The Picaroon

Renton River Days 2011

2011-07-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Renton River Days takes over our downtown, brings smiles to many and entertains anyone open to the word "fun". The sights, sounds and additional pounds brought on by nibbling through Liberty Park are well worth my time each and every year.

Speaking of food, the Queen of all that is natural and biodegradable was on site to remind the public to use your compost bins. Wearing an incredible gown trimmed in plastic wrappers and such, the gracious refuse royalty floated by and gave us all polite admonishments if we weren't already recycling.

Jr Cadillac played a stellar set on Saturday, just as they have been for the last 10 years. Hardly seen in these climes nowadays, Renton holds a special spot in the band's heart, and schedule, and for this we are blessed. This year, singer Nancy Claire rejoined the band for a coupla songs, after having sang back in the 50's and 60's with the band. Nancy's my neighbor's Mom and one cool gal - shout out to Nancy!

Another great 10 year veteran of the Renton River Days music scene is saxophonist Darren Motamedy - and man, can this cat wail! Darren plays with all his heart and soul, and connects with his audience making a free concert in the park feel like front row seats in Vegas, where he moved to be closer to all his gigs. Onetime Rentonite, having bought his first home in our dear town, Darren keeps coming back to show Renton some love. Thanks Darren!


Pam Chicoine is a face you see around town and usually with a drop spindle in her hand. The Rubber Ducky adorning her hat was made by Pam with a cookie cutter and some roving - it's a wool felted duck pin. Kudos for the most original yellow duck I had the pleasure of meeting this year.

Doing the festival up right, makes for hungry work. The Nibble of Renton is always a big success, even if you feel like you are about to starve waiting in those huge lines of hungry folk. This little kiddlin was not giving too many bites away. She ate the whole hot dog herself.

Miss Brandywine Divine, a frequent friendly face on The Picaroon.
Michael, her father, is in the hospital but loves to catch up with his daughter on my blog - Michael, this one's for you!! Feel better soon!

Even Pirates have to eat - and what a lovely set of swashbucklin' maidens are these! I love how many smiling faces I see as I wander about the event, soaking up another year's worth of downhome fun.

It's a PARADE!

2011-07-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

I love a local parade - and I love the community of Renton that spills into the streets, coffee in hand, to participate in the Renton River Days Parade. These photos, snapped this morning, speak for themselves.

Special thanks to local talent (and resident!!), Meeghan Black., for being this year's Renton River Days Parade Grand Marshal.

It's like the Big Top coming to town...

2011-07-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Cruising through Liberty Park on my way to the Renton Annual Art Show, I saw the dormant tents of our yearly celebration - Renton River Days.

A burst of welcomed sunshine lightened the sky and brought a smile to my face as I saw the beginnings of one of my favorite local happenings. There is an excitement that reaches back to your childhood whenever you see the big white canvas of a tent being erected. An as yet, clean canvas that will soon be painted in fun.

Here's your spot, #23! Today begins the Kid's Day at Renton River Days. Free fun and a focus on the young. The Wenatchee Youth Circus is performing for the next two days - see, the Big Top really has come to town! Today at 1pm and 6pm, tomorrow at 1pm and all for a buck or two, depending on your age.

I love a big tent.

I also love some great music - this group played the last two Renton Annual Art Show's that I have had pleasure of attending - Uptown Lowdown Swing.You too can attend - it's free and open 7/22 (today) and 7/23 from 10 til 6pm. Sunday noon to 5.

The evening was lovely, and nestled in on the elbow of the Cedar River, this deck was a buzz with art appreciators and artists. Catered by Gene Sens' The Redhouse, head chef Frank working his magic, it was a classy and tasty affair. I love being in this space - hey somebody, have a wedding here and invite me, will ya?!

No sneak peaks this year - you want art?? Go see some art!! Get inspired by incredible Renton talent and then go home and make a plan to enter yourself, next year.

Renton = Rain, yet again

2011-04-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Walkways on the Cedar River from the Renton Public Library on over to the Renton Memorial Stadium are under water and impassable. Little bit of river over the pavers some days, a bit more on others. The weather man says we've got more of the wet stuff on the way. Oh bully for us.

Won't see to many people out these days, except for the diehard walkers. When the rain lets up, they stream out of their houses, eager for a moment of respite from the grey, wet skies. No one lingers in any one spot for long. Nothing looks dry enough.

Yet, the flowers bloom and Spring shines through in bright little corners if you care to look. Color shines forth in the most unlikely of places.

I wanna tan this year sometime. My rust lines are doing just fine.

Hair of the Dog - or what did I do on St. Paddy's Day??

2011-03-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

The best way to cure the hangover from yesterday's St. Paddy's Day revelries, is just a ounce more of the same. You heard that right - give me a pint of Bitter and hand over the aspirin!!


Oh, and speaking of the "Hair of the Dog", here he is - and let me tell you, they refused to serve "his" kind yesterday. Forced to drink at home, alone, yet again.

The Eastside Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band was just one of an entire day's worth of entertainment that awaited you at A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub yesterday, I tell you - those bagplayers were hot. They can come save Lady P anytime.

A Shout Out and thanks to Robin, of the fair green hair, and Chandler Wilson for inviting The Picaroon out to play yesterday. Far Right is their mate, Jason.

The green beer goggles were rockin' my world yesterday. But just for the record, ladies and gents, it was the eyeware that I was enraptured by and I did go home alone.

Bill and Faye Moss celebrated 56 years of wedded bliss yesterday - and handed out long stemmed green carnations to all they met. The Moss's are shown with their son, Biff on the top right, and Bill Collins, who always manages to get into a photo somewhere. Bill and Fay were married on a Thursday it seems, and they handed out carnations on that first day of marriage as well. A tradition was born. Long live the Moss's!!

And here is my final salute to you all - a cup of the finest from the Green Isle - Guinness. Hope all of you are recovering nicely.

Happy St.Paddy's!!

2011-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

It isn't easy being green, lamented Kermit the Frog. But today it couldn't be further from the truth, unless one likes being pinched. Ran into this most lovely Ballower Bouquet ( yes, that is balloon parlance for a pocket full of air blown posies to you uninitiated) from Lulu's Balloons. Laura Lenzi of said business full of smiles and fun, made these especially for Jet City Espresso, corner of 2nd and Main Street and still the home of my favorite cup of joe.

I am obviously out of touch with the art of balloons, as I find this bouquet quite amazing. I have never seen anything quite like it. Max the Wonder Dog is quite smitten with them as well. He's certain they have food potential, if not something to consider giving a chewing over.

Take it easy out there today, Renton. Live to drink another day, if you catch my drift.

While you are still green and sober, shout a birthday greeting to the best mail carrier in Renton - our dear Barbara. Today is her birthday and I am certain she'll be seeing some of the wee folk before the day is through!

Renton - where the Shams do Rock

2011-03-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

First thing to get proper Green in the town of Renton, you stop off for a bit of the real blarney - a cup of Mike's coffee at Liberty Cafe and a bit of a chin wag. That will set you right in the mood, as it were. Always someone around who wants to have a chat.

926 South 3rd Street Renton, WA 98057 (425) 235-1400

Then, thinking you're up for the stronger stuff, you head off to see Jenna and Paddy at A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub for a pint and a giggle, You may even stop by their new Irish Market. It has all the tastes and wonders of the green isle herself for you to take home. I have my eye on some tea and a cool shirt me wee self, and it's open all the same hours of the pub. Now that's making it easy.

201 Williams Ave Renton, WA 98057-2106 - (425) 227-3396
Open Weekdays 11am-2am; Weekends 9am-2am

Then, you begin to cry into your cups, thinking of your Irish heritage and all. You think of your dear ole Mum, whom you haven't called in ages, and head over to Cuigini's Florist Shop to buy her a bit of the green to help celebrate the day.

413 South Third Street Renton, WA 98057 (425) 255-3900

By now, your head is aching something fierce from all that thinkin' and drinking, and you need a little TLC and a bit of primping. You've heard that a girl can get a great bit of pampering, maybe even a new "do" over at Bianco& Co Salon and Spa
231 Wells Ave South, Renton -(425) 282-5046

Maybe feelin' a tad maudlin and in need of reviving, a Pot O'Gold Guinness chocolate cupcake with Irish cream butter frosting could cheer one up completely. Available right here in our little burg at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes

900 South 3rd St # A Renton, WA 98057-2710 (425) 235-1717

With a belly full of cupcake wonder, my brain begins to tingle from neglect. Old Renton Book Exchange is just the ticket to restoring some brain cell activity and honoring my Irish roots with a book or two on the homeland.

227 Wells Ave. South Renton, WA 98057 (425) 430-2665

One must ask - do I really have enough of the green for the day? For a little creative pick-me-up and a whole lot of fun in general, always head off to Happy Delusions, where Indie crafters are well represented.

