December 2007

is positive

I was deeply concerned after reading the article about the School Board possibly overturning the Denny-Sealth construction plan. I am a strong supporter of the project and would be very frustrated if it were overturned. It is an innovative and exciting plan that wisely uses limited financial resources.

Some have voiced their concern about having middle and high school students on the same campus, but I feel that appropriate safeguards can be put into place to ensure the safety of everyone.

I get a kick out of the popularity of the phrase "Happy Holidays". Don't people know who's birthday we're celebrating? Merry Christmas!

M. E. Kanyer

Alki

Most states have some sort of relief for those 65 or older on property taxes and i do not refer to a deferrment till you croak with interest growing each year the person lives.

Sadly, it appears the great "middle class" is fast disappearing and we are becoming another third world country of have and have nots. It is time to wake up.

Harriet Benjamin

Harbor Avenue

I am asking that neighbors who are use Medicaid Personal Care and Respite Providers provide feedback to the governor and our legislators about proposals to increase the number of required training hours for these providers. This request was recently made by the Arc of King County of their Parent Coalition Members and I am asking for general public response to gain support for the many Developmentally Disabled Family members who provide in-home care for their relatives.

Hiawatha Playfield is scheduled to have artificial turf installed on its main playing surface in front of the Hiawatha Community Center.

The new field is being designed to accommodate baseball, football and soccer on one field. It will be encircled by a three-lane, 400-meter, rubberized running track.

There are also plans to replace Hiawatha's field lights with more slender poles and compact electrical fixtures.

Many of the estimated 1,200 families who visit the White Center Food Bank each month are hard workers who do not have enough food to make it through the month - single parents, immigrants, and non-English speakers.

They find fresh meats, salmon, breads, pastas, canned goods, milk and desserts here.

A variety of meals are available-home delivered to those with special circumstances - including no-cook meals that are ready to eat, and ethnic foods for the diverse population served.

If baby items are needed, such as diapers, formula, cribs and more, even new car s

Until a few years ago, Peggy Cook had never really thought much about her role in helping further women's rights.

She's one of millions of U.S. women who began work in industrial and trade jobs during World War II - a Rosie the Riveter who helped change the way women - and men - think about traditional women's roles.

"I think I've always worked but just didn't realize it was unusual," said Cook, who turns 83 this month.

Born in 1924, Cook comes from modest beginnings, growing up on "a shack" near the Cowlitz River in southwest Washington.

Chili Peppers win state Dairy Farmers Cup

By Dean Wong

The Ballard Chili Peppers, a team from the Ballard Youth Soccer Club won the Dairy Farmers of Washington President's Cup in the BU-13 division on Dec. 9 in Olympia.

Despite playing on a snow covered field, the Chili Peppers managed to beat the Puyallup Hurricanes 2-1. Referees scraped as much snow as the could to reveal the lines and the game went on as planned.

The Hurricanes dominated in the first half when they scored their only goal.

George Johnson celebrated his 95th birthday on Dec. 22 and the long time owner of Ballard Realty and Insurance has shown little sign of slowing down, working six days a week to serve generations of area clients.

"Keep working, stay happy and enjoy what you are doing. I'm easing off. I go home at noon now," said Johnson, who has been in business on 15th Avenue since 1947.

Johnson has received some unique birthday presents in recent years and last week was no exception.

There are Santa figures everywhere at this time of the year. This one can be found in the lobby of Swedish Medical Center at their Tallman Avenue entrance.