 "Speak your mind even if your voice shakes."
-- Maggie Kuhn --
 Safe Auburn: Community Conversations is back, and this time, we're sharing ideas and solutions!
Thank you to everyone who came out to Safe Auburn series during the fall. We've been hard at work behind the scenes compiling data, strategizing and answering questions, and we're ready to share!
This January and early February, we've got a series of four meetings at schools across the City of Auburn. All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and will run until about 7 p.m. Light refreshments provided.
Last time around, you did most of the talking, so please come ready to hear from us! There will be time for Q&A at the end.
See ya soon!
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* West Auburn High School | 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14
* Mt. Baker Middle School | 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23
* Auburn Mountainview High School | 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28
* Chinook Elementary School | 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6
King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Gov. Christine Gregoire
Thursday evening, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer held his annual holiday gathering. He always invites students – selected by the principals of the high schools in Auburn and Federal Way, and this year was no exception. The guest speaker for the evening was Governor Chris Gregoire. She had prepared remarks, but chose instead to take questions from the students, and there were many! She was asked about the most difficult things that she had to deal with as governor and as attorney general and her response was thoughtful and filled with emotion. She shared about a baby who had been brutally beaten by the parents – and with her assistance were convicted of the crime and sentence to years in prison. She knew the baby had been placed into foster care and ultimately adopted. The adopted mother reached out to Gov. Gregoire years later to let her know that that baby had grown into a beautiful and intelligent young woman who was attending law school with the goal of working for victims of child abuse. I saw a bit of a tear in the Governor’s eye as she was telling that story. She knew that her work as A.G. made a difference in that baby’s life, and that the grown up was going to make a difference in many more lives.
 She took time to chat with the students and take photos with them as well. I have a feeling that many of those students walked away with a greater appreciation of elected office, and maybe even a goal of going into public service themselves.
 On Saturday, Dec. 7, 32 students from Auburn School District elementary schools had the opportunity to enjoy a special holiday shopping spree, thanks to the Auburn Police Department’s annual event, Shop with a Cop. Two students from each elementary school in the district were selected to participate, each receiving $100 to spend at Walmart. The funds were made possible by a generous grant from Walmart and contributions from the Auburn Police Officers Association (APOA).
 The event, which took place at the Auburn Walmart near the Outlet Collection Seattle, saw students shopping for themselves or choosing gifts for their families, with the support of officers from the Auburn Police Department, Port of Seattle Police, Pacific Police, and the Washington State Patrol. The children were paired with officers and other community leaders, who accompanied them on their shopping spree.
 Thank you Chief Mark Caillier and all of our amazing Auburn Police Department staff who made this event a success!
Tree Lighter Elijah Olvera and his mother Michelle Heertje
Thank you, Auburn, for coming out Saturday afternoon to watch the annual Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony downtown! The parade was long, the crowd mighty and energetic, and 7-year-old tree lighter Elijah Olvera was strong and exact when he flipped the switch.
 I want to thank our wonderful Parks department for organizing this yearly tradition -- you've earned yourselves a break! At least until our next big event. And I want to thank you all of you, Auburn, for coming to celebrate in person. The energy was electric and I know Elijah and his mother Michelle had the time of their lives!
 I also want to thank mother nature! Right up until the parade began, the rain was relentless, but right as the event started, the clouds cleared and we were able to celebrate and dance, dry and warm.
Let's see if the good luck continues and if we can get just a spot of snow on Christmas morning.
 Last week, the Auburn Airport community lost a dear friend and colleague and invite all who knew him to join in a celebration of life this Sunday. I'll let Airport Manager Tim Mensonides take it from here.
"Last week a pillar of the S50 community passed away. Mike Boatz, long time S50 friend and A&P, flew west on December 3rd. Mike was always there to lend a helping hand (or part) and greeted you with a calm voice and warm smile. I was told Mike had been on the airport for 45 years.
Many of you have asked on the details of Mike's memorial service, please refer to the picture above for details. The memorial will take place in his hangar.
The Airport is planning to install a memorial bench in Mike's honor. Blue skies and tailwinds to you Mike you will be missed.
Blue Skies,
Tim"
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* Michael H. Boatz Celebration of LIfe
* Sunday, Dec. 15
* 3:30 p.m.
* Auburn Airport, B&C Quality Aircraft, 2143 E St NE
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