“Images of America: Three Tree Point,” a locally-written book we’ve previously reported on, has finally been released and will be on sale for just $20 each at a book-signing party at The Tin Room this Friday, March 12th beginning at 3pm.

Longtime residents-turned-authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper will be autographing and selling books, as well as sharing anecdotes in the back of the Tin Room (923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; 242-8040), at a historic table made from the old wooden sign from the Three Tree Point store.

This should be a lively event full of historic stories and interesting photos, as well as a way to acknowledge a nice success story for these local folks.

Here are some more excerpt photos and captions from the book:

“Images of America: Three Tree Point” is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

REMINDER: We’d like to remind everyone that our friends at the Highline Historical Society will be presenting “Soldiers in Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes” at the SeaTac City Hall this Sunday, Feb. 21st, beginning at 2pm.

Local actress Tames Alan will perform, dressed in full period costume and acting totally in character, to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote. From what we hear, Tames does an excellent job of acting so this should be entertaining.

Plus…it’s FREE.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s “Soldiers In Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes”

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21st beginning at 2pm

WHERE: SeaTac City Hall, located at 4800 South 188th Street in SeaTac.

COST: This is a FREE event.

INFO: From a press release:

In the authentic clothing of a suffragette, Actress Tames Alan returns to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote. In 1867, the passing of the 14th Amendment defined “citizen” as “male,” thus denying women the right to vote. On this 100th Anniversary of women’s right to vote in Washington State, learn how American women adopted the militant tactics of English suffragettes to earn the right to vote and regain citizenship in their own country. Discover how the suffragettes influenced child labor laws, the use and dispersal of birth control, the Temperance movement, and the right of women to earn a college degree.

This engaging program is free.

It is brought to the community by the Highline Historical Society with the support of Humanities WA.

Immediately followed by a reception for the elected women of Highline.

Tames Alan is an actress, historian, and fashion history teacher who has combined her skills to create Living History Lectures for people of all ages. Since 1986, she has been touring her programs throughout the United States and Canada, where she is known for in-depth research and a lively presentational style. Tames studied theater and history at Willamette University in Oregon and theater at the American Conservatory Theater and the Dell Arte School in California. She taught fashion history at the Art Institute of Seattle, and is a historical consultant to museums, libraries, and historical festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

For more information, visit the Highline Historical Society’s website here.

by Ralph Nichols

Local groups and projects that receive financial support from the Exchange Club of Highline can look forward to a good year despite the lingering recession.

The Exchange Club’s annual spaghetti dinner and auction at St. Bernadette’s School on Jan. 30 “was a huge success!” member Sherrill Miller of BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery told The B-Town Blog.

“Attendance was up over last year,” Miller said, with about 280 people attended the evening event. “Preliminary numbers indicate we made over $30,000” from the dinner with wine, a dessert auction, a raffle, and both silent and live auctions, which also “is more than last year!”

Miller added, “With our annual spaghetti dinner and auction, the funds generated are used to meet the ongoing needs of various community organizations.”

All money raised goes right back into the community, and “will be used to support more than 30 community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, area food banks, WestSide Baby, Ruth Dykeman Center, local schools, backpacks and school supplies for kids, Crisis Clinic, and many more.”

At their regular meeting on Feb. 3, Exchange Club members said they were pleased with the “festive appearance” of the dining hall, adding that “the food was fantastic” and everyone “had all they wanted to eat.” They reserved special praise for the students who waited on tables.

“Donations (for the auctions) in this down economy were up,” it was reported, and “people already are talking about donating” for next year’s event. The Exchange Club got 285 items for the silent auction and anothe4 38 for the live auction.

The Exchange Club is a national service organization. The Exchange Club of Highline was established in 1961 with the goal of bringing business and community leaders together to support the needs of the Highline community.

Members also volunteer their time to community projects such as working at the White Center Food Bank one Saturday each month.

More information on The Exchange Club of Highline is available at its website here.

Highline Community College is now accepting nominations for its “Distinguished Alumnus Award,” its most prestigious award for alumni.

This award is meant to honor a former Highline student who has made outstanding contributions through community service, noteworthy professional achievement and/or recognized leadership.

Nominations are due by April 16, 2010.

Previous winners have included:

• Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, who attended Highline in 1968–69, was the first recipient of the award in 1990
• Other past honorees include Junki Yoshida, CEO of the Yoshida Group
• Washington state’s first poet laureate Sam Green

Last year’s recipient was Dr. Linda Petter, a family practitioner in Tacoma and author of “Common Medical Sense,” who was honored for her outstanding work in the health care field. She has a regular feature at 7:45 a.m. Sundays on KOMO-AM 1000.

Nominees will be asked to submit a résumé and personal profile that will be reviewed by a campus selection committee. The person selected will be invited to accept the award and participate in Highline’s commencement exercises on June 10, 2010.

Please send your nominations via e-mail to ayoung@highline.edu or hard copy to:

Melissa Sell
Resource Development Office
Highline Community College
PO Box 98000 MS 99-248
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

For more information, call (206) 870-3774, e-mail rstephen@highline.edu or visit www.funds4highline.org.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 18,300 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes.

As many of our Readers also know, Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer also attended Highline College, where he worked on the student newspaper The Thunderword. Another alum is one of his then-classmates, prolific local Playwright and current HCC Journalism Professor TM Sell.

Highline High School’s Jazz Band will be holding a fundraiser dinner and silent auction from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday, Feb. 20th at the Highline High cafeteria.

Tickets are just $7 and will be available at the door or can be purchased from a band student.

The band will be playing old jazz and swing favorites such as “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “String of Pearls” and many others.

There is plenty of space to dance and the silent auction will be going on while the band plays.

Desserts will be available also.

Money raised will go towards helping fund a trip to Vancouver, B.C. for band members (jazz and symphonic), with 100% of the proceeds going to the band.

More information on the band and its activities is available at this website.

A public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th, from 5pm – 7pm at Mount Rainier High School, which is located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines.

The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.

For more information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website here that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.

Up to six additional public workshops will be held throughout the Part 150 Study process. This first meeting will introduce and orient the participants to the Part 150 process as well as further “scope” the study itself. In order to do that, the consultants will facilitate small group discussions with the participants to talk about their concerns and what they are hoping to see included in the study. Records of these sessions and the input received will be kept and factored into the study. The Port will soon launch an advertising campaign publicizing the meeting and they will make sure the members of the Forum get additional information.

Public workshops are not the only vehicle that will be used to engage the public. The Port wants to make sure community leaders, such as the members of the Highline Forum, and the general public has ample opportunity to review the status of the project and offer their thoughts and recommendations. The Port will be providing just that at the regular Highline Forum meetings. In addition, the Part 150 Study team will be available to attend a City Council meeting or meet with the representatives of a specific neighborhood or organization.

There will be a public hearing and comment period at the end of the process. More information will be provided at that time when there is a fully developed set of recommended actions.

More info available at these links:

• Part 150 Scope of Services (PDF)
• Port of Seattle’s “Air Mail” (PDF)

According to the Port’s Part 150 website:

The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities. For Part 150 Study purposes, noise incompatibilities are defined as residences or public use noise-sensitive facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour.

The purpose for conducting a Part 150 Study is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from the airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.

Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:

• To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
• To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
• To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
• To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
• To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.

