A Celebration of the life of George “Buzz” Sawyer is planned for Saturday, July 5, at 2 pm, at the United Methodist Church. Buzz, who passed away January 31, 2008, in Tucson, AZ, was a long time resident of Seward before moving Outside for retirement and health-related concerns.  Buzz retired to Seward from the Coast Guard. He served many years as the Seward harbormaster and worked in maintenance for AVTEC and area schools. Please join Buzz’s wife Kathleen, their family and friends, in this celebration of his life. The church is located at 321 Fourth Avenue. Call 224-5624 for more information, or email sewardumc@gmail.com.

Betsy Smith, a twenty year resident of Seward, passed away  June 4, 2008. Betsy had a lung transplant nearly seven years ago and has always told her friends that the years since have been a gift to her, but her friends also consider those years a gift to all of us. Her life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 26, at 4 pm, at Seward Memorial United Methodist Church, 321 Fourth Avenue. Betsy is survived by husband Tom, children Elizabeth, Thomas, Deborah, and Sue, nine grandchildren, and sister Anne. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the University of Washington Foundation, Lung Transplant Fund, 1325 4th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98101.

My husband and I lost our faithful companion of 18 years, our little dog Chloe’.  Our local veterinarian, Dr. Matt Hall and his fiance’ and assistant, Donna, helped us let her go with dignity.  Losing a pet is horrific for us pet lovers and having to decide it is the time is almost unbearable.  Having someone willing to come to your home, make special arrangements, care enough to cry with you and treat your special friend with respect goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Both Marv and I feel fortunate to call them both friends and thank them for their wonderful service to our community.  Diane and Marv Thompson

 Palin Family Welcomes Fifth Child April 18, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd welcomed the arrival of their fifth child this morning. The Palins were thankful that the Governor’s labor began yesterday while she was in Texas at the Governor’s Energy Conference where she gave the keynote luncheon address, but let up enough for her to travel on Alaska Airlines back to Alaska in time to deliver her second son. Trig Paxson Van Palin was born at 6:30 a.m. and weighs six pounds, two ounces. The Governor and Trig are both doing well and resting comfortably. The family released the following statement: “Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.” The Palins have four other children including Track, 18, Bristol, 17, Willow, 13 and Piper, 7.