Dolphin Dance Studio

Anonymous? P-shaw.

What sort of society would we be living in if the anonymous circulator of a petition to ban a constitutionally guaranteed form of expression was not answered?

I refer to your front page article of Jan. 9 which headlined, “Pole dancing studio is the talk about town.”

First, what sort of “petition” is circulated by an anonymous author? The very notion of a petition is to associate oneself with a particular idea; to give one’s own personal support to an idea or request. For someone to anonymously request others to sign a request that the author himself did not sign is the height of cowardice.

Secondly, the business that has been targeted has every right to conduct its business in town. In economic times that see far too many closed businesses in the downtown core, we should all be happy that someone has opened a new enterprise.

What’s more, the Director of Development for Martha and Mary seems to have no personal concern regarding the new business. It seems that neither he nor the proprietor of Dolphin Dance Studio was ever contacted by the petitioners. It leaves open the question of just where did these people get their information?

The Dolphin Dance Studio is a fitness facility opened by a courageous young woman in difficult economic times in our town. It provides a fashionable new exercise regimen in a tasteful setting that is easily accessible to a great many of our city. It is not a club, and the only lewdness that has been associated with it is in the small minds of the persons who have chosen to oppose it without first meeting the proprietor or her students.

I applaud the owner of Dolphin Dance Studio for having the courage and drive to open a business in our city, and I look forward to their contributions to our community.

David H. Hudson

Poulsbo

Year of Science

Educational opportunities are many

One thing made clear during the recent election was the number of issues facing Americans that are scientific in nature. Yet, the overall scientific literacy of American citizens is not particularly high. As a result, the Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science was formed with the aim of increasing outreach, awareness, and education relating to science, not to mention the sheer awe inspiring nature of what we know and continue to discover. This year has been designated the Year of Science, each month having its own theme. January focuses on the Nature & Process of Science, followed by Evolution in February (to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth). Other major scientific milestones will be recognized and celebrated throughout the year (it is also the International Year of Astronomy). Events and educational programs will be held at universities and other science institutions.

Cameron Peters

Poulsbo

Shop with a cop

Event was a success

The fifth annual “Shop with a Cop” Christmas program, held at the Poulsbo Wal-Mart Store Dec. 13, was an overwhelming success. More than 100 underprivileged children were provided gift cards and met with individual law enforcement/ military personnel who acted as mentors during their store visit.

This event was established here by the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Corrections Officers Association. It now includes law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies and members of the U. S. Armed Forces/Department of Homeland Security throughout our region.

It was an opportunity to brighten the holidays for these youngsters. This type of interaction helps create a sense of trust.

Particularly impressive were the number of young shoppers who thought of others first, before themselves, as they made their gift selection purchases.

Our sincerest thanks to those engaged in public service to our local communities, to the state and to our nation, who keep us safe and share the compassion to make this a better world.

Sheriff Steve Boyer

Sgt. Penny Harrell

Corrections Officers Association