Story by Janet Grella
Photos by Gene Achziger

CorkyCellars has announced that their ninth annual CorkyCrush raised nearly $1,000 to help stamp out hunger in Des Moines.

The team that brought in the most pledged money was “Heritage Hash” (Karen Anderson and Eddy Duggar) – they raised $280!!!!!

Fourteen teams competed this year, including:

• Fine Whines
• Heritage Hash
• Grapes Toe Ya
• Mr. & Mrs. Smoothie Smashers
• Chardonnay Divas
• Grapecrush Grapplers
• Happy Feet
• Masquerading Merlots
• Edwina’s Crushers
• Suckers! (learn to say no)
• Grapeful Dead
• Grape Nuts
• Grapezilla
• And the winning team name “Got Wine?”

Diane at CorkyCellars told The Waterland blog:

“The teams managed to get about 91 pounds of juice out of the 266 pounds of grapes that we tossed in the barrels. There was a real close race for the highest weight – the Grapeful Dead guys got 8 pounds 2 1/4 ounces and the Got Wine? girls got 8 pounds 2 1/2 ounces. Even our youngest crushers, 3 and 6 years old got 3 pounds 13 1/4 ounces so you can tell that everyone was in there giving it their all.”

Ric and Diane, owners of Corky’s want to recognize their event helpers:

• Jason Hardt
• Steve Swank and grandson Noah
• Bob Birgenheier & Chris Jacobson (Barrel Boys with Ric the Barrel King)
• Michelle Reynolds (Pictures & Barrels)
• Russ Lent (Timer)
• Candice Hardt (Weigher/Recorder)
• Susan Goegebuer (Sound System)
• Ashely & Shawna Jacobson (Trophy Girls)

It’s going to downright chilly this Saturday with a predicted high of just 85!

This means all the events that were planned in Des Moines are still going on.

Here’s a WLB roundup of ways to have fun and save money in Des Moines this weekend:

SATURDAY, AUG. 1st:

9am-2pm PET FESTIVAL:
Des Moines’ annual Pet Festival is at the Beach Park from 9am to 2pm, with lots of FREE fun for animal lovers of all kinds. There’s no cost, and there are lots of fun activities for your pets and the people, including:

• Agility and Rally Training Match
• Ice Cream Eating
• Hot Dog Bobbing
• Basic Obedience
• King and Queen
• Best Trick
• Best Costume
• Ugliest Pet
• Owner/Pet Lookalike

10am-2pm – FARMERS MARKET:
Come on down to the Farmers Market from 10-2. You can meet the WaterlandBlog staff–well most of us. Plus it’s Health and Fitness Day at the Market and Charlie Spring Music will be playing.

SHOPPING:
Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. There’s bargains galore all around Des Moines with parking lot and yard sales at Wesley Homes, the Masonic Lodge and Wesley Gardens. Details follow:

9am-3pm – 4th ANNUAL TRASH TO TREASURE SALE at The Des Moines Activity Center (at 2045 S. 216th Street):
The’ll be over 80 booths of rummage sale, crafts, furniture and more to benefit the city’s senior programs and services. Food sales hosted by Jobs Daughters. At post time the inside booths were sold out, but there’s still a few booths outside.

9am-3pm MASONIC LODGE PARKING LOT SALE:
The Masonic Lodge is having their annual parking lot sale from 9-3. The lodge is at 2208 S. 223rd St, next to the fire station.

WESLEY GARDENS YARD SALE:
Wesley Gardens is hosting a yard sale at 815 S. 216th St.

There will be FREE shuttle service from the Des Moines Farmers Market at the Marina to all the big sales. The bus will run every 15 minutes, just look for the A-board signs with the balloons to catch the bus.

Public parking is also available at Steven J. Underwood Memorial Park just behind the Des Moines Post Office on 216th Street and 20th Avenue South.

SUNDAY, AUG. 2nd:

7th ANNUAL CAR SHOW:
And finally there’s the 7th Annual Des Moines Car Show, which has moved to the Normandy Park Town Center, just a few minutes north of Des Moines at 19803 1st Ave South.

Debra and Rod Perkins, event organizers had to move it out of Des Moines this year, but it will still be the same great show!

With the summer months comes heat, late sunsets and of course…an awakened Mother Nature, including predators like coyotes.

WLB Reader Cindy sent us the following email:

Could some type of notification be sent to Des Moines residents that there are coyotes in the area?

I’ve seen them (and heard pups) in the greenbelt between 15 Ave S & 13 Ave S. I’ve seen several people looking for their cats & some have posted fliers. I’ve heard cats screaming at night. I’m sure coyotes and raccoons are getting some, if not all, of them.

Marine View Vet told my neighbors that a cat they found had been attacked by coyotes – it had to be euthanized when it was discovered to also have feline aids.

There’s a clearing south of 22633 15th Ave S where children sometimes play, people walk their dogs & they also pick blackberries. The coyotes and pups have been heard howling just on the edge of the clearing (on the edge of the greenbelt), just feet and maybe inches from where these people have been observed.

I’m afraid someone is going to get hurt if something isn’t done. Please advise.

Thank you,
Cindy

The last known coyote scare in the area that we know of was last August, when fliers were posted in the North Hill neighborhood about missing pets and sightings of these creatures (read the post here on our sister site The B-Town Blog).

Here’s a video from last September of a coyote spotted in Seattle:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apuKlq-v2iE[/youtube]

And here’s one of a trucker in British Columbia feeding a coyote his leftover sandwich:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09eb88XgZDk[/youtube]

Have you seen a coyote? Think they’re a danger to Des Moines? Please take our poll or Comment below…

Okay, so we got some bad info yesterday when we were told that the Boulder Acoustic Society was going to perform Wednesday night as planned – only partially true, and here’s photographic evidence that shows Kailin Yong (“The Fiddler for Peace”) at Des Moines Beach Park:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

According to our Photographer Michael Brunk:

The concert was originally scheduled to be Boulder Acoustic Society but due to a death, their lead singer had to bow out.

Instead we got part of BAS with some additional backing.

Kailin Yong (who is apparently a member of BAS) stepped up and fronted for the group, performing some of his solo material instead.

More world music than the modern bluegrass of BAS.

The next Wednesday night free concert will be Aug. 5th, when The Paperboys (“Eclectic Folk Rock”) perform.

We know, we know…it’s just too hot to do anything other than waste time at work (with the A/C on full blast hopefully) checking out this here blog (shhh…we won’t tell…promise).

But once you’re off work and back in the real, albeit hot world, and you’re looking for a great way to beat today’s record-breaking heat, get on down to the water at Des Moines Beach Park (located at 22030 Cliff Ave South) where the Puget Sound air will cool you off while you enjoy the Celtic Rock sounds of Colorado’s Boulder Acoustic Society.

The second performance in the Beach Park Jazz & Blues Series begins at 7pm tonight. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the free performance!

Note: If you visit the Boulder Acoustic Society site, it mentions their Northwest Tour has been cancelled, including this evening’s concert. TONIGHT’S SHOW WILL GO ON! Please come on down to Des Moines Beach Park for a great performance on the steps of the Founders Lodge.

Here’s a taste of the Boulder Acoustic Society:

For the complete series lineup, see our listing here, or visit the Des Moines Arts Commission at www.desmoineswa.gov/artscommission.

by Dr. Leslie Kasper, DVM
Companion Animal Medical Center

Boy it’s hot out! Ninety-plus degree weather and no real rainfall in months; Des Moines residents haven’t seen weather like this for some time! But I guess now they understand the real meaning of “The Dog Days of Summer.”

I mean really, you think you got it bad?! Don’t forget about us – imagine wearing a fur coat and not being able to sweat other than through the pads of your feet (unless they are hairy too) and by panting! Yuck, Dry Mouth! So just as a kindly reminder from some of your fuzzy four-legged friends, here are some tips to help make keep us cool and comfortable too!

Cars + Pets = Death!
Think I’m being dramatic? Hundreds of pets die every year from being left in cars during summer heat. Yes, I know it’s just a quick errand and you left the windows cracked or even down, but in 80+ degree heat outside, the inside of a car can easily reach over 100 degrees in about five minutes. Best course of action is to just leave me at home! Really, you will only be gone a few minutes…

Shade or Shelter
If some of your four-legged friends spend a majority of their time outside during the day, make sure they have an adequate amount of shade to protect themselves. Doghouses can be helpful, but like your house or car, if it’s in the sun all day they can hold heat and provide little comfort. If the roof is detachable try lifting it up slightly or setting it off kilter to allow for airflow and heat escape. Having a second shelter or shaded area allows for options as the day and temperatures progress. If your pet has a light skin colored nose or ears (areas with little to no hair) a bit of sunscreen may be warranted as well.

Fresh water at all times!
Inside or out, all pets need access to fresh clean water. If possible when outside keep it in the shade, then it is bearable to drink and doesn’t evaporate quite as fast. Multiple bowls may be needed as we will go through more water than usual. But even inside, with all the fans and a/c going, the air becomes dry, and a good drink would feel great on that panting tongue. And ice cubes make fun toys!

Oh, and on the subject of mouths…
Don’t be surprised if the appetite falls off a bit! Sometimes it just doesn’t sound appealing to eat in this heat. Oh, and of course, sometimes heat can cause imbalances in the intestines, so soft stools can occur also!

Emergency Situations
Okay, we all know you are great pet-parents, but sometimes it’s just too hot! If you notice any of these symptoms, please call my veterinarian right away for evaluation or advice:

• Difficulty breathing, especially in cats or dogs with short noses (like pugs, pekes, bull dogs, and others)
• Pale gums, nose, eyes, or inner ears which are normally pink.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of food/water intake
• Shaking, seizures, or unresponsiveness when stimulated.

Okay, now go out and be safe!

Sincerely,
Rover and Tiger

(Courtesy of WLB Advertiser Companion Animal Medical Center, 206-878-0405)

7/29/09 2pm UPDATE: We just received word that tonight’s Farmers Market has been canceled due to the heat. So don’t go there…instead, go to Beach Park and see some FREE music!

by Janet Grella

Join your friends and neighbors Wednesday afternoon/evening (July 29th, continuing through Aug. 19th) at the Des Moines Farmers Market from 3pm – 7pm at the South Marina Park.

You never know who you’ll meet…

Like last Saturday when fellow blogger Michael Brunk and I manned the Waterland Blog booth. I met ‘the new guy’ at DMFM, who’s originally from Glasgow, Scotland and now lives in Kirkland.

His name is Gordon Craig and his business is dips…very very good dips. His business is Serindipity Artisan Dip Mixes and he sells his dips at ten local farmers markets throughout the region. Well, not really dips, but the ingredients that make dips by adding to sour cream or mayo. My fave was the Dill with a Touch of Horseradish. It’s going to be yummy with fish.

Gordon and his daughter Nicole both lost their jobs at the same time last year. He was a graphic designer and she was an accountant. After sampling some very ordinary dip ingredients, they decided to go into business manufacturing great dips.

They started Serindipity in mid-February of this year.

“Our ‘test kitchen’ was a local pub in Kirkland,” explained Gordon. “They enjoyed sampling our product and their comments helped us fine-tune our product.”

They now rent a kitchen in Kirkland that’s rated a 10 out of 10 by the King County Health Department.

As with many small businesses, Gordon wears several hats. He designed the dispensing bottles—you don’t have to worry about any double dipping at this market stand. He also designed the product packaging, the logo and their website which will launch in a few weeks. All that, and he’s a great salesman for the product.

In addition to selling at farmers markets, Serindipity has a wholesale business and also provides product for fundraisers called “Dollars from Dips.”

If you want some killer dip mix, or are interested in wholesale or fundraising opportunities, stop by Serindipity’s booth this coming Saturday at DMFM.

The City of Des Moines Monday opened a free “Cooling Center” for all residents at the Activity (Senior) Center, located at 2045 South 216th Street, through Thursday from 11am to 9pm.

The shelter accommodations are minimal (but we believe there’s air conditioning). Water will be provided at the shelters but no food will be available. Small pets in carriers will be allowed but the owner is responsible to provide food, water and bowls for the animals.

