News Next Door: Sept. 4

STATE PARKS ASK FOR 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.

FREE FOOD FRIDAY PUTS ON HARVEST/RUMMAGE SALE

Free Food Fridays Harvest/Rummage Sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council, in concert with the Graham Community Network of leaders and organizations sponsored their Free Food Friday program for all those in need at two sites in Graham from this summer at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 22419 108th Ave. E., and Shadow Pines/The Ridge Mobile Home Estates, 90th and 226th, south of 224th. Interested parties may 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.

DAY OF SERVICE, 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.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB FIELD TRIP

To begin the fall season, the Dogwood Garden Club’s Sept 12 meeting will be a road trip to the Windmill Garden Center in Sumner. A presentation on the topic, “Creating Containers For the Off Months,” will be given. The business meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m., with lunch to follow at the Windmill Bistro. Those interested in joining the group may contact Diane Mettler at 360-832-1745 or Mary Bewley at 360-832-4910 for more information.

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.

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CO-OP ANNUAL MEETING

Mountain Community Co-op will have its annual General Meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, located at the Methodist Church next to the co-op store, 185 Mashell Ave. N. Everyone is welcome to attend and get to know the members of the board. This is a great time to learn more about the co-op and all that it encompasses from the store, to the garden and the community outreach just to name a few. Current co-op members will have the opportunity to vote for new board members, and the organization is currently seeking new board members. For those who are enthusiastic, community oriented and believe in co-ops, now is the time to become a board member.

GRAHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Start the day right with the Graham Business Association’s Networking and Breakfast event at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at The Lodge at Frontier Park on Meridian in Graham. The program will be on business disaster preparedness. Visit www.GrahamWABusiness.org or call 360-832-2451 for more details. At Oct. 16’s meeting, there will be a presentation on SBA lending.

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 about the school backpack program.

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.