The Burien / Normandy Park Fire Department has done a holiday outreach program for over 25 years, and Tuesday morning (Dec. 22nd), they set out with Santa in their shiny fire trucks to make their annual delivery to 59 local families in need.
Local firefighters receive family names from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services office, then provide each one with a nice turkey dinner as well as stuffing, pies and other assorted food.
Each family also receives several toys and gifts for each child, as well as gift cards to Fred Meyer for each teenager 13-17.
One hundred percent of all donations are returned to the community and all donations are distributed locally.
“Contributions were down a bit this year,” said Doug Leudeman of Fire District #2. “And while we had enough gifts to give out, we could certainly use more cash donations to help offset some of the costs.”
Cash donations are still being accepted at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department Headquarters Station, located at 15100 8th Ave SW; phone: (206) 242-2040; website: www.burienfire.org.
Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
| Dec ’09 |
| 8 |
| Dec ’09 |
| 9 |
On Tuesday (Dec. 8th) and Wednesday (Dec. 9th), all Papa John’s Pizza Restaurants between Seattle and Tacoma, including the nearest one in Normandy Park, will donate 100% of their profits to the families of the four slain Lakewood police officers.
You read that right – if you make a purchase from any Papa John’s in King, Pierce or Kitsap Counties on Tuesday (12/8) or Wednesday (12/9), you’ll not only get some slices, but a 100% slice of profits will go directly to the families of the fallen officers, including the family of Mark Renninger, who served eight years nearby in the Tukwila Police Department (read our coverage here).
The nearest Papa John’s locations are (see map below):
Papa John’s – Normandy Park
19893 1st Avenue South
Normandy Park, WA 98148-2412
(206) 248-3333
Papa John’s – West Seattle
5252 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98136
(206) 938-3000
Papa John’s – Kent
1432 West Meeker Street
Kent, WA 98032-4320
(253) 893-1111
Papa John’s – Federal Way
112 Southwest 312th Street
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 945-7575
It appears that you may also be able to order online as well – click here to go to the Papa John’s website.
We also encourage you to call and make sure the PJ’s you’re going to will be participating in this fundraiser.
Papa John’s has a Facebook page that may have more updated info – click here.
Here’s a map of area Papa John’s:
View Larger Map
| Dec ’09 |
| 4 |
| 4:00 pm |
A special “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser is being held by the Tukwila Police Department this Friday night, Dec. 4th, to help raise money for the families of the Lakewood Police Officers killed last Sunday (Nov. 29th).
The fundraiser will be at the Claim Jumper Restaurant (located at 5901 S. 180th Street in Tukwila), beginning at 4pm, and all donations collected between 4-11pm will go to a trust established for the families of fallen Lakewood Police Officers Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Greg Richards and Ronnie Owens, who were all shot and killed at a coffee shop in Lakewood this past Sunday.
As we reported on Nov. 29th, Officer Renninger served eight years on the Tukwila Police Department, and was most recently a member of the Lakewood P.D. and S.W.A.T. team. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Officer Mark Renninger
“Tip-A-Cop” is a great, fun fundraiser, where, for a small donation, you can pay to have a friend or family member “arrested” and taken out of the restaurant by uniformed cops. It’s all in fun, for a great cause, and from our own previous experience it provides a lot of laughs as well as a great way to meet and learn about local law enforcement.
Other participants will include Valley SWAT, Tukwila Fire Department and Les Schwab.
| Dec ’09 |
| 18 |
The Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department is seeking help for their annual “Light Up The Holidays” outreach program for needy families in the area.
Donations of food or toys are being accepted at the locations listed below through Dec. 18th.
All will go directly to needy families in the area.
Christmas Outreach Drop-off locations include:
- Burien Fire Department – 15100 8th Ave SW & 135 S Normandy Rd.
- North Highline Fire Department – 1243 SW 112th & 1606 S 128th
- Highline Medical Center – 16251 Sylvester Rd SW ∙ 12844 Military Rd S ∙ 13030 Military Rd S
- Burien Toyota – 15025 1st Ave S & 139 SW 150th
- Burien Chevrolet – 14400 1st Ave S
- Albertsons – 15840 1st Ave S & 12725 1st Ave S
- YB Tubless/Economy Wiring – 633 SW 148th
- Frenzi – 218 SW 153rd
- Boulevard Park Place Seniors Center – 2805 S 125th
- Curves – 17824 1st Ave S
- Breaktime – 635 SW 152nd
- Page 2 Books – 15706 1st Ave S
- Collins Chiropractic – 619 SW 152nd St.
- Dooley’s – 611SW 152nd St.
Christmas Outreach Sponsors include:
- Sylvester Middle School
- North Highline FD
- Highline Exchange Club
- Plush Pippin Pies
- Burien Town Square
- DSHS
- Burien/Normandy Park FD
by It’s déjà vu all over again. Closed parks and pools, on top of program and job cuts, have been proposed by the King County executive to balance next year’s operating budget. But that was then, when Ron Sims was county executive and the 2003 budget was on the table.
