A Poetry Slam will be held as part of the first annual Poverty Bay Arts Festival from Noon – 3pm on Saturday, Sept. 25th at Auntie Irene’s.

There will be prizes, and poets (or attempted ones) can register at the door.

According to Wikipedia:

A poetry slam is a competition at which poets read or recite original work (or, more rarely, that of others). These performances are then judged on a numeric scale by previously selected members of the audience.

Typically, poetry slam is highly politicized, speaking on many issues including current social and economic issues, gendered injustices, and racial issues. Poets are judged not only on the content of their slam but the manner of delivery and passion behind their words.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Poverty Bay Arts Festival Poetry Slam.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25th from Noon -- 3 pm.

WHERE: Auntie Irene’s, located at 22504 Marine View Drive (206-824-0249).

INFO: From a flier:

PRIZES:

• Grand: $75
• First: $50
• Second: $25
• Third: 25

REGISTRATION AT THE DOOR:

• Registration at the door begins Noon -- 12:30 pm • First group presentations 12:30 -- 1 pm • Second group presentations 1 -- 1:30 pm • Third group presentations (if needed) 1:30 – 2 pm • Four finalists present from 2 -- 2:30 pm.
• Winners announced at 2:40 pm and awards presented
• Order of appearance determined on first-come signup
• Poetry will be judged by audience reaction and a three- judge panel

Guidelines for Performers:

• Poets must perform their own original work
• No props, costumes or musical accompaniment
• Poets have three minutes to perform their piece

INFO: Contact Luisa Bangs at the Des Moines Arts Commission at 206.733.0306 for more information, or visit the PBAF website here.

VIDEOS:

For those Readers who haven’t seen nor heard of a Poetry Slam before, here are some examples that might inspire you:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpW-xoCkRFE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYxXPQ8nGc0

Here’s a video of a film called “National Poetry Slam”:

Story & Photos by Nicholas Johnson

Bo Colello spent Thursday evening (Sept. 2nd) playing trivia at his son’s bar and grill in Des Moines.

A little after 10 a.m. Friday morning he was forced to spend $245 at Rosella’s Fruit & Produce Company on E. Marginal Way South after he discovered boxes and crates of his produce had been stolen sometime the night before.

Colello has owned and operated a fruit stand next door to his home for the past six years. At no point in all those years had anything ever been taken from his stand.

“When I came out this morning, holy cow, I found that somebody had come in here and took all kinds of shit from me,” he said as he listed off the items.

Somebody made off with whole cases of bananas, apples, limes, avocados, watermelons, cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as every last carrot and 12 quarts of honey, he said. Colello isn’t yet sure how much the loss will cost him, but he plans to crunch the numbers and take inventory tonight (Friday).

Karen Sweeney (right) and Christina Kovatch head toward their car Friday afternoon with bags of produce in hand. Bo’s Fruit Stand was burglarized sometime between 6 p.m. Thursday evening and 10 a.m. Friday morning.

Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Office said SeaTac Police officers responded about 11 a.m. Friday morning. He said there are currently no suspects in the case; however he speculates the culprit “is at least eating healthy.”

Colello’s stand isn’t under tight security by any means, yet he does have a video camera pointed at the side entrance to his stand, which is typically only used by him and his employees to stock produce. And while he figures the thief likely came in from the side, he has no proof because his camera was turned off all night.

“I couldn’t believe it when I realized the camera hadn’t been on,” he said.

Despite waking up to his fruit stand’s first burglary, Colello’s classic charm and Italian spunk remained intact. Customers perused fresh produce as though nothing happened and Colello rang them up just the same. Nevertheless, he’s hopeful someone saw something Thursday night or early Friday morning.

“I’m Italian,” he said. “If I knew who did it, he wouldn’t be around too long; you know what I mean?”

Anyone with information is urged to call Sgt. Urquhart at (206) 296-7528, or Mr. Colello’s business line at (206) 824-3465 or his cell phone at (206) 335-0878.

Look for more information as it becomes available here on The Waterland Blog.

William Barredos of Des Moines gets his change back after purchasing some of Bo’s street-side produce Thursday afternoon. Bo won’t know exactly how much was taken until he does inventory Friday night.

Planning for the first ever Poverty Bay Arts Festival is now shifting into high gear. With just weeks to go the list of participating businesses and artists is now firmed up and we’ll be bringing you additional information and participant profiles as the clock ticks down to this exciting arts event.

“The Poverty Bay Arts Festival committee thanks our premier sponsors, the Des Moines Arts Commission and the Associated Students of Highline Community College for making the inaugural Poverty Bay Arts Festival on Saturday, September 25, a reality” said Cora Morrison one of the event organizers.

Major sponsors who have generously contributed include: The Waterland Blog, The Print Place, John L. Scott Real Estate, Edward Jones (7th Ave.), Balloon Wizards, and Snure Law Office.

Business sponsors and non-profit organizations involved to make this event happen include:

• Auntie Irene’s
• Bodle Chiropractic
• Breeders Theater
• Des Moines Dental Associates
• Des Moines Florist
• Des Moines United Methodist Church
• Dushan’s, Kaihana Sushi Saki
• Marvin Osterhout, DDS
• New Tokyo Teriyaki
• Pauline’s Nail Spa
• Salon Michelle
• Sound Gynocology
• Spyros Gyros
• State Farm Insurance/Vicki Bergquist Insurance Agency
• Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce
• Tuscany at Des Moines Creek
• Waterland Wellness and Massage

Ms. Morrison of Des Moines Florist told WLB, “This is the first of its kind for the Des Moines community and we hope that it is just the beginning of a long tradition for the area businesses and artists.”

The Waterland Blog will keep our readers up to date on bands, artists and participating businesses as we get closer to the event.

by Dave Markwell

In another semi-desperate attempt at being a good Dad, I have decided that my six year old daughter shall no longer be allowed to watch her favorite TV shows. While this may seem a bit oxymoronic, it is not completely without thought. My daughter is rapidly becoming a stuck up little snot. I say this with much shame. It is my fault. I, in my own laziness and haste, allowed this to happen. This is not to say that she is a bad kid, she’s absolutely not. But she’s heading that direction without a little more leadership. It is time for a modest, yet painful intervention.

She enjoys “Hannah Montana”, “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “I-Carly” immensely. Unfortunately, these girls are young teenagers and my daughter, as mentioned, is six. She doesn’t want to be six, but she is. I, on the other hand, very much want her to be six and remain six for a very long time.

She has learned language and attitudes that she should not have learned. She has been a quick and true study. I, now, have decided to turn back the clock. I have hit the reset button and am no doubt faced with an epic battle. Some crying will be involved, probably by both parties. Some yelling and whining and foot-stomping will also occur. I am prepared for this; my mess, my broom. I will do the dirty work. I failed.

Fortunately, I am committed. Understanding that my daughter is headed in a direction that I cannot bear has awakened a resolve that lurks deep in a Dad; a resolve to be better, for the child’s sake. This hidden little treasure of insight is often unseen, but also welcome and it’s good to know it exists when you need it. I will trudge forward against pleas and attempts at barter if not flat out bribery. She will try to lure me with sweet looks and kind words. She will try to wait me out and she will try to break my will. She will not succeed. I will hold my line and be strong because I must. My failure will not be hers.

A parent’s duty is complex and elusive. When do we chime in? And when do we let it go? These questions diabolically evade clear answers. Having little background to draw from, we must make it up as we go. We improvise and dance and dodge. We simply do the best we can. It is delicate work, but vital, on many levels to our own quality of life, if not our sanity itself. Raising kids that will listen and respond and behave appropriately is a lofty goal, but without striving high, we are by default settling for low and low is no fun at all. Trust me on this one. So, I will now try to get a bead on that ever-shifting bar that is good parenting. I will do the right thing that, as a lot of right things do, hurts a little bit. I will look forward to a brighter future with a hope and a prayer that I don’t screw up my kids too bad and a wish that, when they reflect on their lives, they will know that I tried to be a good Dad. In my faulty, goofy, dense, dimwitted, ignorant, short-sighted, ill-tempered, impatient, thoughtfully-thoughtless ways, I tried.

and the authority to change it whenever we want. We will be the co-owners of an experience that counts and I cannot think of a better way to spend a week of my life.

[EDITOR'S NOTE:"Feel Good Friday" is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!" Also, you can "friend" Dave on Facebook here.]

As summer begins to taper off (did it ever really get going this year?) we can start to see fall on the horizon. You can already feel the change coming in the air.

With that in mind, photographer Michael Brunk welcomed the first sunset of September at Burien’s Seahurst Park. It was a beautiful evening with big dynamic clouds in the sky to reflect the waning sunlight.

Michael put together this slideshow, set to ambient audio recorded on the beach at Seahurst Park. Be sure to check your volume before clicking!

You can now follow photographer Michael Brunk on Facebook and get regular updates with new photos and behind the scenes info!

WLB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is an impeccably done beautiful home located on Anderson Island’s Riviera golf course.

Just bring your suitcase and toothbrush. Sleeps 6 comfortably. A large wrap-around deck, sprinkler system, heat pump and fire pit in the back yard. Lots of boat/RV parking. Private Riviera Community boat launch for the Salt Water and Fresh Water for fishing and/or skiing. One more lake just for paddling around. Must See!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Sept. 5th, from 1pm – 4pm.

WHERE: 10904 Pioneer Drive, Anderson Island, WA 98303

INFO:

• List Price: $329,000
• Listing #: 102837
• Beds: 2
• Baths: 2.00
• Year Built: 1993
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,076
• Lot SqFt: 8,400

Interior Features:

• Ceiling Fan(s)
• Loft
• Skylights
• Vaulted Ceilings

Site Features:

• Deck
• Moorage
• RV Parking
• Sprinkler System

Marketing Remarks:

Estate Sale!

Completely furnished down to the dishes, wine glasses and golf cart.

Everything is impeccably done in this beautiful home. Just bring your suitcase and toothbrush.

Located in Riviera on the golf course.

Sleeps 6 comfortably.

A large wrap around deck, sprinkler system, heat pump and fire pit in the back yard.

Lots of boat/RV parking.

Private Riviera Community boat launch for the Salt Water and Fresh Water for fishing and/or skiing.

One more lake just for paddling around.

Must See!

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

The Highline Historical Society has received a $3,000 grant from 4Culture for the purpose of housing threatened documents, photographs, negatives and films in the Society’s collections.

The Society owns more than 100,000 items that are subject to this grant.

“Media such as negatives need to be kept in acid free containers, sleeves and folders to prevent deterioration,” said Nancy Salguero McKay, the Society Curator of Collections. “At the present time many of our negatives and photographs are not being correctly stored because of the cost of buying these materials. This grant from 4Culture will be extremely helpful in providing materials to appropriately preserve our communities’ archival treasures.”

Highline Historical Society is a 16-year old non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and telling the stories of Highline (we’re members – you should consider joining/supporting them – click here to join!).

Collections are in storage pending the construction of the Highline Heritage Museum in Burien (read our previous coverage here). For more information visit the Society’s web site at http://www.highlinehistory.org.

According to The Seattle Times, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the woman who was found murdered in her Des Moines apartment Tuesday as Jennifer L. Walstrand, 28.

Walstrand apparently died from multiple stab wounds and blunt-force injury to the head.

As we reported Tuesday (Aug. 31st), police found her body in a triplex apartment in the 24000 block of 25th Ave South, near Highline Community College.

Police say that the landlord of the complex, who lives in an adjacent unit, called 911 just after midnight, after hearing “thumping” sounds a short time earlier. The landlord also stated the dogs inside the unit were barking excessively, which was unusual.

Arriving patrol officers found the apartment locked, interior lights on, and the front window coverings closed. Officers received no response at the door. Utilizing a chair from the landlord, officers were able to peer into the apartment through a small window at the top of the front door. Officers saw the victim on the floor just inside the entry way and proceeded to enter. The victim was deceased and it was evident she had died from homicidal violence.

As of Thursday night (Sept. 2nd), there is no word yet on whether there are any suspects, but Des Moines Police Master Sargent Bob Collins said that police are following up on several leads, and that this case remains a priority.

Impress your friends with a juicy burger topped with fresh sliced lettuce, tomatoes and onions served with corn on the cob and fresh potato salad.

Burgers not on the menu? Then grab a couple of delicious steaks from our local rancher, garlic basil pasta drizzled with olive oil & parmesan cheese and a fantastic fresh salad prepared with the tastiest greens and veggies Washington has to offer.

All of this is available at your local Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market.

Live entertainment this week will be provided by the always fun Saltwater Saints.

Chili Cook-Off applications and tickets for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest coming up on September 25 will also be available at the market.

Come on down… we’ll see you at the market!

Going on job interviews? Giving a business presentation? Leading a meeting? Need confidence? Toastmasters is the answer!

The ability to speak well is crucial to success, but have you ever evaluated your speaking skills? Many people, if they were to seek feedback, would learn that they talk too much, or perhaps too softly, that they fill their sentences with “ums” and “uhs,” or that they are hard to follow. You might say that it’s the message that matters; but if you can’t put your ideas across in a way that makes people want to listen, that promotion or that leadership position could be a long time coming.

Toastmasters offers a formal, self-paced program that will help you learn to speak better. The two keys to this are practice and feedback. Toastmasters clubs provide a friendly and supportive setting where you can practice your public speaking, and receive constructive feedback. Darlene Burrill says, “Toastmasters has given me the courage to speak in front of a group in spite of my speech impediment.”

To learn more about Toastmasters attend an Open House at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, Thursday, September 9, 2010. Arrive at 6:45am to receive your guest packet and get your coffee or juice. There will be a light breakfast served at break time.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters Open House
4 Lessons on Speaking from “The Karate Kid”
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien
Across the street from Azteca, next to Hi-Line Lanes
7:00am – 8:15am
Arrive at 6:45am for Guest Packets, Coffee and Juice
For more info contact Theresa 206-588-5088 or burienbreakfast.com@gmail.com

There will be three parts to the meeting, the prepared speeches, the evaluations, and “Table Topics”. The prepared speeches are usually of five to seven minutes long. Each member is given in a manual that sets out ten speech projects. Each of these has a specific goal, such as speech structure, using gestures, pauses and vocal inflection. These will help you learn how to express your ideas clearly and with confidence. Bang Parkinson, the President of Burien Breakfast Toastmasters, says that using the speech projects helped her gain confidence and feel comfortable presenting at board meetings at work. “Even though I still have my Chinese accent, people understand me better. Giving speeches at Toastmasters helped me to articulate well and to speak slower, clearer and smoother.”

After each speech an evaluator, usually a Toastmaster more experienced than the speaker, provides feedback. This takes the form of an impromptu speech and the objective is to give suggestions on how to improve future speeches because feedback is essential to learning.

For many people the “Table Topics” part of a meeting is the most frightening, yet this is also of the greatest benefit for those wanting to improve how they speak at work. In Table Topics each person is called upon to speak impromptu on a subject. If you’ve never done it before, delivering an interesting and well-structured talk to a group of attentive listeners without any preparation can be extremely difficult. Yes, the first time is hard, but it gets easier with practice, and that’s precisely the point. As Jean Schmidt says, “I used to be legally blind. Science gave me back my eyesight. Toastmasters opened my eyes. Now they can’t keep my mouth shut!”

Attend a meeting and you’ll find Toastmasters are more than willing to share stories of how Table Topics practice helped them at work. From explaining a project to a group of unexpected visitors to persuading colleagues to consider a crazy idea, being able to express thoughts clearly is essential to being viewed as both confident and competent. Roger Wells will tell you how Table Topics saved his dad’s life when with no preparation he had to convince medical authorities to hospitalize his dad at once.

You can learn these skills and more in a supportive, self paced, fun atmosphere at Burien Breakfast Toastmasters. Join us at our Open House September 9, 2010 at 6:45am or at any of our regularly scheduled meetings.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters
Highline Public Schools ERAC Building
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166
2nd and 4th Thursday of every month
7:00am – 8:15am