It’s Photo Friday, so what better day to unveil pics from last Friday’s (March 12) Cove to Clover Pub Crawl?

The fun fundraiser evening brought in at least 430 participants, who paid $10 each to “crawl” amongst 13 Burien pubs (along with restaurants, a coffeeshop and food store), and get their “passports” stamped at least five times, all in the name of raising money for both the Highline Area Food Bank and Highline Schools Foundation.

According to Organizer John Nelson, over $4,300 dollars was raised in just this one night.

BTB Photographers Michael Brunk and Scott Schaefer were on the scene (purely in the name of Photojournalism of course…), and they shot a combined 179 photos.

As is always the case with photos shot by BTB Photographers, you are welcome to choose your favorites, download and print them for personal use at no charge – here’s a link to the entire set on Flickr.

Here’s our SoundSlideshow of the best shots (make sure your speakers are turned on), set to the 1940s public domain song “Hey Joe, Two Beers” by the Benny Bell & Agony Trio:

Click to Play Our SoundSlideshow

It’s Friday, which means it’s “Photo Friday” here at The B-Town Blog, and today we’re featuring Burien Photographer Rosemary Bannon Tyksinski, PhD, who goes by the Flickr name “Preconscious.”

A longtime Burien resident (36 years), Rosemary says she “loves the 3 P’s: Philosophy, Psychology, and Photography.”

She’s a Doctor of Psychology, and has been practicing in Bellevue since 1991 (more info on her practice here: www.rosemarys-office.com).

Rosemary shot the following wonderful, moody images at Seahurst Park Beach between 4:55pm – 5:30pm on Feb. 21st using a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm lens set at 24mm at F/4 ISO 100:

Click to Play Preconscious’ Slideshow

(can also be viewed on Flickr by clicking here)

PREVIOUS PHOTO FRIDAYS:

• Michael Brunk Goes to the Woodland Park Zoo
• “Springtime In Burien” Nature Photos By Francis Zera
• SoundSlideshow Of Jason Smith’s Photos At Vino Bello
• Art Clock Sign Reflection, Cherry Blossoms & More…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo Friday is a new weekly feature here at The B-Town Blog. Are you a local Photographer? Have some pics shot in Burien you think we should showcase? Or just some amazing photos worth sharing with our Readers? Please email us a link and explanation and we'll consider posting yours!]

“All Mixed Up,” a Cars Tribute Band, will be playing at BTB Advertiser Bison Creek Pizza & Pub this Saturday, March 20th, starting at 10pm.

They will play a variety of hits by The Cars, Tom Petty, The Cure and many other 80’s classics.

Here is a link to their Myspace page, which includes demo tracks:

www.allmixeduprocks.com.

Here are the show details:

• 21+ Only
• NO COVER!
• Call to reserve seats: 206.244.8825

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Our Big Picture High School intern, Bryan Charles, has created another Flash-animated movie trailer in his ongoing “3 Frog Bros.” series.

As we mentioned before, Bryan is a budding young artist/animator, has a passion for comics, cartoons and humor, and his storytelling and Flash skills are coming along quite well.

Here’s what he has to say about this week’s “3 Frog Bros. Movie Trailer 3,” for which he does all the writing, animation and editing, in, as he says, “over 43,000 frames of animation”:

“This is the second to final trailer for my fantastic Flash movie, which has been 95% scripted and planned out.

I hope this trailer will tide my fans over…”

- Bryan Charles
Writer/Animator/Actor

To see more of Bryan’s work, click here.

Burien’s annual Strawberry Festival is coming the weekend of June 19th and 20th, but it’s going through some changes this year – namely, it’s now the “Wild Strawberry Festival,” with a green theme added for flavor, and it will also be moved to Burien’s new Town Square.

As usual, The B-Town Blog will be a sponsor, and we’ll be “blogging live” from a tent.

“This is a great community event celebrating arts and greenability,” said Gina Kallman, Cultural Arts Supervisor for Burien Parks. “We will also be moving the event to our new Town Square Park, and will be held June 19-20.”

• Saturday, June 19, 2010 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Sunday, June 20, 2010 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Burien Town Square is located at SW 152nd St & SW 5th Ave in downtown Burien.

Here’s a BTB “Whaddaya Think?” video from last year’s fest to whet your wild appetite:

As music, entertainment, food vendors and other participants are announced, you can bet we’ll be posting that info first – so check back often.

More info on the 2010 Wild Strawberry Festival, including how to be a food, craft, business or non-profit vendor is available at www.burienstrawberryfestival.org.

The South King County Genealogical Society is presenting a spring mini-seminar called “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats” on Saturday, March 20th from 9am to Noon, at the First Baptist Church of Kent.

Here are the details:

WHAT: South King County Genealogical Society spring mini-seminar “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats”

WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

WHERE: The First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St., Kent, WA 98030

TICKETS:

• General Admission: $20.00
• SKCGS Members: $15.00
• Students (18 & under) $10.00
• Cash or Check at the door

SCHEDULE:

Session 1 – 9:00 – 10:00: “Patch-Work Pioneers,” Seattle’s First Bride, Louisa Boren Denny

Debbie Dimitre will be presenting Louisa Boren Denny, the Sweet Briar Bride of Seattle. In costume and in character and by the glow of her kerosene lamp, Debbie will bring to life the story of pioneer Seattle through the eyes of its first bride, who on January 23rd 1853, was married to one of Seattle’s founding fathers, David Denny.

Session 2 – 10:45 – 12:00: “They Called Them The Mercer Girls,” Washington Territory’s Cargo of Brides

Peri Lane Muhich: In 1864 Seattle’s ratio of men to marriageable women was nine to one. Asa Mercer had an idea to help correct the situation so he went east to appeal to New England’s single “ladies of refinement” to come west. Eleven responded to his call. Learn who these women were and what became of them.

INFO: Full details can be found on their website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waskcgs/.

BTB Contributor Gregory Rehmke sent us this photo of Tuesday’s (Mar. 16th) impressive double rainbow that struck late in the afternoon over Lake Burien.

A nice image to just stare at and imagine the science of moisture particles being struck by sunbeams causing a wonderful prism of colors that delight the human eye, thus causing various chemicals in the brain to react, sometimes creating a sense of wonderment and oftentimes, happiness.

Or…on this St. Patrick’s Day, this’ll make you think of Leprechauns and pots o’gold in B-Town.

Did you see this yesterday?

by Jim Branson

On Monday (March 15th), David and Rene George received a harrowing call from a dog groomer near Five Corners in Burien: their beloved black lab, Charlie, had somehow escaped.

David and Rene searched and put up fliers, but they didn’t really know the best way to look for their lost dog until they contacted the Missing Pet Partnership.

My dog Kelsy and I have been volunteering for MPP for a couple of years, and we have been trained to work as a team to find missing dogs. Kelsy, a black lab who looks very much like Charlie, has learned to follow the scent trail of a dog, and my job is to read her body language and help her find the dog. Actually, my main job is to hang onto the end of the leash while Kelsy drags me along on the search.

Tuesday morning at dawn, I obtained a scent article from David and started Kelsy on the trail, beginning at the groomer. Kelsy followed the scent trail from Five Corners to the library, to Firestone, down past Albertson’s, down Ambaum to 174th, and then back up First Ave to about 163rd, where she found Charlie hiding in the bushes!

I never would have seen Charlie, even if I was looking right at him. Kelsy’s nose alerted us to his hiding place in the brambles.

Charlie didn’t want to come out, even with the lure of food. I called Rene, and she took a little time off of work to come get Charlie. When Charlie heard her voice, he came right out of the bushes to her. David and Rene are very glad to have Charlie home safe, and Kelsy has her reward of finding the missing dog. Plus some treats and a belly rub.

The first day of Spring is this Saturday, March 20th (at precisely 10:32am PDT), and what better way to spring into this bloomin’ season than by whacking some invasive ivy at Walker Preserve?

King County Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward Dennis Clark wants all our Readers to know that this is a great way to celebrate spring.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Ivy Removal Party at Walker Preserve.

WHEN: Saturday, March 20th from 9am – 11am.

WHERE: Walker Preserve – Enter off First Ave. S. just south of the Normandy Park Assisted Living Center (16625 First Ave. South). The entrance is a gate directly opposite the intersection of S. 168th St. and First Ave. S.

If driving, your parking options include:

• Two-three spaces for high clearance vehicles just inside the gate
• Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
• On the street along S. 168th St. on the east side of First Ave. S.

INFO: From a flier:

Saturday is vernal equinox and the weather forecasters are saying it’s going to be a beautiful day.

You’ll want to celebrate this first day of spring outside as much as possible – and I’ve got just the activity to get you started!

From 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, join me and your neighbors for two vigorous hours of ivy removal at the Walker Preserve.  Details are in the attached flier.

Your volunteering will continue steady progress in improving the health of the urban forest and Walker Creek in the Preserve including:

• Removal of ivy from all trees in the preserve during 2008 and 2009
• Planting in October 2008 of 38 grand fir, 10 Douglas fir, and 7 western red cedar trees to improve the diversity of tree species
• Restoration in August 2009 of 200 feet of stream on the Preserve property and Short family property with the installation of large wood and spawning gravel and the planting of native trees and shrubs on the banks
• Removal in 2008-2009 of all ivy from the forest floor inside the loop at the end of the trail

Photos documenting this progress and the labor of many volunteers are at the 2008 stream blog and 2009 stream blog.

This progress demonstrates that sustained work by volunteers can improve the health of our public natural lands.  Be part of the on-going transformation and join us Saturday!

NOTE: Access to the Preserve is off First Ave. S. for this event.  You cannot reach the project via the 2nd Ave. S.W. entrance due to the bridge closure.  Details on access are in the attached flier.

RSVP so I can bring enough tools and donuts.

Due to the duration and location of the work at the end of the trail in the heart of the Preserve, there will be no porta-potty – plan accordingly!

Dennis Clark
206-296-1909
Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
Miller/Walker Creeks Basin Stewardship

by Scott Schaefer

Keegan Reilly, 29, finished ahead of 319 other racers in last Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k in Burien.

No big deal really, in a 5k race of 650 finishers…right?

WRONG.

Reilly also happens to be a paraplegic, and he used a rented “arm cycle” to pedal his way to a 37:19 finish time in Sunday’s 5k, successfully making the steep climb up Snake Hill like he has so many other obstacles in his life.

If you ran or walked the course, you know how tough it was to make it up and over the hill affectionately called “The Snake.”

Now imagine using just your arms to pedal up that hill.

Reilly lost the use of his lower body after receiving a major spinal cord injury in a car crash, but he hasn’t let that stop him. According to his uncle, who also happens to be Race Organizer John Nelson, Keegan made the very first arm-powered ascent of Colorado’s Mt. Elbert, which also happens to be the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, at 14,443 feet (32 feet higher than our own Mt. Rainier).

In addition, Reilly has also climbed Japan’s Mt. Fuji (12,388 ft.) as well as Mt. Shasta in California (14,179 ft.) using arm-climbing devices that were consulted and commissioned by his uncle, who says he did “a redesign” of one of One-Off Titanium’s unique arm powered off-road 3-wheelers.

“The result was a 4-wheeled hand-cycle designed specifically for ascending steep and rough terrain,” Nelson said.

The BBC did a story on Keegan’s ascent of Fuji (read it here), which received international attention because the police tried to stop the expedition at base camp. Nelson adds:

“We waited them out until the press arrive,” Nelson said. “After a couple days camping outside their door, they relented and grudgingly allowed the expedition to continue. Having a person be the final obstacle to overcoming Fuji just seemed downright silly.”

Reilly’s Shasta climb was with three other disabled climbers, including Pete Reike, who made the first arm-powered ascent of Mt. Rainier (read that story here).

“Each new person pushing the limits of the last,” Nelson said. “It’s like mountaineering being invented all over again.”

Most recently, Chris Waddell successfully summitted Kilimanjaro using a model of the 4-wheeler he based on Keegan’s machine (link here).

Nelson says that Reilly came all the way from Colorado just to take part in Sunday’s race.

Here are some pics of this brave and amazingly strong man (both physically and mentally) in action:

Burien’s “old library” building’s renovation is nearly complete, and when it’s opened April 13th, it’ll serve as a temporary new home for the Community Center, as well as offices for Burien Parks & Recreation Department.

Total cost of the renovation was just under $1.5 million.

Our friends at Burien Parks released this video on Tuesday (Mar. 16th) showing the progress:

by Shawn Underwood

While working on a humorous story the other night I received a text:

Lori: “ru walking the c2c tomorrow” (In text speak=”Are you walking the Cove to Clover race tomorrow?”)

Me: “Forgot all about it. What time?” (Notice my perfect punctuation, unlike my friend’s…)

I won’t bore you with the details of the 22 text messages discussing the C2C race. Why we didn’t just call each other is beyond me, because I’m really super slow at texting. I can just imagine Lori looking at her cell phone impatiently and wondering about the ten minutes between each text.

Next order of business—my Cove to Clover race day attire. Something green, comfortable, and zany, because since I certainly won’t be fast, I may as well be fun.

Tom, my husband and our chauffeur dropped us off near the top of Snake Hill. Mr. Big and Mr. Small (sporting their green scarves) yapped and marked everything in sight and checked several ‘pee-mails’ for good measure. Neither of us wanted to fight the crowds (or walk down, then up Snake Hill) so we started walking and talking. Less than 50 feet into our walk (we’re in the enviable position of first place because the race hasn’t actually started), and I notice my hand is bleeding. I’m not kidding. Fortunately the medic truck is right in front of us. Lori watches as Mr. Big and Mr. Small take advantage of the situation and tangle their leashes. Perhaps Lori will fall over the tangled leashes and scrape her knee. She is looking rather envious of all the attention I am receiving from Mr. Handsome—the medic.

Another 50 feet puts us in front of the first drink stop. Naturally, we’re their first customers because the real runners have yet to make it up Snake Hill. At this point my dear friend is becoming rather exasperated with my slow pace, although I assure her I’m just getting into my rhythm. We’ve just reached a perfect walking synchronicity when shouts alert us to the first runner.

And then he’s gone. We barely had time to dash to the side of the road before he breezed past us. I must say his outfit was rather brief but then maybe real runners actually need to dress light in order to run faster. I wouldn’t know but I’m pretty sure my yellow and green lady bug top would hamper my running ability. And need I say—it was so hard to focus on the task at hand—walking, when there were distractions everywhere.

Young folk, old folk, stroller baby folk, big dogs, small dogs, costumed dogs, you name it, they were all there. All 950 of them, running for a charitable cause. Last year it rained costumed cats and dogs and the run was still a huge success.

Burien has come a long way in the 20 years that I’ve lived here. You can call it Beercan or B-Town. I call it home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’d like to extend a hearty “cngrts” (Text Speak for “Congratulations”) to Shawn, who will be releasing her first book this spring, called “Mommy Are we French Yet?“

We’ll be posting more on this exciting news, but for now here’s a blurb on it:

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in another country for a year with your children, in Mommy, Are We French Yet? you will discover that it is not an insurmountable task.  But it’s made doubly rewarding when the day-to-day chores and challenges are approached with humor. Shawn Underwood moved her family, her husband and three kids along with her sister’s family, to the south of France to experience the joys and frustrations of living abroad first hand.

Whether running headlong into the language barrier, where faux pas are a given and the best way to communicate is with a smile or just trying to shop at the local market, keeping a sense of humor is the key to overseas success!  As she and her extended family travel in France and throughout Europe and Egypt among other countries, they learned that being a good ambassador for your country is worth its weight in gold.  Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions!

Come along with Shawn and her family as they learn to embrace the local culture, even if it means eating pig intestines or trying to cook turkey American style.  Whatever happens, the chocolate is sublime in any language!

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Just down the hill from B-Town, the Tukwila Rotary Club is holding “Strike Out Hunger,” a bowling party fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry on Saturday, March 27th from 9am – Noon at ACME Bowl.

Who doesn’t love a bowling party, especially when it’s for a great cause?

Here are the details:

WHAT: Tukwila Rotary’s “Strike Out Hunger” bowling fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry

WHEN: Saturday, March 27th from 9am – Noon

WHERE: ACME Bowl, located at

INFO: From a poster:

Join us at ACME Bowl in Tukwila for a great event that supports the Tukwila Food Pantry!

Saturday, March 27th from 9:00 am — 12 noon.

Bowler check-in at 8:45am.

Entry fee: Minimum of $200 per team (4 bowlers) Entry deadline: March 22nd or until full. Don’t wait…register today!

For event information, bowler registration and sponsorship opportunities visit our website www.TukwilaRotary.org.

If you have questions, or need further assistance, please contact the Tukwila Rotary at 206-674-4673 or send an e-mail to StrikeOutHunger@TukwilaRotary.org.

Sunday’s second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence raised “around $35,000,” according to race organizer John Nelson.

To put this in perspective, last year’s inaugural race brought in $12,000, which, at the time, was a “huge surprise,” according to Mike Werle, Executive Director of the food bank.

Some interesting anecdotes about the race itself:

• The first Unicyclist to ever complete the course was Kevin Williams.
  

  Unicyclist Kevin Williams rolls up Snake Hill.

• The oldest runner was Clyde Sparks, 74, of Normandy Park.
• Four 69-year olds also finished:
  • Robb Shirley, Seattle
  • Jack Freeman, Seattle
  • Penney Hall, Normandy Park
  • Jan Drago, Seattle – King County Councilmember who fired the starting gun in Normandy Park!
• There was a four-way tie for youngest, registered at Age “0″ (we’re pretty sure these kids were all in strollers, so thanks Moms!):
  • Phyllis Ahlerdice, of Seattle
  • Anuraag Sanga, of Burien
  • Yvetti Garcia, of Burien
  • Karen Hartrig, of Seahurst

Over 1,000 runners were registered for the race, and here’s a link to the results, which are searchable:

OnlineRaceResults.com

During Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, we had two Photographers shooting throughout the entire race, with Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer manning the starting line, Snake Hill and St. Francis, and Michael Brunk stationed at the finish line.

Overall, we shot 2,461 photos (but who’s counting?) many of which included some of the more than 1,000 runners who ran the race.

In a perfect world of internet goodness, we’d be able to email your pic to you instantly and automatically based on your registration number. This online utopia would instantly send a high-res image of YOU taken during the race, or perhaps even print it and have it waiting in a nice frame on your porch as you returned home.

But, alas, we do not yet live in this perfect online utopia now do we? So, get your worn-out feet back to the real world, and wake up to the best we can do right now – as of 9:30pm Sunday night (Mar. 14), we are currently still uploading images to this “2010 Cove to Clover 5k Run” Group Pool on Flickr (it only lets us upload 500 at a time):

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2010covetoclover5krun/pool/

Now if you’ve never used Flickr before, it’s pretty easy – click on the link above and you’ll go the the Group Pool’s page. Once there, you’ll see a bunch of images. Hundreds, if not 2,461 of ‘em, but who’s counting?

Here’s what to do:

• In the upper right of the page, you’ll see a “Slideshow” icon.
• If you click on that it’ll start a slideshow of the pics.
• You can move through the show faster using your > key.
• Go through the pics until you see yours.
• Click on your pic. The slideshow should stop.
• Now, in the upper right corner you’ll see the file name of the image. Click on that.
• Now you should be on a page that shows just that image.
• Click on “All Sizes” which is located above the pic, kind of in the middle.
• Then click on “Original Size,” and right-click on Download the Original size and “Save As” the pic to your computer.
• The “original size” image can be printed, emailed, etc.

DISCLAIMER: Hopefully we took a pic of you and posted it. If not, we apologize – it’s quite a challenge! This is our first time shooting so many people at one event, and surely we can do better. Also, note that not all images have been uploaded yet, so be sure to check back Monday, as our magic photo elves are working as fast as they can.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Unfortunately, we do not have the full race results ready to post yet – please check back for that Monday as well!

And now, here’s round #1 of our choice pics from the day:

On a day when even a 6′4″ “Snake” couldn’t stop them, over 1,000 runners ran the second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank on Sunday afternoon, March 14.

The race started at the Normandy Park Community Club at 1pm sharp when King County Councilmember Jan Drago fired a starting pistol. Soon, the front-runners encountered Snake Hill, which separated the wheat from the chaff.

It was on Snake Hill when John Timeus, 25, of Kent, the overall winner, took control and never looked back. He crossed the finish line at Burien Town Square in an impressive 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

Second place went to 50-year Normandy Park runner Ray Prentice, who clocked in at 20:38. Not bad for a 50-year old.

The top female runner was Elsa Natal, 31, of Seattle with a 22:58 time.

Here are the overall winners as posted at the finish line:

1. John Timeus, Kent, 25/M 18:55
2. Ray Preintice, Normandy Park, 50/M 20:38
3. Paul Huynh Normandy Park, 18/M 20:49
   
4. Matt Parker, Burien 30/M 21:17
5. Nicholas Deisler, Seattle 26/M 21:56
6. Garrick Hughes Normandy Park, 26/M 22:02
   
7. Jason Ireland, Langley, 36/M 22:18
8. A.Z. Satterfield Normandy Park, 17/M 22:23
9. Mike Fosberg, Burien, 45/M 22:31
10. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 27/M 22:39

WOMEN:

1. Elsa Natal, Seattle, 31/F 22:58
2. Carmen Storer, Des Moines, 25/F 23:27
3. Cassie Marino, Des Moines , 25/F 24:44
4. Natalie D’Amico, Burien, 23/F 25:15
5. Cindy Sagmoen, Burien, 42/F 26:00
6. Dini Peneda, Seattle, 31/F 26:05
7. Robin Donocan, Seattle, 28/F 26:10
8. Donna Sullivan-Dyrdal, Burien, 54/F 26:21
9. Gina Mutter, Normandy Park, 43/F 26:34
10. Sandi Rowden, Burien, 45/F 26:34

Here’s our first batch of pics, shot by Michael Brunk at the finish line:

We’ll be posting more photos, results and stories throughout the day (and most likely over the next few days), so be sure to check back often.