924 South 3rd Street Renton, WA 98057-2734 (425) 255-6078

And finally, a shout out to our resident a winner of a $1,000 math and science Carson scholarship for her college fund, Ms. Samantha Goetz-Granquist. Local Rentonite nominated by her school, with a high grade point average, an interest in geology and an active participant in her community, this lovely young woman is loved by all.

ALSO Look at the next best thing to sliced soda bread - AllRenton.Com - check it out!!

The city freezes and the blog block melts

2011-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

Snow - again? Three times may indeed be the charm, as this is the third time this day that the flakes have fallen and this time they may even stick. I did not get what I needed this Winter where snow was concerned. I like the blanketing of white, the crunch under foot and the chilly breath that comes with snow.

The views of North Renton as I sloshed home tonight were dipped in pearly white and slightly mushy around the edges. My camera somehow made the cut into the new handbag and voila! instant Kodak moment.

A snow blizzard feel as I made tracks in the unmarked lanes about town.The blue light here stands out in a wonderfully weird way.

The houses wrapped in snowflake batter were what drew my eye.

While the city became drowsy with cold, a hearty group of bloggers met to discuss the plans for a new blog in the offing. One that brings a confluence of assets and efforts and helps lapsed writers reenter the land of the web and Renton news.

So stay tuned and I will help spread the word. There is a new voice in town ( well, a few voices pulling together under one gleaming banner head) and we mean to make a difference.

I sitll heart you, Renton

2011-02-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

I got an email for Valentines Day from a faithful reader telling me that four months was too long to wait for a Picaroon update. And I am still late in saying, I still do heart you, Renton.

The walkers of Coulon Park have better holiday attire than most. Artfully contrived with Velcro and a few safety pins for good measure, these clothes are all made to order for each occasion by some costumer of witty talent.

Can you believe the blue skied wonderfulness of the day these photos were shot? The weather is a mix of Spring whipped up into an occasional Winter cool fest. I never know how to dress when I get up - unlike our statue strollers here, who can wear the hell out of anything.

I still think of the days of old, blogging away about the town I love. My Valentine to you, dear Renton. A photo of your winning colors.

Last look at October

2010-11-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween began with a great brewing of Halloween Tales over at the Renton History Museum. Dorota Rahn (pictured above) helped conjure up a crowd to come see the free speaker program that I am so fond of over at the museum. Why weren't you there?

Bea and her well known talent of a mother, Naomi Baltuk, regaled a rapt crowd with tales of Halloween at the museum. Storytelling is a craft and form of entertainment that is good for the soul. Get away from that TV and video game when the opportunity presents itself. What a great duo!

While out on the streets of Renton, some dressed for the holiday - and others, just dressed in the tie dyes that comprise the greater part of their wardrobe. Phyl Carroll is a grandma who dressed as a granny and Richard Stout is a man who loves color, especially the swirly kind.

Halloween can be a great time to experiment with possible new looks and hair colors - like Bill Provin here, who I must say, has a flare for purple. So does Brandy.

How could I get away without one last fond look at jack o 'lanterns? They should somehow be an acceptable use of a pumpkin all the way up to Thanksgiving.

North Renton as a neighborhood completely rocked - with the Schelgel's Home on Williams Street hosting a Haunted House in their backyard - which was awesome.

Across the street, Halloween craftsmen, Evan and Dave created their own ghoulish destination for the more intrepid trick or treaters.

It was a great Halloween season - sigh.

Wanna know why I started to blog again today? I read my horoscope over at Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology and it said - blog. I kid you not. I was gonna try to be lazy a little longer, but I was shamed back into it. Really.

The North Renton Picnic rocked - again

2010-07-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lame "pet" ad - just click on the "X" right away, and that pesty little thing with vamoose!

Join the Renton Picnic today

2010-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Feel like a little picnicking and meetin' the neighbors and that sort of thing? Join the North Renton Neighborhood Association and my wee self this evening between the hours of 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Jones Park on Wells Street for some free hot dogs and convivial surroundings. We won't frown at a little potluck activity from your kitchen, if so inclined. Norma is said to be collecting recipes of any dish that you happen to bring. So come along and share - whether it be just you, or you and a dish or two. All comers welcome.

My favorite part of the evening is seeing people from all walks of the City of Renton's many departments out cooking up dinner at the grill.Check us out last year.

While you are at it, check out the newly formated North Renton Neighborhood Association website, thanks to a local figure known to many as Renton Ben.

North Renton Picnic
Tonite! Jones Park on Wells Street
5:30 - 7:30 pm FREE!

Hey! It's a Parade

2010-07-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Renton River Days Parade - an event I look forward to each year. Fry Bread purchased each year in front of the Eagles Club and a chair to bask on the sidelines while the kids (and adults!) hope to score a candy or two thrown their way. This is a slice of Americana and it is heavenly.

Light on text? Yep - off to play with my niece at the last day of the Renton River Days at Liberty Park. Hope to see ya'll there.

Here a duck, there a quack

2010-07-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

As of today, all of the Renton rubber ducks, whose locations have been being mysteriously hinted at in the Renton Reporter since the end of June, have come to roost at Liberty Park. Man, my Mom had a great time tracking down every last one of those cleverly outfitted ducks in the hope of being the winner this weekend at Renton River Days.

Since I have been such a dilatory blogger as of late, here is a look back at some of these cute little yellow duckies in their recent environments. Pongi Bonsi at The Landing featured here.

Tricked out by Tor, tattoo artiste of Downtown Renton, this guy was seen at Happy Delusions.

Cute little reporter duckie found at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes- he had, by far, the yummiest hang out.

Okay - so this one needs no explanations from me. Dude is hella cute, right?

Got some of your Duck Hunt bingo sheet filled out? Head over to Liberty Park and put your sheet with your name attached in for a drawing. Maybe this is your ducky, I mean, Lucky Day!

Renton River Days - Celebrating 25 Years of Rubber Duckies!

Art studio

2010-06-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Tucked around the corner from Armondo's there is a window framing an artist at work. Lisa Lamoreaux recently became part of the unique blend of Renton Downtown.

Never content to work on one piece at at time, a view into the artist's studio will find Lisa at various stages of completion on six or seven canvases. The mixed media of sculpting gel, torn pieces of wallpaper or other paper pretties seen hanging from racks, become the layers of labor that go into Lisa's work before seeing her final paint brush touches. The studio had a open house and party two weekends ago, and many of Lisa's favorite clients came out to purchase from her walls full of art.

The past ten years have seen Lisa slowly leaving the corporate world to pursue her art full time. This year will see her in Oregon and Washington fine arts shows, keeping her occasionally on the road with her fine beauties.

There are whimsical colors and themes to be found in Lisa's work. The Chinese lanterns have become something she is well known for and the demand for them still keeps her expanding her vision this theme.

One earlier aspect of the artist's work were these lovely decor lights, made with a collage of colors and prints and trims.

Though Lisa is in her studio to work, do feel free to stroll on by and catch the artist in her element. Maybe peek your head in, if time allows, and see her latest work. Personally, I find it very exciting to have an artist studio in town. Kudos to Armondo for giving the DTR this cool, cultural dimension.

Lisa Lamoreaux Fine Art
www.lisalamoreaux.com
910 Houser Way South
206-660-6759

The red, white and blue of it

2010-06-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

I might not be blogging as much lately, but I am keeping up on my cupcake lore. Renton River Days and the fourth are soon to be upon us, and Crystal Roberts over at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes has already got a patriotic and sweet delicacy on hand.

These beauts are fresh blueberry cupcakes with a vanilla bean buttercream topped with a red cherry or a blueberry with red sprinkles. Ahhhh, makes me love being American. Land of the free, home of the cupcakes.

As usual, get them while you can. I will try to be back in the blogging chair more often again. Sometimes life just creeps up on you, and a breather here and there never did a person harm.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Renton is so crafty and colorful

2010-06-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Color and dance - these handmade bouquets come from the crafty hands of Deb at Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral on South Third Street. The Spotlight Dance Company had a Willie Wonka dance performance, and these were the handsome posies given out to the lead performers - all seventeen of them. Underneath the festive bow tied at the base was a big chocolate Willie Wonka bar. Now if only I could have found my own copy of Johnny Depp amidst the fleurs, I would be one happy camper.

Remember to give my gal Deb a call with any floral arrangement concerns. She works wonders.

Crafty hands have been yarn bombing a bike at Mary Clymer's store, Happy Delusions, on Sunday afternoons when folks gather for the Stitch and Bitch. Rachel, above, along with Esperanza, were putting in impressive efforts of the fiber kind this past weekend. When this baby is done, watch out Renton - you never know what might come next.

Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral 920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Happy Delusions
924 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 255-6078

Bacon Cupcakes - Come to Papa!

2010-06-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Big Papa needs a little bacon on his cupcakes after bringing it all home. For Father's Day, this should definitely be on your shopping radar. I mean - desert meets your favorite breakfast meat, what is not to like?

It's no mystery that the undisputed local Queen of Cupcakes, Crystal Roberts, has been cooking up this meat mischief at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes. The bacon is laced with butterscotch and given some bling, then put on top of a vanilla or chocolate cupcake frosted with butterscotch butter cream. I am a confirmed bacon lover, and this confection just goes to show how versatile this pork product can be.

