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

Groundbreaking ceremonies for White Center’s upcoming “Strength of Place Village,” a new construction project of 30 units of affordable rental housing, is set for Wednesday, Sept. 15th.

Scheduled to open next summer, this new project is being built through a partnership between the White Center Community Development Association, Capitol Hill Housing and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association.

Located on the corner of SW 100th Street and 13th Ave SW, the project is slated to have 30 apartments ranging from one-bedrooms to three-bedrooms for low-income families making less than about $55,000 per year.

According to a statement, Strength of Place Village will also deliver living-wage construction jobs to White Center and will be green built to the Washington State Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard.

Here’s more from a press release:

Long-time White Center resident Laushonda Barquet remarks that Strength of Place Village “would be very beneficial to the White Center community because many residents have financial barriers that don’t permit us to find well managed, good quality homes we can afford.”

Executive Director of the White Center Community Development Association, Aileen Balahadia, says “Strength of Place Village represents a significant community achievement, working with the King County Sheriffs Office to identify a troubled corner property, meeting our residents’ desire for quality, family-sized housing, reviving a walkable business district, and pulling together the resources and team to make these 30 units a reality. We believe the project is a true model for how to construct affordable housing the White Center way.”

This project is one of five projects in Washington State that received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Tax Credit Assistance Program funding administered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. In a time when low-income housing tax credits are scarce, the partnership’s combined strengths made it feasible for the project to secure tax credit equity and this stimulus award. Capitol Hill Housing is the lead housing developer, the White Center Community Development Association is the local sponsor and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association secured the site in 2008 and will provide construction management services for the project. The project is currently owned by a tax credit Limited Liability Company in which all three non-profit organizations have an ownership stake.

Christopher Persons, Executive Director of Capitol Hill Housing says “we are honored to have been invited into White Center to partner on this unique project. It is a model for collaboration and the development of affordable housing in a community context.” Derek Birnie, Executive Director of Delridge Neighborhoods Development, the agency that originally purchased the property and started the development process, agrees that it has been an honor to be asked into the White Center neighborhood. He also states that “with all the changes that have been happening in both the financial and real estate sectors, this type of exciting collaboration between agencies is how nonprofits will be able to continue to develop quality affordable housing projects”.

Funding for this project is provided by Annie E. Casey Foundation, Impact Capital, King County, the State of Washington, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Tax Credit Assistance Program, National Equity Fund, Bank of America, Washington Community Reinvestment Association and the Bill & Melinda Gates Sound Families Initiative.

This came across our radar Tuesday morning (Aug. 10) – “Company,” a new bar/restaurant opening soon at 9608 16th SW (we first reported on April 20th – read our story here), is apparently looking to hire cooks, bartenders and servers.

According to a Craigslist Ad, they’re asking potential employees to drop resumes off this Thursday, Aug. 12th between 10am – Noon.

Here’s the text from the ad (link here):

Company, a new neighborhood bar and restaurant in White Center is getting ready to open and will be looking for cooks, bartenders and servers to fill part-time positions. Interested applicants should have 2+ years experience and professional references. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team that will open the doors of a great new bar to an incredible, and anxiously anticipating neighborhood. Please stop by our location at 9608 16th Ave. SW on Thursday, August 12th between 10am and 12 noon to drop off your resume and to meet our current staff. We look forward to seeing you then. Thank you.

Company
9608 16th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Resume drop off:
Thursday, August 12th
10am-12 noon

To see more local job listings, check out our Jobs Page here.

by Jack Mayne

The Seattle-Tacoma International Taxicab Association (STITA) lost another round in its fight to retain a contract with the Port of Seattle to be the sole provider of cab service leaving the airport, a contract it has held for about 20 years.

The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday (Aug. 5) declined to review an appeals court decision upholding the Port of Seattle’s award of the outbound taxi service contract to Yellow Cab. The Court also dissolved a stay preventing a new contract between Yellow and the Port and, within moments of the high court’s decision being announced Friday morning, the Port signed a new contract with Yellow that will take effect on Nov. 1

Chris Van Dyk, the principal of the Bainbridge Media Group and the person who authored the Yellow Cab bid, issued a news release Friday:

“You will be pleased to know that . . . the Washington State Supreme Court denied certiorari (review) of the STITA appeal of the temporary injunction that had been issued, blocking contract signing between the Port and Yellow, in this case,” Van Dyk wrote. “Accordingly, the Port of Seattle has signed the contract for outbound taxicab services with Puget Sound Dispatch dba Yellow Taxi Association, and Yellow will begin outbound on-demand (curbside pickup) taxicab service at SeaTac on Nov. 1, 2010.”

The original STITA contract was supposed to have ended on August 31, but was extended by the port for 60 days because of the legal battle, plus the fact Yellow would need time to redeploy cabs to the airport and to make other arrangement to take over the service, said Perry Cooper, spokesman for the airport.

Despite the setback, STITA attorney Michael Goldfarb of the Seattle firm of Peterson Young and Putra, said the case was still a long way from being over.

Goldfarb says he plans to file a motion in another suit involving cab service at the airport. STITA will allege the contract signed between Yellow and the Port is illegal because there were “significant changes: made after the contract outlined in Yellow’s original bid.

“Our position is that the Port negotiated wholesale changes to the agreement and any such changes were never approved by the Port Commission (in a public meeting),” said Goldfarb. “We will ask the (King County Superior Court) to nullify the contract,” the attorney said.

“Even though the important issues raised by this first case won’t be heard by the state’s highest court, we still have a strong position in a second case,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA spokesman. “We still look to the Port to restore the public trust in this contract and process.”

On Tuesday (May 11), South Seattle Community College announced that after a nationwide headhunting search, they have named Gary Oertli (pictured, left), widely-known college leader and current interim president at Seattle Central Community College, as its new president.

Oertli, who has worked at community colleges and baccalaureate institutions throughout Western Washington, will begin his responsibilities at South before the start of fall quarter.

He was selected following a national search and recommendations made by a college-wide committee to Jill A. Wakefield, chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges, which include South, North and Seattle Central Community Colleges.

“Gary Oertli has excellent depth of experience as a college leader,” Wakefield said. “With his skills at inspiring employees and at creating community support for the college, and his strong commitment to student success, he will be an outstanding president for South.”

According to an SSCC press release:

Oertli is currently serving as interim president at Seattle Central Community College. He also was recent interim president and interim vice president for instruction at South Seattle Community College, former dean at Seattle Central, and director of development for International Affairs and Alumni Relations at the University of Washington. He was honored as president emeritus when he retired from Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, Wash., where he served as president and CEO from 1995 to 2000. He also served for 18 years at Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Wash., where he was interim president and CEO, executive vice president for instruction and student services, dean of instruction, vocational director, Business Programs director and tenured faculty member. He started his community college career as a part-time faculty member at North Seattle Community College. Mr. Oertli is a graduate of the Executive Management program in the graduate school of Business Administration at the University of Washington, where he also earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees. He received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Schiller International University in London.

In his previous positions, Oertli developed several important partnerships and is well-known for his successful history of obtaining gifts, grants and in working with college foundations. His service also includes membership on the Governor’s 2020 Commission on Higher Education and president of the U of W Alumni Association. He has been recognized with higher education awards for his work in communications, community relations and by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges for enhancing opportunities for women.

South Seattle Community College serves a multicultural population of almost 17,500 credit and non-credit students from an 87-acre, wooded campus in residential West Seattle, and satellite campuses in the nearby neighborhoods of Georgetown and Beacon Hill.

Students of color make up more than half of the student body, making South one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse colleges in the state, and inspiring the college to match its high student diversity with equally high student success. The college is recognized as one of the leaders and originators of the IBEST curriculum (integrated Basic Education and Training), which combines technical training with basic English skills. In 2008, the college received a two-year, $2.4 million federal grant to support student retention and success, with a special focus on Asian-American and Pacific Islander students. South is among only six recipients from across the country, including both two-year and four-year institutions.

South offers one of the state’s first four-year degree programs at a community college. A Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management launched in 2007 is the only one of its kind in Western Washington. A Wine Studies program features an on-campus winery, unique to the Puget Sound region, where students are creating award-winning wines.

The president will direct a workforce of 650 full- and part-time employees; he replaces former president Jill A. Wakefield, who was selected by the board of Trustees to serve as the district chancellor in January 2009.

The Seattle Community Colleges educate 53,000 students every year at North Seattle, Seattle Central and South Seattle Community Colleges, and at the Seattle Vocational Institute. College presidents are part of the district-wide leadership team who report to the district chancellor and also serve as vice chancellors responsible for coordinating specific district-wide areas such as instruction and student services.

Wednesday morning (April 21) at 10:30am, garbage hauling members of Teamsters #174 decided to finally haul out their picket signs and strike against Waste Management.

The strike affects trash and yard waste pickup for about one million homes in King and Snohomish counties, including the White Center area, which has a Wednesday pickup (hence, most like your trash didn’t get picked up today). The local collection area affected borders Delridge Way SW to Beacon Ave. S, from S. Royal Brougham to SW Roxbury Street.

Waste Management presented to the union what it called its “best, last, final offer,” and has so far refused to budge or resume negotiations with the Teamsters.

In early April, more than 1,600 job applicants applied to work as replacement drivers in case of a strike, but Waste Management has not yet announced whether it will use them to pick up trash while union drivers are on the picket lines.

To check the status of garbage pickup or service delays, WM has created a website here: www.wmnorthwest.com/servicedelays.html; as of Wednesday, it implied that it will continue “regular service” for customers with Thursday pickup:

Service Interruption for Wednesday Customers; Regular Service Expected Thursday.

Collection is not being provided for some King and Snohomish county customers today due to a strike announced at 10:30 this morning by Teamsters Local 174.

If your garbage, yard waste or recycling container was not emptied, please keep the uncollected material until your next regular collection day for each container, when the extra material will be collected at no extra charge.

We regret this inconvenience, and appreciate your cooperation.

We expect to resume regular collection on Thursday morning, April 22. However, please check this website for regular updates as negotiations proceed.

Thank you, Waste Management

Tips for Managing Extra Garbage & Recycling.

The Teamsters have also set up a website with news on the strike: www.seattletrashwatch.com, with the following statement:

Waste Management is the most profitable waste company in the U.S., provides trash collection services for King County and souther Snohomish Count. The company, however, is attempting to lock out its employees or force a strike.

Sanitation work is the fifth most dangerous job in the country. Although sanitation workers expose themselves daily to hazardous substances and perform backbreaking physical labor, the company is refusing to provide workers with the same health care protections provided by all other sate companies in our area.

When Waste Management locked out its workers in Oakland, California many residents did not get their trash picked up for one month.

Union garbage collectors who work for Allied Waste reached a tentative agreement in March, so anyone served by that company will not see any service interruptions.

Here’s a video report on the strike from KING5.com:

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As this story progresses, we’ll continue posting updates.

On Thursday (Mar. 4), officials at Seattle City Light announced that, due to a low snowpack, they may have to increase rates this summer.

According to the announcement, part of the problem is that the utility, which serves the White Center area, relies on selling surplus power, which it may not be able to do because of the reduced revenue. Also,

“Updated snowpack forecasts translate to more than a 50 percent reduction in City Light’s expected revenue from surplus energy sales in 2010.

The utility will be cutting spending to help offset those losses, which will mean reductions in some customer services.”

On the bright side, the Seattle City Council is “considering a rate stabilization fund … that is designed to protect the utility and its customers from the uncertainty of winter snowfalls and wholesale energy prices. This fund would set aside $100 million to offset downturns in surplus energy sales revenue. In good years, revenues above projections could be distributed to customers as a rebate.”

So…long story short (insert drum roll here), despite cost cutting measures, if it doesn’t suddenly snow a bunch this month, be prepared for possible rate increases.

Here’s the press release directly from City Light’s website:

Small Snowpack Means Big Cuts for City Light Revenue

Warm, dry weather throughout the Pacific Northwest this winter will hurt Seattle City Light’s power supplies throughout 2010 and cut revenues from surplus power sales dramatically.

City Light depends on snowpack to provide the water that powers the hydroelectric dams that produce its low-cost electricity. Snowpack effectively serves as a “battery,” storing some of the dams’ power source for use in the summer and fall, as well as providing surplus power which is sold for revenue to keep customer rates low. Current snowpack conditions are among the lowest in the past 20 years.

“We’ll have enough power to meet all our customers’ needs, but much less to sell to other utilities, which is an important source of revenue for City Light,” Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said.

Updated snowpack forecasts translate to more than a 50 percent reduction in City Light’s expected revenue from surplus energy sales in 2010. The utility will be cutting spending to help offset those losses, which will mean reductions in some customer services.

The City Council is considering a rate stabilization fund for City Light that is designed to protect the utility and its customers from the uncertainty of winter snowfalls and wholesale energy prices. This fund would set aside $100 million to offset downturns in surplus energy sales revenue. In good years, revenues above projections could be distributed to customers as a rebate.

“Establishment of the Rate Stabilization Fund will help protect City Light and its customers from the uncertainties of the winter snowpack and fluctuations in wholesale revenue,” Councilmember Bruce Harrell said. “The stabilization fund is a forward thinking, preventative measure instead of a reactionary one and it will be a valuable tool in preventing significant rate increases.”

Seattle City Light is the ninth largest public electric utility in the United States. It has the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.

Watch the news conference video here: http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=4489

If you read The White Center Blog regularly, you’re probably aware that, aside from providing a much-needed and timely service to the White Center area, we’re growing very quickly in both traffic, content and Advertisers (more info on us here).

And growth can be good, except of course when it starts to overwhelm a very small staff.

Hence, this posting – we’re looking for at least two capable folks to come join our Burien-based team:

1. JOURNALIST/EDITOR with WordPress knowledge (or you’re at least not afraid to learn it). Yes, we need another Editor to collect content, format it, copy edit, add graphics (and do appropriate FTPing if necessary), then push the “Publish” button to update some of our up-and-coming blogs (we currently have 6 total, with more coming soon…).
2. SALES REP who can call on local businesses to let them know about us. We have nice Rate Cards, fast-growing traffic, solid, original Reporting and Photography, and we’re finding that selling Ads is easy – we just need more feet on the ground!

Here’s some more info:

• We prefer to find local folks who live in the area (and yes, you can work from home!).
• We like people who are involved in their communities (we’re active in ours).
• We like to find people who either read the blog already, or know of us.
• You can work part or full-time (some folks working here now have other gigs).
• You can set your own hours.
• This is a “ground-floor opportunity” and you will be part of a small, growing team.
• These are Contractor (1099) positions, meaning that you’ll be paid on an either per-job/hourly basis or pure Commission. And believe it or not, we also accept Volunteers! There are no benefits other than working with a fun, local, talented team who like to make a difference in their community.
• Your work will be seen not just here on The White Center Blog, but our five other area sister sites as well, including:
  • The B-Town Blog
  • The Waterland Blog (for Des Moines)
  • The Normandy Park Blog
  • The Tukwila Blog
  • The SeaTac Blog

Requirements:

• Please have a computer and internet access (we’ll give you an email account).
• Please have a reliable car & valid driver’s license.
• Please have the ability to manage your clients throughout their entire Ad run on the sites (this includes staying in contact with them, renewing them when their contracts expire, etc.).
• You will work as an Independent Contractor, meaning you’ll be responsible for your own taxes, insurance, etc. and there are no additional benefits).
• You dig the internet and are excited about its future possibilities, including new technologies like the upcoming iPad.
• You like Local News, Events, Arts, Entertainment and more, as well as helping out your community(we hold our own Fundraiser Blog Parties about once per quarter, and over our 2+ year lifespan have raised over $13,000 for local charities).

To apply for one of these positions, please email us your resume, links to your online stuff (ie: Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.), and your interests and availability!

The White Center Community Development Associated (WCCDA) is looking to hire a “Resident Fellow,” and they’ve extended the deadline for applications to 5pm, Tuesday, Feb. 16th.

This is a part-time position for an intern who would work through the end of 2010 to “help further its goals and develop knowledge and skills to effect community level change in White Center.”

The pay is $15 per hour with limited hours, the deadline is Jan. 29th and here’s the full job listing:

RESIDENT LEADER FELLOW – Neighborhood Revitalization Job Description

The Resident Fellow is a part-time internship within the CDA’s Neighborhood Revitalization Line of Business to help further its goals and develop knowledge and skills to effect community level change in White Center. It is expected that through this internship program, the Fellow will gain practical experience in community organizing and outreach, and solid interpersonal and organizational skills.

Reports to: Customers:

• Neighborhood Revitalization Program Manager CDA agency partners and workgroup members, residents and other CDA constituents

Job Duties /Major Responsibilities

1. COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Assist NR Program Manager to work with White Center’s produce markets initiative in the business district and to raise awareness of healthy food options for residents, families, youth & seniors. Assist NR Program Manager to conduct community outreach for the White Center business district marketing strategy, including but not limited to the shoppers card project and the business attraction package. Other tasks as assigned.
2. ADMINISTRATIVE/PROGRAM SUPPORT Become familiar with designated NR program strategies and projects. Act on requests by the NR Program Manager to provide follow-up communication, data support, and logistical/administrative assistance for NR-related work. Provide periodic reporting to the NR Program Manager on outcomes, issues, and needed actions for data, administrative and workgroup activities.
3. CAPACITY BUILDING Participate in resident leader fellowship circles and evaluation; attend mandatory workshops for skill building and leadership training.
4. DATA SYSTEM SUPPORT Become familiar with the CDA’s database (Salesforce) purpose, type of data, and reports so as to assist in locating relevant data for designated internal and external parties. Become familiar with the CDA’s Salesforce database purpose, type of data and reports so as to be able to identify relevant Neighborhood Revitalization data for input and extraction. Perform data entry as requested and assist in compiling relevant Neighborhood Revitalization data for results accountability and funder requests.
5. DEPARTMENT/TEAM/AGENCY Develop and follow an annual workplan tied to NR goals. Participate in evening and/or weekend events as required. Participate in CDA meetings, events, etc. as required. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and expectation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required:

1. Commitment to the White Center CDA mission, vision and values.
2. Highly desirable – Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and manage time.
3. Comfort and confidence with community organizing, outreach, and meeting new people.
4. Excellent communication skills and proficient written and verbal communication skills in English.
5. Highly desirable – Bilingual in English and either Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Somali, Cantonese, Samoan, Amharic, Tigrinia, Tagalog, or other language spoken by residents of WC/BP.
6. Basic computer skills including word processing, database and presentation software.
7. Strong ability to work with others, develop resources and build alliances; proven ability to work with extremely diverse populations, including age, language & ethnic diversity.
8. Must have access to transportation and ability to attend day/evening meetings as required.
9. Preference given to White Center/Boulevard Park residents (98168, 98106, 98146 area codes).

Education & Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required qualifications and skills set will be considered.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to read, speak, stand, walk, sit and use a computer keyboard and monitor. Some heavy lifting and physical labor is required during special events.

This position requires occasional travel to meetings and conferences. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Hours and Compensation: Fellow must have the ability to attend flexible day/evening meetings as required by their respective department. Fellows are part time employees of White Center CDA with no health benefits. Fellows will be compensated at an hourly rate of $15/hour thru December 31, 2010, total hours not to exceed 667. Fellows generally average 10-15 hours per week based on this arrangement. Future work is negotiable based on performance and budget.

To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and three names & contact info. for references to:

White Center Community Development Association
Attn: NR Resident Fellow
1615 SW Cambridge Street
Seattle, WA 98106

Tel (206) 694 1082

Fax (206) 658 8344

Website: wccda.org

OR e-mail resume, cover letter and three names & contact info. for references to: Info@wccda.org

All application must be in by Friday, January 29 at 5:00pm.

If you have further questions or comments, contact Soona Vili at (206) 694-1082 or via email at Info@wccda.org.

The White Center Community Development Association prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities or in employment and application for employment as protected under state or federal law. We are an equal opportunity employment.

Want to see other Job Listings in the White Center Area? We’re the only “Local Blog” to list them – check out our Jobs page, with continually-updated listings.

Highline School District is looking to hire a Site Manager for its Beverly Park Elementary School, located at 1201 South 104th Street in White Center.

The starting salary is between $36,400 – $38,272, DOE, plus benefits.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 22nd (or until the position is filled), and you should send cover letter & resume to llavorl@hsd401.org.

Here’s the listing:

Purpose Statement: To develop and maintain programs and partnerships to support the academic, health and social success of students in accordance with the goals of the CSC strategic plan

Essential Functions:

• Communicate the CSC full-service community school mission and vision to community, parents, staff and students
• Develop and supervise a range of programs, during and afterschool, as well as throughout school breaks.
• Recruit, orient and supervise full-service community school staff, volunteers and interns
• Collaborate with Principals and key stakeholders to develop site work plan
• Participate in school committees and decision-making bodies
• Ensure program objectives are achieved in compliance with professional standards and according to District and CSC policies and full service community schools vision
• Work with school and CSC staff to design projects that meet youth development objectives
• Plan, develop and implement programs to meet student needs
• Recruit and manage collaborative program partners to expand offerings; especially those that affect issues of disproportionality and increase academic success of students
• Collect data, administer surveys and other evaluation tasks as required
• Grant writing/reporting or other fund development for specific programs or projects as needed
• Work collaboratively with CSC staff
• Other duties as assigned
• Proficient ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (excel, word, power point, publisher, etc.);

Job Requirements:

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to work within a school setting and effectively communicate with staff, parents, and students.
• Ability to schedule and facilitate numerous activities, meetings and events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment
• Flexible and able to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances
• Ability to problem-solve day-to-day program issues
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; deal with changing priorities; work under frequent interruptions; and work as part of a team.
• Posses a working knowledge of youth development
• Ability to facilitate group discussions, including conflict resolution
• An understanding of and ability to complete complex multi-step written and oral instructions
• Knowledge of skills needed students to make healthy, successful progress academically, emotionally and socially.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records; plan and manage projects
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under limited supervision following standardized practices and methods
• Ability to lead, guide, and coordinate others
• Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment:
This job is primarily performed within school buildings in a generally clean and healthy environment. Some travel is required locally to meet with program partners and nationally to attend conferences and trainings.

Experience and Education:
Bachelors degree in job related field, such as education, social work, recreation, etc. Six years of youth development, program management and supervision experience may substitute.

Job related experience is required. At least two years of youth development program management and staff supervision is required, in addition to education requirement.

Terms of Employment:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint and Background Clearance is required; First Aid and CPR training required within first 30 days
• The position is Full Time; starting salary is $36,400 – $38,272, DOE plus benefits.
• Position reports to the Community Schools Director.
• Please send cover letter & resume to llavorl@hsd401.org.
• Position closes on January 22, 2010 or until filled.

Want to see other Job Listings in the White Center Area? Check out our Jobs page, with continually-updated listings.

January is National Mentoring Month, and to celebrate, Neighborhood House is launching the Recruit-A-Mentor Challenge, where they’re trying to double the number of volunteer mentors for area middle school students.

Here’s what they say:

Mentors are an important component of CASASTART. Each month, mentors join our students in various activities during after-school hours. These activities range from educational to simply hanging out. By being present each month, mentors become positive adult role models to our students which they may not otherwise have if it were not for the CASASTART program. The time commitment is two hours per month with the students plus some planning time with the other mentors. We ask that mentors commit at least six months to the program.

If you (or anyone you know) are interested in becoming a mentor, please e-mail RominaR@nhwa.org for more information on how to get started as a mentor.

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE:
Neighborhood House is a multi-service, non-profit agency located in several public housing communities in the Seattle area. Last year, we
served 13,500 clients, 80% of which are refugees/immigrants. Our services include early childhood education, ESL classes, job placement, drug/substance abuse prevention, transportation for seniors just to name a few. The mission of Neighborhood House is to help diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence, health, and community
building.

Our website is located at www.nhwa.org.

Craig Grella, of Seattle-based Cornerstone Funding Services, sends us word that he’s teaching a $39 class at the Highpoint Community Center (located at 6920 34th Ave SW) on Nov. 17th that can help people “start their own business for under $100.”

We figured that in this economy, with many out of work looking for jobs and others seeking a new start, we’d go ahead and post the class info; plus, it’s sponsored by the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department so it’s got some cred.

Here are the details:

Taught by successful business owner Craig Grella, this course will show you the steps to start and operate a business in WA State. Topics included:

• Why Start a Business?
• WA State Business History and Statistics
• Planning Your Business
• Structure, Location and Legal Forms
• How much Money do you Need?
• Helpful Websites and other Resources
• Putting it all Together

Spots Available: 20

• Would you like to set your own schedule and be your own boss?
• Would you like to spend more time with your family?
• Do you have a product or service that is not offered in the market?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have the same entrepreneurial spirit that has helped to create over 98% of all businesses in Washington State and over 95% of all new job growth in the last two years.

Whether you want to sell items from your garage on EBay, would love to open a spa and wellness center, or just have an idea for the next great product or service, starting your own business has its advantages and we’ll show you what they are.

Our course is designed to teach you how to break away from the daily grind and start your very own business in less than 24 hours and for less than $100.

We’ve partnered with the City of Seattle to offer this course for just $39. To register, click the link below:

• Tuesday November 17, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

What you’ll learn in this course:

• What you need to get started
• How to plan your business
• How to structure your business
• How to file the required forms
• How to finance your business
• How to get online in just minutes
• Resources for operating your business

Normally we charge over $250 to teach this material to entrepreneurs and sole proprietors.  At $39 this is an amazing value and you will be able to put the information you learn to immediate use.

Sign up for this course now and be on your way to owning and operating your very own business.

The course will be held at the High Point Community Center located at:

High Point Community Center, located at 6920 34th Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98126

For more information call Craig Grella at 206-274-8336 or email cgrella@cornerstonesvs.com.

To download and print an informational flyer click here.

According to this Craigslist Ad, the semi-provocative restaurant chain Hooters is opening a brand new casino just 1.8 miles down the hill from White Center at 9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive in South Park:

“Hooters Casino is now hiring for all positions at multiple locations. Dealers, Cashiers, Security and Surveillance. Please apply in person @ Hooters Casino 9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive, Seattle WA 98108.”

Another Ad, posted on Aug. 30th, reads:

We have a brand new Hooters Restuarant and Casino opening up in South Park! If you are fun & outgoing and fit the Hooters Gils image of the All American, Girl Next Door, Cheerleader we need you! We have several spots to fill still and as a Hooters Girls you could be in the position of a server, bartender, cocktailer, hostess, or even a dealer!

We will be accepting applications at the new location starting this Sunday 8/30 located at 9635 Des Moines Memorial DR, Seattle WA 98108. If you think you have what it takes to be the next South Park Hooters Girl hurry and come apply, you don’t want to miss this opportunity! You can also apply at the Seattle and Tacoma Hooters as well!

For any further questions give us a call at our Seattle location (206) 625-0555, and we will be glad to help! See you soon!

According to various Hooters websites:

“Hooters was appropriately incorporated on April Fool’s Day, 1983, when six businessmen with absolutely no previous restaurant experience got together and decided to open a place they couldn’t get kicked out of. Soon after, on October 4th of that year, the doors to the first Hooters Restaurant opened in Clearwater, Florida.

The name “Hooters” came from a popular comedy sketch by one of the nation’s hottest comedians of that time, Steve Martin.

The first Hooters Girl, Lynne Austin, was hired on a bet. One fine day in sunny Florida, one of the Hooters Six anchored his boat off Clearwater Beach to swim in and catch the Jose Cuervo bikini contest. After failing to convince the subsequent winner to join the troop right then and there, he told her that if her job as a telephone operator didn’t work out, she should call them. Weeks later, Lynne tried to get off work at GTE to attend yet another bikini contest. She quit the job when they refused. The next day, she called Ed to join the Hooters team.”

Here’s a map to the new Hooters Casino for those of you um…interested in “researching” this further (wink wink):

View Larger Map

So…what do you think of having not only a Hooters nearby, but one that includes gambling? Please take our poll or Comment below…

We here at the White Center Blog do our best to not only report on local news and events, but unlike other local websites, we also try to help our community (that’s right – we’ve gotten our hands dirty with fundraisers, helped the Rat City Roller Girls clean up the streets, and you’ll see some of us at this Saturday’s Spring Clean Up as well).

That’s why we’re posting this “Help Wanted” Ad for the White Center Community Development Association, which is seeking to hire a “Happy Techie” – but act fast as the deadline to apply is Monday, May 18th:

The White Center Community Development Association in SW Seattle is currently seeking a Data Specialist, responsible for gathering, entering and assuring the quality of data for use in our web-based database (as prescribed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation), as well as producing reports to funders and the association. The White Center CDA is a community development organization with three lines of “business” – neighborhood revitalization, community building and family development. Please visit our website at www.wccda.org

Minimum requirements:

• BA degree and experience with data and in quantitative analysis. Experience can be substituted for a degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with web-based databases.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing funder expectations.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Compensation and Timing:
Hourly rate of $40 not to exceed maximum of $15,000 for 2009. Work is anticipated to be part-time with more intensive periods during reporting due dates (quarterly, mid-year and end of year).\

Start date: ASAP but no later than June 1. Contract is expected through 2009, with 2010 to be negotiated. If interested, please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to Kate Stannard, Administrative Director, kate@wccda.org or via mail by Monday, May 18 at 5 pm.

To see other job listings in the White Center area, please visit another part of our website you won’t see on other local sites: our Jobs Page.

Ever since we first created our exclusive, continually-updated, White Center-centric Jobs Section last September, we’ve done what we can to help both area residents and local businesses who need help, so it was only natural today when we found the following three job listings to share them with our Readers.

All are with the Highline School District at the Evergreen Campus (located at 830 SW 116th Street), with an application deadline of next Friday, March 27th; application info is included at the bottom of each listing:

1. HOMEWORK HUB SUPERVISOR:

Position Description: To provide program oversight for after-school tutors, volunteers, high school students, and activities of the Evergreen Homework Hub.

Note: The Evergreen Homework Hub is a new program on the Evergreen Campus. This position is a contract position from April-June 2009 with the possibility of a more permanent position during the 2009-2010 school-year.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise volunteers and tutors during program hours
• Assist in the recruitment of volunteers and tutors for the Homework Hub
• Supervise students and apply appropriate behavior management
• Complete required reports and maintain accurate records and documentation
• Maintain communication and relationships with school day and after-school staff
• Assist in supervising enrichment activities while on site
• Assist in providing periodic training sessions for tutors, volunteers, and CSC staff to increase competency in working with students
• Help students develop positive attitudes towards learning and studying
• Help students develop self-confidence, raise self-concept, and reduce anxiety or fear of failure in academic work
• Help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas
• Assist students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas as needed
• Help students develop the study skills necessary for academic success
• Serve as a role model for students being served

Qualifications/Skills Required:

• Ability to use computers for entry into database, spreadsheets, word-processing and network software, including email; proficient use of telephone systems with voice mail; ability to use copy machine
• Strong and effective organizational and time management skills
• Working knowledge of age-appropriate education expectations and knowledge of student behavior management
• Ability to supervise volunteers; communicate effectively via oral and written communication; ability to work effectively with other team members; good people skills and personal judgment
• Ability to work under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; creating a safe learning environment for all participants
• Comfortable serving ethnically diverse populations of youth and adults
• Bilingual skills preferred
• Proficient in language arts and high school level math
• Experience working with ages 14-18
• Ability to maintain a professional relationship with youth and adults
• Willingness to conduct special activities as needed
• Willingness to comply with established school district and Community Schools Collaboration policies and procedures
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Working Environment:
This job is primarily performed within school buildings in a generally clean and healthy environment. Work hours will vary from 15-18 hours per week, primarily afternoons; includes school early release days; includes meetings and trainings as scheduled by Community Schools Director; reports to Site Manager

Experience:
At least two years experience working with middle or high school aged students in educational or recreational setting. Experience with program management; experience working with multicultural, multilingual students and families preferred.

Education:
AA degree in job related field, such as Education, Social Work, or Recreation. Experience may substitute for educational requirements.

Compensation and Hours: $16-$18/hour; 15-18 hours/week approximate; April-June; There are no benefits for this position.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Chera Amlag, amlagco@hsd401.org by Friday, March 27, 2009. For questions, call 206.248.5474.

2. MATH & SCIENCE SPECIALIST:

Position Description: The general responsibilities of the Math & Science Specialist Tutor is to provide individual and small group tutoring to students in the Evergreen Homework Hub with an emphasis on Math and Science support. Other assistance might include: reviewing class material, discussing the text, predicting test questions, formulating ideas for papers/assignments, or working on solutions to problems.

Essential Functions:
•Provide academic assistance to students in the Homework Hub, either in a group or individually, particularly to students requesting math and science support.
•Attend periodic training sessions given by Community Schools Collaboration staff members to increase competency in working with students.
•Help students develop positive attitudes towards learning and studying.
•Help students develop self-confidence, raise self-concept, and reduce anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
•Help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas.
•Assist students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas.
•Help students develop the study skills necessary for academic success.
•Serve as a role model for students being served.
•Work with Homework Hub Supervisor to provide evaluations and other reports as requested by CSC staff.

Qualifications/Skills Required:
•Comfortable serving ethnically diverse populations of youth and adults
•Good listener; good oral/written communication skills
•Bilingual skills preferred
•Proficient in high school level math and science
•Experience working with ages 14-18
•Comfortable tutoring one-on-one as well as leading small groups
•Ability to work independently and on a team
•Ability to maintain a professional relationship with youth and adults
•Willingness to comply with established school district and Community Schools
Collaboration policies and procedures
•Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Working Environment:
This job is primarily performed within school buildings after-school in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Compensation and Hours: $10-$13/hour; 8 hours/week; April-June 2009; There are no benefits for this position.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Chera Amlag, amlagco@hsd401.org by Friday, March 27, 2009. For questions, call 206.248.5474.

3. LANGUAGE ARTS & SOCIAL STUDIES SPECIALIST:

Position Description: The general responsibilities of the Language Arts and Social Studies Tutor is to provide individual and small group tutoring to students in the Evergreen Homework Hub with an emphasis on Language Arts and Social Studies support. Other assistance might include: reviewing class material, discussing the text, predicting test questions, formulating ideas for papers/assignments, or working on solutions to problems.

Essential Functions:

• Provide academic assistance to students in the Homework Hub, either in a group or individually, particularly to students requesting language arts and social studies support.
• Attend periodic training sessions given by Community Schools Collaboration staff members to increase competency in working with students.
• Help students develop positive attitudes towards learning and studying.
• Help students develop self-confidence, raise self-concept, and reduce anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
• Help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas.
• Assist students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas.
• Help students develop the study skills necessary for academic success.
• Serve as a role model for students being served.
• Work with Homework Hub Supervisor to provide evaluations and other reports as requested by CSC staff.

Qualifications/Skills Required:

• Comfortable serving ethnically diverse populations of youth and adults
• Good listener; good oral/written communication skills
• Bilingual skills preferred
• Proficient in high school level language arts and social studies
• Experience working with ages 14-18
• Comfortable tutoring one-on-one as well as leading small groups
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Ability to maintain a professional relationship with youth and adults
• Willingness to comply with established school district and Community
• Schools Collaboration policies and procedures
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Working Environment:
This job is primarily performed within school buildings after-school in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Compensation and Hours: $10-$13/hour; 8 hours/week; April-June 2009; There are no benefits for this position.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Chera Amlag, amlagco@hsd401.org by Friday, March 27, 2009. For questions, call 206.248.5474.

2/4/09 7pm UPDATE: Looks like current Elections Director Sherril Huff will not have to huff or puff about her job – according to the King County Elections result website, she’s basically got a cakewalk to victory:

David Irons

40884

19.32%

Sherril Huff

96035

45.38%

PREVIOUSLY: Current Elections Director Sherril Huff holds a more than 2-to-1 lead over her competitor, former Metropolitan King County Councilmember David Irons in the vote for Elections Director, which was held Tuesday.

This special election was scheduled after voters decided last November to choose an Elections Director, who previously had been appointed directly by King County Executive Ron Sims.

And get this – we just learned that the job pays $146,000 per year.

Not a bad gig for this economy, huh?