by Scott Schaefer

Keegan Reilly, 29, finished ahead of 319 other racers in last Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k in Burien.

No big deal really, in a 5k race of 650 finishers…right?

WRONG.

Reilly also happens to be a paraplegic, and he used a rented “arm cycle” to pedal his way to a 37:19 finish time in Sunday’s 5k, successfully making the steep climb up Snake Hill like he has so many other obstacles in his life.

If you ran or walked the course, you know how tough it was to make it up and over the hill affectionately called “The Snake.”

Now imagine using just your arms to pedal up that hill.

Reilly lost the use of his lower body after receiving a major spinal cord injury in a car crash, but he hasn’t let that stop him. According to his uncle, who also happens to be Race Organizer John Nelson, Keegan made the very first arm-powered ascent of Colorado’s Mt. Elbert, which also happens to be the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, at 14,443 feet (32 feet higher than our own Mt. Rainier).

In addition, Reilly has also climbed Japan’s Mt. Fuji (12,388 ft.) as well as Mt. Shasta in California (14,179 ft.) using arm-climbing devices that were consulted and commissioned by his uncle, who says he did “a redesign” of one of One-Off Titanium’s unique arm powered off-road 3-wheelers.

“The result was a 4-wheeled hand-cycle designed specifically for ascending steep and rough terrain,” Nelson said.

The BBC did a story on Keegan’s ascent of Fuji (read it here), which received international attention because the police tried to stop the expedition at base camp. Nelson adds:

“We waited them out until the press arrive,” Nelson said. “After a couple days camping outside their door, they relented and grudgingly allowed the expedition to continue. Having a person be the final obstacle to overcoming Fuji just seemed downright silly.”

Reilly’s Shasta climb was with three other disabled climbers, including Pete Reike, who made the first arm-powered ascent of Mt. Rainier (read that story here).

“Each new person pushing the limits of the last,” Nelson said. “It’s like mountaineering being invented all over again.”

Most recently, Chris Waddell successfully summitted Kilimanjaro using a model of the 4-wheeler he based on Keegan’s machine (link here).

Nelson says that Reilly came all the way from Colorado just to take part in Sunday’s race.

Here are some pics of this brave and amazingly strong man (both physically and mentally) in action:

by Shawn Underwood

While working on a humorous story the other night I received a text:

Lori: “ru walking the c2c tomorrow” (In text speak=”Are you walking the Cove to Clover race tomorrow?”)

Me: “Forgot all about it. What time?” (Notice my perfect punctuation, unlike my friend’s…)

I won’t bore you with the details of the 22 text messages discussing the C2C race. Why we didn’t just call each other is beyond me, because I’m really super slow at texting. I can just imagine Lori looking at her cell phone impatiently and wondering about the ten minutes between each text.

Next order of business—my Cove to Clover race day attire. Something green, comfortable, and zany, because since I certainly won’t be fast, I may as well be fun.

Tom, my husband and our chauffeur dropped us off near the top of Snake Hill. Mr. Big and Mr. Small (sporting their green scarves) yapped and marked everything in sight and checked several ‘pee-mails’ for good measure. Neither of us wanted to fight the crowds (or walk down, then up Snake Hill) so we started walking and talking. Less than 50 feet into our walk (we’re in the enviable position of first place because the race hasn’t actually started), and I notice my hand is bleeding. I’m not kidding. Fortunately the medic truck is right in front of us. Lori watches as Mr. Big and Mr. Small take advantage of the situation and tangle their leashes. Perhaps Lori will fall over the tangled leashes and scrape her knee. She is looking rather envious of all the attention I am receiving from Mr. Handsome—the medic.

Another 50 feet puts us in front of the first drink stop. Naturally, we’re their first customers because the real runners have yet to make it up Snake Hill. At this point my dear friend is becoming rather exasperated with my slow pace, although I assure her I’m just getting into my rhythm. We’ve just reached a perfect walking synchronicity when shouts alert us to the first runner.

And then he’s gone. We barely had time to dash to the side of the road before he breezed past us. I must say his outfit was rather brief but then maybe real runners actually need to dress light in order to run faster. I wouldn’t know but I’m pretty sure my yellow and green lady bug top would hamper my running ability. And need I say—it was so hard to focus on the task at hand—walking, when there were distractions everywhere.

Young folk, old folk, stroller baby folk, big dogs, small dogs, costumed dogs, you name it, they were all there. All 950 of them, running for a charitable cause. Last year it rained costumed cats and dogs and the run was still a huge success.

Burien has come a long way in the 20 years that I’ve lived here. You can call it Beercan or B-Town. I call it home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’d like to extend a hearty “cngrts” (Text Speak for “Congratulations”) to Shawn, who will be releasing her first book this spring, called “Mommy Are we French Yet?“

We’ll be posting more on this exciting news, but for now here’s a blurb on it:

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in another country for a year with your children, in Mommy, Are We French Yet? you will discover that it is not an insurmountable task.  But it’s made doubly rewarding when the day-to-day chores and challenges are approached with humor. Shawn Underwood moved her family, her husband and three kids along with her sister’s family, to the south of France to experience the joys and frustrations of living abroad first hand.

Whether running headlong into the language barrier, where faux pas are a given and the best way to communicate is with a smile or just trying to shop at the local market, keeping a sense of humor is the key to overseas success!  As she and her extended family travel in France and throughout Europe and Egypt among other countries, they learned that being a good ambassador for your country is worth its weight in gold.  Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions!

Come along with Shawn and her family as they learn to embrace the local culture, even if it means eating pig intestines or trying to cook turkey American style.  Whatever happens, the chocolate is sublime in any language!

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Just down the hill from B-Town, the Tukwila Rotary Club is holding “Strike Out Hunger,” a bowling party fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry on Saturday, March 27th from 9am – Noon at ACME Bowl.

Who doesn’t love a bowling party, especially when it’s for a great cause?

Here are the details:

WHAT: Tukwila Rotary’s “Strike Out Hunger” bowling fundraiser for the Tukwila Food Pantry

WHEN: Saturday, March 27th from 9am – Noon

WHERE: ACME Bowl, located at

INFO: From a poster:

Join us at ACME Bowl in Tukwila for a great event that supports the Tukwila Food Pantry!

Saturday, March 27th from 9:00 am — 12 noon.

Bowler check-in at 8:45am.

Entry fee: Minimum of $200 per team (4 bowlers) Entry deadline: March 22nd or until full. Don’t wait…register today!

For event information, bowler registration and sponsorship opportunities visit our website www.TukwilaRotary.org.

If you have questions, or need further assistance, please contact the Tukwila Rotary at 206-674-4673 or send an e-mail to StrikeOutHunger@TukwilaRotary.org.

Sunday’s second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence raised “around $35,000,” according to race organizer John Nelson.

To put this in perspective, last year’s inaugural race brought in $12,000, which, at the time, was a “huge surprise,” according to Mike Werle, Executive Director of the food bank.

Some interesting anecdotes about the race itself:

• The first Unicyclist to ever complete the course was Kevin Williams.
  

  Unicyclist Kevin Williams rolls up Snake Hill.

• The oldest runner was Clyde Sparks, 74, of Normandy Park.
• Four 69-year olds also finished:
  • Robb Shirley, Seattle
  • Jack Freeman, Seattle
  • Penney Hall, Normandy Park
  • Jan Drago, Seattle – King County Councilmember who fired the starting gun in Normandy Park!
• There was a four-way tie for youngest, registered at Age “0″ (we’re pretty sure these kids were all in strollers, so thanks Moms!):
  • Phyllis Ahlerdice, of Seattle
  • Anuraag Sanga, of Burien
  • Yvetti Garcia, of Burien
  • Karen Hartrig, of Seahurst

Over 1,000 runners were registered for the race, and here’s a link to the results, which are searchable:

OnlineRaceResults.com

On a day when even a 6′4″ “Snake” couldn’t stop them, over 1,000 runners ran the second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank on Sunday afternoon, March 14.