There will only be so many available from now until June 20th, the third Sunday in June (Father's Day). Crystal has a stock of little scotched bacon bits, but my thought is - these babies are gonna go fast. Like hotcakes, only more cuppy.

Tonight also launches Common Ground's return to the First Friday Block Party arena with music by Devin Moore (singing, ukulele) and photography by Jayne Rose. Jayne's photo cards have some incredible images and are very affordable. I like photos and make photo cards myself - her's are good.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

First Friday Block Party rocks again

2010-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

First Friday Block Party tomorrow y'all - and the artwork is rockin'. Featuring the paintings of artist Dan Kevil, who will be at the party for a little meeting and greeting, this is when coming to hang out in the DTR really gets to be fun.

Firecrackers - Bork

Caroline Jones

Set your clocks for 7pm - when either DJ Phil Anthony or Floyd will be spinning some tunes to set the mood. Mike Moskowitz, our favorite conveyor of dark, caffeinated drinks, will be at the helm and neighbors and friends will certainly be inbound for this fun, Downtown Renton event.

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

Junebug's Birthday

2010-06-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

"J" is for Junebug - the cute Chinese Crested on the left, who had her first birthday on the first of this month. Celebrations and cupcakes are the norm in this here parts, so the day could not go unnoticed. Yeah! Just the right amount of fun to get this summer season started.

Chocolate cupcackes with dark cocoa cream cheese frosting, made by yours truly to help get the party started. Sue Rider, Dog Mom, brought the first rhubarb of the year baked in a lovely crumble. You soooo wish you had been there.

Birthday dogs get special treatment - like hugs from dear Neva, all cheeks and smiles.

Dog Mom herself, Sue displays the special "J" treats of the day. More happy memories to add to the year.

Thanks to Mike and Johnny, of Liberty Cafe on South Third, for letting us party hearty.

Local Eats and a place to meet - Week One at the Market

2010-06-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Market season begins once again - Tuesdays from 3pm til 7, so you still have time to nip in on your way home from work and get some locally grown and made goodies to add to your pantry.

There are some welcome new comers this year - one being Zaw Artisan Pizza, lovingly made right in front of you for you to take home and bake. Just seeing the pizza dough being rolled out by hand made me smile and salivate.

Dancing and music are always available at the Market. Some people just tap their feet - others, get their friends involved. Check out the wonderful website for Renton's Farmers Market to find out who will be playing next and what vendors you might find.

Ahhhh - and the flowers - who doesn't just want to come for a bunch of floral delight to take home. So reasonable, so gorgeous. These bunches were just $4 at 6pm when I cruised on through.

Little Blue Eyes Mini Munny
Under the loving care of Mary Clymer of Happy Delusions fame, there are crafters at the Market this year just across the street from the Piazza. This little munny was loving painted by one of my favorite artists, Alexandria Sandlin, of the big eye art. I love seeing this addition to the market. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Mary through the link provided above.

Farmers Market means family time - here are Jimmy and Katie out scouting the yummy treats with James, who is giving a resounding double high five to this year's market.

Honey, honey - raw, unfiltered, never heated and delicious, is available again this year. Sweet As Can Bee's Honey is local - and what could be better than that. They had flavors that piqued my interest - vanilla or the creamy habanero honey.

Known to many as Farmer Bill, Bill Provin had his shopping bag full of cherries and Trevani Truffles. I will be dropping by later, Bill, to help you with those purchases.

Forest Fairy Bakery delivers the goods and has been a market staple for the last couple of years. Welcome back!

Devon and little Bella scope the scene for likely purchases. I am assuming that if you can hold your dog, you can bring your dog. I think that sounds fair, right?

Another great addition on the craft side of the Market were these good smelling, locally made soaps by Pepo Park. I was given a sample to take home and it has made a new customer out of me. The lather and scent was just up my alley.

What opening day of the market would be complete without Randy Corman, member of the Renton City Council and our favorite men in blue, Jim Gould (center) and Dave Adam (right)? Our town is not so big as to prevent the Market from being a place to catch up with friends and meet people from City Hall. Gotta love it.

Renton Farmers Market
The Piazza/ South Third St. and Burnett
Tuesdays, 3pm - 7pm

The Weekend Memories

2010-06-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend in Renton - a couple of days strung together with a holiday and you get time to recreate and remember. Some, like our furry downtown friend Lucky, carries his spirit of the season with a red, white and blue collar. Go Lucky!

Others, like Bob Davis, hold a BBQ for friends and sundry, inviting them to come and swing some red and blue nunchucks to show their mad martial art skills. Bob assures me that girls like men with skills. Dina, Bob's wife, was unavailable for comment.

Many of us went to remember family members and friends who had served in the armed forces over the years for our country. Veterans of all wars were honored this day with flags, poppies, and the red, white and blue.

Mt. Olivet Cemetary, Renton's Pioneer Cemetery, is a beautiful and quiet place to visit and be reminded of the import of the holiday.

June 1st - can you believe it? I don't know about you, but I can't believe that summer has already begun.....
Hope you had a great weekend to inaugurate the season.

Lady Liberty Cupcakes

2010-05-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

What could be more patriotic than a vanilla cupcake with red, white and blue butter cream frosting? These special Memorial Day treats will be available through Monday, certain to bring a smile and smacking of lips to anyone lucky enough to score one.

Cupcake Queen, Crystal Roberts, is at it again. Never one to let a holiday go by without some new cupcake delight, The Picaroon is always ready and available for photo taking and general customer quality control. You wouldn't have it any other way, now would you? Cuz I am certain I wouldn't.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Making the memorial memorable

2010-05-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Monday - the official start of the summer season and the commemoration of all those who have helped and are helping to serve and protect our country. During these last few years, the war our country is in has been a bone of contention. Regardless of your views on our country's involvement overseas, the one thing we should all hold fast to is our unreserved support of the troops that risk life and limb and the families that wait for their safe return with baited breath and a prayer.

Ken and his team of workmates were out in force the other day tidying up the Veteran's Memorial Park on the corner of Main and South Third for the ceremony on Monday.

George and Dale were on loan from the Cedar River Parks Dept. to help get the park looking spiffy. Thanks guys - it was looking just lovely.

Dave was helping put a coat of black paint around the edge of the plaques listing the names of all those who have served our country through military service.

This holiday comes around and we forget why we have time off, what the meaning or spirit of the day is all about. What better way than to come together with other members of the community to take a moment and appreciate the efforts to preserve our right to live in the relative peace that America has been blessed with for many a year. Then take a poppy or flag to the grave of a family member that proudly served in a war on lands so far from home. We are all so fortunate that our days can begin without the threat of bombs or gunfire from invading troops. My brother lived in a generation that did not have to go to war - I can't imagine what it would be like waiting to hear if he was going to be one of the lucky souls to make it back.

Memorial Day Service
Veteran's Memorial Park
corner of Main and South Third Street
(523 South Third St)
Monday 2 pm - 3 pm

Hot Glass

2010-05-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

When Uptown Glassworks in Downtown Renton got a financial reprieve late last year and continued to be a part of the art scene of our town, we all got lucky. Not every place you live will have such a creative hive of hot glass activity. You can just pop through the front door on any given day and see art being made - and being made extremely well.

Chris Heilman helps run the workshop area of Uptown Glassworks and won't hesitate to recount where his latest work had been purchased and sent. Uri Geller (remember the guy who could bend spoons with his mind?) has most recently become the proud owner of one of Chris' museum quality pieces, and there are more stories like that. When Renton's sister city in Japan sent a delegation over to visit, their trip highlight was an afternoon spent with Chris Heilman and a piece of his work accompanied them home to Nishiwaki.

Classes are taught by Chris and Uptown Glass works, if this sounds like a calling for anyone of you. Last year through a grant provided by the City Arts of Renton, 10-12 people were able to sign up for free and come experience the wonder of a making glass bowl. Chris hopes to apply for the grant this year as well - it seems he was the author of the idea.

Chris's work has been seen and acknowledged by many . How fortunate we are that genius is so close at hand. Just another reason why Renton is so cool.

Uptown Glassworks
230 Main Ave. S.
425 228-1849

Music and Craft Magic in the DTR tonite!

2010-05-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mary Clymer in front of Harambe on South Third Street

UnDisCovEred - the Music and Craft Show in Downtown Renton begins today at 2 pm TODAY in the most excellent of all spaces - Harambe. The brain child of Nich Sullivan of Tyrannosaurus Records and Mary Clymer of Happy Delusions, and Spotlight Dance, this is a great way to spend this Saturday.

Matt Topping, who works at Harambe with those great after school programs, is helping the wonderfulness get on it's way today.

Crafters, like Kim Mazier with her funky and fun earrings, will be one of many stalls full of handmade goodies that you can shop. It's FREE to get in until 5pm today folks, so stop on by!! Once the music begins, you will be asked to get a ticket if you are not already holding one - but with the line-up, you'll want to keep hanging out.

Nich Sullivan of Tyrannosaurus Records and Bob Anderson
Featuring: Cock and Swan
Sweet Secrets
See Me River (with local rocker, Kerry Zettel)
Spotlight Dance Company will perform throughout the music program, and local Caffeine King, Mike Moskowitz, will be bringing the espresso to keep us all going.

This is a benefit for Childhood Cancer Sucks, so turn out and help rock the house til 11pm
tonite.

Harambe
316 S. Third Street
in the heart of Renton
2 pm til 11 pm/ $12 tickets for music after 5

PS Only our cool Renton folk could find such a great organization to give the monies from the event to - local, created a year ago, the Childhood Cancer Sucks foundation is run on volunteerism and dollars earned at events just like this.

Gunfire in North Renton - Yikes!

2010-05-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

POP POP POP - then add about 4 more gunshots - that was what the residents of North First Street and North Riverside Drive heard yesterday afternoon just a few minutes before 3 pm. Gorgeous day, and blue sunny skies marred by a group of young teenagers, about 15 in number, who erupted into an argument on the street that skirts the river and decided to settle things with a gun.

The Renton Police Dept and Crime Prevention were hot on the trail for the kids that took off in a run and flew down the alleys and back ways of North Renton. A friend of mine came out an hour later to find that her car windshield had a bullet hole - much to her surprise. The policeman that came took the bullet out of the back seat where it was lodged and let her hold it for a minute before scouting around the street for more spent bullets in the street. My friend was informed that the gunman, a 17 year old, was being held in Juvey (Juvenile Delinquent and Juvenile Justice). Not sure if the rest of the kids were picked up or found, but I really don't want to start my summer months with this type of shit in my neighborhood.

Looking since yesterday at the Internet for any word of this occurrence, and apparently no one was hurt (thank god! there could have been any number of people I know out near the river that day enjoying the awesome weather) because there is not one word about it to be found. My contact at the Police Department is out til Monday, but in the meantime people - call in the suspicious behavior and don't let the good people of Renton have anything but the safest of neighborhoods to grow, thrive and live in.

Warped Toys

2010-05-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome the World of Warped Toys as envisioned by local Renton artist, Kristi Hand. Happy Delusions, the indie craft store on South Third in Renton, had it's windows taken over by an amazing set of paintings, watercolors and toy creations this morn. And the world will never look quite the same again - thank god!

The reception is tonight, Friday, beginning at 7pm and is in cahoots with the First Friday Block Party and art showing that is happening next door at Liberty Cafe with Mary Clymer's Fun Felt Forest.

Irreverent? Wickedly humorous? Absolutely! Kristi has talent and spunk all rolled into one.

You may remember these small Pez dispensers that Kristi has taken over and made into the smallest of canvases for her detailed artwork. I love them.

There is a window full of Kristi's deft hand at painting that is not to be missed as well. I couldn't help myself - the toys were so captivating and demanded to be shot.

Greet and Meet the artists tonight - but if you miss the evening's fun, the work will be up for the entire month of May.

Happy Delusions
924 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 255-6078

Cupcakes any Mom will LUV

2010-05-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

People who love their Moms don't make Moms cook on Mother's Day. Chocolate Lavender Cupcakes with lavender infused buttercream frosting sounds like a great way to make the lady who brought you into this world happy this weekend. These tasty morsels are on sale until they sell out - for this weekend only. Special flavor just for the holiday, presented to us by Crystal Roberts, the undisputed Cupcake Queen of Renton (for anyone at The Landing who wants to know...)

Common Ground always has such a good window painter on call for all the holidays - brings a smile to my face everytime a new one goes up. Thanks for keeping up the holiday spirit for us.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Open Mother's Day

Felt Forest Friends

2010-05-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

First Friday Block Party season will be kicked off with Mary Clymer as the month's resident artist at Liberty Cafe starting this Friday. Channeling her favorite theme of trees and mushrooms, Mary's playful felt art wonders feature woodland friends and snippets of color enhanced nature. The show is entitled Fun Felt Forest.

Mary works from her interior inspiration. No patterns are drawn and the work is sewn without pins, so there is a very organic nature to her process. Mary loves how forgiving and cheap felt is to work with and has been amazed at what she has been able to create when allowing the felt to take over her living room for the last three weeks.

Not too long ago, Mary entered a contest for Pabst Blue Ribbon where she created a latch hook hanging that was selected to hang in the halls of the PBR headquarters back east. This spout of recognition created a little fire in Mary's creative belly, and she has been moving forward with her crafty self ever since.

Happy Delusions, the indie craft store that Mary owns and operates on South Third Street in what she has helped coin the "DTR" (aka Downtown Renton, y'all), kept Mary from some of her personal creative outlets for awhile. Now she is feeling really happy and at home with her chosen medium and having the show and deadline looming has helped bring her work into being.

Trucker hats with cute felt bling as well as headbands will also be available at the show. Some of the pieces that are to be hung are part of personal collections that are on loan for the show, but their are some recently created pictures that could go home with any of you.

The artist in her element

NellieLynn's Cheesecakes will be there with slices of cheesecake and wine, DJ Phil Anthony will be spinning some tunes - it is the place to be this Friday evening.

First Friday Block Party starts this Friday, May 7th at about 7pm

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

History/Herstory

2010-05-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Jack Hamann courtesy of his website

The Renton History Museum has the most entertaining way of learning about history - attend one of their free speaker programs. Tomorrow night at 5pm, Jack Hamann, author of the award winning book "On American Soil: How Justice Became a Casualty of WWII" will present the story of the 1944 riot at local Fort Lawton that resulted in dozens of African American soldiers being unfairly imprisoned for the murder of Italian POW Guglielmo Olivotto. The longest court martial of that war and the 28 men sent to prison were only exonerated three short years ago. If that isn't an interesting footnote in Washington history, I don't know what is. The program is free and you should consider heading over there after work.

Fort Lawton photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Fort Lawton was opened in 1900 and at least 20,000 troops passed through it's doors during WWII, where the fort was used as a POW camp for Germans and a stopping place for Italians en route to Hawaii for imprisonment.

Toni Douglas and Barbara Collander

2010 also marks the 100 year anniversary of Women Suffrage. A mere century ago, many women from pioneers to the more settled midwestern and east coast women's vote activists worked together to get ballots in the hands of the female population in Washington state. We forget that not every woman had the exact same vision or method for achieving this goal. May's Vote, a play written and acted by Barbara Collander and Toni Douglas, was presented last month at the Renton History Museum. The tale of the flamboyant May Arkwright Hutton of Spokane and the prim and proper Emma Smith DeVoe was both funny and moving as the audience recalled the struggle for women to be accepted as citizens with a voice.

Our local museum is a treasure, and I wish more folks would come to know it as I have since my return to Renton a short couple of years ago. History is full of stories that bear repeating, and there are lots of them that need to be heard.

Jack Hamann, Speaking Truth to Power: Modern Lessons from Historic Injustice
Tuesday May 4th at 5:00 pm
Free even appropriate for teenage audiences and up

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave.South 425-255-2330
Renton, WA 98057

Plant a Pancake

2010-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

84 years later, and McLendon's is still a family owned and run local hardware store serving an annual free pancake breakfast to kick off another year of business and the beginning of planting season. Up and adam early and you'll get a tummy full of carbs and protein to help fuel your day out in the garden.

The lines are long, but the pancake grill is fast and before you know it, you are feasting on a couple of flapjacks, 2 links of sausage, oj and hot coffee. Did I happen to mention that it was free?

Just in case you get the hungries before you make it to the head of the line, there is a cookie stop where you can seek sugar nourishment.

The smell that wafts over from the huge serving dishes full of breakfast goodies is wonderful. Everything is just hot off the grill and fresh, fresh, fresh.
That is a full head of steam rising from what was to become my plate. It was good, in case you were wondering.

This little guy just camped out in the cart, scarfing down as many sausage as were available.

This is probably the biggest store day for McLendon's the whole year, except for Mother's Day weekend when those fuschia hanging baskets just fly out the doors.

The Picaroon had a cart full of flowers and plants to plant, and all save one made it into the ground or pot this afternoon.

Happy 84th McLendon's!

McLendon's Hardware
440 Rainier Ave S
Renton, WA 98057-2401
(425) 235-3555

South Renton Spring

2010-04-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Two-toned Spring wonder right on Williams. This lovely Dogwood tree sports two colors of blooms, and some of the biggest that I have seen on any similar tree around. Just too pretty not to sit up and take notice of, don't you think?

Ah come, come quickly, spring!
come and lift us towards our culmination, we myriads;
we who have never flowered, like patient cactuses.
Come and lift us to our end, to blossom, bring us to our summer
we who are winter-weary in the winter of the of the world.
from Craving for Spring by DH Lawrence

Birthday Blessings from the coffee crowd

2010-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Mike

- your presence adds a dimension to our daily life that we all treasure

Free comics for everyone

2010-04-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

May 1st has lots of connotations and celebrations - but I bet you never counted on Free Comic Book Day being part of the spring day fun. Saturday at noon, the newly renamed business on South Third Street, The Comic Hut (formerly known to us as The Comic Den) will host a grand opening and participate in the national giving away of comics, along with door prizes and a special sale of backstock.

