[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
Somewhere there is someone that does not love a parade or flock to enjoy the magnificent array of people, floats and band music.
Well, thank goodness that person does not live in Des Moines!
As we are in the last lap of your parade preparations, there is an almost surprising number of applicants, thanks to our “Dear Leader” Anna Bjorneby and her Advisor Fran Woodard, we have now recruited an army of pleasure for an unforgettable 5oth anniversary parade.
The latest estimate from Anna is about 1,000 people will be in our parade and we are half way there already.
Now, we all know the difference between a cake and a parade, right? They do have in common a need for an array of necessary ingredients. So it is with our parade and just to begin with, there will be two antique autos, four marching bands, three commercial entries, two local businesses, five community groups, mostly non-profit, and more. Look for a yesteryear’s horse drawn wagon to appear from out of a page of history, along with a “spare.” From our latest information, there will be three or more floats along with a couple of new ones not seen before. Our friends from Highline Water District will play a part in your parade this year with a mascot who is a teacher of sorts. Getting away from the serious side, look for our favorites, the Seafair Clowns, Seafair Pirates, and of course, The Keystone Cops with their theme, “Cops are good guys too!”
The usual “deadline” for a parade application and acceptance is waived and you may still join us right up to the last day, so see if you can overwhelm us with your overpowering desire to be seen, heard and loved by Des Moines. It is also true that we could use a few more volunteers.
Small businesses in Des Moines are rarely able to supply any presence away from their business so a hearty welcome is earned by “The Waterland Blog”. “Best in Show Pet Salon”, and “Des Moines Dog House”. You can say “thank you” to these business people by spreading the word on www.waterlandblog.com, take Pierre or Fido to the Pet Salon, and then stop for a gourmet hot dog at the Dog House. Okay, you may share the dog with your dog! They have outside seating.
As we have all been told, “All good things must end”. Your parade is not an exception to this ancient advisory. Your parade, Des Moines, will have a spectacular ending!
Stay tuned. Oh, and while you are waiting, look up the word juggernaut.
Celebrate Independence Day this year at the Des Moines Marina with northwest rock legends Jr. Cadillac at “Fireworks Over Des Moines,” which begins at 7pm and runs until 10:30pm on Saturday, July 4th.
The family friendly celebration features a unique vantage point of several Puget Sound fireworks displays.
Entertainment begins at 7pm with a Pacific Island cultural dance performance, followed by the danceable rock mix of Jr. Cadillac from 8-10pm. A 20-minute fireworks display will light up the waterfront at approximately 10pm.
A $1 donation is suggested. Please contribute what you can to help us continue this community event.
To whet your musical appetite for Jr. Cadillac, here’s an MP3 of “Raised On Rock”:
See you at the waterfront this 4th of July!
According to KING-TV, a scuba diver was killed in an accident at Redondo Beach Sunday afternoon (June 28th).
Des Moines police say that a Tukwila man, around 60-years old, was diving with a friend off shore in waters about 80 feet deep when he went into distress. His buddy was unable to bring him to the surface.
Another diver helped bring the man up and the two tried to revive him, but they were unsuccessful.
The diver’s identity has not yet been released.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To see photos from Des Moines’ 50th Birthday & Waterland Parade (on 7/18/09), click here. To read our firsthand account of being in the parade, then hanging out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
HELP WANTED: Pooper Scoopers.
Yes…Pooper Scoopers.
For the big July 18th Waterland 50th Birthday Parade.
This job doesn’t pay, but man, talk about a glamorous gig, huh?
Besides volunteers and more participants, BJ and Anna Bjorneby announced at this week’s parade meeting that someone has entered a horse and buggy into the parade and they need two volunteers to follow the horse, and well scoop the poop.
Interested parties should scoop up the phone and call Anna at 206-575-5568.
That being said, let it be known that your intrepid parade committee needs other volunteers for less messy jobs, like check-in, cars and signage, VIP reception and others.
Still thinking of entering, but haven’t gotten around to it? Well, you have a few more weeks, as the deadline for entry has been extended. Although the earlier you enter the better your placement, they’ll accept applications until a few days before the parade.
Call Anna or Fran Woodward at 253-303-1098 to volunteer or enter.
by Adam Hanes
“Why is there so much evil in the world?”
That was asked of me recently when I was told about Angelo Mendoza and I didn’t have an answer. So much of the news we receive is focused on affliction towards innocents and we should be in the know. However, the coverage on the people trying to make things right I find to be quite lacking.
In April of this year a neighbor woman found Angelo Mendoza, Jr. on the floor behind a chest of draws in his father’s apartment in Bakersfield, CA. The 4 year old was naked in a pool of blood, both eyes swollen shut. “My Daddy ate my eyes out!” the mutilated boy told police. Angelo Mendoza, Sr. was found by another neighbor, Ramon Rodriguez, and was later captured by police. The police report states that the wheelchair-bound father had appeared to be on PCP. Angelo, Sr. is charged with torture, aggravated mayhem, and cruelty to a child. Little Angelo’s injuries consists of the left eye and muscle missing, the right badly damaged and a profuse amount of bite marks on his face and hands. Doctors say Little Angelo’s left eye is ‘completely gone’ and his right eye may be damaged beyond repair as well rendering the boy permanently blind. Hope for brighter future is not exactly dim however. Angelo’s cries for help have been heard over a thousand miles away.
Bonnie Bingham of Kent told me about Angelo’s story. Instead of just crying after reading the tragic news and then going on with her day, the 29-year old mother of two contacted the Mendoza family and local news in Bakersfield searching for a way to help. Her tireless inquiring paid off when she found out that Angelo’s Uncle was in the process of starting a website for his nephew’s recovery. The website was created to raise funds. Bonnie took it upon herself to do more, and on July 18 she will be holding a car wash and bake sale to further help with donations. The event is taking place at Eastridge Baptist Church in Kent. Bonnie is looking for all sorts of volunteers for child care, bake goods (in advance), sell baked goods or wash cars. She also needs help with the design of a large poster to hang on the church to inform people what they are doing next month on the 18th.
All the information for this function and more links about Angelo please visit www.angelosrecovery.com. If you can help in anyway please look at the website and find something you can contribute.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Fundraiser Car Wash and Bake Sale for Angelo Mendoza
WHEN: Saturday July 18th, from 10am to 2pm
WHERE: Eastridge Baptist Church, located at 12520 SE 240th Street in Kent, WA. 98031 (see map below)
“If you cannot attend this event, feel free to contribute to this little boy’s recovery and restoration at this website. Sometimes we are limited to what we can do for others. We cannot show him a parent’s love or teach him to trust again. But we can help him in this way. Please help Baby Angel.”
NEWS LINKS:
The King County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a white, 1990s-model 4-door BMW 5 Series car (see included reference photos of a similar vehicle) driven by the suspects in a shooting that left an 18 year-old man dead on Wednesday night.
As we previously reported, the incident occurred about 11:30pm on Wednesday, June 24th. The victim was in the back seat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him in the car. A second vehicle began following the victim’s car but turned off at South 140th. As it did, several rounds were fired and the man was hit.
The men drove straight to Highline Medical Center in Burien, and the victim collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The dead man is believed to be from California and was in the area visiting relatives.
If anyone recognizes the vehicle or has information on the shooting they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
Today (Saturday June 27th) will be like a scene from the “Wizard of Oz” with a real 70-foot tall hot air balloon at Des Moines Beach Park courtesy RE/MAX (see Photographer Michael Brunk’s slideshow above), along with colorful, Emerald City-like goods and crafts from colorful vendors at the Farmers Market at the South Marina Park.
RE/MAX held a drawing, and 20 lucky people will get free tethered rides until Noon, but it’s worth a visit just to see a real working hot air balloon, as well as to see if an actual “wizard” tries to fly the thing back to his home.
The Des Moines Farmers Market will be open until 2pm today, so come on down to the South Marina Park and say hi to your Waterland Blog staff at our booth, located just south of the music stage. Oh, and bring plenty of cash as there’s lots of great fresh stuff to buy!
We’re proud here at the Waterland Blog to welcome aboard as our latest premiere Advertiser custom home remodelers Powell Renovations!
Their friendly home office is located right here in the heart of Des Moines on Marine View Drive.
Started by their grandfather, Powell Renovations, a fourth generation family business, has been providing homes in our neighborhoods for 100 years. They began swinging hammers in 1909!
Led by brothers Todd and Brooks Powell, the whole team at Powell Renovations is very involved in their local community. For example, this spring they participated in the Master Builders Association Rampathon, a free service where access ramps are constructed by contractors for disabled people in the Puget Sound area.
The Powell family has built thousands of quality homes at affordable prices. They’re dedicated to working with the customer through the entire renovation process.
Their long history and dedication to quality have earned them their slogan: “Our Tradition of Excellence is evident in every detail.”
Todd and Brooks point out: “Starting with Powell Renovations early in the design process helps you save money. We can give direction on costs so you design upgrades to your home you can ultimately afford.”
Powell Renovations emphasizes the Built Green approach to building and renovating.
Here just a few of the Built Green features inside and around a Powell Home:
- They use non-toxic and low-toxic outdoor materials for landscaping, helping to build biodiversity and increase soil nutrient reserves without contaminating waterways
- They install thermostats with an On-Switch for the furnace fan to circulate air allowing warm air to circulate throughout the house without running the furnace
- They clean furnace and air ducts thoroughly before residents move in providing better air quality
- They verify seals at doors, windows, plumbing and electrical penetrations against moisture and air leaks
Click here to see just a small sample of the impressive accomplishments of Powell Renovations and the quality craftsmanship that goes into every Powell-built home.
Todd and Brooks Powell have recently written the hardback book: “Building a Quality Custom Home. What You Need to Know.” This is a terrific step-by-step guide to making the necessary informed decisions, whether renovating or building from the ground up.
