As Seattle's most dramatic windstorm in decades announced itself with sweeping power outages, the annual PONCHO holiday party managed to go on.
Joseph Walter and Kathy Mares, on 36th Avenue, hosted the beautiful party for the dynamic board members who have helped make a difference in the Seattle arts community for more than 40 years.
Llew Pritchard, Rose Dennis, Madrona neighbors Chloe and Lance Muller, Leigh and J.P. Canlis and artist Steve Jensen were among those who made it a success.
Flashlights, candles and chutzpah
Standing out in front of his wine shop, Fred Andrews tried to keep the retail light burning on Dec. 16. Too dark below at Madison Park Cellars, he ushered customers down his shop stairs with a flashlight so that they could purchase wines for dinners that would more than likely be canceled.
The weekend before Christmas is typically the best weekend for retail sales during the year. This year, however, due to the power out-ages throughout Leschi, Madrona, Madison Park and Madison Valley, independent retailers opened their doors wherever possible and helped residents with whatever they needed.
Going all the way
Bert's Red Apple sold what they could by flashlight and calculator on Dec. 15, declaring it a "No-Tax Day" just to keep things easy making change.
Joseph Raguine, who normally works in the produce department, helped out cashiering when The Seattle Times snapped his photo, which appeared on the front cover of Sunday paper, bringing him 15 minutes of fame.
Jan Yoder and John Sheared (still donning shorts, regardless of the cool temperature) at Cookin', lit candles throughout the shop and did about 50 percent of what they projected in sales. Of course, Jan's Norwich terrier, Parker, pitched in by barking, letting the few folks walking by know that they were open for business.
Martha E. Harris and team managed to get all their floral orders fulfilled and delivered with light from a small skylight above the work area.
Bistro & Bites opened for soup, thanks to the gas range and energy of the new owner.
Ships burn bright on mostly silent night
The annual Argosy Christmas Ship Festival at Madison Park beach was a bit of a burnout for most.
After a long, cold day, standing outside at 9 p.m. by the lake was less than appealing without the Attic, Red Onion or Cactus to fuel the crowd with pre- or post-function libations.
For small children with runny noses, it was almost out of the question.
Madison Park resident Susan Nathan said is was the smallest turnout in years.
At least there were lights shining somewhere, residents said.
Parties that shined through the dark
Residents throwing parties kept fires lit regardless.
With what had to be a very large generator humming in Washington Park, Ole and Barbara Wise had a small party for friends and family to view the Christmas Ships from their home perched hillside on McGilvra Boulevard near the Seattle Tennis Club.
Marshall McReal and partner John Friedman had a flight attendant dressed in vintage attire greeting guests at the front door to whisk them into a house filled with tropical pupus and cocktails. It almost felt like Hawaii - until it was time to go back into the cold night.
Keeping the party lively were Spafford Robbins, Ted Tuttle and David Pritchard, among other convivial guests.
Harry Ross and Paul Hayes kept their party plans. Fortunately for them, the power returned that morning so the champagne was cold.
Neighbors in attendance included Jim and Kathy Tune (he's the new president and CEO of ArtsFund), Rolf Jensen (you may have seen him sampling granola from his new company, Mountain Madness, at Bert's) and Dr. Brandith Irwin, Seattle's famous dermatologist who appeared on "Oprah" last year with her book "Your Best Face Without Surgery."
Dolly West, an East-Central Seattle resident, has lived in Seattle for more than 25 years.
[[In-content Ad]]
