Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

King County Councilmember Julia Patterson donated a “retired” eight-passenger van to Sea Mar Community Health Centers Wednesday (Jan. 20th), in an effort to help South King County’s growing Latino community.

There are 50 non-profit, community Sea Mar locations in King County, with two in Burien, including a dental clinic at 18010 8th Avenue South and a medical clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd. SW. There are also two clinics in White Center, and recovery center in Des Moines.

Patterson was greeted by a crowd of grateful volunteers and staff who were eager to take a look inside the shiny, blue, van and welcome her to Sea Mar (see pic below).

“I am very touched by the work of Sea Mar Community Health Centers and their commitment to providing quality, comprehensive care to individuals and families across King County,” said Councilmember Patterson. “Their Des Moines location serves an incredibly diverse, low-income population, which will benefit greatly from having this new mode of transportation to and from much-needed medical and dental appointments.”

Sea Mar Community Health Centers was established in 1978 with a single medical clinic serving Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. Today, Sea Mar, a private, non-profit community health center, operates nearly 50 medical, dental and behavioral health clinics and centers in 10 western Washington counties.  Sea Mar is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive health and human services to diverse communities, including low income, underserved and uninsured populations. Sea Mar specializes in services to Latinos and is an innovative leader in the delivery of bilingual and culturally appropriate healthcare and social services. For more information, visit Sea Mar’s website here.

”We are pleased that the County has selected our inpatient, long-term treatment program as a beneficiary of its van distribution program,” said Rogelio Riojas, Sea Mar’s Chief Executive Officer. “We intend to make the van available to any resident or person who comes to the treatment center for care and services. It will be a great resource for our program.”

Since 1995, the King County Council has donated vans to nonprofit groups to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, elderly, youth, or people with disabilities in King County. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles. This is the eighth year that each member of the council has been able to donate vans.

The vans were donated through an annual application process.

For more information about applying for a van, contact Councilmember Patterson’s Office at (206) 296-1005.

Councilmember Julia Patterson (holding flowers) is joined by volunteers and staff at the Sea Mar Community Health Center after the delivery of a retired Metro Vanpool van to the agency Jan. 20.

January is “National Blood Donor Month,” and the city of Burien is holding a blood drive from 10am to 3pm Monday, Jan. 25th at City Hall, and they’re inviting all humans who have blood to donate.

With the recent bad news in Haiti and continued distress within our own community, giving blood is a great way to show that you care, because every time you donate, you’re not only helping your neighbors, you’re saving lives.

Plus, after you donate, sometimes you get a free cookie and orange juice.

Here are the details:

WHAT: City of Burien Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, January 25th from 10am to 3pm (with a lunch break from Noon-1pm)

WHERE: Burien City Hall Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor

INFO: From a press release:

“Every day, we are grateful for the commitment of generous donors like you who give blood regularly to maintain a stable community blood supply.

And there is no better time to express our appreciation for your life-saving efforts than during National Blood Donor Month.

Every time you give blood, you’re not only helping local patients, you’re saving lives.

This month, we say thanks for continuing to support the cause, and ask those who have not previously donated, to start a new habit in 2010: giving the Gift of Life by becoming a blood donor.”

To reserve a time to donate blood, please contact Kathy Wetherbee at 206-439-3158 or by email kathyw@burienwa.gov.

Monday, Jan. 18th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and to honor his legacy, the local American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide Washington are holding a “Day of Service” where they are seeking volunteers to help, beginning at 10am and continuing to 1pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide local “Day of Service”

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 18th:

• 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Rally Celebration with Seattle Sea Gals, Blue Thunder
• 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Volunteers canvass neighborhoods in White Center and Burien
• 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Educational activities from American Red Cross & HOPE worldwide in the SW Boys and Girls Club

WHERE: Kick-off rally will take place at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club, located at 9800 8th Ave SW in White Center. Canvassing will take place in White Center and Burien neighborhoods.

INFO: From their press release:

Volunteers will gather at the SW Boys & Girls Club for a community rally and educational activities and interactive safety demonstrations for neighborhood youth.

The Seahawks Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Seahawks heroes Mack Strong and Leonard Weaver will be on hand.

After the rally, volunteers will canvass door-to-door throughout local neighborhoods, talk with residents and leave behind door hangers with safety information. The door hangers include information about smoke alarms, creating a household fire escape plan and tips for cooking and heating a home safely this winter. The door hangers provide information in English and Spanish.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized that strong families and communities make dreams come true. The Red Cross and Hope worldwide want to honor that legacy by keeping local neighborhoods safe.

Home fires remain one of King County’s most common disaster threats. Right here in our community, the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties responds to a residential fire every 48 hours.

When the weather gets colder the potential for home fires always grows, but according to a recent survey conducted by the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association, this year the potential for home fires may increase even more as people, concerned about the cost of heating their homes, plan to use an alternative source of heat- like a space heater or stove- to lower their bills.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world.  For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org.

HOPE worldwide is an international charity that changes lives by harnessing the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy. For more information, visit www.hopeww.org.

The City of Burien is looking for residents of both B-Town and the to-be-annexed North Highline area to serve on advisory boards, which is a great way to become more involved with the city and give something back to your community, like your precious, helpful advice.

There is no pay, other than helping your city out, applications are being accepted through Feb. 19th, and the boards in need are the Arts Commission, Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Board.

