According to Gary McNeil, Boy Scout Troop #375 of Burien collected 392 pounds of food in the “Scouting for Food” drive on Saturday, March 20th.

The troop, sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Church, donated all the food to the White Center Food Bank. Cub Scout Pack 375 helped by handing out bags the previous Saturday, March 13.

The food will help the food bank serve over 1,500 families this month.

“There were many generous households in the neighborhood around Seahurst Park,” McNeil said.

This year Boy Scouts of America is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, and helping feed hungry families is one of the many ways that Scouts serve their community. The Chief Seattle Council has planned many service projects and events to celebrate this milestone – for more information check out their website here: www.seattlebsa.org.

Here are some pics Gary sent us:

The City of Normandy Park’s City Manager’s Report (link, PDF file) says that the former Dairy Queen building, located at 17827 1st Ave South (near QFC), will be remodeled and occupied by a Subway Sandwich shop and probably one other tenant.

According to the report:

The former Dairy Queen building is going to receive a facelift and part of the remodeled building will be occupied by Subway Sandwich.

Plans for the remodel are currently under review by the Community Development Department, but the issuance of a building permit is expected within the next week or two.

The remodeled building will eventually be occupied by two tenants. The photograph to the right below is an architectural concept of the remodeled building.

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

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a new, two-story Craftsman style home in Seahurst.

The main floor has an entry with open staircase, and there’s a large open gourmet kitchen with elegant cabinets, slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas cook top range, and a built-in microwave and oven.

The hardwood floors are made of Brazilian Cherry, the upper floor has four bedrooms, two full baths, and a large master suite with five-piece bath and walk-in closet.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, March 21st, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 14438 12 Ave SW • Burien 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $415,000
• Listing#: 28106636
• Beds: 2
• Baths: 2.5
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 2008
• 2 Garage-Attached, Off-Street Parking
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,420
• Lot Square Footage: 5,245

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Dining Room
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Walk-in Closet

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• Nat. Gas Available

Marketing Remarks:

Quality built new construction in Seahurst. Gorgeous Two-Story Craftsman style.

Main Flr. has entry with open staircase, living Rm., dining rm., large open gourmet kitchen w/elegant cabinets, slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas cook top range, built in microwave & oven, spacious family rm. w/gas fireplace off kitchen, gleaming Brazilian Cherry Hdwe. flrs., half bath, & utility rm.

Upper flr. has 4 bedrooms, two full bths., lg. master w/5 piece bath & walk-in closet.

DIRECTIONS:

• Take Ambaum to S.W 146th St.
• Go West on S.W. 146th for 1.5 blocks.
• Turn right into alley between 11th Ave. S.W. & 12th Ave. S.W.
• House is on the left side, middle of alley.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

[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!]

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!]

UPDATE FRI. 3/19 2pm: Just got word from Sgt John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the suspect vehicle, “probably a white Honda Civic,” was found parked at a Burien apartment complex; no arrests have yet been made:

“Suspect vehicle (probably a white Honda Civic) struck a parked car(s), mailbox, wall etc. in the 3300 block of S. 172nd.

Car kept going.

We did find the unoccupied suspect car at a Burien apartment complex, but so far have made no arrests.”

PREVIOUSLY: A hit and run accident around dusk Thursday night (March 18) on SW 172nd in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood caused extensive damage to a parked Toyota Corolla as well as destroying a protective wall outside a house.

“We were eating dinner and we heard this incredibly loud noise,” said Rachel, who lives in the house where the wall was damaged. “I was honestly afraid that someone was driving through the wall of our home.”

In addition to damaging the parked car and retaining wall, the suspect vehicle struck a mailbox before driving off. Witnesses reportedly took down a license plate number, and the police were called. Rachel said that it took Burien Police at least two hours to respond to the scene.

“I thought our neighbors were putting their garbage out,” said Terry Haigh, another neighbor. “But then I thought ‘man, they’ve sure got a lot of garbage’ because it was really loud.”

Debris was scattered throughout the street, and a trail could be seen where the suspect car, which was allegedly driving south, struck the parked Toyota, bounced off, hit a mailbox across the street, then drove off.

This isn’t the first accident for this neighborhood, according to Rachel. About a year and a half ago, a protective wall on the other side of their property was hit and destroyed in a similar accident. The street (SW 172nd) is narrower than most, as it is an historic beachfront road that dates back to the very early days of the neighborhood.

“We’ve lived here a couple of years, and cars frequently speed down this street,” Rachel added. “And there are usually kids, joggers, pets, families and people walking around. I’m concerned for the safety of the residents here.”

Here are some pics of the scene as shot by Scott Schaefer Friday morning:

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.