There are other numerous places around with air conditioning that you can take advantage of; here’s a list (more listed at the King County website):

DES MOINES:

• City Cooling Shelter at the Activity Center (Senior Center)
  2045 S. 216th Street, Des Moines
  Open for Des Moines and Normandy Park residents, Monday-Thursday this week from 11:00am to 9:00pm. The shelter accommodations are minimal, water will be provided at the shelters but no food will be available. Small pets in carriers will be allowed but the owner is responsible to provide food, water and bowls for the animals. Pets will be required to remain in their carriers will inside the shelter. An information phone number with recorded information has been set up at (206) 870-6719.
• King County Library – Des Moines branch
  21620 11th Avenue South
  Des Moines 98198
  Phone: 206-824-6066
• King County Library – Woodmont branch
  26809 Pacific Highway South
  Des Moines 98198
  Phone: 253-839-0121
• Beaches! Puget Sound!
  Nothing beats the heat better than being in the cold natural waters around us. Just use common sense, and be aware that the waters are still cold enough to cause hypothermia. We recommend just wading or dipping ones toes in whilst eating an ice cream cone.
• Mt. Rainier Pool
  22722 19th Ave South
  Des Moines 98198
  Phone: (206) 824-4722
  Fees are $3.25 per hour (seniors) and up

BURIEN:

• King County Library branch on SW 152nd and 4th SW (as well as any KCLS branch in the area)
• Any bar/restaurant/coffee shop that doesn’t have its windows open (your first clue to A/C use)
• Stores – stay cool by going from store to store around town!
• The myriad of beaches around town, especially Seahurst Park Beach

TUKWILA:

• Tukwila Community Center
  12424 42nd Avenue South
  6:15am. – 9pm (Monday – Thursday)
  Phone: 206-768-2822
• Tukwila Aquatic Playground
  12424 42nd Ave South
  Tukwila, WA 98168
  Website: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/recreation/recbrochure.html
• Southcenter, where “it’s always a beautiful day” (and a cool one this week)
• Tukwila Pond (go ahead and jump in, it’s not just a swamp…)

SEATAC:

• SeaTac Community Center
  13735 24th Avenue South
  SeaTac, Washington 98168
  Phone: 206.973.4680
• Angle Lake
  Pacific Hwy South at S. 195yh
  Free swimming in a real lake!

FEDERAL WAY:

• Federal Way Community Center
  876 S. 333rd Street
  5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (weekdays)
  7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Saturday)
  10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Sunday)
  Phone: 253-832-6900
• Wild Waves Water Park (cost involved)
  36201 Enchanted Pkwy
  Federal Way
  Phone: (253) 925-8000

AUBURN:

• Auburn Senior Center
  808 9th Street SE
  8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday
  Crated/caged pets welcome.Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.
  Phone: 253-931-3016

• Auburn Library
  1102 Auburn Way S
  10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
  Phone: 253-931-3018

• Auburn City Hall
  25 W Main
  8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday
  Crated/caged pets welcome. Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.
  Phone: (253) 931-3033

For all you weather nerds out there, here’s a link to a new UW website called “probcast.com” that will do customized forecasts based on zip codes; we did one for 98198, and the predicted high for Wed. is now 103!

An Excessive Heat Warning will remain in effect until 6pm Thursday, July 30th; this means that a period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected which can lead to heat related illnesses. Anyone can be overcome by extreme heat, but some people are at higher risk than others. They include the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases

Signs and symptoms of heat related illness may vary but can include:

• heavy sweating
• paleness
• muscle cramps
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• fainting

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is urging people to take precautions and monitor themselves and others for signs and symptoms of heat related illness and call for medical aid as necessary.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned buildings such as public libraries and community centers, malls and movie theaters. Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down.

More hot weather safety tips are available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IElC2QkOrsk[/youtube]
Watch this video to see how easily she flips a 600-pound tire!

by Scott Schaefer

On Saturday, July 18th, nestled in the parking lot near South Marina Park, there were numerous and rather ginormous 600+ pound tractor tires, kegs filled with sand, weights, and assorted “big guys,” many with shaved heads, tattoos and muscles; all were competing in “Washington’s Strongest Apple.”

There were also two women, including the winner of the female “Strongest Apple” competition, Audra Boltin of Gig Harbor.

They were all there for the strength competition, which pitted “strong apples” (men and women) against each other for a chance for the top three in each category to qualify for nationals.

We caught up with Audra at her home in Gig Harbor, and here’s our interview with her:

When did you decide to become a “Strong Woman”?
Honestly, I think I have always been one! I’ve always been strong and sports have always an extreme interest of mine. But as for the actual “Strongman” shows…that decision came about 6 months ago.

What is a “Strong Woman” anyways? Is there a definition?
Strongwoman refers to either a woman performing feats of strength in a show or circus (in the old days), or a woman who competes in strength athletics. Traditionally, strongwomen have had a special appeal, as women involved in demonstrated feats of strength were exceptions. I think we are exceptions still, if you compare us to the men, there aren’t many of us. I totally believe that this strength comes from within as well, you have to have a strong mind to do this. Focus.

Tell us about your experience in “Washington’s Strongest Apple” competition – what did you have to do to win?
Washington’s Strongest Apple was an amazing experience. The competitors that were there were all pretty amazing people, and their sportsmanship and commraudery was something that I have never seen in a sport like this. They wanted you to win, to achieve, to do better, to not give up, and they pushed you, stood in the ring with you while you were doing your thing and pushed you on! It was a stunning sight and feeling.

The crowd too…wow. I had tons of people that came out for me alone, but complete strangers were hollering for me. The support I have felt in the last week is astounding and I am very grateful.

Okay, these events we competed in were…grueling! And I think Grant (Higa, who ran the event) made some of these harder to help train us for Nationals, both male and female.

