It’s going to be a busy Town Square grand opening weekend in B-Town, and here are this weekend’s haps from our Free Weekly Event Newsletter (sign up today):

To see our entire Events Calendar listings in an interactive calendar, click here:

www.b-townblog.com/events/

FRIDAY, JUNE 12th:

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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, JUNE 13th:

GRAND OPENING OF TOWN SQUARE/LIBRARY/TRANSIT CENTER
10am: The brand spankin’ new Burien Town Square, King County Library and Transit Center will all celebrate their grand openings Saturday. Ribbon-cutting, speeches from local and state dignitaries, live music, storytimes and much more!

MASTER GARDENER CLINIC, HERR BACKYARD GARDEN CENTER, FIVE CORNERS
10am-4pm: BTB Advertiser Herr Backyard Garden Center is holding weekly “Master Gardener Clinics” every Saturday from 10am-4pm at their location at 107 SW 160th.

HIGHLINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR
10am-5pm: Highline Historical Society will be holding a Garden Tour where people can visit gardens in Normandy Park, SeaTac and Burien. Some of Highline’s best gardeners are preparing their homes and gardens for this Garden Tour. Large or small, traditional or eclectic, there is something in each of this year’s featured gardens that the visitor will find of interest.

HIGHLINE RELAY FOR LIFE, HIGHLINE STADIUM
Sat. 3pm-8am Sunday: The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million
people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Come to Highline Memorial Stadium starting at 3pm Saturday for an all-night fundraising to help fight cancer! 3pm: Opening Ceremonies and Survivor Lap; 10pm: Luminaria Ceremony; Sun. 8am: Closing Ceremonies.

SUMMER POETRY PUB CRAWL, MICK KELLY’S + MORE
6:45pm+: A “Summer Poetry Pub Crawl” will rhyme its way through various Burien pubs on Saturday starting at Mick Kelly’s at 6:45pm. It’s a “Singles Meetup” event, and according to their website: “Poets, Performance Artists, Friends and many others will bring poetry to the streets of B-Town as they eat and drink, read poetry and then drink some more!”

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! (206) 244-2272

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8pm: Live Music, NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien;Call for details: (206) 243-7909

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

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

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, JUNE 14th:

SUSTAINABLE BURIEN MEETING, NP CONG. CHURCH
2pm-4pm: Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting at their temporary new location – the Normandy Park Congregational Church, located at 19247 First Avenue South.

To see the entire weekend lineup in an easy-to-use interactive calendar, click here for our Events Page, then click on a date and all our events listed for that day will appear.

Burien’s Annual Strawberry Festival is coming Saturday, June 20th and Sunday June 21st to the Community Center and Dottie Harper Park area at SW 146th and 4th Ave SW, and here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s Annual Strawberry Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, June 21st from 10am to 5pm

WHERE: Burien Community Center & Dottie Harper Park area at SW 146th & 4th Ave SW

INFO: The B-TOWN BLOG will be BLOGGING LIVE! TRAPEZE Artists! New ARTS MARKETPLACE! Fabulous New FOOD!

• Entertainment Schedule
• Kids Activities!
• At the Burien Art Gallery
• Skateboard Competition
• 5K Run
• A Great Selection of Food and Snacks
• Shop Till You Drop @ New Vendor Marketplace
• Sustainability!
• Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
• Discover Burien Father’s Day Car Show

If you’re interested in participating, here are links for appropriate applications:

• Food Vendor
• Arts, Crafts, Gift Food or Import Vendor
• Non-profit Information Vendor (Highline Area non-profit or services Burien residents)
• Fresh Produce or Flowers Vendor
• Organic & Sustainable Vendor
• Activity Vendor (Henna Art, Face Painting, etc)

Sponsors are also being sought for the 2009 Strawberry & Art Festival – for more information contact Casey Stanley at (206) 988-3700 or via Email: caseys@burienwa.gov

It’s going to be a busy Mother’s Day Weekend in B-Town, and here are this weekend’s haps from our Free Weekly Event Newsletter (sign up today):

FRIDAY, MAY 8th:

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE
8pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues! They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you!

Here are a few of the upcoming performances:

May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

More info, including the full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

BOOK SIGNING & WINE TASTING, VINO BELLO
5pm-9pm: Burien’s Vino Bello is proud to be the very first venue outside of the winery in Prosser to offer you a SNEAK PEAK of “For the Sake of the Vine” Merlot Murder Mystery. Be one of the first to see this NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL set at Kestrel Vintners featuring winemaker, Flint Nelson and selected areas of Prosser. The author and artist will be here to sign books for the first-edition release! In addition, Kestrel’s newest vintages will be on hand for you to taste. $10 to taste, $5 if you buy the book. More info here.

SPRING ART STROLL, PLANT SALE & “CARDS FOR THE CAUSE”
6pm-8pm: Burien’s Annual Spring Art Stroll and Plant Sale and “Cards for a Cause” Play Texas Hold’em, roulette and blackjack tournament. The stroll and plant sale will center on SW 152nd between 6th Avenue SW and 10th Avenue SW in downtown and Olde Burien. ”Cards for a Cause” fundraiser will be at Karuna Yoga Studio. More info here.

PHOTO ESSAY/SPEECH ON WAR, ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
7pm-9pm: Burien’s St. Francis of Assisi Church is holding a slideshow presentation called “Is War the Answer to Terrorism? An Alternative Strategy: Non-Violent Solutions in Afghanistan” by Photographer Julia Bolz at their Unity Hall. More info here.

“WHITE CENTER IDOL” SINGING COMPETITION, TRIANGLE PUB
9pm+: White Center’s own Triangle Tavern is holding an ongoing singing contest called “White Center Idol” and they want us to know they have two openings left to compete in the finals, which will start Saturday, May 23rd. Just show up and singto qualify! More info here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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, MAY 9th:

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

LETTER CARRIER’S FOOD DRIVE, YOUR MAILBOX
Don’t forget to leave non-perishable food in a bag at your mailbox Saturday for this national food drive – your Letter Carrier will be picking up food today. All food donations stay local, and this is probably one of the easiest ways you can help your hungry neighbors! More info here.

TUKWILA BACKYARD WILDLIFE FESTIVAL, TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER
ALL DAY: Tukwila’s annual Backyard Wildlife Festival is a free all-day event at the Tukwila Community Center, meant to educate and inspire people to welcome wildlife – such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife – into their backyards, gardens and communities. More info here.

SPRING ART STROLL & PLANT SALE, DOWNTOWN BURIEN
10am-6pm: Burien’s Annual Spring Art Stroll and Plant Sale will center on SW 152nd between 6th Avenue SW and 10th Avenue SW in downtown and Olde Burien. Art, plants and specials throughout town! More info here.

FUNDRAISER CAR WASH, NORMANDY PARK SR. LIVING
10am-3pm: BTB Advertiser Normandy Park Senior Living is hosting a car wash at their location at 16625 1st Ave South in Normandy Park.This fundraiser will benefit the Highline Relay for Life, so if you’ve got a car and it needs a feel-good scrubbin’, this is the place to go on Saturday. More info here.

DES MOINES YACHT CLUB SOUTH SOUND OPENING
2pm: The Des Moines Yacht Club is holding its annual “South Sound Opening” day of boating season on Saturday, May 9th with a flag ceremony, speeches, drinks, dinner and live music with “The Tropics.” More info here.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
2pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues with free play readings at 2 p.m. of “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds.” More info, including the full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

CARDS FOR A CAUSE GAMING FUNDRAISER, KARUNA YOGA
3pm-7pm: The “Cards for a Cause” Play Texas Hold’em, roulette and blackjack tournament will take place at Karuna Arts Yoga Studio in Olde Burien.Soroptimist International of Seattle South is hosting this casino to benefit local women’s charities. More info here.

DES MOINES SPORTS NIGHT DINNER & AUCTION
5:30pm-9:30pm: Des Moines 7th annual Sports Night Dinner & Auction fundraiser will be at the historic Des Moines Field House. Host will be Bruce King, former KOMO Sportscaster, with a keynote by former UW aurterback Brock Huard. More info here.

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! (206) 244-2272

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
8pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues! They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you! More info, including the full schedule of plays and readings, here.

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8pm: Live Music, NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien;Call for details: (206) 243-7909

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

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

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, MAY 10th – MOTHER’S DAY!:

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST, DES MOINES YACHT CLUB
9am-Noon: The Des Moines Yacht Club is holding its annual Mother’s Day Breakfast with pancakes, ham, eggs, juice, fruitbowl, coffee and good folks honoring their Moms. More info here.

GIRLFRIEND’S CLAY DAY, MOSHIER ARTS CENTER
10am-1pm: Girlfriend’s Clay Day,” a workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful vase out of clay will be happening at Moshier Community Arts Center. Take your Mom! More info here.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
2pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues with a matinee performance. They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you! More info, including the full schedule of plays and readings, here.

SUSTAINABLE BURIEN MEETING, NP CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
2pm-4pm: Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting at a temporary new location – the Normandy Park Congregational Church, located at 19247 First Avenue South. More info here.

To see the entire weekend lineup in an easy-to-use interactive calendar, click here for our Events Page, then click on a date and all our events listed for that day will appear.

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 week via email that goes something like this:

FRIDAY, MAY 1st:

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
8pm:Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival premieres tonight! They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you!

Here are a few of the upcoming performances:

May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
More info, including the full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

DJ QUINN, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB, 630 SW 153rd Street
10pm-2am: DJ Quinn returns to the recently-remodeled Bison Creek Pizza & Pub. Tonight there’s NO COVER. More info here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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, MAY 2nd:

PARKSIDE GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE, ALBERTSON’S
9am-4pm: The Parkside Garden Club will be holding its annual plant sale to benefit local charities as well as scholarships at both the UW and WSU at the Albertson’s parking lot at First Avenue South and South 160th Street. More info here.

WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL RUMMAGE SALE
9am-3pm: BTB Advertiser West Seattle Montessori School is having a Rummage Sale at the American Legion Hall in West Seattle, which is located at 3618 SW Alaska Street in West Seattle. More info here.

MOSHIER ART CENTER’S SPRING POTTERY SALE, MOSHIER ARTS CENTER
10am-3pm: Burien’s Moshier Community Art Center is holding its annual Spring Pottery Sale, and it’s a great opportunity to get some original pottery for Mother’s Day. More info here.

HIGHLINE BOTANICAL GARDENS ANNUAL PLANT SALE
10am-3pm: The Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale at their gardens, which are located at 3735 24th Ave South. More info here.

“HATS OFF FOR HIGHLINE” FUNDRAISER, EMERALD DOWNS
11:30am: BTB Advertiser Highline Medical Foundation is sponsoring Hats on for Highline to raise money for cancer care and other patient care programs at 11:30am at Emerald Downs in Auburn. More info here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

HIGHLINE VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PERFORMING ARTS CTR.
2pm-5pm + 7pm-10pm: Burien Arts is holding its first annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Tickets are just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day (ie: 2-show) pass for this all-day music fest, which will feature two 3-hour performances with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more!

NOTE: The B-Town Blog is proud to be a sponsor, and we’ll have a table in the lobby, so come on by and say “Hey Daddio” between sets and win a groovy prize!

More info here, including videos of some of the artists as well as ticket info.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
2pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues with free play readings at 2 p.m. of “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds.” More info, including the full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL’S ANNUAL FIESTA AUCTION/DINNER
5pm: White Center’s Holy Family Elementary is holding its 21st annual R.E.A.C.H. (Reinforcing Education And Catholic Heritage) Fiesta Auction and Dinner. Silent Auction starts at 5pm; Dinner at 7:30pm and Live Auction at 7:45pm. More info here.

HIGHLINE VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PERFORMING ARTS CTR.
7pm-10pm: 2nd, evening performance of the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center. See listing above, or click here for more full details. More info here.

LIVE MUSIC, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB,
10pm-2am: Kimball Conant and the Fugitives (a great NW Blues/Jazz band), No Cover, 21+ please.

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! (206) 244-2272

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8pm: Live Music, NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; Call for details: (206) 243-7909

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

BARREL TAVERN, 11501 First Ave South, Burien, 244-7390
9pm+: Live Band! NO COVER! Read our review here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, MAY 3rd:

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL, BLT
2pm: Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival continues with a matinee performance. They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you! More info, including the full schedule of plays and readings, here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
Noon-5pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, continues their clothing fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

COMING SOON:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6th:
ROBERT DUGONI BOOK READING/SIGNING, THE TIN ROOM
6pm+: NY Times Best-selling author Robert Dugoni will be celebrating his creative ties to Burien with a reading and book-signing party at The Tin Room. More info here, including excerpts of Burien scenes from his latest novel “Wrongful Death” and a feature story with video here.

THURSDAY, MAY 7th:
7pm-9pm: Three FREE Natural Yard Design Workshops start Thurs. night May 7th, sponsored by the City of Burien and King County. More info here.

SATURDAY, MAY 9th:
ALL DAY: Tukwila’s annual Backyard Wildlife Festival is a free all-day event at the Tukwila Community Center, meant to educate and inspire people to welcome wildlife – such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife – into their backyards, gardens and communities. More info here.

SATURDAY, MAY 9th:
DES MOINES YACHT CLUB SOUTH SOUND OPENING
2pm: The Des Moines Yacht Club is holding its annual “South Sound Opening” day of boating season on Saturday, May 9th with a flag ceremony, speeches, drinks, dinner and live music with “The Tropics.” More info here.

DES MOINES SPORTS NIGHT DINNER & AUCTION
5:30pm-9:30pm: Des Moines 7th annual Sports Night Dinner & Auction fundraiser will be at the historic Des Moines Field House. Host will be Bruce King, former KOMO Sportscaster, with a keynote by former UW quarterback Brock Huard. More info here.

FRIDAY, MAY 15th:
BIG PICTURE HIGH SCHOOL AUCTION
7pm+: Come support BTB Intern Josh Hart’s high school at this auction for Big Picture High School, which is located at 2450 South 142nd Street in SeaTac. More info here.

SATURDAY, MAY 16th:
8:30am-2pm: White Center’s 6th Annual Spring Clean Up is coming Saturday, May 16th, and volunteers are needed to help clean up. This annual clean-up event is intended to make White Center a better place to live, work, and play by promoting community building and neighborhood revitalization. More info, including how you can help, here.

BUY A LISTING ON THE BLOG & NEWSLETTER FOR JUST $25!
The B-Town Blog continues to grow in popularity, with April being our best month ever with over 18,000 Unique Visitors and 33,000 Page Views!

In other words, if you’re having an Event in the area and you want people to show up, you’d better get listed both on the Blog and in our Weekly Event Newsletter.

Email us for more information on getting your Event listed – free for fundraisers, non-profits or current Advertisers, and only $25 per week for others – a unique and very affordable way to get your event noticed by affluent, interested broadband-using local residents!

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 via email that goes something like this:

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th:
EARTH DAY FAIR, SALTWATER STATE PARK, DES MOINES
10am-2pm: The King County Housing Authority and Federal Way Public Schools Americorps teams, in conjunction with Washington State Parks, are hosting an Earth Day Fair at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines. More info here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL’S “KATCH” AUCTION
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 starting Friday night, with a casual, family event. It’s in the gym, there’s no admission charge tonight and no reservations are required. More info here.

GLENDALE LUTHERAN PIGS ON PARADE, 8 BURIEN SHOPS
Glendale Lutheran School has planted numerous hand-painted pigs in eight different store windows in Burien. Students from preschool to sixth grade designed, painted and named all of the sassy swine. Maps with the home of each hog can be picked up at participating local businesses with a competition to match the location and the name of the pig which can be returned to the school office to receive a prize. More info here.

DJ QUINN, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB, 630 SW 153rd St.
10pm-2am: Burien’s Bison Creek Pizza & Pub have done a major remodel, extended their hours, and are now offering live music and DJs. Tonight there’s NO COVER, and DJ Quinn is spinning pizza, er, we mean tunes. More info here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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 25th:
BURIEN’S ANNUAL “CLEAN SWEEP,” FIRE STATION ON 8TH SW
8am+: “Clean Sweep,” Burien’s annual spring cleaning starts at 8am at the fire station located at 15100 8th Ave SW. Citizens are encouraged to join in and 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 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. More info here.

HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET CUT MEETING
9am-11am: Highline Public Schools, which faces an estimated $8 million in budget cuts for next year due to reductions in state funding, is holding a public meeting to discuss with the public. This is the second meeting to discuss these cuts, so if you’re a concerned parent you should try to attend. More info here, including details as well as other meeting times and locations.

GIRLFRIEND’S CLAY DAY, MOSHIER ARTS CENTER
10am-1pm: “Girlfriend’s Clay Day,” a workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful vase out of clay will be happening at Moshier Community Arts Center. Great way to make a gift for Mother’s Day! More info here.

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER FOR “RELAY FOR LIFE,” VISION COLLISION AUTO BODY REPAIR
10am-3pm: BTB Advertiser Vision Collision is holding a car wash for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life fundraiser at their shop, which is located at 803 SW 154th Street in Burien. More info here.

THIRD RUNWAY POTTERS SPRING SALE, MOSHIER ART CTR
11am-5pm: The “Third Runway Potters” (they have no affiliation with airports or lawsuits) will be holding their Spring Garden Art Sale at Moshier Arts Center, located at 430 South 156th. More info here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

JERRY MILLER PLAYS @ THE REUBEN, DES MOINES
Noon-2pm: Jerry Miller, one of “The 100 Best Rock Guitarists”(according to Rolling Stone Magazine) will play for NO COVER CHARGE at The Reuben. More info here, including a review of his last gig there.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL’S “KATCH” AUCTION
Tonight is the big “Evening With the Stars” Live Auction/Dinner Night with a Hollywood style semi-formal, including a delicious sit-down dinner and a full live auction. More info here.

GLENDALE LUTHERAN SCHOOL LIVE AUCTION/DINNER
6pm+: Tonight is Glendale Lutheran School’s Live Auction and Dinner. Doors will open at 6pm, with dinner to follow at 6:45pm. For ticket information contact the school office at (206) 244-6085. Please note that Saturday is an adult only event. More info here.

BIG BURIEN BUNCO BLOWOUT, EL DORADO WEST
6:30pm+: 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, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.). More info here.

SEASON FINALE, NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, PAC
8pm: Burien-based Northwest Symphony Orchestra will present its season finale “Reflections of the Northwest” concert featuring acclaimed cello soloist Joshua Roman at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Joshua is a rock star of the cello world and this should be quite a show. More info here, including video of him leading an orchestral version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.“

LIVE MUSIC, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB,
10pm-2am: The recently-remodeled Bison Creek Pizza & Pub hosts live music from “The American Night,” A Doors Tribute Band, with a $5 Cover, 21+ only; More info here, including an MP3 sample of them doing “Break On Through.”

VINO BELLO WINE TASTING, $10
Noon-8pm: Oregon’s Pinot & More, $10
5pm: Live Music w/Kristin Connell; more info here: http://www.vinobello.com

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! (206) 244-2272

LIVE MUSIC W/STAY TUNED, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8pm: Live Music with Stay Tuned. Original, acoustic roots music.
Bluegrass, country, folk, western swing. NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 243-7909

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

BARREL TAVERN, 11501 First Ave South, Burien, 244-7390
9pm+: Live Band! NO COVER! Read our review here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th:
STEVE BELL, LAKE BURIEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9:30am + 7pm:Internationally-renowned Christian musician Steve Bell will be a featured guest artist at both the 9:30am worship as well as a 7pm concert at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church. More info here, including some videos of him performing.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
Noon-5pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, continues their clothing fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

THIRD RUNWAY POTTERS SPRING SALE, MOSHIER ART CTR
11am-5pm: The “Third Runway Potters” (they have no affiliation with airports or lawsuits) continue their Spring Garden Art Sale at Moshier Arts Center, located at 430 South 156th. More info here.

COMING UP:

MONDAY, APRIL 27th:
FALL PREVENTION SEMINAR, EL DORADO WEST
10am: BTB Advertiser El Dorado West’s next “Golden Years Seminar” will be on “Fall Prevention” on Monday, April 27th at 10am. More info here.

HIGHLINE SCHOOLS BUDGET CUT MEETING
6pm-8pm: Highline Public Schools is holding atheir third and final public meeting at the Evergren High School campus to discuss upcoming budget cuts. More info here, including details on the cuts.

BISTRO BAFFI/VINO BELLO ITALIAN WINE DINNER
6:30pm-9:30pm: BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi, along with Vino Bello, is hosting a special Italian Wine Dinner at Baffi with special guest, Italian Wine Importer Gianpietro Ottolini. An amazing evening of great food and free-flowing Italian wine. Reservations required. $100 per person, includes tax and 4-course dinner with free flowing wine. Space is limited, please call (206) 244-0737 to make your reservation today. More info here, including the full menu!

FRIDAY, MAY 1st:
HUSKY HIKE, GREGORY HEIGHTS SCHOOL
ALL-DAY: Gregory Heights Elementary School’s annual “Husky Hike” fundraising walk-a-thon is will be all day, and here’s a chance to force a child to walk for cash! Sponsored by the Gregory Heights PTSA. More info here.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL STARTS, BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE
Starting Friday, May 1st is Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival, which goes all month with great new plays and FREE readings.

They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you!

Here are a few of the upcoming performances:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
• May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds“
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds“
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

More info, including full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd:
HIGHLINE VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PAC
2pm-5pm + 7pm-10pm: Burien Arts is holding its first annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day (ie: 2-show) pass for this all-day music fest, which will feature two 3-hour performances with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more!

Area restaurants will be having food specials all day, so this should be a heckuva time!

More info here, including videos of some of the artists as well as ticket info.

NOTE: The B-Town Blog is proud to be a sponsor, and we’ll have a table in the lobby, so come on by and say “Hey Daddio” between sets and win a groovy prize!

“HATS ON FOR HIGHLINE,” EMERALD DOWNS
11:30am: Hats on for Highline is a fundraiser to raise money for the Highline Medical Foundation, for cancer care and other patient care programs. This will be an afternoon of fun and fashion, complete with regional delicacies, Mint Juleps and the traditional festive Derby Day hats at Emerald Downs in Auburn. More info here.

BUY A LISTING ON THE BLOG & NEWSLETTER!

As The B-Town Blog has grown in popularity (we’re now receiving around 600 Unique Visitors per day!), so has the plethora of submissions for Events for us to list. So much so that it’s tough to keep up, and our Publisher/Editor is going crazy. Really.

Starting with this issue, unless your Event is a non-profit one, or is a fundraiser, or if you’re already an Advertiser, we’ll have to charge a measley $25 per listing fee to list your event, which goes into both the Blog’s Event Calendar as well as our Weekly Event Newsletter!

Keep in mind that this Newsletter is the ONLY one of its kind that we know of in the northwest, and we currently have 357 opt-in Subscribers who read it every single week! And growing!

Email us for more information – this is a unique and very affordable way to get your event noticed by affluent, broadband-using local residents!

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 via a spam-free email that goes something like this:

FRIDAY, APRIL 10th:
FREE TAX HELP ENDS, HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1pm – 7pm (last client at 6:15pm): Today (Fri. 4/10) is the last day to receive complimentary tax help from HCC student volunteers, who have studied and received income tax preparation certification from both AARP and IRS. This is for non-complex 2008 income tax returns. Bring your patience and plan for at least one hour. More info here.

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!

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: www.mickkellysirishpub.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 11th:
“EGGSTRAVAGANZA” BUNNY BREAKFAST/EGG HUNT, BURIEN COMMUNITY CENTER
9am: Burien Parks and the Burien Lions Club present their annual “Eggstravaganza” Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Hunt starting at 9am with a pancake breakfast, followed at 11am with an (unscrambled) egg hunt. $3 for the breakfast; $3 for Bunny Photos and the Egg Hunt is FREE! Full details here.

MILLER CREEK APPRECIATION DAY & STREAM TOUR
9am: Miller/Walker Basin Steward Dennis Clark recently spotted a wild otter in Miller Creek, and he thinks that you “otter” help clean it up this Saturday. Cleanup begins at 9am followed by an exclusive stream tour at 11am. More details here.

EASTER EGG HUNT, GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, DES MOINES
10am-Noon: Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines is holding a FREE Community Easter Egg Hunt at their campus at 22975 24th Ave South in Des Moines. There will be an Espresso Cart, Free Muffins and Juice, Veggie Tales Movie, Face Painting, Helium Balloons, Crafts, Games, and more! Full details here.

VINO BELLO WINE TASTING, $10
Noon-8pm: Liberty Bay Cellars, Theo Chocolate tasting, $10
5pm: Live Music w/JD Hobson; more info here: http://www.vinobello.com

BENEFIT CONCERT & ART SHOW, THREE TREE COMMUNITY CHURCH
4PM+: Three Tree Community Church is holding a Benefit Community Concert and Art Show benefiting the Des Moines Food Bank this Saturday, April 11th, starting at 4pm at their campus at 16261 First Ave South in Burien.   More info here.

“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

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8:30pm: Live Music with Rhythm Suite, NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 243-7909

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

BARREL TAVERN, 11501 First Ave South, Burien, 244-7390
9pm+: Karaoke night! LIVE MUSIC! NO COVER! Read our review here.

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!

SKWISH PLAYS LIVE AT McMURPHY’S PUB, WHITE CENTER
9:30pm+: BTB faves Skwish rock McMurphy’s Pub, located at 11069 16th Ave SW; phone #: 206-431-1916. See a video of Luke from Skwish doing a solo at one of our fundraisers here.

80s FOR THE LADIES NIGHT, BUTLER BAR & GRILL, DES MOINES
10pm-Close: Des Moines’ happenist bar presents 80s Ladies Night every Saturday with DJ Travis Baker spinning 80s music that you can actually dance to. More info at www.butlerbar.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 12th:
IT’S EASTER – GO TO CHURCH/MEDITATE, FIND SOME EGGS, DO SOME GARDENING, DO YOUR LAUNDRY, ENJOY YOUR FAMILY!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, APRIL 14th:
STEPS TO FINDING A CAREER IN A DOWN ECONOMY,” HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2pm-3:30pm: In times like these, it pays to go to every free job-related seminar you can find, especially this one at Highline Community College. More info here.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th (TAX DAY!):
HIGHLINE SCHOOL FINE ARTS WORKSTUDY
6pm: Come to an important Highline School Board meeting about saving the Fine Arts Programs at the ERAC Offices (next to Hi-Line Lanes bowling alley, across from Azteca), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW in Burien. More info from Sandra Locklear here.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19th:
BOWL IN YOUR PAJAMAS TO HELP FOSTER KIDS
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. More info here.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19th:
JAKE’S CREW NIGHT FUNDRAISER, BUTLER BAR & GRILL, DES MOINES
6pm-Close: Des Moines’ Butler Bar & Grill will host a Jake’s Crew Night, and a portion of all Sales & Tips will be donated to support the Walk to Cure Diabetes. In addition, they will be taking donations the entire week of April 13th leading up to Saturday the 18th. So spread the word and encourage people to visit the Butler for appetizers, dinner, drinks and more! More info at www.butlerbar.com

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd:
HIGHLINE VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
2pm-5pm/7pm-10pm: Burien Arts is holding its first annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Tickets are just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day pass for this new all-day music fest, which will feature two 3-hour performances with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more! More info here, including videos of some of the artists as well as ticket info.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

• We know we haven’t included everything going on in the area, so we need your help! If you’re aware of an event we should list in an upcoming Newsletter or on the B-Town Blog, please email Scott directly at: editor@b-townblog.com and we’ll post it! Thanks!
• The B-Town Blog is actively looking for Writer/Reporters as well as Sales Reps! These are Independent Contractor positions – Writers are paid per piece (or you can volunteer!) and Sales Reps earn a very healthy Commission! Email editor@b-townblog.com your resume/samples/links and let’s talk!

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 via email that goes something like this:

THURSDAY, MARCH 26th:
STEP INTO SPRING & STAMP OUT ALZHEIMER’S, E.B. FOOTE
5pm: BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote’s “Step into Spring and Stamp Out Alzheimer’s” fundraiser event, featuring the release of a wine called Remembrance, in honor of late co-owner Rich Higginbotham will be all weekend. There’s a $5 tasting fee, which can be applied toward a purchase of a bottle. Sherrill Miller advises customers to dress warmly, as E.B. Foote is a working winery. More info here: http://is.gd/o2XU

FRIDAY, MARCH 27th:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CENTER CLASSES BEGIN
It’s time to “go to school” at Seahurst Park’s Environmental Science Center (ESC), with various classes including Water Heroes, Digging up Dirt, It’s a Jungle Out There and Exploring Intertidal Puget Sound. More info here, including how to sign up: http://is.gd/p6bH

SOUTH KING COUNTY SENIOR EXPO, HIGHLINE COMM. COLLEGE
10am-2pm: HCC is hosting the South King County Senior Expo at its campus in Des Moines. Community members can spend a day on the college’s main campus exploring business and personal services for seniors and enjoying live entertainment. More info here: http://is.gd/p5XE

WASTEMOBILE RECYCLING EVENT, DES MOINES MARINA
10am-5pm: King County’s “Wastemobile” will be making a major pickup stop at the Des Moines Marina all weekend. The Wastemobile is a free service to residents of King County to provide household hazardous waste disposal services for residents. Bring your household hazardous waste to the Wastemobile collection event in your area. More info here, including an extensive list of what you can (and can’t) bring: http://is.gd/p5YX

STEP INTO SPRING & STAMP OUT ALZHEIMER’S, E.B. FOOTE
11am-9pm: BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote’s “Step into Spring and Stamp Out Alzheimer’s” fundraiser event continues. Come in and help fight Alzheimer’s by drinking some Remembrance wine, in honor of late co-owner Rich Higginbotham. A $5 tasting fee can be applied toward a purchase of a bottle. More info here: http://is.gd/o2XU

FREE TAX HELP CONTINUES, HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1pm – 7pm (last client at 6:15pm): Student volunteers, who have studied and received income tax preparation certification from AARP and IRS, are providing free help to anyone needing assistance preparing certain non-complex 2008 income tax returns. Bring your patience and plan for at least one hour. More info here: http://is.gd/lI0a

ENCHANTED EVENING FUNDRAISER STARRING “NEIL DIAMOND” FOR BURIEN SENIOR PROGRAM
6:15pm+: “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. $20 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance – call 206-988-3700 ASAP!). More info here, including the menu: http://is.gd/p61m

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LINERS, CARCO THEATER
7:30pm: Burien’s Hi-Liners are getting ready for spring’s growing season by planting a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors,” which continues at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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, MARCH 28th:
“STRIKE OUT HUNGER” FUNDRAISER, ACME BOWL, TUKWILA
9am-Noon: The Tukwila Rotary Club is holding “Strike Out Hunger” a special bowling party fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry at Acme Bowl in Tukwila. More info here: http://is.gd/p6EW

DES MOINES YACHT CLUB MARINA SWAP MEET,
9am-3pm: It’s in its 10th year, is billed as “The Largest Indoor Marine Swap Meet in the Northwest,” and it will be held at the Des Moines Yacht Club, located at 22737 Marine View Drive. More info: http://is.gd/p8xB

VINO BELLO WINE TASTING, BURIEN
Noon-8pm: Wrap up “Washington Wine Month” with a 4pm meet & greet with Liam Doyle of Lost River Winery from Mazama, WA. $10 includes Live Music featuring award-winning folk singer Jennifer Spector and The Hayburners at 5pm. More info here: http://www.vinobello.com

STEP INTO SPRING & STAMP OUT ALZHEIMER’S, E.B. FOOTE
11am-9pm: BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote’s “Step into Spring and Stamp Out Alzheimer’s” fundraiser event continues. Help fight Alzheimer’s by drinking some Remembrance wine, in honor of late co-owner Rich Higginbotham. A $5 tasting fee can be applied toward a purchase of a bottle. More info here: http://is.gd/o2XU

RAT CITY RUMMAGE SALE, SOUTHGATE EVENT CENTER, WHITE CENTER
Noon-6pm: Rat City Rummage sale is an art event/swap meet brought to you by the White Center for the Arts group, and includes handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, non-handmade goods such as household items, furniture, clothing, CDs, bicycles, small electronics, dishware, etc. More info here: http://is.gd/n0Ja

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LIINERS
7:30pm: Burien’s Hi-Liners continue their production about a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

“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

TEEN FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT, SYLVESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
8pm-11pm: Area teens are encouraged to bring their flashlights for the annual Burien Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt at Sylvester Middle School. This event for 7th through 10th graders only and participants must bring a school ID, so grownups, don’t even think about trying. More info: http://is.gd/oVGo

LIVE MUSIC, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8:30pm: Live Music with Steve Olson. NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 243-7909

TURN YOUR LIGHTS OUT FOR “EARTH HOUR”!
8:30pm-9:30pm: It’s “Earth Hour,” where all citizens of planet Earth are encouraged to turn their lights off for one full hour. We just double-checked and determined that Burien was still part of Earth, so apparently this will include our town as well. More info here: http://is.gd/p88M

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

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

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, MARCH 29th:
“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LINERS, CARCO THEATER
1:30pm: Matinee performance – Burien’s Hi-Liners continue their production about a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

STEVE ROUMAS CLOSING RECEPTION, BURIEN ART GALLERY
2pm-4pm: Burien Arts is hosting a closing reception for Steve Roumas at the Burien Art Gallery, located at 421 SW 146th Street. 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: http://is.gd/p86O

MONDAY, MARCH 30th:
7pm+: BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD MEETING, TUKWILA
The WA State Boundary Review Board for King County will hold a public hearing to consider Burien’s proposed annexation at the Riverside Residences Inn, located at 11244 Tukwila International Blvd. in Tukwila. More info here: http://is.gd/p5Mt

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1st:
“NO FOOLIN’ FUNDRAISER” BLOG PARTY, BUTLER’S BAR & GRILL, DES MOINES
6pm+: Our sister site The Waterland Blog is holding its first-ever Blog Party, a fundraiser for the Des Moines Food Bank called “No Foolin’ Fundraiser” (hey, it’s on April Fool’s Day!). Come on down to Butler Bar & Grill in Des Moines, meet our staff, have fun, and please bring 2 cans/boxes of food (or more) or donate $5. All donations go straight to the Food Bank! More info here: http://is.gd/p7aU

Did we miss an Event? 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.