Here are the details:

Apply for Openings on City Advisory Boards

Serving on a City advisory board is a great way to become involved with your city and give something back to your community. Burien residents and residents of the North Highline Annexation Area, which will become part of the City on April 1, are encouraged to apply for current openings on the Arts Commission, Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Board.

Application forms are available at Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street, Ste. 300, or on the City’s website at www.burienwa.gov/boards. Applications are being accepted through February 19, 2010.

For further information call Monica Lusk, city clerk, at 248-5517.

BTB Reader Phillip Levine reports that a very unique sculpture was stolen from his yard recently, and he sent us this info and photo in case any other readers have seen it:

Bronze sculpture by Tom Jay, measuring 80″ high x 9″ in diameter.

Taken from my home the other day, which is located near Arbor Lake and the old Puget Sound Jr. High (aka Puget Sound Park).

Here’s a pic of it – have you seen this?:

If you know the whereabouts of this distinctive-yet-missing sculpture, please email Phillip Levine ASAP at:

levinepr@comcast.net

WestSide Baby’s Nancy Woodland tells us that they’re holding a special “Save the Day” event today (Wed. Dec. 16th), and they’re seeking donations of girls size 3 and 5 clothes and size 8 boys warm clothes, as well as others.

Here’s the text of an email we just received:

Today the Burien Salvation Army offers 50% off and WestSide Baby really needs clothes to fill orders for kids today!

WestSide Baby Volunteers are furiously filling orders due for delivery this week and there are a few bare shelves.  We really need Girls Sizes 3 and 5 clothes and Size 8 boys warm clothes.  Winter coats in all sizes are in short supply.    The orders are here and waiting to be filled right now.  If you love the idea of dashing off to Save the Day, please go to the Salvation Army and then bring the clothes to our facility in White Center as soon as you can.  We have special open hours for donations until Christmas.  (Mon-Friday 9-4, Thurs. 7-9pm Sat. 9-2.

If you can’t put on your super hero cape today, please consider dropping off diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6) or gently used (or new) warm clothes, especially in sizes 4-12.  Two great drop off locations right in Burien at Advanced Massage and at Goodie Gumdrops.

Salvation Army
16033 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148-1401
(206) 438-4546 Volunteers

Advanced Massage
2120 SW 152nd
Burien
Win a chance for 1 of 4 free massages if you donate there

Goodie Gumdrops
816 SW 152nd
Burien
Drop off clothes, Pick up thing for kiddos on your list and maybe even toss in a new board book or toy for one of the kids on ours.

Janice Hammond of Sunrise Financial Services tells us that they’re holding a special “Pay It Forward” event at the Burien Library on Tuesday, Dec. 15th, from 2pm to 8pm, where you can drop off unused items (see list below) to help out both the Highline Area Food Bank and YWCA’s Emergency Housing Program.

Here’s an email Janice sent us:

Been looking for a way to help out your community? Here is a very easy and/or FREE way to do it! We are putting on a drive for many items you may have in your house right now and are not using anymore.

Go clean out your CUPBOARDS AND CLOSETS and bring any usable items to the main Burien Library on Tuesday, December 15th from 2pm-8pm.

I’m sure if you looked through your kitchen you would be surprised at how many items you will find that you know your family will never use! So, clean out your closets and cupboards and don’t let all those usable goods go to waste!

What we need:

• NON PERISHABLE FOOD
• SHEETS
• BLANKETS
• PILLOWS
• TOWELS
• CLEANING SUPPLIES
• TOOTHBRUSHES
• TOILETRIES
• CLOTHES
• KITCHEN ITEMS

Who it’s going to: Highline Food Bank and YWCA’s Emergency Housing Program – they provide housing to local families in crisis and woman and children who are survivors of domestic violence.

Why: Because if you’re not using it, someone else can!

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD BY FORWARDING THIS OUT TO OTHERS!!!!

Help us make this a great success!

If you have any questions feel free to email them to me at janice@sunrisefinancialservices.net

The City of Burien, along with the Burien Police and King County Sheriff’s Department, are seeking donations of gift cards for area kids and families in need this holiday season.

Gift Cards in $20 increments are preferred, specifically from the local Fred Meyer and Safeway stores.

The deadline is Monday, Dec. 21st, and donated cards can be dropped off at City Hall during regular business hours.

There’s also a great opportunity for a local business or resident to “adopt” a needy family, and there are at least 35 in need this year.

Here’s more info from Nicki Maraulja, Community Service Officer:

It’s that time of year again to help out our kids and families in need for Christmas.

We have some 40 families that could use an extra hand this year.

We’re now collecting any gift cards for either Fred Meyer or Safeway.

These gift cards can be dropped off at Burien City Hall during City hours, until Dec. 21st.

Cards should be in $20.00 increments.

We would also be interested in any business or community member that would be interested in adopting a family. I have at least 35 families as of right now.

If anyone has any questions, I can be reached at the precinct. in Burien, at 206-296-3333.

REMINDER: We’re holding our annual “Have A Heart” Food Bank Fundraiser Blog Party this TUESDAY NIGHT, Dec. 8th, starting at 6pm at The Tin Cellars.

We’ll be raising funds and collecting non-perishable food items for the Highline Area Food Bank, which serves Burien.

The night of food bank fundraisin’ blog partyin’ fun will begin at 6pm and continue ’til whenever at The Tin Cellars, the brand spankin’ new bar next to the Tin Room, located at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

The Highline Area Food Bank has been serving about 850 families a month, and is in need of more donations. It serves Burien clients north of 192nd Street and south of 116th Street, from Pacific Highway/International Boulevard/Military Road west to Puget Sound. Of those served, 42 percent are adults, 18 percent are seniors, 38 percent are children, and 2 percent are infants to age 2.

Suggested donation will be two cans/boxes of non-perishable food, $5 cash or whatever you can afford (including larger donations).

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Have A Heart,” The B-Town Blog’s Annual Food Bank Fundraisin’ Blog Party

WHEN: This Tuesday, Dec. 8th from 6pm on

WHERE: The Tin Cellars, next to The Tin Room Bar at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien

COST: Suggested donation of two cans/boxes of non-perishable food or $5 cash or whatever you can afford. All proceeds will go directly to the Highline Area Food Bank (HAFB).

Here’s a list of items needed by the HAFB:

• Canned Veggies & Fruit
• Soup
• Tomato Sauce
• Yams
• Cranberry sauce
• Olives
• Meats
• Milk
• Crackers
• Mac & cheese
• Jam
• Peanut Butter
• Pumpkin
• Toiletries

INFO: Here’s a lnk to our Evite invitation.

This will be our 5th-ever “Blog Party,” and we hope that you can make it whether you’ve been to one before or not.

We’ll also be demonstrating the BTB, doing live updates, taking pics and much more.

Burien’s Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center has placed “Giving Trees” throughout the area, and you can make a child’s Christmas wish come true by purchasing their wish list item.

Tags on the trees include all the details (age, gender and specific gift wish) and include a single wish of a Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center resident.

Once purchased, bring the unwrapped item back to the business you picked up the tag or drop off at Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center during business hours.

Please deliver all Giving Tree items by Monday, December 21st to:

Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center
1033 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA  98166

For more information, contact Megan Clingman, Special Events Manager at (206) 242-1698 x142 or by email: meganc@rdcc.org. More info on the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center is available at their website here.

Megan adds: “Together we can make this a Happy Holiday season for all families!!

Here’s a list of local businesses with RDC Giving Trees:

• 3 Wishes
• 909 Coffee & Wine
• Albertsons (5 Corners store)
• Bank of America (230 SW 152nd St)
• Collins Chiropractic
• Copiers NW
• Goodie Gumdrops
• Highline Athletic Club
• Highline Therapy Service
• Key Bank (17818 1st Ave S)
• Matt Griffin YMCA (3595 S 188th St)
• Orthodontics of Burien
• Poggi Bonsi
• The Mark Restaurant
• Tin Room
• Volt Services
• You’ve Been Worn
• Zizzia

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:

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.

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 Mark Neuman

All of us at The B-Town and White Center Blogs would like to offer a huge Turkey Day “thank you” to everyone who donated this past weekend at our 2nd Annual Turkey ‘N’ Diapers Drive at Albertsons in White Center.

Over $800 in donations was collected!

The food items will be distributed to those in need by the White Center Food Bank.

Baby related items will go to WestSide Baby, located in White Center.

Team leader Bart Bryan, who often hosts “Whaddaya Think?” on our six neighborhood blogs said “It was very, very cold weatherwise, but the hearts of our neighbors were warm.”

Example: two men, both fighting cancer, arrived three hours apart and, not knowing each other, donated food. Each did so with giving smiles.

One of the most touching moments of the day was when an elderly man donated all he could – 24 cents.

A Sarah Palin look-alike stopped by and contributed food.

A casino dealer set his 52 cards down and gave away a box of 168 diapers.

A grandmother waved and left a grocery bag of pasta and sauce.

A man named “Joe,” who did not want his picture taken, gave four bags of Top Ramen for “starving college students.”

Darla Green, of Skinperfect Aesthetics, was the first donor of the day.

Darla Green, from Skin Perfect Aesthetics in Burien, was the first donor of the day, bringing in a paper bag full of canned goods.

Mike, from an up and coming spot in White Center called Proletariat Pizza, donated three pizzas for the volunteers.

We’d also like to give a big shout out to the good folks at the White Center Albertsons!

Thanks, everyone!

WestSide Baby is 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 2008 WestSide Baby served more than 12,000 children.

In any given month the White Center Food Bank serves over 1,500 families.

Here’s contact information:

White Center Food Bank
10829 8th Ave SW
Seattle WA 98146
www.whitecenterfoodbank.org
Phone: 206-762-2848

And:

WestSide Baby
10032 15th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146
(206) 767-1662
www.westsidebaby.org

Here’s a Photo Slideshow shot by Mark Neuman and Scott Schaefer of the day:

Click to View Our Photo Slideshow

by Ralph Nichols

While the number of families seeking help from the Highline Area Food Bank in Burien increased by 17 percent during the first six months of 2009, food donations are down by more than 30 percent.

“In this recession, we’re hurt the most by the lack that kind of giving,” said Mike Werle, executive director of the Highline Food Bank. “At every food drive for the past year and a half, the poundage of donated food has been going down.”

Werle notes that 380 pounds of food were donated during Prudential’s food drive in Burien on Oct. 1, compared to 780 pounds last year.

Yet, he adds, “We’re doing better than some food banks.”

This fall, the Highline Area Food Bank has been serving about 850 families a month.

Located at 18300 4th Ave South, the bank distributes food to clients on Tuesdays from 12 to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The value of donated food distributed last year topped $1,042,980. Food donations come from supermarkets, smaller stores and food outlets, and individual donors. Day-old and damaged goods come from:

• Fred Meyer
• Safeway
• Albertson’s
• Three Starbucks
• Little Ceasar’s
• Mud Bay pet store
• Bartell Drug in Burien
• QFC in Normandy Park
• Safeway and Gai’s Bakery in SeaTac

In addition to financial donations from individuals, businesses and churches, the food bank receives grants from federal, state and city governments, King County, United Way, and FEMA.

Financial donations, which Werle said “are way up” even as food donations are down, are essential to the food bank’s mission. “The purchase of food is essential to our ability to give out a nutritionally balanced unit of service to our clients.”

The Highline Area Food Bank serves clients north of 192nd Street and south of 116th Street, from Pacific Highway/International Boulevard/Military Road west to Puget Sound. Of those served, 42 percent are adults, 18 percent are seniors, 38 percent are children, and 2 percent are infants to age 2.

Clients come from Burien (65%), SeaTac (20.5%), Normandy Park (4.5%), and unincorporated King County (4%). Six percent say they are homeless.

The food bank negotiated a 25-year lease at its present facility, the former Manhattan Community Center, which Werle calls “a heck of a deal.” It opened there in 1996 and since has added 40-foot and 20-foot insulated containers and a 12 foot by 24 foot walk-in cooler and freezer for an on-site storage capacity of about 60,000 pounds of food.

“On average,” he says, “we go through 50,000 to 65,000 pounds of food a month.

The large storage capacity gives the Highline food bank the ability to accept large donations and then give some to other food banks if they can’t use all of some items.

Werle says Highline and other area food banks adopted in 2001 a list of foods, which was reviewed and revised slightly by nutritionists from the University of Washington, to provide clients a “standard minimum unit of service.”

Clients self-select from a standard list of items at the food bank, with the variety depending on what has been donated. Once a month their minimum unit includes milk, meat, peanut butter, cereal, soup, canned fruit and vegetables, rice, beans and Jell-o.

Once a week they can get fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes and onions, bread and other baked goods, baby food, nutritional supplements – and pet food when it’s been donated.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, which Werle describes as “special giving,” more than 400 families will be served before each day with holiday foods as well as some of the regular food items that are distributed.

At Christmas, donated toys will be given to the children of clients at the John Knox Presbyterian Church fellowship hall in Normandy Park.

After the holidays, he says, “the need continues,” but donations decline sharply from early January until May, when the U.S. Postal Service holds its annual carrier food drive at “the best time of year for that to happen.”

In addition to providing food for clients in need, the Highline Area Food Bank also serves new people from outside the area for that day and refers them to the food bank closest to their home, helps people sign up for DSHS services and rental and energy assistance.

Twice a month, a United Way worker comes in to help them sign up for food stamps and summer nutritional programs for kids.

There’s no question that the Highline Area Food Bank could use some help this season; here’s how YOU can lend a hand:

• Send checks made out to Highline Area Food Bank and mail to:

Highline Area Food Bank
P.O. Box 66427
Burien, WA 98166

(you can also place checks into the drop box located at the Normandy Park QFC)

• Drop by the Burien Albertsons any Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 2pm and buy some “Turkey Bucks,” which come in $1, $5 and $10 denominations. Turkey Bucks are converted in to actual, hot Complete Holiday Meals for people in the Highline community to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day (which, by the way, is Thursday Nov. 26th).

• Drop non-perishable food off at Page2Books (15706 1st Ave South; 206-248-7248‎) which delivers to the Food Bank every Tuesday. Also, on Saturday (Nov. 14th) they are donating ALL proceeds from their $1 Book Cart to the Food Bank.

• Come to The B-Town Blog’s “Food Bank Blog Party” on Tuesday night, Dec. 8th at The Tin Room in Olde Burien! Stay tuned for more details soon…

For more information, visit the food bank’s website here.

Burien’s Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center’s Annual Holiday Wreath Sale has begun, and for just $25 each you can help support the children, families and community that they serve everyday.

Just keep in mind that the deadline to order is Friday, Nov. 20th – so you’d better act quickly!

The wreaths are handcrafted with noble and silver fir, incense, western cedar, blue-berried juniper, cones and includes a festive red bow. The wreaths can be shipped anywhere in the United States which makes them the perfect gift for those far away family members and friends.

Simply download and complete the Wreath order form (link, PDF file) and mail, fax or email it to the contact information below by Friday, Nov. 20th to secure your order:

Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center
1033 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98126
Fax: 206.243.5321

Here’s a photo of a sample wreath:

Wreaths can be picked up on Friday, Dec. 4th from 9am – 6pm at the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center located in Burien.

Questions? Contact Megan Clingman at Meganc@rdcc.org or 206.242.1698 x142.

More information on the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center can be found here.

The first salmon of the season on Miller Creek was sighted last Saturday at the Cove in Normandy Park, and stream steward Dennis Clark is putting the call out for volunteers this Saturday (Oct. 17th) to “help create a more healthy stream for this fish and its buddies.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Help plant 37 trees and do a final bit of weeding on Miller Creek (at South 144th St. west of Des Moines Memorial Drive) in Burien. You’ll work under the yellowing leaves of the cottonwoods and enjoy a classic fall day out-of-doors.