The race started at the Normandy Park Community Club at 1pm sharp when King County Councilmember Jan Drago fired a starting pistol. Soon, the front-runners encountered Snake Hill, which separated the wheat from the chaff.

It was on Snake Hill when John Timeus, 25, of Kent, the overall winner, took control and never looked back. He crossed the finish line at Burien Town Square in an impressive 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

Second place went to 50-year Normandy Park runner Ray Prentice, who clocked in at 20:38. Not bad for a 50-year old.

The top female runner was Elsa Natal, 31, of Seattle with a 22:58 time.

Here are the overall winners as posted at the finish line:

1. John Timeus, Kent, 25/M 18:55
2. Ray Preintice, Normandy Park, 50/M 20:38
3. Paul Huynh Normandy Park, 18/M 20:49
   
4. Matt Parker, Burien 30/M 21:17
5. Nicholas Deisler, Seattle 26/M 21:56
6. Garrick Hughes Normandy Park, 26/M 22:02
   
7. Jason Ireland, Langley, 36/M 22:18
8. A.Z. Satterfield Normandy Park, 17/M 22:23
9. Mike Fosberg, Burien, 45/M 22:31
10. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 27/M 22:39

WOMEN:

1. Elsa Natal, Seattle, 31/F 22:58
2. Carmen Storer, Des Moines, 25/F 23:27
3. Cassie Marino, Des Moines , 25/F 24:44
4. Natalie D’Amico, Burien, 23/F 25:15
5. Cindy Sagmoen, Burien, 42/F 26:00
6. Dini Peneda, Seattle, 31/F 26:05
7. Robin Donocan, Seattle, 28/F 26:10
8. Donna Sullivan-Dyrdal, Burien, 54/F 26:21
9. Gina Mutter, Normandy Park, 43/F 26:34
10. Sandi Rowden, Burien, 45/F 26:34

Here’s our first batch of pics, shot by Michael Brunk at the finish line:

We’ll be posting more photos, results and stories throughout the day (and most likely over the next few days), so be sure to check back often.

Within a few days we’ll also post a link to a photo “pool” with every single pic we shot at the race – there’s a good chance you’re in there if you ran the race, and you’ll be able to download high-res, printable pics for no charge, as a gift from The B-Town Blog!

“The Snake” will be out in full force in the area Sunday (Mar. 14), as the 2010 “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Food Bank will kick off at 1pm sharp from the Normandy Park Community Club, then wind its way through Burien and end in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

Because of the race, which is expected to have over 1,000 runners, there will be many road closures going on, beginning at 12:50pm and in some spots continuing until 5pm.

Also, if you plan on running, you should seriously consider parking near Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, then taking one of the shuttles to the starting line – more details on the Cove to Clover website.

Don’t forget also to “spring ahead” at 2am Sunday morning, as Daylight Savings Time officially begins.

Weather-wise, we’re expecting a mostly cloudy day with highs in the mid-50s and a 10% chance of rain.

Here’s are details on the street closures, as well as a street map:

• The entire 5K race route will be closed to traffic.
• Closures will begin at 12:50pm and reopen as the bulk of the runners clear.
• A course crew vehicle will follow the runners reopening the streets.
• Six police officers will direct traffic at 5 key locations:
  • Sylvester & SW 120th
  • 16th SW and SW 160th
  • Before the s-curve on 21st SW near SW 159th.
  • SW 152nd and 20th SW
  • Ambaum & SW 151st
• Officers will move from location to location as streets reopen.
• Signage will inform traffic of current closures.

Here are more race day details from the Cove to Clover website:

5K START LINE PARTY with 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.

Coffee provided by Burien Press.  After you wake, come meet the snake.

5K Race (race starts @ 1 pm sharp)

Start Line @ Normandy Park CC “The Cove”

Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:30 pm @ The Cove

Family Race (race starts @ 1:40 pm sharp) Start Line @ St. Francis Church

Registration/Packet Pickup from 11 am – 1:15 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 Irish Festival (1:00 – 5 pm) at Burien Town Square

You can enjoy the whole show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies).   Mick Kelly’s will be serving up traditional Irish grub outside in the square (as well as inside the pub).

Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden 1-5 pm

Goodie Gumdrops Rootbeer Garden 1-5 pm

Mick Kelly’s Irish Comfort Food 1-5 pm outside, late as you like inside the pub.

The Haggis Brothers 2-5 pm

A very lively Irish band will be bringing you the old favorite but keeping you hopping.

Momentum Irish Dancers 3-3:40 pm
Demonstration of traditional step dancing from Burien’s own Irish Dance academy.  After performing a few numbers, join the pros for a free lesson (all welcome, young and old alike).

We’ll have Photographers stationed at the starting line, as well as on Snake Hill and at the finish line, attempting to take pics of as many runners as we can (be sure to grimace dramatically for us!), and we’ll also be posting race results as soon as we know them from our “live blogging” table in Mick Kelly’s.

In addition, as a gift to everyone participating in this worthy fundraiser, we’ll be posting all pics shot online in high-res for FREE access, so be sure to check The B-Town Blog Sunday evening for the link!

The organizers of Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5K fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank want our Readers to know that there’s a “Last Gasp” registration and packet pickup this Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien.

This “last gasp” is intended for already-registered runners to get their shiny new race numbers, timing chop and t-shirt (if you registered early enough that is…), as well as for new runners to register and save the $5 race day fee increase.

That’s right – if you haven’t registered, don’t worry – you can do so at this event, and according to their website:

Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.

We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.

You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Cove to Clover “Last Gasp” Registration & Packet Pickup

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Street • Burien • 206.246.2473.

INFO: From their website:

Registered?
Come on in and get your shiny new race number, timing chip and shirt (if you registered early enough).

You’ll be stylin in the morning when you board the shuttle at Mick’s in the morning already sporting your number and cool snake shirt

Not Registered?
Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.  We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.  You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Avoid the race day rush!

Our fave namesake women’s sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;

• Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
• Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.

The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:

This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were

1. Sockit Wenches
2. Grave Danger
3. Throttle Rockets
4. Derby Liberation Front

Here are the points:

• Period 1, 1st Players: TR 62, SW 97
• Period 1, 2nd Players: GD 88, DLF 51
• Period 2, Grudge Match: TR 97, DLF 43
• Period 2, Champs: GD 66, SW 70

On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.

The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.

Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).

RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.

Back in October, we premiered a trailer for a new documentary being produced on Burien, called “Where We Live Now, Burien.”

This documentary is still in production, and another clip has been released, this time focusing on Burien’s Skatepark located at SW 144th and 4th Ave SW, near the community center.

Here’s an intro for this segment from the Editor’s (Rowan North) YouTube Channel:

“This is a section from a working documentary about the power of community collaboration and grassroots democracy in Burien, Washington…”

Here’s the clip:

As we mentioned before, the crew behind this production includes many well-known Northwest video folks, such as:

• Executive Producer: Anne Stadler, community leadership consultant, formerly KING-TV5 documentaries and specials Producer
• Co-Producers and Writers: Terry Tazioli, writer/on-air Host, formerly with The Seattle Times, KING-TV5
• Lucy Mohl, formerly Senior Manager, Microsoft (and previously KING-TV, Film.com and RealNetworks)
• Production Manager, Videographer, Editor: Aaron Stadler, www.fatcatVDO.com
• Videographers: Bill Fenster, www.billfensterproductions.com
• Diana Wilmar, www.foxwilmar.com/bios/bios
• Videographer/Editor: Rowan North, LinkedIn
• Still Photographer: Kimi Milo
• Audio: Stevan Smith
• Scott MacLaughlin
• Robin Sarmento

This project is still in production, and like most productions-in-progress, is still seeking funds to complete it.

Executive Producer Anne Stadler says:

“We’re looking for at least $7,000. One thing we want to do is get this packaged with a series of discussion questions to market to Mayors and City governments around the state and country. So anything more that we raise, will go toward THAT. Haven’t budgeted for that yet.

Donations will go towards editing the doc, as well as producing a couple of shorter pieces: skate park and young people; Burien and BIAS.”

Here’s how you can help:

Send whatever you can to the Sunyata Foundation; all Donors will get their names in the credits, as well as a DVD of the video, along with the heartwarming knowledge that you helped promote Your Burien (keep in mind that this is a non-profit, 501-C3 organization):

Sunyata Foundation
PO Box 58788
Renton WA. 98058

As more elements get produced, we’ll preview clips here…so stay tuned to The B-Town Blog.

The organizers of Cove to Clover, the 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank coming March 14th, are issuing a “friendly challenge” to the City of Burien, including councilmembers and city employees, to sign-up to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the event.

Fees that are not being charged by the other city involved in the race, Normandy Park.

Did we mention that this event is a fundraiser, and last year raised $12,000 for the Highline Area Food Bank?

And that John Nelson, the main organizer, is one of four recipients for the City of Burien’s 2010 Citizen Community Leader awards being presented March 6th?

And did we mention that the City of Normandy Park is NOT charging any city fees for the event, which starts at their Community Club, so they have not been challenged?

Oh yeah, I guess we did.

Here’s the “friendly challenge” language from the Cove to Clover website:

Burien City Council: You just got served!

Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council members,

Thanks for listening to my request last night to waive some fees for the race. I now understand that the fees can’t be waived and have been given some sage advice about how to offset these fees in future year.

However, for this year I have a proposal.

I happened to be at the NP Council Meeting when Rose Clark issued a friendly challenge to the Normandy Park Council to enter a team for the very worthy Relay for Life.

Since I’m new to this game, I’m stealing a play from your own playbook. From Normandy Park, I’m issuing my own friendly challenge to the Burien City Council and City Staff.

I’m challenging every member of the council to secure at least 2 registrations for the 2010 Cove to Clover. I especially encourage you to personally walk or run the race yourselves and to bring a new friend. It will be a lot of fun and I’d love to see our leaders all out there partaking in the goodness.

When you find a victim that is willing to register, make sure they enter “BTOWN” in the “Reg Code” field of the online or paper entry form to get official challenge credit. You can make an extra donation to the cause while registering which will also go to the challenge. You can pick up a paper form at Mick Kelly’s or register at www.covetoclover.com.

For your convenience, I setup a webpage to track the progress of the challenge (www.covetoclover.com/btown). It will be updated daily.

I know your team can do this and will have fun in the process.

Thanks for your consideration,
John Nelson

PS: Next year, we can get NP and Burien into a head-to-head competition but I’ve learned to take baby steps first.

Click here to see how much the City has raised so far (updated nightly).

[EDITOR'S NOTE: as of 6pm Thurs. Feb. 25th, the total amount raised by the City of Burien = $0.00].

To register and for all the race info, visit www.covetoclover.com.

It’ll be interesting to see if, and how, the City of Burien will respond…

• Will they suddenly find a way to waive the fees?
• Will city employees suddenly sign-up en masse?
• Will we see Mayor McGilton and Mike Martin running down SW 152nd?

We’ll keep ya posted…

Burien’s Hospitality House will be holding its Spring Fling Dinner and Boats for Beds Fundraiser on Saturday, March 6th at the Cove in Normandy Park beginning at 6pm.

Located in Burien, Hospitality House is a shelter and place of transition for homeless women in south King County. The Women of Hospitality House are supported by more than 12 local churches and organizations as well as by our local communities. Home-cooked meals are provided 365 days per year by volunteers. With the staff case workers, over 70 women each year develop and work their individual plans to find home, health and hope (see hospitalityhousesouthking.org to learn more).

Richard LeMieux, the author of “Breakfast at Sally’s,” will be the featured speaker, and according to a press release:

”Richard has lived in Washington State since 1981. He ran his own publishing company, producing medical directories and university student directories for 14 years. When his business failed, he lost his livelihood, his home, his possessions, and his wife of 17 years.

Richard was homeless in Bremerton, WA, with his dog, Willow, for a year and a half. He lived in his minivan while writing Breakfast at Sally’s with a second-hand manual typewriter at picnic tables in parks around the city.

While he was homeless, Richard and the other homeless people he portrays in his book regularly visited Sally’s, the soup kitchen at The Salvation Army in Bremerton.”

Today Richard has committed himself to sharing the story of homelessness with people of all backgrounds and of all ages across the country.

A short film about Hospitality House will be premiered at this dinner and a former resident will also be sharing her story.

Three Tree Point Yacht Club will be partnering with Hospitality House to raise funds with Boats for Beds. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase “the boat” or individual seats aboard one of several sailboats. It will be a fun afternoon of racing Saturday, June 26 out of the Des Moines Marina. What better way to celebrate a graduation, Father’s Day, girls’ day out, engagement or anniversary, than as crew, passenger or ballast aboard one of these special sailboats and with this fun-loving community of people? The boats are each photographed and featured on the Hospitalityhousesouthking.org website.

Tickets are available for purchase online at this website.

by Shawn Underwood

Yes, it’s rainy.

Yes, the wind is howling and the 2010 Olympic flame is blowing sideways, leaving my umbrella to resemble a closed tulip, but the enthusiasm for the Olympic games is infectious.

The minute we stepped off the Skytrain we are greeted with a chorus of  welcomes.

“Good morning!” said one Mapleleaf-clad young woman.

“Good morning!!” said another.

“Good morning!!!” said a third.

Oh my gosh, I’ve got to move to this friendly city – I’ve already got three friends in less than one minute. Just think, by the time I get to my hotel, let’s say ten minutes or so – I’ll have 30 new friends. I did notice a lot of my new ‘friends’ were wearing bright green coats and badges.

Hmmm…

At our centrally-located hotel, Rosedale on Robson in Vancouver BC, the staff personnel practically fall over each other with their welcomes. I love this place. I can’t wait to tell my old college friend, Deb, how much I love her country. Deb moved here 20+ years ago and never left. She probably has loads of friends.

The phone rings five minutes after we settle into our room.

“I’m downstairs,” said my old friend (what, no “Good morning!”? So much for a friendly country…).

I quickly put on some lipstick and run downstairs.

“Damn girl, you look the same as you did in college!” I said.

Waiting, waiting, waiting for similar reply. Guess I’m not looking as fresh as I thought. Oh well, things could be worse.

“Deb, everyone here is soooo dang friendly.”

“Oh yeah, we’ve been barraged with public announcements before the Olympics – stuff like, ‘remember you are a representative of Canada, go out of your way to be friendly.’”

I’m rather deflated by this statement. Maybe I don’t have quite so many friends as I imagined. Maybe they are paid to be nice!

“What about all the people in green jackets?” I ask.

“Oh, those are volunteers, they don’t get paid unless their empolyers pay for their time off to help with the Olympics,” she said as we walked towards the waterfront to see our first ever ‘live in person’ Olympic flame.

Sunday–we hope to be first in line at The Bay department store–the only place in Vancouver which sells Olympic souvenirs. The line was three blocks long today. I don’t want the popular mapleleaf mittens that bad.

Monday–Off to Cypress to watch Tom’s relative, Nate Holland, a “five-pete” X Games champion.

Hopefully I’ll be wearing my new souvenir mapleleaf mittens – you know, the kind that make you smile and say “GOOD MORNING!!!!”?

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Highline School District students (and others) can earn money for area schools by participating in the 2010 Cove to Clover 5K race, which is coming to the Burien area Sunday, March 14th (read our previous coverage here).

The Grand Prize will be $1,500, donated to the winning school. The winning school will be determined by which one has the highest percentage of registrants compared to the school’s total enrollment – $5 will be donated to each school whose name is entered into the “Registration Code” for online registrants (and every registrant must enter a code).

Entries must be received by 11:59pm Monday, March 1st (two weeks before race day, which is March 14th) to be counted toward a school’s total.

Here are the details of how you can help area schools:

School Registration Contest: $1,500 Grand Prize (donated to winning school)

Here’s the Daily Scoreboard, which is updated daily with the most current standings:

Current School Registration Status (updated nightly)

Did you know that there’s a Highline Lacrosse Club in the area?

Well, there is.

And they’re now looking for boys between 5th and 12th grade to signup and play.

Here are the details, courtesy Staci McLaughlin:

WHAT: Highline Lacrosse Club signups for 5th-12th-grade boys.

WHEN: Signups are going on now; Season runs from March through May.

WHERE: Early pre-season practices are going on now at the Normandy Park City Hall Gym.

INFO: Please visit the website for more information regarding Highline Lacrosse Club and this exciting sport: www.highlinelax.shutterfly.com.

No experience with Lacrosse is necessary, as most players are beginners.

If you have any questions, please call Staci McLaughlin at 206-999-7094.

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.

We’re huge fans of the all-girl sk8er team the Rat City Rollergirls, and when we heard that they’re kicking off their 2010 season with a charity fundraiser at Key Arena this Sunday, Jan. 31st, we just had to announce it.

Donation amounts will depend on game outcomes, and the four home teams have chosen to support the following local charities:

• The Throttle Rockets with play for Fisher House, which assists families of military personnel.
• Grave Danger will support OldDog Haven, finding new homes for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Sockit Wenches are skating for Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment by developing life and social skills.
• Derby Liberation Front will support Pinup Angels, who send care packages to troops overseas.

Here are the details on the event:

WHAT: Rat City Rollergirls charity fundraiser bout.

WHEN: Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the game starts at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: KeyArena in lower Queen Anne.

INFO: The Rat City Rollergirls now have a dedicated entrance for our season ticket holders – enabling them to score the best seats! Doors on the East side of KeyArena will open for season ticket holders at 2:15pm.

Visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com for more information on the 2010 season.

Founded in April 2004, Rat City Rollergirls, LLC, (RCRG) is Seattle’s (and the Northwest’s) first flat track, all-female roller derby league. RCRG is composed of about 100 member-owners, who are divided among four teams:

• Derby Liberation Front
• Grave Danger
• Sockit Wenches
• Throttle Rockets

RCRG’s fifth team, the Rat City Rollergirls All-Stars, is composed of the best players from the four home teams, who represent RCRG in regional and national play.

Also, be on the lookout next week for a video we’ll be shooting at Sunday’s bout.

Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) filed a bill this week that would allow the Port of Seattle to continue to lease land to the Highline-area Little League organization at a steeply discounted rate for use as Little League baseball fields.

The measure authorizes “airport operators” to make airport property available for public recreation and other community uses at less than market value.

“I grew up playing Highline Little League baseball on these exact ball fields,” Upthegrove said. “Today, south county children continue this tradition only because of the extremely affordable lease rates the Port extends to the City of Burien. With local governments currently strapped for cash, a hike in the lease rates could put the future of these fields at risk.”

The ball fields in question are located in the second runway “buyout area” near SeaTac Airport, a neighborhood dotted with boarded-up residences. Federal law specifies how close a residence can be to an airport runway, and over the years the Port of Seattle has had to “buy out” home and business owners to keep them out of the prohibited zone. The recreational and athletic fields, however, continue to enjoy active use and are permitted within the zone.

“The lease rate has recently been called into question by the State Auditor. My aim is to ensure that our state law is consistent with federal law, which actually permits these kinds of arrangements between airport operators and organizations like Little League,” Upthegrove added.

“Little League sports provide affordable recreation for so many children while teaching the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.  We need to ensure that these Highline ball fields remain available for the community.”

The bill number is House Bill 3007, and it’s scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government and Housing Committee on Monday, Feb. 1st at 1:30 p.m.

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.

Yasmine Fuller, a guard for Burien’s John F. Kennedy Catholic High School women’s basketball team, recently received some serious media love from ESPN’s “Rise Magazine,” where she credited her relationship with WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes for developing her work ethic.

According to the story:

…Fuller thrives on putting defenders to the test of keeping up with her lightning-quick first step or her ability to bury treys from several feet beyond the arc. The 5-foot-8 senior combo guard averaged 16.7 points and 2.3 assists per contest in guiding the Lancers to the Class 3A crown last winter. She also earned Seamount League and state tourney MVP honors.

Kennedy has reaped the benefits of Fuller’s hard work. Her first year with the Lancers, the team rebounded from a disappointing 2006-07 postseason to end the year as Class 3A runner-up. Individually, Fuller earned the first of two consecutive All-Seamount League selections.

Read ESPN’s full story here.

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog spins an imaginary basketball on our fingers, then we all do an imaginary reverse slam dunk in Fuller’s honor – way to go!

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!]

BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club is now registering for the Biggest Loser contest! Start the new year off healthier and on your way to a new level of improved fitness.

Here’s more info from our friends at HAC:

Come join a team, and compete to lose the most weight in the next 10 weeks. Choose the time that works best for you with one of our three nationally certified trainers.

The cost is $400 for HAC members and $550 for non-members, payable at sign-up. The price covers the kickoff, final assessment and two 90-minute team training sessions per week. Sessions will include workouts and discussions on nutrition and exercise. Non-members will also have access to the club for workouts at anytime for the ten week contest.

Our kick-off is Saturday morning, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. Wear your workout clothes as we will take assessments and do some fitness testing to prepare for future workouts.

Numerous prizes include: 6 month membership, 3 month membership, massages, personal training sessions, and the list goes on!

Dates:

• January 16 through March 27, 2010.

Trainers and Times:

• Chris Knight, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer 6:00 am to 7:30 am Tuesday and Fridays
• Amy Rebmann, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, M/W
• Jan Roegner, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, 10:30 am to Noon, TTh

Read trainer bios on our Web site: www.highlineathleticclub.com

Register at the front desk.

[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!]

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Rat City Roller Girl (and really…who hasn’t?), now’s your chance – they’re looking for “fresh meat”! Beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9th, they’re inviting women who want to try out to come to their open practices, which continue on Saturday, Jan. 16th and Saturday, Feb. 6th at their training facility.

In order to qualify, you must be 21, have a “ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile” and be willing to devote time to practice.

According to a press release:

Wondering if you have what it takes? ….

Join us for practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays: January 9, 16 and February 6 at the Rat City training facility (“The Rat’s Nest”). Representatives from the Rat City Rollergirls Fresh Meat Committee will be on hand to answer any questions, and RCRG league members will skate along side you at practice to offer tons of tips and advice for the day of tryouts. This is your opportunity to come participate in an actual practice and drills with your future league mates. Saturday practices are open to all skaters who wish to try out, are ready to sign a liability waiver (attached) and pay a $10 (cash only) only drop in fee per session…..

Minimum requirements to be an RCRG league:

• Two to three 2-hour practices per week
• A minimum of 6 hours of committee work a month
• Timely payment of monthly dues – $35
• Timely payment of Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA)annual insurance – $5
• Proper safety gear (helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards)
• Read and understand the official WFTDA derby rules – ..http://wftda.com/rules .
• Purchase of team uniform and league jersey ..
• Current primary medical insurance
• You will willingly adhere to the RCRG Skater Code of Conduct
• 21 years of age
• A ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile ….

Have questions or ready to get signed up for tryouts? Please e-mail freshmeat@ratcityrollergirls.com to RSVP.

Additional details will be emailed upon completed registration.

For more info, check out their website here.

Sea-Tac Airport will be offering a special discount for Seahawks fans, with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the final home game on Sunday, Jan. 3rd versus the Tennessee Titans.

The idea is to allow affordable parking and encourage fans to take Sound Transit’s Link light rail from SeaTac to the “Stadium” stop near Qwest Field for just $2.50 each way.