Specific goals for this Part 150 Study include the following:

• To address noise issues related to the third runway;
• To conduct the process in an open and engaging way; and
• To look for opportunities that have not been thought of versus re-visiting old issues.

This study will identify existing and future flight corridors, develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future conditions, evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas, consider land use controls that could be established to reduce future incompatible land uses from being developed within high noise areas, and evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.

It is anticipated that the Part 150 Study will be completed in late 2011. After completion, it will be submitted to the FAA. The review period by the FAA is typically 6-9 months.

The second annual “Cove To Clover” fundraiser 5K race will be Sunday, March 14th, winding its way from the Normandy Park Community Club up the dreaded “snake hill” to the finish line in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

We’re proud to be a Sponsor of this great event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Highline Food Bank. Last year over $12,000 was raised, and this year’s goal is $20,000!

If you’re interested in registering, please click here.

If you thought last year’s race was fun and challenging, just wait until you get a whiff of some o’the new elements for 2010. It’s as if the dial on the family-friendly funometer has been cranked up to 11 – check out some of the new features:

• The race begins at 1pm on Sunday, March 14th at Normandy Park Community Club. The course winds up “snake hill” all the way to the Gregory Heights neighborhood, past St. Francis of Assisi, crosses 152nd street with the finish line in Burien Town Square, where there will be a traditional Irish Festival.
• This challenging course takes its toll on even the most seasoned runners! Two water stops are provided, and racers will be rewarded with music from an Irish Piper when the reach the top of the ominous “snake” hill.
• Again there is a 1-mile Family Race which begins at St. Francis and follows the last of the 5K course.
• NEW: “While You Run” childcare, check your kids in at the Family Race start. Run the first 2 miles of the 5K, check your kids back out to run the Family Race together. Your 5K time will suffer of course.
• NEW: Pub Crawl – Friday March 12th!
• NEW: School Registration Contest! $5 from each registration fee can be donated to the local school of your choice! Just—type in your school’s name at registration–the school with the most registrations will be awarded an additional $1,500! Registrations can track their school’s progress at www.covetoclover.com/schools.
• NEW: School Limerick Contest — A $500 prize will be awarded to the school (or non-profit for non- student entries) who present the winning Limerick! Limerick contest details at www.covetoclover.com/limerick. BTW, we’re working on our own Limerick that starts “There once was a man from B-Town…”
• NEW: Start Line Party – Live Band inside the Normandy Park Cove Building prior to the race so you can warm up dancing to old school rock and roll.
• NEW: Expanded Pre-Race shuttle service from the finish line to the start line.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

5k at 1:00pm:

• $30.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $35 after)

Family Race (1 mile) at 1:30 PM:

• $25.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $30 after)

Here’s a map of the race course:

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/normandy-park/131126275593197103″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/normandy-park/131126275593197103″>Official Cove to Clover 5K Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/normandy-park” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/normandy-park”>Find more Runs in Normandy Park, Washington</a>

Some other highlights include:

• On-course Irish Pipes
• Irish Entertainment
• 2 Live Bands
• Bigger Beer Garden
• 1-mile Family Race
• Free Hot Dogs for Kids
• Free Root Beer Garden
• Irish Grub

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:

• 10:15am+: Take the Free Pre-Race Shuttle – loads at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub starting at 10:15 am (WARNING: Start Line Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED!). Please park near Burien Town Square and take the free shuttle from Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Final shuttle departs promptly at 12:40 pm. Shuttle will drop you at the family race start-line (St. Francis Parish) of the 5K start-line (The Cove).
• 1pm: 5K Race (race starts at 1 pm sharp) Start Line @ Normandy Park Swim Club “The Cove”
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm @ The Cove
• LIVE ROCK BAND starts at 10:45 am: “The Throbs” will be cranking out old school rock and roll at the start line until race time. Warm your bones rocking out to covers of Nirvana, AC/DC, Scorpions and other eye-popping ROCK!!! Come early and avoid the last minute shuttle rush.

FAMILY RACE:

• Race starts at 1:40pm sharp
• Start Line @ St. Francis Church
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 1:20 pm @ St. Francis Church
• 1 mile-ish. This can be walked or run and will include people of all generations. Hopefully we’ll have Irish Step Dance lessons prior to the start. – Pick up bib
• NEW: “While You Race” Childcare (11:00 am – 1:35 pm) at St. Francis Church
• If you want to run the 5K but your kids aren’t ready for that level of suffering, consider checking your kids into “While You Race” Childcare at the family race start line. You can then run the first 2 miles of the 5K to the Family Race Start, grab your kids and run then run the Family Race together. Child care provided by St. Francis Parish, extra fee may be involved.
• YOU MUST CHECK OUT YOUR CHILD BEFORE FINISHING THE 5K. It is not intended that runners finish the run and then return to claim their children. Due to the tight schedule, this service is for families with children who plan to run the Family Race.
• If you do the math, you’ll need to be able to run the first 2 miles in 30 minutes to pickup your child in time for the Family Race. Shuttle from the finish line, will stop drop you at St. Francis to check in your kids. Then you can re-board the shuttle to be taken to the 5K start line (the Cove).

FINISH LINE FESTIVAL AT BURIEN TOWN SQUARE:

• Finish Line Irish Festival runs from 2pm – 5pm at Burien Town Square
• “The Haggis Bros” are a lively Irish Band. You can enjoy the show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies). Be entertained by traditional step dancers while you gnash some Irish grub.

Not a runner? Get involved as a race day volunteer: Please contact John Nelson at jonelson@adobe.com.

And there are still some great Sponsorship Opportunities available – please email Ashley Fosberg at fosberg5@comcast.net for a sponsorship packet!

As the official web Sponsor of the Cove To Clover race, we’ll be posting more updates soon (including details on the Pub Crawl March 12th!), so be sure to come back often.

One way you can tell that spring is on its way is when you start seeing signs for Little League baseball registration (oh, and these 50+ degree days sure help as well) – PACWEST Little League registration begins Tuesday, Jan. 26th.

PACWEST Little League is for kids ages from age 5 to 18.

Here are the details:

The following are the dates, times, and locations for the scheduled registrations.

Please plan to attend one of the dates:

• Tues., Jan. 26th – Highline Christian Church: 6pm-8pm
• Sat., Jan. 30th – St Francis: 10:00am-2:00pm
• Sat., Feb. 6th – Tukwila Community Center: 10:00am-2:00pm
• Sat., Feb. 20th – Boulevard Presbyterian Church: 10:00am-2:00pm

If you have questions about signing up, you can call the main office at (206) 243-9229 or email PACWEST Here.

More info available at the PACWEST website here.

by Ralph Nichols

Although Puget Sound Park no longer is under consideration as a potential site for a new King County library, White Center and Boulevard Park residents remain concerned about the future of their community libraries.

And little was said to ease their fears when the Planning Committee of the King County Library System (KCLS), chaired by library trustee Lucy Krakowiak, who is also a Burien City Councilwoman, met at the Burien Library on Thursday, Jan. 14.

Library system Director Bill Ptacek did tell those in attendance from the Highline area “the park is no longer an issue.” In November, the library system considered buying Puget Sound Park as the site for a new facility to consolidate White Center and Boulevard Park libraries.

But the planning committee also got their first look at a list of goals and metrics for a Library System Area Analysis that, Ptacek said, would help determine “the equitable distribution of library resources” throughout the library district.

