Want to wow your friends this bikini season?

BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club has this suggestion:

On Wednesday, March 10th at 6pm and Saturday, March 13 at 10am, Highline Athletic Club will be having an Open house at our Pilates Studio. Stop by to meet Instructors Scott Miller and Melissa Rutherford.

You can watch an excellent demonstration of the different classes we offer and have a chance to ask questions. It would also be a great time to ask our demo participants (all who have taken for at least 2 1/2 years), how they like what Pilates is doing for them.  Our studio is almost 3 years old and we want to show it off.  You don’t have to be a club member to come to our open house, nor to take Pilates Classes at the HAC.

Here are some of the benefits of Pilates, which has earned a featured spot in the world of fitness due to it’s effectiveness and it’s many benefits including:

• A healthy, supple spine
• Kinder, gentler conditioning
• Better balance, more coordination
• Less pain and stiffness
• Faster return to pre-pregnancy figure
• Sports performance & other benefits

Melissa will be doing a Pilates mat demonstration and Scott will be doing a demo with different Pilates apparatus. Also starting on the 17th of March, Melissa will be starting a new beginning mat class that is awesome indeed. Some of our other offering are as follows:

Private Apparatus Session:
One on one session on a reformer and other apparatus (Gratz Equipment). Generally a couple of sessions should be completed before advancing to semi-private lessons. This allows you time to get accustomed to the equipment and to be able to navigate through the exercises. 55 minutes

Semi-Private Apparatus Session:
2 clients work together. To ensure the best workout, it is important that you work with someone as close to your level as possible. Mix and match semi private sessions with privates and a mat to obtain the most complete weekly workouts. 55 minutes

Group Pilates Studio Wall Unit Class (Very Popular):
This is a class for 3 to 5 clients on the Pilates Studio Wall Unit. These units are versatile and allow for focused work on all of the target core areas. Ideal for group instruction and priced “just right” These classes run once a week for 4 weeks starting at the beginning of each month. 55 minutes

Private Mat Session:
One-On-One instruction. Some client may want private instruction in mat before going into a group setting. The Private Mat allows for guided, individual attention that is sure to get you prepared for level one. Or if you’d just like to schedule a mat class for your convenience, this is for you. These sessions can be done in a private or semi private workout.

Group Pilates Mat Class:
Mat class is divided into the following 4 levels.
Do you want to look and feel your best? Try Pilates!

We are conveniently located at 125th St and 1st Ave. inside the Highline Athletic Club. Hope to see you then!

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Did you know that there’s a Highline Lacrosse Club in the area?

Well, there is.

And they’re now looking for boys between 5th and 12th grade to signup and play.

Here are the details, courtesy Staci McLaughlin:

WHAT: Highline Lacrosse Club signups for 5th-12th-grade boys.

WHEN: Signups are going on now; Season runs from March through May.

WHERE: Early pre-season practices are going on now at the Normandy Park City Hall Gym.

INFO: Please visit the website for more information regarding Highline Lacrosse Club and this exciting sport: www.highlinelax.shutterfly.com.

No experience with Lacrosse is necessary, as most players are beginners.

If you have any questions, please call Staci McLaughlin at 206-999-7094.

Our friends at our latest Advertiser – Matt Griffin YMCA – are excited to announce that their upcoming Open House is coming this Saturday, Jan. 16th from 10am to 1pm, with lots of games, demos, tours and specials.

If you haven’t had a chance to see their brand new facility – this is your chance!

There will  be games, cooking and Zumba demonstrations, tours, and fun activities for the whole family.

Have you made a commitment to yourself to get in shape in the new year? Join Matt Griffin YMCA before January 31st and save up to $125 in join fees! There is no better time to start taking better care of yourself!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Matt Griffin YMCA Open House

WHEN: Saturday, January 16th from 10am – 1pm

WHERE: Matt Griffin YMCA, 3595 South 188th in SeaTac

INFO: Everyone is Welcome!

More info on the Matt Griffin YMCA is available at their website.

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BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club is now registering for the Biggest Loser contest! Start the new year off healthier and on your way to a new level of improved fitness.

Here’s more info from our friends at HAC:

Come join a team, and compete to lose the most weight in the next 10 weeks. Choose the time that works best for you with one of our three nationally certified trainers.

The cost is $400 for HAC members and $550 for non-members, payable at sign-up. The price covers the kickoff, final assessment and two 90-minute team training sessions per week. Sessions will include workouts and discussions on nutrition and exercise. Non-members will also have access to the club for workouts at anytime for the ten week contest.

Our kick-off is Saturday morning, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. Wear your workout clothes as we will take assessments and do some fitness testing to prepare for future workouts.

Numerous prizes include: 6 month membership, 3 month membership, massages, personal training sessions, and the list goes on!

Dates:

• January 16 through March 27, 2010.

Trainers and Times:

• Chris Knight, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer 6:00 am to 7:30 am Tuesday and Fridays
• Amy Rebmann, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, M/W
• Jan Roegner, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, 10:30 am to Noon, TTh

Read trainer bios on our Web site: www.highlineathleticclub.com

Register at the front desk.

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by Chris Knight
Trainer, Highline Athletic Club

Have you wanted to lose weight, increase your energy levels and get in amazing shape before the holidays this year? If you’re like many people, this year has slipped away from you and here we are in the holiday season again. There is no reason to resign yourself to the idea that it is ever too late to lose the weight you want before the holiday parties.

Something you can do to kick start your progress today would be to keep a food journal. Keeping a food journal not only helps you consciously focus on what you are eating but it also helps you build a subconscious mindset to stay on track with your goals. You can either carry a notepad or email yourself so you can write it down in your journal later. There are also software programs that will help you track calories. Another simple thing you can do is make sure to stay hydrated by consuming 55% of your body weight in ounces of water. Even mild dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.  For example: a 100 pounds person would consume 55 ounces per day (100 pounds multiplied by 0.55 = 55 ounces.)

If you would like additional tips and ideas I am here to help. If you have decided this is the year that you will improve the health of yourself and your family, I have a program that will get you to that goal. I am one of the elite trainers at the award winning, “BEST GYM by King 5’s Evening Magazine” Highline Athletic Club located at 125 South 156th in Burien. I have been servicing the members of HAC and the Burien community since 2001. I offer fully customized Meal Planning that is family-friendly and easy to use. I have delivered hundreds of meal plans to busy moms and professionals over the years. My plan is not a diet; it’s a dietary lifestyle change using foods that you and your family already eat.

You can look your best and feel terrific this holiday season. When you’re stuck in a rut and going at it alone, things seem so much more impossible. I can give anyone the ability to consistently lose 1-2 pounds every week. To give you an idea of how fast you will notice the results, imagine the size of a small grapefruit. Now, realize that a pound of body fat is approximately the volume of this same small grapefruit. It’s never too late, but the sooner you schedule an appointment the more you can lose before the holidays.

Get started before the New Year & start reaping the rewards.  A great food program paired with an effective exercise program will have you looking and feeling great in no time at all.  Stop by Highline Athletic Club to check out our great facility and full service offerings.

For more information about starting your personal food program contact me, Chris Knight at cell: (206) 551-4501 or Chris@HighlineAthleticClub.com.  I will be able to answer any of the questions you may have regarding this service.

SPECIAL OFFER: Mention The B-Town Blog and get ZERO ENROLLMENT FEES at Highline Athletic Club through December 30th (makes a GREAT GIFT)!

• Address: 125 South 156th Street, Burien, WA  98148
• Website: www.highlineathleticclub.com
• Phone: 206-246-9000

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BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club has been serving the community for 22 years and is proud to have recently received two awards – here’s their latest news:

Highline Athletic Club wins BEST GYM in the health and fitness category in King 5’s Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest. We are proud to have won this great award and appreciate the votes from our members, staff and local community. We will continue to strive to be the BEST and provide our members with excellent facility and service.

Highline Athletic Club also wins BEST WORKOUT VENUE from Highline Times readers.  Thank you to our community for voting for us.  We appreciate the recognition and support.

ZUMBA comes to HAC!!  What exactly is ZUMBA?
ZUMBA is known to burn 500 calories an hour with this hot new workout! Well, the word ZUMBA is a Colombian slang meaning to move fast and have fun.  Are you in already?  This cardio workout is famous for its Latin-inspired dance steps, Salsa, Merengue, Flamenco, and Samba.  Although ZUMBA’S success stems from its Latin roots, you may also hear a little country, funk and rock & roll.  A variety of world influences are used we well, including Indian harmonies, and African Reggae tone.  The music enjoyed in this dance-based class offers something for everyone.  The class will be offered at Highline Athletic Club Wednesdays 6:30 PM with Patricia Vessey instructing.  ZUMBA dances its way into HAC beginning Wednesday, December 2nd. For more information on ZUMBA visit www.zumba.com.

Special Enrollment Fee Discount!
Highline Athletic Club wants your help in donating food to the hungry for Northwest Harvest during the month of November.  All food non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at Highline Athletic Club by November 30th.  If you are a non-member and are interested in joining the club simply bring in a bag of food for Northwest Harvest and your donation is also worth $50 off the current enrollment special. Below are the November enrollment fee specials & also what the enrollment would be if you donate to Northwest Harvest.  Great way to not only help others, but also your own health.

This promotion and food drive will end on November 30th, 2009.

What types of food does Northwest Harvest need?
 Northwest Harvest can use any nonperishable food or monetary donations. If you prefer to donate food, select shelf-stable food with the lowest saturated fats and refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour). NW Harvest buys white rice and beans in bulk, so we encourage you to donate other items. Here are some suggestions:

General food items:

• Oatmeal
• Whole grain pastas
• Brown rice
• Tomato products
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit, especially with low sugar (but not artificial sweeteners)
• Canned fish or meat
• Shelf-stable milk
• Beef stew
• Chili and similar meals with low sugar and saturated fats

Infant and baby foods:

• Baby formula
• Canned milk
• Infant cereal
• Jars of baby food
• Powdered or canned milk
• Baby diapers also accepted

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It’s the time of year to move your outdoor workouts inside, and there isn’t a better time to get started than this week at BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club.

HAC members, as well as non-members are invited to join the “Group X” (that’s Group Exercise) team for a fun morning of classes this Saturday Oct. 24th as they showcase their new fall class releases. This means new music & inspiring routines.  Come try multiple 30-minute sample classes and get a great workout!

That’s right, you can experience the music and routines for FREE whether you’re a member or not.  Fact is if you’re not a member, now would be a perfect time to join!  There will be ZERO, NADA, NOTHING charged to join the Highline Athletic Club now through Saturday, October 24th.  Just mention “The B-Town Blog” when you enroll and everything that HAC has to offer will become yours.

In addition to GroupX classes, there’s basketball, pickle ball, swimming pool, steam, sauna, Pilates Reformer studio…you name it, and HAC has it.

Join during the week so you are ready to go on Saturday with the first class starting at 8am.  And as a bonus, all Group X participants will receive HAC’s First edition member/staff Fall Cookbook as a gift.

Here is the line up:

8:00-8:30AM If you can move, you can Groove! You’ll stomp, flick, wiggle, jiggle, hip, hop, snap, shimmy, shake, slide, glide, smile and laugh your way through this 60 minute fitness dance program. Experience a fusion of club, urban and Latin dance styles with motivating chart topping hits and retro classic tunes. Supportive, funky, easy going instructor’s help you Get A Move On! with Group Groove®.

8:00-9:00AM: Everyone finishes first in Group Ride®! Pedal in groups, roll over hills, chase the pack, climb mountains and spin your way to burning calories and strengthening your lower body. This 60 minute cycling program is geared for anyone that can ride a bike. Motivating music, awesome instructors and an inspiring group environment lets you Ride On!

8:40-9:10AM: Group Kick® brings it on! This electric 60 minute fusion class of martial arts and boxing movements will kick your cardio fitness to the next level while defining and shaping your body and self confidence! Energetic music, awesome instructors and a group environment will keep you punching, kicking and smiling! Group Kick will knock you out!

9:20-9:50AM: Group Power® is your hour of power! This 60 minute barbell program strengthens all your major muscles in an inspiring, motivating group environment with fantastic music and awesome instructors. Group Power is for all ages and fitness levels. Discover results, discover Group Power!

10:00-10:30AM: Redefine yourself with Group Centergy®! Grow longer and stronger as you explore this 60-minute journey of yoga and Pilates movements. Positive uplifting music, group dynamics and supportive instructors will enable you to center your energy, reduce stress and even smile. Discover Group Centergy!

To repeat, all you have to do to take advantage of this fall special is:

• Before end of business this Saturday, Oct. 24th, mention The B-Town Blog and your enrollment fee will be ZERO!
• This Saturday, Oct. 24th, test out the club by trying out a free GroupX class listed above.
  
• Enjoy your newfound savings and health club!

Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th in Burien, and their phone number is 206-246-9000.

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Sunday afternoon (Oct. 4th) was a gorgeous fall day, perfect for the first-ever Burien Brat Trot fundraiser race which wound its way through 5K near Olde Burien.

The winners were:

MEN: Alex Frank, 30, Poulsbo, with a time of 17:54.3

WOMEN: Natalie D’Amico (pictured), 23, with a time of 21:38.3

If you recognize Natalie, it’s because she used to work at 909 Coffee & Wine in Olde Burien. She is now a police officer in Redmond.

Here’s a listing of the top 20 finishers:

1. Alex Frank, Poulsbo, 30, 17:54.3
2. Matt Parker, Burien, 30, 15:55.5
3. Shawn Fehr, Bellingham, 27 ,18:39.6
4. Team Stretchers, Burien, 18:46.2
5. Eric Taylor, Burien, 32 18:56.2
6. Ohrt Family, Seahurst, 18:57.4
7. Dave Allen, Seattle, 42, 19:26.4
8. Jim Mazza, Seattle, 45, 19:29.4
9. Westside Baby Racers, 19:42.7
10. Jason Cummings, Everett, 38, 20:00.5
11. Missing Link, Burien, 20:13.6
12. Douglas Cox, Jr., Burien, 33, 20:23.1
13. Wayne Frank, Pasco, 57, 20:46.9
14. Carl Luer, Kirkland, 51, 20:51.5
15. Eugene Partridge, Kent, 58, 20:58.8
16. Robert Moore, Auburm 43, 21:06.4
17. Paul Steffenson, Seattle, 44, 21:13.6
18. Vincent Partridge, SeaTac, 37, 21:27.2
19. Brien Marcus, Des Moines, 29, 21:27.2
20. Natalie D’Amico, 23, 21:38.3

We’ll be posting more photos later, so be sure to check back…

The brand spankin’ new Matt Griffin YMCA is holding its grand opening this Saturday, Oct. 3rd from Noon to 5pm at its new location at 3595 South 188th in SeaTac.

The opening will feature free activities, including tours, health and wellness information, class demos, youth and family activities, cooking demonstrations, climbing on the new 28-foot climbing pinnacle and live music.

The facility is named after Matt Griffin, who began his involvement with the YMCA of Greater Seattle in the early 1980s. This is only the third time a local YMCA facility has been named for a community leader. Griffin joined the board in 1983 and has served in numerous leadership roles since. As chair of the board from 1997 – 2000, he oversaw a very successful $17 million capital campaign that redeveloped the historic Downtown Seattle YMCA and added youth development centers in YMCA branches throughout King County. Griffin also co-chaired the million It’s All About Community capital campaign. Conservative estimates indicate that Griffin has directly shepherded more than $55 million in philanthropic contributions for the YMCA– exponentially more than anyone else in our 132 year history.

Additionally, the Matt Griffin YMCA is also one of 11 local YMCAs selected as part of a $750,000 Knight Foundation grant to expand newcomer services. Key areas of focus include language and education, health and well-being, citizenship and civic engagement, job initiatives, and support of inclusive planning to strengthen communities. The new Y will offer more and better services than ever before to ethnic populations in the Sea-Tac and Highline communities.

Saturday’s event is entirely free and open to the public.

The YMCA chose the Matt Griffin location in the SeaTac neighborhood because that community is the fastest growing area in the Puget Sound area, in terms of both poverty and diversity. The new Matt Griffin YMCA will address needs in SeaTac, Highline, Burien, Normandy Park, White Center, Des Moines and other local areas.

There’s less than a week to go until Olde Burien gets turned into “Von Boorianland Uber Alles” when SW 152nd will be transformed into a German village for the first-ever “Brat Trot” fundraiser race and pub crawl.

In case you haven’t heard about it, here are the basics:

The Brat Trot fundraiser race is being “braut” to you by The Tin Room and Dan the Sausageman with help from the good peeps who helped run the Cove to Clover Race back in March (which raised $12K), with proceeds benefiting:

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

But this isn’t just another fun run fundraiser folks – no, this one has a full mythology, with characters, a bizarre backstory, talking sausages and all the plot elements of a compelling rags to riches and back to rags story that can only be understood by showing up at the event(s).

PUB CRAWL:
Here are the details of the pre-function Pub Crawl the night before the race (Sat. Oct. 3rd):

• 6pm: Starts at The Tin Room, where you’ll pick up an official crawl bib # for just $10.
• You’ll then “crawl” to at least five of the official local stops (see list below) for “crawl drink and food specials.”
• At each you will gather visitation stickers to qualify for a fabulous door prize drawing to be held at The Tin Room at 11pm.
• 11pm: Return to the Tin Room – Burien’s own “Yodeling Dominatrix” Manuela Horn, fresh from her stint on “America’s Got Talent!” will serve as MC. Now if you missed Manuela’s family-friendly yodeling performance at Saturday’s Oktoberfest in Town Square, you’ll be happy to know that her busty, adult alter-ego will make a leather-clad and whip appearance Saturday night at 11pm at The Tin Room near the end of the Pub Crawl!
• Dress in traditional German costumes (not just a hat with feather) or come dressed as a beautiful Bratwurst (even better) and you crawl for free (well, actually you’ve paid with your self respect in the case of the brat suit).
• There will be numerous specials from area business worth crawling to, such as:
  • La Costa: House Margarita $4; La Costa Nachos $5.25
  • Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub: Alaskan Amber $2.50; Mini corned beef sandwiches $1
  • The Mark: German Beer specials; Brat & Kraut appetizers; Play “Find the Brat” (in the kraut bowl)
  • Vino Bello: $5 wine tastings
  • Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub: Happy Hour prices on beer and wine; Brat Sampler
  • Bison Creek Pizza & Pub: Bud Light $2; Breadsticks & Garlic Bread $2; Chrome Molly plays (AC/DC tribute band)
  • Burien Press: Free espresso shot; Art Open House
  • The Hobnobber(!): Budweiser $2; Bag of Chips $1
  • The House Collier Catering
  • 909 Coffee & Wine
  • Primo de Osteria
    
• Door Prizes will be provided by BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club

RACE DAY:
To register for the race, click here (deadline is Oct. 2nd, so act fast).

