This past Wednesday evening (May 15) Des Moines Dollars for Scholars held their annual reception to honor the 2013 scholarship award winners.

The non-profit Dollars for Scholars foundation encourages educational achievement by supporting local students who are pursuing studies at two-year, four-year, or vocational and technical colleges.

This year, the following scholarships were awarded:

Southwest Seattle Business and Professional Women Scholarship

• Jacqueline Beal
• Davina Fuiava (Geraldine Sorensen Scholarship)

Des Moines Yacht Club First Mates Scholarship

• Martin Pitt
• Sebastian Martinez (Ken Higgins Memorial Scholarship)

Des Moines Rotary Club Scholarship

• Jonathan Mountford
• Natalie Welch

CleanScapes Scholarship

• Lacy Jolin

Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Endowment Fund

• Anjela Zdravkova (Ronald Millheisler Scholarship)
• Lauren Zilke (Ronald Millheisler Scholarship)

Steven J. Underwood Memorial Scholarship

• Lexis Pawlowski

Des Moines Dollars for Scholars

• Rachel Webster

Photographer Michael Brunk was at the Des Moines Yacht Club for this year’s event and assembled the following photo gallery. You can click individual thumbnails to view larger versions.

Moving to Des Moines many years ago was a multi-level attraction to my wife, Marianne and I as we travelled into the little Cape Cod like village on the sound. We arrived quite by accident trying to wend our way to Tacoma and had no idea that a city named “Des Moines” even existed outside of Iowa. Because I grew up and went to school in Sagamore and Wareham Massachusetts (Cape Cod to you) the sight and feel of Des Moines attracted me especially. We almost immediately agreed to, someday, live here.

This was more than an emotional mind set; there were many aspects of the way Des Moines was laid out, with a grocery store at both ends, and many small businesses, a doughnut shop, bakery, and a few restaurants that looked like they had been moved here from back east. A drug store and schools nearby added to the attraction but the potential for retirement was also a consideration for us. It took a few years as we became accustomed to civilian life, having retired from the US Air Force and saving enough to own a home, but we made it. A beautiful home in Huntington Park in Des Moines captured our hearts and here we are!

Surrounded by new friends and neighbors, we soon began shopping in Johnny’s Market and Albertsons at the other end. Johnny’s was the friendliest place to shop and even had people remember your name; it was like we experienced back east.

Well, Johnny’s is now a distant but fond memory, Albertson’s forgotten and now we are faced with a gigantic and critical loss to us and the city of Des Moines; QFC is evacuating! Is there no way or means that our city council members could have foreseen and prepared with some replacement for this major element to a small city such as ours? For this to have been allowed to happen can only point to one sad element that few of us want to believe and that element is likely some form of greed.

Our councilmembers, some of them friends and some are even our neighbors can not wish to do us any harm or deprive us of the small luxury of a grocery store, now, can they!? The answer to this will be your personal evaluation and response but I have a challenge to present o our illustrious “City Fathers”:

My dear friends of the City Council of our beloved City of Des Moines park your car at your home and walk to the nearest grocery store. Take your time and maybe a back pack, remembering that it is only one mile away; you may also need to take your umbrella. At the end of the day when you are back in town, approach one or two people who are on walkers, with canes or on one of those mobility scooters; smile benevolently and introduce yourself as a council member and with a friendly smile point to the direction of the grocery store “only one mile away”; now take your conscience and go, proudly home and live with yourself! Really?

– Pat Nardo
Proud Resident of Des Moines

[Have an opinion or concern you'd like to share with our Readers? Please send us your Letter to the Editor via email. Include your full name, please remain civil and, pending our review, we'll most likely publish it.]

The Primary election will be Aug. 6, and the General election will be Nov. 5.