This process will guide the trustees in identifying what is needed to provide good library service, rather than just responding to “who talks the loudest,” he added.

Board of trustees president Robert Spitzer later observed that if their goal system wide is to be “oriented toward consolidation,” then the most equitable approach would be to “build a 200,000 square foot library in the center of our service area.”

“There is a balance to be reached between efficiencies and meeting community needs,” Spitzer continued. That includes “considering the level of community involvement and access.”

Rachel Levine, a member of the White Center Library Guild, said the “metrics don’t mean anything if they don’t meet the needs” of these under-served communities.

Noting that the 2004 library bond issue, passed by voters throughout the library district, included funds for new or expanded library buildings in White Center and Boulevard Park, Levine asked, “Why should we wait for that new library with the money there?”

Ptacek said the metrics would be only the first step in a process for siting any new library. “The nature of the library business is changing, with outreach and technology,” he noted. “There is more to it than just four walls … it is old fashioned to look at a library building only.”

But, responded Levine, “Library buildings are important because that’s where it happens … we have a very proud history [at the White Center Library] and we intend to keep it.”

Highline residents will have an opportunity to address the library trustees during public comment at board meetings on Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. Both meetings begin at 5 p.m. at the library administration’s administrative offices at 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah.

The February meeting includes the board’s quarterly public forum at which those speaking can take longer to make their points than the usual three minutes.

North Highline’s community libraries became an issue in November when word got out that former King County Executive Kurt Triplett had entered into an agreement that would sell Puget Sound Park at 1st Ave. S. and SW 126th St. to the library system.

The library system planned to use the park as the site for a new facility, where the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries then would be consolidated.

However, Burien objected to the sale of the park, which is in southern North Highline that will be annexed by the city on April 1. Two weeks ago, new King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that the county will cede the park to Burien as part of annexation.

The future of the two libraries, which is a library system and not a city issue, remains unresolved.

Before the Planning Committee meeting started, some in attendance criticized Ptacek and Krakowiak for sitting with their backs to the audience and indicating they would not introduce themselves. Introductions by the trustees and staff subsequently were made.

So…what do YOU think the King County Library System should do? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

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

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

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

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

Here are the details:

WHAT: Matt Griffin YMCA Open House

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

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

INFO: Everyone is Welcome!

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

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The Highline Historical Society is holding an online auction fundraiser, which runs until Tuesday, Dec. 15th, and offers local restaurants, foods, trips and unusual experiences – all perfect gifts for the holidays, all the while supporting a great local cause.

You can access the auction here:

www.highlinehistory.cmarket.com.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the ongoing programs and activities of the Society, including their capital building campaign for the new Highline Heritage Museum on their property in “Old Burien.”

“We cannot thank our local vendors enough for their participation. I encourage everyone to take a look at the website and support the Society by bidding on something fun for the holidays,” said Terry Anderson, Society President.

The new Highline Heritage Museum, designed by Rohleder Borges Architects, will be located on the Southwest corner of SW 152nd Street and Ambaum Blvd. SW, where Karuna Yoga Arts is currently housed.

The online auction is hosted by cMarket, which is the country’s leading provider of non-profit online auction services. On any day there are as many as 200 cMarket auctions underway online nationwide. With their secure servers and a growing number of community-minded vendors, more and more shoppers are finding that this is an excellent way to shop close to home for the holidays and to also assist a worthwhile local charity.

Lots of interesting news this last week in the Burien area, from Day of the Dead to Election Day to the Day of a Massive Police Response in Tukwila and more.

Here are the stories we covered between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2009:

Story by Ralph Nichols
Photos by Scott Schaefer

Police chiefs from King and Snohomish counties voiced their concerns at a press conference in Burien Wednesday morning (Oct. 21) about potential impacts of Initiative 1033 on public safety – especially in smaller cities.

But they stopped short of opposing the revenue-limiting ballot measure. Public officials are prohibited by state law from campaigning for or against ballot proposals as well as candidates.

Instead, said Scott Kimerer, Burien police chief and chairman of the King County Police Chiefs Association, “People have a right to make their own decisions on how to vote. But they need to be informed….

“We are encouraging citizens to ask their city governments what effect I-1033 would have on their ability to provide services if it is successful.”

Kimerer and Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker represented Highline cities at the press conference.

I-1033 would limit future growth in the revenue cities, counties and the state could take in, based on annual growth in inflation and population. Revenues above the limit would be used to reduce property taxes.

“Already reeling from tough economic times that have seen 15 to 20 percent reductions in revenues, the financial analysis indicates that police services, many of which have already experienced budget cuts this year, could be further restricted to the point of struggling to meet the needs of their citizens’ public safety concerns,” Kimerer said.

“Police budgets generally represent half or more of cities’ general fund expenditures,” he added. And there has been “a 30 percent drop in cities’ anticipated enrollment of new hires in the (state) police academy” in Burien.

The impact of I-1033, if approved in the November election, Kimerer said in response to a question, also could delay North Highline annexation by Burien, which now is expected to take place in late March. Residents of the southern part of the unincorporated area voted 56 percent to 44 percent in August to become part of the city.

Burien City Manager Mike Martin, who attended the press conference, concurred with Kimerer’s assessment.

“If people want less government, they will get less government,” Martin said. “There will be fewer departments and less people (police officers) on the street.”

Kimmerer said “the easily discernable impacts of I-1033 can be found by examining the general funds and budgets of the 82 percent of suburban cities in King County having a population of fewer than 50,000. These cities function with a small margin to provide all the needed services and are very transparent in their budget process and revenues.”

Statewide, 94 percent of all cities have populations less than 50,000.

Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith, chairman of the Snohomish County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, said his department experienced sharp cuts due to the recession this year. Further cuts, should I-1033 pass, “could impair our ability to provide services to our city….

“The whole criminal justice system (including prosecutors, courts and jails) would be impacted, maybe significantly,” Smith said. “We just don’t know. The bottom line is for citizens to ask officials what impact 1033 would have on their city.”

Any cuts in the budgets of local law enforcement agencies “minimizes our response,” he added.

One problem with I-1033, said one police chief who spoke on condition of anonymity, is that it “targets state government, large counties and large cities” without taking into account the different circumstances of smaller cities and counties.

RELATED STORY:

• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: King County Police Chief’s Association On I-1033

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parokya ni Edgar is considered the “Best Rock Band” in The Philippines, and they’re bringing their unique blend of hard rock, grunge and humor, along with “Kamikazee,” Seattle’s “Best Singer/Dancers” to Burien’s Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 3rd, starting at 7pm.

This will be a “Band Fiesta,” featuring Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee, and ticket prices range from $35, $50 and $75 (VIP).

And, according to their press, these guys were heavily influenced by Seattle bands Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, so a lot of their music will sound familiar to all you ex-grungers who call Burien your home.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Band Fiesta featuring Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 3rd, starting at 7pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd, next to Highline High School

TICKETS: $35, $50 and $75 (VIP), available at www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone at 1-800-838 3006.

INFO: “The most awaited and requested concert, Filipino Band Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee with extraordinary talent will keep U upbeat with OPM music. 1 night only LIVE in Seattle Burien!!!”

