Going on job interviews? Giving a business presentation? Leading a meeting? Need confidence? Toastmasters is the answer!

The ability to speak well is crucial to success, but have you ever evaluated your speaking skills? Many people, if they were to seek feedback, would learn that they talk too much, or perhaps too softly, that they fill their sentences with “ums” and “uhs,” or that they are hard to follow. You might say that it’s the message that matters; but if you can’t put your ideas across in a way that makes people want to listen, that promotion or that leadership position could be a long time coming.

Toastmasters offers a formal, self-paced program that will help you learn to speak better. The two keys to this are practice and feedback. Toastmasters clubs provide a friendly and supportive setting where you can practice your public speaking, and receive constructive feedback. Darlene Burrill says, “Toastmasters has given me the courage to speak in front of a group in spite of my speech impediment.”

To learn more about Toastmasters attend an Open House at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, Thursday, September 9, 2010. Arrive at 6:45am to receive your guest packet and get your coffee or juice. There will be a light breakfast served at break time.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters Open House
4 Lessons on Speaking from “The Karate Kid”
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien
Across the street from Azteca, next to Hi-Line Lanes
7:00am – 8:15am
Arrive at 6:45am for Guest Packets, Coffee and Juice
For more info contact Theresa 206-588-5088 or burienbreakfast.com@gmail.com

There will be three parts to the meeting, the prepared speeches, the evaluations, and “Table Topics”. The prepared speeches are usually of five to seven minutes long. Each member is given in a manual that sets out ten speech projects. Each of these has a specific goal, such as speech structure, using gestures, pauses and vocal inflection. These will help you learn how to express your ideas clearly and with confidence. Bang Parkinson, the President of Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, says that using the speech projects helped her gain confidence and feel comfortable presenting at board meetings at work. “Even though I still have my Chinese accent, people understand me better. Giving speeches at Toastmasters helped me to articulate well and to speak slower, clearer and smoother.”

After each speech an evaluator, usually a Toastmaster more experienced than the speaker, provides feedback. This takes the form of an impromptu speech and the objective is to give suggestions on how to improve future speeches because feedback is essential to learning.

For many people the “Table Topics” part of a meeting is the most frightening, yet this is also of the greatest benefit for those wanting to improve how they speak at work. In Table Topics each person is called upon to speak impromptu on a subject. If you’ve never done it before, delivering an interesting and well-structured talk to a group of attentive listeners without any preparation can be extremely difficult. Yes, the first time is hard, but it gets easier with practice, and that’s precisely the point. As Jean Schmidt says, “I used to be legally blind. Science gave me back my eyesight. Toastmasters opened my eyes. Now they can’t keep my mouth shut!”

Attend a meeting and you’ll find Toastmasters are more than willing to share stories of how Table Topics practice helped them at work. From explaining a project to a group of unexpected visitors to persuading colleagues to consider a crazy idea, being able to express thoughts clearly is essential to being viewed as both confident and competent. Roger Wells will tell you how Table Topics saved his dad’s life when with no preparation he had to convince medical authorities to hospitalize his dad at once.

You can learn these skills and more in a supportive, self paced, fun atmosphere at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters. Join us at our Open House September 9, 2010 at 6:45am or at any of our regularly scheduled meetings.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166
2nd and 4th Thursday of every month
7:00am – 8:15am

The cities of Normandy Park and Burien are co-sponsoring a Recycling Collection Event and Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday, Sept. 18th at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, located north of Des Moines at 19010 First Ave South.

This is a FREE event that will run from 9am – 3pm, and they’ll be accepting a wide variety of items – see the list extensive below.

There will also be a Rain Barrel Sale – to help residents use water more efficiently, rain barrels that normally retail for around $120 will be sold for just $25 each.

These high-quality rain barrels are being made available to residents at a reduced cost. Quantities are limited. Holds 55 gallons of rainwater.

Here are the full details:

WHAT: Normandy Park/Burien Recycling Collection Event & Rain Barrel Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Washington State Criminal Justice Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

INFO: To download a PDF flier, click here.

This is a FREE recycling program that will accept the following items:

• TIRES: Bias ply, steel belted, and studded tires accepted. Limit 6 passenger tires per household (18 inches and below) free of charge. $1.50 charge for each tire on a rim. $5 charged for each large truck tire and $15 charged for each truck tire on rim (cash only). No oversized tires accepted.
• MOTOR OIL, FILTERS, & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, steering fluid, crankcase oil, kerosene, and home heating fuel. Do not mix with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or other substances.
• LEAD ACID BATTERIES: Car, truck, marine, and motorcycle batteries accepted. •ALKALINE BATTERIES: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, and D cell batteries only.
• CARDBOARD: Please flatten. No wax coated cardboard.
  

  "Git yer rain barrels! Just $25 smackers!"

• REUSABLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CLOTHING: Clothing and miscellaneous household items in good condition will be collected by Seattle Goodwill. Mattresses and furniture will not be accepted. Items in need of repair will not be accepted.
• PORCELAIN TOILETS AND SINKS: $5 charge (cash only). Toilet seats, hardware, and base wax rings must be removed.
• PROPANE TANKS: Residential tanks only. $5 charge (cash only).
• APPLIANCES AND SCRAP METAL: Household appliances, auto parts, engines, metal lawn chairs, stoves, barbecues, gas lawnmowers (drained of oil and gasoline), iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper and other ferrous and nonferrous metals. $5 will be charged for each water heater that still has insulation coating (cash only). Metals that are insulated, rubber or oil coated, previously or currently contain gas, oil, chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted. Light fixture ballasts and sealed drums will not be accepted.
• REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS: $25 will be charged for each refrigerator or freezer. $25 will be charged for each house- hold air conditioner (cash only).
• ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cellular phones and computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Computer monitors and televisions will not be accepted. You can recycle these items for free at other locations – see the E-Cycle box for more information.

DO NOT BRING:

These household wastes:

• No paint of any kind
• No scrap wood/bulky wood
• No construction/demolition debris
• No garbage
• No mattresses/furniture
• No plastic toys, hoses, etc.
• No window glass

These hazardous wastes:

• No oil based paint
• No pesticides/herbicides
• No household chemicals
• No cleaning products
• No fluorescent lights.

Household hazardous wastes can be taken to the Household Hazardous Wastemobile, the Auburn SuperMall Wastemobile, and the hazardous waste collection site in South Seattle. Normandy Park and Burien residents may use the South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility – 8105 5th Avenue South, Seattle. Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (except major holidays). There is a 50 gallon limit and a gasoline limit of 30 gallons per customer per day. No containers can be over five gallons in size.

For more information about volume restrictions and other household hazardous waste disposal options visit www.lhwmp.org or call the Household Hazards Line, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm except holi- days at 206-296-4692 or 1-888-Toxiced (869-4233).

Acknowledgments:

• City of Normandy Park
• City of Burien
• Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center

Funding Provided By:

• The King County Solid Waste Division
• The WA State Department of Ecology
• The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County

The Puget Sound Blood Center will be holding a “walk-in” Blood Drive this Monday, Aug. 30th from 1pm – 7pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 19030 8th Ave South in Des Moines.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Walk-In Blood Drive.

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 30th, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm (lunch break from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm).

WHERE: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall, located at 19030 8th Ave. South.

INFO: This is a walk-in blood drive.

From an email:

Greetings,

We need your help! Many groups have canceled their blood drives due to vacations and low turnouts. The Puget Sound Blood Center is an independent, community based blood center internationally recognized for its research, medical and blood and tissue services. For more than sixty years, the Blood Center has been conducting research to improve the quality of life for all those it touches. The Blood Center currently provides blood to 70 hospitals and clinics throughout Western Washington (e.g. Valley Medical Center, Auburn Regional Medical Center, Highline Community Hospital, Virginia Mason Clinics, Group Health Cooperative, Veterans Healthcare, etc.)

48 hours ago, a 34 year old female, who is pregnant, had a heart attack and received 25 red blood cell units, 3 platelet units and 24 plasma units. Your gift can save a life! Each day, nearly 900 people must register to give blood through the Blood Center in order to meet this ongoing demand. Imaging saving a life…our generous blood donors help save lives every day. Please help us make a difference at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church!

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a spectacular Sound view 2-bedroom condo just across the street from the water, next to Salty’s Restaurant in Redondo.

With a great covered patio/deck to enjoy, Redondo’s views and the beach, this unit offers a great, easy location, along with a club house big enough for wedding and family get-togethers.

Hardwood floors are only four years old, and there’s lots of storage and covered parking.

This unit is very clean and has fresh paint throughout.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 29th, from 1pm – 4pm.

WHERE: 28120 S Redondo Beach Dr Unit 210, Des Moines, WA 98198

INFO:

• List Price: $249,900
• Listing #: 119453
• Beds: 2
• Baths: 1.00
• Year Built: 1962
• Approximate House SqFt: 815
• Home Owners Dues: $310

Appliances that Stay:

• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Range/Oven
• Refrigerator

Unit Features:

• Balcony/Deck/Patio
• Skylights
• Top Floor

Marketing Remarks:

VIEW, VIEW and beach life!!

Spectacular Sound view 2 bedroom condo with a great covered patio/deck to enjoy.

Redondo’s views and beach, just across the street from the sound and next to Salty’s Restaurant.

This unit offers a great, easy location, club house big enough for those wedding and family get-togethers.

Hardwood floors are only 4 years old, lots of storage and covered parking.

This unit is very clean and has fresh paint throughout.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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

WLB Advertiser Highline Medical Center is hosting a Blood Drive with Puget Sound Blood Center this Thursday, Aug. 26th, at Highline’s main campus in Burien.

The drive will be held in Somers Auditorium, on Highline’s Main Campus, from 9:30am – 3:30pm, with a break from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Donors are required to be at least 18 years of age, and weigh at least 110 lbs or more.

Appointments last approximately one hour, and involve a health questionnaire, brief examination and about 10-minutes of blood collection.

After the donation, cookies, water and juice will be provided during the rest period.

To donate blood, please schedule your appointment by call (206) 901-5034 or email: chervin@highlinemedical.org.

Every two minutes someone in Western Washington needs a blood transfusion. Help keep this resource plentiful and donate blood today!

The Washington State Department of Ecology Tuesday (Aug. 24) extended the public comment time for Des Moines’ Shoreline Master Program, with the new deadline set for Sept. 13th.

In addition, comment time for the city of SeaTac’s program has been extended to Sept. 16th.

The extensions will accommodate those who weren’t notified as requested about the comment periods, due to a database glitch.

More information on Des Moines’ shoreline updates is available here.

As we previously reported July 21st:

The updated master program guides construction and development in the City of Des Moines along its approximately 5 miles of marine shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Under Washington’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve the Des Moines program before takes effect.

Des Moines’ proposed program and related documents are available for review at:

City of Des Moines Planning-Building Dept.
21630 11th Ave. S Suite D
Des Moines

Or online here.

Ecology may approve the shoreline program as written, reject it or direct Des Moines to modify specific parts.  Once approved by Ecology, the Des Moines shoreline program will become part of the overall state shoreline master program.  In cases where counties and cities border marine waters, it will be part of the national Coastal Zone Management Program.  Ecology also will help each local jurisdiction legally defend its shoreline program, if necessary.

The City of Des Moines updated shoreline program was adopted by the city council after an extensive local process. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions to preserve existing shoreline areas while protecting future economic development. Des Moines collaborated over a period of several years with waterfront property owners, commercial property owners, environmental interests and state agencies.

Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state Shoreline Management Act passed by voters in 1972. The programs help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to public waters and shorelines.

The law requires cities and counties with marine shorelines, lakes 20 acres in size or larger, and streams and rivers flowing at 20 cubic feet per second or greater to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored shoreline programs.

Key features of Des Moines’ updated program include:

• Improves protection of habitat and water quality for all of Des Moines Puget Sound shorelines, including the annexed shorelines of Woodmont and Redondo Beach, which represent approximately 50% of Des Moines’ Puget Sound shorelines.
• More detailed shoreline environment designations tailored to existing uses and development potential along Des Moines marine shorelines.
• Promotes incentives for reestablishment of vegetation buffers.
• Limits construction of new shoreline armoring along presently unarmored shorelines and encourages the use of soft-bank erosion control methods.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader Puget Sound initiative to protect and restore the Sound.

Ecology adopted new guidelines in 2003 that establish the basic requirements for updating local shoreline master programs. The guidelines resulted from a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the courts.

City of Des Moines joins a growing number of cities, towns and counties that have updated their shoreline programs using the 2003 guidelines.  The state guidelines allow each town, city and county flexibility to customize their programs to fit its local land-use circumstances and vision of local waterfront development.

More than 30 cities and counties have already updated their shoreline programs, with70 updates currently under way.  Most haven’t done so comprehensively in almost 40 years. From 1978 through 2008, the state population grew from about 3.8 million to an estimated 6.6 million people.

Starting July 1, 2009, Ecology provided $7.5 million in state grants to an additional 77 cities and counties to help them begin updating their shoreline policies and regulation – including $3 million earmarked by the 2009 Legislature specifically to help municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Washington has 266 cities and counties with shorelines that qualify them for grant funding, and updating their shoreline programs by December 2014.

WLB Advertiser Brown Bear Car Wash will be celebrating its 53rd anniversary by giving out FREE washes thus Thursday, Aug. 26th.

Hours for the special one-day offer are 8am – 8pm, and yes, the Des Moines location at 22706 Marine View Drive will be participating, as will others in Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton and throughout Seattle.

Over the last four years, Brown Bear has washed 78,760 vehicles during its annual “free car wash day” to celebrate the company’s founding.

Several other area locations are also offering the free service, including:

• 814 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 22706 Marine View Dr, Des Moines
• 34017 Hoyt Rd. SW, Federal Way
• 800 S Grady Way, Renton
• 1202 W Meeker St., Kent
• 621 Rainier Ave. S, Renton
• 77 Rainier Ave. S, Renton

Here are more details from a press release:

Brown Bear Car Wash celebrates 53rd anniversary with free car washes on Thursday, August 26

Over the last four years, the Seattle-based company has washed 78,760 cars during its annual “free car wash day”

SEATTLE—Brown Bear Car Wash will add sparkle to thousands of cars and trucks August 26 as the Seattle-based, family-owned company offers free washes to celebrate its 53rd anniversary. Hours for the special one-day offer are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brown Bear will be giving away free “Bear Essential” car washes at all of their automated “tunnel wash” locations in the Puget Sound area. Over the last four years, Brown Bear has washed 78,760 vehicles during its annual “free car wash day” to celebrate the company’s founding.

“We’ve had an amazing response each year. It’s a fitting way to say ‘thank you’ to our customers who have supported us over the years.  And hopefully we’ve introduced new customers to the kind of service and value we deliver year around,” said Brown Bear founder and owner Vic Odermat.

He said the event also reinforces the esprit de corps within the company.

“We blend hard work, pride and a lot of fun into an event that benefits our customers and the environment,” said Odermat.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location at 15th Ave West in Seattle.  Through its parent company, Car Wash Enterprises, Inc., Brown Bear owns and operates a total of 41 car wash facilities in Washington State as well as a network of gas stations and convenience stores.  It is one of the largest privately held car wash chains in the U.S. and is widely recognized within the car care industry as being a leader in the environmental movement.

For locations of Brown Bear’s automated “tunnel wash” locations in the Puget Sound area, please visit www.brownbear.com.

Jazz Night and Wine Tasting returns to the E.B. Foote Winery on Sunday, August 29.

Tickets are $10 each ($9 for Wine Club Members) in advance or $12 day of the event and include two hours of smooth jazz, a sample of four wines, and snacks. The doors to the winery will open at 5:30 pm and music will go from 6-8 pm.

Wayne Miller and Friends will relax you with smooth jazz music while you enjoy a sample of four wines. Wine will also be available by the glass for $5 cash, and you can purchase bottles to take home with you. This event is for adults only. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery, or on the website at www.ebfootewinery.com.

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info!]

The Rotary Club of Des Moines wants to remind our Readers that you can save $5 per ticket for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival (coming up Saturday, Sept. 25th from Noon – 7pm) if you order online now.

Here’s more info from the Rotary website:

100% of the net proceeds will support Rotary’s “Music4Life” program, aimed at expanding music to youth in our local schools.

Enjoy  a day filled with local blues from Dudley Taft, Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies, the Cold Shot Band, the Stacy Jones Band and Rod Cook together with a variety of fine brews from 10-15 local breweries.

To complement your blues and brews, we will be barbecuing Bratwurst and B&E Market’s famous Tri Tip for your dining enjoyment.

The Festival will be located on the shores of Puget Sound at the Des Moines Beach Park. This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine, you must be 21 or older to attend and no pets will be allowed inside the event.

There will be plenty of free parking in the Des Moines Marina.

While you are in town, you might want to visit the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and enjoy the Poverty Bay Arts Festival.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the gate.

Here’s the musical lineup:

• 12:00 -- 12:45 PM - Cold Shot Band
• 1:15 -- 2:15 PM -- Stacy Jones Band
• 2:45 -- 3:30 PM -- Rod Cook
• 4:00 -- 5:00 PM -- Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies
• 5:30 -- 7:00 PM -- Dudley Taft

Music4Life is a program to benefit elementary (fourth and fifth grade students) in Highline Public Schools.  The program is a collaboration between Highline Public Schools, the Rotary Club of Des Moines and many individuals and businesses, partnering to expand music education for all children in the Highline School District.

Music means different things to different people.  To children, learning to play a musical instrument is a meaningful activity -- it’s fun and it builds relationships that can last a life time.  To youth, music opens up the world -- its history and its many cultures -- and provides opportunities for teamwork and meaningful forms of self-expression.  Educators know that music benefits students academically, especially in mathematics, science, history and world languages.  Our community understands that music education helps a person lead a richer, fuller, more meaningful life -- and an arts-rich community is a more desirable place to live.

Music4Life is intended to give every student in the Highline Public Schools access to instruments in good working conditions so they can participate in instrumental and vocal music programs.  Initially, Music4Life will acquire 500 musical instruments and supplies to ensure that 50 percent of Highline Public Schools 4th and 5th grade students can participate in instrumental music.  In the years to come, Music4Life may expand to include a broader range of ages and grade levels, as well as additional music education programs.

To purchase tickets, save a few bucks and learn more, click here.

Tickets can also be purchased at CorkyCellars99 Bottles (206) 824-9462, (253) 838-2558 or Des Moines Drug (206) 878-2345, and through Rotary Club of Des Moines.

To whet your musical whistle, here’s a video of the Stacy Jones Band doing “Angel from Montgomery”:

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a totally-remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in McMicken Heights with views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains.

This home features hardwood floors, six-panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows and much more.

There’s a large family room off the living room that leads to huge covered deck overlooking a fenced back yard, along with raised gardens and breathtaking views!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 22nd, from Noon – 3pm.

WHERE: 4846 S 170th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188

INFO:

• List Price: $274,950
• Listing #: 107062
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 1.75
• Year Built: 1948
• 2-car Garage
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,840
• Lot Square Footage: 11,325

Interior Features:

• Ceiling Fan(s)
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• French Doors

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• High Speed Internet
• Outbuildings

Marketing Remarks:

Total remodel 3 years ago, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with Mt Rainier, Valley and Cascade Mt views!

Home features hardwood floors, 6 panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows, electric & plumbing.

Large family room off the living room leads to huge covered deck overlooking fenced back yard, raised gardens and breath taking views!

Deep 2 car garage with opener and shelves.

Lot of extra storage, private setting in back yard.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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

On Wednesday night (Aug. 18th), Burien’s Tin Room hosted the opening party for sponsors of the 2010 “Brat Trot” 5K race, which will be on Sunday, Sept. 19th.

This year’s all-day event will benefit WestSide Baby and Safe Kids of South King County, as well as Multicare at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center.

Last year’s race brought in nearly $25,000 for local charities, and this year’s will include even more activities, including a German Oompah Band, a “Seize the Sausage” race, beer garden, and a block party emceed by none other than Burien’s own inimitable “Yodeling Dominatrix” Manuela Horn.

The brainchild of Tin Room owner Danny House (aka “Dan the Sausageman“), the original race drew more than 700 people together for a day of fun and festivities, and most important, fundraising. Of course this year, Danny wants to do more.

Here’s how YOU can help:

• If you’re a local businessperson and you’d like to chip in to sponsor (we’re already one!), click here to download a PDF Sponsorship Packet.
• If you’re a Runner who’d like to register for the race, click here.
• If you’d like to serve as a Volunteer, click here to email Deb Will.
  

Here’s info on this year’s race from the website:

This year’s 5K race begins in Olde Burien on SW 152nd, widely circling Lake Burien before finishing to cheering crowds around the corner of 10th SW and back onto SW 152nd.

2010 brings the addition of a 1 mile+ “Seize the Sausage” race, perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a shorter venue. Runners can dash out, grab their Bratton and race back to the same finish line as those in the 5K.

5K Individual Race
This 5K course is generally flat with few even slight grades. Runners will be primarily on blacktop with a bit of gravel and grass. Race is clearly marked with live hand wavers to keep you on the course and trained flaggers and police officers at busy intersections. Runners can expect a nice run through neighborhoods with glimpses of beautiful Lake Burien and other parts of our charming city. Timing is chip-driven and provided by BuDu Racing.

The Burien Brat Trot starts and finishes nestled into one of greatest festivals of the fall — Octoberfest. Beginning at 10:30 am on September 19th the band strikes up and begins to play in Old Burien. All day event goers can enjoy brats, the beer garden, a german oompah band,water weenie races, booths and of course the Chicken Dance. Local restaurants and shops will be open for business with drink and event specials. Entertaining again this year is the Austrian Yodeler Manuela Horn.

In addition to marking your calendars for the race day, you might also want to pencil in Friday, Sept. 17th as well – that’s the night of the Brat Trot Pub Crawl, which, if it’s anything like last year’s, will be amazingly fun.

Flute Quest, which is “Bringing Music to the World One Breath at a Time,” is returning to Saltwater State Park the weekend of Aug. 20-22nd, bringing together internationally-acclaimed flutists, local musicians, those who want to learn to play, and persons who simply enjoy listening to the Native American flute.

According to their website:

Makers will offer instruments suitable for all levels of performance from beginner to pro, or fairgoers can bid on instruments in the silent auction. Experienced musicians will lead workshops at all levels. Experienced musicians will also lead flute, drum, and didgeridoo circles under the festival teepee. Such circles are excellent places to try out newly developed playing skills. Budding performers can take advantage of the open microphone on the “New Breath” day stage. Many of these activities will be free.

We are honored to work in partnership with Washington State Parks. We know that this location will give us the opportunity to expose more people to the Native American flute; our circles will grow wider and our community will expand.

This event is family oriented and is alcohol, tobacco and drug free.

In addition to the all-day festival at the park, there will also be performances on Friday by Scott August and Saturday night by Mary Youngblood (see videos below), from 7pm – 9pm at the Knutzen Family Theatre in the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. More info on these, as well as tickets, is available online at www.centerstagetheatre.com/plays.html; here’s info from that website:

Flute Quest 2010 proudly presents two concerts on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21. This sweet blend of performers will make your spirit soar long after the concerts end. Last year tickets sold out; don’t miss this opportunity.

Friday’s concert features award-winning musician Scott August; a “multi-instrumentalist”, nationally acclaimed composer, producer, Keyboardist, Anasazi & Native American flute player. Opening for Scott is Rona Yellow Robe.  Rona shared her “other voice”, as she calls her flute, from the New Breath stage last year; touching us all with her music.

Saturday’s concert features Mary Youngblood, “The First Lady of the Flute”.  Mary is the first woman to win, not just one, but two Grammy Awards for “Best Native American Music Album”.  Along with Mary, Joe Young is a “Rising Star” performer.  Joe shares his eclectic style of music that features the Native American flute, penny-whistle, saxophone and other world flutes.  Come jam with Mary, bring percussion instruments!

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Flute Quest 2010

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 20th, Saturday, Aug, 21st, and Sunday, Aug. 22nd, with concerts Friday and Saturday night off-campus (see below); Festival Hours will be:

• Friday, Aug. 20: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday, Aug. 21: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, Aug. 22: 10 AM to 3 PM

WHERE: Saltwater State Park, located at 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines, WA‎; (253) 661-4956.

INFO: More info on the fest at www.flutequest.com; more info on the evening concerts at www.centerstagetheatre.com/plays.html.

VIDEOs: Here’s a video of two-time Grammy winner Mary Youngblood, who will perform Saturday night at the Knutzen Family Theatre:

Here’s Scott August, who will be performing Friday night:

The 5th annual “Trash to Treasure Parking Lot Sale” is coming to the Des Moines Activity Center from 9am – 3pm, on Saturday, Aug. 14th.

This annual event will include over 90 vendors and a FREE public shopping shuttle from the sale to the Des Moines Farmers Market, as well as the Wesley Gardens parking lot sale and the Masonic Lodge garage sale!

There will also be free parking for shoppers at Steven J. Underwood Park, just behind the Des Moines Post Office on 216th Street and 20th Avenue S.

Food sales will be hosted by Jobs Daughters.

There will be both indoor and outdoor booths, and a wide variety from crafts, plants, collectibles, and “treasure” items.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 5th Annual Trash to Treasure Parking Lot Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 14th from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Des Moines Activity Center, located at 2045 S. 216th Street.

INFO: For more information, call the Des Moines Activity Center at 206-878-1642.

The “Pink Party for the Cure” is a fundraiser benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, and will be held this Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm at Des Moines’ All-Star Sports Bar.

There will be a bike run starting at Sound Harley in Marysville, leaving at 2pm and ending at the All-Star, along with numerous other fun events, all aimed at helping cure breast cancer.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Pink Party for the Cure 2010 Fundraiser.

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm.

WHERE: All-Star Sports Bar, located at 22303 Marine View Drive South; (206) 212-6740.

INFO: In addition to the motorcycle run, the event will include:

• There will be a “Breast in Show” contest, entry is $20, open to all bikes.
• Hot dogs will be served by the Dog House.
• Pool and dart tournaments!
• The signature “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Drinking for the Cure Martini!”
• Raffles for lots of great prizes and a 50/50 Cash raffle!
• Lots of fun – Come one, come all!!!

HOSTED BY: Pink Pedi Cures – Stacey Rivera, Lisa Reamy Malpass, Christa McCutchen, and by Justin Edwards and the crew at the All-Star Sports Bar.

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a desirable, custom waterfront home near 3 Tree Point with ever-changing 180-degree Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views.

Located on the Half Moon Bay, just north of 3 Tree Point, this multilevel Northwest contemporary home sits on the waters’ edge with easy beach and sound access, and is in the perfect location for enjoying all aspects of waterfront living.

This 4-bedroom, 5-bath home with over 4,600 square feet of living space and 2,000 square feet of deck is designed specifically for entertaining, relaxation and everyday vacation living.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 1st, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 15929 Maplewild Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $974,950
• Listing #: 97204
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 5
• Year Built: 1993
• 2-car Garage
• Approximate House SqFt: 4,640
• Lot Square Footage: 15,490

Interior Features:

• 2nd Kitchen
• 2nd Master BR
• Bath Off Master
• Built-In Vacuum
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Dining Room
• Jetted/Soaking Tub
• Security System
• Skylights
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Walk-in Closet

Waterfront:

• Bay
• Bulkhead
• No Bank
• Sound
• Tideland Rights

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Gas Available
• High Speed Internet
• Hot Tub/Spa
• Moorage
• RV Parking
• Shop

Marketing Remarks:

Desirable 3-Tree Point Area Custom Waterfront Home w/ Ever Changing 180 degree Puget Sound & Olympic Mtn. Views.

Located on the Half Moon Bay North of 3-Tree Point, this Multilevel NW Contemporary Home sits on the Waters Edge w/ Easy Beach & Sound Access and is in the Perfect Location for Enjoying All Aspects of Waterfront Living.

4 Bdrm/ 5 Bath Home w/ Over 4600 sq ft of Living Space and 2000 sq ft of Deck.

Designed Specfically for Entertaining, Relaxation and Everyday Vacation Living.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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

Get your toe-tapping shoes on and head down to Des Moines United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 8 to see the up-beat and entertaining rhythm and blues band Sister Wives.

This all-female band provides smokin’ hot music with a lead singer who belts it out like Bonnie Raitt and a youthful electric guitar player who plays jaw-dropping guitar solos. This Salt Lake City band is concluding its NW tour in Des Moines, WA.

Advance tickets are $12 and can be purchased through the church office. $15/day of concert. All profits are going to the youth and music ministries of the church.

For more information contact Des Moines United Methodist Church at 22225 9th Avenue South in Des Moines at 206-878-8301 or visit their website.

The First Annual Normandy Park Hoop Fest, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will be held on Saturday, July 31st at Normandy Park Towne Center.

The event is sponsored by the City of Normandy Park Police Department with generous support from Normandy Park Athletic, Desert Sun, Wayne’s Service Center, Archery Bistro (NPB Advertiser), QFC, Allied Waste and Puget Sound Energy.

The tournament will include up to 16 teams with trophies awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams.

In addition to locals slam dunking over each other, there will also be food and a beer garden.

Registration for Normandy Park Hoop Fest can be completed online at: www.normandyparkwa.gov. To download the registration form, click here (PDF file).

Normandy Park Hoop Fest will serve as the kick-off event for “National Night Out,” which is Tuesday, August 3rd.

For more information contact Mary at (206) 248-8256.

Here are the rules:

1. Each team must register at least three players on or before the date of the tournament. Maximum roster size is four players per team. No additions, deletions and/or changes may be made after a team’s first game has started.
2. Teams using players not officially registered or using falsified information on rosters will be automatically disqualified from the event. Team captains are responsible and will be held accountable for all information.
3. The format of the tournament will be determined once all teams have entered. The tournament director reserves the right to change the format based on external events (i.e., inclement weather).
4. The court monitor will be the official timekeeper/scorekeeper and will be responsible for mediating all disputes. He/she has the right to overturn a call on the court if there is a justified reason to do so. The court monitor’s interpretation of the rules is final. In the event the court monitor cannot solve a dispute, a coin flip will be made to determine the outcome of the dispute.
5. Physically or verbally threatening or abusing a court monitor is cause for immediate disqualification.
6. Players and/or teams may be removed from the game at the discretion of the court monitor for abusive behavior, flagrant fouls or rough play. Unruly fans may also be removed from the area.
7. Teams must be at their court at the scheduled time. A five?minute forfeit time will be strictly enforced.
8. Each team must start and finish the game with at least two players.
9. A coin flip at the start of the game will determine first possession.
10. Successful shots taken from inside the 3?point line will be worth 1 point, while baskets made from outside the line are worth 2 points. Both feet must be clearly behind the line (when the shot is attempted) for the shot to count as two points.
11. All games are played to 21 points (win by 1) or 20 minutes (running clock), whichever comes first. The tournament director reserves the right to change the number of points and/or time limit due to external events.
12. If the game is tied after the 20 minutes have elapsed, then the game will be completed with a sudden death playoff. A coin flip will determine possession.
13. Player substitutions will be permitted on any deadball situation.
14. The player who is fouled is responsible for calling the foul. The foul must be called immediately in a clear and loud manner and all action must stop. If the player is fouled while shooting and makes the basket, the basket counts (the foul is ignored) and the opposing team takes possession. Otherwise, the team that was fouled retains possession and the ball is checked in as usual.
15. If a defensive player calls a foul on himself, the offensive team may continue to play even if the defense stops. If the offensive team chooses to stop play when a defensive player calls a foul, then action stops and the ball is checked in as usual.
16. On the 6th team foul, the player fouled will be awarded the option of shooting a free throw or retaining the possession of the ball, checking it in as usual. If the player elects to shoot a free throw, all other players must stand at least three feet behind the shooter. Regardless if the free throw is made or not, the opposing team takes possession.
17. If the court monitor rules that a foul was flagrant or meant to cause harm, the player fouled will shoot one free throw and that team will keep possession of the ball. The player called with a flagrant foul will get one warning. Any further flagrant fouls will result in immediate ejection from the game.
18. Any player(s) involved in fighting or continued misconduct will be disqualified from the tournament and will not be allowed to participate in future tournaments.
19. An unwritten 30?second shot clock is in effect at all times and may be enforced by the court monitor at his/her discretion. Once the court monitor has announced that the shot clock is in effect, each team has 30 seconds to get a shot off. The shot must make contact with the rim of the basket for the shot clock to be restarted. A defensive foul also resets the shot clock.
20. There is an imaginary 3?second lane near/under the basket. There is no camping in this lane. “Camping” violations are at the discretion of the court monitor. The court monitor will give a warning. Subsequent infractions will result in loss of possession.
21. Jump balls always go to the defense. They do not go to the team that yells “first”.
22. If a ball goes out of bounds and players and the court monitor cannot decide who gets possession of the ball, then a coin flip will decide possession.
23. The top of the backboard is out of bounds. The sides and bottom of the backboard are in bounds.
24. Shots that hit nothing (i.e., airballs) which are rebounded by the shooter without anybody else touching the ball is considered traveling and results in a turnover.
25. Timeouts – one 30?second timeout per team per game is permitted.
26. The court monitor has the right to make a ruling on any issues that are not covered within these rules.

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a totally-remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains.

This home features hardwood floors, six-panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows and much more.

There’s a large family room off the living room that leads to huge covered deck overlooking a fenced back yard, along with raised gardens and breathtaking views!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, July 25th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 4846 S 170th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188

INFO:

• List Price: $274,950
• Listing #: 107062
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 2
• Year Built: 1948
• 2-car Garage
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,840
• Lot Square Footage: 11,325

Interior Features:

• Ceiling Fan(s)
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• French Doors

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• High Speed Internet
• Outbuildings

Marketing Remarks:

Total remodel 3 years ago, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with Mt Rainier, Valley and Cascade Mt views!

Home features hardwood floors, 6 panel doors, tile bathrooms, rounded corners, new furnace, windows, electric & plumbing.

Large family room off the living room leads to huge covered deck overlooking fenced back yard, raised gardens and breath taking views!

Deep 2 car garage with opener and shelves.

Lot of extra storage, private setting in back yard.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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

A Business Recycling Collection Event is planned for Thursday, July 29th from 11am – 4pm at the Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

The event is sponsored by the cities of Burien, Des Moines and Normandy Park.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Business Recycling Collection Event.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 2010 11am – 4pm.

WHERE: WA State Criminal Justice Training Center, 19010 – 1st Ave South.

COST: There will be fees for computer monitors, TV sets, appliances.

INFO: More details available here, or contact Shanta Frantz at 206-938-8262.

From a flier:

Accepted Materials:

• Cardboard ~ non-waxed or coated, flattened CDs, Floppy Disks, Video Tapes ~ please remove paper or plastic covers
• Cellular Phones ~ phones, batteries, chargers, adapters
• Computers & Components ~ hard drives, monitors ($10 fee-cash only), keyboards, printers, mice.
• Plastics ~ grocery bags, stretch wrap, film, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, garment bags
• Scrap Metal ~ chairs, desks, file cabinets, refrigerators/freezers/cfc units ($25 fee-cash only), telephones, fax machines, type writers, adding machines, copiers, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Sealed tanks and drums and metals that are insulated, rubbercoated, contain chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted.
• Toner and Printer Cartridges
• TVSets~TV sets with 36-inch or smaller screens and encased in plastic ($20 fee-cash only). TV sets with larger than 36 inch screens, wood console, sets encased in wood, and big screen TV sets – ($25 fee-cash only).
• Projection TV sets ($30 fee-cash only).
• Wood Pallets and Clean, Untreated Scrap Wood

PLEASE NOTE: Fluorescent lights, tubes, bulbs, and incandescent lights will not be accepted.

Please visit the King County http://www.takeitbacknetwork.org/ for a drop location near you.

Questions? Call (206) 938-8262

Note: Only the types of materials listed above will be collected. No hazardous waste will be accepted. Visit www.lhwmp.org if you need assistance with hazardous materials disposal.

The Local Hazardous Waste Program is conducting a small business hazardous waste disposal pilot project for 2010. Qualifying small businesses can dispose of limited quantities of hazardous wastes at Seattle and King County household hazardous waste facilities. This pilot program is offered at no additional cost to eligible small quantity hazardous waste generators (SQGs) in King County. This is an excellent opportunity for SQG businesses to dispose of their stock pile of hazardous materials. Further information is available at www.lhwmp.org or contact the business waste line at 206-263-8899.

Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be hosting their annual “Ice Cream Social and Plant Sale” on Sunday, Aug. 15th, with special guest Ciscoe Morris and FREE ice cream to the first 300 guests.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Ice Cream Social & Plant Sale with Ciscoe Morris.

WHEN: Sunday, August 15, 2010, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

WHERE: Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98168.

INFO: From a flier (download PDF here):

Join us in the garden on Sunday, August 15th for our 4th annual Ice Cream Social.

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

Ciscoe’s topic will be “Create a Hummingbird Haven in a Pot or Garden ”

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

Local nurseries & designers will plant 10 gorgeous pots. Register to vote for your favorite container & get a chance to take it home for free. Door prizes & free ice cream to the first 300 guests!

More information: www.highlinegarden.org or 206-391-4003.

Other featured events include:

• Silent Auction
  Bid on a variety of great items including two Aw Pots personally planted by Ciscoe, a room at SeaTac’s Radisson Hotel, a sightseeing flight around Seattle with pilot Warren Hendrickson, an original oil painting by Kathy Wyckoff, garden art, garden tools, a complete bird-gardening kit, and more!
• “Humm-dingers!!!”
  Local nurseries and designers will again plant up 10 gorgeous pots donated by Aw Pottery. This year’s theme is plants that attract hummingbirds. Just show up and register to vote for your favorite container and get a chance to take it home for FREE!!! HGBF members get two extra chances to win! Memberships will be on sale the day of the event.

Participating designers and nurseries include Clinton Bamboo Growers, Design of the Times, Dogwood Design, Minter’s Earlington Greenhouse and Nursery, Furney’s, West Seattle Nursery, Herr Backyard Garden Center, and Branches Garden Center.

• Free Aw Pottery Pot to first 40 new members!
  Be one of the first forty people to join the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation during the event and receive a gorgeous, frost-proof Aw Pottery pot! (NOTE: IF YOU PLAN ON ENTERING THE CONTEST, BRING A VEHICLE LARGE ENOUGH TO TAKE HOME YOUR WINNINGS! THE PLANTED POTS ARE BETWEEN 24″ AND 36″ TALL AND MAY WEIGH AS MUCH AS 75 POUNDS!)
• Door Prizes Galore!!!
  Register to win two free passes to the 2010 NW Flower and Garden Show, a “Cascadia” compost bin from the City of SeaTac, and gift packages from Benson’s Best Bites, Hey Paison, The Tin Room Bar and Grill, 909 Coffee and Wine, Vino Bello, Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, and Elliot Bay Brewpub.
• Free Ice Cream to the first 300 guests!
  Please join us in the garden for an afternoon of the very best in gardening “edu-tainment”, ice cream, and of course, brussels sprouts!

For directions to the garden, click here.

Mt. Rainier High School is holding a 30-year reunion cruise this Saturday, July 24th, and there’s still room for all you 1980 grads to poof up your hair (or whatever you have left of it), squeeze into those trendy tight jeans (ugh) and get on board to see your old pals.

The 3-hour tour (this is your cue to start whistling the theme from “Gilligan’s Island”) will leave from the Des Moines Marina on an Argosy Ship at 8:30pm.

There will be a No-Host Bar and “light eats” and classmates are encouraged to bring spouses, partners or friends.

Cost is $80 per person, and boarding begins at 7pm.

To register online, click here.

For more info, check out the reunion’s website: http://mtrainierhighschoolclassof80.com

Here’s the poster:

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) announced Wednesday, July 21st, that it is seeking public comment on the City of Des Moines’ recently updated Shoreline Master Program, an effort that will increase the protection and restoration of Puget Sound shorelines.

Ecology will accept public comment on Des Moines’ shoreline program through Aug. 20, 2010.  Comments and questions should be addressed to:

Barbara Nightingale
Department of Ecology
3190 160th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98008

Or via email at: Barbara.Nightingale@ecy.wa.gov.

The updated master program guides construction and development in the City of Des Moines along its approximately 5 miles of marine shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Under Washington’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve the Des Moines program before takes effect.

Des Moines’ proposed program and related documents are available for review at:

City of Des Moines Planning-Building Dept.
21630 11th Ave. S Suite D
Des Moines

Or online here.

Ecology may approve the shoreline program as written, reject it or direct Des Moines to modify specific parts.  Once approved by Ecology, the Des Moines shoreline program will become part of the overall state shoreline master program.  In cases where counties and cities border marine waters, it will be part of the national Coastal Zone Management Program.  Ecology also will help each local jurisdiction legally defend its shoreline program, if necessary.

The City of Des Moines updated shoreline program was adopted by the city council after an extensive local process. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions to preserve existing shoreline areas while protecting future economic development. Des Moines collaborated over a period of several years with waterfront property owners, commercial property owners, environmental interests and state agencies.

Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state Shoreline Management Act passed by voters in 1972. The programs help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to public waters and shorelines.

The law requires cities and counties with marine shorelines, lakes 20 acres in size or larger, and streams and rivers flowing at 20 cubic feet per second or greater to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored shoreline programs.

Key features of Des Moines’ updated program include:

• Improves protection of habitat and water quality for all of Des Moines Puget Sound shorelines, including the annexed shorelines of Woodmont and Redondo Beach, which represent approximately 50% of Des Moines’ Puget Sound shorelines.
• More detailed shoreline environment designations tailored to existing uses and development potential along Des Moines marine shorelines.
• Promotes incentives for reestablishment of vegetation buffers.
• Limits construction of new shoreline armoring along presently unarmored shorelines and encourages the use of soft-bank erosion control methods.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader Puget Sound initiative to protect and restore the Sound.

Ecology adopted new guidelines in 2003 that establish the basic requirements for updating local shoreline master programs. The guidelines resulted from a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the courts.

City of Des Moines joins a growing number of cities, towns and counties that have updated their shoreline programs using the 2003 guidelines.  The state guidelines allow each town, city and county flexibility to customize their programs to fit its local land-use circumstances and vision of local waterfront development.

More than 30 cities and counties have already updated their shoreline programs, with70 updates currently under way.  Most haven’t done so comprehensively in almost 40 years. From 1978 through 2008, the state population grew from about 3.8 million to an estimated 6.6 million people.

Starting July 1, 2009, Ecology provided $7.5 million in state grants to an additional 77 cities and counties to help them begin updating their shoreline policies and regulation – including $3 million earmarked by the 2009 Legislature specifically to help municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Washington has 266 cities and counties with shorelines that qualify them for grant funding, and updating their shoreline programs by December 2014.

Local youth will be performing in The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” this Friday (July 23) at 7pm and Saturday (July 24) at 3pm at the Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th.

The cast of children from the Des Moines area have been perfecting their acting skills all week with help from talented actors from this established, traveling troupe.

This is an adventure story about a boy who runs off to sea only to find himself all alone and under fire before making it back home.

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12.

Children 2 and under are free.

For more information: (206) 870-6527 or email: recreation@desmoineswa.gov.

The Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball team recently advanced to the West Zone Colt Baseball Tournament in California by winning all their games in the NW Regionals held in Kirkland recently. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st, and they’re holding a car wash this Sunday, July 25th to raise funds for their trip.

They’re asking our Readers to come get their cars washed and “help a local team travel to California!”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Fundraiser Car Wash by the Highline Blue Sox Baseball Team

WHEN: This Sunday, July 25th, from 11am – 3pm

WHERE: Airport 76 Station, located at 46th Ave South and South 188th St.

INFO: From a flier:

Enjoy The Benefits of the Best Car Wash in The Area and Help a Local Team Travel to California!

Support the Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball Team 2010 Northwest Regional Colt Baseball Champions

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Airport 76 Station – 46th Ave So and So 188th St.

11:00 am to 3:00 pm (Eco-friendly soap for the gentle care of your vehicle)

The Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball team has earned the honor to compete in the West Zone Colt Baseball Tournament in Santa Clara, CA. by winning all of the games in the Northwest Regional tournament held in Kirkland recently. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 5:00pm at Washington Park in Santa Clara, CA

Team members: Erik Anderson #10, Desmond Drew #8, Wyatt Dumar #32, Carlos Herrera #23, Kyle Howell #27 , Justin Lang #12, Andrew Lenaburg #21, Michael McLean #9, Miles McNair #0, Jake Morine #4, Jordan Morine #3, Luke Olson #13, Ryne Phelan #7 , and Danny Teja #5. Coaches: Darin Lang, Lupe Herrera and Reid McNair.

Come and meet the players.

Help give them a great send off!