DES MOINES:

• Council Position No. 1: Matt Pina (incumbent)
  
• Council Position No. 3: Carmen L. Scott (incumbent). Victor L. Pennington II
• Council Position No. 4 (unexpired 2-year term): Chuck Swesey, Jeremy Nutting (incumbent), James Payne
• Council Position No. 5: Melissa Musser (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 7: Robert Bonds, Dave Kaplan (incumbent)

• Municipal Court Judge: Veronica Galvan (incumbent), David Gehrke

BURIEN:

• Council Position No. 1: Jack Block Jr. (incumbent), Lauren Berkowitz, Kip Walton
• Council Position No. 3: Andrea H. Reay, Joan McGilton (incumbent), Robert L. Richmond III, Debi Wagner
• Council Position No. 5: Nancy Tosta, Len Boscarine, Rose Clark (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 7: Chuck Rangel, Joey Martinez, Steve Armstrong

Interestingly, two candidates who publicly declared they were running but failed to meet the deadline are:

• Marlene Allbright
• Shelli Park

NORMANDY PARK

• Council Position No. 2: Clarke Brant (incumbent) – withdrawn, Mike Bishoff
• Council Position No. 4: Kathleen Waters, Marion Yoshino
• Council Position No. 6: Tom Munslow, Chris Coleman

NOTE: A candidate may withdraw by submitting a signed request that their name not be printed on the ballot no later than Monday, May 20, 2013, at 4:30 p.m.

As we’ve done in the past, we’ll be holding Candidate Forums, so be sure to check back often for updates…

The MaST Center is partnering with community organizations and local schools to collect bottle caps to prevent accumulation in our landfills. The caps will be reused for eco-art educational projects and distributed to partnering organizations for proper recycling.

The launch event will include workshops to teach different ways to reuse caps for things such as children’s projects or garden art, and a “Sink Your Boat” contest. Attendees that bring a grocery bag of plastic bottle caps to the MaST Center will be entered to win prizes such as a Salty’s at Redondo gift certificate, an iTunes gift card, a “sustainable” gift package and more.

Despite common perceptions, plastic bottle caps are one of the least commonly recycled items. These caps eventually become litter in our oceans, streams and beaches. Each year countless birds, mammals and sea turtles die from ingesting caps and other plastic debris. Even in a landfill, a plastic bottle cap can pose a threat to scavenging birds and land animals.

There are currently no measures to guarantee that municipalities recycle bottle caps. In response, the MaST Center will be collecting bottle caps to prevent further build up in landfills. School groups and other organizations are welcome to become involved in collection efforts.

The campaign was also prompted by the gray whale that beached on Arroyo Beach in April 2010 where an examination of his stomach revealed large amounts of plastic. For community awareness and education, the MaST Center permanently showcases the skeleton of the gray whale along with an exhibit of the actual stomach contents.

“After discovering the plastic debris in the stomach of the gray whale and working on a research project involving marine debris and microplastics, I realized the direct impact we as humans have on the Puget Sound and our ecosystem. I hope this campaign will spread awareness that these recyclable caps will end up in our waterways unless we properly recycle them,” said campaign director Nicole Bostic.

The MaST Center is located at 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S. in Des Moines.

For more information about the “Got Caps?” campaign or collection efforts contact Nicole Bostic at nbostic@highline.edu or visit mast.highline.edu/bottlecaps.php.

The Seattle Foundation’s ‘GiveBIG’ is a one-day, online charitable giving event – set for  TODAY, Wednesday, May 15 – to inspire people to give generously to nonprofit organizations who make our region a healthier and more vital place to live.

Each credit card donation* made to the more than 1,400 nonprofit organizations profiled on The Seattle Foundation’s website (including many from the Des Moines area; see a relevant list here) between midnight and midnight (Pacific Daylight Time) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, will receive a prorated portion of the matching funds (or “stretch”) pool. The amount of the “stretch” depends on the size of the stretch pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day.

* They will “stretch” all donations up to $25,000 per donor, per organization.

WIN A GOLDEN TICKET
Throughout GiveBIG, donors will be chosen at random from all donations made up to the time of the drawing. The winner will have an additional $1,000 and a round-trip airline ticket, courtesy of Alaska Airlines, given in their name to the same nonprofit that received their donation. The winner will also receive a $100 gift card, courtesy of lead sponsor Starbucks.

• Learn more about Golden Tickets

FIND YOUR FAVORITE NONPROFIT AND STAY TUNED

• Click here to see if your favorite nonprofit is listed to participate in the event. If they are, then plan to donate during GiveBIG on May 15!
• How to Make a Donation (PDF)

The Highline School District announced Tuesday (May 14) that “more extensive staff training and strong coordination with local law enforcement are the hallmarks of a proposal to improve safety and security” at local schools.

The proposal (download PDF here) will be presented to the community at a public meeting from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the ERAC Center on Monday, May 20.

“If adopted by the school board, the district Safety and Security plan would not bring major changes to staff structure,” reads an announcement. “It does call for significant improvements in the extent and types of training required of Safety and Security officers. It also outlines joint training and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.”

The proposal includes a vision statement and guiding principles that emphasize building relationships with students as a way to prevent school violence. It envisions Safety and Security personnel as mentors who students trust to help them solve issues that could lead to conflicts at school. The plan includes a rigorous hiring process to ensure that the best candidates are selected as Safety and Security staff.

The proposal was developed after several months of study that included input from staff and community members. The police chiefs of Des Moines, Normandy Park, Burien, and SeaTac and the South Precinct Commander from the King County Sheriff’s Office gave input on the plan. Safety consultant Roger Baker, a retired Des Moines police chief, did an analysis of the current safety program and made recommendations for improvement.

The public is invited to learn about the proposal at a community meeting:

Monday, May 20, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

District Central Office (ERAC)

15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien

As many of our Readers may recall, the school district recently denied reports that it was going to disarm its security guards – read our coverage about that here.

Did You Know…that you may need to file for bankruptcy before filing for divorce?

Your decision to pursue a consumer bankruptcy before, during or after divorce can be positively influenced by the sound guidance of experienced bankruptcy attorneys with a reputation for achieving positive results for clients. We want to assist you with your bankruptcy needs. Serving bankruptcy clients in Seattle and Puget Sound with quality, full-service representation for every phase of your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 debt relief strategy; including the role that divorce can play in your decision.

In a time of epidemic levels of personal and business bankruptcies, as well as the highest divorce rate ever, you may be facing the need to end your marriage and the reality of personal bankruptcy, for the financial “fresh start” you deserve.

Which should you pursue first — bankruptcy or divorce? This is an important decision and one that should be made BEFORE your divorce is complete. Our attorneys can explain facts and legal options that lead to sound decisions about your future. We personalize our quality legal representation to fit your unique situation. You can benefit from our many years of experience and our commitment to solutions for any pressing problem. Contact our law offices today to reserve your free confidential initial consultation.

When one spouse files for consumer bankruptcy, it often sends the other spouse into bankruptcy too. And after divorce, domestic support obligations such as alimony and child support are not dischargeable during bankruptcy. So it’s important that you contact us today at (206) 878-8777 or visit www.marineviewlaw.com if you think you may need our assistance.

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- Satisfied Client of Marine View Law & Escrow

Please note that the information provided in general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

To learn more about Marine View Law & Escrow, visit their website: www.marineviewlaw.com or call 206-701-6564.

Incumbents Matt Pina, Carmen Scott, Melissa Musser and Mayor Dave Kaplan have all filed, as has newly-appointed member Jeremy Nutting.

Newcomer Victor L. Pennington is going after Scott’s position (#3), and local lawyer David Gehrke will challenge sitting Municipal Court Judge Veronica Galvan.

Here’s who has filed as of 6 p.m. on the first day:

• Council Position No. 1: Matt Pina
• Council Position No. 3: Victor L. Pennington II, Carmen L. Scott
• Council Position No. 4 (unexpired 2-year term): Jeremy Nutting
• Council Position No. 5: Melissa Musser
• Council Position No. 7: Dave Kaplan
• City of Des Moines Municipal Court Judge: Veronica Galvan, David Gehrke
• Highline Water District Commissioner Position No. 2: Daniel Johnson
• Highline Water District Commissioner Position No. 4: George Landon
• South King Fire and Rescue Commissioner Position No. 1: William (Bill) Gates

As more file, we’ll update the blog so check back often…

Dick Lee and David Endicott of Music4Life with Rotary Club of Des Moines President Catherine Carbone-Rogers. Photo by Lisa Meinecke.

On May 1, the Rotary Club of Des Moines presented a check for $10,400 to David Endicottt and Dick Lee of Highline Music4Life (HM4L).

Proceeds were raised from the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Fest in August 2012.

Since its inception in 2011, HM4L has purchased over 200 new and gently used musical instruments for students in the Highline School District! Thanks to this program, music is alive and well in our schools! Highline Music4Life acquires musical instruments, gets them repaired if needed, and donates them free of charge to Highline Public Schools for use by students of low income families.  The program is sponsored in-part by the Rotary clubs of Des Moines, Burien-White Center and SeaTac and the Highline Public Schools.

“You don’t have to be a Rotarian to support Music4Life,” Endicott said. “All that’s necessary is that you understand the unique value that instrumental music plays in the total education of a child.”

Currently, 75 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in Highline Public Schools who participate in instrumental music programs are from families that are income-eligible. The Highline Music4Life™ initiative intends to assist half that number.

Besides the Highline program, Music4Life also operates programs supporting Seattle Public Schools and Shoreline Schools.  The program acquires used instruments from the garages or attics of adults who understand that their highest and best use is to put them back into play.  With adequate resources, Music4Life can also buy new musical instruments for school districts.

Music4Life enjoys the support of notable music advocates and other community leaders.  Gerard Schwarz, world-renowned conductor laureate of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, endorsed the program, saying, “This wonderful program begins with children in elementary school at a time when, if they’re interested and talented in any way, they have the greatest chance of success. Many people tell me of the impact that direct knowledge of instrumental music has had on their lives. We intend to give this advantage to all our children.”

For more information about the Highline Music4Life and the Rotary Club of Des Moines, please visit http://www.highlinemusic4life.org/ and www.dmrotary.org.

This scholarship is a needs-based scholarship and is awarded annually to three graduating seniors from Highline School District who will be pursuing a college education.

This year, $36,000 in scholarships is being awarded to the following students:

Hector Diaz Contreras ($14,000 scholarship award)
Hector will graduate from Global Connections High School and plans to attend the University of Washington or Seattle University where he wants to study International Studies, with a minor in American Ethnic Studies, and then a Masters in Teaching so he can be a Social Studies teacher. Global Connections principal Rick Harwood, had this to say about Hector: “Hector demonstrates leadership to his peers by being a strong role model through his successful efforts to combine academic success, participation in extracurricular activities, and employment that allows him to help support his family and save for college.”

Nara Koirala ($14,000 scholarship award)
Nara will graduate from Highline High School and plans on attending Washington State University where he will study Mechanical Engineering. Nanci Leonard, a counselor at Highline High School, wrote in her letter of recommendation: “I have absolutely no doubt that Nara will make our world a better place and that his example will lead others to do the same. It has been my privilege to be his teacher.”

Oscar Alejandre ($8,000 scholarship award)
Oscar will graduate from Arts and Academics Academy and plans to attend the University of Washington where he will study Aeronautical Engineering. Paul Didier, his teacher at AAA writes: “Oscar has an outstanding reputation as a leader and role model among both teachers and students at the Arts and Academics Academy (AAA). He has incredible potential and is an “out-of-the-box” thinker. He is one of the most well-rounded, motivated students that I have had the pleasure to teacher in my ten years at AAA.”

SAVE THE DATE: THIS YEAR’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO SUPPORT STIA SCHOLARSHIPS IS JULY 22!
2013 marks the 13th anniversary of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Scholarship Charity Golf Tournament (sponsored by employees of HMS Host and volunteer employees and contractors of the Port of Seattle) to benefit the Highline Schools Foundation.

The proceeds from the tournament have contributed nearly one million dollars to support college scholarships and educational programs for the youth of the Highline School District.

This year’s Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on July 22, 2013 at Fairwood Golf & Country Club in Renton. The Entry Level Golf Team includes golf for four players, cart, range balls, golf pro-shop voucher, a golfer’s gift package, on-course refreshments, and dinner. The Hole Sponsor Level Golf Team includes all the above plus golf attire, signage on the tee, advertising on the Sponsorship Board and name in tournament program.

There are multiple sponsorship levels available with some including golf packages. More information about team registration and sponsorship levels can be found on Highline Schools Foundation website: http://www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org. The deadline to register is Monday, July 8, 2013

Register online at http://www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org