UP For the Seattle Humane Society for saving 6,937 animals and making 6,403 pet adoptions in 2013. Both set records for the Bellevue-based organization. The difference in the numbers were animals returned to their people. Other good news: the number of animals that had to be euthanized went down. Those looking for a new “best friend,” wet nose and all, can find lots of choices at the society’s facility at 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way.

UP For people celebrating the Seahawks Super Bowl victory in a responsible way. When the Seattle Pioneer Square pergola was damaged by the crowds, an online effort, called crowdfunding,  began to raise money to make repairs. Many people contributed $12 (for the 12th man) and  Western Washington Honda Dealers contributed the final $10,000 to make the repairs, estimated at $25,000.

UP For Charlie White and Meryl Davis for winning the gold medal in ice dancing in the Winter Olympics. Watching them made you forget that they were wearing skates and performing on slippery ice. Their final routine was pure art.

UP For Boeing for making the economic future of the region even stronger by picking Everett as the site to build wings for its new 777X aircraft. A new contract by the Machinists Union secured a Boeing promise to assemble the jetliner in Everett. Adding the wing component means even more workers can look forward to years of good earnings.

UP For the Downtown Issaquah Association for its popular Wine Walks that help get people out of their winter funk. The event combines tastings from several local  wineries along with music – all spread throughout various businesses in downtown. If you missed the fun on Feb. 7, don’t fret: three more walks are set on March 7, April 4 and May 2. See you there.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter