Dispatch News 3-20-2024

Field's grand slam sparks Lady Cruisers

By Skip Smith Contributing Writer

The Eatonville Lady Cruiser softball team experienced a whirlwind week.

Kicking off their week on March 11, the Cruisers showed their power right out of the gate, thrashing the Foster Bulldogs 24-5.

The game featured a standout performances from Grace Field, who delivered a flawless 4-4 record including a grand slam homerun and six RBIs. Not to be outdone, Kyleigh Backlund had a triple, two walks, and four RBIs. Kaitlyn Kenney joined the offensive barrage with a triple and a walk, driving in four runs as well. The Cruisers showcased their eye at the plate, amassing 21 walks. Sara Smith, Morgan Laird, and Zoe Burns shared pitching duties, combining to only allow one hit and striking

out eight, solidifying a long-awaited victory that snapped a daunting 15-game losing streak dating back to the previous season.

However, Wednesday's showdown against the Curtis Vikings proved to be a challenge, resulting in a 13-10 defeat for the Lady Cruisers. Despite the loss, Sara Smith had a great evening at the plate, going 3-4 with a double and one RBI, while Ava Twedt contributed with a 2-2 performance, securing two RBIs for her team.

Undeterred by Wednesday's setback, the Cruisers faced off against the North Mason Bulldogs on Thursday, only to fall 12-2. Smith and Field led the offensive charge, with Smith going 2-3 and Field contributing a hit alongside one RBI.

However, the Lady Cruisers refused to let adversity define their week, closing it out on a

resounding high note with a dominant 11-0 victory against the Steilacoom Sentinels on Friday. Field once again showcased her presence on the field, going 2-4 with three RBIs, while Backlund and Lila Downey each secured two hits and driving in crucial runs. Smith's stellar pitching performance was the cornerstone of the victory, as she held the Sentinels to a mere one hit across five innings while striking out an impressive 10 batters.

Looking ahead, the Eatonville Lady Cruisers brace themselves for another action-packed week, with a doubleheader against Morton-White Pass scheduled for Tuesday followed by a home game against the River Ridge Hawks on Thursday.

Eatonville School District unveils strategic plan

The Eatonville School District has released its strategic plan for the 2024-29 school year.

The five-year plan will guide educational decisions to ensure academic success for students and provide the support and resources necessary to succeed after graduation for the district.

“The plan will encourage collaboration between our board of directors, our staff members, our students, our parents and our community members,” Superintendent Jay Brower said. “As we collectively focus on academic rigor and student wellness, Eatonville students will achieve their academic goals and be prepared for a lifetime of success as they pursue their future goals and dreams.”

Highlights of the plan include academic success, preparation for life, community and belonging, health and well-being, communication and transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Academic success: Learners will acquire foundational academic skills, critical and creative thinking skills to meet the high academic standards and achieve their highest academic potential.

Objectives:

• Promote a culture that prioritizes academic success through curriculum and instruction

• Implement academic intervention support and enrichment systems to encourage student ownership

• Partner with families and the community to support student learning

• Promote higher order thinking by facilitating student-led academic opportunities that encourage resilience, problem solving skills, and self-advocacy

Preparation for life: Students will graduate with the skills to navigate, adapt and innovate for a sustainable future. This will be achieved through an increased percentage of students who successfully navigate critical transitions in their educational experience as evaluated by course credits, early warning system data and student and parent feedback.

Objectives:

• Provide opportunities for student-driven exploration at all grade levels to discover and develop passions, talents, and career goals

• Develop and establish partnerships within and beyond the community to expand opportunities for career exploration in and out of the classroom

• Provide opportunities to learn and practice life skills that are transferable to long

Courtesy

Eatonville’s Grace Field poses with her home run ball after crushing a grand slam against the Foster Bulldogs in the Cruisers season opener.

ALCOHOL ANONYMOUS MEETINGS OFFERED

Alcoholics Anonymous is available for people who have a problem with alcohol. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the corner of Carter and Rainier.

ALANON HELP

Alanon is available to help people struggling with a loved one’s drinking. Call 425-830-0314.

LEARN ABOUT FRIENDS OF EATONVILLE LIBRARY

Reverend Dominic Chikankheni 253-875-6630 ext. 127 229 Antonie Ave. N. 360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

Antonie Ave. N. 360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

Saturday Mass...........4:00 p.m.

Saturday

Saturday

Wednesday.................6:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Eatonville Library operates as a fundraising group to assist the Eatonville community. Primarily, it does so by accepting books and other donations and conducting book sales during the year. All of the funds are used to supplement the various library programs that enrich the local community.

To learn more about the group, contact Mike Eaton at 253-310–7709 or reach him in person at the library any Friday. There is no obligation. Application forms to join the organization are available at the library.

Also, The Friends of the Eatonville Library Group is currently operating with only two members — in contrast to 10-13 members in the pre-Covid era. The group seeks members and volunteers. Contact Mike Eaton.

Audit: Pierce County Superior Court’s financial operations a ‘serious concern’

By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

A new audit from the Washington State Auditor’s Office finds that the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk’s Office lacks sufficient oversight of its financial operations.

The audit found a number of issues within the clerk’s office, including a lack of action to pay out 11 large accounts held in trust.

The clerk’s office did not disburse $1.9 million in funds to the 11 individual trust accounts in 2022.

Those 11 trust fund accounts represented 93% of the total trust account bank balances held by the clerk’s office, according to the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

State auditors also found that the clerk’s office did not perform monthly bank balance reconciliations, which resulted in the bank balance reporting $2.5 million less than the bank statement balance as of Jan. 2.

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk’s Office has also failed to create a trust fund account for one check totaling $251,676. That check has been in the clerk’s office’s vault since Aug. 10, 2023

SCHOOL from Page 1Æ

term success

Community and belonging: Increase the percentage of students reporting a perception of safety, fairness, inclusiveness and support for emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health as measured by a yearly Healthy Youth Survey as well as student survey data.

Objectives:

• Ensure that students are included and valued through a focus on building relationships and developing a positive school culture

• Seek community partnerships to create mentoring opportunities between students, teachers, and community members

• Support the learning of effective communication

• Utilize community-wide

when a court order was signed and filed instructing the office to invest the funds into a trust account.

“Simply put, the results of this audit are a cause for serious concern,” State Auditor Pat McCarthy said in a news release.

“The financial operations of the clerk’s office have a direct impact on those who trust in our court system to resolve their legal issues and handle funds attentively.”

The Washington State Auditor’s Office recommended the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk’s Office implement appropriate oversight and strengthen internal controls over trust fund accounts and reconciliations.

“While there was no loss of or misuse of funds identified in this audit, it did raise concerns that the internal processes and reporting timeliness of the Superior Court Clerk’s Office do not meet accounting standards,” the audit stated. “We were aware of those performance gaps and have been implementing an improvement plan for several months.”

However, the audit noted that Pierce County did not share the improvement plan or the steps taken to address the auditor’s concerns.

resources to provide students access to sports and extracurricular activities

• Partner with community agencies to develop a mentorship program

Health and well-being: Students will experience a school community where health and wellbeing are prioritized, and student voice is valued.

Objectives:

• Establish more classes, clubs, curriculum and learning opportunities based on child's needs

• Redesign, expand and identify the social emotional learning systems to serve staff and students

• Utilize community partnerships and resources to fulfill basic needs and support the health and wellbeing of our students and families Communication and

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On February 26, 2024 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2024-2. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, repealing Ordinance No. 2012-11 and amending Eatonville Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 regarding the establishment of the Eatonville Municipal Court. Ordinance 2024-2 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall

Published March 20, 2024.

Pierce County Sheriff's Department's Mountain Detachment moving closer to new headquarters

By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department's Mountain Detachment currently works out of the basement of Eatonville City Hall. That's despite serving the third highest population among the law enforcement agency's divisions. The detachment patrols the sprawling 700 square miles of mostly rural southeastern Pierce County.

A previous county biennial budget allocated $4.8 million from real estate excise taxes for building a new Foothills Detachment precinct, although a location has yet to be determined.

Gus Garcia, construction project manager, told the Pierce County Public Safety Committee on Monday that county officials have “been on a journey to find what the overall needs are.”

He went on to say, “We quickly got to a point in which we realized that our dream facility was probably not within our financial grasp, and so we spent a fair amount of time [defining] what are must-haves for the Mountain Detachment." Potential locations for the new facility include somewhere within the Town of Eatonville, just

transparency: To strengthen relationships and increase communication with students, families, staff and community members, as measured by growth on the student and family survey.

Objectives:

• Enhance district communication through innovative and comprehensive platforms

• Implement a standard communication structure to inform all district employees of departmental operations of ongoing processes and systems

• Engage community members to create partnerships among all stakeholders and build transparency in programs, schools and events that affect the students and community

Fiscal responsibility: To ensure that fiscal priorities are aligned

outside Eatonville along Highway 7, or along Highway State Route 161.

An executive session is planned to further discuss the potential locations for the new facility.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department’s Mountain Detachment was budgeted approximately $9 million in the 2024-2025 biennial budget.

The Pierce County Sheriff Department’s Mountain Detachment consists of two sergeants with one assigned to a day shift and the other assigned to a night shift, 18 total deputies with a minimum of two on duty for each shift, and one investigator.

The detachment serves 46,421 people. However, the Mountain Detachment only has 0.49 officers per 1,000 resident, which is below state and national averages, according to a presentation to the Pierce County Public Safety Committee.

According to Lt. Frank Brown, the Mountain Detachment’s six most frequent calls in 2023 were welfare checks, citizen assists, domestic violence incidents, suspicious persons and vehicles, information contacts, and motor vehicle collisions.

to the strategic plan to achieve outcomes for all students, including identifying, planning and budgeting to address priorities.

Objectives:

• Use data to manage district finances recognizing changing funding patterns and mandates from local, state, and federal governments

• Collaborate with district departments to maximize available funding for student programs, services, and facilities

The strategic plan was developed based on the input, values and priorities of members of the Eatonville community. The district held 16 hours of focus groups and feedback sessions gathering feedback from 84 people. Thirtyfour people provided feedback on the first draft of the plan.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On February 12, 2024 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2024-1. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, declaring an intent to annex the Town of Eatonville to South Pierce Fire and Rescue and requesting the Pierce County Council call an election on the annexation and placing the same on the August 6, 2024 election ballot. Ordinance 2024-1 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published March 20, 2024.

Cruiser baseball shows promise in early season

By Skip Smith Contributing Writer

The Eatonville Cruiser baseball team, under the guidance of second-year head coach Doug Fillbach, has displayed earlyseason resilience, showcasing a blend of dominance and determination.

Following a challenging 4-15 record last season and an early exit from the district playoffs, the Cruisers kicked off the current campaign with a resounding victory.

In their season opener on Monday they overwhelmed the Foster Bulldogs with a commanding 25-2 win. Michael Stogsdill's stellar performance at the plate, going 3-4 with a double, two walks, two stolen bases, and 3 RBI, set the tone for the team. Contributions from Michael Laird, who went 3-3 with two RBI, and Payton Hanly, who contributed a triple and three RBI while going 1-3, further solidified their offensive prowess. Aaron Tozier's consistency shone as he went 2-2 with a double and four RBI, adding depth to the Cruisers' formidable lineup. On the mound, Payton Hanly and Owen Archer delivered a masterful performance, limiting the Bulldogs to just one hit while striking out an impressive 15 batters. The Cruisers' disciplined approach resulted in an extraordinary 12 walks and 17 stolen bases, underscoring their multifaceted skill set and aggressive style of play.

However, the momentum faltered during a doubleheader on Saturday, March 16th, against the Montesano Bulldogs at Vessey Memorial Park in Montesano.

In the first game, despite Payton Hanly's strong start on the mound, where he cruised through the first 3 and a third innings allowing only 4 runs on three hits while striking out 11 Bulldog batters, the Cruisers succumbed to an 11-1 defeat. Despite the loss, Aaron Tozier and Michael Stogsdill provided bright spots for Eatonville, each going 1-2 at the plate and picking up the only two Cruiser hits in the game. The second game followed suit, with Payton Hanly's offensive efforts, going 2-3 at the plate with a double, supported by Brody Thirtyacre, who went 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI, falling short in a 10-3 loss.

Looking ahead, the Cruisers aim to capitalize on their strengths as they prepare for a series of home games. They will face the Black Hills Wolves on Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a doubleheader against the Tenino Beavers on Saturday with the first game slated for noon. Despite setbacks, Coach Fillbach remains optimistic about the team's potential to rebound and make significant strides as the season progresses.

Cruiser boys' soccer starts season under new coach

By Skip Smith Contributing Writer

Despite facing formidable opponents in their opening matches, the Eatonville Cruiser boys' soccer team showcased resilience under the guidance of new head coach Corey Ackerman.

The Cruisers faced tough challenges against Bethel and Montesano, resulting in initial setbacks with scores of 5-1 and 5-0, respectively. However, their performance against Shelton demonstrated a marked improvement.

Led by standout performances

from goalkeeper Nate Goode and a steadfast backline featuring Nick Holder, Trent Cressmen, and Jake Brannon, the Cruisers thwarted numerous attempts by the High Climbers to find the net.

The midfield spearheaded by freshman Nate Christensen, Bennett Cole, and Ignacio Sanz, maintained relentless pressure throughout the game. Austin Quirie and Conner McIlraith disrupted Shelton's defensive line, capitalizing on mistakes and creating scoring opportunities. Although Shelton managed to score a deflected corner late

in the game, securing a narrow 1-0 victory, the Cruisers left the field with heads held high. Their unwavering determination and passion drew praise from Shelton's head coach, who commended their gritty performance.

Looking ahead, the Cruisers are set to face the Forks Spartans in Forks on Monday at 7 p.m., followed by an away match against the Hoquiam Grizzlies on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The team will conclude the week with their first home match of the season on Friday at B.W. Lyon Field at 6 p.m. against the Ilwaco Fishermen.

Cruiser Girls Tennis Triumphs in Season Opener Against Vashon

By Skip Smith Contributing Writer

In their season opener on March 14, the Eatonville Cruiser girls tennis team set sail for Vashon Island, clashing with the Vashon Pirates in a gripping showdown. The Cruisers clinched victory with a final score of 3-2.

The number one doubles duo of Bailey Andersen and Lillian Bickford staged a comeback after conceding the first set 3-6. They rallied back to claim victory in the subsequent sets with scores of 6-2 and 10-5, securing a crucial point for the team.

Isabel Volk, No. 2 singles, dominated her opponent in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

The number three doubles team won in three (4-6, 6-4, and 12-10) sealing the victory.

However, the Cruisers faced setbacks as well. Alayna Meyer,

the number one singles player, encountered a tough opponent and fell short, losing with scores of 0-6, 0-6.

Likewise, the number two doubles team of Kate Marsh and Jessie Zumwalt lost 3-6, 2-6. Looking ahead, the team gears up for upcoming challenges.

They were slated to compete at Black Hills on Monday, followed by the start of league play against Hoquiam at home on Tuesday. The week concludes with an away match at Tenino on Thursday as the Cruisers continue their quest for victory in the season ahead.

Courtesy Corey Ackerman

The Eatonville Cruisers starting 11 pose for a photo prior to their season opener against Bethel.

Courtesy Alex Christensen

The Lady Cruiser tennis team poses for a photo while traveling via the ferry to Vashon Island.

conspicuous

discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time before April 8, 2024 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Paragraph III is cured and the Trustees’ fees and

are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers’ or certified checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the April 8, 2024 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower or Grantor or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the entire principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/ or Deed of Trust, and curing all other defaults.

VI. A written Notice of Default was transmitted by the current Beneficiary, Longbridge Financial, LLC or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following address(es): ADDRESS MARY E. HILTON 1327 E 54TH STREET, TACOMA, WA 98404 by both first class and certified mail on November 9, 2023, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted in a conspicuous place November 8, 2023 on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustees’ Sale. X. Notice to Occupants or Tenants. The purchaser at the Trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the Grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having aninterest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. Notice to Borrower(s) who received a letter under RCW 61.24.031: THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. Mediation MUST be requested between the time you receive the Notice of Default and no later than 90 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the Notice of Trustee Sale. If an amended Notice of Trustee Sale is recorded providing a 45-day notice of the sale, mediation must be requested no later than 25 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in the amended Notice of Trustee Sale. DO NOT DELAY. CONTACT A HOUSING COUNSELOR OR AN ATTORNEY LICENSED IN WASHINGTON NOW to assess your situation and refer you to mediation if you might eligible and it may help you save your home. See below for safe sources of help. SEEKING ASSISTANCE Housing counselors and legal assistance may be available at little or no cost to you. If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hotline for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commission: Telephone: (877) 894-4663 or (800) 606-4819 Website: www.wshfc.org The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: Telephone: (800) 569-4287 Website: www.hud.gov The statewide civil legal aid hotline for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attorneys: Telephone: (800) 606-4819 Website: www.homeownership.wa.

gov Dated: December 14, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as Duly Appointed Successor Trustee By: Alan Burton, Vice President

MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps 606 W. Gowe Street Kent, WA 98032-5744 Toll Free

Number: (844) 367-8456

TDD: 711 949.252.8300

For Reinstatement/Pay Off Quotes, contact MTC Financial Inc. DBA Trustee Corps Order Number 98518, Pub Dates: 3/20/2024, 4/10/2024, EA -

TONVILLE DISPATCH

Cruisers out of the blocks fast on the track

By Skip Smith Contributing Writer

The Eatonville Cruiser track & field team started off its season with a resounding display of athleticism, seizing first place overall in both boys and girls categories at their league meet on Thursday.

Eatonville's prowess was on full display as they clinched first-place honors in an impressive tally of eight events. Among the standout performances for the boys, Ky Nation claimed the top spot in the 100m race, while Keith Smart secured victory in the 200m sprint. The dynamic quartet of Logan Taylor, Riley Hill, Jacob Simons, and Keith Smart powered to 1st place in the 4x100m relay.

Not to be outdone, the girls demonstrated their mettle with stellar performances across multiple events. Hannah Hanson sprinted her way to victory in the 100m dash, while Hannah Bieker showcased her endurance with a triumph in the 3200m run. Additionally, the relay teams exhibited impeccable teamwork, with the 4x100m team of Kennedy Noble, Nikia King, Jenae Roulst, and Hannah Hanson, along with the 4x200m team of Nikia King, Kennedy Noble, Jenae Roulst, and Kelani Monserrate, and the 4x400m team of Lily Lightfoot, Caelyn Schneider, Hadley Noble, and

Abigail Lay all clinching first-place.

Buoyed by their initial success, the Cruisers continued their winning streak at the annual Rainier Icebreaker Invitational on Saturday at Rainier High School. They secured first place honors in four events, further solidifying their dominance.

Ky Nation showcased his sprinting prowess once again, clinching 1st place in the 100m event for the second consecutive meet. The formidable quartet of Riley Hill, Ky Nation, Keith Smart, and Jacob Simons continued their winning streak in the 4x100m relay. Additionally, Ethan Carter soared to victory in the pole vault event.

For the girls, the 4x100m relay team of Kennedy Noble, Nikia King, Jenae Roulst, and Hannah Hanson replicated their success from the previous meet, securing another 1st place finish.

Head Coach Geoff Olson expressed satisfaction with the team's strong start.

"Both teams have been working really hard early this year," said Olson. "We have a bunch of really promising newcomers to the team as well as returners that are picking up right where they left off last season."

Looking ahead, the Cruisers aim to maintain their winning momentum as they gear up for their second 1A Evergreen League meet on Thursday at Rainier High School.

Help Wanted Full Time Year-Round

Year-Round Opportunities with Rainier Guest Services

serving beautiful Mount Rainier National Park

Accounting Analyst- $28 per hour DOE

The right applicant will enjoy using their skills to identify and analyze performance opportunities across all lines of the business, ensuring accounting practices within the operation are conducted in an accurate and timely manner. Opportunities include forecasting and reporting, training, and improving accounting processes.

Assistant Human Resources Manager - Salary $65,000 DOE

This position provides personnel support to managers and employees, in the areas of recruitment, onboarding, recordkeeping, and management training. Strong knowledge of employment law, people management strategy, conflict management, and investigation skills are necessary. Successful applicants will have HR experience, preferably in seasonal operations or large recruitment efforts.

Maintenance Manager - Salary $68,000 DOE

The Maintenance Manager assists the Facilities Director by supervising and performing all aspects of maintenance and repair work on all mechanical and electrical equipment within the unit. The Maintenance Manager is responsible for all maintenance, repairs, construction and other necessary related work on concession facilities throughout the park.

Hotel General Manager, National Park Inn - Salary $67,700 DOE

Through direction of hotel staff, provide excellence in all hotel operations, including a consistently high standard of guest service, cleanliness, product presentation, organization, cost control, and sales. Maintain control of all areas of the hotel, including rooms, food service, and retail. This is a hands-on position in order to lead and inspire managers and employees daily.

We are seeking applicants who are service and safety oriented, with a sense of awareness, timeliness, urgency, common sense, and a very strong attention to detail. Computer literacy with Windows operating system and Windows Office software required. Based in our Ashford office, these positions are full-time with competitive health and PTO benefits. Visit DiscoverMountRainierCareers.com for more information.

Arbor Health foot and ankle surgeon G. Parker Peresko was recognized as a top performing doctor for his performance in providing quality care.

The award was presented by PRC. The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year by improving patient experiences, healthcare employee engagement, and/or physician alignment and engagement based on surveys of their patients.

In short, Peresko’s award was determined by his patients’ ratings for the care he provided.

Lewis County Hospital District No. 1 is the parent organization of Arbor Health, the East Lewis County-based health system.

The organization includes Morton

Hospital, the Rapid Care Clinic and the Specialty Clinic in Morton as well as the Morton, Mossyrock, Randle and Packwood primary care clinics.

“Little Explorers Adventure Academy” is a new, nature-based program for 3 and 4-year-olds, located at Columbia Crest in Ashford.

Starting this fall:

• Immerse your child in the wonders of nature

• Foster a love for outdoor learning and discovery

• Develop important skills through hands-on exploration

All transition-to-kindergarten families who are currently enrolled at CCA for next year have a secured spot in the program.

Those interested in submitting an application of interest for their child are encouraged to do so by Friday, March 29 at https://docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL SfN9KmlcB41jZKjBBh56BBLhdlCcKyBS5RAgpJHGmeyVRnEQ/ viewform?pli=1.

Those who sign up for the Eatonville School District’s key communicators email list will receive newsletters and other district announcements. Parents can sign up online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSeYo9WcsZ1aosbklpxX6u49-JtcYR9M072lV24w_v7a4Ejhkw/ viewform.

G. Parker Peresko