Happy Spring 2008!
Daffodil Float Needs Donations

                                                                                                                                                        (photo by Bob Walter)

    March 20, 2008: Think spring, think daffodils, think Eatonville's Daffodil Float. A message  from  the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce. "Donations are now being accepted through the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce at Key Bank to continue the work on this year’s Daffodil Float entry.  Donations can easily be made at Key Bank to Jackie Sparrow. Make checks  out to the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce.
    "Please make a notation on your check to the Daffodil float committee. The entire population of Eatonville takes pride our float and princess and the Chamber of Commerce members enjoy our town's name mentioned in the press. Please participate in this event with your contribution. If you have questions, please call Cyndy Simianer at 253.370.8215. 
  

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Mysterious March Moods

                                                                                                             (photo by Bob Walter)

     March 27, 8:15 a.m. - by Bob Walter: In like a lion, out like a lamb? Not this year, apparently. What is it about March? Just when you think the chill of winter is about to give way to spring warmth, the March winds roll in more cold and snow. March makes life more interesting. After all, who doesn't like surprises? And tomorrow, the dozens of tree frogs in the pond just beyond view, who have already been heralding spring, may strike up a chorus again - or not.  Only March knows.
     More snow, out of character during this month, is forecasted for Friday, possibly up to two inches in some places. Only March really knows.
 

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Lions Easter Breakfast...

 

     The Eatonville Lions Club was established in 1938 and celebrates 70 years of service to  the community.  One of their traditions is the Easter Breakfast which has been enjoyed by generations of area residents. Easter came early this year and so did the Easter Breakfast. Above are  Rick Landry, Jack Westerfield, Jeannie Clark and Jackson Wolf serving bacon, sausage and hotcakes. (Courtesy photo)
    Over sixty-five hungry folks joined the Lions Easter Sunday to keep the tradition alive and well. Members worked from 6 to 11:30 a.m. to serve their delicious breakfast. The food is "provided at cost" and is always well worth the price and visiting with friends and relatives.
    Lions provide other services to the community including the always successful Art Festival which has been going since 1972. For more about the Easter breakfast please see Eatonville, WA. Lions Easter Breakfast, and for more about the club's other activities and community services please see Eatonville, WA. Lions Club Homepage
 

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Mill Park Townhomes...

                                                                                                                                                                (photo by Bob Walter)

     March 23, 2008: Mill Park Townhomes on Mashell Avenue rises to take the place of an unattractive trailer park. At the moment this is just about the only sign of building in the Town of Eatonville other than a couple of custom built homes. The townhomes, when complete, will have 28 units according to Town Planner Nick Bond.
     The current construction if for the first eight units. In a March 10 planning report Bond states, "The approval of the building permits for these units was issued contingent on having the applicant complete all site improvements for the 28 unit project prior to issuance of final occupancy. The applicant will apply for the remaining building permit applications at a later date."

Architect's Rendition of Finished Project

     Listed on the right side of this image is "Bungalow Builders Milestone." Architects Nash, Jones and Anderson, Kirkland, Washington.
 

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Design a Town Flag Contest
Deadline Wednesday, March 19...

     Above are three examples of basic flags made from a limited, but interesting, Web site. They are not meant as design entries but rather something to get your creative ideas flowing. If you wish to play on the site please go to Design a Flag

     The Town of Eatonville is participating in the campaign by the  Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to design a community flag. The, not profit, not partisan, association is preparing to celebrate its seventy-fifth anniversary. Part of the celebrations will be a Parade of Flags June 17-20 during the annual conference in Yakima.
     Design entries must be on an 81/2 by 11 paper and turned into the mayor by 5 p.n. March 19.  Here is the town's promotional "public notice: "The town of Eatonville is looking for someone to design our 'Town Flag' to be shown off at AWC's 'Parade of Flags' during their 76th Anniversary and annual conference in June. Please submit your design on 8" X 11" paper in color to Mayor Smallwood by 5 pm on the 19th of March."

A Little More About a Community Flag..

     by Dixie A. Walter
     March 7, 2008

     During the February 25 town council meeting Mayor Tom Smallwood brought up the subject of a town flag. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has requested that all state towns and cities design and produce a community flag, providing they don't have one currently.
    There was discussion about this by the council and it was decided to go ahead with the project which in not mandatory. Smallwood asked if the Dispatch and ENN to help with promotions. Naturally we said we would be glad to help. Smallwood gave a few options for designs. Examples, there is a drawing on the town Web site representing the town's Centennial next year, or the logo on the town vehicles. The logos say "City of Eatonville" not "town," when legally speaking the community is a town.
     Mayor Smallwood pointed out the flag would need to be designed quickly as times was a major factor. With this in mind a public notice to ENN and the Dispatch March 6 was sent by the town, eight days after the council meeting. This notice has a deadline for a proposed design by Wednesday, March 19.
    The council suggested sending notices to the school to engage interested students in the project. The town notice doesn't mention age limits for participants.
     How the contest will be judged has not been explained. Councilmember Rich Adams suggested a ad hoc committee to go through entries, choose a number of entries for the council so they would choose the final design. Mayor Smallwood said he didn't have much time for meetings, but Adams explained the mayor was "...not required" to attend every ad hoc committee meeting. Ad hoc committees can meet for one particular purpose and disband when the purposed is achieved the  committee disbands

Good Internet Sites for Flag Ideas...

    There are some good flag sites on the Internet. One site gives "The 5 Basic Principals of Flag Designs. 1. Keep it simple. The flag should be so simple a child can draw it from memory; 2. Use meaningful symbolism. The flags's images, colors or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes. 3. Use 1-3 basic colors. Limit number of colors to three which contrast well and comes from the standard color set. No lettering or seals. Never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal:  5. Be distinctive or be related. Avoid duplicating other flag.
      To get an idea about what is considered good, and not so good, about various flags please see  Good Flag, Bad Flag . Let your imagination have fun, perhaps your idea may become Eatonville's flag and fly along with Old Glory and the state flag. It's an important piece of history. No award or prize have been mentioned.

 

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Five Year Plea in Eatonville for Peace...

                                                                                                                                                                       (photo by Bob Walter)

     March 18, 2008 - by Dixie A. Walter: For over five years those dedicated to peace have held a low-key, silent vigil at the corner of Center Street and Washington Avenue in front of Plaza Market. From left to right are: David Mitman, Michael Hill, David Wuller and Bill Dore.
       The men have been diligent in their vigil, always arriving in late afternoon, always on Friday. They began their serene peace watch in the spring of 2003. This year, with the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War beginning Thursday, the plea for peace is ever more poignant. Led by the Bush Administration's desire for war with Iraq the 2003 invasion of the country began March 20.
       The official number of American deaths is now approaching 4,000. Two American soldiers who were killed by a roadside bomb north of Baghdad yesterday brought the death toll to 3,990. This figure does not reflect the thousands of wounded. During the summer of 2007 the estimated number of wounded varied from 35,000 to 53,000. For every soldier or Marine killed 15 others have been injured or survived illness. Brain injuries treated were counted at 2,000 and some may have been undetected.
       Hundreds have lost limbs, been blinded, been disfigured by burns and these numbers don't include minds permanently damaged by the horrors of war. And the numbers don't included children who have lost dads and moms or parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, who have been devastated by the loss of  their loved ones. The International Organization for Migration reports about 2.7 million Iraqis have been displaced by the U. S. invasion and 1,189.173 Iraqis have been killed according to Information Clearing House.
        Dollar costs of the war are astronomical at $503,588,835,461 and rise by the second. Hundreds of peace vigils have been held, and are being held, to mark the fifth year of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. But perhaps none of the vigils have been as consistent as Eatonville's peaceful group.
 

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Daffodil Float Needs Donations...

 
                                                                                                                                                  (2007 photo by Bob Walter)

     March 12, 2008: Last year Eatonville's Daffodil Float was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for best use of the Grand Floral parade theme, "All That Jazz." The float cost about $3,500 in 2007. The town gives $1,500 in tourism money to help support the float, but cannot give the money up front. The float committee must provide money for purchases pertaining to the project and produce receipts before the town cannot give the funds.
     This year Cyndy Simianer is chair of the group working to make the float a reality. Cyndy has spent the past four years assisting Dawn Newkirk who put the float together for about nine years before retiring after last year.
     In order to be eligible for a Daffodil Princess communities must have a float in the Grand Floral Parade. If no float is entered this year, or any year, the following year the community will not be represented by the princess or marching band.
     Cyndy has worked with the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce this year to get more community members involved in working toward a great float. Also new this year, all donations are tax deductible, and float funds will be audited through the chamber's auditing system.
      Cyndy said she really wants to raise enough money this year, $6,000 should do it, so there is money in reserve for 2009. "The float design has been approved by the Daffodil Association," Cyndy explained. However, she wants to, "Keep the design under wraps for now so it will be a surprise for people."
      She also pointed out a "rumor" floating around town that the float committee has $25,000 in funding. Cyndy said, "That is not true, it's misinformation." According to Cyndy she would happy with $2,500 as it costs $700 to $800 just to cover the float in plain petal paper. If Mylar is used the cost is $1,500.
      While giving ENN an interview on her cell phone Cyndy was looking for bargains at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store. She has asked Wal-Mart to donate artificial flowers for this year's parade entry.
      Fresh daffodils must be ordered by Friday, March 14. The parade is April 12 with the theme being "75 Years, Remembering Your First Daffodil Parade." Lovely, smiling Kate McKee will represent Eatonville as Princess.
     Planning ahead, Cyndy plans to hold fundraisers throughout the year in and attempt to raise enough money so next year's float won't be in a financial crunch.
     Donations can easily be made at Key Bank to Jackie Sparrow make out to the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce. Please make a notation on your check to the Daffodil float committee.  Please participate in this event with your contribution.      
     Questions? For more information about donations and support of the float please contact Cyndy Simianer on her cell - 253.370.8215.
 

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A Splash of Color to Brighten Your Day...

                                                                                                    (photo by Edwinna Van Eaton)

     March 4, 2008: This photo was taken last summer near Woodinville. Edwinna Van Eaton was waiting outside a building  for her granddaughter, Tiffany Van Eaton, to finish her dance class when this beautiful hot air balloon came floating right overhead. Edwinna said it was so close she could see the flames keeping the balloon in the air. Hot air balloons are often seen in the area, however, Edwinna said she hadn't ever seen one this close so she grabbed her camera and got this great shot.

      Wonderful  photographer, Tony Sirgedas, liked this photo a lot and reminds us the Winthrop Balloon Roundup is this weekend. Check out this link http://www.winthropwashington.com/winthrop/balloon.html
 

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Governor Gregoire's Husband to Read at EES...

     Press release
     March 7, 2008

     Governor Gregoire's husband Mike will be visiting  Eatonville Elementary School on Wednesday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes to read to third grade students.
     Mike Gregoire, or the "First Mike" as he prefers to be called, has visited more than 80 elementary schools across the state, encouraging students to read at least 20 minutes each day. For more information please see Governor Chris Gregoire | First Gentleman  
     "First Mike" would like to read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Jon Scieszka, and have a brief question and answer period with your 3rd grade students. He also would like to stop by the school library and meet the school librarian, if she is available.
     Mr. Gregoire's visits are very fun and upbeat. Mr. Gregoire is happy to say hello to invited guests, as well as visit briefly with your local media, if you wish to invite them. He also is happy to have his picture taken with students, faculty, and staff.

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Tax Exemption Bill for Veterans Heads to Governor

     Press release
     March 5, 2008

   (Olympia) The House and the Senate have passed and sent to the governor's desk legislation that will change the way Washington counties looks at disability checks our state's veterans receive from the federal government.
    Currently, counties in Washington consider federal disability payments for veterans to be income, but the federal government does not. So, when a disabled veteran, who is on low-income, receives a disability check, the county auditors consider it as income for the purpose of qualifying for a property tax exemption. Since the income lid on property taxes is $35,000, if the disability check pushes the income over the limit, the veteran is required to pay property taxes.
    Rep. Tom Campbell (R-Roy) and Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Renton) each sponsored the bill in their respective chambers. The final bill (SB 5256) won unanimous approval in the Senate (February 19) and in the House (March 5). Governor Chris Gregoire has 20 days to sign it into law.
    Campbell said the bill "clarifies that disability income from the federal government will no longer be considered as income by the county auditors. This will give all disabled veterans a benefit in property taxes in our state."
    "We are so relieved to get this bill through the legislature, particularly in light of the growth in house values and the increased property taxes over the last few decades in our state that are forcing some out of their homes. Among them are veterans who were disabled in the defense of our country," Campbell said. "This measure will go a long way toward helping those most in need."
 

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50th Reunion EHS Class
 of 1957...

     Back row left to right: Gary Carew, Linda Treadwell Feldtman, Wally Block, Don Madden, Frank (Sonny) Mettler, Dick Inwards, Dean Hamilton, Carolyn Holden Hamilton, Ivan Hale, Sue Cearleu Tommen, Gary Johnson, David Langberg, Bud Smith, Bill Harlan, Hollis Barnett. Front row left to right:Nancy Kitchell Margeson, Bobbiann Trosper Diffenbach, Kirsten Dalin Roberts, Ruth(ie) Swanson Ferris, Pat McKasson Mashburn, Evelyn Enwall Agostinelli, Donna Haarstad Berumen, Doris Schmidt Carvey. Photos courtesy of Ruth Swanson Ferris.
 

 

Brunch the Next Morning...

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   Happy News:

It's a Girl!
Welcome Ruby Ida Skelton...

                                                                                                                                          (courtesy photo)

     February 24, 2008: Katie Karlin Skelton and Garth Skelton are the proud parents of their first child, Ruby Ida, born February 18, 2008. Tiny Ruby was born 25 days early at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma at 2:30 p. m. with "lots of black hair." She weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and was 18 inches long.
     Grandparents - the late Ida Karin, Tom and Laura Karlin of Lakewood; Garry and Cindy Skeleton of Bainbridge Island; Great grandparents are Ruth Skelton of Bainbridge Island; Ella Jones of Apple Valley, California and Grace Jungkuntz of Lakewood.
      Ruby's mom, Katie, was Eatonville's Daffodil Princess in 1997 and graduated from Eatonville High School the same year. Dad Garth graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1993. The happy family makes their home in Seattle.

Ruby Ida...

                                                                                                                (courtesy photo)

     Little Ruby rests in her mother's loving arms.
 

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Moonglow...
Total Lunar Eclipse

                                                                                                            (photo by Bob Walter)

     February 21, 2008: A total lunar eclipse was seen by billions of people Wednesday and Thursday as the moon passed through the shadow of planet Earth. The lunar eclipse can only happen when the moon is full and lines up with the earth and sun. Eatonville was lucky to have a cloudless view of this galactic event Wednesday, February 20 a little after 8 p.m.
     The next lunar eclipse won't occur until December 10, 2010.

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Wilcox Farm Update:

     by Dixie A. Walter
        February 7, 2008

        Wilcox Family Farms sold its dairy facilities to Darigold and 130 workers, about a third of the workforce will be without jobs at the end of March. Wilcox employs 365 people, some of them third and fourth generation workers. 
        According to spokeswoman, Kathy Martin of the Martin Firm, there is no truth to a rumor the impending layoffs caused the Wilcox family to bring in police protection. Workers have been offered an "encouragement to stay bonus" if they will continue working through the end of March. Those who accept this offer will be given four weeks extra pay Martin said.
        As part of the effort to help people who will be losing their jobs there are two job fairs are being. The first, at Wilcox Farm is February 8 from 2 - 5 p.m. Businesses attending are Tumwater Costco, Thurston County Sheriffs, Pierce County Corrections, Labor Works, Yelm School District, Washington State Patrol, Lasco, Specialty Products and Ajilon. 
        The second job fair will be held Wednesday, February 13 at Scout Cabin in Yelm from 2 - 6 p.m. Participants include Lacey Costco, Lasco, Laborworks and the Yelm School District. The job fairs are only for Wilcox Farm employees facing lay off.
        Wilcox Farm has only sold its dairy facilities and will continue, and expand, their organic egg production. The family hopes some of the dairy workers will be transitioned to the egg division. The family began egg production in 1909 according to their Web site. The first flock of chickens consisted of 1,000 birds half of them died the first night and many of the survivors were roosters. The first flock left only 400 chickens. Today, says the Web site, "Harts Lake Valley is home to over one million Leghorn hens and pullets..." and "approximately 770,000 eggs are gathered daily and packaged for supermarkets and restaurants in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Canada."
      The family will keep Edelweiss Farms in Aurora, Oregon which supplies eggs for Southwest Washington/Oregon area. The dairy plant in Cheney, Washington will remain in production.
       Martin told ENN the response from people has been very positive and supportive of the difficult decision by the Wilcox family. She said the family will" continue to be involved in the community."

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Wilcox Family Farms Staff Shocked by Close of Dairy Facilities... 
130 People to be Laid Off
 Family Will Keep Organic Egg Division...

        From Kathy Martin
        Spokesperson, Wilcox Family Farms
        February 5, 2008

        For Immediate Release - Roy – Wilcox Family Farms announced today that it will close its Roy, Washington dairy facility and sell selected assets associated with the Roy operation. This decision does not affect the company’s facility in Eastern Washington, located in Cheney, which will remain open. 
       Wilcox will continue to maintain dairy deliveries and operate their milk plant in Roy through March 2008, and has been working with Darigold to assist in customer transitions. Through the transition, Wilcox will continue to serve their network of distributors, including Springbrook Farms. Wilcox family members attributed the decision to increasingly higher costs to do business in the dairy industry.
       The sale does not affect Wilcox Family Farms’ egg division; in fact, the family will continue its 100 year-old egg operation and plans to focus their resources on expanding their natural, organic and cage-free eggs products produced on their 1,500 acre farm in Roy.
       According to family members, dairy processing has become dominated by large businesses and has not been a profitable venture for the Wilcox family for several years, particularly in Western Washington. In addition, by closing the Roy facility now, the company will be able to focus more of its resources on the opportunities in organic, cage-free and other egg products.
        Closing the Roy operation was not an easy decision for the company. “This was a very difficult choice because our staff is like family, says Jim Wilcox. “Many employees have been with us for two, or even three generations. But it’s important to make the right business and value choices and maintain the operations that have the best future opportunities. 
        "We want to get out of the big company environment and back into real family farming. We will continue to be in the organic and natural egg business and will go forward looking at new products, focusing on local food for local people.”
        The company is committed to doing everything it can to assist displaced workers in finding employment. Many Roy dairy employees will be recruited into the egg division. In addition, the company will offer outplacement services, including on-site interviews conducted by other employers and professional assistance with interviewing skills and resume building.
        In an age where farms are disappearing, Wilcox wants to be clear that the operation in Roy will  remain just that – farmland. “We want to become premier organic and natural egg brand for consumers that care about fresh, healthy egg products and maintaining family agriculture in the Puget Sound area and beyond,” Wilcox says. “We are very excited about the opportunities we have to expand our organic and cage-free egg business. It feels great to see our animals out on the land where they belong.”
       A family-owned business, Wilcox Family Farms was started in Roy in 1909 by Judson and Betty Wilcox and is now managed by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The company operates two egg production facilities – in Roy and Aurora, Oregon – and is one of the leading egg producers in the Northwest. In addition to shell eggs, Wilcox also provides liquid eggs to food retailers, bakeries and food service operations.
       For more information about Wilcox Family Farms visit www.wilcoxfarms.com

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Jeffrey (Jay) Burgess...

Tacoma Activist Files for  Senator Rasmussen's Position
Rasmussen's Term Over January 2009...

     by Dixie A. Walter
     January 7, 2008

     Various political news reports say Republican Kelly Mainard, from Tacoma, has filed to oppose State Senator Marilyn Rasmussen, Democrat, for the senate seat in Legislative District 2. This district consists of parts of Pierce and Thurston counties which includes the Town of Eatonville. Also in the 2nd Legislative District, all or parts of Ashford, Carbonado, Eatonville, Elbe, Fort Lewis, Frederickson, Graham, Lacey, Nisqually Reservation, Olympia, Orting, Puyallup, Rainier, Roy, Wilkeson, Yelm and Mount Rainier.   
      Chris Mulick, who has reported for the Tri-City Herald since 1998, describes Mainard as a Pacific Lutheran University alumni, co-founder of the a "community group" which "formed to combat the impacts of drug abuse in Pierce County. " According to Mulick, "She's also a service provider for the Washington Homeschool Organization."
      Senator Rasmussen was a member of the Eatonville School District 404 board of directors from 1980 to 1987  before running for the House of Representatives where she served from 1986 until 1992. Rasmussen then ran for the State Senate and has held that position from 1992 until the present.
      Rasmussen's seven children graduated from Eatonville High School. She did not carry the Town of Eatonville in the past election. Senator terms are four years and senators are paid, $ 41,280.00 annually according to the Secretary of State's Web site. Rasmussen has reportedly raised about $20,000 for the 2008 race.
      

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New Building To Start
Soon According to Planner...

                                                                                                                            (photo by Bob Walter)

     December 17, 2007: According to Town Planner Nick Bond December 10, work should begin on the  first 12 town homes within two weeks. The site is located on Mashell Avenue. See Bond's council report December 10 Planning Report

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Area Kids Help San Diego Fire Victims...

                                                                                                               (photo by Robin Harris)

    Left to right: Dillon, Melva, Hilary, Ashely, Peter, Danielle, Me, Sue and Wil. Horse-N-Around 4-H Club members solicit donations by the door of Plaza Market to help horses and their people who were victims of the devastating California fires. 

"Cool Community Service Project"

      by Dixie A. Walter
      December 13, 2007

     Club Leader Robin Harris says, " Horse-N-Around 4-H club did a really cool Community Service Project. They collected donations from our community, and with the help of K & S Saddlery, Del's Farm and Feed Stores, King Feed and Plaza Market. They put together gift bags, halters and lead ropes for the San Diego Equine Fire Victims. We are very, very proud of them."
     Hilary Harris, Robin's daughter, was honored as a national runner-up a a Be Kind to Animals Kid. In 2004 Hilary organized a string of pet food drives which resulted in many thousand pounds of food donated to the humane society and to senior citizens.
      A student at Weyerhaeuser school at the time Hilary had taken a tour of the humane society's shelter with Education Director Bob Walter of Eatonville. The tour inspired Hilary to forgo birthday presents each year and instead asked friends and classmates to donate food for needy pet. She had a total of five pet food drives. Hilary often says, "I don't want any animal to go hungry." 
      Hilary and her fellow 4-Hers continue their kind work for animals and the people who love them. To see more photos of the Eatonville area kids donations please go the High Sierra Wild Horse Sanctuary & Gentling Center Web site 4-H Club Helps

More Helpers...

                                                                                         ( photo by Robin Harris)

Ellianna, Kaitlyn and Lukus - 4-H kids took shifts during their collection drive to help fire victims. 

Donations Collected...

                                                                                                                 (photo by Robin Harris)

     Completed gift bags and halters with attached lead ropes before they were mailed out. The 4-H group  mailed a total of five big boxes out to different organization in San Diego, specifically the Ramona Area.

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Thanks Eatonville Cottage Merchants...

                                                                                        (photo by Bob Walter)

     December 13, 2007 - by Dixie A. Walter: Pictured is the gift basket created by Eatonville's Cottage Merchants. The basket of goodies, valued at $200, was on display at the Holly Hut, owned and operated by Nancy Iams, and was the grand prize in a drawing by the Cottage Merchants last week. 
    Imagine my surprise, and delight, when Jan Burgess, of Jan's Salon, called to say I had won. It's funny because I am not a lucky person and don't win anything ever. For this reason I had my husband, Bob Walter, fill out the card for the drawing in my name because he does get lucky sometimes.
    The basket is a big one and was stuffed with all kinds of donations from various businesses. Some of the gifts weren't labeled so I'm not sure who donated them. However, others were and I will tell you which business contributed. 
    Along with a small fruitcake there was a large box of truffles; good sized box of chocolates; a pound of coffee beans, a large, thermal "glass" from the Gypsy Wagon; hair products from Jan's Salon; rabbit bookends from Founding Fathers Antiques; a Christmas themed hot pad; the ceramic bird ornament pictured; the Christmas bird house from the Holly Hut, also pictured; three cute little candles; a pair of snowman candles holders complete with red candles; a bottle of sparkling apple cider and the basket itself which is very attractive and sturdy.
    Also in the basket were gift certificates from Mountain View (formerly Mountain Take-Out; Tall Timbers; Truly Scrumptious Bakery; Jebinos; Pet Pruners; Tan & Tips; David Wuller's Fine Woodworking and The Country Mouse. 
     Thanks Cottage Merchants. Bob and I are enjoying our basket very much!

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Meet Your New Officer...

                                                                                  (photo by Dixie A. Walter)

     December 12, 2007 - by Dixie A. Walter:  During the council meeting Monday, December 10, Eatonville  Police  Chief Jim Lewis introduced, Shauna Anderson, the town's newest member of the police department. Officer Anderson attended the meeting earlier in the evening, introduced herself and chatted with people during a 25 minute break between council business. 
     When she was formally introduced Anderson told a little bit about here life and interests. She grew up on a farm in Yelm. Among her many accomplishments: Valedictorian of her class at Yelm High School, black belt in Karate, active in showing cattle during her years with 4-H, she was active in Future Farmer of America, and a full scholarship to Washington State University and graduated in 2006 with a minor criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science degree. Brains run in the family, her two sisters were also Valedictorians of their classes.
    Anderson said she originally wanted to become a veterinarian. However, while in college she worked part-time for a security group and this experience sparked her interest in police work. The new officer was raised in Yelm and mentioned, "If you know anyone named Anderson in Yelm, they are probably relations." 
     Growing up in a small town Anderson wanted to find work close to her hometown, but still  be able to start her career in law enforcement. The new officer will beginning training at the Police Academy, she hopes to get started at the January 12, 2008 class which will last about five and a half months according to Anderson.
     For time being Anderson will partner with Officer Jason McQuire. Anderson is not the first woman officer hired in Eatonville. Anderson told ENN there had been another woman who left soon after she got out of the academy. Officer Anderson will make history in town when she is fully trained  and patrolling the community.

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   Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

Proposes to Expand Outdoor Burn Ban Boundaries...

       December 14, 2007

      The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is proposing a rule change that would ban land-clearing burning throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish counties beginning July 1, 2008, followed by a ban on residential b burning beginning July 1, 2010.
      State law currently prohibits land-clearing and residential burning in incorporated cities and Urban Growth Areas.  However, it also requires banning this kind of burning in any area where reasonable alternatives to burning are available -- alternatives like curb-side pick-up, grinding, chipping and composting.  
     In recent months, Clean Air Agency staff met with solid waste officials and fire marshals in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to research the availability of alternatives.    Based on this research, we have determined that alternatives are reasonably available throughout these three counties. There is also widespread support for this burn boundary expansion within the health and fire service communities. 
     This proposed rule change does not affect agricultural, silvicultural management, recreational, or fire  training burning.  It also does not affect burning for emergency clean-up of storm or flood debris.
     A public hearing on the proposed rule change will be held by the Clean Air Agency's Board of Directors on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 at the Seattle Public Library's Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 Fourth Avenue, beginning at 9:15 a.m.   A full copy of the proposed rule and other regulatory documents are available on the agency's Web site at Curb It | Puget Sound Clean Air Agency