May 2007

Several weeks back, there was a curious article published in the Seattle Times entitled "High-school musicals: big casts and big bucks" (can be found on the Seattle Times' website under Local News). It covers the rising quality, expenditures, and pressure of high school musicals, focusing mainly on a small handful of local schools. At present I am working on my high school's spring musical, "Grease," as one of two costume designers (though our roles have expanded to include hair and makeup as well) and thus found the article to be very intriguing.

Over at James A.

Aspiring to drive a fire truck has never gone out of style. That childhood dream of turning the big wheel without power steering is being experienced by driver members of the Last Resort Fire Department where rigs from bygone days are kept in fine repair and antique fire extinguishers polished to a sparkling copper glow. Although they are not in regular firefighting service, volunteers are trained in ladder service and pumping water if ever called upon in an emergency.

How did I learn about all this?

I read in the West Seattle Herald (May 16) that the comment period for the bike plan ends this Friday, May 18th. That's strange, I sent e-mail several months ago with comments that was replied, "We already had our planning meetings" and implied "we don't need your input."

Well, I can seriously say you do need my input. Or, you can give me your input to a few simple questions.

1. How do you plan on getting bicycle traffic onto the Admiral hill "climbing lane" from Avalon Place, Spokane Street and Harbor Avenue? (I have an inexpensive idea!)

2.

Mr. Mayne's editorial only reflects his disdain for having to share the road with cyclists.

His exaggerated claim of following a cyclist up a hill at 1 mph is nonsense. It's quite difficult to actually keep your balance at that speed. Perhaps behind a wheel of a car does 5 or 10 mph feel like 1 mph. The fact that the cyclist took the middle of the lane clearly shows that the cyclist knew where they're going.

Of West Seattle, 1918 - Feb. 18, 2007. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII, worked for Naval Support Activity for 34 years at Pier 91 and Sand Point. He was disabled by a stroke in 1973. Preceded in death by Elvira, survived by Gary, Randy and Annette; Grandchildren Bryce and Chelsea. No service; donation to Veterans Hospital Patients Welfare Fund; 1660 S. Columbian Way, Mail Stop S. - 182 - SW; Seattle 98108.

Dear Public Servants at the City of Seattle,

Do not remove any parking whatsoever if and when constructing bicycle lanes with our money.

I repeat, do not remove any parking whatsoever if and when constructing bicycle paths with our money.

Also, do not reduce roadway space whatsoever for cars if and when constructing bicycle lanes.

Wide auto lanes translate into safer bicycling, as drivers are then able to give wide berth to bicyclists. This is particularly true concerning center turn lanes that are now present along California Avenue.

I just read your article May 16, 2007 "Awards for leadership given at Holy Rosary School" (May 16) but forgot to mention that Whitney Brown and Kayli Schulz also received Leadership in Community Building and Service. Whitney Brown serves others every day. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to reach out to those in need are inspiring. Kayli Schulz volunteers in the community on a regular basis. She assists in a local dance studio giving her time and talent freely. She is a cheerful giver.

I think we should not forget them.

Fourteen people thought that it was important to leave the comfort of their own homes to come to the Vivian McLean Park in the Delridge neighborhood of Puget Ridge to spend five minutes standing for peace.

A movement begun by Ohio women from the book "The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering" caught the imagination of these people and many others across the planet. Seventy-two groups met in the state of Washington. The five minutes began with the ringing of a crystal bell and concluded with its being rung once again.

Local businesses, schools, groups and individuals from West Seattle all the way to Normandy Park are supporting WestSide Baby as we collect and redistribute baby gear, children's clothing up to size 12, toys, diapers and books to low-income families in South King County. This directly impacts how many car seats, portable cribs and diapers we can buy and consequently share with our most vulnerable citizens.

Last week, 136 students from Alki Elementary were lucky enough to be the first audience watching the world premiere of "Pinocchio" at West Seattle's own ArtsWest Playhouse.

Hicks Lake is located in Martin Luther King County's 32-acre Lakewood Park next door to Cascade and Evergreen schools.

Hicks Lake is only four acres in size yet receives drainage from 750 watershed acres.