We just got off the phone with All-Star Sports Bar Operations Manager Joe Potts, who announced that they held a “soft opening” on Wednesday night (Mar. 3), and are now officially “open for business.”

How does one successfully launch a “soft opening” you ask? Simple – turn on the “Open” sign. Maybe call or text some friends. And wait. Joe reports that they had a steady stream of 20-30 customers all day, topping out around 80 before they ran out of “training liquor.”

And all that was without any real publicity. A good sign for a new business in our opinion. And seeing how this is the second new restaurant to open in Des Moines, we say things are definitely starting to look up around here.

All-Star’s hours are 11am – 2am seven days a week, and despite not yet having a full menu, they’ll be serving pizzas this weekend.

The “soft opening” continues today, and the bar is definitely open, so this might be a good time to help “train” their staff by dropping in, bellying up and ordering something; just don’t forget to tip your local server.

Expect a big “grand opening” on Thursday, March 18th, when ESPN Radio announcers Brock and Salk will make an appearance for a March Madness basketball promotion. Be sure to check The Waterland Blog often, as we’ll be posting more news as we receive it.

Joe says they’ll start serving their full menu sometime towards the middle of next week – but here’s an exclusive sneak peek at it so you can start planning your order:

To download a PDF of All-Star’s menu, click here.

The Des Moines Yacht Club will be holding its Marine Swap Meet on Saturday, March 27th from 9am to 3pm, and there are still openings for folks who want to sell boating accessories.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines Yacht Club Marine Swap Meet

WHEN: Saturday, March 27th from 9am to 3pm

WHERE: Des Moines Yacht Club, located at 22737 Marine View Drive South • Des Moines, WA 98198 • (206) 878-7220

INFO: From a flier:

“Rent Indoor or Outdoor Space and offer your spare parts and boating accessories for sale. Have fun turning your useful but no longer needed boating stuff into cash.

Indoor space availability is limited – reserve your space early!

$35.00 for an indoor space and $15 for an outdoor spot.

Registration Deadline is Saturday, March 20, 2010. No refunds after March 20.

For more information on how to register, click here.

We will need lots of help from members. Please volunteer to help us!”

The second annual “Cove To Clover” fundraiser 5K race will be Sunday, March 14th, winding its way from the Normandy Park Community Club up the dreaded “snake hill” to the finish line in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

We’re proud to be a Sponsor of this great event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Highline Food Bank. Last year over $12,000 was raised, and this year’s goal is $20,000!

If you’re interested in registering, please click here.

If you thought last year’s race was fun and challenging, just wait until you get a whiff of some o’the new elements for 2010. It’s as if the dial on the family-friendly funometer has been cranked up to 11 – check out some of the new features:

• The race begins at 1pm on Sunday, March 14th at Normandy Park Community Club. The course winds up “snake hill” all the way to the Gregory Heights neighborhood, past St. Francis of Assisi, crosses 152nd street with the finish line in Burien Town Square, where there will be a traditional Irish Festival.
• This challenging course takes its toll on even the most seasoned runners! Two water stops are provided, and racers will be rewarded with music from an Irish Piper when the reach the top of the ominous “snake” hill.
• Again there is a 1-mile Family Race which begins at St. Francis and follows the last of the 5K course.
• NEW: “While You Run” childcare, check your kids in at the Family Race start. Run the first 2 miles of the 5K, check your kids back out to run the Family Race together. Your 5K time will suffer of course.
• NEW: Pub Crawl – Friday March 12th!
• NEW: School Registration Contest! $5 from each registration fee can be donated to the local school of your choice! Just—type in your school’s name at registration–the school with the most registrations will be awarded an additional $1,500! Registrations can track their school’s progress at www.covetoclover.com/schools.
• NEW: School Limerick Contest — A $500 prize will be awarded to the school (or non-profit for non- student entries) who present the winning Limerick! Limerick contest details at www.covetoclover.com/limerick. BTW, we’re working on our own Limerick that starts “There once was a man from B-Town…”
• NEW: Start Line Party – Live Band inside the Normandy Park Cove Building prior to the race so you can warm up dancing to old school rock and roll.
• NEW: Expanded Pre-Race shuttle service from the finish line to the start line.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

5k at 1:00pm:

• $30.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $35 after)

Family Race (1 mile) at 1:30 PM:

• $25.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $30 after)

Here’s a map of the race course:

Some other highlights include:

• On-course Irish Pipes
• Irish Entertainment
• 2 Live Bands
• Bigger Beer Garden
• 1-mile Family Race
• Free Hot Dogs for Kids
• Free Root Beer Garden
• Irish Grub

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:

• 10:15am+: Take the Free Pre-Race Shuttle – loads at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub starting at 10:15 am (WARNING: Start Line Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED!). Please park near Burien Town Square and take the free shuttle from Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Final shuttle departs promptly at 12:40 pm. Shuttle will drop you at the family race start-line (St. Francis Parish) of the 5K start-line (The Cove).
• 1pm: 5K Race (race starts at 1 pm sharp) Start Line @ Normandy Park Swim Club “The Cove”
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm @ The Cove
• LIVE ROCK BAND starts at 10:45 am: “The Throbs” will be cranking out old school rock and roll at the start line until race time. Warm your bones rocking out to covers of Nirvana, AC/DC, Scorpions and other eye-popping ROCK!!! Come early and avoid the last minute shuttle rush.

FAMILY RACE:

• Race starts at 1:40pm sharp
• Start Line @ St. Francis Church
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 1:20 pm @ St. Francis Church
• 1 mile-ish. This can be walked or run and will include people of all generations. Hopefully we’ll have Irish Step Dance lessons prior to the start. – Pick up bib
• NEW: “While You Race” Childcare (11:00 am – 1:35 pm) at St. Francis Church
• If you want to run the 5K but your kids aren’t ready for that level of suffering, consider checking your kids into “While You Race” Childcare at the family race start line. You can then run the first 2 miles of the 5K to the Family Race Start, grab your kids and run then run the Family Race together. Child care provided by St. Francis Parish, extra fee may be involved.
• YOU MUST CHECK OUT YOUR CHILD BEFORE FINISHING THE 5K. It is not intended that runners finish the run and then return to claim their children. Due to the tight schedule, this service is for families with children who plan to run the Family Race.
• If you do the math, you’ll need to be able to run the first 2 miles in 30 minutes to pickup your child in time for the Family Race. Shuttle from the finish line, will stop drop you at St. Francis to check in your kids. Then you can re-board the shuttle to be taken to the 5K start line (the Cove).

FINISH LINE FESTIVAL AT BURIEN TOWN SQUARE:

• Finish Line Irish Festival runs from 2pm – 5pm at Burien Town Square
• “The Haggis Bros” are a lively Irish Band. You can enjoy the show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies). Be entertained by traditional step dancers while you gnash some Irish grub.

Not a runner? Get involved as a race day volunteer: Please contact John Nelson at jonelson@adobe.com.

And there are still some great Sponsorship Opportunities available – please email Ashley Fosberg at fosberg5@comcast.net for a sponsorship packet!

As the official web Sponsor of the Cove To Clover race, we’ll be posting more updates soon (including details on the Pub Crawl March 12th!), so be sure to come back often.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Waterland Blog stopped by All-Star Sports bar last Friday for an update on their countdown to opening. Operations Manager Joe Potts told us they’re “still targeting the Winter Olympics for the grand opening, but it may not be for the opening ceremonies.”

The dark hardwood floors have been laid. The walls are painted a dark blue and deep red. The tables, chairs and barstools have arrived and are stacked all over the place. This week the large screen TV’s will arrive and will be installed.

“Once the bar is finished, we can move the furniture around and take delivery of the pool tables and golf games,” Potts said.

And for those readers asking about employment know that the first team of 14 employees have been hired. Potts is still accepting applications for future employment – you can email your resume to potts2000@hotmail.com or call him at 206-212-6740.

by Marcia Blas

The competition was fierce and an 18-year streak toppled on Saturday, January 16th during the traditional swim meet with O’Dea High School – the ‘local’ Fighting Irish – and, boy, they did fight!

O’Dea won the meet against Mt. Rainier High School, 106 to 83.

Not something Mt. Rainier’s Swim Coach Crowder wanted to emphasize, but it can’t be denied.

For one of Mt. Rainier’s own, though, it was the highlight of the season as Billy Ikeda defeated the meet record by 0.24 seconds in the Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke and won the heat in 1:02.17. He’ll be representing MRHS at division and state levels. His father mentioned that while Billy had a slightly better time at Hazen High School during the last meet, beating the record only counts if the record is beat at your home pool.

And, speaking of home pools, one might not even exist if it weren’t for the hard work and effort of the MRHS girls and boys swim teams, parents, and the community at large this past November. The Mt. Rainier pool was slated to close in 2010 if voters had not rallied to pass Proposition 1.

Many thanks go out to the supporters of our local swimming pools. Because of their commitment, the traditions, like the one which exists between O’Dea and Mt. Rainier high schools, remain intact. Elements in this swim meet do not endure elsewhere.

The audio blares hard rock songs like “Walk this Way” as O’Dea, in their maroon and gold athletic gear, sport mirrored swim goggles and swagger up to the starting blocks. The announcer plays up to the capacity crowd declaring the start of the 100 Yard Backstroke featuring Jacob ‘J. Stash’ Stashower (O’Dea), Jason ‘Big J’ Lemly (MRHS), Lee ‘Muddy Waters’ Rivers (O’Dea), Darius ‘Chocolate Kiss’ Carter (MRHS), John ‘Kitty Cat’ Liedtke (O’Dea). The Swim Program lists the times for Jason and Lee at 57.12 seconds. THIS is going to be close! The race doesn’t disappoint the screaming crowd.  Jason powers in for the finish in 56.26 seconds just 7/10’s under his wake drafting competition, Lee ‘Muddy Waters’ Rivers. With times of 56.26 and 56.99 respectively, both will be competing at the state level.

As the last event, the 400 Yard Freestyle, drew nigh, the anticipation grew. Grins began showing up on the long-time supporters with questioning looks from the newbie’s. The teams gather on the walkway that spans the pool to watch the race. By the second lap, Bro Hymn is playing on the sound system and both teams sing at the top of their lungs cheering on their valued teammates.

Competition is competition and the meet is about winning, but for these two schools and the tradition they hold together, it’s mostly about beating their own best times. When the announcer gave his thanks to the participants, he also asked how many boys beat their best times. About 70% raised their hands as the crowd cheered loudly.

The night ended with much camaraderie amidst a grand potluck hosted by MRHS swim team supporters.

And, just for the record…in 18 years some concessions must be made, but you can bet, with the support and enthusiasm the Mt. Rainier Boys Swim Team garners, and the great coaching staff of Omar ‘I am not passive aggressive’ Crowder, Todd ‘Baldy’ Wollenweber, and Schell ‘Mom’ Ross, the next concession will be a long, long, long time in coming.

Last Saturday (Jan. 9th), the Three Tree Point Yacht Club (TTPYC) held its “Duwamish Head Race” from the Des Moines Marina to Duwamish Head in West Seattle.

This was the second race of the Southern Sound series, and the yacht club’s biggest race of the year, with up to 100 boats participating.

Des Moines City Councilmember Carmen Scott sent us this report, along with the great Photos below:

The weather was mild and dry, with a thin cloud cover, but it lacked a main ingredient for these kinds of events – there was no wind!

The heats were scheduled to begin at 9:30am, but no one appeared to be going anywhere.

The boats stayed at the Des Moines Marina all morning. When the sun began to break through, it created wonderful reflections on the smooth-as-glass water. I ran out of memory in my camera at about noon, just as the first class of boats began to head up the Sound. However, I think I got my cover shot for next year’s Des Moines calendar.

Anyone who would like more information can go to the yacht club’s website at www.ttpcy.org it’s an interesting site, and lists their race, cruise and social events.

Here’s Carmen’s Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Carmen Scott’s Photo Slideshow

Here’s a link to the race results (PDF file).

Our friends at our latest Advertiser – Matt Griffin YMCA – are excited to announce that their upcoming Open House is coming this Saturday, Jan. 16th from 10am to 1pm, with lots of games, demos, tours and specials.

If you haven’t had a chance to see their brand new facility – this is your chance!

There will be games, cooking and Zumba demonstrations, tours, and fun activities for the whole family.

Have you made a commitment to yourself to get in shape in the new year? Join Matt Griffin YMCA before January 31st and save up to $125 in join fees! There is no better time to start taking better care of yourself!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Matt Griffin YMCA Open House

WHEN: Saturday, January 16th from 10am – 1pm

WHERE: Matt Griffin YMCA, 3595 South 188th in SeaTac

INFO: Everyone is Welcome!

More info on the Matt Griffin YMCA is available at their website.

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

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

Here’s more info from our friends at HAC:

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

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

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

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

Dates:

• January 16 through March 27, 2010.

Trainers and Times:

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

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

Register at the front desk.

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

Story by Janet Grella
Photos by Michael Brunk

We’ve all watched the China Seas Restaurant morph into the All Star Sports Bar, but the big question on the minds of Des Moines residents and sports fans throughout the area is:

“When is All Star going to open?”

According to operations manager Joe Potts: “I usually tell people 30 days from the day someone asks me (that question).”

Would that put the opening date as January 17th then?

Not exactly.

Joe hopes that their opening will be no later than the Vancouver Winter Olympics. That would be February 12, 2010. They hope to be open before that, but in the past they had hoped to be open for football season, then the Superbowl, but the Olympics is a safe bet.

Potts also adds “Powell Brothers (A Waterland Blog Advertiser) and Todd Powell have been great to work with. The city has been great to work with. But in my experience I have learned that ‘remodeling’ a house is sometimes more challenging than building a house.”

Transforming the old China Seas from the ‘blight on the corner’ to All Star started when owner Jim Fullerton, general manager Justin Edwards and Potts met with Dr. Scott Andrews regarding his vision and mission for the rebuilding of Des Moines. They found they were all on the same page, and promptly signed a lease on the property. It is All Star’s mission to be a “Pillar in the community of Des Moines and display a sense of community through deeds and sponsorships,” according to Joe.

Long time friends Fullerton, Potts and Edwards all live in Des Moines. Edwards is a Des Moines native, and attended Pacific Middle School and is a Mt. Rainier grad. A few years back, they would convene at China Seas to enjoy indoor sports (pool and ping pong) as well as televised sports. They agreed one day they would own a sports bar. That day draws near.

“We plan to use the newest of high tech gaming entertainment, plus some old stand-bys” said Edwards, including:

• 20 Large Screen TVs
• Two Golden Tee Golf Games
• Darts
• Two Pool Tables (Spring tournament session starts in February)
• High tech Juke Box which will take both debit and credit cards
• Entertainment on weekends: DJ Friday and Live Bands on Saturday
• Fireball
  
• Real Time Fantasy Stats for the Fantasy players
• Ping Pong table from the old China Seas (the only fixture they saved)
• Free WiFi

Edwards also tells WLB that “we’ll do for individual-sized gourmet pizza what the Dog House has done for hot dogs.” Other food will include sandwiches, salad and appetizers. They’ll be open for lunch and dinner and events like the Olympics, March Madness, and if we’re lucky the Superbowl!

Know your All Stars: Of the three main guys we learned that Fullerton is a computer programmer and will keep his day job. Potts has had a career in Food and Beverage Services on the corporate side with Holland America and Edwards has spent 12 years as a bartender where he’s developed some pretty incredible drinks that he’ll be sharing with All Star bartenders.

All Star plans to be open from 11 am-2 am everyday, including holidays. There will be ‘no cover-no time.’ They plan to stay a step ahead of other sports bars by offering service, atmosphere and hospitality.

Keep up with All Star’s countdown to opening with The Waterland Blog – in the coming weeks we’ll be sharing their specialized drink menu and food menu – and finally will announce the much awaited opening.

Des Moines’ Highline Community College played host to a major Judo tournament on Saturday (Nov. 7th), when nearly 250 competitors from throughout the US and Canada vied for national points in a sport that features throwing, pins and submission techniques.

Several members of the US National Team took their divisions, including two players from the Puget Sound area – Bellevue resident Tracy Nagai, winner of the 2008 Olympic Trials, won at 52 kg and Marti Malloy, a woman from Whidbey Island who placed ninth at the 2009 World Championships, took the 57 kg division.

“Judo is very strong in the Pacific Northwest,” stated chief referee, Barb Shimizu. “The oldest judo school in the United States is located in Seattle. We have a well-established Japanese American community as well as a large military community throughout the Sound, both of whom have helped to bring the sport from Japan.”

Shimizu, who co-directs the Des Moines Area Food Bank, is a top-level international referee. “Being a judo referee is great,“ she exclaimed enthusiastically. “I have the best seat in the house to watch an exciting sport and have made friends all over the world. My goal is to referee in the Olympics or World Championships.”

Here are some great action photos from the event, courtesy John Beck:

More photos from the Crown can be seen here.

More info on Marti Malloy can be found here.

Photos courtesy John Beck, and a huge shout-out to Kris Van Gasken for the info!

THANK YOU, DES MOINES!

One is not supposed to write with solid capital letters on the Internet because it is equated with shouting. But I am SHOUTING.

THANK YOU, DES MOINES, for recognizing that we need to stop legislating for our grandparents and start legislating for our grandchildren. By that I mean we need to stay focused on investing in the future, not obsessing with today.

On Tuesday, even in our down economy, the good people of Des Moines set aside haggling over taxes to pass Proposition 1. You created Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District to keep Mount Rainier Pool operating for generations to come. You responded to the message that we do some things right here in the “Waterland City.” And one of the best is our swim program, which, in addition to teaching tens of thousands of kids over the years to swim and be safe around water, gives those kids an opportunity to better themselves and better our community.

As one of your new pool commissioners, I’m fully aware of the need to pinch pennies and stretch dollars… and not just in these lean times. Continuing to do so will be necessary if we are to achieve my goal of seeing to it that every child in this community who wants to learn to swim will have an opportunity to do so.

I look with admiration at Pacific Middle School teacher Schell Ross who can pack Mount Rainier Pool on a Friday night with sixth, seventh and eighth graders who enjoy safe, supervised exercise rather than wandering the streets.

And who can not be inspired by 105-year-old Faith Callahan whose three-days-a-week regimen of low-impact water aerobics keeps her sprightly?

I was particularly struck during our campaign kick-off when Chris Burrage, just hours out of United States Marine Corps boot camp training, showed up, unannounced and in full-dress uniform. He wasn’t on the agenda and initially declined an invitation to speak. But he was moved by his remembrances of the role swimming at Mount Rainier Pool has played in his life. He spoke wistfully of those memories and what it meant to be a teenager growing up in Des Moines. He then exhorted the crowd to “fight to keep Mount Rainier Pool.”

And there was Ariana Kukors, who began swimming at Mount Rainier Pool as a 5-year-old and would go on this last summer to be crowned the fastest woman in the world in the 200m IM. She didn’t flinch a minute to break off from her training in Southern California for the US Olympics team to return home to urge voters to keep the pool open.

And you did.

So I, once again, just wanna shout: THANK YOU, DES MOINES!

Gene Achziger for
Save Our Swimming

Save Our Swimming, the citizens group formed to pass Des Moines Proposition 1 and save the Mount Rainier Pool, will host its campaign kick-off from 4-7 p.m., Oct. 9 at the pool. A free family cookout and open swim will follow the rally.

The guest of honor will be Ariana Kukors, who shattered the world record in the Women’s 200 IM in August at the FINA World Championships in Rome.  Kukors swims for KING Aquatic Club, which trains at Mount Rainier Pool. Her teammates include Olympians Megan (Quann) Jendrick and Margaret Hoelzer. Des Moines Mayor Robert Sheckler will recognize Kukors’ accomplishment.

Also expected to be on hand is Faith Callahan, a three-day-a-week veteran of Mount Rainier Pool’s low-impact water aerobics program (read our profile of her here). Callahan celebrates her 105th birthday on Oct. 24th, and credits the pool for her continued mobility. A large number of seniors from local retirement homes also utilize the pool.

Since its opening in 1975, Mount Rainier Pool has trained tens of thousands of youngsters to swim, produced perennial state powerhouse boys and girls 3A swim teams, and been utilized for water safety instruction for groups as diverse as Boeing and Alaska Airlines to scuba divers.

Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3 general election ballot asks voters to create a metropolitan park district for the specific purpose of operating and maintaining a pool in Des Moines. Voters will also be asked to elect a five-member board of commissioners to oversee the district. If the proposition fails, both the city and Highline School District say the pool will close on Dec. 31.

SOS will mount a massive doorbell campaign beginning Oct. 10 to ask voters to approve the 20 cents per $1000 assessed valuation levy to operate the pool. For the owner of an average $280,000 home, it amounts to $56 a year or approximately $1 a week.

“Nine Americans drown every day. Three of them are children. The No. 1 way to protect them is to teach them to swim and that has been Mount Rainier Pool’s mission for 34 years. It’s a legacy we need to continue,” SOS campaign media consultant Gene Achziger said.

“Asking voters for money during these trying economic times is always a tough sell,” acknowledged Achziger. “But when you’ve got a program as successful as Mount Rainier Pool has been, we can’t afford to let it shut down.

For more information, visit the SOS website at: www.mrpoolsos.com.

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

In case you haven’t heard about this fun fundraiser race in our neighbor city to the north, here are the basics:

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

• Safe Kids of South King County
• WestSide Baby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, read our previous coverage here:

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

There’s only two days left to join WLB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club for ZERO enrollment fee.

As in Nada. Zilch. Zero.

All you have to do is get yourself over to the club by end of business (5pm) on Wednesday, Sept. 30th and say “I saw it on the B-Town Blog!” and the friendly folks at HAC will sign you up for NO CHARGE!

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

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

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

It’s Friday night. Do you know where your kids are?

If you’re one of the hundreds of Des Moines’ Pacific Middle School parents, you did last Friday night: They were at Mount Rainier Pool for one of the monthly pool parties that the kids flock to.

And their parents know they’re in a safe environment and under adult supervision. That’s the goal of Schell Ross, a social studies teacher at the school and organizer of the events.

It takes five lifeguards in constant rotation to keep a watchful eye on the teens. A boom box competes to be heard over the joyous shouts and laughter of the participants. There’s an occasional whistle blown and sometimes a stern glare, but mostly it’s a fun free-for-all: a chance for youngsters to recreate in a manner their parents can embrace.

Unfortunately, it may not last.

Unless Des Moines voters approve Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3rd ballot to create a Metropolitan Park District to oversee its operation, Mount Rainier Pool will be shut down on Dec. 31st. That would leave Highline School District students with no public indoor pool, since Evergreen Pool in White Center was shuttered Aug. 31st.

As Ross describes it, that’s going to put a lot of kids on the streets on Friday nights. How many parents then will be able to answer the question:

Do you know where your kids are?

EXCLUSIVE: Now this is special – you, your business or your family can join WLB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club for ZERO enrollment fee. All you have to do is get yourself over to the club and say “I saw it on the blog!” and the friendly folks at HAC will sign you up for NO CHARGE!

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

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

The Highline Athletic Club is open 5am-10pm Monday-Friday; 7am-8pm on Saturday; and 8am-8pm on Sunday.

When you join Highline Athletic Club, you’ve chosen the only full-service gym in the Des Moines/Burien area. With its pool, basketball court, pickleball court, and state of the art Pilates Studio you’ll find workouts that other gyms just don’t offer. You’ll also be able to choose from 50 group exercises HAC calls ‘Group X’, including Centergy, Groove, Power, Ride, Step, Active to name a few.

If swimming is something you’re interested in, know that the climate controlled pool (always 84 degrees) offers lap swimming and water aerobics

Also as a new member you’ll receive three sessions with a highly trained instructor to learn how to work the equipment as well as to create a personalized fitness regimine based on needs and goals.

No more excuses…join today for zero enrollment just by mentioning The Waterland Blog.

But hurry…you only have til’ September 30th to act on this special offer.

Candidates for the “Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Positions” (try saying that three times quickly) have been formally announced by the King County Elections Board:

• Position No. 1: Gene Achziger
• Position No. 2: Eric Kasnick
• Position No. 3: Bernadette Barrett
• Position No. 4: Marty Martinson
• Position No. 5: Nancy N. Kuehnoel

It appears that all will run unopposed. The special filing period for these positions ended Friday, Aug. 28th.

This new “pool district” will create a property tax of up to 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, so a home valued at $300,000 would pay an additional $60 per year to fund the pool. According to city documents:

“Des Moines Resolution 09-095 proposes creation of  the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District coextensive with the City’s boundaries pursuant to 35.61 RCW, including the authority to levy a general tax on property within the District each year not to exceed twenty cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, for the purpose of acquiring and operating a pool facility. A five-member board of commissioners, elected at large, shall govern the District.”

Here’s the language used in Resolution No. 1109:

RESOLUTION NO. 1109: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DES MOINES, WASHINGTON

Establishing November 3, 2009 as the date for an election on the question of the formation of a Metropolitan Park District within the City of Des Moines to generate funds for acquisition, maintenance, operation, and/or capital improvement/construction expenditures for a pool facility within the boundaries of the City of Des Moines, and on the election of the five initial Metropolitan Park Commissioners.

WHEREAS, RCW 35.61.010 provides that a metropolitan park district may be created for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreational facilities. A metropolitan park district may include territory located in all of one city, when created, and

WHEREAS, in December of 2002, Des Moines and the City of Normandy Park entered into an Interlocal Agreement to assume ownership of the Mt. Rainier Pool from King County in order to continue operation of the Pool as the Mt. Rainier Pool Owners, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the original agreement between King County and the Highline School District, the terms of which were continued under the ownership agreement entered into by Des Moines and Normandy Park, the ownership of the Mt. Rainier Pool reverted to the Highline School District on March 6,2009, and

WHEREAS, in March of 2009, the Highline School District and the City of Des Moines entered into an ILA for the continued operation of the Mt. Rainier Pool until December 31, 2009, and

WHEREAS, the City of Des Moines and the Highline School District do not have the resources to continue to manage, maintain, and operate a Pool, and

WHEREAS, Mt. Rainier Pool or another pool facility provides a benefit to the citizens of Des Moines as a multi-generational facility that serves as one center of our community, one that provides health and recreation benefits to all ages, strengthens the community, and enhances the quality of life, and

WHEREAS, the continued operation beyond December 31, City, and City Council strongly supports that the of the Mt. Rainier or other Pool facility 2009 would be in the best interest of the

WHEREAS, after consideration of various alternatives, the Council has recommended formation of the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District, organized under chapter 35.61 RCW, to acquire and operate the Mt. Rainier or other pool facility; now therefore, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES MOINES RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Sec. 1. requested to be November 3, 2009 electors of the Request for election. An election is hereby held within the City of Des Moines on Tuesday, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified City, for their ratification or rejection, a Resolution No. 1109 proposition creating the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District.

Sec. 2. The boundaries of’ the proposed Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District are coextensive with Des Moines city limits pursuant to chapter 35.61 RCW.

Sec. 3. The Director of Records and Elections of King County, Washington is requested to conduct this election on the November 3, 2009 ballot.

Sec. 4. The Director of Records and Elections of King County is requested to include a ballot measure that shall allow the election of five Metropolitan Park Commissioners of the District, as set forth in RCW 35.61. 050, and to set, announce and hold a special filing period for those positions.

Sec. 5. The City Clerk is directed to certify to the Director of Records and Elections of King County, Washington by a date no later than August 11, 2009, acopy of this resolution and the proposition to be submitted at that election in the form of a ballot title as follows:

• This PROPOSITION NO. FORMATION AND FUNDING OF DES MOINES POOL METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT Des Moines Resolution 09-095 proposes creation of  the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District coextensive with the City’s boundaries pursuant to 35.61 RCW, including the authority to levy a general tax on property within the District each year not to exceed twenty cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, for the purpose ofacquiring and operating a pool facility. A five-member board of commissioners, elected at large, shall govern the District.
• For the formation of a Metropolitan Park District to be governed by a five-member board of commissioners to be elected at large.
• Against the formation of a Metropolitan Park District.

ADOPTED BY the 23rd day of July, City Council of the City of Des Moines 2009 and signed in authentication thereof 2009.

City Council of the City of Des Moines.

If you’d rather wade through this actual document in all its glory, click here to view a PDF.

We know that community pools are vital to cities, so it might make sense for interested Des Moines residents to attend a “Save The Pool” rally tonight (Monday, Aug. 31st) from 5pm to 7pm at the Evergreen Pool, which is located at 606 SW 116th St in White Center.

Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember and candidate for the executive position, says that the pool will close Tuesday, Sept. 1st, and stay closed until a new management deal is completed.

Evergreen Pool’s budget was cut by the county, and its future appears to be sinking fast, unless something is done soon…so be there to show your support for your neighbors!

The city of Des Moines has closed the boardwalk at Redondo Beach to fishing, because “Casting is dangerous to pedestrians and vehicles.” There’s a big pink salmon run going on, and dozens of fisherpeople have been using the boardwalk to catch their share.

“A woman got a hook in her on Monday,” said City Manager Tony Piasecki. “And this is a safety issue…too many people have also been cleaning their fish on the wooden boardwalk, and fish blood and guts don’t make for a safe walkway.”

According to Piasecki, “50 to 60 people” were lined up the other day fishing from the boardwalk, and runners, walkers, families and others had trouble navigating around them. Combine that with the narrow roadway and cars and you can imagine the dangers.

Warning signs have been posted, and while the police are not yet enforcing them, if enough repeat offenders ignore them, citations will be issued.

“I’ve never seen a salmon run like this,” added Piasecki. “It’s very unusual also that they’re staying in so close to shore,” which only aggravates the desire to fish from the boardwalk.

People who want to fish there are encourage to either do so from the beach, or utilize the piers at both Redondo and the marina, which are still open.

UPDATE: Do NOT fish for salmon without a Washington State saltwater license – you can buy them online here.

[Photos courtesy Susan White]

In case you live under a rock and haven’t noticed, the fish are bitin’ and people are catchin’ ‘em right here in Des Moines – both at Redondo Beach as well as from the pier.

Photographer Michael Brunk caught these pics of area fisherfolk doing what they do best this time of year – catch salmon:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Longtime resident Susan White caught these pics of successful fishing in Redondo:

Click to View Susan White’s Photo Slideshow

HINT: Word on the beach is that the salmon are bitin’ on pink “Buzz Bombs.” Now go do some fishin’ and send us your pics!

UPDATE: Do NOT fish for salmon without a Washington State saltwater license – you can buy them online here.

[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!”

The Highline school board announced Thursday (July 16th) that it has voted to adopt a “Pay for Play” system, which will charge students a fee for participation in middle school and high school athletics.

While some school board members expressed concern that the fees will discourage students from participating in sports, Superintendent John Welch told the board staff that he is working with the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence to establish a scholarship program.

“We will work hard to see that no student is turned away from playing a sport,” said Welch.

Welch said the fees are necessary to support the rising costs of athletic programs.

“In order to continue to offer both middle and high school sports, we must implement a pay-for-play fee structure,” said Welch. “If we don’t charge a fee, we will have to cut some sports.”

Welch noted that Highline’s athletic offerings now include middle school soccer in response to high demand and strong community support for adding that program.

The fee structure will be in place for the 2009-10 school year.

For high school sports, the fees will be:

• $50 per sport ($25 per sport for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch)
• Fees will be charged for up to two sports per student per year; there is no charge for a third season.
• Maximum $175 per family per year ($85 for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch)

Fees for middle school sports will be:

• $30 per sport ($15 for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch)

Fees will be chared for up to two sports per student per year; there is no charge for a third season. Maximum costs will be $105 per family per year ($50 for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch).

We here at The B-Town Blog would love to know what you think of this idea – please vote in our Poll and/or leave a Comment below…

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

The City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department announced Monday morning (July 13th) that the 50th Birthday Run & Walk has been canceled due to low registration.

As we previously reported, the 2.5-mile Fun Run/Walk was scheduled to wind through Des Moines along the parade route right before the big birthday parade on Saturday, July 18th. The race was scheduled to start at Highline Community College, and was to end on Marine View Drive in front of the QFC grocery store.

Here’s the notice we received by email from Shelby Borden:

I have breaking news from the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department.

We are sad to report that the Des Moines 50th Birthday Run & Walk has been CANCELED!! The reason for cancellation is because of low enrollment!

We do apologize and if there are any questions please call: (206) 870-6527.