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There is less than one month until Opening Day at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market (sister site The Waterland Blog is a Sponsor), and what a day Saturday, June 2 will be – in its new location at the remodeled north end of the Des Moines Marina!

Coming off its most successful seasons in history (up 30% each of the past two years), the Market will have a new look during its seventh season, having outgrown the old space in the South Marina Park and moving into a true waterfront spot.

The word “Waterfront” in its name will be prominent as the location is right on the water where guest yachts are moored. Look for the new Boardwalk Bistro where you will be able to enjoy your favorite market foods while watching all the boating activities.

“Along with your favorite returning farmers, food and craft vendors, there will lots of new ones like Seattle Bagel and Total Europe, serving soups, hot dogs and sausages,” said Rikki Marohl, market manager. “Also new this year will be a Des Moines favorite, Auntie Irene’s, serving ice cream.”

The market again will feature its own wines, including last year’s favorite Waterfront White.

Opening Day activities will include a military color guard ceremony, presenting the emblem (US Flag). Other opening activities include classic cars on display, the Des Moines Arts Commission will be showcasing some local artists, radio station WARM 106.9 will be doing a remote broadcast and your pals at The Waterland Blog will be blogging live.

Don’t forget to bring your old musical instruments and donate them to the Rotary Music4Life program. They will be at the market the first three weekends in June. The program refurbishes the instruments and gives them to the Highline School students who can’t afford them.

Wayne Corey, Board President, recently commented on the upcoming season:

“We are really excited about the move to the North end of the Marina, as it will allow us to grow and expand, provide for more conveniences for shoppers and gives us greater flexibility every Saturday thru October.”

To keep up with all the current happenings at the market, please log onto the web site and sign up for our e-newsletter that comes out once a week. You can also keep up on the activities by frequently visiting The Waterland Blog!

The market will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. until the end of October.

See you on OPENING DAY!

The city is offering an early bird discount, with the deadline being this Thursday, May 10.

The final registration deadline will be Thursday, May 24.

Market Vendors, Artists and Volunteers registration forms are available online at www.normandyparkwa.gov.

• Juried Show Art Drop-off: Wednesday, May 30th 3-8pm
• Market Vendor Setup: Friday, June 1st 4-6pm or Saturday, June 2nd 8-9am

Contact City Hall to have the registration form sent to you via email or mail at 206-248-8248 or artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us.

Nick Rondos, Owner of the Kayak Bar and Grill (located in the Normandy Park Towne Center), wants our Readers to know that they’ll be offering a special Mother’s Day Brunch from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (or later), as well as regular weekend brunches starting Sunday, May 13.

“Mother’s Day is a great day to treat Mom to a fantastic brunch,” Rondos said. “Our special brunch for Moms on May 13 will include Prawn Cocktail, Spinach Salad, Eggs Benedict with Crab and Creme Brulee.”

Kayak will also be serving their regular brunches on Saturdays and Sundays from May 13 on, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Teddy Rondos

They’ll also have their full menu available that day as well, all prepared by their excellent cook, Chef Ejidio.

Also helping the Kayak cause is Nick’s son Teddy Rondos (pictured, left), who’s tending bar and doing other general duties.

Nick, former owner of the hip Western Cafe in downtown Seattle, also wants our Readers to know about their private ‘Kayak Room,’ perfect for intimate, business or any other occasions. This room accommodates 2 to 14 people, with a warm and cozy living room feel. “Watch your team’s replays or live sporting events in a private setting or light the candles and close the doors for your own getaway – enjoy it all with full restaurant service!” You can also rent the entire restaurant for special occasions.

Kayak is also offering Happy Hour specials daily from 3 – 6 p.m., and again from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m., with $5 Calamari, Skewers, Sliders, Wings, Nachos and more.

HOURS:

• Lunch Daily 11:30~4:00
• Dinner Daily 4:00~close
• Happy Hour 3~6 & 9~12 Daily

**NOW** Serving Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 ‘til 1:00.

To download their menu, click here (PDF file).

There’s plenty of free parking, free Wifi, weekly specials, orders to go, outdoor dining, full service lounge, a large wine selection, a party room and much more.

The Kayak Bar and Grill is located at 19803 1st Ave South, in the Normandy Park Towne Center, and their phone # is (206) 429-3145. You can also email them here: nikorondos@kayakbarandgrill.com.

For more information on the Kayak bar and Grill, call them at (206) 429-3145, or visit their website here: http://kayakbarandgrill.com.

You can also “Like” them on Facebook here.

Be sure to tell ‘em you read about ‘em on the Blog!

The Kayak's outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy the nicer weather.

NPB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s Open House for this week is a well cared-for 3-bedroom rambler priced to sell at just $189,000.

Hardwood floors are hidden under the carpets, except in the kitchen.

The private backyard is mostly fenced with a huge hedge, patio, a moveable shed and room for an RV.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Sunday, May 6 from 1pm – 4pm.

WHERE: 12245 3rd Ave SW, Burien, WA 98146

INFO:

• List Price: $189,000
• Listing #: 350510
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 1
• Year Built: 1962
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,260
• Lot Square Footage: 6,760

Interior Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• RV Parking

Marketing Remarks:

Well cared for rambler, hardwoods under carpet except kitchen, generous cupboard space (BIRCH?), living room with fireplace, doublepane windows, 1″ siding, roof 8-10 yrs, mostly fenced with huge hedge in back for privacy, patio, shed on skids/pallets (moveable), workshop, storage shop for those garden tools, carport could converted, mainly used as sitting/visiting area, parking for boat/rv + rv dump, home warranty using MARINE VIEW escrow,FIDELITY TITLE, curtains/drapes go with seller, apps/nego.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

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

New playground equipment has been installed at Normandy Park City Hall, and Community members are invited to join the City Council, Parks Commission, and City staff in a ribbon-cutting celebration and re-opening of the playground on Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m.

“In 2010, the Parks Commission conducted a Comprehensive Parks Plan update and received input from community members,” reads an announcement. “One of the top priority projects was replacement of the deteriorating play equipment at City Hall Park. The Parks Commission held a series of meetings in late 2011 and took public input during meetings as well as through a survey. Three vendors presented design proposals for the new playground area and the Parks Commission selected the design of PlayCreation, a company located in Burien.”

The equipment is manufactured by Landscape Structures in Delano, Minnesota.

Funding for the equipment and installation is provided by the Normandy Park Metropolitan Park District, which was approved by voters in 2009.

MAKE YOUR MARK (or your child’s)
For a decorative touch, the City of Normandy Park is selling 6” x 6” tiles for a child’s hand or footprint. The tiles will be used for the face of the bench seat in the playground area.

Cost per tile is $25.00 and space is limited so don’t wait to reserve your tiles.

Tiles will be sold during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and after May 12th at City Hall.

Advertiser Gregory Seahurst Swim Club (GSSC – home of the Gators!), located right here in Burien’s own Gregory Heights neighborhood, is getting set to open at Noon on Saturday, May 12, with a General Swim & BBQ.

Many people don’t even realize that there’s a great, private, non-profit swim club located here.

Whether you enjoy a quiet lap swim, a leisurely game of tennis, a challenging game of pickleball or just want to spend a warm summer evening barbequing with friends, GSSC is the place for you.

The club also offer a comprehensive swim, dive, and lessons program and opportunities for kids to participate on competitive teams. Their mission is to “develop within our kids an interest and love for swimming, diving, and tennis; provide training and competitive opportunities for youth of all abilities; celebrate team and individual ‘personal bests;’ provide a fun, family-friendly, ‘Gator Pride’ atmosphere that builds sportsmanship, character, skills, and friendships.”

They even offer a Masters swim program for adults!

First opened in 1959, it includes a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool with diving board, small wading pool, two tennis courts, pickeball courts, a tennis practice-wall area and a playground for young children.

Swim and tennis lesson programs are available to both members and the general public, either as part of a group or individually.

The 150-member swim and dive teams are part of the Seattle Summer Swim League. GSSC and other local swim clubs host the league’s events. Gregory Seahurst’s tennis team competes in USTA events.

New for 2012:

• Tennis courts resurfaced
• New pickleball courts
• New basketball hoop

FACILITIES
The main building houses men’s and women’s changing rooms and the club office. Bleachers line one side of the big pool, and there’s a raised barbecue area with gas grills and picnic tables adjacent to its shallow end.

On two sides of the pool are lounge chairs and shade umbrellas. Snack service is provided at selected times.

TEAMS
The 150-member swim and dive teams are part of the Seattle Summer Swim League. GSSC and other local swim clubs host the league’s events. Gregory Seahurst’s tennis team competes in USTA events.

To join this great, neighborhood club, click here.

GSSC has a limit of 280 active membership shares. To apply for membership, please apply through our online registration or complete a Membership Registration Application and mail it to the address shown below. Upon receipt of the completed form and the $10 fee, you’ll be contacted about purchasing a membership. Currently, there is not a wait list.

Before submitting an application, please thoroughly read the following pages:

• Membership purchase details
• Dues and fees
• Maintenance requirement

How to join:

New members can join the club for $550/year (plus tax) as an associate member. That amount is the current dues ($450) plus $100. We will still accept full memberships of course, but the hope is that new members will get to try out our wonderful pool for up to two years without having to purchase a full membership (currently valued at $700). If, after two years, they want to join as full members, the $200 will be applied to the current value of a membership. We don’t have a waiting list, so they can join right away. We are working on marketing our club through other means, but nothing beats a personal testimonial.

GSSC offers two types of memberships for new members:

1. Equity Share Membership: Equity member certificate holders are entitled to full use of the Club facilities and programs. In addition, certificate holders can be appointed to the Board of Directors and have voting rights at all general membership meetings.
2. Seasonal (Provisional) Membership: Are only available to new members and are limited to a term not to exceed 2 years. Provisional members are entitled to full use of the Club facilities and programs. However, they are not eligible to serve on the Board or vote at any general membership meetings. Provisional members will not have to pay any member approved assessments.

Send your application and $10 fee (payable to GSSC) to:

Sandra Holmes
GSSC Membership Director
16221 9th Ave SW
Burien WA 98166

For questions concerning membership, contact Sandra at sandraholmes@comcast.net or 206-431-8086.

by Scott Schaefer

A local 13-year old girl named Tori Keeth recently made her small screen debut in a new Samsung Smart TV commercial, which is airing on South Korean TV, as well as in print and digital billboards – check it out (she’s the brunette girl):

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sadly, the only way you’ll see Tori on TV is via the internet (here’s the Youtube link) – for now at least.

“Rumor has it other countries are close to picking it up to due to the popularity of the commercial,” said her Father, Dustin Keeth. “We wish her much success in following her dream. If you watch the commercial please share it, like it and put in a comment to show your support.”

This Korean commercial is her first spot, and her Dad said that she was one of four finalists for a Disney TV show, but just lost out. Tori has also been in a pilot presentation for a TLC movie that might be picked up.

Prior to this breakout gig, Tori had roles with the Hi-Liners, which definitely helped prepare her for stardom.

Tori attended Marvista Elementary School before being discovered by winning a talent contest, which lead her to Hollywood.

“She was discovered two years ago through a booth at the Puyallup Fair,” her Dad told The B-Town Blog. “She went on to win the singing competition and was sent an all-expenses paid trip to a competition in California where kids perform, sing, model, act, etc. in front of judges who are either talent agents, managers, etc.. After the competition, Tori received 25 callbacks and was picked up to be represented by both an talent agent and manager.”

Here’s Tori’s performance at a competition in LA:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s her performance from the Puyallup Fair:

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to her Dad, acting and singing has been Tori’s dream “for as long as she can talk. She is currently living in LA 6-9 months a year with her Mom and getting repeated auditions and callbacks. She’s getting close to making this a career.”

What’s life like for a 13-year old girl in Hollywood? Here’s what her Dad says:

“Tori recently got to be in a few scenes for a new TV pilot that stars the cute little girl (Maggie Elisabeth Jones) from the film ‘We Bought a Zoo.’ Tori has become friends with her since moving to California, and was recently invited to be on set and camera with her last month.”

Tori’s Dad and sister travel back and forth to see the family on a regular basis, and they communicate daily via Skype.

We think we see a real star here folks, so remember the name Tori Keeth!

NPB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s Open House for this week is a lovingly cared-for, sprawling rambler on a corner lot in Des Moines!

This home has been meticulously maintained from the same owner for the last 35 years.

Features include a living room with a huge picture window and a cozy fireplace, an open-concept kitchen, dining room with bay window, spacious bedrooms with nice hardwood flooring, a workshop, plenty of storage and much more.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Sunday, April 22 from 1pm – 4pm.

WHERE: 403 S. 202nd Street, Des Moines, WA 98198

INFO:

• List Price: $215,000
• Listing #: 344311
• Beds: 4
• Baths: 1.75
• Year Built: 1963
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,795
• Lot Square Footage: 9,000

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Ceiling Fan(s)
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Dining Room
• Disabled Access
  Vaulted Ceilings

Site Features:

• Disabled Access
• Fenced-Fully
• High Speed Internet
• Outbuildings
• Patio
• RV Parking
• Shop

Marketing Remarks:

Situated on a corner lot, this sprawling rambler has been lovingly cared for & meticulously maintained from the same owner over the last 35 years!

Features include: Living rm w/ HUGE picture window & cozy fireplace.

Open-concept kitchen & dining rm w/ bay window.

Spacious bedrms w/ nice hardwood flooring, the master includes an updated bathrm w/ newer fixtures.

Soaring vaulted ceilings in the family rm & 4th bedrm.

The workshop has electricity, a workbench, shelving & plenty of storage space!

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

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

Normandy Park Preschool will be holding a Rummage and Bake Sale Fundraiser from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28.

The event will be held at the Normandy Park City Hall Gym, rain or shine.

“Come and find amazing deals on gently used household items, furniture, clothing, toys and lots more,” reads an announcement. “We also have Kelly Carr from Maplewild Bakery providing the yummy treats for our bake sale!”

“This is the place to shop, eat and support a great school!”

Normandy Park City Hall is located at 801 SW 174th Street.

If you’ve seen her, please call Leonard at 206-459-1182.