The Best Of... - 2016 Best of Federal Way

A S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E

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kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way ...BEST OFMarch 11, 2016[2]

(253) 874-1070 32627 Paci� c Highway So. sparkscc.com

6 Ask AboutOur$10 Rental CarProgram

Superior Service with Integrity!

like us onfacebook

Thank You, Federal Way for Voting Us

the BEST AGAINthis year!

FOODAsianFIRST PLACE |

SALTY'S 2nd Tokyo Japanese

Steakhouse3rd Thai Bistro

BakeryFIRST PLACE |

PANERA BREAD2nd Poverty Bay Coffee

Company3rd H-Mart

Barbeque FIRST PLACE |

JIMMY MAC'S ROADHOUSE2nd Billy McHale's3rd Buffalo Wild Wings

Brunch / Breakfast FIRST PLACE |

BLACK BEAR DINER2nd Poverty Bay Coffee

Company3rd Biscuits Cafe

Buffet FIRST PLACE |

EAST INDIA GRILL2nd Salty's3rd Jasmine Mongolian Grill

Coffee ShopFIRST PLACE |

POVERTY BAY COFFEE COMPANY

2nd Starbucks / Dash Point3rd Marista's

Deli / SandwichFIRST PLACE |

PANERA BREAD2nd Jimmy John's3rd Deli Smith

Family FIRST PLACE |

BLACK BEAR DINER2nd Red Robin3rd The Ram

HamburgerFIRST PLACE |

BURGER EXPRESS2nd Red Robin3rd Stacks

Ice CreamFIRST PLACE |

SUBZERO2nd Cold Stone Creamery3rd Menchie's

Indian FIRST PLACE |

EAST INDIA GRILL2nd Indochina Seafood and

Satay Bar3rd Can Am Pizza

Lunch FIRST PLACE |

BLACK BEAR DINER2nd Panera Bread3rd [tie] East India Grill Deli Smith

Flame BurgersMexican FIRST PLACE |

PUERTO VALLARTA FAMILY MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

2nd Azteca3rd Los Bigotes de Villa

BY RUDI ALCOTT

Federal Way Mirror Publisher

Over the course of the last nine years, I have had the pleasure of unveiling the winners of the Best of Federal Way that you, the readers, have chosen.

At the annual community event last Wednesday, we gave away plaques, had a number of prizes and an-nounced the stories of the year and the winner of the

Citizen of the Year. During the year, the editorial team keeps a list of the stories they've

written that are the most touching and interesting. These stories have been winnowed down to a winner. It’s only appropriate that we recognize, along with the businesses, the community members that make Federal Way a great place to live.

It was a tough choice to pick a Citizen of the Year recipient. All of the monthly winners are incredibly worthy of this honor, but Presley Anderson (see story on page 7) won out in the end. Anyone that volunteers to raise funds for those who lost everything during the wildfires last year, then finds a local corporate sponsor to match those funds, all while only 8 years old, earns a special place in the heart of the Mirror’s staff.

A special thanks goes out to the remaining finalists: Doug Barker, Sharry Edwards, Hope Elder, Jenna Fowlow, Charlie Hoff, Dave Larson, Mickey McLain, LeAnn Taylor, Tom Wallat and Dorothy Wells.

It is with great pride I present to you the winners of the 18th Best of Federal Way. Thanks for taking the time to vote, and thanks for viewing the messages on the following pages. I welcome your continued help in years to come to make this a great success.

Mirror publisher Rudi Alcott: [email protected]

Best of Federal Way:18 Years

...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma March 11, 2016 [3]

Pizza FIRST PLACE |

THE ROCK2nd Gino's Bistro3rd Pizza Pizazz

SeafoodFIRST PLACE |

SALTY'S2nd McGrath's Fish House3rd Ivar's

Steakhouse FIRST PLACE |

BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE2nd Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse3rd Outback Steakhouse

LIVINGBest Cop FIRST PLACE |

ANDY HWANG2nd Mike Chi3rd John Stray

Best Firefighter FIRST PLACE |

JEFF BELLINGHAUSEN2nd Ed Plumlee3rd Al Church

City Leader FIRST PLACE |

SUSAN HONDA2nd Jim Ferrell3rd Dini Duclos

Community Volunteer FIRST PLACE |

CINDY DUCICH2nd Janice Siebenaler3rd Dave Larson

Educational Facility FIRST PLACE |

SYLVAN LEARNING OF FEDERAL WAY2nd Federal Way Community Center3rd Christian Faith School

Kid's Activity FIRST PLACE |

FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY CENTER2nd Wild Waves Theme Park3rd Pattison's West

Local Charity / Non-ProfitFIRST PLACE |

MULTI-SERVICE CENTER2nd World Vision3rd FUSION

Best Cop

FIRST PLACE | Andy Hwang

“I am honored to be nominated in the Top Cop category. I am truly blessed to work with

so many caring and dedicated professionals committed to safeguarding and serving our

community. We want to thank everyone who took the time to vote to recognize government

leaders.”

