If you’re not familiar with ‘Relay for Life,’ it’s an annual event that raises money to help fight cancer. The walk will take place at Mt. Rainier high school on June 9th and 10th, and it’s a fun family-friendly event for a good cause. Participants raise funds for the American Cancer Society, and gather as a community to fight back against cancer.

And for early birds – you can get 50% off of your team registration fee if you register by Jan. 29th! THIS MEANS REGISTRATION IS $50 INSTEAD OF $100!

“So come ready to Sign Up and Kick Some Cancer Butt!” reads an announcement.

HiLine Lanes is located at 15733 Ambaum Blvd. SW (Phone: 206-244-2272).

If you would like to sign up now you can go to this link!:

http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12GW?fr_id=38301&pg=entry

KING-TV’s Ciscoe Morris and Producers Mimi Gan and Jim Dever will be at BTB Advertiser the Tin Theater on Saturday, Nov. 5th for two showings of “GIANTS,” a documentary about the ruthlessly competitive world of growing giant pumpkins.

All proceeds will go the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation for the support of the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. See below for ticket information.

“Prepare to be amazed as you watch Pacific Northwest growers battle nature – and each other – to capture the giant pumpkin world’s ultimate prize,” reads a press release.

Narrated by actor Tom Skerritt, and with a cameo appearance by Ciscoe, it’s a movie about growing the world’s largest pumpkin. And growing apart.

Tickets are $25 in advance for either showing (matinee and evening); a few tickets are left for the matinee – contact Garden Manager Laura Sweany at 206-391-4003 for more information.

The Tin Theater is located at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien (206-242-8040).

Here’s more from an email:

Join us as we welcome Ciscoe Morris and producers Mimi Gan & Jim Dever from  KING 5′s Evening Magazine to the Tin Theater in Burien for the “Southwest King County World Premiere” of “GIANTS”, a documentary about the ruthlessly competitive world of growing giant pumpkins.

BREAKING NEWS; Some of the stars of the film, including folks from Holland’s Land o’Giants, will be in attendance for both the evening and matinee showings!

The Details:

November 5, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (see below for Event Schedules)

$25 advance tickets for matinee showing; a few tickets are left for the matinee, contact Garden Manager Laura Sweany at 206-391-4003 for more information.

$25 advance tickets for evening showing, available from the Tin Room or from Garden Manager Laura Sweany. Call the Tin Room at 206-242-8040 or Garden Manager Laura Sweany at 206-391-4003 for more information.

Includes a free pumpkin-themed beverage and a free small popcorn.

Schedule of Events:

Daytime Showing:

• 3:00 pm: Cocktail hour meet & greet with Mimi, Jim, & Ciscoe
• 4:00: Movie introduction by Mimi, Jim, & Ciscoe
• 4:15: Movie
• 5:30: Q&A with the Producers
• 6:00: Adjourn to the Tin Room for more fun!

Evening Showing:

• 6:30 pm Cocktail hour meet & greet with Mimi, Jim, & Ciscoe
• 7:15 Movie introduction by Mimi, Jim, & Ciscoe
• 7:30 Movie
• 8:45 Q&A with the producers
• 9:00 Adjourn to the Tin Room for more fun!

Here’s the trailer:

Click here to view the embedded video.

More info at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden website, the film’s website or Facebook Page.

Last year when it was held at Highline Memorial Stadium, the benefit saw over 400 people from the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and SeaTac participating on 31 teams, and raising over $64,000 – read our coverage here.

Founded 25 years ago by Tacoma physician Dr. Gordy Klatt, Relay For Life has grown to be the most recognized fundraising event for cancer nationwide, held in more than 5,000 communities and raising more than $3 billion toward cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event in which teams walk or run in shifts around the track for 12 to 24 hours. Participants traditionally camp out on the field, and, when they are not taking their turn walking, enjoy a variety of entertainment & activities.

The 2011 version is sponsored by BTB Advertiser Normandy Park Senior Living, and continues overnight with a closing ceremony at 8 a.m. Sunday morning (June 12th).