Grand Central Bakery, a longtime bakery in Seattle and Portland, is building its newest location in downtown Burien, at 626 SW 152nd Street, in the building formerly occupied by Restaurante CentroAmericano.

Employees from the bakery were on hand at the finish line of last Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k race, passing out Oatmeal Stout Cake and bread with jam. Rumor has it that some runners even ended up “hitting each other with baguettes.”

It’s nice to see an established bakery come to Burien, and on a personal note, we have many fond memories of eating at their original location in the Grand Central Building in Occidental Square in downtown Seattle.

Here’s a pic of their Burien space taken Tuesday (Mar. 16), currently under construction but moving towards a summer opening:

Here’s a blurb from their website:

COMING SUMMER 2010!

Freshly baked artisan breads, hand-made pastries and delicious sandwiches will soon be available in charming downtown Burien.

Soon we’ll pick up our hammers and get to work building a café that is as warm and inviting as the food we serve.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Here are some links:

• Grand Central Bakery website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter

The City of Burien recently mailed out a letter to approximately 1,250 business entities located or working in the North Highline annexation area, in an effort to provide the newly-annexed businesses with an overview of some of the opportunities available in Burien, such as the Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) program or the “pre-submittal meetings” offered by Community Development.

The letter also provided businesses with notice of some of their responsibilities, such as obtaining business licenses and updating their tax code on Department of Revenue forms.

Also, according to the city, as of April 1st, Comcast subscribers in the annexation area should be able to view Burien Channel 21 and Puget Sound Access on Channel 77 – and as we all know, nothing makes one feel more like part of a city than being able to watch live, exciting council meetings.

Here’s the text of the letter:

RE: City of Burien Annexation

Dear Business Owner,

I would like to welcome you to the City of Burien. As you probably know, on August 18, 2009, a majority of voting residents in the proposed annexation area, located in the southern portion of North Highline, chose to join the City of Burien. As a result, your business will officially be located in Burien as of April 1, 2010.

As a business new to Burien, your local opportunities and responsibilities will change on April 1. I encourage you to reach out and take advantage of some of our local resources. For example, Burien sponsors a Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) program, which provides graffiti removal to commercial properties – free of charge. Another City service you can take advantage of is the “pre-submittal meetings,” where you can meet with a City planner prior to expanding or moving your business. That way, you are aware of zoning & land use issues, parking, setbacks, signage and design criteria before you lease, buy or alter a new space.

There are also several local business organizations offering networking, collaboration and public input:

• Discover Burien: Steve Gilbert 620 SW 150th St. Burien, WA 98166 (206) 433-2882 www.discoverburien.com Promotional marketing. Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Burien City Hall 6:30 pm.
• Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Nancy Hinthorne 14220 Interurban Ave. S. Tukwila, WA 98168 (206) 575-1333 www.swkcc.org Regional voice and business networking. Monthly meetings at various locations.
• Burien Business & Economic Development Partnership (BEDP) Dick Loman City of Burien Economic Development Manager (206) 248-5528 dickl@burienwa.gov Advisory Board to the Burien City Council. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Burien City Hall 7:00 am.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC): I especially want to call your attention to our Small Business Development Center at Highline Community College. Experienced business professionals are available by appointment to confidentially work with you on expansion, marketing, or financial needs you may have – also free of charge. You may contact Zev Siegl at (206) 878-3710, ext. 5151 or zsiegl@highline.edu.

Burien Business License
In addition to new opportunities, there are also new responsibilities. A Burien Business License is required to do business within our City limits. Business licenses are valid August 1 – July 31. For the remainder of this business license year, from April 1 through July 31, the license fees will be waived for newly annexed businesses. However, starting August 1, 2010, owners of annexed businesses will be expected to comply with the licensing requirements. For more information, please refer to the Burien Municipal Code Chapter 5.05, available on our website at www.codepublishing.com/wa/burien, or call (206) 988-3714.

Burien Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax
The City of Burien collects a .05% business and occupation tax on gross receipts earned within the City. For example, a business with $100,000 in gross receipts would pay $50 in Burien B&O taxes. However, there is a threshold, which means that businesses with annual gross receipts of less than $100,000 are not subject to the tax. The tax is remitted quarterly and forms will be mailed to you. For more information, please refer to the Burien Municipal Code Chapter 3.11 or call (206) 988-3714.

State and Local Sales and Use Tax
The amount of state and local sales and use taxes you will be collecting and remitting through the Department of Revenue will not change, but the local reporting code will change so that Burien receives its share of the taxes. For taxes collected on or after April 1, 2010, the local code is 1734, instead of 1700. For more information, please contact the Washington Department of Revenue at www.dor.wa.gov.

