THESE METAL dandelion heads top long-stem poles on the campus at Olympic College Shelton. The artwork, "Field of Wishes," was dedicated Tuesday.

Helping those who help themselves

Joining their neighbors in a celebration of the Self-help Housing Program are Elizabeth Wolf and Codie Dean. The Kitsap Consolidated Housing Authority hosted the gathering after completion of a project in Shelton's Parsley-Sage Development. People there got low-cost loans to help one another build their own homes.

Marv Faughender this week announced he will seek reelection to the position of Port of Shelton Commissioner representing District 2. So far the incumbent has one challenger, KMAS Radio broadcaster Jack Miles.

THE DRILL TEAM of the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit at Shelton High School hosted a drill meeting at the Minidome earlier this month. Pictured clockwise from top left are: Chief Petty Officer Skyler Birkhimer; a line of would-be Navy recruits marching off to see the competition; Emily Loertscher flexing her muscles for Heather Myers and Kyle Burbridge; a lady cadet taking a break from her sit-ups; two young men matching each other sit-up for sit-up to the tune of a crowd counting their repetitions; Christian Olsen and Lawrence Chapman shining shoes in the Student Union Building; and a helmeted Ensign Nissea Hernandez proudly holding the Stars and Stripes for the drill team from Lakes High School.

SANDY-HANDED FROM four-point landing in Thursday afternoon's drenched long-jump pit is the Climbers' defending state decathlon champion, Kristi Metzger. That's assistant coach Nate Grygorcewicz at right.

Bluegrass from the Forest

The high, lonesome sound of bluegrass music filled the Shelton High School Auditorium April 8-9 when the Kristmastown Kiwanis presented its first-ever Bluegrass from the Forest festival. Strings were the thing as professional bands took the stage and then disbanded for a band scramble which saw musicians mix and match themselves up with newfound friends to form impromptu groups. The groups were given 45 minutes to come up with a name and practice three songs before taking the stage. Proceeds from the festival, which totaled about $1,000, will be donated to work on the improvement of Callanan Park. The Kiwanians are already planning next year's bigger and better festival to raise money for another good cause.

THE MARY E. Theler Community Center and Wetlands have long been a great source of community pride. Recent questions about the management of the Theler Center, and the viability of a trust that helps fund it, have many wondering what the future has in store for both the center and the wetlands.