In a recent survey in the Redmond Reporter, more than 80 percent of the respondents voted to preserve Redmond’s historic Nokomis building.
I just heard the the news and the hate crime that was perpetrated on your family. I am a 69-year-old white woman. I was deeply moved by the cruelty of the act.
In this time of heated rhetoric, political posturing and heart-breaking violence, we have a choice. We can succumb to fear. We can build walls, fences and make policies that protect us from the outside, from those who are different than us. We can raise our voices and shout, “Keep out! I’m afraid.” But the real cost of a defense built out of fear is not in dollars or even in lost opportunity to expand our diversity; it is in the callousness, cynicism and hatred with which we embalm our hearts.
I was reading the letter to editor from my friend, Patsy Rosenbach, about the outcome of the Nokomis building. Patsy raised several questions about the legal and ethics of the project to construct a dormitory-styled building in place of the Nokomis building, built in 1933 during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration for intended use as a library and use of the community.
Growing up in Redmond and the Redmond of today are vastly different. The “Third Street” (now 166th Avenue Northeast) I grew up on of residences with yards and gardens has disappeared into high-rise apartments and condominiums snugged right up to the sidewalk. How is the sun to reach the earth? Are zoning laws being upheld? What about carbon footprint? The earth is paved over. Lost is the feeling of neighborhoods and private residences.
I don’t know who Rajan Amani is, but he certainly doesn’t seem very progressive to me. As an atheist and (I consider) a progressive, and someone who has friends with a variety of religious beliefs, I find nothing offensive about religious iconography of any faith, and will just as happily wish someone “Eid Mubarak” as I do “Merry Christmas.”
An article regarding the “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas” signs was recently published in the Redmond Reporter. There is some controversy over the use of these signs when, as it is obvious to me, there should not be.
In regards to all the Christmas signs comments and being open minded, etc.
In the 1970s, I sang all kinds of Christmas carols, secular and religious to the troops in Germany with the U.S.O.
During the holiday season, many find themselves wondering how to honor the men and women who have so bravely served our country. Currently, there are more than 18,000 paralyzed veterans across the country who are members of Paralyzed Veterans of America, with more than 400 living right here in Washington. There are countless stories of neighbors picking up a restaurant tab or saluting a soldier in the streets, but it is often hard to find a way to truly give back to those who have sacrificed so much.
Editor’s note: The following letters are in response to a letter in the Reporter’s Dec. 4 issue, stating that “the cross and manger are offensive to many people of many religions” regarding their inclusion on the “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas” signs around Redmond.
C. Joy Salon of Redmond has catered and specialized in women’s beauty since 2009. In 2011, they started a relationship with the YWCA of Redmond.
I read with interest the article regarding thieves removing parcels from the front door steps of homes after deliveries by UPS and USPS. We have experienced this in our neighborhood in the past and work to be diligent to discourage this from happening.
The Islamic Center of Eastside (ICOE) and the Islamic Center of Redmond (ICOR) condemn the San Bernardino, Calif., shooting and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured in this unfortunate incident. There are no words that can help them overcome their pain and loss.
Beginning in February 2015, the Nokomis Club of Redmond participated in the process proscribed in the City of Redmond zoning code to prevent the Nokomis Building from being demolished and replaced by the 162TEN Project.
Editor’s note: The following letters are in response to a letter in last week’s issue, stating that “the cross and manger are offensive to many people of many religions” regarding their inclusion on the “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas” signs around Redmond.
Redmond has opened its doors to Muslim refugees and has a growing Muslim and other non-Christian population. Because of this, progressives in this city want our society to be open and not offensive. The cross and manger are offensive to many people of many religions.
I am writing to share with you an undiscovered gem of our community: Haggen Food & Pharmacy on the Redmond-Fall City Road (SR 202) at 236th Avenue Northeast. Our children suffer multiple allergies (gluten, dairy and egg). For years, our specialty product search has necessitated weekly grocery trips to as many as four stores.
Have you ever had that moment when you were questioning whether somebody made a racist advance towards you? Was it racist, or are you being overly sensitive? You might make excuses up for them such as, “Maybe they were having a bad day…” More than likely they were being subtly racist, intentionally or unintentionally.
Military veterans receive some of the best medical training and experience available when serving our country. Their sacrifices, commitment to duty and ability to get the job done in austere environments make them exceptionally well suited for working as EMTs and paramedics in our communities upon their honorable separation from the U.S. Armed Services.
Jane needed help for the holidays. She’d just bravely escaped an abusive relationship, and she and her four children were healing from the trauma they’d endured. Jane was working full time, but she was also preparing for major surgery, so her finances were stretched thin. Fortunately, Youth Eastside Services (YES) was there to help.