February 2008 Archives

"In 1992, the UN General Assembly designated March 22 as "World Water Day" to draw international attention to the critical lack of clean, safe drinking water worldwide.
In 2007, 69 cities across the United States passed resolutions acknowledging March 22 as World Water Day.
World Water Day is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people world wide that lack access to clean, safe drinking water. Celebrated since 1993, World Water Day was designated in 1992 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed a resolution. With each passing year, the observance has grown larger and stronger," quoting the World Water Day website.

THE FILM "WATER" OPENS IN YELM MARCH 21ST AND RUNS THROUGH APRIL 3RD
"This film is about water, the most amazing yet least studied substance. From times immemorial, scientists, philosophers and theologians tried to understand its explicit and implicit properties, which are phenomenal, beyond the common physical laws of nature.

Witness recent, breathtaking discoveries by researchers worldwide from Russia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Israel, the USA, Britain, Austria, Japan, Argentina, China and Tibet.

The arguments expound upon unexpected and challenging assumptions enlightening many years of research to open humankind to new horizons, such as the applications of structured water in agriculture, or the use of water in treatment for the most serious diseases and more.

The Geography of the film spans the globe. The implications go beyond the solar system, suggesting that water has the ability to convey messages faster than light, perhaps linking water with the absolute. Water is so unique, and so profound, its miraculous properties are still awaiting to be discovered," quoting WATER, the movie.

Intention Media is handling the distribution of Water, which is headed by filmmaker Betsy Chasse (co-creator of the hit film What the Bleep Do We Know?!) of Yelm.

Check out Yelm Cinemas site closer to March 21 for showtimes.

Joe Bongiorno
Photo credit: MellowSounds.com

Piano composer Joe Bongiorno is an accomplished pianist and has released three piano albums to critical acclaim.

He has performed numerous concerts for www.solopianoradio.com and has plans for concerts in Phoenix, Chicago & San Francisco for 2008.
He has also recently opened Piano Haven Recording Studio and is busy recording & producing other pianist's original music.

Joe's new CD "Somewhere Within" has been in the top 40 on the world-wide radio air play charts for New Age/World music, for 5 straight months!

Further, he was promoted to general Manager of Seattle's Piatti Italian Restaurant in September, 2006.

Mr. Bongiorno resides in King County.

Ron Mallet, Ph.D., Professor of Physics
University of Connecticut

Dr. Ronald Mallett was featured on last night's History Channel Program:
The Universe: Unexplained Mysteries

This 60 minute program's synopsis says:
"Delve into the myths, misconceptions, truths and amazing mysteries of our unique universe. Could life exist on Mars? Is time travel possible and does Einstein's theory of relativity support it? Is there a companion dark star to our sun and could it pose a threat to earth? Learn about the spark that lit the big bang. Take a journey from science fiction that predicted all these things, to the scientific reality of what they mean to us in the ever-changing universe."

This show will air again Saturday, March 1 at 4pm PST.

"Dr. Mallett is the author of the popular science/memoir published in October, 2006 entitled "Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality" written with New York Times best-selling author Bruce Henderson," quoting his website.

"Dr. Mallett is a professor of physics at the University of Connecticut. In 1973, he received a Ph.D. from Penn State University. He is a member of American Physical Society and the National Society of Black Physicists. Inspired by a Classics Illustrated comic book version of H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, Mallett resolved to travel back in time to save his father, which became his life's dream." He is a Contributing Scientist to Yelm-based SuperConsciousness Magazine.

Dr. Mallett journeyed to Yelm twice in 2007 as a guest speaker to Ramtha's School of Enlightenment.

Melissa Graham has created a beautiful blog about her local bed and breakfast, the Imagine Inn - along with photos and her recipes. She is a gourmet baker/cook!

"The Imagine Inn is a Bed and Breakfast as well as private residence catering to the students of the Ramtha School of Enlightenment. We are located on 10 serene acres surrounded by nature.

Ms. Graham has also created a blog,
"This blog is a place to share the "goings on" around the Inn and the community. I am an avid baker and chef, so this will also be a place to share some of the recipes that we use here."

Check out some of these fantastic recipes!

Ms. Graham's business is also featured in the Transport & Lodging Listings of MastersConnection.com.

TELL IMAGINE INN YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Yelm Timberland Regional Library

Photo courtesy of Yelm-based photographer Guustaaf Damave

Tuesday, February 26
Joe Kane, an award-winning journalist based in Olympia, was a member of the expedition that made the first complete navigation of the Amazon River. Join him to hear and see a first-hand account of the only expedition ever to travel the entire 4,200-mile Amazon River. The adventure began 18,000 feet high in the Peruvian Andes and finished in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil. Kane’s book about that adventure, "Running the Amazon," was a national bestseller and is now in print in fifteen languages. In 2001 the National Geographic Society named it one of the "One Hundred Best Adventure Books Ever Written," and in 2003 Outside Magazine chose it as one of the "Twenty-Five Best Adventure Books of the Past 100 Years."

7PM

BABES IN BELTS

Our Purpose

To build a sustainable future in response to climate change by providing education, training, and practical solutions for preparedness.

Why we came together

Babes in Belts was created from a strong desire to take responsibility for our lives and safety by constructing safe shelters for protection against ever increasing and unpredictable climate change. From June - September 2007 we trained over 250 community members as installers of insulating concrete forms. Out of those, nearly two thirds were single adult women. Many felt overwhelmed by the urgency to prepare, yet found the task somewhat intimidating. These women were also challenged by fear of being alone in a natural disaster situation.

We also learned that a fair number were single, middle aged, without medical insurance, careers or retirement plans. We feel have identified a new group falling through the cracks of social services that need our help. This work spawned the idea to come together as individuals, families and community groups to facilitate building safe shelters outfitted and stocked for long-term emergency preparedness.

Our goal

The goal of Babes in Belts is to get the job of preparedness done. Our contribution will add to the education and support of women and many others who will in turn take action to prepare.

Support community awareness
Join us in preparedness at the
Preparedness Expo
April 12 & 13 2008
Admission $3 - $5 per couple
Everyone under 16 free
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yelm High School
Under the big Expo tent
at the Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show

"The original house was built in the 1947s by a local resident. The house was meant to be a private residence. Yelm was a small farming community at the time. The original modest single family home was the perfect home in the country with Mount Rainier, the Nisqually River and forest nearby.

Lindsey, the daughter of a local contractor purchased the home in the 90's and with the help of her new husband, father, friends and family created a beautiful home that is now more than double the original size for her family and her parents...

Tremendous thought, love and care went into this renovation. Modern amenities, trims and materials were used in the home to provide easy maintenance and a very spacious environment. However, old charm was incorporated in the design as well.

Staying at Conley Suites will be a relaxing, comfortable environment. We pride ourselves in taking excellent care of our guests and making you feel at home from the first moment you step into our home to when you depart."

Conley Suites-Bed & Breakfast
Mike & Karen Conley
109 Van Trump Ave
Yelm, WA 98597
360-400-1327
E-Mail: ConleySuites@aol.com.com

TELL CONLEY SUITES YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Senator Marilyn Rasmussen
Photo from Senator Rasmussen's official website

Yelm Timberland Regional Library

Photo courtesy of Yelm-based photographer Guustaaf Damave

Wednesday, February 20
Our Past, Our Present: Share Your Memories on video for city archives
Elders of the community are invited to join in a conversation about their life experiences at school, on the farm, with pets, in Yelm…and more. Members of the Yelm Historical Society will facilitate. This session will be videotaped as a resource for present and future generations.
3 - 4:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Adam Smith

You are invited to join the Congressman

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

7:00-8:30pm

Dupont City Hall

303 Barksdale Ave

Dupont, WA 98327

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith is looking forward to meeting with constituents to listen to concerns, answer questions, and discuss issues facing Congress, including:

o The Budget

o Military and Veterans

o Healthcare

o And more….

Space is limited so please RSVP if you are able to attend

(253) 896-3775 or (888) SMITH09

"The Women’s Bioethics Project is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy think tank dedicated to ensuring that women’s voices, health concerns, and unique life experiences strongly influence ethical issues in health care and biotechnology. Through education, reports, legislative testimony, articles, public conferences and debates, media coverage, and a publicly accessible website we serve as a bridge between scholarship and policymaking; bringing new knowledge to the attention of decision makers and affording scholars, scientists and corporate leaders greater insight into public policy issues.

We are pro-choice and pro-science, and we promote the well-being of women throughout the world. The Women’s Bioethics Project encourages the thoughtful application of biotechnology to improve the status of women’s lives and seeks to protect vulnerable populations by anticipating unintended consequences, safeguarding women’s bodies from harm, and ensuring that women’s life priorities are recognized. Women bring a vital perspective to all issues that affect society, and it is critical for that perspective to be included in all bioethical public policy and debate.

Our key issues focus around neuroethics, women’s health, and reproductive technologies.

The Women’s Bioethics Project welcomes your feedback and involvement. Whether you want to be added to our mailing list, make a donation, or ask us to speak in front of your group, we want to hear from you.

Women's Bioethics Project is a project of The Tides Center, a nonprofit public charity exempt from federal income tax under Sections 501 (c) 3 and 509 (a) 1 of the Internal Revenue Code," quoting the Women's Bioethics Projectwebsite.

"Olympia remains one of the more vulnerable areas in Puget Sound in the latest estimate of sea-level rise caused by climate change and melting glaciers.

Sea levels in the Puget Sound Basin are predicted to rise anywhere from 3 inches to 22 inches by 2050 and 6 inches to 50 inches by 2100, according to a report released Thursday by the Pacific Northwest Climate Impacts Group and the University of Washington and state Department of Ecology...

Previous projections used by Olympia officials to predict sea-level-rise effects on downtown Olympia were 1 foot of sea level rise by 2050 and 3 feet by 2100, which fall between the moderate and worse-case scenarios in the latest report.

Under extreme high tides, 1 foot of sea-level rise could create pools of water on some city streets and flooding of low-lying structures, according to a September 2007 report prepared for the city. A 3-foot sea-level rise could flood most of downtown during extreme high tides, which occur once or twice a year...

City senior program specialist Vince McGowan summed up the sea-level-rise threat on the city’s Web site. “If no protection measures are taken, the 1 foot of sea-level rise predicted by 2050 would result in ponding on some streets and flooding of low-lying structures during the extreme high tides that occur once or twice a year,” he wrote. “A 2-foot rise would impact an even greater area. Pipes designed to convey stormwater away from downtown would be unable to discharge fast enough to prevent flooding during storms. At higher levels, flows would reverse, and the sea would flow out of street drains and into the streets.”

South Sound remains the most susceptible region to sea-level rise because tides are higher here than other areas of the Puget Sound, noted Philip Mote, a UW research scientist and lead author of the report," quoting The Olympian.

[Ed. Note: What if the Arctic is ice-free in Summers by 2013 as has been predicted? Then Olympia will be in much worst trouble!].

MastersConnection Host Stephany Ray

"Serving the Ramtha School of Enlightenment International Community of Students and Friends.
Providing a place on the Internet where products, services as well as like minds & great thoughts can be shared.

Welcome to Our Family Tree!
Where businesses, individuals and friends of the Ramtha School of Enlightenment can connect. We are also the Airport Shuttle Service & Lodging Page for Ramtha School in Yelm, Washington.

It is important for you to know that neither the advertisers nor the readers on the MastersConnection are required to be students at RSE. The intent behind this policy, is that there are many wonderful products and services available in the world, that can benefit everyone, and by keeping this policy open, a lot more information is made available to all of us.

For example, the Property Listings and Real Estate Agents who advertise on MastersConnection, represent more than just our RSE community.
Our requirement is that all advertisers are reputable, reliable & honest in their representations & in their services.

It is therefore, important, for each individual person to be informed and clear on what they want and need as far as land, house, etc. An advertised property may not fit with your requirements, but it may lead you
to make a connection with a private seller, private buyer, realtor and/or other properties that will be precisely
what you are looking for.

The MastersConnection is not an agent or authorized representative of JZ Knight or of Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. MastersConnection is honored and greatly respectful of the privilege of being of service to the RSE Community world-wide.

We welcome and greatly appreciate communications from readers of our Newsletters and visitors to our Website. Most kindly, Stephany Ray, President, MastersConnection, LLC," quoting site owner Stephany Ray.

Heart courtesy of JZ-Rose website

"Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, donating to charity or gifting candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-nineteenth century Valentine's Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines," quoting Wikipedia.

Yelm Timberland Regional Library

Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave

LIBRARY LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM: ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES

Wednesday, February 13
In July of 2005, Alan Burke, avid hiker and superintendent of Yelm schools, joined with friends to climb the highest peaks in Africa and Europe. Join him on the summits and in between via his slide show and stories. In addition to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340') in Tanzania and Mt. Elbrus (18,510') in southern Russia, Alan also traveled through those countries, visiting Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, and Moscow in Russia. The group also participated in a four-day Serengeti safari, and an auto trip through the heavily fortified Baksan Valley of Russia, near the infamous Chechnya area of that country.

7 PM TONIGHT AT THE YELM LIBRARY

Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Alan Burke

Mayor Ron Harding's State of the City Address
February 12, 2008

About 100 people attended the Yelm Chamber Forum luncheon, which was one of their largest meetings.

The following summarizes Mayor Harding's address:

1. ECONOMICS
Economic development is the driver of what we can do for a city.
Yelm achieved a 7% growth rate last year.
We (Yelm) are coming into our own as a retail hub, for the South County.
With international chains coming to Yelm like Starbucks & KFC, this shows that there is alot of interest in our growth here.

2. ACHIEVEMENTS
A. Last year's idea for a community reader board came to fruition and that board now informs the public on many community service issues in front of City Hall.

B. YESS - Yelm Students Support & Success is a program at City Hall offering career opportunities through internships for students.
Two students are currently in the program engaging the job interview process and working with the city learning and providing support for various aspects of the city's offices.

C. Longmire Park has been high on the City Council's list to complete since Mayor Harding became Mayor. The park is now operational with 3 baseball, 1 football & 1 soccer field, a green belt, and playground. This park is more than just about ball fields; rather a place that appeals to the entire family.
The ribbon cutting and dedication will officially be in March, 2008.

D. Yelm's Police Station & Municipal Court Building is coming to completion and will house new City Council Chambers and Yelm's Emergency Operations Center. This building was designed to handle Yelm's needs for 20-30 years and is state-of-the-art. The building will officially open next month.
Further, 3 new police officers and a crime prevention officer have been added to the Yelm Police Dept.
The city established a "vulnerable citizens list" last year as a result of the power outages.
And, with the city looking ahead to the future and anticipated higher real estate prices, the city secured an adjacent property to the Police Station for a future City Hall site.
The structure has been suggested as a place to temporarily house the Yelm Historical Society's museum and they should be relocated by the end of the year.
The location of these buildings is to become part of the "downtown corridor" and is an important component of working on a package that brings the corridor alive.

3. TRANSPORTATION
A. Transportation is the city's major priority and Yelm invested $2,500 per capita on transportation projects last year. All of the dollars were derived from development fees and grants. There was no increase in taxes for these projects.
B. Coates Rd. construction is completely funded for improvements similar to Stevens St West (sidewalks, curbs, etc.) and this artery continues a connection on the mini-loop.
C. Transportation is not just about roads. It includes walking trails and bike lanes. The Yelm Prairie Line Trail from town to the Nisqually Pines is fully funded at $1 million. A State Grant was received, where the city added very little. This will provide a safe avenue to walk from town to the Pines.
D. The city will soon be the recipient of an upgraded Yelm Ave. West from Tahoma Blvd to the High School, with construction underway.
E. Roads mentioned that have seen improvements on Mayor Harding's watch include 103rd, Stevens St West [which received applause], Tahoma Blvd., and Mosman Ave.[mentioned was a yet-to-do realignment with Mosman at SR 507] , and the coming connection from Wal-Mart to 103rd.
[Ed. Note: Nothing was mentioned about the Bypass or its unfunded amount. Rep. Tom Campbell held a Town Hall meeting last Saturday and told those gathered, including Mayor Harding and Mayor Pro-tem Bob Isom that he would do all he can in the 2009 legislative session to secure the unfunded $56 million for the Bypass, noting that road priorities include the Seattle Viaduct, a new 520 floating bridge and covering the emergency costs associated with the reopening of I-5 after the December flood in central Washington. ]

4. WHAT'S NEXT
A. On the wish list is a Yelm Community Recreation Center to be housed on the site of the former Police Station that would include a complete rebuild of Yelm City Park.
B. In the meantime, the city has engaged with the private organization Yelm Community Services to handle public services out of their facility until a Community Center is opened. Look for more on this arrangement soon.

5. QUESTIONS FORM THE AUDIENCE
1. How about a swimming pool for Yelm?
The answer is, No! There is a problem maintaining and staffing such a facility. the city tries to engage in a plan that's sustainable. In consultations with the YMCA and other organizations, we need to grow more to have a community pool. There is discussion of an aquatic center planned for one of the large developments in Yelm, which is the main option for a the community in the near-term.
2. What about an Emergency Care Center?
There are new offices coming in behind the Dairy Queen that will house some medical offices. However, the community has to grow to where that becomes a viable option.

There were no other questions. The Mayor was surprised, as he said he expected alot.
Mayor Harding was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Chamber Board.

The Honorable Ron Harding, Mayor of Yelm

Yelm's Mayor Ron Harding presents his "State of the City" address to the public today at 11:30am at the Yelm Chamber of Commerce Monthly Forum at Nisqually Moose Lodge on Yelm Ave. West.

The public is invited and tickets are available at the door for $9, which includes a buffet luncheon.

All of those interested are encouraged to attend to hear Mayor Harding's address and vision for the city.

For more information, contact the Yelm Chamber of Commerce.

The SPLASH Newsletter Feb., 2008
issued by the Thurston County Storm & Surface Water Utility News in local mailboxes last week had a story titled "Help for Yelm and Thompson Creeks"

To quote the article,

"Thurston County will be collecting data on the changing hydrology along Thompson Creek near Yelm thanks to a grant from the state Department of Ecology. Homes, roads and bridges [and private wells] in the area have been damaged over that past several winters due to localized flooding.

The county will be gathering streamflow, precipitation and ground water data to help planners shape current and future land-use decisions.

The city and Thurston County will also use the data to re-evaluate flood zone maps and update Jointly-adopted flood hazard plans.

The Thurston County Storm and Surface water Utility is also providing funds for the project, along with the state grant."

This grant is being provided through the Department of Ecology's Flood Control Assistance Account Program. They will be monitoring flows along Thompson Creek from about 93rd St. in Yelm to SR-510.

They will also be measuring shallow groundwater levels at several locations. The ultimate purpose is to generate a baseline for existing hydrology and shallow groundwater performance.

On January 29, 2007, there was a multi-agency meeting open to the public about Yelm's Thompson Creek flooding with officials from the Washington State Department of Ecology & the Department of Fish & Wildlife to gather information related to Thompson Creek flooding conditions and increased creek sedimentload.

The Dept. of Ecology had received several complaints in regards to flooding issues, water quality issues, wetland filling, channel modifications and other activities that have affected Thompson Creek in Yelm, as reported a year ago on the Yelm Community Blog.

More information is found in the:
ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARD IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
THURSTON COUNTY FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN
September 12, 2007

Simply Delicious owner Nancy Trent

VALENTINE'S DAY CATERED DINNER IN YOUR OWN HOME!
Make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
Boutique Catering. Ultra Fine Desserts.
Elegantly served in your home or delivered picnic style.

Dinner & Dessert for Two

Tenderloin Steaks with a Wine Sauce
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
Sauteed Broccoli with Pinenuts
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
$100.00

Small Heart Shaped Meat Loaves with Sweet Glaze
Twice Baked Potatoes topped with Gruyere Cheese
Sauteed Green Beans with Red Peppers
Chocolate Cake
$65.00

Cornish Game Hens with Portabella Mushroom Sauce
Atop Creamy Polenta with Sauteed Garlic Spinach
White Chocolate Cameo Cake
$85.00

Salmon Fillet with Cucumber Dill Sauce
Jasmine Rice with Pistachios & Cranraisins Pilaf
Bacon Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
Creme Brulee
$95.00

Lovely Green Salads with the Choice of my Signature Gorgonzola dressing
or Lime Vinegrette dressing with any of the dinners.

OTHER DELICIOUS ITEMS AVAILABLE!
A Tray of Goodies for Family & Friends
Pecan Bars
Heart Shaped Shortbread dipped in Chocolate
Raspberry Linzer Cookies
Brownies iced with Buttercream Frosting
Oatmeal Cranraisin Cookies
White Chocolate Coconut
Macadamia Nut Cookies
Tray of Six each $100.00
Tray of Three each $50.00

Boxed sweets
from the selection above
Bars $3.50 each
Brownies $3.50 each
Linzers $3.50 each
Cookies $2.25 each

Cakes
White Chocolate Cameo Cake $65.00
Chocolate Chocolate Cake $65.00
Tiramisu $65.00
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake $55.00

Gorgeous and romantic floral arrangements and pricing available upon request.

PLEASE TELL SIMPLY DELICIOUS YOU HEARD ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Nisqually Watershed Map

"The Land Trust is pleased to announce the purchase of the landmark Elledge Ranch, also known as Trestle Farm, from Dr. William and Cathleen Elledge. Located along the Nisqually River where it meets
Highway 507 in Yelm, the Ranch is an important acquisition for several reasons.

For one, the 29-acre Ranch adjoins 95 acres already under Land Trust ownership, thus creating a continuous two-mile stretch of Nisqually River shoreline that is now permanently protected. This reach of the Nisqually provides spawning grounds for coho and threatened Chinook and steelhead salmon, and it is excellent rearing habitat for all five Nisqually salmon species.

As well, the Elledge acquisition assures a lasting connection between the Elledges and the Yelm community,
where they are long-time fixtures. In 1979, Dr. Elledge opened what would become Yelm Family Medicine and practiced there until his retirement in May. Cathy Elledge is a renowned equestrian who taught hundreds of local children and adults at the Ranch.

The Elledges believe that a healthy land ethic is essential to a healthy community, and maintaining the
Ranch’s high conservation values was a priority in its sale. 'There is so much going on around these days—so much growth and noise,' said Dr. Elledge. 'This is a way to preserve a retreat from all that chaos,'" quoting the Nisqually Land Trust site.

In response to a question about Yelm's Emergency Plan posed to Yelm Police Chief Todd Stancil,
here is his unabridged response;

"Since we last spoke [Dec., 2005] about the City of Yelm's Plan our Emergency Management Board here in Yelm has made strides in informing our public and reaching out to vulnerable citizens. We have had articles in the NVN regarding emergencies, been involved in community functions where an emergency management booth has been set up and occupied by board members to provide information, Made contact and now have a list of highly vulnerable citizens within and just outside our city limits that will be checked on in times of emergency, conducted a mock exercise with all emergency responders and public officials. We are working with Thurston County to set up a CERT training once the new public safety building opens in late March. CERT is Community Emergency Response Team.

This summer we will incorporate the message when we visit homeowner association groups with our newly created Crime Prevention Officer position and provide pamphlets created by the City regarding Emergency
Management. Also this spring I will accompany Mayor Harding as we go door to door and business to business speaking with them and providing information on emergency preparedness and other matters."

And, here is an update on the Public Safety Building from the NVN,
"The new building, planned since the beginning of 2007, is nearing the finishing stages, including finishing the electrical wiring, molding and flooring.

The building is divided between Municipal Court and the police department and will include court chambers and a training/emergency operation center room for meetings and classes."

Further, Bruce Smith reports in the Eatonville Dispatch this week that "Graham Fire and Rescue, recently gave the Graham Business Association a presentation titled: "All-Hazards Preparedness for Businesses."

This is a very informative and thorough story for all, as Pierce County and Graham lead the way in the South Sound on emergency preparedness and informing their constituents.

HATS OFF TO YELM POLICE AND GRAHAM FIRE AND RESCUE FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND WORK ON BEHALF OF THEIR CITIZENS!

Representative Tom Campbell
Photo from Representative Campbell's official website


"Campbell to meet with 2nd District constituents in Town Hall Meetings