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 via email:

FRIDAY, MARCH 20th:

4:44am: VERNAL EQUINOX! HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
Some folks claim that on the Vernal Equinox you can balance an egg on its end. True or False? Well…while we appreciate the symbolism of eggs and spring and rebirth and all that, we tend to think that, with the right amount of patience, you can balance an egg on any day of the year. But try it anyway – it’s a fun experiment! And send us a pic!

FREE TAX HELP CONTINUES, HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1pm – 7pm (last client at 6:15pm): Student volunteers, who have studied and received income tax preparation certification from AARP and IRS, are providing free help to anyone needing assistance preparing certain non-complex 2008 income tax returns. Bring your patience and plan for at least one hour. More info here: http://is.gd/lI0a

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LINERS, CARCO THEATER
7:30pm: Burien’s Hi-Liners are getting ready for spring’s growing season by planting a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors,” which begins tonight at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

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, MARCH 21st:

WALKER WETLANDS WORK PARTY, SW 176TH & DM DRIVE
10am-Noon: Spring will have sprung so it’s time to get your garden gloves on, dig out those pruning shears and help the Walker Wetlands by removing invasive plants. Please contact Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward, dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov, or phone: 206-296-1909. More info here, including directions: http://is.gd/o2KP

“GET THE IVY OUT” WORK PARTY, SHOREWOOD PARK
10am-Noon: What better way to sate your newly-sprouted spring desires than to attend a Shorewood Park Work Party? This work party is a collaboration between the City of Burien’s Adopt-A-Park project and Shorewood-On-The-Sound Community Club (SOTSCC). Bring your gloves, pruning shears and spring spirit. More info here: http://is.gd/o2NX

“SCIENCE ON THE SOUND” SERIES, MaST CENTER, DES MOINES
Noon-1pm: “Working the Sea, Writing the Sea” Writer and sailor Holly Hughes will share her experiences of living and working on the sea, as well as her writing and poetry. Highline’s MaST Center is located at 28203 Redondo Beach Drive South in Des Moines. More info: http://is.gd/iFy7

WHITE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, SOUTHGATE EVENT CENTER
5pm-10pm: Open Studio Art Tour at the Southgate Event Center (formerly the Southgate Skate Rink), located at 9639 17th Ave SW in White Center. More info: http://is.gd/n0Ja

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LINERS, CARCO THEATER
7:30pm: Burien’s Hi-Liners continue their production about a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

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

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

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

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd:

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” HI-LINERS, CARCO THEATER
1:30pm: Matinee performance – Burien’s Hi-Liners continue their production about a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Renton Carco Theater. More info here: http://is.gd/o2Eo

Did we miss an Event? 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 Newsletter, click here.

White Center for the Arts is holding two big events this month on two Saturdays at the Southgate Event Center: March 21st and March 28th, and here are the details:

SATURDAY, MARCH 21st:
Open Studio Tour from 5pm-10pm at the Southgate Event Center (formerly the Southgate Skate Rink), located at 9639 17th Ave SW (map below).

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th:
Rat City Rummage sale from Noon – 6pm at the Southgate Event Center.

Rat City Rummage is an art event/swap meet, and vending is open to handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, non-handmade goods such as household items, furniture, clothing, CDs, bicycles, small electronics, dishware, etc.

White Center for the Arts is a group of six artists with diverse backgrounds who have come together to form a non-profit organization focused on supporting the arts in White Center.

Our desire is to offer space where local artists can show their work, and to provide a place to learn learn about art.

We want to provide classes to young and old in many media, bringing out the rich diversity of culture that can be found in White Center.

And we want to have fun!

View Larger Map

White Center for the Arts is holding two big events this month on two Saturdays at the Southgate Event Center: March 21st and March 28th, and here are the details:

SATURDAY, MARCH 21st:
Open Studio Tour from 5pm-10pm at the Southgate Event Center (formerly the Southgate Skate Rink), located at 9639 16th Ave SW (map below – just be sure to enter on the 16th SW side).

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th:
Rat City Rummage sale from Noon – 6pm at the Southgate Event Center.

Rat City Rummage is an art event/swap meet, and vending is open to handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, non-handmade goods such as household items, furniture, clothing, CDs, bicycles, small electronics, dishware, etc.

White Center for the Arts is a group of six artists with diverse backgrounds who have come together to form a non-profit organization focused on supporting the arts in White Center.

Our desire is to offer space where local artists can show their work, and to provide a place to learn learn about art.

We want to provide classes to young and old in many media, bringing out the rich diversity of culture that can be found in White Center.

And we want to have fun!

View Larger Map

A local arts collective called White Center for the Arts is holding their first Open Studio Art Tour from 5-10pm on Saturday, Feb. 21st at the White Center for the Arts Building (formerly the Southgate Skate Rink) and current home of the White Center Swap Meet.

Speaking of Swap Meets, it looks like that weekend event is being re-tooled (at least for one day) as “Rat City Rummage” on Saturday Feb. 28th from 10am-6pm, with “live art, food and vendors selling whatever they can fit in their space!” There are still 10 x 10 foot vending spaces available for just $20 – email ratcityrummage@hotmail.com for more information.

Here’s a snippet from their press release:

White Center for the Arts is a group of six artists with diverse backgrounds who have come together to form a non-profit organization focused on supporting the arts in White Center.

Our desire is to offer space where local artists can show their work, and to provide a place to learn learn about art.

We want to provide classes to young and old in many media, bringing out the rich diversity of culture that can be found in White Center.

And we want to have fun!

View Larger Map

Saturday afternoon saw chilly temps but warm hearts set aglow by numerous innovative and often fiery sculptures, art pieces and artists at the grand opening of Burien’s Interim Art Space (B/ IAS) at Burien Town Square. Slideshow photos by Maureen Hoffmann and Scott Schaefer.

The celebration consisted of numerous elements imported from The Burning Man Festival (with the major element of course being fire), local dignitaries, artists, DJs, dancers, residents, several local firefighters (on hand just in case) and, did we mention…fire?

Lots of fire.

The day was basically our own “Burien Man Festival,” with firewood-stoked intricately-carved cauldrons (used to keep attendees warm), a computer-controlled “Fire Pod” sculpture that shot fire out to techno music (with dramatic sudden bursts of propane-powered flame), numerous smaller pieces, and of course the centerpiece sculpture “The Passage,” whose co-creator, Dan Das Mann, was on hand.

The art will remain on the site until the end of the year, and you can bet that it will most certainly light up numerous times for upcoming celebrations. B/ IAS is located on SW 150th near 5th Ave SW, almost directly across the street from Staples.

UPDATE 1/25/09: Here are some more excellent photos of the event, taken by Maureen Hoffmann:

Fire drips from the hand of the “Mother” figure into the hand of the “Daughter” in “The Passage” sculpture.

Closeup detail shows lit kerosene drippinginto  the “Daughter’s” hand.

Even the dancers heated things up with fire.

Closeup detail of the intricately carved scenes and messages in a fire cauldron, which was stoked with wood.

We’ll be posting more video and photos soon, and if you have any pics you’d like to share, please email us or upload them to our Flickr Group.

More info, including how you can take part, available at the Burien Interim Art Space (B/ IAS) website.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• VIDEO: Time Lapse Of Thursday’s “The Passage” Installation
• Sculptures Installed At Interim Art Space For Sat. Unveiling
• PHOTOS: “The Passage” Makes Safe Passage To Burien
• Daily Journal Of Commerce Digs Burien’s Interim Art Space
• Ground Broken For Town Square Sculpture “The Passage”
• UPDATE:”The Passage” Installation Postponed To Jan. 24th
• VIDEO:Impressive Sculpture Coming To Burien Town Square

The monthly Shorewood Park cleaning event is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 17th) from 10am to Noon at – you guessed it – Shorewood Park!

Please just show up if you’re interested – and don’t forget to bring pruners and gloves if you have them.

The group may be working in the lower half of the park so follow the short trail around and look for your fellow gardeners.

Shorewood Park 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):

View Larger Map

Seahurst Park is having a Moonlit Beach walk this Saturday, Jan. 10th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. There is no charge, but it will be cold so participants are asked to bundle up, bring a bright flashlight with good batteries, wading boots, warm hat & dry gloves.

Naturalists will be on the beach during the full moon at low tide to share information and guide walks.

Here’s a blurb from the Seahurst Environmental Science Center website:

Imagine you’re on the shoreline at a lovely low tide.

Rocks that are covered all year lie exposed to view while the sea animals remain happily cold and wet in the dark.

All around you, people with flashlights are intently studying the amazing and  abundant sea life as local naturalists help you discover the wonders of your Puget Sound shoreline.

For more information contact Barb or Darrell Williams at (206) 901-1964.

Here’s a list of some New Year’s Eve parties and events going on in the greater Burien area Wednesday night (if you know of any other parties/events, please email us ASAP and we’ll add it!):

THE MARK RESTAURANT & BAR: 914 SW 152nd • (206) 241-MARK:

• Interactive, 1920s-style Murder Mystery Party, $35
• Call 241-MARK for Reservations
• More details here

BISTRO BAFFI: 15217 21st Ave SW • (206) 244-0737:

• Festive 6-course New Year’s Eve meal
• Call 244-0737 ASAP for Reservations

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB: 435 SW 152nd Ave • (206) 246-2473:

• DJ starts at 10pm
• Midnight toast
• The usual Irish accents & wacky fun

THE TIN ROOM BAR: 923 SW 152nd • (206) 242-8040:

• No cover
• “Mellow” celebration
• Midnight toast
• The usual great drinks
• Excellent bartenders & servers

ELMER’S PUB: 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 439-1007:

• Live band “X35″ starts at 9pm+
• Cover charge is $3 for singles or $5 for couples
• Cost includes champagne & party favors at Midnight

BREAKTIME RESTAURANT & LOUNGE: 635 SW 152nd Street • (206) 243-6810:

• Live music with Andy Burnett starts at 8pm
• No cover charge
• “Big party – the place will be packed so get here early!”

VINO BELLO: 636 SW 152nd Street • (206) 244-8466:

• NO party, but Michelle says: “Swing into Vino Bello on Wednesday 12/31 for some New Years Eve drink specials or to pick up the perfect bottle of bubbly. We’re not partying until midnight but we’ll be open until the ball drops in New York!”

WIZARDS CASINO: 15739 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 444-6100:

• Bar open
• Party favors
• Champagne toast
• Drink specials
• TVs on (to watch Dick Clark?)
• Midnight countdown
• Regular casino action

PARK PLACE GRILL: 17821 1st Ave South Normandy Park • (206) 988-1200‎:

• Special menu dinner: $15.95
• Light music from 6-9pm
• 9pm Karaoke starts
• Midnight toast
• No cover charge

WAYNE’S WORLD: 1832 S 120th Street Boulevard Park • (206) 433-8658‎:

• Band “Sister Ray” starts at 9pm
• No cover
• Drink specials
• Midnight toast

MCMURPHY’S: 11069 16th Ave SW, White Center • (206) 431-1916‎:

• Karaoke starts at 9pm
• No cover charge
• Drink specials
• Jello shots
• Free appetizers

BENZ RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE: 12004 14th Ave South • (206) 444-0720‎:

• Party 8pm+
• No cover
• “Might have Karaoke” starting at 9pm
• Midnight toast
• Free appetizers

TRIANGLE TAVERN: 9454 Delridge Way SW, White Center • (206) 763-0714‎:

• Potluck dinner around 6pm
• Karaoke starts at 9pm
• No cover

BREWSKY’S BAR & GRILL: 9635 16th Ave SW White Center • (206) 764-3946‎:

• Live Band 9pm+
• No cover

Some pics from Halloween in Boorien Friday night (have some? email us!):

Here’s a list of some parties and events going on in the greater Burien area this Halloween (Friday) night, with a handy-dandy interactive map at the bottom (if you know of any other parties/events, please email us ASAP and we’ll add it):

BISTRO BAFFI: 15217 21st Ave SW • (206) 244-0737:

• Costume contest for diners
• First prize is a $100 Bistro Baffi gift certificate, 2nd is a $50 Baffi gift certificate, 3rd is a bottle of Bistro Baffi wine

THE MARK RESTAURANT & BAR: 914 SW 152nd • (206) 241-MARK:

• Costume contest at 10:30pm – must be entered before then
• Scary Drinks & Food Specials
  

ELLIOTT BAY BREWERY: 255 SW 152nd Street • (206) 246-4211:

• Children in costumes get a FREE meal (parent must buy a meal for themselves)

TWIGG’S BAR (formerly MVP Sports Bar): 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 248-3113:

• Halloween Party
• Costume party/contest: 1st place: $100 2nd: $50 3rd: gift certificate
• $5 cover

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB: 435 SW 152nd Ave  • (206) 246-2473:

• Fancy Dress Costume Party with prizes
• Guiness Girls from 7:45-8:45pm
• Free Guiness giveaways
• DJ Ken 10pm to closing

THE TIN ROOM BAR: 923 SW 152nd • (206) 242-8040:

• The usual great drinks
• Excellent bartenders & servers
• Costumes encouraged but not required

ELMER’S PUB: 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 439-1007:

• Live music with the band “Kick Start”
• Costume contest with prizes: $100/$60/$40

BREAKTIME RESTAURANT & LOUNGE: 635 SW 152nd Street • (206) 243-6810:

• Costume party with prizes awarded at midnight (contest entrants must arrive by 9pm)
• Live music starts at 8pm
• No cover charge

BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB: 630 SW 153rd Street • (206) 244-8825

• Halloween party from 10pm-2am (21+)
• $2 Bud Light drafts, $8 pitchers, $2 bottles
• $3 appetizers
• DJ Butt Naked with a dance floor
• Costume contest w/prizes

VINO BELLO: 636 SW 152nd Street • (206) 244-8466:

• Closed for Private Party 6pm

WIZARDS CASINO: 15739 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 444-6100:

• Costume contest w/prizes ($100 best original; $100 best couple $100 sexiest)
• Judging at 11pm
• Costume entrants must show up by 10:30pm
• Drink specials
• NOTE: No masks allowed in the casino

BZ’s SPORTS BAR & GRILL: 17730 Des Moines Memorial Drive • (206) 243-6018:

• Costume party w/prizes starting at 10:30pm
• Drink specials

GOOD TIME ERNIE’S PUB: 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 248-1670:

• Party w/Costume Contest
• Prizes include gift certificates, t-shirts, favors, gift certificates to bar
• Jello shots
• Cherries soaked in 151 for one month in special Halloween “eyeball” jello shots!

PARK PLACE GRILL: 17821 1st Ave South Normandy Park • (206) 988-1200‎:

• Karaoke starts at 8:30pm-2am
• Costume contest, but costumes are not required
• Prizes, from gift certificates to cash and drinks
• No cover charge

BARREL TAVERN: 11051 1st Ave South • (206) 244-7390‎:

• Party w/costume contest
• Live music w/Shadrick starts at 9pm
• Prizes
• NO COVER

WAYNE’S WORLD: 1832 S 120th Street Boulevard Park • (206) 433-8658‎:

• Black light dart tournament with a $5 entry fee and cash prizes
• Sign up 8:30pm
• Costume contest

MCMURPHY’S: 11069 16th Ave SW, White Center • (206) 431-1916‎:

• Costume contest
• Party, drink specials, prizes
• Karaoke starts at 9pm
• Live band Saturday night

BENZ RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE: 12004 14th Ave South • (206) 444-0720‎:

• Costume contest
• Ladies night

TRIANGLE TAVERN: 9454 Delridge Way SW, White Center • (206) 763-0714‎:

• Costume & Karaoke Contest
• 1/2/3 prizes for both: $60/30/20 in “Triangle Money”
• Twisted Karaoke Contest – can sing what you want to first part of night, then at end have to choose a genre, then draw a song out of a hat

BREWSKY’S BAR & GRILL: 9635 16th Ave SW White Center • (206) 764-3946‎:

• Karaoke & DJs
• Costume contest
• Drink specials
• Orange & black Jager bombs
• No cover

View Larger Map

Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting this Sunday Oct. 26th at the Burien Library, from 2:30-4:30pm (with doors opening at 2pm).

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is a grassroots group of people exploring, communicating and demonstrating ways of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the resources of the future.

For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

The League of Women Voters of King County South and the Renton AAUW are co-sponsoring a “Pro and Con Forum” on the three state ballot issues and the seven King County Charter Amendments up for decision on Tues. Nov. 4th.

This is a great chance to ask questions and hear the arguments:

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 23rd, 7-9pm

WHERE: Normandy Park Congregational Church, 19247 1st Ave So, Normandy Park (map below)

View Larger Map

Fall officially begins at 8:44am PDT today (Monday, Sept. 22), and what better way to celebrate the season of spiders, colorful leaves and pumpkin slingshots than by taking a look back at summer through this exclusive B-Town Blog slideshow:

Beaucoup kudos to one and all in B-Town (and beyond) who turned out, donated, bought, ate, drank and had fun at last night’s Fire Victims Fundraiser at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub – you raised over $10,500!

Some of last night’s highlights:

• 14 fire victims were there, and got their entire night’s food and drink comped courtesy Mick Kelly’s. All were very emotional about the outpouring from their generous neighbors; some spoke, some cried, and at times there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We spoke with many of them (see below for details) and it’s clear that they’re still dealing with pain and trauma. It’s tough to not be affected when talking with people who either lost family members, friends or everything they owned and not get angry at a system that doesn’t support them. Where is the counseling? Where are the Therapists? These folks are hurting, and will be for a long time.
• Mick Kelly’s co-owners Mick Purdy and Adrian Kelly’s generous donation of one of their beloved soccer balls autographed by soccer superstar Pele sold for $825. The boys were so overwhelmed that they donated their second (and final, thus very precious) Pele ball which went for another $825 (for a total of $1,650).
• “This is my home forever,” said survivor John Miklosh, referring to the outpouring of support from the people of Burien and its firefighters. He had just bought an “I Love Burien” t-shirt the day before the fire at the Burien Strawberry Festival.
• 29-year old Moriah Marlin, originally from Philadelphia, will always love Burien. “I never, and I mean NEVER, get two days in a row off.” By utter coincidence, Moriah’s employers happened to give her June 28th and 29th off. She and her family spent the weekend visiting friends. “We returned home Sunday morning to nothing.” Moriah’s speech was the emotional highlight of the night, as it was told through tears of both the pain of loss and and the joy of receiving true B-Town generosity.
• According to one of the victims present, a man down the street shouted “You can all burn in hell!” to a resident of the Tara Apartments a few days before the fire. Police detained and released the man, who some said was in his mid-40s. Either this is a case of weird serendipity, or the dude knew something…
• Lindy Kunimoto usually blocked his bedroom door before going to bed. As the flames spread, people outside could see Lindy’s fingers on the window sill of his bedroom. People implored him to jump, a leap that would not have amounted to more than a six-foot fall to the ground below. Lindy (and it is not clear why) stayed put. The ceiling above him collapsed. Lindy Kunimoto was 49.
• Thanks to everyone who helped out on this, especially Patty Sader and Debra George of Discover Burien (along with their entire team, who did most of the real work) – it was truly a team effort and it was obvious from the selflessness that everyone had one goal in mind: to help the fire victims!

UPDATE 7/17 10am: Last night’s Fire Victims Fundraiser brought in approximately $10,500!

Way to go B-Town!

Some of last night’s highlights:

• Mick Kelly’s co-owners Mick Purdy and Adrian Kelly’s generous donation of one of their beloved soccer balls autographed by soccer superstar Pele sold for $825. The boys were so overwhelmed that they donated their second (and final, thus very precious) Pele ball which went for another $825 (for a total of $1,650).
• Several victims of the fire were present, and all were very emotional about the outpouring from their generous neighbors; some spoke, some cried, and at times there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
• “This is my home forever,” said survivor John Miklosh, referring to the outpouring of support from the people of Burien and its firefighters. He had just bought an “I Love Burien” t-shirt the day before the fire at the Burien Strawberry Festival.
• 29-year old Moriah Marlin, originally from Philadelphia, will always love Burien. “I never, and I mean NEVER, get two days in a row off.” By utter coincidence, Moriah’s employers happened to give her June 28th and 29th off. She and her family spent the weekend visiting friends. “We returned home Sunday morning to nothing.” Moriah’s speech was the emotional highlight of the night, as it was told through tears of both the pain of loss and and the joy of receiving true B-Town generosity.
• According to one of the victims present, a man down the street shouted “You can all burn in hell!” to a resident of the Tara Apartments a few days before the fire. Police detained and released the man, who some said was in his mid-40s. Either this is a case of weird serendipity, or the dude knew something…
• Lindy Kunimoto usually blocked his bedroom door before going to bed. As the flames spread, people outside could see Lindy’s fingers on the window sill of his bedroom. People implored him to jump, a leap that would not have amounted to more than a six-foot fall to the ground below. Lindy (and it is not clear why) stayed put. The ceiling above him collapsed. Lindy Kunimoto was 49.
• Thanks to everyone who helped out on this – it was truly a team effort and it was obvious from the selflessness that everyone had one goal in mind: to help the fire victims!

Some photos from tonight’s amazing event (move your mouse over photos to see info):

==============
UPDATE 7:30pm: BTB Writer Mark Neuman has been visiting with several folks here tonight, and he’s met several fire survivors who are present. He files this report:

David Baggott, a fire survivor who lived at the Tara Apartments with his wife, Mom, Dad and their dog Missy, had a roommate named Lindy Kunimoto, 49, who he knew for 10 years. The reason David woke up the night of the fire is because Missy was barking; he could tell something was wrong. He reports that flames were so intense that he had to shut the door and retreat back into the apartment. He then knocked on Lindy’s door, but there was no answer and he couldn’t open it. David realized then that they had to get out, so he got his family out through a sliding glass door safely. As they were leaving, their ceiling crashed into the living room and bedrooms. Lindy never got out and one was of three fatalities.

Joel Handran, a fire victim, said “I feel traumatized…the whole experience is bending my brain, and I can’t thank everybody enough…” Pam Ward, his fiance’ was with him that night and both are here tonight; they have a 7-month old baby boy who survived. They were alerted to the fire because neighbors banged on their window. Joel highly recommends practicing fire escapes with your family: “Absolutely have a fire drill at home, no question about it – know how you’re going to get out no matter what…”

The Daddy-O’s are playing, more than 125 people are still eating, drinking and laughing with their mouths full here at the Burien Fire Fundraiser at Mick Kelly’s;  the Silent Auction closes at 8pm and the Live Auction starts very soon.

In the Silent Auction right now, Body Matters’ One-Hour Massage worth $60 bucks currently has a high bid of $30. The Mark Restaurant’s $50 gift certificate is currently bidding at $30. A silent bidder, who strangely spoke up with the aroma of an imported beer on her breath, revealed that she has bid just $15 on a Trader Joe’s pasta and olive oil gift basket valued at $36.

So come on down – not only is this for a great cause, but there are bargains to be had as well!

As we noted earlier, there are several fire victims here tonight, along with at least 10 members of the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Dept (including some who fought the fire).

We spoke with special guests John Miklosh and his fiance’ Sharon Howell, two fire survivors here who lived in the Jenny Marie apartments. Around 12:31am on the night of the fire, John was on his deck smoking a cig, and he heard a man yell what he thought was “fight fight fight!” but was in actuality “fire fire fire!” He then noticed a parked van ablaze near the building and quickly got out in time.

John and Sharon used to give popsicles to a cute, chubby little neighbor boy Edgar, the 8-year old who tragically died in the fire. “He was so cute,” Sharon said of Edgar, as her eyes swelled up.

John then said “I cannot tell you how much I love the people of Burien, because they’ve done so much for us…” before starting to tear up.

Luckily they have found a new apartment, and despite the fire they saved their cat Coco.

Patty Sader, Executive Director of Discover Burien, is here working hard despite a sore throat and flu, and is “overwhelmed and amazed at the generosity of the people of Burien who made this all possible. Because you just don’t put together an auction of this size in two weeks.”

Some really cool last-minute auction items have arrived, and include:

• A gorgeous, framed autographed photo of Mariner legend Edgar Martinez in action
• A collectible mini football helmet autographed by Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant
• A $1 million dollar proof “bill” that is made of .999 pure silver and is layered in 24 carot pure gold and is a 1/4 pound troy
• Two framed, autographed photo portraits of Mariner All-Star Ichiro:

Elinor, a server here at Mick Kelly’s, says tonight’s special is Grilled Salmon with a Mango Salsa and Rice, or Garlic Mashed Potatoes; comes with Asparagus, or by golly, you can chow down on Beef Stroganoff.

Several survivors of the fire have arrived, and the Burien Fire Dept. has just parked their ladder truck out front:

We’ll be doing updates live all night, but if you’re reading this now and thinking of coming, we recommend you get here soon, as the Silent Auction runs from 6-8pm,  the Live Auction begins at 7:30pm and The Daddios are about to start.

More to come soon…

(click on graphic to download PDF Poster suitable for printing/posting)

Don’t forget – tonight (Wed. July 16th) is the Burien Fire Victims Fundraiser Auction at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Avenue in downtown Burien (phone: 206.246.2473).

What to expect:

• 6pm: Doors open
• 6pm: Silent auction starts
• 6pm: Live music from The Daddios starts
• 7:30pm: Live auction starts, hosted by Mark Minium of Burien Honda
  
• 8pm: 50/50 Raffle ends

Other things to know:

• All proceeds, including the entire day’s profits from Mick Kelly’s, will go directly into the Fire Fund set up at Sterling Savings Bank
• $10 suggested donation at the Door (goes directly into the Fire Fund)
• Silent Auction items will be in the back (look for signs)
• We’re hoping to have some very special guests there
• The B-Town Blog will be “blogging live” from Mick Kelly’s
• There will be a 50/50 raffle: $1 buck per ticket, with the winner getting 50% of the winnings and the other 50% going directly into the Fire Victims Fund

Some of the items up for Auction include:

• Soccer Ball autographed by international soccer superstar Pele
• 3-day Schwietzer Ski Condo Vacation
• 2 Domestic Airline Tickets courtesy Alaska Airlines ($700+ value)
• Gourmet Cooking Class
• $750 value Teeth Whitening courtesy Jim Coleman, DDS
• $300 Great Wolf Lodge package
• 3-month Ad on the B-Town Blog ($450 value)
• Birthday Party Package at the cool new Full Tilt Ice Cream
• Much more (just show up and you’ll see)!

So, email this page to your friends, call the press/media, spread the word, because tonight is the night where the entire area opens its hearts and wallets, and shows just how generous and caring we all are as neighbors!
Map:

View Larger Map

Don’t forget folks – tomorrow night (starting at 6pm) is the Fire Victims Fundraiser Auction at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, so please make sure your calendars are marked and your wallet is ready to open!

(click on graphic to download PDF Poster suitable for printing/posting)

The generosity of the businesses and people in the Burien area is coming out and shining like the bright sun on a summer’s day, and here’s proof – an exclusive peek at the items up for bid at Wednesday’s Fire Victim Fundraiser Auction at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub:

• Soccer ball autographed by international superstar athlete Pele!
• 3-day Schweitzer Ski Condo courtesy Julie Burr
• 2 tickets from Alaska Airlines
• 2 gift baskets courtesy Port of Seattle employees
• 4 Mariner Tickets, mugs, Bobblehead piggy banks and canvas bag courtesy Key Bank
• Jewelry by Kathy Keene
• $540 gift certificate from Sylvan Learning
• Wine Tasting for 4 from Vino Bello
• 4 Cheesesteaks from Hey Paison
• Tickets for Burien Little Theatre
  
• 60 minute massage from Highline Therapy
• Baked Goods
• Yard Work
• Flower Arrangements by Colleen Monette
• Hi Liner tickets
• Birthday Party Package
• Trader Joe’s Gift Basket
• Handyman Service
• 1 Sonicare toothbrush 

Some items will be in the Silent Auction, which starts at 6pm, and others in the Live Auction, which will begin at 7:30pm. There will most certainly be many more items up for bid, but this is a good taste of what to expect, so get your wallets ready…

All proceeds from the event, as well as the entire day’s profits from Mick Kelly’s, will be donated directly into a special Fire Victims Fund set up at Sterling Savings Bank.

Stay tuned to the B-Town Blog for exclusive updates on what we hope will be a huge fundraiser for the victims of the fatal June 29th arson apartment fire.

If you have something really cool or valuable that you’d like to donate, please call Patty Sader of Discover Burien ASAP at (206) 433-2882.

If you’d like to help out by printing one of the Posters, please download the high-res PDF here (15MB) and print/distribute/post to your heart’s content.

In the meantime, here are specifics on how you can help four of the 15 affected families. All items can be dropped off at the Burien branch of Sterling Savings Bank (located at 224 SW 152nd Street) for distribution to the family; if you’d like more info, call Lynda Isernio at (206) 243-6869

1. Cisneros-Velazquez Family
   Burned out of their apartment—Lost their beloved son, Edgar and Grandfather

Needs:

• Mom: Martha
  Shirts or tops: Size Medium
  Pants: Medium
  Shoes: Size 6

• Dad: Jaime
  Shirts: Medium
  Pants: 34 waist
  Shoes: Size 9

• Adilene: Age 20
  Shirts: Medium
  Pants: Large

• Adriana: Age 13
  Shirts: X-small
  Pants: Small

• Uriel: Age 15
  Shirts and tops: XXL
  Pants: XXL (youth)

• Also needed:
  • Household necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

2. Baker/Ward/Handran Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

Needs:

• Mom: Pam Ward
  Tops: 1X or 2X
  Pants: XL or 18/20
  Shoes: size 10

• Dad: Joey Handran
  Tops size L or XL
  Pants: L or 34×32 or 36×32
  Shoes 10 – 10 1/2

• Austin Baker: Age 12:
  Tops and bottoms size XL (wants shorts)
  Shoes: 12 _ – 13 men

• Dylan Baker: Age 14
  Tops size XL
  Pants: 36×32 or 38×32
  Shoes: 12 _ -13 men

• Brandon Handran: 9 months
  9-12 month size clothes
  Shoes: 4 (infant)

• Also needed:
  • Household Necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

3. Pascual-Flores Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

• Mom: Maria
  Shirts or tops: size Medium
  Pants: size 9-11

• Dad: Raul
  Shirts or tops: size Medium
  Pants: 38×32
  Shoes: 8 Mens

• Juan Carlos: Age 9
  Shoes: size 9 youth
  Pants: size 9-10
  Shirts and tops size 10

• Jessica: Age 5
  Shoes: size 12
  Shirts and tops: size 7-8
  Pants: size 8

• Jose: 10 months old
  Shirts: size 16 months
  Pants: size 16 months
  Shoes: size 4 infants

• Also needed:
  • Household Necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

4. Rose Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

Needs:

• Mom: Shanell Rose
  Tops: size M
  Pants: size 8 women

• Dad:
  Tops: XX or XXX

• Aaron: 12 years old
  Shirts: Medium
  Pants 29/30
  Socks

• Andrew: 14 years old
  Shirts: Large
  Pants 34/32
  Socks

• Also needed:
  • Household necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

We here at the B-Town Blog highly recommend that people consider donating either cash or Gift Cards, as a) you don’t know who else may have bought the same specific item(s) and b) what if the recipient doesn’t like those yellow/orange polka-dotted socks you bought? With a Gift Card, the recipient gets to choose what they want, and we believe this empowerment is also an excellent form of therapy.

Donations are also being accepted at 156 SW 152nd Street; the space currently shows “Christian Supply” as the tenant, but they vacated the space a few months ago and the landlord has generously donated the space to use for six weeks:

View Larger Map

From Gregory Heights Second Grade Teacher Nancy Sparks comes some specific information on four of the families who were victims of last weekend’s tragic apartment fire.

As we mentioned previously, the Red Cross shelter at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church has closed. Families’ motel vouchers expire tomorrow morning. Affordable housing and cash donations are needed most of all, according to Ms. Sparks:

“When I spoke with the Rose and Baker/Ward/Handran families, they need immediate affordable housing. In 3 days they will be totally homeless.  The Pascual-Flores family is staying in a relative’s garage for the time being until they can afford housing.  The Cisneros family is staying with relatives for now.”

Here are specifics on how you can help four of the 15 affected families. All items can be dropped off at the Burien branch of Sterling Savings Bank (located at 224 SW 152nd Street) for distribution to the family; if you’d like more info, call Lynda Isernio at (206) 243-6869

1. Cisneros-Velazquez Family
   Burned out of their apartment—Lost their beloved son, Edgar and Grandfather

Needs:

• Mom: Martha
  Shirts or tops: Size Medium
  Pants:  Medium
  Shoes:  Size 6

• Dad:  Jaime
  Shirts:  Medium
  Pants:  34 waist
  Shoes:  Size 9

• Adilene:  Age 20
  Shirts:  Medium
  Pants:  Large

• Adriana:  Age 13
  Shirts:  X-small
  Pants:  Small

• Uriel:  Age 15
  Shirts and tops:  XXL
  Pants:  XXL (youth)

• Also needed:
  • Household necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

2. Baker/Ward/Handran Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

Needs:

• Mom: Pam Ward
  Tops: 1X or 2X
  Pants:  XL or 18/20
  Shoes:  size 10

• Dad:  Joey Handran
  Tops size L or XL
  Pants:  L or 34×32 or 36×32
  Shoes 10 – 10 1/2

• Austin Baker: Age 12:
  Tops and bottoms size XL  (wants shorts)
  Shoes:  12 _ – 13 men

• Dylan Baker:  Age 14
  Tops size XL
  Pants:  36×32 or 38×32
  Shoes: 12 _ -13 men

• Brandon Handran:  9 months
  9-12 month size clothes
  Shoes: 4 (infant)

• Also needed:
  • Household Necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

3. Pascual-Flores Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

• Mom: Maria
  Shirts or tops:  size Medium
  Pants:  size 9-11

• Dad:  Raul
  Shirts or tops:  size Medium
  Pants:  38×32
  Shoes:  8 Mens

• Juan Carlos:  Age 9
  Shoes:  size 9 youth
  Pants:  size 9-10
  Shirts and tops size 10

• Jessica:  Age 5
  Shoes:  size 12
  Shirts and tops:  size 7-8
  Pants:  size 8

• Jose:  10 months old
  Shirts:  size 16 months
  Pants:  size 16 months
  Shoes:  size 4 infants

• Also needed:
  • Household Necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

4. Rose Family
Burned out of their apartment—Lost everything

Needs:

• Mom: Shanell Rose
  Tops:  size M
  Pants:  size 8 women

• Dad:
  Tops: XX or XXX

• Aaron:  12 years old
  Shirts:  Medium
  Pants 29/30
  Socks

• Andrew:  14 years old
  Shirts:  Large
  Pants 34/32
  Socks

• Also needed:
  • Household necessities
  • Fred Meyer Gift Cards
  • Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Food Store Gift Cards

All donated items can be dropped at Sterling Savings Bank, located at 224 SW 152nd Street; 206-243-6869 (contact Lynda).

UPDATE: Previously we were told that, as of July 10th, donations could be taken to Sunnydale School, but we just received word that that is no longer the case – starting tomorrow (Tues. July 8th) at 11am, the new drop-off location will be at 156 SW 152nd Street; the space currently shows “Christian Supply” as the tenant, but they vacated the space a few months ago and the landlord has generously donated the space to use for six weeks:

View Larger Map

Jared Butcher, organizer of Sunday’s fire victim fundraiser at Bison Creek Pizza, just reported this great news to us:

Bison Creek Fundraiser was a success!

We raised roughly $5,000, loaded 7 pickup trucks and two paramedic vehicles.

Lt. Will and his crew at Fire District #2 were a great help with accepting donations – I could not have done it without them.

KIRO, KOMO, KING and Q13 broadcast info, interviews and live clips of the event, which was a big help in bringing people out to the fundraiser.

Thank you Burien for all your support – you deserve a pat on the back!

The next fundraisers are:

• Monday, July 14th, July 14, 2008, from Noon to Midnight, Hillcrest Family Bowling Center in Renton will be holding a major fundraiser, with 100% of all proceeds from all-day bowling and shoe rental going to an already established fund to support these four families.
  • “I witnessed the fire that night, and it was something that I hope I never see again,” says Jerry Clausen, Hillcrest’s owner.  “I was surrounded by despair and desperation, and there was nothing I could do to help.”  Well, that was the night of the fire, but after Clausen and his wife JoAnne found out that the young child that perished in the fire and members of at least 3 displaced families were classmates of their 7 and 12 year old sons. “ I had no choice, this is about family, and taking care of one another, there just isn’t enough of that in this world today,” explained Clausen. “ We have the ability to do it, and others don’t, it’s just that simple.”
  • There will be four collection barrels at the center to collect clothing or other needed items for the 4 families.
  • There will be live music from 6pm on featuring a live band, and a featuring a jam with some of Seattle’s more popular musicians.
  • There will be an opportunity for private donations as well.
  • If Hillcrest gets enough cool stuff donated, they will auction off articles throughout the night.
• Wednesday July 16th, from 6pm on, at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub located at 435 SW 152nd Street – a special Silent and Live Auction fundraiser for the families with live music and much more. If you have items to donate to either auction – contact Patty Sader at Discover Burien 206-433-2882.

The emergency shelter at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church (run by the Red Cross) for last weekend’s apartment fire victims closed last night, leaving dozens of people now fending for themselves, including finding shelter.

Most residents received 3-day motel vouchers, which unfortunately run out this coming Tuesday, July 8th.

This morning, the B-Town Blog received this email call for help from Pam Ward, who, along with many others, is still in need:

My family was one of the families affected by the fire.

We lived in the Tara Apts which were completely destroyed.

I have 3 children ages 14, 12, and 6 months.

We are in need of an affordable apartment.

I recently lost my job and my fiance is currently unemployed,  but we are receiving public assistance until I can find employment.

Any leads for housing would be most appreciated as we have no where to go when our 3 day motel voucher runs out on Tues a.m.

I can be reached @ (206) 444-9038.

Thank you in advance for any tips and/or leads this site or our neighbors can provide.

Bless you,
Pam, Joel, Dylan, Austin & baby Brandon

Here’s a recap of how (and what/where) you can help:

HOUSING:

• If you are a landlord, or know of a place that can house some of the displaced families, please email us ASAP – we’ll pass your info along to the folks in need ASAP.

FUNDRAISERS:

• Today (Sunday, July 6th) from 5pm-9pm there’s an all-ages fundraiser at Bison Creek Pizza located at 630 SW 153rd Street (206-244-8825): Sickamore, Jonn Rockwell, Skwish & the Mighty Return of Horsehedd will be playing at an outdoor bash; small household items, clothing and cash donations will be collected at this event.
• Monday, July 14th, July 14, 2008, from Noon to Midnight, Hillcrest Family Bowling Center in Renton will be holding a major fundraiser, with 100% of all proceeds from all-day bowling and shoe rental going to an already established fund to support these four families.
  • “I witnessed the fire that night, and it was something that I hope I never see again,” says Jerry Clausen, Hillcrest’s owner.  “I was surrounded by despair and desperation, and there was nothing I could do to help.”  Well, that was the night of the fire, but after Clausen and his wife JoAnne found out that the young child that perished in the fire and members of at least 3 displaced families were classmates of their 7 and 12 year old sons. “ I had no choice, this is about family, and taking care of one another, there just isn’t enough of that in this world today,” explained Clausen. “ We have the ability to do it, and others don’t, it’s just that simple.”
  • There will be four collection barrels at the center to collect clothing or other needed items for the 4 families.
  • There will be live music from 6pm on featuring a live band, and a featuring a jam with some of Seattle’s more popular musicians.
  • There will be an opportunity for private donations as well.
  • If Hillcrest gets enough cool stuff donated, they will auction off articles throughout the night.
• Wednesday July 16th, from 6pm on, at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub located at 435 SW 152nd Street – a special Silent and Live Auction fundraiser for the families with live music and much more. If you have items to donate to either auction – contact Patty Sader at Discover Burien 206-433-2882.

CASH DONATIONS:

• You can make cash donations at any Sterling Savings Bank branch by specifying the “Burien Fire Fund.” NOTE: If you want to donate to a specific family, be sure to let the teller know the name of the family. Sterling Savings is located at 224 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien; phone is (206) 243-6869 (contact: Lynda).
• We’ve also heard that Washington Mutual is accepting cash donations for specific families. More details to come as we learn them, but we’re sure that if you drop into any branch, the kind folks at WaMu will have answers.
• You can also donate to the Seattle Red Cross’ “Burien Apartment Fire Fund.” Make sure “Burien Apartment Fire Fund” is selected in the pull-down menu when you donate.

CLOTHING & SMALL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:

You can drop off any clothing or small household items at the following (we suggest calling first):

• Collins Chiropractic at 619 SW 152nd Street; 206-242-0998, contact: Lindsay
• Sterling Savings Bank at 224 SW 152nd Street; 206-243-6869, contact Lynda

LARGER ITEMS:

• As of Thursday, July 10th, larger furniture items can be dropped off at Sunnydale School in Burien, located at 15631 Des Moines Memorial Drive. If you have a larger item, please call either Erin or Lindsay at Collins Chiropractic (206-242-0998), or Lynda at Sterling Savings (206-243-6869) to make arrangements for pick up of the item(s) if the person has no way to deliver the item to Sunnydale.

More info to come as we receive it of course…

Quick update on progress of the new B-Good In B-Town movement for this holiday weekend: 

FUNDRAISERS:

• This Sunday, July 6th, from 5pm-9pm at Bison Creek Pizza located at 630 SW 153rd Street (206-244-8825): Sickamore, Jonn Rockwell, Skwish & the Mighty Return of Horsehedd will be playing at an outdoor all-ages bash; small household items, clothing and cash donations will be collected at this event.
• Wednesday July 16th, from 6pm on, at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub located at 435 SW 152nd Street – a special Silent and Live Auction fundraiser for the families with live music and much more. If you have items to donate to either auction – contact Patty Sader at Discover Burien 206-433-2882.

CASH DONATIONS:

• You can make cash donations at any Sterling Savings Bank branch by specifying the “Burien Fire Fund.” NOTE: If you want to donate to a specific family, be sure to let the teller know the name of the family. Sterling Savings is located at 224 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien; phone is (206) 243-6869 (contact: Lynda).
• We’ve also heard that Washington Mutual is accepting cash donations for specific families. More details to come as we learn them, but we’re sure that if you drop into any branch, the kind folks at WaMu will have answers.
• You can also donate to the Seattle Red Cross’ “Burien Apartment Fire Fund.” Make sure “Burien Apartment Fire Fund” is selected in the pull-down menu when you donate.

CLOTHING & SMALL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:

You can drop off any clothing or small household items at the following (we suggest calling first):

• Collins Chiropractic at 619 SW 152nd Street; 206-242-0998, contact: Lindsay
• Sterling Savings Bank at 224 SW 152nd Street; 206-243-6869, contact Lynda

LARGER ITEMS:

• As of Thursday, July 10th, larger furniture items can be dropped off at Sunnydale School in Burien, located at 15631 Des Moines Memorial Drive. If you have a larger item, please call either Erin or Lindsay at Collins Chiropractic (206-242-0998), or Lynda at Sterling Savings (206-243-6869) to make arrangements for pick up of the item(s) if the person has no way to deliver the item to Sunnydale.

We here at the B-Town Blog want to send some serious shout-outs to all those who have stepped up and helped so far.

We also encourage everyone reading this, be they local business owners or regular citizens in Burien or Bellingham, to find a way to help out, so please email us if you have any offerings or services you’d like to donate, either immediately or for the upcoming July 16th Auction Fundraiser at Mick Kelly’s.

In other words, let’s B-Good In B-Town!

More info as it comes in…so stay tuned.

What do art, food, strolling and wine have in common?

The annual Spring Stroll on SW 152nd Street in Olde (oops…should be Downtown) Burien of course!

WHAT: Annual Spring Stroll featuring art, food, wine and more (including strolling/walking):

• Art
• Food
• Wine
• Fresh air
• Walking
• Neighbors
• Shopping
• Fun!

WHEN: Saturday May 10th, from 10am – 5pm

WHERE: Downtown Burien on SW 152nd, between 2nd Ave SW and 10th Ave SW:

View Larger Map


Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

This Saturday, April 5th, from Noon-8pm, Vino Bello wil be hosting a tasting of wines from Argentina:

Argentina is one of the world’s largest wine-producing countries. The climate of Argentina is similar to the Andes and it is this similarity that supports the Argentinean wine industry. Argentina is mainly an arid landscape that profits from irrigating waters off the mountains. Argentina’s warmer inland region encourages vine growth down the entire length of the country.

One of the vital aspects to growing quality wine grapes here is altitude, with vineyards planted at 2,000 and 3,000 feet to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Argentine wines are made from grapes such as traditional Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and also varieties like Tempranillo, Bonarda, Barbera, Torrontés and Malbec.

Noon-8pm: Argentina wine tasting, $10

5pm+: Live Music featuring Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives

View Larger Map

Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

We’re getting a head start on March – Washington Wine month here at Vino Bello so come in this Saturday between Noon – 8pm to try these Eastern Washington gems, they are all $20 and under!

If you missed Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives on Valentine’s Day, they’re back this Saturday at 5pm.

Noon-8pm: Eastern Washington Wine tasting, $20 bottles
5pm+: Live Music featuring “Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives”

Featured wines include:

2007 Mercer Estates Pinot Gris
Never heard of them? That’s because Mike Hogue and Bud Mercer’s new 12,600 foot winery located in Prosser, WA is scheduled to open in summer of 2008. Yes, that’s Hogue of Hogue Cellars fame. Be one of the first to try the much anticipated release of their new Pinot Gris.

2007 Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese
Bursting with aromas of vanilla, cranberries and fresh strawberries that lead to clean, crisp, bright flavors of fresh red fruits. The brilliant pink color is as beautiful as the aromas and flavors. This is the way rose should be made, so buy a case to enjoy over the summer. Food matches: A great summer sipper to pair with grilled pork or chicken.

2004 Janiuk Red Table Wine
A Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot. It is wonderful! It is structured and yet amazingly balanced with tannins, acidity and oakiness all in perfect harmony. Its lovely fruit is offset by it’s dryness, making this one classy wine.

2005 Bergevin Lane Calico Red
Aromas of bright cherry, raspberry and toffee. Flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, oak and pencil shavings add character to the mid palate. Elegant tannins carry notes of citrus on the back-palate to a clean and lingering finish. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cab Franc.

2005 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red
Rounded, lush, layered and lovely, the ultimate food wine, pairing well with everything from pasta and pizza to grilled meat and roasted chicken. Fruity and loaded with berries, cherries, cassis, coffee, chocolate, vanilla bean and cinnamon. A blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot, and Cab Franc with pinches of Sangiovese, Carmenere and Malbec.

2005 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon
This 100% Cabernet from Reininger shows black raspberry, plum and cassis layered with caramelized oak, a barely perceptible hint of clove and very fine tannins.

Okay, so the Super Bowl is this Sunday, Feb. 3rd, starting precisely at 3:18pm and lasting, well…until they run out of $2 million commercials (hey, at least this year you won’t have to watch your local team lose…).

You’re either going to watch the big ads…er, we mean game, or you’re not.

If you’re gonna watch it, you’re either doing it at home, at your buddy’s house with the new super flat-screen HDTV, or somewhere else…say, a local B-Town bar with a buncha your nutty neighbors.

That’s where we come in – here’s a list of the known B-Town area Super Bowl Haps (please note that most bars listed will be open a few hours before the game starts, so be sure to plan for driving time, parking and of course, pre-game Jello shots):

WHERE: The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd St in “Olde Burien”
WHAT: Their first Super Bowl party. Ever. 2 flat screens. Snack menu. Plenty o’beer and good peeps.

WHERE: Mark Restaurant, 914 SW 152nd St in “Olde Burien
WHAT: No special party, but open with 2 flat screens (could be a good alternative for those really into the game)

WHERE: Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: 6 regular-sized TVs, food, beer, fun dive-bar, pool tables, possible bikers & fisticuffs

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd St
WHAT: Irish accents, Guiness on tap, lots of regular/smallish TVs

WHERE: Elliott Bay Brewery, 255 SW 152nd St
WHAT: Great micros brewed on premises, full menu, 1 big screen

WHERE: Azteca Restaurant Bar, 153 SW 157th St
WHAT: Mexican food, brew & drinks, 3 big screens, no especiales

WHERE: Goodtime Ernie’s Pub, 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: Potluck, football pool w/prizes, Jello shots, pulltabs, specials, 3 big screens, 1 flat, 1 regular & 3 on wall

WHERE: BZ’s Sports Bar & Grill, 17730 Ambaum Blvd S
WHAT: Potluck, shots, specials, 2 big screens, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: Wayne’s World Tavern, 1832 S 120th St
WHAT: Party time. Ex-cellent. Potluck, 1 big screen, 4 regular TVs

WHERE: Barrel Tavern, 11051 1st Ave S
WHAT: Funky building, buffet, 1 big screen, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: MVP Sports Bar (formerly Mario’s), 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: 1 big screen, 5 regular TVs

INTERACTIVE MAP OF B-TOWN AREA SUPER BOWL HAPS:

View Larger Map

PLAN B:

Buy this amazing bargain TV from seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > electronics, then fiddle with the antenna as you try to tune the game in:
“Works great, only problem with it is the cable antenna broke off.

I am sure it is repairable, but I don’t want to investigate.”

The following is a Q & A with TM Sell, Playwright/Author of Crazy/Naked, which starts this Friday at the E.B. Foote Winery in Burien:

Q: First, tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from? What did you “want to be when you grew up”?

A: Born and raised in and around Seattle. Wanted to be a lot of things but wanted to write a play the first time I saw one when I was second grade.

Q: What do you do now?

A: Professor of political science and journalism at Highline College; founder and co-owner of Breeders Theater; author and freelance journalist.

Q: What did you do in a past life?

A: Reporter and editor with a number of local newspapers, including Valley Daily News and the Seattle P-I.

Q: How did you get into journalism?

A: One day when I was 16 my dad said ‘You should be a journalist. You like to write.” And he was right.

Q: What made you start writing plays?

A: I write because I like to make people laugh and to make them think.

Q: Is writing plays a natural thing for a journalist to do?

A: Probably not. But I find theater to be a good blend of two of my passions: journalism and politics.

Q: How many plays have you written? How many have been produced/staged?

A: I don’t know anymore. I stopped counting. This is our 13th show at E.B. Foote but some of them have been pairings of one-acts and some have been full-length plays. There’s only a couple things that I’ve ever written that haven’t been seen anywhere.

Q: Tell us about Crazy/Naked?

A: Crazy/Naked is about local politics, involving composites of people I have known saying things I’ve heard people actually say. It’s about the degree to which people don’t participate and don’t pay attention to politics. With, I think, bad consequences. I mean who the hell cares whether the candidate is a guy you’d like to have a beer with? Is that going to happen? I want to know if they have a clue about what might work in government policy. Little else actually matters. Good legislators that I knew often were assholes. And some really nice people I met in Olympia were simply ineffective.

Q: Tell us about Breeders Theater Group – when did you start it, why, what has it done, etc.

A: I had the idea way back in the ’80s. The I became a play reviewer for Valley Daily News and for KUOW, so I saw two plays a week for four years. It was like a second degree. Then I met actors. So we did some staged readings at Highline as benefits for the school. Then I met the folks at E.B. Foote and said, “I’ve written a play about a winery.” And they took a chance on us, and we’ve been there since 2002.

Q: As a Playwright, what is your ultimate goal?

A: To make people laugh and to make them think and to say things that I think matter.

Q: Do you aspire to do any other kinds of writing? (ie: feature-length screenplays, etc.)

A: I have finished two screenplays and I have no idea what do with them. I have neither a theatrical nor a film agent, and I really could use both (seriously). I’m not very adept at marketing my stuff.

Q: What are some other projects you’re working on now? Any upcoming plays?

A: I’m always still dabbling in political science research. I’ve finished a couple of drafts of our summer show. I have some other shows in mind for BT. A few have been started. Mostly I need time away without distractions to write, and then I write in a mad rush. The first draft of Crazy/Naked was finished in about three days. Then I have to see it a bunch of times before what’s wrong with it sinks in. I probably need to do more hard work on each script before it hits the stage. But the cast is very good about suggesting things that need fixing. They’re very smart people, which is both a challenge and a huge blessing.

Q: Is the newspaper business “dying”? Why/why not?

A: Nyet. It’s not growing, but newspapers remain well-positioned to gather and disseminate information. I don’t see them being replaced by blogs. What you’re doing isn’t so much a blog as a kind of on-line newspaper. The key, of course, reminds finding out how to actually make money on this.

Q: How has the internet changed journalism?

A: Not so much. I read that it was and did, but not really. Bloggers aren’t journalists (not talking about you again); they’re people popping off about subjects they often dimly understand. At the end of the day journalism is still about trying to tell true stories about important or interesting things. If there’s a fault of journalism, is that it’s taught in most places as a craft instead of as a method of inquiry.

Q: Should Bloggers be given the same access as newspaper reporters?

A: Only if they can earn it.

Q: Any predictions on how people will be getting their news in 5/10/20 years?

A: In the same ways they are now. The technology may change, but the information will not be greatly altered. Marshall McLuhan did indeed say that the medium is the message, but hardly anybody noticed that his comment was at least partially bullshit. Good reporting is still good reporting, regardless of the delivery method. But if you teach at a big university and say something suitably obtuse, suddenly you’re a genius.

Q: Any predictions for the B-Town Blog?

A: It may be in the right place at the right time. The difference may be that you are able to do more than recycle what other people already are doing.

Crazy/Naked opens this Friday, Jan. 18th at 7pm, and continues through Feb. 2nd at the E.B. Foote Winery at 127 SW 153rd #B in Burien, WA:

View Larger MapShow dates are Jan. 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, 31, Feb. 1, 2 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 20 and 27 – 2 p.m., and Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.

The Jan. 30 show is a benefit for the Highline College Foundation.

The show includes tasting of E.B. Foote’s award-winning wines and hors d’oeurves, all for only $20.

Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines, 206-824-9462.

[EDITOR'S NOTE/DISCLOSURE: This Reporter actually attended Highline Community College with Dr. TM Sell, who we knew then only as "Terry"; he didn't have a PHD yet but was a kick-ass fellow journalist for the Thunderword, the school paper he now advises/teaches at Highline College.

<---Apologies to all B-Town Blog readers for the embarrassing self-indulgent clipping from the Thunderword, circa 1979.

Yes, that's really me with big hair, wearing stupid shades and typing on an IBM Selectric typewriter.

Ouch.]

From Burien Parks comes a Winter iteration of “Camp Craz,” which we know from personal experience is quite a load of fun for the kiddie-o’s:

Week 1: Snowball Express – Click here to register
December 24 – December 28  $95 (no camp 12/24)

Week 2: Sunshine & Summertime – Click here to register
December 31 -  January 4  $95 (no camp 1/1)

Scholarships Available
Call (206) 988-3700 for more information!

Link to website

The Burien Parks Winter Program Schedule has been released, and is available by clicking and going here.