The cities of Normandy Park and Burien are co-sponsoring a Recycling Collection Event and Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday, Sept. 18th at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

This is a FREE event will run from 9am – 3pm, and they’ll be accepting a wide variety of items – see the list extensive below.

There will also be a Rain Barrel Sale – to help residents use water more efficiently, rain barrels that normally retail for around $120 will be sold for just $25 each.

These high-quality rain barrels are being made available to residents at a reduced cost. Quantities are limited. Holds 55 gallons of rainwater.

Here are the full details:

WHAT: Normandy Park/Burien Recycling Collection Event & Rain Barrel Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Washington State Criminal Justice Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

INFO: To download a PDF flier, click here.

This is a FREE recycling program that will accept the following items:

• TIRES: Bias ply, steel belted, and studded tires accepted. Limit 6 passenger tires per household (18 inches and below) free of charge. $1.50 charge for each tire on a rim. $5 charged for each large truck tire and $15 charged for each truck tire on rim (cash only). No oversized tires accepted.
• MOTOR OIL, FILTERS, & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, steering fluid, crankcase oil, kerosene, and home heating fuel. Do not mix with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or other substances.
• LEAD ACID BATTERIES: Car, truck, marine, and motorcycle batteries accepted. •ALKALINE BATTERIES: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, and D cell batteries only.
• CARDBOARD: Please flatten. No wax coated cardboard.
  

  "Git yer rain barrels! Just $25 smackers!"

• REUSABLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CLOTHING: Clothing and miscellaneous household items in good condition will be collected by Seattle Goodwill. Mattresses and furniture will not be accepted. Items in need of repair will not be accepted.
• PORCELAIN TOILETS AND SINKS: $5 charge (cash only). Toilet seats, hardware, and base wax rings must be removed.
• PROPANE TANKS: Residential tanks only. $5 charge (cash only).
• APPLIANCES AND SCRAP METAL: Household appliances, auto parts, engines, metal lawn chairs, stoves, barbecues, gas lawnmowers (drained of oil and gasoline), iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper and other ferrous and nonferrous metals. $5 will be charged for each water heater that still has insulation coating (cash only). Metals that are insulated, rubber or oil coated, previously or currently contain gas, oil, chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted. Light fixture ballasts and sealed drums will not be accepted.
• REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS: $25 will be charged for each refrigerator or freezer. $25 will be charged for each house- hold air conditioner (cash only).
• ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cellular phones and computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Computer monitors and televisions will not be accepted. You can recycle these items for free at other locations – see the E-Cycle box for more information.

DO NOT BRING:

These household wastes:

• No paint of any kind
• No scrap wood/bulky wood
• No construction/demolition debris
• No garbage
• No mattresses/furniture
• No plastic toys, hoses, etc.
• No window glass

These hazardous wastes:

• No oil based paint
• No pesticides/herbicides
• No household chemicals
• No cleaning products
• No fluorescent lights.

Household hazardous wastes can be taken to the Household Hazardous Wastemobile, the Auburn SuperMall Wastemobile, and the hazardous waste collection site in South Seattle. Normandy Park and Burien residents may use the South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility – 8105 5th Avenue South, Seattle. Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (except major holidays). There is a 50 gallon limit and a gasoline limit of 30 gallons per customer per day. No containers can be over five gallons in size.

For more information about volume restrictions and other household hazardous waste disposal options visit www.lhwmp.org or call the Household Hazards Line, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm except holi- days at 206-296-4692 or 1-888-Toxiced (869-4233).

Acknowledgments:

• City of Normandy Park
• City of Burien
• Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center

Funding Provided By:

• The King County Solid Waste Division
• The WA State Department of Ecology
• The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County

Prior to the grand opening of the new Burien location at 626 SW 152nd Street, Grand Central Bakery pledged to contribute a portion of the opening day sales to two local organizations. Today they followed through by handing over checks for 100% of their first day sales.

The two groups receiving checks this morning (Aug 27) were the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence and the Highline Area Food Bank. Thanks to sales that set a opening day record for Grand Central, each organization received a check for $2,350.

Mike Werle, Executive Director of the Highline Area Food Bank, acknowledged the donation saying, “We’re very fortunate to have a business come into our community and latch on to organizations like ours.”

Maya Mendoza-Exstrom, President of the Highline Schools Foundation Board of Trustees, agreed and welcomed Grand Central to the neighborhood saying, “While we appreciate all of our community support, for a new business to step up like this is unprecedented.”

Photos by Michael Brunk. Click to view larger versions.

Normandy Park Police announced Tuesday (Aug. 24) that up to seven large metal signs have been stolen from a construction site located at 199th and 1st Ave South.

According to police, the thefts took place between Aug. 6th and Aug. 10th.

Police say that these thefts are expensive and time-consuming for not only the construction crew, but also for the City of Normandy Park.

Local metal scrap yards were put on notice about the theft, and there is no word yet on suspects.

The Normandy Park Police Department is looking for anyone who has information about these thefts – if you know anything about this, you are encouraged to call 206-248-7600 and ask to speak to an Officer.

On Wednesday night (Aug. 18th), Burien’s Tin Room hosted the opening party for sponsors of the 2010 “Brat Trot” 5K race, which will be on Sunday, Sept. 19th.

This year’s all-day event will benefit WestSide Baby and Safe Kids of South King County, as well as Multicare at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center.

Last year’s race brought in nearly $25,000 for local charities, and this year’s will include even more activities, including a German Oompah Band, a “Seize the Sausage” race, beer garden, and a block party emceed by none other than Burien’s own inimitable “Yodeling Dominatrix” Manuela Horn.

The brainchild of Tin Room owner Danny House (aka “Dan the Sausageman“), the original race drew more than 700 people together for a day of fun and festivities, and most important, fundraising. Of course this year, Danny wants to do more.

Here’s how YOU can help:

• If you’re a local businessperson and you’d like to chip in to sponsor (we’re already one!), click here to download a PDF Sponsorship Packet.
• If you’re a Runner who’d like to register for the race, click here.
• If you’d like to serve as a Volunteer, click here to email Deb Will.
  

Here’s info on this year’s race from the website:

This year’s 5K race begins in Olde Burien on SW 152nd, widely circling Lake Burien before finishing to cheering crowds around the corner of 10th SW and back onto SW 152nd.

2010 brings the addition of a 1 mile+ “Seize the Sausage” race, perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a shorter venue. Runners can dash out, grab their Bratton and race back to the same finish line as those in the 5K.

5K Individual Race
This 5K course is generally flat with few even slight grades. Runners will be primarily on blacktop with a bit of gravel and grass. Race is clearly marked with live hand wavers to keep you on the course and trained flaggers and police officers at busy intersections. Runners can expect a nice run through neighborhoods with glimpses of beautiful Lake Burien and other parts of our charming city. Timing is chip-driven and provided by BuDu Racing.

The Burien Brat Trot starts and finishes nestled into one of greatest festivals of the fall — Octoberfest. Beginning at 10:30 am on September 19th the band strikes up and begins to play in Old Burien. All day event goers can enjoy brats, the beer garden, a german oompah band,water weenie races, booths and of course the Chicken Dance. Local restaurants and shops will be open for business with drink and event specials. Entertaining again this year is the Austrian Yodeler Manuela Horn.

In addition to marking your calendars for the race day, you might also want to pencil in Friday, Sept. 17th as well – that’s the night of the Brat Trot Pub Crawl, which, if it’s anything like last year’s, will be amazingly fun.

Last Saturday (Aug. 14th), a Normandy Park man who uses the pseudonym “Sam the Sausage” (aka “John Nelson”) took part in a thrilling fundraiser for Special Olympics called “Over The Edge” (see our previous coverage here).

In this event, Mr. Nelson Mr. Sausage, risked his life by rappelling down the 40-story, uniquely-shaped Rainier Tower in downtown Seattle to help raise money for this worthy cause.

Nelson Sausage, along with 126 other rappellers, helped bring in over $181,000.

According to Ashley Stanfield, Development Director for Special Olympics, no previous climbing or rappelling experience was required, “just enough courage to step out Over the Edge.”

Ashley adds:

A training center was set up on the roof of the skyscraper, where there is about a 25-foot ledge participants practiced rappelling from.

The gear is fairly easy to get a hang of and the training location allows people to try out what it is like to sit in a harness and use the industrial hand held descender device.

Yeah, then they really got to try it out by rappelling 40 stories straight down!

What’s next for Nelson Sausage? After the rappel, he’s setting his sights on the quintessential prize in the world of meat – that’s right, he’s planning on competing in this year’s Burien Brat Trot, coming up Sunday, Sept. 19th in Olde Burien. He expects to take top honors, upsetting local sausage “Bret the Brat.”

If you’re interested in registering to run in the 2010 Brat Trot, click here – the fee is only $35, but act fast, because the price goes up Sept. 1st. The 5k run was developed in 2009 as a way to gather the community together, Octoberfest style, for an afternoon of exercise followed by a celebration. In the spirit of community the Brat Trot also raises critical funds for two local non-profits Safe Kids King County South and WestSide Baby. Both organizations support injury prevention through education and access by providing needy families with essentials such as car seats and cribs. The brainchild of Tin Room owner Danny House (aka Dan the Sausageman), the race raised nearly $25,000 in 2009 and equally important drew more than 700 people together for a day of fun and festivities.

The 5K race begins on SW 152nd widely circling Lake Burien and finishes to cheering crowds around the corner of 10th and back onto SW 152nd. 2010 brings the addition of a 1 mile+ “Seize the Sausage” race perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a shorter venue. Runners can dash out, grab their Bratton and race back to the same finish line as those in the 5K.

If you’re a business interested in sponsoring this year’s fundraiser (we’re sponsors!), click here to download a PDF document with more info.

Courtesy Photographer Daniel M. Wilk comes this Photo Slideshow of Mr. Sausage’s fearless feat:

Click to Play Daniel M. Wilk’s Photo Slideshow

The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is hosting their annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance and Auction on October 2nd. Here are all the details:

Join the fun on Saturday October 2 from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, at the Normandy Park Cove, for an authentic Bavarian festival. The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence (HSFFE) is once again hosting an Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance and Auction to raise funds for the Arts and Middle & High School Athletics. HSFFE is partnering with the community to support the Brat Trot a family fun run and other fall celebrations around the Highline communities.

Traditionally, Oktoberfest marks the end of the harvest and is the preparation for winter. It was believed that a festival at this time would provide an ideal “relief valve.” The Foundation’s event is designed to be this “relief valve” and to build awareness about the work of the organization.

This year the Oktoberfest chairs are Chuck and Lisa Tuman and they have planned a wild event! Elliott Bay Brewery will again supply the beer, Dan “the Sausage man” House (Tin Room) the brats and Fernwood at the Park the ever popular hot potato salad (among other goodies). They are also bringing back Foremost DJ to rock the night away with tunes from every era, including the Chicken Dance! HSFFE is excited to have Mike Bishoff (Brat Trot and Cove-2-Clover race director) as our Emcee and Chuck Tuman as the Auctioneer for the 2010 Oktoberfest. They hope to fill the Cove with 300 community members and educators – so sign up early. One more note. . . Chuck and Lisa are working hard to bring back that 6’3” Austrian Yodeler with the initials MH!

This event is sure to be a festive and fun evening designed to bring community members together in support of our schools. HSFFE believes that strong schools build strong communities and a robust economy. The tickets for this over 21 event are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. You can purchase tickets at the Foundation website www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org or by calling 206.248.5196. Come early for happy hour from 6:00 to 7:00 they have discounts on beer and wine!

HSFFE was founded in 2001 with a mission of “providing Community Resources to help the Highline Public School Succeed.” HSFFE is the only 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting all 17,400 students in all 35 of the Highline Public Schools. The Foundation serves as a single point of contact for members of the community, local and national business, service organizations and other foundations to connect their philanthropic efforts with a single school or the entire district.

Highline Public School District is one of the most diverse in the state of Washington with over 60% of the students on the free or reduced lunch program and over 65% students of color. HSFFE works to foster an environment that helps all students reach their highest potential. The HSFFE Board President, Maya Mendoza-Exstrom stated, “We want all students have opportunities participate in activities and to have an enriched classroom experience.” To this end, HSFFE raises funds to support: classroom grants that enhance the educational experience; provide scholarships to needy students for summer arts academies and summer science camps; support middle and high school sports activities; a discretionary fund for homeless students (to keep them in school); an annual prom dress give away for approximately 100 economically disadvantaged high school students; and scholarships to graduating seniors going to universities, community and technical schools.

For more information about the Highline Schools Foundation or to volunteer contact Holly Moore at 206.248.5196 or holly@highlineschoolsfoundation.org

Because of a Normandy Park Eagle Scout’s idea, those enjoying boating at the Redondo and Des Moines marina will now be able to borrow life jackets for no charge.

The “Life Jacket Loaner Board” aims to save lives this summer and educate swimmers and boaters on the proper use of life jackets.

The idea for the loaner board belongs to Eagle Scout Evan Will from Troop #392 out of Normandy Park. Wanting to impact the community with something long standing and potentially lifesaving, Evan noticed how many people, mostly kids, were using the Redondo dock and swimming without a life jacket.

“The life jacket loaner board will be a success if it saves one life,” said Evan.

Under the mentorship of Des Moines Marina Manager Scott Willkins and South King Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Kirsti Weaver, the loaner board was designed. The visual part of the board was created by sign maker Jason Carter and the Multi-Care Health System design team in Tacoma. The base and board were built by over 20 scouts and family members, who assembled, painted, carved, and drilled along with marking the jackets as loaners.

With the completion of the Marina construction project, a second board will be placed at the Des Moines Marina. The boards will be under the supervision of Troop #392, who will replace jackets should they go missing.

In the United States, approximately 85% of drownings involved victims who were not wearing life jackets at the time.

For more information on the life jacket loaner board or for information on using life jackets properly, please contact Safe Kids’ Coalition Coordinator Deb Will at 253-372-7729.

Story & Photos by Mark Neuman

Normandy Park City Manager Doug Schulze said the winner of the First Annual Normandy Park Hoop Fest are the “206 Ballers,” who beat Preston 18-13 Saturday, July 31st in a game where each hoop garners one point.

“We look forward to even greater participation next year,” Schulze said.

The event took place at Normandy Park Towne Center, and was sponsored by the City of Normandy Park Police Department with generous support from Normandy Park Athletic, Desert Sun, Wayne’s Service Center, Archery Bistro (NPB Advertiser), QFC, Allied Waste and Puget Sound Energy.

Here are some pics taken at the event:

Photos by Michael Brunk

I was recently at Seahurst Park for one of our beautiful summer sunsets. I was just setting up my tripod and camera when I noticed a woman and small child on a paddle board silhouetted against the setting sun. I quickly snapped a few shots and liked the results so much I was inspired to seek out other silhouettes during my session that evening.

Here are a few of the photos that I captured, I hope you enjoy them. You can click on any image below to view a larger version.

Our friends at the Highline Historical Society (we’re members, are you? Join here) are looking for people who worked at Sea-Tac Airport or for an airline or airport vendor between 1930 and 2000.

If you have a story to tell about your time spent at the airport, or if you have personal mementos such as photos, uniforms, ephemera (contracts, tickets, advertisements, schedules, etc.), or even home movies taken at the airport, the Historical Society would like to hear from you.

The Society can make careful copies of photos and documents and return the originals to the owner in pristine, museum-quality conditions.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of preserving the history of Sea-Tac Airport, and of documenting its impact on the communities of Highline. Donors of memories and memorabilia will be entered in a drawing to win a dinner for two at Mick Kelley’s Irish Pub in Burien.

If you can help out, please contact the Society today by calling 206-246-6354, or by e-mailing editor@highlinehistory.org.

Here’s a great photo courtesy the historical society, of Opening Day of Sea-Tac International Airport, taken in July, 1949 (more great photos here):