Allen Bilderback, owner of Platinum Plumbing and husband/father to seven, passed away in early June. As the owner of Platinum Plumbing he was the sole provider for his family, and many people in the Burien community have come together to help support them in their time of loss, including a special fundraiser auction dinner this Friday night (Oct. 2nd) at Glen Acres Golf Course.

The Bilderback family is fighting to get control of their business back, and that’s the main reason for this fundraiser, which is being sponsored by Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, which has sponsored many fundraisers for worthy causes, including for the family of slain King County Deputy Steve Cox and the displaced survivors of the Tara and Jenny Marie apartment fire in Burien.

But, says co-owner Mick Purdy, this fundraising dinner “may be one of the most worthwhile events we’ve done.”

“The effort beging put in (for the fundraiser) by a lot of community members and friends is remarkbable,” he continued. “If the family gets their business back, they have the means to make it. But the need the community to help them get over the hump.”

“The family is fighting to get the business back. But it is pretty challenging since they are pretty financially strapped.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Fundraiser Auction dinner party for the Bilderback family

WHEN: Friday night, Oct. 2nd from 7pm to midnight

WHERE: Glen Acres Golf Course, located at 1000 South 112th Street

INFO: A night to remember! Together, we can show support for a wonderful family. As the Bilderback Family grieves the loss of their father and husband, Allen Bilderback, we can make this difficult time a easier by participating in this fundraising dinner. We have a great dinner and fun evening planned with music, raffle, and auction. Reserve a table today!

Please confirm & select your dinner option by Wednesday, Sept. 30th.

Incredibly generous donations from:

• Sounders FC
• Royal Argosy Cruises
• Osteria de Primo Italian Restaurant
• Starbucks
• Local artists & businesses
• Seattle Painting & Decorating ($5,000 value)
• And many more!

TICKETS: $50.00 per person; Pick up tickets at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub: 435 SW 152nd in downtown Burien. If you can’t make it, but would still like to donate, go to the Sterling Savings Bank in Burien and donate in his name.

For more information, contact Trish Robles at hagertyrobles@yahoo.com or Mick Purdy at belfast81@comcast.net.

Here’s Allen’s obit:

Allen James Bilderback Jr.
Allen James BILDERBACK, Jr Age 35 died on Monday, June 8th, 2009 in SeaTac, WA. Allen is survived by his wife of 14 years, Sarah; six daughters and one son; father and step-mother, A.J. and Audrey Bilderback; grandmother, Mimi Fritz; brothers, Guy and Chet; step-sister, Katy and several nieces and nephews. Allen was a loving husband and father. He worked extremely hard at everything he set out to do in life and was a successful business owner. He enjoyed basketball with the guys and making plans for the future. Allen always had so much ambition and drive that there was never a doubt he would accomplish so much in life. He will be missed very much by so many who loved him. Forever and always in our hearts he will be. There will be a private family gathering and a public memorial at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park in Seatac, WA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, all donations to the family can be made at Sterling Savings Bank in Burien, WA.

The Normandy Park and Burien Fall Recycling Collection Event and Rain Barrel Sale is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 19th from 9am – 3pm at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, which is located at 19010 First Avenue South.

At this event you can safely dispose of numerous unwanted materials, some for free, others for a small fee.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Normandy Park & Burien Recycling Collection Event

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19h from 9 am to 3 pm

WHERE: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center

INFO: Recycle these household wastes:

• TIRES: Bias ply, steel belted, and studded tires accepted. Limit 6 passenger tires per household (18 inches and below) free of charge. $1.50 charge for each tire on a rim. $5 charged for each large truck tire and $15 charged for each truck tire on rim (cash only). No oversized tires accepted.
• MOTOR OIL, FILTERS, & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, steering fluid, crankcase oil, kerosene, and home heating fuel. Do not mix with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or other substances.
• LEAD ACID BATTERIES: Car, truck, marine, and motorcycle batteries accepted.
• ALKALINE BATTERIES: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, and D cell batteries only.
• CARDBOARD: Please flatten. No wax coated cardboard.
• REUSEABLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CLOTHING: Clothing and miscellaneous household items in good condition will be collected by Seattle Goodwill. Mattresses and furniture will not be accepted. Items in need of repair will not be accepted.
• PORCELAIN TOILETS AND SINKS: $5 charge (cash only). Toilet seats, hardware, and base wax rings must be removed.
• REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS/HOUSEHOLD AIR CONDITIONERS: $25 charge for each refrigerator, freezer or household air conditioner (cash only).
• APPLIANCES AND SCRAP METAL: Auto parts, engines and gas lawnmowers (drained of oil and gasoline), metal lawn chairs, stoves, microwaves, barbecues, steel, aluminum, brass, copper and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. $5 will be charged for each water heater that still has insulation coating (cash only). Metals that are insulated, rubber or oil coated, previously or currently contain chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted. Light fixture ballasts and sealed drums will not be accepted.
• PROPANE TANKS: Residential tanks only. $5 charge (cash only).
• ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cellular phones and computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Computer monitors and televisions will not be accepted. You can recycle these items for free at other locations.

DON’T BRING:

• No scrap wood/bulky wood
• No construction/demolition debris No garbage No mattresses/furniture No plastic toys, hoses, etc.
• No window glass

These hazardous wastes:

• No oil based paint
• No pesticides/herbicides
• No household chemicals
• No cleaning products
• No fluorescent lights

Rules For Latex Paint

• Latex paint is no longer considered hazardous waste and the household hazardous waste facilities in King County (the Wastemobile, Factoria, and two Seattle sites) no longer accept it. Residents who cannot use up latex paint, please dry it out and put it in the garbage with the lid off. Visit the King County website www.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/swd for more informa- tion on how to dry out latex paint.

For event information, call 206-248-7603 or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal/ or call the Household Hazards Line Monday to Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm except holidays at 206-296-4692.

Washington now has a FREE recycling program called “E-Cycle Washington” for computers, computers monitors, laptops, and televisions. Call 1-800-RECYCLE or visit 1800recycle.wa.gov to find authorized E-Cycle Washington collection locations. In the Burien/Normandy Park area you may drop off computers, computers monitors, laptops, and televisions for free at the following E-Cycle Washington locations:

• Burien Goodwill Store (1031 SW 128th Street, Burien, WA 98146, 206-957-1020)
• Salvation Army Burien Store (16033 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98148, 206-267- 7272)
• St. Vincent de Paul (13445 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98168, 206-243-6370)

Please note – drop off locations may change. Quantities accepted are limited. Please also note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program but will be accepted at City Recycling Collection Events.

Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale:
To encourage the use of recycled content material and more efficient use of water, the cities of Burien and Normandy Park are offering recycled plastic rain barrels at a huge discount. In addition, start backyard composting with a compost bin to save resources and money. Composting is a natural process that turns yard waste into rich soil. Yard waste—grass, leaves, old flowers—contain mostly water. Once the material decomposes, rich soil is all that’s left.

$20 each. Cash only. While supplies last. No pre or post event sales.

Burien’s legendary (and recently remodeled) Bison Creek Pizza & Pub (a new BTB Advertiser) is presenting: The Shivering Denizens with The Hollowbodies, for a night of FREE (as in No Cover) Honky Tonk & Blues starting at 10pm this Saturday night, Sept. 5th.

This is a 21+ over show only, so leave the kids at home, but bring your dancin’ shoes, your appetite and your thirst (might as well include your pep too, since they’re open until 2am).

Bison Creek is located at:

630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

FREE tickets can be reserved online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/80917

Here’s a video of The Hollowbodies:

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=14980634

For more info on The Shivering Denizens:

• www.myspace.com/theshiveringdenizens

For more info on Bison Creek Pizza & Pub:

• www.bisoncreekpizza.com

PARK(ing) Day 2009 is coming Friday, Sept. 18th, and people all across the world (and perhaps Burien?) will take to the streets to turn car spaces into people spaces, with a deadline for application of Thursday, Aug. 20th – so you’d better hurry the heck up!

The idea of the PARK(ing) Day is to “hire” a parking space, but then turn it into a mini Park rather than using it to park your car.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We know of a certain “Municipal Lot” that doesn’t seem to have many cars parked. Or you can always take over a spot on SW 152nd, First Ave South, Ambaum…you name it! Let’s see whatcha got Burien – be sure to email us if you’re going to do this so we can show up and take pics!

Putting together a parking space takes a little bit of planning, however it’s an easy and simple process and Feet First, Trust for Public Lands, and Seattle Parks Foundation will help you through it. The permit process has started but you can still get in thusly:

Email Elaine@feetfirst.info ASAP and remember, the deadline for application for a park on the street (filled out forms, plans and all) is Thursday, August 20th!

You can find lots more information and photos on http://my.parkingday.org. Here’s info from that website:

PARK(ing) Day is an open source invention, which means anyone can participate without official “permission,” as long as you observe the license (PDF).

That said, PARK(ing) Day has become a worldwide event, and this network allows participants, media and interested parties to connect and promote their PARK(ing) installations. We recommend that you “register” your PARK by:

1. Creating a group for your city or particular PARK location, or joining one if it exists already.
2. Adding your PARK to the 2009 Map. At least add your city, but we recommend adding the exact coordinates of your park once you’ve decided, since lots of people will taking PARK(ing) tours of their city on PARK(ing) Day.
3. Inviting other people to your group, including local merchants and materials donors.
4. Downloading the Media Kit (coming soon) and letting your local media know about your PARK. No need to contact Rebar – you’re the best spokesman for your big idea!

Here are some videos showing previous PARK(ing) Days to give you an idea of what this is all about:

Parking Day SE Seattle:

“Students from the New School perform at the ‘Distraction Preserve’ park on Rainier Avenue S. This park was organized by SEEDArts (www.seedseattle.org/seedarts/ ) with volunteers from the community!”

Parking Day San Francisco:

“The trailer for REBAR’s PARK(ing) Day 2006 – a worldwide reclamation of metered parking spaces as public parks! 47 PARKs in 13 cities.”

Parking Day NYC:

“Parking Day NYC 2007. Watch as over 30 parking spots all over NYC are liberated from the automobile and reclaimed as space for people.”

Burien Arts is presenting “Northwest Perspectives,” a show featuring works by two legendary northwest photographers (Josef Scaylea and Jerry Gay) as well as two newcomers, from Aug. 7th through Aug. 30th, with a free opening reception on Friday Aug. 7th from 7pm-9pm.

According to Executive Director Erin Williamson, photographer Jerry Gay will be on hand at Friday night’s reception.

This is part of the organization’s first annual Aperture August photography show, and along with the work of established photographers Scaylea and Gay, will also feature emerging artists Zeb Andrews and Tess Logan.

Jerry Gay’s Pulitzer Prize winning photograph, “Lull in the Battle” (seen below) was taken in 1975 in Burien, near Three Tree Point (on Maplewild Ave SW – see a map here) of local firefighters taking a break while battling a difficult house fire:

Josef Scaylea, whose daughter Michele lives in Burien and helped put together the show, was Jerry Gay’s mentor and friend. Mr. Scaylea (who passed away in 2004) was the chief photographer for The Seattle Times and anyone who visits the gallery will recognize his iconic Northwest images.

Josef Scaylea’s photographs were always true to his vision.

“I strive for beauty in its myriad forms and for faithful reproduction which will carry a special message to each person,” he said. “I believe photography cannot be effective unless it is completely honest and without gimmicks.”

As fits his immigrant heritage from the village of La Costa in the mountains of Northern Italy, simplicity, focus, and dedication to hard work were hallmarks of his life and his photography. He grew up working from dawn until dusk in the family orchard in South Glastonbury, Connecticut.

His gutsy immigrant traits led him to leave the farm to study photography in New York in the mid thirties. Serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II, he photographed missions over Japan, Okinawa and the Philippines. Stationed at Paine Field and Moses Lake, WA, he discovered the great Northwest, vowing to make it home. He never left his Northwest home until he died in 2004 at the age of 91.

Chief Photographer for The Seattle Times for 35 years, he won awards from Look, Life, Graflex, and the National Press Photographers Association. He taught and mentored many aspiring photographers, including Jerry Gay, who became a Pulitzer Prize winner. However, his greatest satisfaction was the joy his photographs brought to his viewers. Until shortly before his death, his camera was still in his hand – at the ready for the next great shot – photographing the sports, the people and the great scenic Northwest he so loved.

Many of the iconic Northwest scenes photographed by Mr. Scaylea during his long career will be on display at the Burien Art Gallery alongside the award winning work of Pulitzer Prize winner, Jerry Gay.

Photojournalist Jerry Gay has driven 500,000 miles of America’s back roads and highways over 40 years to continue his ongoing research of everyday life. With humor and acute philosophical perceptions, this highly acclaimed motivational speaker brings his visual and verbal insights to every audience he touches.  Jerry’s pictures and philosophy convey a positive and persuasive analysis to help us find hope and see solutions to the unique challenges we face in this ambiguous universe.  Jerry’s wisdom, his reverence for the earth, common people and sacredness of all life are revealed in his pictures, written editorials and public speaking presentations.

Jerry Gay’s achievements and recognitions span the length of his multi-media career. At age 28, Jerry won the Pulitzer Prize for news photography and the following year he served as president of The National Press Photographers Association.  A graduate and former instructor at the internationally acclaimed Brooks Institute of Photography, he’s shared his photographic talents with newspapers nationwide including:

• New York Newsday
• The Seattle Times
• St. Paul Pioneer Press
• Los Angeles Times
• Maui News
• Everett Herald

On occasion, Jerry Gay has self-assigned himself to create unique opportunities for small community promotions.  As an activist and multi-media artist Jerry has worked in three year segments with both the cities of Blaine and Roslyn creating social commentary and artistically expressive humanitarian projects.

Buttressing the work of these two well-known artists are emerging photographers, Zeb Andrews and Tess Logan.

Zeb has lived his entire life in the Pacific Northwest, so there is little surprise that he became interested in photographing its many natural splendors. Bitten by the photography bug a little over six years ago while hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, Zeb tries to combine his love for the outdoors with his passion for photography.

Zeb often travels with a small assortment of cameras to help capture places in creative and new ways, be it with a plastic Holga, a wooden pinhole or a Pentax 6×7 loaded with Ortho or Infrared film. Despite this small armament of equipment, he firmly believes that the most important things happen behind the camera, not in it.

“The entirety of my work week is also spent immersed in photography, working at Blue Moon Camera and Machine in North Portland,” he said. “Much of my inspiration has come from the photographers and photography I see circulate through on a daily basis, and I in turn enjoy passing as much of that along with my own photography as I can.”

A Northwest Native, Tess Logan received her BA with Honors from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College, part of the University of the Arts London. She has studied painting, sculpture, and photography at institutions in Europe and the western US. Ms. Logan was involved in a variety of group exhibitions in London including shows at the Westbank Gallery, and in the 2004 “Art in Mind – Part 2, 3, and 4.” She has had several solo shows in Portland, Oregon, including at the MC Salon Gallery, ArtSlate and the Portland Center Plaza. Last June she was in her first show since moving to Los Angeles at the Hangar Gallery. Her work is part of several private collections, both locally and overseas.

The Burien Art Gallery is located at 421 SW 146th Street in Burien (the blue house in Dottie Harper Park) and is managed by Burien Arts, a local non-profit with a more than 40-year history and a mission to provide innovative arts programming to the communities of the Burien/Highline region.

The Burien Art Gallery hours are:

• Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 12-4
• Saturday from 11-5
• By appointment

For more information, please contact Burien Arts at 206-244-7808.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: As a young photojournalist, Jerry Gay's "Lull in the Battle" became an iconic style I strived to emulate, but never could. Josef Scaylea's nature photos and portraits were amazing, and I even still have his book on photography. To have both of these incredible "eyes" in the same show in Burien, with the change to meet Mr. Gay, is very exciting news.]

BTB Advertiser Vino Bello would like our Readers to know about their special “Art & Sake” weekend coming up this Friday July 17th and Saturday July 18th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sake Tasting & Educational Session with Sake Sommelier, Hideyo Seek

WHEN: Reception is Friday, July 17th from 6pm to 10pm (with Happy Hour all night!); Sake Tasting is Saturday, July 18th with tasting from Noon to 8pm and a meet & greet with Sake Sommelier Hideyo Seek from 4pm to 8pm.

