News Next Door: Aug. 21

GRAHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Start the day right with the Graham Business Association’s Networking and Breakfast event at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at The Lodge at Frontier Park on Meridian in Graham. The program will be Sen. Steve O’Ban’s legislative update. There will also be a two-minute presentation by Dick Husted and Amy White. Flying Tomato Italian Grill’s Gary Walker will provide the catering. Visit www.GrahamWABusiness.org or call 360-832-2451 for more details. Sept. 18’s meeting will be on business disaster preparedness, and the Oct. 16 meeting will be on SBA lending.

ECO EXPLORERS

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. 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.

ADOPTION EVENT

The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is full. It hopes to appeal to the community with an adoption event called, “Full Hearts, Empty Kennels,” that will run until Aug. 24. The event will free up some urgently needed space in the Center Street location. During the event, pet adoption fees will be discounted anywhere from $10 to $100.

STATE PARK FREE 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.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Eatonville High School will host a scheduling and information day on Thursday, Aug. 29. Students will pick up schedules, sign up for lockers and have a picture taken. Freshmen should plan to be on campus from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for additional orientation activities and campus tours. Seniors should arrive from 10-10:45 a.m., juniors from 11-11:45 a.m. and sophomores from noon to 12:45 p.m. An open house will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Parents are invited to attend that evening to hear class presentations on curriculum, policies and expectations. Classes run from 7:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. starting Wednesday, Sept. 4. Reminder: The normal late start on Wednesdays will not occur on the first day of school.

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 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. through Aug. 30 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.

STATE PARKS FEEDBACK

The public is invited to help Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission with its long-range strategic planning. The organization is beginning the process to develop the agency’s 2021-31 strategic plan and would like the public’s input. State Parks is hosting three public meetings to hear from stakeholders about the draft strategic planning framework the commission developed for 2021-31 and to discuss if the draft reflects the needs of park users across the state. Topics to be discussed include the current state of the park system and goals and strategies for achieving a healthy, sustainable park system. The Tacoma meeting will be help from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Tacoma Metro Parks STAR Center at 3873 S. 66th St. Tacoma, WA 98409. Call 253-404-3942 for more information.

DAY OF SERVICE AND

REMEMBRANCE

The annual 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance in Eatonville will be held on Sept. 9, giving volunteers opportunities to participate in community service projects.

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. in front of Eatonville High School, followed by opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. Shortly after, teams will break away to begin their volunteer activities.

Additional information is available from Emmy Lay, one of the event’s coordinators, at 360–832–1505.

BETHEL CLASS REUNION

The Bethel High School 40th reunion from the class of 1979 will be held from 6-11 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.

SCHOOL BACKPACKS

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

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. Call 360-303-7038 or visit www.TheCenterPoint.org to learn more.