Tom Skerritt - Madison Park's famous actor, director and writer who has been referred to as "the best-known actor that is never remembered" - was recognized by the Rainier Club when they appointed him this year's club laureate.
At a dinner in his honor, wife Julie Tokashiki, put together a lively video that had some of his more famous scenes from "Top Gun," "Steel Magnolias," "M*A*S*H," "Contact" and "Alien."
One of his lesser known roles was in Cheech and Chong's "Up in Smoke." One club member said they thought they had seen it but couldn't remember; after all, it was the '70s.
ARTFUL RALLYING
Poncho's 45th-anniversary gala looked like a page from the 98112 neighborhood on April 21. The line at the bar could have been the morning lineup at Starbucks in the park, with Paul Hayes and Harry Ross (whose employer Macy's was a major sponsor) and Marshall McReal and John Friedman perusing items in the silent auction area.
Donors were especially generous: Chap and Eve Alvord, Bill and Ruth True, Skerritt, Chloe and Lance Mueller and Martha E. Harris were familiar names peppered throughout the catalogue.
Residents and businesses from Leschi to Madison Valley all donated something: Rene Bassetti, Bob Arnold and Geri Lucks, Madison Park Café, Mary Ann Champion, Cupcake Royal, Marco Farmer and, of course, Starbucks were generous.
The evening raised more than $800,000 for arts organizations in Washington state.
COUPAGE AT THE HENRY
Star-studded Coupage (1404 34th Ave.) restaurant's chef and owner, Thomas Hurley, took a night off from the Madrona kitchen to create a special dinner at the Henry Art Gallery for his dear friend Mario Bisio (Mario's) and women's clothing designer Peter Cohen.
Broadmoor resident Kim Daugs and good friend and Montlake resident Stephanie Otis were among the diners, shoppers and donors.
POP OVER TO ISLAND VIDEO
The staff at Island Video deserves a reward or at least a big thank-you for bringing back the free popcorn.
After months without and daily questions of "when is the popcorn coming back," it has indeed returned.
Island Video (3109 E. Madison St.) is still more personable than On Demand or Netflix, because the store has real people who can answer questions about obscure films and, yes, shower you with free popcorn.
DANIEL'S BROILER GETS THE BEAT
New to the crew at Daniel's Broiler in Leschi is someone who can rock your world or get you seated at a window table. New general manager Ira Muench plays the drums for the heavy-metal band Train Yard (www.trainyardmusic.com). Pay a visit to 200 Lake Washington Blvd. to order a steak and ask Ira for a solo (outside).
Dolly West, an East-Central Seattle resident, has lived in Seattle for more than 25 years.
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