Andy HwangChief of Police, Federal Way

Best Teacher

SECOND PLACE | James Brown

I really want to thank the readers of The Federal Way Mirror for their nomination. Over 22 years ago, I drove down from Seattle and interviewed

at TJHS for a math position, landed the job and have never left! I love Federal Way and the students I get to work with every day. I chose to

move here and raise my family (my own children attend FWPS). Our schools have an abundance of passionate and dedicated teachers, and I am

humbled that my community has singled me out for recognition. Again, thank you!

James Brown, Math Teacher,

Thomas Jefferson High School


35419-B 21st Ave SW • Federal Way • 253-839-7297

Thanks forVoting us the Best

in 2010 - 2016Voted Best Jewelry Store!

6FULL SERVICE GOLDSMITH SINCE 1975!

– All work done on premises– jeffreysjeweler.com • 1200 S. 324th St # 6 • Federal Way

(253) 941-3131 Tues.-Fri. 10 am - 6 pm; Sat. 10 am - 4 pm

The senior management of The Powell Companies extendsour sincerest thanks to the community of Federal Way for voting us

Best of 2016 in senior living. We strive to provide the bestsenior lifestyle for our residents and are honored you took notice!

We thank our General Manager, Lisa Valdes, and herdedicated sta� of professionals for providing our residents with a

warm and caring place to call home. It is what’s inside the buildingthat counts the most – our sta� and our residents.

City Leader

SECOND PLACE | JIM FERRELL

“It is an honor to be mentioned as one of the 'Best of Federal Way.' Each year

this award highlights local businesses and service groups that truly make

our community the best of the best in Washington state. Good luck to all the

nominees!"

Jim Ferrell, mayor

Teacher / Elementary FIRST PLACE |

KRIS BAKER / BRIGADOON2nd [tie]Oksana Sokolan / Christian Faith SchoolCindy Dennison / Meredith Hill

Teacher / High School FIRST PLACE |

DONALD PETERS / CHRISTIAN FAITH SCHOOL2nd [tie]Laurie Beaver / DecaturKarin Weberg / Federal WayJames Brown / Thomas Jefferson

Teacher / Middle SchoolFIRST PLACE |

FRANK WOOD / ILLAHEE2nd Yvette Gregg / Illahee3rd Jerry Krueger / Kilo

Tourist Attraction FIRST PLACE |

DASH POINT STATE PARK2nd Wild Waves Theme Park3rd Farmer's Market

NIGHTLIFEBar / Night Club FIRST PLACE |

SCOREBOARD2nd Time Out Ale House3rd Billy McHale's

Casino FIRST PLACE |

MUCKLESHOOT CASINO2nd Iron Horse Casino3rd Emerald Queen Casino


Make the most of the remaining school year With Sylvan of Federal Way you’ll get:

Our innovative Sylvan Insight Assessment to determine EXACTLY what needs your student and family have, so we can develop an efficient and PERSONALIZED learning plan

Our proven teaching that blends amazing certified teachers with cutting edge iPad technology

STEM camps for Robotics, Game Design and Engineering

Classes for SAT and ACT preparation Flexible payment plans to fit your families needs

and budget

32020 1st Ave S., Suite 109 Federal Way, WA 98003 [email protected] www.sylvanlearning.com/federalway

Make the most of the remaining school year With Sylvan of Federal Way you’ll get:

Our innovative Sylvan Insight Assessment to determine EXACTLY what needs your student and family have, so we can develop an efficient and PERSONALIZED learning plan

Our proven teaching that blends amazing certified teachers with cutting edge iPad technology

STEM camps for Robotics, Game Design and Engineering

Classes for SAT and ACT preparation Flexible payment plans to fit your families needs

and budget

32020 1st Ave S., Suite 109 Federal Way, WA 98003 [email protected] www.sylvanlearning.com/federalway

6

6Best of … 2016 is a special section

published by the Federal Way Mirror. Rudi Alcott, publisherJason Ludwig, editor

Advertising:Cindy Ducich | Kay Miller | Jennifer Anderson

Marcie Shannon, designerFederal Way Mirror is published every Friday.