I did the following events:

• 600 pound tire for 66’6”.5 feet in 60 seconds
• 314 (157 pounds per hand) Farmers Carry for 200 feet with one turn under the clock (60 sec)
• 121 pound Clean and Press, 10 reps in 60 seconds
• Keg load to a 50” platform, weights staggered lowest to highest…150 pounds, 180, 200, 220

How many other women were in it?
In this one there was only one other woman. Unfortunately there was only this one other this year. I am really hoping that as this sport gains more coverage we will be seeing more. We were going to have a great athlete who has won at Nationals and gone to Worlds, but unfortunately she injured her knee pretty badly and had to step out. At Nationals I believe there is going to be 15+ women, including the woman that I competed with here in Washington.

Was this your first strongwoman competition?
Yes!! This was my very first Strongman/Woman show. It rocked!

How did you train? How often and what’d you do?
Well, before I had decided that I was going to do this I was already lifting with my husband, Stefan. He is my lifting partner and we’ve been lifting together now for… Oh man, over 5 years I’m going to say. We have a pretty insane lifting routine, one that maximizes strength and muscle growth. I do cardio. (BLAH) And every Saturday and sometimes in-between, (depending on life) I go to the “Warehouse” and train with Grant Higa (the only Pro Strongman in Washington) and the Higa Monsters. I am very proud to be a part of that group, which they opened to me with open arms and again for that I am very grateful.

On the Saturday mornings that I go there I get up at 5am and make it to the “Warehouse” by 7am where we….well, I don’ think Grant or the rest of the Higa Monsters would like me giving away our secrets! But needless to say that we SWEAT A LOT.

What are your goals as a strongwoman?
Wow, well, honestly, I want to go to the Aronld Sports Festival as a competitor. Strongman has now made it to the Arnold and for me…that is one of those things that is on my “Bucket List.” I want to be at the Arnold, competing, meet one of my life long idols and be one of the first women to make it to the Arnold as a StrongWoman. Also, after Nationals, I am hoping that we are going to have Worlds this year. I want to go, meet some of the strongest women in the world, compete with them, have some fun!

If there are no Worlds this year I will be training for a Bodybuilding show here I think. Maybe the Ironman.

Have you ever hurt yourself in training or competition?
Ugggg…I think it was 2 years ago. I was getting ready for a bodybuilding show and something happened in my shoulder. I don’t know if it was from lifting or work, but whatever it was tore a muscle I’m pretty sure. I couldn’t curl, bench, pull up…it was aweful and pretty dang devastating to me. I had to litereally take a year and a half off of lifting for it to heal. I did manage to maintain my weight through that time, but that was not fun I’ll tell ya.

How much can you lift anyways? (or bench press, etc.)
Ok, well…Don’t freak out ok! My max right now on bench is 245 pounds. I can bench 225 for reps.

• I can barbell row 185 pounds.
• I’m not sure at all what my max on squating is? But the last time I did max it was 315 pounds.
• My standing Military Press is over 135 pounds.
• And curling a with a bar I can make 130 pounds.

And I am not just throwing numbers out there! Many, many people have watched me do these lifts. I mean, I lift at the Y in Gig Harbor…you can image some of the looks I get!

Do you like being able to kick a man’s @$$?
This is totally a loaded question! LOL I will say that when I was 15 I was attacked by a man with rape in mind. If I hadn’t been as strong as I am, a fighter, he would have won. So, in that sense, Yes I like being able to kick a man’s @$$. On the other other hand, A LOT of people are VERY intimidated by me before they even speak to me. Judging a book by its cover is not flattering or attractive. I am a very nice person and most people think that because I have muscles, or because I am “Buff” by their standards I am this gruff, meany. SO not true!

Any advice for young women thinking of getting into this sport?
Bring it girls!! Achieve, strive, DO. Go after after your dreams, no matter what they are or how big. And more over, BELIEVE in yourself. I am more than willing to help anyone, or talk to them about this…Do not be afraid to live your life, its way to short to sit on the sidelines and watch.

You’re looking for a sponsor, right? What would a sponsor get from you?
Someone who absolutely does not give up. A competitor, someone with ultimate sportsmanship, character, and a face people can look at and associate great things with. And I’ll volunteer my time, speak publicly, make appearances when asked. I will represent any sponsors to the fullest of my abilities.

Audra also adds:

I would also like to take a moment and say that there are people out there right now. Some who I had never met before my show, some who were just aqaintances or people that I would give the “head nod” to. Some are friends that I have had for a long time. And not to mention my Husband and children, who are supporting me. Trying everything that they can do to help me raise money for my Nationals trip.

Without these people, this experience would not be able to happen.

Thank you all. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. I am truely blessed and thankful and deeply touched by your love.

I’ll be thanking you by name after Nationals. But please know, this couldn’t happen without you all.

Thank you!”

by Janet Grella

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m studying Italian and that I love all things Italian. So when I heard that native Italian artist Maria Grazia Repetto had moved to the area, I just had to meet her and hopefully talk a little Italiano with her.

My husband Michael joined us for dinner at Osteria da Primo, where Carlo and Lindsay made a fellow Italiana feel welcomed. Fortunately Michael was with us, as he served as translator part of the evening (my Italiano has barely made it past Buona Serra, Bongiorno Buona Notte and Ciao!).

Having just returned from two years of painting frescoes for homeowners and businesses in Arizona, Maria settled with a friend in Normandy Park. She joined us for dinner on a recent Tuesday night.

Her journey to our area began 12 years ago when she visited her college-aged son in Seattle. She loved the lushness, beauty and summer weather here.

“I could live here,” she thought.

So she went back to Milano, collected her 12-year old son, procured a visa and moved to Seattle. She spoke no English, and relied on connections with Italian speakers and her young sons to help her open a shop, begin a business and began working her art. Maria Grazia’s training is in the fine work of murals, frescoes, reliefs, stuccoes, oils on canvas, acrylics, watercolors, sketches and portraits. She quickly found herself accepting commissions in Seattle, and soon Boca Raton, and finally Arizona.

One of her fondest memories of a commissioned fresco was with Hedges Winery in Richland.

“I painted a beautiful view of the red mountains with vineyards and orchards and gold colored soft rounded hills of the desert,” she said. “It was painted in a private apartment above the chateau and can be seen by invitation only.”

She spent four months alone in the chateau, “creating, creating and creating.”

“It is sometimes very lonely when you paint frescoes,” Maria Grazia told BTB over prosciutto e melone and carcioffi fritti at Primo.

Another totally modern fresco (which she prefers over rennaisance style) was “The Tower” which includes partial view of Qwest Field in the background (see photo at left).

Here’s a video showing her in action, along with the progression of her work on “The Tower“:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpMZEKyrZps[/youtube]

“It looks completely weird, and I love it.”

She added that she was taught the art of fresco with a ‘modern’ take.

Maria Garcia proudly told us that every woman in her family is an artist, including her mother and sister who live in Italy, a sister in Brazil and another sister in France, plus two nieces. I guess you could call them the “Painting Repetto Women.”

Maria Grazia began the study of frescoes when she was 15.

“At the time I was studying, women were only expected to become secretaries, maids, shopworkers or wives and mothers” (can we infer, like many women of a certain age, Maria Grazia became a feminist?).

After our double espresso and sorbet de limone we did a passegiatta (walk about) of Burien and B/ IAS. Maria Grazia found our notorius ‘naked woman‘ sculpture “very beautiful and it looks like a real woman.” On the other hand, like many Burien-ites she is still trying to figure out ‘The Passage’ and the torn up grounds around it.

Her young sons are now grown into young men, aged 35 and 25 respectfully. Her oldest is with the FAA and his wife is a pilot for Horizon Airlines. Her youngest just graduated from the UW in Physics.

What’s next for our new resident italiana artist? She is shopping for a studio in the area.

“The medium I prefer is olio (oils). But I can’t do olio at home due to the smell.”

She’s currently working in acrylics in her Normandy Park home.

Here are some more videos that showcase her work:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl0MOR_USac[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_xC7ie_W4[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_bvsTb0X84[/youtube]

To find out more about Maria Grazia Repetto and see her masterpieces click here.

Click to View Carmen Scott’s Photo Slideshow

by Pat Nardo

It’s true – without a doubt and intolerably accurate, is the age old adage of Murphy!

Now it has to be pondered, did Murphy ever really exist and was he endowed with a wisdom that, to this day, can be seen in any event planned by man? Murphy’s Law is pretty simple and straightforward:

“If something can go wrong, it will.”

Murphy be damned; full parade ahead!

Our 50th Birthday Parade, commemorating that many years since Des Moines became a city, was not exempt from the Law of Murphy, it seems. We got off to a late start and, as luck would have it, some of the units scheduled to appear in the parade, did not. Our good friend and script writer, Earline Byers, was able to overcome another obstacle of units appearing out of the anticipated order that she had listed. Even with this handicap, Earline bravely and accurately fed our announcer the best information she had as each element came marching or riding past the reviewing stand. Quick action on the part of Steve Geogebeur, our announcer, allowed his reporting to go on as if there was not a hitch. His smooth delivery made the parade even more attractive to the crowd down Marine View Drive.

In a normal parade sequence, each unit is expected to halt before the reviewing stand, perform for some 45 seconds and move on to make room for the successor. This happened, only due to experience of seasoned paradees, about four times. Judging, while the parade took on an accelerated pace, was impeded and not much time could be allocated to evaluate all of the criteria for each unit. Still the judges worked feverishly and swiftly to apply scores as fairly as time permitted. At parade ending there was a short period dedicated to a “huddle” and some adjustments to awards and scores. It was not an easy task because there were so many worthy entries and we only had 24 trophies to present to winners.

Now, to the parade itself; a success in any way you could look at it! Anna and BJ Bjorneby, along with Fran Woodard, caused this whole 50th Birthday celebration to be a spectacular event that will live on in memory of the many residents who witnessed it for many years. They and a handful of volunteers caused an eruption of civic pride and, sadly, there is no trophy or award for them other than our thanks for a job well done.

Murphy’s ugly head, much like the mythical dragon of old was met by Anna and BJ Bjorneby with swords drawn and hearts and wallets open. Our city did not have sufficient funds to run a parade, though t hey wanted to. Give our city credit though, they provided us with the best security and traffic control available anywhere. Thank you, Chief Roger Baker! So it was to be that a group of volunteers and dollars made it happen. We gave of time, money and other resources to honor a birthday worthy of our homage.

To avoid the unhappiness that comes with being “second place’, “runner up”, etc; we devised an all encompassing phrase without gradients. It was: “PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD” and was engraved, proudly on each of our 24 trophies. Who are the winners? To be truthful, we thought all in the parade should have gotten a trophy but reality played its hand and we did choose the following units for the trophies, well earned:

• Kennedy High School Band
• West Seattle Hi Yu
• Seattle Seafair Pirates
• Best in Show Pet Salon
• Seattle Lutheran High School
• Kent Cornucopia Days
• Evergreen H/S Lutheran
• Sumner H/S Band
• Life Savers at Mt. Rainier
• Super Steppers
• Seafair Clowns
• Peruvian Community
• Judson Park Pirates
• Des Moines Lions Club
• Pete’s Towing Service
• Harold Hancock (Antique Car)
• Des Moines Farmer’s Market
• Keystone Kops
• Melanie’s Dance Unlimited
• Ron Kinney (Antique Car)
• Des Moines Masonic Lodge
• Elbert Hill (Horse drawn wagon without rider)
• Highline School District
• Friend to Friend

The parade ended and we were all tired and happy to see and share the joy of the crowd. On my way out of the reviewing stand, my judging tour of duty over, I looked up and down Marine View Drive and guess what?

I saw no sign of Murphy!

Looks like the much-hyped “Hotpocalypse ’09™!” is finally hitting, with temps forecast to be in the 90s over the next several days, prompting local health officials to issue the following common sense tips:

“Protect yourself and your loved ones from heat exhaustion and heat stroke by following these recommendations:

STAY COOL:

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places (ie: Southcenter, where “it’s always a beautiful day”)
• Go down to the water! Take advantage of this city’s beaches!
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives.

DRINK LIQUIDS:

• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

WHILE OUTSIDE:

• Limit your direct exposure to the sun.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
• Avoid or reduce strenuous activity.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn by using a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Check with your physician if you are concerned about heat and the specific medications you are taking. Certain medications may increase sensitivity to the heat. Do not take salt tablets unless directed to by a physician.

Heat can lead to serious medical problems, particularly for older adults, young children, people with chronic illness, and people with weight or alcohol problems.

“The danger for heat–related illnesses rises when outside temperatures are very high,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Fortunately, all of us can prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke with some simple steps.”

RECOGNIZING HEAT STROKE:

Overheating occurs when people’s bodies are not able to cool themselves quickly enough and can lead to symptoms of heat exhaustion, including muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you notice someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Nausea, confusion and unconsciousness

For more tips and resources on staying cool in hot weather, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat.

Sea-Tac Airport is re-opening a new, larger Cell Phone Waiting Lot at 9am on Monday, July 27th, just north of the old lot on Air Cargo Road

This new lot includes nearly 100 spaces for vehicles, doubling the size of the old one.

The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a free service courtesy The Port of Seattle that allows drivers to wait up to 30 minutes until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.

The Port cautions however:

“Please be aware there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders at any time.”

The previous lot was closed for six weeks in order to facilitate a new air cargo operation in the cargo terminal building next to the lot. The building now houses a number of air cargo airline operations that ship freight of all kinds, including exports of Washington state’s bumper cherry crop. The Port of Seattle estimates lease and cargo related earnings of $40,000 per week from that facility during the closure period, or over $240,000 in total. The new lot was not available to open until Monday.

Driving Directions To the Cell Phone Lot:

• From the Southbound Airport Expressway: Take the Air Cargo Rd./Cell Phone Lot exit, turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.
• From Southbound International Blvd: Turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.

From the Cell Phone Lot to Baggage Claim (Arrivals Drive):
Take a right out of the Cell Phone Lot and make left on Air Cargo Road (sign reads to terminal). Follow signs to Arrivals.

For more information on Sea-Tac Airport’s parking options, visit their website: http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/

Laid off?

Job hunting?

Tired of being “between gigs”?

Then pay attention – Highline Community College is offering a series of free job-hunting workshops, with the next two coming up on the next two Tuesdays:

WHAT: Two “Navigating the Future” job-hunting workshops on cover letters, resumes and interview tips.

WHEN:

Cover Letters and Résumés That Get Results
Tues., July 28th from 9:30am – 11:30am
Stand out in the candidate pool! Your cover letter and résumé provide the first impression you make to a potential employer. Learn tips and techniques to put together a cover letter and résumé that will get positive results.

Tips for a Successful Interview
Tues., Aug. 4th from 9:30am -11am
Get valuable tips about how to prepare for a successful interview and find out what to expect during the interview process. Human Resources staff members will provide an overview of various interview questions that will prepare you in making a lasting impression on your potential employer.

WHERE: Highline Community College’s main campus, Building 99, room 132. Highline’s main campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); address: 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, WA 98198.

COST: Free and open to the public

INFO: www.highline.edu/admin/hr/

RSVP: To register, call (206) 878-3710, ext. 3812, or e-mail hrstaff@highline.edu.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 10,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes. Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and Washington state poet laureate Sam Green (and yes, even the Publisher/Editor of the BTB…).

The National Weather Service issued a “Special Weather Statement” late Thursday afternoon (July 23rd) warning about a heat wave that will begin this weekend and last into next week, with projected highs in the 85-95 degree range.

Here’s the official warning:

… Hot weather beginning this weekend and lasting into next week…

The hottest weather of the year is likely to occur this weekend and early next week. High temperatures will be in the 85 to 95 range. Overnight lows will be in the 60s. All areas of western Washington could be affected.

The first really hot day will be Saturday or Sunday. The hottest days look like Sunday through Tuesday. At this time models predict the hot weather could last into Thursday or beyond.

Unlike many previous hot spells… this one could also affect the coast and other places near the water. Also it is rare to have many hot days in a row in western Washington… but this heat wave could last several days.

Western Washington is having a dry Summer… and no rain is in the forecast for the next week or so. Fire danger will increase during the hot weather. There is also a risk of air stagnation during this period.

The National Weather Service will issue more statements about this event over the coming days.

And according to meteorologist Cliff Mass:

“I took a look at the long-range forecasts and was shocked.

The temperature climbs through the weekend…into the lower 90s on Sunday and mid 90s at least on Monday and Tuesday.

Too far out to be sure now….but be ready for real heat.”

BTW, Cliff also adds that:

“2009 is the driest 20 May-19 Jul period on record using the combined SeaTac/downtown observations”

So…have a great weekend, but stay cool, slathered up, and be sure to check in on elderly neighbors/relatives and drink plenty of water!

by Janet Grella

By now many of our Readers have heard about the death of Tom Pfaeffle, a noted sound engineer who was recently killed in Twisp, when he apparently put his hotel room key into the wrong door then was shot.

But what you may not know is that Tom was born and raised right here in Des Moines. He continued to live in his family home here until he and his family needed more room for the kids and sound studio and moved to Black Diamond where he opened “The Tank Studios.” This was about five years ago.

The Waterland Blog first learned about the shooting death of this music industry sound man extraordinaire when Matt Pina and his wife stopped by our booth at the Des Moines Farmers Market last Saturday. Matt alerted us to the news, and was visibly shaken.

At that point we Googled Pfaeffle’s name, and there was no information yet about his death since it had happened just the night before. Now there’s numerous sites reporting his death and paying homage to him, remembering him as the great sound guy that he was. Pfaeffle, a 30-year veterean, worked as a sound engineer with these bands:

• Nirvana
• The Black Crowes
• Great White
• Heart
• Queensryche
• Scorpions
• UB40
• Aerosmith
• Alice Cooper
• Rodney Crowell
• B.B. King
• and “countless others”
  

But what mainstream media and the internet aren’t saying is that Tom Pfaeffle was born and raised in Des Moines.

