Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is intended to teach residents, community organizations or workplaces the basics of preparation and response skills between emergency services and the people they serve, and the next training session starts Thursday, Sept. 15th.

Class times run Thursday evenings from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. from Sept. 15 through Oct. 29th, and the next CERT training will begin Thursday, Sept. 15th at SeaTac City Hall, located at 4800 S. 188th Street.

Training sessions are held twice a year in the spring and fall, and require approximately 20 hours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.

For more information or to register, contact Community Service Officer Mechee Burnett at (206) 973-4917 or fill out an application (PDF file) and mail it to:

SeaTac Police Services
RE: CERT Training
4800 S. 188 St.
SeaTac, WA 98188

Here’s more info:

CERT Classes
The training is a Citizen Corp and FEMA supported curriculum and promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve.The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic preparation and response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.

Contact Us
For more information or to register for CERT, contact Community Service Officer Mechee Burnett at (206) 973-4917 or fill out an application and mail it to:

SeaTac Police Services
RE: CERT Training
4800 S. 188 St.
SeaTac, WA 98188

Training Sessions
The training sessions are held twice a year in the spring and fall. The sessions require approximately 20 hours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.

The next CERT training will begin September 15, 2011 (Schedule of classes)

SeaTac City Hall
4800 S 188th Street
SeaTac, Washington

Training Topics
Training is designed to cover the following:

• Disaster preparedness
• Fire safety
• Disaster medical operations
• Triage
• Treating life threatening injuries
• Assessment, treatment, and hygiene
• Light search and rescue
• Team organization
• Disaster psychology
• Terrorism and CERT
• Practical final exercise

Advertiser Matt Griffin YMCA is offering some great Summer Programs for Tweens and Teens:

QUEST
Youth entering grades 6th to 10th participate in weekly adventures where they will meet new friends and discover new passions. Quest trips depart the Matt Griffin YMCA at 9:00 am, returning by 4:00 pm. Participants must bring a sack lunch. Space is limited. Each field trip costs $40. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible. To register, please contact Cesar Hernandez at chernandez@seattleymca.org.

Upcoming trips:

• Wednesday, July 27: Seattle Art Museum and Digital Photography Workshop
• Wednesday, August 3: Family Fun Center & Coulon Park (Swimming)
• Wednesday, August 10: Seattle Aquarium & Harbor Cruise
• Wednesday, August 17: Wild Waves (Swimming & Amusement Park)
• Wednesday, August 24: Circus Training School (Acrobatics)

LEAD
Level 9: Level 9 is a 5-week summer bridge program for students entering their first year of high school (9th grade). It will run from July 25 until August 26 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and take place on the Campus of Global Connections High School. The program offers an academic support (language arts and math) component as well as fun enrichment activities, a business practicum and several field trips. A 1-night, overnight college visit will be offered on August 18-19. Only a few spots are left! The fee for this program is $25. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible. To register, please contact Arielle Fissmer at afissmer@seattleymca.org.

Y-Achievers
Y-Achievers is a 2-week college and career preparation program with a community service focus. The program runs from August 1-12 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and takes place at the Matt Griffin YMCA. Join us to discover new passions and participate in an exciting overnight college exploration trip to Western Washington University from August 4-5. Register today to reserve your spot! The fee for this program is $10. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible. To register, please contact Mehret Tekle at mtekle@seattleymca.org.

The Matt Griffin YMCA is located at 3595 South 188th Street in SeaTac, and their phone number is 206.244.5880.

More information at their website here.

Our friends at the Burien Goodwill want our Readers to know that they’re offering FREE 8-week English and Computer classes beginning May 23rd, and the registration dates are May 9th and 10th.

The Burien Goodwill Job Training and Education Center is located at 1031 SW 128th Street, and these free 8-week classes will run from May 23 through July 15, 2011.

Registration will take place according to the following schedule:

Monday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• ESOL Computer Basics
• Basic Math

Tuesday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.

• Basic Computer classes
• GED Preparation

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 the following classes:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – Basic and Intermediate courses for people who want to learn English
• Basic Computer classes – Introductory classes for people with little or no computer experience. Computer classes are also available for people who speak little or no English.
• Basic Math
• GED Preparation
• Career Building Assistance: Goodwill opens its computer lab to the general public for career-related activities during designated times. Goodwill Instructors will be available to help people conduct job searches on the Internet, write resumes and cover letters, and more.

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

Burien Goodwill is part of Seattle Goodwill Industries, a private, non-profit organization that has served the central and northern Puget Sound since 1923. Its free job training and education programs and services help low-income and underserved people obtain the skills they need to secure employment so they may achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information about Goodwill programs, please call toll-free 1-877-GIVE4GOODor visit the Web site at seattlegoodwill.org.

by Brooks Stanfield

About seven years ago, while living in North Seattle, I started riding my bike to work. I can’t even remember what gave me the idea, but since that time cycling has turned into an obsession. My understanding of exactly why, however, has recently and unexpectedly changed.

Over the last few years I’ve tried to pass along my passion for cycling to my wife, Marya, and our two small kids. And last summer we had a breakthrough when we scored a long-tail “Xtracycle” bike off of Craigslist. This station wagon of a bike allows, among other things, for a child (or two) to ride seated right behind mom or dad. With this, Marya began riding to school along side our first-grade daughter with our 4 year-old son mounted on the back.

A couple weeks later, Marya was sold. “This way of getting places just gives you something back”, she proclaimed. “When I drive I feel like I’m wasting my life away.” After just two weeks of pedaling my intellectually superior spouse was able to articulate what I had not after seven years. She also reported that when my son rides on the back of the Xtracycle, he likes to sing. “He’s my little radio”, she said. Can It get any cooler than that?

The popularity of bicycling has growing pretty dramatically over the past decade and there are endless studies on the benefits of biking. Bicycling is, of course, greener than driving a car and people have figured out that it’s a good tool for short trips. Bikes also save you money (especially at $4 a gallon) and they strengthen neighborhoods (it’s hard to chat when zipping by at 30 mph). Bike are good for local businesses and every mile I ride equals about 35 calories.

I care about the planet, my community, and my health. Heck, I work for the EPA! But I’ll be honest; the reason I logged 6,000 miles on my bike last year is because…. well, it’s fun. Between work, soccer practices, and other demands there simply never seems to be time for quiet reflection or new discoveries. When I’m my bike going places, however, I get something back on the way. It’s the antidote to road rage, information overload, and to Seattle’s winter doldrums. Pedaling from A to B makes each day an adventure and brings out the best in me (just ask my family).

So if you see someone out on a bike braving the rain or pulling groceries in a child trailer, don’t  assume they’re nobly sacrificing for the betterment of society. It could just be “fun with benefits.” And if a friend or family member tries to talk you into bicycling with them to the park or store. Be extremely cautious!  Seven years from now you may find yourself smiling because you’re pulling 50 pounds of groceries in the rain and pedaling hard because you can’t wait to tell your spouse about what happened along the way.

(Brooks Stanfield is a co-organizer of the B-Town Bike Fair. You can join the discussion about bicycling in Burien by visiting the B-Town Bike Fair blog or Facebook page.)

Burien Parks & Recreation, along with the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, is sponsoring several bike classes over the next few months – check out their offerings:

MARCH 2011 RIDE IN THE RAIN: BIKE SKILLS FOR WINTER COMMUTING
Join us for a discussion of bike commuting centering on inclement weather conditions. Class discussion on the principles of traffic law, urban cycling techniques (lane choice, lane position, changing lanes), and special maneuvers (rock dodge, emergency stop, and instant turn) used during wet weather commute.

• Age: 18Y and up
• #12702
• Monday, March 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $27
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net • 206 988-3700

SEE AND BE SEEN: LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS TEST LAB
Many bicycle crashes happen at night and too many involve cyclists who don’t have any (or adequate) lights. How visible are YOU at night? Come find out at this drop-in opportunity to test your gear and learn how to enhance your visibility.

• Age: 18Y and up
• #12703
• Monday, March 14, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $27
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net • 206 988-3700

ADVANCED BIKE SKILLS
To further stoke your knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, join us for an advanced discussion of bike commuting that builds upon previous classes as well as your personal experience. Class discussion on the principles of traffic law, urban cycling techniques (lane choice, lane position, changing lanes), and special maneuvers (rock dodge, emergency stop, and instant turn).

• Age: 18Y and up
• #12704
• Monday, March 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $27
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net • 206 988-3700

SPRING CLEANING: A MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW FOR YOUR BIKE
Has your bike been languishing in the garage all Winter? Are the tires flat? Is the chain rusty? When was the last time you replaced your cables? This class will give you an overview of what you can do (and what you should take
to a professional) in order to get your bike in tip-top shape for Spring riding.

• Age: 18Y and up
• #12705
• Monday, March 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $27
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net 206 988-3700
• Register for the series & SAVE 35% on registration fees!

MARCH MONDAYS BIKE SERIES

• #12706
• March 7 – 28, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Age: 18Y and up
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $68
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net 206 988-3700
• Provided by Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation in partnership with Burien Parks & Recreation

MAY & JUNE 2011 ANCIENT SECRETS OF BICYCLE MAINTENANCE: FIX A FLAT
A need-to-know skill for any cyclist. Gain the confidence need- ed to deal with unexpected flats on any ride. Class is hands-on, so dress to get dirty. Bring your bike to class.

• Age: 16Y and up
• #13043
• Wednesday, May 11, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $40
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net 206 988-3700

RIDING WITH CONFIDENCE
Are you new to cycling? Just getting back on your bike after years away? Confounded by the gears? Not sure where on the road to ride? Let us help you gain the skills to ride safely and confidently. Learn basic bike handling skills and maneuvers; how to shift and brake smoothly and effectively; how to share the road with other users. Two sessions include classroom information on laws and safety as well as on-bike handling skills and drills. We will apply our new found skills with a group-riding experience on neighborhood streets. Bring a bike in working order and a helmet to 2nd class. Course is designed for those who already know how to ride a bike.

• Age: 16Y and up
• #13047
• June 15 -18, 6 – 9 p.m.
• Location: Eagle Landing Room
• Instructor: Cascade Bicycle Club
• Fees: $80
• Registration: www.BurienParks.net 206 988-3700

LOCATION: Burien Community Center 14700 6th Avenue SW Burien, WA 98166

CONTACT: Burien Parks & Recreation www.BurienParks.net 206 988-3700

Burien Goodwill’s Job Training and Education Center will be offering FREE English and Computer classes, with registration taking place on Monday, Dec. 13th and Tuesday, Dec. 14th.

These free eight-week sessions will run from Jan. 3rd through Feb. 24, 2011 at the Burien Goodwill, located at 1031 SW 128th Street.

Here’s more info from an email:

Register for Burien Goodwill’s FREE classes on Dec. 13 & 14!

Students can learn English and computers

On Dec. 13 and 14, Goodwill’s Job Training and Education Center in Burien, located at 1031 SW 128th St., will register students for free classes in the eight-week session that runs from Jan. 3 through Feb. 24, 2011.

Registration will take place according to the following schedule:

Monday, Dec. 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• ESOL Computer Basics
• Basic Math

Tuesday, Dec. 14at 9:00 a.m.:

• Computer Basics
• GED Preparation

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 the following classes:

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• Basic ESOL:  Mondays and Wednesdays – 9 to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• NEW Evening Class:  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (begins Jan. 18)
• ESOL Level 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Basic Computer classes

• Computer Basics:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.ESOL Computer Basics: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• ESOL Computer Basics 2: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (begins Jan. 18)

Basic Math – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m

GED Preparation – This class will prepare students to pass GED tests in math, reading, writing, social studies and science. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.Career Building Assistance: Goodwill opens the computer lab to the general public for career-related activities during designated times. Goodwill Instructors will be available to help people conduct job searches on the Internet, write resumes and cover letters, and more. Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

For people who speak English as a second language – Mondays through Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

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

Burien Goodwill is part of Seattle Goodwill Industries, a private, non-profit organization that has served the central and northern Puget Sound since 1923. Its free job training and education programs and services help low-income and underserved people obtain the skills they need to secure employment so they may achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information about Goodwill programs, please call toll-free 1-877-GIVE4GOOD or visit the Web site at seattlegoodwill.org.

Burien Goodwill is offering free eight-week classes in English and computers from Oct. 18th through Dec. 9th at their Job Training and Education Center, located at 1031 SW 128th Street.

Students can register for the free courses on these dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 5th at 9am:

• Computers: Basic, Microsoft Word
• GED Preparation
• Job Readiness

Wednesday, Oct. 6th, from 9am to 4pm:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• ESOL Computer Basics
• Basic Math

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 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 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.

Basic Computer classes:

• Computer Basics: two different classes – Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• ESOL Computer Basics 2: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• Microsoft Word: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Job Readiness (NEW CLASS – this class will focus on resume writing, searching for jobs on the Internet and preparing for interviews):

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Basic Math:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

GED Preparation (NEW CLASS – This class will prepare students to pass GED tests in math, reading, writing, social studies and science):

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Career Building Assistance: Goodwill opens the computer lab to the general public for career-related activities during designated times. Goodwill Instructors will be available to help people conduct job searches on the Internet, write resumes and cover letters, and more.

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• For people who speak English as a second language – Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

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

Owner Kellie Bassen has not looked back since then. Not only has she honed her skills as a dancer, she instructs young girls and teens, forms traveling dance troupes, designs and sew costumes and has assembled one of the finest group of instructors in the Western Washington area.

“Bellydance is more than dancing. It’s a proven exercise to build core strength, improve posture, balance, confidence, coordination and a great sense of rhythm. The choice is yours as to whether you want to take classes for exercise and fun, or to dance,” says Kellie.

Kellie proudly explains, “At Abyssinian Dance Center we take pride in being able to offer classes by many different teachers. We believe each student should have the opportunity to experience a variety of instructors in order to best define their own personal, unique style.”

With exotic names like Nadira, Amira, Mirabai, Layla, Tayissa and Raqs Steady Eddie, these instructors are expert in all forms of the ancient art of bellydance.

The punch card system available for purchase that allows every student to find the best fit for their own scheduling needs. A 10-class punch card is $90 for 10 classes, taken whenever you’re available over the course of six months.

New right now is launch of a new daytime program “Dance for Fitness with Nadira” running on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1. What a great way to get fit on your lunch hour. Nadira give participants a workout using the basic bellydance movements women have been using for thousands of years. Right now, when you purchase a 10-punch card for $90, your first class is FREE.

On August 10 Raqs Steady Eddie will be teaching “Origins”, a class that incorporates martial arts and dance. The ancient techniques of Chinese boxing and Filipino stick fighting will help establish balance, strength and confidence while increasing your defense skills. Both men and women are invited to this FREE sample class.

Also, coming soon on August 14 at lake Burien Park is “Rhythm Jam” which includes live Middle Eastern drumming.

You’ll find “Fitness for the Body and Soul” at Abyssinian Dance Center, 2038 SW 152nd tucked away in a quite corner Seahurst area of Burien, right behind Lollipops. Give them a call at 206-988-4897. Start dancing today.

Burien’s new Community Center, which is located in the “old” library building at 14700 6th Ave SW, is hosting an Open House this Saturday, May 15th from 1pm – 3pm.

Remodeled at a cost of just under $1.5 million, this building will temporarily house Burien Parks’ offices, along with a community center, for three to five years, when plans call for a new community/senior center to be built at the “old” site (at SW 144th and 4th Ave. SW) – if the economy improves and if voters approve a bond issue to finance construction.

During Saturday’s Open House, there will be class demonstrations, raffles, hands-on activities, and complimentary snacks.

Also ready to be tested out is a a new play space for toddlers & preschoolers, as well as a “birthday party” area with an inflatable jumper toy. Other activities include creating your own batik flag, and seniors can play Bunco game or try out Wii bowling, and teens can check-out a new drop-in area.

As a bonus, if you register for a summer program while at this event, class fees will be discounted.

Burien's temporary new Community Center is located in the "old" library building. Try saying that quickly five times.

Here are the details of the Open House:

WHAT: Open House for Burien’s new Community Center.

WHEN: Saturday, May 15th from 1pm – 3pm.

WHERE: The “old” library building-turned-Community Center at 14700 6th Ave SW.

INFO: From a flier:

New Community Center Hosts Open House

An afternoon of festive activities and fun freebies is happening at the new Burien Community Center’s Open House on Saturday, May 15 from 1-3:00 pm.

Tour the newly-renovated facility, watch class demonstrations, enter raffles, enjoy hands-on activities, and snack on complementary food.  Bring toddlers & preschoolers to a new play space,  have the kids check-out a “birthday party” area with an inflatable jumper toy, or be creative  and create your own batik flag. Senior adults can enjoy a festive Bunco game or try out Wii bowling, and teens can check-out their new drop-in area.

Yoga, zumba, pilates, watercolor, senior fitness & chair yoga,  belly dancing, and ballet/tap class demonstrations will be happening in the Seahurst Room, which is the facility’s largest and also available for  community rentals of all kinds for lots of people. Booths set up in the Main Lobby will include information on soccer, dance, art history, computer instruction, massage, hypnosis, writers’ workshops and other current programs.

Fees will be discounted for those registering for summer programs while attending the event.  Burien businesses have donated gift baskets and other give-aways to be raffled off throughout the event.

The Community Center’s regular hours are Mondays-Thursdays from 8:30 am-8:00 pm and Fridays from 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The facility is located at 14700 SW 6th Ave SW at the site of the former Burien Library.

For additional information call 206 988-3700 or www.burienparks.net.

Here’s a video preview of the center, courtesy Burien Parks:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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.