West Seattle Herald / White Center News - Festivals/Annual Events

Mom’s Day brings a mother lode of scams

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:57:21 +0000

Mother’s Day Phishing Emails Top the List

Better Business Bureau press release:

Loving sons and daughters looking for thoughtful ways to show affection for moms this year should think twice before opening up hearts and wallets. A recent survey from the National Retail Federation estimates that total Mother’s Day spending will reach $18.6 billion in 2013, and scammers will employ all sorts of tricks to fool consumers. Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington wants this day to be safe and mom-entous.

As with most special occasions, schemers try to catch last-minute shoppers off-guard and BBB offers the following reminders:

E-cards: Email cards appear to be from known contacts or trusted retailers, but are actually fraudulent, contain malicious links or malware and seek personal information; verify senders before opening.

Gifts: Newly registered websites stock Mother’s Day gifts at reasonable prices and guarantee timely delivery, but the products are never delivered or don’t actually exist at all. Avoid online vendors lacking verifiable contact information.

Flowers: According to the Society of American Florists, Mother’s Day accounts for one-fourth of all holiday floral purchases. Be wary of websites offering unrealistically cheap flower arrangements; consider a local BBB Accredited Retail Florist.

Discount Vouchers: Coupons or vouchers arrive in mailboxes and inboxes highlighting significantly reduced prices on flowers, gifts or restaurant visits, but are actually just bait-and-switch offers and the resulting purchases are not great deals after all. Carefully read the fine print and understand the terms and limitations of unsolicited offers.

Visit the BBB News Center for more information on protecting loved ones.

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ericm

05/08/2013

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Hyde Shuttle takes seniors to the Des Moines Farmer’s Market

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:43:44 +0000

Press release:

The Hyde Shuttle vans are seen nearly everywhere in the Des Moines, Normandy Park and Burien area, taking folks wherever they need to go, and now, you can ride one to the Des Moines Farmer’s Market!

Beginning June 1st, and every other Saturday through October, you can ride a comfortable, clean Hyde Shuttle van from your home to the Farmer’s market and back! The hours are from 11AM until 2PM every other Saturday. Spend the mid day at the market, enjoy lunch, buy fresh flowers or veggies, listen to the fun entertainment on the waterfront. It takes just one call to the Hyde Shuttle office to arrange your ride, and you can call right now! The number is 206-727-6262. The vans are filling up so an early call is best.

The Hyde Shuttle is part of the Senior Service Transportation program and is available to anyone 55 or older, or who has any kind of mobility challenge. The vans can easily accommodate walkers and wheelchairs as well. Companion pets are welcome! There is no cost to the service, but donations are appreciated.

Driving for the Hyde Shuttle is a great way to give back to the community and help your friends and neighbors get to and from the places they want to go! It’s only a few hours a week, and all the training is provided. No special license is needed and all you have to do is call Brady Wright, at the Activity Center to apply at 206-878-2066. You can email direct to bradyw@seniorservices.org if you have any questions. We are always looking for great volunteer drivers, for this wonderful service to expand even more!

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ericm

05/08/2013

5 - Front Page - TOP

Burien is 10 tons cleaner after Clean Sweep

ericm — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:22:40 +0000

More than 10 tons of trash and recycled materials were picked up during this year’s Burien Clean Sweep event on April 20.

Discover Burien Event Manager Debra George reported 3.3 tons of garbage and 7.17 tons of recycled materials was gathered for a total of 10.47 tons.

She also reported on previous year’s totals:

2012 5.54 Tons + 942 Lbs Monitors + 389 Lbs of Mixed Electronic
2011 8.2 Tons
2010 5.9 Tons
2009 8.15 Tons
2008 7.61 Tons
2007 8.66 Tons
2006 6.75 Tons
2005 10.82 Tons
2004 9.88 Tons
2003 12.06 Tons
2002 7.72 Tons
2001 9.82 Tons
2000 13.72 Tons
1999 9.73 Tons

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ericm

04/29/2013

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Attention: ex-Wolverines, Pirates, Rams, Totems, Glacier Grizzlies and others, donations sought for Highline student-athlete scholarships

ericm — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:20:02 +0000

It went so well last year, Highline Public Schools and Highline Schools Foundation staffers are doing it again this year.

It is the Scholar-Athlete, Coach and Community Recognition Program.

Sixteen student-athletes, eight honored middle and high school coaches and community contributors will be honored at a recognition banquet, Tuesday, May 21 at Mt. Rainier High School in Des Moines.

The students will receive scholarship funds.

The total amount given away depends on the generosity of Highline alums, parents and community members.

In the inaugural event, $15,000 was raised for scholarship support.

Highline district athletic director Terri McMahan said donations reached $30,000 per year when she organized a similar program as Edmonds Public Schools athletic director. The Edmonds program is still going strong, she reports.

As for last year’s Highline event, McMahan said she has heard nothing but positive comments about it.

“We are committed to making this an annual event and to growing scholarship support,” McMahan declared.

Donations are being accepted online at www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org. Checks can be made payable to the Highline Schools Foundation at 15675 Ambaum Boulevard S.W., Burien 98166. Contributions received after May 17 will apply to next year’s event.

For questions, contact McMahan at terri.mcmahan@highlineschools.org or 206-433-2418.

The student scholarships will be awarded to athletes at the four high school campuses that offer interscholastic athletics—Evergreen, Highline, Mt. Rainier and Tyee.

The coaching staff at each school selects the nominees. They must have a 3.2 or better cumulative grade point average, played at least two sports their senior year, volunteered in the community and displayed outstanding leadership skills.

KJR radio host Dick Fain, “Voice of the Seattle Storm,” will be master of ceremonies at the banquet. Fain is the son of former Highline assistant superintendent Geri Fain.

University of Washington Huskies play-by-play announcer Bob Rondeau pinch hit for Fain at the inaugural event last year when a schedule conflict occurred.

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ericm

04/25/2013

5 - Front Page - TOP

Tax Free Day in the West Seattle Junction

David Rosen — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:44:39 +0000

Tax Free Day in the West Seattle Junction Neighborhood Sale! Over 40 participants.

Junction Merchants have your back by paying your tax.

Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping (10% off) at these locations ALL DAY:

AAA West Seattle
Bakery Nouveau
Capers
Carmilia’s
City Mouse Studio and Store
Clementine
Click! Design That Fits
Computer Care
Curious Kidstuff
Edie’s Shoes
Fleurt
Funky Janes
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Heidi Fish Swimwear
Jan’s Beauty Supply
JF Henry
Many Moons Trading Co.
Merryweather Books
PC Mobile Inc.
Red Cup Espresso
Seattle Fish Company
Shoofly Pie Company
Sound Advice
Stop ‘N Shop
Sweetie
Terjung’s Studio of Gifts
The Beer Junction
The Discovery Shop
The Forsythe Studio
The Sneakery
Twala Intimates
Twilight Gallery & Boutique
Vain
Wallflower Custom Framing
Wild Rose’s
Zamboanga

Special Deals at the following locations:

A Terrible Beauty
Happy hour all day for food and drinks.

Bang Bar Restaurant & Lounge
Free spring rolls with 2 entrees ordered.

Capers
Tax FREE on all previously marked down floor models (20-40% off), pillows, sale merchandise.

Carmilia’s

City Mouse Studio and Store
Buy any 4 items in store and get a 5th item of same or lesser item free.

Clementine
Additional 20% off anything orange.

Hotwire Online Coffeehouse
Asking for donation of any-sized diapers to benefit Westside Baby.

Seattle Fish Company
2 Fish Tacos for $7.

Shadowland

Taqueria Guaymas

West 5
Come in for a Taxman Cocktail to lighten your spirits.

Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 9:00am - 11:00pm

Burien Top Chef videos now online

ericm — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:12:36 +0000

Press release:

The following web site is now live showing the videos from the TOP CHEF event.

The videos will also be shared with the restaurants so they can promote socially.

Thank you for your efforts in letting the community know about these amazing establishments in our community.

http://burienbites.com/Home/Videos

Part of the awards at Burien Bites on June 2nd will be awards for the videographers and film crews that shot, edited and created each of these videos.

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ericm

04/04/2013

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Valentine's flower deliveries are not always rosy

ericm — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:03:51 +0000

Press release:

Love is in the air and florists are busy filling Valentine’s Day orders, but many consumers have learned the hard way that everything doesn’t always come up roses.

In 2012, florists were among the most complained about service categories on Angie’s List. Most complaints stemmed from the quality of the flowers as well as issues with delivery.

Angie’s List surveyed highly rated florists for advice on placing an order for delivery:

Act now: Don’t wait until the last minute to place your order for flowers. Give the florist plenty of time because Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for any florist.

Buy local: If there is a reputable florist in your area, buy directly from them when you can and think beyond the roses. Your florist can help you find the freshest blooms and find something a little less traditional, too. National companies take your order and pass it along to a local florist to fulfill the order anyway. You’ll have better luck with a correction if something goes wrong.

Include delivery information: The more information you are able to provide about the recipient, the less likely there will be a delivery mishap. Include both home and cell phone numbers and the correct address. If it’s a business, will the delivery person be stopped at the front door? Offer any access information you know about to the delivery driver.

Take advantage of the freshness guarantee: Flowers are a perishable product, and depending on the flower, it will have a life span from 2 to 10 days. If the flowers delivered are not in good condition, call the florist right away (less than 24 hours) so they can correct the problem.

Care for the special delivery: Keep them in a cool place and change water regularly. Cut the stems back about an inch with a knife or gardening clippers every other day as you change the water.

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ericm

02/07/2013

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Valentine's Day: a good time to love the planet with recycling and waste reduction

ericm — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:57:50 +0000

Press release:

Paper valentines account for a big spike in annual waste production, with roughly 180 million Americans exchanging Valentine’s Day cards each year.

This year, Waste Management, Burien’s solid waste utility, recommends alternatives to conventional cards as a way to express the spirit of the holiday and also love the planet.

“Valentine’s Day doesn’t produce as much waste as Christmas or even Easter, but when you consider what goes into a 180 million cards, it’s easy to understand that a few small changes make a big difference for the environment,” said Robin Freedman of Waste Management of Washington. “This Valentine’s Day, we are urging Washingtonians to be good to their loved ones and to the environment. It just takes a little forethought and creativity.”

GREEN VALENTINE IDEAS
Cards - Save trees in the name of love by sending an e-card. If the paper card is a must, make sure it’s printed on recycled paper or make one from materials you have at home.

Flowers - Consider planting a tree for your loved one.

Jewelry – How about buying heirloom jewelry from a vintage dealer? If you want to buy new, choose a jeweler whose gems and precious metals are certified ecologically friendly.

Home-cooked meals – Show your loved ones you care by cooking with fresh, local, organic ingredients.

Photo gifts – Use recycled materials and your favorite photos to make a scrapbook, decorate a picture frame or create an electronic slideshow.

Looking for something a little less traditional? Then websites, such as Green America and Green Living Tips, provide guides to eco-friendly food and clothing.

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ericm

02/07/2013

5 - Front Page - TOP

High school musicians triumph at Presidential Inauguration Music Festival

ericm — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:32:35 +0000

Global Connections Jazz and Wind Ensembles rated Superior, with Distinction

Press release:

Global Connections High School Wind and Jazz Ensembles received the highest possible rating, Superior with Distinction, for their performances at the Presidential Inauguration Music Festival.

During their trip, January 18 – 21, the students also witnessed the Oath of Office and the Presidential Address, toured famous monuments, visited Smithsonian museums, and had the chance to interact with music groups from across the country. A special highlight was the tour of the U.S. capitol, arranged by US Congressman Adam Smith.

“The trip to Washington, D.C., was an amazing and inspirational experience for our students,” said Rick Harwood, Principal, Global Connections High School. “Our students were fully engaged in every aspect of the trip, as they experienced one exciting event after another.

“The chance to be part of one of the most important events in the world made a lasting impression on our students and expanded the possibilities they see for themselves as contributing members of their communities, local and global.”

The trip to perform in the music festival was made possible by the very generous Highline community. Many individuals and organizations pitched in to raise the $60,000 needed to pay for trip expenses for the students.

Nearly 80 percent of students at Global Connections High School qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch, so community support was essential.

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ericm

01/30/2013

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