by Gina Bourdage

You been to all of the big box stores, gotten Timmy his newest electronic fad that he just had to have. The sister-in-law is getting the hat and scarf set and your boss is getting the novelty trophy with “world’s greatest” across the front. Okay so here’s the advice that will save you from looking like you put more thought into your shoes today than what to give the important people in your life.

We’ve scoured Burien, and lo and behold we gotta say – we’ve got some pretty awesome businesses…and none of them are hard to find. And what is more caring than a thoughtful gift that you can not only give to a loved one but back to your community by shopping locally?

We put some thought into this so that you can take all the credit…here ya go:

For the person who has everything stop by Glass Expressions. They have unique stocking stuffers and personal gifts like cheese spreaders, bottle openers and candle holders, and they’re all handmade, with lots of different colors and all for less than $20. If your gift recipient is more crafty check out the long list of classes they offer on stained glass and other projects. Better yet sign up together and enjoy the creating art experience together:

Glass Expressions
648 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-2213
(206) 242-2860
www.glassexpressions.com

For that someone special in your life…and your shower…we found a shower head that makes it seem like you are standing in a warn rain fall at McClendon’s Hardware in White Center for less than $30. They also have stocking stuffers for the foodie on your list like a garlic peeler called Garlic Zoom, which peels garlic without making a mess for just $10. For the person with a sense of humor that hates the slamming sound of toilet seats you can pick up a Whisper Close Designer Toilet Seat and Lid for around $30.

McLendon’s Hardware
10210 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146-1432
(206) 762-4090

For that hard to buy for co-worker, stop by Hans Deli in Burien, or as I grew up knowing it – “The German Store.” I would dare to say they have the largest selection of imported German Beers this side of Seattle, and they’re all for under $10 a pint! Never indulged in a fine German pastry? Then you are missing out! Pick up a hostess gift of Stollen (it’s a cake that comes in a variety of flavors including rum) for $12-$20 or try one of the assorted cookies in beautiful tins and all imported from dare I say the best chocolate in the world for $15-$30.

Hans Deli
717 SW 148th Street (between 7th Ave SW & 8th Ave SW)
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 244-4978

Every woman loves to feel beautiful and one of the best places to help her do that in every sense is at Skin Perfect Aesthetics in Olde Burien. Darla, the owner, knows her stuff and has passed it on to her super-friendly staff. The ladies in your life will feel like they are at a friend’s house getting honest beauty tips and some of the best lines of product including a full line of Bare Essentials and designer fragrances. Giving something from Skin Perfect makes you look like a true B-Town insider.

Skin Perfect Aesthetics
901 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 439-7546
www.skinperfectinseattle.com

Who doesn’t love a designer chotchke or handmade designer jewelry? You’re missing out if you don’t stop by Zizia Gifts in Olde Burien. There is so much to pick from that you can’t go wrong and it all has a story. From designer eggs to hand-stamped leather bags and jewelry. To say everything is handcrafted with love from different artists is an understatement. Every line has a story behind it and if you can’t find something for the most difficult to buy for friend at Zizia then I dare say they can’t be bought for.

Zizia Gifts
827 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-1841
(206) 242-2646

If you’re looking for that favorite aunt that can be found in her garden you’ll need to stop by Herr Backyard Garden Center (BTB Advertiser). They have huge selection of gardening necessities and unique gifts for the person with a green thumb or even some that don’t. From garden tools to furniture, hard to find plants and handcrafted gifts this place will help you check off more than one person left on that list.

Herr Backyard Garden Center
107 SW 160th
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: 206-242-2014

There are plenty more unique stores and restaurants in Burien and the local area, so avoid the mess at the mall and shop local…yule not be sorry you did.

Sustainable Burien wants everyone to know that they’re arranging for an innovative event on Thursday, Dec. 31st and Friday, Jan. 1st near Burien Town Square – FREE Styrofoam recycling!

That’s right folks – now you can safely and ecologically dispose of those pesky little Styrofoam critters, especially the ones that stick to you via static electricity. What a relief.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Styrofoam Recycling Event

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 31st and Friday, Jan. 1st from 1pm to 5pm both days

WHERE: An empty storefront at 457 SW 148th, across the parking lot from Bartell’s and Ace Hardware, in the northeast corner of the lot.

INFO: From their website:

West Bild, the developer of Burien Town Square, has graciously loaned us an empty store front at 457 SW 148th, across the parking lot from Bartells and Ace Hardware, in the North East corner of the lot.

For two days only we’ll be collecting clean white Styrofoam (#6 or EPS) materials, the types most commonly found with new electronic products, appliance packaging, computers and monitors, furniture packaging and picnic/shipping coolers.

We cannot accept urethane foam cushions, expanded polypropylene (EPP), foam insulation, plastic wrap, bubble wrap or hard plastics.

We reserve the right to refuse anything that doesn’t meet the guidelines.

To determine if you have the right material look for the “#6″ or “EPS” inside the recycle symbol, if it’s sheet material bend it – it should break and snap with loose beads. All foreign material like plastic sheeting, tape, staples and cardboard must be removed.

All material collected will be taken to Styrorecycle where the Styrofoam is ground up, compressed and densified into blocks, which are then manufactured into products such as picture frames, TV and computer cases, office equipment and other plastic products.

Styrorecycle is on the west side of Ikea in Renton, if you’re going that way you can drop off Styrofoam for recycling at no charge. They are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm all year long.

More information available at the Sustainable Burien website.

The Burien / Normandy Park Fire Department has done a holiday outreach program for over 25 years, and Tuesday morning (Dec. 22nd), they set out with Santa in their shiny fire trucks to make their annual delivery to 59 local families in need.

Local firefighters receive family names from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services office, then provide each one with a nice turkey dinner as well as stuffing, pies and other assorted food.

Each family also receives several toys and gifts for each child, as well as gift cards to Fred Meyer for each teenager 13-17.

One hundred percent of all donations are returned to the community and all donations are distributed locally.

“Contributions were down a bit this year,” said Doug Leudeman of Fire District #2. “And while we had enough gifts to give out, we could certainly use more cash donations to help offset some of the costs.”

Cash donations are still being accepted at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department Headquarters Station, located at 15100 8th Ave SW; phone: (206) 242-2040; website: www.burienfire.org.

Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

If you just happen to be a local pirate looking for a last-minute gift idea, we’ve got a doozy – one of your neighbors is trying to sell a custom-milled, solid one-piece steel, “black powder cannon” that’s only been used twice for just $375!

Some of the features from the Craigslist Ad:

• Black Powder Cannon
• Custom milled solid 1 piece steel.
• Two year old Cannon
• Used Twice
• Fuse Hole
• Shoots Baseball sized objects

Our favorite part of course is this happy ending greeting:

Please email with any questions! Happy Holidays
Stacie

Wait, aren’t these things ILLEGAL?

Who cares…it’s Christmas! So act fast, and email your order in now:

sale-mrhhy-1520671908@craigslist.org

Oh, and whatever you do, don’t read this story about a makeshift cannon that killed a 4-year old boy in Thurston County in July, 2007.

Yes, “Happy Holidays” and have fun with your cannon!

Our friends at the Highline Historical Society remind us that their online auction fundraiser ends Tuesday, Dec. 15th, so there’s still time to get great deals on local restaurants, foods, trips, services (including an Ad on the BTB!) and unusual experiences.

And of course, it’s all for a great cause – the Highline Historical Society!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the ongoing programs and activities of the Society, including their capital building campaign for the new Highline Heritage Museum on their property in “Old Burien.”

The new Highline Heritage Museum, designed by Rohleder Borges Architects, will be located on the Southwest corner of SW 152nd Street and Ambaum Blvd. SW, where Karuna Yoga Arts is currently housed.

You can access the auction here:

www.highlinehistory.cmarket.com

The annual “Canine Christmas Adoption Event” is this Sunday, Dec. 13th from Noon to 3pm at the Paws-Abilities Dog Training Center in Tukwila, where you’ll be able to meet (and adopt) many great dogs and puppies from across Washington in one location.

And what makes a better gift than a loving, living creature?

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual Canine Christmas Adaoption Event

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 13th from Noon – 3pm

WHERE: The Paws-Abilities Dog Training Center, which is located at 1007 Industry Drive in Tukwila. Directions here: http://everydoghas.com/Special%20Links/map_to_center.html

INFO: There will also be a Dog Food Drive:

Times are tough, especially for the shelters and rescues relying on donations. In conjunction with the adoption event, we will also be holding a pet food drive. Will you consider bringing canned or dry pet food to our event? The food will be distributed to the shelters and rescues attending our event.

