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:

You know Spring is almost here when we post this annual notice – Burien Parks’ Eggstravaganza, Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt is hopping into the Community Center on Saturday, April 3rd, with breakfast, Bunny Photos, various egg hunts for different ages and much more.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Parks’ annual Eggstravaganza, Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt.

WHEN: Saturday, April 3rd, with breakfast beginning at 9am.

• 9am-10:45am: Bunny Breakfast

Egg Hunt has staggered Start Times & two locations:

• Community Center Park: Ages Walkers – 7 years 425 SW 144 St
• Dottie Harper Park: Ages: 8-11 years 4th Ave SW & 146th SW

• 11am: Walkers-3 years at Peter Cotton Tails House
• 11:15am: 4-5 years
• 11:30am: 6-7 years
• 11:45am: 8-11 years

WHERE: Burien Community Center (located at 425 SW 144th Street) and Dottie Harper Park (across the street); see poster for details.

COST: Bunny Breakfast is $4/Person (children under 1 eat FREE); includes pancakes, ham, juice, & coffee; $4 FOR Bunny Photos

TICKETS: For info on how to purchase tickets in advance, call Burien Parks at (206) 988-3700, or visit their website here.

INFO: From a poster:

*NEW THIS YEAR! Save Your Spot… Get Your Tickets Now!

Limited Seating Available!

Event held at the Burien Community Center, Auditorium

Burien’s “old library” building is in the midst of a major renovation, and when it’s completed it’ll serve as a temporary new home for the Community Center, as well as offices for Burien Parks & Recreation Department.

Our friends at Burien Parks released this video Monday (Jan. 25th) showing the progress:

Have you had it with diets that only work for a little while? Have you tried everything and nothing seems to work? Losing weight can be one of the most challenging experiences in your life…if you let it.

Now, by taking a class with Advertiser Patricia Vessey of Hypno-Coaching, not only will you remove the barriers that hold you back, you will also learn to reprogram your mind and create the success you have longed for.

Using innovative and proven methods from Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Life Coaching and Personal Fitness Training, you will discover that weight loss can be far easier than you ever imagined.

“Thanks Patricia, I appreciate the time with you as my coach for the past two months.  The area that I was able to move forward in, with your support, has been around my health and fitness.  I’ve lost 15 pounds so far, and my recovery from knee surgery is ahead of schedule.  You helped me stay focused, clarify my intentions, create accountability and stretch my view of the possibility.”  Thanks for all of this!” Bruce, Transportation Manager

WHAT: 6-Hour Weight Loss Course with Advertiser Patricia Vessey of Hypno-Coaching

COST: Only $79.00! This course will change your life!

WHEN: Wednesdays, January 13, 20 & 27th, from 6pm – 8pm

WHERE: Burien Community Center, located at 425 Southwest 144th Street

INFO: ***Wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat or blanket and pillow and pen and paper.

REGISTER: Call (206) 988-3700 to register NOW

Featured in the B-Town Blog!

“I was really pleased with the results, especially the 1st 5 pound loss and the complete change in sweet cravings. It is working. I have found that even in 103 degree weather I wanted to be at class, rather than anywhere else. As a result of this course, I found that I can do it!” G. Hedgpeth

Workshop feedback:

“This class focuses on life changes which is exactly what I need. Temp fixes are just that. I’m ready for the change & I think this is going to get me there.” RP

“Excellent presentation! I can’t wait to implement ideas.” H. Hopelink

“Good mix of discussion, visualization & homework.”

“I am choosing nutritious food more often.” DM

“Thank you. You are a great presenter!” LJR, CPA

“I want you to know how good this feels and how confident I am.” BR

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Eslava Vessey is the founder of Integrity Coaching & Training Systems, a multifaceted company with expertise in coaching, training, leadership, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. With over 30 years in social work, 29 years as a fitness trainer and over 6 years as a sought after speaker, trainer and certified international coach, Patricia inspires, motivates and supports people in transforming limiting beliefs and behaviors into heartfelt, meaningful and lasting changes.

