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See Brain Science photos online at www.newcastlenews.com
Newcastle native shoots his first feature film Page 2
VOL. 17, NO. 7
July 3, 2015
Energize Eastside, traffic calming, dominate town hall By Christina Corrales-Toy Speed bumps and power lines were the hot topics of conversation at the city of Newcastle’s annual town hall meeting June 16. During the meeting’s second hour, the Newcastle City Council fielded audience questions, with a sizable group of neighbors from in and around Southeast 75th Street using the time to express concerns about speeding on the street. “People are more using it more than ever before, because they realize that every other street now has speed humps,” one resident said. Neighbors from the street came to last year’s town hall meeting and at least one
Newcastle City Council meeting in 2014 to ask the city for traffic-calming measures on the street. In the past, residents said they have trepidations about letting their children play in yards, and are concerned about the effect the speeds have on a nearby bus stop as students wait for and exit the vehicle. Residents on the street want to see speed bumps installed. It’s not that simple, though, Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman responded. A traffic analysis done on the street hasn’t triggered what the city normally would require to install speed humps. That traffic analysis isn’t the only considerSee TOWN HALL, Page 19
Fourth of July kicks Stand up for the class of 2015 off summer schedule By Christina Corrales-Toy
Dominic Green, a Hazen basketball star who will continue his career at the University of Washington, stands up and cheers from the audience. For more photos from Hazen’s ceremony see Page 12-13. For photos from Liberty High School’s graduation, see Page 10-11.
By Christina Corrales-Toy
Italene Gaddis joins artists at day of music By Christina Corrales-Toy Musician Italene Gaddis has no problem traveling across Western Washington, performing daily at various sites. Luckily for her, she won’t have to travel far for a special July 25 gig. The 90-year-old Newcastle resident’s commute will be just
minutes when she performs at the Newcastle Library’s day of music. Gaddis’ performance is just a small part of a day dedicated to music education, music crafts and music programs for all ages. The “Music Space” event starts at 10 a.m. At that time, attendees can take advantage of
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three hands-on activities. The instrument discovery, musical crafts, and a “Guitar Hero” and iPad music creation stations will be available nearly all day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music Works Northwest will bring an assortment of musical instruments for attendees to See MUSIC, Page 18
Fireworks are banned in the city of Newcastle, but, as always, there is one place where residents can legally watch the pyrotechnic displays mostly associated with Independence Day. The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration returns to Lake Boren Park this Saturday. As the region experiences particularly dry conditions, now more than ever, city officials are pleading with citizens to heed the firework ban.
“Our fire and police departments recommend that people take advantage of the elaborate public firework displays around the region,” said Wendy Kirchner, Newcastle community activities liaison. “Please consider treating your family to a fun Fourth of July this year at Lake Boren Park.” Residents can start filing into the park at 6 p.m. July 4, when vendors will begin selling food. Neil Diamond tribute band Cherry Cherry will entertain the See EVENTS, Page 18
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