Tukwila Reporter, December 21, 2011

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…and all is right with the world!

Happy Holidays!

SCHOOL CONNECTIONS: Tukwila School District update, 16-18

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Helping the homeless find their way Reaching the goal of ending homelessness by giving people hope and a safe, affordable place to live

BY SARAH KEHOE SKEHOE@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The King County Housing Authority is on its way to accomplish its mission of ending homelessness in the county, thanks the opening of a new apartment complex.

This month, nearly 50 people went from living on the streets of Tukwila to living at Pacific Court Apartments.

The community celebrated with residents at an open house Dec.8, which featured refreshments and speeches by housing authority members, Sound Mental Health workers and residents.

The housing authority partnered with Sound Mental Health, a private non-profit organization that provides comprehensive mental health services, and bought the 32unit complex for $3.5 million in 2008. The intent was to house homeless and disabled individuals. “This place gives people hope,� said Stephanie Berg, department manager at Sound Mental Health. “They have a safe, affordable place to live and supportive services on site to talk to them, help them if they get lost or remind them to take their medication.�

Funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the new complex has offices for a site manager, case managers and counselors. Kitchen facilities, an activities lab and computer lab are also available for residents’ use. “The housing authority strives to create vibrant housing communities,� said Stephen Norman, executive director at the housing authority. “This new facility will provide the residents with access to the support they need to allow them to stabilize their lives and acquire new skills.�

Around five years ago, the Committee to End Home-

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Suzy Stewart-James tells her story to Trish Blanchard, chief clinical officer at Sound Mental Health, Dec. 8, during the official opening of the Pacific Courts in Tukwila. Charles Cortes/Tukwila Reporter

lessness made a 10-year plan to end homelessness in King County by providing a blueprint for how the region will work together to confront the issues that cause homelessness and create the housing and supportive services needed to end it. The plan included coming up with ways to prevent homelessness, helping people move quickly to stable housing with the necessary supportive services to maintain that housing, building the public and political will to sustain efforts and bring an end homelessness, increasing the efficiency of the existing systems to make the best use of our scarce resources and measuring and reporting their outcomes. “What Sound Mental Health and the county are aiming to do is to give homeless people homes, not just temporary shelters,� said David Stone, CEO for Sound Mental Health. “We want to help save lives.�

That’s exactly what residents Suzy Stewart-James and Jermaine Combs feel a place at Pacific Courts Apartments did for them. “Living here is a haven; it’s given me a reason to live because it reminded me life could get better,� said StewartJames, 41. “Having the pressure of being homeless off my shoulders has given me the ability to go back to drawing and painting again. And that’s a gift.�

Things started to fall apart for Stewart-James in 2004, after an injury.

Stewart-James fell down the stairs to her apartment, causing a hematoma in her brain. Two surgeries required to treat the injury caused a blood clot in her right leg and doctors told Stewart-James amputation was the only way to save her. “This was all very difficult to swallow and still is,� Stewart-James said. “I was depressed, I was broke and had no where to turn.�

After Stewart-James and her husband were evicted from their home, depression set in and she was sent to a mental health care facility. The couple slept on friends’ couches until Stewart-James had enough and called Sound Mental Health for help. “It’s a blessing to be able to work with a case manager and talk about my feelings,� Stewart-James said. “That’s something I’ve never had before. I’m feeling stable and good now.�

Jackie MacLean, human services director, takes a tour of Patrick Calloway’s apartment. Charles Cortes/Tukwila Reporter

Combs, 38, was living in a rat-infested apartment and was facing eviction before he moved into Pacific Courts. “I was working, but not making near enough to cover the rent,� he said. “I’ve had an unlucky and hard life. This was just yet another desperate situation I found myself in.�

Combs now has a clean apartment and can focus on goals he has for his life, including going back to school. “I am starting school this January and really want to work at a place where I can make a difference,� he said. “I think everyone deserves clean, safe housing. I have a great healthy life now and I’m so thankful to be here.�

King County helped fund Pacific Court with a $2 million investment and provides ongoing funding for the supportive services. Additional funding of the complex was provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce. “The King County Housing Authority’s work has set the stage nicely for our Tukwila Village redevelopment project, which we believe will further revitalize the area of our city,� said Jim Haggerton, Tukwila mayor.

The project covers 6 acres of property at South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. The city hopes to turn the area into a mixed use development that will draw upon Tukwila’s strengths and include a library, a neighborhood police resource center, retail, restaurants, public meeting space, and an outdoor plaza.

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com » DECEMBER 2011

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A life of community service and great times SKEHOE@TUKWILAREPORTER. COM

Joan Hernandez has a green box full of photographs capturing her 24 years serving on the Tukwila City Council.

There’s so many good memories that Hernandez has a hard time picking a favorite picture.

“This one where I am sworn in on the council for the first time is the best, or maybe it’s the groundbreaking for Tukwila International Boulevard,” she said. “There’s just so many great times.”

Hernandez decided to retire from the council this year. She wants to spend more time with her family, travel and focus on her other community service projects.

“I just have loved being here and enjoy every minute of it,” Hernandez said. “There’s always been something challenging going on to keep me interested and

making me want to come back.”

Hernandez said she fell into becoming a City Council member because of her other volunteer and community service work in the community. She had appeared before the council as a spokesperson for the Tukwila Homeowners Association and impressed the mayor with her innovative ideas and persistence.

“I think they just wanted me on their side,” Hernandez said, laughing. “I kept coming to meetings and speaking, so the mayor became familiar with my face and asked me to consider joining the council.”

Hernandez was not selected during her first time running.

“There were so many great opponents that I lost out,” she said.

After a city council member resigned, Hernandez tried again.

She won against three opponents and was sworn into office December 1987.

“Serving on the council is a lot

more work than anyone imagines,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes we’d be here until 11 p.m. for a meeting, then I’d have to get up early and go to work the next day.”

Hernandez worked as an executive assistant for the King County Housing Authority for 20 years. She also was a member of the South County Cultural Association and the Tukwila Historical Society. Hernandez said the hard work was worth it.

“I take pride in the fact that I was a part of helping build our community and make important decisions on annexations and other projects,” she said.

Hernandez’s two proudest accomplishments are the establishment of the Tukwila Equity & Diversity Commission and incorporating multi-family design standards in the city.

“When I was first elected, there were apartments being proposed [ more SERVICE page 6 ]

coffeewith

BY SARAH KEHOE

Joan Hernandez retires from the Tukwila City Council at the end of this year after serving for 24 years. Charles Cortes/Tukwila Reporter

index 2

athome

Reaching for the goal of ending homlessness has started in Tukwila

3

coffeewith

City Councilwoman Joan Hernandez retires after 24 years of service to the community.

8

newlens

Portrait photographer Bruce Hudson moves to Tukwila.

9

localflavor

Liat Shklarski shares her snowy chocolate cookies for Hanukkah.

12

fosterhigh

Sportswriter Adam McFadden takes a look at the boys and girls basketball teams.

tukwila reporter ›19426 68th Avenue South › Kent, WA 98032 ›253.872.6600 › www.tukwilareporter.com

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of two new bicycle officers and a narcotics detective at its Nov. 21 meeting.

The estimated cost of $345,000 for the three positions in 2012 will be paid for initially with $220,000 in savings from the 2011 police department budget and savings of $125,000 in 2012 from the jail budget, Bicycle officers in October started pa- according to city documents. The council trols in the business district at and around agreed to make the positions part of the regular budget for future funding.

Westfield Southcenter Mall. By Police continue to combat prosnext summer, two bicycle offititution and drug dealing along cers will patrol the Tukwila InTukwila International Boulevard. ternational Boulevard corridor The addition of two bicycle offibetween South 154th Street and cers and a detective are expected to South 130th Street. help reduce those crimes and other “When I was assistant chief crimes. we looked to implement the proMike Villa “The idea is to have the officers grams again but had other priin that area to problem solve,” Villa orities,” Villa said. “Now as chief said. “They will work with the comI wanted them again.”

Villa received support from Mayor Jim munity, business owners and apartment Haggerton as well as the Tukwila City managers.”

Villa said bicycle officers can be more efCouncil. The council approved the hiring

Police bicycle officers to hit the street again

Tukwila Police bicycle officers are back in town. And more are on the way.

When Mike Villa took over as police chief in June, he wanted to bring back the bicycle patrols that worked the streets in the 1990s before budget cutbacks and emphasis on other jobs eliminated the positions.

“We had bicycle officers in 1995-96 and they proved to be very effective in the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor,” Villa said. “I was one of the first two bicycle officers.”

Rourn is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 22 at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. He remains in custody at the county jail in Kent with bail set at $1 million.

Prosecutors wrote in the charging papers “that the willingness of the defendant to shoot at someone for simply REPORTER STAFF calling him or his friends a name and his willingness to King County prosecutors charged a 29-year-old Des shoot at everyone present without regard for their inMoines man Dec. 12 with second-degree murder volvement in the argument, demonstrates his exin connection with the Nov. 5 shooting death of treme risk to the community if released without CRIME Jayme Thomas, 19, in the Redondo Beach area of significant bail.”

Des Moines.

On Dec. 7, Des Moines Police with the assistance Johnny Rourn also is charged with secondof Valley SWAT arrested Rourn at his residence degree assault for wounding a 24-year-old man, acwithout incident. Rourn was booked into the King cording to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. County jail for investigation of homicide and investigation

Man charged with the murder of Jayme Thomas

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of assault.

Thomas died after being shot early in the morning Nov. 5 in the backseat of a vehicle in the 800 block of Redondo Way South. Witnesses reported that an argument and name calling occurred between two separate groups before the shooting. Two unidentified men started passing a gun around, then fired shots into a vehicle where Thomas sat, according to police.

An autopsy report showed Thomas was shot twice in the back and once in the arm, according to charging papers.

Thomas was a 2011 graduate of Mount Rainier High School and was studying at Highline Community College to become a nurse. As a lifeguard, she taught toddlers to swim. She was heavily involved in her youth group at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Des Moines.

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fective in certain neighborhoods than officers in patrol cars.

“An officer on a bicycle can be a great tool to engaging more with the community than an officer who drives a car where there’s not much interaction with someone walking along a sidewalk,” he said. “An officer on a bicycle increases the positive interaction with people walking to the bus, the grocery store or work.”

Villa said bicycle officers can also observe much more as they ride along streets than officers driving by in patrol cars.

Because of all of the training involved in hiring new officers, the new bicycle officers and detective won’t start with the city until sometime before summer.

Villa can’t wait to get more bicycle officers on the streets.

“I’m thrilled to have the support of the mayor and council of this initiative,” he said. “I think it will be pretty impactful on Tukwila International Boulevard.”

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A Very Merry Christmas

Recycle your food scraps and food-soiled paper in the yard waste cart Grass clippings & leaves

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Houseplants (no pots)

Twigs, branches & roots from pruning

Tree branches

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Fruit & vegetable scraps;

plastic)

leftovers

Volunteer Audrey Davis hugs Santa as he greets guests coming in for the pancake breakfast Dec. 3 at the Tukwila Community Center. CHARLES CORTES, Tukwila Reporter

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[ SERVICE from page 3]

Joan Hernandez looks through her box of photographs and memorabilia from her more than two decades of service on the Tukwila City Council. Charles Cortes/Tukwila Reporter

in my neighborhood and no one was happy with the design,� she said. “Citizens didn’t want any more multi-family housing because it already made up 60 percent of Tukwila.�

Instead of trying to stop the apartments, Hernandez decided to set up a set of guidelines the city would have to abide by when building multi-family housing. “I’ve seen that after this was adopted, our buildings are much better looking,� she said. “I think our people are happy they don’t have to have any more cracker-box apartments being built here.�

The diversity commission is a partnership between the city and the Tukwila School District. The commission’s goals are to help people appreciate the cultural diversity surrounding their community, to serve as a resource for the community by educating people on cultural differences and to provide recommendations to the mayor, City Council and school board on cultural programs and how to address di-

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versity issues. “We are such a diverse community that I felt it was important for the city to be more involved in equity issues,� she said.

Hernandez will miss her place on the council. “I’m just sorry to leave behind some unfinished business,� she said. “I will greatly miss not being here to make decisions on Tukwila’s future, but I have confidence in the council and know they will make great decisions.�

Hernandez plans on staying involved in the community. “Although I am looking forward to being able to stay home on Monday evenings, I intend to appear at a few council meetings and speak under citizen comments whenever there is an issue that is of personal importance to me,� she said. “As a member of the South County Cultural Association and the Tukwila Historical Society, I am looking forward to working on the Military Road Civil War Sesquicentennial Project with other SoCo member cities.�

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regional publisher polly shepherd publisher@tukwilareporter.com

publisher ellen morrison regional editor dennis box editor@tukwilareporter.com

The divinity of Christmas past editor@tukwilareporter.com

viewpoint ›write staff

EDITOR'SNOTE

Christmas is right around the corner and as usual I am completely unprepared for everything. I have no idea what to buy, where to go to purchase anything and my daughter will be home for the holidays, which means life as I know it is over.

It is truly a joy to know I have sent my daughter Katy to college to become smarter so I could become dumber by the day.

I do enjoy cooking for Katy and my son Chris. I make them all the stuff I never eat.

This Sunday I will bake cinnamon rolls. I make it with brioche which is a French butter dough that clogs your veins just looking at it.

Brioche also makes the best stuffed French toast. I stuff it with a mix of cheeses for Katy and make a fruit syrup.

I enjoy experimenting with food and recipes, which I admit can lead to certain problems. There are some who seem to think I have weird eating habits, actually almost everyone. I get a lot of snarky comments here at the office when I eat my homemade granola

editor dean radford staff writers steve hunter › reporter tracey compton › reporter sarah kehoe › reporter adam mcfadden › sports photographer charles cortes circulation james kostoroski 253.872.6610

If you haven’t started your holiday shopping, you might want to hold on to your wallet. Gov. Chris Gregoire wants the state to dig deeper into your pocket to help bail-out the state budget.

Gregoire’s plan is two-fold: 1. Boost the sales tax by a halfcent, and 2. Have it “sunset” in three years.

We have two concerns with that: 1. It’s another half-cent tax on what already is nearly (.095) a 10 percent tax on just about every dollar you spend, and 2. Does anyone really expect that a tax, once in place, will ever go away?

Gregoire says her new tax would bring in close to $500 million annually and be largely used to help fund education.

Before you applaud, recall that this is the same person who just recently proposed cutting your kid’s school year by four days.

Apparently schools – and our kids’ education – is only important if we pay more for it. commentary

The Tukwila Reporter encourages reader participation in this community newspaper.

Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor (400 words or less) including your full name, address and phone number.

HERE’S HOW To submit a letter to the editor, EMAIL: submissions@ tukwilareporter.com FAX: 253.437.6016 MAIL: 19426 68th Ave S, Ste. A Kent, WA 98032 CALENDAR/EVENTS: calendar@ tukwilareporter.com

Higher sales tax is not the answer

mixed with cottage cheese and buttermilk.

When I was a kid I could never understand how my grandma could drink a glass of buttermilk in the morning. Now I do it. I guess I’ve turned into my grandma.

Dennis I can report that a scientific Box experiment I conducted in the office last week created a little stir. Remember scientific experiments that don’t go quite as expected are not necessarily wrong or bad.

I decided I would hard boil some eggs in my microwave I have in the office. I had it all planned out perfectly, until someone called me with a hot tip and I forgot to check on the eggs.

Three eggs left in a microwave covered in water for eight minutes will amazingly blow the door open on the microwave with a very loud bang, spread eggs all over the office and cause everyone to look at you and point for quite some time.

One of my favorite memories of Christmas is the divinity and almond roca my grandma would make. It was the only time of year she would make them and I loved them both.

Grandma would start her baking right after Christmas. There were five of us kids and it took a lot to keep us happy.

I remember watching her make candy with thermometers sticking up everywhere and

Gregoire, of course, knows the fallacy in this.

The state constitution says clearly that education is the paramount duty of the state. It doesn’t say anything about having to raise taxes to do this.

The state may or may not need an extra $500 million, but schools aren’t the place you cut when money is tight.

Craig Groshart That’s the same problem with her earlier plan to cut the school year by four days.

Doing so would save the state $99 million in the 2012-13 school year by not having to pay teachers for those four days.

But that also means that our kids get cheated out of four days of instruction.

Does anyone really think our kids can get buy with LESS education?

We understand that the state faces some tough financial questions.

Legislators are due back in Olympia on Monday to deal with a $2 billion hole in the state’s budget.

But that doesn’t mean that higher taxes are – or ought to be – the first choice for a solution. After all, it’s not as if taxpayers’s money

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stuff boiling and steaming. It was great.

I make candy, but grandma always had the chaos under control. Admittedly, that does not always seem to be the case when I am making candy.

There has been more than a few times I’ve created an unholy boiled black substance on the bottom of pan that couldn’t be cleaned out with a blow torch. I know because I have tried.

I hardly see anyone make divinity anymore.

Grandma made three colors – red, green and white. She would put them on this fancy three-tiered silver dish. I can see that dish filled with divinity on her table in the living room right now. Mom and grandma would always tell me I couldn’t have any sweets until after dinner.

My job every year was to steal as much divinity as possible, but figure a way to fill in the holes so I wouldn’t get caught.

I was always very successful. The only thing I was consistently smart at as a kid was stealing divinity.

I’ll probably try to make some divinity for the kids this year, but it won’t taste like grandma’s.

She used some special kind of magic, and I will never forget it.

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

is burning a hole in their pockets. Quite the opposite.

Consumer prices in the Seattle area have risen 3.8 percent over the past 12 months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At the same time, take-home pay for people around here has gone up 1.7 percent.

Do the math and you’ll see we’re falling behind.

Drive to work?

You’re even worse off. The price of gasoline in the Seattle area is up 26 percent since last year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And that means energy prices are up 16.5 percent.

There are more – lots more – things that cost more today than they did since October 2010.

We’re not saying the task facing the Legislature is an easy one.

Far from it.

But higher taxes should only be considered as a last resort.

The state isn’t there yet.

Craig Groshart is the regional editor of the Bellevue Reporter.

8‚

DECEMBER 2011 ÂŤ www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

tukwilabusiness

Bruce Hudson changing his business lens ›› FYI

BY DEAN A. RADFORD

To learn more about Hudson’s Portrait Design online, go to www.hudsonportraits.com. The phone number is 206-687-7283, and the address is 641 Strander Blvd., Tukwila.

DRADFORD@ TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Well-known portrait photographer Bruce Hudson has a new backdrop – Tukwila.

Hudson during the last 30 years or so has photographed thousands of high school seniors and countless families on vacation and in special moments.

He started in Fairwood in 1982

“We have been diversifying a lot.�

Bruce Hudson

and moved to Benson Road in Renton in 1987. In October he moved his Hudson’s Portrait Design to the Tukwila Commerce Center in Southcenter, where he and his son Josh are expanding their business line.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Jan. 11.

Much has changed in the photography business in those 30 years. Film has given way to digital photography, which has made it possible for almost anyone to record family events and then share the photos easily.

The recession has forced professional photographers out of busi-

Bruce Hudson, left, and his son Josh stand in front of Hudson’s Portrait Design, as studio mascot Posh looks on from inside. Dean Radford/Tukwila Reporter

ness as their longtime customers tightened their belts. To survive, those who remain, such as Hudson, are changing their relationship with the customers. “We have been diversifying a lot,� he said. And he’s spending more time with each customer.

One of those new business lines are classes in digital photography; Hudson has been teaching photography for about 20 years. Hudson now teaches a basic digital class, but he plans to add interme-

diate and advanced classes.

His new studio has enough space for about 40 students.

Right now, a whole new generation knows about Photoshop, but not so much about photography, said Josh, who is handling the business and marketing side of the business. That’s where his father comes in, with his 30 years of experience.

Ultimately, the Hudsons see the classes as the first steps toward creating a photographic academy

or school.

Some, including Hudson, may suggest that training photographers is like training his competition. But, in fact, he says these students are not only learning about photography but also what he can do as a photographer. They are becoming his clients.

Hudson is expanding his commercial photography, which the Hudsons describe as the fastestgrowing part of their business.

Their services include portraits

and assistance with marketing and websites.

His photo safaris continue; he’s doing an Alaska cruise photo safari next year and will photograph three families in Hawaii in February.

There are the Santa photos, too, in the studio. His son-in-law, Dustin Nicholson, is his Santa.

Hudson is perhaps best known for taking photos of graduating seniors, as many as 300 a year. His Renton studio had a large outdoor portrait park, where students and their families could choose multiple settings.

Now, he photographs about 100 seniors a year, but spends more time with each one and at more locations.

About 95 percent of Hudson’s photographs are taken on location.

He’s searching out locations; nearby are parks, the Green River and even the sides of a warehouse, which can take on a whole new meaning in the hands of the right photographer. “There is a really cool train track and train trestle that the kids are totally digging,� Josh said.

Have a water efficient H20liday!

When preparing for meals and parties this holiday season, you can use much more water than your normal, everyday use. Running your tap continuously while preparing food or washing dishes wastes water.

You can use more than two gallons of water every minute your tap is running. That’s a lot when you’re cooking a big meal for extended family members and friends!

t $JUZ PG #FMMFWVF t $PWJOHUPO 8BUFS %JTUSJDU t $JUZ PG *TTBRVBI t $JUZ PG ,JSLMBOE

Here are two ways to reduce your water and energy use over the holidays: t 4DSBQF EJSUZ EJTIFT JOTUFBE PG VTJOH XBUFS UP SJOTF UIFN CFGPSF ZPV QVU UIFN JO UIF dishwasher. t *G ZPV EPO U VTF B EJTIXBTIFS Ă˝ MM UIF TJOL XJUI B GFX HBMMPOT PG TPBQZ XBTI XBUFS DMFBO ZPVS EJTIFT BOE QVU UIFN BTJEF 5IFO SJOTF them all together afterward.

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&JUIFS PG UIFTF TJNQMF QSBDUJDFT DPVME TBWF HBMMPOT PG XBUFS FBDI UJNF ZPV XBTI EJTIFT *G FWFSZ "NFSJDBO IPVTFIPME SFEVDFE UIFJS XBUFS use by 10 gallons on just one meal this holiday season, we could save more than 1 billion gallons of water, as well as the energy and materials used to pump or treat tap water.

For more water saving tips, visit the Cascade Water alliance website at wwwcascadewater.org

t $JUZ PG 3FENPOE t 4BNNBNJTI 1MBUFBV 8BUFS 4FXFS %JTUSJDU t 4LZXBZ 8BUFS 4FXFS %JTUSJDU t $JUZ PG 5VLXJMB

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť DECEMBER 2011

›9

A special chocolate cookie treat for Hanukkah

t PVODFT PG EBSL chocolate t PVODFT PG CVUUFS (half a stick) t FHHT t IBMG DVQ PG TVHBS (4 ounces)

t DVQ PG BMM QVSQPTF flour (4.5 ounces) t UFBTQPPO PG CBLJOH powder t DVQ PG HSPVOE BMNPOET (4 ounces) t 4VHBS BOE QPXEFSFE

Andrews Space receives an Air Force grant

that, Andrews will compete Tukwila’s Andrews Space with other awardees for company has been awarded additional tasks including up to a $250 million, eight- work to conduct flight and year contract by the U.S. Air ground experiments and Force for ground and flight demonstrations to address experiments and demon- key technologies, processes strations in support of the and system attributes associated with the RBS Air Force’s proposed concept.

Reusable Booster $250 The areas of study System. include: aeromeThe company chanics, configuraannounced the tion, flight perforcontract in a Dec. 6 mance, structures and media release.

Under the contract, An- materials, flight controls drews will initially complete and health management, work consisting of require- flight systems, propulsion, ments refinement and ini- grounds system and operatial design of the RBS Path- tions.

The Air Force Research finder system. Following REPORTER STAFF

MILLION

sugar for garnish Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave. (for TFDPOET FBDI UJNF VOUJM it is melted) In a separate bowl mix eggs and sugar for five minutes. After, add the melted chocolate and butter and mix.

Add flour, baking powder and ground almonds –

mix all together.

Don’t worry that the mixture looks too liquidy.

Cover the bowl with plastic food wrap and let it stay in the fridge for four hours.

After four hours: )FBU PWFO UP EF grees.

Prepare two bowls, one with sugar and one with powdered sugar.

Laboratory’s Air Vehicles Directorate at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is studying Reusable Booster System technologies and operations concepts to better define a future operational system.

The organization is partnering with Space and Missile Systems Center Develop[ more GRANT page 13 ]

WN O N PE O

8FMMT "WF 4P r 3FOUPO

Hours: Mon., Wed-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5; Closed Tues.

Take the cookies out of the oven and let the cookies DPPM EPXO GPS NJOVUFT The cookies can be stored in a sealed container for over a week, though probably someone will eat them before.

Recipe adapted from “Sweet Secrets,� by Karin Goren (makes about 40-50 cookies)

RESPITE CARE at Normandy Park Senior Living is the perfect solution when your family is away. Stay in a comfortable furnished apartment and be cared for by trained staff 24-hours a day. Enjoy quiet times to read, listen to music or experience new friends and activities. Call to schedule a visit.

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& Donna’s Boutique

Furniture, Appliances, Clothing, Sporting Goods, Tools & More!

Take out the mixture from the fridge, make ping pong-sized balls from the mixture and dip each in sugar and powdered sugar.

Place it on a tray preferably covered with parchment paper (baking paper).

Make sure there are some gaps between the cookies. #BLF GPS UP NJOVUFT BU EFHSFFT

206-241-0821 info@artegan.com www.artegan.com

561396

Snowy chocolate cookies for Hanukkah

Liat Shklarski, therapist for Sound Mental Health in Tukwila, adapted an Israeli recipe for her chocolate cookies. Tracey Compton/Tukwila Reporter

502310

December’s Local Flavor recipe features the rich, sweet decadence of a Snowy Chocolate Cookies recipe as shared by Liat Shklarski in celebration of Hanukkah. The Jewish holiday began Dec. 20 and continues for seven days.

Shklarski is a child and family therapist for Sound Mental Health in Tukwila and came to the United States from her homeland of Israel three years ago. Baking is her passion and she only uses recipes from Israeli cookbooks. She adapted this cookie recipe from the book called, “Sweet Secrets,� by Karin Goren.

Baking these cookies is a tradition Shklarski started with her father, from whom she gets her baking skills, she said. “So, I try even though I’m away from my family, I keep doing the things that I remember from home,� Shklarski said.

She has noticed since moving to the U.S. that a lot of Jewish people here buy presents for each other for Hanukkah. “In Israel we are not exchanging presents during Hanukkah,� Shklarski said. “I think that in the U.S., Jewish people want to get some of the Christmas miracle and use Hanukkah for that.�

She might start that custom with her infant daughter and husband once the child

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TCOMPTON@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

get older, she said.

At Sound Mental Health, Shklarski has as her boss describes “probably the cutest caseload.�

She works with young children and families on how to deal with stress and posttraumatic stress disorder.

She facilitates an art therapy program called “Chill and Spill� for her young clients. “It’s art with heart, so it’s really good for our kids who don’t know how to express their feelings,� said Dennis Marceron, program manager of child and family services for Tukwila and Auburn offices.

Sound Mental Health headquartered in Seattle, but has offices in Tukwila, Auburn, Bellevue, and Redmond. The Tukwila office serves about 400 children and parents.

The agency moved its offices from Renton to Tukwila starting in 2004 and finishing in 2005.

They offer more than 40 programs in support of mental health and wellness from chemical dependency to psychiatric services, employment services, early childhood services, therapeutic foster care and others. “I love my job, but it’s stressful, so that’s why I need to go home and cook,� said Shklarski.

She calls baking her therapy.

Local Flavor

BY TRACEY COMPTON

10 ‚ DECEMBER 2011

ÂŤ www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť DECEMBER 2011

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TUKWILA CITY PAGES Surface Water Management Program Workshop 5IF $JUZ T 4VSGBDF 8BUFS .BOBHFNFOU 1SPHSBN 48.1 JT JO GVMM TXJOH 5IF 1VCMJD 8PSLT %FQBSUNFOU XJMM CF IPTUJOH B XPSLTIPQ GPS UIF purpose of updating the SWMP for 2012:

Where Good Healthy Fun gets all wet Get a head start on those /FX :FBS T SFTPMVUJPOT XJUI B QBTT UP UIF 5VLXJMB 1PPM 5FO Punch Cards start at just $27 GPS :PVUI 4FOJPST PS GPS "EVMUT 7JTJU VT BU 4 UI 4U 5VLXJMB 8" UP HFU your pass today.

-PPLJOH GPS B GVO BGGPSE able activity to share with the family? Come swimming at the Tukwila Pool! We offer Family Swims every day of the week. Adult admission is KVTU LJET BOE DIJMESFO VOEFS BSF GSFF 5P GJOE UIF times for scheduled swims, please visit our website at www.TukwilaWA.gov/recre ation/recpool.html PS DBMM

Tukwila Pool 4414 South 144th Street

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 5:00 to 6:00PM, in Conference Room No. 1 City of Tukwila Public Works Department 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA Five elements of the SWMP will be evaluated: t 1VCMJD &EVDBUJPO BOE 0VUSFBDI t 1VCMJD *OWPMWFNFOU BOE 1BSUJDJQBUJPO t *MMJDJU %JTDIBSHF %FUFDUJPO BOE &MJNJOBUJPO t $POUSPMMJOH 3VOPGG GSPN /FX %FWFMPQNFOU 3FEFWFMPQNFOU and Construction Sites t 1PMMVUJPO 1SFWFOUJPO BOE 0QFSBUJPO BOE .BJOUFOBODF GPS Municipal Operations If you are unable to attend the January 18 SWMP Workshop but would like to provide suggestions or ideas, please contact us by one of the methods listed below. Your input will be very valuable to the City’s effort to reduce stormwater pollution and erosion. Send your SWMP com ments to Greg Villanueva: 1IPOF &NBJM Greg.Villanueva@TukwilaWA.gov .BJM (SFH 7JMMBOVFWB /1%&4 $PPSEJOBUPS

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4PVUIDFOUFS #MWE 4VJUF Tukwila, WA 98188 "MTP JODMVEFE GPS SFWJFX BU UIF 8PSLTIPQ XJMM CF UIF $JUZ T %SBGU 4VSGBDF Water Comprehensive Plan. Your comments or questions regarding storm drainage concerns are also welcome. Hope to see you there!

Residents can recycle Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

NEW!

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5IFSFGPSF $'-T TIPVME OPU CF EJTQPTFE PG JO HBSCBHF PS MBOEGJMMT *U JT JNQPSUBOU UIBU UIFTF QSPEVDUT BSF disposed of safely and responsibly.

How: 5IF CFTU XBZ UP IBOEMF CVSOFE PVU $PNQBDU 'MVPSFTDFOU -JHIU $'- CVMCT JT UP SFDZDMF UIFN $'- bulbs that are placed in the special collection box at Tukwila City Hall will be gathered and sent to a special GBDJMJUZ GPS SFDZDMJOH 5IFZ XJMM CF CSPLFO EPXO JOUP DPNQPOFOU NBUFSJBMT NFUBM HMBTT BOE NFSDVSZ QIPTQIPS QPXEFS BOE SFVTFE JO PUIFS QSPEVDUT What else: Please not that linear fluorescent tubes are not accepted at Tuk wila City Hall – “twisty� compact fluorescent bulbs only! For additional ways UP SFDZDMF CPUI $'-T BOE MJOFBS UVCFT QMFBTF DIFDL PVU your.KingCounty.gov/solidwaste/facilities/hazwaste.asp and XXX 5BLF*U#BDL/FUXPSL PSH Some recyclers may charge fees for transportation, recycling or disposal costs.

MAYOR: Jim Haggerton COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Allan Ekberg

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Crime Prevention‌ after the holidays

5IF 5VLXJMB 1PPM .FUSPQPMJUBO 1BSL %JTUSJDU #PBSE PG $PNNJTTJPOFST established by voters in August 2011 to save the Tukwila Pool, is now accepting applications to form the Citizens Advisory Pool Committee.

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Tukwila’s Crime Prevention Resource Team has some timely tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim. For more Crime Prevention Program information, contact Community Policing Coordinator $ISJT 1BSUNBO BU PS FNBJM crimeprevention@TukwilaWA.gov

The purpose of the Committee is to: t 1MBO QSPNPUF BOE SFDPNNFOE QPMJDZ BOE TUBOEBSET GPS DPOTUSVD tion, development, maintenance and operations of aquatic facilities XJUIJO UIF 5VLXJMB 1PPM .FUSPQPMJUBO 1BSL %JTUSJDU 5.1%

t %FWFMPQ BOE SFDPNNFOE QSPHSBNT UP QSPNPUF BRVBUJD TFSWJDFT BOE inform the public of aquatic facilities that are available for public use. t &ODPVSBHF SFDPNNFOE BOE BJE QSPHSBNT SFMBUFE UP BRVBUJDT TFS vices and enrichment. t &YQMPSF XBZT BOE NFUIPET PG PCUBJOJOH QSJWBUF MPDBM TUBUF BOE federal funds to promote aquatics projects and programs within the community. t 1SPNPUF EPOBUJPOT UP QPPM TFU TUBOEBSET GPS TVDI HJGUT t 3FOEFS BOZ PUIFS BEWJDF BOE BTTJTUBODF SFMBUFE UP BRVBUJDT TFSWJDFT

For more detailed information, please contact Tukwila Parks and Recre BUJPO %JSFDUPS 3JDL 4UJMM BU COUNCIL CHAT On the second Saturday of each month, from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Council Chat is an opportunity to stop by and informally talk with a Tukwila City Council member about anything on your mind regarding your community.

Come join us at our new location: FOSTER GOLF LINKS CLUBHOUSE *OUFSVSCBO "WFOVF 4PVUI Next Chat: Saturday, January 14

Share your winter adventure and win!

Seattle Southside – the City’s visitor center – wants to hear about your GBWPSJUF XJOUFS BEWFOUVSFT -FU VT LOPX IPX ZPV TQFOE ZPVS 4FBUUMF Southside winter and be entered to win an amazing prize package.

Share your favorite place to play in the snow, your secret ice skating spot, the best place for hot chocolate or a funny family story. Visit www.

4FBUUMF4PVUITJEF DPN XJOUFS BEWFOUVSF to enter and read other winter adventures.

One winner will receive: t SPVOE USJQ UJDLFUT PO "MBTLB "JSMJOFT GMZJOH UP GSPN 4FBUUMF t OJHIU TUBZ BU 4FBUUMF "JSQPSU .BSSJPUU PS 4FBUUMF 8BUFSGSPOU .BSSJPUU t 8FTUGJFME HJGU DBSE t %JOOFS GPS JODMVEJOH HPOEPMB SJEF BU 4VNNJU 3FTUBVSBOU BU $SZTUBM Mountain t 'BNJMZ QBDLBHF BU J'-: *OEPPS 4LZEJWJOH GPS VQ UP QFPQMF JODMVEFT B %7% PG ZPVS GMJHIU BOE GMJHIUT Your journey must start in Seattle Southside, i.e., from a hotel, relative’s house, personal residence, etc. Limit one entry per person. Sweepstakes runs through April 20, 2012.

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GET PREPARED!! Be ready for the predicted colder and wetter weather (“La NiĂąaâ€?) by using the helpful winter preparedness checklists found on this great website: TakeWinterByStorm.org

MPD to form Citizens Pool Advisory Committee

The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, interviews and background checks. Appointments will occur in early February, with the first meeting of the Committee to be held in early March. Applications can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.TukwilaWA.gov/mayor/boards.pdf, and will be accepted through January 17, 2012.

› 11

Stop thieves from casing your gifts

.PTU PG VT FOKPZ UIF GVO PG QPTU $ISJTUNBT TIPQQJOH XIFO UIF QSJDFT are right. Unfortunately, thieves also find this to be a great time to “shop,� but for them that means at your house.

Some things to think about as you unwrap and assemble your gifts: t Can that big-screen TV be easily seen by someone walking or driving by your house? If so, think about ways to make it harder for a potential thief to easily spot a desirable target, such as keeping blinds partly closed or changing the location of the TV or gaming system.

Police Department holds Food and Toy Drive at Westfield Mall 0O 4BUVSEBZ %FDFNCFS UIF 5VLXJMB 1PMJDF %FQBSUNFOU JO QBSUOFSTIJQ XJUI 8FTUGJFME 4PVUIDFOUFS .BMM IFME B 'PPE BOE 5PZ %SJWF CFOFGJUUJOH UIF 5VLXJMB 'PPE 1BOUSZ BOE UIF 5VLXJMB 1BSLT BOE 3FDSFBUJPO %FQBSU ment Holiday Giving Program.

As a result of generous Tukwila residents and mall shoppers in the area, many cartloads of food and bags of toys were donated to the Tukwila Food Pantry and Tukwila Parks and Recreation Holiday Giving Program. +VTU BT JNQPSUBOUMZ XBT SBJTFE GPS UIFTF UXP HSPVQT IFMQJOH FOTVSF B IBQQJFS IPMJEBZ GPS TUSVHHMJOH families here in Tukwila.

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"OE QMFBTF SFNFNCFS UIBU FWFO JG ZPV NJTTFE UIF FWFOU PO %FDFNCFS UIF DPNNVOJUZ T OFFE GPS ZPVS BTTJTUBODF XJMM MBTU CFZPOE UIF IPMJEBZ TFBTPO %JBQFST CBCZ GPSNVMB BOE UPJMFU QBQFS BSF BMXBZT OFFEFE BT well as a selection of foods that can be eaten without cooking or packed in aseptic packing/pouches, to help accommodate those who have difficulty in opening the foods or who have no means to prepare meals.

Alphabet Adventure Story Times Tuesdays, January 3, 10, 17 & 24 – 7:00pm Ages 6 and younger with adult Wednesday Wiggles Story Times Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10:15am Ages 1 to 3 with adult Foster Library – 206-242-1640 4060 S 144th Street, Tukwila

Selling Online Safely After assembling the new Christmas goodies, it’s time to decide what to do with the items you have displaced. One popular method of clearing clutter from your home is to list items for sale online with a service such as Craigslist. It’s a very good way to sell unneeded items without having to pay for an ad, plus thousands of people check the listings daily.

A few tips to keep you safe when selling anything to someone you don’t know:

t %P OPU IBWF BOZPOF DPNF UP ZPVS IPVTF BOE EP OPU UFMM UIF CVZFS exactly where you live.

t "MXBZT NFFU UIF QSPTQFDUJWF CVZFS JO B QVCMJD QMBDF UIBU JT XFMM MJU BOE has people around. t /FWFS NFFU B CVZFS BMPOF

January Programs at Foster Library FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

t %P ZPV QVU UIPTF MBSHF CPYFT PVU BU UIF DVSC GPS SFDZDMJOH PS PWFSGJMM UIF HBSCBHF DBO XJUI 4UZSPGPBN QBDLBHJOH This shows the bad guys exactly what they can expect as a “reward� for breaking into your house. Consider recycling only the number of boxes that will fit in your bin each week until they are gone, and do the same with bulky packaging. You can also take the packing materials over to Ikea in Renton, where they take cardboard and all that Styrofoam packaging for free and recycle it.

FOR TEENS Game On Mondays, January 2 & 30 – 3:00pm Play videogames at the library!

Study Zone Mondays, January 2, 9, 23 and 30, 6:00–8:00pm Homework help from trained volunteer tutors Teen Zone Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 3:00pm Study, make crafts, play games & watch movies!.

t %P OPU BEWFSUJTF FYQFOTJWF JUFNT UIJT XBZ -PPL GPS NPSF TFDVSF ways to sell valuable electronics or jewelry. As a rule of thumb, if the sale price is more money than you’d want in your purse or pocket when going to the store, it might not be safe to sell to an anonymous buyer.

t &CBZ PS PUIFS POMJOF BVDUJPO TJUFT BSF TBGFS WFOVFT GPS TFMMJOH UIFTF items, where you can receive and electronic payment after setting up a “Paypal� or other account to receive funds that are separate from your primary bank account. The down side: most of these sites charge sellers a fee for listing items.

Meeting agendas, City programs, recreation activities, publications and more‌ the most current information is always available at TukwilaWA.gov!

12 ‹

DECEMBER 2011 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

tukwilasports Foster girls win in OT The Foster girls basketball team beat Kennedy Catholic 69-68 in overtime Dec. 13.

The Bulldogs (1-3 overall, 1-2 Seamount) went ahead by two points with 58 seconds left in regulation on two free throws from Sahara Hill, but Kennedy’s (2-2, 1-1) Miyah Williams nailed a shot at the buzzer to tie the game.

In overtime, Kennedy built a fivepoint lead before being called for a technical foul. Hill made three of four free throws, and Foster scored on the next possession to tie the game. Hill made two more free throws with 33 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs a two-point lead. Williams made one free throw with 6.6 seconds left and Hill rebounded the second one to seal the win for Foster.

Kennedy tops Foster The Foster boys basketball team fell to Kennedy Catholic 82-56 on Dec. 13.

The Bulldogs (3-2, 2-1) couldn’t find enough offense to stick with the Lancers and trailed by 10 after the first quarter.

Ablie Leigh led Foster with 13 points. Adem Suta added 10.

Mitch Penner scored 28 for Kennedy.

Contact and submissions: Dennis Box dbox@tukwilareporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5050

BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011

Bulldog boys face tall task for the season assists per game. Six-foot-2 senior Jordan White is leading the team A M C FA D D E N @ with 5.7 rebounds per game, plus TUKWILAREPORTER.COM Gutierrez (5.4) and senior Ammar ast year, the Foster boys bas- Husanovic (5.4) are teaming up to ketball team had to rebuild make up for the team’s lack of inafter losing most of its start- terior size. ers to graduation. This year it faces Another bright spot is Murray. another tall task, this year replacing In addition to the 11.8 points per one of its best players, TreVaunte game, the freshman also second on Williams, who transferred just be- the team with 2.3 assists and 2.0 fore the season. steals per game.

Luckily, the Bulldogs have plenty “He’s got a lot of potential,” of talent to fill the void and make Broom said. “He’s got good skill an impact in the Seamount and a real good feel for the game.

League.

He can shoot, he can pass, he “There’s room for imcan do it all.”

ROUND provement,” said Foster Broom is hoping junior coach Mike Broom. “But guard Cedric Cooper will we have a chance to be a also play before too long. really good team.”

Cooper suffered an injury durReplacing Williams’ 20.5 ing football season and hasn’t been points per game won’t be easy, but able to hit the floor yet. Cooper the Bulldogs do have four play- averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 assists, 2.7 ers averaging double-digit points rebounds and 1.4 steals per game this year. It starts with senior wing last season.

Ablie Leigh, averaging 12.6 points Broom said his defense will be per game. Dejounte Murray (11.8), the key this season. He hopes his Gabe Gutierrez (11.0) and Adem players can use their length to deny Suta (10.7) are also playing big opposing teams’ posts the ball, roles on offense. All four are 6-foot which will cover up the Bulldogs’ or taller and fast. lack of size inside.

“We have a lot of speed,” Broom Foster started the season with gosaid. “We don’t have a ton of size, ing 1-1 in non-league action, beatbut we’re long and fast.” ing Klahowya and falling to IngraBroom expects the athletes will ham. Then the team began league enable the team to play a very up- play with convincing wins against tempo game, keeping the pressure Tyee and Highline, before taking on while on defense, using that to an 82-56 loss to Kennedy Catholic lead to offensive points.

Dec. 13. Foster played Evergreen Leigh, a newcomer, is also lead- Dec. 16, then returns to league play ing the team with 3.2 steals and 2.6 Jan. 4 at Hazen.

BY ADAM MCFADDEN

L

BALL

Foster girls set high goals

BY ADAM MCFADDEN A M C FA D D E N @ T U K W I L A R E P O R T E R . C O M

Senior Sahara Hill has filled many roles in her time at Foster. This year she is taking on one of the few she hasn’t: teacher.

“This year the focus is still kind of on me,” she said. “But now it’s more of me helping my team out. I have a responsibility to work with each individual to help improve their skills. I’ll do anything I can to help them.”

Hill made the all-Seamount first team last season after finishing third in the league with 18.8 points per game. She led the league in rebounding (14.1 per game), finished fifth in blocks (1.3), fourth in steals (5.0) and second in free throws attempted (209). She finished with two tripledoubles and 16 double-doubles. It’s safe to say she was one of the league’s best players. But this season she has her work cut out for her with a young group, featuring just three seniors.

Foster’s Jimaun Horton puts up two over Ingraham’s Oliver Gibb, right and Gat Bol, on Dec. 2. CHARLES CORTES, Tukwila Reporter

“It can be tedious and frustratout, we’ll be fine,” Elliot said of ing,” Hill said. “But I know how Benavides. “That’s like our misscoaches feel now. And it helps ing link to everything. She’s our because I can figure out what I captain on the court. Without her really know and what I’ve learned we were struggling.” and how to turn that around to Elliot said she would rather help them.” have the team suffer a slow start, The Bulldogs’ other seniors instead of going through a similar are guards Bianca Benavides and rough patch during the more cruChris Balansang. Benavides was cial parts of the season later on.

Datri Elliot, third on the team in scoring last Beyond the three seniors, key Foster girls coach season at 7.4 points per game. She players are juniors Kirsten Goins earned all-Seamount honorable and Priscilla Donkor. Goins has mention. Her 3.2 assists per game improved greatly since last season led the team. Balansang averaged 4.5 points per and has Elliot expecting big things. game last year.

“She’ll be a force to be reckoned with,” she Foster stumbled out of the gate to an 0-3 start said. while key players missed games. Benevides Goins, 5-foot-10, picked up 4.4 rebounds and missed the first two games, something which 1.8 points per game in limited action last year. hampered the team’s development in the presDonkor stands at 5-foot-11 and is entering just ent, though it did provide a backup point guard her second year of playing basketball.

Janaya Williams some valuable time on the floor.

The team’s biggest lost from last year’s state“It’s tough when you don’t have your point tournament team is junior Shantell Jackson. guard,” coach Datri Elliott said. “But it’s kind of Jackson, who transferred, was second on the cool that Janaya is getting actual game time and team with 16.1 points and 10.5 points per game. repetitions. She’s just a freshman so she has a lot She provided a valuable second scoring option of time to grow.” to Hill, who defenses often focus on. Without Elliot said having Benavides back will make all Jackson, Elliot expects Goins and Benavides to the difference for this team. [ more GIRLS page 14 ] “Once our three seniors jive and get the jitters

“Once our three seniors jive and get the jitters out, we’ll be fine”

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com » DECEMBER 2011

Singing of Christmas in the Northwest Boychoir year-round program that includes regular twice-weekly rehearsals, a residential summer camp, a rigorous concert schedule and a biannual international tour program.

“Being in the choir has influenced the kind of music I like and the way I listen to music,” Fertakis said. “The way I listen to music is different from how my peers at school listen to music because others just hear sounds, but I hear each individual tone and how they blend together.”

Fertakis and the rest of the Northwest Boychoir are celebrating 33 years of a Festival of Lessons & Carols Christmas event.

The classical performance featured nine holiday readings, each

BY SARAH KEHOE SKEHOE@TUKWILAREPORTER. COM

Singing in the Northwest Boychoir for 10 years has shaped Chris Fertakis’ life in many ways.

The choir allowed Fertakis, 16, to experience things at a young age most adults haven’t done.

Since Fertakis was 6 years old he has recorded music, been taught by professional voice teachers, traveled to many places and sang with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

The Northwest Boychoir has 70 boys ages 9 to18, representing 44 public and private schools in the greater Seattle area of Washington state. The choir provides a

[ GRANT from page 9]

opment Planning Directorate to demonstrate the feasibility of the Reusable Booster System concept.

The RBS Pathfinder is a sub-scale vehicle that will be used to demonstrate key operational attributes of the rocket-back maneuver as well as explore the flight envelope of an operational RBS vehicle. As part of this award, Andrews has been selected to con-

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followed by a traditional carol performed by the choir and another carol sound by the choir and audience members.

“I love Christmas time, so I am really exited about this concert series,” Fertakis said. “I really like the repertoire we have, there are lots of really great songs that are fun to sing.”

A Festival of Lessons & Carols concerts ran Dec. 9–21 at various venues throughout the Puget Sound Region.

“We’ve had other children in the choir and have always loved watching the Christmas performance,” said Mary Fertakis, his mother. “The thing I enjoy the most about watching Chris perform is seeing him transform into an incredible professional and produce music at that kind of level.

Reach Sarah Kehoe at skehoer@ tukwilareporter.com or 253-8726600, ext. 5056.

duct RBS Pathfinder concept design maturation, an effort valued at just less than $2 million.

“We are honored that the USAF has selected Andrews for this important effort,” said Jason Andrews, president and CEO of Andrews Space, in the media release.

“Andrews has been supporting the US Air Force and the RBS program through various system design and hardware development efforts and we look forward to lever-

› 13

Chris Fertakis, 16, has been singing with the Northwest Boychoir tor 10 years since he was 6 years old. Courtesy Photo

aging those achievements.”

The results of this study will help the Air Force refine its operational RBS architecture and define demonstration requirements for future RBS test vehicles.

Current booster systems are entirely expendable and require long lead times prior to launch, an RBS equipped with boostback capability could facilitate launch-site turnaround of a vehicle in less than 48 hours and vehicle launch prep in less than

eight hours, according to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base website.

Andrews Space, Inc. was founded in 1999 to be a catalyst in the commercialization and development of space. The company is an affordable integrator of aerospace systems and developer of advanced space technologies. The company is at 3415 S. 116th St. To learn more, visit: www.andrewsspace.com.

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Teen video contest offered by state library

A teen video contest is under way to help promote reading and libraries.

The Washington State Library is offering teens that enjoy making videos the chance to put their skills toward a good cause.

The “2012 Teen Video Challenge� is a national video competition. Its goal is for more teens to get involved with reading and their public library’s summer reading program.

The contest ends March 9. The Washington State Library is partnering with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to promote the video contest. “Thanks to computers,

it’s easy to make videos, and teens love to make them,� said Rand Simmons, state librarian. “We hope they’ll put that talent and creativity to good use here by joining this contest and creating videos that highlight how reading and libraries can be a fun and important part of summertime for teens.�

Teens across the country are invited to create a 30 to 90-second public service announcement video with their unique interpretation of the 2012 teen slogan “Own the Night� in combination with reading and libraries.

The video produced by a Washington student or

group of students that best encourages use of their local public libraries and promotes reading all summer long will take the state contest prize.

The top video will be featured throughout 2012 as the official PSA for Washington’s Summer Reading Program.

The CSLP will award $275 to each State Teen Video Challenge Winner.

Each winner’s public library or member affiliate will receive $100 from CSLP and $50 from Upstart.

The winning video from each participating state will be named one of the CSLP 2012 Teen Videos to

Puget Sound Energy LED bulb instant rebates Puget Sound Energy has recently introduced a new instant rebate for up to $10 off energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs for residential electric customers looking for efficient lighting options.

The rebate is PSE’s first LED bulb rebate for residential electric customers, according to a PSE media release. “LED bulbs are the most efficient bulbs you can buy,� said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services at PSE. “We’re excited to offer this new rebate to our customers, providing our customers even more choices when it comes to energy-efficient lighting for their home.�

PSE customers can receive an instant rebate of up to $10 off a variety of Energy Star-qualified LED bulbs. Depending on the type of bulb, the after-rebate price to customers ranges between $15 and $50.

Customers can purchase rebated Energy Star-qualified LED bulbs at participating retailers including Costco, Lowe’s and The Home Depot.

After purchasing LED bulbs customers can take an online survey at PSE.com/ LEDsurvey to be entered in a drawing for one of five $100 pre-paid gift cards.

Energy Star-qualified LED bulbs use up to 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 22 times longer.

In 2010, PSE was among 14 utilities and energy efficiency organizations to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition to field test energy-efficient LED bulbs to replace the standard 60-watt incandescent bulb. The L Prize competition was designed to encourage lighting manufactures to make energy-efficient LED bulbs that provide the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs and use less energy.

In August, the DOE announced Philips Lighting North America as the L Prize winner of the 60-watt replacement bulb category. Philips’ winning LED bulb was

[ GIRLS from page 12]

can do when it’s running at full steam Dec. 13 when it beat Kennedy Catholic 69-68 in overtime. The Lancers have been to state every year since 2001 and won the 3A state title in 2009.

The Bulldogs faced Evergreen Dec. 16, then get back to Seamount competition Jan. 4. “My goal is still to go to state,� Hill said. “Even if I have to carry them on my back.�We’ll get it together by midseason.�

pick up the scoring slack behind Hill.

For now, the biggest work is on building the team’s chemistry and bringing the younger players up to speed with the veteran group. “There’s a lot of patience involved,� Balansang said. “There’s a lot on us to carry the time, and it’s a pretty big challenge.�

Foster gave a glimpse of what the team

promote summer reading nationwide. At the conclusion of the competition, all winning videos will be made available to view on the CSLP website.

In addition, the Washington State Library and Office of Secretary of State will post the top 10 Washington applicant videos on the Secretary of State’s website.

Here is how to take part in the contest: t (P UP i0XO UIF /JHIUw Teen Video Challenge 2012. t $SFBUF B UP TFDPOE video that encourages teens to read and use libraries this summer. Include your interpretation of the 2012 CSLP teen slogan “Own the Night.� t &YQMPSF UIF i3FTPVSDF for video creation� page for additional ideas and information. t &OUJUMF ZPVS WJEFP “2012 TVC-WA-Unique

Name.� Please choose a unique name that does not include your real name (example: 2012 TVC-WA-J. Smith-Krpton123) t 6QMPBE ZPVS WJEFP UP YouTube.com or Vimeo. com t 'JMM PVU .PEFM 3FMFBTF form and Entry form t .BJM DPNQMFUFE GPSNT

by March 9 to: 2012 Teen Video Challenge Washington State Library 6880 Capital Blvd. S. PO Box 42460 Olympia, WA, 98504.

Winners will be announced by CSLP in spring 2012.

The Washington State Library’s Summer Reading program can be found at www.sos.wa.gov/library/libraries/projects/ summerreading/.

To learn more, visit the Teen Video Challenge homepage at www.sos.

the first entry to successfully meet all competition requirements including extensive field and laboratory assessment, stress testing, and a required lifetime of more than 25,000 hours. The winning LED bulb is expected to arrive in stores as soon as early 2012.

For more information about LED

wa.gov/library/libraries/ projects/summerreading/.

The Teen Video challenge began early this year when CSLP encouraged teens to create videos telling their friends and fellow teens across the U.S. about libraries and summertime reading for fun. To view last year’s winning videos, visit the CSLP “2011 Winners Page� at cslpreads. org/winners.html.

The CSLP is a grassroots consortium of 50 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa and the Mariana Islands working together to provide children, teens and families with summer reading program and promotional materials for public libraries.

For full details about the CSLP “2012 Teen Video Challenge� and to find out how to enter your state’s competition, please visit www.cslpreads.org.

bulbs or to find a retailer who carries PSE rebated LED bulbs visit PSE.com/LED or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-5621482, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. To learn more about energy-efficiency rebates and incentives to Re-Energize your home, visit PSE.com/ Rebates or call an Energy Advisor.

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school connection Tukwila School District #406

December 2011

Foster Library events and activities for students Check out the following helpful and fun things to do at the Foster Library & online at kcls.org

N

eed a little extra help with that math homework? Want someone to critique that AP English paper? Foster Library’s Study Zone is the perfect place to get free assistance with any homework.

Tutors are available on Mondays from 6-8pm for all grade levels.

KCLS is now offering a new online tutoring service.

Online tutors are available 7 days a week from 1pm until 10pm to assist students with the MSP, HSPE and SAT. Select your test and grade level and set your own pace with expert tutors provided by Brainfuse.

The new Washington State testing for students in grades 3-8 is the MSP ( Measurement of Student Progress) and the HSPE ( High School Proficiency Exam) for high school students. Both of these replace the WASL.

Game On! Test your gaming skills at our weekly open play video game program. We’ve got tons of games for Wii, xBox 360, PS3 and more. No need to sign up, just stop by and prepare yourself for victory.

School Early Release and Holidays, 3pm.

Live Homework HelpÂŽ Students in grades K-12, entry level college and adult learners can receive specialized one-on-one tutoring help in the areas of math, science, English and social studies. This service is also available in Spanish. Professional tutors are available online from 2pm-Midnight, 7 days a week.

Live Tutor - GED Preparation Connect with an online tutor for one-on-one assistance preparing for the GED test in math, science, social studies and English. This service is also available in Spanish. Professional tutors are available online from 2pm-Midnight, 7 days a week.

Immunizations Are Required For School Attendance School Exclusion To Occur

Currently, there are 112 Tukwila School District students who are out of compliance because they do not have the required immunizations. There were 418 students out of compliance during the last school year.

In our effort to meet Immunization Compliance, as required in RCW 210.0890, the Tukwila School District continues to implement an Immunization Compliance action plan.

In the beginning of October of this year, parents should have received letters as part of the four step Compliance Notification process; letters were only sent to students who were in need of immunizations.

Step 1: Notice of Incomplete Immunization letter: 10/11/11.

Step 2: Pre-Exclusion letter: 11/4/11.

Step 3: Notification of School Exclusion letter: Certified Mail December 13, 2011.

Step 4: School Exclusion will occur upon the return from Winter Break January 3, 2012.

Within each letter, parents will find information regarding the specific immunizations needed and local immunization clinics providing immunizations. If parents have any questions and/or concerns, contact information is included in the letter as well.

school connection

is presented by the Tukwila School District

Board of Directors: Mark Wahlstrom, President, 206.243.9855 Steve Mullet, Vice-President, 206.244.7553 Mary Fertakis, 206.767.6053 Dave Larson, 206.244.2313 Alicia Waterton, 206.248.4302 Superintendent: Ethelda Burke, 206.901.8006 Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Mellody Matthes, 206.901.8010

Tukwila School District #406 XXX UVLXJMB XFEOFU FEV r 4640 South 144th Street, Tukwila, Washington 98168

College Board places Tukwila School District on Honor Roll On behalf of the College BoardÂŽ, I am pleased to congratulate Tukwila School District 406 as one of fewer than 400 public school districts in the nation honored by the College BoardÂŽ with a place on the 2nd Annual APÂŽ Honor Roll List, for opening APÂŽ classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher. This letter serves as authorization for your district to include the credential of being named a 20112012 APÂŽ Honor Roll in your web and print district profiles and other materials that highlight recognitions, honors, and distinctions earned by your district. You can do this starting as early as November 1st, when the official announcement will be made.

Improvement in APÂŽ results typically takes sustained effort; the District Honor Roll is based on examination of three years of APÂŽ data: 2009, 2010, and 2011 data from all students who took APÂŽ Examinations in May of those years. Within the three year analysis, inclusion on the list is based on the following criteria: 1. Examination of three years of APÂŽ data, from 2009 to 2011; 2. Increase in participation in/access to APÂŽ by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts and at least 11 percent in small districts; 3. A steady or increasing percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native students; and 4. Performance levels maintained or improved when comparing the percentage of students in 2011 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2009, or the school has already attained a performance level in which more than 70 percent of the APÂŽ students are scoring a 3 or higher.

These nation-wide measurable achievements in APÂŽ classes are noteworthy and newsworthy. From the overall Honor Roll List, four school districts in the nation will be honored with 2011 APÂŽ District of the Year awards. Three represent large, medium and small districts that have achieved the most significant improvements in the nation in access to college-level APÂŽ courses and student performance on the end-of-course APÂŽ Exam. One district will receive The Beacon Award for its profound achievement in using APÂŽ to create a culture focused on college readiness.

The Tukwila School District is grateful for this recognition from the College Board. This encourages us to continue to strive to give our students a better chance and equal opportunities year after year.

Walking School Bus Continues to be a Success

W

alk to School Week (November 13-19, 2011) at Thorndyke Elementary School culminated with “Walking School Buses� in which students walked to school from three different locations with parents and teaching staff. Parents and students who participated received treats of fruit and granola bars when they arrived at school. Approximately thirty-six students, eight parents, and six teachers/staff participated in the walk! The number of students walking to school increased steadily over the week with the highest number of walkers on Friday when over 25% of the students walked.

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

Tukwila School District #406

T

tomatically becomes president the following year.

As WSSDA president for 2012, Fertakis serves as an advocate for school boards and their efforts to promote student achievement.

The president represents the association and communicates its positions to legislators, members of Congress, the State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the U.S. Department of Education.

CARE (Clothes Are Really Expensive) Night Reports

Cascade View: 620 people attended the Cascade View (CV) CARE Night: an all-time record!

Many, many pounds of donated clothing were distributed including shoes and coats for the whole family. 85 bicycle helmets were fitted and distributed by the fire department. Many thanks to all the CV staff and the students at Foster High School who volunteered their time to make it possible. And to the many community organizations who collaborated by attending the resource fair and donating clothing, including the Fire Department, King County Public Health, Airport Jobs, New Hope Community Health Clinic, Starfire Sports, ReWA, King County Public Library, City of Tukwila Parks and Rec, City of Tukwila Human Services, and many more.

Thorndyke: The first CARE Night of the school year was held on Thursday, October 27th.

It was the most highly attended CARE Night Thorndyke has ever held! A total of 384 kids and families were able to shop for 15 items each. Sadly, we quickly ran out of coats. However, our families who are battling homelessness were able to shop before other families, so we feel thankful that they were able to receive coats. As a special surprise, all participants were able to take home a “Sounders FC Camps” tee shirt. We will continue to collect donations for winter

Girls on the Run King 5 will feature the Tukwila Elementary School “Girls on the Run” program on Evening Magazine in December or January. The Tukwila School District program is facilitated by Brenda Schenck, a para educator at Tukwila Elementary School.

Girls on the Run is so much more than a 5K run; it is a program that gives girls

clothing in the hopes that we can help to meet the needs of all of our families.

Special thanks to the Foster High School students who helped to make this event a success!

Showalter and Foster: Showalter Middle School was proud to host the first CARE Night in our district for secondary aged students and their parents on Tuesday October 25th. Secondary level CARE nights were difficult to plan in years’ past, as donations of teen and young adult clothing tend to be harder to come by. However, the Showalter and Foster staff hosted clothing drives that brought in an amazing amount of clothing, including 66 pair of jeans donated by Plato’s Closet. 136 students and their parents were able to take home large bags full of clothing that will hopefully outfit them for the cold weather ahead.

Over all of the CARE Nights, approximately 1450 people were able to walk away with clothing to hopefully get them through the winter. What an amazing effort! However, we know that needs will continue to arise as situations change and new folks arrive. If you know of a child who needs to visit the clothing bank, please e-mail Katrina Dohn at dohnk@tukwila.wednet.edu. If you’d like to donate clothing, shoes, jackets, or other items, such as school supplies, please contact any of the schools. negative stereotypes that can lead to low self-esteem and destructive behaviors.

Through a combination of exhilarating running games, life lessons and focused discussions, Girls on the Run builds selfesteem and encourages positive social, emotional and physical well-being. www.girlsrun.org The Girls on the Run program is facilitated by Brenda Schenck, a para educator at Tukwila Elementary.

› 17

December 2011

Tukwila’s Fertakis installed as president of state school boards association ukwila School Director Mary Fertakis has been sworn in as president of the Washington State School Directors’ Association, an organization made up of the state’s 1,477 locally elected school board members. The installation of officers took place November 27 during the WSSDA Annual Conference in Bellevue.

Fertakis was elected president-elect by WSSDA members last year. Under the association’s bylaws, the president-elect au-

DECEMBER 2011

Fertakis has been a member of the Tukwila School Board for 16 years, serving as the board president, vice president and legislative representative. She has been active in the association through service on the WSSDA Board of Directors, Legislative Committee, Urban Issues Committee, Federal Relations Network, the Achievement Gap Task Force and D-MAT. She is a 2006 graduate of the association’s Leadership WSSDA training program.

The last Tukwila school director to be president of WSSDA was Herman Anderson, in 1941. Anderson was one of the people who helped to establish WSSDA. The Tukwila School District administration building was named after him as part of the 2008 Tukwila Centennial.

About WSSDA Founded in 1922, the Washington State School Directors’ Association is comprised of all 1,477 school board members from Washington’s 295 school districts. The districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion, and employ nearly 100,000 people. WSSDA’s core mission is focused on ensuring that school board members have the knowledge, tools and services they need to effectively govern their districts and improve student learning.

For Additional Information, Contact: David Brine, WSSDA Communications Director Office: 360.252.3013, Mobile: 360.280.9898, d.brine@wssda.org

2nd Annual SUEÑOS Conference

SUEÑOS Mission: The Foster High School eStudiantes Utilizando Educación por un maÑana de Oportunidades y exitoS (SUEÑOS) Conference empowers Latino/a students to make a positive impact on their homes, school, and community.

About SUEÑOS: Foster High School’s (FHS) 2nd Annual SUEÑOS Conference is targeting the Latino/a students and parents at Foster High School.

SUEÑOS provides workshops in English & Spanish on various topics such as academic success, striving for goals, healthy relationships, and giving back to your community. Students will leave this conference with a plan of action on how they can make a positive impact in their home, school and community. Parents will leave with the knowledge of on how to successfully support their children through the high school years and beyond by utilizing education.

Origins of SUEÑOS: Between 2005 and 2010 Latino students from FHS attended events and conferences focused on the Latino/a community, including LEAP and CASHE. After each conference students return to campus energized to make changes in their school and community. Drawing from this inspiration, staff and students wanted to further personalize and extend similar opportunities of growth and empowerment to all Latino students at FHS. Thus, SUEÑOS was born. As the Latino/a population at FHS continues to grow (24%), we know that as a community we can make fundamental changes in the attitudes, academic achievement, and community involvement of our young people. The end goal is to support all of our students to pursue their education, cease opportunities, and fulfill their DREAMS. This year’s SUENOS conference was a huge success. Keynote Speaker David Estrada of the Seattle Sounders kicked off the event with an inspiring personal story for the 125 students, teachers, and community members who attended the morning session. Students then participated in their choice of breakout sessions, which included such topics as leadership, college, resume writing, building good relationships, culture and heritage, and discussions with a panel of former Foster students who are currently attending college. A number of local restaurants and community members donated food for breakfast and lunch. Sessions for both students and parents were held during the afternoon. The event culminated with students sharing reflections and insights about what they learned during the conference.

Thanks to all the community members and organizations who contributed to the success of the conference. For more information about SUENOS or to find out how you can be involved in the next conference, please contact Andrea Gamboa or Jorge Torres at Foster High School, 206.901.7900.

18 ‚

DECEMBER 2011 ÂŤ www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

Tukwila School District #406

December 2011

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HOURS:

Services in ENGLISH and:

Auburn City Hall 25 W. Main St. 98001

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Wednesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M.

Bellevue Hopelink 14812 Main St. 98007

Tuesdays 1 P.M.–5 P.M. Thursdays 1 P.M.–9 P.M.* Saturdays 10 A.M.–2 P.M.*

Crossroads Bellevue N.E. 8th St. & 156th Ave. N.E. 98008

Wednesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 11 A.M.–3 P.M.

Chinese, Spanish and Russian Chinese, Spanish and Russian Chinese, Spanish and Russian

Burien Goodwill 12808 Ambaum Blvd. S.W. 98146

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 10 A.M.–2 P.M.

Spanish Spanish and Vietnamese

Multi-Service Center 1200 S. 336th St. 98093

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Wednesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M.* Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M.

Highline Community College Outreach Center 23835 Pacific Highway South Ste. 101, 98198

Thursdays 4 P.M.–8 P.M. Saturdays 9 A.M.–1 P.M.

Chinese Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese

WA Women’s Employment and Education Center 515 W. Harrison St. 98032

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–8 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–8 P.M. Saturdays 1 P.M.–4 P.M.

Chinese and Vietnamese Vietnamese Vietnamese

Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank 206 S. Tobin St. 98055

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Wednesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Sundays 12 P.M.–4 P.M.

LCSNW/Angle Lake Family Resource Center 4040 S. 188th St. 98188

Mondays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Tuesdays 1 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 9 A.M.–1 P.M.

Amharic, Spanish and Vietnamese Spanish Spanish

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Beacon Hill El Centro de la Raza 2524 16th Ave. S. 98144

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 10 A.M.–2 P.M.*

Arabic and Spanish

Also open Mondays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Chinese, Japanese Chinese, Japanese Chinese, Japanese and Russian

Also open Tuesdays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Also open Thursdays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Russian Amharic/Tigringa Korean

Also open Mondays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Spanish Spanish Chinese

Also open Mondays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Spanish and Chinese

Also open Wednesdays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

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calendar December 2011 8

Winter Band Concert

13

School Board Meeting - 6:30pm

13

Showalter Middle School & Foster High School Choir Concert

16

Cascade View Winterfest Concert

19-30

Winter Break (No School)

January 2012 2

Winter Break (No School)

9

PTA Meeting, 6:30PM - Cascade View Elementary School

11

SMART Wednesday

12

Financial Aid Night - Foster High School

12

PTA Meeting - Tukwila Elementary School

16

MLK Jr. Day (No School)

19

East African Family Night at Showalter, 5:30-7:30

24

Class Picture Day - Tukwila Elementary School

25

SMART Wednesday

26

Literacy Night, 6:00PM - Thorndyke Elementary School

30

No School

February 2012 6

PTA Meeting, 6:30PM - Cascade View Elementary School

8

SMART Wednesday

9

PTA Meeting, 6:30PM - Thorndyke Elementary School

10

PTA Family Fun Night, 6:00PM - Thorndyke Elementary School

14

PTA Fundraiser Begins - - Tukwila Elementary School

14-17

ASB Spirit Week - Showalter Middle School

20-21

Winter Break (No School)

28

Book for Breakfast, 8:00-8:40AM - Thorndyke Elementary School

29

SMART Wednesday

Visit: www.tukwila.wednet.edu for up-to-date information about your schools

Central District Yesler Community Center 917 E. Yesler Way 98122

Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 10 A.M.–2 P.M.

Downtown Downtown Seattle Library 1000 4th Ave. 98104

Mondays 3 P.M.–7 P.M. Tuesdays 12 P.M.–7 P.M. Wednesdays 12 P.M.–7 P.M. Thursdays 12 P.M.–7 P.M. Saturdays 12 P.M.–4 P.M. Sundays 1 P.M.–5 P.M.

Chinese Chinese Chinese and Spanish Chinese Chinese and Spanish Chinese and Vietnamese

Lake City Lake City Neighborhood Service Center 12525 28th Ave. N.E. 98125

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 11 A.M.–3 P.M.

Russian and Chinese

Also open Mondays, 5:30 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

Also open Mondays, 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24

SHORELINE

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Spanish Spanish, Russian and Ukranian Spanish

Also open Sundays, 9 A.M.–12 P.M. Jan 10 - Feb 24 RENTON

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LOCATION:

South Seattle Rainier Community Center 4600 38th Ave. S. 98118

Wednesdays 5 P.M.–8 P.M. Thursdays 5 P.M.–8 P.M. Saturdays 11 A.M.–3 P.M. Sundays 11 A.M.–3 P.M.

White Center YWCA Greenbridge 9720 8th Ave. S.W. 98106

Tuesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M.* Thursdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Fridays 12 P.M.–4 P.M.* Saturdays 12 P.M.–4 P.M.

Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish and Vietnamese

Shoreline Hopelink 15809 Westminster Way N. (next to Marshall’s in the Aurora Square Plaza) 98133

Wednesdays 5 P.M.–9 P.M.* Thursdays 1 P.M.–9 P.M. Saturdays 10 A.M.–2 P.M.

Vietnamese Vietnamese Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese

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United Way of King County Free Tax Preparation Campaign sponsors:

Vietnamese

* Free ITIN Acceptance Agent Services available.

City of Seattle

All sites have limited capacity. Please arrive early for the best chance of being served.

& % ( * & %* # % ) !

Thorndyke Elementary Elections student council facilitator, organized a Google Form and shared it on a website for fourth and fifth grade classes to then vote for their choice of presiThorndyke Elementary held its 6th dent, vice president and secretary. annual student council officer voting Classroom representatives will be on Thursday, October 26. It will convoted on next week. tinue to recruit students for classroom The main jobs of student council are representatives this coming week. to help teach how to The student council be good leaders, giving at Thorndyke Elementary School is made up The winners are: students a voice and chance to help, and of 4th and 5th grade Michael Ibarra also building our sense students that apply for - president of community by giveither the president, Dante’ Larson ing back. The student vice president, or - vice president council will now take secretary office or one Nechelle Butler on two tasks immediof the two classroom - secretary. ately: a food drive for representatives for the the Tukwila Food Pantry fourth and fifth grade and having a used book sale to raise classrooms. This election was unique money for more books in our own in that it used the district supplied Thorndyke library.

Google Apps and a few iPads to create an electronic ballot. Mr. Theren Hayes,

by Theren Hayes, 5th Grade Teacher

The Tukwila School District complies with all federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin (including language), religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), veteran or military status, non-program-related physical, sensory or mental disabilities, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/ or extracurricular school activities, or in the recruitment and employment of personnel. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 officer and/or Section 504/ADA coordinator located at 4640 South 144th Street, Tukwila, WA 98168: Nina Melencio, Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer (206.901.8005) and Gwen Estes-Zuehlke, Section 504/ADA Coordinator (206.901.8035).

The Tukwila School District will also take steps to ensure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact the Student Services Department at 206-901-8025.

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť

BY SARAH KEHOE SKEHOE@ TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Tukwila School Board Director Mary Fertakis is passionate about education.

Not just because she has had children in the Tukwila School District, but because she cares about the students. That’s why Fertakis has been a member of the Tukwila School Board for 16 years, serving as the board president, vice president and legislative representative. “I’m not one of those people that does something just to do it,� Fertakis said. “I did this because I believe in education and want to make things better for the kids. For me, that meant putting myself out there in a leadership position so I can have more of a voice for the students.�

Fertakis was sworn in as president of the Washington State School Directors’ Association Nov. 27. The association is an organization made up of the state’s 1,477 locally elected school board members.

Fertakis was elected president-elect by association members last year. Under the association’s bylaws, the president-elect automatically becomes president the following year. “While I was excited to have this new position, the weight of responsibility definitely settled in,� Fertakis said. “This is not a good time for education, it is on the chopping block for all kinds of (state) cuts.�

As president for 2012, Fertakis serves as an ad-

vocate for school boards and their efforts to promote student achievement.

The president represents the association and communicates its positions to legislators, members of Congress, the State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the U.S. Department of Education. “I feel so honored to represent my district and my state,� Fertakis said.

The last Tukwila school director to be president of the association was Herman Anderson, in 1941.

Anderson was one of the people who helped to establish the association.

Founded in 1922, the Washington State School Directors’ Association is comprised of all 1,477 school board members from Washington’s 295 school districts. The districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion and employ nearly 100,000 people.

The association is focused on ensuring that school board members have the knowledge, tools and services they need to effectively govern their districts and improve student learning.

Fertakis has been active in the association through service on the association’s board of directors, Legislative Committee, Urban Issues Committee, Federal Relations Network, the Achievement Gap Task Force and D-MAT. Fertakis has many goals for this year already.

Boulevard cleanup The Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee will end 2011 with a litter pick up from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. The location varies, so send an email to rick@ forschler.org.

Break for parents Parents Night Out is the first Friday of every month at the Tukwila Community Center.

Take the night off and city staff will treat the kids to pizza, swimming, movies and other activities. Fee is $15 for residents and $19 for non-residents. Call the Tukwila Community Center to sign up, 206-7682822.

The Tukwila Late Night Program for teens provides a safe environment with activities and games for teens who want to have a fun experience and hang out with their friends. The January programs are Jan. 20 and Jan. 27, for grades 6-12. Times are 8-11 p.m.; the fee is $2. Call the Tukwila Community Center, 206-768-2822 for more information.

Chamber awards luncheon Mary Fertakis was sworn in as president of the state School Directors’ Association. Courtesy photo

“Part of my job is to remind the legislature that they took an oath to protect education when they were sworn in,� Fertakis said. “I want to protect education funding.�

Fertakis will testify with other school board members from around the state in Olympia in 2012.

She has already gone to Olympia to speak against education cuts to rural schools. “Any kind of cut you to do a high poverty school district is disproportionate in comparison to their affluent neighbors,� Fertakis said. “I want to remind our legislatures that they have

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Celebrate your well-trained dog!

Reach Sarah Kehoe at skehoer@tukwilareporter.com or 253-872-6600 ext. 5056.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Recognition and Awards Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at the Cedarbrook Lodge, 18525 36th Ave. S., SeaTac. The chamber will introduce new board members for 2012, award chamber member businesses for outstanding effort in various categories and do an annual report on the chamber. For more information or to register call Brenna Arnesen 206-575-1633 for go to www.swkcc.org/index.asp.

An amazing scavenger hunt Tukwila’s Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt is Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Westfield Mall. In this takeoff from the TV show “The Amazing Race,� Tukwila’s seniors can compete for prizes in their own race. Fee is $17 for residents. Call the Tukwila Community Center for more information or to register, 206-768-2822.

Recreation guide is online The City of Tukwila Winter Recreation Guide is available online at the city’s website, www.tukwilawa.gov, where residents can sign up for classes offered at the Tukwila Community Center.

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to consider this when making cuts.�

Fertakis also wants to build connections between schools and businesses/ companies that students can work at. “I’d love to help facilitate the various entities, coordinate and dialog together, so that the school district, technical colleges, local businesses and more are working together to provide our kids with the means to take available jobs,� Fertakis said.

for information or appointment

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Puppy manners through off-leash control.

Agility, CGC & more!

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Teen program

Recycle Your Electronics

All types of training for all dogs!

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Fretakis president of state association

DECEMBER 2011

560456

Home Inspector License #245

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DECEMBER 2011 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

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