Seven years later, Kurt Triplett, Sims’ former chief of staff, is interim county executive. And the second verse is same as the first. (Actually the third verse when last year’s cuts in the sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices and the court system are included.)
Triplett recently proposed “mothballing” 39 parks in unincorporated urban areas in King County – more than a third of them in the Highline area. But even if all parks on his hit list were to be closed, which some Highline officials and volunteers consider unlikely, five parks and maybe a sixth would remain open.
Those parks are in the “south” part of the North Highline unincorporated area, which residents there decided on Tuesday will be become part of the city of Burien. That transition is expected to occur early next year.
More than a third of the parks proposed to be "mothballed" by King County are in the Highline area.
North Highline parks that will be annexed by Burien are:
- Arbor Lake Park, So. 124th Street and 4th Ave So.
- Hazel Valley Park, SW 126th Street and 2nd Ave SW
- Hilltop Park, So. 128th Street and 26th Ave So.
- Puget Sound Park, 126th Street SW and 1st Ave So.
- Salmon Creek Park, SW 118th Street and 8th Ave SW
Southern Heights Park, So. 120th Street and 14th Avenue So., also in the annexation area, has been leased and maintained by the county but is owned by Water District 20. There is no immediate indication about the district’s plan for this park.
Triplett said mothballing the parks would reduce general fund expenses by $4.6 million. The county faces a $56.4 million shortfall in projected tax revenues and the executive and council are looking for ways to balance the budget to maintain 2009 service levels.
King County Councilman Dow Constantine of West Seattle, whose district includes North Highline and most of Burien, reacted swiftly with a statement opposing Triplett’s plan. Constantine, who finished second in the August 18 primary election contest for county executive – and will face former KIRO-TV anchor Susan Hutchison in November – currently serves as council chairman.
“I am opposed to Executive Triplett’s proposal to cut all funding for King County parks in the urban unincorporated areas,” Constantine said. “Parks are important to the health and quality of life of everyone in the communities in which King County provides basic services – especially to our young people. To eliminate these parks with the stroke of a pen when economic times get tough would be short-sighted.”
He said “all other possible cuts” – including reductions in administrative staff – and “innovative budget solutions” need to be explored “before we consider the elimination of direct services to King County residents. I have laid out a set of ideas to serve as a starting point for substantive discussions by the King County Council to create a balanced 2010 budget without raising taxes or cutting funding for urban unincorporated parks”
Hutchison could not be reached for comment.
Triplett’s proposal addresses only parks with maintenance financed through the general fund. They total approximately 610 acres and have a total assessed value of $57 million. It would not affect King County’s regional parks and trails, which are funded through the County Parks levy.
“Taxpayers have paid for these parks, and I am open to any proposal from the cities or others to transfer ownership for free,” said Triplett. “As part of the effort to encourage annexations, the state has given these cities tax options the county does not have.”
Closed parks would have fences installed around perfectly-good playground equipment.
The 39 targeted parks will remain open for use but will not be maintained. In December, if this plan goes into effect, crews will fence playground equipment, lock and secure restrooms, post signs and lock gates in the closed parks.
Triplett said his priority is to shield public health and criminal justice services as much as possible but that all county departments will see budget cuts in 2010.
The other parks in the general Highline area on Triplett’s mothball list are:
- Duwamish (River) Park – Site 1
- Evergreen Athletic Field (and Evergreen Pool), 606 SW 116 Street
- Hamm Creek Natural Area
- Lakewood Park, 11050 10th Ave SW
- North Shorewood Park, SW 102nd Street and 24th Ave SW
- Sunset Playfield, So. 136th Street and 18th Ave So.
- White Center Heights Park, SW 102nd Street and 7th Ave SW
- White Center Pond Natural Area, SW 102nd Street and 12th Ave SW
So…what do YOU think about the county closing so many parks in our area? Please take our poll, or Comment below…
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by Janet Grella
Thanks to the 5K run “Cove to Clover” on March 15 and January’s “Empty Bowls” fundraiser, the Highline Food Bank has more monetary funding than anticipated.
“Cove to Clover,” which started at the Cove in Normandy Park and ended at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s raised over $12,000 in cash for the food bank.
“Empty Bowls” at the Moshier Community Center raised nearly $11,000, which was $3,000 more than the 2008 fundraiser.
“The community has been awesome as far as donations,” Executive Director Mike Werle told BTB.
However, there is some bad news – actual food donations are down, while the number of families served has increased by 27%, from 720 per month to 900.
So what does the Highline Food Bank need?
Baby food.
Yes – baby food!
That’s what Mike and his local families would like to see more of (especially the ones with hungry babies).
Normandy Park’s QFC has been a drop-off point for the food bank for many years. Now Mike has added Page 2 Books as a local drop-off point. Co-owner Gayle Collins delivers a grocery cart full of food every Tuesday. Page 2 has many customers as well as non-customers who drop food off every week. If you’d like to help our Highline Food Bank, please deliver some non-perishable food at Page 2 after 10am Monday-Saturday at 15706 1st Ave South in Burien. You just may find a good mystery or classic book to read while you’re there.
If you and your business wants to help collect food or have a fundraiser for the food bank, call Mike at 206-433-9900 and he’ll be happy to have your participation as a Highline Food Bank drop-off point or bring a barrel to your fundraiser.
Mike is looking forward to the National letter carriers food drive on May 9th. Every year our Highline Food Bank receives 20,000-30,000 pounds of food from Burien neighbors.
BTB will keep you posted on this event, so stay tuned…
View Larger Map
| Mar ’09 |
| 15 |
| 1:30 pm |
Way back in January (remember, when it was cold and there was snow?), we posted a rather unusual event listing: Slot Car Races at a local church.
Well, apparently they had so much fun last time that they’re doing it again this coming Sunday, March 15th; here are the details:
WHAT: Slot Car Racing for everyone
WHEN: Sunday, March 15th from 1:30pm on
WHERE: Normandy Park Congregational Church, located at 19247 1st Ave South in Normandy Park (map below)
INFO: We had so much fun the last time, we’re doing it again. We’ll have several tracks set up in our Fellowship Hall. Bring you own cars to dust ‘em off, or use ours. We’ll be having double elimination on a four lane track. The official race will be closely matched GT40 HO Super G+ cars.
We’ll open the doors at 1pm and start the races at 1:30. Tracks are all open until then for practice. There will be a grand prize, maybe a couple of raffles and some other runner up prizes too.
Races are open to all, we may have brackets depending on turn out.
Hope to see you there!
CONTACT: Call Bob at 206-890-6479 for more details.
by Mark Neuman
It’s tough being a kid, as the saying goes.
It’s even tougher being a kid who isn’t feeling well, maybe suffering from a sore throat or stomach flu or other issues.
And it’s tougher still if the young person’s family has limited – or no – health insurance.
That’s where the Youth Health Center comes in. The Center serves adolescents, ages 13-19.
The priority there is medical care, and in many cases, even if a patient’s family has limited financial means or is not insured.
Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to privately when, emotionally, things don’t feel right. The Center has two counselors – one female, one male – available for private sessions. Call the number below for their hours.
Through no fault of its own the Youth Health Center has been “bounced around” town over the last year or so.
Well, it has a fine new home. The Center is located in the northwest portion of Highline Medical Center’s Main Campus, between Sylvester Road SW and 8th Avenue SW, just south of SW 160th Street.
Many families may qualify for programs funded by the state of Washington. The Health Center’s office manager, Bonnie Arroyo, will be happy to help patients research and apply for assistance programs.
The medical staff is led by Patricia Burke, PA-C.
The main transit Routes to the Center are #123 and #139.
The Center also has a clinic in Renton, with limited hours. The phone number there is 425-254-2710
Youth Health Center (Burien)
16110 8th Avenue SW Suite B-1
Burien, WA 98166
phone: 206-439-9300
fax: 206-439-4695
www.HighlineMedicalGroup.org
Youth Health Center (Burien) Clinic Hours:
- Walk-Ins First Come, First Served Until Full
- Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 5:45pm
- Friday 9:30am – 2:00pm
- Closed for Lunch 12:45pm – 1:30pm
| Feb ’09 |
| 7 |
| 5:30 pm |
If you’re a Father, here’s nothing quite as charming as taking your little girl to a Daddy/Daughter Dance, and here’s a classic, annual local Valentine-themed version that is a must-do for every good Burien parent.
And get this – there are two sessions, so you have two chances for fun:
WHAT: Burien’s Annual Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Ball, with Valentine cookies, punch, flowers for each daughter, a picture of the couple and door prizes!
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 7th – two sessions: Session 1: 5:30 – 7:00pm; Session 2: 7:30 – 9:00pm
WHERE: Burien Community Center Auditorium, located at 425 SW 144th Street in Burien (map below)
COST: $25 per couple; $5 each additional person
INFO: Contact: (206) 988-3700 or order online here.
If you’ve never been before, here’s a video from last year’s event:
by Janet Grella
Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department’s Lt. Inspector John Zilke is at it again!
As in years past, John is coordinating the very large and important Christmas Outreach Program in the Burien and White Center areas. Our very own Burien Fire Department (King County Fire District 2, Burien & Normandy Park) has been helping needy families during the holidays for over 20 years.
This translates to thousands of families enjoying a happy holiday because of Burien’s generosity.
This year, with the help of the White Center DSHS, 73 local needy families have been identified to be recipients of Burien’s largess. Thirteen local businesses have volunteered to be drop-off locations and are accepting NEW toys, canned food, gift cards and cash. Thanks to both our local Fred Meyer and your cash donations, each family will also receive a turkey dinner.
