ESC Kids' Art Contest winner Anne Wilhite with Burien City Councilmember Joan McGilton.

The Environmental Science Center (ESC) on Thursday (Feb. 9) announced the winners of the Earth Day Kids’ Art Contest:

Congratulations go out to Anne Wilhite of Mr. Matthews’ 4th grade class at Marvista Elementary for winning the Grand Prize:

Ngan Nguyen of Ms. Miller’s 6th grade class at Cedarhurst Elementary also won as a Finalist:

Payton May of Mrs. Barker’s class, also Marvista Elementary, was selected as a Finalist:

A total of 103 pieces of artwork were submitted from eight schools and programs in the areas served by ESC. Students were asked to submit work that inspired others to take care of the earth. The work was judged by three jury members, two from the Burien Arts Commission. Judging criteria included artistic merit, creativity, and originality. Ms. Wilhite’s art expressed what the world could look like if we all do our part to protect the environment. Ms. May’s more literal artwork reminds the viewers to THINK of important actions, such as commuting and composting, that will provide a greener place for us all. Ms. Nguyen’s art inspires people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to take part in protecting the world.

To give special recognition to the Grand Prize winner, the former Mayor of Burien, Joan McGilton presented the award to Anne in front of her class. After the ceremony, students eagerly waited to have a chance to talk with the former Mayor and to shake her hand. ESC sincerely thanks McGilton for her continued support of ESC and our local schools. ESC along with its supporters is proud to continue inspiring each of these three young artists with an artist’s tote containing:

• Artist & Craftsman Donation- heart-shaped craft box, craft tissue paper, craft glue, and set of paintbrushes
• Utrecht Art Supplies Donation- artist’s sketchbook, set of pencils, and eraser
• Beading kit
• Sculpting sticks

Anne Wilhite’s will be featured on the invitations to ESC’s Annual Earth Day Dinner & Auction as well as on ESC’s website. Additionally, the Grand Prize included a one-year membership for a family of five to the Seattle Aquarium. One Finalist received a Family Fun Pack to the Woodland Park Zoo and the other received admission for four to the Seattle Bug Safari and admission for two to the Pacific Science Center and IMAX theater. All participants were recognized for their submissions with a certificate of participation. Thank you to all the students and teachers who submitted these wonderful works of art. We look forward to seeing more next year!

For more information about the Environmental Science Center visit www.envsciencecenter.org.

Click image to print Coupon.

The Tag Zone has moved to a huge new warehouse-sized location at 605 South 223rd Street in Des Moines, just west of the downtown district at 6th and 223rd (map below), and will be holding its Grand Opening celebration beginning at 6 p.m. this Friday night, Jan. 27th!

Open Fridays and Saturdays, this new warehouse-sized arena erupts into a safe, Nerf-filled fun zone for kids of all ages with two battlefields:

• A 2,300 square foot inflatable bunker zone
• A 1,900 s.f. “Army Field”

The Tag Zone was created by Johnny Basco, former U.S. Army 2d Ranger at Ft. Lewis, who says:

“This is my calling – to host a safe, entertaining, affordable and FUN place for your little or big ones to play, and always wanting to come back for more.”

Former Army Ranger Johnny Basco is ready for you.

At The Tag Zone, participants play an assortment of organized games with safety always on the minds of the supervisors, who oversee every game with rules constantly being reinforced.

“We strongly encourage team work in order to play as many games as possible,” Basco adds. “This is also an exciting way to develop tricks and tactics, as well as controlling emotions and stress.”

Cost is just $7 per hour (the same price as last year), and according to Basco one of their more popular functions is to allow for a ‘Parent’s Night Out’:

“Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 6-10pm we offer you the opportunity to drop your kids off and you have the option to stay or have a few hours to yourselves while we keep them busy playing a wide variety of controlled and refereed games. While they are here we divide teams equally as participants arrive and depart. We make every attempt to keep your kids and possibly their friends together on the same team however on occasion adjustments have to be made in order to keep the teams competitively equal. Score is not kept but the competition level can still be pretty intense. We do not allow participants to argue with each other and definitely towards any of our referees or loss of one game will occur.”

The Tag Zone's arms cache awaits.

Here’s more from their website about the kinds of games played:

Open Play Sessions at The Tag Zone: Friday and Saturday nights, 6:00-10:00 pm

Squad vs squad
Objective:

• Eliminate opposing squad.

Game:

• Each team begins from its home base. At the signal, the players must find and tag the entire opposing team before being itself eliminated.

Protect the leader
Objective:

• To seek and tag the opposing team’s leader.

Game:

• Each team must protect its leader from getting tagged.
• Volunteer players will attempt to eliminate the opposing team’s leader.

Capture the Flag
Objective:

• To end the game with both team’s flag in its possession, in its home base.

Game:

• Each team begins with their own flag, located at their home base.
• The players must retrieve the opposing team’s flag.

The Prison
Objective:

• The players are to be tagged and placed in the opposing team’s prison.

Game:

• The teams begin in their own home base. When a player is tagged, he must head for the other team’s prison. The prisoner (s) are to be rescued by a teammate so that he (they) may continue the game. The prisoner is rescued from prison when his own teammate hand tags him out. The game is terminated when an entire team is imprisoned.

Look closely and you'll see Johnny's face in the middle of this bunker.

Here’s one more quote from Basco, posted on their Facebook Page (“Like” them here):

“What an amazing journey this has been and one I continue to look forward to. It’s still hard to believe I was doing hair two years ago! This would have never happened had it not been for my wife Anne and Karuna Arts Yoga. I love you Anne, especially for putting up with me during the build out. Thank you to all the kids who have supported The Tag Zone and to the future ones. This is one of the happiest and proudest days of my life. Dreams really do come true guys!”

The Tag Zone
605 South 223rd Street
Des Moines WA 98198

For questions regarding pricing and availability please e-mail thetagzone@gmail.com, text or call 206-719-4632.

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The second semester will begin on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Teachers will have until Monday, Jan. 30 to turn in grades. Report cards will be mailed shortly after that.

“To reduce the number of school days that need to be made up later, there will be no day off for secondary schools between semesters,” their website adds.

Michael Stein-Ross, Burien Councilmembers Lucy Krakowiak and Bob Edgar, and his 6th grade class.

by Michael Stein-Ross

Following the November elections, a number of my sixth grade students at St. Francis of Assisi School wrote to two Burien City Councilmembers – Bob Edgar and Lucy Krakowiak – congratulating them on their wins in the election.

They also related their concerns about how Burien deals with the homeless and poor in the City of Burien.

So this last Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, Mr. Edgar and Ms. Krakowiak visited with Mr. Stein-Ross’s sixth grade students to discuss these topics. Students wanted to know why Burien does not have more homeless shelters, why some of Burien’s vacant storefronts were not being used to shelter people when the weather got really bad and why there were not more community garden spaces to grow food for the poor. Another issue for the students was the availability of medical service to the homeless and poor in Burien.

The class session with the Councilmembers involved a discussion on awareness of who was really homeless, what were some of the reasons for why people become homeless and how each individual student could help the homeless. The St. Francis of Assisi students currently collect food for our local food banks, run a clothing drive and do community service at a number of our local charity sites. Any items that readers of this article want to donate to support these homeless community drives or causes can be dropped off at the school.

Some other community service projects that my students have been involved in include: building a rain garden at the school and stenciling the storm water drains around the school. You may have seen the white marking around drains in Burien’s streets. These markings are to remind people not to put things like soaps, fertilizers, chemicals and oils down them.

The students of St. Francis of Assisi plan to continue to work for the homeless in Burien.

Isn’t that what the concept of citizenship is really about?

Our friends at the Highline School District want our Readers to know that CHOICE Academy is now accepting applications for Fall enrollment for 2012, and is holding an Information Night on Thursday, Dec. 1st.

Highline CHOICE Academy is a small, smart and safe learning community located at 18367 8th Ave South in Burien.

Seats are available in grades 7 through 10.

CHOICE is a Fully Accredited, Award Winning and free public school.

According to a brochure (PDF file):

CHOICE Academy is a unique small school for students in grades 7 through 12, offering core academics in a highly personalized environment.

CHOICE Academy is open to any student living within Highline Public Schools boundaries.

Here are the details:

WHAT: CHOICE Academy Information Night.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: CHOICE’s Woodside Campus at 18367 8th Ave South, Burien WA 98148; (206) 631-7630.

INFO: Early Decision Applications are due on Fridays, Dec. 9, & Feb. 3. 2012 (First Come, First Serve)

For more information, check their website: http://choiceacademy.weebly.com/, or call 206?631?7630.

“A Washington State School of Distinction”

“Best kept secret in Highline”

BTB Advertiser Jim Coleman, DDS is holding their annual Stuffed Animal Drive for children who end up in the Highline Medical Center Emergency Rooms, and they’re looking for donations.

Donations must be received before Dec. 22nd.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Jim Coleman, DDS annual Stuffed Animal Drive, to help calm children who end up in Highline Medical Center’s ERs.

WHEN: Now through Dec. 22nd.

WHERE: Donate stuffed animals at Jim Coleman’s offices, located at 1800 SW 152nd Street in Burien.

Jim Coleman, DDS

INFO: Here’s an email we received from Lynn Coleman:

As many of you know, our dental practice collects stuffed animals for the Highline Medical Center Emergency Rooms. These animals are given to children as they check into the ER and I have been assured by the nurses that they have a very calming effect on the kids.

We are again collecting animals and would really appreciate any contributions that you could make.

We will get them to the ER on the 22nd of December so if you want to drop them by our office before then, it will be great!

Let’s make those kids comfortable, loved and cared for in the best ER in the Seattle area!

Thanks,
Lynn Coleman

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aidanmorgan/ / CC BY 2.0

“The Symposium was developed by the Foundation Board as a way to bring issues facing our school community forward for thoughtful consideration,” said Chuck Tuman, Foundation Board President. “We’re excited to present this new program and encourage input and feedback from our community on future topics.”

The first installment of the Foundation Symposium Series will be the presentation of the documentary “Race to Nowhere,” which will be held at the Mount Rainier High School Theater on Thursday, Nov. 17, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Race to Nowhere,” produced by Reel Link Films and written by Vicki Abeles, offers a close-up look at the pressures on today’s students to achieve. This thought-provoking film tells personal stories of over-scheduled and over-stressed students, parents, and educators, as they try to navigate their way to getting into college. The close of the film provides helpful action items for various interest groups including students, parents, educators, administrators, and policy makers.

Here’s a trailer of the film:

Click here to view the embedded video.

A brief Question and Answer session will follow the film, moderated by parent educator Jan Faull, M.Ed.

The Highline Schools Foundation offers this and all Symposium Series topics as a resource for our community and does not endorse or support any specific position.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance at www.rtnhighlineschools.eventbrite.com or for $15 at the door on a space-available basis.

The second installment of the Highline Schools Foundation Symposium will be presented spring 2012, date and topic to be announced.

Here’s more on the Foundation from their website:

The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence was established in 1999 with the purpose of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed. We believe that by helping to enrich the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level of learning, and the entire community will benefit. The Foundation is governed by a dedicated group of volunteer Trustees and is the only 501(c)(3) organization supporting all Highline Public Schools.

Burien’s Hi-Liners will be holding their 7th annual fundraising Dinner Cabaret and Auction on Saturday night, Oct. 22nd at the Jerry Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College.

“It’s entertaining! It’s delicious! It’s important!” reads an email. “We need your support for our largest fundraising event to insure our survival for another year!”

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues with a silent auction, dinner and entertainment, followed by a live auction.

Tickets are $65 each, and registration ends Tuesday, Oct. 18th, so be sure to purchase your tickets online now – just click here.

Some of the items up for bid include:

• Lunch with Author Ann Rule for 4, includes personally autographed books!
• Broadway Revival Poster for “Cabaret” autographed by the cast including the late Natasha Richardson!
• Original Art provided by local artists!
• VIP Tickets to Mama Mia at the Paramount in March 2012!
• Walk on Roles in The Hi-Liners MainStage Show next September!
• Get entertained from a whole new angle, back stage at The Hi-Liners!