For more information call Ray or Elsa at 425-647-8471

From their MySpace page:

Ang Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas Parokya ni Edgar is a bunch of guys, six to be exact, who unexpectedly find themselves in a proper band, with a proper recording contract with a proper record company (Universal Records), which gives them a proper”recording career”. Parokya ni Edgar is Chito Miranda and Vinci Montaner on vocals, Darius Semaña and Gabriel CheeKee on guitars, Buhawi Meneses on bass and Dindin Moreno on drums. But beneath the silly gags and the punchlines, the Parokya Band has matured musically. Chief lyricist and frontman Chito Miranda once declared: “Nagti-trip lang talaga kami, eh.” But by jokester/slacker standards, this band is already an overachievers: six albums with an endless string of hit singles (including one that inspired a movie), loads of music awards, and a fan base that extends all the way from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi. What could be a greater feat than have the whole country chanting: “Hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy!”? Countless Gold and Platinum Record Sales Awards, MTV Awards and Awit Awards trophies later, PnE is showing no signs of slowing down with their latest release Halina Sa Parokya . Like any other Parokya album; comic skits, spoofs and heaps of classic Parokya humor abound in Halina Sa Parokya. The idea for their album artwork was inspired partly by the Department of Tourism thrust to promote various tourist destinations and local festivities via their Wow Philippines campaign (if you can recall the TV advertisement which featured Regine Velasquez). The album was also inspired by both the popular children’s TV show Sesame Street and its local counterpart Batibot . Taking aloook at the album cover alone, you will laugh at the colorful characters Chito, Buwi, Vinci, Gab, Darious and Dindin portray! And surely, too, it will be more obvious to tell why Parokya ni Edgar has been dubbed as “Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas.”

Other blurbs:

The band is best known for its novel rock songs which are often satirically twisted covers of popular songs. The music band has since experimented with musical styles of one song with another substituting alternative rock for pop rock, rapcore for funk and so on, much to the comic relief of their audience. They called themselves “Skembergs” at first, when their band consisted of three local vocalists- Gabrielle”Gab” Ignatius Chee-Kee, Alfonso Miranda “Chito” aka, Jr, Francis Vincent Montaner “Vinci”, and two guitarists, Jerick and Miko. They would practice after-school to perfect their talents in music before playing at the Eraserheads concert. The Eraserheads concert success propelled them to add a bassist and a drummer – Buhawi Meneses and Dindin Moreno and also rename the band as Parokya ni Edgar. The guitarists Jerick and Miko left the band after high school to take up other career interests. This paved the way for guitarist Darius Semaña to join the band.

Parokya ni Edgar (English translation: Parish of Edgar) is a Filipino band that was formed in 1993 by a group of Ateneo de Manila High School students. The band is famous and most lauded for its original rock novelty songs and often satirical covers of famous songs. The band has since transcended musical genres, varying styles from one song to another – alternative rock to pop rock, funk to rapcore, and so on – while providing comic relief to their listeners.

The band soon started playing at the legendary local band hub, Club Dredd. Coming out during the height of the Pinoy rock explosion, with the Filipino rock community giving in to the influence of especially grunge acts such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, Parokya ni Edgar played like no other. Their jokes, silly antics, and outrageous performances paved the way to the popularity that they currently enjoy.

Eventually, the late managing director of Universal Records, Bella Dy Tan, signed them as contract artists after witnessing one of their performances at Club Dredd. Soon their initial recordings such as Buloy, Trip and Lutong Bahay were heard across the nation. Their first album, Khangkhungkherrnitz became a triple platinum hit in the Philippines having sold 120,000 units. The other 3 albums include Buruguduystunstugudunstuy (triple platinum), Jingle Balls Silent Night Holy Cow (gold), and Gulong Itlog Gulong (platinum).

Here are some videos of the band showcasing their wide range of music styles:

Parokya Ni Edgar featuring Kamikazee “Ordertaker” (this song appears to be about ordering food in a restaurant, it ROCKS, has had 905,148 views on Youtube; and after viewing you’ll be chanting “Waiter! Order!” over and over):

“Buloy“:

“Halaga”

For more info, check out their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/parokyaniedgar

Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be hosting their FREE annual “Ice Cream Social” on Sunday, Aug. 16th, with special guest Ciscoe Morris and FREE ice cream to the first 300 guests.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Botanical Gardens Annual “Ice Cream Social” with Ciscoe Morris and FREE ice cream to the first 300 guests

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 16th, beginning at 1pm, with Ciscoe taking center stage around 2:30pm

WHERE: Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave South in SeaTac (see directions below)

COST: None, but get there fast if you want free ice cream, which apparently will be limited to the first 300 guests.

INFO: From the Highline/SeaTac Botanical Garden website:

Join us in the garden on Sunday, August 16th for our annual Ice Cream Social.

This year’s Celebrity Guest will again be Ciscoe Morris, who hosts “Gardening with Ciscoe” on KIRO 97.3 FM radio and KING 5/NWCN television, as well and is the author of the best-selling garden tome, “Ask Ciscoe” as well as a weekly column in the Seattle Times.

Ciscoe’s topic will be “…And This Is Also My Favorite Plant…”

Many of the plants discussed will be available at our accompanying plant sale.

The fun starts at 1:00 p.m., with Ciscoe taking center stage in the Celebration Rose Garden at around 2:30 p.m.

Be one of the first 40 guests to join the Garden Foundation and get a free pot from AW Pottery!

DIRECTIONS:

• The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is located just west of the intersection of S. 138th & 24th Ave. S. in SeaTac, WA, and just south of the North SeaTac Park Community Center. The community center’s street address is 13735 24th Ave S., SeaTac WA.
• From Interstate 5, travel west via SR-518 (SeaTac Airport/Burien freeway) about 3 miles to Des Moines Memorial Drive exit. At the stop sign, turn North onto Des Moines Mem. Dr. to S 136th. Right at S 136th, then right at 24th S, then right into Community Center complex at S 138th.
• From Seattle travel south on Hwy 99 to SR-509. Take the S 128th St exit. Turn left onto S 128th, then right at 24th S, then right into Community Center complex at S 138th.
• Garden located on south side of parking area.

No word yet on whether Ciscoe will be scooping ice cream, nor what the plant-related flavors may be, but we’re rooting for “Nasty Stinging Nettle.”

by Ralph Nichols

Federal and state funding from earmarks and other targeted appropriations is critical for continued economic growth in Southwest King County, officials from three Highline cities said Friday (July 10th).

Burien Councilwoman Sally Nelson, representing Mayor Joan McGilton, along with SeaTac Mayor Ralph Shape and Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton delivered annual reports on the economic state of their cities at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce monthly membership luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel in SeaTac.

“Earmarks have gotten a bad rap but the needs of local government depend on federal and state funding,” said Nelson. Yet, she recalled, Congressman Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, said at last month’s dedication of the King County Regional Library/Burien City Hall that the new building “is an example of earmarks at work.”

“We can’t do this alone,” agreed Shape. Local governments depend on funding by the federal government, he added. Haggerton noted that state law limits cities and counties to property tax revenue increases of 1 percent per year except on new development, and that much of this money goes for fire and police services and health care.

Focusing on current economic development in Burien, Nelson said the city’s Town Square “never would have happened without a changed (SW) 152nd Street – the redesign and rebuilding of Burien’s “main street” that preceded construction of new condominiums and street-level retail space in addition to the library/city hall through a public-private partnership.

For sustained economic recovery and development to happen, strong partnerships are needed, Nelson continued. Local economic development depends on “strong transportation systems, strong water and wastewater systems … managed and paid for by local government, but this will not happen without strong support by state and federal government.”

Planning and opportunity are meeting in SeaTac, which Shape described as “a transportation-centric city.” New development is taking place on the west side of Tukwila International Boulevard across from the light rail station, and will include both commercial space and multi-family housing. Planned at South 176th Street across International Boulevard from the light rail airport station is “a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, entertainment and residential” developments, which will be easily accessible to light rail and air passengers as well as city residents.

Shape said updated zoning laws that encourage higher population densities in these areas along with easier permitting are encouraging these developments as well as other businesses to relocate to SeaTac. In addition, good fiscal management is helping SeaTac weather the current economic storm, he added. These projects have been in the planning stage for years, and “now is the time to implement them.”

Haggerton observed that while Tukwila is a small city with a population of only 18,000, it provides 42,000 jobs. And Westfield Southcenter Mall, which generates many of these jobs, is planning to develop the north side of the mall – with improved pedestrian access – in the wake of the recent expansion on the mall’s south side.

After five years, the Tukwila South project – a new non-central business district development on the current Segale property south of South 180th Street – is moving forward, he said. And a developer has been selected for the Tukwila Village project along Tukwila International Boulevard, which is expected to revitalize that area with new retail and housing.

Reminding chamber members that light rail service between Tukwila International Boulevard at Southcenter Boulevard and downtown Seattle begins this coming Saturday, July 18th, King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson (SeaTac) said this will usher in “extraordinary opportunities for economic development in South King County.”

In addition, it “will provide the opportunity for us to get out of our cars and go into Seattle (by light rail) to work, to go to a play, to go to a Mariners’ game. This is an exciting, exciting event … and the biggest investment in infrastructure, except for what the Port has done at the airport, in South King County.

Patterson, who also serves on the Sound Transit board, added that the grand opening for light rail service from Tukwila on to Sea-Tac International Airport will take place in December.

The annual Highline Relay For Life cancer fundraiser began at 3pm Saturday, June13th and continued all night until 8am Sunday, and we at The B-Town Blog were very proud to be sponsors.

Here’s a slideshow by Photographer Michael Brunk:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the sponsors of the Relay For Life include:

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

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

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

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

Despite starting off with a somewhat-controversial April Fool’s issue where every story was fake (re-live the silliness here), April 2009 was by far the best month ever for The B-Town Blog, and for that we’d like to say:

THANK YOU READERS!

As you can see in the statistics chart below, our April traffic continued to grow to record numbers, at a steady clip of +24% for Unique Visitors (19,108) and +18% for Pageviews (over 33,000!):

Since January of this year, the number of Unique Visitors for The B-Town Blog is up by nearly +49% and +55% for Pageviews.

And since launching, our daily traffic growth has been an almost-unfathomable +7,249%!

Did we mention how thankful we are?

We credit our recent traffic surge to a few things:

• Our ridiculous Aprils Fool’s issue became a viral hit, tripling our traffic over two full days.
• After doing an online survey, we decided to re-focus on frequently-updated Local News and Event Listings, something we strongly believe our local media competition isn’t doing well.
• Our continued, focused online paid Advertising efforts using Google AdWords.
• Our ongoing focus on being involved in the community, from being an active member of Discover Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce to holding various fundraisers.
• Viral marketing efforts using Facebook and Twitter (we have some secrets too that we’re now offering on a Social Media Consultation Service, where we’ll help your business utilize these amazing tools).
• Our recent :30-second TV spot that aired locally on CNN via Comcast Spotlight.
• Sponsorship of the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, which gave us eight radio mentions on KPLU.
• The hiring of freelance journalists who bring more unique, credible coverage exclusive to The B-Town Blog (you can help us continue this cause by donating to our “Freelance Fund” which goes directly to them).

Like last year, we have a booth at the Burien Farmer’s Market, where we will serve as the one and only “official blog.” Come on by every Thursday between 11am and 3pm – we’ll be on 10th Ave SW between SW 151st and SW 152nd (and at the new location when it moves to Burien Town Square), so come over and say hi!

We’d also like to extend a special shout-out to all our Advertisers, as they are the ones who have taken a chance on our product, and hopefully are seeing rewards.

If you’re a business considering Advertising, email us for our brand new Media Kit, which includes some amazing testimonials from happy Advertisers like the Highline Athletic Club and others.

Again, thanks for being a Reader of The B-Town Blog – keep in mind we’re still in our infancy and there are a lot of great new elements coming soon!

by Josh Hart

The Boy’s 3A Seamount baseball season is over and it turned out to be an interesting year.

Both Mt. Rainier and Highline High School did very well, along with Kennedy.

Tyee and Evergreen didn’t do so great though and so Highline School District evened out pretty well.

Mt. Rainer High School finished at the top of the standings at 10-1 in conference and a combined win loss record of 11-3.

Kennedy finished second with 13 wins and four losses in league play and a combined record of 14-6.

The Highline Pirates finished third with a 12-4 league play record and went 14-4 in combined play.

Highline School District’s baseball teams are some of the top in the state and many of the players will likely play college ball.

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

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

“I Am Highline,” a new film/DVD, has received a 4Culture Special Project grant to fund the development, filming and production of a promotional film about the Highline area.

The new high-definition film will be Directed by B-Town Blog Publisher Scott Schaefer, a three-time National Emmy Award winner for work on “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” an acclaimed kids’ educational show that aired on PBS. His other credits include “Penn & Teller: BS!,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “Almost Live!” and many others over a 23+ year career in media ranging from Seattle’s KING-TV to six years in Hollywood and much more.

Filming will be begin in the late summer and early fall and will feature diverse residents of Highline.

Schaefer will work with longtime collaborator, Director of Photography Mike Boydstun, a Grammy-nominated cinematographer on this Highline Historical Society project which will celebrate the ethnic composition of Highline. The film will focus on people representing 30 cultures that have moved here to live, work and raise their families, and will feature conversations in English and their own languages, talking about reasons for coming, and what living here means to them.

One early and important use of the footage will be to document these individuals and their contributions for the society’s collections. The DVD produced will be used for informational and fundraising purposes at area festivals and events. Another use will be to include pieces of these interviews that celebrate our local ethnic groups and their contribution to the region in the permanent exhibits of the new Highline Heritage Museum. And finally, parts of this film footage will be placed on the society’s website for everyone to see, and will provide the basis for expanding these stories into a documentary film that can be shown in the new museum theater as an introduction to Highline.

“The historical significance of this film is to continue documenting the heritage of the people of Highline,” said Cyndi Upthegrove, Executive Director of the  Highline Historical Society. “We believe that we are among the first in Highline to provide this broad documentation, and we want to provide a baseline of information for the community to use for many purposes and for an extended period of time.”

The Highline Historical Society is a local non-profit organization undertaking a capital campaign to fund development of the Highline Heritage Museum on its site in Olde Burien. Community participation is welcomed and memberships are available.

For more information, check the Society’s web site at www.highlinehistory.org.

The staff of The B-Town Blog will have a table in the lobby of the Highline Performing Arts Center today during Burien Arts‘ first-ever Highline Vintage Jazz Festival today (Sat. May 2nd), and we’d love to meet you!

Come on over to PAC at 401 South 152nd Street (next to Highline High School) for this great all-day music fest, which gets underway at 2pm for the matinee three-hour performance, with the second starting at 7pm.

Some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians will be playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more!

Tickets to the event are just $20 per show or $35 for a full day pass, and are available at the door.

The 2pm matinee performance will include:

• The Canote Brothers as MCs
• Bulldog Brass Band (Garfield High School New Orleans style band)
• Pearl Django (Gypsy Jazz)
• The Jangles (Western Swing)
• Dina Blade (“A Tribute to Dorothy Fields”)

The 7pm performances boasts a separate line-up of impressive jazz musicians including:

• Holotradband (Dixieland)


Hot Club Sandwich

• Paul Asaro (Solo stride piano)
• Hot Club Sandwich (Gypsy Jazz)
• Casey MacGill & Blue 4 Trio (Jump Swing & vocals)

The Festival will also feature:

• Outdoor musical entertainment
• Dancers
• Great food
• Raffle prizes
• Free transportation to and from local restaurants and bars (which will likely be having specials for festival-goers)
• And more!

To give you a taste of what kind of music and entertainment you can expect, here are some video clips of artists scheduled to appear:

by Janet Grella

As the sun sets on the last day of National Volunteer Month, The B-Town Blog wanted to highlight some of our local volunteer efforts in the community.

These unsung heroes deserve a pat on the back, as well as the ongoing praise and thank-you’s for their volunteer efforts that keep such entities running as our own regional hospital Highline Medical Center, the Highline School District, and Highline Area Food Bank.

Highline Hospital recently celebrated their 300 volunteers at a luncheon at the Normandy Park Cove. One hundred were able to attend the party, which was catered by Emerald Cove Catering.

“One of our volunteers has supported us for 31 years….and has given more than 13,500 hours of service. Incredible!” noted Mara Burke, Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services.

Mara called the hospital volunteers “a tremendous resource, and quite the gift. Over-all these volunteers contributed nearly 51,000 hours to the running of hosptial services in over 40 divisions at their Main Campus in Burien and their Speciality Campus at 16251 Military Road South in Tukwila. As a matter of fact, BTB was advised that over one-third of the hospital workforce is comprised of volunteers.

“As you can tell, we are extremely appreciative of all that our volunteers do to support our patients, staff and community, ”

If you are interested in joining the army of loyal volunteers at the medical center click here. There are positions for adults and teen volunteers, and they currently have 59 teen volunteers who work after school.

Highline Public Schools tells us that for the 2008-09 school year (through March ‘09) they’ve had over 2,700 volunteers working over 30,000 hours.

Catherine Carbone Rogers, Director, Communitcation and Community Engagement told BTB “We have many volunteer activities available in schools. Suffice it to say that every school can use volunteer support.”

“We welcome community volunteers in all our schools. We have recently begun some work to bring more of a community focus to our schools in SeaTac and White Center, with funding from the Stuart Foundation. Fourteen of our schools in SeaTac and White Center now have “community schools” programs, which provide academic and enrichment opportunities for students outside the school day. We have partnered with Community Schools Collaboration, a local non-profit organization, to coordinate these programs, which are often created by and staffed by community volunteers and community-based organizations,” Catherine told BTB.

To volunteer at our local public schools stop by any school to fill out an application. You will have a Washington State Patrol background check to qualify for school volunteering.

“As funding becomes available, we want to expand community schools programs to all our schools district-wide. This will provide many more opportunities for community members to be involved in schools” she continued.

Our local food bank could also use your help.  Understaffed but working hard, the Highline Area Food Bank is serving more and more people. Generous donations, fundraisers and smart buying help them keep the food stocked. Volunteers help keep the merchandise flowing to people in need.

Mike Werle, Executive Director of Highline Area Food Bank told BTB “We have over 50 different people volunteering for the food bank in some kind of capacity. With me being the only paid staff, volunteers are our life blood. Volunteers can help by picking up food from local stores (7 days a week), work during our distribution times (about 20 -25 people needed to run smooth), help clients out to their cars after they have picked out the food and it takes about 7 – 12 people to set up the food distribution area each day we are open.”

Volunteering is a great way have a positive effect on the lives of the people we serve in our local community. We at the Highline Area Food Bank are totally dependent on our volunteers. Ways that you can help are: register clients, assemble and package bulk food, pickup donations from local stores, assist clients in selecting their food, helping clients get the food to their cars and generally just serving our clients. In 2007 the in-kind labor costs donated by our volunteers was over $101,400. Without dedicated volunteers, none of this would be possible.

If you would be interested in volunteering please contact our Executive Director @ 206-433-9900.

Give back to the less fortunate than you and volunteer for a cause you believe in. And if you already volunteer thank you.

When you volunteer you give the gift of your time to those less fortunate than you. Be there for them. Volunteer!

Spring has sprung, plants are blooming and that can mean only two things: spiky, irritating pollens are attaching themselves to suffering humans everywhere; and the Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 2nd, from 10am to 3pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens Plant Sale

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 3pm

WHERE: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave South in Burien (map below)

INFO: The Puget Sound Daylily Club, King County Iris Society, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden Foundation, Heritage Roses Northwest, and the Seattle Rose Society will be hosting a plant sale at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 from 10 am—3 pm.

Joining us for the first time this year will be the Puget Sound Fuchsia Club.

Last year shoppers enjoyed bargains on a wide variety of plants, from rare collectibles to old garden standards.

Cuttings and divisions will be available of plants from the original Elda Behm Paradise Garden, and experts from each group will be on hand to answer your garden related questions. No trigonometry questions, please.

Shop early for best selection, as quantities are limited.

Proceeds from this sale will be used to improve the existing display gardens and install new gardens at HSBG.

For directions to the garden, click here.

For the latest pollen count for the area, click here.

View Larger Map

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

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

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

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL’S “KATCH” AUCTION
John F. Kennedy High School, which has made Burien its home for over 42 years, will be holding its annual KATCH Auction over two nights starting Friday night, with a casual, family event. It’s in the gym, there’s no admission charge tonight and no reservations are required. More info here.

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th:
BURIEN’S ANNUAL “CLEAN SWEEP,” FIRE STATION ON 8TH SW
8am+: “Clean Sweep,” Burien’s annual spring cleaning starts at 8am at the fire station located at 15100 8th Ave SW. Citizens are encouraged to join in and improve the appearance of the downtown area and neighborhoods by picking up trash and other debris along streets, sidewalks and parks. Volunteers are asked to report to the Burien Fire Station at 8am, where they can enjoy a free continental breakfast and then head out to the community to clean, pick up trash, remove graffiti and more. More info here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIG BURIEN BUNCO BLOWOUT, EL DORADO WEST
6:30pm+: The Big Burien Bunco Blowout is a fundraiser event for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and is coming to BTB Advertiser El Dorado West, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.). More info here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMING UP:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are a few of the upcoming performances:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUY A LISTING ON THE BLOG & NEWSLETTER!

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

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

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

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

And the nominees are..

Nancy Paré, Executive Director of Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence has announced the nominees for the 2009 Highline Gold Star Awards.

Over 40 educators, volunteers and classified personnel were nominated by fellow educators, parents, citizens and students in the following classifications:

• Outstanding Administrator/Principal
• Outstanding Teacher
• Outstanding Volunteer
• Outstanding Classified Employee

If you want to see if you, a friend, a neighbor, a relative or your favorite principal/teacher were nominated, just click here.

The winners will be selected by a volunteer committee that has been selected to review the Gold Star nominations and make recommendations as to who will be the winners in each category. The committee consists of a Highline School District representative, a Foundation Board representative, a Retired Teachers Association representative, and a PTSA representative. The committee is staffed by the Foundation Executive Director. The committee will be reviewing the submitted nominations materials and meeting early next week for decision making.

Stay tuned to the BTB as we will be announcing the winners next week.

The winners will be honored at the Gold Star Benefit Luncheon at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Tukwila, coming up on May 29th. The Master of Ceremonies will be local funnyman John Keister, former Host of KING TV’s “Almost Live!“, local celebrity bald guy and former co-worker of the publisher of this here blog (EDITOR’S NOTE: whatever you do, don’t say this to John in an overly-enthusiastic voice: “Successful succession of successful success!“).

For more information on how you can attend this luncheon, please contact the foundation at 206-248-5196.

The Highline Schools Foundation Gold Star Benefit luncheon is sponsored by Boeing, BECU and Rogers and Norman.

Highline Schools Foundation mission is to “provide community resources to help Highline Public Schools Succeed. By enriching the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level.” Since 2001 the foundation has distributed over $250,000 to the 32 schools in the Highline District. Donors include corporate, foundations and private citizens.

Thursday, April 16th will be a critical day in the future of Burien’s possible annexation of North Highline – on that night, both the Boundary Review Board will vote on final approval, while the city will hold an Annexation Open House from 6:30pm to 8pm at Hilltop Elementary School.

Here are the details of the Open House:

WHAT: Annexation Informational Open House

WHEN: Thursday, April 16th from 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Hilltop Elementary School, located at 12250 24th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98168

INFO: This will be an informational open house to provide information about what annexation will mean for the people within the proposed annexation area. Here’s a link to the city’s annexation page.

• There will be a presentation followed by a Question and Answer session.
• Refreshments will be provided.
• Interpreter services can be arranged if requested 72 hours in advance.

CONTACT: (209) 436-5555 or email: annexation@burienwa.gov

COST: Free

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(THIS IS FROM 2009):

Burien Arts is holding its first annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 2nd at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street (map below).

The all-day music fest will feature two unique three-hour performances, the first from 2pm-5pm and the second from 7pm-10pm, with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more!

Tickets to the event cost $20 per show or $35 for a full day pass, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets (<–click to order safely online).

Matinee performance musicians will include:

• The Canote Brothers as MCs
• Bulldog Brass Band (Garfield High School New Orleans style band)
• Pearl Django (Gypsy Jazz)
• The Jangles (Western Swing)
• Dina Blade (“A Tribute to Dorothy Fields”)

Evening performances boasts a seperate line-up of impressive jazz musicians including:

• Holotradband (Dixieland)


Hot Club Sandwich

• Paul Asaro (Solo stride piano)
• Hot Club Sandwich (Gypsy Jazz)
• Casey MacGill & Blue 4 Trio (Jump Swing & vocals)

The Festival will also feature:

• Outdoor musical entertainment
• Dancers
• Great food
• Raffle prizes
• Free transportation to and from local restaurants and bars (which will likely be having specials for festival-goers)
• And more!

The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival is the brainchild of Burien Arts’ board member and fixture in the local music scene, Lance Haslund. Lance is a part-time musician and lifetime lover of all music, particularly jazz. He has been promoter of small concerts in the Burien area for several years and says:

“The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival will fill a void in the local festival scene.  To my knowledge, until now the Puget Sound area has not provided a showcase for multiple styles of early jazz in one event.  As Burien emerges as one of the new vital places for the arts in the region, we pay tribute to the people who moved here and grew the community during the Big Band era, and offer a faithful rendering of the music of their youth.”

Burien Arts is a local non-profit dedicated to enriching the community by providing engaging and innovative arts programming to the Highline region and beyond. Vitally active since 1965, Burien Arts maintains a crucial role in the artistic fabric of the community. In addition to hosting the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, Burien Arts also: runs a vibrant art gallery, manages the South King County High School Arts Program and Education Annex, supports a summer performing arts series, and partners with other arts groups, civic organizations and the City of Burien to bring exciting art installations and community festivals to the region.

Tickets to the event are available online through Brown Paper Tickets or by calling: 1-800-838-3006.

Walk-up sales can be made at Allusia in downtown Burien, located at 921 S.W. 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

For more information, please check www.burienarts.org, call 206-244-7808 or email info@burienarts.org.

To give you a taste of what kind of music you can expect, here are some audio and video clips of artists scheduled to appear:

Hot Club Sandwich “Stompin’ at KAOS”:
[display_podcast]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENCHANTED EVENING FUNDRAISER STARRING “NEIL DIAMOND” FOR BURIEN SENIOR PROGRAM
6:15pm+: “Neil Diamond” (or at least a reasonable facsimile) will be singing at the Burien Community Center for the annual “Enchanted Evening” fundraiser for the Burien Senior Program. $20 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance – call 206-988-3700 ASAP!). More info here, including the menu: http://is.gd/p61m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEVE ROUMAS CLOSING RECEPTION, BURIEN ART GALLERY
2pm-4pm: Burien Arts is hosting a closing reception for Steve Roumas at the Burien Art Gallery, located at 421 SW 146th Street. This is your opportunity to see Steve’s impressive work one last time, meet the artist, and share a cup of coffee with friends and neighbors at the gallery. More info: http://is.gd/p86O

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

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

Did we miss an Event? If so, please email us and we’ll consider posting it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ll see you there!

Here’s a video with more information:

Are you, or do you know of, an accomplished Highline Community College alum?

HCC is currently seeking nominations for its most prestigious award for alumni – the “Distinguished Alumnus Award,” which honors a former student who has made outstanding contributions through community service, noteworthy professional achievement and/or recognized leadership.

Nominations are due by April 17, 2009.

Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, who attended Highline in 1968–69, was the first recipient of the award in 1990. Other past honorees include:

• Junki Yoshida, CEO of the Yoshida Group
• Ezra Teshome, agent with State Farm Insurance and TIME magazine global health hero
• Chris Carrel, executive director for Friends of the Hylebos, a nonprofit located in Federal Way

Last year’s recipient was Washington state’s first poet laureate Sam Green. He is the author of 10 poetry collections and serves as publisher of Brooding Heron Press.

Green came to Highline in the early 1970s after serving in the Vietnam War. He went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy and master’s degree in creative writing at Western Washington State College.

Alumni award nominees should be former Highline students who attended the college prior to the 2004-2005 academic year.

Nominees will be asked to submit a résumé and personal profile that will be reviewed by a campus selection committee.

The person selected will be invited to accept the award and participate in Highline’s commencement exercises on June 11, 2009.

Please send your nominations via e-mail to ayoung@highline.edu or hard copy to:

Alana Young, Resource Development Office
Highline Community College
PO Box 98000 MS 99-248
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

For more information, call (206) 870-3774, e-mail rstephen@highline.edu or visit www.funds4highline.org.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 10,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening, online and weekend classes.

With the most diverse population of any college in Washington state, Highline takes a multicultural approach to education for the success of all its students and the prosperity of its surrounding communities.

Highline Community College is sponsoring a seminar entitled “Steps to Finding a Career in a Down Economy” on Tuesday, March 10th from 9:30am to 11am, and again on Tuesday April 14th from 2pm to 3:30pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Steps to Finding a Career in a Down Economy” workshop

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10th from 9:30am – 11am and Tuesday, April 14th from 2pm – 3:30pm

WHERE: Highline Community College, Building 99, Room 132; located at 2400 South 240th Street in Des Moines (map below)

INFO: Discover tips and strategies for finding a good job in a down economy, including how to stand out in the job pool and using unique job search resources. Jack Harton, a Highline librarian, will show how to successfully use search engines to find job opportunities.

COST: Free and open to the public.

RSVP: (206) 878-3710 x3812 or via email to hrstaff@highline.edu

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Lately, whenever we’ve dined out in Burien, we’ve noticed just plain bad table manners. Some people talk with their mouths full, while others (gasp) use the wrong fork to eat salad.

Well, the Highline Historical Society is coming to the rescue – they’re presenting a unique program at this Sunday (March 1st), called “Trial By Fork,” featuring Actress Tames Alan at SeaTac City Hall, which is located at 4800 South 188th Street (see map below).

According to HHS Director Cyndi Upthegrove, this should be a “very entertaining and educational event, as Tames does a very authentic job and is a lot of fun.”

So be sure to put that salad fork down when you really should have a dessert fork, for cryin’ out loud. and get on over there!

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Trial by Fork” featuring Actress Tames Alan

WHEN: Sunday, March 1st at 2pm

WHERE: SeaTac City Hall (4800 S 188th Street)

INFO: In this one-hour program, Tames Alan will demystify the manners and accoutrements of a formal 12-course Victorian dinner.

She will explain the mysteries of the table, from setting it and what each item on the table was used for, to the menu and what dishes were served with each course.

Also covered will be good table manners and suitable conversation topics when in the presence of ladies, and how the formal manners of the Victorian age translated into the good manners of today.

As with all of Tames’ programs, there will be a question-and-answer period at the end. Brought to us with a grant from Humanities Washington.

Join the Highline Historical Soceity at this link (we’re members), or donate directly online by clicking here.

More info on the Highline Historical Society available at its website.

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The Highline Amateur Radio Club will hold its second meeting at 10am on Saturday, February 28th at the Burien Fire Department, located at 15100 8th Avenue SW in Burien.

Besides a short business meeting on club organization, it is planned that there will be a speaker on how hams can support the local cities’ emergency management organizations.

FYI, “Highline” includes areas like: Burien, Des Moines, North Highline, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila (and just about anywhere else nearby – these hams don’t discriminate).

For further information, contact George, N7SNI at N7SNI@ARRL.net or 206-244-4256.

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Highline Community College will be doing what it can to resuscitate the local unemployment rate by holding a Health Care Job Fair on Wednesday, March 4th in the student union building on its main campus.

It’s sponsored by HCC’s Workforce Development Services, and Employers from the Puget Sound area will be recruiting for jobs in many health care related fields, including:

• Nursing
• Respiratory care
• Medical assisting
• Medical transcriptionist
• Phlebotomy
• Polysomnographic technology
• Optician-licensed dispensing
• Chemical dependency

Here are the details:

WHAT: Health Care Job Fair

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Highline Community College’s main campus, in the Highline Student Union (Building 8), 2nd floor; Highline’s main campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); address: 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, WA 98198.

COST: FREE and open to the public

INFO: Employers scheduled to participate include Advanced Health Care, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Good Samaritan Hospital, Regency Pacific, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Valley Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center.

The job fair coincides with Highline’s Health Information Fair, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Highline Student Union, 1st floor. The information fair features student booths that explore health-related issues and booths that highlight Highline’s health care programs.

SPONSOR: HCC’s Workforce Development Services

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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

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Highline Audiology Owner/Audiologist Rebecca Grady points to the Loop System wiring at Wesley Homes in Des Moines.

BTB Advertiser Highline Audiology recently donated several “Loop Systems” for hard-of-hearing residents of Wesley Homes in Des Moines, including their Terrace and Care Center.

Each “Loop System” costs around $1,500.

A “Loop System” is technology that allows the transmission of amplified audio directly to hearing aids with telecoils (T-coils) when a microphone is used. It’s basically a P.A. system that you can tap directly into via telecoil-equipped hearing aids.

Here’s some info from the HearingLoop.com website:

Hard of hearing people can dream of a future when hearing aids might also serve as wireless loudspeakers, delivering clear, sharp, customized, sound right from inside their ears.

They can dream of communities where churches, auditoriums, drive-up business windows and home TV rooms all broadcast their sound directly through these in-the-ear loudspeakers.

Thanks to the refinement of “induction loop” systems that transmit directly to hearing aids with telecoils (T-coils), that future can be now!

What wi-fi is to laptops, loop systems are to hearing aids.

Highline Audiology also donated one to Judson Park for use in their Chapel.  They are all in various stages of installation.

Other places in the area that are looped include:

• Des Moines United Methodist Church
• Saltwater Universalist Unitarian Church
• Fauntleroy United Church of Christ
• West Seattle Christian Church

Highline Community College administrators announced Friday their decision on how to deal with the college’s $2.1 million financial hit necessitated by Gov. Chris Gregoire new budget cuts:

• Closing their Federal Way branch campus (map below)
  
• Closing the Early Childhood Learning Center, the college’s childcare center for students

These closures, along with reductions within individual program areas, will mean the elimination of 44 full-time positions.

These cuts go into effect July 1st.

“The downturn in the economy has hit home, and the college must make difficult choices to address the shortfall in the state’s budget,” said Highline President Dr. Jack Bermingham. “We are committed to preserving core functions, yet will significantly scale back selected services and offerings. Our number one goal with these cuts is to protect instructional capacity, maintain core student services and sustain the essential administrative infrastructure of the Highline.”

Highline’s Federal Way campus offers basic skills and non-credit business courses. It is also home to the Puget Sound Early College (PSEC), a dual-enrollment credit cohort program for high school juniors and seniors.

“We are committed to serving the Federal Way community,” said Bermingham. “In conversations with Federal Way city officials, we are working together to find ways to continue to provide services in Federal Way.

In the future, as the economy recovers and the College receives additional resources, we hope to find another facility more centrally located, and better served by public transportation. ”

College officials will hold two community forums on the Federal Way campus. For PSEC students and parents, the forum is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. A second forum for the community is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

While the Governor reduced budgets, she did not decrease Highline’s full-time equivalent student target. This means Highline must serve the same number of students with considerably less funding. As a result, students will encounter larger classes, fewer course choices and less convenient class locations.

“There is a growing demand for our services,” said Jeff Wagnitz, vice president of Instruction. “The economic downturn and resulting layoffs mean more people are looking to us for retraining. Highline has had record enrollments, but the college has struggled to meet this demand. Fewer resources next year will exacerbate student access. ”

Since the first signs of the economic downturn last year, hiring at the college has been carefully scrutinized. Of the 44 positions eliminated, seven were vacant. In making these decisions, Highline officials say they have tried to make cuts that would minimize impact on students.

“Highline is a strong institution,” said Bermingham, “and we are hopeful for a turnaround in the state’s economy. These measures will ensure that we continue to prepare our state’s workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow to restore stability and prosperity. Highline Community College will remain a key resource for the state’s economic recovery and is clearly essential in providing higher education and training for our community.”

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 10,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening, online and weekend classes.

With the most diverse population of any college in Washington State, Highline takes a multicultural approach to education for the success of all its students and the prosperity of its surrounding communities. Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and Washington state poet laureate Sam Green.

More information at their website.

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