Also, on race day, a very special slate of entertainment will be performing near the Tin Room, featuring:

• The Oom Pa’s and Ma’s, rumored to be the only oom-pah band to be kicked out of an Oktoberfest at Leavenworth for public drunkenness will play at 1pm Sunday (see their MySpace page here).
• Tin Room Beer Garden
• Brat and Kraut Feed
• Pictures with Brats
• Root Beer Garden (free hotdogs and root beer for the kids)
• Special Guest MC Peter Fewing

Start/Finish and Oktoberfest Address: 923 SW 152nd Street (The Tin Room).

Please park legally on the streets in the area (please respect the neighbors).

• 11am: Pre-Reg Packet Pickup begins at the Start Line; come early – especially for relay registration
• 11:30am: Shuttle Relay Pre-Race (runners 2 and 3) begins at Start Line; Last pickup is at 12:50 pm. Shuttle Relay Post-Race (runners 1 and 2) After running your leg, relax and ride the shuttle back to the Tin Room
• 1pm: 5K Start Time
• 1:05pm: Relay Start Time

This fine fundraising event is “braut” to you by the following local sponsors (including The B-Town Blog):

For more information, read our previous coverage here:

• Register For The Brat Trot Fundraiser Before Wed., Sept. 16th And Save $$$!
• EXCLUSIVE: A Q & A With “Bret The Brat” About The Oct. 4th Brat Trot & Oct. 3rd Pub Crawl
• Highline Schools Foundation Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance & Auction Is Saturday, Oct. 10th
• Prepare For The “Wurst”: First-Ever “Brat Trot” 5K Run Is Coming Sunday, Oct. 4th; Pub Crawl Sat., Oct. 3rd

You only have until this Wed. Sept. 30th at 5pm to join BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club for ZERO enrollment fee.

As in Nada. Zilch. Zero.

All you have to do is get yourself over to the club by end of business (5pm) on Wednesday and say “I saw it on the B-Town Blog!” and the friendly folks at HAC will sign you up for NO CHARGE!

That’s right – ZERO enrollment fees now through the end of September when you mention the blog. Swing by HAC today at 125 South 156th, or call Christina in Membership Services at 206-246-9000, or email membershipservices@highlineathleticclub.com with the Subject Line “I saw it on the Blog!”

Depending on the size of your membership, you can save up to $200 with this special blog-only offer.

The Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th Street, and is open 5am-10pm Monday-Friday; 7am-8pm on Saturday; and 8am-8pm on Sunday.

Burien Parks Department has teamed up again with Underdog Sports to bring B-Town some fun league sports for fall that will allow adults to act like kids again, including coed dodgeball and coed volleyball!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Parks & Underdog Sports – Coed Dodgeball or Coed Volleyball

WHEN: Dodgeball starts Oct. 12th; Volleyball Oct. 13th

WHERE: If there’s decent weather, some play will be outside; otherwise, Volleyball and Dodgeball are available at conveniently located Hazel Valley Elementary school (located at 402 SW 132nd Street, Burien 98146) starting in October.

COST: Dodgeball: Teams: $475 | Individuals: $75 • Volleyball: Teams: $395 | Individuals: $75

INFO: Sign-up online here. Teams, small groups of friends, and individuals are welcome!

Small groups of friends should sign-up as Individuals and use the “Players to be Teamed With” Field on the sign-up form.

Monday Burien Dodgeball:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 10 (10 Team t-shirts Included w/ Sign-Up)
• 2 Fast Paced Twenty Minute Matches Each Night
• “No-sting” RhinoSkin Coated Foam Dodgeballs
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• 7 – 9 PM Game Start Times
• Starts October 12th ( 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23)

Teams: $475 | Individuals: $75

Tuesday Burien Indoor Volleyball:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 12
• 1 Hour Match Each Night – Play out the full hour
• Coed Format and Net Height
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• 6:30 – 9:30 PM Game Start Times
• Starts October 13th (10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1)

Teams: $395 | Individuals: $75

All co-ed teams, 6 week seasons for all, plus extended week playoffs for those teams who qualify.

More information at www.underdogburien.com or contact eliza@underdogseattle.com.

The Wurst is coming to Burien on Sunday, Oct. 4th folks…are you ready?

By “Wurst” we mean the very unique fundraiser known as the (first-annual) “Brat Trot” 5K run (which you can count down to with our handy-dandy timer over there in the right sidebar…).

As we first reported here on Aug. 3rd, Brat Trot is being “braut” to you by The Tin Room, with help from the good peeps who helped run the Cove to Clover Race back in March (which raised $12K), with proceeds benefiting:

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

BRET THE BRAT (with Hot Link in the old country)

We were able to obtain an exclusive interview with “Bret the Brat,” who’s become a sort of official mascot of the event, which we present to you below in its unedited entirety (NOTE: Bret speaks with an accent, so it’s best to read this with one in your head):

Q: What is this “Brat Trot” thing anyways?
A: Think of this as gesture of goodwill…the sausage community extending handshake of friendship to nearby humans. Though we are sorry about that sausages will crush humans in the running challenge.

Q: Why Olde Burien?
A: Dan the Sausageman is near the center of the known sausage universe. All sausages want to come here…though most do not come because they can’t walk. And oddly, the ones who do end up here seem so happy, they never leave. Is odd.

Q: Is this a fundraiser?
A: Yes, yes, yes. We want to help smaller human children by helping WestSide Baby and Safe Kids of South King County. Maybe, we are working to help those organizations to care for perhaps, little bratwursts in future as well.

Q: Who the heck are you and why should we care?
A: Why you curse to me? I am a friendly Bratwurst trying to make place of Burien friendly. Humans and sausages we become nice friends, no?

Q: Will you be running?
A: I have been training for this for more than one month, I will be most likely be winning.

Q: What’s this about an oompa band at the finish line?
A: Bratwurst are from Bavaria, so naturally we love the oompah and this band is the best (and is very large). We tried to get German rock band Scorpions but they want more than $500…much, much more…is too bad.

Q: What can runners expect during the race?
A: Please prepare to lose running competition to highly trained running sausages. Other than that, there is much fun for human adults and children. Bratwurst with kraut, beer garden, root beer garden (free food and root beer for kids), floating brat races for the kids and of course dancing sausages. And have whole family take photo with a sausage for your special yuletide greeting cards.

Q: What’s this about a relay race with a hot dog?
A: NO HOT DOGS WILL BE AT MY RACE! The brat-ton is a faux sausage handcrafted from foam rubber. It will be a cherished item passed from down in family of high class. You want more details you go to this webpage! NO MORE SPEAKEN DAS HOT DOGGEN!

Q: Rumor has it that the “Yodeling Dominatrix” may be there as well?
A: Hmmm, is new information to me. Maybe special friend of Sausageman?

Q: Where the heck is this all happening again?
A: Oh for the sake of Der Schlussenfuffel, here’s das mappen – clicken to see larger version:

Q: What is this about a Pub Crawl on Sat., Oct. 3rd, the night before the race?
A: Ah yes, well yes I will be there, and will be allowing you humans to “warm up for race” with me during this fun pre-event. Pick up official crawl bib # ($10) at Tin Room beginning at 6pm, then crawl to at least five of the official crawl stops for “crawl drink and food specials.” At each you are to gather visitation stickers to qualify for door prize drawing to be held at Tin Room at 11pm. Humans asked to dress in traditional German costumes (not just hat mit das feather) or come dressed as a beautiful Bratwurst (even better) and you crawl for free (well, actually you’ve paid with your self respect in the case of the brat suit). Humans asked also please have what you call “designated driver” or taxi take you home, no? Seeking ze further info here.

Q: We understand that you’re in a video. Can we post it?
A: No. Whatever you does, no posting no viewing of video. I sign no release, and whoever watches will pay bigtime und hearen from mein lawyers!

Burien’s Hospitality House is holding a “Street Walk for the Women” fundraiser walk in downtown Burien on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Hospitality House’s 8th Annual “Street Walk for the Women” fundraiser for Homeless women.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26th at 10am; registration starts at 9:30am.

WHERE: Look for the Hospitality House booth at Burien Town Square near SW 152nd; you can register there, or before via online or snailmail (details below).

INFO: Have fun, win prizes and do good. The walk is a lively two miles through the heart of Burien to benefit Homeless women in South King County.

Multiply your efforts by asking friends, family, neighbors & co-workers to sponsor you with donations made to Hospitality House in your name. List them on the second/reverse page.

Here’s the plan:

1. Pre-registration fee is $15 before Sept. 23rd; Same Day fee is $20; you can register online by downloading this form (PDF)
2. Registration starts at 9:30am Sept. 26th at the Hospitality House table near SW 152nd at Burien Town Square; if you have sponsors, bring your completed sponsor form and money to the registration table before the walk
3. Get your route map and list of Sponsors from the registration table, take time to stretch and warm up.
4. Walk starts at 10am.
5. Return to the stage after the walk to see if you win one of the numerous prizes. Top money raisers can select their choice of prizes.
6. If you cannot participate but would like to help Hospitality House, please charge through Paypal on their website at: www.hospitalityhousesouthking.org or mail your check to:

Hospitality House
Attn: 152nd Street Walk
15003 14th SW
Burien WA 98166

Hospitality House is a nine bed shelter for homeless women in South King County. Founded in October 2000 by 12 sponsoring churches. Our mission is to help women find Home Health and Hope Each year we (graduate) approximately 70 women from a comprehensive 90-day program designed to help residence find employment, improve their life skills , and secure a safe affordable place to call home.

How is your donated dollar spent?

• $15 registration fee will stock the refrigerator of Hospitality House with sandwich makings for one day.
• $65 pays for one night of shelter.
• $250 sponsorship pays the monthly phone bill.
• $500 Sees a residence through a two week stay
• $2000. Sponsors a resident for the entire 12 week program, preparing them for a secure and stable life.

How many have been helped?

Since 2000 more than 400 women, ages 18 to 58, have received the services of Hospitality House.

Want to find out more about Hospitality House? Visit their website at: www.hospitalityhousesouthking.org.

EXCLUSIVE: Now this is special – you, your business or your family can join BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club for ZERO enrollment fee. All you have to do is get yourself over to the club and say “I saw it on the B-Town Blog!” and the friendly folks at HAC will sign you up for NO CHARGE!

That’s right – ZERO enrollment fees now through the end of September when you mention the blog. Swing by HAC today at 125 South 156th, or call Christina in Membership Services at 206-246-9000, or email membershipservices@highlineathleticclub.com with the Subject Line “I saw it on the Blog!”

Depending on the size of your membership, you can save up to $200 with the special blog-only offer.

The Highline Athletic Club is open 5am-10pm Monday-Friday; 7am-8pm on Saturday; and 8am-8pm on Sunday.

When you join Highline Athletic Club, you’ve chosen the only full-service gym in the Burien area. With its pool, basketball court, pickleball court, and state of the art Pilates Studio you’ll find workouts that other gyms just don’t offer. You’ll also be able to choose from 50 group exercises HAC calls ‘Group X’, including Centergy, Groove, Power, Ride, Step, Active to name a few.

If swimming is something you’re interested in, know that the climate controlled pool (always 84 degrees) offers lap swimming and water aerobics

Also as a new member you’ll receive three sessions with a highly trained instructor to learn how to work the equipment as well as to create a personalized fitness regimine based on needs and goals.

No more excuses…join today for zero enrollment just by mentioning The B-Town Blog.

But hurry…you only have til’ September 30th to act on this special offer.

BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club has been serving the Burien community for 21 years, and they’d like to share this update:

“We know there are many choices when it comes to fitness and we’d like to invite you to visit our facility so we can introduce ourselves to you. We believe that we have the best club in the area, with the most attentive and knowledgeable staff, great members, equipment and services that sets us apart from all other fitness business, and a club that is truly a clean and comfortable place to work out. We understand that making a decision to commit to working out can be difficult and picking the right club for you may even be harder. Will I like the gym? Will I like the members? What services do they offer? Will I be able to get help with a workout program?

Your health is your best investment and Highline Athletic Club offers something for everyone. We are a full service facility that offers a workout in a non-crowded and non-intimidating environment. If you have shopped other clubs in the area you will note that we are one of the more expensive clubs in town. We do this by choice. To us, poor service, unclean facilities and lack of service all go hand in hand with being the cheapest club in town. You simply cannot be the best and the cheapest at the same time in any service business. If you appreciate quality, then we are the club for you.

We do offer a full service facility, and a few of the services that Highline Athletic Club offers that differentiate us from other clubs in the area is our swimming pool, Pilates Studio, Body Training System Group Exercise classes, Full gymnasium including an indoor running track, basketball, pickle ball, racquetball and squash courts, and member social events.

Our state of the art Pilates studio is celebrating its 2nd anniversary. We offer top notch instructors, private, semi-private and group instruction on Pilates apparatus as well as mat classes. We are offering the following Pilates anniversary special:”

“We’d also like to share a recent testimonial from one of our members:

Wow! I can’t believe a year has gone by so quickly. I began at the HAC just over a year ago and it has been such an awesome experience. Everyone has been so nice and I have made many friends, I feel right at home.

I have always been active and came to the HAC because I was struggling with injuries from running. I knew that I needed to work on other areas to resolve and prevent more injuries.

I started with Autum twice a week and immediately began to get results. Autum has been wonderful, I have learned so much from her. My injuries are gone and I have competed in multiple events this year. I feel stronger, look better, and run faster. I recently entered my first Triathlon; I never learned to ride a bike as a child, so this was a big deal for me. As I rode my bike in the Tri, I was thanking Autum for giving me the strength to ride the bike. I am not very competent at shifting the gears on the bike so I powered though much of the ride. I can’t say enough about my entire experience at the HAC, I enjoy it very much.

I owe it to myself to continue to train with Autum and work out at the HAC. I am very glad I joined and would like to thank all of you (especially Autum) for the perfect work out experience.

I really didn’t convey how welcome and at ease I feel at the HAC. It really is a great place for a work out and to build your self esteem. Autum is a gift and I am proud of my self, I am 51 and getting better and stronger with her help.

- Michele, HAC Member”

For more information, please visit Highline Athletic Club’s website here.

Do you want to get in shape but don’t know how to get started or have failed in the past?

Do you have a high school reunion coming up that you want to look your best at?

Do you want to achieve maximum results for the time you invest in your workouts?

Do you need help attaining your fitness goals and sticking to an exercise program?

BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club has Personal Trainers who will design a personal program for you based on your individual needs.  They can help you target the areas you want to work on and provide the right combination of machines & free weights and the right combination of cardiovascular activity and weight-bearing exercise.  They will show you how to achieve maximum results and how to lose fat and gain lean muscle.  Lean muscle from weight training increases your metabolism and you will burn more calories throughout the day.

Highline Athletic Club is proud to present its top notch Personal Training Team.  Personal Training is available for both members and non-members.  We offer a variety of expertise in our trainers so that we can cater to all types of individual needs.

AUTUM – B.S. EXERCISE SCIENCE & WELLNESS, Bastyr University – A.C.S.M. CERTIFIED HEALTH FITNESS SPECIALIST
Autum has a great passion for optimal health and wellness.  Growing up watching most women in her family struggle with obesity, she knows first-hand the daily challenges of choosing to walk a different path; & the importance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy mind and body.  Autum is a firm believer in living a balanced life, yet she also knows the value of reaching deep within oneself to achieve higher goals.  She will empower you with tools to feel better everyday and show you how applying focus and quality, coupled with a positive mindset, will produce the results you are looking to achieve.

FERETI – FITNESS & PERSONAL TRAINER – IFPA ADVANCE PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION – ACE CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Fereti has been a successful lifestyle and fitness consultant since 1994 specializing in weight loss management, functional training and body sculpting. He has an extensive international fitness background, having worked at the “Les Mills Club” in Auckland, N.Z & the “Recreation Health Club” in Melbourne, Australia. Fereti is passionate about creating a positive experience for each client based on their individual goals. He believes that consistency is paramount in achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

JAN –  AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER; ENHANCE FITNESS INSTRUCTOR & B.A., M.S.:  BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Jan believes strongly that “exercise is medicine”.  Her goal is to help others get into and stay in shape so that they can enjoy an excellent quality of life and health into a “ripe old age”.  As an older adult, Jan understands the numerous benefits that can be reaped from a regular exercise program, and how important these are to leading a life that is active and fun.  She is an advocate of programs with variety that are tailored to the individual so that people are attaining new levels of fitness while engaged in activities they enjoy and can maintain.  In the past few years, she has added resistance training to her workouts to increase her cardiovascular health, bone density and strength to get another 20 yards out of those golf drives!

KAREN – FITNESS TRAINER, Ashmead College & MINDFUL & STRESS RELEASE ASSOCIATE
Karen is passionate about fitness and living a well balanced life.  She has been involved in fitness for 15 years and a personal trainer for the past 4 years.  Karen understands the emotional side of obesity as well as its challenges, having lost 85lbs herself and has kept it off for 10 years.  Karen is also a type II diabetic and has dealt with the ups & downs of this disease and knows what it takes to stay healthy nutritionally.  She believes that “making a lifestyle change” is the key to health & wellness and does this with understanding, her personality, and making fitness fun!  She approaches personal training with “Functional Training”, a program based upon every day living such as dealing with balance, stability, core, mobility & flexibility.

