Last week at its fundraiser, “Run for the Roses”, Assistance League of the Eastside honored  one of its long-time local donors who has consistently supported the Operation School Bell program on the Eastside.

Operation School Bell Committee chairman Mavis Goetsch presented the National Operation School Bell Award to Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop President, Jody Orbits. Since 1993, Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop has donated over $83,000 to the chapter in 29 separate gifts.

The National Operation School Bell Award is given to honor those in the community, who through significant financial, in-kind or service support, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell, thus warranting recognition from National Assistance League.

Assistance League of the Eastside® is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults touched by hardship or violence.

On Saturday professional trainer Linda Shea of Sammamish took Poppy, a Belgian Tervuren, through his paces at the Whiskers, Wings & Wagging Tails pet fair at the  Redmond Senior Center. Nearby, Larry Newby of Redmond worked Shetland sheepdog Cracker on the agility course.

Oblivious to the talent show, Rowdie trotted along gamely with his masters from Kent. Suffering from degerative myelopathy (a genetic disease) and using assisted equipment, the nine-year-old corgie greeted everyone with a smile and a wag.

Rowdie wasn’t the only one having a grand time at the adoption event that featured entertainment as well as dog flyball and obedience demonstrations. Children adored Striker, the miniature horse Iola Stetson of Redmond brought to the fair. Inside the center all sorts of vendors showed their critter-conscious wares to owners with all manner of canines in tow.

But besides all the fun, the serious work of pet adoption went on inside. Lots of small dogs and cats in cages braved the heat and crowds. For example, Buffy the long-haired, honey-colored kitty came all the way with human Samaritans from Whidbey Island to try to be adopted. Some of the groups on hand included Motley Zoo, NOAH, King County Animal Control, MEOW and Oasis for Animals.

For more information about the event or adoptions, please call 425-556-2314.

Does your student have a big senior year planned?

In the Issaquah High School Newsletter, counselors suggested that parents urge their current juniors who wish to get a jump start on senior year to take part in the Early Bird Culminating Project plan. Spaces are still available and the deadline has been extended to May 15.

Students need to turn in their resume and typed answer to question #1. The question has multiple parts including:

• Summarize your preparation for your education and career goals.
• What further steps must you take to achieve your goals?

Send the answers to the College and Career Center. Exit Interviews for completed students will take place on the morning of Wed. May 23rd before school. Juniors who complete the interview process will be DONE with culminating project and can start senior year with one less thing they need to do.