Washington State Convention Center Turns 25!

As a member of the Art Advisory Board for the Washington State Convention Center,  I was pleased to attend the big "25 Years of Service" celebration of WSCC last week. Husband and curmudgeon, Ken, grudgingly accompanied me, but once he was there was so impressed and very glad that he attended after all.  Whew!

The reception was held in the Level 4 North Lobby which was filled with an installation of a special collection of cookie jars which was arranged for by Art Advisory Board member, Margery Aronson.  The dessert later in the evening was a vast array of freshly baked cookies from notables in Seattle.  As a memento of the evening, each guest was presented with a special collection of cookie recipes.  

Linda Willanger Celebrates
25 Years of Service

The dinner was held in the adjacent glass Skybridge which spans PIke Street.  I'm not sure where there is a more spectacular place to hold an event.  I felt like we were in a glass box balanced in the sky with airplanes visible overhead, traffic underneath and in the distance the Pike Place Market and the water.

The WSCC Chef and his team presented beautifully prepared food that was fitting to the beautiful venue.  We enjoyed visiting with many friends and acquaintances during the reception and over dinner including Joan & Bob Wallace, Carla Murray, Bob Flowers, Karen Wong, Matt Griffin, Jane & Dan McConnell, Susana Murillo, Susan & Dennis Okamoto, Marisa & Brad Walker, Stacy & Greg Lill, Jim Ellis, Frank Finneran and many others.

Jim Ellis and Ken Hatch share a moment together.

Ken was delighted to be able to catch up with Jim Ellis, with whom he shares a longstanding friendship since Jim sat on Ken's KIRO Broadcasting Board of Directors for many years.  Linda Willanger, WSCC Vice President of Administration, who oversees and directs much of what goes on with the committees and Advisory Boards at the Convention Center, was recognized for her efforts of 25 years on behalf of WSCC!  Congratulations, Linda!

WSCC Chairman of the Board, Frank

Dinner in the sweeping Skybridge

Finneran, served as emcee for the evening and as he said somewhat tongue-in-cheek, attempted from the podium to thank individually almost everyone in attendance.  It was especially interesting to listen to Jim Ellis' reminisces and remarks, as he was the leader behind finally getting the Convention Center to become a reality 25 years ago.  And now the Convention Center is launching an exciting new plan to expand the size and services of the Center in the hopes of attracting the really large conventions that we currently cannot accommodate.

Please join me in a toast to the Washington State Convention Center!  Cheers!