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

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.

The First Annual Normandy Park Hoop Fest is under way right now at Normandy Park Towne Center!

It’s 3-on-3 and “self-refereed” says event coordinate Doug Schulze.

The court and schedule can handle up to 16 teams.

The event is 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.

In addition to locals slam dunking over each other, there will also be food and a beer garden.

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Happy Thursday! Thanks to all of you who came out last Sunday for our Waterbrook Wine Dinner! It was great! The winemaker was handing out prizes after testing the diners on their wine knowledge!

Don’t forget, the Normandy Park Hoop Fest will be taking place in our parking lot here at Archery Bistro this Saturday! We will be offering various lunch items and ice cold beers!!! Come down and check it out!

Starting in August (dates to be determined) we will be doing “Hot August Nights.” Our parking lot will be transformed into a classic car show, with music, food, and drinks! Stay tuned for more info.

Geez there is a lot going on down here! Sundays we have been selling food at the Music In the Park concert series at Mar Vista Park. We will be there this weekend selling some of our signature items!! Bring cash!! We have many events lined up for the month of August so we won’t be doing an August wine dinner. However, we have an award winning winery, Dutch John’s from Wenatchee, slated for September. It is sure to be a delicious evening! Stay tuned for the menu!

Until next time!!!

- Chef Brandon

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The First Annual Normandy Park Hoop Fest, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will be held on Saturday, July 31st at Normandy Park Towne Center.

The event is 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.

The tournament will include up to 16 teams with trophies awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams.

In addition to locals slam dunking over each other, there will also be food and a beer garden.

Registration for Normandy Park Hoop Fest can be completed online at: www.normandyparkwa.gov. To download the registration form, click here (PDF file).

Normandy Park Hoop Fest will serve as the kick-off event for “National Night Out,” which is Tuesday, August 3rd.

For more information contact Mary at (206) 248-8256.

Here are the rules:

1. Each team must register at least three players on or before the date of the tournament. Maximum roster size is four players per team. No additions, deletions and/or changes may be made after a team’s first game has started.
2. Teams using players not officially registered or using falsified information on rosters will be automatically disqualified from the event. Team captains are responsible and will be held accountable for all information.
3. The format of the tournament will be determined once all teams have entered. The tournament director reserves the right to change the format based on external events (i.e., inclement weather).
4. The court monitor will be the official timekeeper/scorekeeper and will be responsible for mediating all disputes. He/she has the right to overturn a call on the court if there is a justified reason to do so. The court monitor’s interpretation of the rules is final. In the event the court monitor cannot solve a dispute, a coin flip will be made to determine the outcome of the dispute.
5. Physically or verbally threatening or abusing a court monitor is cause for immediate disqualification.
6. Players and/or teams may be removed from the game at the discretion of the court monitor for abusive behavior, flagrant fouls or rough play. Unruly fans may also be removed from the area.
7. Teams must be at their court at the scheduled time. A five?minute forfeit time will be strictly enforced.
8. Each team must start and finish the game with at least two players.
9. A coin flip at the start of the game will determine first possession.
10. Successful shots taken from inside the 3?point line will be worth 1 point, while baskets made from outside the line are worth 2 points. Both feet must be clearly behind the line (when the shot is attempted) for the shot to count as two points.
11. All games are played to 21 points (win by 1) or 20 minutes (running clock), whichever comes first. The tournament director reserves the right to change the number of points and/or time limit due to external events.
12. If the game is tied after the 20 minutes have elapsed, then the game will be completed with a sudden death playoff. A coin flip will determine possession.
13. Player substitutions will be permitted on any deadball situation.
14. The player who is fouled is responsible for calling the foul. The foul must be called immediately in a clear and loud manner and all action must stop. If the player is fouled while shooting and makes the basket, the basket counts (the foul is ignored) and the opposing team takes possession. Otherwise, the team that was fouled retains possession and the ball is checked in as usual.
15. If a defensive player calls a foul on himself, the offensive team may continue to play even if the defense stops. If the offensive team chooses to stop play when a defensive player calls a foul, then action stops and the ball is checked in as usual.
16. On the 6th team foul, the player fouled will be awarded the option of shooting a free throw or retaining the possession of the ball, checking it in as usual. If the player elects to shoot a free throw, all other players must stand at least three feet behind the shooter. Regardless if the free throw is made or not, the opposing team takes possession.
17. If the court monitor rules that a foul was flagrant or meant to cause harm, the player fouled will shoot one free throw and that team will keep possession of the ball. The player called with a flagrant foul will get one warning. Any further flagrant fouls will result in immediate ejection from the game.
18. Any player(s) involved in fighting or continued misconduct will be disqualified from the tournament and will not be allowed to participate in future tournaments.
19. An unwritten 30?second shot clock is in effect at all times and may be enforced by the court monitor at his/her discretion. Once the court monitor has announced that the shot clock is in effect, each team has 30 seconds to get a shot off. The shot must make contact with the rim of the basket for the shot clock to be restarted. A defensive foul also resets the shot clock.
20. There is an imaginary 3?second lane near/under the basket. There is no camping in this lane. “Camping” violations are at the discretion of the court monitor. The court monitor will give a warning. Subsequent infractions will result in loss of possession.
21. Jump balls always go to the defense. They do not go to the team that yells “first”.
22. If a ball goes out of bounds and players and the court monitor cannot decide who gets possession of the ball, then a coin flip will decide possession.
23. The top of the backboard is out of bounds. The sides and bottom of the backboard are in bounds.
24. Shots that hit nothing (i.e., airballs) which are rebounded by the shooter without anybody else touching the ball is considered traveling and results in a turnover.
25. Timeouts – one 30?second timeout per team per game is permitted.
26. The court monitor has the right to make a ruling on any issues that are not covered within these rules.

The Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball team recently advanced to the West Zone Colt Baseball Tournament in California by winning all their games in the NW Regionals held in Kirkland recently. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st, and they’re holding a car wash this Sunday, July 25th to raise funds for their trip.

They’re asking our Readers to come get their cars washed and “help a local team travel to California!”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Fundraiser Car Wash by the Highline Blue Sox Baseball Team

WHEN: This Sunday, July 25th, from 11am – 3pm

WHERE: Airport 76 Station, located at 46th Ave South and South 188th St.

INFO: From a flier:

Enjoy The Benefits of the Best Car Wash in The Area and Help a Local Team Travel to California!

Support the Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball Team 2010 Northwest Regional Colt Baseball Champions

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Airport 76 Station – 46th Ave So and So 188th St.

11:00 am to 3:00 pm (Eco-friendly soap for the gentle care of your vehicle)

The Highline Blue Sox Colt Baseball team has earned the honor to compete in the West Zone Colt Baseball Tournament in Santa Clara, CA. by winning all of the games in the Northwest Regional tournament held in Kirkland recently. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 5:00pm at Washington Park in Santa Clara, CA

Team members: Erik Anderson #10, Desmond Drew #8, Wyatt Dumar #32, Carlos Herrera #23, Kyle Howell #27 , Justin Lang #12, Andrew Lenaburg #21, Michael McLean #9, Miles McNair #0, Jake Morine #4, Jordan Morine #3, Luke Olson #13, Ryne Phelan #7 , and Danny Teja #5. Coaches: Darin Lang, Lupe Herrera and Reid McNair.

Come and meet the players.

Help give them a great send off!

In the state of Washington, bicycle injuries are the second leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for children ages 5-14. The majority of bicycle deaths involving children in Washington occur to those not wearing a bicycle helmet, which led Safe Kids South King County to create a Safe Rider campaign in order to reduce unintentional injury to children participating in wheeled sports.

The Safe Rider campaign seeks to reward children who are observed wearing their helmets in South King County by partnering with McDonald’s and local police and fire departments. Children observed wearing their helmets by on-duty uniformed personnel will receive a “Safe Rider Citation”, which can be redeemed for a free vanilla reduced fat ice cream cone from a participating South King County McDonald’s.

This is the first year Safe Kids South King County and McDonald’s have partnered for the Safe Rider campaign. The campaign began in May with Safe Kids and McDonald’s supplying over 6,000 “Safe Rider Citation” coupons to participating police and fire departments in the South King County region.

Participating departments include:

• Normandy Park Police Department
• Burien Police Department
• SeaTac Police Department
• Auburn Police Department
• Maple Valley Police Department
• Renton Police Department
• North Highline Fire Department
• Valley Regional Fire Department
• Tukwila Fire Department
• King County Fire District 44

Participating police and fire officials will be awarding “Safe Rider Citations” throughout the year to raise awareness about the importance of helmet safety in preventing unintentional injury to children.

About Safe Kids South King County:
Safe Kids Worldwide is the first and only international nonprofit organization dedicated solely to eliminating preventable childhood injury. Safe Kids South King County is 1 of 310 Safe Kids coalitions in the country that promote changes in attitudes, behaviors, laws, and the environment to prevent accidental injury to children. On a national level, Safe Kids has distributed more than 2.5 million bike helmets, 250,000 smoke alarms, and checked more than 740,000 car seats. In the United States, Safe Kids has contributed to a 45 percent reduction in the child fatality rate from accidental injury – saving an estimated 38,000 children’s lives.

The fifth annual Brent Rice Memorial Swim of the Sound is set for 9am on Saturday, Aug. 14th in Des Moines, and organizers are currently seeking athletes, donors and sponsors.

The swim was started in 2006 by 17-year old Justin Moser, who wanted to honor his friend and mentor Brent Rice, who passed away just over four years ago in a car accident. Brent Rice once did the swim himself as a personal challenge from one of his brothers. Brent Rice was a local swimmer, where he competed at both the state and national level receiving All-American honors.

The swim is a 2.3 mile journey in 50-degree water, from the DesMoines Beach Park to Point Robinson on Maury Island. The first year eight made the journey, and last year they quadrupled the number of swimmers. This year organizers would like to have as many as 100 adventurous athletes join their quest to Swim the Sound. The swim will be run by volunteers, lifeguards, the Des Moines Fire Department and the US Coast Guard.

With 45 swimmers taking the plunge in 2009, last year they raised $4,000.00 for the Brent Rice Memorial Foundation. The foundation, created in 2006, helps provide swim lessons for low-income families who can’t afford them and aquatic safety education programs in the Puget Sound area. Last years’ funds will be awarded to Mt Rainier Pool, Kent Meridian Pool and Evergreen Pool for swim lessons and other aquatic programs later this year.

Swimmers who want to participate must be intermediate or advanced; although this is a fun event and for a great cause, the sound is very treacherous. Donors, sponsors, athletes and volunteers who are interested can get more information online at www.BRMSOS.com.

The date of the swim is Saturday August 14, 2010.

All donations can be sent to:

BRMSOS
2452 Alki Ave SW #301
Seattle, WA 98116

To register to participate as a swimmer, the cost is $60 – click here to register online.

Here are a couple of videos about previous swims:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYkoDnBB83o

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMcVdV1IVpk

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAt06OW0neA

In Honor of Father’s Day, NPB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club (HAC) is offering a special – $25 Enrollment Through June 30th!

It’s the annual countdown to Father’s Day. Here’s a thought for a great gift for Dad from our friends and advertiser Highline Athletic Club.

HAC is offering ALL Normandy Park Blog Readers an opportunity to enroll for just $25 (regularly $140-$200) starting today and continuing through June 30th. Monthly fees will depend on your membership type.

Don’t have a Dad? Buy it for Mom, buy it for your wife, buy it for yourself. Take advantage of this very special offer, now through the end of June. Just mention that you “saw it on The Normandy Park Blog” to receive this special enrollment.

It’s never too late to get started – no matter what your age. Consider these facts when making a decision to get started in an exercise program:

• Studies have shown that men who start exercising in midlife live longer. Exercise recommendations from the government advise that everyone be active, from children and teenagers to adults and older adults – even people with disabilities and chronic conditions are encouraged to be active within their capabilities. In an ideal world, everyone would make exercise a lifelong habit, however some people have not yet caught on.
• A new Swedish study shows that it’s never too late to begin exercising. Although the benefits of an active life are greater if one starts earlier, science shows that starting late is much better than never.
• Men who exercised the most lived, on average, 2.5 years longer.
• Amongst previously sedentary men who began to exercise at 50, mortality rates were originally high, but after exercising for 10 years, their mortality rates dropped to nearly equal those of their more active peers.
• Muscular Strength Is Linked To Lower Mortality In Men -Building muscle is an important part of any exercise regimen. Muscle tissue has many vital functions, including basic movement and fine motor skills as well as the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

With a membership to HAC you’ll be giving the gift of Health to your loved ones, whether it be your Dad, Mom, spouse, partner or your kids.

Think about it, then come in and mention the Father’s Day Offer that you “saw on The Normandy Park Blog” and take advantage of this incredible savings. You’ll find them in Burien at 125 South 156, or can call them at 206-246-9000.

HAC has been serving the community for over 22 years and is committed to assisting members in reaching their health and fitness goals, and was voted “BEST GYM” by King 5 Evening Magazines – Best of Contest! That’s for ALL of the Seattle area.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]