Visit her at: www.integritylifecoach.com

[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!]

Burien Parks has released photos of the remodeling of the former Burien Library, which will be the new home for the Burien Community Center.

The re-purposed facility is scheduled to open in late April of 2010, with a total cost of just under $1.5 million.

Here’s what the friendly Parksfolks say:

This collection of photos will document the remodel of the former Burien Library as the new home for the Burien Community Center.

The repurposed facility will open in late April 2010.

The general contractor on the project is McKinstry Essention; architectural design services provided by James Cary, Architect pc.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow courtesy Burien Parks:

Click to View Photo Slideshow

BTB Advertiser Patricia Eslava Vessey, a Hypno-Coach, is holding a special “Freedom From Smoking” workshop on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 21st and continuing through Nov. 4th, from 6pm to 8pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 6- hour FREEDOM from SMOKING Stop Smoking Course With Hypno ~ Coaching

• Do you feel powerless over your smoking habit?
• Are you tired of all the failed attempts at quitting?
• If there was an easy way to be SMOKE FREE would you go for it?
• Are you ready to try something that really works?

WHEN: Wednesdays beginning Oct. 21st, then Oct. 28th & Nov. 4th, from 6:00pm–8:00pm

WHERE: Burien Parks & Recreation Center

COST: Only $79.00! This course will change your life forever!

REGISTER: Call (206) 988-3700 to Register!

INFO: From her press release:

Now, not only will you remove barriers that hold you back, you will reprogram your mind and create the FREEDOM and SUCCESS from smoking you have longed for!

Using innovative and proven methods from Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Life Coaching and Personal Fitness Training, you will discover that giving up your smoking can be far easier than you ever imagined…

Wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat or blanket & pillow and pen & paper.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Thanks Patricia, I appreciate the time with you as my coach for the past two months.  The area that I was able to move forward in, with your support, has been around my health and fitness.  I’ve lost 15 pounds so far, and my recovery from knee surgery is ahead of schedule.  You helped me stay focused, clarify my intentions, create accountability and stretch my view of the possibility.  Thanks for all of this!” – Bruce, Transportation Manager

“Good class, made me realize I have work to do on myself – gave me good insight on relationships” – DM

“Excellent presentation! I can’t wait to implement ideas.” - H. Hopelink

“It was very informative and motivating and pointed me in the right direction.” - A.Barchman

“Wonderful, gave me tools to reflect.” – BJ

“Thank you. You are a great presenter!” – LJR, CPA

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Eslava Vessey is the owner of Integrity Coaching & Training Systems, a multifaceted company with expertise in coaching, training, leadership, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. With over 30 years in social work, 29 years as a fitness trainer and over 6 years as a sought after speaker, trainer and international certified international coach, Patricia inspires, motivates and supports people in making heartfelt, meaningful and lasting changes.

MORE INFO: www.integritylifecoach.com

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story and Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 35,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Burien Little Theatre’s latest production, “Psycho Beach Party,” opens this Friday night Oct. 2nd at 8pm at the Burien Community Center, and below are photos taken of a recent rehearsal to give you an idea of what to expect (just be sure to mentally add costumes, great music and a professional production):

Click to View Burien Little Theatre’s Photo Slideshow

“Psycho Beach Party” is described as:

“Gidget” meets “The Three Faces of Eve” in this 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies.

Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf.

Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Welcome to Malibu Beach 1962 style on the set of Psycho Beach Party, the first play in Burien Little Theatre’s 2009-2010 “escape” themed season. Psycho Beach Party, written by Charles Busch, is a 1987 spoof of those popular and campy 1960s beach party movies. Busch’s send-up blends ”Gidget” with “The Three Faces of Eve” through the story of Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, who joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf. Unfortunately, Chicklet has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world. Watch out, the surf’s up!

Psycho Beach Party will run at BLT from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. Tickets at the box office are $17 to$20, except on Seven Buck Sunday Oct. 4 when all tickets are just $7. Significant savings are available by buying online at www.burienlittletheatre.com. Shows are Fridays and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except there will be no performance Oct. 16. As a special bonus, BLT will provide FREE readings on four Saturdays during the run. A full performance schedule is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com/page2.html.

