Gone are persuasive puns uttered by 1970s teenagers when Des Moines, according to them, was more appropriately pronounced, “DEAD Moines.”

“There’s nothing to do here,” they complained.

Oh, how times change. Des Moines is being discovered with subsequent growing pains. Thirty-four construction projects city wide were in process from January through March. And city officials are negotiating with the Port of Seattle for commercial development of the “buy-out area” near the post office.

Adding the human being touch to progress are citizens actively taking ownership in this city’s future.

A combination such as that reminds me of when Mom gathered up tasty bits of various unused ingredients in the kitchen and whipped up one dandy big kettle of lip-smacking stew. Now is the time of bringing it all together.

The Mayor’s Leadership Committee met for their fourth Summit on May 6. A “Report to the Community,” of recommendations and actions, which was presented to the Des Moines City Council on March 9 by the committee chairs, Leesa Kofmel and myself, was repeated verbatim.

Highlights of Mayor Bob Sheckler’s letter to leaders states, “It is a fantastic document! Many recommendations contained in the Report have started to happen. The most significant this year being a farmer’s market in the marina June 17th through October.

“A citizens group is working with city staff to streamline permitting process, the City Council placed a levy lid lift question on May 16th ballot to fund additional police services, and decided to lease space at Redondo Square shopping plaza for a police substation. All in one year!”

Volunteer groups come and go. To insure this one continues, this summit’s participants decided to promptly structure and implement a non-profit organization of these community leaders to continue partnership and support progressive action within the city.

Mayor Sheckler said, “We started with a plan to fulfill our vision of making Des Moines the best community in the Puget Sound region. The amount of energy and excitement is incredible and the level of commitment to Des Moines is remarkable.”

New construction and new businesses breathe new life of financial interest and progress into a community.

In the downtown core, an office building is rising on a longtime vacant lot next to Auntie Irene’s. Mark Stegin’s project for street-level retail with condominiums above, at South 226th Street and Marine View Drive, has begun. A new business, Des Moines Nails Salon in QFC Plaza, offers full services at reasonable prices in a sparkling clean attractive shop.

Yet, there are two faces to this city -- one new and one much loved with familiar wrinkles of time.

You’re invited to the Des Moines Historical Society Annual Strawberry Shortcake Feed on Tuesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, 728 S. 225th St.

Lt. Alex Charoni of South King Fire & Rescue will present times past with historic, seldom-seen pictures of Fire District 26 and Federal Way Fire, and explain their recent merger.

Strawberry shortcake is complimentary. Donations are welcome.

Looking ahead: July 8-9 - Catch Des Moines Classic Car & Wooden Boat Show at the marina plus hydroplanes, free boat rides, and of all things, “Elvis” starring fantastic impersonator Danny Vernon.

Dessert is last on most menus and Emma Kauzlarich is one sweet Centurion, celebrating her 100th birthday May 15.

Her son, Robert Fauver, lives in Normandy Park.

She credits longevity to being born and raised on a South Dakota farm.

“We lived and ate healthy, raising our own food,” Emma said.

Asked how she likes living at Des Moines Creek Adult Family Home, owned by Rachelle Mendoza, she said, “These people are so much fun.”

Although Emma uses a walker on daily walks, she loves dancing.

At age 12 she snuck off to a dance with her older brother Oliver. Later she knew the late, great orchestra leader Lawrence Welk.

Asked, “If you could do anything in the world, Emma, what would that be?” she replied, “I’d go dancing!”

Emma Kauzlarich is right. Given a choice, let’s dance.

“DEAD Moines” is a memory. Life is today. Dancing is forever!