Burien Goodwill is offering FREE eight-week English and Computer classes from March 15th through May 6th, with registration from March 1-3 at its location at 1031 SW 128th.

These courses are aimed at teaching people with significant barriers to employment valuable skills needed to find and keep jobs.

This session, students who are studying English but would like to build their computer skills immediately can take a new class, ESOL Computer Basics. And to satisfy a growing demand for English classes, the Center will offer a Level 1 course as well as an additional Basic class.

Classes fill up fast, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested people are encouraged to sign up soon.

The center will offer the following classes:

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL):

• Basic ESOL:  Mondays and Wednesdays (three different classes: 9 to 10:30 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
• Level 1:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. NEW CLASS!
• Level 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Level 3: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• Literacy: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Computer Basics:

• Computer Basics: Mondays and Wednesdays (two different classes: 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 to 12:15 a.m.)
• ESOL Computer Basics 1: Mondays and Wednesdays (two different classes: 1:30 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5 p.m.) NEW CLASS!
• ESOL Computer Basics 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Microsoft Word: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

For class availability and enrollment information, please call (206) 957-1026.

Burien Goodwill is offering FREE classes in English and computers as well as job search workshops from Jan. 4 through Feb. 25th at their Job Training and Education Center at 1031 SW 128th Street.

Registration begins Monday, Dec. 14th and continues through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Goodwill’s FREE classes in English and computers as well as job search workshops

WHEN: 8-week classes run from Jan. 4th through Feb. 25th, 2010; Registration is Dec. 14-15th

WHERE: At Goodwill’s Job Training and Education Center in Burien, located at 1031 SW 128th Street

COST: FREE!

INFO: Register on Dec. 14th-15th for free classes in the eight-week session that runs from Jan. 4 through Feb. 25, 2010.

These courses teach people with significant barriers to employment valuable skills needed to find and keep jobs.

Classes fill up fast, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact the center soon to reserve your spot!

The center will offer classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), from basic to intermediate skill levels.

Computer Basics and Microsoft Word classes will also be available.

Additionally, the center will present several Job Search Workshops during the session on the following topics:

• Resume Writing
• Internet Job Search
• Online Job Applications
• Interviewing and Self-presentation

For class availability and enrollment information, please call (206) 957-1026.

Three free natural yard design workshops will be offered by the City of Burien and King County starting Thursday May 7th and continuing for two additional Thursdays through May 21st.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Three free natural yard design workshops

WHEN: Thurs., May 7th, 7pm – 9pm: Workshop 1: Garden Design & Growing Healthy Soil

Thurs., May 14, 7pm – 9pm: Workshop 2 Smart Watering and Designing with Plants

Thurs., May 21, 7pm – 9pm: Workshop 3: Designing a Natural Lawn and Natural Pest Control

WHERE: The workshops are at Cedarhurst Elementary School, located at 611 South 132nd Street (map below)

COST: FREE!

INFO: Natural yard design is taking root in Burien.

The Natural Design Program is a series of three free workshops presented by the City of Burien and King County.

There will be design tips to help make the most of your yard – big or small,flat or hilly.

You will learn about controlling pests without toxic pesticides or herbicides, building healthy soil, practicing smart watering and natural lawn care, and designing with plants.

There will be drawings for prizes.

RSVP: Please preregister by calling (206) 838-9831 or email register@naturalyardcare.com.

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by Mark Neuman

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful spot to “go to school” than Seahurst Park, showcasing the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound right here in Burien.

Our friends at the Environmental Science Center (ESC), located at Seahurst Park, announce their Spring Course programs starting March 27.

Course topics include:

• Water Heroes – Keep our watershed healthy (Classroom Presentation & Activity)
• Digging up Dirt – A Field Investigation Using the Scientific Method (Three Classroom Sessions)
• It’s a Jungle Out There - With focus on eelgrass beds found in Puget Sound (Classroom Presentation & Activity)
• Exploring Intertidal Puget Sound – Beach etiquette and stewardship are stressed (Classroom Presentation & Field Study)

“ESC strives for a ratio of 1 instructor for every 10 students in the field in order to provide high quality instruction and personal attention for every student, as well as to meet teacher’s requests for specific curriculum emphasis,” says Julie Burr, ESC Executive Director.

“For schools with more than fifty percent of their student population on free or reduced lunch, please inquire about our program cost fee waiver,” Julie said.

Programs are aligned with 2009 Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Science Standards, and Environmental Education Standards.

ESC staff will work with teachers to modify programs to fit their curriculum needs.

Know a teacher or school principal/administrator? Send them this article or give them a call! ESC works with thousands of students from schools all around the Puget Sound area every year.

For more information, here’s how to contact Julie and her staff:

Email: Julieb@envsciencecenter.org

Phone: 206-246-2144

Website w/class info: www.envsciencecenter.org/Programs/programs.htm

Here’s how to get there (see map below):

• From Ambaum Blvd. in Burien, head west on SW 144th
• Turn right on 13th SW. That road will take you all the way to Seahurst Park; drive down to the beach, where parking is available (if it isn’t, there’s a second parking lot near the top)
• Walk north along the beach a couple hundred yards and there you are!

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Some interesting and somewhat unusual art classes worth noting coming up soon at Moshier Community Art Center:

INTRODUCTION TO BROOM MAKING
In this hands-on class choose to make one round or one flat hearth broom.  All materials are provided.  Learn about decorative options and the history of broom making.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry to say, but witches will not be allowed ]

To see some sample brooms please go to www.moonwiseherbs.com.

• Instructor:  John Holzwart
• Monday, June 9, 6:00-9:00pm
• Fee: $40.00

HERBAL SOAP MAKING
This hands-on class will allow you to explore the art of combining oils and herbs to create your own special soap.  Participants will take home recipes as well as their soap! 

• Instructor:  Linda Conroy
• Monday, June 9, 6:00-9:00pm
• Fee:  $40.00

Please register for these classes online at www.burienparks.net or by phone at:  (206) 988-3700

All workshops will be held at Moshier Community Art Center, located at 430 South 156th Street in Burien:

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