10 Years Ago 1997

Skateboarders have been given the boot from the Food Pavilion Shopping Center. At least they have if MK Properties, has its way. Weve had skateboarders in our center, causing damage and vandalism and bringing in trash. Theyre wonderful to watch, but I dont want them in my center, said Property Manager Sandie Yost. Yost sent a memo to tenants in the complex stating skateboarding is not allowed and advising them to call the police if they do see a skateboarder. Signs posted in the parking lot and behind the buildings are notification that skateboarding is a criminal trespass violation. Yost said the memo follows months of complaints from tenants who say the skateboarders are driving their customers away. Much of the concern is about liability, she said. If a customer is injured by a skateboarder or a skateboarder is injured by a passing vehicle, the companys insurance rates could skyrocket. Other concerns include the cost of cleaning up the parking lot after the skateboarders are gone as well as vandalism done to the signs in the parking lot. But not all of the tenants agree that the skateboarders are to blame. Seth Simpson, of Johnny Wanna Sports, said the vandalism and trash isnt necessarily from the skateboarders and doesnt believe they should be ticketed just for skating there. All this is being blamed on the skaters. Theyre made to look like criminals, he said. This is no reason to put our children in jail or give them a ticket for skateboarding. The sport might be extreme. It might be bothersome to some, but not to others. Simpson, 24, said the ultimate solution is to build a skatepark. He is trying to make some connections to accomplish that but so far hasnt made much headway, he said. Its his hope that at some point before hes too old to skate the park will become a reality.

25 Years Ago 1982

In the early hours of a December morning, another holiday season party is winding down. The jingle of car keys signals another lap of the American demolition derby known as Driving While Intoxicated. On the average Friday or Saturday night, one driver in 10 is drunk, but the odds against a drunk driver being arrested have been estimated at 2,000-to-one. Is there an answer besides harsh penalties and police crackdowns? The Automobile Club of Washington believes a good portion of the responsibility for preventing drunken driving rests on the shoulders of the partys host where the alcohol is served. Subtly de-emphasize liquor at those holiday parties, is the advice of the club as it launches its First a friend, then a host campaign. Bruce Olsen, Public Affairs Director for the Auto Club said, Its impractical to discourage drinking altogether during the Christmas and New Years season. But the low-key methods the club proposes wont dampen the spirit of the party and guests are more likely to be in a condition to drive home safely. Statistics show that alcohol is involved in at least 50 percent of traffic accidents and fatalities, Olsen said. Here are a few suggestions. Mix the first drink first, if you wish, but consider setting up a self-service bar so guests may pace themselves. If you plan on being the bar tender, measure moderate amounts of liquor. Make sure there are a variety of low or nonalcoholic beverages for your non-drinking guests. Never pressure a guest to drink. Push food, instead of alcohol. Have a tempting and lavish display of rich, starchy snacks and main dishes. This type of food helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Set an example and dont over indulge. Keep your guests circulating with dancing, games or conversation, diverting attention away from the bar. About an hour before the event ends, serve a rich dessert. Sweets arent too compatible with alcohol. Make sure coffee is that one for the road. While coffee wont sober anyone up, it gains time and time is the only factor that leads to sobriety. Even with these efforts you might end up with a tipsy friend, so tactfully arrange transportation home with a sober guest. Consider calling a cab or let your guest stay at your house overnight. A true friend wont let a friend drive home drunk.

50 Years Ago 1957

Carol Elizabeth Weeks, a sophomore at College of Puget Sound, has been awarded a National Methodist Scholarship by the Board of Education of the Methodist Church. Miss Weeks is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Glenn Weeks, 1518 First Street, and a member of First Methodist Church, Marysville. National Methodist Scholarship awards cover tuition and $500 and are granted on the basis of superior academic standing, leadership ability, active churchmanship, character, personality and need.