January 2009

Bill Wolford and his wife Hope met their pug Quasimojo about the time they were dating over 9 years ago.

Three Lancers chosen

Three members of the Kennedy girls soccer team were selected to the all-state first team. They were Britney Carlson, Julia Besagno and Rebecca Kurle.

Brewers seek players

The RIPS Brewers are looking for 14U and 16U select baseball players.

Contact Aaron at 206-941-0128 for more information.

LaCrosse trying out

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about this new generation.

Some folks call it Generation Y. Others call it the "New Millenials."

All I know is that I mean anyone who was born, say, when Bill Clinton was president.

Mostly, I have been thinking of teenagers - how they used to be, how they are today. And wondering what's behind the way they see the world.

My experience is that teenagers these days don't work as hard as I remember working. They don't feel as grateful. They can talk back a bit. They are more aware.

New Year's resolutions are a funny thing.

Resolutions are easy to make but even easier to break.

Maybe that's why there is an old saying that "many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits."

One of the easiest resolutions to make-and break-is to become healthier in the new year. Health experts say that one of the greatest obstacles to getting in shape is time-time away from your job and time away from your family.

But, there is a way to pursue those resolutions and do it side-by-side with your child or teenager.

"I'm cautiously optimistic for the economic stability of our city in 2009. We'll be watching federal and state levels and take action as we can to access available funding," Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler said in assessing the new year.

A ring of worldwide concern was evident when he added, "The whole world seems to be in a waiting position for President-elect Barack Obama to be installed and see the impact of economic stimulus and new direction."

Small cities lined up for funding priority behind national, state, and county governments may endure a meager 2009.

Under state law (RCW 84.14), cities can waive property taxes to encourage development in depressed areas.

The Des Moines City Council is considering granting this exemption for a proposed development of between 1,800 and 5,500 new residential units on Pacific Ridge (a depressed area just east of Hwy 99).

The waiver could be for up to eight years on the value of the residential property improvements, but does not include the value of the land (remains taxed per assessed value).

Thanks for printing those letters regarding the third runway.

We live in Des Moines at Wesley Homes and have our first patio in 78 years of life.

This summer the noise will totally ruin the pleasure of having a patio.

There is no doubt that the third runway is being used to its maximum.

Larry Hughes' letter on Dec. 31 was right on base with all his remarks and especially about commissioners who are outvoted, or become the establishment.

Joanne & Paul Marr

Des Moines

The other week I submitted a letter, "Not Dead Moines", and with much after thought, we decided to experiment with the possibilities available in our town.

Well, the opportunity came with an e-mail from the Des Moines Yacht Club, inviting our community at large to join them at their beautiful clubhouse for a New Year's Celebration. Here was a perfect example of a treasure overlooked in Des Moines.

So if you thought there is nothing doing in Des Moines you missed an "open to the public" New Year's celebration at an unbeatable ticket price!

Twas the week before Christmas, and next to the Sound,

Not a creature was stirring, for all were snowbound.

Greyhound busses quit running, no matter the fare,

And the mailmen and garbage said they just couldn't get there!

The children were sliding Queen Anne Hill on their sleds. _While roofs were collapsing on old people's heads.

_And mamma in her boots and I in my cap, _Were stuck in the snow and ice and such crap.

Complaints about overuse of the new third runway are based on community misperceptions, Sea-Tac International Airport director Mark Reis said Jan.