How about that spring/summer "Des Moines City Currents" newsletter! Can you believe all the local activities and government projects either in process or going to be? Guess this little city is about to grow up - ready or not.

Development of about 85 acres of land planned for Des Moines Creek Business Park is huge. One does wonder where the money's coming from to support so much.

As to recreational activities, credit must go to Parks staff that likely researched grant money and revenue-generating, self-supporting activities. How great that this small community offers such quality and quantity of youth events.

Until I wondered what kind of dance "Hip Hop" is, the dance programs caught my eye. Melanie's Dance Unlimited instructor wrote, "We'll whip you into shape and teach you how to dance. No experience necessary." Sounds okay for kids - not comforting for me.

At the Activity and Senior Center seasoned citizens likely prefer the Viennese Waltz. A dance that takes two people gracefully floating around the dance floor looking quite elegant in gowns, ties and tails. Not exactly like "Dancing with the Stars," yet reminiscent of our glory years.

There is no doubt "The Currents" picture of a young man doing the Hip Hop" with one foot and one hand flat on the floor is definitely not in my dance routine. A slow "Jitterbug" might be worth a try if these little old legs agree to participate.

As teens we danced the Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, and Fox Trot to real live in-person Big Bands of Glenn Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey orchestra's,at Seattle's Trianon Ballroom.

I remember when a new guy singer named Frank Sinatra, took the microphone looking very thin, underfed, and out of proportion big shoulder pads in his jacket. Still he belted out lively tunes and heartfelt love ballads. As showbiz' Bob Hope might say, "Thanks for the memories."

Today's youth is active in recreational opportunities, so hooray for Des Moines Youth Council leaders and kids who like a good ballgame, soccer, swimming or art - because life is better doing those things. Fun doesn't stop as one ages, just check out Senior Softball teams kicking off their League games the week of May 4th.

If sitting down entertainment is more up your alley, don't miss Missoula Children's Theatre. If your kids want to become actors or directors, here's their chance to audition July 19th.

The Missoula's Children's Theatre was first brought to Des Moines by efforts of Highline School District teacher Jim Langston, a descendent of Pioneer, "Daddy" Draper's family who provided a home and education for many orphans. That's fun stuff.

With "Des Moines Currents" information that City Council members are heavy into big construction planning, change is on the way. Check page 3, "Des Moines Transportation Gateway Project."

South 216th will be torn up to widen streets, add bicycle lanes, and prepare for big-time development on the about 85 acres of adjoining vacant land. The Port of Seattle and City of Des Moines are participating in that planned development.

Adding to construction woes - downtown streets will be torn up to install new larger water pipes in busy Marine View Drive South, date unknown. New development has been scarce to none downtown because water pipes are small and cannot meet safety and use water flow requirements for additional building.

Water District #54 serves downtown and didn't have the money to foot all project costs. The city needed more water supplies for downtown development, so they're working together to get the job done. Teamwork works!

Businesses are struggling in today's economy and torn-up roads can cost them customers. Although when new pipes are in operation I'm told developers are lined up to build, still that's small comfort now. The marina and Beach Park are torn up and difficult to access, businesses are pinched by poor economy, and any city without local businesses to patronize can be just another road through town.

Support your businesses.

Safety is number one. Pray tell, who willing lives where they fear for their family's safety. A book full of improvements won't bring prosperity if fear rules. Des Moines must bring back Police Officers to maintain that high level of safety they achieved - or backslide into fear.

Kids deserve to grow up in a safe, well-kept community. This city deserves to become all it can be. So be it.

Today's Thought: It's not who is right, but what is right. (Unknown)