Adopt a dog and light up your life this holiday season.

A variety of wonderful dogs and puppies will be available at this event. Experienced shelter staff, volunteers and professional trainers will be on hand to help you find the right dog for your family. Meet the many great puppies and dogs from 8 shelters and rescues from across the state. Now is your chance to meet them in Tukwila, which is just minutes from Seattle and the Eastside.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding our events, please click here.

Click here to Download a Printable PDF Flyer.

We swear that this isn’t a joke – the 8th annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story will be this weekend, Dec. 12th and 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm in the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church in Des Moines.

From what we can tell, not only are there live actors involved, but also live animals, and you can experience the entire story in just 10 minutes!

We’re not quite sure if the baby Jesus is a real child though, but there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?

Here are the details:

WHAT: The 8th Annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12th and Sunday, Dec. 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm

WHERE: Parking lot of the Normandy Christian Church, located at 908 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

INFO: Here’s a blurb from the church’s website:

Normandy Christian Church invites you to the 8th Annual DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY December 12-13, 6:00-8:30pm.

For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church.

^Now that’s a great marketing line isn’t it?^

Here’s a video promo that will make you want to jump in your car, drive on thru and get your 10-minute Christmas fix:

More information available at the church’s website here.

Normandy Park’s first-ever Winter Festival will be held this Saturday, Dec. 12th, from 11am to 4pm at the Normandy park Towne Center (located at 200th & 1st Ave South).

From their poster (download/view PDF here):

Join us at the first Normandy Park Winter Festival in Towne Square (1st Avenue at 200th) for holiday fun.

A free family event with over a dozen kids’ activities including Santa photos (bring your pets, too!), face painting, cookie decorating, Rockie the Police Dog, karaoke and caroling, and performances by Melanie’s Dancers.

Give back. Bring an item for the “Stuff the Trailer” senior gift drive or a food bank donation, and receive a free cocoa, cider or coffee at the Little League Trailer.

Support your local Normandy Park businesses. Raffles every half hour. Win prizes and gift certificates, receive discount coupons, and shop for hand-made gifts from local artists.

Raffle Sponsors:

• Archery Bistro
• Optimal Health Chiropractic
• SkySoles Reflexology
• Benson’s Best Bites
• Richard Steppic Wood Turning
• Emerald City Smoothie
• Companion Animal Medical Center
• Starbucks

Special thanks for generous sponsorship by:

• Normandy Park Senior Living
• Highline Little League
• Melanie’s Dance Unlimited

Here’s a video promo:

[display_podcast]

City of Normandy Park Arts Commission

ChoralSounds Northwest is presenting “A Merry Olde Christmas” this weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 12th at 8pm, and Sunday, Dec. 13th at 2pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

The concert will include a wide variety of classic carols, choreography and staging, rounding out a show for all ages.

And get this – here’s how you can get FREE tickets for Teens 17 and under:

We believe that music is a vital element in a well-rounded life, and are pleased to offer a FREE ticket to all of our mainstage concerts to young people 17 & under, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Simply click here and order Youth Tickets using the online Box Office at the same time you order your Adult Tickets.

Free tickets are subject to the standard $1.50 per ticket service fee.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ChoralSounds Northwest’s “A Merry Olde Christmas” show, Conducted by David Spring

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12th at 8pm and Sunday, Dec. 13th at 2pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center

COST: $20 General Admission, $18 for Seniors and FREE for Youth under 17; Tickets can be ordered online here.

Here’s info on the FREE youth tickets, from their website:

We believe that music is a vital element in a well-rounded life, and are pleased to offer a FREE ticket to all of our mainstage concerts to young people 17 & under, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Each person attending our shows will need a ticket; order your Youth Tickets using the online Box Office at the same time you order your adult tickets. For Reserved Seating events, free youth tickets will be seated with the adult ticket(s) ordered.

Free tickets are subject to our standard $1.50 per ticket service fee.

INFO: From their website:

Why travel all the way to downtown Seattle for your dose of Holiday Cheer?

ChoralSounds Northwest brings the musical magic of an old-fashioned Christmas to the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien’s favorite Holiday tradition.