Our goal is to assist and welcome our new businesses and residents during this transition. For additional information on how the annexation will affect business owners and residents, please visit our annexation section on the Burien website, www.burienwa.gov/annexation, or call the Burien Annexation Information Line at (206) 436-5555. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Mike Martin
City Manager

Here’s the actual letter:

by Lori A. Alden
Prudential Northwest Realty

Opportunity is knocking for those considering home-ownership in Burien for the first time.

Historically low interest rates, lower home prices in most South King County neighborhoods and the first-time homebuyer tax credit – part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – brought first-timers to the market in droves throughout the year.

In fact, these consumers represented about half of home sales logged during 2009, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, a significant increase from historic levels. And the favorable conditions that prompted many of these first-time buyers are likely to continue. President Obama in early November signed into law a five-month extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8,000, as well as a new tax credit of up to $6,500 for existing homeowners who want to purchase a home to be their primary residence (see your real estate professional and tax advisor for details). Both credits will be available through April 30, 2010 (NOW is the time to get your house on the market if you are looking to attract these consumers).

Today’s opportunities aside, here are eight time-honored reasons why those considering homeownership for the first time should make their move.

1. Pride of Ownership
Owning your own home adds to your own sense of self-esteem and personal pride. The satisfaction that comes from feeling connected to the land you occupy and the home in which you live is ages-old.

2. Security of Tenancy
With homeownership comes stability. When renting, you never know when you may have to move because of new ownership, rent increases or other changes. As a homeowner, you decide when and if you want to move.

3. Privacy
While there are usually some limits on the access landlords have to property, almost all landlords can access your property for necessary inspections and maintenance. For many renters, this lack of privacy is a significant discomfort. Homeowners on the other hand generally have much stronger property rights and experience an increase in perceived and actual privacy.

4. Decorating
Homeowners are free to decorate, remodel and accessorize a home any way they want. Not only do you have the right to make improvements, but the value of those improvements becomes yours as well. Having your living space and exteriors just the way you want them can significantly increase your satisfaction with your living environment.

5. Financial Predictability
When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you have more predictability over future housing costs. Because your interest rate never changes, the amount of your payment never changes. Financial planning and credit are more easily managed with a fixed-rate mortgage compared to renting.

6. Building Equity
When you own your own home, you pay rent to yourself instead of a landlord. Most homeowners pay for their purchase by obtaining a mortgage. As you pay off that mortgage, your equity builds and you gain an increasingly larger share in a valuable asset. Over time, that asset can work for you in many ways, such as home equity lines of credit. And of course, a home is a wonderful asset to pass along in an estate.

7. Investment Appreciation
There are certainly no guarantees of property value appreciation. In the long-term, however, real estate valuations almost always increase. This means that when you decide to sell your home, its value may be significantly higher than when you purchased it. The difference in value is called appreciation. You can reinvest that appreciation in other real estate or you may wish to downsize and keep the value of that appreciation for retirement or other purposes.

8. Tax Benefits
In the United States, the cost of home mortgage interest and property taxes are usually tax-deductible. Depending on your circumstances, thousands of dollars in taxes can be saved each year. These tax savings are not limited to federal taxes either. Many states and localities either base their tax system on the federal system or offer similar incentives to homeownership. Some additional benefits are designed specifically for first-time homebuyers. (See your tax advisor for additional information.)

If you still have doubts, contact a real estate professional in your community. He or she can answer questions you may have about homeownership and explain the buying process to you.

Lori A. Alden can be reached at 206-244-6400, or via email at lorialden@PNWRealty.com.

Prudential Northwest Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity. They’re also a proud sponsor of The B-Town Blog’s Real Estate section.

[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!]

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/.

Burien Little Theatre’s current production, a 1950s musical comedy adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will end its run this weekend. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

So who cares? Why support the arts in Burien anyway? Isn’t just a way for a few people to feel good about themselves? Why help? Why now?

Well as it turns out, arts are good for business! Arts are good for Burien! Attached is a copy of an article in the most recent edition (March 2010) of The Business Report, a newspaper serving business interests in South King County.

The article, “Arts Represents a Boon to the Local Economy,” describes some of the economic benefits arts organizations provide to South King County. Three arts organizations mentioned by name in the article are the Federal Way Symphony, Burien Little Theatre and the Seattle Opera Scenic Studios. The latter is located in Renton.

As the article notes, a 2005 study by Americans for the Arts showed that nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $166.2 billion in economic activity in a year. The ArtsFund 2003 King County Economic Impact Study reported that county-wide arts and culture were responsible for $208 million in sales, $113.4 million in labor income and $8 million in tax revenues.

As also noted in the attached article, not only does Burien Little Theatre buy locally whenever possible, 77.6 percent of BLT’s patrons go out and eat or drink before or after seeing one of Burien Little Theatre’s performances. It is about an even split between those that eat or drink before the show compared to those who eat and drink after the performance. This is business for local restaurants and bars that would not occur without the performances at Burien Little Theatre. Additionally, for many years Burien Little Theatre has partnered with the Mark Restaurant and Bar in Burien for a dinner and a show package, where patrons can combine both dinner and a performance for a reduced rate. This has been very successful.

Not mentioned in the article is Burien Little Theatre’s recently joining with the local child care service The Jungle Gym to provide child care during one of the evening performances during a run, so parents can enjoy a night out and have their children entertained, too. Once again arts helping local business, while also helping harried parents catch a little time for themselves.

Unlike sports patrons who go to a game and eat at the event, patrons at Burien Little Theatre eat at local restaurants before or after the performance. Additionally, on any given evening after a production anywhere from 10 to 40 cast members, friends and well wishers descend upon a local bar, often the Mark, to talk about the show and the next project they have going. Speaking from personal experience, money is spent, food is eaten and liquids consumed at these spontaneous arts-related events.

Not only do Burien Little Theatre’s patrons help the local economy by eating and drinking before and after the performances, Burien Little Theatre itself spends money in the local economy. Live theater takes many things: first of all theater takes a lot of space that Burien Little Theatre rents from the City and a local School District. Theatre also needs countless items to present a live production: from paint to props, from shoes to sandpaper, and everything in between. Theater must create an entire world to tell its story. To do that, Burien Little Theatre spends tens of thousands of dollars every season. Whenever possible Burien Little Theatre spends that money locally. Whether it is Ace Hardware, Fred Meyer, McLendon in White Center or Value Village and Salvation Army, Burien Little Theatre looks first to the local community to buy everything it needs to mount a production and run a nonprofit business.

Burien Little Theatre is suffering from loss of space in the near term and the long term. Approaching is the loss of the green house, which is the office and costume storage space Burien Little Theatre has rented from Burien Parks and Recreation for years. Burien Little Theatre is also facing a much bigger jump in its rent than just to cover inflation. In the long term there have been, and continues to be, discussions of Burien Little Theatre losing its performance space so the City of Burien can replace its new Community Center (the old library space) with another new Community Center located where Burien Little Theatre has performed for the last 30 years.

In a City like Burien, with strong leadership, the arts, including Burien Little Theatre, can flourish and help lead the way out of tough economic times for all of the people in Burien. The attached article and the studies mentioned within it answer the question, “Why help the arts?” The arts are a proven economic engine, one that is much needed right now.

So what can you do to help? First, go see a performance. Decide for yourself whether the local arts are worth supporting. Burien Little Theatre is not your parents’ community theatre. It is part of the suburban fringe movement, bringing to Burien bold, fun, high-quality productions of works you cannot get on a DVD or anywhere else. Check it out, enjoy yourself and support the arts at the same time.

Throughout time immemorial the arts have had patrons. Those patrons were in a financial position to help the arts thrive and grow in a way that was bigger than just ticket sales. To paraphrase William Shakespeare, “There are more things in the cost of production, Horatio, than are covered by your ticket price.”

If you are blessed enough to be in a financial position where you can give some support to the local arts community, please be generous. Help the local arts grow. Because, as the local arts community grows, the local economy will grow even in these tough economic times.

Eric Dickman, Artistic Director
Maggie Larrick, Managing Director
Burien Little Theatre

The Highline Schools Foundation is now accepting nominations for this year’s Gold Star Awards, which will honor outstanding teachers, staff, administrators and volunteers in the Highline Public Schools.

All members of the school community are invited to nominate their peers, and the deadline for nominations is April 1st.

Winners will receive a cash award and will be honored at the Foundation’s Gold Star Luncheon on May 21st.

Nomination forms will be available through school administrators and on the Foundation’s website: www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org, or you can download the form directly here.

The Gold Star Teacher of the Year will also be eligible to represent the District in the region’s Teacher of the Year contest.

Here’s more info on the May 21st awards luncheon:

Simply titled “ten”, this year’s luncheon is May 21, 2010 at the Double Tree Guest Suites Hotel and will feature programs of HSFFE over the past ten years and the impact we’ve had on the district.  The emcee this year is none other than Highline High Schools famous alumnus Peter Fewing.

Each year, four Gold Star Awards are presented to an outstanding teacher, administrator, classified employee or support staff and volunteer of Highline Public Schools. All members of the district and community are invited to nominate an outstanding individual. Winners receive a cash award and will be honored at the luncheon. The Gold Star Outstanding Teacher will also be eligible to represent the District in the region’s Teacher of the Year contest.  The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2010.

