside Southgate Roller Rink, with two nights to go until it officially reopens Thursday night, it’s really starting to look like a rink! WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz stopped by to check in – and the shot that really hits it home is the one with the shelves full of skates:

The Seattle Derby Brats are a flat-track junior girls derby (ages 8-17) and two of their members, Board Member and Coach Kathi Webster (aka Katy Didit) and her daughter Mallie (aka Mal intent) were hard at work when Deanie stopped by, siting the logos which will adorn the south wall of the rink.

The derby grrrls are hand-painting the official Southgate Roller Rink logo (which can soon also be found on T-shirts available for purchase in the rink shop, along with inline skates, and assorted gear). Soon to be added on the wall will be the logos for the Seattle Derby Brats and the Rat City Roller Girls. Teen Night for the Grand Opening is Friday, and All Ages Derby Skate is Sunday night.

Owner Josh Rhoads told Deanie that the nearly 10,000-square-foot floor will receive another plasticking coat in about a month. Skate time on the newly stripped and refinished floor helps smooth down newly exposed surface fibers and allows the first few coats to completely absorb. Additional finishing coats will be added over the next few months too, to gradually build up the floor. Co-owner John Venables told Deanie that he won’t be happy until there are at least five coats of finish protecting the unique old-growth oak and maple wood laid more than 80 years ago in a one-of-a-kind, skater-friendly, octagonal configuration. (Here’s her February report on the reopening plan.)

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
One month after WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz broke the news that the former Southgate Skate Center is returning to its roots as Southgate Roller Rink, she reports tonight that the opening date is set – actually more like an opening weekend, Thursday, April 7, through Sunday, April 10, with a private “soft-open” event planned immediately preceding the four-day weekend. (We neglected to post her previous update on the rink here on WCN – so in case you didn’t already see it on partner site West Seattle Blog, she reported two weeks ago about the first Rat City Rollergirls sighting at Southgate!)

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

The gong of the bell and an electrified hard-rock version of the national anthem opened this afternoon’s White Center Boxing Club Showcase at Evergreen High School.

About 40 kids, including several representing the Police Activities League Boxing Club, were present to compete in matched bouts (equivalents in weight and experience are pre-determined by Head Coach Tony Rago) of three, roughly one- to two-minute bouts. Twenty total bouts were slated for the crowd of about 150.

The pre-bout safety preparations include painstaking wrapping of the young boxers’ hands by trainers, as well as fitting the fighters with headgear and mouthguards.

Today’s first bout happened to feature two young women.

Girls comprised a tenth of the competitors today, according to Lori Graham, assistant coach. Referees and ringside coaches keep an eagle eye on the boxers, as do medical personnel:

In general with PALS boxing, if there is any indication that an equivalent match is not happening, the bout is stopped without hesitation, though all matches in this afternoon’s competition were good and that was unnecessary.

King County Sheriff Sue Rahr sat with her sons Peter and Bill and PALS Special Events person Laurie Perkins. Sheriff Rahr was pleased to see the large turnout today and gave big kudos to the entire volunteer crew who work on behalf of the kids with tireless dedication. Rahr pointed out, for example, the work that Tony Rago does. “He runs a very tight ship and is an amazing human being,” she said.

On March 29, the sheriff will appear before a King County Council committee to seek funds to restore a deputy to Skyway and bring the LEAD program there, and potentially to WC as well. “Utilizing this program is a chance to be innovative,” says Rahr, “It is a prebooking intervention program [and] would serve these communities which are of great need.” Regarding recent speculation by a WC deputy at the last NHUAC meeting that the Kirkland/Juanita annexation process might free up additional deputies to bring back to North Highline, Rahr said that was a little too optimistic. “We have some deputies retiring and so are letting our retirement attrition get ahead of cuts,” Rahr says. It is unlikely any additional officers from Juanita-Kirkland will be transferred to North Highline, according to Sheriff Rahr.

Meantime, more information on White Center PALS, as well as volunteer opportunities can be found by going here.

(Also published on partner site WSB – this is big news for both communities!)

Story and photo by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

The long-closed former Southgate Skate Center in White Center will be a roller-skating rink once more.

After more than three months of negotiations with the owners of what is currently the Southgate Event Center at 9646 17th SW, John Venables of Lakeview Properties and Josh Rhoads of Lynnwood Bowl and Skate confirmed today to WCN/WSB that they have put down deposits and are awaiting the receipt of the keys on Monday, when they plan to sign leasing papers with an option-to-purchase clause.

Rhoads is a 14-year U.S.A World Team competitive artistic skater who currently manages the Lynnwood Bowl and Skate rink. Venables is an apartment-properties owner and manager, as well as a former cargo-ship steward. They intend to return the building (originally called the Southgate Rollerdrome in 1937) back to full use as a competition and training rink and family-oriented entertainment/sports facility with full concessions. It will once again be called the Southgate Roller Rink.

