The organizers of Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5K fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank (which serves portions of North Highline) want our Readers to know that there’s a “Last Gasp” registration and packet pickup this Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien.

This “last gasp” is intended for already-registered runners to get their shiny new race numbers, timing chop and t-shirt (if you registered early enough that is…), as well as for new runners to register and save the $5 race day fee increase.

That’s right – if you haven’t registered, don’t worry – you can do so at this event, and according to their website:

Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.

We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.

You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

The race is Sunday, starting at 1pm sharp at the Normandy Park Community Club (map here), then winding up through Burien ending at Mick Kelly’s. This is a great cause that will help numerous hungry neighbors; for more info on both the race and how/where to register, click here.

Also, don’t forget the Cove to Clover Pub Crawl this Friday night, beginning at 6pm at Mick Kelly’s in downtown Burien. For a $10 donation you’ll get a keepsake bib and a passport, which you then must get stamped at five of 13 area bars, restaurants, coffeeshops and others participating. You do NOT need to drink alcohol, although many will; for those we strongly advise using cabs or a designated driver.

More info on the Pub Crawl is here.

Here are the “Last Gasp” details:

WHAT: Cove to Clover “Last Gasp” Registration & Packet Pickup

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Street • Burien • 206.246.2473.

INFO: From their website:

Registered?
Come on in and get your shiny new race number, timing chip and shirt (if you registered early enough).

You’ll be stylin in the morning when you board the shuttle at Mick’s in the morning already sporting your number and cool snake shirt

Not Registered?
Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase. We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day. You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Avoid the race day rush!

Our fave namesake sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;

• Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
• Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.

The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:

This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were

1. Sockit Wenches
2. Grave Danger
3. Throttle Rockets
4. Derby Liberation Front

Here are the points:

• Period 1, 1st Players:  TR 62, SW 97
• Period 1, 2nd Players:  GD 88, DLF 51
• Period 2, Grudge Match:  TR 97, DLF 43
• Period 2, Champs:  GD 66, SW 70

On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.

The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.

Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).

RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.

The White Center Community Development Association’s blog reports that the White Center Teen Program’s Aztec Soccer team will be playing in the U15 championship game this Saturday (Feb. 27th) at 1pm at Starfire Sports Complex, located at Interurban Ave S. and Fort Dent Way in Tukwila.

Here’s the post:

This was sent to us from Darlene Sellers, White Center Teen Program Recreation Coordinator at King County Parks:

“Thank you all for your continued support of the White Center Teen Program Aztec Soccer Team! The program is continuing to grow with over thirty committed players and two competitive teams. We are pleased to share that the younger team is playing in the U15 championship game this Saturday at 1:00 at Starfire sports complex (Interurban Ave S & Fort Dent Way, Tukwila). If by chance you happen to be in the Tukwila neighborhood this weekend – we’d love to see you there. The game runs for a total of 45 minutes and will be played indoors on field 2. Admission is free but Starfire will most likely be collecting $5 for parking. Thanks again for your support and please have a great weekend”

Go Aztecs! Here’s the video:

The Aztecs from Heath Ward on Vimeo.

The White Center Teen Program is part of King County Parks and Recreation, which founded the team in 2007 to provide alternative afterschool activities for “at risk” youth.

This short doc focuses on the strong personalities, the importance of the program and the activities of a season in the life of The Aztecs.

For more information contact heathward@hotmail.com.

The Salvation Army has a youth basketball league called “HYPE,” and tryouts for 4th through 8th graders will begin Tuesday, March 9th at the Salvation Army Community Center, which is located at 9020 16th Ave SW in White Center.

This is a competitive basketball league, and is meant to provide kids with an athletic outlet to develop both teamwork and leadership in a competitive, healthy environment.

Here are details on the tryouts:

WHAT: Salvation Army HYPE Basketball League.

WHEN: Open tryouts will be:

4th, 5th, and 6th Grade:

• Tuesday March 9th – 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• Thursday March 11th – 5:30 to 7:00pm

7th and 8th Grade:

• Tuesday March 9th – 7:00pm to 8:30pm
• Thursday March 11th – 7:00pm to 8:30pm

WHERE: Tryouts will be held at the Salvation Army Community Center, which is located at 9020 16th Ave SW in White Center.

INFO: For more information, contact Sean or Charles (206) 767-3150 ext 113.

The second annual “Cove To Clover” fundraiser 5K race will be happening just down the road a bit on Sunday, March 14th, winding its way from the Normandy Park Community Club up the dreaded “snake hill” to the finish line in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

We’re proud to be a Sponsor of this great event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Highline Food Bank, which feeds hungry neighbors in the Burien area. Last year over $12,000 was raised, and this year’s goal is $20,000!

If you’re interested in registering, please click here.

This year’s race has many new elements – it’s as if the dial on the family-friendly funometer has been cranked up to 11 – check out some of the new features:

• The race begins at 1pm on Sunday, March 14th at Normandy Park Community Club. The course winds up “snake hill” all the way to the Gregory Heights neighborhood, past St. Francis of Assisi, crosses 152nd street with the finish line in Burien Town Square, where there will be a traditional Irish Festival.
• This challenging course takes its toll on even the most seasoned runners! Two water stops are provided, and racers will be rewarded with music from an Irish Piper when the reach the top of the ominous “snake” hill.
• Again there is a 1-mile Family Race which begins at St. Francis and follows the last of the 5K course.
• NEW: “While You Run” childcare, check your kids in at the Family Race start. Run the first 2 miles of the 5K, check your kids back out to run the Family Race together. Your 5K time will suffer of course.
• NEW: Pub Crawl – Friday March 12th!
• NEW: School Registration Contest! $5 from each registration fee can be donated to the local school of your choice! Just—type in your school’s name at registration–the school with the most registrations will be awarded an additional $1,500! Registrations can track their school’s progress at www.covetoclover.com/schools.
• NEW: School Limerick Contest — A $500 prize will be awarded to the school (or non-profit for non- student entries) who present the winning Limerick! Limerick contest details at www.covetoclover.com/limerick. BTW, we’re working on our own Limerick that starts “There once was a man from B-Town…”
• NEW: Start Line Party – Live Band inside the Normandy Park Cove Building prior to the race so you can warm up dancing to old school rock and roll.
• NEW: Expanded Pre-Race shuttle service from the finish line to the start line.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

5k at 1:00pm:

• $30.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $35 after)

Family Race (1 mile) at 1:30 PM:

• $25.00 early registration (before Mar. 2nd; $30 after)

Here’s a map of the race course:

Some other highlights include:

• On-course Irish Pipes
• Irish Entertainment
• 2 Live Bands
• Bigger Beer Garden
• 1-mile Family Race
• Free Hot Dogs for Kids
• Free Root Beer Garden
• Irish Grub

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:

• 10:15am+: Take the Free Pre-Race Shuttle – loads at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub starting at 10:15 am (WARNING: Start Line Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED!). Please park near Burien Town Square and take the free shuttle from Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Final shuttle departs promptly at 12:40 pm. Shuttle will drop you at the family race start-line (St. Francis Parish) of the 5K start-line (The Cove).
• 1pm: 5K Race (race starts at 1 pm sharp) Start Line @ Normandy Park Swim Club “The Cove”
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm @ The Cove
• LIVE ROCK BAND starts at 10:45 am: “The Throbs” will be cranking out old school rock and roll at the start line until race time. Warm your bones rocking out to covers of Nirvana, AC/DC, Scorpions and other eye-popping ROCK!!! Come early and avoid the last minute shuttle rush.

FAMILY RACE:

• Race starts at 1:40pm sharp
• Start Line @ St. Francis Church
• Registration/Packet Pickup from 10:45 am – 1:20 pm @ St. Francis Church
• 1 mile-ish. This can be walked or run and will include people of all generations. Hopefully we’ll have Irish Step Dance lessons prior to the start. – Pick up bib
• NEW: “While You Race” Childcare (11:00 am – 1:35 pm) at St. Francis Church
• If you want to run the 5K but your kids aren’t ready for that level of suffering, consider checking your kids into “While You Race” Childcare at the family race start line. You can then run the first 2 miles of the 5K to the Family Race Start, grab your kids and run then run the Family Race together. Child care provided by St. Francis Parish, extra fee may be involved.
• YOU MUST CHECK OUT YOUR CHILD BEFORE FINISHING THE 5K. It is not intended that runners finish the run and then return to claim their children. Due to the tight schedule, this service is for families with children who plan to run the Family Race.
• If you do the math, you’ll need to be able to run the first 2 miles in 30 minutes to pickup your child in time for the Family Race. Shuttle from the finish line, will stop drop you at St. Francis to check in your kids. Then you can re-board the shuttle to be taken to the 5K start line (the Cove).