According to a press release received Wed., Dec. 30th:

Sea-Tac Airport offers special parking rate for Hawks Fans

$2 per hour in Terminal Direct for football fans connecting with Link light rail

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invites fans to score a “TD” with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the Seahawks final home game Jan. 3 versus the Tennessee Titans.

Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link light rail’s new SeaTac/Airport Station. You’ll park on the 4th floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Link station.

On Jan. 3, customers parking in Terminal Direct will enjoy a $2 per hour rate if they arrive between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. – plenty of time to experience the quick, convenient ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to stations near Qwest Field. Terminal Direct tickets during that time period will automatically be credited with the discount rate when you exit the airport parking garage.

Hawks fans riding Link to the game can skip any post-game ticket lines by getting an ORCA card from any ticket vending machine before boarding. ORCA cards can be used like cash or as a transit pass on trains, buses or ferries throughout the region. For a limited time, cards are available with no card fee. Starting Feb. 1, a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. ORCA – One Regional Card for All – will replace about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single smart card. ORCA’s replacement of most paper transfer slips on Jan. 1 means ORCA can help riders avoid paying full price when they transfer. More information on ORCA is available at http://www.orcacard.com

The opening of SeaTac/Airport Station on Dec. 19 means easier access to ORCA and to Link light rail for thousands of visitors, commuters, and Sea-Tac Airport employees. Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop. A ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station is 36 minutes and costs $2.50.

More information available at Sound Transit’s website here.

Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” will take place this Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon on the beach at Three Tree Point, and this year it’s also going to serve as a fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank!

The event is open to anyone who wants to brave the chilly 45-degree Puget Sound waters as well as donate at least 2 cans or boxes of non-perishable food items, or $5 cash, all of which will go directly to our needy neighbors who utilize the Highline Food Bank.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” at Three Tree Point

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon.

WHERE: In the 3500 block of SW 172nd, along the beach of Three Tree Point – look for a bonfire and a group of shivering people having second thoughts.

INFO: If you can, please bring 2 boxes/cans of non-perishable food, or $5 cash as a donation to the Highline Area Food Bank.

Here’s a video we shot last year, which includes our exclusive POV Polar Bear Plunge camera as shot by Andy Kleitsch, one of the organizers:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

WARNING – according to various medical sources:

A “Polar Bear Plunge” (aka cold water swimming) isn’t for everyone, as sudden immersion in very cold water can result in an involuntary gasp followed by 1 – 3 minutes of involuntary hyperventilation. This hyperventilation results in a profound lowering of blood carbon dioxide levels and a raising of blood pH levels.

Rapid cooling of the skin triggers various heart and breathing responses. The heart rate can increase by 50% and blood pressure increase can increase to 175/93. Although a substantial strain on the heart, these changes are not likely to be a problem for a healthy, fit person but may be dangerous for those with underlying heart disease or hypertension.

Photo courtesy Erin Hovland.

Looking for a better gift than fruitcake this holiday season?

Our friends The Rat City Rollergirls would like everyone to know that they’re returning to the Key Arena for their 6th Season of high-action athletics, and tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster locations, or online by clicking here.

From a press release:

Both Rat City Rollergirl season passes and tickets are the perfect stocking stuffer for you and your family this season. Season passes fit perfectly into any envelope, and they’re the best way to show someone how much you care (or to show them Santa IS listening).

This season, we’re bringing hard-hitting roller derby that the whole family can enjoy at an affordable new price.

General admission is now only $14 and kids under 16 are only $8.

Find greater values when you purchase season tickets before January 2010. The season kick-off is January 31st followed by 4 more chances to experience the exciting, fast paced action:

• March 6
• April 10
• May 1
• June 5

Go to Ticketmaster.com for seating and ticket information at the Key Arena or visit Ratcityrollergirls.com.

by Chris Knight
Trainer, Highline Athletic Club

Have you wanted to lose weight, increase your energy levels and get in amazing shape before the holidays this year? If you’re like many people, this year has slipped away from you and here we are in the holiday season again. There is no reason to resign yourself to the idea that it is ever too late to lose the weight you want before the holiday parties.

Something you can do to kick start your progress today would be to keep a food journal. Keeping a food journal not only helps you consciously focus on what you are eating but it also helps you build a subconscious mindset to stay on track with your goals. You can either carry a notepad or email yourself so you can write it down in your journal later. There are also software programs that will help you track calories. Another simple thing you can do is make sure to stay hydrated by consuming 55% of your body weight in ounces of water. Even mild dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.  For example: a 100 pounds person would consume 55 ounces per day (100 pounds multiplied by 0.55 = 55 ounces.)

If you would like additional tips and ideas I am here to help. If you have decided this is the year that you will improve the health of yourself and your family, I have a program that will get you to that goal. I am one of the elite trainers at the award winning, “BEST GYM by King 5’s Evening Magazine” Highline Athletic Club located at 125 South 156th in Burien. I have been servicing the members of HAC and the Burien community since 2001. I offer fully customized Meal Planning that is family-friendly and easy to use. I have delivered hundreds of meal plans to busy moms and professionals over the years. My plan is not a diet; it’s a dietary lifestyle change using foods that you and your family already eat.

You can look your best and feel terrific this holiday season. When you’re stuck in a rut and going at it alone, things seem so much more impossible. I can give anyone the ability to consistently lose 1-2 pounds every week. To give you an idea of how fast you will notice the results, imagine the size of a small grapefruit. Now, realize that a pound of body fat is approximately the volume of this same small grapefruit. It’s never too late, but the sooner you schedule an appointment the more you can lose before the holidays.

Get started before the New Year & start reaping the rewards.  A great food program paired with an effective exercise program will have you looking and feeling great in no time at all.  Stop by Highline Athletic Club to check out our great facility and full service offerings.

For more information about starting your personal food program contact me, Chris Knight at cell: (206) 551-4501 or Chris@HighlineAthleticClub.com.  I will be able to answer any of the questions you may have regarding this service.

SPECIAL OFFER: Mention The B-Town Blog and get ZERO ENROLLMENT FEES at Highline Athletic Club through December 30th (makes a GREAT GIFT)!

• Address: 125 South 156th Street, Burien, WA  98148
• Website: www.highlineathleticclub.com
• Phone: 206-246-9000

[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!]

by Ralph Nichols

Just as it is for all soccer teams, the fall season is winding down players in a soccer program conducted by New Futures and the Greater King County Police Athletic League. But this is the first year for the soccer program, which was organized to fill a void for some young people.

The seeds for this program were planted by young people served by New Futures who “expressed an interest in soccer but did not have the means” to participate, said Katie Mason, a youth program coordinator for the agency at Woodbridge in Boulevard Park.

Burien-based New Futures also operates at The Heights at Burien, Windsor Heights in SeaTac, and Arbor Heights in White Center to provide on-site learning programs for low-income children and youth in the Highline School District and their families, directly serving nearly 1,600 people.

Despite their interest in soccer, these students lacked the family time, transportation or financial means to play in an organized program, Mason noted. So the New Future’s youth program coordinators decided they would give the 12-17 year old kids a chance to play soccer by starting their own league.

Still, they couldn’t do it alone, so New Futures turned to the Greater King County Police Athletic League (PAL), a volunteer organization that provides activities for at-risk youth and allow them personal interaction with law enforcement officers.

With a coach from PAL and another who is a parent volunteer, two teams of about 50 Highline youth, both boys and girls, practiced once a week and played once a week at Chelsea Park in Burien and North SeaTac Park.

Their first season, says Mason, has been a “success. I think it’s gone pretty well. There have been a few kinks on our end. We could use more field time and more parents or community volunteers to coach. But the kids really enjoyed themselves.”

Both New Futures and PAL are considering the possibility of winter soccer. And, she adds they would like to use their program “to get these kids started playing, to improve their skills,” and then feed them into other leagues where they can continue playing at a higher level.