(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
From 1937 to 2006, the building housed a roller rink; it was built in 1920 by Hiram Green, a pioneer White Center real estate developer, as a boxing arena. Ownership changed hands in the late 1930s, and the conversion to a family-oriented skating rink included closing off the original 16th SW entrance to avoid the rowdy bar foot traffic of the post-Prohibition era. You can read more of its history in a HistoryLink essay by the late historian Ron Richardson, from which this photo was used when that essay was featured on White Center Now:

In fall 2008, it reopened, briefly, as home to the short-lived White Center Swap Meet, and was renamed Southgate Event Center. But it’s still known best as a rink, and it’s a home to modern-day history as well. In 2002, the Rat City Rollergirls flat-track derby team began their illustrious road to glory on the original Southgate floor, as the women’s derby leagues began their meteoric re-ascent across the country. Eventually, the Rollergirls drew crowds too large for the White Center space and moved on to the Sand Point/Magnuson hangar facility. They’ve moved on since then, too, now staging their bouts at KeyArena before thousands of fans.

But the Rat City Rollergirls do return to White Center for public service work, including the strip of road they have adopted in the downtown business district. One of the organization’s founders, Rahel Cook, is also the co-owner of regionally renowned Zippy’s Giant Burgers, which has recently announced it’s moving from its current location in Highland Park to a new White Center location on 14th Ave. SW., about three blocks from the new rink.

And RCRG may have a presence in the revived rink as well. Rhoades told WSB/WCN that they are in conversation with the board of the Rat City Rollergirls discussing potential projects in the new Southgate Roller Rink, including perhaps demonstrations, but emphasizing junior bouts, and Brat (junior girls) team training and classes. Rhoades himself is an RCRG fan and is looking forward to partnership projects which will bring the Rat City Rollergirls home to White Center through the Junior derby members.

Rhoades and Venables have a team of construction folks to assist them in the refinishing (stripping, sanding and plasticking) of the 70-year old original floor – just under 10,000 square feet – as well as removing walls and relocating some fixtures and structures, with the goal of returning the facility to its full original configuration as a skating rink. They will be pursuing a retro aesthetic with the finish and decorative work. They anticipate the work to begin immediately upon receipt of the keys and are optimistic that they can complete the entire renovation within four weeks.

Since the rink has not had any food handlers license/concession since 2005, they will be submitting new applications for licensing and are uncertain of how long that will take. Initially, the food will be heat-and-serve until the expansion of the stand, but they envision partnerships with local White Center food providers on site.

Perhaps folks will be able to have Proletariat Pizza or Uncle Mike’s Barbeque delivered to the rink, Venables suggests as possibilities. They are interested in cross-promotions with local vendors and look forward to becoming part of the revitalization and preserving this legendary piece of White Center history. Eventually, as well, Venables wants to bring hot dogs to the rink – he envisions doing really good, creative, sausages a dozen different and innovative ways. “Hot dogs are perfect rink food,” he says, even so he’s looking to offer quality.

Once the interior work has been completed, not only will skaters be skating on a completely renovated, competition-standard flat track, they will also be able to rent brand-new roller skates (Golden Horse).

The rink’s hours, considered standard for most skating rinks, will include three-hour Friday and Saturday night sessions, a Saturday afternoon beginners’ class, and a Sunday afternoon session (1:00-4:30) oriented to fun family activities, such as birthday parties. Adult skates will be offered, at a minimum to begin, on Thursday evenings.

A roller-derby-specific skate session will be run on Sunday evenings with faster music to appeal to those who are perhaps more advanced skaters or who are looking to get into the derby scene. At his Lynnwood facility, Rhoades has worked with Seattle Brats Derby (RCR youth derby), Tilted Thunder (a bank-track team) and I-5 Girls, all derby youth teams. He anticipates developing the RCR training program for the Brats here in White Center. He also has experience putting together the bouts from the Lynnwood facility and will be repeating that program at the Southgate facility.

Wondering about prices? Rhoads says about $6.50 for a Saturday 1-4:30 pm session, including skate rental fees; Fridays and Saturdays would be about $7.50. They plan to assign off-duty King County Sheriff’s deputies to work the evening sessions to ensure a “family environment” is preserved for the community. They work with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office at their Lynnwood facility and have been successful in keeping customers safe and making sure that families have fun. They don’t intend on doing big late-night skates or holiday parties in the beginning, so the rink will close by 10:30 or 11 at night.

Venables mentions that they will be placing pinball and video machines in the facility as well as a black-and-white photo booth. A brand new sound system with roller rink musical standards from the ‘80s and beyond will be installed, and, perhaps most importantly, an iconic disco-ball will be installed mid-ceiling.

Again, they’re hoping to open Southgate within a month – to restart what had been a long history as a place to spin your wheels.

(From Images of America West Seattle, copyright 2010, SWSHS/Log House Museum, pg. 97)

Just posted in the forums for our partner site West Seattle Blog – a new Ultimate Frisbee pickup game, Wednesdays at 6 pm, Steve Cox Memorial Park. Check out the notice (and RSVP info) here.

Received from Julie Dow on behalf of the former Evergreen Pool:

Six months ago, The Highline School District reached agreement with a community group to operate a closed pool in White Center, which was renamed The Evergreen Community Aquatics Center (ECAC). Since that time, hundreds of subsidized swim lessons have been attended by area youth, and dozens of adult and seniors have attended exercise classes. Now (that the pool is) home to The Highline Pirates, Evergreen/Tyee Swim and WhiteWater Aquatic Swim Teams, scores of area youth are swimming daily, along with community outreach programs. Indeed, it’s a very busy place at Evergreen Community Aquatics Center every weekday. The flags of sixteen nations hang over the pool, to honor the diversity of clientele and the many parts of the world that pool users are from.

“We are impacting the community of White Center with a positive, inclusive activity. While childhood obesity is at a national high, we are making strides every day with children and families that thought they could never swim”, said Joel Schweiger, General Manager of ECAC and Head Coach of WhiteWater Aquatics. “Like other pools, we have our building and financial challenges, yet we can see daily the results swimming provides for White Center,” he added.

In addition to swim lessons and swim teams, The ECAC has partnered with community groups for outreach, including SHAG (The Senior Housing Assistance Group) and New Futures, a youth oriented integration and service organization.

As it looks to the future, ECAC is working to ensure that the entire community is informed of the offerings available at the center, by offering free trials. Those who sign up before October 31 for the November youth swim lesson session, receive a pass for a free “family” swim for a family of four.

Morning and evening shallow water exercise classes for adults have also been added to the schedule. Instructed by Aquarobics, water fitness and therapy experts, the new classes are offered every weekday. “Water aerobics classes are fun and offer a safe, effective and quality cardio workout.” says Carolyn Scott, Aquarobics Owner. There is also a water therapy class designed for those with severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pre & post surgery, “Water therapy is a great first step for those looking to get fitness back into their lives.” For programming and registration information call 425-894-0045. In November, Aquarobics is offering a FREE first class to all new swimmers!

Looking to the future, “We will have our challenges at Evergreen going forward with an old building and pools are expensive to operate, yet, it’s been a great start. We are really glad to be serving White Center,” concluded Schweiger.

Check out the video posted on the Seahawks‘ website, narrated by longtime local sports broadcaster Tony Ventrella, featuring a Seahawk sighting with WCPAL at the gym. Here’s the link.

Almost seven months after that August 30th rally preceding the shutdown of Evergreen Pool, the official announcement just arrived in the inbox – there’s a deal to reopen it “on or before May 1st.” (The White Water Aquatics website says they’re targeting April 12th, with a 5/1 “grand opening.”) And it’ll have a slightly changed name. Here’s the news release:

Officials of White Water Aquatics Management, LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of an area swim team, today announce that they have reached an agreement to re-open Evergreen Community Aquatics Center (formerly Evergreen Pool) in White Center on or before May 1, 2010.

From the time King County closed the pool last summer, the parents of children who compete on the Whitewater Aquatics Swim Team have worked with The Highline School District and King County to develop an operating agreement. White Water Aquatics Management has developed a business plan to operate the pool with a full range of programming for diverse community needs, and has raised over $50,000 in private donations to get started.

“Swimming and water recreation offer lifelong health and safety benefits, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this programming to White Center and our community”, said Ed Marrs, president of Whitewater Aquatics, and a professional firefighter. “We would like to thank The Highline School Board, King County, Dow Constantine and dozens of Whitewater Swim Team Families who all worked tirelessly to ensure that we could open this pool. Our unique public-private partnership is an example of how citizens can mobilize and assist government in challenging times,” he continued.

With repairs underway, planning for a spring break scrub-and-paint marathon, lesson calendars and schedule planning in the works – as well an operating swim team preparing for several swim meets – , it’s a “hectic time at The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, but we are truly excited to embark on this new venture,” said newly appointed pool manager, current WWA Head Coach Joel Schweiger. “We hope to release our calendar and start promoting spring swim lessons by April 5th.” Schweiger, an accomplished competitive swimmer, has managed several pools in California and has over fourteen years coaching experience up to the highest levels of the sport.

The pool’s at 606 SW 116th (map).

Coach Tony Rago sends word that the White Center PAL (Police Activities League) will sponsor the amateur-boxing show “Opportunity Knocks” on March 27 at Evergreen High School. He says teams will be there from Portland and Vancouver, B.C., as well as Western Washington. The boxing starts at 6 pm; admission will be $10 adults, $5 kids 10 and under, with all proceeds to the White Center PAL Boxing Club. Call Coach Rago for more info – 206-293-3742.