This is a sneak preview of some of those free comics we will be looking forward to picking up this weekend. Limit of two per person - bring a friend, get different issues and then swap. That's the plan here at The Picaroon.

This year's commemorative Free Comic Day shirt. Here's hoping that is one of those sweet door prizes.

Howard Wheatley, owner, has created a great new home for his comics after a 5 alarm fire nearly a year ago shook his shop in a smoking death grip. By this weekend, there will be a new wood sign hanging outside the establishment and fresh window designs up front. The Comic Den rises from the ashes to become The Comic Hut and our town keeps one more independent store that sets our downtown so far apart from the norm.

Saturday, May 1st noon-6pm National Free Comic Book Day
free comics, door prizes, fun

The Comic Hut
Comics and Collectibles
822 S. Third Street Renton ,WA 98057
425-235-1663

Tutmania returns - Ahhh those 70's memories

2010-04-28T16:41:00.001-07:00

King Tut returns to Seattle and the love of the boy King will begin all over again. In 1978, this exhibit was the exhibit of the year and families lined up outside the building the Seattle Art Museum erected for the occasion in the wee hours of the night to be able to get in and see the incredible gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun and other rare artifacts that the world had never seen assembled together before. Our family went - and we can still remember the trip and the wonderment.

This year the Pacific Science Center will host the return of the Egyptian boy king after some remodeling to their Seattle Center site, and a whole new generation will be able to see the wonders of a world gone by. The golden mask that became the symbol of the 70's exhibit will not be there (it is deemed to fragile to travel), but the artifacts that come this time have doubled and show the whole family of Nefertiti, Ahkenaten and Tutankhamun, including items from King Tut's grandmother Tjuya. Here is a great link to an article on what to expect. The exhibit will begin May 24 and runs for seven months with ticket prices around $26-35 bucks. New information will be revealed in the next couple of weeks about the true connections in this royal family that interbred to keep their royal throne. I'm gettin' excited already.

Now, today I ran into someone who somehow had never seen Steve Martin do his King Tut skit - unbelievable. Everyone needs to be reminded of this great talent from his SNL days... luv ya Steve...

Fame - Denied

2010-04-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

Fame denied, or maybe let's just say Liberty Cafe almost had a well deserved moment of recognition beyond the realm of merely Renton (where, of course, Mike and his coffee have a fabulous following as we Rentonites well know).

National Public Radio's international broadcast entitled, Marketplace, came in and spent a good hour interviewing Mike Moskowitz the other day at the Liberty Cafe, which got the regular crowd all a twitter. Unfortunately, the only shred left of that discourse was one line in this on the air magazine that deals with business and finance in the international market -

"We arrived in downtown Renton -- southeast from Capitol Hill -- and headed for the Liberty Cafe on 3rd Street."

Darn - so close to letting the rest of the nation and beyond know what a cool coffee haunt we have here in our midst. But we all know, and for today, I guess that will just have to be enough.

World Peace is possible

2010-04-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

When mail carrier, Diane, is found petting and cooing over a Pit Bull/French Bull Dog being trained by Mary Headrick, you know that World Peace may indeed be possible.

This amazing thought inspired by Michael, who uttered the title for this blog posting when he saw this gathering take place.

Happiness is in the little things sometimes

Cedar River's Floating Body

2010-04-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Helicopter circling in the sky, fire engine blaring and police cars all lit up in blue - this past hour at the Cedar River near Williams St. http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2037457880027604272&postID=2478667783131281153bridge. A dead body was seen floating in the water by some walkers on the river trail and pulled out onto the lawn in front of the Renton Senior Activity Center.

A young man who was one of the four initial people to see the corpse in the water, said that the body was short in stature (5'4" to 5'5"), short darkish hair and wearing a gray shirt and black puffy jacket and could not say whether it was female or male. The body was stiff though, when pulled from the river.

Three homeless men, concerned that it might be someone they knew, were assured by Renton Police that it wasn't a friend or acquaintance. This is news about Renton that will make the TV screen tonight in our homes, so hopefully we will be able to get the rest of the story.

UPDATE: Seems that the body was that of Gerald "Jerry" Selden, missing since last night - here is a link

Further Update: Here is the link from yesterday asking for help in locating the missing Vietnam Vet, Jerry

My prayers go out to the family that lost Jerry, and I am sorry this turned out to be him

New Shop needs a miracle

2010-04-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Thrift store meets swap meet and a place to feed the homeless out of the back - that was Dawn Finn's dream when she opened her store at 210B Wells Ave.S. not too long ago. Dawn and an old friend were partners in the store, but at the last hour, literally, it became a one woman show. Dawn has been struggling to realize her dream ever since.

To say it's been hard is an understatement. A third party that was savvy to the ways of Swap Meets also quit on Dawn and her husband lost his job this month. Someone came on to help at the store, but wrote scriptures on the store walls and then went off to join the carnival (really, I didn't just make that up). Dawn just was not getting any breaks.

The good news is that Renton, being the great town that it is, reached out to help. Charles of St. Charles Place Antiques and Restoration just down the street has given Dawn several display cabinets to use and sell at her store. Deb of Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral on S. Third has lent a hand. Everyone I know was trying to drop by unneeded items to donate to the cause. But it might in the end just not be enough.

Dawn needs a miracle by this Sunday to help her pull through - a new partner. The owner of the building is not making this any easier on her and she just needs some assistance to help get over the hump.

Everyday the shop is looking better, shaping up and filling out. If you can help - give Dawn a call today. She's waiting and keeping the hope alive.

Dawn Finn
Finn Thrift & Swap 210B Wells Ave. S.
425.829.6526

Redhouse reacquainted

2010-04-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Redhouse is one of those fine places to dine in our town, and we should be thankful that it has weathered this bad economic storm that has taken a few of our other dining hot spots away. Frank Lucarelli has for been at the helm of the kitchen for over a year, and his food is a force to be reckoned with - YUM. The night I went there his homemade Torta (read pizza rustica) was one of the specials. I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. On a night when the sun is pretending to shine, the outdoor deck awaits you.

Under the sure hand of Jeff Andrew, The Redhouse has not only a great kitchen, but a very fine wine selection by the glass or bottle and a treasure trove of beer. In fact, a whole room dedicated to just beer. You need not be dining there to go and purchase a bottle of something good.

For the last nine years, Aleana McMurray has been living and breathing her love of good wine and good beer, four of those years at The Redhouse. I love heading for her table and asking for her input on what I should be drinking (and eating). Aleana deserves a nod of recognition for a job well done. Gene - I love your restaurant. If I wasn't so budget constrained, you would see me around a lot more often.

The Redhouse
410 Burnett Ave.S.
425.226.2666

Poker runs in Renton

2010-04-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Poker runners ran throughout the downtown of Renton this past Saturday for the annual Spring Festival and Poker Run. Dave of Cedar Chest Antiques on S.Third St. was dealing out the cards from his deck in style. Like a man who dresses for the occasion.

Dacia Hanson of The Old Renton Book Exchange on Wells Ave.S. might be the newest arrival to the DTR, but her store had the best poker paraphernalia and hats in town. If you have not made your way into this wonderful haven of books, make it a priority soon. Dacia has the best book exchange policy to be found and the stacks are growing by the day, making it a much fre

Cedar Chest Antiques
916 South Third Street
(425) 271 - 0511

Old Renton Book Exchange
227 Wells Ave. South
425.430.BOOK / 425.430.2665

Exene of the band "X" plays Renton

2010-04-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Record Store Day across the land. Tyrannosaurus Records welcomes Exene Cervenka of the popular LA punk band of the 70's, X , for a concert that is free for all ages. Exene is poet, vocalist, musician, artist etc. and on a tour throughout the West Coast, bringing music to the people at her own expense. Copies of her latest album, Somewhere Gone, will be on sale as well as some special X Band vinyls that curious minds will have to turn up to see the treasures unearthed. This is Exene's first solo album in almost 10 years, so you should hot foot it down.
Exene announced last year that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but refused to let that get in the way of completing her tour. Gutsy, talented lady. She played last night at Easy Street in Queen Anne, having kicked off her tour on April 7th. Here is a link to a music video recently released featuring her exhubby, Viggo Mortensen( I can't help it =he's yummy!) and a great interview from late Fall.

Nic Sullivanof TRex Records, recommends you start showing up at 1 pm. Nic has been bringing some amazing talent to Renton as of late, and The Picaroon apologizes for not having posted more about his amazing commitment to bringing music to our zip code.

UPDATE: Here's Exene performing in Renton today and word is she may make it back our way this Fall. How lucky can we get??

Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S. Third St. in the DTR

tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com
tryannosaurusrecords.blogspot.com

Spring Festival and a run at Poker

2010-04-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Renton is blooming.