PAL hopes to involve these soccer players in the Starfire League’s indoor facility in Tukwila and eventually get a team in La Ligas, a regional Latino soccer league.

For more information, check out New Futures’ website here.

The 2nd Annual Scholarship Benefit Soccer Game for the Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship Fund at Puget Sound Skills Center will be held Sunday, Nov. 29th beginning at 11am at Highline Memorial Stadium.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Benefit Soccer Game for the Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship Fund – Boys vs. Girls! There will also be a Raffle drawing for great prizes afterwards at Mick Kelly’s.

WHEN: Sunday, November 29, 2009; Gates open at 10:30am; Game begins at 11:00am.

WHERE: Highline Memorial Stadium

COST: Admission by donation accepted at the stadium and after the game where the gathering will continue at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (435 SW 152nd, Burien)

INFO: Here’s info on Andy MacDonald:

Just over three years ago, a torrential storm hit, causing the Cowlitz River near Mt. Rainier to overflow and sweep Highline High ‘05 graduate Andy MacDonald away to a tragic death at age 19.

Andy was hunting elk with his family, and the truck he was in fell into the raging river after the bank gave way underneath it.

He was a popular high-school athlete with a great sense of humor, as well as an aspiring firefighter and a friend with “the best hug in the world.” He played soccer, wrestled, was president of his junior class as well as homecoming king. He was known at Highline as a kid who was kind to all, friends said.

Out of tragedy something good can be born; Andy’s family and close friends set up a scholarship in his name. Each November, in honor of Andy’s birthday and untimely passing a soccer game is held known as the “Boys vs. Girls” game. All of his old teammates and friends come out to play a friendly game, and the public is invited to attend.  Afterwards the team holds a raffle at a local restaurant. This consists of items donated from local business and personal items contributed by Andy’s family.

Last year over 200 people attended the game, which was held at Highline Stadium, and we raised more than $4,500.  All of the money is donated to the scholarship. The Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship is set up at the Puget Sound Skills center where Andy received his firefighting training. This scholarship will assist future Cadets in the Puget Sound Skills Center Fire Services class to help send them to an Emergency Medical Technician class. This year we anticipate sending four to six Cadets to the EMT class and this will aid in covering lab fees, required equipment, travel expenses, etc. Andy’s passion in life was to help those in need and this is our way of assisting others with the same life goal.

For more information on Andy MacDonald, here’s a link to a Facebook tribute page, chock full of great photos that will soon make those who didn’t know him feel like they actually did.

If you can’t make it to the game, you can also donate directly to:

Puget Sound Skills Center
“Explorer Post-24” in care of Andy MacDonald
18010 8th Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148

To donate prizes for raffle or for more info please contact Becky MacDonald at 206-439-0745.

BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club has been serving the community for 22 years and is proud to have recently received two awards – here’s their latest news:

Highline Athletic Club wins BEST GYM in the health and fitness category in King 5’s Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest. We are proud to have won this great award and appreciate the votes from our members, staff and local community. We will continue to strive to be the BEST and provide our members with excellent facility and service.

Highline Athletic Club also wins BEST WORKOUT VENUE from Highline Times readers.  Thank you to our community for voting for us.  We appreciate the recognition and support.

ZUMBA comes to HAC!!  What exactly is ZUMBA?
ZUMBA is known to burn 500 calories an hour with this hot new workout! Well, the word ZUMBA is a Colombian slang meaning to move fast and have fun.  Are you in already?  This cardio workout is famous for its Latin-inspired dance steps, Salsa, Merengue, Flamenco, and Samba.  Although ZUMBA’S success stems from its Latin roots, you may also hear a little country, funk and rock & roll.  A variety of world influences are used we well, including Indian harmonies, and African Reggae tone.  The music enjoyed in this dance-based class offers something for everyone.  The class will be offered at Highline Athletic Club Wednesdays 6:30 PM with Patricia Vessey instructing.  ZUMBA dances its way into HAC beginning Wednesday, December 2nd. For more information on ZUMBA visit www.zumba.com.

Special Enrollment Fee Discount!
Highline Athletic Club wants your help in donating food to the hungry for Northwest Harvest during the month of November.  All food non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at Highline Athletic Club by November 30th.  If you are a non-member and are interested in joining the club simply bring in a bag of food for Northwest Harvest and your donation is also worth $50 off the current enrollment special. Below are the November enrollment fee specials & also what the enrollment would be if you donate to Northwest Harvest.  Great way to not only help others, but also your own health.

This promotion and food drive will end on November 30th, 2009.

What types of food does Northwest Harvest need?
 Northwest Harvest can use any nonperishable food or monetary donations. If you prefer to donate food, select shelf-stable food with the lowest saturated fats and refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour). NW Harvest buys white rice and beans in bulk, so we encourage you to donate other items. Here are some suggestions:

General food items:

• Oatmeal
• Whole grain pastas
• Brown rice
• Tomato products
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit, especially with low sugar (but not artificial sweeteners)
• Canned fish or meat
• Shelf-stable milk
• Beef stew
• Chili and similar meals with low sugar and saturated fats

Infant and baby foods:

• Baby formula
• Canned milk
• Infant cereal
• Jars of baby food
• Powdered or canned milk
• Baby diapers also accepted

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Robin Hoof, longtime swim coach and teacher for the Highline School District, lost her battle against cancer and passed away on Oct. 22nd.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8th at 1pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School in Burien.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence or the “Pay for Play” sports program in memory of Robin.

Her mother has asked that people wear purple to the service, since that was Robin’s favorite color.

Donations can be sent to:

Highline Schools Foundation
245 Southwest 152nd Street, Suite D.
Burien, WA 98166
206-248-5196

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

Previously, we reported on a fundraiser car wash held by Advertiser Vision Collision in early October.

There is also a Facebook page called “Hope For Robin,” set up in Robin’s honor.

Courtesy Whitewater Aquatics Board of Directors President Ed Marrs comes this update on the status of White Center’s Evergreen Pool, which closed Sept. 1st:

Negotiations between King County, Highline School District and Whitewater Aquatics Management, LLC (WWAM) continue regarding pending repairs and maintenance to the Evergreen pool, and takeover of the management of the pool by WWAM. King County has agreed to make renovations to the pool, but asked WWAM to have access to $100,000 in seed money to absorb the costs of re-opening the pool.

To date, WWAM has contributed $30,000 and last week they received contributions or pledges from WhiteWater families for another $8,000. Some families are pursuing corporate gifts or grants from their employers (they are a non-profit, so any contributions are tax-deductible).

Whitewater’s goal is to have the necessary funding in place so they can take over and re-open the pool on January 1st, 2010.

Aside from avoiding the problems of pool closures faced by other swim clubs (including Des Moines’ Mt. Rainier Pool), Whitewater has a unique opportunity to assume complete control of the operation, a position rarely afforded other clubs. As such, they’ll continue to offer the same family-friendly schedules and practice frequencies.

According to Marrs, Whitewater has two issues that they need help from the public with:

1. “The king county council has said that in the Executive budget to the rest of the council there is money for some capital improvement projects. It is imperative to us that this money is approved as is. In past pool transfers, capital improvement money has been passed along to the group that has taken over the pool. We need to get the public to e-mail the King County Council and let them know that this money in the budget needs to passed. Here’s a link to a page where people can give input to the council: http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget/Testify_Online.aspx
2. WhiteWater Aquatics is in a unique position. We are the first group to take over operation of a pool without the backing of a city. The county is asking us to have approximately $100,000 in reserve to re-open the pool. This money will be used for advertising, payroll, and supplies to get us going until we get money coming in from our programming. To this end we are going to need financial support directly from the community. We are asking citizens and businesses to donate to our management group. We are a 501(c)(3) so all donations are tax deductible. If for some reason we are unable to reopen the pool we will return all donations. I have attached a letter we are sending out to the public:

Dear Friends of Evergreen Pool,

As you know, the Evergreen pool was closed on August 31st. Due to budgetary shortfalls, King County has decided to mothball the pool. We are very fortunate to have a second pool in Tukwila for the community’s use; however, it too is slated for closure in December, 2010.

A team of dedicated Whitewater Aquatics members have been working hard evaluating all of the possible solutions for keeping the Evergreen pool open and available to the community. When comparing the Evergreen Pool to successful pool management plans, it became apparent that there was unrealized potential with the Evergreen Pool. Our plan would be to operate it as a community pool with a more efficient business plan by:

• Utilizing streamlined swim lessons
• Efficient group usage and special groups’ access that maximizes staff time.
• And most importantly, an ongoing advertising and marketing outreach

Together, these operating strategies would generate a profitable revenue stream that other successful pool management plans have achieved.

We have formed a non-profit company Whitewater Aquatics Management, LLC (hereafter known as WWAM) to try and save Evergreen! We presented a detailed business plan to King County and the Highline School district where WWAM would assume management of the Evergreen Pool no later than January 1, 2010. The King County council is requiring WWAM to have access to $100,000 in seed money to ensure the long term viability of the pool.

We have secured a $30,000 loan but we need to raise $70,000 more to meet our goal. We are currently exploring several fundraising options including community fundraisers and grants but these things take time and will be utilized for ongoing operational costs in the future. We are faced with a short time line to get the pool up and running for January 1, 2010 so we are asking our membership and the community for donations to help achieve this goal. We ask that you share this letter with any other potentially interested parties.

We would ask that you donate as generously as you can and have the following giving levels:

• $100-$250-Friends of Evergreen
• $250-$500 -Patrons of Evergreen
• $500-$1,000 -The Evergreen Circle
• $1,000 and above – The Evergreen Gold Club

By giving at these levels, you will be acknowledged by name on a giving wall that will be on display at Evergreen. In addition you will be invited to a reception and re-opening event.

Clearly we understand that these are difficult times, but our hope is to encourage everyone to give at whatever level they are able. No donation is too small; if everyone can give even a small amount we will be able to reopen this pool. This donation is tax deductible as Whitewater Aquatics is a non-profit organization. Each person is encouraged to review our business plan which is available upon request. In the event the Evergreen Pool management transition does not occur, the money will be returned to you promptly.

Please make all checks payable to WWAM and mail all donations to:

WWAM
PO Box 46517
Seattle, WA 98146

Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and an email address. If you would like your donation to remain anonymous please indicate that along with your donation.

You will promptly receive an email confirmation of your donation along with a receipt for tax purposes.

Any questions can be directed to Bryan Hastings at (206) 291-7141 or Head Coach Joel Schweiger at (951) 218-1790.

Sincerely,
WhiteWater Aquatics Management

It’s the time of year to move your outdoor workouts inside, and there isn’t a better time to get started than this week at BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club.

HAC members, as well as non-members are invited to join the “Group X” (that’s Group Exercise) team for a fun morning of classes this Saturday Oct. 24th as they showcase their new fall class releases. This means new music & inspiring routines.  Come try multiple 30-minute sample classes and get a great workout!

That’s right, you can experience the music and routines for FREE whether you’re a member or not.  Fact is if you’re not a member, now would be a perfect time to join!  There will be ZERO, NADA, NOTHING charged to join the Highline Athletic Club now through Saturday, October 24th.  Just mention “The B-Town Blog” when you enroll and everything that HAC has to offer will become yours.

In addition to GroupX classes, there’s basketball, pickle ball, swimming pool, steam, sauna, Pilates Reformer studio…you name it, and HAC has it.

Join during the week so you are ready to go on Saturday with the first class starting at 8am.  And as a bonus, all Group X participants will receive HAC’s First edition member/staff Fall Cookbook as a gift.

Here is the line up:

8:00-8:30AM If you can move, you can Groove! You’ll stomp, flick, wiggle, jiggle, hip, hop, snap, shimmy, shake, slide, glide, smile and laugh your way through this 60 minute fitness dance program. Experience a fusion of club, urban and Latin dance styles with motivating chart topping hits and retro classic tunes. Supportive, funky, easy going instructor’s help you Get A Move On! with Group Groove®.

8:00-9:00AM: Everyone finishes first in Group Ride®! Pedal in groups, roll over hills, chase the pack, climb mountains and spin your way to burning calories and strengthening your lower body. This 60 minute cycling program is geared for anyone that can ride a bike. Motivating music, awesome instructors and an inspiring group environment lets you Ride On!

8:40-9:10AM: Group Kick® brings it on! This electric 60 minute fusion class of martial arts and boxing movements will kick your cardio fitness to the next level while defining and shaping your body and self confidence! Energetic music, awesome instructors and a group environment will keep you punching, kicking and smiling! Group Kick will knock you out!

9:20-9:50AM: Group Power® is your hour of power! This 60 minute barbell program strengthens all your major muscles in an inspiring, motivating group environment with fantastic music and awesome instructors. Group Power is for all ages and fitness levels. Discover results, discover Group Power!

10:00-10:30AM: Redefine yourself with Group Centergy®! Grow longer and stronger as you explore this 60-minute journey of yoga and Pilates movements. Positive uplifting music, group dynamics and supportive instructors will enable you to center your energy, reduce stress and even smile. Discover Group Centergy!

To repeat, all you have to do to take advantage of this fall special is:

• Before end of business this Saturday, Oct. 24th, mention The B-Town Blog and your enrollment fee will be ZERO!
• This Saturday, Oct. 24th, test out the club by trying out a free GroupX class listed above.
  
• Enjoy your newfound savings and health club!

Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th in Burien, and their phone number is 206-246-9000.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 35,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Burien’s first-ever Brat Trot fundraiser race was held Sunday, Oct. 4th under sunny skies, and according to organizer/sponsor Dan House, brought in “around $25,000.”

“Our goal was $10,000, so this is a very exciting number,” House said on Monday (Oct. 5th). “Everyone was so helpful, the turnout was great and it didn’t hurt to have such amazing weather. It’s a special community where neighbors can join businesses, have fun and make an impact for worthy non-profits.”

Funds raised will go towards purchasing car seats for children in need through:

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

Some other totals from the weekend-long event:

• Number of race finishers: 361
• Number of sausage finishers: 15
• Number of Registrants: 400
• Number of Pub Crawlers: 210
• Number of Human/Sausage “incidents”: 0
• Approximate # of people at Oktoberfest finish line: 700
• Approximate # of people at Oktoberfest finish line including the band: 725
• Approximate # of tuba-produced “oompahs”: 13,478
• Value of coming together as a community: PRICELESS!

If you’re looking for official race results, click here to download an Excel spreadsheet.

Photographer Michael Brunk was there (along with Scott Schaefer) to capture both visual and audio elements of the day, which he has built into the following “SoundSlideshow” (be sure your speakers are on!):

Click to Play the Brat Trot SoundSlideshow

Sunday afternoon (Oct. 4th) was a gorgeous fall day, perfect for the first-ever Burien Brat Trot fundraiser race which wound its way through 5K near Olde Burien.

The winners were:

MEN: Alex Frank, 30, Poulsbo, with a time of 17:54.3

WOMEN: Natalie D’Amico (pictured), 23, with a time of 21:38.3

If you recognize Natalie, it’s because she used to work at 909 Coffee & Wine in Olde Burien. She is now a police officer in Redmond.