Within a few days we’ll also post a link to a photo “pool” with every single pic we shot at the race – there’s a good chance you’re in there if you ran the race, and you’ll be able to download high-res, printable pics for no charge, as a gift from The B-Town Blog!

“The Snake” will be out in full force in the area Sunday (Mar. 14), as the 2010 “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Food Bank will kick off at 1pm sharp from the Normandy Park Community Club, then wind its way through Burien and end in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

Because of the race, which is expected to have over 1,000 runners, there will be many road closures going on, beginning at 12:50pm and in some spots continuing until 5pm.

Also, if you plan on running, you should seriously consider parking near Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, then taking one of the shuttles to the starting line – more details on the Cove to Clover website.

Don’t forget also to “spring ahead” at 2am Sunday morning, as Daylight Savings Time officially begins.

Weather-wise, we’re expecting a mostly cloudy day with highs in the mid-50s and a 10% chance of rain.

Here’s are details on the street closures, as well as a street map:

• The entire 5K race route will be closed to traffic.
• Closures will begin at 12:50pm and reopen as the bulk of the runners clear.
• A course crew vehicle will follow the runners reopening the streets.
• Six police officers will direct traffic at 5 key locations:
  • Sylvester & SW 120th
  • 16th SW and SW 160th
  • Before the s-curve on 21st SW near SW 159th.
  • SW 152nd and 20th SW
  • Ambaum & SW 151st
• Officers will move from location to location as streets reopen.
• Signage will inform traffic of current closures.

Here are more race day details from the Cove to Clover website:

5K START LINE PARTY with LIVE ROCK BAND starts at 10:45 am: “The Throbs” will be cranking out old school rock and roll at the start line until race time.  Warm your bones rocking out to covers of Nirvana, AC/DC, Scorpions and other eye-popping ROCK!!!  Come early and avoid the last minute shuttle rush.

Coffee provided by Burien Press.  After you wake, come meet the snake.

5K Race (race starts @ 1 pm sharp)

Start Line @ Normandy Park CC “The Cove”

Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:30 pm @ The Cove

Family Race (race starts @ 1:40 pm sharp) Start Line @ St. Francis Church

Registration/Packet Pickup from 11 am – 1:15 pm @ St. Francis Church

1 mile-ish.  This can be walked or run and will include people of all generations.  Hopefully we’ll have Irish Step Dance lessons prior to the start. – Pick up bib

* New * “While You Race” Childcare (11:00 am – 1:35 pm) at St. Francis Church

If you want to run the 5K but your kids aren’t ready for that level of suffering, consider checking your kids into “While You Race” Childcare at the family race start line. You can then run the first 2 miles of the 5K to the Family Race Start, grab your kids and run then run the Family Race together.  Child care provided by St. Francis Parish, extra fee may be involved.

YOU MUST CHECK OUT YOUR CHILD BEFORE FINISHING THE 5K.  It is not intended that runners finish the run and then return to claim their children.  Due to the tight schedule, this service is for families with children who plan to run the Family Race.

If you do the math, you’ll need to be able to run the first 2 miles in 30 minutes to pickup your child in time for the Family Race.  Shuttle from the finish line, will stop drop you at St. Francis to check in your kids.  Then you can re-board the shuttle to be taken to the 5K start line (the Cove).

Finish Line Irish Festival (1:00 – 5 pm) at Burien Town Square

You can enjoy the whole show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies).   Mick Kelly’s will be serving up traditional Irish grub outside in the square (as well as inside the pub).

Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden 1-5 pm

Goodie Gumdrops Rootbeer Garden 1-5 pm

Mick Kelly’s Irish Comfort Food 1-5 pm outside, late as you like inside the pub.

The Haggis Brothers 2-5 pm

A very lively Irish band will be bringing you the old favorite but keeping you hopping.

Momentum Irish Dancers 3-3:40 pm
Demonstration of traditional step dancing from Burien’s own Irish Dance academy.  After performing a few numbers, join the pros for a free lesson (all welcome, young and old alike).

We’ll have Photographers stationed at the starting line, as well as on Snake Hill and at the finish line, attempting to take pics of as many runners as we can (be sure to grimace dramatically for us!), and we’ll also be posting race results as soon as we know them from our “live blogging” table in Mick Kelly’s.

In addition, as a gift to everyone participating in this worthy fundraiser, we’ll be posting all pics shot online in high-res for FREE access, so be sure to check The B-Town Blog Sunday evening for the link!

It’s Friday, which means it’s “Photo Friday” here at The B-Town Blog, and today we’re featuring Photographer Michael Brunk’s mid-week excursion to the Woodland Park Zoo, where he captured numerous exotic animals on pixels.

As some animals awakened from their mild winter hibernation, Michael was there, telephoto lens and monopod at the ready, to get these great shots:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

PREVIOUS PHOTO FRIDAYS:

• “Springtime In Burien” Nature Photos By Francis Zera
• SoundSlideshow Of Jason Smith’s Photos At Vino Bello
• Art Clock Sign Reflection, Cherry Blossoms & More…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo Friday is a new weekly feature here at The B-Town Blog. Are you a local Photographer? Have some pics shot in Burien you think we should showcase? Or just some amazing photos worth sharing with our Readers? Please email us a link and explanation and we'll consider posting yours!]

The Burien Arts Association is hosting another “Sing & Sketch” tonight (Thursday, Mar. 11th) at BTB Advertiser Burien Press.

According to Erin Williamson:

“Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.“

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Sing & Sketch” music/art party.

WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 11th, from 6pm–8pm.

WHERE: Burien Press, located at 423 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien (across from the new City Hall/Library); phone: 206-453-5412.

COST: No cover, just bring your creativity or your interest in watching/listening.

INFO: From a poster:

Come enjoy a song and art circle!

For the Musicians: Share you latest songwriting creation or just play an old favorite while others join in.

For the Visual Artists: Enjoy the chance to do some figural drawing or painting while listening to live music.

For Everyone, art and music appreciators alike: Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.

Poster Art by John Unbehend

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURIEN ARTS & Burien Press

For more Information contact: burienarts.org

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

“Images of America: Three Tree Point,” a locally-written book we’ve previously reported on, has finally been released and will be on sale for just $20 each at a book-signing party at The Tin Room this Friday, March 12th beginning at 3pm.

Longtime residents-turned-authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper will be autographing and selling books, as well as sharing anecdotes in the back of the Tin Room (923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; 242-8040), at a historic table made from the old wooden sign from the Three Tree Point store.

This should be a lively event full of historic stories and interesting photos, as well as a way to acknowledge a nice success story for these local folks.

Here are some more excerpt photos and captions from the book:

“Images of America: Three Tree Point” is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

The organizers of Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5K fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank want our Readers to know that there’s a “Last Gasp” registration and packet pickup this Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien.

This “last gasp” is intended for already-registered runners to get their shiny new race numbers, timing chop and t-shirt (if you registered early enough that is…), as well as for new runners to register and save the $5 race day fee increase.

That’s right – if you haven’t registered, don’t worry – you can do so at this event, and according to their website:

Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.

We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.

You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Cove to Clover “Last Gasp” Registration & Packet Pickup

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Street • Burien • 206.246.2473.

INFO: From their website:

Registered?
Come on in and get your shiny new race number, timing chip and shirt (if you registered early enough).

You’ll be stylin in the morning when you board the shuttle at Mick’s in the morning already sporting your number and cool snake shirt

Not Registered?
Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.  We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.  You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Avoid the race day rush!

Burien’s Highline Medical Center is holding a children’s “Kidz Tipz for Safety” billboard contest in association with Highline Public Schools, in an effort to engage kids in childhood safety.

Each year one in three people in the U.S. visit an emergency room – 40 percent as a result of injury-related accidents and a third under the age of 21.  Highline Medical Center, which serves nearly 50,000 ER patients annually, in concert with Highline Schools, is inviting students to design their own safety billboard.

Elementary school students in the Highline School District are encouraged to design their own billboard featuring an up-to- eight-word safety tip, with three winning entries to be featured on billboards in the surrounding community. Finalists’ artwork will be also featured at the Grand Opening Celebration of Highline Medical Center’s new Emergency Room on April 10. And every child who enters will be eligible to win a party at Family Fun Center in Tukwila.

A panel of representatives from Highline Medical Center and the community will review the entries and select 20 finalists from which final winners will be chosen. Finalists will have their artwork on display at the opening of the new ER from 10 am to 3 pm on April 10.

The deadline for entries is Friday, March 19, and more information and contest rules are available by emailing commrelations@highlinemedical.org.

Last Friday night (Mar. 5), the Cove to Clover race organizers held a “Student Limerick Throwdown” contest for area students at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Each school in the Highline School District was eligible to submit one entry, with the winner earning $500.

If you haven’t seen the snake posters around yet, the Cove to Clover is a 5k fundraiser run for the Highline Area Food Bank, and it takes place this Sunday, March 14th beginning at Noon at the Normandy Park Community Club (full details here, including how to register).

The winning entry was selected by an “Official Limerick Selection Panel” composed of three non-partisan judges – Normandy Park Councilman Shawn McEvoy, Normandy Park Mayor George Hadley and “A Place for Pets” Owner Kevin Foxen. The winner of the competition was Marvista Elementary 4th 5th Grader Molly Marquis, whose entry we publish below:

The snake is back and we all cheer.
Cove to Clover is finally here
Tiny leprechauns dance
in their jiggly pants.
The race ends with lots of rootbeer!

Marvista decided to give the $500 winnings directly to Molly’s classroom to spend any way they want (with help from their teacher, Mrs. Brossard).

Other schools representing in the throwdown included Bow Lake, Gregory Heights and St. Francis.

Molly’s winning entry will also be read aloud to inspire runners immediately prior to the 5k race start, which is this Sunday, March 14th at Noon – full race details are available here.

The Clarion Hotel in SeaTac will be holding a special St. Patrick’s Day Spaghetti Feed & Auction fundraiser for the Des Moines Area Food Bank next Wednesday, March 17th from 5pm – 8pm at their location at 3000 South 176th Street in SeaTac.

Cost is $10 in advance for adults ($13 at door); Students & Seniors $7; or $25 for a Family Pack.

All proceeds go to the Des Moines Area Food Bank, so come on down, have some good spaghetti and help your hungry neighbors.

Here are the details:

WHAT: St. Patrick’s Day Spaghetti Feed and Auction fundraiser for the Des Moines Area Food Bank.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th, 5:00PM-8:00PM.

WHERE: Clarion Hotel, located at 3000 S. 176th St. in SeaTac.

COST: Adults $10 in advance, $13 at door; Students & Seniors $7; Family pack $25.

INFO: Proceeds go to the Des Moines Area Food Bank.

RSVP: Please call 206-676-3742 to RSVP, or click here for more information.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Happy nearly-springtime to all those B-Town Bookworms out there!

DID YOU KNOW?

Voters Approve Levy Lid Lift for libraries!!

Thanks to dedicated community advocates and library supporters, voters approved Proposition 1 on the February 9 special election ballot by 52%, authorizing a one-year increase in the property tax level to fund essential library services.

With the passage of Proposition 1, voters restored the full allowable library levy rate of 50¢ per $1,000 assessed property value for 2011.

The additional revenue will sustain library operations, including hours of service, new and replacement materials, computers and software upgrades, and regular preventive maintenance.

Thank YOU VOTERS!!

KCLS WELCOMES RENTON LIBRARIES, PATRONS & STAFF:
Renton Libraries are now part of the King County Library System! Though many details involved in merging the library systems are being worked out, two key changes are now in place for Renton Library patrons:

1. Expanded library hours in downtown Renton.
2. Immediate eligibility for a Seattle Public Library Card.

Welcome!!

PROGRAMS AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES:

• TechConnect!!! Burien Library Saturday March 13th 10am -2pm: TechConnect is an interactive library open house showcasing the many ways KCLS technology connects you to reading, recreation, entertainment and lifelong learning.  Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-challenged or somewhere in between, TechConnect will enhance your use of the library!  King County Library TechLab van will be in our parking lot demonstrating the latest in downloads available.  TechConnect stations will be set up throughout the first floor of the library demonstrating our databases, how to use the library catalog, children’s story time online, and much much more. There will also be Spanish language station ‘Biblioteca’ showing library technology for Spanish speakers.  Visit every station and enter to win the prize drawings, winners announced on the hour, must be present to win.  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Crumac Concert: Burien Library, Sunday March 14th 5pm. This Irish trio creates traditional music on fiddle, uilleann pipes, whistles, and guitar
  Ages 5 and older.
• Get Loose with Seuss! Burien Library, Friday March 19th, 10:30am. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Sing along with the Doctor’s ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’ and other Seussian favorites! All ages welcome Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! White Center Library, Friday March 19th, 3pm. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, songs and silliness. Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.

BOOK REVIEW:
‘The Eight’ By Katherine Neville

Part historical fiction, part mysticism, part modern day suspense thriller – this tale follows the discovery and disappearance of the powerful Montglane Chess Service. The chess service imbues unlimited power to anyone playing. The task of hiding and protecting the chess pieces from abuse falls upon the novices of Montglane Abby in the year 1790.  In 1972, modern day computer expert Catherine Velis is hired to recover the valuable chess pieces and soon finds herself entangled in a global plot.

Excellent!

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

A “work party” is scheduled for this Saturday, March 13th at the Salmon Creek Ravine in Burien beginning at 10am.

The goal of this two-hour “party” is to save this park from invasive plants like English Holly, English Ivy, English Laurel and Himalayan Blackberry (EDITOR’S NOTE: Looks like we’re going to have to defeat the English again…).

These events are always a satisfying form of both exercise and social interaction, but we recommend that you RSVP early to the organizers.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Invasive plant work party at Salmon Creek Ravine

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th beginning at 10am

WHERE: Meet at the intersection of Shorewood Drive and SW 130th – the top of Goat Hill near the Shorewood on the Sound sign.

INFO: From the Shorewood on the Sound blog:

Help to protect our local forests by coming to a work party at the Salmon Creek Ravine on March 13th at 10:00.

We’ll provide tools and gloves and a specific project to work on for 2 hours.

Meet at the intersection of Shorewood Drive and SW 130th – the top of Goat Hill near the Shorewood on the Sound sign.

This is your opportunity to participate in a group effort to save this beautiful forested park from invasive plants like English Holly, English Ivy, English Laurel and Himalayan Blackberry.

RSVP/CONTACT: RSVP to Jean Spohn at jeanspohn@comcast.net, or if you have any questions.

Our fave namesake women’s sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;

• Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
• Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.

The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:

This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were

1. Sockit Wenches
2. Grave Danger
3. Throttle Rockets
4. Derby Liberation Front

Here are the points:

• Period 1, 1st Players: TR 62, SW 97
• Period 1, 2nd Players: GD 88, DLF 51
• Period 2, Grudge Match: TR 97, DLF 43
• Period 2, Champs: GD 66, SW 70

On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.

The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.

Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).

RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.

Tukwila resident Serges Hakizimana (pictured, left) will be honored on Thursday, March 11th, by the American Red Cross at their 2010 Heroes Breakfast in downtown Seattle.

Hakizimana, originally from Burundi, has been serving as part of the Red Cross Language Bank in Seattle, where he learned how to bring people together and help them understand each other. From there he started organizing people in other ways, establishing community funds, cultural training and more.

Before Hakizimana was born, his parents fled the ethnic violence of Burundi. They educated their son in refugee camps, which was not an easy task. Although safe from the violence that drove them from their homes, Burundian refugees faced new challenges of confined living, being told where to live and what to eat. They were never required to pay for the things they were given, but nor were they permitted to have jobs or earn money.

In 2007, Serges was one of the first Burundians who relocated to the King County area. Recognizing his unique skill with language, his case worker directed him to the Red Cross Language Bank in Seattle, where Serges learned how to bring people together and help them understand each other. From there he started organizing people in other ways, establishing community funds, cultural training and more.

There are now 30 Burundian refugee families in the Seattle metro area who rely on Serges as their leader. He has taught some of them enough English to find work, and helped others get a small business loan to establish a farm in Kent. Through it all, he serves as a role model, balancing his time between work, volunteer, school and community.

Fifteen heroes will be honored at the 14th Annual Heroes Breakfast – sponsored by Costco Wholesale. Here are the details:

WHAT: 14th Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

WHEN: Thursday, March 11th from 7:30am – 9am

WHERE: Washington State Convention Center, located at 800 Convention Place in Downtown Seattle (Click here for directions)

INFO: All proceeds will support disaster relief efforts in King County. More information available here.

Burien Arts (BA) has been part of the area arts scene, community activities and has “lived” in the “Little Blue House” Art Gallery in Dottie Harper Park for nearly 50 years, since the early 1960s.

Sadly, its time in that house is reaching its end, as it will be closing shop the end of March.

According to a press release:

“The model the founders developed served the community and the organization well for many years. Changes in demographics, growth / development in the city and relocation of the key facilities that have drastically reduced gallery traffic has led us to examine how Burien Arts can better serve the community.”

“Because of all the changes that have and are taking place in Burien, the BA Board of Trustees is using this as an opportunity to really reexamine our role in the community,” said John Unbehend, President of the BA Board. “The repositioning will be both a physical (meaning we’ll eventually be moving to a more visible / accessible location) and a directional one (how we bring a sustainable set of visual arts / services to Burien).”

Some of Burien Arts past activities have included:

• Burien Art Gallery
• High School Art exhibitions
• Artist United partnership
• Strawberry Festival
• Shakespeare-in-the-Park
• Numerous musical events

Its current mission statement is as follows:

The Burien Arts Association Mission is to engage, enrich and entertain all the communities, generations and visitors to the Burien / greater Highline region through creative and innovative arts programming.

The press release goes on to say:

We anticipate that one out growth of the repositioning will be expanding to include arts educational and enrichment programs that compliment those offered by the area schools and the city of Burien.

The questions we have to ask the community and answer for the organization are the fundamental ones that journalist use when they develop a story:

• Who? Who are people we are serving in the Burien / Highline area (artistic, scholastic, ethnic and age groups in our area)?
• What? What are the artistic (visual, performing, literary) activities that the community wants and will support to allow BA to be a sustainable force in our area.
• Where? Where should BA be physically located to be accessible to the greatest number of people:
  • foot traffic, drop-ins and event participants for a new gallery
  • participation in community events (festivals, farmers market, Burien Days)
  • accessibility for people with disabilities
  • Students (elementary, middle school, high school and college).
• When? When is now! With the new town center, building projects, new restaurants and relocation of the Strawberry Festival we have to get a grip on our future now.
• How? How do we find a new gallery facility that meets the community needs? How to we provide a set of products (art shows, Shakespeare, poetry / literary experiences, educational opportunities) the community will eagerly provide support – attendance, participation and financial.

The first step will be to gather as much input from the community members as we can. This will take the form of:

• Discussions with art groups and individual artist in the community to learn how they want to participate.
• The individuals that we serve in the community through our web site, email burienarts@gmail.com and public meetings.
• Working with the merchants and Discover Burien to find how we can best support one another.
• Join in close discussions with the City of Burien (parks and rec., council, city management) to make sure we’re clear on how we can support and reinforce their activities in the arts so that BA is not duplicating their fine efforts.

This data will provide the foundation for decisions on how we reposition ourselves to better serve the Burien / Highline community!

- John Unbehend for the Burien Arts Board of Trustees
3/7/10

The current show at the Burien Arts Gallery is “Page Turner: Contemporary Artist Books,” a free exhibit of handmade artists books, which continues through March 19.

Hours are Thursday-Friday Noon – 5 pm, Saturday 11 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am-4 pm, and the gallery is located at 421 SW 146th Street.

This could be your last chance to set foot in this historic, quaint “Little Blue House,” as we’re not yet sure of what the future holds for it.

“Creating a Sustainable Gardening Community” will be the main topic at the next Sustainable Burien meeting at 2pm on Sunday, March 14th at the Burien Library.

The speaker will be Craig Bye, who will talk about:

• Creating a sustainable gardening community.
• Info about Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle (CHOSS), their mission, goal, and community outreach
• Mentoring programs and how the community can get involved

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sustainable Burien’s monthly meeting will feature Craig Bye, who will speak about creating a sustainable garden community.

WHEN: Sunday, March 14th from 2pm to 4pm; doors open at 1:30pm.

WHERE: Multipurpose room of the Burien Library, located at 400 SW 152nd.

INFO: From a press release:

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE GARDENING COMMUNITY

Our speaker will be Craig Bye, who will talk to us about:

• Creating a sustainable gardening community.
• Info about Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle (CHOSS), their mission, goal, and community outreach
• Mentoring programs and how the community can get involved

Check out their website at: http://www.gleanit.org/index.html

The remainder of the meeting will be covering our projects, such as our community gardening efforts and accomplishments; various projects toward the Wild Strawberry Festival (i.e., Bike Rodeo, Film Festival, our booth and free wild strawberry plants).

Please call Rebecca or Bill at 243-9366 if there are questions.

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is an organization started in January of 2008. We recognize the need to promote and participate in the creation of a sustainable community in Burien. We invite all residents and businesses to participate in creating a sustainable local community by sharing their ideas, passions, knowledge and talents.

At our meetings we will be collecting burned out CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs and dead rechargable batteries. People are welcome to bring any extra food items [produce from your garden, fruit from your trees, etc.] that they have and barter with others. Also bring any coupons for food that you get in the mail or from the newspaper, we’ll pass them on to the food bank, who can make good use of them.

Gatherings are held on the second Sunday of each month, – from 2:00 – 4:00PM at the (new) KCLS Burien Library (doors open at 1:30PM). For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

REMINDER: The 6th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival kicks off tonight (Friday, March 5th) with a black-tie “A Night in the Vineyard” gala party starting at 7:30pmat the Landmark Event Center in Des Moines.

Gala tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door, and include a buffet catered by Anthony’s HomePort, unlimited wine tasting, and live music by the Steve Ryals Trio and Ed Taylor & TaylorMade, plus free admission to the wine tasting event on Saturday or Sunday. Several premium wines and other exclusive items will be offered at a silent auction.

Sponsored by the Des Moines Rotary Club, this annual wine festival will run through Sunday March 7th at the historic and grand Landmark Event Center (formerly Landmark on the Sound) in Des Moines. Guests will enjoy live jazz and great food while tasting wines from 25 Northwest wineries.

“The wine festival gala is the hottest ticket in town,” says Des Moines Rotary President Lisa Meineke. “Everybody has a great time! People come back year after year. And this year we have new wineries and more wineries than ever before.”

The fun continues on Saturday and Sunday, with more wine tasting, food, and live music. Saturday’s music line-up includes Darren Motamedy and 4th Degree. On Sunday, it’s Rouge and Billet-Deux. Local restaurants and gourmet food vendors will sample breads, cheeses, smoked salmon, chocolates and other fine fare.

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are just $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Gala tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Corky Cellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462) or at www.dmrotary.org.

Through the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, the Rotary Club of Des Moines has raised over $150,000 in its five-year history. All proceeds fund a wide variety of charitable projects, including college scholarships, grants to local schools, safety and recreation programs for children, yard projects for elderly residents, support for the local food bank and the homeless, and projects to assist needy people as far away as South Africa and Pakistan.

“People can come to the wine festival to have fun and discover some great wines and feel really good about what they are contributing to the community at the same time,” says wine festival chair Brian Snure. “There are so many needs in our community and in our world right now. What better way to give?”

HOURS:

• Saturday, March 6:  12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday March 7: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

WINERIES:

• Canyon’s Edge
• Chandler Reach
• Covington Cellars – NEW
• Coyote Canyon Winery – NEW
• Burien’s own E.B. Foote Winery (BTB Advertiser)
• Eaton Hill
• Erin Glenn
• Fall Line
• Five Star Cellars
• Fort Walla Walla Cellars – NEW
• Kestrel – NEW
• Knipprath – NEW
• Masset Winery
• Otis Kenyon
• Page Cellars
• Pondera – NEW
• Sleeping Dog
• Sodo Vino – NEW
• Stina’s Cellar
• Two Vintners – NEW
• Vashon Winery
• Vin du Lac – NEW
• Waving Tree
• Willis Hall
• Windy Point

MUSIC:

• Friday, March 5 (Gala):
  • Steve Ryals Trio , Ed Taylor and TaylorMade
• Saturday, March 6:
  • 12:30-3:00:  Darren Motamedy Duo
  • 3:30-6:30: 4th Degree
• Sunday, March 7:
  • 12:30-2:30: Rouge
  • 3:00-5:00: Billet-Deux

For more information, please visit www.dmrotary.org. We’ll see you there tonight!

The days are getting longer, the sky brighter, flowers are starting to bloom, bugs are coming out and its Photo Friday – what better way to celebrate the coming days of Spring than by celebrating with a stunning “Springtime In Burien” photo slideshow by area Pro Photographer Francis Zera?

This set of amazing macro nature photos is Exhibit A in why we love Photography – through the eye of a talented artist like Francis, one can see things that you normally might not notice, and see it in a beautiful new way.

According to Francis, who shot these pics Wednesday:

Today’s brief spell of late-afternoon sunshine got me thinking about spring, and I had an opportunity to wander around a private garden on the east side of Burien.

The plants and trees were just starting to bloom, and I found some pretty interesting stuff, including this insect that was swimming around in a dewdrop that was poised on a new tulip leaf.

This little guy appears to be a Hypera zoilus Kaldari, aka Clover Leaf Weevil, swimming in a dewdrop. According to the Wikipedia entry, they seem to prefer dry places to wet, so I’m thinking it might have been simply unlucky enough to have been nailed by a big raindrop and subsequently trapped inside the droplet by the surface tension.

It was still alive when I photographed it, and was moving around within the confines of the droplet.

For those technically inclined, I was using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 180mm f/3.2 macro lens.

Here’s Francis’ stunning spring slideshow:

Click to View Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow

Francis Zera is a professional architectural and commercial photographer, as well as Co-president, Seattle/Northwest chapter, American Society of Media Photographers. See his portfolio at http://www.zeraphoto.com or follow him on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/zeraphoto. Francis can be reached at 206-659-ZERA.

Our friends at White Center for the Arts are holding a very unique “Python-A-Thon” fundraiser this Sunday, March 7th, from Noon – 8pm at Big Al Brewing (in White Center), where episodes of the classic “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” TV show will be shown non-stop.

Participants are encouraged to bring potluck food items, dress in costume (lumberjack anyone?), bring penguins to put on the telly, and walk like you’re in the Ministry of Silly Walks, all while donating to a worthy local arts association.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Python-A-Thon” viewing party of classic Monty Python TV episodes to help raise funds for White Center for the Arts.

WHEN: Sunday, March 7th from Noon – 8pm.

WHERE: Big Al Brewing, located at 9832 14th Ave SW; (206) 453-4487 (website here)

INFO: From a poster:

Big Al Brewing Presents Monty Python Video Festival

“Continuing Education”

Earn your letters in Pythonology

Finding it hard to get promoted even though you have a MM- Master of Monty?

Get your Doctor of Pythonology (DP), and silly walk your way to the top!

DP courses in:

• The Arts
  • -Why lumberjacks sing
• Optical Sciences
  • -How not to be seen
• Aeronautics
  • -What makes sheep fly
• Military History
  • -German humor and the demise of the Wehrmacht
• Veterinary Sciences
  • – Learn to determine the difference between “Dead” and “Resting”

And much much more!

If you’re silly enough, you too could become a fully accredited Doctor of Pythonology, capable of answering such puzzling questions as…

• “Why is there a penguin on the telly”?
• “If she’s a go’er why is she with him”?
• And, “Did the Vikings invent spam”?

Classes begin on Sunday, March 7th

First class of the day starts at 12 noon

Location: Go to www.bigalbrewing.com for directions

Extra credit will be given for bringing pot luck and coming to class as your favorite Monty Python character.

To get you in the mood, here’s the classic “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch:

BTB Advertiser Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub will be celebrating its 3rd birthday this Saturday March 6th!

Live reggae from Dub Lounge International starts at 8pm.

Families are welcome and there’s No Cover!

Cheers to a great local establishment!

Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub is located at 255 SW 152nd in downtown Burien; phone: 206.246.4211. This family-friendly neighborhood pub offers a full pub menu, large party facilities, tournament-sized shuffleboard tables, along with party platters and beer to go.

More info on Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub is available at their website.

Here are a couple of videos of Dub Lounge International to whet your rastaman appetite:

Local singers in KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds will be taking the stage at the Highline Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 19th at 7pm for “A 20th Century Celebration” concert.

These area youth are a part of Northwest Associated Arts’ commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County. The three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.

The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

WHAT: KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Spring Concert

WHEN:  Friday March 19 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: Burien’s Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street, next to Highline High School.

TICKETS: $10-$15 (17 & under free with a paid adult ticket) are available for purchase online: www.nwassociatedarts.org or via phone: 206-246-6040

INFO: From a poster:

Overture…light the lights! An entire century of music represented in one work! This fabulous 55-minute revue, complete with an original opener by Greg Gilpin, takes us on a decade-by-decade celebration of popular music. Under the direction of Paula Hawkins, KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds Northwest will join forces with a fun-filled program designed just for families.

You’re A Grand Old Flag, Give My Regards to Broadway, Rock Around the Clock, Fame, Good Vibrations, plus many other favorites combine to make this fast-paced show a must-see for anyone who loves popular music. Narration, dancing, and solos blend together seamlessly with wonderful choral singing in this showcase of the budding talents of our youth choruses.

Families hunting for affordable entertainment will delight and parents looking for a risk-free way to introduce their children to the joys of choral music can rest easy because Northwest Associated Arts youth ticket program lets young people 17 and under in free with a paid adult ticket.

YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest demonstrate Northwest Associated Arts’ commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County. Each year the three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien. In a time of radical funding cuts to music programs in the schools, these ensembles provide an important and life-changing opportunity for students to learn through the discipline of music. Along the way, audiences are delighted with the entertaining performances of these dedicated young singers. The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

The NWAA young people’s music education program is funded, in part, by the generous support of: 4 Culture, Lucky 7 Foundation, Glaser Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, City of Burien, JR Mailing Services, Inc, and many individuals & families throughout our community.

You know Spring is almost here when we post this annual notice – Burien Parks’ Eggstravaganza, Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt is hopping into the Community Center on Saturday, April 3rd, with breakfast, Bunny Photos, various egg hunts for different ages and much more.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Parks’ annual Eggstravaganza, Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt.

WHEN: Saturday, April 3rd, with breakfast beginning at 9am.

• 9am-10:45am: Bunny Breakfast

Egg Hunt has staggered Start Times & two locations:

• Community Center Park: Ages Walkers – 7 years 425 SW 144 St
• Dottie Harper Park: Ages: 8-11 years 4th Ave SW & 146th SW

• 11am: Walkers-3 years at Peter Cotton Tails House
• 11:15am: 4-5 years
• 11:30am: 6-7 years
• 11:45am: 8-11 years

WHERE: Burien Community Center (located at 425 SW 144th Street) and Dottie Harper Park (across the street); see poster for details.

COST: Bunny Breakfast is $4/Person (children under 1 eat FREE); includes pancakes, ham, juice, & coffee; $4 FOR Bunny Photos

TICKETS: For info on how to purchase tickets in advance, call Burien Parks at (206) 988-3700, or visit their website here.

INFO: From a poster:

*NEW THIS YEAR! Save Your Spot… Get Your Tickets Now!

Limited Seating Available!

Event held at the Burien Community Center, Auditorium

What better way to prepare for the March 14th “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser run than by crawling in the fundraiser Pub Crawl on Friday, March 12th, where participants can feel good about going from pub to pub to help benefit the Highline Area Food Bank?

That’s right – there just isn’t a better way, so be sure to mark your calendars for 6pm+ Friday March 12th for what is sure to make a “great excuse for your poor upcoming performance on Snake Hill, with only one day to recover.”

For a $10 donation, you’ll get a commemorative keepsake bib qualifying you for “crawl” specials (our fave is the $1 bag of chips at the Hobnobber!), along with a passport and a map. Your goal will be to collect visitation stamps on your passport from at least five of the 13 official crawl stops (see the list below, which includes specials at each). Your stamped passport will serve as your entry to the door prize drawing @ 11 pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

And if this Pub Crawl is anything like the now-legendary Brat Trot one from last October, be prepared for one of the best nights in Burien you’ve ever had; just be sure to have a designated driver or a safe way to get home if you plan to imbibe.

Keep in mind also that you need not drink alcohol at every pub – you can just ask to get your passport stamped!

Here are the details:

WHAT: The 2010 Cove to Clover Pub Crawl fundraiser benefiting the Highline Area Food Bank.

WHEN: Friday, March 12th beginning at 6pm.

WHERE: Starts at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub at 6pm, with an 11pm return time for prize drawings.

COST: $10 donation gets you a commemorative, keepsake bib, which you’ll wear proudly as you “crawl” from pub to pub.

INFO: From the C2C website:

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!! PRE-PLAN YOUR RIDE HOME OR HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER

Enjoy “crawl specials” offered at each official stop.

You can also expect special entertainment on the route.

Collect at least 5 official crawl stamps and you’ll qualify for the door prize drawing at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub @ 11pm. (must be present to win).

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

Best Leprechaun Contest: Gift certificates to Mick Kelly’s for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50).

For you Normandy Parkers: Consider riding the free shuttle from Normandy Park’s Archery Bistro. Check in with them (website here) for the schedule and shuttle stops. While they are not an official crawl stop, we understand they will be offering a specials during and prior to the first run into Burien. You can park you car there and let them do the driving. You’ll also be able to purchase an official crawl number at Archery Bistro, in case you decide to make this your launching point.

Here are the 13 designated pub crawl stops – remember, you only have to get stamped at five of ‘em:

Specials:

• $3 Draft beer
• $4.50 House Wine
• Food Special

Specials:

• $2 PBR Tall Boys $2 Bacardi Silver Bottles
• $3 Giant Pizza by the Slice

Entertainment:

• Three Tree Point Blues Band 9P

Specials:

• Free Espresso Shot

Specials:

• Free Wine Taste
• Free Menu Taste

Specials:

• $3 House Beer
• $3 Apps off Happy Hour Menu

FILIBERTO’S

Specials:

• $2 Draft Beer
• 1/2 price Calamari and pizza

Entertainment:

• RLS Band

Specials:

• $2 Budweiser
• $1 Bag of Chips!

Specials:

• $5 House Margarita
• $5 Tacos (3 Beef or Chicken Tacos)

Entertainment:

• Live Mariachi Band at 6:30

Specials:

• $2 beer
• $4 sangiovese
• $1 Pizza slices

Specials:

• Sour Apple Jello Shots $2
• Irish Potato and Banger Stew $3

Entertainment:

• Cornerstone

Specials:

• $3 Alaskan Amber Pints

Specials:

• $2 Irish Nut Brown Ales
• Corned beef sliders

Specials:

• $6 Wine by the Glass

More info available at the Cove Clover Pub Crawl website.

And if you haven’t yet registered for the 5k run, click here.

As we previously reported, “Images of America: Three Tree Point,” a locally-written book about one of Burien’s historic waterfront neighborhoods, is being released Monday (March 8th), and its authors will be holding a book-signing party at The Tin Room on Friday, March 12th beginning at 3pm.

Longtime residents-turned-authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper will be autographing and selling these rich, historical books full of unique and rare photos at the 3pm+ signing for just $20 (Amazon charges $21.99). Visitors will also be able to ask questions or share anecdotes about this neighborhood with these folks, who have a passion for and incredibly deep knowledge about the entire area.

Fittingly, the authors will be stationed in the back of the Tin Room (located at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; 242-8040), at a historic table made from the old wooden sign from the Three Tree Point store – how perfect is that?

This new book includes more than 200 vintage photographs chronicling the history of Burien’s unique beachfront community, and these good creative folks have been working hard on this project for well over a year, so this will be a big day for them – reason enough we say to drop by and show your support! Also, we’re lucky enough to have read an advance copy of it, and we think it’s just fantastic – chock full of great, never-before-seen photos (at least to us) with informative and incredibly interesting captions that make it a local “must read.”

They’ve also been kind enough (along with Arcadia Publishing) to allow us to excerpt some “sneak peek” photos and captions from the book, which we present below (we’ll be posting more excerpts soon, so check back often) – did you know that two large saltwater lagoons once filled an area at the point?:

“Images of America: Three Tree Point” is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.