Lara Hamilton

Seattle lost a literary icon with the death of Kim Ricketts in April, but her successor’s new foodie bookstore, Book Larder in Fremont, is a readable feast.

J. P. Patches

Chris Wedes retires his 52-year-old clown persona after inspiring a local TV program, a Fremont statue, and (legend has it) Krusty from The Simpsons.

Tom Brokaw

Most who blather on about “the American Dream” are selling something, but the legendary newscaster has enough gravitas to lecture on it. (Benaroya Hall, Nov 30)

Shwetak Patel

For inventing easy, low-cost ways to save energy in the home, the 29-year-old UW computer scientist was named a MacArthur fellow. That’s genius.

Mateo Messina

For the 14th year, the Hollywood composer—nice work on Juno, buddy—produces a Symphony Guild concert for his hometown, raising money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. (Benaroya Hall, Nov 4)

Nick Licata

We can all thank the city council member, the man behind the new mandate for paid sick leave, when we’re served grilled wild salmon without a side of the sniffles.