Community rallies to support local food bank amid challenges

In a recent government meeting, community leaders and residents voiced their concerns and initiatives aimed at improving local welfare and addressing pressing issues.

Clayton, a representative from the local Rotary Club, highlighted the significant decline in membership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping from 30 members to just 7. He urged residents from Graham, Fredericksen, and Eatonville to join the Rotary Club, emphasizing their commitment to community service. Clayton announced an upcoming meeting in Eatonville, where the club will donate $500 to the Eatonville Family Agency's food bank, showcasing their ongoing efforts to support local families in need.

John Limbo, the Pierce County Fair Market Sale Manager, expressed gratitude for the council's proclamation recognizing the Pierce County Fair. He emphasized the importance of the fair's market sale, which provides valuable lessons in budgeting, animal husbandry, and entrepreneurship for local youth involved in 4-H andFFA programs. Limbo invited the community to support the market sale on August 10th, encouraging residents to purchase animals raised by the participating children.

During the public comment segment, Lynn Orchardine from Spanaway Concerned Citizens raised concerns regarding the council's proposed tiny home village, dubbed the Good Neighbor project. She criticized the council for its perceived inconsistency in advocating for habitat conservation while proposing development on pristine wetlands that are crucial to local ecosystems. Orchardine's remarks underscored a growing tension between development initiatives and environmental preservation efforts in the region.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further public comments, reflecting the council's commitment to community engagement and transparency in local governance.