From Benjamin Britten’s classic Ceremony of Carols to a fun-filled revue of the season entitled What the Dickens?, this is sure to be a Christmas concert that will fill you with the spirit of the season.

Many of your favorites are included in A Merry Olde Christmas, including Ding Dong, Merrily on High, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Deck the Hall, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and many others. Clever choreography and staging add to the festivities, rounding out a show that is sure to delight young and old alike.

With our FREE youth ticket program, CSN concerts are an affordable and fun night out for the entire family, right here at home in Burien.

We invite your family to join us to celebrate the season in style!

For more information, visit the ChoralSounds Northwest website here.

B-Town Blog Contributor Jana Kleitsch sent us these photos she took Saturday night (Dec. 5th) at the beach at Three Tree Point, where a small welcoming party was held for the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade that originated out of the Des Moines Marina:

Have a Photo you’d like to share with our Readers? Please email a .JPG file at a minimum of 500 pixels wide to us at editor@b-townblog.com!

Burien’s Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center has placed “Giving Trees” throughout the area, and you can make a child’s Christmas wish come true by purchasing their wish list item.

Tags on the trees include all the details (age, gender and specific gift wish) and include a single wish of a Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center resident.

Once purchased, bring the unwrapped item back to the business you picked up the tag or drop off at Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center during business hours.

Please deliver all Giving Tree items by Monday, December 21st to:

Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center
1033 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA  98166

For more information, contact Megan Clingman, Special Events Manager at (206) 242-1698 x142 or by email: meganc@rdcc.org. More info on the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center is available at their website here.

Megan adds: “Together we can make this a Happy Holiday season for all families!!

Here’s a list of local businesses with RDC Giving Trees:

• 3 Wishes
• 909 Coffee & Wine
• Albertsons (5 Corners store)
• Bank of America (230 SW 152nd St)
• Collins Chiropractic
• Copiers NW
• Goodie Gumdrops
• Highline Athletic Club
• Highline Therapy Service
• Key Bank (17818 1st Ave S)
• Matt Griffin YMCA (3595 S 188th St)
• Orthodontics of Burien
• Poggi Bonsi
• The Mark Restaurant
• Tin Room
• Volt Services
• You’ve Been Worn
• Zizzia

Burien’s annual Winterfest was held on Saturday, Dec. 5th, with lots of activities for the entire family, including carriage rides, photos with reindeer, kids crafts, hay rides, human (and dog) photos with Santa, as well as many in-store shopping specials.

Photographer Michael Brunk braved the cold to capture this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Main sponsors of the event included:

• Moss Chiropractic
• John L. Scott Real Estate
• Taproot Church
• Prudential Northwest Realty
• Discover Burien

Burien’s annual WinterFest is coming to Olde and Downtown Burien on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 5pm, with a bunch of FREE activities for the entire family, including carriage rides, photos with reindeer, kids crafts, hay rides, human (and dog) photos with Santa, along with (not-free) wine tasting and in-store specials.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s annual WinterFest

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 5pm

WHERE: Olde Burien & Downtown Burien

COST: FREE!

INFO: There will also be numerous in-store specials during the day, along with hot treats and the following:

• Free Carriage Rides from 2pm – 5pm
• Free Photos with Reindeer at Goodie Gumdrops
• Free Kids Crafts at Collins Chiropractic
• Free Hay Rides 11am – 3pm
• Free Dog Photos with Santa at The Mark Restaurant
• Wine Tasting at Vino Bello Wine Bar
• Free Photos with Santa at John L. Scott

Main sponsors of the event include:

• Moss Chiropractic
• John L. Scott Real Estate
• Taproot Church
• Prudential Northwest Realty
• Discover Burien

The annual Tyee Holiday Bazaar will be held this Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 4pm at the Tyee High School Complex, located at 4424 South 188th Street in Seatac.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Tyee Holiday Bazaar

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5th from 9am to 4pm

WHERE: Tyee High School Complex, located at 4424 South 188th in SeaTac

INFO: From a press release:

Do your holiday shopping from over 100 booths of hand-made and commercial items.

Shoppers can also get their Christmas tree, have their picture taken with Santa, and enjoy breakfast, lunch or a hot fresh espresso beverage.

There’s even a Kid activity center for the little shoppers.

We are also still accepting craft vendors – contact Alana Vinther at 206.433.2128 or vintheam@hsd401.org for information. $50 per space includes 1 table and 2 chairs, and load/unload help is provided.

Every year more than 2,000 people attend because it is a longstanding tradition in our community.

All proceeds benefit Tyee student activities.

Sponsored by Global Connections DECA.

Longtime BTB Advertiser Dan the Sausageman is having a very special FREE holiday offer that even Santa’s taking advantage of – with every order placed online, you’ll get a FREE Summer Sausage!

But to get it you have to act fast – you must order online before Dec. 10th to receive this FREE gift!

To order safely and securely, please click here.

And remember, even Santa loves high-quality, locally-produced foods!

You know ’tis the season when Santa Claus himself arrives in Burien, delivered to the city’s big ol’ fir tree at Advertiser Economy Wiring/YB Tubless by B-Town’s finest firefighters!

Ol’ St. Nick made it safely of course, led this time not by a reindeer with a bright red shiny nose, but driven in a bright red shiny fire truck courtesy the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department.

Children from St. Francis School sang carols, goodies were given out, the tree was lit up, and our own Photographer Michael Brunk showed up to capture this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Longtime owner Gwin Smith started this tradition in 1966 when he first bought Economy Wiring. In the first eight years of the tree lighting, Gwin climbed the huge fir tree himself to install the lights and then climbed back up in January to take them down. This changed some years ago, when the fire department took responsibility for installing and removing the lights.

You can see the festive bright lights on the big tree yourself every day around dusk at Economy Wiring’s location at 633 SW 148th Street (Phone: 206-244-7542).

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad 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!]

B-Town Blog Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery is having their Christmas Open House this weekend, beginning Thursday, Dec. 3rd and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 6th.

From their Footenotes:

While you sample six wines you can check out the new gift items in the gift shop.  We have some great stocking stuffers like coasters, candles, kitchen towels, wine-scented bath salts and shower gel, wine openers, wine stoppers, wine sayings, jewelry, wine-flavored pretzels, sugar cookie mix, wine cake mix, and more.  We also have larger items like banners with wine sayings, shirts, aprons, wine-themed tree ornaments, and….of course WINE!
Join us:

• Thursday, Dec. 3rd: 5 pm – 8 pm
• Friday, Dec. 4th: 11 am – 8 pm
• Saturday, Dec. 5th: 11 am – 6 pm
• Sunday, Dec. 6th: Noon – 6 pm

There is a $5 tasting fee (cash only) which is applied toward a bottle purchase. No tasting fee for Wine Club members or Volunteer Vintners.

Our tasting order will be:

• 2008 Chardonnay
• ETC.  (Bronze Medal winner)
• Rainy Day Red V (Syrah-Cabernet, Silver Medal winner)
• Founder’s Red (Cabernet Franc, Silver Medal winner)
• 2005 Merlot (Gold Medal winner)
• Remembrance  (89 Points from Wine Spectator)

Remembrance was made in tribute to owner/winemaker Rich Higginbotham, who passed away last year from Alzheimer’s.  The wine is a 2007 Cabernet-Merlot-Cab Franc blend.  It has already earned two Silver Medals, and Wine Spectator recently awarded it 89 points.   60% of the purchase price is donated to Alzheimer’s for research.  So far more than $24,000 has been donated!  Thank you for your support of Alzheimer’s research!

E.B. Foote Winery is located at 127-B SW 153rd Street in Burien; Tel: 206-242-3852.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department is seeking help for their annual “Light Up The Holidays” outreach program for needy families in the area.

Donations of food or toys are being accepted at the locations listed below through Dec. 18th.

All will go directly to needy families in the area.

Christmas Outreach Drop-off locations include:

• Burien Fire Department – 15100 8th Ave SW & 135 S Normandy Rd.
• North Highline Fire Department – 1243 SW 112th & 1606 S 128th
• Highline Medical Center – 16251 Sylvester Rd SW ∙ 12844 Military Rd S ∙ 13030 Military Rd S
• Burien Toyota – 15025 1st Ave S & 139 SW 150th
• Burien Chevrolet – 14400 1st Ave S
• Albertsons – 15840 1st Ave S & 12725 1st Ave S
• YB Tubless/Economy Wiring – 633 SW 148th
• Frenzi – 218 SW 153rd
• Boulevard Park Place Seniors Center – 2805 S 125th
• Curves – 17824 1st Ave S
• Breaktime – 635 SW 152nd
• Page 2 Books – 15706 1st Ave S
• Collins Chiropractic – 619 SW 152nd St.
• Dooley’s – 611SW 152nd St.

Christmas Outreach Sponsors include:

• Sylvester Middle School
• North Highline FD
• Highline Exchange Club
• Plush Pippin Pies
• Burien Town Square
• DSHS
• Burien/Normandy Park FD

Burien’s KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds are joining forces to present “The Night Before Christmas” holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 11th at 7pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

Here are the details:

WHAT: KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds join forces to present “The Night Before Christmas” holiday concert.

WHEN: Friday Dec. 11th beginning at 7pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, next door to Highline High School in Burien

COST:  $10-$15 (17 & under free with a paid adult ticket). Tickets can be purchased online here or via phone: 206-246-6040.

INFO: From their press release:

Under the direction of Paula Hawkins, KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds Northwest will join forces with a fun-filled program designed just for families.

“The Night Before Christmas” combines colorful costumes and creative sets with traditional holiday favorites like “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Popular newer gems such as “We Need a Little Christmas” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” are included to showcase the budding musical talents of even the youngest 8-, 9- and 10-year old singers.

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

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

The NWAA young people’s music education program is funded, in part, by the generous support of:

• Lucky 7 Foundation
• Glaser Foundation
• Norcliffe Foundation
• City of Burien
• JR Mailing Services, Inc.
• Many individuals & families throughout our community

For more information, visit their website here.

Santa will be arriving in Burien to help light up our big fir tree, along with firefighters, the St. Francis School Choir, free treats and much more at the annual Tree Lighting Festival on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd beginning at 6pm.

The ceremony will take place at the large Fir tree at BTB Advertiser’s Y-B Tubless store, located at 633 SW 148th in Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd beginning at 6pm

WHERE: The giant Fir tree at YB Tubless, located at 633 SW 148th

INFO: Santa will arrive with Burien firefighters on a fire engine and the St. Francis School Choir will sing Christmas songs.

Treats and hot beverages will be available for everyone.

We will also be collecting canned food for local needy families.

Come out and enjoy the evening.

Welcome our latest Advertiser – Zenith Holland Gardens, located just south of B-Town in Des Moines!

It’s Christmas tree time and Zenith Holland Gardens in Des Moines is the place to find yours.

The trees arrive tomorrow – Friday, Nov. 20th.

“Real trees have a great natural fragrance,” reminds Lyn Robinson of Zenith Holland. “Real trees smell like Christmas!”

Located just south of downtown Des Moines, Zenith Holland is open seven days a week (see map below).

They offer a terrific selection: Noble Fir, Grand Fir and Douglas Fir. Trees come in all sizes, from tabletops to twelve feet.

Many Christmas tree lots accept only cash from their customers. Zenith Holland also takes Visa, Mastercard and personal checks.

“And who actually delivers Christmas trees?” Lyn points out. “Well, we do!” Delivery fees are waived for tree buyers in the local Des Moines area.

While you’re there, check out the wonderful holiday wreaths, garlands and festive centerpieces Zenith Holland is offering.

Zenith Holland is open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. They open at 9am on Saturdays.

Like a sapling in a forest, Zenith Holland is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

It’s easy to find:

• Head south through downtown Des Moines on Marine View Drive.
• You’ll pass the Red Robin restaurant on your right. Stay in the right lane, curving gently up the hill, past the Taco Time on your left.
• About a quarter mile up you’ll see Zenith Holland’s entry point wooden sign on your left.

Zenith Holland Gardens
23260 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198

Phone: 206-878-7002

Hours:

• Open seven days a week
• Saturday 9am to 9pm
• Sunday through Friday 10am to 9pm

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

We’re taking some time off to spend with our familes,
so look for the next update on Dec. 26th!

More BTB Reader photos to share – first, Jessica Gran’s pics of a homemade igloo; she says:

“The kids had enough snow to make an igloo, with two brick walls protecting the entry way.

The ultimate fortress for a snowball fight!”

Then, from Virginia in the Hurstwood neighborhood comes this photo of one of her lit-up lawn reindeers doing its best “ostrich impression” with its head in the snow:

Have any cool snow/ice photos to share?

Please either email us or add ‘em to our Flickr Group so we can share them!

BTB Advertiser John L. Scott, Burien agents, staff and family members created 13 unique gingerbread house “listings” on display this month in their new “Old Burien” office location (930 SW 152nd Street).

Complete with candy cane “For Sale” signs and gardens full of gum drops, these wonderful winter homes are a treat to see. The office is open daily and everyone is invited to stop by and see their holiday display.

This could be the start of a sweet holiday tradition at John L. Scott, Burien:

KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest present their special “We Need a Little Christmas” holiday show on Saturday, Dec. 6th at 7pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

From their press release:

Join us for a little Holiday cheer as our youngest singers celebrate the season with their special guests, the Normandy Park Youth Orchestra, directed by Diane Lange-Jones, in a fun-filled revue of Christmas favorites, We Need a Little Christmas.

White Christmas, Deck the Halls, Jingle-Bell Rock and other familiar carols will be wrapped up with clever new songs into a musical package complete with colorful costumes and creative sets.

This is a concert guaranteed to give your entire family a healthy dose of joy this Holiday season!

Conducted by Paula Hawkins.

You can purchase tickets directly online here.

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The folks at the new Normandy Park Towne Center tell us that their Grand Opening will be Saturday and Sunday Dec. 13th and 14th, with a Winterfest theme.

Here’s their press release:

Normandy Park Towne Center is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their new building, built by local developer McKittrick Real Estate Group.  Housing tenants such as nutritious (& yet still tasty) vendor Emerald City Smoothie, old favorite hamburger-maker Herfy’s, and Café Mia, a lovely Italian themed restaurant with its own pizza oven, bakery, wine & coffee bar; this addition to the Normandy Park neighborhood promises to be well received.  In addition, NPTC houses the offices of McKittrick Real Estate Group, as well as the local non-profit, the Hear See Hope Foundation.

To introduce the new tenants to the community, Normandy Park Towne Center is hosting a community-wide Winterfest on December 13th & 14th from 10am to 3pm. Be sure to mark your calendars as you will not want to miss out on this festive holiday event that includes a little something for everyone:

• Baked goods offered by Café Mia
• Specially priced Smoothies from Emerald City Smoothie
• Local entertainment from The Hi-Liners, Momentum Music & Dance Academy, TeenSounds, YouthSounds, & KidSounds Northwest Choirs
• Special visits from Rudolf, Frosty and their friends
• Story time and sing-a-long with Mrs. Claus
• Professional holiday photos taken with our Special Guest, Santa Claus!

Yes, Santa Claus truly is coming to “Towne” to partner with the Hear See Hope Foundation to raise awareness about Usher syndrome. Created in 2004 to as a response to the diagnosis of their eldest son Conner, Todd & Lane McKittrick created Hear See Hope as a means to raise funds to support research looking to find a cure.  Four years later, their fourth son, Dalton, was born with Usher as well. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world. Those with Usher syndrome are born profoundly deaf, and lose their vision by their teenage years. To date, Hear See Hope has raised approximately $850,000, and will not stop until a cure is found.

NPTC is continuing to look for local entertainment that would make the event even better. If you have an idea, let us know by emailing us at info@mckittrickre.com. We will contact you once your information is received. No matter what, plan on joining in on the fun at Normandy Park Towne Center!

Located in-between the City of Des Moines and the City of Burien, Normandy Park Towne Center can be found at 19803 1st Ave South in Normandy Park.

Directions and more information on the development can be found at www.normandyparktc.com.

See you “around Towne”!

Here’s an informational video about the Hear See Hope Foundation:

When was the last time you enjoyed a drive-through version of “The Christmas Story”?

What’s that you say?

You never have?

Well B-Town neighbor, this is your lucky weekend – the Normandy Christian Church is holding their annual Drive-Through Christmas Story, where you can drive your car through an actual “story” this weekend:

From their website:

For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church. You will visit live scenes of angels, shepherds, a donkey, some sheep or goats, guests at the inn, wisemen, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Scores of volunteers, hundreds of lights, and full-size sets bring to life the Nativity Story.

Normandy Christian Church invites you and your family to our DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 14-16, between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm.

Free admission.

Normandy Christian Church is located between Des Moines and Burien. For directions: www.normandychristian.org or 206-878-4740.