Camper has idea to improve state’s campgrounds
Published 11:23 pm Monday, May 18, 2009
Will work for parks.
Bill and Sandi Thomas of Snohomish love to camp. They hate the notion that budget cuts could eliminate parks.
“As I read of the impending demise of our state and county parks it reminds me of an ‘old-school’ fix to the problem, or at least a partial cure,” Bill Thomas says. “My wife and I have a tent trailer and a travel trailer and have discussed a way to pay back some of our enjoyment we have had at these facilities.”
Here is the plan: Offer to work when you stay at a campground.
“Most campers are very good citizens, families as well as retirees,” Thomas says. “We would be more than willing to donate two to three hours of work at each of the sites we visit to help keep the system alive.”
He says a majority of visitors would probably do the same. It would be a great teaching tool about giving back.
“We could mow lawns, clean bathrooms, collect garbage, prepare sites, wash windows and stock brochures. We would not be eliminating jobs because the demise of the campgrounds is going to eliminate those jobs unless something is done to help the economics.”
He suggests we try the approach at a few high-maintenance sites.
“Because everyone is worried about liability, we would gladly sign a waiver holding the facility harmless,” Thomas says. “Judging by the capacity of many of these places, there is a huge volunteer work force that has been untapped.”
Make it a part of the check-in process, Thomas says, or talk to the camp host.
“Ask us if we want to help,” he says. “We do.”
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Children for years to come will remember Spruce Elementary School in Lynnwood.
On a front wall, there is a new 20-foot long dragon mural, the school mascot.
The clay mural was kiln-fired, assembled and installed. It will be dedicated at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 17405 Spruce Way, Lynnwood. It’s also open house night for parents.
Fourth-grade teacher Anna Walter and artist Kim Newall came up with the dragon idea. Principal Margaret Mesaros signed on and the city of Lynnwood Arts Commission opened its wallet.
Newall worked with students in drawing and observation skills. She taught basic skills of working with clay. Hundreds of kids worked on design and production.
An added benefit is that an area of the building is now a ceramics studio.
More clay projects are on the way.
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Myra Rintamaki of Lynnwood has a message to share before Memorial Day.
Attend ceremonies and honor men and women who have died serving their country, she says.
Rintamaki is a member of Washington State Gold Star Mothers. Her son died while serving in Iraq.
Steven Rintamaki was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps who volunteered for deployment in Iraq. On Sept. 16, 2004, he was killed in an ambush while on patrol in the Al Anbar province. He was 21 years old.
With Memorial Day on Monday, it reminds Rintamaki how difficult the month of May can be for Gold Star families.
A Snohomish Marine just three weeks away from finishing his third tour in Iraq was killed on Memorial Day in 2005. Marine Cpl. Jeffrey B. Starr, 22, died by small-arms fire May 30 during combat operations near Ramadi.
For those still serving, keep them in our thoughts and especially pray for their safe return, Rintamaki says.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
