November 2018

The Whale Trail Hosts 3rd Annual WELCOME THE ORCAS Celebration Dec. 1
Games, activities, Orca Parade at noon & speakers to celebrate the return of the southern residents to Central Puget Sound

information from the Whale Trail


The Whale Trail and Seal Sitters invite the public to an inspirational, educational, fun and family-friendly event on Saturday, December 1, to mark the annual return of the southern resident orcas to the inland waters of Puget Sound. At the event, members of the public can learn about the final recommendations put forth by Governor Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Task Force and have fun while learning about Seattle’s famous residents and the major threats to their survival.

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Dr. Saovra “Sy” Ear named interim President of Highline College
Refugee knows challenges of college for first-generation students of color

A Cambodian refugee whose American college experience shaped his life and career has been named interim vice president at Highline College. Dr. Saovra “Sy” Ear will oversee the college’s Student Services division beginning Nov. 26.

“The experience of my family as refugees instilled the value of education as a way to move into the middle class,” said Ear, who grew up in a low-income household of seven.

But the college experience itself was a challenge, especially for someone whose parents didn’t attend college and couldn’t offer advice. College life can be complex. His struggles stuck with him, leading him to a career helping all students succeed in college.

“My experience as a student and professional shaped who I am today as an educational leader,” he said.

In leading the Student Services division, Ear will oversee a variety of services and programs to promote student access, retention and completion.

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Taproot Theartre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas

The all-ages holiday tradition is back! Charlie Brown is depressed by the never-ending commercialism surrounding the holidays. Thankfully, Linus is there to help him find the true meaning of Christmas in this musical adaptation of the cartoon classic.

Rick Hornor directs Coulson Bingham, Maya Burton, Sarah Diener, Julee Felts, Arika Matoba, Steven Tran, Brad Walker and Ben Wippel.

All performances are open to all ages!

Opening Night - Fri, Nov 30 at 7:00 PM*

Sat, Dec 1 at 11:00 AM

Sat, Dec 1 at 1:30 PM

Sat, Dec 1 at 4:00 PM Sensory Friendly

Fri, Dec 7 at 7:00 PM

Sat, Dec 8 at 11:00 AM Sensory Friendly

Sat, Dec 8 at 1:30 PM

Sat, Dec 8 at 4:00 PM

 

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Brace for the Pink Wave

By Jean Godden

Everyone was anticipating a Blue Wave to hit during Midterm elections. So it was no surprise that a Blue Wave did indeed sweep dozens of Democrats into the U. S. House of Representatives.

What did surprise was the Pink Wave, masses of women swept into the nation's House. Women also flooded state legislatures, governors' mansions and county and city offices. Not even in 1992, the so-called Year of the Woman, was there such a feminist groundswell.

The numbers are dizzying. While one or two races remain undecided, it is certain that Congress will be home to at least 123 women (out of 538 members). The House will be much bluer, with 113 women lawmakers projected; 98 democrats and 15 Republicans. The U. S. Senate, however, had few vulnerable races and continues redder than before.

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Local volunteers always needed at MOW

What has eight drivers, five women, six freezers, 475 packaged meals and meets every Wednesday in Burien?

Is it… a hockey team, a senior ladie’s basketball club or even a convention award show?

Nope. It is MOW. Better known as Meals On Wheels. 

With smiling faces, five women volunteers meet every Wednesday morning near the Burien skate park at the Burien Community Center Annex  to begin a labor of love. They are the local chapter of Meals On Wheels, a Sound Generations facility that produces prepared meals for local families or persons 60 and older who cannot afford and/or cannot get out easily to shop for themselves.

From a small anteroom, adjacent to an entry door to old classrooms from the former Chelsea Park Elementary School on 144th S.W., sits a room that once held playground equipment for school kids. It is now the operation center for storing and distributing those 475 frozen breakfasts, lunches and dinners in microwave-able packs. 

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The Lee Side; THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
From December 15, 1965

By Lee Robinson

I was beginning to think I would never get the Christmas spirit this year.  I still haven’t done my Christmas shopping or mailed a single card.  I was beginning to feel a little guilty until I talked to a few other slowpokes who admitted they were in the same boat.  When you are busy you just don’t stop to think about these seasonal events.

Then just the other night on my way home I drove down 16th S.W. and the sound of carols coming from Santa’s Workshop reminded me that it was “That time of year again.”  I noticed how nice the business district looks with the colored lights twinkling overhead and I noted the happy faces of shoppers scurrying along the mall with their arms full of packages.

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Jerry's View: The gift of giving comes back

by Jerry Robinson

I'm not much of a craftsman. I admit it. I do like to tinker in the garage and I've owned nearly every type of woodworking tool to make everyone think I know what I'm doing. Crosscut saws, rip saws, band saws, table saws, hack saws. I never saw a saw I did not think I needed.

         It wasn't always like that. My six thumbs were no challenge to my brother Russ. We once made sailboats to race at Peninsula Park wading pool, in Portland. Russ was gifted. His sleek sloop cut a fine figure. Its billowed sail moving briskly across the water. As captain of my boat, I should have scuttled it before launch. No one told me cardboard and balsa wood are not good in water.

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