November 19, 2010 -  5 Alarm Fantastic

Members of the Renton Firefighters Benevolent Association provided an AMAZING meal for Fisher House guests.   All those rumors about what terrific cooks firefighters are?  True!  Read more here.  A big "thank you" to everyone who participated, including Renton retailers Shawn & Ted's Meat Market, who donated the pork loin, and Top of the Hill Quality Produce for the veggies.

November 11, 2010 - Veterans Day Celebration

Veterans Day this year was unforgettable.  Throughout the day we received visitors bringing cards, treats and other remembrances in honor of our Veterans.

Regular supporter Elizabeth Servey brought her twins, James and Andrew, who presented cards made by their Kindergarten class and cookies they had baked with mom.  These little guys are real givers....a few months ago they decided to take their first ever allowance and buy toys for the Fisher House!  But then, they've learned it from the best.  Elizabeth comes by Fisher House regularly with donations of food and other household items and has enlisted her American Legion post (#123). to plan some events for families.

Elizabeth, James and Andrew Servey

Meanwhile,  in the kitchen VA Puget Sound Health Care System Deputy Director Deann Lestenkoff, son Lucas and high school volunteer Dylan Thomas were busy baking Black Bottom Cupcakes for the guests.

Deann, Lucas and Dylan take a moment from their baking.

And there were other sweets in the house.  Our faithful baking volunteer Lynda Becker arrived with a gorgeous Veterans Day cake.  Lynda provides her signature cakes for all our special events.

Manager Cecile Bagrow displays Lynda's Veterans Day cake.

Members of the Vet Net group at Google arrived to provide lunch and some spirited rounds of Bingo, complete with very cool Google swag for prizes.     This was part of a nation-wide effort by Google employees to honor the service of America's veterans.

Fisher House guest Mary Fairchild with the Servey family & members of Google Vet Net ready for another round of bingo.

James & Andrew cuddle up with Melissa Moody, who coordinated the Google party.

The "Googlites" pose for a picture. 

Guest Mary Johnson expresses her gratitude to one of the Vet Net team for a wonderful afternoon.

But amid the fun and games we had some somber moments, too.   The Oslund family said their final "goodbye" to their Veteran husband and father, Carl.   The family had prepared for his passing, knowing it was likely to be on Veterans Day.  A flag had been prepared to drape his body and his son and son-in-law dressed in their Class As for a final salute.

Carl Oslund's son Don and son-in-law Jim prepare for their final salute.

Carl's wife, Helen, daughter Barbara and grand and great-grandchildren released balloons in honor of "Papa".

No sooner had the "Googlites" taken their leave than members of the VAPSHCS Blacks in Government group arrived to cook a fabulous soul food dinner for guests.

Blacks in Government members collaborate on the mac & cheese.

Kemmie stirs the greens.  (He also makes a coconut cake that will make you swoon!)

Evelyn and Tracye offered their support (and delicious mac & cheese) to Helen.

We are very grateful to the Servey family, Google Vet Net, Blacks in Government, Lynda Becker & Soldiers Angels for taking the time to make our commemoration of Veterans Day 2010 so unforgettable.

August 5, 2010 - The Visiting Team

Steve & Debbie Foster were staying at Fisher House in support of their active duty son's family, while their daughter-in-law and new grandson were in hospital in Seattle.   Their older son, Steve Jr. just happens to be the bullpen coach for the Kansas City Royals.  While in town for a weekend series against the Mariners, Steve visited Fisher House along with pitcher Bruce Chen, third base coach Eddie Rodriquez and head athletic trainer Nick Kenney.    After a tour of Fisher House, the Royals spent time talking with guests and posing for photos.    We thank the guys for taking time from their busy schedule to visit!

FIsher House guest Janet and her husband, David, pose with members of the Kansas City Royals.

Pitcher Bruce Chen (#52) talks with visiting patient, Les.

Members of the Kansas City Royals posed with our manager.

Left to right, Head Athletic Trainer, Nick Kenney, Pitcher Bruce Chen, Bullpen Coach Steve Foster, 3rd Base Coach Eddie Rodriquez, Fisher House Manager Cecile Bagrow

June 18, 2010 - International Picnic Day

Summer may be slow in coming to the Northwest but that wasn't about to stop us from celebrating the quintessential summertime event.   The weather mostly cooperated as guests gathered for a BBQ with all the fixin's.

Housekeeper Ray grills up burgers and hot dogs.

Rachel enjoys her picnic lunch.

Anita and Dale enjoy their burgers.

June 10, 2010 - Healing Garden Dedication

After 10 weeks of focus groups, design, construction and planting - usually in pouring rain - the students of the UW Landscape Architecture Design/Build program completed the new Healing Garden.   After the dedication guests enjoyed refreshments and walked through the beautiful new garden. 

Some of the UW students celebrate the new garden.

Over 100 guests joined us for the dedication.

Guests explore the outdoor pavilion.

Board member Pat Norikane-Logerwell tours the garden with guests.

June 7, 2010 - National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Who knew that one of the greatest frozen treats has a day all to itself?  But ascribing to the motto, "Any excuse for a party", Manager Bagrow was in the kitchen serving up ice cream cones for guests.

Sugar cone?

4 year old Elijah enjoys his cone with mom, Diane. 5 month old baby brother Isaiah will have to wait until next year.

May 12, 2010 - Tun Tavern Grub Club Dinner

Semper fideles. This watchword of the Marine Corps perfectly suits the women of the Tun Tavern Grub Club who are always faithful in preparing a monthly themed dinner for the Fisher House families.

Guests enjoy the Fiesta themed dinner in May.

April, 2010 - Easter

Twenty-one Easter baskets awaiting delivery to all the guest rooms.

March 7, 2010 - Oscar Night

Kim shows off her winning Oscar ballot and her prize package...movie tickets and, of course, a box of Red Vines.

February 2, 2010 - 1000th Family Celebration

After a long drive from Spokane, Jeri Jo Clark was just happy to check in.  Little did she know that in receiving her keys she was also representing the 1000th family to be served at VA Puget Sound Fisher House. 

Jeri Jo and Jerry Clark, our 1000th family.

The Clarks celebrate with staff and other guests.

Christmas 2009

It is not easy to be away from home during the holidays, especially with a loved one who is ill or injured.  But with the help of Soldiers Angels and a variety of other donors, we were able to stuff stockings and serve a beautiful dinner to Fisher House guests on Christmas day.   The spirit of giving was alive and well.

Clockwise from top:  Mary & Elizabeth share a holiday laugh;  Javier, Elsa & XImena model their new winter hats; Milagros with her stocking

Clockwise from top:  Ximena with her fabulous purple iPod; Garbriel opens his gifts; Gabriel and mom Florlita pose by the tree.