Contact us at:Federal Way Mirror - 31919 1st Ave. S., Suite 101

Federal Way, WA 98003 | 253.925.5565 | federalwaymirror.com

1108A S. 322nd Pl. • Federal Way253.945.0012

Open 7 Days a Week

Serving Traditional Breakfasts,Burgers, Steaks, Beer & Wine

Your Local Coffee Shop

1108A S. 322nd Pl. • Federal WayOpen 7 Days a WeekOpen 7 Days a Week

Burgers, Steaks, Beer & WineBurgers, Steaks, Beer & Wine

THANKS FOR VOTING USONE OF THE BEST …

COFFEE SHOP • BRUNCH/BREAKFAST • BAKERY❀ COZY COFFEE ❀ and ❀ GREAT FOOD ❀

Local Arts Group FIRST PLACE |

CENTERSTAGE THEATRE2nd Federal Way Symphony3rd Rosebud Children's Theatre

Conservatory

SERVICEAdult In-Home Care FIRST PLACE |

COMFORT KEEPERS2nd Multi-Service Center3rd Village Green Retirement Campus

Attorney 1st [tie]FRANK CORNELIUSHERMAN C. BREWER IV3rd Tim Hickel

Auto Body / Collision FIRST PLACE |

BOB BJORNEBY'S CARSTAR FEDERAL WAY COLLISION

2nd Blackstone's Collision3rd Complete Collision

Auto Detail FIRST PLACE |

JIM'S DETAIL SHOP2nd Pro Touch Auto Interiors3rd Karl Sutterlin

Auto Repair Shop FIRST PLACE |

SPARKS CAR CARE2nd Eagle Tire and Automotive3rd Greg's Japanese Auto

Bank / Credit UnionFIRST PLACE |

HERITAGE BANK2nd BECU3rd Sound Credit Union

Barber Shop FIRST PLACE |

GENTS FINE GROOMING FOR MEN2nd SportClips3rd Gene Juarez

Barista / LocationFIRST PLACE |

KASIE CHARLES / BIGFOOT JAVA2nd Jamie Carlisle / Starbucks Fred Meyers3rd [tie]Jeff Aasen / Asensio CoffeeAmber Thompson / Jump Start

EspressoBartender / LocationFIRST PLACE |

LACEY JOHNSON / SCOREBOARD2nd Tawna Gogolin / Salty's3rd Jen Rosentrater/ Time Out Ale House

Chiropractor FIRST PLACE |

WOLF CHIROPRACTIC CENTER 2nd [tie]Life & Health Chiropractic & MassageBastron Chiropractic


w w w . e a g l e t i r e . c o m

THANK YOU for Voting UsOne of the

BEST inFEDERAL WAY!FEDERAL WAY!FEDERAL WAY!FEDERAL WAY!29YEARS

OF SERVICEFAMILY OWNED& OPERATEDSINCE 1987

OF SERVICEOF SERVICEOF SERVICEOF SERVICEOF SERVICEOF SERVICEOF SERVICEWITH A

“PERSONAL” TOUCH

FEDERAL WAY (253) 838-2424 1515 SO. 344TH ST. [email protected] 253-293-8885

Thanks for nominating meas one of the

Best City Leaders!I appreciate

your support!6

Clinic / Hospital FIRST PLACE |

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER

2nd Virginia Mason Medical Center

3rd MultiCareComputer Repair FIRST PLACE |

GEEKS @ SITE2nd Infotech3rd Best Buy

Day Care FIRST PLACE |

KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS

2nd Federal Way Community Center

3rd St. Luke's ChildcareDay Spa FIRST PLACE |

8TH DAY SPA2nd Twin Lakes Hair Salon3rd Massage Envy

Dentist FIRST PLACE |

KENNETH BROSSEL, DDS2nd Donald Ausink, DDS3rd Brian K. Filbert, DDS

Financial Advisor FIRST PLACE |

PATRICK RHODES2nd Dan Altmayer3rd Barney Hartley / Cetera

Advisors

Fitness Facility / Location FIRST PLACE |

FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY CENTER

2nd LA Fitness3rd Jazzercise

Hair Salon FIRST PLACE |

TWIN LAKES HAIR SALON2nd 8th Day Spa3rd MeMe & Co.

Healthcare Professional FIRST PLACE |

JADE RIVER ACUPUNCTURE2nd Virginia Mason Medical

Center3rd St. Francis Hospital and

Medical Center

6

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Urgent care, when and where you need it.When you’re sick or injured, you want quality care you can count on—fast. With MultiCare, you don’t have to travel far to find it.

MultiCare Federal Way Urgent Care offers you and your family the convenient care you need for all minor illnesses and injuries, from coughs and colds to strains and sprains. No appointment needed daytime, evenings and weekends.

MultiCare Federal Way Urgent Care

MultiCare Federal Way Urgent Care1413 S. 348th StBldg. L, Suite 104Federal Way, WA 98003253.545.5940

©2016 MultiCare

2016 “Best of Federal Way” Medical Facility nominee

Meetings are held each Thursday at 7:30 am by invitation only. For more info, contact any member or visit our website:

referralsunlimited.org

We are proud of our members nominatedfor the Best of Federal Way:

South Puget Sound Business Networking Since 1994

REFERRALS UNLIMITED - OVER 30 MEMBERS STRONG!REFERRALS UNLIMITED - OVER 30 MEMBERS STRONG!

