Defending plunge champ Bart Bryan was there of course, jumping in with everyone else while wearing the exclusive B-Town Blog Waterproof Point-Of-View Splash Cam.

Here’s a video of today’s wacky event as shot and edited by Scott Schaefer, with help from Bart, Patricia Schaefer, former Sales Diva Janet Grella, Photographer Michael Brunk and a cast of 40+ (be sure to try and watch full-screen at 720p for best viewing experience):

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Lost Cat. Its yellow and orange and fat. It is sleepy. Milo. 206-612-7814.” Poster by Britta Kleitsch.

UPDATE 10/17/11 9 p.m.: Milo, the “fat, yellow, sleepy tabby cat” missing in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood since last Thursday night, has been found!

“Thanks for everyone’s help in Finding Milo,” said Jana Klietsch. “He turned up tonight and doesn’t look as if he has missed a meal! HUGE RELIEF!”

PREVIOUSLY: Three Tree Point resident Jana Kleitsch wants our Readers (especially all you 3TPers) to be on the lookout for Milo, her parents’ cat that went missing last Thursday night (Oct. 13) in that neighborhood.

“My parents are returning tomorrow and will be devastated if their cat is not back,” she said. “I have not told them about their missing cat…so if anyone has seen a fattish, yellow, short haired tabby cat named Milo please let me know. He doesn’t have a collar. I haven’t seen him since Thursday night and am really concerned. He is really friendly.”

If you see Milo, or know his whereabouts, please call (206) 612-7814 or email jana@janakphoto.com.

Here are two pics of Milo:

Story by Scott Schaefer
Photos by Bob Seaton

On a windy Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 28), an 18-foot motorboat broke away from its mooring buoy off the north side of Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood and ended up getting slammed repeatedly against a concrete retaining wall before being rescued.

Nobody was on board at the time, and there were no injuries to humans.

However, the boat didn’t fare so well.

“It got pretty chewed up – both sides were damaged with heavy scarring and scraping from bow to stern,” said Capt. Nick Stivers of Vessel Assist, the company that rescued the boat. “Even the steel anchor roller was busted and bent.”

After breaking off its anchored buoy sometime in the afternoon, the unmanned vessel floated in to shore and came to rest against a concrete paving wall, where wind and waves battered it.

“These kind of rescue jobs are very common,” Stivers added. “It’s very typical, especially during transition periods between summer and fall when the wind comes – people aren’t always ready for when that first blow comes in, and sh*t happens.”

The good news out of all this? The boat never ‘turtled,’ or turned over, which Stivers said is common, and often causes much more damage.

“This particular boat was a Gig Harbor-produced Tiderunner that didn’t ‘turtle’,” Stivers said. “It just filled with water, so when we pulled it away from the scene, we just pumped the water out and towed it to CSR Marine in Des Moines. If it had turtled it would’ve cost a whole heck of a lot more to rescue.”

Stivers said the boat’s owner contacted Boat US, a AAA-style service for boats, and their dispatch center called him and he responded.

The boat apparently came loose after its rope frayed and broke from the mooring buoy. Waves some three to four feet high didn’t help matters.

“Ropes can fray pretty quickly in rough seas,” Stivers said. “Boat owners should be more aware of this.”

The cost to rescue a boat can be pretty high too – Stivers’ minimum day rate starts at $240 per hour, with a 4-hour average rescue time.

Area resident Bob Seaton shared these pics of the boat:

Sounds good, huh?

Well, all was well and good until the engine caught fire, and according to an unidentified Burien/Normandy Park firefighter, “someone from the shore called the fire department, and here we all are.”

Three fire engines and a Medic One arrived at the scene Tuesday evening.

A few excited neighbors witnessed the boat and passengers coming to shore with no apparent injuries.

BTB Sales Diva Janet Grella lives on the beach and sent us the following photos:

As May nears its gray, drizzly and at times way-too-cold end, it’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is just over a month away, which means we’re entering the final stretch of fundraising for Burien’s annual Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund.

As you can see in the photo above (taken Tuesday, May 31st), this year’s goal is $24,000, but the total raised thus far is only $12,500 – Organizers still need to raise $11,500, or nearly 48% of the total required to fund this great local tradition.

If you’ve already donated, Organizers shout-out a huge “THANKS for your generosity!” in your direction.

If you haven’t, you can either do it online safely and securely by clicking here:

(Safely & Securely with a Credit Card)

Or by sending in a check made out to “Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund” to:

Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund
P.O. Box 385
Seahurst, WA 98062

This is a non-profit, all-volunteer based organization, and its sole mission is to help continue a great community tradition.

Money raised for this annual event will go towards fees for the professional pyrotechnics firm that puts on the show, as well as barge, tug, security, insurance, permit fees and dumpsters for the all-important 5th of July clean up.

Please note that you do NOT have to live in the neighborhood to donate – if you’ve ever enjoyed the display, or plan on enjoying it in the future, please do your karma a favor by giving something – no donation is too small!

Organizers are also still open to Corporate Sponsors for this year’s festivities, and initial Sponsors include:

Key Bank (Burien branch)

Design In A Day

Safe Boats International

The Tin Room Bar

Highline Athletic Club

Seahurst Dental Design (Dr. Jim Coleman)

Gordon Derr, Attorneys At Law

The B-Town Blog (Media Sponsor)

If you’d like to join these locally-minded business leaders, click here to learn more about how you can become a Sponsor, email info@3treepoint.org, or call one of the Co-Chairs – Scott Schaefer or Laura Beth Peterson – directly at (206) 659-1282 anytime.

We’d like to shoot up a mortar full of exotic, colorful metals and gunpowder and watch as it explodes and spells out “W-E-L-C-O-M-E-!” in red, white and blue to our latest Advertiser – the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund!

Each year, Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood puts on the best barge-based, high-altitude professional fireworks show in the city on the 4th of July.

This display is enjoyed by many area residents, but it can’t be continued without donations – this is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that must raise $24,000 to keep this local tradition alive.

That’s why, in the words of Uncle Sam…

…to help fund this great American community tradition!

“The Fireworks Fund needs $24,000 for this year’s event,” said Laura Beth Peterson, Co-Chair. “This includes fees for the professional pyrotechnics firm that puts on the show, as well as barge, tug, security, insurance, permit fees and dumpsters for the all-important 5th of July clean up.”

(Safely & Securely with a Credit Card)

To Donate to the fund, just click below for the level you want to donate at and you’ll be taken to our credit card processing partner Billing Revolution (thanks to 3TP resident Andy Kleitsch) to complete your transaction.

• $25 dollars
• $50 dollars
• $75 dollars
• $100 dollars
• $150 dollars
• *$175 dollars
• *$200 dollars
• *$250 dollars
• *$300 dollars
• *$500 dollars

* Donations of $175 and above will get you into the annual neighborhood Donor Party, set for Saturday, June 25th!

Also note that Organizers are still seeking Corporate Sponsors for this year’s festivities – click here to see the initial Sponsors, or to learn more about how you can become one.

Here are several videos shot over the years of this wonderful neighborhood tradition:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you drove on Maplewild Ave SW in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood on this windy, drizzly and very brisk, un-springlike Monday (April 25th), you may have noticed some sure signs of summer going up – two of them in fact – for the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund, which will stay up through the end of May:

Fireworks Fund Co-Chair Laura Beth Peterson helps Mike Keenan get the sign ready.

Laura Beth steadies it as Mike moves it into position.

Mike gets ready to climb the ladder as Laura Beth braces it.

The signs were put up by area resident Mike Keenan (wearing shorts), with help from Fireworks Fund Co-Chair Laura Beth Peterson (the glamorous blonde in the white jacket), and photographed by Co-Chair Scott Schaefer, urging residents to donate to the 2011 fund. This year’s goal is the same as last year –$24,000 – to put on the annual neighborhood tradition of a barge-based, high-altitude, professionally-produced fireworks show on the 4th of July. These monies go directly to fees for the professional pyrotechnics firm that puts on the show, as well as barge, tug, security, insurance, permit fees and dumpsters for the all-important 5th of July clean up.

If you’ve ever enjoyed this great, local tradition, now would be a great time to donate – just click on the button below to go to the Donate Page, where you can use your credit card safely and securely, thanks to 3TP resident Andy Kleitsch’s company, Billing Revoluton:

(Safely & Securely with a Credit Card)

Organizers are also still seeking Corporate Sponsors for this year’s festivities – click here to see the initial Sponsors, or to learn more about how you can become one. In return for generous donations, local businesses will receive excellent local marketing opportunities, including exposure on The B-Town Blog and the Fireworks Fund website www.3treepoint.org. Plus, it’s a great way for businesses to give back to their local customers. You can also download the following forms (all PDFs):

• Corporate Sponsorship Informational Letter
• Corporate Sponsorship Levels
• Commitment Form

The Fireworks Fund Donor Kickoff Party was held at the Tin Theater on April 9th, and the first Corporate Sponsors include:

• Key Bank (Burien Branch)
  
• Design In A Day (Liz Mounsey)
• Safe Boats (Scott Peterson)
• Seahurst Dental Design (Dr. Jim & Lynn Coleman)
• Gordon Derr, Attorneys at Law
• The Tin Room Bar

Here are some photos from the kickoff party, shot by Michael Brunk:

The Tin Theater lobby was all decked out for the 4th in red, white and blue at the April 9 Corporate Sponsor Kickoff Party.

Co-Chair Scott Schaefer makes sure his goofy, oversized 4th of July hat fits just right, as Co-Chair Laura Beth Peterson looks on.

Laura Beth proudly shows off one of the first Sponsor Commitment Forms, from Design In A Day.

Co-Chair Scott interviews another Scott – Peterson – of Safe Boats, another Corporate Sponsor. Peterson's company recently sold a high-speed boat to the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information on the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund, or to donate online, please click here: www.3treepoint.org. You can also find them on Facebook here.

[DISCLOSURE: BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer is serving as Co-Chair of the all-volunteer, non-profit Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund this year.]

REMINDER: The big Corporate Donor kickoff party for the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund is this Saturday, April 9th, starting at 3pm at the Tin Theater (at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien), and all local business leaders who understand the value of helping their community are invited.

Guests to the party will enjoy free champagne, appetizers and a screening of a “great American popcorn movie” in Burien’s finest HD cinema, recently named the #2 “Best Indie Theater” in KING5′s “Best of Western Washington” poll.

Jim Coleman, DDS and the Seahurst Dental Design Team are our first 2011 Corporate Sponsors!

This is the fourth year that Corporate Donors have been sought, and we’re happy to announce our first such Sponsor – Dr. Jim Coleman, DDS, of Seahurst Dental Design!

The Fireworks Fund needs around $25,000 for this year’s event, which includes the fees of the professional pyrotechnics firm that puts on the show, as well as barge, tug, security, insurance, permit fees and dumpsters for the all-important 5th of July clean up. Corporate donors will help offset the costs, which are also made up by donations of area residents.

If you’re a local business person interested in learning how Sponsoring Burien’s best barge-based high-altitude fireworks show can help market your brand throughout this affluent community, click below (all are PDF files):

• Corporate Sponsorship Informational Letter
• Corporate Sponsorship Levels
• Commitment Form

Donation Levels available for local business include:

• $5,000 Platinum Sponsor
• $2,500 Gold Sponsor
• $1,000 Silver Sponsor
• $500 Community Sponsor

To see the specific benefits your business will receive from each level, download this PDF: Corporate Sponsorship Levels.

We’re asking local business leaders to RSVP via email to info@3treepoint.org, as we’d like a headcount so we can have the appropriate amount of champagne and appetizers.

The Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund a non-profit, all-volunteer based organization, and its sole mission is to help continue a great community tradition.

Here’s more info from the information letter sent to area businesses, which includes a special B-Town Blog-related Advertising bonus:

In the famous words of Uncle Sam…

…to attend our first-ever Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund Donor Kickoff Party at the Tin Theater at 3pm on Saturday, April 9th!

Although mostly funded by private donations, support from business leaders like you helps keep this great homegrown tradition alive.

Our fireworks tradition reaches more than the affluent residents of Three Tree Point – neighbors from Normandy Park, Seahurst & surrounding areas participate – making it a perfect place to market your services.

It’s also a great way to thank your customers for their patronage of your business throughout the year.

Sponsorship of the Three Tree Point Fireworks Display offers many unique benefits:

• Exposure to the eyeballs of this area’s most affluent residents.
• Grassroots marketing to your local customer base.
• Exclusive networking opportunities at our annual Neighborhood Donor Party on Saturday, June 25th.
• Your logo and link placed on the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund website.
• For Silver Level and above, your logo, link and company mentioned on The B-Town Blog.
• Affiliated Facebook and Twitter promotions as well.

Sponsoring the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund is an excellent business decision that will enhance your relationship with the desirable consumers of Three Tree Point, Normandy Park, Seahurst and surrounding areas.

This year we’re also throwing in an amazing Donor premium – Sponsor at the Silver Level and above and you’ll receive FREE Advertising on The B-Town Blog (the area’s #1 Local News website with over 60,000 Readers per month), as well as its affiliated Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Please review the Sponsorship Levels, and RSVP today for our Donor Kickoff Party at 3pm on Saturday, April 9th! Enjoy complimentary appetizers, champagne, and classic American movie screening at the Tin Theater and Tin Room, named by KING-TV as the “Best Neighborhood Bar” in the Northwest!

Send in your commitment form today (funds aren’t due until May 15, 2011) or RSVP to attend our Donor Kickoff Party and learn more! Please RSVP to info@3treepoint.org or send in the enclosed postcard!

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your generous support!

- Scott Schaefer, Co-Chair
- Laura Beth Peterson, Co-Chair

Photo by Michael Brunk.

Here’s some info from the Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund website:

The Three Tree Point Fireworks celebration is supported entirely by donations from the communities of Three Tree Point, Seahurst, Normandy Park, Seola Beach, Arroyo Beach, Arbor Heights and others.

Our barge based, high-altitude fireworks show has gotten better every year thanks to countless people who have donated time and money.

In 2011, our goal is to keep the fireworks and community celebrations at the same great level that they have been at. This will be the fourth year we are seeking corporate sponsors for our event.

We raise funds in May to ensure we have time to get all the permits, insurance and the best vendors.

Originally started by the Miller family as a gift to The Three Tree Point Community, the firewoks tradition was continued by neighbors when the Millers moved away.

In addition to the fireworks, the neighborhood traditions of pancake breakfast, kids games, flag raising with awards, bike parade and more have been ushering in summer at our great community. What a great place to live!

For more information, e-mail info@3treepoint.org.

Here are other links:

• Officlal Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund website.
• Be sure to “Like” the 3 Tree Point Fireworks Fund Facebook Page here.
• Follow 3TPFireworks on Twitter here.

VIDEO: Of course, what B-Town Blog post would be complete without a video? Not this one, that’s for sure – here’s one of the grand finale for last year’s 3TP Fireworks, as shot on Scott Schaefer’s iPhone:

Click here to view the embedded video.

NOTE: Online donations for residents wishing to help out will be active very soon – look for a separate post shortly!

Click here to view the embedded video.

A “High Wind Warning” is in effect until 8pm tonight, and here’s the latest alert from the National Weather Service:

Statement as of 3:05 PM PST on March 10, 2011

… High Wind Warning in effect until 8 PM PST this evening…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a High Wind Warning which is in effect until 8 PM PST this evening. The Wind Advisory is no longer in effect.

* Some affected locations… Everett… Seattle… Tacoma… Olympia… North Bend… and Montesano.

* Winds… south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 60 mph until the early evening hours. Winds easing to 15 to 25 mph after 8 PM and to 10 to 15 mph after midnight.

* Impacts… winds this strong can cause some power outages as well as topple trees. The potential for downed trees is greater due to the saturated soils in the area.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A High Wind Warning means that a hazardous wind event is imminent or occurring. High winds can topple trees… down power lines… and destroy property.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a Video or Photos you'd like to share with our Readers, please email us!]

Then we added an ethereal music track, and boom – here’s a groovy, moody time lapse showing the last three day’s weather, featuring:

• Moving clouds (watch as they change direction)
  

  We shot the video below using a "PlantCam," a weatherproof time lapse camera.

• Snow (since most hit overnight, we think the sunrise reveal around :58 is pretty cool)
• Melting snow (watch the snow melt on top of the cement barrier around 1:38)
• Passing cars
• People walking, pets
• Some kid sticks his face into the lens!

Oh, and if you have a decent internet connection, try changing the video to 720p, then switching to full-screen mode (in the lower right corner of the YouTube controls):

Click here to view the embedded video.

Of course, placing a “PlantCam” ($69 on Amazon) in a public place has its risks (luckily this one’s weatherproof), and one thing we can’t control is curious kids – here’s a framegrab of some area boy’s face as he checked this mysterious device out – do these nostrils look familiar to any of you Three Tree Pointers?

A couple of other interesting frames we found:

It wasn't just a kid who spotted the camera - this crow appears to be checking it out as well.

The sun appears to be a black ball in the sky, due to the camera's digital chip.

By the way, if you get a “PlantCam” (or already have one, or some other time-lapse capable camera), and you can do time lapse – please email us! We’d love to post others.