To order a copy or discuss a renovation or new construction in your life, contact Powell Renovations here:
Phone:
- 206-824-8001
Fax:
- 206-824-9030
Email:
Street Address:
22211 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198
Hours:
- Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Website:
[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
The City of Des Moines’ Senior Services is sponsoring a free shuttle service for seniors over 55 to the Farmers Market on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month between 9:30am and 2:30pm.
Residents must live in Des Moines or Normandy Park, and you must call (206) 878-1642 before 4pm on the Wednesday before to schedule a pick-up.
Donations are welcome, but not required.
We’d like to offer a “may the best person win” welcome to Ross Hunter, candidate for King County Executive, our latest Advertiser.
We recently met up with him at a local farmers market for a get-to-know-you chat.
“I’m an agent for change,” said Ross, who is in his fourth term in the Washington State House of Representatives, and worked at Microsoft for 17 years.
“I have the skills to make things happen.”
We asked Ross to talk about former Executive Ron Sims, namely the thing Sims did best while in office, and that which he did not do so well.
“You’d have to include the council in on my answer,” Ross responded. “They really work together. I’d say that they put us on the map environmentally in a positive way.
“But over the years the executive and council showed a lack of attention to financial reality.”
We asked what experience not commonly known about him would suggest he is ready to run the state’s largest county.
“Not many people know this, but I spend time now and again helping Habitat for Humanity,” he said, referring to the group that helps build houses for those who otherwise might not be able to afford one.
“I like to frame. If I can swing a big hammer, I’m happy.”
A hint of the style of a Hunter Administration?
“No,” Ross said with a laugh. “It’s just how I build homes for those who need them!”
Primary Election day is August 18th. The two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election in November.
For more information on the Ross Hunter campaign go to: www.RossHunter.com.
[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by over 15,000 interested Local Readers per month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
The acclaimed Wenatchee Youth Circus is coming to Des Moines the weekend of July 17th through 19th (Fri. – Sun.) and will be doing five performances on the front lawn of Des Moines Elementary School, located at 22001 9th Avenue South.
The circus, in its 57th year, is considered to be one of the four top non-professional troupes in the nation, and includes all regular circus acts with the exception of live animals.
It is comprised entirely of children ages 3 to 18, who have played to audiences throughout the US and Canada, averaging 12,000 miles per year.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Wenatchee Youth Circus – 5 performances, each at approximately 90 minutes
WHEN: Friday, July 17th through Sunday, July 19th
WHERE: Des Moines Elementary School’s front lawn, located at 22001 9th Ave South
COST: $5.00 for Children, $7.00 Adults and $20.00 for a family of five
TICKETS: Available at the Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th; phone: (206) 870-6527
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
The best laid plans of mice and…Murphy’s Law.
Your parade, Des Moines, has progressed to a level of substance with a flow of applications, invitations and additional support and help from in and out of the community. No matter how well intentioned or how good the scheduling of events may be, things can and ultimately will go wrong. We are working to avoid “glitches” along the way and anticipate changes to content and timing for this enormous task.
We don’t have a movie-like ability to predict “coming attractions” but it would be nice to be able to share our excitement with our friends and spectators as to what to expect on July 18th. The 50th anniversary of the Des Moines Parade will have many elements. At the beginning and to open this event, we will have the Junior Parade, followed immediately by the now famous, Rainier High School Band. They have always been a treasured part of our parades back in Waterland days and this year will be no exception. Our parade directors, Anna and BJ Bjorneby, will follow behind The Rainier Band in a shiny white Mercedes and should draw a well-earned applause from those of you who know these valued members of our Des Moines. They have and continue to give both of their time and, yes, money to this event.
The Junior Parade element will be “on the march” at 5:30pm under the watchful eyes of Dave and Jeanie Markwell, who also have invested much of their time to cultivating these young community leaders to develop into the solid citizens that they will become. Our route begins at 227th and Marine View Drive and, as in the past, will end at 216th. You can expect to see our Mayor, Bob Sheckler, some council members and other honorees. Watch for the Seafair Pirates, a hydro escorted by Seafair Commodores along with the Seafair Clowns to lighten your spirits. Many of our VIPs will be appearing in vintage or classic cars and there will also be a few cars interspersed within the parade as well.
Early on in our parade, you will see the food bank volunteers and you are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item; little to ask for such a grand parade and worthy cause.
Alan Secord, in charge of the Seafair Marshals, will see to it that all runs smoothly from beginning to end and we thank him for his time and value his efforts as a selfless volunteer. This applies to all of our Seafair personnel, for whom we are profoundly grateful.
At this writing, it is planned to have our reviewing stand near the Bill’s Barber Shop and it will be decorated by the Emerald City Balloon Company. In addition, an archway of balloons is planned as an entry way for the parade participants. Much has been said about the parade here, its beginning and passage, but what about the ending?
Now I sit back and think…”If anything can go wrong?”
Not if we can help it!
Our neighbor to the north, Burien, is holding its annual Strawberry & Arts Festival this weekend (rain or shine), and it’s gonna be chock-full of live music, arts, dance, food vendors, kid’s activities, a skate competition and more, as well as over $2,100 worth of local prize giveaways (scroll down to see the latest list) at our sister site The B-Town Blog’s booth!
So come on down, visit our peeps near the Skate Park, fill out an entry form and enter to win one of 38 great local prizes from local Advertisers and various Burien businesses.
Here’s Saturday’s schedule:
SATURDAY, JUNE 20th:
MAIN STAGE:
10:00am – 10:30am: New City Dance Academy
11:00am – 11:30am: Youth Sounds NorthWest
11:45am – 12:30pm: Momentum Dance
12:30pm – 1:00pm: Burien’s own Block Party B-Boys
1:15pm – 2:30pm: Dyno Jamz
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Pearl Django
4:30pm – 6:00pm: The Tempos with Swing-Amajig and the Aviation HS Ballroom Dancers
GALLERY STAGE:
10:00am – 10:30am: Hi-Liners
11:00am – 11:45am: Abysinnian Dance
12:15pm – 1:00pm: Sohoyini
1:30pm – 2:30pm: Jump Ensemble
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Central Services presents The Board of Education
4:30pm – 6:00pm: The Jangles
FESTIVAL GROUNDS:
10:30am – 12:30pm: The Whisky Swillers
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Skate Competition
4:15pm – 5:15pm: Bubbleman (located at 4th &146th)
1PM: SKATE COMPETITION:
- Noon: Registration Starts
- 1:00pm: Competition starts
- $5 Registration Fee
- Register the day of the event at the skate competition tent.
- A registration form must be completed and signed by an adult prior to competing.
Four Age Divisions:
- 9 & Under
- 10 – 12 years
- 13 – 15 years
- 16 & older
RULES:
- Riders WILL be disqualified for interupting another rider’s run.
- Handle all property and equipment safely and properly.
- No vulgar, offensive, or derogatory language.
- Helmet required
- Have FUN!
JUDGING:
The performance of the rider will be judged in the following three categories:
- Consistency
- Technicality
- Style
Each contestant will get two 1-minute runs. Contestants will be judged and scored on each run then totaled for a final score after both runs.
Music:
Live Performance by the Dyno Jamz during the Skate Competition. Check them out and listen to their music here!
Kids Activities:
- Make Superheroes Art Garb at the Art Garage: Hats, headbands, vest,capes, and more! Used recycled materials to make fun costumes to wear as you wander the fest, or to wear as you run in the 1K Fun Run on Sunday (run sign-up booth at the fest!)
- Create Chalk Art at the Burien Art Gallery!
- All Day: Bouncers
10:30am-3:00pm: Face Painting
3:00-4:00pm: Central Services presents The Board of Education on the Gallery Stage.
Here’s the latest, greatest, and most updatedest B-Town Blog Prize List:
| BUSINESS
|
VALUE
|
PRIZE
|
|
| Bistro Baffi |
 |
$25
|
Gift Certificate for Dinner |
| Poggi Bonsi |
 |
$25
|
Decorative Italian Plate |
| 909 Coffee & Wine |
 |
$20
|
Gift Card |
| Moss Chiropractic |
 |
$185
|
Gift Certificate for Complete Chiropractic Exam & Adjustment |
| Moss Chiropractic |
|
$23
|
Ice Pack |
| Highline Athletic Club |
 |
$234
|
One-Month Free Membership & Enrollment Fee |
| 1-Stop Computer Repair |
 |
$50
|
One-Hour Computer Service |
| 1-Stop Computer Repair |
|
$50
|
One-Hour Computer Service |
| Herr Backyard Garden Center |
 |
$10
|
Gift Card |
| Burien Auto Repair |
 |
$89.95
|
Oil Change & Filter Service, Inspection, Car Wash & Mini Detail |
| Howard & Marge |
 |
$25
|
Gift Card |
| Advanced Massage |
 |
$65
|
One-Hour Massage |
| Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub |
 |
$25
|
Gift Card |
| Reiki by Anita |
 |
$85
|
Reiki Session |
| Mark Restaurant & Bar |
 |
$40
|
Gift Card |
| Vision Collision |
 |
$50
|
$50 off Interior Detail |
| Mark’s Expert Auto |
 |
$25
|
$25 off Coolant Flush |
| Digi Guys/CPI |
 |
$15
|
B-Town Blog T-Shirt |
| Digi Guys/CPI |
|
$15
|
B-Town Blog T-Shirt |
| Digi Guys/CPI |
|
$15
|
B-Town Blog T-Shirt |
| Digi Guys/CPI |
|
$15
|
B-Town Blog T-Shirt |
| Digi Guys/CPI | |
$15
|
B-Town Blog T-Shirt |
| Philip Kelley Acupuncture |
 |
$90 | Acupuncture Treatment |
| Shining Star Massage |
 |
$50
|
Foot Reflexology |
| Ace Hardware |
 |
$39.99
|
43-Piece Hanging Tool Kit |
| Park Place Bar & Grill |
 |
$50
|
Gift Certificate |
| Sal’s Deli |
 |
$10
|
Certificate for One Free Breakfast |
| Sal’s Deli |
|
$10
|
Certificate for One Free Breakfast |
| Sal’s Deli |
|
$10
|
Certificate for One Free Breakfast |
| Tin Room Bar |
 |
$25
|
Gift Certificate |
| Photography by Michael Brunk/NW Lens |
 |
$475
|
1-Hour Photo Shoot, Post Production, CD and 3-5 Minute Video Story |
| Market Place Salon |
 |
$175
|
Helix Cordless Flat Iron |
| Economy Wiring/YB Tubless |
 |
$30
|
$30 Credit Towards Electrical Call or Hot Tub Service |
| Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub |
 |
$40
|
Gift Card |
| Emerald City Smoothie |
 |
$90
|
Five Re-Usable Smoothie Mugs with Free Drink Coupons |
| Cheese FX Cheesecakes |
 |
$15-$18
|
6-inch Basic or Deluxe Cheesecake |
| Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar |
 |
$25
|
Gift Certificate |
| Wow Window Washing |
 |
$75
|
Gift Certificate for Window Cleaning |
So…we’ll see you at our booth, which will be located near the Skate Park, this Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm!
The Highline School District will be offering up free meals all summer long, including both breakfast and lunch at 13 different locations, most beginning on Monday, July 6th.
The district has been offering free summer meals for at least the last ten years, and the USDA-funded program has expanded significantly to include community sites as well as schools.
“Based on the estimation from our sites, we may serve up to 1,000 breakfasts and 2,000 lunches plus offer snacks to some sites,” said Brianna Smith, RD, Nutrition Services Manager.
Who is served by the Summer Food Service Program?
- All children 18 years and younger are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program. There is no registration or fee.
- All children are welcome to eat a meal at summer school sites, even if they are not enrolled in a summer program.
- The meal must be eaten at the site and be finished within 15 minutes of the final serving time.
Who pays for it?
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded child nutrition program that feeds children nutritious meals during the summertime when school is out and children don’t have access to school meals. It was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided with federal dollars and is sufficient to meet expenses related to sponsorship of the program.
What is the purpose of the program?
Clearly, the nutritional needs of large numbers of children who depend on school meals during the school year are not being met in the summer. Good nutrition is essential for learning.
How are site locations determined?
Service sites for the Summer Food Service Program are determined based on:
- Eligibility criteria.
- Interest and need at the school building level.
- Interest and need at community centers.
Here’s where and when the FREE Summer Meals will be available: 
- Bow Lake School
Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
Lunch: 11:30-12:45
18237 42nd Ave S SeaTac 98188 - Evergreen School
Breakfast: 7:15-7:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
Lunch: 10:45-11:15
830 SW 116th Seattle 98146 - Gregory Heights School
Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
Lunch: 11:30-12:45
16201 16th Ave SW Burien 98166 - King County Parks – White Center
Lunch: 12:00-1:00 July 7-Aug 14 M-F
Snack: 4:00-5:00
1321 SW 102nd St Seattle 98146 - Midway Elementary School
Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
Lunch: 11:30-12:45
22447 24th Ave S Des Moines 98198 - Mt. Rainier School
Breakfast: 7:15-8:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
Lunch: 11:00-12:00
22450 19th Ave S Des Moines 98198 - Mt. View School
Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 Jul 6-Jul 30 M-Th
Lunch: 12:00-12:30
10811 12th Ave SW Seattle 98146 - Schoenwald Park
Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 Jul 6-Jul 15 M-F
Lunch: 12:00-1:00
16030 Sylvester Road Burien 98166 - Seahurst YMCA
Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 Mon-Fri
Lunch: 11:30-12:30
14603 14th Ave SW Burien 98166 - Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 7-Aug 14 T-F
Snack: 4:00-4:30
15003 14th Ave SW Burien 98166 - Shannon South
Lunch: 12:00-1:00 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
Snack: 3:00-4:00
3508 S 180th SeaTac 98188 - Southwest Boys and Girls Club
Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
Snack: 3:30-4:00
9800 8th Ave SW Seattle 98106 - White Center
Breakfast: 8:15-9:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
Lunch: 12:00-1:00
10015 6th Ave SW Seattle 98146
- Food cannot be taken off the premises.
- The child does not need to be a Highline Public School student.
- There are no forms to fill out and no names are taken.
- Program is open to age 18 and under.
More information available at the Highline School District website.
Highline-area “Hams” will join with thousands of Amateur Radio operators who will be showing off their emergency capabilities over the weekend of June 27th and 28th.
Over the past year, the news has been full of reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications during unexpected emergencies in towns across America, including the California wildfires, winter storms, tornadoes and other events worldwide. During Hurricane Katrina, Amateur Radio – often called “Ham Radio” – was often the ONLY way people could communicate, and hundreds of volunteer “hams” traveled south to save lives and property.
When trouble is brewing, Amateur Radio’s people are often the first to provide rescuers with critical information and communications. On the weekend of June 27 – 28, the public will have a chance to meet and talk with the Highline area’s ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about. Showing the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code, hams from across the USA will be holding public demonstrations of emergency communications abilities.
This annual event, called “Field Day” is the climax of the week long “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio. Using only emergency power supplies, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and backyards around the country. Their slogan, “When All Else Fails, Ham Radio Works” is more than just words to the hams as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised in a crisis. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year’s event.
“We hope that people will come and see for themselves, this is not your grandfather’s radio anymore,” said Allen Pitts, W1AGP, of the ARRL. “The communications that ham radio people can quickly create have saved many lives when other systems failed or were overloaded. And besides that – it’s fun!”
In the Highline area, the Highline Amateur Radio Club will be demonstrating Amateur Radio at Marvista Park, 4th Avenue SW and SW 200th Street in Normandy Park on June 27th and 28th. They invite the public to come and see ham radio’s capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes. The Highline area includes Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila as well as the North Highline unincorporated area.
There are over 650,000 Amateur Radio licensees in the US, and more than 2.5 million around the world. Through the ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Services program, ham volunteers provide emergency communications for thousands of state and local emergency response agencies, all for free.
The public is most cordially invited to come, meet and talk with the hams. See what modern Amateur Radio can do. They can even help you get on the air!
To learn more about the Highline Amateur Radio Club, go to http://highlinearc.cfsites.org. To learn more about Amateur Radio, go to www.emergency-radio.org.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
With less than 30 days until our 50th Anniversary celebration and Grand Parade, volunteers are scurrying about, not unlike the “Three Blind Mice” trying to pull together all the loose ends that have a tendency to reveal themselves at the least opportune moment.
We are having our parade meetings every Wednesday evening at 6pm at the Bjorneby’s CARSTAR office on 220th and Pacific Highway. Applications are still being accepted although a good number of units for the parade have signed on. This is a Seafair Sanctioned event and the Seafair Commodores will play a large role in our success. Part of our excitement, hardly contained, is the honor of having the Seafair Pirates presenting their playful, threatening antics to an always pleased crowd. The booming cannon and swords slashing the air amid loud “har hars” always gets the kids in the crowd animated.
There will be three marching bands and a few floats, at least three children’s units will begin the march through town on Marine View Drive. Our budget, though small, we are able to come up with appropriate trophies, provided by our own EC Computer owner and Des Moines supporter, Patricio Mendoza. Engraving may cost us but that too is in negotiations. There will be badges for all who are working on the parade, including staff and honored guests. At Landmark on the Sound there is a reception planned with mostly “finger food” and from The Reuben New York Eatery a generous sampling of their famous, delicious brownies! Remember the slogan, “Betcha can’t eat just one”? Enough said!
Our friends at Butler’s Bar & Grill plan a beer garden and a “blues band” to be in the front of their business to invite spectators, residents, and anyone else to join the festivity provided after our parade. Mike Collello is hosting this part of our celebration. Our parade poster is being distributed all over town and the excitement is beginning to build up as we proceed with, what we hope, will be a very memorable event.
Applications are still accepting for participation in our parade, but time is limited now, so if you need assistance with this, you may call Anna Bjorneby at (206) 244-8080 or BJ Bjorneby at the same number. Remember, we are at the time when applications need to be in around July 1st, so don’t hesitate, vacillate or procrastinate. I am not sure what these words really mean but I found them in my thesaurus.
The Junior Parade will start at 5:30pm, and the Main parade at 6pm.
We are now at 30 days and counting for a magnificent parade so plan to be here as part of your “staycation”!
Thursday, June 18th is National “Dump The Pump” day, an annual event sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association to raise awareness of the benefits of public transit.
Everyone is concerned about saving money and cutting down on expenses these days. And as local gas prices again begin to creep up to $3 a gallon, one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your wallet is to park your car at home and hop on public transportation.
Once again this year, the region’s transportation agencies are urging residents to ride a bus, train, boat, bike, take a walk, or share the ride this Thursday.
National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life. APTA’s monthly Transit Savings Report consistently ranks the Seattle metropolitan area as one of the top ten regions for potential transit savings.
Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and the WSDOT Ferries Division (Washington State Ferries) are joining agencies across the country to ask those who’ve never tried public transportation to get on board with saving and take a new ride on Thursday. Regular transit users are encouraged to make it a “zero drive” day, and only use transit.
“Puget Sound residents have so many great alternatives to driving—buses, streetcars, vanpools, trains, the iconic ferries, and in less than a month we’ll be adding 16 miles of light rail to that long list,” said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.
The agencies in the Puget Sound region share a common goal of offering safe, reliable, and low-cost transportation choices. Yet, each offers a unique array services that interconnect with other agencies to create a very useable transportation network for the region.
Some are hosting special activities for Dump the Pump Day, and others are featuring regular services that can help you save money every day.
King County Metro Transit:
Dump the Pump Day also coincides with the start of summer, and King County Metro Transit wants people who are “staycationing” close to home this year to see how much farther their vacation/holiday dollars stretch when they travel by bus.
In addition to bus routes serving the big-city attractions in Seattle and Bellevue, Metro also has regular service to parks, beaches, malls, movie theaters, ball parks, and hiking trails. There are discounted fares for children and families to help make summertime fun more affordable.
Sound Transit:
Sound Transit, the regional provider of commuter rail and express bus service, has been calculating savings to help its customers “ride out the recession.” Riders have responded by sending in their personal savings stories. Here’s one:
“I live in Queen Anne and work for a non-profit in Redmond, about a 40 mile commute round trip each day. Last year, my employer purchased bus passes for employees and sold them to us for $30. Once I started taking the bus to work, I went from spending about $150 – $200 a month in gas to now about $30. I take the bus more than just to work now; I hardly ever even drive my car at all anymore.”
Sound Transit offers commuters throughout the region several ways to dump the pump to save money and help the environment. Sound Transit operates regional express bus service, Sounder commuter rail service, light rail in Tacoma, and on July 18, Central Link light rail line will launch service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila.
In the Puget Sound region, eight public transportation agencies carry more than 500,000 passengers every weekday and serve a population of more than 3.8 million in the five-county area.?c
On Monday (June 15th), students from Des Moines’ Aviation High School’s senior class, along with members of the school’s Airline Career Experience (ACE) Club hitched a ride on the delivery flight of a brand new Boeing 737-800 thanks to Alaska Airlines.
The flight took students from Boeing Field north to circle the peak of Mount Baker before heading south for a landing at Sea-Tac International Airport.
Alaska Airlines is a primary sponsor of Aviation High School. About 50 Alaska employees serve as mentors to AHS students. Dennis Hamel, Alaska’s Vice President for Human Resources and Labor Relations, serves on the AHS board of directors.
Aviation High School’s slogan is “Where the sky is not the limit,” and is administered by Highline Public Schools. It is open to students across the Puget Sound region, and serves as a model science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) school. The curriculum is college preparatory, and all subjects are taught in the context of aviation and aerospace.
As we reported on March 26th, Aviation High recently received a $4 million grant from James Raisbeck. It will be re-named Raisbeck Aviation High School, and will move to the Museum of Flight in Seattle; construction is expected to begin in March of 2010.
Photo credit: OAR/NURP; Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game
Father’s Day is this coming weekend, and what better way to celebrate than by comparing dear ol’ Dad to a lingcod?
Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST), located in Redondo Beach, is holding a special “Fatherhood Under the Sea” presentation from Noon to 12:45pm this Saturday, June 20th, and it’s FREE.
Here are the details:
WHAT: “Fatherhood Under the Sea” – learn why lingcods make such great fathers from Edmonds Underwater Park volunteers Ken Collins and Kirby Johnson during this special Father’s Day weekend presentation.
WHEN: Saturday, June 20th from Noon to 12:45pm
WHERE: Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST), located at 28203 Redondo Beach Drive South in Des Moines
COST: FREE
INFO: http://mast.highline.edu
Monday afternoon (June 15th) a class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of area residents who are upset with Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway against the Port of Seattle, claiming that noise and vibrations from aircraft are over and above what the Port has promised.
The class action lawsuit claims that as the runway was being developed and built, planning documents stated that it was to “only be used as an alternate runway to reduce delays in bad weather.”
Lawyers from the firm Pfau Cochrain Vertetis Kosnoff, PLLC contend that the port mislead residents to believe that the statement in the documents would be followed. However, since the runway’s opening, the plaintiffs claim that the port is now using the third runway for both departures and arrivals, bad weather or not, and at all hours of the day.
The third runway is currently being used more due to the re-construction of the first runway, which is supposed to last through the summer. Lawyers say that a statement on the Port of Seattle’s website claims that the FAA, which maintains control over all runways, will not restrict the use of the third runway.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for lowered property values and also to prohibit airplanes from using the third runway on weekends and between 10pm and 9am on weeknights.
The suit also intends to restrict planes from flying lower than 1,500 feet above the plaintiffs’ homes and only allow no more than one plane to fly over their neighborhoods per hour.
The city’s 50th Birthday is shaping up into quite a full day, with a 2.5-mile Fun Run/Walk scheduled to wind through Des Moines along the parade route right before the b-day parade on Saturday, July 18th.
The race will start at Highline Community College, where the parade starts, and will end on Marine View Drive in front of the QFC grocery store.
Everyone is invited to participate in this fun event, which is targeted at families.
Make sure to take advantage of the pre-registration prices; course maps are available now at the Des Moines Field House.
WHAT: Des Moines 50th Birthday Fun Run/Walk
WHEN: Saturday, July 18th, check-in begins at 2:30pm; Race starts at 4:30 pm sharp
WHERE: Starts at Highline Community College & ends at the QFC parking lot
COST: $20 if registered by July 1st, $25 July 2nd until race day!
REGISTER: Registration by phone 206-870-6527 or stop by the Field House at 1000 South 220th Street in Des Moines
The annual Highline Relay For Life cancer fundraiser began at 3pm Saturday, June 13th and continued all night until 8am Sunday at Highline Stadium in Burien.
Here’s a slideshow by Photographer Michael Brunk:
by Pat Nardo
Hard times are upon us and it seems we are just beginning to come out from under the pall of gloomy economical news, heading into a new era of, we hope, prosperity.
Gloom and doom notwithstanding, we are frantically and loyally making preparations to celebrate the great event of our city’s 50th anniversary. Des Moines will be 50 years old in July and a staunch cadre of volunteers, city, parks department workers, marina employees and staffs, small businesses and, yes, individual citizens like me are doing our best to make this a truly memorable event.
A major obstacle confronts us that must be overcome, that of finance. Money we just don’t have, or very little to do all that might be done. Donations are sorely needed for so many items that constitute the cost and preparations for city wide events including our parade and time is not on our side with only just over one month to begin “showing our stuff” to all who will witness our civic pride.
The small businesses in our town, even though they are, mostly, not doing as well as they would in normal times, have given enormous support.
Of the “big businesses” within our boundaries, two of our banks are to be commended for allowing the prominent display of our 50th anniversary poster on their premises, while the other two…well, they claim “corporate policy” prevents the posting of advertising except “in their back room”.
As I leave each of these two banks with undelivered 50th anniversary posters, I wonder, “Why would a large corporation establish itself in our community without caring or supporting a golden anniversary?” It also occurs to me that they could use a little public relations expertise. Our good friends at both the Key Bank and Bank of America, however, gladly accepted and quickly placed our proud posters where customers could see and know these banks cared a good deal for Des Moines. When you visit either bank, let them know we appreciate having them in our city.
Back to the generosity of our smaller merchants; EC Computers owner, Patricio Mendoza, has offered to provide the much needed trophies for our parade awards. The Print Place has given us help in reducing printing costs of leaflets and handouts to advertise our celebration. Jerry and Cathy Reece are providing a “surprise” float and it will be part of our parade as well. Our most important, local sponsors and benefactors are:
- Bjorneby’s CARSTAR on Hwy 99 and 220th, who also are parade developers
- Hertz Auto Rental
- Our good friend Gary Peterson of Pete’s Towing
In addition, Anna Bjorneby is our CEO for the parade and she has a good grasp of all that is needed and Fran Woodard is our chief whip. “BJ” Bjorneby calmly oversees the progress and occasionally adds to the strength of the crew.
Without these two, there might not be a parade!
Most of the applications for parade participation are in and we will soon know the number of units and their classification. As judging chairman, I have a competent staff and forms for scoring just about all categorizes that we anticipate and one that is designated as “OTHER”, just in case we can’t identify its species.
by Sarah Slaughter
Team El Dorado Captain
Team El Dorado will participate in their second Highline Relay tomorrow (Sat. June 13th) at Burien’s Highline Field beginning with the Survivors Lap at 3pm. I am often asked why we choose to throw so much time and energy into this all-night event held each year on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
The simple answer is because cancer affects all of us at some point in our lives.
Prior to joining El Dorado West Retirement Community as their Executive Director, I spent much of my career in nursing. I remember my first dealings with the tragedy of cancer back in the early 90’s as a healthcare professional .
As a student in nursing school, I spent a few weeks of my clinical training on a med/surg unit in a Tacoma hospital. One of the RN’s who mentored me during this time was a 40-something, 6′6″-tall strapping man. He and I quickly developed a friendship and he became one of the more important teachers during my clinical experience.
I graduated from nursing school and immediately went to work for a Tacoma nursing home. Six months into my new nursing position, on the evening shift, I learned that we were receiving a new patient to my unit. As I prepared to go and meet him I noted the name was the same as that of my clinical mentor from a year ago. I proceeded to go into the small shared room and realized that it was the same man who had been such an important part of my education a few short months ago.
He was very incapacitated and the 135 lbs he now weighed stretched tightly over his 6′6″ frame. His eyes were closed and I quickly stepped out of the room to catch my breath. I had read that this patient had been diagnosed with brain cancer that had metastasized to many of his other organs. I believed this could not have possibly been the same man.
Unfortunately though it was. He was diagnosed shortly after we worked together and it was a fast moving cancer that had already been deemed incurable. He was coming into my care under hospice and was not expected to live long.
I had the honor of caring for him and hopefully repaying him somewhat for all of the wisdom he shared with me during his healthier time. He died quickly and peacefully and I have never forgotten.
This is why I Relay. For the other members of Team El Dorado their reasons are just as personal.
When I heard about the Highline Relay I knew instantly that this would be an event that all of our residents, staff, families and employees could share in.
I brought the idea back to the community at El Dorado West and they loved the thought of participating.
This year our team is made up of residents, staff and families all intent on living up to our team motto “Up All Night!!” We have members ranging in age of 11 to 90. Everyone takes part in their own way by fundraising, joining the team and walking the track on Relay night or by making sure Team El Dorado is cheered on here at the community that day.
Although the team officially has 15 members this year the real Team El Dorado is made up of all those in our community whose lives have been touched by a cancer diagnosis. We Relay for ourselves,or our sisters, brothers, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, patients, spouses, partners and others who have faced the words “you have cancer”. We Relay for those who have fought and won as well as those who have fought and lost. We relay for the chance to push vital research forward so no one else has to hear those words.
Please join us in our fight. Visit www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa to make your contirbution to the cure.
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