November 2011

By Kurt Howard

The Evergreen HIgh School boy's basketball team is working hard. Coach Tony White, who took over the program five years ago, has them practicing the things that helps prepare teams for games. “I’m really looking forward to this year” he said, “I think it’s going to be a very exciting year.”

After last year’s disappointing one point loss to Sequim in the playoffs, the kids took it pretty hard. Coach White figured it was mostly due from being young and inexperienced. Losing is never fun, but losing can help build character and make you mentally tougher. Last year’s team was made up of only two players with any varsity experience. This year’s team has eight returning varsity players which includes three starters. Now they are hungry and they know they have the experience to win close games. They still need to remember things like that playoff game, as it only makes them work harder toward the common goal, winning games.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE TO SEE MORE

On Saturday, Nov. 19, art lovers filled a crowded Burien Community Center for the Burien Arts fourth annual 20/20 Vision art party and sale.

Participants staked out claims next to works they wanted from twenty artists who had each created twenty works of original art in a variety of styles and media.

On a signal at 7:30 p.m. they grabbed their favorites. Many art enthusiasts took several. The 400 pieces sold for $40 each with proceeds benefiting Burien Arts.

In addition to the art sale, this year’s event also showcased larger works by the same artists in a silent art auction. 20/20 Vision offered a festive and fun atmosphere with music, food, wine and community.

20/20 Vision 2011 highlighted the work of two stellar “featured artists,” Margaret Davidson and Walker Hall, along with a bevy of talented emerging artists from the Burien and greater Puget Sound region.

Nov. 23 Update:
Des Moines Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson informs us that 'Punkin" has found a new 'forever' home but is now known as 'Buddy."

But there are plenty of other cats and dogs waiting for homes this holiday season. Check with Magnuson, Burien CARES or the regional King County Animal Control Services.

Here's the original post:

Des Moines Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson is looking for a home before Thanksgiving for a stray cat found in the North Hill area;

Here’s what she emailed us:

This cute guy we have named "Punkin" needs a home before Thanksgiving! He was found as a stray on North Hill and never claimed.

He is VERY friendly and wants to rub his head on you and be petted and held (I had a hard time getting a pic of him, as every time I put up the camera to take a pic he kept rubbing on the camera!)

He is a young adult, around a year of age or less, and is very healthy and happy. He has now been vet checked, groomed, neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped, so he is ready to go into his new home for the holidays!

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave, S.W.
206 937 7169
The shop is decked out for the holidays and you're sure to find a wide selection of decoration and gifts. All clothing will be 50% off Friday, November 25th through Sunday, November 27th. Yellow tagged items are $1.00 through Wednesday, November 30th. Our annual Holiday Sparkle Clothing Event begins Thursday, December 1st featuring holiday clothing. All items with pink tags are 50% off Thursday, December 1st through Tuesday, December 20th. The American Cancer Society Shop is open Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other days 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and every Thursday evening in December until 8:30 p.m. Stop by our shop for a brochure and find out how you can make a difference volunteering with us.

Puget Sound Fuchsia Society
Seaview United Methodist Church
4620 S.W. Graham St.
4th Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. Program for Nov. 26: Forest Steward, Sharon Baker, will discuss the Green Seattle Partnership and native plant restoration of Lincoln Park. Learn how invasive plants are taking over our wooded areas and what you can do to help reclaim this land.

Taking advantage of the elderly? Not this time
The night of Nov. 15 an elderly gentleman living in a 35th Ave. S.W. assisted living apartment woke up around 2 a.m. to use the bathroom. Just then his locked front door opened and a female staff member walked in, claiming she was there to check on a light. He told the woman there were not any issues he was aware of, let her carry on with her business and took care of his own. She was gone by the time he went back to bed. The man told police he always keeps his wallet and cash in the front pocket of his pants and the next morning, while enjoying breakfast, he noticed his wallet was short $600. Based on the victim’s description, the building owner knew exactly which staff member it was and said, as a housekeeper, she had no business entering a tenant’s room without permission. Police planned to stop by during her next scheduled shift.

Improper use of a baseball bat

Press release:

This Tuesday, Global2Local and the YMCA are partnering with local health care provider HealthPoint and Abbott Laboratories to provide access to free flu shots for the uninsured and onsite health screenings for any South King County resident.

These screenings will help individuals detect health conditions and identify opportunities to improve health quality.

Each screening will include tests for blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels.

Individuals will be given instant results, and will have the opportunity to speak with health and fitness professionals about ways to improve their health.

For the best results, individuals should refrain from eating or drinking 8 to 12 hours before the screening. Spanish language interpreters will be available during the screening.

What: Free health screening and flu shot vouchers for uninsured individuals
When: Tuesday, November 22, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Tukwila Pantry, 3118 S. 140th Street, Tukwila, WA 98168
Who: This event is open and available to all members of the public.

There will be a Medicare informational meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 29th at 10 a.m. at Highline Medical Center -- Cedar Wing.

Organizers say the meeting will cover Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Medicare Advantage Plans.

For more information call Jesse Van Nostrand at 206-550-7010.

press release:

Tacoma Rainiers Team President Aaron Artman released the following statement concerning the tragic passing of outfielder Greg Halman:

“Greg was a huge part of the Rainiers during his time here in Tacoma, and played a pivotal role – on the field – in our run to the 2010 Pacific Coast League Championship. But far more important than what he did on the field, was his personality off the field.

He had a huge smile on his face, every day, and his enthusiasm was infectious. He just had a way about him that made our front office staff and fans see a guy who clearly loved what he was doing.

He was often first to raise his hand when the Tacoma community needed him, and in particular, spent a good deal of time visiting hospitalized children, which speaks to his character.

We miss Greg, already, and our prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and the Mariners organization.”

The National Weather Service has just posted a "Wind Advisory" effective through 7pm this evening that states that winds from 45 to 57 mph are expected, through Tuesday morning.

...DAMAGING WINDS ARE EXPECTED ALONG THE COAST AND IN THE
NORTHWEST INTERIOR THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...

.HIGH WINDS ARE LIKELY ALONG THE WASHINGTON COAST AND IN THE
NORTHWEST INTERIOR THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...AS A
STRONG FRONTAL SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH THE REGION. WINDY CONDITIONS
ARE ALSO EXPECTED ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION AND THE SOUTHWEST
INTERIOR OF WESTERN WASHINGTON.

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON PST TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SEATTLE HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON PST TUESDAY.

By Andrea Platt Dwyer, Executive Director of Seattle Tilth

Whether it’s gathering with friends and family around the table during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, or rushing to the farmer’s market to enjoy the last of the season’s harvest, this time of year always holds a special meaning for a longtime food advocate like me. These last few weeks of November also present an exceptional opportunity to highlight the importance of locally-grown, affordable food and sustainable practices both at home and in some of the world’s poorest places.

As Executive Director of Seattle Tilth, I have seen the local food movement grow rapidly over the past few years, both here in Washington and around the country. As a cherished American holiday and anchor to the harvest season, Thanksgiving reminds us all that food not only nourishes our bodies, but it also brings people and communities together in the spirit of sharing and helping those less fortunate.