Rod Knockers Car Club Steps Up to Support Senior Veterans During SNAP Delay
For decades, the Rod Knockers Car Club has been known in Eatonville for its love of classic cars and its signature summer tradition. Founded thirty-two years ago by Joe Peluso, the club brings together about forty members who share an appreciation for chrome, engines, and friendship. Many are veterans themselves, and each June they gather for their annual car show, a community favorite that fills the town with polished hoods and proud owners.
The June show has become a steady source of support for local causes. The event typically draws three to four hundred cars and raises between twelve hundred and fifteen hundred dollars for the Eatonville Family Agency. Even this past June, when rain reduced turnout to only fifty six cars, the club
still made its donation. They also serve about five hundred hot dogs along with chips and water, offering a simple welcome to anyone who stops by.
Over nearly three decades, proceeds from Rod Knockers events have helped fund programs throughout the community. The club has contributed to the Eatonville Senior Center and the local food bank, funded two automotive scholarships at Bates Technical College, and sponsored tiny homes for veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting. This fall, that spirit of goodwill was called upon in an unexpected way. A delay in SNAP benefits left senior veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home facing empty cupboards, and Rod Knockers was called upon to help. Members responded immediately. They began purchasing supplies, and by the next morning donations
were already piling up in preparation for delivery.
Requested items included toiletries, paper towels, canned goods, tomato soup, eggs, and other essentials. Donated items even included handmade blankets. Everything was donated or purchased personally by individuals who simply wanted to make sure local veterans had what they needed.
Moments like this show the heart behind the engines. When asked, they show up.
Rod Knockers will return to their familiar place in the spotlight during next summer’s car show, scheduled for the fourth Saturday in June 2026. If past years are any indication, Eatonville can expect gleaming cars, generous donations, and plenty of hot dogs.
And for many local veterans, the help they received this fall will not soon be forgotten.
From the Pool to the Pitch, Cruisers Make Their Mark in SPSL 2A
By Skip Smith
The fall sports season at Eatonville High School closed with a mix of grit, frustration, and standout individual honors, as athletes across five programs earned spots on the SPSL 2A All League teams. From football fields to cross country trails and the pool deck, Cruiser athletes delivered performances that kept Eatonville in the league conversation from September through early November.
FOOTBALL FIGHTS THROUGH STREAKY SEASON
Eatonville’s football team opened the year on uneven footing. After dropping the season opener, the Cruisers responded with three straight wins that hinted at a postseason run. A Senior Day win over Washington kept them in the mix, but two separate 2 game losing streaks stalled their push. Eatonville finished 4-5, just one win away from securing a playoff berth. Despite the up and down season, several Cruisers were recognized by league coaches. Quarterback Cole Fowler, wide receiver/ punter Jacob Simons, and defensive back Amari Samuel were named to the All-League first team.
Second team honors went to wide receiver Colton Herbrand, offensive lineman Zach Beane, defensive lineman Ethan Rogers, and linebacker Nash Sherrard.
SOCCER FINDS ITS FOOTING AFTER TURBULENT START
The girls soccer team opened the year under a new head coach but never found stability early. Three losses to open the schedule
were followed by the team’s first win, then an abrupt coaching resignation that left the team searching for direction. Another three losses followed before interim coach Susie Danielson settled the group and helped spark a four match win streak that pushed the Cruisers into district contention.
Eatonville dropped its final three regular season matches but still reached the district playoffs with a 5-10 record. The season ended with a 6-0 loss to Kingston in a winner out game.
Forward Ryleigh Chopic and defender Madi McChesney Berube were both named to the All League second team.
SWIMMERS BUILD ON RISING MOMENTUM
Eatonville’s swim program delivered one of the strongest seasons of any fall team. The Cruisers collected wins throughout the schedule and secured the Queen of the Woods trophy for the second straight year. The team finished second at the SPSL 2A League Championships, highlighted by Nicole Tomyn’s league title in the 50 freestyle.
A deep roster advanced to the district meet, where Eatonville placed seventh out of 14 teams and qualified several swimmers for the state championships.
Tomyn and Annika Howard earned first team All-League honors. Second team selections included Lily Hays, Charlotte Stumph, and Jaliah Vinson.
CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS WIN LEAGUE TITLE
Eatonville’s cross country program delivered a season loaded with success.
CRUISERS, 3
How to Help Your Community
This Thanksgiving
Staff Report
Thanksgiving invites us to pause and look around. Many of us gather with family and friends while others in South Pierce County face the holiday with limited food, limited warmth, or no reliable support system. Local organizations enter winter stretched thin and they know exactly where help is needed. Volunteers can step in without any guesswork. This week offers a genuine chance to turn gratitude into action through service that strengthens the community from within and makes the season more hopeful for those who are struggling.
The Eatonville Family Agency remains a cornerstone of support. They are seeking hygiene items such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, baby wipes, and laundry soap. Volunteers can assemble hygiene kits or assist in the food pantry by stocking shelves, portioning produce, or preparing holiday meal baskets. These tasks are simple but important, and they make an immediate difference for local families.
Helping Hands Loving Hearts Sewing, connected with Project Linus, creates quilts and comfort blankets for children in crisis. Sewing skills are helpful but not required. Volunteers can cut fabric, tie quilts, assemble kits, or sort donated materials. Donations of cotton fabric, yarn, batting, and thread are appreciated. Each finished quilt is given to a child who needs warmth, comfort, and reassurance as temperatures drop.
The Emergency Food Network supports food programs throughout Pierce County. Volunteers help repackage bulk food, sort produce, prepare boxes, and move items through the warehouse. Delivery volunteers are especially valuable this time of year because distribution increases throughout the holiday season.
Nativity House in Tacoma provides essential services to adults experiencing homelessness. They need volunteers to sort clothing, organize supplies, support donation intake,
and assist with meal service. Holiday giving brings in large volumes of coats, blankets, and essential goods, so help with sorting and organizing is especially important.
Toy Rescue Mission in Tacoma is preparing for its annual holiday program. Volunteers clean toys, test batteries, sort items by age, restock shelves, and assemble bundles for families. They also welcome donations of new or gently used toys, craft supplies, stocking stuffers, and gift bags. People who enjoy hands on work or organizing will find this a meaningful way to support children during the holiday season.
Staff Report
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Savvy Senior: What Are the Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease? My husband was recently diagnosed after noticing a slight thumb tremor but we’re wondering if we missed any other early warning signs. —Curious Wife
Dear Curious,
Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is challenging because the symptoms are often subtle and/or similar to those in other health conditions, which means they can easily be overlooked, dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Parkinson’s disease, which afflicts around 1 million Americans, is a degenerative disorder that occurs when the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons die or become impaired. This happens in the part of the brain that controls movement, which can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.
The symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time, and the progression of symptoms is often different from one person to another. Some people with Parkinson’s become severely disabled, while others may experience only minor motor disruptions.
While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, scientists believe genetics and environmental factors (exposure to certain toxins) play a key role. Most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease around age 60 or older, and men are more likely to develop it than are women.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS
Parkinson’s disease is difficult to diagnose because there’s no definitive test to confirm it. Doctors, usually neurologists, will do an examination and evaluate a combination of warning signs, but symptoms can vary greatly by patient which often leads to confusion and misdiagnosis. That said, here are some of the key signs and symptoms everyone should be aware of.
Restless sleeping: Talking in your sleep, sleepwalking and/or acting out your dreams by kicking or jerking. This is a REM sleep behavior disorder and one of the strongest and earliest prediagnostic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Constipation: Problems with digestion and bowel movements are a big problem for people with Parkinson’s, and an early sign that can occur up to 20 years before this disease is diagnosed.
Changes in handwriting: Writing may become harder to do, and your handwriting may appear much smaller than it has in the past.
Soft voice: According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 89 percent of people with Parkinson’s will have speech and voice disorders, which often shows up first in volume of the voice, meaning that you may speak more softly.
Tremors: Slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand or chin. The tremor usually happens at rest, and when you move the extremity, it may disappear. This is the most common and recognizable outward sign of Parkinson’s disease, but by the time tremors start, the brain has already lost more than half of its dopamine-producing cells.
Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson’s disease can slow movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
Masked Face: The muscles in the face experience the same gradual stiffening as in the rest of the body, which results in lack of smiling and facial expressions.
Impaired posture and balance: Stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, and/or balance problems can all be an early sign of Parkinson’s.
Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has Parkinson’s disease. But if you are experiencing any of them, and you’re over age 60, you should consider talking with your doctor, who may order a DaT scan or Syn-One (Skin Biopsy) Test to help diagnose it. Early detection leads to earlier treatment, which can improve a person’s overall quality of life.
Loss of smell: Not being able to smell certain foods very well like bananas, dill pickles or licorice. This early symptom occurs in around 70 to 90 percent of Parkinson’s patients.
For more information, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson. org.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Notes from Eatonville Town Council Meeting
The Eatonville Town Council met on Monday, November 24 for its final meeting of the month, completing several end-of-year actions. The agenda included second readings of key ordinances, budget adjustments, departmental updates, and preparation for work that will carry into early 2026.
COUNCIL APPROVES REDUCED PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR 2026
The council approved Ordinance 2025-8, adopting a decrease to the town’s regular property tax levy for 2026. The measure lowers the levy by $11,471.93 from last year’s amount, a reduction of about 1.4 percent.
The change applies only to the town’s portion of the levy and does not include revenue from new construction, improvements, stateassessed utilities, annexations, or refunds, which will be added once Pierce County certifies the final figures. The ordinance passed on its second reading and was signed by Mayor David Baublits.
COUNCIL APPROVES MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Ordinance 2025-9 was approved to bring the 2025 budget in line with current project costs and ensure no fund exceeds its authorized appropriation.
Adjustments include a reduction to the Tourism Fund to reflect added costs for LTAC-supported
events and the new reader board at Nevitt Park, an update to the Water Capital Fund to incorporate the increased cost of the Water Comprehensive Plan, and revisions to the Storm Drain Capital Fund for improvements to the Associated Petroleum storm piping system.
The revised budget aligns revenues and expenditures across affected funds and will take effect following publication.
COUNCIL APPROVES NEW TAX ON PROPERTY SALES TO FUND LONGTERM PROJECTS
The council adopted Ordinance 2025-10, establishing a 0.25 percent real-estate excise tax on property sales within town limits. The added revenue will support capital improvements such as facility repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term maintenance.
The tax will be collected at closing along with existing real-estate excise taxes and is expected to generate about $70,000 annually. By law, these funds may only be used for capital projects.
COUNCIL APPROVES APPEAL RULES FOR LAND-USE DECISIONS
Ordinance 2025-11 was approved to clarify the process for appealing Board of Adjustment decisions.
Under the updated code, appeals must be filed with the Town Clerk within ten days of a board decision and include the appellant’s contact information, the decision being contested, the reasons for the appeal, and the remedy sought. The council will review appeals after at least seven days’ notice, with decisions made at the next regular meeting. The ordinance also confirms the existing $275 appeal fee and clarifies public-notice requirements when applicable.
COUNCIL APPROVES NEW OUTAGE AND SERVICE-REQUEST SOFTWARE
The Eatonville Town Council approved Resolution 2025-WW, authorizing the mayor to sign a oneyear contract with Outifi, a responsemanagement software system the town will use to track outages, leaks, and other public works issues.
The new platform will replace TextMyGov, which the town adopted
Pierce County Fire District 23 Calls for Traffic Safety Study
Pierce County Fire District 23 is urging state and county officials to take a closer look at one of the Upper Nisqually Valley’s most dangerous intersections. In a letter sent November 10 to the Washington State Department of Transportation, Pierce County Planning and Public Works, and the Pierce County Council, district leaders called for a formal traffic safety study and asked that a roundabout be considered at the intersection of Mountain Highway East and Alder Cutoff Road East.
Fire Chief Matt Medford and members of the Board of Fire Commissioners said the intersection has been a long-standing safety concern. Since 2013, district responders have been called to at least 51 emergency incidents at the location. Out of roughly 60 reported traffic collisions, about one in five resulted in serious injuries, and at least five were fatal.
District officials noted that the intersection creates a unique mix of hazards for both motorists and first responders. Heavy seasonal traffic bound for Mount Rainier National Park and Alder Lake Park often leads to congestion, long backups, and vehicles parked along the shoulders. Those conditions increase risks for drivers traveling at highway speeds and for emergency crews who are trying to reach the scene of an incident.
The letter outlines several factors that contribute to frequent accidents. These include limited visibility due to roadway curves, a steep downhill grade on Alder Cutoff Road East, short braking distances for drivers turning southbound, and a tight merge where
Alder Cutoff Road East meets northbound Mountain Highway East. Officials also point to the lack of a dedicated right-turn lane for northbound traffic, which can cause confusion when vehicles queue at the intersection.
The fire district emphasized that safety issues intensify during the summer, when visitor traffic climbs.
Mount Rainier National Park has seen more than 1.3 million visitors annually in recent years, and those numbers are expected to remain steady or grow. The district noted that crashes at the intersection already place a strain on emergency response and that higher traffic volumes will only make the situation worse.
Fire officials believe a roundabout or a similar modern traffic control system could reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes. Citing data from the Federal Highway Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the district noted that converting a stop-controlled intersection to a modern roundabout can
last year but found less effective than expected. Outifi offers tools the town has been looking for, including an interactive public map showing active service issues and the ability to handle inbound phone calls, which is expected to reduce the volume of calls coming into Town Hall. The town plans to use the oneyear subscription period to evaluate whether the software meets local needs before committing longterm. The mayor is now authorized to execute the contract on the town’s behalf.
TOWN COUNCIL REVIEWS 2026 BUDGET ORDINANCE
The Eatonville Town Council held the first reading of Ordinance 2025-12, which outlines the town’s proposed budget for 2026. The ordinance sets spending limits for each town fund for the coming year and incorporates all required steps in the budget process, including
hearings, and earlier study sessions.
The draft budget details expected revenues, planned expenditures, and projected ending balances across all departments and utilities, including police, streets, parks, water, sewer, stormwater, refuse, and electric. Once all funds are accounted for, the town anticipates finishing 2026 with an ending balance of just over $9.27 million. If adopted, the ordinance will formally establish Eatonville’s 2026 budget at the fund level, setting spending authority for each fund throughout the year. After approval, the Town Clerk will forward the certified budget to the State Auditor and the Association of Washington Cities, and the full document will remain available at Town Hall for public review.
A second reading and possible adoption are scheduled for the council’s December 8 meeting.
NOTICE OF SEPA MITIGATED DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS GIVEN in accordance with EMC-18.04.140, the town of Eatonville has received an application for a short plat variance to forego connection to town water and wastewater services and connect to septic systems, located at 750 Wild Rose St W. A determination of completeness was made on October 30, 2025, and a SEPA Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance was made on November 26th, 2025. Copies of the application materials are available at Eatonville Town Hall, 201 Center Street West, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Written comments on the application must be received via mail, P.O. Box 309, Eatonville, WA 98328 or submitted to the Town Planner, 201 Center St W, no later than 5:00 p.m., December 10th 2025. A public hearing will held at the visitors center at 6:30pm on December 15th, 2025. Any questions regarding the proposal may be directed to: Nick Moore, 201 Center Street W, PO Box 309, Eatonville, WA 98328, (360) 832-3361. Any person may comment on the project and/or receive a copy of the final decision.
CRUISERS
From page 1
The girls team won the SPSL 2A title and went on to finish second at the district meet, which sent the full squad to the state championships. The boys team placed third in the league and qualified Colton Rush for state as an individual.
The girls first team All-League list included Grace Coonrod, who was also named Athlete of the Year, along with Hannah Beiker and Bridget Stump. Jenny Lowe made the second team. On the boys side, Gabe Kolsrud and Titus Lowe earned second team recognition.
TENNIS CAPS SEASON WITH STRONG LEAGUE PRESENCE
THANKSGIVING
From page 1
reduce fatal crashes by as much as 78 percent and injury crashes by up to 82 percent. A recently constructed roundabout north of the site, near Nisqually State Park, was highlighted as an example of the state’s proactive approach to improving safety on high-risk corridors.
In their letter, district leaders asked state and county agencies to begin a formal study of the intersection and to evaluate a roundabout as a primary solution. They also offered to provide detailed incident records, response logs, and firsthand information from local emergency personnel.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with you to address this urgent public safety concern,” the letter concluded.
Pierce County Fire District 23 serves the Upper Nisqually Valley, including Elbe, Ashford, and areas surrounding Mount Rainier National Park. The district works closely with South Pierce Fire and Rescue and responds to a wide range of fire and emergency medical calls throughout the region.
Eatonville’s tennis program put together a season marked by steady wins and one standout district performance. Jacob Golding was the lone player to reach the district tournament and finished ninth, five spots short of a trip to state.
Golding and Carl Lucas both earned first team singles honors. In doubles, the first team selections were Jackson Rockey and Ethan Stogsdill, along with the pair of Steven Haas and Blake Pool.
A FALL FULL OF RESILIENCE
Across all programs, Eatonville athletes navigated setbacks, coaching changes, tight finishes, and postseason pushes. The season ended without a team state trophy, but the individual recognition across every fall sport reflected the depth of talent on campus. For many athletes, the honors serve as both a reward for the work behind them and a starting point for what comes next.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program located at Walmart in Spanaway and Puyallup invites shoppers to select a tag for a child, purchase the listed items, and return the gifts for distribution. Volunteers can help sort donations, organize gift rooms, and prepare items for pickup. It is a simple and personal way to brighten a local child’s holiday and support families who are struggling. The Seahawks Charitable Foundation contributes millions to youth and food programs across Washington. Their financial support matters, but their most powerful impact comes from something simpler. They show up. Players pack food boxes. Staff serve meals. Volunteers work beside the people they support. Their example reminds us that time is often the greatest gift a person can offer. This Thanksgiving, choose one act of service. Donate hygiene items. Cut fabric for a child’s quilt. Repackage food at EFN. Sort toys. Pick an Angel Tree tag. Support Nativity House. Wrap gifts. Deliver food. Bring a friend or bring a child and make it part of your holiday tradition. Even one volunteer shift can make someone’s holiday easier. Remember that hunger and hardship do not follow the holiday calendar. Local food banks and service agencies work year round to meet steady need. The help you give now is appreciated, but the help you give later is just as important. Thanksgiving may inspire us to begin, but our community benefits most when we continue to show up long after the holiday season ends. South Pierce County has always been a place where neighbors step forward. When we choose to serve not just once but throughout the year, we build a community that stays strong, warm, and supported in every season.