All donations must be made by the morning of December 22. Upon final collection, John and our firefighters match the gifts with the families’ needs at Sunnydale School, where they will be loaded up and delivered by Santa Claus and others on December 23.
To help out our fire department, eleven departments within Highline Medical Center have each adopted one family. Sylvester Middle School students and teachers will be conducting in-school food drives as part of this community effort.
Some of the toys and food delivered to the Burien Fire Department the first day of the outreach program. For locations on where you can donate, please see the list below.
John knows that this is a particularly tough year to ask for donations, but adds. “Your donations bring light to the holidays for a needy family.”
Following are the local businesses where you can donate to the Christmas Outreach Program:
- Albertson’s—15340 1st Ave S. & 12725 1st Ave S.
- Boulevard Park Place Seniors Community—2805 S. 125th
- Burien Fire Department—15100 8th Ave. SW & 135 S. Normandy Rd.
- Burien Chevrolet—1440 1st Ave S.
- Burien Toyota—15025 1st Ave S. & 139 SW 150th St.
- Collins Chiropractic—619 SW 152nd
- Curves—17824 1st Ave S.
- Dooley’s General Store—625 SW 152nd
- Frenzi—218 SW 153rd
- North Highline Fire Department—1243 SW 112th & 1606 S. 128th
- Highline Medical Center—16252 Sylvester Rd SW
- Highline Medical Center—Riverton Campus 12844 Military Rd. S, & 23030 Military Rd
- North Highline Fire Department—1243 SW 112th & 1606 S. 128th
- Red Apple Market—96th & Des Moines Memorial Dr.
- YB Tubless/Economy Wiring—633 SW 148th
Photos by Janet Grella
Hundreds of kids and adults hit the streets of Olde Burien on Saturday (Dec. 6th) to celebrate Winterfest ‘08, and here are some photographic highlights:
BTB Advertiser John L. Scott served as Burien's North Pole, where hundreds of children and families had a complimentary picture taken with Santa Claus.
Next door, Robert Simpson-Clark cooked hotdogs with his assistant Olga at Jay Lauris Jewelry.
Everyone seemed to love the horse drawn wagon, leaving from in front of the Danish Bakery and touring west on SW 152nd.
The weatherman cooperated and kept the wet stuff away, making it a fun and festive day for kids of all ages.
Look for the Seafair Pirates' Holiday Treasure Chests at both Dan the Sausageman and Goodie Gumdrops. Donations of non-perishable food items and toys are encouraged!
The Seafair Pirates not only have the ability to scare the livin’ bejesus out of any B-Towner, they also have the ability to help needy families, especially during this time of year.
That’s why they’ve brought in their Holiday Treasure Chests to the following two Olde Burien businesses, where they’ll be on display and awaiting donations until Wednesday, Dec. 24th:
- Dan the Sausageman’s shop, located at 923 SW 152nd Street
- Goodie Gumdrops Toy Shop, located at 816 SW 152nd Street
Generous B-Towners can donate:
- Non-perishable food items (cans, boxes, etc.)
- Toys
Text from the Seafair Pirate’s P-Arrrrgh:
While we’re a notoriously scurvy bunch, we Pirates have big hearts and simply can’t stand the thought that there will be children that wake up Christmas morning with nothing to open. With that in mind, in 1996, we began the Holiday Treasure Chest program.
We discovered that far too many families were going without a Christmas because they were unable to find assistance. The Seafair Pirates heard the need, and met the challenge to help these deserving folks. That is how our program was born.
Since the creation of our program, with the help of local businesses and “Pirate Santa’s” throughout the community, we have served thousands of individual families; have provided countless tons of food and goods to local service providing charities and distributed tens of thousands of new gifts to children throughout the Puget Sound region.
We distribute throughout the Puget Sound area. We are constantly on the lookout for donated warehouse space as the holidays approach. As soon as we have established a “home base”, we begin filling it with our collections from the community and the purchases that we make. We create two areas within the warehouse. One holds the “treasures” where our clients can come and choose gift s for their children and the other holds our foodstuffs.
The families will receive enough food for the holidays and countless days after the holidays have passed. With greater resources and more diligence, we know that we could have served an even greater number of deserving families. For this reason, we have begun our eff orts even earlier this year. We began organizing immediately following the Torchlight Parade and are currently accepting donations as well as taking names of individuals interested in volunteering. In order to make this program a success we spend countless hours acquiring the necessary goods and funds. It doesn’t end there however. If at all possible, we spend individual time speaking with each family and ascertain their needs. If we find that there is a special request, we will network within the community to fulfill it if at all possible.
We need to give credit where credit is due, and thank you for the role you play in making our program possible. We would not be able to continue our work without your kindness and generosity. You are truly a tribute to compassion and we value each and every one of you.
Daisy Girl Scouts Troop #41074 will be collecting coats at Burien’s Winterfest on Saturday, Dec. 6th, on the corner of SW 152nd & 9th Ave SW in Olde Burien (see map below) between 10am – 5pm.
All donated coats will go to Hope Christian Fellowship’s “Commuity Closet,” so be sure to check your own closets, find an old unused coat and bring it along with your kids/wallets/purses when you come to Winterfest to shop, do hay rides and see Santa.
More info available here.
Our “Turkeys N’Diapers” Fundraiser Saturday (Nov. 22nd) was a resounding success, with an impressive final tally of $1,170 in cash and food/baby item donations raised for the White Center Food Bank and WestSide Baby.
All of us here at the B-Town and White Center Blogs send a huge THANKS to everyone who helped out!
Some details:
- Cash & checks donated: $201.00
- Food donations: huge rush at the end, with folks bringing shopping carts full of food; total # of food items donated approx. 606lbs (between 400-500 cans/packages) from Thanksgiving food items to soup to sugar to marshmallows and more – equal to $969 worth of food!
- $1,170 total donations for the day!
If you’d like to donate to the White Center Food Bank, you can do so directly online here anytime.
To donate to WestSide Baby, please click here.
We know that many hungry neighbors in the Burien/White Center areas will most certainly be thankful, and this couldn’t have been done without our loyal and generous Readers!
Our “Turkeys N’Diapers” fundraiser ends at 4pm today, and so far we’ve raised over $400 in both cash and food donations for both the White Center Food Bank and WestSide Baby!
Here’s a little video shot by Mark Neuman and featuring Bart “On the Street” Bryan as pitchman, along with BTB friend Steve Costanzo and Rick Jump of the White Center Food Bank:
Some details:
- Our donation table is in front of store doors
- We’re there until 4pm, so come on down!
Just a reminder to everyone that tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 22nd) is our first-ever “Turkeys N’ Diapers” holiday fundraiser for both the White Center Food Bank and WestSide Baby!
It will take place from 11am to 4pm at the White Center Albertsons, which is located at 10616 16th Avenue SW in White Center (map below).
We’ll be accepting food donations, diapers and baby items, etc. as well as cash and check donations to benefit hungry and needy Burien and White Center families who are served by the White Center Food Bank and WestSide Baby.
These are wonderful non-profit groups that help people, year round, who could really use a hand.
We are kindly asking for the following donations, which can be purchased at Albertsons (or elsewhere) and left with our crew outside the front door:
- Turkeys and Hams (or Tofurkey, etc.)
- Chicken or Turkey Broth
- Gravy Mixes
- Stuffing Mixes
- Fruit Cocktail
- Whole Olives
- Jello or Pudding Mixes
- Canned Pumpkin
- Canned Cranberry Sauce
- Condensed or Evaporated Milk
- Canned vegetables
- Canned yams or sweet potatoes
- $5 or $10 gift certificates to Albertsons
- …and Diapers and other baby items (formula, baby wipes, etc.), of course!
Cash and check donations are also welcome.
See you there!
View Larger Map
The B-Town Blog is more than happy to offer a grinning Welcome Aboard! to our latest Advertiser, Burien Children’s Dentistry!
If you’re all grown up now, but still act like a baby when it comes to seeing the dentist, sorry, this practice really is just for kids, little ones to teens.
Dr. Shahram Ghafghazi opened his Kids Only practice just a couple of months ago (early September) on the west side of Ambaum, just north of the Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant.
He’s been practicing general dentistry for a number of years.
Dr. Ghafghazi attended Tufts University to complete his three-year post graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry. He is a certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
When should your child first visit a dentist? Well, the AAPD says your young one should see a dentist by his or her first birthday.
“It’s very important to maintain the health of primary teeth,” also known as baby teeth, Dr. Ghafghazi says.
“The health, or lack of health, of primary teeth can affect developing permanent teeth.”
Feel free to park on the Ambaum side of the building; then just walk up the stairs to the office’s front door on the west side of the building.
When there, you’ll also get know to Christi, the Office Manager, and Myichell, Dental Assistant.
The atmosphere at Burien Children’s Dentistry is one designed to make things as relaxed and fun for the youngsters as reasonably possible.
“Instead of using the technical term for slow speed cleaning, known as ‘prophylaxis,’” Christi says, “we tell the kids ‘We’re going to tickle your teeth now!’”
Why did Dr. Ghafghazi, also known as “Dr. G,” choose Burien?
“There really was no Kids Only practice in town,” he says.
And why did Dr. G pick pediatric dentistry as the focus of his practice?
“Because I love kids,” Dr. G says. “And besides, I’m a big kid myself!”
So, click on their Ad on the lower right sidebar, check out their website, and be sure to give Burien Children’s Dentistry a bright shiny, smiling welcome to the B-Town Blog!
Burien Children’s Dentistry
14257 Ambaum Blvd. SW Suite #201
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206-246-4559
Fax: 206-246-5810
www.burienchildrensdentistry.com
"Turkey Bucks" Are Available at the Burien Albertsons, but they look nothing like this.
Just a quick note from our friends at the Highline Area Food Bank: Turkey Bucks are available at the Burien Albertsons to help hungry neighbors who might otherwise not have a hot Thanksgiving Day meal to enjoy this year.
Here’s how it works: when you shop at Albertsons (the one just north of 160th on 1st Ave South) simply tell the cashier on your way out that you’d like to purchase some Turkey Bucks.
They come in $1, $5 and $10 denominations.
The great staff and crew there will gather up the funds raised and convert them to actual, hot Complete Holiday Meals for people in the Highline community to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day (which, by the way, is Thursday Nov. 27th).
Distribution of the meals is assisted by the folks at the Highline Area Food Bank.
Needless to say, the demand on food banks nationwide is considerably higher than at this time only a year ago. Last year this program served 107 needy families in our area, and we can almost guarantee that there are even more this year.
So every little bit helps.
Turkey Bucks will be on sale at Albertsons until Nov. 24th.
Questions? Here’s the number for the Highline Area Food Bank: 206-433-9900
Albertsons is located at 15848 1st Ave South, Burien (map below):
| Nov ’08 |
| 22 |
| 11:00 am |
![[right-click this graphic and Save As for downloadable version]](http://b-townblog.com/wp-content/images/turkeydiaper.jpg)
(right-click this graphic and "Save As" for downloadable version)
It’ll run from 11am to 4pm.
Albertson’s is located at 16th Avenue SW and SW 106th Street, White Center.
We’ll be collecting turkeys and diapers (yes, that’s correct: turkeys and diapers!)
And stuffing and canned vegetables and other Thanksgiving-related food items.
And baby blankets and strollers and high chairs.
The folks at the White Center Food Bank will make available the food (as they do year round) to nearby families in need.
The Food Bank works hand-in-hand with WestSide Baby, a nonprofit organization that collects previously owned items for children and babies and distributes them free of charge to South King County families in need.
In 2007 WestSide Baby served more than 7,000 children.
As always, at any time, here’s how to contact the Food Bank:
White Center Food Bank
10829 8th Ave SW
Seattle WA 98146
www.whitecenterfoodbank.org
Phone: 206-762-2848
You can also donate online directly here.
WestSide Baby:
WestSide Baby
10032 15th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146
(206) 767-1662
www.westsidebaby.org
Last Friday, Burien Parks held their annual “Pumpkin Patch Bash” at the Burien Community Center.
Here’s a slideshow of photos from the event, which looks like it was a lot of fun:
| Oct ’08 |
| 25 |
| 12:00 pm |
EDITOR’S NOTE: This listing is for 2008!
The annual, family-friendly “Boo In Burien” is this Saturday, Oct. 25th, and will include some outrageous fun stuff, including Wiener Dog Races!
The frightful festivities take place throughout downtown Burien from Noon to 5pm and include activities for the entire family, such as:
-
Trick or treating - Kids costume contest
- Haunted house
- Scary storytelling
- Wiener dog races
- Costumed dog parade
- Hot treats
- Free hayrides
- Store specials
- Live Blogging from the B-Town Blog (we’ll have a booth)!
The Wiener Dog Races and the Costumed Dog Parade both bound into action at 9th Ave SW on SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien.
Costumed canines will strut their stuff in the parade beginning at 3pm followed by the Wiener Dog Races.
Register for the parade at the kickoff intersection for a $2 fee, beginning at Noon.
Parade participants will receive doggie gift bags while supplies last. Dog costume contest and race winners will be awarded canine-appropriate prizes.
Trick-or-treaters can scare up goodies at businesses marked with an orange “Boo in Burien” sign. Shops will also offer unearthly store specials and hot treats.
Youngsters are invited to don their ghostly best, register and compete in the Kids Costume Contest at the B-Town Scoop, located at 917 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien. Prizes will be awarded for most original, scariest and cutest costume. Winners will be chosen and contacted after the contest ends. Be sure to sample B-Town’s tasty spiced pumpkin ice cream for free.
Try bowling with a pumpkin at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub, 255 SW 152nd Street. Participants get to take their spooky artworks home. There will also be pumpkin painting at a location to be determined.
From 2 to 4 p.m., Burien Little Theatre actors will conjure the supernatural with Halloween stories for children at Burien Books, 643 S.W. 152nd Street.
Shriek in delighted fright in the haunted house at Moss Chiropractic, 612 S.W. 152nd Street, from 2 to 5 p.m. Dr. Jonna Moss and her staff, family and patients have 15 years of experience terrorizing visitors with their spectral creativity. While the haunted house is not gory, it is inappropriate for children ages 5 and younger, including babies.
The event, which is sponsored by the Discover Burien Association, centers on Southwest 152nd Street in downtown Burien. Weary wraiths may hitch a free hayride along 152nd Street.
Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and marketing of the city. For more information, call 206-941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.
| Oct ’08 |
| 4 |
Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub (BTB Advertiser) will hold its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 4th, which will include:
- A special Oktoberfest menu available all day
- Live music starting at 5PM
- Special Hop Harvest and Mashing Pumpkin seasonal ales
- Fun for families and children of all ages
- And of course, the infamous Chicken Dance, which you can learn by watching this wonderful instructional video from everyone’s-a favorite-a program, The Lawrence Welk Show:
Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub is located in the heart of downtown Burien at 255 SW 152nd Street (map below) and can be reached at (206) 246-4211.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you’ve never quaffed a few brews whilst wearing lederhosen and doing the Chicken Dance at an Oktoberfest party, you ain’t livin’!
by Cynthia Reid
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Previously, Burien resident Cynthia Reid wrote a story about hosting a child from Chernobyl, which can be read here]
As a local host parent of a child from Chernobyl, I’m having a very hard time with a situation that’s unfolding in Petaluma, California.
After her ninth summer health respite trip to the United States, Tanya Kazyra refused to go home to Belarus. She was well aware of the repercussions this would have on the other 1,400 children that come to the US every year and the heartbreak it would mean to the families that host those children. She is intent on staying with her Petaluma-based host parents, the Zapatas.
But now the news is much worse. Health respite programs in both Germany and The Netherlands have now been shut down as well, leaving thousands of children without a break from the radiation of Chernobyl.
Kazyra, who will be 17 in December, has taken part in the Chernobyl Children’s Project for the last nine years and this was her last year in the program due to her age. The project gives children from areas affected by radiation released in the Chernobyl nuclear disaster a chance to visit other countries for health respite.
“We are gravely disappointed in the Zapata family,” said Ruth Williams of the Chernobyl Children’s Project. “Decisions that are not in Tanya’s best interest are being made by people who are not her legal guardians.”
Although Tanya’s visa does not expire until December, Belarusian offices said the visa had been issued only for travel with the program. They believe her refusal to return to Belarus violates the agreement made by host families with the organization.
“When (the Zapatas) go to bed at night, they should lie there and think of 1,400 children that are crying and hoping they can see their American mama and their American Papa next year,” said Cec Calhoun, the Belarus liaison for the Children of Chernobyl United States Alliance. “Children crying big tears because one family has decided to be selfish in keeping her.”
As a host parent myself, I’m ready to fly down to Petaluma and give this family a good talking to. This self-centered child is hurting so many people it’s unfathomable that she can continue to refuse to go home. I understand that her life is hard in Belarus. But life is hard for thousands of children there and she thinks her life is more important than theirs? Box her up and ship her out!
Here’s a video interview I conducted with Elizabeth Tennison, President of For the Children of the World:
Elizabeth also had this to say:
“Our own family has hosted six kids and two translators over the years. Last year we hosted a 16-year old boy who came for the first time. He comes from a poor family of eight kids, his mom is disabled and his dad drives a truck. Life didn’t hold much hope for him. Here was an opportunity not only for him to have an amazing amount of dental work, which didn’t all get finished, but for him to begin to discover a bigger world and increased opportunity which could translate into better things for him at home.
We fell in love with this boy who, as the oldest boy in the family, could be tough and have an attitude. With us he was appreciative, funny, helpful and always wanting to learn. We so looked forward to having him back next year to finish his dental work, help empower him to help himself to a better future, encourage a good attitude and just enjoy the gifts that love brings. He, like so many of the other children, has given us more than we could ever give him. All that is in jeopardy now.”
Our family, who has made hosting these kids part of their life mission too, is left wondering whether in the long run we have made a difference and feeling hollow at the loss of these kids who are now a part of our family. The Zapata family who has kept Tanya has certainly made a difference-a negative one. One family has brought about a heart breaking loss to thousands of other families who just wanted to make a positive difference in the world. What is wrong with this picture-and that family?”
Belarusian officials working on the case are not happy either with Tanya’s refusal to return home. They have been in continuing contact with her and her host family, but no progress towards repatriating the girl has been made. Her visitor’s visa does expire on Dec 25 and it is expected that no extension will be granted by the US State Department and she will have to leave the country at that point.
Americans have been encouraged by both the US State Department and Children of Chernobyl, USA Alliance to continue with a letter writing campaign to the Zapata family and the news media stating their point of view and the consequences for them of this families action.
Letters may be addressed to your local news media: TV stations, newspaper editors, radio, etc. with copies to C of C, USA for presentation to the US State Department and to the family.
Copies to C of C, USA Alliance may be addressed to:
Cec Calhoun
P.O. Box 213,
Ellensburg, WA 98926
For more information please go to www.fortheworldschildren.org
Cynthia Reid is an owner/agent at John L. Scott Westwood
by Cynthia Reid
“For the first time ever we have confronted in reality
the sinister power of uncontrolled nuclear energy.”
- Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev
19 days after the April 26, 1986 disaster
Everyone seems to think that summers just fly by, but for those of us who host Children from the Chernobyl area it seems to go by lightning fast.
As our time together comes to an end, we scramble to find those last minute necessities: winter boots, heavy coats and gloves as well as all those little gifts to send back home to families. Our local treats seem to be the favorites, like Almond Roca and Seattle’s Best Coffee.
The children come to the US, and stay for six weeks every summer.
This year For the Children of the World hosted over 80 children from Belarus, which is an area that was most contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster. In fact, 70% of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster fell on Belarus. Even 22 years after the meltdown, the children there suffer from the constant bombardment from low-level radioactivity and often live with limited employment, poor wages and rampant inflation, and it is not always possible to provide the children with adequate amounts of nutritious food.
We have found, through medical testing, that a six-week stay in a clean environment with good nutrition can completely recover a child’s immune system. Most of the children come from very small villages where much of their food is grown in the contaminated soil and the economy is very poor. While the children are here in the US, medical and dental expenses are donated by generous medical professionals who provide their services. We fundraise as much as possible to help reduce the cost; the rest of the expense is borne by the hosting family. The average hosting cost for 2008 was $1,450 per child.
When our own host child, Akulina, came to us five years ago she knew only four words in English:
- “Yes”
- “No”
- “Please”
- “Thank you”
Except that she didn’t know what any of the words meant!
We had a great time getting to know and understand each other with our little games of charades! She had never ridden in a car, never shopped at a grocery store like our local Fred Meyer and never been to a mall. We gave her a camera so she could take photos home with her and it was fun watching her take pictures of the snack aisle, the meat case and the veggies at the grocery store! After the first six weeks her English was coming right along. Akulina and our daughter Valerie had tons of adventures learning each other’s language and sharing stories.
After her first visit, I traveled to Belarus to visit with Akulina’s Aunt and Grandmother and to experience my first trip to Eastern Europe. During that visit I met Akulina’s cousin Olga. We signed her up to come on a visit the next year and she stayed with our friends, the Whites, from Normandy Park. It’s a beautiful country and I’ve never met friendlier people anywhere in the world. At one point we stopped in a very small village to get a bite to eat. As soon as we stepped through the door of the inn, the hostess was on the phone to someone. Within minutes there were people arriving to see the strangers from America. For most of them it was their first time meeting an American. Some even brought us gifts!! Total strangers, giving us hugs and thanking us for coming to their country! Everyone fed us. And fed us. Every table was set up with more food than you can imagine, every square inch of the table covered. And the vodka!!! I’d tell you all about it but the details are fuzzy….. However, I can tell you that 15 degrees is okay when you’re bundled up in layers but it’s darned cold when you’re in the outhouse with your backside exposed!
Here’s a video interview (produced/shot by Cynthia Reid) with Akulina’s cousin Olga, who stayed in the area this summer:
“More than 14 years after the accident which made Chernobyl a symbol of fear throughout the world, the catastrophe is far from over for the inhabitants of the region. In Belarus, in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, it continues to have a devastating effect not only on the health of the people,
but on every aspect of society.”
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
June 12, 2000
Over the years our organization has been lucky enough to have received excellent help from so many people – Doctors, dentists, co-workers and even rock stars have stepped up to help us out. My Chemical Romance, The Shins, Billy Talent and even Devo (who knew they were still around?) have met with us and donated signed memorabilia to raise money for For the Children of the World.
Summer 2009 will be here before we know it. We’ll have things to pick up over the winter for our host children and our translators; more heavy coats, vitamins, backpacks, etc.
If you are interested in hosting a child next summer, please contact us and let us know. We can also use help with medical and dental care, hosting fees, gathering needed items, etc. We’re always happy to answer any questions about our program!
There’s also a lot of information on our website: www.fortheworldschildren.org
Cynthia Reid is an owner/agent at John L. Scott Westwood
From our own Sales & Promotion Diva Janet Grella comes these photos from Tuesday night’s “National Night Out” in the Burien area, taken at Normandy Park Assisted Living:
| Aug ’08 |
| 5 |
| 6:00 pm |
Tuesday night, Aug. 5th, starting around 6pm, neighbors around the B-Town area will turn out, get together, meet, talk and get to know each other (and the cops who protect them) better in hopes of keeping their ‘hoods safer.
That’s right – it’s National Night Out, an annual, unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) celebrated throughout the country.
According to their website:
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 35 million people participated in National Night Out 2007.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Some video clips from various 2007 Night Outs:
So…are you partaking in National Night Out?
Have a digital still or video camera?
Then send us some pics/clips Tuesday (or just email us info on what you did)!
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
- 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
- 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:
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