Here’s a Photo Slideshow of Wayne and Friends by Michael Brunk when they played at E.B. Foote back in June:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

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WLB Advertiser Vickie Bergquist Insurance Agency wants Readers to know that they have been busy helping renters and homeowners with Flood Insurance.

Regardless of where you live, you can purchase flood insurance.

For most people Flood Insurance is affordable. Many people do not know that Flood insurance also covers mudslide and back up of sewer and drain coverage.

Vickie recommends going to FLOODSMART.GOV for more information on flood coverage.

Vickie’s office stays current on the flood risk and just received this update:

The Army Corps of Engineers reported last Thursday that the repairs at the Howard Hanson Damn have helped, but the risk of flooding is still high.

A new grout curtain constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to slow a leak through a damaged abutment at the Hanson Dam will reduce the risk of flooding this winter in the valley to a 1 in 25 chance.

Thousands of giant sandbags along the Green River levees reduces the chance of flooding even more: to 1 in 32 chance.

A heavy rainstorm similar to what struck the Green River Valley last January would overtop the levees and cause flooding in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila because the corps will not be able to store as much water as normal at the Eagle Gorge reservoir, the pool of stormwater the corps retains behind the dam.

The corps pumped more than 400,000 gallons of cement to form a grout curtain in the abutment as part of its $8.9 million temporary fix to reduce the risk of flooding. The curtain is about 20 feet wide, 450 feet long and between 90 to 160 feet deep, depending on the location along the abutment.

The corps plans to construct a concrete cutoff wall as a permanent fix within the next three to five years. Crews have started the design process for the concrete wall but the design isn’t expected to be completed until next year.

Wright, from the Corps of Engineers,  praised the work of the cities of Kent, Auburn and Tukwila to place giant sandbags along the levees. The thousands of 3,200-pound sandbags increased the height of the levees to handle a river flow of 13,900 cubic feet per second compared to 12,000 cubic feet per second without the bags.

Wright said that extra height could keep the levees from overtopping if he has to release more water than normal from behind the dam during a storm.

If the corps does have to release water that would cause flooding, Wright said a minimum warning of at least eight hours would be given to local emergency officials who might have to order evacuations. It takes eight hours for water released from the dam to reach Auburn.

For more information, visit Vickie’s website here.

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Welcome The Waterland Blog’s Latest Advertiser: Judson Park, The Sound Choice for Senior Living!

When visiting Judson Park’s beautifully landscaped 13-acre campus in Des Moines, you’ll find so much more than their incredible view of Puget Sound and the snow capped Olympics. You’ll find a staff of caring, giving people who share a passion for helping seniors fulfill the promise of their future.

In addition to a staff of 256, Judson Park also has a mascot. Her name is Hailey. She’s a basset hound and she’s just adorable. But if Hailey’s does not fulfill your need for a pet, know that Judson Park welcomes your pets to your new home.

There are 18 different floor plans available to residents. Most with balconies. Internet is available in all homes, but if you don’t have a computer, there are business centers with computers, printers, copiers and such throughout the campus. From large studio to two bedrooms, all homes are being updated to include granite countertops and new kitchen cabinets, carpeting and more to match the new apartment homes that were opened in the summer of 2008. With full kitchens you can choose to cook your meals at home or enjoy “My Choice Dining” at one of two restaurant style dining rooms or the Bistro. Executive Chef Adam Pazder is one of two on-staff registered dietitians to assure meals are both delicious and healthy. They also cater private parties in any of the attractive entertainment rooms available to residents.

Whether it’s with new friends, or friends from the old neighborhood, the designers of Judson Park have created view ‘niches’ from ‘tables with a view’, to old fashioned ‘rumpus’ rooms complete with large screen TV’s and private family sized dining rooms to entertain residents’ families when they arrive at Judson Park for a special celebration. Judson has three ‘hotel’ rooms available at a very reasonable fee for resident’s guests to stay overnight!

Of course, everywhere you go in Judson Park boasts that million dollar view, but residents don’t have to be rich to enjoy it.

“We’re affordable for middle America; homeowners with a pension,” said Ramona Sirois, Director of Sales and Marketing. ”There are varying financial options available, including some rental,” she explained.

For more information about these options, contact Ramona at 206-870-6639 or click here.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the variety of activities available throughout the campus. Fitness coordinator Ken Ray facilitates groups enjoying Hiking, Golfing, Walking and Water Aerobics. It’s not unusual to see the walking group enjoying brisk walks through Des Moines in an early morning, and oftentimes hiking at Mt. Rainier and Saltwater Park. Ken also coordinates yoga, tai chi and arthritis classes as well as oversees the gym. If you consider shooting Pool an aerobic exercise, they’ve even got a pool table for your daily workout!

Residents are also encouraged to take part serving on various boards and taking part in volunteer opportunities throughout the campus.

From time to time, health challenges arise for seniors, and Judson Park’s full array of health care services are there to help. As a CCRC(Continuing Care Retirement Community) residents are provided assisted living and skilled nursing services if needed. There’s also a Health Center (www.judsonpark.com/services/skilled_nursing) on the campus providing long and short term care as well as out-patient care for both residents and those patients outside the community. If you don’t live there, but choose to rehab at the Health Center, all you need is your doctor or case manager’s referral.

A host of services are available at the Health Center include:

• 24-hour nursing coverage
• Private and semi-private rooms
• Compassionate and licensed staff
• On-site rehabilitation services
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s care
• Hospice services
• Wound care
• Assistance with daily living needs such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Three healthy meals and snacks
• Medication management
• Recreation therapy/activities
• Social services
• Pastoral services
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• In-house beauty salon
• Bedside telephone, cable hook-up
• Medicare and Medicaid Approved

“The Health Center’s benefit to residents is that they can return home and can rehab right next door. They’ve got a whole neighborhood of friends who will support their rehab,” Ramona told WLB.

Exclusive in Washington State at Judson Park is Masterpiece Living a research-based approach developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic that encompasses many components combined to assure that older adults not only age well, but age successfully. Call the friendly staff at Judson Park to find out what Masterpiece Living can do for you.

Judson also offers Posit Science, a computer-based brain fitness program designed to strengthen memory, concentration, listening skills and overall brain health. Residents say that it’s the most rewarding form of exercise they’ve ever experienced.

To enhance their continuum of care this winter Judson will be opening their Memory Support Program. Located on the campus, Memory Support will provide homes for those affected by dementia and memory loss. These homes will provide a sanctuary where internal and external realities coexist without conflict. These assisted living-level homes will provide a therapeutic environment, creative activities and a well-trained staff who will help residents feel safe, secure and valued.

Judson Park opened in 1964 at 23600 Marine View Drive on a hill in Des Moines, overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympics. Since then they have grown to what you see today–200 residents living in the apartment homes; 30 living in assisted living; the health center; and soon will offer a home for 16 residents in memory support. They are affiliated with ABHOW, nationally known as pioneers in senior services and retirement housing.

If you are looking for a vital, exciting place to call home in your retirement years (you only need to be 62 years old to move in) check into Judson Park Senior Retirement Living. You can contact them at 206-870-6639 to arrange a visit or click here for more information.

Plan on about a 90 minute tour, and of course lunch!

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Last week the Waterland Blog sat down with our latest Advertiser Carmen Scott, to learn of her goals in representing you for the next four years. Carmen is a current Des Moines councilmember, running for re-election to City Council Position #3.

Carmen told The Waterland Blog:

“Anyone who wants to effectively represent the best interests of 30,000 people needs the knowledge, skills, and judgment to arrive at sound logical conclusions, articulate their position well, and earn the agreement of enough other council members to be on the prevailing side of decisions. I am effective, respected, and deeply aware of the importance of the decisions we make on behalf of our community.

“As a successful business woman, I developed and honed my analytical skills, particularly in understanding property values and factors that affect desirability of neighborhoods and communities. I love a challenge, have always needed to learn and excel. Seattle Magazine has named me (twice) as a 5 star winner of their Real Estate “Best in Client Satisfaction” award. When the people of Des Moines elected me, YOU became my clients. I will never waver in my dedication to your best interests.

“I believe that a balanced life must include service to your community, Over the last four years I have gradually moved from a business career, to full-time community service. Now serving as a Board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and of the Des Moines Historical Society.”

Carmen’s “time to give back” actually started in 1978, and continues through today:

• Des Moines Planning Commissioner (1978 – 1988)
• City Council (1988 – 1991)
• Earned State Historic Register recognition of Covenant Beach Historic District – (1988)
• Des Moines representative on the Regional Transportation committee (1989 – 1991)
• Waterland events photographer (1989 – 2004)
• Board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, a charitable organization founded to raise funds to sustain critical programs and activities benefitting youth, family and seniors in Des Moines (2004 – present)
• Very involved in research and documentation leading to placement of Covenant Beach Historic Camp on the National Historic Register (2005 – 2006)
• Des Moines City Council (2006 – present)
• Created Des Moines Note Cards as a fund raiser for the Legacy Foundation. At the Farmer’s Market almost every Saturday with 60+ Des Moines Note Card scenes . (2006 – present)
• Commits each August to creating a Des Moines Calendar for the community, and as a fundraiser for the Legacy Foundation (2005, 2009, 2010) (2010 on sale now $5.00 each, Farmer’s Market)

As a councilmember, Carmen has spent the last four years serving on the Municipal Facilities Committee, the Finance and Economic Development Committee, council liaison to the Farmers Market Board of Directors, the Des Moines 50th birthday committee, where she created and donated historical displays for a number of events, and helped to organize and arrange video interviews of people who have been important to our city over the last 50 years.

Briefly, from Carmen’s campaign platform:

THE BUDGET:
I will not vote to sell the marina. I will not close down the parks and recreation programs. I have opened discussion on ways to enhance revenue options and look for opportuni- ties to encourage renewed interest in development of the 89 acre business park (a victim of the economic downturn). We are looking at very painful budget decisions over the next few years. Experience and in-depth knowledge are essentials for sound decisions and a sustainable recovery.

POLICE and PUBLIC SAFETY:
Public Safety is essential, a number one priority. I worked for passage of the Levy Lid Lift, have provided materials to assist with police department recruiting and have appreciated their participation in my community calendar projects.

DOWNTOWN:
Many good businesses and services have disappeared from downtown Des Moines over the years. Those which depend on discretionary spending are now facing very tough times. Some of the problems bear directly on transportation decisions made 18 years ago, and carried out in 1993. I am a strong voice for healthy growth, and aware of the complex factors that must be resolved.

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS:
As a member of the Municipal Facilities committee, (and as a mother whose children practically lived at the fieldhouse as they were growing up) I am deter- mined that we be good stewards of the land and facilities entrusted to our care. Many of our citizens are struggling financially. I believe it is our responsibility to see to it that city parks stay open and recreational and senior programs remain available at a time when they are most needed.

Carmen never runs out of energy when it comes to helping Des Moines, through her efforts on the Council and her commitment to the community.

“Your vote in this election is vital to how you will be represented in the next four years. I would be honored to serve you again.” said Carmen.

Thirty years ago today, on October 1st, State Farm agent Char Schulz opened her first State Farm insurance office in Des Moines.  A few years later, she moved to her current location in the light grey house on the corner of 7th and 222nd.

Char says of working in her State Farm Insurance Agency: “I love working with my customers. I enjoy doing reviews to help them manage their risks of everyday life.”

Many of her customers started with Char when she began as an agent nearly 30 years ago. They now have kids and grandkids who have turned to Char to help with their insurance needs. Her State Farm agency handles all aspects of the insurance business, including:

• Homeowners
• Life
• Business
• Flood
• Health, which includes:
  • Temporary Health Insurance
  • Long-Term Care
  • Disability
  • Hospital Income

Helping Char celebrate this special day, are her new associates AJ Minerich and Niki Guilford.

Niki started with Char “to help her out for a few days”. That was on June 18. She knew after a few hours, this is where she belonged. She was formerly a State Farm agent in Idaho. Looking for a change of scenery, Niki loaded her sports-loving daughter, Averie, into the car and ended up in Des Moines.

Before she became a State Farm agent, Niki was a teacher. She taught gymnastics to little kids, and ballet, jazz and hip-hop to bigger kids. She claims to not do hip-hop anymore, but does miss the little kids.

As a self described ‘people pleaser’, Niki loves working with customers. You’ve got to be compassionate, have patience and an understanding of people.

The second addition to Chars’ new team, is, well, sort of a record breaker. He is the first guy to work in Chars’ office in 30 years. His name’s AJ.

AJ is also a licensed experienced State Farm agent, moving over from Puyallup just a few months ago. Sort of a quiet guy, AJ says he loves working with Char and Niki, and like Char and Niki, loves the people. He also loves lunching on a bench down at the marina. “Des Moines is a nice, close community that has a small town feeling,” adds AJ.

When he’s not working in Des Moines, AJ’s a weekend server at Outback in his home town of Tacoma.

“I trust both of them a lot,” said Char.

So, if you happen to be in Char’s neighborhood today, stop by 22206 7^th Ave. and say happy anniversary, or call with your well wishes 206-878-2520.

Welcome our latest Advertiser to The Waterland Blog – Melissa Ponder for City Council.

Here’s her info:

The best way to find a solution is to ask questions. As her name implies, Melissa Ponder, is asking questions. How can we connect the entire Des Moines community with city government? How can we maintain small town values in our ever growing city? How can we come up with a stable and structurally sound budget? How can we be creative in serving both our current and our future Des Moines businesses? How can we maintain fairness, integrity, and transparency in our city government? How can we demystify the city council and all it does?

Melissa Ponder is a candidate for Des Moines City Council, Position 3. She has lived in the Zenith area of Des Moines for 18 years and is a registered small business owner with the City of Des Moines.

Ms. Ponder wants to engage you, the resident, and keep you abreast of public hearings – especially on issues that will affect your community in the near and distant future. She believes that a community such as Des Moines can make a great impact. Representation should speak on behalf of and be accountable to you, the people of Des Moines. She will work with a focus on public safety, health, economic sustainability and broadened outreach to the diverse population that makes our city special.

Ms Ponder has been active in community work since her undergraduate days at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She graduated with a Liberal Arts degree focused on Multicultural and Women’s Studies, Student Development, and Visual Communications.  Among her various volunteer experiences, she has worked with Des Moines Elementary School; Pacific Middle School;   Kikaha O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club-Community Health Education Program Advisor; Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition Against Tobacco; Lokahi Ohana O Hawai`i; Highline Public Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Cultural Competency & Academic Achievement; Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

Her work in the past has focused on diabetes and other health disparities and organizational development & educational equity. She is currently serving her second term on the King County Civil Rights Commission for District 5 and served as the Civil Rights Commission Chair for two years. Photography is both a hobby and current part-time profession of hers, as well as a tool she has been able to use to expand her volunteer service in other capacities. As with many, most of her time is devoted to her family, who are all paddlers in the South King County based outrigger canoe club-Kikaha O Ke Kai,as well as training and playing with our dog Chuva.

Ms. Ponder and her husband Vance Bader (a Boeing employee for over 20 years) are the proud parents of four children, including twins in college (Washington State University and University of Hawai`i-Hilo) and two under the age of 11 (Des Moines and Parkside Elementary Schools). She is the second of three daughters to a career army veteran father from Senath, Missouri and first generation Korean American mother from northern Korea, via Seoul.  Born and raised in a military family, her multicultural background, participatory education and work experience have strongly influenced who she is today.

Melissa Ponder would greatly appreciate your support in the November 3 election. If you have any questions or concerns you would like to share, or if you would like to donate to her campaign, please feel free to contact her through her website http://melfordesmoines.com.

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If it’s September, it must be time for the third annual Oktoberfest at Burien’s Elliot Bay Brewhouse and Pub (a WLB Advertiser) – that’s right, following in the German tradition, Oktoberfest starts in September! Big difference is that the Germans celebrate for 16 days, into early October.

Elliott Bay’s celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26th.

Michael Goldsmith, General Manager of Elliott Bay, sat down with WLB earlier this week to lay out their plans to be a part of Burien’s Oktoberfest. The aim is to provide the city of Burien and surrounding area with a “family friendly area-wide celebration in the broadest sense.”

“We’re really excited about the music,” said Michael. “We’re presenting live music inside and outside from 2-9pm.”

Here’s a line up of the bands:

• Mellifluous Zephyrs will be playing traditional German Polka music on wind instruments
• Jonathan Kimball will play Folk/Blues and Acoustic
• Sunderlyn, “a powerpop altrock band” according to their website

In addition to the music, Elliott Bay has developed a special Oktoberfest Menu. In the true Oktoberfest tradition they’re setting up beer tents outside with “festival-style tables.” This means that you may have to sit with strangers, but the more you get into the spirit of Oktoberfest, the less strange they might be to you.

Elliott Bay is Burien’s only award-winning brewery, making the beers their customers enjoy right on the premises. Such popular local beers as:

• B-Town Brown
• Highline IPA
• Hop von Boorian

This family-friendly neighborhood pub offers a full pub menu, large party facilities, tournament-sized shuffleboard tables, along with party platters and beer to go. Monday-Wednesday they’re open to from 11am-10:30pm. Thursday-Saturday ’til midnight. The kitchen closes 30-minutes before the doors are locked. On weekends they open up early for brunch at 9:30am. They’ve also got a great happy hour with great happy hour food and beers.

If you can’t wait ’til Elliott Bay’s Oktoberfest, stop by and give ‘em a try. Then stop back on Saturday, Sept. 26th and enjoy the fun, food, ice cold beer, music…and make some new friends!

You’ll find Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub at 255 SW 152nd, right at the corner of 4th Ave SW. For more information, call (206) 246-4211 or visit their website here.

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We welcome back Advertiser Susan White, who is running for her third term as a Des Moines City Councilmember, position #7. The Waterland Blog sat down last week at The Reuben with Susan to find out more about her vision for Des Moines.

“Des Moines is upside down because we do not have enough business sales tax coming into the city and we need more businesses,” Susan started our rather animated conversation with. “Economically we’re facing challenging times,” she added.

“One way to do this is to revive the Des Moines Creek Business Park off 216th, plus we should look to bringing in some big box stores like Home Depot or Costco somewhere in town.”

Other ideas on expansion of the business community are that “We also need a business development coordinator for Des Moines, and we need to support feasible building codes that could increase the height of downtown mixed-use businesses that would not harm anyone’s views” she said.

“As part of the Marina development, we need to do something to attract visitors to Des Moines. That’s why I will continue to support Water Transportation as a good thing for Des Moines and the Puget Sound Region. I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Susan is hoping that first steps towards these ferries will be foot ferries to carry residents and other neighbors to Mariners and Seahawks games.

Susan and her husband Gene have lived in the Redondo area of Des Moines for 20 years. Susan has three daughters and Gene has two sons. With their blended family, they have eight grandchildren, which now includes twin boys born just a few weeks ago.

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We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser Three Tree Montessori School, which serves student learners from the Highline and West Seattle area – you know, that’s the school behind those whimsical columns on SW 160th in Burien. They’ve been guiding students in this area since 2003. “Guiding,” as in not “teaching” – well that’s the Montessori philosophy, you see.

Montessori is a time-tested (since 1907 in Europe, and the mid-50s in the US), child-centered developmental education method that is focused on the individual child’s potential, giving the child hands-on experiences that nurture the love of learning. It emphasizes collaboration, self-expression, and self-motivation in beautiful learning environments, which foster respect, peace, and joy.

Every Thursday morning from late October through May, Three Tree Montessori welcomes interested parents and the community to experience Montessori by watching classroom activities. BTB recently spent time viewing Three Tree’s students at work. It wasn’t like any classroom we knew of, being products of public school, but it was interesting and worth explaining to our readers who are interested in public school alternatives.

Montessori divides classes by age, not grade level. The Toddler Program includes children aged 1 (and walking) to 3. This is where young children experience their first structured contact with other children. There are two toddler classes with 12 students in each class guided by a Montessori-certified teacher and an assistant teacher. There is one half-day class and one full-day class.

To give you an idea of what the Three Tree Montessori is like, here’s a slideshow of photos:

I was paired with an anxious mother from West Seattle who needed to watch her 1-1/2 year old son in his first week in class (he was doing much better than Mom!).

The Toddler environment is prepared to meets the needs of the child and to foster independence, motor coordination and language acquisition. This is where young children experience their first structured contact with other children. We observed tea parties, biscuit-baking, sweeping and cleaning—all performed with age appropriate tools.

Next we were off to the Primary Program for ages 3 to 6. We observed one of three primary classes. There is one teacher/guide, one assistant, and one support staff. One of the basic tenets of Montessori theory is the multi-age classroom. Here students learn practical life, sensorial, cultural, math and language activities and of course, outdoor play. There isn’t a desk in sight – instead there are chairs and tables that are age appropriate. Many of the children were using floor mats, studying math and geography working in groups or individually, with the older students mentoring the younger. We noted how quiet it was as they were learning at their own pace.

Finally we were welcomed into the Elementary classroom for ages 6-12. Yes, welcomed. Two girls (class greeters) welcomed BTB and offered tea. Students were working in small groups. Elementary children are noted for their questioning minds and their imaginations. The ability to reason is at its greatest capacity in the child of this age. The elementary classroom is designed to be the stepping-off point into the universe. The study of language includes writing, reading and oral expression. Math includes arithmetic, geometry and algebra (and we’re talking little kids learning this stuff!). Once again, all this learning is done on the floor or at tables.

After our tours of the classrooms were complete, we toured the gardens. Outdoor education is as important as indoor education at Three Tree Montessori. Each age level has their own garden area planted outside their classrooms, and are all aspiring gardeners. Their gardens include a compost pile as well as rain barrels (which were overflowing).

Service to the community is an important aspect of the Elementary program. Over the years, the children of Elementary have raised money for a Montessori school in Kenya, organized food drives for Northwest Harvest and holiday gift drives for the non-profit organization Baby Boutique, and held a clothing drive for a local family who lost all their belongings in a fire. And this past school year, the Elementary class has sent a work party of students each Friday to Marra Farm, a non-profit community farm promoting sustainable agriculture and education that donates tons of fresh produce to local residents.

We sat with the Elementary guide/teacher and learned there are no grades given in Montessori School. Rather there are two annual parent teacher conferences and a year-end evaluation (the ITBS is given to the equivalent of third and sixth graders).

Three Tree Montessori offers a diverse student and teacher population, and they work at keeping classrooms diverse and balanced (by race and sex). Tuition assistance is available. There are 120 students at the school, with room for a few more in the Toddler and Elementary Programs.

Three Tree Montessori is located at 220 SW 160th in Burien. Imported columns grace the front of Three Tree Montessori.

For more information about Three Tree Montessori, please contact the school office at (206) 242-5100, or click on their Ad for more info.

And about those columns – the originals were found in Cawa Cawa, New Zealand. They are replicas designed and built by parents from originals done by famous New Zealand artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

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The Waterland Blog would like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Des Moines City Councilmember Dave Kaplan. Dave is running for his third term on the Des Moines City Council. He’s running in position #7.

Dave’s journey to becoming a Des Moines resident started quite by accident. Seriously – he made a wrong turn on the Kent-Des Moines Road back in 1978 and found himself in Des Moines enjoying our beautiful waterfront and quaint small town. Meanwhile, his Kent cousins were holding dinner for him. Dave told WLB, he knew the minute he drove into Des Moines he wanted to live here.

Dave went on to graduate from the UW in political science, then went on to the ‘other’ Washington to get his MBA at George Washington University. He finally saw his dream fulfilled when he moved to Des Moines in 1989. He dipped his toes into Des Moines, so to speak, when he got involved as a citizen with water quality and flooding issues on Massey Creek.

His first years of service on the council were in 1997-2001, where he helped lead the effort to change the Pacific Ridge neighborhood. After losing in the 2001 scandal-plagued election (where $50,000 in campaign contributions were illegally unreported), Dave regrouped and won again in 2005. He is near the end of 8 years of serving Des Moines.

Dave says on his website:

“I believe that Des Moines is at a crossroads. We can continue on a path toward a sound financial footing, based on thoughtful economic development, or we can backslide into an uncertain future. We have begun to take the steps necessary for a thriving, vibrant community, while maintaining the storied history and the natural beauty that make Des Moines home.”

He elaborated on this statement to WLB. “As I see it there are three major issues facing Des Moines…”

“The first is maintaining the small town feel (of Des Moines), but having a diverse business community to alleviate the tax burden on our citizens. Right now 2/3’s of the city’s budgeted revenues are on the backs of our residents. I would like to see that reduced to at least 50%. We need to become more receptive and thoughtful about attracting business investors, both on Pacific Highway and downtown. We need to upgrade our buildings and business environment to make investors WANT to be here.”

“Secondly, we need to create a ’sustainable budget’. That is, we need a balanced budget that does not rely on one-time cash infusions to pay the daily bills. I have not voted for the past three operating budgets as they are not sustainable. We need to prioritize the services we need and services we want and budget towards these.”

“Finally, we need to maintain the quality of life and livability that attracts residents to our city. The parks, the marina and the Mt. Rainier Pool are examples. The Mt. Rainier Pool is an important asset to the community, and is particularly important for our seniors and students. And Mt. Rainier High School’s swim team is among the top swim teams in the state.”