WHERE: Vino Bello, located at 636 SW 152nd Street – F in downtown Burien

COST: $10

INFO: Join us in welcoming photographer, Anthony Huss as Vino Bello’s featured artist in July and August. His amazing photographs of the sea, sand, and sunsets will take you in and fill you with a calming, peaceful sense. He is a Spokane native and has lived in Seattle, Anchorage, and Portland. His work has graced the covers of several popular magazines including, City Living, Seattle, Washington.

Vino Bello is thrilled to welcome back Sake Sommelier, Hideyo Seek, for a sake tasting and educational session. Hideyo will demystify sake and make learning about it fun!

Tasting Lineup:

• Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Sake: Infused with rosehip and hibiscus.
• Sho Une from Kobe; Style: Junmai Daiginjo: Clean and slightly creamy on the palate. It has fruity aroma with velvety smoothness.
• Hakutsuru Superior Junmai Ginjo from Kobe; Style: Junmai Ginjo: Brewed with Nada’s famed natural spring water “Miyamizu”. It has flowery fragrant with silky, well-balanced smoothness.
• Kasumi Tsuru Nama Genshu from Hyogo; Style: Draft, Unpasterized, Yamahai Honjozo: Notes of melon and fresh almonds with a hint of daikon radish spice. Punchy Genshu with complexity.
• Tozai Snow Maiden fromKyoto; Style: Junmai Nigori: Food friendly Nigori. It is dry with the flavors of fresh fruit and creamy fresh rice.
• Moonstone Raspberry from Forest Grove, OR; Style: Infused Junmai Ginjo: Fresh picked raspberries waft subtly on the nose. Soft, slightly sweet and smooth.

For more information, visit Vino Bello’s website here.

Burien’s Annual Strawberry & Arts Festival is this coming weekend (Sat./Sun. June 20-21st) at the area around the Burien Community Center and Dottie Harper Park, and along with two full days of music, arts, food vendors, kid’s and family activities there will also be some spectacular special shows that are indeed “one of a kind.”

These include:

SUNDAY, JUNE 21st:

• 11:30am – 5pm: THE CALIBRI – get mesmerized by these spectacular outdoor trapeze artists & stilt walkers:

• 1pm – 2pm: DEVIL’S DANCE PARADE – incredible costumed & masked dancers, demonstrating a blend of Latino and African theater, dance and music. Join the parade and celebrate Afro-Latino & African American roots, culture, and history.

Don’t forget that The B-Town Blog will be there (look for the racing green Mini Cooper “Blogmobile”) and we’ll be giving out some very special prizes, so look for ouR booth! Oh, and the full schedule of events and performers can be found by clicking here.

The Burien Strawberry & Arts Festival happens next weekend (on June 20th and 21st), in the area around the Burien Community Center and Dottie Harper Park, and it’s going to be fun for all ages especially teens and those who love Sk8ing, Hip-Hop and jazz:

Skateboard Contest Rocks With EMP Band Winner

SATURDAY, June 20th @ 1 pm:

• SKATE CONTEST: registration starts @ 12 Noon, $5 fee, need helmet & registration form signed by adult.
• Rider’s performance will be judged in 3 categories:
  • Consistency
  • Technicality
  • Style
• Each contestant gets 2 one-minute runs.
• Co-sponsored by Burien Teen Program, Pacsun, and Illusion, which is Burien’s new skate shop.
• DYNO JAMZ, Experience Music Project’s 2009 SOUND-OFF Young Band winner! Great & unusual fusion of hip-hop & jazz – here are some videos of them from the EMP Sound-Off:

The full schedule of events and performers can be found by clicking here.

Highline walkers will walk around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life starting at 4pm Saturday, June 13th and ending at 8am on Sunday, June 14th.

This celebration of life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Twenty-eight teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Highline Memorial Stadium for an overnight relay against cancer, and here’s the schedule of entertainment during the event:

• 3pm: Opening Ceremonies and Cancer Survivor Victory Lap
• 5:30pm: Aeolin
• 7:30pm: Cake Walk
• 10pm: Luminaria Ceremony
• 6am: Stretches
• 6:30am: Pancake Breakfast
• 7am: Limbo!
• 8am: Closing Ceremonies

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

Some of the sponsors of the Relay For Life include:

• Highline Medical Center
• Vertex Business Services
• Holland America
• Fred Meyer
• Sal’s Deli
• The B-Town Blog (we’ll see you there!)

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life — including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches, community volunteers and even community-activist local news blogs — to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 206.674.4103 or 1.800.ACS.2345, or visit www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi (in conjunction with Vino Bello) is holding a special evening of Fine Italian Food & Wine presented by Nardone Wine this coming Monday, June 1st.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Bistro Baffi & Vino Bello Evening of Fine Italian Food and Wine

WHEN: Monday, June 1st from 6:30-9:30pm

WHERE: Bistro Baffi Restaurant, located at 15217 21st Ave SW across from the Seahurst Post Office

COST: $100 per person, includes free flowing wine and food, with tax included.

INFO: Seating is limited, reservations required. 50% deposit required; Please call 206.244.0737.

Salute e Grazie per essere con noi questa sera!

“The Nardone family life is integrated with the history and traditions of Italian wines. Giovanni Nardone,founder of Nardone Wine learned his craft in Italy on the family vineyard. Today with sons, they are constantly discovering new wines and bringing them to America for a true experience in fine traditional Italian wines.”

MENU:

Aperitivo: Spumante Prizze DOC

Lazio-A fine traditional Italian sparkling wine, fresh flavors caressing finish

Antipasto: Clams Rockefeller

Wild Clams baked and stuffed with four different cheeses and arugula

Pinot Grigio Foffani IGT

Friuli-A fine fruitful, yet slight dry wine with a wonderful finish; 100% Pinot Grigio

Salad: Caprese

Italian Roman tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive Oil

Chianti Uccelliera DOCG

Toscana-Smooth tasting wine with hints of berry and liquorice, big finish 90% Sangiovese 10%Caniaolo

Secondo

Bistecca Romana

Fillet Mignon wrapped with prosciutto, roasted garlic in a Chianti wine sauce

King Salmon grilled with capers, white wine, fresh herbs and lemon

OR

Chicken Oscar: grilled breast of Chicken topped with crab meat in a Bearnaise sauce

Brunello Di Montalcino Poggio Nardone DOCG

Toscana-Rich, bright and refined tannins. Full-bodied with a fine balance of flavors

100% Sangiovese Grosso

Dolce: Tiramisu, traditional Italian love cake

Moscato D’Asti Casetta DOCG

Piemonte-A sparkling wine, wonderful in the mouth- sweet flavors and unique finish

Wines available at Vino Bello Wine Shop.

The Normandy Park and Burien Spring Recycling Event and Rain Barrel Sale is scheduled for this Saturday, May 16th from 9am – 3pm at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, which is located at 19010 First Avenue South.

At this event you can safely dispose of numerous unwanted materials, some for free, others for a small fee.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Normandy Park & Burien Recycling Collection Event

WHEN: Saturday, May 16th from 9 am to 3 pm

WHERE: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center

INFO: Recycle these household wastes:

• TIRES: Bias ply, steel belted, and studded tires accepted. Limit 6 passenger tires per household (18 inches and below) free of charge. $1.50 charge for each tire on a rim. $5 charged for each large truck tire and $15 charged for each truck tire on rim (cash only). No oversized tires accepted.
• MOTOR OIL, FILTERS, & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, steering fluid, crankcase oil, kerosene, and home heating fuel. Do not mix with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or other substances.

Items Must Meet the Following Guidelines:

• LEAD ACID BATTERIES: Car, truck, marine, and motorcycle batteries accepted.
• ALKALINE BATTERIES: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, and D cell batteries only.
• CARDBOARD: Please flatten. No wax coated cardboard.
• REUSEABLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CLOTHING: Clothing and miscellaneous household items in good condition will be collected by Seattle Goodwill. Mattresses and furniture will not be accepted. Items in need of repair will not be accepted.
• PORCELAIN TOILETS AND SINKS: $5 charge (cash only). Toilet seats, hardware, and base wax rings must be removed.
• PROPANE TANKS: Residential tanks only. $5 charge (cash only).
• CLEAN SCRAP WOOD: Includes milled wood, plywood, pallets, and other untreated and unpainted wood. No peg board, particle or press board.
• BULKY WOOD: Includes large tree branches (minimum 6 inches in diameter), logs, and stumps. No leaves, grass, small branches, sod, or brush. Please lay a tarp under material for ease of removal.
• ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cellular phones and computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Computer monitors and televisions will not be accepted. You can recycle these items for free at other locations – see the E-Cycle box for more information.

Household Hazardous Wastes can be taken to the Household Hazardous Wastemobile or one of three household hazardous waste collection sites. Normandy Park and Burien residents may use the South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility – 8105 5th Avenue South, Seattle. Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (except holidays). Volume restrictions apply.

Latex paint is no longer considered hazardous waste and the household hazardous waste facilities in King County (the Wastemobile, Factoria, and two Seattle sites) no longer accept it. Residents who cannot use up latex paint, please dry it out and put it in the garbage with the lid off. Visit the King County website www.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/swd for more information on how to dry out latex paint.

DON’T BRING:

• No Scrap Metal
• No construction/demolition debris
• No plastic toys, hoses, etc.
• No window glass
• These hazardous wastes:
• No oil based paint
• No pesticides/herbicides
• No household chemicals
• No cleaning products
• No fluorescent lights

For event information, call 206-248-7603 or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal/ or call the Household Hazards Line Monday to Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm except holidays at 206-296-4692.

Appliances and scrap metals will not be collected at this event. Appliances and scrap metals will be collected at a similar event this fall. Washington now has a FREE recycling program called “E-Cycle Washington” for computers, computers monitors, laptops, and televisions. Call 1-800-RECYCLE or visit 1800recycle.wa.gov to find authorized E-Cycle Washington collection locations. In the Burien/Normandy Park area you may drop off computers, computers monitors, laptops, and televisions at no charge at the following E-Cycle Washington locations: Burien Goodwill Store (1031 SW 128th Street, Burien, WA 98146) and Salvation Army Burien Store (16033 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98148). Please note – drop off locations may change. Quantities accepted are limited. Please also note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program but will be accepted at City Recycling Collection Events.

Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale:
To encourage the use of recycled content material and more efficient use of water, the cities of Burien and Normandy Park are offering recycled plastic rain barrels at a huge discount. In addition, start backyard composting with a compost bin to save resources and money. Composting is a natural process that turns yard waste into rich soil. Yard waste—grass, leaves, old flowers—contain mostly water. Once the material decomposes, rich soil is all that’s left.

$20 each. Cash only. While supplies last. No pre or post event sales.

Burien Parks wants everyone to know that this Saturday (May 16th), from 10am-Noon there’s a group mulching party at Shorewood Park, which is located at 28th Ave SW and SW 118th Street.

Just remember – bring a bucket!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Group mulching party

WHEN: Saturday, May 16th from 10am to Noon

WHERE: Shorewood Park, located at 28th SW and SW 118th Streets

INFO: Please just show up if you’re interested –bring pruners and gloves if you have them. Tomorrow the group is mulching so if you have a bucket with a handle bring it along (possibly 5 gallon but can be smaller.)

Shorewood is located at 28th Avenue SW and SW 118th Street (follow Ambaum to 116th Street, turn left so you are heading west on 116th Street and follow to 28th Avenue SW make a left and go 2 blocks, the park entrance is on your left side.)

The group may be working in the lower half of the park so follow the short trail around.

The Normandy Park Garden Tour happens tomorrow (Saturday, May 16th), from 10am to 3pm, and here are the details:

WHAT: Normandy Park Garden Tour; There will be 5 beautiful gardens on display in Normandy Park, including one waterfront garden where refreshments and a rest room will be available.

WHEN: Saturday, May 16th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

INFO: Sponsored by the ILA CLARK Arboretum Unit 7; All proceeds go to the Washington Park Arboretum Foundation.

RSVP: Tickets are $12 each and are on sale at the Normandy Park City Hall (801 SW 174th St) from 10am to Noon Saturday

There will be a Rummage Sale this Sunday, May 17th at the Normandy Park Cove Community Center, located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive in Normandy Park (map below), from 10am to 3pm, and here are the details:

WHAT: Normandy Park Cove Rummage Sale

WHEN: Sunday, May 17th from 10am to 3pm

WHERE: Normandy Park Cove, located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive (map below)

INFO: Many vendors, inside and outside spaces; bring your not-so-useful-stuff-anymore for another huge rummage sale! Tables inside are $20, or set up in the lot for free. You can come and buy stuff also!

CONTACT: Contact coordinator Staci McLaughlin at  206-242-3778

View Larger Map

The annual Spring Art Stroll and Plant Sale was this past weekend, and Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture these photos:

Click to View Slideshow

Three big Burien events coming up – the annual Spring Art Walk, Plant Sale and “Cards for a Cause” on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual Spring Art Walk and Plant Sale and “Cards for a Cause” Play Texas Hold’em, roulette and blackjack tournament.

WHEN: Friday, May 8th from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday, May 9th from 10am to 5pm; “Cards for a Cause” is from 3pm to 8pm Sat. May 9th.

WHERE: The stroll and plant sale will center on SW 152nd Street between 6th Avenue SW and 10th Avenue SW in downtown and Olde Burien. Maps will be available at the information booth on SW 152nd at 9th Avenue SW. Balloons will mark activity sites.”Cards for a Cause” will be at Karuna Yoga Studio.

INFO: Revel in local culture during Burien’s annual spring art walk and plant sale

Relish the culinary and visual arts, court Lady Luck at a charity casino and discover that perfect garden plant during Burien’s annual Spring Stroll Art Walk and Bloomin Burien Plant Sale on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

During the Spring Stroll from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9, savor the work of talented area artists, from jewelry artisans to watercolorists, plus
local food, wine, beer and arts-related activities. While many activities and samples are free, some involve a small charge. A sneak preview and reception is slated from 6 to 8 p.m. May 8.

Among the fine wine and beer explorations are samples of Abundance Vineyards bottlings at Poggi Bonsi Cucina and summer beers at the Mark Restaurant & Bar. For a $5 fee, experience affordable new Washington State wines at Vino Bello Wine Bar from noon to 9 p.m., with blues guitarist JD Hobson live at 5 p.m.

Check out offerings from Burien food-related businesses including Hey Paison!, where strollers can browse owner Ronnie Santone’s Frank Sinatra art collection while eating.

Take the kids to Goodie Gumdrops to sample sodas and indulge their inner artist with arts and crafts activities. Follow up with ice cream tasting at B-Town Scoop.

Refurbish the garden with finds from the Bloomin’ Burien Plant Sale May 8 and May 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Olde Burien Retail Group tables will be packed with bedding plants, and proceeds from sales help pay for the stroll. For new and unusual plants, head to Grassroots Home and Garden.

The Olde Burien Retail Group and Marketing Innovations are producing the stroll, which is sponsored by Karuna Yoga Studio and the Celtic
Prayer Center, and the plant sale.

For more information, call 206-941-7199 or go to www.shopoldeburien.com.

In conjunction with the stroll, Soroptimist International of Seattle South is hosting Cards for a Cause, a casino to benefit local women’s charities.

Registration is required only for the Texas Hold’em tournament.

For information, go to http://event.pingg.com/Cards4Acause.

Aside from being sued by angry residents over the third runway, Sea-Tac Airport seems to really be getting their green on lately, utilizing a wildlife biologist for bird control, and even winning a “Proggy” Award from PETA.

Now they’re celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Earth Day Environmental Fair & Sustainable Art Exhibit Opening; Everything from Green Products to Recycled Clothing and Green Architecture

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals Hall

INFO: Are you looking for ways to ‘go green,’ reduce your environmental footprint or look at what the future may hold in sustaining our planet? You can get it all in one place at the Port of Seattle Earth Day Environmental Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sea-Tac Airport in the Gina Marie Lindsey Arrivals Hall.

As the grand finale of the Port’s Earth & Sustainability Month, there will be an array of booths with information about what others are doing and things you can do to help the planet. Learn about Port programs to save energy and water; reduce solid waste; and manage wildlife, storm water and air emissions. Speak with vendors about green products and services, recycling, green transportation, and get information about sustainability initiatives of various agencies and organizations. Highlights and topics include:

• A New Art Installation on the latest and future concepts of green architecture called “Innovative Design: Seattle Architects.” Nine of Seattle’s top architectural firms will be on hand with models and designs of their cutting edge projects. A reception with architects will be held at 11 a.m. Local green caterers are providing food and beverages for the reception.
• Green products, such as recycled content paper, reusable pens, recyclable notebooks.
• Puget Sound Skills Center, showing students demonstrating clothing made out of recycled materials.
• How to re-use building materials for your home.
• Samples of fresh organic food and learn how to purchase at lower costs.
• Learn to compost at home with Seadrunar.
• Sound Transit displays the future of light rail.
• See how the Port is recycling and encouraging others to recycle.
• The Washington State Recycling Association will talk about the future of recycling.
• Cascade Bicycle Alliance highlights bike commuting.
• Learn about Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife program.
• Port of Seattle Information Technology on telecommuting and how to hold green meetings.
• City of SeaTac will share information about their sustainability and recycling programs.

Tonight (Saturday, April 18th) is the next White Center for the Arts Open Studio Art Tour, from 5pm to 10pm, at 9639 16th SW in White Center, and here are the details:

Come one, come all! White Center for the Arts Open Studio Tour is on Saturday, April 18th, 2009.

Enjoy art and the usual accoutrements, and support your local, hard-working artists.

It has been a very fun night for the last two months.

Isn’t it time you tried it?

Featuring:

• Carlos Espinoza
• Kim McCarthy
• Michelle Smith-Lewis
• Tina Routt
• Shelli Park
• Eleanor Pigman
• Brian Forrest, and
• Raina Anderson

More info at their website: www.whitecenterforthearts.org

View Larger Map

Did you know that there’s a world-class baseball training facility in Burien called “Rips Baseball Training Complex“?

There is, and they’re having a special poker tournament fundraiser this Saturday, April 18th starting at 6pm, and here are the details:

WHAT: Texas Hold’em Tournament and 14U Gold Brewers Baseball Fundraiser (ONLY WILL HAVE 100 PLAYERS)

WHEN: Saturday, April 18th, 6pm: Dinner & Registration; 7pm: First Cards Dealt Promptly…don’t be late!

WHERE: Rips Baseball Training Complex, located at 12825 Des Moines Memorial Drive S, Burien (map below)

COST: $75.00 per ticket, includes Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament (with professional dealers and tables), spaghetti dinner, no-host beer & wine bar. Raffle for Spot at Final Table. Winner take all: $500.00 Prize!

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased by calling or emailing the following Brewers 14U Gold Parents: hpc12c@comcast.net or call Peter at 206-724-7848. All tickets must be purchased in advance! Proceeds from this event will go towards team tournament fees.

INFO: From their website:

RIPS Baseball Training Complex is a 16,000 sq. ft. facility based in Burien, WA.  We are located just south of Seattle, near SeaTac Airport.   RIPS opened its doors at this new location in July of 2006.  The new indoor baseball practice facility contains a weight room, exercise area, state-of-the-art pitching machines, 6 regulation hitting cages, 3 pro style warm-up tee stations, and 1 full length pitching tunnel.  The batting cages can also be moved back to allow infielders to take ground balls.  The Washington Brewers use of the RIPS facility has helped enhance its program by achieving early success against many high profile programs across the country.

View Larger Map

BTB Advertiser El Dorado West’s next “Golden Years Seminar” will be on “Fall Prevention” on Monday, April 27th at 10am.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Golden Years Seminar” on Fall Prevention

WHEN: Monday, April 27th starting at 10am

WHERE: El Dorado West Retirement Community, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.) in Burien (map below)

INFO: Fall Prevention Presented by Sarah Slaughter, ED, LPN and John Kim, LPN.

Although one in three older adults falls each year in the U.S., falls are not an inevitable part of aging.

There are proven strategies that can reduce falls and help older adults live better and longer.

Come and learn about those strategies and what you can do to prevent falls.

CONTACT: Contact Sarah or Laurie at 206-248-1975.

View Larger Map

The 2nd Annual Normandy Park Emergency Preparedness Fair is scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd from 12pm to 6pm at the Normandy Park Community Club (The Cove), located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive (map below).

The event is FREE and for all ages and will include displays, information and demonstrations from the City of Normandy Park, Burien-Normandy Park Fire District, Dunn Lumber, Highline Medical Center, American Preparedness, Normandy Park Assisted Living, King County Sheriff’s Guardian One helicopter (3pm–5pm) and others.

Vendors, Agencies and Participants providing emergency preparedness information include:

• City of Normandy Park
• King County Fire District No. 2 (Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department)
• Highline Medical Center
• American Preparednesss
• Dunn Lumber Company
• Normandy Park Assisted Living
• King County Sheriff’s Department – Guardian One Helicopter
• Normandy Park RACES Team
• City of Des Moines
• Others pending

Stop by the Fair and learn how to prepare your family, pets, home and business for an emergency – Be Prepared!

View Larger Map

The Big Burien Bunco Blowout is a fundraiser event for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and is coming to BTB Advertiser El Dorado West on Saturday, April 25th starting at 6:30pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Big Burien Bunco Blowout, a fundraising evening of Bunco including dinner and great prizes.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25th starting at 6:30pm

WHERE: El Dorado West Retirement Community, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.) in Burien (map below)

INFO: Join us for a fast paced evening of Bunco! This is our 2nd annual Burien Bunco Blowout to support the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Tickets are just $20.00 and include entry into the game with a chance to win a great vacation getaway and other fabulous prizes. Tickets also include dinner and refreshments through out the evening.

CONTACT: Contact Sarah or Laurie at 206-248-1975 to purchase your tickets. Seating is limited so call early for this fun event!

See the full event details at www.meetup.com.

View Larger Map

John F. Kennedy High School, which has made Burien its home for over 42 years, will be holding its annual KATCH Auction over two nights: Friday April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at the JFK Gymnasium.

KATCH stands for Kennedy Action Toward Christian Heritage, and is an annual benefit auction extravaganza in support of Kennedy High School. Tuition covers only a portion of the expense of providing the superior academic, athletic, artistic and spiritual education that Kennedy offers. The additional funds generated by KATCH are a major component of Kennedy’s capacity for excellence.

Each evening will feature silent and live auctions, excellent food, great raffles and a gym transformed into “An Evening with the Stars.”

Both Friday and Saturday evening are a great time for guests to mingle with friends, network with clients, and most importantly, show their support for the outstanding work Kennedy is doing.

Friday night, April 24th, will be a casual, family event. Packages are designed to meet every budget and special attention is given to items that will appeal to families. Admission is free and no reservations are required.

The evening of Saturday, April 25th will be Hollywood style semi-formal, with a delicious sit-down dinner and a full live auction.

Reservations are required.

KATCH is the biggest social fundraising event on the Kennedy calendar and tables fill fast for this entertaining evening.

The auction is a time for the Kennedy community to come together and demonstrate its commitment to this institution. Many hours of dedicated volunteer work lead up to two nights of food, entertainment and the satisfaction of making a difference.

Tickets are $75 per person, and can be bought online safely and securely here, or by calling the KATCH Office at 206.246.5212 x399 or via email: KATCH@KennedyHS.org.

SOME ITEMS UP FOR BID:

Vacations:

• Cabo
• Mazatlan
• Palm Springs
• Reno

Experiences:

• A Gentlemen’s Poker Party
• Whiskey Table at the Rainier Club
• Coach for a Game
• Private Rooftop Party
• Attend Tice Ranch Retreat with Fr. Spitzer
• Father B’s Fish Fry
• Dinner with Mariners Manager Don Wakamatsu
• Beach Bash
• More…

Other items:

• Take home an Xbox Package
• Outdoor Fireplace
• Diamond Bracelet
• Wine Rack
• Sports Tickets

For a student you know, give them the gift that keeps on giving:

• Reserved Parking
• Jeans Monday for the 2009-10 school year

There will also be Tuition Raffle Tickets sold for ONE free tuition for a JFK student during the 2009-10 school year. Each ticket sells for only $100, and there are only 500 tickets available.

The winner will be drawn at the KATCH Family Night Auction on Friday, April 24. Winner need not be present to win, but if the winner is present, they will receive a BONUS $250 UW Bookstore Gift Certificate.

For more information, go to the KATCH website or download a PDF with full details.

“Clean Sweep,” Burien’s annual spring cleaning event, is planned for Saturday, April 25th, starting at 8am at the fire station on 8th Ave SW.

Citizens are encouraged to join this effort to improve the appearance of the downtown area and neighborhoods by picking up trash and other debris along streets, sidewalks and parks.

Volunteers are asked to report to the Burien Fire Station, located at 15100 8th Ave. SW (map below) at 8am, where they can enjoy a free continental breakfast and then head out to the community to clean, pick up trash, remove graffiti and more.

At Noon the crews return to the fire station for a hot dog lunch and raffle with prizes donated by area businesses. The event ends at 1:00 p.m.

Last year 7.61 tons of garbage was collected.

Participants should bring their own tools, gloves and, if needed, rain gear.

Call Discover Burien at (206) 433-2882 for more information.

View Larger Map

If you haven’t yet subscribed to our Free Weekly Event Newsletter, sign up today, and you’ll receive a regular spam-free event listing every Thursday (oops, Friday this week) via email that goes something like this:

FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd:

“STAR GAZING” EVENT AT LAKE BURIEN SCHOOL MEMORIAL PARK
8pm+: Gaze at stars/planets (space junk? UFOs?) tonight for FREE at Lake Burien School Memorial Park through an advanced 8-inch Meade computer-controlled telescope with your host Jim Burrows. This will also happen Saturday night at the same time/place, pending weather of course. More info here: http://is.gd/qCjO

LIVE MUSIC WTIH “KICK START,” ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music with “Kick Start”! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

LIVE DJ, MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB, 435 SW 152nd, Burien, 246-2473
10pm+: Live DJ, 80s night, dancing, NO COVER! Irish accents + Guinness on tap! More info here: http://mickkellysirishpub.com/

SATURDAY, APRIL 4th:

VINO BELLO WINE TASTING, 636 SW 152nd Street, Burien
Noon-8pm: Wines for Spring tasting, $10
5pm: Live Music w/Kimball Conant & The Fugitives; more info here: http://www.vinobello.com

FRIENDS FOR CANCER CURE CRAB FEED, DES MOINES YACHT CLUB
6pm-11pm: The “Friends for Cancer Cure” is sponsoring a Crab Feed at the Des Moines Yacht Club, located at 22737 Marine View Drive South Des Moine; phone: (206) 878-7220; cost is $50 per person or $100 per couple. More info here: http://is.gd/qjVe

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, 244-2272 BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! 15733 Ambaum Blvd SW

POSSIBLE “STAR GAZING” EVENT AT LK. BURIEN SCHOOL PARK
8pm+: Pending weather, you can gaze at stars/planets (space junk? UFOs?)  for FREE at Lake Burien School Memorial Park through an advanced 8-inch Meade computer-controlled telescope with your host Jim Burrows. More info here: http://is.gd/qCjO

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 243-7909
8:30pm: Live Music. NO COVER CHARGE! Coffee, wine, good music, fun. What more doya want?

LIVE MUSIC, MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB, 435 SW 152nd, Burien, 246-2473
9pm+: Irish accents + Guinness on tap! More info here: http://mickkellysirishpub.com/

KARAOKE NIGHT, BARREL TAVERN, 11501 First Ave South, Burien, 244-7390
9pm+: Karaoke night! NO COVER! Read our review: http://is.gd/lRKO

LIVE MUSIC WTIH “KICK START,” ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music with “Kick Start”! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, APRIL 5th:

“APRIL DROOL’S DAY” DOG ADOPTION EVENT, TUKWILA
Noon-3pm: You survived our April Fool’s Day issue, but will you make it through “April Drool’s Day” without taking home a new best friend? This is a special event where you can meet adoptable dogs and puppies from nine shelters and rescues. Over 100 dogs available, including small dogs. Fall in love with your new best friend. All dogs and puppies are spayed/neutered, temperament tested and up to date on shots. Trainers, staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you find the right match for your family. More info here: http://is.gd/qxOH

SUSTAINABLE BURIEN MEETING, BURIEN LIBRARY
2pm-4pm: Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting at the Burien Library (with doors opening at 1:30pm), featuring speaker Susan Casey talking about community gardening. More info here: http://is.gd/qxPR

Did we miss an Event? Is your event not listed? If so, please email us and we’ll consider posting it.

Also note that we’re developing a new Events Page, which you can access here. To see what’s going on, just click on the yellow highlighted/underlined date and you’ll be taken to a page with that day’s events.

In the meantime, if you haven’t yet signed up for our spam-free Newsletter, click here.

Tonight (Friday April 3rd) starting at 8pm at Lake Burien School Memorial Park there will be a FREE star (and planet, and perhaps even satellite/UFO?) gazing gathering where people can look through an advanced 8-inch Meade computer-controlled telescope.

Pending weather, this will also happen Saturday night (April 4th) at the same time and location.

You’re invited to come celebrate 400 years of stargazing since Galileo first looked through a telescope in 1609 (and no, he didn’t do it in Burien).

Local amateur astronomer Jim Burrows will be your host, so come to the park and look for the telescope setup.

We know this is last-minute notice, but it was only decided on this afternoon once the weather cleared. Keep in mind though that it’s going to be another cold night, so bundle up and be sure to bring your Snuggie blanket thingy.

Lake Burien School Memorial Park is located at SW 148th and 16th Avenue SW in Burien (map below).

View Larger Map

Wednesday, April 8th is Arbor Day, and the city of Burien’s Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating it at Dottie Harper Park with a special tree planting in honor of the day and in memory of the late Dottie Harper, founding member of the Burien Arts Association and former Burien Deputy Mayor.

Erin Williamson, Executive Director of the Burien Arts Association will help install a glorious flowering kousa dog wood tree in the park to mark the occasion.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s Arbor Day celebration and commemoration of Dottie Harper

WHEN: Wednesday, April 8th at Noon

WHERE: Dottie Harper Park, upper east end near playground equipment; the park is located at SW 146th Street and 4th Avenue Southwest near the Burien library.

INFO: For more Information, call 206-988-3700

Dottie Harper passed away in February of this year, and here’s more info from the files of the Highline Historical Society:

Dottie Harper was Burien’s “Betsy Ross, chief promoter, publicity agent, school and civic planner and representative.”

She was a tireless community activist, member of the State Arts Commission, King County Arts Commission and Historic Preservation Board, co-chairman of the Seahurst Park Committee, chairman of the Burien Bi-centennial Committee, city of Burien Councilmember and Chairman of itsArts Committee.

All such activity was a voluntary, full-time pursuit.

by Stefan Hovland

Burien is more than just a town with a funny German name and a Strawberry Festival.

It holds a deep history of togetherness and community festivals. This is best seen in the long-forgotten springtime Caterpillar Festival. All residents of Burien know those annoying tent caterpillars which come out every spring and devour all the plants in sight. These bugs, which are seen as a nuisance, were once given a full day of celebration.

In the early 1910s, the young town of Burien started celebrating the emergence of the several species of caterpillars after the start of spring. Along with the common tent caterpillars, several farms of silkworm caterpillars were located in Burien. In the early 1900s Burien and several other towns along Puget Sound had become well known for their silk; an industry brought to the area by the Asian immigrants. The yearly festival showed Burien’s love of these insects whose industry played a large role in establishing their city.

The festival mainly consisted of food, music, and caterpillar-themed games. One of the most popular events was the caterpillar races where residents would put their insects to the test against other home-raised caterpillars. In the 1920s, the caterpillar festival was canceled as the Puget Sound silk industry collapsed and the celebration was no longer family oriented. Local men had turned the festival into a day of gambling on caterpillar races.

With the silk industry collapse, the silkworms and caterpillars were soon considered pests like they are now. Burien residents hated the infestation of caterpillars which debilitated the town. The Toonerville Trolley, which ran down Ambaum from Seattle to Burien, was frequently shut down due to the pests. The trolley would lose traction and often gave passengers an exciting ride down hills due to the squished caterpillars which covered the rails. The caterpillars of the area led to the demise of the trolley as passengers frequently had to push it back up the slick caterpillar-covered hills.

As April brings in caterpillar season, remember the role that these fine cretures once played in the development of Burien. The silk industry put Burien on the map.

These caterpillars were once celebrated every spring, but are now seen just as nuisances which destroy our plants and stop our light rail systems.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Stefan Hovland is a Burien resident who is currently attending the University of Washington, where he is a history major. He is single-handedly attempting to bring back this long-forgotten Caterpiller Festival in May, and asks that anyone finding caterpiller tents over the spring to carefully save them in a plastic container and deliver them directly to his home. In his spare time, Stefan helps covertly destroy native species throughout Burien's Parks while spreading seeds for ivy and blackberry bushes. He also interns as a botanist for the Highline Hysterical Society.]

Burien Parks and the Burien Lions Club present their annual “Eggstravaganza” Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11th, starting at 9am with a pancake breakfast, followed at 11am with an (unscrambled) egg hunt.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual “Eggstravaganza” Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday April 11th, with breakfast from 9am-10:45am and egg hunt for kids up to 11 years old beginning at 11am:

• 11:00am: Walkers-3 years
  
• 11:15am: 4-5 years
  
• 11:30am: 6-7 years
  
• 11:45am: 8-11 years (at Dottie Harper Park)

WHERE: Burien Community Center (425 SW 144th St Burien, WA 98166) and for the older kids at Dottie Harper Park (across the street)

INFO: Grab as many eggs and as much candy as you can! Meet the bunny! Canned food donations welcomed. Rain or shine.

COST: $3 for the breakfast; $3 for Bunny Photos and the Egg Hunt is FREE!

CONTACT: (206) 988-3700

Here’s a video shot by Burien Parks from last year’s event:

Burien Bunny Breakfast & Spring Egg Hunt 2008 @ Yahoo! Video

The Burien Art Gallery is holding a special closing reception for artist Steve Roumas this Sunday, March 29th, from 2pm-4pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Closing reception for Steve Roumas successful “Small Worlds” show at the Burien Art Gallery (sample art at left).

WHEN: Sunday, March 29th, from 2pm to 4pm

WHERE: Burien Art Gallery, located at 421 SW 146th Street in Burien (the little blue house in the woods at Dottie Harper Park).

COST: None

INFO: “Join us in celebrating Steve Roumas’ successful “Small Worlds” show at the Burien Art Gallery!

Burien Arts is hosting a closing reception for Steve Roumas this Sunday from 2-4 pm at the Burien Art Gallery: 421 SW 146th Street in Burien.

This is your opportunity to see Steve’s impressive work one last time, meet the artist, and share a cup of coffee with friends and neighbors at the gallery.”

More info on the Burien Art Gallery at their newly-revamped website.

“Neil Diamond” (or at least a reasonable facsimile) will be singing at the Burien Community Center for the annual “Enchanted Evening” fundraiser for the Burien Senior Program this Friday, March 27th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Senior Program’s “Enchanted Evening” Fundraiser Dinner, featuring “The Diamond Experience”

WHEN: Friday, March 27, doors open at 6:15pm

WHERE: Burien Community Center Auditorium, 425 SW 144th Street

WHO: Anyone

COST: $20 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance)

BRING: Your appetite for good food, music and fun!

INFO: A multi-course dinner will be followed by entertainment with “The Diamond Experience”, bringing Neil Diamond’s wholesome music to the Burien stage, performing well known favorites such as “Sweet Caroline”, “Song Sung Blue”, “Crackling Rosie” and many more.

The menu is:

• Gourmet Salad
• Roast Beef
• Baked Potato w/Sour Cream & Chives
• Sauteed Green Beans
• Dinner roll
• New York Cheesecake with Raspberries and Chocolate Syrup

If you have never been to this popular annual event, the entertainment is always fabulous and the meal will definitely delight you.

Call the Burien Parks & Recreation office at 206-988-3700 to purchase your tickets.

To get you in the mood for this event, here are a few Diamond-esque videos:

Area teens are encouraged to get their flashlights ready for the annual Burien Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 28th, from 8pm-11pm at Sylvester Middle School.

This event for 7th through 10th graders and participants must bring a school ID, so grownups, don’t even think about trying.

Participants will win candy and prizes, and everyone should bring their own flashlights.

Eggs will be provided, and the hunt starts at 9pm.

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 8pm – 11pm

WHERE: Sylvester Middle School Cafeteria, 16222 Sylvester Rd. SW (map below)

WHO: 7th through 10th grades

COST: FREE!

BRING: A Flashlight & your ID

View Larger Map

Sleep Country USA’s fourth-annual “Pajama Bowl” fundraiser for foster kids will be held on Sunday, April 19th at Acme Bowl and Billiards in Tukwila.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sleep Country USA’s 4th Annual Pajama Bowl

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th, with start times at 11am and 2pm.

WHERE: Acme Bowl and Billiards at 100 Andover Park West, Tukwila (see map below)

REGISTER: “Gather five of your best friends, co-workers or family members and register for this year’s event at your local Sleep Country USA store or online at www.pajamabowl.com. Each team will need to raise or donate a minimum of $250 to participate. All of the entry fees will be donated directly to the 20 Pacific Northwest foster children’s charities that Sleep Country USA supports.”

INFO: All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of donations benefit foster kids – paying for sports fees, piano lessons, tutoring and summer camp.

Gather friends, family or colleagues to raise money and win prizes at the Sleep Country Foster Kids Pajama Bowl!

Why? We are raising money to support foster kids. And, jammies look great with bowling shoes!

How? Put together a 5-person team. All ages welcome. To enter, each team must raise or donate at least $250 – that’s only $50 per bowler. The more you raise the better chance you have to win!

Register online at www.pajamabowl.com or contact Treehouse for more information. We’ll send you everything you need to sign up to help a Treehouse foster kid today.

Score points by wearing pajamas, raising money & bowling a good score. Each member of the winning team will receive a Queen Size Beautyrest mattress!

Great for families, friends and groups!

View Larger Map

The B-Town Blog proudly welcomes its latest Advertiser: the American Cancer Society, which provides hope for a cure for cancer through the upcoming Relay For Life, to be held June 13th and 14th at Highline Stadium.

Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. And for the volunteers who are busy planning the 4th Annual Relay For Life of Highline, it’s those personal stories that keep them going.

Set to take place June 13th and 14at at Highline Stadium, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life provides a way for everyone to fight back against cancer.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. Teams of people will camp out on the field at Highline Stadium and take turns walking or running around the track. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length, to represent that cancer patients battle the disease 24 hours a day.

Teams can be made up of family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The money raised at Relay saves lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. It is because of Relay that we are able to save lives, help those battling cancer and empower all to fight back against the disease.

Relay also allows all individuals an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have been lost to the disease. For the newly diagnosed, Relay is a healing experience that offers a chance to meet others who have claimed victory over cancer. For the caregivers who give their time, love, and support to their friends and family who face cancer it provides hope and understanding.

Highlights of the event include the Opening Ceremonies at 3pm which include the Cancer Survivor Victory Lap. The Victory Lap is an opportunity for the community to come together and show support for those who have gone through or are still fighting cancer. Immediately following the Victory Lap is the Cancer Survivors Social; all cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to enjoy the good food and share stories with other survivors and caregivers. At 10pm, the Luminaria Ceremony provides a time for everyone to pause and reflect on those we have lost to cancer and those who are still battling the disease.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser and is planned by volunteers in our community. Event Chair Gary McNeil says he got involved “because I lost my dad to cancer and I wanted to feel like I was contributing to a solution. Relay provides me the opportunity to support cancer patients and really make a difference.” Gary started out as a team captain and stepped up to fill the role of Event Chair because “it’s an important cause to me, and I wanted to do what I could to help out.”

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. No matter who you are, we can help. If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with cancer the American Cancer Society can provide support and services to help you through the cancer journey.

If you would like more information about Relay For Life or services the American Cancer Society provides, please contact Kelly Cochran at 206.674.4103 or via email at kelly.cochran@cancer.org.

And please visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa, where you can sign a team up, join one, or donate online.

We’ll see you there!

Here’s a video with more information:

Soon-to-be new BTB Advertiser Economy Wiring will be firing up their barbecues this Saturday and Sunday (March 21st & 22nd) from 10am to 4pm, and everyone is welcome – so bring your appetite!

It all takes place at their showroom at 633 SW 148th Street in Burien, next door to Han’s Deli and just west of the brand new Ace Hardware.

In addition to providing top-notch electrical services for your construction and remodel projects, both residential and commercial, Economy Wiring also offers well-built hot tubs and spas for the home.

You’ll be stunned by their affordability as you enjoy mouthwatering Beef Brisket, Pork Loin and Chicken that office manager Shawn Becker will skillfully prepare for you on the easy-to-use Traeger Pellet Barbecues.

While you’re there be sure to ask about Heat N Glo gas fireplaces, too.

Economy Wiring Company
633 SW 148th Street (map below)
Phone: 206-244-7542

www.economywiring.com

View Larger Map

A big pile of Ivy pulled by Pat Haugen and Ted Daley.

As Spring springs into our midst, a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy turns of course to…gardening.

Weeding.

Pruning.

And epecially, as the kids say, “getting the ivy out!”

So what better way to sate your newly-sprouted spring desires than to attend a Shorewood Park Work Party this Saturday, March 21st, from 10an to Noon?

This work party is a collaboration between the City of Burien’s Adopt-A-Park project and Shorewood-On-The-Sound Community Club (SOTSCC), and notice comes to us courtesy Jean Spohn, a Director of SOTSCC, as well as member of the Burien Parks and Recreation Board and the initiator of the SOTSCC’s ‘Adopt a Park’ program.

Here’s more info from Jean:

Work parties in Shorewood Park continue in 2009 from 10:00 AM to Noon on the third Saturday of every month. Please join us! We have many tasks, great and small! January’s volunteer force boasted 11 members – some pulled ivy from an area graced by two Noble Fir trees planted by Fred Henzi 20 years ago, and others planted Coastal Strawberry plants which are a wonderful native groundcover.

In February, volunteers placed 25 Sword Ferns along our trail and then removed many small English Holly trees and lots of English Ivy. Seahurst Park has been adopted. Work parties are held the 4th Saturday of each month.

At this party, the focus will be on everyone’s favorite invasive plant – ivy.

You might wonder – Why is English ivy a problem? English ivy is a woody, climbing vine that has been used extensively in the Pacific Northwest. Ivy used to be found in roadside plantings, on steep banks, as ornamental decoration and climbing on buildings, fences and other vertical surfaces. But English ivy is not native to the United States and has no natural predators or pests to keep it in check. It easily escapes from planting areas and invades natural areas, parks and urban forests. It creates “Ivy Deserts” – areas so dominated by ivy that no other vegetation survives. Ivy affects trees negatively, especially when it climbs into the canopy. By adding weight to limbs and reducing air flow around the tree’s trunk, ivy makes a tree more susceptible to canopy failure, wind stress and disease. It can also strangle trees around their base and reduce the flow of nutrients up and down the tree.

English ivy does not provide a significant food for native wildlife, but does provide habitat for rats. And banks covered with ivy are prone to landslide.

What can you do? Do not plant ivy. Remove ivy, especially from vertical surfaces where it seeds and is spread further by birds. Remove ivy from your yard. Participate in a Shorewood Park work party.

Please bring pruners and gloves if you have them. Shorewood is located at 28th Avenue SW and SW 118th Street (follow Ambaum to 116th Street, head west on 116th Street and follow to 28th Avenue SW, make a left and go 2 blocks, the park entrance is on your left side – see map below). The group may be working in the lower half of the park so follow the short trail around.

For more information, check:

• http://seahurstpark.org/volunteer.html#about
• http://shorewoodonthesound.org/adoptpark.php
  

View Larger Map

BTB Advertiser Highline Audiology will be holding a special, free, three-day event this week, from Tuesday March 17th through Thursday March 19th.

This event will include a free hearing screening, consultation, demonstration of the Dual (the exact same hearing aid now worn by BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer, who highly recommends getting your hearing tested if you’ve ever rocked out like he has…), and a free No-Risk Trial of the Dual.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Audiology’s free Hearing Screening, Consultation, Dual Hearing Aid Demo & No-Risk Trial

WHEN: Tuesday through Thursday, March 17th, 18th, & 19th, 2009.

INFO: Call (206) 246-8677 to reserve your appointment.

Also, be sure to check out their new website, designed by (of all people)…us: www.highlineaudiology.com

View Larger Map

Despite a day which started with snow in some places and a dreadful downpour just about everywhere else, around 300 runners participated in the first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5K Race Sunday morning, which started near the Normandy Park Community Club and ended at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (BTB Advertiser) in Burien.

Here are some photos from race day as taken by Scott Schaefer and Janet Grella:

According to Mick Purdy, co-owner of Mick Kelly’s, $12,000 was raised for the Highline Area Food Bank!

Highline Food Bank Director Mike Werle was there also, cheering runners as they crossed the finish line.

The race was organized by area resident John Nelson, who spent around six months along with 100 or so volunteers to pull this off.

The starting gun was fired by Normandy Park Mayor Shawn McEvoy, an Irishman if ever there was one. On a humorous side note, Mayor McEvoy kept the starter’s pistol with him in the pace car up to Mick Kelly’s. Organizers had to race up and retrieve it from him just in time for the priest to fire the starting shot for the Kid’s Race at St. Francis School.

Ryan Merle, 33, of Port Townsend, won the race in 20:15, beating 2nd-place finisher Paul Huynh by 50 seconds. Photo by Janet Grella.

Here are race results as posted at the finish line (Name, City, Age, Time):

MEN:

1. Ryan Merle, Port Townsend: 33, 20:15
2. Paul Huynh, Seattle, 17, 21:05
3. Justin Merle, Kent, 30, 21:58
4. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 26, 22:21
5. Nick Baisch, Seattle, 23, 22:27
6. Louis Bull, Seattle, 50, 22:55
7. DJ Tarrant, Seattle, 18, 23:19
8. Erik Willanger, Seattle, 29, 23:28
9. Peter Brant, Seattle, 37, 23:47
10. Douglas R. Cox, Jr., Seattle, 32, 23:53

WOMEN:

1. Dinelle Pineda, Seattle, 30, 24:21
2. Patrice Hardy, Seattle, 43, 24:38
3. Natalie D’Arnico, Seattle, 22, 24:57
4. Cindy Sagmoen, Seattle, 41, 24:59
5. Regina Mutter, Seattle, 42, 25:08
6. Denise Sagmoen, Seattle, 37, 25:10
7. Staci Braun, Seattle, 40, 25:34
8. Marian Brennan, Seattle, 36, 25:44
9. Hayley Fulton, Seattle, 22, 25:56
10. Lisa Cowden, Seattle, 47, 26:50

BTB Advertiser El Dorado West Retirement Community is holding a free  “First Ladies” fashion show on Wednesday, March 18th at 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “First Ladies” fashion history show:

“Will our newest First Lady stack up to the former First Ladies of history in the fashion world?

Come and see for yourself and enjoy our chocolate fantasy buffet!”

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th at 2pm

WHERE: El Dorado West Retirement Community, located at:

El Dorado West
1010 SW 134th St.
Burien, WA 98146

View Larger Map

Posted by scottso on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 11:12 am 
Filed under Business, Entertainment, Events, Headlines, Politics · Tagged with ad, Advertiser, Burien, Business, el dorado, el dorado west retirement community, Entertainment, event, first ladies fasion, Headlines, Information, meeting, seminar, senior citizens, seniors

Next Page »