 The beautiful city of Chelan was the host to the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) board of directors meeting and strategic planning retreat. This was my first meeting since being elected to serve the 16 cities of South King County as the District 13 representative. I am very proud to serve in this role to ensure SKC’s voice is heard in advocacy, education and other services throughout the state.
 AWC lobbies on behalf of cities, provides risk management and other pooling products (think insurance)for cities and a wide array of training opportunities for newly elected as well as longer serving electeds, to ensure we’re serving you in the best way possible!
 It was so exciting to see the dream of the Postmark Center for the Arts come to life on Saturday, and to share it with so many in our community! This center is so much more than a remodeled building -- it's a place where the community can come together in appreciation of arts and share cultural experiences that strengthen our bond as neighbors.
 It was an incredibly special day as hundreds were able to step foot in Postmark for the first time since at least 2009. The new Postmark Center for the Arts will provide increased access to the arts and cultural education for the local and regional community and drive economic activities in Auburn’s downtown core. How many of you, like me, remember going to the building when it was King County Public Health to get immunizations or a food handler’s permit? I can assure you, it’s a much friendlier place to enter now, knowing there aren’t any needles awaiting you!
 The renovated lobby space and multipurpose rooms will offer new public programs like music and dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, literary arts events, and other cultural gatherings.
Spaces also will be available to rent for special events, parties, small performances and much more.
The goal is to make the economic, educational, cultural, and civic benefits of the arts available to all communities by broadening public access to the arts.
I can't wait to see what's next in the space!
 After the wonderful Postmark Center for the Arts grand opening, I hope you were able to make it out to Mary Olson Farm for Hops and Crops, a fantastic annual event that truly marks the beginning of fall! The weather was just about perfect this year, even if it did get a bit warm for our communications manager who was there to take photos.
 The bands were amazing, the brews were fantastic, and the vibes were just right! Already looking forward to next year.
 September is National Recovery Month, a time to observe and support programs, activities, and ceremonies that support behavioral health and overall wellness.
Preventing and overcoming mental health challenges and/or substance use disorders are essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, and we must recognize the four dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose and community. We must guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services as well as removing the stigma attached.
 Treatment is effective, and people recover -- in our community and worldwide. Thank you to HealthPoint's Amran Ahmed, We Care Daily Clinic's Kalena Towle and Sound‘s Cassandra Jackson for accepting the proclamation in person! The work you do in our community is invaluable.
For several years the City of Auburn and the City of Kent have been engaged in dialogue over Auburn annexing the Bridges from the City of Kent. Through a series of meetings and surveys, it was determined by the neighborhood -- and the home owner's association -- that residents there were in favor of annexation into Auburn, a process that has been in the works since at least August 2022.
At Monday's City Council Meeting, the council voted unanimously in favor of annexation which will authorize City of Auburn staff to file a notice of intent to annex with the Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County. Kent will be working in tandem to ensure any documents they need to provide are ready to go.
These things take a while as there's always a lot of moving parts, but to the residents of the Bridges neighborhood, we'll be officially welcoming you to the city soon!
The latest and greatest of the Auburn Magazine for Fall 2023 will be hitting your mailboxes this weekend! This latest issue is fantastic, with stories on a local tattoo shop that refuses to quit, a preview of the Veterans Parade later this year, and an exercise on fact checking AI and ChatGPT.
The magazine is also available online!
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Linder and Brock Rock 'n' Roll Show
Linder & Brock’s nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll and high energy country captivates first time listeners, AND keeps long time faithful followers on the edge of their seats. This group is one of the country’s most sought after acts for fairs, festivals and concerts. Linder & Brock present a show packed with family fun for all ages, and their showmanship and stage presence are breathtaking!
📅 Saturday, Sept. 23
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building, 12401 SE 320th St.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
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 I'm so honored that the Muckleshoot Canoe Family was able to join us at the Postmark Center for the Arts grand opening to sing a song for us! And, to have tribal members present to dedicate the beautiful welcome figure that greets every visitor to the center.
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