The White Center Community Development Association is holding its “White Center Community Summit 2009″ on Saturday, Dec. 5th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “White Center Community Summit 2009″

WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 9:30am – 4:00pm

WHERE:  Mt. View Elementary, located at 10811 12th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146

COST: Free Admission / Free Food / Free Childcare

INFO: Presented by the White Center Community Development Association

• Translation and Interpretation in 9 different languages
• Community workshops around Education, Housing, Safety, Health
• Resource Fair featuring many community partners
• Reveal of the White Center Neighborhood Plan
• Electronic polling regarding the many topics that affect White Center and its residents
• Diverse array of food (including Halal)
• Diverse lineup of entertainment
• Networking opportunities for services, employment
• How to become a member of the White Center CDA
• And much more!

For more information, please contact Virgil Domaoan at virgil@wccda.org.

For general inquiries and how you can volunteer for the Community Summit, call the White Center CDA at (206) 694-1082.

The White Center Community Development Center’s annual fundraiser dinner event is coming Saturday, Aug. 29th, from 4pm to 8pm, with a “Luau In The Park” theme at White Center Heights Park.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Luau In The Park” fundraiser/party for White Center CDA

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 29th, from 4pm to 8pm

WHERE: White Center Heights Park, located at SW 102nd and 7th SW

TICKETS: $37 pre-pay, $45 at the door; purchase tickets online here.

INFO: From their poster:

“Join us for an evening of island style merriment with a real pig in the “imu” (pit).

There will be cultural and island entertainment, as well as island cuisine for your feasting pleasure.

Join in on the Dessert Auction and Live Auction (wanna win a trip?) where the highest bidder gets first pick! Satisfy your creativity and create your own Tahitian skirt, learn how to make an Hawaiian flower lei or just come to taste and experience the islands the “White Center Way.”

Connecting People & Place to Build Community.

So come one, come all!”

For more information, visit the White Center Community Development Association’s website here.

A “Customer Appreciation Block Party” is coming to SW 116th and Ambaum Blvd. SW on Saturday, Aug. 1st, starting at 10am, with free food, door prizes, discounts, drawings and more.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Customer Appreciation Block Party with food samples, grilled specials, serivce discounts, tons of items on sale, the works!

WHEN: Saturday August 1st starting at 10am

WHO: Geno’s Coffee & Bakery, Berry’s BBQ, Pinoy Grocery, Arsenio’s for Hair & Tiffiany Nails

WHERE: 11618 Ambaum Blvd & SW 116th St

WHY: Showing some love back to the community for being such great customers. Come get your nails done, your hair styled, a BBQ masterpiece, some fresh baked treats and shop a huge sale!

White Center’s 6th Annual Spring Clean Up is coming Saturday, May 16th, from 8:30am to 2pm, and volunteers are needed to help clean up.

“This is our 6th year, and we are always excited to make it the best one,” said Aileen Balahadia, Executive Director of the White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA).

This annual clean-up event is intended to make White Center a better place to live, work, and play by promoting community building and neighborhood revitalization.

King County Community Service Officer, Vary Jackson, notes “Right around May, I am full of energy and enthusiasm, looking to help plan, coordinate and participate in this wonderful community event ever since it was first sponsored by the WCCDA.  From a law enforcement perspective, I am a firm believer that a clean community is a sign of a clean, safe and strong community, thanks to my late partner, Deputy Steve Cox of the White Center King County Sheriff’s Storefront, who came up with the idea of assisting about ten residents in the White Center neighborhood to remove trash and debris for senior citizens and families with financial hardships who were unable to do so themselves.”

Sping Clean is brought to you by the White Center Community Development Association, as well as:

• Boeing Employees Credit Union
• Community Schools Collaboration
• King County Sheriff’s Office
• Seattle Neighborhood Group/Weed & Seed
• The Triangle Pub

To sign up as a volunteer, please call Soona Vili at the WCCDA at (206) 694-1082 or download and fill out this form (PDF) and email it to info@wccda.org.

Registered volunteers will receive:

• A complimentary t-shirt
• Continental breakfast
• Refreshments
• Lunch

For event information or to sign up as a volunteer, refer to additional information on the WCCDA’s website www.wccda.org.

Last year, over 250 community members mobilized at many different project sites including the community gardens at Greenbridge, downtown White Center, Hicks Lake at Lakewood Park, Holy Family Church, North Shorewood Park, St. James Place, White Center Food Bank, White Center Heights Park, and several residential blocks.

“Through continued community support, this year we expect a similar level of community participation to work on projects in White Center parks and open spaces, residential areas and downtown streets, sidewalks, and alleys” said Balahadia.

This annual event brings together youth and elders from diverse backgrounds and includes residents, business owners, property owners and interested folks from all over the area. It is a day to celebrate, build community, spruce up a public streetscape and have FUN!

For more information, please check the WCCDA website for updates and additional info.

The Dub-C is known for its latino culture, and this Thursday night you can experience some of the same about three miles to the south at Burien’s Cafe Mundi (located at 447 SW 152nd) as they host their free Open Mic night, with lots of poetry, music and comedy.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Open Mic Night at Cafe Mundi

WHEN: Thurs., April 23rd (every 2nd and 4th Thursday), with sign-ups starting at 6pm and open mic at 6:30pm

WHERE: 447 SW 152nd, just over 3 miles south in downtown Burien (map below)

COST: No cover charge!

INFO: 16 and over please, under 16 with Guardian.

Café Mundi opened in January and serves espresso drinks, tropical shakes, Latin American fast food such as empanadas, arepas and Spanish tortillas.

We also have desserts.

Everything is made locally, using organic ingredients whenever possible.

Café Mundi also offers Internet access and will soon offer free Wi-Fi. Currently we have computers that people can use (1/2 hour free with purchase of a coffee drink) or they can bring in laptops and be connected via ethernet.

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Starting at 8:30pm tonight (Sat., March 28th), everyone is encouraged to turn their lights off for one hour for “Earth Hour,” a movement meant to raise the awareness of global warming.

Plus, under the right circumstances, it could be fun.

“Earth Hour” is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, which is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.

It is projected that one billion people will go dark for Earth Hour.

Already hundreds of icons and landmarks around the world have signed up to turn their lights off for Earth Hour 2009 including:

• The Eiffel Tower in Paris
• Sydney Opera House
• Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
• The London Eye
• Perhaps your house?

For more information, check out earthhour.org.

Here’s another video with more info:

The White Center Blog proudly welcomes its latest Advertiser: the American Cancer Society, which provides hope for a cure for cancer through the upcoming Relay For Life, to be held June 13th and 14th at Highline Stadium just a few miles south in Burien.

Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. And for the volunteers who are busy planning the 4th Annual Relay For Life of Highline, it’s those personal stories that keep them going.

Set to take place June 13th and 14at at Highline Stadium, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life provides a way for everyone to fight back against cancer.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. Teams of people will camp out on the field at Highline Stadium and take turns walking or running around the track. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length, to represent that cancer patients battle the disease 24 hours a day.

Teams can be made up of family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The money raised at Relay saves lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. It is because of Relay that we are able to save lives, help those battling cancer and empower all to fight back against the disease.

Relay also allows all individuals an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have been lost to the disease. For the newly diagnosed, Relay is a healing experience that offers a chance to meet others who have claimed victory over cancer. For the caregivers who give their time, love, and support to their friends and family who face cancer it provides hope and understanding.

Highlights of the event include the Opening Ceremonies at 3pm which include the Cancer Survivor Victory Lap. The Victory Lap is an opportunity for the community to come together and show support for those who have gone through or are still fighting cancer. Immediately following the Victory Lap is the Cancer Survivors Social; all cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to enjoy the good food and share stories with other survivors and caregivers. At 10pm, the Luminaria Ceremony provides a time for everyone to pause and reflect on those we have lost to cancer and those who are still battling the disease.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser and is planned by volunteers in our community. Event Chair Gary McNeil says he got involved “because I lost my dad to cancer and I wanted to feel like I was contributing to a solution. Relay provides me the opportunity to support cancer patients and really make a difference.” Gary started out as a team captain and stepped up to fill the role of Event Chair because “it’s an important cause to me, and I wanted to do what I could to help out.”

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. No matter who you are, we can help. If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with cancer the American Cancer Society can provide support and services to help you through the cancer journey.

If you would like more information about Relay For Life or services the American Cancer Society provides, please contact Kelly Cochran at 206.674.4103 or at kelly.cochran@cancer.org.

And please visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa, where you can sign a team up, join one, or donate online.

We’ll see you there!

Here’s a video with more information:

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White Center for the Arts is holding two big events this month on two Saturdays at the Southgate Event Center: March 21st and March 28th, and here are the details:

SATURDAY, MARCH 21st:
Open Studio Tour from 5pm-10pm at the Southgate Event Center (formerly the Southgate Skate Rink), located at 9639 16th Ave SW (map below – just be sure to enter on the 16th SW side).

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th:
Rat City Rummage sale from Noon – 6pm at the Southgate Event Center.

Rat City Rummage is an art event/swap meet, and vending is open to handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, non-handmade goods such as household items, furniture, clothing, CDs, bicycles, small electronics, dishware, etc.

White Center for the Arts is a group of six artists with diverse backgrounds who have come together to form a non-profit organization focused on supporting the arts in White Center.

Our desire is to offer space where local artists can show their work, and to provide a place to learn learn about art.

We want to provide classes to young and old in many media, bringing out the rich diversity of culture that can be found in White Center.

And we want to have fun!

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West Seattle Montessori School (which is moving to White Center this spring) is hosting a guest expert speaker tonight, who will speak on the topic of Montessori education.

John Chattin-McNichols will speak tonight (Thursday, Mar. 5th) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the American Legion Hall, which is located at 3618 SW Alaska Street in West Seattle (map below).

The event is sponsored by the West Seattle Montessori School and is free to the public.

John Chattin-McNichols took his Montessori teacher training for ages 6-12 years in Bergamo, Italy, in 1970-71. He got his first job at a Montessori school in 1968.

One of his lecturers and his final examiner was Mario Montessori, the son of Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori method of education.

Maria Montessori once said: “Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”

Chattin-McNichols has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Child Development and Early Education.

He is a Past President of the American Montessori Society and the author of The Montessori Controversy.

He is an associate professor and department chair at Seattle University, where he has taught for 28 years.

He is a Fulbright lecturer and has spoken about Montessori in many countries around the world.

For more information, please contact West Seattle Montessori School at 206-935-0427.

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The Highline Historical Society is coming to the rescue of rude eaters everywhere – they’re presenting a unique program at this Sunday (March 1st), called “Trial By Fork,” featuring Actress Tames Alan at SeaTac City Hall, which is located at 4800 South 188th Street (see map below).

According to HHS Director Cyndi Upthegrove, this should be a “very entertaining and educational event, as Tames does a very authentic job and is a lot of fun.”

So be sure to put that salad fork down when you really should have a dessert fork, for cryin’ out loud. and get on over there!

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Trial by Fork” featuring Actress Tames Alan

WHEN: Sunday, March 1st at 2pm

WHERE: SeaTac City Hall (4800 S 188th Street)

INFO: In this one-hour program, Tames Alan will demystify the manners and accoutrements of a formal 12-course Victorian dinner.

She will explain the mysteries of the table, from setting it and what each item on the table was used for, to the menu and what dishes were served with each course.

Also covered will be good table manners and suitable conversation topics when in the presence of ladies, and how the formal manners of the Victorian age translated into the good manners of today.

As with all of Tames’ programs, there will be a question-and-answer period at the end. Brought to us with a grant from Humanities Washington.

Join the Highline Historical Soceity at this link (we’re members, and yes, White Center is considered to be in “Highline”), or donate directly online by clicking here.

More info on the Highline Historical Society available at its website.

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The 5th Annual Hip-Hop Summit is returning to Highline Community College on Thursday Feb. 26th and Friday, Feb. 27th, and it should be an all gravy, all raw, bustin’ time (in other words…it’ll be all good).

Here are the details:

Some believe that hip-hop is dead.

According to Northwest based hip-hop group, Blue Scholars, “it’s not, it’s just malnourished and underfed.” True story. Hip-hop music and culture is continuously thriving and evolving. Since its inception, each day has been a stepping stone for this multifaceted channel of expression.

On February 26 and 27, 2009, Highline Community College presents “The Hip-Hop Summit.” A two day long event showcasing a culture defined by creativity, diversity, knowledge and evolution.

Help us gain strength in our movement and spread the word. Hip-hop don’t stop!

WHAT: Hip Hop Summit, to be held over two days:

WHEN:

THURSDAY, FEB. 26th:

• 9:00am-9:50am: The History & Evolution of Hip-Hop with King Khazm (founder of Zulu Nation-Seattle Chapter, Hip Hop emcee & activist) in Mt. Constance Room
• 10:00am-11:30am: Keynote: Hip Hop Politics with Dr. Tricia Rose of Brown University in Mt. Constance Room
• 12:00pm-1:30pm: Panel Discussion: Misconceptions of Hip-Hop in Mt. Constance Room

FRIDAY, FEB. 27th:

• 10:00am-10:50am: Art Showcase in Mt. Constance Room
• 11:00am-12:00pm: ICC – Poetry Lounge and Open Mic in Mt. Constance Room
• 7pm: Doors Open at Mt. Townsend Room Stage: 2 v. 2 Break Battle, With Performances by:
  • So HyDef
  • Nam
  • Khingz
  • Gabriel Teodros
  • The Parker Brothers
  • Common Market

WHERE: Highline Community College Student Union (Building 8), located at 2400 S. 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 (map below)

COST: Highline Students $5, General Admission $10

INFO: Highline Community College Events Calendar or on MySpace


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The photo above is of deceased area resident Charles “UpChuck” Moore, who was tragically murdered by his stepson in 2005. The second-annual Benefit for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims will be held this Saturday, Feb. 21st at The Barrel Tavern, located at 11051 First Ave South (map below).

Also known as “UpChuck,” he was a regular patron of The Barrel and a resident of the Top Hat neighborhood, and his picture hangs on the wall of the tavern. He is missed by all who knew and loved him.

Here’s the original (and gruesome) news story as printed in The Seattle P-I on 1/28/05:

BOULEVARD PARK — King County sheriff’s detectives believe a man who survived a stabbing acted in self-defense when he killed his half-brother.

Jason Moore, 24, was found bleeding from stab wounds outside his Boulevard Park home late Jan. 20. Inside were his father, Charles Moore, 48, and his half-brother, William Moore, 29, both dead from stab wounds.

Sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said it appears that William Moore attacked his sleeping stepfather by hitting him in the head with a heavy object and stabbing him repeatedly in the neck. When Jason Moore went to investigate, his older brother stabbed him, Urquhart said. The fight moved through the house, and the younger brother managed to grab a kitchen knife and fatally stab his older brother.

The memorial event starts at 2pm at the Auburn Eagles Hall, with a ride through the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, ending up at The Barrel for a buffet dinner, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, live music and raffles.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Apple Dumpling Gang Motorcycle Club ADG and The Barrel Tavern present the 2nd Annual Charles Moore Benefit for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims

WHEN: Saturday, February 21st, starting at 2pm at the Auburn Eagles Hall

WHERE:

• 2 p.m. Meet & leave from Auburn Eagles, located at 702 M Ste SE, Auburn, WA (253-833-2298)
• Ride through Tahoma National Cemetery, located at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Wa 98042
• Ending at: The Barrel, located at 11051 1st Ave S. Seattle, (206-244-7390)

INFO: Buffet dinner, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, live music and raffles.

Grand Prize will be a 3-day, 2-night stay, including airfare to Reno with accomodations at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino.

Here’s the poster:

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Justin at White Center’s Full Tilt Ice Cream Parlor tells us that on Sunday, March 1st he’ll be hosting a special evening of “Asian-style” beer-tasting, featuring brews from Seattle-based artisan-brewery Laughing Buddha Brewery.

WHERE: Full Tilt Ice Cream, located at 9629a 16th Ave SW in White Center (see map below)

WHEN: Sunday, March 1st starting at 3pm

COST: FREE!

INFO: One scoop or two? How about a brew?

Full Tilt Ice Cream, one of South Seattle’s most interesting new small businesses, is joining forces with another local innovator, Laughing Buddha Brewery, to give Seattle palates an evening of exotic bliss. On March 1st, Laughing Buddha brewmeisters Joe Valvo and Chris Castillo will be on hand at Full Tilt to showcase selections from their new line of Asian-style beers, including brews with names like Purple Yam Porter, Mango Weizen and Pandan Brown Ale. While there, Joe and Chris will also be answering questions about craft brewing and discussing their quest to bring the flavors of Asia to the Seattle beer scene.

After quaffing samples of beer, visitors can try some of Full Tilt’s similarly unique and inspired ice cream and sorbet flavors, including: pandan (a Southeast Asian leaf with a nut-like aroma), ube (also known as Filipino purple yam or Okinawan sweet potato), ginger, and lychee.

In keeping with the “meet the producer” theme of this event, Full Tilt owner Justin Cline will be talking about the art of making craft ice cream while he’s scooping you out a dish or coneful. If the ice cream and beer flavors aren’t stimulating enough, you can even try a game of pinball at one of Full Tilt’s 16 vintage pinball machines, or check out one of the local small-circulation “zines” on the reading shelf.

Full Tilt is to ice cream what Laughing Buddha Brewery is to beer: both are craft establishments that use exotic ingredients rarely found in Western-style cuisine. These two local businesses are expanding the world of flavor in ways that no one else is doing, so don’t miss the chance to experience both of them in a single visit.

More info at Full Tilt’s website.

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The White Center Blog’s favorite group of ass-kickin’ women is of course the one and only Rat City Rollergirls, who originated at the Dub-C’s own Southgate Skating Rink way back in the day.

Coming up Saturday, Jan. 31st is their annual “Black & Blue Tie Auction,” which should be just about as kick-ass as one of their skating competitions:

Hosted by renowned Auctioneer/Host Laura Michalek, this should be a fun night full of action, giving, and of course, bargains.

Here’s a blurb from their website:

This will be our largest and most important fundraiser of the year.

With the funds generated from this event, we can continue to send our All-Star Team to represent Seattle in Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) sanctioned competitions both regionally and nationally.

Bidding rules will be provided. The silent auction will run from 6:00 p.m. when doors open to 7:30 p.m.

The live auction will run from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. All bids are binding.

Please bring a form of payment to the event (cash, check, credit card) as all bids are to be settled that evening.

There are no refunds for this event, but tickets are transferable.

For additional questions please feel free to contact Skate Trooper at ticketing@ratcityrollergirls.com.

WHAT: Rat City Rollergirls Live and Silent Auction

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 31st from 6 to 10 p.m.

WHERE: South Lake Union Naval Reserve Building, located at 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle (map below)

TICKETS: Brown Paper Tickets: Click Here to Order Online!

HOST: Auctioneer, Laura Michalek

Some of the auction items up for bid include products/services from:

• Alexis Hotel
• Alki Kayak Tours
• ART
• Artcore Tattoo
• Big Dipper Waxworks
• The Big Picture
• Big Wheel Bingo
• Bike Works
• Circa
• Custom Crash Cut Ducati
• EB Foote Winery
• Fado Irish Pub
• Fast Girl Skates
• Fifth Ave Theater
• Fresh NW Designs & Wine Girl Wines
• Gold Class Cinemas
• Hitchcock
• iClick
• Il Terrazzo Carmine
• Ivars
• Jones Soda
• Lightform USA
• Museum of Flight
• Old Thyme Aviation
• Personal Services
• Pole For The Soul
• Pop Cap Games
• Seattle Ski Shuttle
• Second Use
• Sin In Linen
• Sports Memorabilia
• SubPop Records
• Three Dollar Bill Cinema
• Tiger Tail
• Wahine Sport
• Wing It Productions
• Zulu Nyala

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The House of Writers/Casa de Escritores is sponsoring a special literary and cultural event this Friday, Dec 5, from 6-9pm at the White Center Taqueria del Rio, located at 10230 16th Ave SW (map below).

There you’ll enjoy a variety of readings, music and food.

This is a FREE event for the community, so please spread the word!

For more on House of Writers/Casa de Escritores, visit their blog:

http://houseofwriters.blogspot.com/

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It only happens once every four years, so you might as well get out and enjoy Election Day 2008 at Big Al Brewing, where a potluck viewing party will happen.

Big Al Brewing Co. is located at 9832 14th Ave SW in White Center; phone: (206) 453-4487

Here are the details:

• Potluck dinner – bring a small main dish and a small side dish so there will plenty of “food distribution” for all
• Tasty beverages
• Watch election night results on the big screen
• Doors open 3pm (or after you’ve voted) and will stay open until midnight
• Ice Cream will be provided by Ann and Justin at Full Tilt Ice Cream
• Donations: Some rocky times are around the corner and many of our neighbors will be caught short and unable to provide for their families. You can help by bringing non-perishable food items for the White Center food bank or with a donation of $20 or more receive a unique limited addition “Obama brick” as an election night keepsake