| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| SHORT | Word to describe the three theme entries |
| ALASKA | State celebrating its 50th anniversary in January 2009 (and a hint to the three theme entries) |
| WESTSIDESTORY | Musical with song titles found at the start the three theme entries |
| REAR | Word hidden in each of the theme entries |
| FIRE | Word with the last word of the theme entries |
| CHOCOLATE | Word after the last word of the theme entries |
| VET | Today's honoree and word found in the four theme entries |
| TRACK | Word that follows the first word of the theme entries |
| WATER | Word that can precede the start of the theme entries |
| PIECE | Word that could follow the first word of the theme entries |