Dave told WLB that he “takes a great deal of pride in supporting the creation of the Des Moines Farmers Market. It’s a central meeting place for Des Moines residents.” That’s one of the reasons why he’s personally helping to sponsor it.

Dave also takes great pride in being one of the 20 or so openly gay politicians in the state of Washington, and is an outspoken advocate for equal treatment under the law.

In his spare time, he serves on the boards of the National Council of Self Insurers (where he’ll be president next year), Kids Chance of Washington (which is a non-profit organization granting scholarships to students whose parents have been killed or permanently disabled on the job), and he’s the President of the Misty Woods Condominium Association where he lives.

Dave’s day job is in Olympia where he serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Self-Insurers Association. A former policy analyst with the Washington State Senate, he’s been commuting to Olympia for 22 years! Too bad you can’t earn frequent flyer miles for driving, Dave. Welcome to The Waterland Blog!

“Business as usual isn’t working. It is time for a change!”

So says our latest Waterland Blog Advertiser, Chris Alexander.

Here’s more from his website:

“I am a new face in politics, but I am not new to Des Moines. I am a local real estate agent, a father, and a student at Highline Community College. Most importantly, I am a veteran number-cruncher and a tireless worker.”

WLB sat down with Chris and his family at his home last week to ask him to elaborate on this statement.

Chris and his wife Debi moved to Des Moines in 1998. They love the convenience of the city, the proximity to Seattle and the water access. Chris added that “we’ve lived here for the better part of our married life, the better part being when each of our kids were born.” Prior to moving to Des Moines, Chris spent nearly 20 years in the Kent area.

The kids include 9-year old Katalia (Katie), 8-year old Tieran and Jestin (Jesse), 2-1/2. Katie is an aspiring actress who recently participated in the Missoula Children Theater’s rendition of “King Arthur’s Quest” at the Field House. Tieran is a HUGE sports fan who loves watching and playing football and baseball.

“My kids are such an important part of who I am and why I’m running for office,” Chris said.

Chris’ resume includes a background in business, retail, manufacturing, technology, construction, restaurant management and real estate. He is currently finishing degree requirements at Highline Community College for his 2-year Business degree, and is finalizing his 4-year degree online at City U as an Accounting major.

“At heart I’m a tech guy and an efficiency expert,” Chris told WLB. “In the past 10 years, I estimate that I’ve saved my employers more than $1,000,000.

Chris has considered running for City Council for a couple of years. He said that in his opinion, “Des Moines spends too much money on things we don’t need, and not enough on things we do need. And residents pay too much for what they get.”

Further, he believes Des Moines is “not business friendly.”

Chris will be appearing at the City Council Candidates Forum on July 22 at Huntington Park to discuss these and other issues facing Des Moines.

“I do not believe in business as usual. If there is a problem, I will try to fix it. Call me. Email me. Tell me what you need and what you believe,” concluded Chris.

He wants to hear from you!

Chris Alexander
Cell: 206-355-9348
Email: Chris@AVoteForYOU.com

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The Waterland Blog has learned from a top secret, well-placed inside source that the Seafair Pirates will be “raiding” Des Moines’ own Butler Bar and Grill on Saturday night (July 18th) after the big 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, ’round 8pm.

Expect a riotous and raucous evening as they’ll be up to their usual pirate schtick.

You see there’s all sorts of new happenings at Butler Bar and Grill in Des Moines. Can we talk happy hour, new menu, karaoke, trivia nights and more?

Butler’s has a really fun Happy Hour that stretches from Monday to Saturday with great prices on beer, wine and wells. Plus you’ll enjoy some really great bar food with all the grease and cheese needed to make good bar food.

Happy Hour specials are available from 3:30-6. You and your party can enjoy

• $2 Off Well Drinks
• $2.50 Coors Light Pints & $3.00 House Wines

…and some great appetizers including:

• Sliders ‘n’ Fries
• Chipotle Chicken Wings
• Dusted Calamari
• Nachos
• Garlic Styx
• Tacos

Plus Butlers has some really cool mixed drinks such as “The Butler Did It“, and “Butler Tickler” just to name a few intriguing concoctions.

Owner Mike Colello sat down with The Waterland Blog recently to explain how Butler’s is his dream come true. Mike formed the idea for Butler’s in 1998. His idea was to create and “upscale American Pub” to fill a niche in the Des Moines community. Mike added that “the city has embraced us. We are very excited and proud to be the focus of things to come in Des Moines.” Mike went on to explain that the “staff and attitude” of Butlers is his vision and the décor is his partners, Scott Andrews, vision (the neon art, which you won’t find anywhere else in South King County).

Going into the food business was not suprising to those who know Mike. He grew up helping his father Bo Colello sell produce at the Pike Place Market.

Butler opened its doors in Des Moines in October of 2007. Butler can be enjoyed by folks from all age groups, but as the night wears on, Butlers turns its focus to the mid-30 crowd, with Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10 pm-close (around 2 am).

And then there’s Thursday Night Trivia starting at 7:30 pm. It’s $2 a team to enter and special Butler Gift Cards are awarded to weekly winners.

Back by popular demand is Monday Night Spaghetti that includes Delicious Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs, served with green salad and garlic bread for $12.95.

A month or so ago, Mike told WLB that he was going to develop a menu that “works for this town.” And he’s got it – check this out Des Moines: BBQ’d ribs, fettuccini, steak salad, an array of sandwiches and burgers cooked to a turn, salads both small and large (read the entire menu here).

When The Waterland Blog launched our new Des Moines community website in February we knew we needed to have a fundraiser for the Des Moines Food Bank, and we knew it had to be at Butler Bar and Grill. Why? Because it’s a cool spot in the middle of the Marina District. Over $600 was raised on April Fool’s Day in our “No Foolin Fundraiser,” and we became great friends with Mike, his team and the city and businesses of Des Moines.

We proudly welcome Butler Bar and Grill to our growing Advertising roster, and encourage our readers, who aren’t in the parade to watch the parade from Butler Bar and Grill on the Waterland Parade route this Saturday July 18.

Butler Bar and Grill is located at 22341 Marine View Drive South in Des Moines, in the spot once occupied by the historic Butler Garage.

You can call ahead for reservations 206-429-3709, or learn more at their website.

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A big Waterland Blog welcome goes out to our latest Advertiser Susan White!

Susan is running for her third term as a Des Moines City Councilmember, position #7 and she wants your vote in the upcoming primary on August 18.

She told WLB that “it has been an honor to serve the community that I love.”

Susan and her husband Gene have lived in the Redondo area of Des Moines for 20 years. Susan has three daughters and Gene has two sons. With their blended family, they are soon to have eight grandchildren, counting the twin boys on the way.

In 1997 Susan took an active role in in the incorporation of Redondo into the city of Des Moines. It was then that friends and neighbors encouraged her to run for city coucil to ensure that Redondo would have representation in Des Moines. She ran for council in 2001, and the rest is history!

“I am proud of the accomplishments my efforts have brought to Des Moines. The relationships that have been built with our regional, state and federal representatives have resources into Des Moines, and secured a place on the National Register for our Beach Park,” Susan said.

Susan has championed the cause of bringing alternative transportation to Des Moines. “I have been a regional leader on ferry transportation which may soon bring foot-passenger ferries to our waterfront!”

Susan serves on the Senior Advisory Council and assures voters that “the senior community will remain a priority in my next term.”

She has also been involved with successful programs like The Arts Commission and South King County Economic Development Initiative.

Susan wants to assure voters that her “positive vision for our City will remain in these challenging times in order to make Des Moines the best place to live for our families and children.”

Besides seeing Susan out and about in Des Moines and at council meetings, you can see Susan in the Waterland Parade this Saturday riding in a convertible! She will also be speaking at the Des Moines City Council Candidates Night at Huntington Park on July 22.

From her website:

Some of her endorsements:

• South King County Fire and Rescue
• Women’s Political Caucus
• Seattle-King County Association of Realtors
• King County Councilmember Julia Patterson
• Representative Dave Upthegrove
• Senator Tracy Eide
• Senator Karen Keiser
• Representative Tina Orwell

Affiliations include:

• Current Board Member -Washington Trust for Historic Preservation
• Council Representative: Des Moines Senior Services Committee
• Council Representative: Des Moines Arts Commission
• Past Board Member – Suburban Cities Association
• NSDAR Historic Preservation Award – 2007

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• Upcoming Events

  • March 14, 2010:
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• Recent Posts

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