Going on job interviews? Giving a business presentation? Leading a meeting? Need confidence? Toastmasters is the answer!

The ability to speak well is crucial to success, but have you ever evaluated your speaking skills? Many people, if they were to seek feedback, would learn that they talk too much, or perhaps too softly, that they fill their sentences with “ums” and “uhs,” or that they are hard to follow. You might say that it’s the message that matters; but if you can’t put your ideas across in a way that makes people want to listen, that promotion or that leadership position could be a long time coming.

Toastmasters offers a formal, self-paced program that will help you learn to speak better. The two keys to this are practice and feedback. Toastmasters clubs provide a friendly and supportive setting where you can practice your public speaking, and receive constructive feedback. Darlene Burrill says, “Toastmasters has given me the courage to speak in front of a group in spite of my speech impediment.”

To learn more about Toastmasters attend an Open House at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, Thursday, September 9, 2010. Arrive at 6:45am to receive your guest packet and get your coffee or juice. There will be a light breakfast served at break time.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters Open House
4 Lessons on Speaking from “The Karate Kid”
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien
Across the street from Azteca, next to Hi-Line Lanes
7:00am – 8:15am
Arrive at 6:45am for Guest Packets, Coffee and Juice
For more info contact Theresa 206-588-5088 or burienbreakfast.com@gmail.com

There will be three parts to the meeting, the prepared speeches, the evaluations, and “Table Topics”. The prepared speeches are usually of five to seven minutes long. Each member is given in a manual that sets out ten speech projects. Each of these has a specific goal, such as speech structure, using gestures, pauses and vocal inflection. These will help you learn how to express your ideas clearly and with confidence. Bang Parkinson, the President of Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, says that using the speech projects helped her gain confidence and feel comfortable presenting at board meetings at work. “Even though I still have my Chinese accent, people understand me better. Giving speeches at Toastmasters helped me to articulate well and to speak slower, clearer and smoother.”

After each speech an evaluator, usually a Toastmaster more experienced than the speaker, provides feedback. This takes the form of an impromptu speech and the objective is to give suggestions on how to improve future speeches because feedback is essential to learning.

For many people the “Table Topics” part of a meeting is the most frightening, yet this is also of the greatest benefit for those wanting to improve how they speak at work. In Table Topics each person is called upon to speak impromptu on a subject. If you’ve never done it before, delivering an interesting and well-structured talk to a group of attentive listeners without any preparation can be extremely difficult. Yes, the first time is hard, but it gets easier with practice, and that’s precisely the point. As Jean Schmidt says, “I used to be legally blind. Science gave me back my eyesight. Toastmasters opened my eyes. Now they can’t keep my mouth shut!”

Attend a meeting and you’ll find Toastmasters are more than willing to share stories of how Table Topics practice helped them at work. From explaining a project to a group of unexpected visitors to persuading colleagues to consider a crazy idea, being able to express thoughts clearly is essential to being viewed as both confident and competent. Roger Wells will tell you how Table Topics saved his dad’s life when with no preparation he had to convince medical authorities to hospitalize his dad at once.

You can learn these skills and more in a supportive, self paced, fun atmosphere at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters. Join us at our Open House September 9, 2010 at 6:45am or at any of our regularly scheduled meetings.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166
2nd and 4th Thursday of every month
7:00am – 8:15am

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

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.

Jazz Night and Wine Tasting returns to the E.B. Foote Winery on Sunday, August 29.

Tickets are $10 each ($9 for Wine Club Members) in advance or $12 day of the event and include two hours of smooth jazz, a sample of four wines, and snacks. The doors to the winery will open at 5:30 pm and music will go from 6-8 pm.

Wayne Miller and Friends will relax you with smooth jazz music while you enjoy a sample of four wines. Wine will also be available by the glass for $5 cash, and you can purchase bottles to take home with you. This event is for adults only. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery, or on the website at www.ebfootewinery.com.

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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.

NPB 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:

What’s up B-Town Followers?! Chef Brandon here to remind you about your Hot Summer Nights promotion every Thursday night in August in our Archery Bistro parking lot! Swing by with your classic car or bike and receive food and drink specials ALL NIGHT long! Thursdays are also our All You Can Eat Fish and Chips night! Plan on coming down after work for a fun and entertaining evening!

Although it may seem far out, people are starting to book their holiday work or family parties now! Archery Bistro is a great place for you and yours to relax and enjoy some fantastic food, drinks, and service! Call now and reserve your party to make sure you get a prime date. If you have an extra large party Archery Bistro is available for a total buy out. I am also happy to custom design your party menu and can work with different size budgets. I promise all of us at Archery Bistro will do all we can so your guests have a lasting and memorable event!
On a final note, have you seen our fire pit? It’s one of a kind! It’s a great place for a late evening glass of wine or summer cocktail! That’s where I would be, if I wasn’t working!

Make it a great day!!
– Chef Brandon

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Wednesday morning (Aug. 18) between 10am – 11am or so, if you saw a motorcade drive in to the Burien/Normandy Park area, be aware that no, it wasn’t the President (he left yesterday) – it was “Chief For A Day,” a law enforcement event that celebrates the lives of children with chronic illnesses.

The motorcade was bringing kids from Qwest Field to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, where they will be treated to a swearing-in ceremony, lunch with recruits, then participate in outside presentations made by law enforcement agencies including K-9 units, mounted patrol, SWAT, rifle units, a police helicopter and more.

The event will last until 3pm.

Here’s more info from the “Chief For A Day” website:

In partnership with local law enforcement agencies and hospitals, Chief For a Day is about celebrating the lives of children who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. It is a celebration of life for all.

This year, selected children will be transported by police motorcade to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission where they will be honored as “Chief For a Day.”

Public Safety Agencies, Hospitals, and an army of Volunteers make this day special by donating their time and talents to this worthy cause. Whether you are making a monetary donation or simply attending the celebration we welcome you to join us!

We’d like to welcome back NPB Advertiser Michael O’Neill Interiors, who want us to share the following information with our Readers:

CHOOSING YOUR DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

Designer or Decorator?
The technical definition of a designer often used is one who reconfigures the space i.e. moving or eliminating walls, windows and architectural elements; adding or changing built-in elements such as cabinetry and fixtures. Interior decorators’ forte is usually construed to be finishes, furnishings, accessories and artwork.

You are looking for professional results when designing your project. Some professionals only do interior design and some do only interior decorating, but there are many who overlap and do both. In reality most professionals will call themselves either interior designers or interior decorators even though in essence they are an interior designer decorator because they do both designing and decorating. For our purposes we’ll use the term interior designer to be all inclusive.

Interior designers serve as artisans for clients looking to cultivate a certain type of look and or solve problems for their space. They advise clients on how to think out of the box and allow their creative ideas to synchronize with the realities and possibilities of the space being designed. They help to set overall design concepts and incorporate budget-saving ideas that still allow the space to reflect a certain level of taste and function. A good designer will take stock of the resources you already have in place and help you determine how those resources should best be allocated to ensure that your design goals are met within your budget.

A degree or professional organization affiliation does not guarantee a designer’s abilities or creative talents. Their portfolio, work history and references are the best gauge of their qualifications. Interior designers who have many years experience may not have a Bachelors in Interior Design, but usually are well educated and have learned their craft in the real world.

Considerations
You should consider a few things before deciding on an interior design company. These considerations include:

1. Personality

Are you compatible?
Get a feel for the person or firm. Do you feel comfortable working with them? Do you have confidence that they can manage the task of designing your project? Being able to work closely with your designer is important because clear communication between client and designer is what will ensure a great result. Pay close attention to how well they receive your ideas and whether they are willing to take the mix of your ideas and their expertise to create a beautiful space.

Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what the budget range was.

Competent designers will a have many questions for you about you and your project. Be prepared to talk freely about problems and concerns.

2. Vision

Does the designer understand your aesthetic vision for the project?
Peruse the interior designer’s portfolio, but remember that the designs will reflect other people’s tastes, not necessarily the interior designer’s, and possibly not your own. Look instead for overall effect – use of color, composition, dramatic appeal – wow factor.

It always helps an interior designer when his or her client has some ideas in mind before beginning the design process. Pulling pictures out of books or magazines helps to give the designer a visual of the direction you want to take with the decor in your space. While you shouldn’t expect to get the exact look of your examples, your designer should be able to get a feeling for the style you are after. However, your reason for hiring a design professional should be to tap their creative juices and achieve a unique, personal and outstanding look.

After they have seen your site, how well do they understand your project? Listen to the types of ideas they have. Do they seem to understand your point of view? Do they seem organized and remember points you brought up?

3. Budget

Can the designer work within your budget?
Establish a budget. Work out details. What can you afford? Many companies specialize in working with people on a budget. However, before you hire a designer, you do need to figure out exactly what the limits of your budget are. The designer may be able to give you rough guidelines, but budget ultimately needs to come from you. Remember, it is not the amount that is important (because the best designers can work with any reasonable size budget), but rather that you understand your monetary limit before you hire an interior designer.

Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules the interior decorator requires.

4. Time Frame

Can the designer commit to the deadline you need?
Discuss time frame. What are your time constraints? Estimate how long the project will take. Will the project be phased? If so determine priorities. What should be accomplished in each phase? Bear in mind the more work that can be completed in one phase the more economical the whole project will be. How long can the space be “under construction”?

5. Fees

How do designers charge for their services?
Hourly Rate: The interior designer bills a per hour rate.

Per Diem: The designer bills a daily rate.

Flat Design Fee: The client pays a flat fee for the professional interior designer’s services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services.

Cost Plus Method: Professional interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen’s services rendered.

Mixed Method: The client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.

6. Role

Exactly what is the scope of the designer’s involvement?
Ask about the types of services the designer can provide. Will you require construction drawings and or renderings? Who will purchase product? Who will hire subcontractors? What do you expect as far as project management? This later consideration is of utmost importance. Some clients feel a designer’s job is done once the specifications and drawings are done and product ordered. Releasing the designer at that point is a recipe for disaster! In order for a designer to best serve their client they should be on board until the project is completed. Cost, quality and maintained vision invariably suffer if this is not the case.

Michael O'Neill

Misconceptions
The most common misconception that exists about the interior design industry is that the process of using professional design services is expensive. The converse is usually the case. Without a designer you could likely end up spending much more money because of the process of trial and error or avoidable mistakes and end up with a mediocre project. Particularly in today’s budget-conscious economy, interior designers are working with clients on how to get the best interior design concepts for less. The best way to navigate the process is to bring this topic up during the interview stage to ensure that the company you choose has some experience designing and sourcing on a budget.

Finally, if an interior designer, or anyone for that matter, tells you the process is easy, stress-free, and will be complete in two weeks, they’re either lying or naive. Don’t hire that person! It should be, however, an adventurous, fun and definitely rewarding experience.

To learn more about Michael O’Neill Interiors, click here, or call (206) 290-3303.

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We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Shawn McEvoy, running for King County Council, District 8.

Here’s what Shawn would like us to share with our Readers:

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I’d like to share a little about myself with you; perhaps you’ll gain some insight into why I’m running for King County Council and why I care so much about good government.

Shawn McEvoy

I grew up in Normandy Park and pretty much have lived here all of my life. I’ve seen when things didn’t work in this city and community and how things deteriorated. I’ve been involved in my community and city government because I care and because I feel I can make a real difference and I have. Whether it’s been serving as the Mayor and Council member for the city of Normandy Park, or as President and board member for the Normandy Park Community Club (Cove), I have always made great strides in improving the quality of life for my community and city. I’m proud of the many accomplishments and honors I’ve received for our successes.

The proof of my commitment to good leadership and government is easy to verify. During my twelve years on the board of trustees for the Normandy Park Community Club as President and Board member, add to that, eight years as Mayor and Councilmember for the city of Normandy Park, my service was completely voluntary. That’s right, even though elected, we are not paid a thing for our services. In volunteering I believe it is perhaps the truest form of leadership and democracy.

Our success is because we act in a non-partison fashion. I’m here to tell you non-partisanship works. I believe one of the problems we have today is that politics is getting in the way of solving problems and making progress. Career politicians at the County level are the problem not the solution. That is why our citizens of King County voted to have a non-partisan Council. Instead of career politicians, we want council members that work together on the problems of today and are focused on our future, not theirs.

I can make a difference at the County level. I have the experience, skills and the abilities to help solve the problems of political bickering, as well as help solve King County’s other problems. I can bring real change to the County Council. I’m endorsed by the 11th District Democrats, many Independents and Republicans. I’m rated Very Good by the Municipal League of King County. Because you want a moderate with an excellent environmental record, great leadership skills, strong council experience, and impressive regional involvement, I’m asking for your vote and I’m looking forward to earning your trust.

More information on Shawn is available at his website: http://friendsofshawnmcevoy.com.

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NPB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a desirable, custom waterfront home near 3 Tree Point with ever-changing 180-degree Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views.

Located on the Half Moon Bay, just north of 3 Tree Point, this multilevel Northwest contemporary home sits on the waters’ edge with easy beach and sound access, and is in the perfect location for enjoying all aspects of waterfront living.

This 4-bedroom, 5-bath home with over 4,600 square feet of living space and 2,000 square feet of deck is designed specifically for entertaining, relaxation and everyday vacation living.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 1st, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 15929 Maplewild Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $974,950
• Listing #: 97204
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 5
• Year Built: 1993
• 2-car Garage
• Approximate House SqFt: 4,640
• Lot Square Footage: 15,490

Interior Features:

• 2nd Kitchen
• 2nd Master BR
• Bath Off Master
• Built-In Vacuum
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Dining Room
• Jetted/Soaking Tub
• Security System
• Skylights
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Walk-in Closet

Waterfront:

• Bay
• Bulkhead
• No Bank
• Sound
• Tideland Rights

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Gas Available
• High Speed Internet
• Hot Tub/Spa
• Moorage
• RV Parking
• Shop

Marketing Remarks:

Desirable 3-Tree Point Area Custom Waterfront Home w/ Ever Changing 180 degree Puget Sound & Olympic Mtn. Views.

Located on the Half Moon Bay North of 3-Tree Point, this Multilevel NW Contemporary Home sits on the Waters Edge w/ Easy Beach & Sound Access and is in the Perfect Location for Enjoying All Aspects of Waterfront Living.

4 Bdrm/ 5 Bath Home w/ Over 4600 sq ft of Living Space and 2000 sq ft of Deck.

Designed Specfically for Entertaining, Relaxation and Everyday Vacation Living.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

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