We’re told that if you want to join in you still can, but you must show up before 11 p.m. this evening. Readers can also drop by the track and make donations at the North check-in tent. For more details, call Organizer Kim Parks at (206) 683-1707.

One of the more beautiful moments of the annual benefit will take place tonight between 10 – 11 p.m., when the Luminaria ceremony happens; this is where Luminaria candles are lit in honor of cancer victims, lighting up the track.

Some of the other events will take place all night long include:

• 11 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt
• Midnight: Capture the Flag
• 1 a.m.: Glow Stick Tag
• 2 a.m.: Partner Walk
• 3 a.m. – 6 a.m.: Disney Movies
• 6 a.m.: Breakfast
• 8 a.m.: Closing Ceremony

Here are some photos taken by Scott Schaefer this afternoon:

T-shirts emblazoned 'Remember. Fight Back.' await Relay for Life registrants at the check-in table.

Whenever there's a lot of walking, there's bound to be a lot of water.

A cancer survivor listens as Kim Parks opens the event Saturday afternoon.

Elderly Cancer Survivors are helped into a golf cart to lead the 'Survivor's Lap.'

Cancer Survivors all wore t-shirts proclaiming their status.

Mt. Rainer High School is located at 22450 19th Avenue South in Des Moines:

View Larger Map

Burien Mayor Joan McGilton.

by Ralph Nichols

Things are looking better in three Highline communities, the mayors of these cities said recently during their annual updates to members of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce.

Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton, and SeaTac Mayor Terry Anderson all pointed to signs that indicate these local economies are improving.

Despite ongoing uncertainty about the future of the all-but-vacant Town Square condominium/retail complex, Burien has “had some real successes,” McGilton said.

Instead of remaining empty, a lot of vacant retail spaces are sprouting businesses,” she noted. “New businesses are moving in all the time.”

These include the Car Pros’ Nissan dealership (“Can you imagine a new Nissan dealership in this economy?”), Grand Central Bakery, and a Ross clothing store (“We haven’t had a clothing store in Burien since Gottschalks closed”).

The Town Square complex situation is out of Burien’s hands, McGilton said. “Unfortunately, the FDIC got involved when the Great Recession came along. It’s of great concern to us,” despite the fact that “the city has no financial interest” in the two-year-old building.

“The good news is that we have Town Square, which is being used all the time,” she continued. “I have great hope that we’re moving in the right direction. Things are just really looking up for Burien.”

Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton said the fact that local sales tax revenue is “slightly better” over the last five months, after a steady decline in 2009-10, “is evidence that things have bottomed out.”

In addition to this encouraging news, Tukwila has seen a 22 percent increase in building permits and a 52 percent increase in new building value – and “371 new businesses are coming in,” Haggerton noted.

But Tukwila is “more than South Center,” he added. “Tukwila is a lot about parks and greenery and trails … a lot of people don’t know that.”

Focusing again on economic growth, Haggerton said groundwork will be underway “before long” to get Tukwila South ready for development.

Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton, left, and SeaTac Mayor Terry Anderson talk at the SWKCC Mayor's Luncheon.

Additional development activity is in progress along East Marginal Way, while “new developers are interested in … Tukwila Village at S. 140th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard.”

The city, also looking beyond its boundaries, is engaged in “an extensive process” of studying whether the Tukwila Fire Department should join the Kent Regional Fire Authority,” he said.

SeaTac Mayor Terry Anderson said “2010 was a good year for economic development” there, with “10,000 square feet of vacant space leased [and] new jobs were created.” These range “from retail to service to warehousing to hospitality.”

With an “upward trend in sales, lodging and property tax revenues … prospects for 2011 are bright,” Anderson continued.

Making community life even better is “a decline in the number and severity of crimes.” Contracting with the King County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services is “one of the best decisions we’ve made.”

And the “camaraderie with Burien is terrific,” she observed. Burien also contracts for law enforcement services with the sheriff’s office.

Anderson said she is “especially proud” of SeaTac’s parks – and also pointed with pride to the fiscal stability of the city, which has sustained no cuts in programs or services.

SeaTac has a “vision of redevelopment” that includes technological enterprises and tapping its potential as a transportation hub, as well as “collaborating with the Port of Seattle on development opportunities.”

The Board of Trustees for the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence announced Monday (March 28) that they have selected Ashely Fosberg as their new Executive Director.

Ms. Fosberg is a longtime resident of the Highline area, with a wealth of experience working in the public schools. Her latest task was serving as chairperson of the very successful “Heart and Soul,” the bi-annual auction benefit that raised over $100,000 for the Marvista PTA (read our coverage of that here).

Other Highline District involvement experiences have been with the Athletic Advisory Committee and the Middle School Assessment Committee. Some area residents will remember her also as the owner of the B-Town Scoop ice cream shop in Olde Burien. Ashley has also been the manager of the Gregory Seahurst Swim Club. Her other non-profit experience has included over seven years as the Director of Marketing with the Seattle Art Museum and prior to that , the Director of Communications at the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Ms. Fosberg will begin to phase in her employment with the Foundation in Mid-April, just in time to provide help with their biggest event of the year, The Gold Star Benefit on May 13th. This year the Gold Star Benefit will offer either a breakfast or lunch choice for attendees (read our coverage of that upcoming event here).

Her full-time responsibilities will start on September 1, 2011.

“We are delighted to have someone with Ashley Fosberg’s experience and talents to lead our Foundation to provide even more services and funds to the students and teachers of the Highline School District,” the board announced Monday.

The Highline School Foundation for Excellence is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1999 with the purpose of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed. For more information, visit their website here: http://www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.

According to the HSF website’s job description:

The Executive Director provides leadership for the organization and is responsible for the management of all staff. This position reports to the President and Executive Committee of the Foundation. The Executive Director is expected to promote and communicate the mission and objectives of the Foundation, to drive fund development and to raise awareness of the Highline Schools Foundation in the community. The Executive Director will strive to increase the Foundation’s fundraising to more than $1 million annually and be a critical strategic partner in helping the Highline School District achieve its vision.

Our friends at the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence are looking to hire a new Executive Director.

“The Executive Director provides leadership for the organization and is responsible for the management of all staff,” reads the job description. “This position reports to the President and Executive Committee of the Foundation. The Executive Director is expected to promote and communicate the mission and objectives of the Foundation, to drive fund development and to raise awareness of the Highline Schools Foundation in the community. The Executive Director will strive to increase the Foundation’s fundraising to more than $1 million annually and be a critical strategic partner in helping the Highline School District achieve its vision.”

This is a full-time gig with a starting salary range of $45,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on qualification and experience.

The deadline to apply is March 1st, and selected candidates will be notified of in-person interviews no later than March 18th.

Here’s all the information and contact information you’ll need to apply for this position:

Executive Director

Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation established in 2001 with a mission for providing community resources to help the Highline School District succeed. The district is south of Seattle and serves a very diverse population.

Position Description:
The Executive Director provides leadership for the organization and is responsible for the management of all staff. This position reports to the President and Executive Committee of the Foundation. The Executive Director is expected to promote and communicate the mission and objectives of the Foundation, to drive fund development and to raise awareness of the Highline Schools Foundation in the community. The Executive Director will strive to increase the Foundation’s fundraising to more than $1 million annually and be a critical strategic partner in helping the Highline School District achieve its vision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure compliance with the Foundation’s mission, goals and policies as established by the Board of Trustees and to represent the Foundation and its mission in the community and region.
• Assure compliance with all rules and regulations pertaining to a charitable non-profit foundation and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
• Work with Board and staff to establish and meet fundraising goals, evaluate results and develop corrective strategies and to develop, manage and supervise grant proposals /activities.
• Assure a board development process that enhances fund development.
• Work with Board in the development of the annual strategic planning, long-range planning, and the implementation of planning priorities.
• Provide oversight for all Foundation activities and communicate a broad vision to others.
• Establish volunteer program that builds on individuals who have expressed interest in the organization.
• Expand marketing efforts to broaden access to donors, assure a consistent image and convey accurate information. This includes overseeing print and electronic communication, not limited to but including Donor Perfect.
• Oversee gift receipt and processing, financial and tax reporting, investments, and manage the organization in a financially responsible manner.
• Recruit, train, and supervise and evaluate performance of all staff, interns, and volunteers. Help clearly define job duties. This includes the use of a donor information management system.
• Partner with Highline Public Schools leaders and collaborate with PTSA, HEA, Service Organizations, Municipalities, Community Groups and other Organizations necessary to support the efforts of the Foundation.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the area and knowledge of the school district.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Professional designation as a Certified Fundraising Executive is a plus.
• Minimum of five years experience working in a non-profit organization with a proven track record of success preferred.
• Experience in a leadership capacity and with major gifts (having raised four, five and six figure gifts) is preferred.
• Strong local community connections are preferred.
• Actively involved with other organizations that may support the Foundation’s mission.
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees or Governing Board is essential.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; able to deliver effective and persuasive presentations required.

Special Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and a sense of core purpose.
• Ability to inspire motivates, and marshal resources throughout the organization and the communities served.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Ability to cultivate the creative ideas of others, make connections between ideas, and project potential outcomes.
• Ability to attend community events, dressing and conducting oneself in a manner that conveys professionalism and credibility.
• Ability to evaluate and understand others motivations, interests and perceptions in order to modify objectives as needed.

Compensation: This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of$45,000 to $50,000 annually dependent on qualification and experience.

Timeline: Application review process to begin March 1st 2011. Selected candidates will be notified of in-person interviews no later than March 18th 2011. Out of areas candidates will need to cover their own transportation expenses.

Application: Please send cover letter referencing your qualification as they pertain to this position, resume, salary history, salary requirements and references to:

Executive Director Search Committee
Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW
Burien, WA 98166

Or via email at highlinefoundation@gmail.com.

More information available at www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.

Highline Schools Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, national origin, marital status, or disability.

Last week the results of a scientific survey of adult salmon in the Miller and Walker Creeks were presented to the public by Dennis Clark at the Burien City Hall.

The data represents the outcome of an effort dubbed “CSI: Highline” that was conducted by teams of volunteers during the last three months of 2010.

This project sought to count adult Coho and Chum Salmon in the Miller and Walker Creeks, identify whether or not salmon were spawning before they died, and to raise awareness of the stream habitats in the Highline community.

The study was conducted from October 8 through December 23, 2010. During the study period, teams of volunteers walked the creeks daily to gather data. This included noting details about water flow and quality and conducting necropsies on salmon carcasses when discovered.

Dennis Clark, Basin Steward for the Miller and Walker Creeks, reviewed the history and results of the “CSI: Highline” investigation in a comprehensive presentation. This year’s data will provide a baseline as the efforts to scientifically document salmon in our local streams continues this year and beyond.

Along with seeing the results of their hard work, as part of the “CSI: Highline” finale volunteers in attendance received recognition from Burien Mayor Joan McGilton and Normandy Park Mayor Pro Tem Clarke Brant.

For full details on the results of last year’s salmon monitor program and details on how you can get involved with this year’s survey, visit the official website or contact Dennis Clark at 206-296-1909.

King County Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward Dennis Clark wants everyone to “mark your calendar – this is one ‘season finale’ you can’t Tivo or watch online,” as “CSI: Highline” will be presenting its findings from its Community Salmon Investigation on Wednesday, Jan. 26th at Burien City Hall, from 7:30pm – 8:30pm.

“The exceptional scientific endeavor of 20 Burien and Normandy Park volunteers last fall gave us our first detailed understanding of adult salmon returns to Miller and Walker Creeks, which drain Burien, SeaTac, and Normandy Park,” Clark said in a statement. “Over an 11-week period, the volunteers navigated water high and low to count living fish and find carcasses for measurement and necropsies.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: “CSI: Highline” Season Finale Public Presentation on Findings from the Community Salmon Investigation for Highline.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Burien City Hall Activity Room (Council Chambers), 400 S.W. 152nd Street.

INFO: The January 26 “season finale” will feature:

• Overview of the CSI: Highline program – who participated, how they surveyed
• Analysis of the data
• Final population estimates for chum (the number of sightings shown on the web site “double-counted” some fish)
• Photos from the volunteers and me (including many not on the web site)
• Video footage
• What we didn’t expect to see – things exciting and strange
• Overview of key factors affecting salmon health in the streams: stormwater volumes, water quality, streamside vegetation
• Plans for the 2011 CSI: Highline survey season

We’ll also have a brief “thank you” recognition ceremony for the 2010 volunteers.

Whether you want to know more about the Highline environment or are interested in volunteering for the 2011 survey season, this season finale is not to be missed!

For more information, visit the Miller and Walker Creek Stewardship website here, or contact Dennis Clark directly at 206-296-1909.

The kick-off for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Highline will be Thursday, Jan. 13th, from 7pm – 8pm at Mt Rainier High School’s theater, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines.

The event will provide information about Relay For Life and how volunteers can get involved in the fight against cancer.

In 2010, the Relay For Life of Highline saw over 400 people from the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and SeaTac participating on 31 teams, and raising over $64,000 (we’re proud to have been sponsors for the last two years) – read our coverage here.

Founded 25 years ago by Tacoma physician Dr. Gordy Klatt, Relay For Life has grown to be the most recognized fundraising event for cancer nationwide, held in more than 5,000 communities and raising more than $3 billion toward cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event in which teams will walk or run in shifts around the track for 12 to 24 hours. Participants traditionally camp out on the field, and, when they are not taking their turn walking, enjoy a variety of entertainment & activities. The 2011 version will be sponsored by BTB Advertiser Normandy Park Senior Living.

The Relay For Life of Highline will be held on the weekend of June 11th and 12th at Mt. Rainier High School in Des Moines.

For more information, please call Kelly Cochran at 206.674.4103, or visit www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa.

According to a statement, the coalition began as an informal discussion group made up of elected officials wanting to work together to improve their communities and grew into a coalition that recently received one of the highly competitive Communities Putting Prevention to Work grants from the Centers for Disease Control as part of the Healthy Eating Active Living initiative (HEAL).

The Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant program is focused on preventing chronic diseases such as, heart disease and diabetes and improving health outcomes by focusing efforts on environments that support health through policy, systems, and environmental level change that will have a long-term positive effect for our communities.

Recent accomplishments of the HHCC include:

• With HEAL funds, the City of Burien has hired a full-time management analyst to support the City’s involvement in the Coalition and to oversee its implementation of the HEAL grant scope of work. It has also created a new senior planner position, funded in part through the HEAL grant, who will be coordinating the City’s various planning efforts related to the grant.
• With HEAL funds, the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines are in the process of hiring project managers.
• The cities of Burien and Normandy Park have established an Inter-local Agreement to facilitate Normandy Park’s involvement as a sub-grantee in the HEAL grant project. This Inter-local has been approved by the Normandy Park City Council and by the City of Burien’s administration.
• The City of SeaTac is in the process of establishing Technical Assistance Teams that includes Planning, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Human Services and the Assistant City Manager.
• The City of Des Moines is in the process of establishing Technical Assistance Teams that includes Planning, Building and Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Senior Services, and the Assistant City Manager.?
• The Highline School District has established five different task forces for improving health including Safe Routes to School.
• An inter-local agreement has been drafted that allows the cities and school district to collaborate on projects together.
• The City of Des Moines has started recruitment of volunteers for community gardens.

The launch of the Healthy Highline Communities Coalition website at www.healthyhighline.org. It’s a great resource for the community about the project.

The Coalition’s next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 5pm -6:30pm, at Burien City Hall (400 SW 152nd St.). Anyone interested may attend and all are welcome.