The Story
Playing off the classic beach party theme – Psycho Beach Party features Chicklet, our heroine – a Gidget-like character who adores surfing and abandons her lifelong friend to take surfing lessons with the Great Kanaka, the king of the surf bums. But while she learns to surf odd things happen on the beach. People are knocked out and shaved, and not just their heads end up missing hair! Who wields the razor? And who is Ann Bowman, the seductive dominatrix? At the biggest party of the year, the luau, all is revealed. Join BLT and the fun-loving cast of Psycho Beach Party for bikinis, surfing and madcap mayhem.

The Author and Production
Charles Louis Busch, author of Psycho Beach Party, is an American actor, author, dramatist and female impersonator known for his many appearances on film and in off-Broadway productions. Busch was nominated for a Tony Award in 2001 for his play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Busch’s other awards include a Sundance Special Performance Award for Die, Mommie, Die, and in 2006 he won Honorable Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival for A Very Serious Person.

Psycho Beach Party was first performed in 1987, and featured the author in the title role of Chicklet. In 2000 the play was adapted for film by Robert Lee King, and featured Lauren Ambrose as Chicklet and Amy Adams in the role of Marvel Ann.

The Cast
Psycho Beach Party is directed by Zachariah Robinson, with Melissa Malloy as assistant director. The show features the comedic talents of:

• Adam Hegg (Yo Yo)
• Miranda Sita (Dee Dee)
• John Mallory (Nicky)
• Greg Brandell (Provoloney)
• Jon-Erik Hegstad (Start Cat)
• Kris Hamberg (Chicklet)
• Rhys Henley (Kanaka)
• Emily Elkins (Berdine)
• Jackie Greybill (Marvel Ann)
• Anna Richardson (Mrs. Forrest)
• Alex Novotny (Bettina Barnes)

BONUS – Special Performances:
During the run of Psycho Beach Party, Burien Little Theatre is proud to present three free Saturday afternoon readings of The Undescended, a new work by Christopher Bailey. This haunting psychological tale is full of twists and turns. Please join us at 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays to enjoy this unique opportunity: Oct. 3, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. There will be question-and-answer sessions with the author after the readings.

On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., Burien Little Theatre, in association with Book-It Repertory Theater and the Highline Historical Society will also host a free performance of the world-premiere adaptation of the book Two Wheels North, by Evelyn McDaniel Gibb. The story has been adapted for the stage and directed by Annie Lareau. Two Wheels North is a timely true tale of two young men and the cycling trek of a lifetime: it’s 1909 and roads are rough as they make their way from their home in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Seattle for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. A prize awaits, but the real reward is the adventure!

About Burien Little Theatre:
Theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, the Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. As the company grows in exciting new directions right along with the City of Burien, Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is “to be an entertainment leader by producing intriguing professional shows. Our audience will be treated to productions of the highest artistic integrity, which excite, engage and involve both the local and expanding theatrical communities in the Puget Sound region.”

BLT is a nonprofit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, sponsorships and volunteers.

To reserve tickets, email your reservation to tickets@burienlittletheatre.com, call BLT at (206) 242-5180, or purchase them online here. More ticket info available online here, including discounts on group purchase.

You can also “Play With Your Food” (dinner and a show) – for just $35.00 per person you get a fantastic two-course dinner that includes several choices for an entree and either salad or dessert at the Mark Restaurant and Bar and you get a ticket to that night’s performance! (You save on the price of dinner and on the ticket! Double the savings and enjoy a night out. You deserve it!) See BLT’s Play With Your Food web page for full details.

by Ralph Nichols

Just over six months from now, a new Burien Community Center will open to the public in the old library building at SW 146th Street and 4th Ave. SW.

Remodeling of the 20,000-square-foot library building is expected to begin in late October or early November, following the permitting process, with completion anticipated by the end of January, says Michael Lafreniere, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

McKinstry Co. of Seattle has been awarded the contract for general construction, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical improvements. The building was vacated in June when the Burien library moved into the new library/city hall building at SW 152nd and 4th Ave. SW.

The new community center will include programs for seniors; the remodel will include a small kitchen for catered meals for seniors.

Lafreniere expects his department will begin the move from the existing community center at SW 144th and 4th Ave. SW in February, and that staff will have everything “ready and running come April” for the start of Parks and Recreation’s spring program schedule.

The total cost of transforming the library building into a community center is just under $1.5 million.

Final approval for spending that amount on this project came on a 4-2 vote by the Burien City Council last month as lawmakers authorized transfer of $425,000 from the city’s general fund and Parks and Recreation budget and another $75,000 from the Capital Projects Reserve Fund.

Councilman Gordon Shaw strongly dissented, calling it “foolish” spending, and Councilwoman Rose Clark cast a “reluctant” no vote because of financial realities.

The remodeled library is expected to house the community/senior center only for three to five years, when plans call for a new community/senior center to be built at the current site – if the economy improves and if voters approve a bond issue to finance construction.

Shaw argued that instead of spending over a million dollars on a temporary facility, that money should be put in the bank, which when make a new community/senior center building more affordable when that day comes.

Kristy Dunn, the department’s recreation supervisor, says the remodeled library will house seven rooms for a variety of arts, learning and recreation programs, a larger “gathering space” for the community, an area for teenagers, possibly a dedicate space for exercise equipment, the catering kitchen, and staff offices.

“The new facility will cater better to the idea of a gathering space for all the community,” Dunn observes. The space will be “welcoming and integrated into an all-ages community center.”

Less than two years ago, preliminary plans called for construction of a new $35 million Burien Community Recreation Center that would include senior programs, with work beginning last July and a grand opening projected for January 2011.

But those plans were put on hold when the federal and state economies tumbled in 2008 and local sales tax revenue also declined.

City Manager Mike Martin says that following the move of the Parks and Recreation programs to the remodeled facility next spring, a number of non-profit programs will continue to operate out of the current community center building.

These include the Burien Little Theatre, Para Los Ninos, and Pre-School Cooperative, and White Center Head Start until its facility is rebuilt.

So what do YOU think about this? Please Comment or take our poll below…

Burien Parks will be holding a FREE self-defense class for women on Saturday, Dec. 13th, from Noon to 4pm at the Burien Community Center.

Here’s the class description:

Join Defense Tactics Master Chris Clark, who has been teaching defensive tactics for women for over 20 years.

Come to the class with loose fitting clothing and prepare to get involved in learning some basic self defense.

A signed waiver is required at the time of class.

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, Noon – 4pm

WHERE: Burien Community Center, located at 425 SW 144th St.

WHO: Women 18 years old and up

COST: FREE!

REGISTER: Class #10216; Register at (206) 988-3700 or via Click-N-Go

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Here’s some video from last Friday’s “Battle In Burien” breakdancing competition that took place at the Burien Community Center; this clip shows Tim Chips vs. Thesis:

And here are some amazing photos taken by Teen Council member Nikk Wong:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Amanda Morales, Burien Parks’ Recreation Program Specialist, said:

It was a great event!

We had a great turnout, and they were a great, respectful, talented group of teens.

They always amaze me!

Burien Parks is holding its annual “Pumpkin Bash” tonight (Friday Oct. 17th) from 6pm – 8:30pm at the Burien Community Center, located at 425 SW 144th (map below).

The event is aimed at children age 12 and under, and will include:

• Carnival games
• Face painting
• Costume contest (scariest, most creative and funniest, so get those Sarah Palin toddler glasses ASAP!)
• Photo booth
• Arts & crafts
• Bouncy thingy

Cost is just $4 per child, but kids aged one and under are free (with parents of course)!

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As summer winds down, we thought we’d try to keep it going by sharing this video we found on Youtube – a very nicely done montage of great (and sometimes not so great) skateboarding antics well-shot (good work LastExileProductions) at the Burien Skatepark:

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