Spring has sprung and this Saturday we celebrate it at the Piazza with a festival and some low key poker playing. The Renton Poker Run is a great way to see the sights in Downtown Renton, acquaint yourself with some of the newer additions to the neighborhood and maybe win a prize. There are 34 businesses participating this year - visit them all, get your best poker hand together and maybe you'll get lucky.

Tulips at Liberty Park.

Rather just slowly sip your coffee and shop? Spring Festival also means Farmers Market, arts n' crafts vendors, music, kids activities, just general fun. This is when the Piazza is the way it ought to be more often- full of people and in use.

The look of spring in North Renton.

Personally, I am on the prowl for flower bouquets at the festival and hoping that my favorite snack vendors make an appearance. Mad money well spent, I say.

Veteran's War Memorial in the DTR

Spring Festival and Poker Run
Renton Downtown Piazza
S. Third St. and Burnett Ave.S.
Saturday, April 17th 12noon - 5pm

Poker Run
Sign up at booth in the Piazza - $1 donation or canned food to benefit Renton Salvation Army
Visit all participating businesses, get a poker card from each and try to get the best hand.
12noon - 4pm

When you don't know what to wear

2010-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

It all began with Liberty Cafe's first year anniversary and a caricature of Mike Moskowitz, one of the cafe owners, drawn by the tat artist, Tor from next door at Ancient Arts Tattoos. This cool piece of artwork that Tor just tossed off one day (his mad art skills just work that way) had been hanging on the bulletin board for some time already when a plan began to be hatched.

Ron Hughes, Liberty Cafe regular, had the idea to have a small run of T-Shirts made bearing Mike's image. Sarah Caldwell at Black Anchor T-Shirts and Printing, whom The Picaroon introduced ya'll to here, did the honors and a small posse of caffeine induced Rentonites descended on the cafe en mass March 13th to surprise Mr. Mike.

Mike was surprised. Now a couple dozen of his happiest cup o' joe regulars can be seen around town with a small copy of him emblazoned on their chests. Mike is, as we speak, making plans to insure that Ron Hughes' birthday is just as memorable.

Bill Provin, lovingly referred to as "Farmer Bill" by some, sporting the T.

Sue Rider in her pink version, of course.

Sue Hughes wears her caffeine colors proudly.

Don't mess with Mary Clymer, she is a total Team Mike supporter.

The T-Shirts are available by order at Liberty Cafe for a reasonable $15. Sarah of Black Anchor Printing is very preganant, so be patient with the time frame. These are like a special DTR phenomenom, which is what makes it all the cooler to request one.

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

The next best thing to a car

2010-04-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Biking season is upon us once again. On those Spring days where the sun is shining and the breeze not so brisk as to blow you over, it's time to think of training for the days when the weather bodes well and the clothing becomes shorter.

Ron and Maggie will be embarking on some wheeled adventures, maybe even blogging about them. Recommendation for you lovely folks? Get those cup holders for your bikes that GHY Bikeshop sells. Coffee and biking never looked so good.

Speaking of bikeshops, on S. Third Street is the great GHY Bikes with a really lovely supply of Electra Bikes, like the Townie line. Test driving one of these babies is way fun. This is the bike that my friend took for a spin last year, and it went home with her. FUN.

AJ, the owner of GHY Bikes, will put you in the driver's seat of something good. Or fix up the one you have sitting around at home, so you can start hitting the Cedar River Trail - or own little workout haunt. Read the bikeshop's blog and get some inspiration.

Personally, I love to ride with a book and a skein of yarn or two, waiting for the perfect patch of green, inviting grass to appear and plop! down I go.

Bikes like these Townies also make a statement - and look great in any decor or setting. My friend uses her bike in a variety of ways.

What plans do you have for your bike this season?

GHY Bikes
909 S. Third Street, Renton WA
425.227.4825/800.979.4825

Sweet little Spring splurges

2010-04-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Spring like a burst of color to update your look or that of your home. This cool brooch was found at the Antique Country Station 918 S.Third St. (425)235-6449 and was a bargain at $18. I would love to be seen wearing this. Pins have made their way back in, and the seashore inspired style is there.

Fresh dots of color in the kitchen will spark up your interior and your mourning mood, and these sets have got me heading for my pin money. You can find them at Black Chow Antiques 826 S.Third St. (425)-235-9229.

Whimsical accessories always turn my head. This bag is $28 at Cedar Chest Antiques 916 S. Third (425)271-0511

Early flocks of lilac and some of the best antique shopping for wonderful little finds, Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral 920 S. Third St. (425)687-2778 always is on my list of places to stop.

Jukebox from 1950, still playing the original 45's loaded into it and purring like the well run music machine that it is. Found this baby at St.Charles Place Antiques and Restoration 230 Wells Ave.S. (425)226-8427

Downtown Renton - wander around and see what is waiting to be found

To the beat of the drum

2010-04-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Speaker Events at the Renton History Museum are anything but dull. Take Lora Chiorah and her Rhythms of Zimbabwe free performance yesterday morning right here in the 98057. It was not long before the whole audience was on their feet and chanting out songs, playing games and laughing.

While Lora beats out the measures on the drum, her students dance for rain (yeah, someplaces need that dance), or just dance to dance. While many dances have a meaning, movement for movement's sake is just as pervasive.

The youngest troupe member was Lora Chiorah's granddaughter, and while still practicing her moves, she comes along to events because she loves to be there. Dance and drums can do that to you.

Lora Chiorah

Northwest Tap Connection and Spectrum Dance, located just north of our burg, offer classes in African Dance for those inspired. I was. Lora claimed to be 60 and I think that drumming and dancing must be the elixir of youth. Check out Lora's link here.

I am always surprised that more people don't take advantage of these awesome free moments of entertainment in the DTR. Really - try just one, and you will be hooked.

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave. South
Renton, WA 98057
425.255.2330

Putting a face to Renton ART

2010-04-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Mertes

Renton is artistic - make no mistake. Our burg has a talented population, and last night at the IKEA Performing Arts Center, I saw a few of the faces that comprise that collage of local talent we should be supporting.

Gretchen Mertes is a pastor at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and very involved in the Luther's Table that will be coming soon in the ground floor of the VA building under construction across from Renton High School. Seems so fitting to have this place where you can get food and find something to nourish the soul on the former site of a Lutheran Church. Lending her hand to organizing the talent on stage last night at the Open House, Gretchen also has a great voice and mean hand at the guitar. She rocks.

Watercolor painter, Helga Jacques contact 425.226.4383

Helga Jacques, Renton resident and water color painter, was on the stage painting and selling artwork while dancers were flinging about and music was being made.

Watercolor painting by Louis Anderson contact 206.772.2317

The paintings of Louis Anderson made me stop more than once to ponder (and covet). Local resident since 1952, Louis remembers having an artist studio on Wells Ave back in the 60's that he rented for $50 a month and religiously visited to paint in every evening after work. Louis wonders why the empty store fronts in Renton don't have artist galleries in place until a permanent tenant is found. Yeah - why not, Renton!?

Spotlight Dance Center represent! Renton is lucky to have a place right in our downtown where the desire to explore movement and dance is encouraged and flourishes.

Show Brazil! founder and performer, Eduardo Mendonca, played the guitar and sang, reminding us that Renton is an incredible cornucopia of languages and sounds. He has played for world leaders and in other countries, and he lives right here in our little town. Who knew.

Wanna get involved or ask some questions? For more information, call 425.430.6589 or email Arts@RentonWA.gov.

Birthday Boys

2010-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Free Fun Saturday

2010-04-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Singing, dancing, stories waiting to be told, games to be played and an audience to be involved.

"Lora Chiorah-Dye is the Artistic Director for LORA & Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble that interprets Zimbabwean culture. According to Ms. Chiorah-Dye, “There is no distinction between audience and performers in my culture. If you can walk you can dance. If you can talk you can sing!” Come and be a part of the fun as... she engages families in storytelling, children's games, singing, and dances from Zimbabwe."

Renton History Museum
Saturday, 11 am, April 10th
235 Mill Ave. S., Renton WA

Audience: children through adult. 425.255.2330

Master the Art Plan

2010-04-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Want to help steer the Renton art ship? Be entertained and become involved with the future of arts and culture in our town. Drawing for tickets of future events and lots of inter-community dialogue and networking.

Hosted by Renton Arts & Culture Master Plan Steering Committee

Tonight, 5 - 8pm

IKEA Preforming Arts Center 400 S 2nd St Renton, WA 98057

Frosting and Petals

2010-04-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Springs blue skies and bright pink petals are popping up on the Renton radar - even in the cupcake realm. Crystal Roberts, Cupcake Queen at our local haunt, Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, has put her latest creation together and christened it Raspberry Antoinette. This raspberry swirl cake with vanilla buttercream frosting is a concoction that deserves a party. Frilly dresses and a few demitasse cups of bitter brew to counter balance the lovely sweetness of the cake.

The local rhodies are also fully decked out this week with our on again, off again warm weather hastening them into bloom. Amazing how similar the color palette is between these two Renton lovelies.

Crystal holding on of her charming creations.

Life and art have so much in common.

I couldn't help but put these two sets of photos together, they are strikingly complimentary.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

PEEPing around Renton

2010-04-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Downtown Renton has gone to the PEEPS - and I am lovin' it. Our first Peep was found at the GHY Bike Shop trying to graduate from peepwheels to a more serious ride. Here's hoping he makes it past the treacherous turf - oh boy.

Peep 'n Bitch has taken over the Happy Delusions usual Sunday Stitch and Bitch, and Mary Clymer likes her new puff dude just fine.

Still life with Peep - Mike Moskowitz of Liberty Cafe contemplates the proverbial navel with the help of some yellow processed sugar.

Peeptail anyone? Makalina of the DC's Bar and Grill has just your Easter flavored concoction when you didn't find just everything you wanted in your basket this weekend.

Peep Quality Control over at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes - is this Peep sweet enough? Ummm, the Cupcake Queens will just take a bite or two and see...

Great Peepin' Tattoos! Peeps know they have a short life on this earth, why not have the best ink in town before the last Easter Basket falls with Tor at Ancient Arts on South Third.

A Tale of Two Peeps - or who is peeping who? Dacia of The Old Renton Book Exchange on Wells Ave. S. is about to find out.

Trolling for Peeps in North Renton - and I found one at the garden of Steve Near as he prepares and plants during the tempestuous weather we call Spring.

To all of my Peeps -

Happy Easter

Lilies, bunnies and floral fun - Cugini's

2010-04-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Cugini's looks great at anytime of the year - but when the Easter Lilies are in season, the sweetness of this bloom permeates everything in the store and it easily becomes the best smelling place in town.

Bunnies abound - and the cuteness factor rates high.

I'd like to adopt this fellow - he's like an Easter lookout. He'll know where my brother hides the eggs this Sunday.

The beautiful hues of the begonia can also be found, nestled in amongst the Easter blooms. The color is so enticing and promises to help us believe that Spring has really sprung.

Every basket needs a cheeky chick.

Cugini Florist and Fine Gifts
413 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 255-3900

The Library's Discard Pile

2010-03-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dumpster full of paperback books, torn by hand, and filled to the brim.

How to use $5 million new tax dollars at the Library or isn't it nice that they recycle (?)

Renton Library - The good, the bad and the ugly

2010-03-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

To be sure, there is always a good side to every new change and challenge, so let me start out with the good news where the Renton Public Library is concerned. After losing the vote to save our local library and Renton joining the ranks of the King County Library System, our library has gotten extended hours, access to the stacks at any KCLS branch (and there are over 40 of them) and my personal favorite, the ability to apply for a Seattle Public Library card for free (that's a $75 savings, folks.)

The KCLS system will finally be fully integrated with the Renton Public Library's system by this Monday, so all interested can get the new hybrid card, allowing you to check out books from KCLS and Renton's two branches. It is one of the cooler things to come out of this venture - it has a photo of our statue seen above on it and remains the same color of green. I plan to get right in there at the beginning of next week to get mine. I am glad that this transition is almost to an end. It didn't look like fun for anyone.

Now for the bad. The library has become - well, loud. You can use your cell phone and no offense, but the days of the quiet "shushing" librarian are gone. Some of them are the worst culprits and I kinda liked it when you had to be considerate of others who were reading and such.
Soon there will be a total of 28 computers (kinda good) and a lot of tables will be taken out. Guess it's more important to take your books elsewhere and browse.

You may notice that the electronic stanchions that stood at the entrance and exit have been removed and the books are no longer scanned in that fashion to prevent theft. Not the way KCLS does business. DVD's will soon be left out on the shelves, cases open, and any theft of stock from the stacks comes under the "acceptable loss" terms of the budget. Man - I think they should have just kept those electronic babies up. Keep everyone on their best behavior if you know what I mean. I hate having to pay taxes for books you know are gonna walk more frequently now. I even hate writing this and revealing the truth of the less than safe status of our books.

Now for the UGLY. These are all the books that I saw, torn apart by human hands, and left in the recycling bin outside the library's side door today. This container is FULL. Not left to the new secondhand bookstore that Renton finally saw it's doors open last week. Not for the much diminished sale shelves of books the library sets out, and not for Renton River Days when many of us have fond memories of buying discarded library books with relish.

There are comment forms on the head librarian's desk should you find anything you would like to see addressed heard and considered. I am going to fill one out today. I miss my local librarians, who now have schedules that force them to work in other branches instead of just at ours (the "cluster system is what it is called and as yet, I don't see the merits of it) and whom seem to be rather tentatively weathering the changing of the guard. Things seem to have gone from a generous "we" to a insular "ME" in the way things are run. Sigh.

I guess it just sucks not to have as much say in our local library. I wish that weren't the case. I am still available for "silver lining" moments. Chin up and all. I'll keep you posted.

Renton Public Library
100 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-430-6610
Regular Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Ohh, the books, the books

2010-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Owner Dacia Hanson, with her current read " Your Vigor for Life Appalls Me - Robert Crumb Letters" by R.Crumb

The return of the independent bookstore to Renton is finally here - and the wait was well worth it. 11 year veteran of McDonald's Book Exchange in Redmond, Dacia Hanson opened her doors this week in the Louisa Building on Wells Ave. S. in a lovely space and shelves that are filling rapidly.

With an emphasis on reasonable prices and customers bringing in books for exchange and credit in the store, now is a great time to spring clean at home. A cool bonus is that your credit will be honored at the sister store in Redmond, owned by Dacia's friend and previous employer, Ann St.Germaine. Though two separate businesses, the idea for this Renton store began when Ann and Dacia noted that McDonald's Book Exchange had enough books coming through the door to fill another shop. Customers from as far away as Olympia and Chehalis were coming to exchange their books on the store's generous terms, so obviously there was a large market that was still yet to be tapped.

All genres are represented at the shop, though a steady overturn in the Romance section is to be expected. Already boasting a good selection of Philip Roth books, a couple of vintage editions of Black Beauty and volume one and two of Art Speigelman's Maus, Dacia is pleased with the growth her new shop has already seen.

If you don't see her as often as you would like this week - it's because she had a car accident recently and is working on getting a new set of wheels. I can already tell that it will not be long before both Dacia and her shop feel like old friends in the DTR.

Old Renton Book Exchange
227 Wells Ave. South
425.430.BOOK / 425.430.2665

Across the street from the bookstore, Dawn Finn has opened the doors of her thrift and swap shop and is now accepting donations and has stall space up for rent for interested parties. This street in Renton has got so many new moves, it is hard to fathom.

Remember the metal detector store? Seems like the empty store front has finally been rented and that a beauty salon will open soon. Yep, right there on Wells Ave.S.

What did I tell ya - this block is the current bomb of activity.

Fire in North Renton and all hail the new chief

2010-03-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Late last night, the flames from the back of the Law Offices on Park Ave. could be seen from the front rooms of residents on North First Street in the neighborhood of North Renton. While the big trucks came and three fire departments responded, the 2 alarm fire did not injure anyone and started at the carport in the rear of the building. Okay, there was a very hurt Lexus parked there, and the fire department was on the scene this morning trying to ascertain the cause.

The last of the big trucks left the scene at about 1 am this morning. From 10 until midnight there still seemed to be billows of smoke pouring out and the neighbors in jammies were wandering at the sidelines.The KOMO News truck was there last night and again this morning, covering our local burg.

The front of the law offices seems relatively unharmed by the fire and rather quiet for a work day. Guess it was better to stay at home until further notice.

Good news is that we all get to welcome 30 year fire department veteran, Mark Peterson to the post of Renton Fire Chief. Announced in the Renton Reporter yesterday, it comes as no surprise that the guy who has been holding the fort down since Chief Daniels left last year should be named to take his place. Congratulations Mark!

Blue skied and beautiful - Renton today

2010-03-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Blue skied Spring wonderment - that is what greeted me today on my ride out to the edge of Lake Washington on this fine, Renton day. Lake Washington, known in the native Duwamish tongue as Lake Xacuabs, means basically a whole lot of water. Yep, that would describe it.

Few places afford you such great views and within a stone's throw of our historic downtown.

That's not a speck on your screen, that's a plane having just taken off from the Renton Municipal Airport (or Clayton Scott Field now) just to the left of where this photo was taken.
Renton - it's a great place to be.

Renton and the people of the inside

2010-03-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Cecile Hanson, Chair person of the Duwamish Tribal Council and her dog, Quidee

The first people of this land we call Renton were the Duwamish Tribe. Known as "the people of the inside", they gave their name to the river nearby and helped the early settlers and founders of Seattle make the Elliot Bay basin and it's watershed rivers their home. Last year, the 600 member Duwamish built the first native longhouse on Puget Sound in 115 years and are helping to educate the local populace about their ongoing cause to be officially recognized as a tribe.

The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is right across the street from the mouth of the Duwamish River and is constructed of red and yellow cedar that still flavors the air. The building is traditional cedar post and beam and houses a little gift shop, conference room and longhouse. If you are looking for a cool place to hold a meeting, look no further. This place is lovely and available for bookings.

Native Master Weaver, Mary Lou Slaughter has her work on display in the longhouse and is the fourth generation great granddaughter of Chief Sealth. The small gallery/museum holds a few pieces of her work, reproductions of the photographer Edward Curtis' work and some signage explaining the Duwamish peoples' history.

The gift store at the entrance to the longhouse.

This is a view inside of the cedar longhouse itself.

Photo courtesy of Renton History Museum

This is the Duwamish Chief, Henry Moses in the year 1920. Henry was born in a longhouse located at what is now known as Renton High School. Henry was a star athlete, respected civic leader and the last hereditary chief of his tribe. I don't know about you, but that just doesn't seem all that long ago. I would have loved to have met this guy.

This is the face of a Duwamish tribal member today - Cheyenne Shelafoe. The kids dance and sing in their native tongue - Lushootshed, and a new generation embraces it's history while creating a new future.

The Duwamish Longhouse has a new director, Dave Haladay, who came to join the staff here just 6 weeks ago. If you are interested in pursuing more information or looking for a tour, contact him.

This article written a year ago from the magazine, Seattle Metropolitan, was really well written and informative.

Keep in mind that the Renton History Museum is offering a wonderful program for 3rd,4th and 5th graders on the Coast Salish Indians.

Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center 4705 W Marginal Way Southwest Seattle, WA 98106 (206) 431-1582
Get directions

A bit of the Irish

2010-03-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here at The Picaroon, we like to celebrate our Irish roots. First, comes the nontraditional but highly welcome, espresso to jet start the day (to help mellow the beer that is soon to come after :) ) This lovely cup of caffeine brought to you by:

Jet City Espresso
at the corner of 2nd and Main in the DTR

Next, Irish Soda Bread made by me wee little self this a.m. - just like the ancestors made it.

Lastly, the bit of "flair" for the day to make sure everyone knows not to pinch me, and that we Irish have always been known for our sense of humor.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Abruzzi Pizza and Pasta

2010-03-16T15:36:00.001-07:00

Mary Lou can toss up your pizza, lay out the place settings and get your glass of wine. This multitasking local Rentonite has been doing business in neighboring Normandy Park at her pizzeria since October of 2007, keeping up a tradition that started in Seattle many moons ago.

Named after a Seattle institution that was located in Downtown Seattle at 6th and Pike from 1956 til it's closing in 1994 when owner Nick Finamore (Mary Lou's exhusband) passed away, Abruzzi's Pizza & Pasta offers a smaller selection of some of those great dishes that the original served. When Mary Lou Sigette opened this business she hadn't made a pizza in 15 years, but your hands never forget how to work the dough and that woman can cook up a storm.

The interior is simple. Checkered tablecloths and wine served in tumblers instead of wine glasses against a backdrop of vibrant red walls. Daily specials on the board as you come in tell you what Mary Lou has especially created (like Pork loin Sandwich on garlic parmesan bread) and the soups are homemade on site. This is why I like eating out at nonfrachised joints - the food is unique and good.

Abruzzi's has hit the radar of the local dining section at the Seattle Times a couple of times. In December of 2008, Nancy Leson featured an article about Abruzzi's and for a couple of weeks, the place was hit with newcomers. Then business slides back to it's usual pace, being frequented by friends and regulars who make it their business to eat locally with Mary Lou.

If you remember Abruzzi's from your earlier years, the card above won't surprise you. It hearkens back to the same design used by the restaurant in the 50's. This is where old memories can be reborn and tastebuds can be satisfied. Stop in, support a local Rentonite and have some hand tossed, pizza made perfect as the Abruzzi tradition lives on in Mary Lou's capable hands.

Abruzzi Pizza & Pasta
17817 1st Ave. S.
Normandy Park, WA 98149
206-805-1704

The Return of Fondue in Renton

2010-03-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Photo from drmvm's Flickr account, funnily entitled "holy crap, It's another photo of fondue"

You remember when you couldn't go to a garage sale without stumbling over a fondue pot for sale, or the three or four fondue sets that your parents received as wedding gifts that still hideout in the attic somewhere. Well, dig them out and get those burners lit - Fondue season is officially OPEN.

Yesterday was Fondue Brunch at the Liberty Cafe, and the feasting and dipping went on for a good long while. There was a chocolate pot for the varied fruits and pound cake, and a cheese fondue for the assorted veggies and bread. Totally vegetarian folks.

One of the tasty creations just prior to being consumed.

Jake seen here going for the fondue gusto.

Bill Collins, Sue Hughes and Sue Rider.

Many thanks go out to Sue Rider, who truly was the wings beneath this feast. It would not have happened without all the goodies you so loving bought and prepared. Thanks to Sue Hughes for the bananas and The Picaroon brought the sour cream pound cake, just to help out.

Liberty Cafe - whatever will happen next there?

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

DTR Anniversaries - Liberty Cafe and Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes

2010-03-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today was the day to be in the DTR corridor my friends. Both Liberty Cafe and Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes were having anniversary celebrations and fun was to be had all around. Liberty Cafe celebrates a year in our fine, historic downtown Renton area and Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes has been serving us for three years now. How quickly time passes when you are drinking caffeine and eating frosting yum yums.

One Year of great coffee and community

2010-03-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Celebrating a year of coffee and community tomorrow at Liberty Cafe. Mike Moskowitz's shop at the top of South Third Street has brought a sense of home to the Downtown Renton corridor. Open from 7am til 9pm, this has become the local hang. Art shows each month, First Friday Block Parties, Magic Night on Mondays and now Open Mike on Wednesdays, Liberty Cafe is a place to be.

The coffee is always good and flowing, a relaxing vibe surrounds and conversations abound - just what anyone needs to help them make it through the day.

Details? Tomorrow, Saturday March 13th, all day tomorrow, will be a day of celebrating, so get your coffee mojo on and I am certain there will be fun shenanigans to partake in while you are there. Johnny Uysal, the other important half of this cafe endeavor, will be around helping make it the place to be.

Mike, may I say this for all of us who know and love you - thanks for what you bring to the table, man.

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

Common Ground has party plans

2010-03-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a quick three years since Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes joined our downtown community, and they have become a beloved member of the local family. Many have welcomed their presence in Renton's downtown corridor, and owner Hang and Lenge have felt the community's appreciation in a couple of larger than life moments.

Crystal and Brandie

Months after the opening of the shop in 2007, a car ran through the window of the store in the middle of the night, and neighbors helped stand guard over the premises and board up the windows with plywood without batting an eye. It was the first time Lenge, husband of the couple team that owns and helps operate the coffee shop, felt such kinship in a place they lived and worked in.

Then there was the five alarm fire that struck the building adjacent to their shop's in the summer of last year. The smoke and water damage had them closed for days, but an order of wedding cupcakes got made and decorated with the assistance of local shop owners.

However, Common Ground has given back a lot to Renton and I am so happy that misfortune did not discourage them from continuing to be a member of our downtown crew. The cupcake shop is a spot where all ages can gather to eat, drink and make merry.

Pot O' Gold Cupcake and artwork by Melanie Hall

To celebrate the three year anniversary this Saturday, March 13th, there will be

*free mini cupcakes with coffee drink purchase
*face painting from 11- 2pm
*music by Paco Jones
*local art show/balloons
*raffle featuring local businesses
*double stamp coffee cards

The Cupcake Fairy Artist, Melanie Hall, will also be on hand along with her artwork, to meet with all of you. That is her work above with the special Pot O' Gold Cupcake, a new creation for this month of March, which is a chocolate Guinness cake with Irish Cream buttercream frosting made with Jameson Irish whiskey - oh my!

Hang, owner and lovely lady
Downtown Renton this weekend is the place to be! I have more to report on that score tomorrow, but set your compass for the DTR and come hang out with all of us local Rentonites.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

The Sub that was hit but didn't sink

2010-03-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Sub Shop #8 - with an unpretentious name like that, you know it has got to be good. It has been a staple sandwich stop spot for many walking the Cedar River Trail or seeking a good and quick sandwich (like nearby Boeing workers) on the go for years. Then a car ran into the building in the Fall of last year, and everyone wondered if the owners would rebuild again.

This isn't the first time that an automobile making the corner at Airport Way S. and Logan Ave. has come barreling through the Sub Shop's window. From what I hear, it has happened once or twice before. So it brings me great pleasure to say that once the molding has been put in and a little further rebuild on the kitchen, the place should be open within a month.

From what I can ascertain, it will be the same owners (see link below to their website) and a sub shop once again. Kudos for having the balls to rebuild one more time. Hey, City Council, can we help them out with some guard rails or something? It looks so good - I would hate to see a car meet that pretty new wall.

Sub Shop #8
30 Logan Ave S.
Renton, WA 98055
directions