News Next Door: Aug. 14

NISQUALLY LAND TRUST SCHEDULES NATURE WALKS

Enjoy the beauty of our natural areas and learn how collaborative conservation is making a lasting difference in the Nisqually Watershed. The Nisqually Land Trust is sponsoring nature walks. All walks are free but registration is required.

One of the scheduled walks is the Forest Succession: An Ohop Creek Restoration Walk with Site Steward Crow Vecchio from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Aug. 17. Visit http://bit.ly/2ZcmcdP for more information.

FIRE DISTRIC 23 HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE

Pierce County Fire District 23, will be hosting a fire department open house and community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Station 87 at 29815 State Route 706 E., Ashford.

The open house will include: a free medical mobile, free blood pressure checks, educational booths, games for the kids, a landing by an Airlift Northwest helicopter (weather and operations dependent) and more. If you're interested in being a blood donor, contact Lt. Scott Beason to get on the schedule. The district is looking for at least 20 volunteers to help with blood donations at an especially critical time of the year for Cascade Regional Blood Services. Visit http://www.pcfd23.org for more information.

ECO EXPLORER’S CLUB TAKES KIDS OUSIDE

The Eco Explorer’s Club is run by a local scientist in a community engagement program with the Bethel School District to provide outdoor experiences for children to explore nature and science.

Eco Explorer’s schedule: Aug. 14 – Nisqually Delta’s estuary; Aug. 21– Mount Rainier’s Nisqually glacier. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pick up and drop off location Graham Kapowsin high school. Age group 3rd grade to 8th grade. Cost $40 per day per child. Please call or text 253-691-2218 to reserve your child’s position today. Ask for Norm or Carol. Adult volunteers who drive their own car will increase our enrollment capabilities. Adult volunteers who drive their own car will be able to bring additional siblings at a reduced rate. They are a nonprofit organization.

COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN PICNIC

Everyone is welcome to a picnic at Glacier Park Saturday, August 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Food, drinks, music, games, prizes provided by six local churches. The theme is "A Life of Joy." Parking is available at OLGC Catholic Church. If you have any questions, contact Dorothy at 360-832-2574.

STATE PARK NO DISCOVER PASS DAY

In recognition of the National Park System’s 103rd birthday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering free entrance to state parks on Sunday, Aug. 25. Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle.

State Parks free days are in keeping with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Discover Pass legislation directed State Parks to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

FREE FOOD FRIDAY AT ST. PAUL CHURCH

The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council, in concert with the Graham Community Network of leaders and organizations, is sponsoring their Free Food Friday program for all those in need at two sites in Graham through Aug. 30 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 22419 108th Ave. E., and Shadow Pines/The Ridge Mobile Home Estates, 90th and 226th, south of 224th, from noon to 1 p.m. You may also donate non-perishable food and fresh produce for this program at these two sites.

100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to a local family or person in need.

SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Eatonville Family Agency, a nonprofit charitable organization, supports and runs the only backpack program in the Eatonville School District, which feeds around 100 children each weekend for the school year. To participate, volunteer or donate visit the agency at the Eatonville Community Center at 305 W. Center St., in Eatonville or call 360-832-6805 for information.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MAKES CHILD CARE AVAILABLE

This is a faith-based 12-Step Recovery Program. We invite you to be our guest at one of our weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings every Tuesday evening. The group offers childcare. Dinner is at 6 p.m., worship is at 6:30 p.m., large group time is at 7 p.m. and small groups are at 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Steve Hallberg at 360-303-7038 or check out the website at www.TheCenterPoint.org to learn more.

BETHEL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ’79 CELEBRATES 40TH REUNION

The Bethel High School 40th reunion from the class of 1979 will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, at Frontier Park Lodge at 21718 Meridian E. in Graham. Contact Kelli Mayne at 253-985-0844 or visit www.eventbrite.com and search for the event.