December 2013

Over the weekend, a 19-year-old Malayan tapir died at the Woodland Park Zoo.

Known as Ray, the tapir had been living at the Woodland Park Zoo for 18 years, and weighed 725 pounds. Ray had been undergoing treatment for reduced appetite and inactivity.

The Zoo’s associate veterinarian, Doctor Kelly Helmick, had stabilized Ray’s condition, so the death was unexpected. A necropsy suggests organ failure; however, other tests will be conducted to determine final cause of death.

In the Zoo’s press release, mammal curator, Martin Ramirez, explained the loss.

“We are very saddened by this loss. Several staff members have cared for Ray since he arrived at the zoo more than 18 years ago, so it’s especially hard for them. …We will miss Ray, particularly splashing through his pool, a favorite activity of his.”

One of the most primitive large mammals in the world, the Malayan species is the only tapir native to Asian and is currently endangered. The average weight for an adult is 750 pounds, though some reach 900.

By David Rosen

The Menashe Family had their annual Christmas Lighting event on Sunday, December 1. The house of Jack and Linda Menashe located at 5605 Beach Drive SW shined brightly as people came in droves to check out this years spectacular display. The display will be lit from 4:15pm-11pm every night.

Coming up on Saturday, December 14, The Menashe Family will host their annual Santa Claus event where they expect between 2000 - 4000 people to stop by. The event runs from 6pm-10pm so make sure you bring the family and kids down for this great fun filled evening.

by Cindi Rinehart

Editor's Note:
Our communities are rich with talented and interesting people.One is Cindi Rinehart, a West Seattleite. In person, she is just as vivacious as she was on KOMO TV where she gave us the inside scoop for years on all the soap operas. She has had an interesting life. We asked her to consider writing a column for us. She said yes! Here is her introductory column.

By David Rosen

Update as of 3:10pm Dec 2

The West Seattle Bridge has now reopened to traffic but still expect bad traffic delays.

Original Post
The West Seattle Bridge is shut down in both directions including from I-5 and from Beacon Hill (Columbian Way) due to multiple spinouts from vehicles and a car slamming into the jersey barrier. The incidents were caused by deicer fluid on the bridge deck. Seattle Police has all access points blocked while SDOT trucks dump sand on the bridge to soak up the fluid. All side roads in West Seattle are gridlock leading up to the bridge. There is also a Seahawks game against the Saints at Century link Field at 5:40pm so this will have a huge impact for people trying to get to the stadium. There is no estimates on when the bridge will reopen.

For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the parking lot at Normandy Christian Church. Scores of volunteers, thousands of lights, and full-size sets bring to life the Nativity Story. You will visit live scenes of angels, shepherds, a donkey, goats, guests at the inn, wisemen, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus—the greatest Gift.

Normandy Christian Church invites you and your family to
DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY on Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.
Free admission.

Normandy Christian Church is located at 908 S 200th St in Des Moines. For directions: www.normandychristian.org or 206-878-4740.

Normandy Christian Church invites you to the 4th Annual
DRIVE-THUR CHRISTMAS STORY
December 16, 17, 18
6:30-9:00pm

While driving through the church parking lot, your family will visit live scenes of angels, shepherds, donkeys, sheep, goats, guests at the inn, wisemen, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

According to the City Manager’s Report prepared for the December 2nd Burien City Council meeting, the King Conservation District (KCD) has approved a grant in the total of $12,300 to be used towards the restoration of the damaged stairs at the Base of Eagle Landing Park trail.

The staircase to be repaired has been damaged numerous times in recent years by passing storms and debris coming in at high tide. The most recent damage occurred in early 2013 leaving the end of the trail in disrepair since.

According to the City Manager’s Report, the damaged stairs will be abandoned and replaced by a short gravel trail and boardwalk that will lead visitors to the beach about 70 feet north of where the stairs end now. The project, which will be completed in partnership with EarthCorps, is scheduled for the spring of 2014.

The Christmas season is almost upon us. Christmas parties, caroling and holiday baking are among the celebrations we look forward to.

Another yearly treat Burien theatre-goers have come to expect is the Christmas show at Burien Actors Theatre. But, for anyone who has attended one of BAT’s holiday plays, you know not to expect anything from the usual line-up of Christmas dramas. There will be no “A Christmas Carol” or “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

No, BAT likes to observe Christmas their own way. This year, BAT is celebrating Christmas the Jewish way.

Written by Donald Marguiles, this is a humorous tale about Shirley Abramowitz, a Jewish girl who, much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation, is cast as Jesus in her school’s Christmas pageant in 1935.

As the holiday season approaches, HomeTask CEO Jerrod Sessler has been
rallying the community and his staff around the greater mission that undergirds everything they do at HomeTask. To assist in achieving those ends, a charity board now sits at the entrance to HomeTask’s headquarters in Burien, WA. HomeTask currently contributes to many local charities and started its own ‘HomeTask Cares Foundation’ in 2006. Sessler hopes that this charity board serves as a continual reminder that HomeTask exists to serve a mission greater than its own profits.

Seizing on the momentum of the landmark victory for the $15 minimum wage in SeaTac, fast food workers and community supporters will mount a day-long, 8-hour march on Thursday, Dec. 5 that traces the $15 movement's path from victory in 
The march route: International Blvd to Boeing Access Rd. to Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to Rainier Ave to Jackson to 4th.

At 9 a.m the march kicks off at SeaTac Hilton, 17620 International Blvd, SeaTac to 4:30 p.m. to Seattle at City Hall, 600 4th Ave, Seattle.

Buy hyper-locally for the holidays while celebrating the season with a sleigh-full of family friendly activities at Burien’s annual Winterfest on Saturday, Dec. 7.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. stroll streets decked out in their holiday best while enjoying live singing by the Marvista Elementary School choir, photos with Santa for people and canines, in-store specials, a scavenger hunt at local businesses, holiday crafts for kids, horse-and-carriage rides and hot treats.

Make holiday shopping a breeze, fuel efficient and cost effective with Winterfest. Not only will there be in-store specials and gift-wrapping at some businesses, Burien’s small shops also offer out-of-the-ordinary presents. Gift ideas range from handcrafted chocolate and jewelry to the best in affordable fine wines, pet care, cute and comfortable shoes, facials and more. Beat the chill with free hot treats like cocoa and spiced cider at various shops.