PHOTOS: 'Citizens of the Year' honored at City Council meeting

Just before the start of Monday night’s (April 21) City Council meeting, the 2014 “Citizens of the Year” were honored at City Hall for making “significant contributions to the community.” Winners included (click images to see larger versions/slideshow): Maureen Hoffmann is a Designer & Consultant at Kunstdame, as well as the Founder of WABI Burien, where she created monthly Walk-n-Talks, a local Bike Rack program and much more. She is a graduate of Highline High School and the University of Washington, and is well known in the local arts scene. Betty Olson Vacca is a local Artist who has won many awards for her work, including the Purchase Award for the City of SeaTac and the City of Tukwila. Betty was also commissioned by the Highline Medical Center, where many of her paintings are part of the hospital’s permanent collection. She is a member of Artists United. Pictured above, some members of Neighbors of Seahurst Park including, left to right: Chestine Edgar, Melessa Rogers, Janis Freudenthal, Toni Lysen and Brian Stapleton (not pictured: Terri Lien, Marv Jahnke). This group was honored for its commitment to protect Seahurst Park and the surrounding area from damage caused by allowing a large development to ignore current regulations. As is tradition, these noble citizens will be Grand Marshals in the Independence Day Parade in Burien on July 4.]]>