Debi Braulik - Keller WilliamsKen Clark - Sparks Car Care

Frank Cornelius - Cornelius Law FirmCindy Ducich - Federal Way Mirror,

Community Volunteer

Barney Hartley - Cetera AdvisorsTerry Koubele - Allstate Insurance

Janice Siebenaler -Heritage Bank

Alice Stevenson - Geeks @ Site

1200 S 324th St, Federal Way • 253-839-4791• RJaysScoreboard.com

Thanks for nominating us as one of the BEST for years!

6

★ BEST Night Club ★ ★ BEST Bartender: Lacey Johnson ★ BEST Waitress: Jade Conway

Presley Anderson named Mirror’s Citizen of the YearFROM STAFF REPORTS

Presley Anderson, 8, was named the Mirror’s Citizen of the Month for September 2015. On Wednesday, she was chosen as Citizen of the Year.

Anderson raised $5,600 for the thousands affected by the Washington wildfires over the

summer. She helped by urging her classmates at Brooklake Christian School in Federal Way to wear yellow on Sept. 4, and she held a hotdog fundraiser at their home in Puyallup.

“I just felt bad,” Presley said in September. “I don’t like seeing people in pain or hear about people dying or being dead. But I just didn’t feel

good, so I thought about it the rest of the day and then when we were going home, I just told my mom that we need to do more, we just have to.”

Everyone helped — her father went to a fire station to ask for some boots to fill with donations, her uncle set up a gofundme.com account and her brother had the idea to provide Starbursts for dessert.

They were out there for the whole day with 72 hotdogs.

However, most people preferred to donate with-out receiving the hotdog.

Figuring out where and who the money could help was a task in itself. Anderson wanted a place that would match their donation because she felt it was important to be good stewards of the money.

Eventually, Anderson found a business in

Wenatchee called Jet Pro Auto Wash that agreed to match up to $5,000. The business will then donate the money with their match to the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.

For about $2,400, people can live in temporary, tiny houses while their homes are repaired from the fires or they find other more permanent ways of living.

Presley is part of the Good Samaritans group at her church and, as part of the group, helps collect comfort items and travel-sized shampoo and con-ditioner to give away to homeless people. They also give away a note with resources showing where to find a hot meal or shelter for the night.

When Presley grows up she wants to be either a roller coaster engineer — she loves roller coasters — or a teacher.

Presley Anderson


Insurance Agent / Company FIRST PLACE |

JACK STANFORD / STANFORD INSURANCE

2nd Jeff Burnett / Allstate3rd Terry Koubele / Allstate

Nail Salon FIRST PLACE |

TWIN LAKES HAIR SALON2nd 8th Day Spa3rd Eden Nails

Pet Groomer FIRST PLACE |

SIMPLY PAWS2nd Biscuits Federal Way3rd Petsmart

Real Estate Agent / Company FIRST PLACE |

DEBI BRAULIK / KELLER WILLIAMS2nd Sarah Asay / Keller Williams3rd Byron Hiller / Coldwell Banker

Danforth

Residential Painter FIRST PLACE |

PROTECT PAINTERS2nd JA Painting Services3rd Doxa Painting & Services

Senior Living Facility FIRST PLACE |

VILLAGE GREEN RETIREMENT CAMPUS

2nd Brookdale Foundation House3rd SHAG

Tutor FIRST PLACE |

SYLVAN LEARNING OF FEDERAL WAY2nd Treehouse3rd Kumon Learning Centers

Veterinarian FIRST PLACE |

VETS FOR LESS2nd Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital3rd Banfield Pet Hospital

Thanks for Valuing the ARTS and Voting

the BEST!

DEATH ON THE SUPERMARKET SHELF7 DEAD

from Poisoned Tylenol

1 CRIMEthat terrorized a nation

New Play by Our OwnAlan Bryce

Every FRI. & SAT. - 8PM • SUN. - 2PM

NOW THROUGH MARCH 26!

6

Adult $35, Senior/Military $30, Youth $10Knutzen Family Theater: 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way

253-661-1444 • centerstagetheatre.com

AMERICAN ICONS:

Presented by David Duvall and Purple Phoenix Productions

Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 pmTickets: Adult $30; Senior/Military $25; Youth $15

Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 pmSunday, April 17 at 2:00 pm

Tickets: General $20 Youth $15

Sheldon CraigSIGNED, SEALED DELIVERED: THE STEVIE WONDER SONGBOOK

Michael Mauldin as

NEW, EXCITING SHOW MAY 5-22:

Tickets: Adult $30; Senior/Military $25; Youth $15

Barney Hartley1000 Towncenter Blvd NE, Ste 115Tacoma, WA 98422253-942-8222

Thank you for voting for meas one of the top three

Best Of Federal Way Financial Advisors

◗◗


It’s an honor to be recognized by the readers of the Federal Way Mirror. as a not-for-profit credit union, we are in business to serve our members with fair, responsible and affordable financial services that satisfy their financial needs. We look forward to building long-lasting relationships in the Federal Way community.