• Do you care about a healthy environment for your children?
• Do you want to improve Highline for fish, wildlife, and people?
• Do you like caring for trees that you’ll be able to watch grow year by year?
• Do you want to get rid of the stress of the workweek by whacking non-native, invasive weeds?
• Do you want to meet some of your Highline neighbors?

If so, recruit your friends and family and join us to help restore a section of Miller Creek!

We will weed and mulch around trees and shrubs planted in October 2007 and October 2008; we will plant some new trees

What do you need?

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Gloves (if you have them)
• We provide gloves, tools, and snacks!

WHEN: Planting time is 9am this Saturday, October 17. With enough volunteers, we can get the work done in two hours.

WHERE: South 144th Street, one block west of Des Moines Memorial Drive (northeast Burien, just north of SR 518 and east of SR 509 (see map below).

INFO: For more details, download the flier here (PDF)

RSVP: RSVP so Dennis can provide enough tools and doughnuts for all. If you are a student, please have your parent/guardian download and complete this form (.doc file).

Want to plant trees but can’t make this date? I have another planting project with a private group that would welcome other volunteers on Sunday, October 25, 9 a.m. Let me know if you’d like to join.

This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County. These governments are working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy streams in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.

Advance sign-up is encouraged to help us plan.

For sign up and questions, contact Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward, dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at: 206-296-1909.

BTB Advertiser Vision Collision is sponsoring a car wash this Saturday and Sunday to help raise funds for Robin Hoof, a local teacher who is fighting breast cancer.

The event takes place on both this Saturday (Oct. 10th) and Sunday (Oct. 11th) from 11am to 5pm at Vision Collision, located at 803 SW 154th Street in Burien.

Robin Hoof has been a teacher and swim coach with the Highline School District for 20 years. At Evergreen High School she is a French teacher, and also serves as swim coach for the boys and girls teams at Highline High School.

In April 2007, Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing chemo and a mastectomy, she was considered in remission. In early 2009 she noticed a lump in her neck and was diagnosed for the second time in February. She again underwent chemo and then in the Spring she took her students to Europe. When she got back from that trip, she noticed she had a rather bad cough. Then in August she was admitted to Swedish Hospital where she continued chemo treatments, but her health was rapidly declining. Due to her compromised immune system, the doctors gave her the last chemo treatment on September 18th and told she and her mother, “any day now.”

That day has come and gone, and Robin is still fighting, but she needs your help (and you need a car wash, so this is a perfect match!).

Alternative forms of treatment are now being explored by her family, as those closest to her refuse to give up. Robin’s words to her mother at Swedish were, “I’m not going to let this get me Mom.” She’s in the fight of her life, and wants to beat this disease.

Vision Collision is located at 803 SW 154th Street, just west of Ambaum near 8th SW.

Here are some pertinent website links:

• Facebook Group: “Hope for Robin”
• Facebook page for Vision Collision’s car wash
• A local AVON representative is giving 30% of total sales to Robin’s cause

Here’s more info:

Amy Driscoll and her husband are graciously opening their doors on the weekend to help Robin. We need volunteers to hold signs and draw people in off the road, wash cars, and talk to the public about what’s going on with Hope for Robin. We are doing this BOTH days! Misty will be there with her laptop to push the AVON site. Get in touch with Kristina Todd (on my friends list) if you’re willing to volunteer. I will be visiting both Evergreen and Highline high schools Friday October 2nd to rally for business and volunteers. Thanks everyone

Car washes to be held at different times through out the year by the Driscoll family at Vision Collision.

And the big Kahuna…a charity climb in her honor to the summit of Mt. Rainier Summer ‘10.

Many have rallied around Robin by way of well wishes, donations, and offerings of volunteer work for her. But it’s not enough. More people are needed. Her medical bills are through the roof already, and as a person who’s touched as many people as she has, don’t we owe it to her? Isn’t it our job to give back. And giving Robin hope, is the best gift any human being can give to another.

Because 1 car, and $1 can make all the difference! And because ONE person can make a difference! Be a part of the Army of HOPE!

In August, a portion of Walker Creek in Normandy Park was reconstructed to make it a better fish habitat, and this Saturday (Oct. 3rd) from 9am to Noon, volunteers will be the first members of the public to see the restoration (the Walker Preserve remains closed while the new pedestrian bridge is being constructed).

Volunteers are sought to help remove the remaining ivy and other invasive plants around the restored area to ensure its revegetation with native plants is wildly successful.

• Do you want to be the first to see the recent Walker Creek restoration?
• Do you care about a healthy environment for your children?
• Do you want to get rid of the stress of the work week by whacking non-native, invasive weeds?
• If so, recruit your friends and family and join us to help restore a section of Walker Creek!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Walker Creek Preserve Stewardship Work Party

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 9am to Noon

WHERE: Walker Creek Preserve in Normandy Park; enter through a gate off First Ave South just south of Normandy Park Assisted Living Center at 16625 First Ave South.

If driving, your parking options include:

• Two-three spaces for high clearance vehicles just inside the gate
• Four-five spaces at the far southeast corner of the Assisted Living center (staff said it would be okay for us to use this area); immediately turn left after entering off First Ave.; cars will have to park head-to-tail
• Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. SW
• On the street along S. 168th St. on the east side of First Ave. S.

INFO: We will continue the work of removing English ivy from trees and the forest floor along Walker Creek.

What do you need?

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Gloves (if you have them)

We provide gloves, tools, and snacks!

This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Normandy Park, Burien, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County. These governments are working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy streams in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.

RSVP: Please RSVP in advance so a donut with your name on it is saved; to sign up or get more info, contact Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward, at:

• dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov
• 206-296-1909

Our friends at Burien Parks sent us a note, asking if we could put out a call for a Volunteer to serve as a Day Trip Driver for the Senior Program.

Here are the details:

Are you fun, flexible, people-oriented and like to travel?

Burien Senior Program is looking for responsible and experienced drivers for day trips throughout Western Washington.

If you want to see more of your home-state for free, this volunteer position might be for you.

Call 206-988-3700 for a volunteer application or stop by the community center at 425 SW 144th St, Burien to talk to the Senior Program Director.

This Saturday, Sept. 26th, dozens of Washington State Truckers will drive their big rigs in a huge convoy while local law enforcement will escort them from the Tacoma Dome to the Insurance Auto Auctions in Tukwila.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Washington State Truckers will drive their rigs in the convoy while local law enforcement will escort them from the Tacoma Dome to the Insurance Auto Auctions in Tukwila.

WHERE: The Convoy route will begin at Exit #132, in Parking Lot G of the Tacoma Dome, then depart at 9am towards Tukwila.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26th:

• 8:00 AM – Registration and Truck Staging at Tacoma Dome’s Parking Lot G
• 9:00 AM – Departure towards Tukwila
• 11:00 AM – Arrival at Insurance Auto Auctions, located at 8801 E Marginal Way S., in Tukwila
• 12:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – Truck Show & Shine

BBQ Lunch includes: Awards, entertainment, raffle prizes and more!

HELP: Companies can become official sponsors of the Truck Convoy; Trucking companies and truckers can register at: www.sowa.org. $100 to enter one truck (includes lunch & goody bag). Participants are encouraged to collect pledges and donations.

WHY: Special Olympics Washington athletes train in various sports throughout the year. Their participation is free, so law enforcement and truckers are helping to continue to help provide these sports opportunities to the athletes. Over 6,700 Special Olympics Washington athletes benefit locally.

INFO: On Sept. 26th join the compassionate army of truck drivers across the nation as law enforcement escorts the World’s Largest Truck Convoy to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics! Truckers will meet at the Tacoma Dome and are escorted by law enforcement in a convoy to the Insurance Auto Auctions in Tukwila for a celebration party. Truckers will be welcomed by Special Olympics athletes and families, community organizations and law enforcement agencies. Enjoy music, activities and awards. Lunch will be provided for each driver.

WLTC Facts:

• 200 trucks participated in Washington and over $25,000 was raised locally in 2008
• Over 2,000 trucks participate nationally and $643,000 raised nationally in 2008
• 26 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces participate in the WLTC

REGISTRATION: Phone: (800) 752-7559, ext. 218, or Email: mdo@sowa.org. More info at: www.sowa.org

Your help is needed to help bicycles and pedestrians in Burien – Sustainable Burien is teaming up with the Cascade Bicycle Club and the City of Burien to count the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations.

In a partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Cascade Bicycle Club, volunteers will count people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and roads. We’ve targeted key locations around Burien.

Volunteer shifts available are:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29th
• Wednesday, Sept. 30th
• Thursday, Oct. 1st

There are two shifts available:

• 7am to 9am
• 4pm to 6pm

WSDOT will use this count information to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond puts it simply:

“When people have safe and convenient places to walk and bicycle, they are more likely to leave their car at home. This count helps us to measure the demand for and benefits of existing paths and trails, and to identify new needs.”

To volunteer, contact the Cascade Bicycle Club at organizer@cascadebicycleclub.org or call 206-957-0689.

To contact or learn more about Sustainable Burien, visit http://sustainableburien.org.

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.

Work is progressing on construction of a new north caretaker’s cabin at Camp Schoenwald – a secluded 10-acre wooded facility in Burien, owned by the Highline Kiwanis, just east of Sylvester Junior High School.

The caretaker’s home previously on this site was destroyed by fire in March 2008 (when the Buckleys, the family living there, lost everything they owned – see our previous coverage here and here), and now local Kiwanis members are building the new structure with volunteer labor. Their initial goal was to have the cabin’s walls and roof built before a new rainy season this fall, and on this sunny Thursday (Aug. 20the) they were close to getting that done.

The interior structure of the cabin is nearly complete.

Completion of the cabin – including all interior work on its spacious living room and two bedrooms along with a small deck and carport – will occur as fundraising by the Highline Kiwanis permits, in addition to regular maintenance of the camp.

The Kiwanis hopes to have the home ready to be occupied by spring 2010, but it all depends on how many volunteers they can get (they need drywallers, sheet rock, carpeting, flooring, vinyl, cabinet makers, etc. – contact Frank Weise if you can lend a hand or building materials via email at fwise@nor-pacseating.com) as well as cash donations, which can be made by emailing John Gaston at johngaston@highlinekiwanis.com.

Jan Noorda, architect of the new caretaker’s cabin, points out “what’s going where” in the cabin’s Great Room.

Since 1952, the Highline Kiwanis have welcomed thousands of young people to Camp Schoenwald every year. Kiwanis members are proud of the fact that they help young people – especially those who are disadvantaged – experience the outdoors without charging a penny. For many boys and girls who come here, this is their first experience in the outdoor world.

The grounds include trails, a lodge for indoor activities and sleeping quarters, a big tepee with a huge fireplace, and an amphitheater that serve Boy and Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls and many other youth organizations. It is open for both day camps and overnight camping to these groups under adult supervision on a first-come, first-served basis – always free for all.

The Kiwanis want to offer a shout out and big thanks to Powell Homes of Des Moines, who recently sent a crew of four workers for a full day at no charge. The Powell crew helped with one of the project’s more difficult tasks: lifting and nailing in place the prefabricated roof trusses.

For more information, visit the Highline Kiwanis website here.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is about my "oldest friend" I'm still in touch with, a great guy named Roger Gee, whom I first met when we were just young lads going to Genesee Hill Grade School in West Seattle.]

by Scott Schaefer

What do people do when they get laid off? Go on unemployment? Look for another job? Sit around home playing video games and rewriting their resumes?

Most likely, but oftentimes with little success, especially in an economy where the unemployment rate is hovering near double digits and decent jobs are hard to come by.

Roger is still handy with a guitar for his band, the "Pink Torpedoes."

Some people however, like Burien resident Roger Gee, see it as an opportunity to “re-invent” themselves.

You see, Roger used to work as the shop manager of a small guitar repair shop and custom guitar builder in Bellevue. He managed sales and marketing of their custom guitars, and was fortunate enough to meet, sell to and even play with many great northwest artists and musicians.

Then, this summer, like millions of others, he got laid off.

So, Roger took matters into his own hands and traded in his ax for an…ax – he decided to go into business for himself as a Yellow VAN Handyman.

Instead of “turning lemons into lemonade,” Roger turned his lemons into a Yellow VAN.

It was a natural transition, since he often enjoyed working on projects around his home and for friends and family.

“My wife says that I am not happy unless I have a project to work on,” Roger said as he recalled his weekends packed with repairs and projects. “I am looking forward to helping my clients eliminate their To-Do lists.”

Roger launched his business last week, and he’s eager to begin serving his community. With his van freshly painted, tools in tow (including a guitar if you ‘ax’ for one) and his Yellow VAN Handyman hat atop his head, Roger is actively marketing his services to his neighbors for his first 12 weeks of business. When asked what he was looking forward to the most about owning his own business, Roger replied;

Roger's name is even painted on his Yellow VAN.

“Having the flexibility to spend time with my family is something that I am greatly looking forward to. Being able to watch my son play baseball is worth so much to me.”

Look for Roger on his morning walks or driving his yellow van on the streets of Burien and surrounding neighborhoods.

Check out his web page here to learn more about Roger, his rates, his favorite To-Do list items, or to schedule online.

Or call 206-763-6800 for more information.

Just be sure to tell him that his old pal Scott sent ya!

From his website:

Roger is an experienced handyman with a particular aptitude for electrical work. He learned much of his know-how from his father & his growing professional skills are the perfect compliment. Roger finds much satisfaction in the personal relationship he builds with his members & feels strongly about supporting his community. When Roger is not on a job, he surrounds himself with friends & family.

My earliest memory of home repair was at age seven when my Dad remodeled the master bedroom in our home. I was given a hammer and some nails and taught the proper way to drive a nail. Unfortunately the nails I drove in to the hardwood floor upset my Mom and my first job abruptly ended.

My Dad was a custom cabinetmaker and very skilled with woodworking. Throughout my childhood and into my teen years, my Dad was there to show me how different projects were done. Carpentry, plumbing and electrical jobs were very common around the house.

I am a licensed, bonded, & insured contractor. Whether the service you need is on the interior or exterior of your home, I can help. I build decks and fences, repair drywall, fix leaks, stop squeaks, repair & replace toilets, caulk showers and sinks, install tile, repair and clean gutters, as well as hang doors, paint and do minor plumbing repairs. I really enjoy doing the electrical type repair work. Installing a light fixture, a new outlet or just repairing a broken switch is my idea of fun.

You may need help with other tasks such as: spring clean-up, summer landscaping, yard improvements and seasonal things like putting your Christmas lights up and taking them back down for you. I can also help with emergencies like a hot-water heater replacement.

I take great pride in my work and I am committed to establishing relationships based on trust and communication. When a member refers me to their friends and family, I feel I have accomplished my goal of building trust-based friendships.

“Friend” Roger on his Facebook page here.

Check out his band, the Pink Torpedoes music here.

Our friends at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound are currently seeking adult volunteers to help area children in need.

Here are the details:

Washington State currently holds more than 18,000 prisoners. According to the Department of Corrections, more than 15,000 of them are parents. The stigma that the families face often forces a curtain of silence, isolating these children when they need support the most.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is reaching out to these children, providing caring adult mentors to spend quality one-on-one time with these youth, offering support, compassion, and fun. Youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program are 52% less likely than their peers to skip school, and 97% of “Littles” avoided contact with the juvenile justice system, helping to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking adult volunteers in your local area who have a couple of hours a week, a few times a month, to make a lasting difference in their community. Just by showing up, you show a child that they matter. You show a child that society expects great things from them, and we know from more than 100 years of experience that it makes a big difference.

If you would like to be a change agent in your community, or for more information, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound at 877-700-BIGS or visit www.bbbsps.org.

Household finances got you down?

Feeling the pinch during this economy?

Well, the good folks at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church are holding a Free Resource Fair and Block Party, where they will be giving out advice, resources and more to parents, along with FREE Backpacks (with school supplies) to the first 300 kids this Saturday, Aug. 15th from 12 to 3pm at 15003 14th SW.

This is their second annual event, and is in conjunction with the Church Council of Greater Seattle.

Here are the details:

Burien Little Theatre is looking for a baby grand piano to star in “Christmas with the Crawfords.” The piano would be onstage from November 22nd through December 20th.

Here’s what BLT’s Eric Dickman sent us:

This season BLT is doing two musical productions, “Christmas with the Crawfords” and a 1950’s rock ‘n roll “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (Theater fans will recognize the latter as Arne Zaslove’s adaptation that ran for years at the Bathhouse and at the Moore. In 2008 Arne updated the show with a few “new” 50s songs.)

BLT audiences seem to love musicals. They are great fun and a great escape, but they are very expensive to produce. They can easily be twice as expensive to produce as a non-musical. (Last season’s “The Rocky Horror Show” set a new budget record for BLT, but was loved by all who came to the show.) At BLT we strive to keep costs down to make every performance affordable to as many people as possible, but we also raise the production values and quality with every new production. To that end we beg and borrow props and set pieces whenever possible. The Seattle Opera, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and countless other theaters in the Northwest have loaned pieces to BLT. To be fair, BLT returns the favor whenever it can.

But with the Christmas show, BLT is between a rock and a hard place. The show takes place at the legendary film diva Joan Crawford’s home. (Just the idea of Christmas with Joan and kids, should make you smile, even before the curtain goes up.) Joan’s pianist is onstage throughout the show and provides live music for the singers. Let’s face it, the Crawford house would not have an upright piano.

Can you help? BLT will work with you to protect your baby, but it is time for your baby to leave home and become a star! Of course, you will have the honor of being put on BLT’s exclusive “comp list” and you will be forever memorialized in the “special thanks” section of the program for “Christmas with the Crawfords” and maybe most importantly your baby grand will have its day under the lights onstage.

If you can help BLT, please contact Eric at eric@burienlittletheatre.com, or email BLT at info@burienlittletheatre.com, and don’t forget to check out all of BLT’s new season here.

by Janet Grella

In their 4th annual Mid-Summer Social, members of the Three Tree Point Yacht Club are raising money for Hospitality House.

“We hope to raise $8,000 which will support four women through the three month program,” said organizer and fellow racer Pat Waters.

On August 7th, with only one race week to go “we’re over the half-way mark,” Pat reported to The Waterland Blog.

Racers, crew and guests have also been asked to bring food and/or money for the Des Moines Food Bank. Organizers estimate a “van-full of food” has been raised to date.

According to their website, this invitation went out to members and non-members:

Join other sail boaters for fun, food and prizes, Thursday evenings, July 9th through August 13th. The race will start at 7:00 pm, conducted by The Three Tree Point Yacht Club. Social hour with food, beverages and prizes will begin shortly after the race on the Guest Dock in the Marina, with one or two boat/s serving as host.

Any boat finishing the race by 8:30 pm will be eligible for prizes. There won’t be many rules but there will be lots of fun. Come join your friends for some sailing, food and prizes. No entry fees and the after race social is also free.

For further information contact the Des Moines Marina at 206-824-5700 or Pat Waters at 253.529.2873.

Sue Waters, race committee member, told us “we have been averaging about 17 sailboats out every week. Any boater can join in the festivities. Since it is a sailboat race, powerboats have not joined in. However, they could – and be chase boats or just go around cheering and encouraging the sailboats, especially when there is no wind!”

According to Pat Waters, the boat that raises the most money will win a boat bailout and pressure wash from CSR Marine. The winner will be announced by a former resident of Hospitality House after the final race on August 13th.

Hospitality House is located at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church in Burien. From their website:

Hospitality House shelter is a caring environment, providing case management and safety to homeless single women in order to foster empowerment that leads them toward a permanent home and self-sustainability.

Short- and long-term outcomes include:

Meeting of basic needs to allow residents to focus on larger stability issues
Referral to affordable transitional or permanent housing as they prepare to leave our shelter

Individualized case management services with professional staff who assist residents in overcoming barriers to stability

Client assistance funds that are used to remove certain financial barriers
Hospitality House is open 365 nights a year. We are largely supported by a diverse and committed volunteer corp. We are always recruiting new volunteers and have new volunteer orientation several times a year. Other ways to serve Hospitality House are through financial contributions and in-kind professional services.

In King County’s 10-year plan to end homelessness: “A Roof Over Every Bed”, South King County is recognized as underserved. Keeping Hospitality House open and viable, as one of the only single women’s shelters in South King County, is an important part of serving the needs of homeless women.

We strive to successfully move women of South King County into stable lives and homes. While the organization was founded by area churches, supported by volunteers from area churches, and housed at no cost in the education building of a church, Hospitality House is an independent non-profit organization that does not proselytize in any way.

Supporting Organizations:
Des Moines United Methodist Church ~ John Knox Presbyterian Church ~ Lake Burien Presbyterian Church ~ Normandy Park United Church of Christ ~ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ~ Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ~ Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church ~ Southminster Presbyterian Church ~ St. Bernadette Catholic Church ~ St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church ~ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church ~ St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church ~ Soroptomist International of Seattle South