His childhood friend Aaron DeAnda remembers him with the Waterland Blog:

Tom and I first met in our neighborhood Delrose Manor in Des Moines near Highline Community College. He was a few years younger than me. We had such good times as kids. His dad is gone now, and his mother, Charlotte, lives in Arizona. Tom was an only child, so he considered all the neighborhood guys his brothers. We played a lot of football in the streets. Tom was in our band, “Session,” in high school. Tom played guitar and was the sound man. He wanted to do sound as long as I can remember. He was very focused. Of all of us he was the only one to make a living in music. He had a good ear for sound…a critical ear.

He was passionate about music and he reached out to everyone. He considered everyone ‘family’. We’d still get together for sushi or at 909 in Burien listening to live music.

Aaron is now a Burien resident and is in a band with fellow MRHS graduate Matt Pina. Their band, “Uncle Ernie’s,” recently performed at Mick Kelly’s and hope to be back there soon. Aaron plays drums while Matt plays bass.

Matt not only played in the band “Rolling Boulders” with him, he provided these exclusive photos of he and Tom in younger years (Tom is in the striped shirt):

Matt and Tom were in the class of ’79 at Mt. Rainier High School. We asked Matt to remember his friend and fellow Des Moines native.

I was very proud of Tom, he had a great ear and knew how to make the music sound great.

Like everyone, we fumbled as we learned our craft, but Tom persevered. He became successful and turned his dream into reality. In fact he’s the only person I know who ever turned their musical dreams into reality (more than a hobby).

One of my most vivid memories of Tom is about 12 years ago. He was engineering a recording for a few of us from Instant Karma that were getting re-aquainted. On a break when everyone had headed outside, Tom picked up an acoustic guitar and began strumming a favorite song of mine, Neil Young’s “The Needle and The Damage Done”. I was captivated and really enjoyed that moment. I can’t say why it was special, but it was. It was just a moment of purity. A short performance by the man who ran the board. He wasn’t really known for his guitar playing, but that moment was genuine and awesome.

Friends from Tom’s life, the music industry and others from Des Moines will celebrate his life at St. Philomena’s Church, located at 1790 South 222nd Street on Wed., July 29th at 11am.

Des Moines Arts Commission is sponsoring the Snohomish Artists Guild’s FREE “Summer Soundwaves” concert series at Des Moines Beach Park (22030 Cliff Ave S.), which begins tonight with Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond tribute band from 7pm to 9pm.

The Wednesday night concert series will continue through Aug. 19th and will feature rock, jazz and blues artists.

Bring a blanket & a picnic dinner and enjoy the FREE show, staged on the steps of the Founders Lodge.

Don’t miss your chance to see great talent in our community free of charge!

For more concert information, call (206) 870-6527 or visit www.desmoineswa.gov/artscommission.

Here’s the schedule of artists:

• July 22: Cherry Cherry – Neil Diamond Tribute Band
• July 29: Boulder Acoustic Society – Modern Bluegrass
• Aug 5: The Paperboys – Eclectic Folk Rock
• Aug 12: Handful of Luvin’ – New Celtic/Rock
• Aug 19: The Kim Archer Band – Soul & Groove

Join your friends and neighbors this evening (Wed., July 22nd and continuing through Aug. 19th) at the Des Moines Wednesday Farmers Market from 3pm – 7pm at the South Marina Park.

You never know who you’ll meet…

Like maybe the gals and guy from “Team Breast Friends Need Lifesavers” – although they won’t be back until Aug. 22nd, but in the meantime, they wanted WLB readers to know about them and their important mission.

Last Saturday at DMFM, “Team Breast Friends” had a hot pink booth right next to our Waterland Blog booth. They had games and prizes and things for sale (I bought two pink duckies for my granddaughter’s bathtime) to help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Three Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Most of the items were courtesy of Des Moines Drug and Hallmark.

“They’ve been very generous to us,” stated Linda Stanley, who’s been a pharmacy tech there for the last 10 years.

“Ask me why I walk,” said Linda. Before I could ask, she told me that she has lost six friends to breast cancer since last September. “And that’s why I walk.” Last year her team of seven raised $26,000. This year her personal goal is to raise $6,000.

Other participants in this walk and the booth include Becky Pachek, who is part of the crew that provides water and encouragement along the walk and Milt Lathan. Last year he was part of the crew and in ’07 he walked. He found walking easier than crewing. So this year he’s walking!

“Team Breast Friends” will be walking from Shoreline Community College to Memorial Stadium on Sept 11-13. Last year the walk raised $8.6 million.

If you’d like to help Linda reach her goal, you can stop by Des Moines Drug Store, or stop by the market on Saturday, Aug. 22, and spin her wheel for prizes.

The Des Moines Activity Center will be hosting the 4th Annual Trash to Treasure Sale on Saturday, Aug. 1st, from 9am to 3pm at its location at 2045 S. 216th Street.

This annual sale includes over 80 booths of rummage sale, crafts, furniture and more to benefit the city’s senior programs and services. Food sales hosted by Jobs Daughters.

There will be FREE shuttle service from the Des Moines Farmers Market at the Marina to their big sale as well as parking lot sales at Wesley Gardens and the Masonic Lodge on 223rd.

Public parking is also available at Steven J. Underwood Memorial Park just behind the Des Moines Post Office on 216th Street and 20th Avenue South.

For more information, please call 206-878-1642.

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Slideshow

This Saturday (July 25th), beginning at Noon, Jerry Miller, one of the greatest guitarists of all time (considered #68 by Rolling Stone Magazine), will return to The Reuben for another free concert.

The show starts around Noon and goes until around 2pm, and he’s sure to show everyone why he’s #68, as well as entertain with stories about Joplin, Hendrix, Santana, The Grateful Dead and other legends from the 60s.

There is no cover charge, and The Reuben is located at 21904 Marine View Drive South; (206) 824-6672‎.

Jerry was the lead guitarist for “Moby Grape,” a famous 1960s rock band, was friends with another guitarist named Jimi Hendrix (considered by Rolling Stone as the #1 greatest guitarist of all time) and is a gracious and giving musician.

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer

We were lucky enough to be accepted into Saturday’s 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade in Des Moines, where we rode on the back of a flatbed tow truck courtesy Airport Towing, and subsequently wore our collective arms (and voices) out waving (and yelling) to what must have been thousands of people.

If you’ve never been in an actual parade, below is a “live blog” you may find interesting (or not) that details what the day was like:

3:44pm: Drove the Waterland Blogmobile (a green Mini Cooper) to the wrong “staging area” – the north lot of Highline Community College, which was virtually empty. Felt like I was in a scene from “The Omega Man,” but couldn’t see Charlton Heston or any zombies anywhere.

3:50pm: Found correct staging area. Parked. Tried to check in, but discovered that the correct paperwork was with the guy from Airport Towing. Started taking photos of everyone getting their floats ready.

3:54pm: It’s really hot on the parking lot asphalt, at least 85 degrees. Santa walks by in full costume (sans hat), holding a cooler. This is starting to get weird.

3:59pm: Realized there was only one Porta-Potty at the location. Now I know what that really long line is for.

4:08pm: Get in line for Porta-Potty. Wait. Squirm. Give up.

4:14pm: Get back in line for Porta-Potty. Wait. Squirm. Squirm again. Cross legs. Give up. Start walking briskly.

4:17pm: After taking a quick “hike” through some bushes, I suddenly feel better.

4:35pm: Changed from long black jeans into shorts in the front seat of the Mini. Note to self: next time get a bigger car.

5:01pm: Airport Towing finally showed up. Moved car and met our Driver, Steve.

5:12pm: Watched as Steve lowered an antique tow truck off the flatbed carefully.

5:14pm: Watched as Steve hooked the Mini up and put it up onto the flatbed.

5:21pm: Two of my co-horts show up (Gina Bourdage & Janet Grella, along with Gina’s Dad) and we get busy decorating our “flatbed float” with cheap fringe stuff from Party City.

5:43pm: Rest of the crew wanders in (Mark and Bart) after having trouble driving to the staging area because of closed-off streets.

5:51pm: With everyone now aboard and the flatbed “decorated,” Steve drove us out of the parking lot and down near the start of the parade at Marine View Drive and S. 242nd. Glad I’m sitting inside the Mini as it’s a bumby road and Gina, Janet and Bart are holding on for dear life in the back.

6:01pm: Moved up to another waiting area at S. 240th & Marine View Drive. Lots of other participants waiting here, including Seafair Clowns and Hi-Yu Princesses. A clean “referee” starts using his material on us.

6:15pm: The parade has apparently started but we’re not moving yet. Two Des Moines cops come up and compliment The Waterland Blog by saying “good job.” I ask for a “Get Out Of Jail Free” card and get no response. Some clowns dressed as cops walk by. Now I’m confused.

6:20pm: We’re actually moving forward now!

6:21pm: Okay, now we’re stopped after moving just 20 feet.

6:33pm: Moving again, slowly now, and I ask a woman holding a bottle of beer if she has any extra. She pauses, then quickly opens a cooler, grabs something in plastic, runs up and hands it me. “Jello shot!” she yells. I take it and everyone laughs.

6:40pm: Arrive at the intersection of Marine View Drive and 8th Ave South, and suddenly there’s a LOT of people. Mark Neuman, riding shotgun, starts yelling silly things are people, like “the parade’s been cancelled…everyone go home now!” We’re all waving, almost full-time now. My arms already hurt.

7:04pm: The parade is over already? We snake up a hill with an even bumpier road, and I’m glad I’m still in the Mini. The gang in back yelps on every bump.

7:18pm: We’re back at the staging area, where we tear down our “float” and say goodbye to our driver, Steve, who did a great job, since everyone is still alive.

7:43pm: Mark, Bart and myself head on over to Butler Bar & Grill, since we know the Seafair Pirates will be “raiding” it around 8pm. The place is jammed and people are streaming in.

7:59pm: No Pirates yet, but whoever thought they’d be early to a “raid”? We scored seats at a table right near the front entrance!

8:07pm: Someone nearby is looking outside at something. I take a peek, and YES, the Pirates are here. Now the fun can begin.

8:10pm: The Pirates finally storm into Butlers, singing a silly and oftentimes inappropriate pirate shanty, like they always do. It’s weird because they’re all around us, so it’s basically a live surround-sound silly shanty. Usually I pay $13 to hear this at a movie theater but tonight it’s free!

8:11pm: The Pirates get their first round of drinks on the house, courtesy Proprietor Mike Colello.

8:14pm: Wow, a second round of drinks is served to these guys, and now they’re passing out personal trading cards! Maybe I should become a Pirate?

8:22pm: I get a trading card from a Pirate I know nicknamed “Diamond Jim.” Nothing about pillaging or plundering – we talk about our kids, who go to the same school. It’s weird talking parenting to a guy in full pirate regalia.

8:33pm: The Pirates are now flirting with every woman inside Butlers, putting stickers in the most logical spot – strategically placed on their shirts of course. Suddenly there are no Pirates to talk with, so I start talking to my trading cards. Nobody notices.

9pm: The Seafair Pirates are given another round of drinks on the house, then sing their final song, in surround-sound again (another $13 saved), then exit.

9:08pm: With no Pirates left, I’m outta here…

“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

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Here’s a slideshow of Photos taken by Waterland Blog Contributor Carmen Scott of Saturday’s big 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade:

Click to View Carmen Scott’s Photo Slideshow

And here’s a photo by Gene Achziger of our “float” entry, which was basically our Mini Cooper Blogmobile on the back of a flatbed tow truck courtesy Airport Towing (that’s Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer giving his best “parade wave”):

Be sure to check The Waterland Blog Monday (July 20th) for our first-hand account of what it was like actually being in the parade!

In the meantime, feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or get the blog via email.

Saturday, July 18th was a picture-perfect day for the myriad of amazing activities celebrating Des Moines’ 50th Birthday, and here are some picture-perfect pictures from Photographer Michael Brunk that captures:

• The strongman/woman competition
• Professor Humbug’s Flea Circus
• Rotary Club’s “Pop & Drop” fundraising contest
• “Elvis” at the Classic Car Show
• Tall ships at the Marina

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow