PAT JENKINS We're born with two thumbs, at least one of which goes up when we see or hear about something we like. So in the spirit of the holiday season, I'm giving a thumbs-up to:: " The Bethel School District for using bus-mounted video cameras to catch motorists in the act of not stopping when required for school buses that are picking up or dropping off students. The crackdown will begin early next year after the district and the Pierce County Sheriff Department finish testing the system. Don't want a $500 ticket? Then hold your horses and make the safety of schoolchildren a higher priority than getting where you're going in such a big hurry. " Youth Connection, the non-profit organization that put on a wonderful, free community dinner with turkey and all the fixings the Friday before Thanksgiving at Eatonville Community Center. The annual event was yet another example of how Youth Connection fosters community relationships among young people and the general public throuigh vital after-school programs, community service projects and other community activities. " The Daffodil Festival for another round of princess selections at 24 high schools in Pierce County, including Eatonville, Graham-Kapowsin, Bethel and Spanaway Lake. It can be suggested that the festival, which has been around in one form or another since the 1930s, has passed its prime and become a quaint relic. But you won't hear that from me. Anything that focuses attention on outstanding young ladies and brings together schools and communities countywide is just fine with me. " Voters in Graham Fire District who passed the district's maintenance and operations levy in the general election. Yes, they created more drama than necessary by rejecting the measure in last summer's primary election. But on round two, sensibility prevailed. Levies that direct tax revenue to basic, essential public services such as fire protection and emergency medical care are one of the purest ways that voters can control and strengthen their corner of the world. " The town of Eatonville for completing the Bud Blancher Trail project. The 2.5-mile trail once sparked controversy when town officials, strapped for cash to run the municipality, diverted money donated for the project to help meet unrelated expenses. That led to huffing and puffing (rightfully, but excessively) among some community members over applying the generosity of others to unintended purposes, as well as a scolding from the state auditor. Bygones are bygones. The town restored the trail funding, and now there is a scenic getaway for all to enjoy as a source of recreation, exercise and community pride. " The Eatonville and Graham-Kapowsin teams for their thrilling runs through the state high school football tournaments. There's nothing quite like the excitement of these post-season gridiron glories to capture the purity of student-athletes playing a game for all the right reasons. It's a refreshing change from the big-business, look-at-me style of professional and major-college football.
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