May 2015

All last week the Seattle Fire Department held training exercises for new recruits in a vacant Ballard home located at 2019 NW 64th Street.

After April 28, saws blasted, fires flared, hoses spewed and eager recruits practiced the skills that will one day save the lives of Seattle citizens.

Deputy Chief Phillip Jose said that the live fire training is an essential opportunity for the recruits to experience real fire scenarios in a controlled setting. He explained that some of these young recruits will more than likely face a real fire within the first 18 hours of being on the job.

“It gives the recruits a chance to practice fighting fire in a simulated but pretty close to real environment,” said Phillips. “The first time they see it (fire) they will be under the direct supervision of someone with experience, but you want to make sure the first time they see it — the first time they experience it — it isn’t a time when somebody’s life is directly in the balance.”

Construction zone road rage

By Christy Wolyniak

Washington State’s maritime school, Seattle Maritime Academy throws students a line – providing maritime industry training and jobs.

Navigating a successful future begins and ends on the water for SMA students: living, breathing, and diving deep into the maritime industry.

The port city of Ballard sees thousands of anglers set sail each year in hopes for a good season, often reaping a healthy living while accepting obvious risks. For many, being away from family for months at a time can take its toll. As such, companies will often give employees shorter trips with time off in between.

As the industry is thriving, more young adults hungry for adventure and guaranteed cash are coming aboard commercial vessels.

Over the course of three 11-week quarters, SMA students are trained to become successful mariners. Students work towards certificate programs such as Marine Deck Technology and Marine Engineering Technology as well as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).

Erin Swain, 18, (Burien WA) received her appointment to the Air Force Academy in October, 2014. She is a recruited athlete on the AFA Women’s soccer team in the position of goalkeeper.

Erin will graduate from Seattle Christian Schools in June 2015 which she attended from K-12. She is a 4.0 student, Valedictorian, Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society member.

Erin has a twin brother, Nolan (18) and 2 older brothers- Kyle 21 a junior at Montana State University (Chemical Engineering) and Derek, 23, married and living in West Seattle. Erin was born and has lived in Seattle all of her life.

Erin is a lifeguard at two local pools and enjoys teaching swimming to young learners. She also helps with younger goalkeepers and teams at her local soccer club, PacNW Soccer Club. Erin loves to ski in her spare time and is active in track and other sports. Erin also enjoys travel visiting Italy, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and in April Puerto Rico.

Dates: May 16; 7:30 p.m. & May 17; 2 p.m.
Location: Highline Performing Arts Center – Burien
Tickets: 20-25 (17 & under free with a paid adult)
www.nwassociatedarts.org or 206-246-6040

Born March 16, 1933, the son of the late Dominic Anthony and Dorothy Williscroft) Mastro, Donald Mastro, 82, of Warden, Washington, passed away April 14, 2015. He married Cherie Joyce Flatt February 14, 1953 and they shared over 62 years together prior to his passing.

Donald grew up and lived in the Burien – White Center area until 1975 when he moved to Key Center near Gig Harbor. There he built businesses over the years - Bee Proud Apiary, DJ’s Tire and Automotive Center, and DJ’s Minimart along highway 302. After he retired in 1998, the couple toured the country towing a fifth wheel trailer as their mobile residence. In later years they spent summers in Eastern Washington and winters in Arizona and California.

Donald was a member of several civic organizations including Lions Club, Elks Club and Chambers of Commerce. He gladly gave back to the residents of the communities in which he lived. He was a former president of the Washington State Beekeepers Association. He loved to be busy building or fixing things and spent many hours helping his children, grandchildren, and friends with home projects.

Olympia, (Wash) Highline Big Picture teacher Angie Erdman has been awarded the “Teacher of Excellence” award by The Evergreen State College in Olympia, nominated by former student Andrew Gregory.

Most people remember a particular teacher from elementary, middle or high school, who made a profound and positive impact. That teacher may be responsible for setting certain students on an academic, life or career path. The teacher may have given extra time to students who struggled with a subject, allowing those students to master the subject and pass college entrance exams. Or by listening and paying attention, the teacher may have flagged issues that saved a student’s sanity or life.

Sometimes a student can only recognize a teacher’s influence years later, when entering college, for example.

Because Evergreen places a great emphasis on the art and practice of good teaching, the state college in Olympia asks each of its incoming students to nominate a favorite teacher for the “Teacher of Excellence” award. Student nominations and comments are then shared with the selected teacher via the award.

Fare da mangiare ,... or cook for the family, in Italian, is pretty close to what Frank and Frank intend to do at Frankie’s B-Town Bistro next month in downtown Burien.

Frank is Frank Genzale, owner of Frank’s Quality Produce in Pike Place Market.

Carrying on an Italian tradition begun in the 40’s by Frank’s parents, Tony and Anne Genzale.

The other Frank is Frank Yellam Jr. owner of Frankie Boy Produce, started by his parents Frank Sr. and Angelina (Babe) Yellam in 1955. Frank is related to Felix Vacca who ran Vacca’s pumpkin patch for years along Des Moines Way S. at 152nd St.

There is plenty of history for Frank and Frank. Both grew up in Burien. Both are Highline High grads.

Together the duo will offer farm fresh produce, local sustainable products when available as well as fresh fish, breads and cheeses, all in the tradition of a family meal at grandma’s dining table many years ago.

An application for full-bar service is in process.
The restaurant is located next to Key Bank at 653 SW 152nd St in Burien. Phone 206-946-1334.

They are also on the web at
http://www.frankiesbtownbistro.com/

The restaurant motto is “Live the Life you Love”.

International Student Exchange, a non-profit foreign exchange program for high school students, is seeking host parents in the South Seattle area for the 2015/16 school year. Host families provide a place for students to live and study, two meals a day and a warm family environment that enables our exchange students an opportunity to experience American culture. Our students come with their own spending money, health insurance, and a strong desire to improve their English skills and experience what it is like to be an American high school student. We currently have a number of wonderful students available from Europe, Asia and South American countries awaiting placement. If you are interested in hosting an exchange student, or would just like to learn more about our programs, please call 206-242-4432 and ask for Kent or email scimankent@gmail.com