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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
October 11, 2012     Shelton Mason County Journal
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October 11, 2012
 
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JOURNALEDITORIAL Charleen: a name that stands by itself you meet some thseinating people in Shelton. Charleen Smith, for example. Charleen - if you know her, and thousands do -- you know her by her first name. And she doubtless knows you by your first name, and probably your last name, too. Charleen is a businesswoman. It's a one- woman business run out of her Shelton home. Good Time Tours, it's called, and it is well named, for if you sign up with Charleen Smith for a tour, you are sure to have a good LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR time. Charleen makes it so. Unfailingly cheerful, this tiny blonde dynamo makes you comfortable from the moment you meet her, whether it's a first- time tourist on the tele- phone, or on the tour coach for your first trip and your initial person-to-person in- By JOHN troduction to Charleen. KOMEN How she copes with all the myriad details is a marvelous mystery. You might take a one- day trip to the mountains of Leavenworth to witness the forest's fall season, or you could spend a week in Washington, D.C., and Charleen is there with you to make certain you are indeed on a Good Time Tour. The details never confront you, Charleen makes certain of that. She arranges every- thing, from your seat on the coach to your accommodations at your destination, be it Lake Chelan or the nation's Capitol, Bran- son, Mo., or Seaside, Ore. She not only makes all the arrangements, she serves you personally, donning an apron to offer you coffee and doughnuts on the bus outbound from Shelton in the morning, then wine and cheese when the bus takes you home in the evening. All the while Char- leen's genuine enjoyment with her people on the bus is a delightful bonus. She's been doing this for years. She regu- larly sends out her simply-printed brochure (no attention-grabbing colors, just black and white) to the hundreds on her mailing list. (She uses the U.S. mail; none of that compli- cated email nonsense for her clients.) She outlines her seasonal tours in paragraphs that often have a cheerleading quality. The Mariners, for instance, are always on the verge of a great season when Charleen spells out her annual four trips to Safeeo Field. She's a pro. And like her, Tom is also a professional. He's frequently the driver of the coach that Charleen employs for her tours. His prowess navigating the huge coach on freeways or narrow mountain lanes draws quiet admiration from the passen- gers, while his bawdy sense of humor and horseplay with Charleen brings grins and chuckles. Tom is a story unto himself. He didn't al- ways drive a bus. For 26 years he was in the Navy, "all underwater," he says. Tom was indeed under the sea, not on it, for he served all 26 years in submarines. "I loved my job," says Tom, who worked as a submarine sonar operator and suffers chronic tinnitus because of it. His Navy service came during the Cold War, when American and Russian nuclear- armed submarines frequently confronted each other in deepwater sonar alerts. Tom remembers tracking Soviet subs as they roamed under the ocean down the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Washington. His ad- miration for the Soviet navy is genuine, and he sadly notes today's Russia "doesn't even have a navy anymore". Tom could recognize a Soviet sub by name simply by the sonar sound it made. Charleen's people on the bus ride home pass the hat for the driver in appreciation for his professionalism. Tom will be handed a wad of bills as he pilots the coach to its home stop, the old Armory in downtown Shelton. The Armory is a long-treasured institu- tion in Shelton. And like that Armory, we've come to treasure Charleen for her long and valued service. [] John Kornen, who lives on Mason Lake, teas for 40 years a reporter and editor, TV anchorman, national TV network correspon- dent, producer, columnist, editorial writer and commentator. His column, Komen Com- ment, appears each week in the Shelton-Ma- son County Journal. Shelton-Mason C~unty USPS 492-800 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Shelton-Mason County Journal, RO. Box 430. Shelton, WA 98584. Published weekly by Shelton-Mason County Journal, Inc. at 227 West Cota Street, Shelton, Washington Mailing address: P.O. Box 430, Shelton, WA 98584 Telephone (360) 426-4412 • www.masoncounty.com Periodicals postage paid at Shelton, Washington County "ason County just dodged a proverbial . bullet. Firefighter crews earlier this week contained a 229- acre wildfire that started Thursday near Rainbow Lake before it was able to cause any major damage to nearby homes. Personnel from every Mason County fire district, as well as state emer- gency responders from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, worked tirelessly over the weekend to help control the fire. Ad- ditionally, Thurston and Grays Harbor county fire districts supplied support, as did the Bonneville Power Administration, Green Dia- mond Resource Company and Manke Timber. Overall, more than 200 firefighters had a hand in containing the fire, which started as a small brush- fire. The state Department of Natural Resources even brought in 55 adults and 10 juvenile offenders to work 14-16 hour shifts on the fire line. Those offenders also cooked meals for the fire- fighters. It proved no easy task for all involved, as strong winds and dry conditions fueled the blaze. "What they did was a hell of a job," said Dave La- Fave, incident commander with Washington Incident Management Team 3, who helped manage the fire. We couldn't agree more. We're lucky that this fire didn't escalate such as fires we've seen during the sum- mer in Eastern Washing- ton. We're fortunate that our fire personnel, with help from firefighters in other counties, were able to get a handle on this fire before it got even more out of control. A response on gay marriage Editor, the Journal Ms. Cyr: In response to your re- cent letter to the editor, I submit a website from which I obtained informa- tion on the "Gay Agenda": http://www.mass resistance.org/docs/gelV 09b/Redeeming_rainbow/ chapters/Chapter- 13.pdf The following is copied from that website: 7. Repeal Of all laws gov- erning the age of sexual consent. 8. Repeal of all legisla- tive provisions that re- strict the sex or number ' of persons entering into a marriage unit; and the ex- tension of legal benefits to all persons who cohabit re- gardless of sex or numbers. It is written: Romans 1:18-32-For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrigh- teousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteous- ness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them for the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse; because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to cor- ruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. 2-who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the creator, who is blessed for- ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recom- pense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, malicious- ness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malfgnity, whisperers, 30-backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to par- ents, without understand- ing, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 1 Cor 6:9, 10,11-Know ye not that the unrigh- teous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornica- tors, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunk- ards, nor revilers, nor ex- tortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God, and such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in tJhe name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God." (It is only too late to be saved after you die). May this touch your heart and cause a turn- about for all who have been deceived into thinking it is OK for same-sex. Diane Eaton Grapeview Kathy Haigh does her job well Editor, the Journal A variety of opinions are encouraged in an even- handed editorial page. We should be grateful for the opportunity to share our views. I believe that we all expect honesty from edito- rial contributors, but lately I wonder if the hyperbole is legitimate. Kathy Haigh sits on three legislative commit- tees: Education, Educa- tion Appropriations and Oversight, and Ways and Means. The Education com- mittee considers K-12 edu- cational policy and finance issues. Kathy is a member, not the chair. The Education App. and Oversight Comm. consider issues relating to funding andoversight of early learning, K-12, and higher education programs and agencies. This com- mittee makes recommen- dations to the Ways and Means committee. Kathy is chair of this committee. The Ways and Means commit- tee considers the operating budget, which involves most parts of the state budget, other than transportation. Both revenue and spend- ing are the responsibility of Ways and Means. Kathy is not the chair. Kathy's voting record is there for review by any citizen. Google her name and click Haigh - WA State Legislator. You be the judge if Kathy has our students' best interest at heart. She un- derstands the value of an educated populous because she is well educated and motivated to make deci- sions for a better tomorrow in Washington. Guyla Vann Belfair voting for jorgen Editor, the Journal Please consider voting for Tom Bjorgen for the Court of Appeals. I have known him for more than 30 years. Please do not hold that against him. I believe he would be an excellent judge. His website is BjorgenForJudge.com. Robert Wilson-Hoss Shelton Hamilton for commissioner Editor, the Journal I am endorsing Denny Hamilton for the position of Mason County Commis- sioner, District 1. I have known Denny for 30 years and believe his knowledge and work experi- ence will serve him well in this position. Having myself worked in Mason County government for 18 years in various management roles, I believe I have a good understand- ing of the job skills required to be a successful Mason County commissioner. Denny has worked for many international orga- nizations in strategic plan- ning, emergency manage- ment, and as a trainer and facilitator of learning. Denny's extensive expe- rience in communications would tremendously benefit Mason County and encour- age open dialogue between business, community orga- nizations, and government agencies. Having facilitated hun- dreds of community meet- ings, and his ability to both listen and be available to his constituents, is some- thing that I believe has been missing from the cur- rent commission. Denny is currently in his sixth year serving as an elected commissioner for Mason County Fire District 2, and has volunteered countless hours to Faith in Action and other commu- nity organizations. Denny is also actively en- gaged in training life skills and personal planning for Military Veterans and is a member of the planning team for the Washington State Department of Emer- gency Management. I am very confident that Denny Hamilton will be a great Mason County com- missioner and I encourage you to support him and vote for him in the upcoming election on Nov. 6. Betty Wing Belfair Ring Erickson is honest Editor, the Journal I have known Lynda Ring Erickson for a number of years. I know her to be honest and straightforward when it comes to stand- ing up for what is right and just and for leading by example in the political arena. She believes that elected officihls, should be held ac- countable for their actions while representing those who elected her. During her years as a Mason County commis- sioner, Lynda chose to eliminate her personal taxpayer-funded benefits. She returned her annual pay raises and when that was not possible, she donat- ed equivalent amounts to organizations that helped people in need. As our representative in the 35th District, Lynda will strongly support with- holding pay for all members of the Legislature if they are unable to pass a budget on time. She intends to hold state government accountable to taxpayers by posting the state budget and expenses online so that taxpayers are able to see how their money is being spent. Please remember these things when you cast your vote. Lynda will be account- able and available to you, her constituents. She will be familiar with the ~ssues and will listen to your opinions. You could not ask for more from your representatives. Barbara Anne Wyatt Shelto'n See Letters on page A-5 She~ton-Mason County Journal is a member of Washington Newspaper Publishers' Association. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $37 per year for Mason County addresses, $51 per year in state of Washington but outside Mason County, $61 per year out of state. Owned and published by She~ton-Mason County Journal, Inc Kari Sleight, publisher Newsroom: Adam Rudnick. editor Natalie Johnson, reporter Gordon Weeks, reporter Emily Hanson, sports reporter Advertising: Dave Pierik, Sr. Acct. Executive Maggie Burdick, ad representative Front office: Donna Kinnaird, ~ookkeeper Rene6 Chaplin, circulation Cricket Carter, mailroom supervisor Composing room: William Adams, graphics Pressroom: Kelly Riordan, production manager Travis Miller, press operator Mary Northover, press assistant Page A-4 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, Oct. 11,2012