Normandy Park Blog

Dennis Clark prepares to cut invasive weeds from Miller Creek. Photo Courtesy King Co. Parks.

Both Miller Creek and Walker Creek flow through the area, and both creeks are in need of your help.

An ad-hoc committee aimed at monitoring and studying both creeks is forming, and its inaugural workshop is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 24, from 7pm – 8:30pm at the Burien Community Center, Classroom 5, located at 425 S.W. 144th Street (map below).

At this workshop, participants will learn the answers to some of the following questions, and help provide answers to some other questions:

• How do we know about water quality, water quantity, and habitat conditions in Miller and Walker Creeks?
• What monitoring has been done in recent years?
• What monitoring is necessary to allow for analysis of trends?
• Can we better coordinate existing monitoring?
• What additional monitoring would we like to do in the future?
• And how are we going to use all the data that have been and will be collected? Five years from now, will monitoring give us the information we need to evaluate the health of these stream basins and make good decisions about future projects, programs, and policies?

Improving monitoring of water quality, water quantity, and habitat conditions is recommended in the Executive Proposed Miller and Walker Creeks Basin Plan. This workshop is intended to kick off an ad hoc committee effort to answer the questions listed above. Answering these questions will help everyone take better care of the land and water in the Miller and Walker Creek basins (basin boundary map).

The monitoring discussion is intended to produce recommendations on how local partners can conduct voluntary monitoring in the future. The outcome of this process will not affect the current monitoring for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as required by the Department of Ecology. The monitoring that has been and is being done by the Port of Seattle will be discussed, however, because it provides information on those portions of the creeks that flow through the airport property.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Dennis Clark, King County Public Outreach/Stewardship Coordinator, 206-296-1909.

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We’re proud to announce that a new sister website has been born, so please give her a click and say hello to White Center Blog!

White Center Blog will serve as a diverse resource of local news, events, listings, videos, photos and more for the neighboring community of White Center.

To learn more, please check out http://www.whitecenterblog.com and be sure to say hello to your new neighbors!

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Normandy Park’s Music in the Park series begins Sunday July 20th and continues every Sunday through August.

Enjoy this FREE family entertainment summer concert series every Sunday from 5pm-6:30pm at Marvista Park, 20000 4th Ave SW in Normandy Park (see map below).

Here’s the 2008 schedule:

• July 20th: The McKassons; A Contemporary Scottish Fiddle Band
• July 27th: WHOZYAMAMA; Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music from south Louisiana
• Aug 3rd: Kids Concert Sponsored by King County Library:
  • Act 1: Nancy Stewart Bee Boppin’ Bugs
  • Act 2: The Cheaters; High Velocity Contemporary Brass Band
• Aug 10th: SuperSones; 7 piece band playing classic & original acoustic dance music of the Cuban countryside.
• Aug 17th: Erin McNamee Band
• Aug 24th: Island Bound; Island Music, Hawaiian Reggae & Hula Dancers

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The tragic apartment fire that killed three in Burien early Sunday has been determined as being arson, and a $10,000 reward has been set for information leading to an arrest.

Lots of generous Readers have been asking how they can help the victims, and here’s what we recommend for now since relief efforts are still developing:

• Donate online directly to a “Burien Apartment Fire” fund courtesy the American Red Cross. The Red Cross website says:

“Help the Red Cross provide food, shelter and hope to the victims of the Burien Apartment fire. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. By making a gift to this fund, your gift will be used to provide assistance to individuals and families affected by the fire. If you would prefer to make a gift to support the thousands of disasters the Red Cross responds to each year across the country, please select the National Disaster Relief Fund. If you wish to support disaster relief in our local community, please select the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties Fund.”

• Donate by phone: With a credit card, you can make a secure Red Cross donation over the phone weekdays between 8:30am – 5:00pm by dialing (206) 323-2345.  Make sure and specify that the donation goes toward the “Burien Apartment Fire”.
• Donate by snail mail: Send a check or money order to the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties with “Burien Apartment Fire” in the Memo Field and mail it to:

Seattle Red Cross
P.O. Box 3097
Seattle, WA 98114-3097

• As of today, here are local businesses that are accepting donated goods for the fire victims:
  • Sterling Savings Bank, located at 224 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien is accepting and holding donations; contact number is (206) 243-6869
  • Collins Chiropractic, located at 619 SW 152nd in downtown Burien is accepting and holding donations; contact Lindsay at (206) 242-0998

NOTE: Until we gather more info on the victims, we recommend that our Readers either donate cash directly to the Red Cross, or purchase Gift Cards to local businesses and drop them off at either Sterling Savings or Collins Chiropractic.

Until we know specific needs and sizes we recommend NOT donating clothing yet – stick to either cash or Gift Cards for now.

If you own a business, or are a Reader who wishes to help, please email us – our goal is to serve as the online resource for assisting our neighbors in need, and this effort is only just beginning.

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NORMANDY PARK – Last Tuesday morning, after his Dad told him to get up for school, 13-year-old Daniel Smith couldn’t move his body to get down from his bunk bed.

He also couldn’t lift his legs or even swallow.

Daniel, who had been shooting hoops near his Normandy Park home a few days earlier, was temporarily paralyzed, his doctor later determined.

The cause: a tick found along his hairline at the nape of his neck.

Tick paralysis, though relatively rare, occurs most often in the Western states, the Rocky Mountains and Western Canada, said Rebecca Baer, epidemiologist for the Washington State Department of Health.

Paralysis of the sort Daniel experienced is likely caused by a toxin secreted in the tick’s saliva; the paralysis goes away fairly quickly once the tick is removed, typically within 24 hours. But if the tick is not removed in time, about 10 percent of victims die from respiratory paralysis, health officials said. Other symptoms of tick-borne illness include flulike symptoms — muscle aches, nausea, joint pains, fatigue.

Liz Dykstra, entomologist for the Washington State Department of Health, said the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick — the two species often associated with tick paralysis, are found here. In Western Washington, people aren’t accustomed to finding ticks, and they and their health-care providers may not suspect ticks when symptoms start, Dykstra said.

“If you live in the Southeast, you’re trained to check yourself over,” she said. “People here don’t expect to find ticks. But they are more common than you’d think.”

In Daniel’s case, the tick came from the Teanaway River area, near Cle Elum, where the Smith family was camping with friends during Memorial Day weekend. Another father on the trip found a tick on his son’s head and called the Smiths to suggest they check for ticks.

Stu Smith said he checked his son throughly the day after they camped but saw no ticks.

The first noticeable symptom came a week later, on Monday morning, when Daniel felt his back go slightly numb. After school, his left leg was so weak, a neighbor had to help him get into his house.

Because Daniel had started wearing a back brace for a medical condition, his parents consulted with their doctor’s office; they suspected his body was adjusting to the brace.

But the next morning, Daniel could barely squeeze his mother’s hand, and he had no feeling in his lower body.

His father checked his head again and found a dark-tan tick the size of a raisin.

Ticks can be hard to detect at first, but within days, they can ingest enough blood to grow to the size of an M&M.

Daniel was treated at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center and could stand with some assistance about 6 ½ hours after the tick was removed. He was back in class by Thursday.

Although two cases of tick paralysis were reported in Washington last year, doctors aren’t required to report cases of it, said Baer, the epidemiologist.

From the mid-1940s to the mid-1990s, when reporting was required, only 33 cases occurred. Those included two children, both of whom died. Most people picked up the ticks in Eastern Washington between mid-March and late June.

SOURCE:

• The Seattle Times

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Every year, thousands of poor, sad, lonely dogs are abandoned and neglected.

This Father’s Day, why not help a needy dog out and make Dad happy at the same time by adopting a very unique canine named Spike:

Go to Dan The Sausageman’s website (hey, he’s a local guy and this video was locally produced) and order now, and you’ll receive a FREE 9-Ounce Summer Sausage!

CREDITS:

• Written/Directed by Scott Schaefer
• Voiceover by Henry Dardenne

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Every 4th of July, it seems that everyone and their little brother-in-law treks on over to the cozy little ‘hood of Three Tree Point.

And every 4th, the neighbors of said ‘hood pitch in to fund a spectacular high-altitude fireworks show (these are major, professionally-launched fireworks folks, rocketed up from a barge anchored off the point starting ’round 10pm), visible from all around Puget Sound. The roads get clogged, parking spots are rare, and it’s like one huge rockin’ block party.

In the past, only the neighbors in the area have been able to donate to the Fireworks Fund, but the Normandy Park Blog is here to change that.

Here’s what your generous donation will help provide:

• An outstanding, breath-taking display put on by the pros at Western Fireworks
• Tug, barge and fuel fees
• Insurance and permits
• Police support
• Dumpster rental for July 5th cleanup

The usual cost for all these things has gone up since last year to a projected goal of $21,000, which is why this here Blog is kindly asking for everyone in the general area who enjoys this show to please donate something to the Fireworks Fund.

And this year, you can even donate online by credit card right here!

Just click on a dollar amount (ranging from $25 to $500), then enter your vitals via a secure website and voila – you won’t feel guilty anymore about “stealing” a great local entertainment tradition!

Please note that if you donate $150 or more, you’ll get an invitation to a special dinner party on Saturday June 28th. These parties are wonderful, with catered food, open bar, live music and great neighbors.

If you’d rather donate by check, send whatever you can afford to:

Three Tree Point Fireworks Fund (or “3TPFF”)
c/o Clark & Liz Mounsey
3721 SW 171st Street
Burien, WA 98166

Now…don’t you feel better by giving something?

Have fun, and as always, stay safe and sane.

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Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s latest issue showcases 95 different Western Washington neighborhoods.

And guess what?

They rank Normandy Park as #5 in their “Hot Hoods” listing!

The issue is on newstands now, and we actually went out, spent $5.44 ($4.99 + tax) and bought a physical copy ourselves.

Some excerpts:

• “Just a few miles west of Sea-Tac airport lies the leafy, secluded enclave of Normandy Park. Many of its homes include views of Puget Sound the the Olympics, and residents enjoy access to a private beach next to the community center that sports spectacular views of its own…”
• “One custom home, which includes a bluff-side view and an elevator to take residents and guests to and from the beach, recently fetched $2.75 million, but you can still find ramblers in the $400,000s…”
• “Nancy Fulton…still loves the town where she has lived for the last 25 years and where her family has run a heating business for three generations.; she and her neighbors enjoy living in a place where everyone knows their names.”
  

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Do ya ever wonder how to figure out if that glad-handin’, baby-kissin’, door-to-door knockin’ political candidate you’re thinking of voting for would make a good elected official?

And how does one judge a good judge? By the material of their cape or what?

The answers to those and other important political questions have been answered every year for the past 93 years thanks to the hard work and efforts of local citizens who participate in the Municipal League of King County’s candidate evaluation process.

Now is your chance to help your fellow citizens be well-informed before they vote.

In case you were wondering, the Municipal League of King County is a non-partisan organization dedicated to informed decision making and open government. The Municipal League researches policy issues, evaluates candidates, communicates its findings and then mobilizes citizens to action when needed. The group is made up of diverse citizens from throughout King County who are united by a commitment to good government.

The Municipal League is looking for volunteers to evaluate political candidates for a variety of public offices. As a volunteer you will be asked to research work histories and references of candidates; interview candidates; and recommend candidate ratings. The final result is a Voter’s Guide designed to provide useful, nonpartisan information prior to the Aug. 21 primary.

Candidates are rated on four criteria:

• Involvement
• Character
• Effectiveness
• Knowledge

The league does not use partisan criteria and does not endorse candidates. You will be asked to evaluate candidates only to determine their fitness for office. This year, candidates throughout King County will be evaluated in races for the state legislature and judicial offices.

Having a group of volunteers with diverse backgrounds and views is important to ensuring high quality and unbiased candidate ratings. Volunteers must be able to leave their political leanings at the door. Knowledge of or interest in local politics is a plus. Prior experience is not necessary. Volunteer work takes place throughout June.

For more information and applications contact the Municipal League at (206) 264-1070 or visit their website at www.munileague.org.

And remember… good government doesn’t just happen. Good government is the result of good people like you (the astute, intelligent reader of this here Blog) getting involved!

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Are you an artist?

The City of Normandy Park is looking for artists for their annual Arts Festival, which will be held June 7th and 8th.

Applications are due by May 15th to be guaranteed entry into the event.

Late submissions are accepted on a space available basis.

Event publication, entry forms, and art tags can be accessed here.

WHAT: Normandy Park Arts Festival

WHEN: June 7th and 8th, 2008

CONTACT: email to artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us

ARTISTS: Go to FORMS LIBRARY for entry forms, guidelines and art tags.

VENDORS: Space is available in the Recreation Center for vendors to sell original art work and crafts. Application needs to be made by May 15. Go to FORMS LIBRARY for entry forms, guidelines and art tags.

VOLUNTEERS: No experience necessary and most shifts are 3-hours long. Email artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us your interest area. Go to FORMS LIBRARY for entry forms, guidelines and art tags. Help is needed in the following areas:

• Set-up, June 6th, 4pm
• Art Docents: June 7th, 8th, starting at 10am
• Take Down: June 8th, 4pm

FORMS: FORMS LIBRARY

JUDGES FOR JURIED GALLERY:

Nancy Johnson:

• Education: University of Idaho, BA Fine Arts Centre College of Kentucky, San Francisco Academy of Art, San Francisco Art Institute.
• Exhibitions: Nancy has exhibited her work in numerous galleries in the US and has had solo exhibitions at Linda Farris Gallery, 1976 & 1977, Seattle Pacific University, 1979, and Foster/White Gallery, 1980, ‘821, ‘86, ‘98 and 2002. In 2007, Nancy has a show of her work to Normandy Park City Hall.
• Awards and Collections: Nancy has received many awards for her work including the Chautauqua Institution Award in 1082, NW Watercolor Society Award in 1082, and 10983 and the Frye Art Museum in 1070. Her work is in several collections in the US and Canada and is included in the collections of Pacific Western Bank, Columbia Tower, McCann-Erickson, Seattle Water Department and Ray’s Boathouse.

William Kuhns:

• Education: BA Fine Arts Seattle University, MA Fine Arts University of Washington.
• Exhibitions: William Kuhns has exhibited his work in may NW galleries including: Polly Friedlander Gallery, Manolides Gallery, NN Gallery, And/Or Gallery, Irwins Gallery and Glazers Gallery.
• Employment: William has worked as a photojournalist and combat photographer in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Panama, Thailand, Egypt, Korea, Portugal, Germany, Japan and Hungary. He is currently the Art Department Chair at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, where he teaches art and photography.He has been an art educator for the past 30 years. He also runs a photo studio in Seattle.

ENTERTAINMENT:

• Live music throughout the day.
• Volunteer Perfoming Groups: groups interested in performing on June 7th or June 8th should contact artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us

WALK-IN-THE-PARK: Hosted by the Park Board, join us for our annual walk that will leave City Hall Park at 10am. You will be back in time to enjoy the concert. See link below for registration form and additional information.

ART WORK CHECK IN: Wed, June 4th, 4pm-6pm. Attach tag card to back of each item submitted. Cards can be found on FORMS LIBRARY.

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