Event Timeline:

• 5:30pm — Check-in & Silent Auction
• 7:00pm — Dinner & Entertainment
• 8:00pm — Live Auction
• 9:30pm — Thank You’s & Checkout

Dinner Menu: “Northwest Surf ‘n Turf”

Entrée Choices:

• (1) Grilled Top Sirloin Steak and Salmon (2) Vegetarian Entrée
• Served with Salad and Mashed Potatoes
• Fresh Vegetables, Rolls and Butter
• Coffee, Tea, Beer, Wine and Soda
• And the Dessert Dash!

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Hi-Liners 7th Annual Dinner Cabaret and Auction.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 – 5:30pm

WHERE: The Brockey Conference Center at South Seattle Community College, located at 6000 16^th Ave. SW in West Seattle.

COST: $65 per person, or $600 for a table of 10.

INFO: From an email:

Be our guest and get a sneak peek at what The Hi-Liners are planning for 2012!

With success come increased costs … rent at the Annex, salaries, major equipment costs such as air conditioners for the classrooms at the Annex, and scholarships. They have had more requests for scholarships in 2011 than ever before. Because of the generosity of prior donations, they were able to fulfill these requests. It is their intent, when funds are available, to never turn away a young actor because of financial need. They need your help to insure that the scholarships are always available.

Fundraising provides 20% of their operating budget. They are dependent upon your generosity to keep their doors open. Their Fall Dinner Cabaret and Auction is their major fundraising event of the year. We hope to raise $45,000 with your help. This year, they are returning to South Seattle Community College for their excellent cuisine and large stage. The entertainment, as it has every year, will be the highlight of the event! So please join them on October 22nd for an evening of excellent food, outstanding entertainment, and as always with The Hi-Liners-fun!

For more information about the Hi-Liners, please visit their website here.

Discover Burien’s annual ‘Boo In Burien’ will be held around town from Noon – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29th, and this year The B-Town Blog is Sponsoring the Wiener Dog Races, which will be held in Olde Burien at 3:30 p.m.

Got a Wiener Dog? Well then you’d best register it to race now – download a PDF Registration Form here!

We can’t wait to see who the wiener is of this year’s Wiener Dog Race.

Remember last year, when we Sponsored ‘Waldo,’ the differently-abled Wiener dog with a wheelchair? That was Waldo’s first race, and his first loss (he came in dead last!).

Here’s what his Human, Dr. Yael Kantor said about his condition:

He came to me as a patient in 2003. He was just a couple months old. The vet brought him in – he had been injured either by being dropped or stood on. The result was a spinal cord injury. He was paralyzed from the mid-back down and could not go to the bathroom by himself so he was probably on his way to being euthanized.

Well, we fell in love with him. I adjusted him and got some sensation back in his tail which he ended up chewing and the vet had to dock.it. But after a slew of adjustments, acupuncture, hydrotherapy we did not get the movement back in his legs but we did get him a little wheelchair.

He is a trooper and full of spunk. He lives with two other bigger dogs and is incredible with the kids. He hops around the house and has developed a large chest and big front paws. He is just full of life and you would never know he is disabled. He is amazing and adds so much to our lives.

Also included this year will be

• Hayrides: Noon – 3:30 p.m.
• Trick or Treating: Noon until the Candy is gone
• Haunted House at Moss Chiropractic: 1 – 4 p.m.
• Pumpkin Bowling at Elliott Bay Brewery: 1 – 3 p.m.
• Paint Pumpkins at Grocery Outlet: Noon until pumpkins gone
• Scary Story Telling
• Kids Crafts at Collins Chiropractic
• Children’s Costume Parade
• Costume Dog Parade: Noon registration – Parade starts at 3:15 pm in Olde Burien
• The B-Town Blog Wiener Dog Races: 3:30 pm in Olde Burien.

For more information, contact Debra George at (206) 941-7199.

Here are some pics from last year’s event: