By Caitlin McConnell, Bethel School District- Community Connections We are reaching out with two opportunities to partner with our community in meaningful ways. First, we are currently working on our Daffodil Parade float, Bethel in Bloom, and are seeking donations of artificial flowers. All colors are welcome, with a particular need for blue, purple, and red. Flower donations can…
Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program
Arivva is offering a free Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) Phase 1, designed to help individuals take their first steps toward a meaningful career in healthcare. Registration is open through February 6, 2026.Classes run February 9 to March 6, 2026, in person from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at: 402 Garfield St…
How to help a neighbor or friend
By Marianne Lincoln Over and over I read posts on social media about a friend, family member, a neighbor, or a woman with children on the street all who need social services of some kind. The biggest problem is most people are not versed in available social services. The social services come from so many…
Register to Vote!
In Pierce County, Washington, you can register to vote online or by mail until 8 days before an election or in-person through Election day. Registrations done by mail need to be received by the 8 day deadline. Three ways to register: 1. Online You can register online, 24 hours a day, at VoteWA.gov. 2. By mail …
Plan ahead for Dog Days of Spanaway Aug 2
By Tausha Blaksley Mark your calendars for a paw-some day at Sprinker Recreation Center! Join us for the Dog Days of Spanaway onSunday, August 2nd 2026! I know that vendors book their calendars early in the year, so if you want to be included, save this date! Applications will be out soon. Partnering with Sprinker…
Who is Spanaway?
By Marianne Lincoln Let me be clear. If Spanaway and Parkland do not decide to incorporate as communities, Pierce County is on its way to decide to make you part of a big city called Frederickson. Are you Parkland? Or, are you a suburb of Frederickson? You are going to need to make that decision…
Transportation Resilience Improvement Plan
Help spread the word about a new public survey for the Transportation Resilience Improvement Plan (TRIP). See also WSDOT’s Online Open House.The TRIP will examine how natural hazards including wildfires, flooding, landslides, and earthquakes could affect the roads, bridges, and other transportation connections we rely on every day. The survey is open now, and respondents will have the chance to enter a drawing for one of two $100 gift cards after it closes on January 30.Take the survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8619003/WSDOT-Transportation-Resilience-Improvement-Plan-Survey-2026
SB6181 needs work
By Marianne Lincoln I testified in Olympia today in front of the Local Government Committee. I also had a chance before the meeting to chat with one of the bill sponsors, Senator Conway. I sent Senators Conway and Nobles a copy of my testimony with suggestions and details about an incorporation campaign that may need…
Jan 22 – SB6181 Hearing in Olympia 1pm on forced city incorporation vote
Got that? Pierce County would be able to trigger a vote on incorporation inside the urban growth boundary, without a petition, without the Boundary Review Board, etc. if this bill is passed. It looks like South Hill is their first likely target. It has the highest potential revenue for a city. But the south county…
Library savings cost community connection
OPINION – Marianne Lincoln The Pierce County Library system changed its hours. Ostensibly, this was to save the system money. What is may be costing to communities is harder to calculate, but may be significant. The local library is one of the few places left where small community groups could meet without cost. The meeting…
Jan 25 CCRA Bresemann Forest Walk
On January 25, the Clover Creek Restoration Alliance (CCRA) will host According to Pierce County, “This naturally wooded site is approximately 70 acres with a system of pedestrian nature trails within the Parkland/Spanaway area. The beautiful and secluded walking trail may have users thinking they are miles from the city as they stroll along Spanaway…