Here’s a listing of the top 20 finishers:

1. Alex Frank, Poulsbo, 30, 17:54.3
2. Matt Parker, Burien, 30, 15:55.5
3. Shawn Fehr, Bellingham, 27 ,18:39.6
4. Team Stretchers, Burien, 18:46.2
5. Eric Taylor, Burien, 32 18:56.2
6. Ohrt Family, Seahurst, 18:57.4
7. Dave Allen, Seattle, 42, 19:26.4
8. Jim Mazza, Seattle, 45, 19:29.4
9. Westside Baby Racers, 19:42.7
10. Jason Cummings, Everett, 38, 20:00.5
11. Missing Link, Burien, 20:13.6
12. Douglas Cox, Jr., Burien, 33, 20:23.1
13. Wayne Frank, Pasco, 57, 20:46.9
14. Carl Luer, Kirkland, 51, 20:51.5
15. Eugene Partridge, Kent, 58, 20:58.8
16. Robert Moore, Auburm 43, 21:06.4
17. Paul Steffenson, Seattle, 44, 21:13.6
18. Vincent Partridge, SeaTac, 37, 21:27.2
19. Brien Marcus, Des Moines, 29, 21:27.2
20. Natalie D’Amico, 23, 21:38.3

We’ll be posting more photos later, so be sure to check back…

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.

There’s less than a week to go until Olde Burien gets turned into “Von Boorianland Uber Alles” when SW 152nd will be transformed into a German village for the first-ever “Brat Trot” fundraiser race and pub crawl.

In case you haven’t heard about it, here are the basics:

The Brat Trot fundraiser race is being “braut” to you by The Tin Room and Dan the Sausageman with help from the good peeps who helped run the Cove to Clover Race back in March (which raised $12K), with proceeds benefiting:

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

But this isn’t just another fun run fundraiser folks – no, this one has a full mythology, with characters, a bizarre backstory, talking sausages and all the plot elements of a compelling rags to riches and back to rags story that can only be understood by showing up at the event(s).

PUB CRAWL:
Here are the details of the pre-function Pub Crawl the night before the race (Sat. Oct. 3rd):

• 6pm: Starts at The Tin Room, where you’ll pick up an official crawl bib # for just $10.
• You’ll then “crawl” to at least five of the official local stops (see list below) for “crawl drink and food specials.”
• At each you will gather visitation stickers to qualify for a fabulous door prize drawing to be held at The Tin Room at 11pm.
• 11pm: Return to the Tin Room – Burien’s own “Yodeling Dominatrix” Manuela Horn, fresh from her stint on “America’s Got Talent!” will serve as MC. Now if you missed Manuela’s family-friendly yodeling performance at Saturday’s Oktoberfest in Town Square, you’ll be happy to know that her busty, adult alter-ego will make a leather-clad and whip appearance Saturday night at 11pm at The Tin Room near the end of the Pub Crawl!
• Dress in traditional German costumes (not just a hat with feather) or come dressed as a beautiful Bratwurst (even better) and you crawl for free (well, actually you’ve paid with your self respect in the case of the brat suit).
• There will be numerous specials from area business worth crawling to, such as:
  • La Costa: House Margarita $4; La Costa Nachos $5.25
  • Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub: Alaskan Amber $2.50; Mini corned beef sandwiches $1
  • The Mark: German Beer specials; Brat & Kraut appetizers; Play “Find the Brat” (in the kraut bowl)
  • Vino Bello: $5 wine tastings
  • Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub: Happy Hour prices on beer and wine; Brat Sampler
  • Bison Creek Pizza & Pub: Bud Light $2; Breadsticks & Garlic Bread $2; Chrome Molly plays (AC/DC tribute band)
  • Burien Press: Free espresso shot; Art Open House
  • The Hobnobber(!): Budweiser $2; Bag of Chips $1
  • The House Collier Catering
  • 909 Coffee & Wine
  • Primo de Osteria
    
• Door Prizes will be provided by BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club

RACE DAY:
To register for the race, click here (deadline is Oct. 2nd, so act fast).

Also, on race day, a very special slate of entertainment will be performing near the Tin Room, featuring:

• The Oom Pa’s and Ma’s, rumored to be the only oom-pah band to be kicked out of an Oktoberfest at Leavenworth for public drunkenness will play at 1pm Sunday (see their MySpace page here).
• Tin Room Beer Garden
• Brat and Kraut Feed
• Pictures with Brats
• Root Beer Garden (free hotdogs and root beer for the kids)
• Special Guest MC Peter Fewing

Start/Finish and Oktoberfest Address: 923 SW 152nd Street (The Tin Room).

Please park legally on the streets in the area (please respect the neighbors).

• 11am: Pre-Reg Packet Pickup begins at the Start Line; come early – especially for relay registration
• 11:30am: Shuttle Relay Pre-Race (runners 2 and 3) begins at Start Line; Last pickup is at 12:50 pm. Shuttle Relay Post-Race (runners 1 and 2) After running your leg, relax and ride the shuttle back to the Tin Room
• 1pm: 5K Start Time
• 1:05pm: Relay Start Time

This fine fundraising event is “braut” to you by the following local sponsors (including The B-Town Blog):

For more information, read our previous coverage here:

• Register For The Brat Trot Fundraiser Before Wed., Sept. 16th And Save $$$!
• EXCLUSIVE: A Q & A With “Bret The Brat” About The Oct. 4th Brat Trot & Oct. 3rd Pub Crawl
• Highline Schools Foundation Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance & Auction Is Saturday, Oct. 10th
• Prepare For The “Wurst”: First-Ever “Brat Trot” 5K Run Is Coming Sunday, Oct. 4th; Pub Crawl Sat., Oct. 3rd

You only have until this Wed. Sept. 30th at 5pm to join BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club for ZERO enrollment fee.

As in Nada. Zilch. Zero.

All you have to do is get yourself over to the club by end of business (5pm) on Wednesday and say “I saw it on the B-Town Blog!” and the friendly folks at HAC will sign you up for NO CHARGE!

That’s right – ZERO enrollment fees now through the end of September when you mention the blog. Swing by HAC today at 125 South 156th, or call Christina in Membership Services at 206-246-9000, or email membershipservices@highlineathleticclub.com with the Subject Line “I saw it on the Blog!”

Depending on the size of your membership, you can save up to $200 with this special blog-only offer.

The Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th Street, and is open 5am-10pm Monday-Friday; 7am-8pm on Saturday; and 8am-8pm on Sunday.

Burien Parks Department has teamed up again with Underdog Sports to bring B-Town some fun league sports for fall that will allow adults to act like kids again, including coed dodgeball and coed volleyball!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Parks & Underdog Sports – Coed Dodgeball or Coed Volleyball

WHEN: Dodgeball starts Oct. 12th; Volleyball Oct. 13th

WHERE: If there’s decent weather, some play will be outside; otherwise, Volleyball and Dodgeball are available at conveniently located Hazel Valley Elementary school (located at 402 SW 132nd Street, Burien 98146) starting in October.

COST: Dodgeball: Teams: $475 | Individuals: $75 • Volleyball: Teams: $395 | Individuals: $75

INFO: Sign-up online here. Teams, small groups of friends, and individuals are welcome!

Small groups of friends should sign-up as Individuals and use the “Players to be Teamed With” Field on the sign-up form.

Monday Burien Dodgeball:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 10 (10 Team t-shirts Included w/ Sign-Up)
• 2 Fast Paced Twenty Minute Matches Each Night
• “No-sting” RhinoSkin Coated Foam Dodgeballs
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• 7 – 9 PM Game Start Times
• Starts October 12th ( 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23)

Teams: $475 | Individuals: $75

Tuesday Burien Indoor Volleyball:

• 6 Players on the Court (3 women/ 3 men)
• Rosters up to 12
• 1 Hour Match Each Night – Play out the full hour
• Coed Format and Net Height
• 6 week Season plus Playoffs
• 6:30 – 9:30 PM Game Start Times
• Starts October 13th (10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1)

Teams: $395 | Individuals: $75

All co-ed teams, 6 week seasons for all, plus extended week playoffs for those teams who qualify.

More information at www.underdogburien.com or contact eliza@underdogseattle.com.

On the last full day of Summer 2009, with the sun in their eyes and a nice wind on their kites, two adventurous and athletic (and anonymous for now – they couldn’t hear us yelling “Hey, what’s your name?!!”) Kitesurfers enjoyed the afternoon off Burien’s Three Tree Point, and Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer was there to take these pics:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow