Akel Hashim and Charlotte Seidel were co-Valedictorians in the 2008 Yelm High School graduating class, both achieving a 4.0 GPA. Mr. Hashim gave a moving graduation speech to his fellow classmates challenging them to take the education and experiences they acquired here in Yelm out into the world and soar to new heights.

CLICK HERE to see and hear this inspirational and moving talk from one of Yelm's own!

Akel also represented Yelm High in Soccer, garnering several write-ups in the Nisqually Valley News. He was 3 year captain, Second Team All League his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years, and First Team All League his Senior Year.

Akel is also a student of Ramtha's School of Enlightenment.

Akel was the recipient of several scholarships and chose his undergraduate work in Seattle at UW, where he just completed his first semester. He has decided to major in Physics and minor in both Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. He intends to get a PhD in physics, specifically quantum mechanics.

Akel recently told the Yelm Community Blog, "Simply put, I decided it comes down to what I want to do, not based on the job market, because I can always create wealth."

Akel is the son of Yelm residents
Rosalie Saeker
and
Bill & Suzanne Hashim

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South Sound Seed Stewards Mission Statement
"Knowing that in our present geopolitical state, many seed companies, which have provided the non-hybrid and open-pollinated varieties, are no longer in business and/or are producing hybrid varieties mainly for the commercial growers, South Sound Seed Stewards has organized for the purpose of:

* Encouraging community independence and self-reliance through producing and sharing locally-adapted, open-pollinated seeds.
* Providing for the home gardener an educational resource in sustainable gardening.
* Protecting and collecting the seed from our non-hybrid, open- pollinated varieties
* Creating a Seed Bank of non-hybrid, open-pollinated seeds which have been acclimated to our region.

Safe Seed Pledge
We shall never knowingly buy, sell or distribute genetically engineered seeds or plants.

South Sound Seed Stewards 2009 Program
South Sound Seed Stewards begins the New Year with new programs and classes for the seasoned gardener and the new gardener. This year there will be special classes for those who have never gardened before. A Healthy Garden List of vegetables grown specifically in the South Sound area will allow you to become sustainable in providing your own organic food source. Learn to produce your own seeds from your garden. Program and class begins Monday, January 12th. CLICK HERE for more information.

CLICK HERE for South Sound Seed Stewards History.

TELL SOUTH SOUND SEED STEWARDS YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

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The Yelm Community Blog received this letter in follow-up to the story last week titled "NVN REPORT ON THURSTON HIGHLANDS EIS IS CURIOUS - IN WHAT WAS OMMITTED!"

"Yelm’s community oriented citizens are in a pickle.
The very tenet of the community concept requires participation.
Those who wish to participate in Yelm’s growth are locked out of the process.
There is much lip service from Yelm’s government, but actually service is achingly lacking.

For example, the City of Yelm Community Development Department requested public comment on the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community. It was long, technical, and tedious to get through. I’ve spent the last 30 years of my life as an environmental professional, and I had difficulty wading through it. One of the comments I had, among others, was that the community needed more than an extra 15 days to read this document. In addition, I pointed out a number of areas that needed work in order for the environmental impact be used as a decision making document. In typical fashion, comments were received by the City of Yelm, but not heard. I’m not sure the city made any changes to their EIS based on public comment.
Was the EIS perfectly written?
No.
Were there errors in both fact and substance, errors pointed out in comment?
Yes.
Was there a need for additional information before the document could truly be used as a decision making document?
Yes.

The City of Yelm does the absolute minimum required by law to incorporate public participation. I’ve worked all over Washington State with small communities and have even worked with small international communities; the worst local government I’ve ever dealt with is Yelm’s—my home. That is the pickle I experience living here. I want to have a voice in the way my community grows, but at every turn it is denied or nor heard.

If the city were to truly open up themselves to public participation and to give voice to the community that calls itself Yelm, people would come out of the woodwork and participate in a way that would make Yelm a garden spot of Washington. But that won’t happen until our city government gives up their pride and prejudice."

Bill Hashim
Yelm, WA.

Mr Hashim has been an environmental professional for over 30 years and currently works for Washington State's Dept of Ecology. He has lived in Yelm for the past 14 years.

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Photo from the Miss America website for Miss Washington

About the Miss America Show Pageant, quoting Wikipedia.

The Countdown to the crowning of Miss America will premier tonight on TLC/Discovery Channel, with the live pageant on Jan. 24th.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Quoting the Miss America website about Miss Washington:
Janet Harding
Yelm, Washington
Age: 21

Education:
Yelm High School
Western Washington University

Platform Issue: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Scholastic Ambition: Elementary Education; Double Major in Social Studies

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Twin Star Credit Union Scholarship; Presidential Freedom Scholarship; Top Ten of Yelm High School 2005

Career Ambition: To become an elementary school teacher

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Tahoma (Washington State Sweeper Pageant)

From the NVN:
"Before Harding leaves for two weeks in Las Vegas, Nev., she will host a fashion show and brunch.

Guests will get a sneak peak at Harding’s entire Miss America wardrobe.

Harding will also perform her talent.

'It’s really a send-off celebration,' Harding said. 'It’s for those people who offer support and encouragement.'

The event is noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 at the Liberty Theater in Puyallup.

Tickets are $35. Guests must RSVP by Dec. 28.

For tickets call Ron Harding at 360-458-9679 or e-mail rnmharding@aol.com"

More from the Jan. 2nd NVN

THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG WISHES MISS HARDING WELL IN HER COMPETITION REPRESENTING WASHINGTON STATE IN THE MISS AMERICA PAGEANT.

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May your 2009 be wonderful in every way;
filled with health, laughter and grand adventures!

Thank you so much for your interest in the Yelm Community Blog.
To be able to have a forum of community discussion with all stories archived unabridged, that can be easily located through a Search function is very important to me.

Look for stories more stories that are might fine to come your way in 2009!

To quote the North Little Rock, AR Community Blog:
"Happy New Year to all our friends, neighbors and even our foes. 2009 promises to be interesting and challenging in light of recent events happening in our city. Our job as citizens is to continue to push forward to improve the livability of our communities and to hold everyone with decision making powers accountable to us who bear the burden."

Steve Klein
Yelm Community Blog Host

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TEMPERATURE RECORDS
Yelm recorded no record high temperatures this month, however several record low temperatures were set:
21 was the record low on Dec. 14th
21 tied the record low on Dec. 15th
13 was the record low on Dec. 19th
10 was the record low on Dec. 20th
From AccuWeather

SNOW RECORDS
"He ["weather service meteorologist Jay Albrecht said"] said Sea-Tac set a record Sunday [Dec. 21] with 3 inches of snow, but that in some areas, including South Sound, records of snow are not well kept.

But South Sound officials said Saturday and Sunday's [Dec. 20 & 21] snowfall was among the heaviest in recent history," quoting The Olympian.

"This month already is thought to be the snowiest December on record in the Olympia area, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. Between 1 and 2 feet of snow has fallen since Wednesday [Dec. 17], depending on where you live in Thurston County...

The previous snowfall record for December in the Olympia area was 10 inches in 1955, according to a weather service database, Haner said.

The snowiest month on record for the Olympia area is 14.2 inches in January 1972, he said. Some areas of Thurston County have exceeded that amount, but not the Olympia area.

The weather service recorded snow depths at the Olympia Regional Airport until 1997, when it moved to automated monitoring. It now relies on a network of weather spotters to measure snow depth. There's no reliable way to measure snow depth using an automated system, Haner said," quoting The Olympian.

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"With the federal and state administrations looking to economic stimulus packages to aid states and communities struggling because of the economic turmoil, Rep. Tom Campbell has put together a list of needed projects in his 2nd District that can help create jobs and stimulate Washington’s economy.

President-elect Barack Obama is calling for a massive economic stimulus program to help the economy of the U.S., the 50 states, and local communities. In a meeting with 48 state governors earlier this month, including Gov. Chris Gregoire, Obama said his administration will work closely with Congress and the states to seek the ‘wisest course for the future.’

Obama asked the nation’s governors to help “draft and shape” a multibillion-dollar stimulus plan that also would aid states struggling with deficits. The economic stimulus package will be before Congress as soon as it convenes, and expects to get it passed before the end of January.

Gregoire had said Washington would need at least $600 million in federal money for short term road and bridge projects to help ‘kick-start’ the state’s struggling economy.

Campbell has identified a number of projects in the 2nd District that are ready to move quickly, including Yelm Loop Road, a 4.2 mile two lane corridor that will loop State Routes 510 and 507 to bypass the Yelm city-center, relieving the city's growing traffic congestion.

“About 100 people could be employed during the construction,” Campbell said, “and they could get the project underway as early as April and complete the project by the end of 2009.”

One of several worthy construction projects in Orting Campbell would like to see considered is a project that would complete ‘signalization of the SR-162 Whitehawk Boulevard intersection. This would be the first phase of a project to provide a bypass to motorists traveling between SR-410 and the South Hill plateau, relieving congesting through Orting’s downtown corridor.

Two other Orting projects ready to go are: the creation of two softball fields, one baseball field, two soccer fields and other park amenities; and a 40,000 gallon storage facility and other improvements which would give Orting a promising new opportunity to attract a Nestle Waters bottling facility that would provide 50 permanent family-wage jobs for Orting’s economy.

And, Campbell is also encouraging federal or state stimulus assistance for Mashell Ave., Eatonville’s historic main street, which would be suitable for an Eatonville Downtown Plaza, a much needed improvement to revitalize Eatonville," quoting Rep. Campbell's December 30th Press Release.

Contact: Rep. Tom Campbell at (360) 786-7912 or campbell.tom@leg.wa.gov

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Representative Tom Campbell
Photo from Representative Campbell's official website

"Washington hospitals will be required to screen vulnerable patients for a potentially deadly germ called MRSA under proposed legislation spurred by a Seattle Times investigation."

"Hospitals would also have to isolate infected patients in private rooms. And for the first time since 2004, hospitals would be subject to surprise inspections by the state Department of Health.

These measures, if passed, would establish Washington as one of five states that have taken extraordinary steps to mandate how medical centers battle germs and protect patients.

'If hospitals won't take meaningful steps to stop drug-resistant infections then we'll pass legislation to make sure they do,' said Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Roy, who is sponsoring the measures.

At least a dozen more states are debating similar legislation that would mandate some form of screening.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is spread by touch or contact and can slip through small breaks in the skin. Most infections occur on the skin and are easily treated, but the germ can be fatal if it gets into the blood.

Six out of seven people infected with invasive MRSA contract it from a health-care facility, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Campbell said the patient-safety initiatives were in response to last month's Seattle Times series "Culture of Resistance," which detailed how MRSA infection rates have soared as hospitals often ignored steps to control the threat.

In the first comprehensive tracking of the germ, The Times found that the number of hospitalized Washington patients infected with MRSA escalated over the past decade from 141 a year to 4,723...

Campbell also seeks to reinstate surprise inspections to more accurately gauge hospital infection-control programs. At the request of hospital officials, Washington legislators in 2004 voted unanimously to require a four-week notice by state health inspectors — even the exact hour of arrival...

Before drafting the bill, Campbell said he consulted with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumers Union, a nonprofit group that has helped introduce MRSA screening legislation in other states.

Campbell, a chiropractor, is a member of the legislature's Health & Wellness Committee. Last year, he successfully spearheaded the state's first law that requires hospitals to publicly disclose certain infection rates, and he's sponsored numerous laws that have strengthened oversight and licensing of health-care professionals.

Officials at the Washington State Hospital Association, a lobbying group for most of the state's hospitals, said they are reviewing Campbell's proposals and will take a formal position once the legislative session begins on Jan. 12.

Overall, the association supports a uniform strategy to screen patients for MRSA and does not oppose surprise inspections, said spokeswoman Cassie Sauer," quoting the Seattle Times.

And, this ridiculous comment about Rep. Tom Campbell of Roy having his name missing from a list of leading Republicans.

"After all, he's the chairman of the Environmental Health Committee. Doesn't that make him its "leading" Republican? Lisa Fenton, the caucus' communications director, [was asked] why being chairman doesn't qualify Campbell as being the "leading" Republican on the committee.

Here's her reply:

Rep. Campbell was appointed to serve as the chairman of the committee by Speaker Chopp. Rep. Shea has been appointed to serve as the lead for the Republican caucus by our leadership. While it is true that Rep. Campbell is technically a Republican, he serves more as an independent member of the Legislature. He doesn’t caucus with either the Democrats or Republicans," quoting the Tacoma News Tribune blog.

My, oh my, what kind of absurd rationale is that?

THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG CONGRATULATES REP. CAMPBELL IN HIS PERSISTENCE IN KEEPING THE HOSPITAL INFECTIONS ISSUE IN THE HEADLINES AND ACTUALLY GETTING LEGISLATION MOVING! TOM, DOESN'T MATTER THE PARTY'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OR NOT - YOUR FINE WORK FOR WASHINGTONIANS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF AND STANDS ON ITS OWN MERITS...

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Senator-elect Becker's Campaign Banner

"Incoming state Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, said she is ready to take on the Second District job.

'I’m very excited, honored and humbled to be given this responsibility,' Beck said in a prepared press release. 'I promise that the concerns and issues that are important to my constituents will be my top priority throughout the entire legislative process.'

In a phone interview Wednesday [Dec. 10], Becker said she plans to tackle transportation issues, specifically finding the funding for the Yelm’s downtown bypass.

Currently $56 million of the project is unfunded...

'Right now I’m in the learning process,' Becker said. 'I do know we’re going to have to work hard to protect the funds we have and to get funds.'

Becker said her plans involve working with the City of Yelm and state Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Graham.

'I know Rep. Tom Campbell has been working on the bypass,' Becker said. 'I’d like to work with (him) and get into the process.'

While Becker’s position doesn’t officially start until January, she said she is getting out in the community, attending meetings and building contacts," quoting the Dec. 12th NVN.

And this:
"State Senator-elect Randi Becker, R-Eatonville was appointed last week as the ranking member of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

She was also appointed to three other committees.

Becker will be serving on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care, Transportation and Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committees.

Transportation was a key appointment for Becker, who has professed support for the Yelm Avenue bypass and Cross-Base Highway.

'To be appointed as a freshman senator to four different committees is an honor by itself,' Becker said in a prepared release.

'But being asked to represent the caucus as the lead Republican on higher education and workforce development policy is truly a privilege.' ...

The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee deals with issues relating to the state’s public and independent colleges and universities, community and technical colleges and private career schools.

The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee considers policy and financing issues relating to health care delivery and access, emerging public health issues, long-term care for all vulnerable populations and regulatory matters involving health professions and health care facilities.

The Senate Transportation Committee drafts the transportation budget, finds revenue sources for transportation funding and is responsible for dealing with issues relating to transportation policy and transportation agencies.

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee deals with issues relating to agricultural land, the production, sale, and marketing of agricultural products, food safety and policies and programs that affect economic development in rural areas of the state," quoting the Dec. 19th NVN.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MS. BECKER ON DEFEATING TWO-DECADE-LONG INCUMBENT MARILYN RASMUSSEN. AFTER 20+ YEARS, CHANGE IN THE REPRESENTATION OF THIS DISTRICT IN THE STATE SENATE IS WELCOME. ELECTED POSITIONS WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE FILLED FOR DECADES. WE WISH SENATOR-ELECT BECKER WELL IN HER NEW POST. THIS DISTRICT IS NOW REPRESENTED IN OLYMPIA ALL BY REPUBLICANS, SO WE'RE COUNTING ON SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON MANY ISSUES FOR LD2!

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Yelm Timberland Regional Library
Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave

"Chilly weather is one reason to curl up in a warm blanket and read through a pile of good books.

Timberland Regional Library is offering another great reason the 12th annual Adult Winter Reading program.

Running from Friday, Jan. 2 to Saturday, March 14, the program provides an opportunity to participate in an easy-going community activity and to win prizes.

Begin by reading five books or listening to five audio books on Jan. 2.

Good reading materials are offered at www.TRL.org and from Yelm Timberland librarians.

Fill out a form for each five books completed and turn it in at the local Timberland library by March 14.

When prizes are drawn Friday, March 20 at TRL headquarters in Tumwater, participants may receive a call that an overnight getaway at a resort or a book-and-beverage basket is theirs.

Libraries will award additional prizes locally at various times during the program. Businesses and Friends of the Library groups have donated all of the prizes.

Participants must be 18 or older and have a current Timberland library card," quoting the NVN.

YELM LIBRARY JANUARY, 2009 ACTIVITIES OF NOTE
- Games, Unplugged Teen Program
- Yelm Anime Club Teen Program
- Guitar Hero Teen Program-
- Page Turners Book Discussion
and more!

Check-out all of the Yelm Library events.
CLICK HERE
then the month on the right column, then check Yelm under the LOCATIONS box on the left.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL LIBRARY -- THE KEYS TO KNOWLEDGE !

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