FINISH LINE FESTIVAL AT BURIEN TOWN SQUARE:

• Finish Line Irish Festival runs from 2pm – 5pm at Burien Town Square
• “The Haggis Bros” are a lively Irish Band. You can enjoy the show from the beer garden (or free root beer garden for the kiddies). Be entertained by traditional step dancers while you gnash some Irish grub.

Not a runner? Get involved as a race day volunteer: Please contact John Nelson at jonelson@adobe.com.

And there are still some great Sponsorship Opportunities available – please email Ashley Fosberg at fosberg5@comcast.net for a sponsorship packet!

As the official web Sponsor of the Cove To Clover race, we’ll be posting more updates soon (including details on the Pub Crawl March 12th!), so be sure to come back often.

We’re huge fans of this area’s namesake competitive all-girl sk8er team the Rat City Rollergirls, and when we heard that they’re kicking off their 2010 season with a charity fundraiser at Key Arena this Sunday, Jan. 31st, we just had to announce it.

Donation amounts will depend on game outcomes, and the four home teams have chosen to support the following local charities:

• The Throttle Rockets with play for Fisher House, which assists families of military personnel.
• Grave Danger will support OldDog Haven, finding new homes for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Sockit Wenches are skating for Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment by developing life and social skills.
• Derby Liberation Front will support Pinup Angels, who send care packages to troops overseas.

Here are the details on the event:

WHAT: Rat City Rollergirls charity fundraiser bout.

WHEN: Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the game starts at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: KeyArena in lower Queen Anne.

INFO: The Rat City Rollergirls now have a dedicated entrance for our season ticket holders – enabling them to score the best seats! Doors on the East side of KeyArena will open for season ticket holders at 2:15pm.

Visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com for more information on the 2010 season.

Founded in April 2004, Rat City Rollergirls, LLC, (RCRG) is Seattle’s (and the Northwest’s) first flat track, all-female roller derby league. RCRG is composed of about 100 member-owners, who are divided among four teams:

• Derby Liberation Front
• Grave Danger
• Sockit Wenches
• Throttle Rockets

RCRG’s fifth team, the Rat City Rollergirls All-Stars, is composed of the best players from the four home teams, who represent RCRG in regional and national play.

Also, be on the lookout early next week for a video we’ll be shooting at Sunday’s bout.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Rat City Roller Girl (and who hasn’t?), now’s your chance – they’re looking for “fresh meat”! Beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9th, they’re inviting women who want to try out to come to their open practices, which continue on Saturday, Jan. 16th and Saturday, Feb. 6th at their training facility.

In order to qualify, you must be 21, have a “ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile” and be willing to devote time to practice.

According to a press release:

Wondering if you have what it takes? ….

Join us for practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays: January 9, 16 and February 6 at the Rat City training facility (“The Rat’s Nest”). Representatives from the Rat City Rollergirls Fresh Meat Committee will be on hand to answer any questions, and RCRG league members will skate along side you at practice to offer tons of tips and advice for the day of tryouts. This is your opportunity to come participate in an actual practice and drills with your future league mates. Saturday practices are open to all skaters who wish to try out, are ready to sign a liability waiver (attached) and pay a $10 (cash only) only drop in fee per session…..

Minimum requirements to be an RCRG league:

• Two to three 2-hour practices per week
• A minimum of 6 hours of committee work a month
• Timely payment of monthly dues – $35
• Timely payment of Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA)annual insurance – $5
• Proper safety gear (helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards)
• Read and understand the official WFTDA derby rules – ..http://wftda.com/rules .
• Purchase of team uniform and league jersey ..
• Current primary medical insurance
• You will willingly adhere to the RCRG Skater Code of Conduct
• 21 years of age
• A ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile ….

Have questions or ready to get signed up for tryouts? Please e-mail freshmeat@ratcityrollergirls.com to RSVP.

Additional details will be emailed upon completed registration.

Looking for a better gift than fruitcake this holiday season?

Our friends The Rat City Rollergirls would like everyone to know that they’re returning to the Key Arena for their 6th Season of high-action athletics, and tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster locations, or online by clicking here.

From a press release:

Both Rat City Rollergirl season passes and tickets are the perfect stocking stuffer for you and your family this season. Season passes fit perfectly into any envelope, and they’re the best way to show someone how much you care (or to show them Santa IS listening).

This season, we’re bringing hard-hitting roller derby that the whole family can enjoy at an affordable new price.

General admission is now only $14 and kids under 16 are only $8.

Find greater values when you purchase season tickets before January 2010. The season kick-off is January 31st followed by 4 more chances to experience the exciting, fast paced action:

• March 6
• April 10
• May 1
• June 5

Go to Ticketmaster.com for seating and ticket information at the Key Arena or visit Ratcityrollergirls.com.

We recently received an update on the status of White Center’s Evergreen Pool from the folks at Whitewater Aquatics, and the most current info we have is that Whitewater made a presentation to the Highline School Board last week.

The basics from their Powerpoint presentation (download link here):

• Whitewater needs more funding to re-open the pool in March 2010.
• If Whitewater can reach agreement with the Highline School District (HSD) to manage the pool, it will be opened to all members of the community for swim lessons, senior exercise, family swims and swim teams.
• If Whitewater does not take over operation of Evergreen Pool, the mothballed facility will revert to HSD in March 2010 presumably still closed and in need of repairs. The funds committed by King County to repair and re-open the pool could be lost.
• Whitewater has privately raised $50,000 to fund our operating costs as we open and re-establish operations.

Here are the details from their presentation we received via email from Julie Dow:

Ed Marrs presented the attached to The Highline School Board this week, on behalf of the parents of Whitewater Swim Club and our efforts to save Evergreen Pool . We’re in our “11-th hour” but, yet, remain optimistic. The county is trying to help, but time is ticking. The school board is deciding. We need to get the pool open by March to succeed with our plan, we’ve raised quite a bit of money privately, we need to move quickly.

HISTORY OF EVERGREEN POOL

• Evergreen Pool was one of the many area pools funded by “Forward Thrust” bonds.
• Ownership of the pool reverts to HSD from King County in March 201o.
• King County closed the pool September 1, 2009, but has approved budgeted funds for needed repairs and contingency.
• The pool and surrounding ball fields were “excluded” from the annexation area of Burien, the city choosing instead to allow these resources to revert to The Highline School District.
• Whitewater Swim Club (established in 2002) has been working for nearly a year to form and fund a not-for-profit llc, WWAM to manage the pool.
• Due to re-organization of County Execs office, the county has decided not to work on a lease of only 3 months, instead asking WWAM to work directly with HSD.

WHO IS WHITEWATER AQUATICS MANAGEMENT LLC?

• We are a non-profit group formed by leaders of our community for the sole purpose of operating Evergreen Pool in a private-public partnership. Our detailed business plan is attached to this summary.
• We have privately raised $50,000 to fund our operating costs as we open and re-establish operations.
• We have worked extensively over the last year to secure community support, $300,000 in funding from King County and to build a coalition that will re-open this valuable community resource. We seek to open the pool to meet immediate community needs and to be part of a long term solution for this asset.
• We manage a separate entity, Whitewater Swim Club, a not-for-profit swim club which is governed by a parent board of directors and professionally managed. We are sanctioned by USA Swimming and have over 70 youths age 7-21 on our team. Several of our swimmers compete on Highline High and Mt. Rainier High Swim Teams. The swim club will pay for its pool time to the LLC which manages the pool.

WHAT ARE HSD’s OPTIONS?

• If WWAM can reach agreement with HSD to manage the pool, the pool will be opened to all members of the community for swim lessons, senior exercise, family swims and swim teams.
• If WWAM does not take over operation of Evergreen Pool, the mothballed facility will revert to HSD in March 2010 presumably still closed and in need of repairs. The funds committed by King County to repair and re-open the pool could be lost.

WHY EVERGREEN MATTERS

• A positive youth activity.
• An economically challenged neighborhood, White Center, needs good alternatives.
• A “no cut” sport that is inclusive to all, from the disabled to the competitive.
• We are surrounded by water. The death rate from drowning is nearly twice the national average in low income areas.
• Creating life long fitness and activity habits and impacting child obesity rates.

WHAT WILL EVERGREEN OFFER W/WWAM AS MANAGER?

• Community and Family Swim time
• Senior Citizen Water Exercise and Social Programs
• Lifeguard Training
• Swimming Lessons for Children, including free or low cost lessons for low income families
• Competitive Swim Club for youth ages seven to twenty one, including athletes from Highline Schools
• Training for tri athletes and adult competitors
• Water Safety Instruction for boating and general safety
• Scuba Certification Training
• Adult Exercise and Swim Lessons

WWAM IS ASKING HSD FOR:

• Ten year “lease” at $1.00 per year.
• No financial support from the district.
• A contact person with HSD who is empowered to work with WWAM toward mutual goals.
• An agreement in place in the near term. To meet the income requirements of a solid business plan, the pool must be open for the “busy” spring lesson season, not later than March 1, 2010.
• Assistance in involving municipalities to provide a long term plan for the pool and area needs.
• Hold capital contingency funds provided by the county in a reserve to be used as needed.

A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS

• Dow Constantine
• North Highline Area Unincorporated Council
• 34th District Democrats

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Burien City Council Reacts To County’s Desire To Sell Puget Sound Park
• Update On Status Of Evergreen Pool From Whitewater Aquatics
• PHOTOS & SOUNDS: Scenes From Monday Night’s Rally To Save Evergreen Pool
• Want To Save Evergreen Pool? Rally Tonight From 5-7pm
• King County “Mothballing” 39 Parks, More Than A Third Of Which Are In The Area

They started in White Center, and we’re big fans (heck, we even scrubbed up 16th SW with ‘em) so we’re proud to announce that the Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG) All Stars were invited by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) for a spot in the 2009 WFTDA Western Regional Tournament, which will take place Oct. 2nd – 4th in Denver.

RCRG All-Stars will compete against all-star teams representing nine other roller derby leagues for a chance to advance to the 4th annual WFTDA National Championship, set for Nov. 13-15 in Philadelphia, PA.

The Western Regional Tournament, called “Derby on the Rocks,” is expected to draw hundreds of roller derby players and fans to watch some of the best action the sport has to offer. Fans wishing to cheer on RCRG as they take the national stage can find ticketing and other information at www.derbyontherocks.com.

As the 4th-seeded team in the tournament, RCRG will first play 5th-seed B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls (from San Francisco) at 9pm (MDT) on Friday, Oct. 2nd, and will play at least three games over the course of the three-day, multi-level tournament.

To make it to Regionals, RCRG first had to earn a ranking within the West Region by playing sanctioned bouts against other teams. The top ten teams from each of the four WFTDA regions – based on current rankings – received invitations to their respective regional tournaments. If a league was unable to attend, the next-ranked league was invited.

The West Region includes:

• California
• Washington
• Oregon
• Nevada
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Utah
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• Montana
• Hawaii

There are currently 23 WFTDA member leagues in the West Region.

If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can “get your ass kicked” by a Rollergirl by clicking here, where your $25-$100 donation will get you cool bumper stickers, mugs and t-shirts.

Be sure to mark your calendars and cheer our Rat City Rollergirls on!

The Highline school board announced Thursday (July 16th) that it has voted to adopt a “Pay for Play” system, which will charge students a fee for participation in middle school and high school athletics.

While some school board members expressed concern that the fees will discourage students from participating in sports, Superintendent John Welch told the board staff that he is working with the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence to establish a scholarship program.

“We will work hard to see that no student is turned away from playing a sport,” said Welch.

Welch said the fees are necessary to support the rising costs of athletic programs.

“In order to continue to offer both middle and high school sports, we must implement a pay-for-play fee structure,” said Welch. “If we don’t charge a fee, we will have to cut some sports.”

Welch noted that Highline’s athletic offerings now include middle school soccer in response to high demand and strong community support for adding that program.

The fee structure will be in place for the 2009-10 school year.

For high school sports, the fees will be:

• $50 per sport ($25 per sport for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch)
• Fees will be charged for up to two sports per student per year; there is no charge for a third season.
• Maximum $175 per family per year ($85 for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch)

Fees for middle school sports will be:

• $30 per sport ($15 for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch)

Fees will be chared for up to two sports per student per year; there is no charge for a third season. Maximum costs will be $105 per family per year ($50 for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch).

We here at The B-Town Blog would love to know what you think of this idea – please vote in our Poll and/or leave a Comment below…

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Grace Church is offering up a free “Kickin’ It Soccer Camp VBS” from Monday July 27th to Friday July 31st, from 5:30pm-8:00pm at their campus at 10323 28th Ave SW.

This Soccer Camp is intended for kids entering Kindergarten through 5th grade, and here’s a blurb from the church:

Come on over and bring your friends for soccer, food, crafts and all sorts of FREE fun!

We will start each night out with dinner from 5:30-6:00 then off the kids go for an action packed evening (parents are welcome to stay and watch, or they can go and have a relaxing child-free evening).

To register online, click here to download a PDF registration form, which you should then print, fill out and mail it in to:

Grace Church
10323 28th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146

If you have any questions call 206-937-8400.

The White Center PAL Boxing team (aka “The Bomb Squad,” who we recently reported on here) had a successful trip to the Vacaville PAL Boxing tournament on May 23rd, and here are the results:

• Duyly Lam won a unanimous decision over Chris Cuatro from Double Punches Boxing Club of Santa Rosa, California
• Rafik Iskandarian won unanimous decision over Felipe Verara from the Vacaville PAL Boxing club
• Carlos Reyes won a unanimous decision over Dalton Burgos from the Vacaville PAL Boxing Club
• Charles Nguyen lost a split decision to Thomas Diehl from Dreamland Boxing Club of San Jose, California.

All of here at The White Center Blog send our best congratulatory jab to these terrific athletes!

Go Dub-C Bomb Squad!

White Center’s Evergreen Pool is holding its annual “April Pool’s Day” this Saturday, April 25th from Noon to 2:30pm.

The event is to promote water safety to children and families. It is FREE and will be FUN for everyone. We will have safety demonstrations, activities and hand outs to inform people on how to be water safe. We will also have canoe rides available in the pool and discuss the importance of wearing lifejackets while requiring them to be worn while riding in the canoes.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “April Pool’s Day” at Evergreen Pool

WHEN: Saturday, April 25th from Noon to 2:30pm

WHERE: Evergreen Pool is located at 606 SW 116th Street in Seattle (map below); phone: 206-296-4410

COST: It’s FREE!

INFO: An experienced and friendly staff invites you to join loyal patrons of all ages to enjoy King County’s only nine-lane indoor pool. The Evergreen Pool is located in the North Highline neighborhood near the southern edge of Lakewood Park, adjacent to the campus of Evergreen High School. Open year-round, the pool is 25 yards in width with nine lanes for lap swimming and a very large shallow water play area for families and young children.

Pool rentals are available at this facility. Groups receive exclusive access to the pool, including lifeguards. There is also a large enclosed outdoor patio for summer parties.

FEATURES:

• Water basketball
• Small water slide (young children)
• Shallow water stairs
• Hydro-powered personal water lift

HOURS:

• Mon / Wed / Fri: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Tues / Thurs: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
• Sat: 11:30 AM – 2 PM
• Closed Sundays

Keep in mind that Evergreen Pool also holds a family movie night on their big screen, with the next one scheduled for Friday, May 1st. The cost is $5, or just $4 if you bring in a can of food for the White Center Food Bank. Movie lovers can float and watch the movie in the pool!

View Larger Map

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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Signups begin Saturday (Feb. 21st), and continue next Sat. (Feb. 28th) for Southwest Little League at the Southwest Community Center, located at 2801 SW Thistle Street in West Seattle.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Southwest Little League signups

WHEN: Saturday, February 21 & Saturday, February 28 from Noon until 3pm both days. Please see this web page for details about the required documentation.

WHERE: Signups will take place at the Southwest Community Center (see map below).

There are also volunteer board positions open for several positions at Southwest Little League.

Southwest Little League operates entirely on the volunteer efforts of participating families.

Parents – Southwest Little League is working to develop new leadership. We encourage you to step into the roles vacated by volunteers who’s children who have outgrown little league. The league is an all volunteer organization that exists for the benefit of youth in the White Center, Highpoint, Top Hat, Shorewood, Arbor Heights, Riverview, and Seahurst neighborhoods.

Please contact the league if you are interested in volunteering.

Southwest Little League’s boundaries can be seen in this map:

Continue to check their website and the Little League message line (206)-286-3655 for additional information.

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