RUEBEN – N.S.C.A.  CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Rueben has been involved in the fitness industry since 1989.  He worked for 8 years in a medically based fitness center with services such as cardiac/pulmonary rehab, physical therapy, diabetic rehab, sports medicine clinic, and weight management classes.  He enjoys the challenge of working with different people.  Rueben believes that you should never stop learning about all aspects of “optimal” health and that exercise can and should grow into a fundamental expression of ones’ zest of life and passion for fulfillment.

SCOTT – ACE PERSONAL TRAINER & U of W SPORTS MED.  & HUMAN PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION
Scott has been involved in the fitness industry since 1984 & personal training for more than 15 years. Whether he is working with athletes seeking that competitive edge, or individuals interested in improving their quality of life, his passion is evident in the results that his clients experience.  He provides tools, guidance and positive support to help individuals reach their goals. But it takes a clients desire to learn and work hard to get the results. By setting short and long term goals trainers can help individuals to recognize the overall benefits of their efforts.

KIMI – B.A. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA & N.S.C.A. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER & BTS CERTIFIED: Group Ride, Group Power, Group Groove
Achieving your desired level of health can seem like an overwhelming pursuit.  By integrating fun fitness and positive practices into your busy life, inspiring you to do your best, and uncovering the mental and physical tools you need to succeed, Kimi will help you attain your goals.  Kimi believes that total health is a life-long investment that includes not only physical strength, but also strength of mind and a balanced life.

CHRIS – HEALTH & FITNESS TECHNOLOGIST/Renton Vo-Tech & AFAA PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFIED
I have been a certified fitness specialist since 2001. What I’ve learned is that when goals are taken on with pride and ambition, you can accomplish anything. Changing your life can happen at any age and level of ability if you have the will power. Your willpower coupled with my passion, enthusiasm and expertise will get you to a place you’ve never envisioned possible. I believe that a healthy workout program should not only make you strong and lean, but also focus on reducing pain, improving posture and increase mobility. I’m driven in my career as a fitness specialist for one main reason, to see the smile on a clients face when they’re bodies change and goals are accomplished. Simply, it’s what I absolutely love to do!

The good folks at Highline Athletic Club would love to help you get started and to achieve your fitness goals – come by and see them or email dona@highlineathleticclub.com and she will be happy to assist you in getting started.

On the last morning of Burien’s Strawberry & Arts Festival (Sunday, June 21st), the 3rd Annual Burien Festival 5K & Family 1K Run will take place, starting at 9am.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 3rd Annual Burien Festival 5K & Family 1K Runs

WHEN: Sunday, June 21st, beginning at 9am (registration begins at 7:30am)

WHERE: Race begins at Burien’s Interim Art Space, located at SW 150th & 4th Ave SW, then heads east through Olde Burien and the surrounding neighborhood. The course will be clearly marked by cones, and volunteers will be available at most intersections. The 1K Kid’s race will start 1K from the 5K course finish line. Check back for a course map.

COST: $25 registration fee (you can register online here)

INFO: “The Burien Festival 5K Run is an annual community event sponsored by WhiteWater Aquatics. The purpose of the run, aside from providing a healthy activity for our members and the community, is to raise funds for the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center and for scholarships for WhiteWater swimmers.

This year, we’re adding a Family 1K Run for kids 12 and under – while they can compete in either race, the 1K will have a SuperHero theme – kids are encouraged, but not required, to dress as their favorite SuperHero and run the race. A prize for best costume will be given at the completion of the Family 1k Run.

Q:  Who is WhiteWater Aquatics and why are they sponsoring a 5K Run?
A:   WhiteWater Aquatics is a year-round competitive swim team that swims at Evergreen and Tukwila Pools.  Swimmers are from ages 5 to 18, and are from the local Highline area.

Q:  How do I register?
A:  Register on-line at www.getmeregistered.com or at the registration site the day of the race.

Q:  How much are the registration fees?
A:  The entry fee is $25 per participant, if you register prior to the event (strongly encouraged to guarantee you’ll get a T-shirt!), and $15 for the 1K Kid’s Run.  The entry fees will increase by $5 (and no guarantees about getting a T-shirt) starting on June 7th, two weeks before the race.

Q: If I register online, how do I get my race packet?
A:  T-shirts, bibs and timing chips will be available for pick up the day of the race (Sunday, June 21th, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.) at the Registration area near the starting line.

Q: What time do the different events begin?
A:   7:30 a.m.    Registration begins at the race starting line on 6th Ave SW and SW 152nd St.
9:00 a.m.    5K Run begins
9:45 a.m.    1K Run begins on last portion of 5K course
10:15 a.m.   Awards Ceremony at the finish line

Q:  Where does the race start?
A:  The 5K race starts and finishes at the Burien Interim Art Space Park located at S.W. 150th & 4th Avenue S.W..  The race heads east through Olde Burien and the surrounding neighborhood.  The course will be clearly marked by cones, and volunteers will be available at most intersections.  The 1K Kid’s race will start 1K from the 5K course finish line.  Check back for a course map.

Q:  Will timing chips be used in the 5K race?
A:  Yes.  All timing chips must be returned immediately following the race.  Runners who fail to return their timing chips are subject  to a $30 fee, refundable when the chip is returned.

Q:  Are strollers or baby joggers or dogs allowed in the 5K Run?
A:  Strollers ARE allowed, Dog are NOT.

Q:  Who should I call if I have more questions?
A:  Call 206.878.0499

Burien’s Parks Department has teamed up with Underdog Sports to bring B-Town some fun league sports for summer, including everyone’s childhood favorite, KICKBALL!

Sunday Burien Kickball League at Chelsea Park:

• 10 Players in the Field (4 women/6 men)
• Rosters up to 15 (15 Team t-shirts Included w/ Sign-Up)
• 7 inning or 50 minute games
• All the Goofy Fun You Remember from Elementary School!
• 6 week Season plus playoffs for qualifying teams
• 2 – 8 PM Game Start Times
• Starts June 14th (6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9)

Wednesday Burien Kickball League at Moshier Park:

• 10 Players in the Field (4 women/6 men)
• Rosters up to 15 (15 Team t-shirts Included w/ Sign-Up)
• 7 inning or 50 minute games
• All the Goofy Fun You Remember from Elementary School!
• 6 week Season plus playoffs for qualifying teams
• 7 – 9 PM Game Start Times
• Starts July 1st (7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19)

Underdog’s 8+ years of rec sports experience combined with great Burien Parks and Rec facilities make for a lot of fun in a league setting. Look for even more sports and offerings in the future.

Sign-Up Online: www.UnderdogBurien.com

Full information and registration is available on the web. For teams and players who are participating in leagues, the site includes schedules, team pages, locations, and directions links.

Teams, Small Groups of Friends, and Individuals Welcomw.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFO: From their website:

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

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It’s “Spring Training” time at BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club, which is celebrating this Saturday, April 18th with an incredible one-day grand slam of a special – NO ENROLLMENT FEES!

On Saturday, the HAC basketball court will be taken over for a FREE launch of GroupX (that’s Group Exercise), spring music and routines.

That’s right, you can experience the music and routines at no charge whether you’re a member or not. Fact is if you’re not a member, Saturday would be a perfect time to join, because there will be ZERO, NADA, NOTHING charged to join the Highline Athletic Club this Saturday only.

Here’s what you have to do get this amazing special:

1. Show up Saturday, April 18th and take one of the free demo GroupX Classes (schedule below)
   
2. After class, just enroll and everything that HAC has to offer will become yours (in addition to GroupX classes, there’s basketball, pickle ball, swimming pool, tanning…you name it, and HAC has it).

The schedule is as follows. Get there early and enjoy several classes, swimming or Salsa. The fun starts at 7:30am and runs ‘til 10:40am:

7:30-8:30am: Everyone finishes first in Group Ride®! Pedal in groups, roll over hills, chase the pack, climb mountains and spin your way to burning calories and strengthening your lower body. This normally 60-minute cycling program is geared for anyone that can ride a bike. Motivating music, awesome instructors and an inspiring group environment lets you Ride On!

8:00-8:35am: Group Kick® brings it on! This electric 60 minute fusion class of martial arts and boxing movements will kick your cardio fitness to the next level while defining and shaping your body and self confidence! Energetic music, awesome instructors and a group environment will keep you punching, kicking and smiling! Group Kick will knock you out!

8:45-9:20am: Group Power® is your hour of power! This normally 60-minute barbell program strengthens all your major muscles in an inspiring, motivating group environment with fantastic music and awesome instructors. Group Power is for all ages and fitness levels. Discover results, discover Group Power!

9:30-10:00am: Discover new heights with Group Step®! Utilizing the step in many positions and heights, this compelling normally 60-minute cardio program strengthens and shapes the lower body one step at a time. Energetic music and motivating instructors create this spunky group experience. Step this way with Group Step.

10:10-10:40am: Redefine yourself with Group Centergy®. Grow longer and stronger as you explore this regularly 60-minute journey of yoga and Pilates movements. Positive uplifting music, group dynamics and supportive instructors will enable you to center your energy, reduce stress and even smile. Discover Group Centergy!

And for good measure Highline Athletic Club has included two additional, very popular group classes: Salsa and Aqua Lite:

7:30-8:00am: Salsa lets you boogie to a Latin beat, while providing a solid cardio workout with a Latin flavor. Steps are broken down for all fitness and coordination levels.

8:00-9:00am: Aqua Lite is a great way to get an aerobic workout and tone muscles in a non-impact environment. Foam dumbbells and other devices are used to add resistance and intensity. Please advise your instructor if you are not a swimmer. The pool is 4.5 feet deep.

To repeat, all you have to do to take advantage of this grand slam of a special is:

• This Saturday, April 18th, take one free GroupX class listed above
  
• March over to the reception area and enroll/signup for membership
  
• Say you’re there because you read about the Zero initiation fee on The B-Town Blog (not required but hey, why not give us a plug?)
  
• Enjoy your newfound savings and health club!

Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th in Burien, and their phone number is 206-246-9000:

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The Tukwila Rotary Club is holding “Strike Out Hunger,” a special bowling party fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry this Saturday, March 28th, from 9am to Noon at Acme Bowl in Tukwila.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Join us at ACME Bowl in Tukwila for a great event that supports the Tukwila Food Pantry!

WHEN: Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 am — 12 noon; Bowler check-in at 8:45am

WHERE: ACME Bowl in Tukwila, located at 100 Andover Park West in Tukwila (map below); 206.340.ACME

COST: Entry fee: Minimum of $200 per team (4 bowlers); Entry deadline: March 24th or until full. Don’t wait…register today!

INFO: For event information, bowler registration and sponsorship opportunities visit: www.TukwilaRotary.org.

If you have questions, or need further assistance, please contact the Tukwila Rotary at 206-674-4673 or send an e-mail to: StrikeOutHunger@TukwilaRotary.org.

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

Here are the details:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great for families, friends and groups!

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by Janet Grella

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog stretches out and gives a big welcome to our latest Advertiser: PilatesBurien.com!

It’s a website, a blog and an instructor that’s all about Pilates. Founder Scott Miller is a dynamo of a man who has a mission in life – to get everyone in B-Town and beyond to enjoy the many benefits of Pilates.

To attract newcomers (and non Highline Athletic Club members) Scott and HAC are offering member rates to non-members. That’s a savings of over $100, depending on your class level and length of classes.

Just mention you heard about the offer on The B-Town Blog when registering.

When able, this writer likes to participate in what I’m writing about; some even call me “Georgia Plimpton.” Therefore PilatesBurien Instructor Scott Miller invited me to try a private Pilates session at HAC. Dressed in my workout clothes, we entered a state-of-the-art, fully equipped Pilates Studio at the club. He introduced me to all his weird-looking “friends” (aka equipment) including Gratz equipment like:

• Reformers (the centerpiece of Pilates)
• Cadillac
• Barrels
• Wunda Chairs
• Electric Chair
• Ped-o-Pul
• Magic Circles
• Wall Units
• Foot Corrector
• Mats

For the purpose of my workout we used the Reformer–to warm up–and the Cadillac to pull me every which way but loose. Seriously, the Cadillac worked my core and legs, and Scott told me that the trapezey-thingy would tighten and sculpt my sagging arms (move over Michelle O!). Nice thing about a private lesson is the amount of personal and professional attention I received from Scott. As a matter of fact, Scott told me that in order to get into semi-private or group classes the student should first have 10 private sessions.

Great thing to me about the workout was that the next day I knew I’d had some exercise, but I wasn’t hurting! Under Scott’s tutelage I was guided through each exercise slowly, carefully and correctly. Scott helped me build confidence with every move! You can check out the testimonials here to see what his students think of Scott as an instructor.

From the Highline Athletic Club website, Pilates has earned a feature spot in the world of fitness due to its effectiveness and its many benefits including:

• A healthy, supple spine
• Kinder, gentler conditioning
• Better balance, more coordination
• Less pain and stiffness
• Faster return to pre-pregnancy figure
• Sports performance & other benefits

Meet Scott Miller, Pilates Instructor, Pilates Promoter, Pilates Devotee:

Scott has played sports from the age of 8. At the age of 18 he began his dance career in Washington DC. After two years he moved to New York City where he was on scholarship at the Martha Graham School and the Alvin Ailey School. He also studied at the Merce Cunningham Studio, Finis Jung Ballet Studio and danced with the June Lewis Dance Company as well as other New York area artists. He is a martial arts enthusiast and has studied kung fu and kickboxing.

Scott is also a Licensed Massage Practitioner who is the vice chair of the Washington State Board of Massage and chairs the nominating committee for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. He has been in the massage business for 13 years. Scott started and completed his Pilates certification when he met Dorothee VandeWalle co-owner of Metropolitan Pilates and a world-class teacher/trainer who could help refine and strengthen his skills as an instructor as well as challenge his abilities as a practitioner. He has taught at Metropolitan Pilates, Momentum Dance Academy and at the Sonia Dawkins Studio. He is the director and lead instructor at Highline Athletic Club Pilates Studio in Burien Washington.

Scott tells BTB that thanks to Pilates, he is in better shape now (at 52 years young) than he was as a young dancer in New York. He also shared with us that he loves Salsa dancing, and he will soon become a mentor to students at Franklin High School in Seattle.

Pilates seems to have burst on the scene out of nowhere in the last 10 years. After decades as the workout of the elite, Pilates has entered the fitness mainstream. Today, over 10 million Americans practice Pilates, and the numbers continue to grow.

What’s the fascinating story behind how Pilates began, and why the recent “overnight success”? To learn how Pilates was developed, as well as Joseph Pilates and the History of Pilates, click here.

If you are interested in including Pilates in your exercise regime, please give Scott a call at 206- 696-2161 or click on his Ad in the right sidebar (you can also check out www.highlineathleticclub.com. You can also read Scott’s blog here.

The Highline Athletic Club has been part of the Burien community for over 20 years, and now would be an excellent time to try them as well as PilatesBurien.com.

You’ll find them at 125 South 156th Street (map below).

For more information, call 246-9000.

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Burien’s Freedom Fitness Gym is holding “Workout For St. Jude,” a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this Friday Feb. 20th and Saturday Feb. 21st, and for a $10 donation you can get a personal training session.

Here are the details:

Work out with a personal trainer for only $10 and help save the lives of children with life-threatening diseases.

Bring your friends! It’ll be a fun event for a great cause!

Since its inception, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has developed protocols that have helped bring survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20% to more than 70% overall. Participation in Workout for St. Jude helps raise funds to support St. Jude which treats patients regardless of a family’s ability to pay. No child is ever denied treatment becuase of the family’s inability to pay.

Our fundraiser is also a great opportunity for you to bring your friends to the gym that you’ve been trying to have come with you. For two days (2/20, 2/21) bring a friend to the gym with you for a great personal training session for a donation of $10 and the whole $10 goes to St. Jude’s.

Maybe we can raise enough money to pay for a chemotherapy session ($740) for a child who can’t afford it and wouldn’t make it without our support. But even if we only raise enough money for a blood test ($52) we’ll be able to say that we did our part in helping the children of St. Jude’s.

Bring as many friends as possible to raise more money. There will be prizes for those who bring several friends or more!

WHEN: Feb. 20, Friday 9am-8pm, and Feb. 21, Saturday 9am-2pm

WHERE: Freedom Fitness Gym, located at 12825 Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien (map below)

COST: $10 donation, all proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

CONTACT: Email drew@freedomfitnessgym.com or call (206) 244-8200

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The first-ever Rock n’Roll Seattle Marathon Event, scheduled for June 24-27, is seeking volunteers.

And get this – Volunteers for this event will actually get something other than Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No…):

• Free Race Crew T-Shirt.
• Free ticket to the post-race headliner concert.
• Free race goodie bag.
• Satisfaction of helping others.
• You’ll have a great time!

WHAT: Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

WHEN: Wednesday June 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th, Saturday 27, 2009

WHERE: 26.2-Mile and 13.1-Mile Race Courses from Tukwila to Seattle (Volunteer stations to be assigned)

CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator: Adriane Ferguson; Email: adriane@seafair.com Phone: (206) 728-0123 ext.109

Seafair
2200 Sixth Ave. Suite 400
Seattle, WA. 98121

INFO: New this year, the Rock n’Roll Seattle Marathon & ½ Marathon will be taking place on the streets throughout Seattle! We need your help in creating an inspiring and upbeat environment for the runners and walkers participating in this event.

Not a runner or walker? You can still be a part of the event! With over 15,000 marathon and half marathon participants, volunteers are needed to assist with every aspect of the event, including setup, pre-registration, the Health & Fitness Expo, the Start Line, Finish Line and water stations along the course. Team up with your friends or family and make it an experience you won’t forget!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Pre-race Expo and Registration: Qwest Event Center-Wednesday June 24 (set up), Thursday June 25 & Friday, June 26.
  • Issue registered runners their race numbers
  • Distribute race participant T-shirts
  • Distribute race Goodie Bags
  • Stock and sell souvenirs
• Start Line – Foster Golf Links- Tukwila- Saturday, June 27th:
  • Start Corrals, Gear Check, Bus Unloading, Refreshments, Medical Tent
• Finish Line – Qwest Field- Seattle-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Checked Gear Retrieval, Chip Removal, Refreshment Zone, Awards, Pedestrian Traffic Control, Medical Tent
• Water Station – Groups of 30 or more-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Volunteers are located on various parts of the course.
• Medical Station-Saturday, June 27th:
  • Various Locations along the course. Volunteers are needed to staff medical tents and assist runners with minor injuries.

To sign-up, or to register to run, please click here: www.rnrseattle.com

by Josh Hart

HPFC (Highline Premier Football Club) Heat, formerly known as HSA Heat, has the best soccer in Burien. The boys U-15’s-U-18’s are currently competing in the preliminaries for the State and Challenge Cups.

Both cups score points the following way:

• 1 point per goal up to 3
• 1 point for a shutout
• 0 points for a loss
• 3 points for a tie
• 6 points for a win
• A max. of 10 points

The top two teams in each division move on. The State Cup is a tournament for the top premier teams in the country to battle it out for the title of “best team in the state.” The Challenge Cup is just one step below that. It usually consists of all the premier club “B” team. For the Heat the “A” team is blue and the “B” team is red. This is the third week of both cups and many of the teams are in a must-win situation to advance past the prelims and onto the elimination round.

I am going to give you a quick breakdown of HPFC Heat and how they are faring in the cups.

(KEY: Win-Loss-Tie, pts in group)

The following teams are competing in the state cup:

U-15 Blue (1-1-0, 12 pts.)
That loss coming to Washington Premier, the reigning champion in the U-15 division, 3-5. Their next game comes at home (Highline Stadium) against 3 rivers United (1-1-0, 9 pts). Whoever wins this game will move on to the elimination round.

U-17 Blue (1-0-1, 14 pts.)
Their win was a spectacular one. With a 3-0 win against FC Mulkiteo they take home the full ten points. Their nect game is at Westsound United, and without all the scores being posted from earlier matches, This could be a must-win for the Heat.

U-18 Blue (1-0-0, 9 pts.)
They are in a two team group with the in club rival the red team. Since both teams get in no matter what they are basically playing “friendlies” (a soccer term for scrimmage or exhibition). They did win against the red team though, beating them by a score of 7-1.

U-18 Red (0-1-0,1 pt.)
The red team got a good draw in a way because despite the big loss to the in club rival, they will still get in to the quarterfinals.

It looks as though all the HPFC teams in the State Cup could be advancing into elimination rounds. Good Job!

The following teams are competing in the Challenge Cup:

U-15 Red (1-1-0, 10 pts.)
This is the team I play goalkeeper for. We lost our first game to Emerald City FC 2-0 and then took ten points in our last game against Crossfire FC, winning 3-0. For our next game we have to travel to Vancouver to play the Columbia Timbers. As long as we don’t lose this one we will be advancing on to play the Federal Way Storm in the elimination round.

U-16 Blue (1-1-0, 9 pts.)
This team has to win their next game against the Maple Valley Rapids to move on. Whoever wins this heated match will make it to the elimination round and the loser will go home.

All of the HPFC teams have a chance to move on this weekend. We will have to watch and see if they can all do it. It wont be easy but it’s possible.

Check back for more updates on the state and challenge cup.

The younger teams and the girls teams will start soon.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

You can read more of his writing here...]

[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]

NOTE: Results of Sunday’s “Cove to Clover” race, as well as photos, are available here.

A “brand spankin’ new” St. Patrick’s Day run called “Cove to Clover” is coming up Sunday, March 15th, starting at the Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”) and finishing at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (complete with a beer garden to quench those thirsty legs).

There will also be a mile long kid’s race beginning at “The Bean” espresso stand St. Francis of Assisi Church and ending at Mick Kelly’s. Please note that registration for the Kid’s Race will take place at The Cove in Normandy Park.

The race will be held on Sunday, March 15 @ 11 am on the same day as Seattle’s massive Patty’s Day Dash. This race will be a refreshingly smaller alternative to what the Paddy’s Day Dash has become. Beware though, this annual race will surely become infamous because the first mile is all uphill and attains 800 vertical feet; locals know it as “Snake Hill”.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Cove to Clover” 5K Run & Kids’ Race

WHEN: Sunday, March 15th starting at 11am

WHERE: Starts at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ends at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (see actual route map below).

INFO: You can get more information and register online at www.covetoclover.com, or contact John Nelson (jonelson@adobe.com) the race director for more info about the race if you’d like.

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

If you’re not into that much suffering a “hill shuttle” option will be offered when you register.

5K Start Line (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):

Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”)
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10 am (line up behind the 5K runners):

The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders (registration option) should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground!

Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.

1-Mile Kids Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):

St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166

The organizers promise bag piping on the course to boot, so come out and support the community (or at least quaff a pint and pretend you ran the entire race).

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>

Burien Parks has teamed up with Underdog Sports to bring fun sports leagues like dodgeball, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 27th at Sylvester Middle School, located at 16222 Sylvester Road SW (map below).

Here’s the blurb from Burien Parks:

Burien Dodgeball – The Grade School Classic is Back for “Grown-Ups”!

Want to feel like a kid again?

Underdog Dodgeball brings a fresh new twist to the adult recreational sports scene: Dodgeball… yep, just like you played in 3rd grade… is even more fun when grown-ups are playing.

This great gym class pastime is now back for adults 21 and older to enjoy.

Teams: $495 | Individuals: $65

Sign-Up: Small groups of friends should sign-up as Individuals and use the “Players to be Teamed With” Field on the sign-up form.

Tuesday Burien Dodgeball details:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 12 (12 Team t-shirts Included w/ Sign-Up)
• 2 Fast Paced Twenty Minute Matches Each Night
• All the Goofy Fun You Remember from Elementary School!
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• 7, 8, and 9 PM Game Start Times

DATES: Starts Tuesday, Jan. 27th and continues every Tues. night: (1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17)

SIGN-UP: Click here for info on signing up, either as an individual or team, as well as learn about other sports leagues coming to Burien

Underdog’s 8+ years of rec sports experience combined with great Burien Parks and Rec facilities equals a fun league experience.

Also starting Thurs. Jan. 29th is Underdog Volleyball:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 12
• 1 Hour Match Each Night – Play out the full hour
• Coed Format and Net Height
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• Game Start Times from 5-9 PM
• Starts Thursday, Jan. 29th and continues every Thurs. night (1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19)

Underdog Sports Leagues was started with a simple idea: provide laid back leagues for everyday players that are safe and fun. While USL never turns away real athletes or people who take sports seriously, most of our members are not superstars or blue chippers, but rather everyday Underdogs who want to play a game or two, meet some people, and go talk about the game afterwards at the local watering hole.

To get you in the mood, here’s a clip from the hilarious film “Dodgeball“:

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Burien Parks is sponsoring a special family snowshoe outing this Saturday, Jan. 31st at Snoqualmie Summit, leaving Burien at 8am.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Family Snowshoe Outing

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 31st, leaving B-Town at 8am

WHERE: Snoqualmie Summit

WHO: Adults must be accompanied by a child 7 years or older.

COST: $20 per person

INFO: As of 1/25/09 there were still 11 spots available, so act fast! “Come spend some quality time together doing an activity the whole family can enjoy! Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing, easiest to learn, and healthiest winter activities. Leave the driving to us!”

REGISTER: Call (206) 988-3700 to register or for more info: CLICK-N-GO

Burien Parks produced this video, which showcases area seniors who took part the first ever regional Wii Bowling League Tournament between participating senior centers on Jan. 7th:

The virtual non-gutter ball, strike & spare-rollin’ Senior Bowlers were from various centers around South King County, and the tournament was hosted by the Great American Casino in Tukwila.

According to numerous, reliable sources (and this is apparent in the video), a fun time was had by all!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a Wii, please be sure to wear your wrist strap at all times, else suffer the fate of this clumsy Wii Bowler:}

If the recent snowstorms got your blood pumping and adrenaline flowing, and the reason wasn’t because of the plethora of terrible B-Town drivers, then we’ve got something for you – you can now take a touring-style bus each Wednesday during January and February to go skiing at Crystal Mountain with the Burien Backslider Ski Club!

Here’s a history of the Backsliders, courtesy Burien resident Guy Harper:

The Burien Backslider Ski Club, originally organized by Edna Graham, started as the Burien Ski Bus.  Edna met with the Highline Recreational Council in 1959 and explained that many other districts sponsored a ski bus; however there was none from the Highline area.  The council thought it was a good idea and gave their approval to Edna to make all the arrangements. She, in conjunction with retailers “Osborn and Ulland,” who had a sports store in Burien at the time, managed to start the original Burien Backslider group and made Snoqualmie Summit their initial destination of choice.

Lou Whittaker was one of the first ski instructors of this young and colorful group of women. It was not unusual on the way home from the ski area to stop at North Bend to take on a case of beer or two as wine was just not the “in” thing to do at that time. The roster for one of these early trips included many of the current old-timers still living in Burien.

Later, when Crystal Mountain was scheduled to open in the early 1960’s, many of these skiers wanted to change the ski destination from Snoqualmie to Crystal. To settle the dilemma, a meeting was held at the Normandy Park Cove. The meeting was organized by Edna Graham with support from Ada Mottet and Imogene Briacks. A vote showed there were enough skiers who favored Crystal Mountain and that the extra bus expense could be justified – and so Crystal became the new ski destination.

Someone at that Cove meeting said, “What will we call ourselves?”  Arlene Brown quickly spoke up and said, “What about the Backsliders?”  Everyone laughed but that name stuck immediately and continues today.

Adrian Kelly, far left, of Mick Kelly's Irish Pub, adds a touch of Irish to each trip. And perhaps a pint of Guinness afterwards.

Lucy Osbun, one of the early members, said that for the first ten years or so, the club was just for women and that eventually they had enough women to fill two buses with other folks on the waiting list.  At one time, it actually took three buses to carry this women’s-only group to the ski slopes. It was a very lively bunch with many becoming very interested in hiking and camping around the Pacific Northwest.

In the beginning there were no elected officers. The operation was run by the organizers and the prime movers of the club. Sometime later, the idea of  elected officers took hold but even then there were no paid season lift passes for the officers. The job, however, demanded some sort of remuneration and free passes became the accepted routine that continues to this day.

The first staging area in Burien where the skiers could meet the bus was the parking lot at the old A&P store near Five Corners. Then it was moved to Moshier Field, and after that the Burien Elks parking lot; currently the Fred Meyer store location on First Avenue South serves as the pickup spot.

There were bridge players on the early buses who wanted to combine bridge with the bus ride home.  Venida Osols, who was an officer at that time, always made a special effort to obtain a bus with a convertible seat that could be turned into a card table.  This arrangement played host to many stirring and sometime hilarious games.

Inez Burkhard was known at the “Champagne Lady,” as it happened to be her birthday during the ski season each year. She would bring a case of Champagne on board the bus each year to celebrate the occasion.   That must have been quite a ride home!  Pre-season ski club lunches were organized in 1975 and continue to this day.

In those early days, the road to Crystal was unimproved which resulted in cars without chains becoming stuck in the dips and the entire ski population would come to a halt for a time. Guard rails that were next to vertical drop-offs were marginal to say the least. The drive to and from Crystal was sometimes very tense due to the glare ice and no available sand for the highways back then. Those were exciting times!  No wonder beer and wine became so popular on the way back down to the flat lands. To this day, many of the bus riders also bring “finger food” to pass around the bus and nibble on the way down and at times, a Backslider bus will break into songs of earlier years.

This coming year promises to be a good one at Crystal. The roads are safe and wonderful. There are new lifts and improvements almost every year. Willie Grindstaff continues to be one of the outstanding ski instructors at Crystal and the BBS are privileged to have his services. It’s a great time to meet new friends and enjoy the wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re jonsein’ for some real snow fun, you should check out the Burien Backslider Ski Club; for more information, call or email Yvonne Shimek at 425-745-2335 ymshimek@hotmail.com.

Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” took place New Year’s Day at Noon, on a cold, blustery beach at Three Tree Point, and here’s video of the event, as shot and edited by BTB Publisher Scott Schaefer, complete with exclusive “Polar Bear Plunge POV Camera Angle” as shot by Andy Kleitsch:

And some great photos courtesy Erin Hovland:

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

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Filmed at the Burien Skatepark and found on YouTube is this video of some dude doing some sick ‘boardin in B-Town (warning: music track contains some naughty words, so turn the volume down if kids are around!):

Courtesy Janet Grella, Sales & Promotion Diva for this here B-Town Blog, comes these photos snapped today down at Three Tree Point, where two kitesurfers took advantage of a gorgeous yet blustery sunny day:

According to Wikipedia:

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, involves using a power kite to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (which is like a wakeboard). Generally kiteboarding refers to a style of riding known as free-style or wakestyle where as kitesurfing is more waveriding oriented. These two styles usually require different boards and specific performance kites.

A kitesurfer or kiteboarder uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel themself and the board across the water. The sport is still in its infancy, but is rapidly growing in popularity. In 2006, the number of kitesurfers has been estimated at around 150,000 to 210,000, with 114,465 inflatable kites sold that same year.

The sport is becoming safer due to innovations in kite design, safety release systems, and instruction. Many riding styles have evolved to suit different types of riders and conditions, such as wake style, wave riding, freestyle, jumping, and cruising.

Have a great weekend everyone!

What better way to end every summer Humpday than by competing in mid-week Mountain Bike Racing at South SeaTac Park (aka Des Moines Creek Park)?

Advanced Massage Acupuncturist Philip Kelly sent us this tip; apparently when he’s not treating people’s injuries himself, he’s out trying to get his own at these weekly bike races.

As you have probably figured out by now, the Wednesday Night World Championship Mountain Bike Races happen every Wed. night.

From their website:

Feeling nervous about this weekend’s race?

Want to get a great mid-week workout?

For all of you Seattle area mountain bikers, here is the perfect solution: RACE EVERY WEEK.

Here are the details:

START TIMES:

• 6pm: Beginners & Juniors
• 7pm: Sport & Expert

REGISTRATION opens at 5pm

COST:

• $ 5.00 – Juniors
• $12.00 – Adults

CATEGORIES:

• Men 19-34 – Beginner, Sport & Expert
• Men 35-44 – Beginner, Sport & Expert
• Men 45+ – Beginner, Sport & Expert
• Women (all ages) – Beginner, Sport & Expert
• Juniors – Beginner, Sport & Expert

More info here.

LOCATION / DIRECTIONS:

• Des Moines Creek Park, also known as South SeaTac Park.
• From I-5, take the S. 200th Street Exit. Continue west approx. 1 mile. Watch for “Mountain Bike Race” sign across the street from the golf course.

Map:

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The 25th Annual McKay Wealth Management Barney Clark Golf Classic is this coming Wed. July 16th at the Washington National Golf Club, located at 14330 SE Husky Way in Auburn.

This annual fundraiser for has raised nearly $1 million dollars over 24 years for the Highline Medical Foundation, which uses the funds to meet the health-related needs of our community.

Details:

• 11:30am: Opening time for Registration, Putting, Driving Range and Silent Auction
• 1pm: Tournament begins in “Shotgun Start” scramble
  
• Awards banquet follows

While the event is nearly sold out, those interested in donating directly to the Highline Medical Foundation can do so by contacting Megan Clingman, Special Events Manager, at (206) 901-8501 or via email here.

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Like to walk for a good cause?

Here’s one coming up this Saturday, June 28th:

Walk Like MADD, supported by MADD Pacific Northwest (aka Mother’s Against Drunk Driving), will hold its first 5K walk at Tukwila’s beautiful Interurban Trail, with ceremonies beginning at 9:00 am and the walk itself at 9:30 am.

To register and/or invite friends, go to www.walklikemadd.org.

Walk Like MADD, MADD’s signature walk, is a fun, community-driven 5K walk that raises funds and saves lives. Every step taken and pledge made will help raise funds and awareness for MADD’s programs and services that will serve to make our communities safer.

Register and find out more information by going to www.walklikemadd.org, then choose Seattle, WA from the menu of city locations.

You have many choices on how you’d like to register:

• Become a walker: You do not wish to participate as a team, just by yourself.
• Donate to a walker: You simply want to make a donation to a Walk Like MADD walker.
• Form a team: Create a new team not already formed. A team equals you and at least one other person and has no maximum limit.
• Join an existing team: Become a part of a team already formed.
• Event Donation: You simply want to make a donation to Walk Like MADD.

How the Walk Helps:

• MADD supports WA communities with monies raised through Walk Like MADD. Support programs help victims cope with their tragedy and loss of a loved one at no charge.
• MADD provides legal support to victims as they go through the judicial process.
• MADD provides equipment to local police to better detect and arrest drunk drivers (e.g. preliminary breath testers, passive alcohol sensors, in-vehicle video cameras, signs, lights and cones for setting up sobriety checkpoints).
• MADD is actively working with state and local legislators to adopt tougher laws against drunk driving and closing the loopholes in many existing laws (e.g. .08 BAC limits, administrative license revocation, vehicle immobilization for repeat offenders, graduated driver licensing for youth).
• MADD implements educational programs to deter youth alcohol use among elementary, middle school, high school, and college students.

More information available at Walk Like MAD, or to find out how you can participate in the Seattle Walk Like MADD, please contact Mark Johnson at mark.johnson@madd.org or 425-251-5252 x 101.