All Washington State Residents Are Eligible To Join

Federally insured by the NCUA

800-233-2328becu.org

Find us:

facebook.com/WeAreBECU twitter.com/becu

Honored to Be

recognized as Best

BECU MEMBER: Kathi H., Federal Way

It’s an honor to be recognized by the readers of the Federal Way Mirror. as a not-for-profit credit union, we are in business to serve our members with fair, responsible and affordable financial services that satisfy their financial needs. We look forward to building long-lasting relationships in the Federal Way community.

All Washington State Residents Are Eligible To Join

Federally insured by the NCUA

800-233-2328becu.org

Find us:

facebook.com/WeAreBECU twitter.com/becu

Honored to Be

recognized as Best

BECU MEMBER: Kathi H., Federal Way

BECU Is Dedicated to CommunityInvolvement and here’s how:

• Member EducationBECU is committed to strengthening consumer fi-nancial education and literacy. In addition, we are committed to educating members and the public, alike, about credit union uniqueness, philosophy, and values.

• Public Service / Corporate CitizenshipBECU extends the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” by seeking opportunities and engag-ing in activities that we believe can make a difference in the quality of life and financial well-being of our employees, members, and the community, in which we work, live, and play.

• Financial LiteracyBECU believes that everyone benefits from basic fi-nancial education. That’s why we offer free seminars, programs, and financial counseling to help people learn how to set a personal budget, use credit, apply for loans, and—most importantly—establish good habits for wise spending and saving.

IT’s an honor to be recognized by the readers of the Federal Way Mirror. As a not-for-profit credit union,

we are in business to serve our members with fair, re-sponsible and affordable financial services that satisfy

their financial needs. We look forward to building long-lasting relationships in the Federal Way community.

A special thank you to the readers who took the time

to vote, the businesses that won and the community

members who attended the presentation of the awards on Wednesday, March 9, at

the Community Center.

Waiter / Location FIRST PLACE |

DUSTIN VISTANTE / PUERTO VALLARTA FAMILY MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

2nd Tristan Gamble / Billy McHale's3rd Jose Garcia / Black Bear Diner

Waitress / Location FIRST PLACE |

JADE CONWAY / SCOREBOARD2nd Jen Maden / Red Robin3rd Cassandra Mangialardi / Applebees

SHOPPINGDiscount StoreFIRST PLACE |

COSTCO WHOLESALE2nd WinCo Foods3rd Walmart

Jewelry Store FIRST PLACE |

JEFFREY'S JEWELERS2nd Federal Way Custom Jewelers3rd Fred Meyer Jewelers

Nursery & Garden Store FIRST PLACE |

BRANCHES GARDEN CENTER2nd Lowe's3rd Oriental Garden Center

Pet Store FIRST PLACE |

SIMPLY PAWS2nd Mud Bay3rd Petsmart

Second Hand StoreFIRST PLACE |

GOODWILL2nd Deseret Industries3rd Heaven Sent Children's Resale

Tire Store FIRST PLACE |

LES SCHWAB2nd Eagle Tire and Automotive3rd Discount Tire


$1.00 OffAny Medium Ice Cream

Cannot be combined with other offers. Limit one per customer.

$1.00 Off$1.00 Off$1.00 Off$1.00 Off6

Catering Available • Ice Cream Cakes & Pies HOURS: M-Th 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat 11:00 am - 11:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAYHOURS: M-Th 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat 11:00 am - 11:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY

31653 Pac Hwy S #A Next to Best Buy253-941-3248

Thanks for Voting us Among the BEST Again This Year!

Specializing in joint and muscular pain reliefand pain management.

Thank youFederal Way, for

voting me one of the BEST Healthcare

Professionals!!! Lory Lee, L.Ac., EAMP

voting me one of the

Lory Lee, L.Ac., EAMP

33710 9th Ave South Federal Way • 253-252-7195JadeRiverAcupuncture.com 6

Nominated for Best Adult In-Home Care for 6 years!

� ank you for your Vote!Nominated for Best Adult In-Home Care for 6 years!Best Adult In-Home Care for 6 years!Best Adult In-Home Care

For Your Senior Care Needs

6

ComfortKeepers.com253-945-1400

In-Home Companion CarePersonal CareIncidental TransportationMeal Preparation

BY TERRENCE HILL

[email protected]

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the Mirror on March 20, 2015.

Fifteen years of martial arts experience were not nearly enough to prepare Christo-pher Frazier for the tragedy in his family nine years ago.

The murder of his mother by his own nephew made headlines across Seattle and forced him to isolate himself from the world while he grieved.

His mother was the caretaker for her then 13-year-old special needs grandson. After an argument between Frazier’s mother and nephew in March 2006, the teen stabbed her to death.

Police would later find drawings and notes that alluded to the teen’s plan to kill her be-fore the incident took place. While the teen was initially charged with the murder, he was eventually found to be mentally incompetent and did not stand trial.

“I spent a lot of time with him until he was about 10 or 11 years old,” Frazier said. “He went everywhere with me. Even though he was my nephew, he was more like my little brother.”

The situation now motivates Frazier.He was not around his nephew as much

while he attended college and believes that things may have turned out differently if he was there.

He spent time coaching at his former high school, Rainier Beach, to take his mind off the tragedy. He began to notice that he could have an impact on kids through that time coaching. Reaching youth has now become his main priority.

“I don’t like to say that I’m making up for it in that way, but it comes up,” Frazier said.

Just a month ago, Frazier opened the Keishindo Martial Science Academy in Federal Way. He has over 20 years of experi-ence in various martial art forms and is looking for that to be a gateway to interaction between everyone in the community.

Frazier began martial arts at the age of nine. He was taught goju-ryu by the uncle of one of his friends in a basement while living near Beacon Hill.

“My mom got me into [martial arts] when I was little,” he said. “I used to come home and show her moves I had learned from class that day. That was kind of like our little bond.”

Frazier continued his training throughout his childhood. He moved to Georgia as a child and began to learn Korean martial art styles like hapkido and taekwondo.

When he moved back to Washington, he trained under Master Derek Carlton for the next five to six years. He earned a black belt in dragonfist martial science at the age of 17.

He then trained in styles from various locations.

While in college he took a jujitsu class and began to expand to numerous martial arts styles instead of focusing on one.

Now at age 33, Frazier is ready to teach what he learned.

“From a young age I was taught to take whatever you can,” Frazier said. “I always remember my mom telling me that what-ever you put your hands on, always do your personal best.”

Martial science is not exactly the same as martial arts. While martial arts focuses on the artistic outcomes of actions, martial sci-ence is focused on the practical movements of martial arts.

“It’s really studying the physiology of the body and adapting that to martial arts,” Frazier said. “The moves of martial arts do apply, but if you’re not doing it in a practical sense, then the movements are kind of wasted. So we break it down to a science rather than an art.”

Keishindo Martial Science Academy offers classes for three different age groups: 5-9-year-olds in the kids group, 10-14-year-olds in the youth group and ages 15-plus for teens and adults. Jukido jujitsu, a style focused on grappling and close-range self-defense, is taught to anyone ages 9 and above on Saturdays.

Anyone who is willing to learn is able to go to the academy for training. Currently, the youngest student is 4 and the oldest is 55.

There is no specific type of person that Frazier is looking for at the academy. He says he will teach anyone, even if they have one leg missing or are blind. He says that martial science is about using what you have to your best ability, which can allow for this, unlike some martial arts.

“We train hard, but we are a very family-oriented school,” he said. “We are a mixed martial arts school, but not a cage fighting school. We still do character development and we make sure we’re always taking care of each other.”

Frazier believes that people, particularly

the youth, spend too much time at home and in front of their phones and not enough time interacting with each other. He believes that his academy can provide a place for them to go.

He is also open to do more than just mar-tial arts-related activities to get kids involved. Using the academy for dance classes is high on his list.

“I’m even having ideas of a video game

tournament here with something like ‘Street Fighter,’” Frazier said. “Anything to get the kids involved and out of the house and do-ing stuff with other kids. They’re kids; they should be kids and have fun.”

Keishindo Martial Science Academy is located at 29500 Pacific Highway S., Suite D, Federal Way. For more information, visit kmsacademy.com.

Federal Way martial science teacher motivated after mother’s murder

Christopher Frazier opened the Keishindo Martial Science Academy in Federal Way in February 2015. His mother’s murder in 2006 now motivates Frazier to impact kids through coaching. TERRENCE HILL, the Mirror


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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the Mirror on May 22, 2015.

Just days before Centerstage Theatre produced its final showing of its newly acclaimed World War I musical on Sunday, the longtime theatre became embroiled in a battle of its own with the city of Federal Way.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and city staff notified Centerstage on May 20 that the city decided to allow the contract to expire with the theatre, which has operated the city-owned Knutzen Family Theatre at the Dumas Bay Centre since 2009. Instead, the city will manage and operate the Knutzen Family The-atre in-house.

City officials requested that Cen-terstage vacate the theatre when the contract expires on June 30.

“This is the death of Center-stage,” said the theatre’s board of directors president Bob Dockstad-er, who said the city “abruptly and precipitously” ceased negotiations with Centerstage last week.

Following the city’s announce-ment, Centerstage artistic director Alan Bryce launched an aggressive email campaign that has already generated over 500 emails from theatre supporters to the city. The massive emails and a letter from

the board to the city on Friday prompted city officials to schedule another negotiation meeting with Centerstage on Wednesday morn-ing.

The board asked the city to tem-porarily extend the date of the cur-rent contract to provide the board the necessary time to discuss op-tions for both Centerstage and the city to mutually achieve their goals. The board said they would like to make some arrangement with the city by this Friday. After that point, they wrote, “the cancelation of commitments for future produc-tions and summer programs, plus the liquidating of assets to meet our remaining financial responsibilities must begin.”

Ferrell said emails flooded the council’s inbox over the weekend.

“Centerstage is putting this into the context of, if they don’t get this contract with the city, [the recent musical] could be their last show in Federal Way,” he said. “But after six years of receiving over a half million dollars of the city’s money, I am concerned about the finan-cial health of Centerstage and its management. I’m very concerned how their entire viability rests on this management concept.”

The mayor said the money the city pays Centerstage to man-age the facility — $76,500 per

year — is supposed to be spent managing the facility, “not to prop up Centerstage. That’s a deeper story and, frankly, I’m not sure if taxpayers of Federal Way should be solely responsible for Centerstage’s survival.”

Nevertheless, Ferrell said the city has a longstanding history of sup-porting the arts and they are going to “work really hard to make sure the needs of both parties are met.”

City contracts with Centerstage Bryce said managing a the-

ater and trying to stay afloat is “a constant battle that you just have to fight to move forward.”

Nine years ago, Centerstage struggled with its rent payments

to the city, which then operated the Knutzen Family Theatre. Bryce began lobbying the city to see if Centerstage could manage the fa-cility because he feared the theatre would go out of business. After several delays, he said the recession hit in 2008 and the city finally put out a request for proposals, seeking for someone to manage the facil-ity. Centerstage and the Tacoma Musical Playhouse both bid for the contract.

“I remember when I first ran for mayor, I actually had in my [campaign] brochure that I stood up for Centerstage and wanted to make sure that we have Centerstage in this facility because the Tacoma Musical Playhouse was one of the bidders and I felt passionately that I wanted local theater [here,]” Ferrell recalled.

He “linked up arms” with Dep-uty Mayor Jeanne Burbidge and he recalls “saying how important I believe that it was that Centerstage get this contract because of its locality and its connection with the community. So I make this move with a heavy heart because I value them and they’ve got some of the real pillars of the community in this, but I represent all the people in this community.”

The city paid Centerstage $70,000 to manage the facility in

2009, and then $76,500 per year over the next five years.

Dockstader said his understand-ing of the management concept was that Centerstage was an asset to the community, so the city would support the theatre by allow-ing them to operate the facility, use the Knutzen Family Theatre for its own productions and to rent it out to the community.

The city renewed the contract in 2012 and recently entered into ne-gotiations with the theatre, which was the sole responsible responsive bidder for the project this year when the city sent out a request for proposals in February.

But Dockstader said Centerstage was “blindsided” when city officials said they reached a negotiation impasse and decided to allow the contract to expire.

Negotiations John Hutton, director of the city’s

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, said he met with Dockstader, Bryce and Dumas Bay Centre manager Rob Ettinger twice to negotiate a new contract before the city ultimately decided to terminate the agreement.

During the first meeting, the the-atre asked the city for an $8,900 per year increase to cover inflation.

City, Centerstage debate contract renewal; theatre says it may close

More story online at:http://tinyurl.com/hhejpyg


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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the Mirror on October 16, 2015.

Men sexually harass Rachel Webster every day.

“I get it every single day and it ranges from, ‘hey baby, wanna come home with me’ to ‘I wonder what it would be like being with you. I’ve never been with a midget before,” Rachel Webster said, adding that

the sexual comments are the points when she feels the lowest.

As a little person, the 28-year-old has had to endure a lot of ignorance and rude behavior from people her whole life.

“Dwarves are still the butt of jokes. It’s one of the last bastions of acceptable prejudice,” she said, quot-ing “Game of Thrones” actor Peter Dinklage.

Children gawking, parents laugh-ing and strangers taking photos of

her are a few examples that don’t begin to scratch the surface of what she’s been through.

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Humiliating interactions with parents and children are also a frequent.

“When an innocent child asks a question and the parent just hushes them and rushes off, what are they

teaching them? Are they scolding them? Are the parents laughing? It’s infuriating to me,” Rachel Webster said. “Most of the time I try to reach out to educate with kindness.”

Other times, she calls them out with “it’s not polite to stare.”

“I think it’s so frustrating that we’re in this world, this country that’s so progressive but it’s astound-ing to me that society seems to be

Federal Way photographer tells family’s story in Dwarfism Awareness Month photo essay

[ more DWARFISM, page 15 ]

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forever stuck in this realm and this regard,” she said.

This is why the American Sign Language in-terpreter partnered with good friend Stephanie Jarstad, a photographer living in Federal Way, to create a photo essay for Dwarfism Awareness Month in October.

Jarstad and Rachel Webster met at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Living in northeast Tacoma, Rachel Webster attended Fife High School while Jarstad went to Federal Way High School.

Jarstad describes Rachel Webster as loving, kind, social and seemingly secure with herself but she knows her friend has “a struggle that’s so real and apparent for so many.”

The photo essay consists of powerful quotes and experiences from Rachel Webster and her

parents Chris and Nancy Webster, also little people.

“My family means more to me than anything else in my life,” Nancy Webster said. “When we are together, I feel completely content. My husband and I feel so blessed to have each other, a son, daughter-in-law and daughter. A special gift we were given is to have a child with dwarfism and one who is average size. They are blessings in our lives.”

In the photo essay, Nancy and Chris Webster are pictured in their custom kitchen and home – a more intimate setting, Jarstad said.

Nancy Webster said it’s been interesting to see how other cultures react to her family’s “unique situation” as they’ve traveled through-out their lives.

“Educating the world is important,” she said. “Knowledge is power.”

Having grown up in a small town in Canada

to a farmer with four siblings, Nancy Webster now teaches special education at the Tacoma School District. Although she leads a happy life, she’s had challenges related to her short stature.

“Job discrimination, dating, walking long distances, stairs, shopping (finding shoes and clothes), health issues related to my dwarfism (it’s not just being short), being made fun of, bullying, acceptance in general,” Nancy Webster lists. “I think it’s important to mention that I also feel that life can be beautiful and it’s over-coming those challenges that mold us into who we eventually become.”

Jarstad’s photo essay showcases Rachel Web-ster in a crowd of people walking around Pike Place Market, her own neighborhood.

“We had a think-session of ‘when do you feel most vulnerable and noticed,’” Jarstad said. “We talked about standing in a crowd. She can’t walk anywhere without people pointing and saying

something to their friends.”Jarstad said the photo of her in a crowd was

the highlight of the project.The friends also worked together on a similar

project five years ago when Jarstad was assigned an assignment from her college photography class. The assignment asked her to photograph a controversial issue. She chose accessibility.

For the assignment, one photo depicted Rachel Webster standing on a public bathroom toilet, unable to reach the women’s sanitary box.

Jarstad said her photography, specifically this photo essay, is a vehicle to promote awareness and acceptance.

“The main point is for society to just be a little kinder and I feel like education helps that,” she said, adding the work she does aligns with the Aristotle quote, “’Where your talents and

[ DWARFISM from page 14 ]

More story online at:http://tinyurl.com/j4d6dpt


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Thank YouFor

Your Vote!

Teacher / High School

FIRST PLACE | DONALD PETERS

Thank you to everyone that voted to recognize me with such an honor. More

importantly, I would like to thank all of those parents that entrust their

children with me day in and out. That you would allow me to sow into your child’s life, to have a hand in shaping

and sculpting the men and women who will be the leaders of tomorrow, is the

greatest privilege that you could bestow on another.

Donald Peters, Christian Faith School

Community Volunteer

FIRST PLACE | CINDY DUCICH

I believe in our Federal Way. It's my joy to support the arts, women, kids, our

business community, and organizations that help others. For me, it's always

about the people! Thank you, Federal Way, for allowing me to serve you.

Cindy Ducich,Community Volunteer

I want to thank the Federal Way community for nominating me for this award! Federal Way is the community that I not only have taught in for 37

years, but the community I grew up in, graduating from Federal Way High in 1975! Teaching has always been my passion. Teaching has always been about my students and the relationship that I build with them each and every year. To me that is what teaching should be about! Each and every day I watch my

very talented colleagues build these relationships with their students. Even though I have been nominated for this award, every teacher in Federal Way

deserves this recognition! They are my heroes!

Cindy Dennison, Meredith Hill Elementary School

Teacher / ElementarySECOND PLACE | CINDY DENNISON

I would like to thank all of those who voted for me. I truly feel honored. I have always wanted to be a teacher and feel blessed that it suits me well. I also feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people. I must

thank Federal Way Public Schools and my wonderful colleagues for being so supportive. My students are pretty awesome too. I look forward to spending

time with all of them each and every day.

Kris Baker, Brigadoon Elementary

Teacher / Elementary SchoolFIRST PLACE | KRIS BAKER

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The Best Of... - 2016 Best of Federal Way