September 2008

This past week I had an interesting experience that I would like to share with all of you who have children, or grandchildren, in our schools.

So often I hear that their children are "doing very well" in school, and I ask the parents "What evidence do you have of this excellence?"

Almost always the answer is that they are getting good grades on their report card.

Sadly our report cards are not the currency of excellence in the world outside of Federal Way.

In fact, three of our high schools are not rated very well even at the University of Washington

Swim, bike, run or volunteer your way through the fifth annual U.S. Women's Triathlon at Steel Lake Park in Federal Way, Sept. 7. A women-only triathlon, the Federal Way race is the second of a four-city nationwide series.

Lady triathletes

Ladies of all athletic ability are invited to participate in the triathlon benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Eagle Scout Allen Swanson, 17, and a strong-willed group of volunteers spent the afternoon last Wednesday, August 27, ripping up sod to install a new walking trail around the permieter of the Marckx orchard at the Hylebos Wetlands Park. The 150-foot long trail will be filled with gravel and will connect the main boardwalk trail with Marlake Pond to the west. Swanson is working with the city to fulfil the project requirement of his badge. The teen Eagle Scout is a student at Decatur and participating in Running Start at Highline Community College.

Registration is now open for computer classes at the Federal Way Senior Center for classes starting in mid-September.

The classes include Beginners, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Internet & Email, Digital Photography, Office 2003 Programs, and Office 2007 Programs.

Registration by September10, 2008 is requested for anyone interested in these classes. Call Larry Malcom at 253-839-5418 to register.

The Federal Way Senior Center is located at 4016 S. 352nd in Auburn (off of Military Road) and the classes are open to adults of all ages.

It's time for the annual K-9 Karnival at Steel Lake Park- that wacky annual event where pets and their people can show off, win contests and have fun.

It all starts at noon on Sept.

Masters times offered

The Federal Way Masters swimming team for ages 19 and over is now offering three workout session times at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center located at 650 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.

Monday through Friday a 5:30-6:45 a.m. and a 7-8 p.m.session are offered, with a 6:50-7:50 a.m. session taking place Tuesdays and Thursdays. A 10:15-11:15 a.m. session is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Saturdays an 8-9 a.m. session is held at the Kenneth Jones Pool (Federal Way High School).

Members are required to join U.S.

Football schedule

Fall 2008

Sept. 4

Beamer at Spanaway Lk., 7 p.m.

Auburn at Federal Way, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5

Decatur at Em. Ridge, 7 p.m.

Tahoma at TJ, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12

Puyallup at Decatur, 7 p.m.