The proceeds from this luncheon support one of our major programs, classroom grants, which enrich the education experience for our students.  We look forward to partnering with you this year and hope to see you at the 10th Annual Gold Star Luncheon!

Please see the links below for more information on becoming a sponsor at this years Gold Star or to download the Nomination form.  For tickets, contact the Foundation Office at (206) 248-5196 or holly@highlineschoolsfoundation.org.

The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence was established in 1999 with the purpose of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed. We believe that by helping to enrich the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level of learning, and the entire community will benefit. The Foundation is governed by a dedicated group of volunteer Trustees and is the only 501(c)(3) organization supporting all Highline Public Schools. The Foundation strives to be the single point of contact for community members, local and national business, service organizations and other foundations to connect their philanthropic efforts with a single school or the entire district.

If you’re not familiar with the Highline Schools Foundation, here’s a video:

It was an election that didn’t get much attention, but it happened Tuesday (March 16), and on Wednesday (March 17), the King Conservation District announced results of its public election for board of supervisor position.

From our estimates, only 4,232 registered voters bothered to vote in this election.

Here’s the release from the King Conservation District:

Max Prinsen of Renton has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the King Conservation District (King CD) board of supervisors following a final canvassing of votes cast in the district-wide election held March 16, 2010.

The final vote tallies for elected board position included:

• Prinsen (1,772)
• Mara Heiman of Auburn (1,488)
• Mary Embleton of Seattle (519)
• Kirk Prindle of Seattle (402)
• Teri Herrera of Redmond (51)

The unofficial election results will be certified by the Washington Conservation Commission  at its business meeting in May. Prinsen will be sworn in at the June 14th King CD board meeting.

The 2010 vote total of 4,232 marked a major increase over the 2,757 ballots cast in the 2009 election and reflects successively larger turnouts in King CD elections over the past five years, according to Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Knutsen.

“The higher level of activity at the polls this year can be attributed to increased interest in the King CD, including our voluntary conservation and stewardship efforts with private landowners, and enthusiastic campaign efforts by candidates,” said Knutsen.

King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, provided seven polling locations across the district (which includes most of King County). The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.

The all-volunteer, five-member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. As public officials, their responsibility is to ensure that the King CD meets its legal and public trust obligations.

The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provideguidance and oversight to district staff.

Supervisors are expected to help identify critical resource conservation needs in their district, communicate with the public and seek feedback about conservation programs from district residents.

The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs that are available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. It is hands-on, site specific, action and results oriented; and it initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.

As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission.

For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.

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?

The annexation of southern North Highline becomes official in just about two weeks (April 1st), and the mainstream media is starting to pick up on it.

With the annexation of this area, Burien will become the 21st largest city in Washington – just above Olympia – with a population of about 45,000. Currently the city ranks 31st in the state.

Seattle’s KING5 News just did a story on it, saying:

The city takes a big step forward on April 1, when it annexes 1,700 acres of unicorporated King County. Overnight, Burien’s population jumps by 14,500 people.

Voters approved the annexation last year by a 55% to 45% margin.

And this quote from City Manager Mike Martin:

“We pride ourselves in Burien for being responsive. We’re a small staff but we’re very responsive. So when people have problems they have somebody they can call.”

Here’s the video:

We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser – Benson’s Best Bites, located at 17851 First Avenue South in Normandy Park.

Located in Manhattan Village, near the QFC, Benson’s Best Bites brings gems of the world’s cheese culture to the Normandy Park neighborhood—as well as some notable specialty groceries and bakery items.

Here’s what the Bensons have to say about their store:

The Benson family’s long-standing fascination with world foods combined with Ezra’s retail history (he managed the advertising and printing for Benson’s Fashions in Des Moines for 35 years) inspired them to open Best Bites in October 2008. The carefully selected stock reflects a good value for quality products. Not sure you’ll like a certain cheese? Sample it before you buy. Cheese and meat are cut-to-order. Thumann’s Brand Premium cold cut meats offer top quality at better than grocery store prices. Come in and taste the difference. While meats and cheeses are the center of the store, olives, chocolate, and an amazing selection of spices, rice, beans, and lentils are sold in bulk. Other items in the store will optimize their use. As your neighbors, we are excited to offer you great food choices and a fun, personal shopping experience: The extra-you-don’t-pay-extra-for.

If you delight in the Food Channel, you’ll be right at home in our store. We’re not a super market – although we are beside QFC; instead, Best Bites is a small, specialty store, similar to what you might find in Europe. It’s a friendly place to find fresh ideas and special ingredients for supper – or a party! Our cheese and salami platters make any event special. Best Bites also is happy to make sandwich, quiche, or dessert platters.

Best Bites’ Snack Bar is open from 10am to 6pm (10 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday; Closed on Sunday). We have limited in-store seating, but also offer take-out sandwiches and home made soup. The Snack Bar is not a café (no coffee) though we have a great assortment of sodas. Try the Dirty Jobs Sandwich with a cup of Ezra’s Roasted Potato Leek Soup. Top it off with a sticky bun or a scoop of Snoqualmie Raspberry Honey Gelatto in a waffle cone (made fresh at The Bites)!

Special events happen on Saturdays: pig roasts, garlic fries, crêpes, guest chocolatieres, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, raclette tastings, etc. For instance, from 11 to 3 this Saturday, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with a hearty plate of hot sliced Corned Beef, Steamed Red Potatoes, Cabbage, Carrots & Rye Bread, a scoop of Pistachio (or your favorite flavor) Ice Cream! Sign up for our email list to be notified of special events, food demonstrations, and new arrivals.

Baking and cake decorating enthusiasts will find Best Bites’ selection a valuable resource. We have a daughter who loves to bake and had to search the length of Seattle to find ingredients and gifts for her. Now, they are in our store! Best Bites carries an impressive array of ingredients and flavors that are usually only available to commercial bakers.

We offer food choices that can lift the level of cuisine at your own home without destroying your food budget. Guests will seek your recipes! We invite you to taste foods and discover what you like!”

Cheesiest Deli and Specialty Grocery in Normandy Park:

• Over 50 cheeses—from our own back yard to the corners of the world—including some cheeses that are organic and some that use vegetable rennet.
  Italian style salamis; East Coast Deli style cold cuts, and meats from local smokehouses.
• Cured olives from Europe, California, and South America.
• Fine bulk baking chocolate as well as gourmet chocolate bars.
• Cookies and crackers featuring some of Europe’s best!
• Quality oils, vinegars, and jams are flavorful buys. Taste the difference!
• Wonderful bulk selection of fresh spices & herbs—both basic and unusual—at tremendous savings over grocery store prices.
• Bulk section offers an amazing selection of exotic rices, beans, and lentils and pasta.
• An opportunity to discover “gourmet salts” from around the world.
• Ingredients and tools to delight candy making and baking enthusiasts!
• Frozen Raviolis, puff pastry sheets and pie & tart shells.
• Hardware to facilitate the use of foods sold!
• Snack Bar features Deli Sandwiches on artisan bread – Panini Toasted if you wish; hot dogs (Saturdays only), and cheese & cracker Party Platters for entertaining.
• New – Fresh Artisan Breads & Rolls from Columbia City Bakery and Zatz’s Better Bagels in West Seattle

Please welcome our latest Advertisers by showing your support and shopping there:

Bensons Best Bites
17851 First Avenue South
Normandy Park
(206) 243-2420
www.bestbites.biz

Hours:

• Monday to Friday 10 to 6:30 (snack bar closes at 6)
• Saturday 10 to 4 (snack bar closes at 3:30)
• Closed Sunday

Owners – Ezra & Loie Benson

Best Cheeses + Best Meats + Best Breads = Best Sandwiches @ Best Prices!

By the way – Ezra & Loie are better known for their unique honor-system, treasure-chest business, Boundary Pass Trader’s NW, which they have operated for 15 summers on Stuart Island, a remote island in the San Juan Islands.

[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!]

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.

Some updates on recent Burien business news:

We had a chance the other day – Opening Day, as a matter of fact – to visit new Burien neighbors Donatelli’s Market.

The Donatelli family has created Burien’s newest enterprise, where you’ll find a wide variety of terrific fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items.

They are located on the west side of Ambaum Boulevard SW at SW 135th Street, in the building formerly occupied by Ike’s Burgers & Teriyaki.

B-Town Blog staffer Mark Neuman was on his way to another event with camera in hand. By chance timing, Mark became Donatelli’s first customer ever, snaring two bananas plus two perfectly ripe avocados, leaving behind Donatelli Market’s “first dollar we ever earned” (see photo at right).

They’re open seven days a week from 10:30am to 7pm. Open hours will lengthen as summer approaches.

And soon, Donatelli’s will be offering catering … Italian style!

Don’t forget to check out the north side of the nicely renovated building – it’s drive-through Espresso starting at 6:30am every morning.

Also, we’ve seen evidence of construction work on the Red Fish Grill, to be located where the former Keg Restaurant was at 180 SW 148th, across from the Transit Center in the Safeway mall:

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

The Seattle Times is reporting that a couple from Normandy Park is suing Toyota in federal court, demanding that the company either take back the vehicle they just bought or reimburse them for its loss in value since the automaker’s sudden-acceleration troubles became news.

According to The Times:

The lawsuit alleges that the issues plaguing Toyota violate the state’s Consumer Protection Act and amount to a breach of contract. The lawsuit is a proposed class action and, if certified by a federal judge, could apply to other Toyota owners in Washington with similar issues.

Read the full story here.

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.

On Friday (March 12), we received the following email from BTB Reader Jessica, who was concerned about what she thought was a S.W.A.T. team busting down the door of a Burien house on SW 143rd:

On my way home today at approximately 4:30 I saw about 12 swat team members marching up SW 143rd st. from 4th Ave.

With guns drawn and a battering ram they broke down the front door at XXX SW 143rd Street (ED. NOTE: address removed).

I snapped a photo from my phone and you can vaguely make out the swat team entering the house (see photo below).

As a resident of the neighborhood I am hoping you can find the reason behind this type of police work.

Thank you,
Jessica

Here’s Jessica’s cell phone pic – it’s hard to see clearly, but it appears that something’s going on at the front door:

We contacted Sgt. John Urquhart, Public Information Office of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who sent us this reply:

Not the SWAT team.

One of our neighborhood narcotics units.

The search warrant was for drugs and some cocaine was found.

The resident, age 43, was booked on felony drug charges.

That’s about it.

So, there ya go – it was just another major drug bust, not the S.W.A.T. team.

Just another day in Burien, huh?

Story and Photos by Michael Brunk

When most people think of Goodwill, the first thing that likely comes to mind is that it is a great place to donate clothing and other items that you no longer need.

Or perhaps that it is a wonderful store to find bargains on those same household goods.

Few probably realize that both of those things are just an outgrowth of Goodwill’s primary purpose – to provide employment training and basic education to people that otherwise might not have those opportunities.

To educate the community about these programs, the Burien Goodwill Job Training & Education Center located on 128th Street held an open house on Thursday, March 11. Approximately 30 people attended representing local government, community colleges, area businesses and social outreach organizations.

The evening’s program focused on meeting students and instructors from the Goodwill training program and learning more about their classes and facility. The keynote speaker for the night was Jesus Argueta, an adult student who has taken advantage of the free classes provided by the training center. Mr. Argueta spoke at length about the needs that Goodwill meets and the benefits of his education.

The Burien training center consists of a classroom used for teaching English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) and a computer lab that offers courses in basic computer operation and software such as Microsoft Word. The facility has been in operation for just over a year and is already at full capacity, with waiting lists for space in the classes offered.

The evening ended with a Q&A session that answered questions about opportunities for the community to get involved. Beyond donations of clothes and household goods and financial contributions, there is always a need for volunteers and Goodwill welcomes partnering opportunities with local businesses. For more information on how you can help, visit seattlegoodwill.org/getinvolved.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the event:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

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

The City of Burien will be holding “Planning Commission special meeting” on the Shoreline Master Program this Tuesday night (Mar. 16th) at 7pm at city hall.

If you are at all concerned or interested in what plan the city is developing for its shoreline and waterfront, you should attend.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Shoreline Master Program Planning Commission special meeting.

WHEN: March 16, 2010 beginning at 7pm.

WHERE: Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street, 1st Floor, Multipurpose Room/City Council Chamber; Burien, WA 98166

CONTACT: (206) 248-5510 or via Email

INFO: According to the city’s website:

To continue working on Shoreline Master Program update.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Will Burien’s Shoreline Master Program Timeline Be Extended?
• LETTER: Response To Councimember Brian Bennett’s Lake Burien Stance
• Burien Residents Air Concerns At Packed Shoreline Program Meeting
• Councilmember Brian Bennett: Open “Limited Secure Access” To Lake Burien
• Shoreline Master Program Meeting Tonight; Some Misinformation Debunked
• Educational Meeting On City’s Shoreline Program Is Saturday At Mick Kelly’s
• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Burien’s Shoreline Master Program Requires Citizen Involvement

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!

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a Mid-Century Home with Puget Sound views from both floors in the Three Tree Point area above Maplewild.

Imagine a home where you can relax and enjoy the view from nearly every room in the house as well as the deck. The carport offers storage above and at the end; plus there is a basement shop.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, March 14th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 2923 SW 164th Place • Burien 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $499,000
• Listing#: 19432
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 1.75
• Fireplaces: 2
• Year Built: 1952
• 2 Carport-Attached
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,190
• Lot Square Footage: 14,625

Interior Features:

• Dining Room
• Security System

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• Shop

Marketing Remarks:

View, View, View!

Puget Sound with Ferry Crossing viewed from both floors of this Mid-centry home in the Three Tree Point area above Maplewild!

Imagine a home where you can relax and enjoy the view from nearly every room in the house as well as the deck!

Original owners built this house to take advantage of location & private seclusion.

The carport offers storage above & at the end, plus there is a basement shop.

Now is your opportunity to own this view & update the house to your liking!

DIRECTIONS:

• From Maplewild go east on 29th SW.
• At Y (164th Pl) go Right follow road up & to the left.
• Second house on left.
• To leave-back out of driveway & continue north to complete loop you started.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

The YMCA is now accepting applications through March 31st for their Teen Leadership Institute & Youth Exchange to Japan, which gives local teenagers a chance to experience Japanese culture through a trip this summer.

Teens currently in grades 8-12 will travel to Kobe, Hiroshima and Kyoto from July 22-Aug. 7, 2010.

There are 14 spots available, and group selection will take place in early April, so be sure to get your applications in before March 31st.

According to a press release:

Participants learn important leadership skills, cultural sensitivity, history and language through home stays, visiting historical places and interacting with teens their own age.  There are 14 spots available in the Annual YMCA Teen Leadership Institute, a 45–year-old international partnership between the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Kobe YMCA.

Michaella Rosner, a participant in last year’s Youth Exchange, feels that the experience was truly eye-opening. “Japan really made me understand how similar people are across cultures. You can hear all your life how much we all have in common, but it doesn’t really sink in until you’re high-fiving Japanese girls and talking about boys. It’s also incredible how willing my host family was to accept me into their family. They begin their emails to me ‘Dear our daughter Michaella.’ I get homesick for Japan sometimes,” she says.

YMCA of Greater Seattle is part of the World Alliance of YMCAs in 122 countries. The Teen Leadership program is one of a number of international programs the Seattle YMCA is offering for teens, young adults and families.

The subsidized cost for the program (including pre-trip training, airfare, transportation, food, lodging and activities) is $2,750. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible for those in need.

Parents and applicants can join one of following information meetings to learn more about the trip:

• Monday, March 21, 7:00 p.m. : Northshore Family YMCA, 11811 NE 195th Street, Bothell, WA 98011
• Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 p.m. : West Seattle High School Library, 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
• Thursday, March 24, 7:00 p.m.:
 Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, Newcastle, WA 98059

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is a charitable, non-profit organization serving King and south Snohomish counties since 1876. Reaching more than 140,700 people annually through 12 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites, the YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services in child care, youth development, education, foster care, family support, wellness and outdoor experiences.

More information may be found at seattleymca.org.

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!]

Thousands of Local Boy Scouts are mounting a massive Food Drive beginning this Saturday, March 13th (and concluding next Saturday, March 20th), in one of the largest food collection campaigns ever mounted by troops in the Puget Sound area.

The campaign, called “SCOUTING FOR FOOD,” kicks off this Saturday when Scouts canvas neighborhoods with door-hangers listing the most-needed food items for local food banks.

The Scouts will return next Saturday (March 20th) to pick up donations and deliver them to local food banks.

Record numbers of people are visiting local food banks in the wake of news that Washington state’s unemployment rate rose to 9.3 percent in January. 373,000 children living in Washington state households struggle to put food on the table, according to Children’s Alliance and USDA reports.  To meet the increased food shortage locally, the Chief Seattle Council is teaming up with the Pacific Harbors Council of Boy Scouts of America making this the largest food collection campaign ever done by them. The two councils represent up to nearly 46,000 Scouting youth participation.

“In these tough economic times the SCOUTING FOR FOOD drive is more important than ever,” says Pat Craven, Boy Scout Spokesman. “Coordinating the two councils for our 2010 Centennial effort means we can help more people.” Craven added, “This drive will allow our Scouts to put into action the Scout Oath by ‘Helping Other People at All Times’.”

“Many families have depleted their resources and find themselves in need for the first time in their lives and our stock is dangerously low,” says Teresa Andrade, Center Manager at Kirkland/Northshore Hopelink. “The SCOUTING FOR FOOD drive by the Boy Scouts makes a huge difference to the people who depend on our help, especially when programs serving Washington’s children have received harsh cuts in state and local funding.”

And speaking of local food banks and fundraisers, don’t forget that there are two major fundraiser events for the Highline Area Food Bank this weekend:

1. Friday night, March 12th, 6pm+: Cove to Clover Pub Crawl starts at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.
2. Sunday, March 14th, 1pm: Cove to Clover 5k race begins at the Normandy Park Community Center.

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!]