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(From left) Maddie McCarthy and Maddy Lindsay
Congratulations to Miss Auburn Maddy Lindsay and Miss Auburn's Teen Maddie McCarthy (we're going to have to come up with some nicknames!) for earning their crowns Saturday at the Miss Auburn competition.
All 21 of the contestants were incredible and it was uplifting to see all of the amazing young women competing to represent Auburn in the Miss Washington and hopefully, the Miss America pageant
 Maddie McCarthy is a 16-year-old junior at Auburn Riverside High School who hopes to earn her Masters in Education and teach elementary education. Her community service initiative is to advocate for equity and access to music education. She writes: "I believe that music is more than just a melody; it is life, breath, love, beauty, passion,
emotion, and strength. It has always been a safe space and an outlet for me, and I wouldn't have gained this deep understanding of music without fighting and demanding to be a part of the music programs.
 Maddy Lindsay is a 20-year-old student at Washington State University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Her community service initiative is to get our youth volunteering, which I love! As a regular at the Auburn Food Bank and organizations across Washington, she's passionate about giving back and sharing a valuable resource -- time and energy. She writes: "Youth volunteerism has many remarkable benefits including a sense of fulfillment, belonging, inclusivity, community involvement and achievement. It is well known that young volunteers who serve their communities make a strong, positive, and lasting impact while feeling a greater obligation to overall civic duty.
You can hear more about Maddy by listening to Auburn's other podcast, Auburn on Main!
To the group of incredible women who weren't crowned (but who did still receive scholarship money) don't be discouraged! I was impressed by each and every one of you and I know Auburn would be lucky to have you represent us. I hope to see you back next year!
The latest episode of the That's So Auburn! podcast, which was released yesterday, is a follow-up to a topic we first covered two years ago when the podcast began -- Auburn's approach to homelessness.
For this episode, I'm joined again by Kent Hay, the mastermind behind Auburn's homelessness outreach services. And for the first time, we're joined by Drew Conley, who joined Team Auburn in June last year. We're also joined by special guest Kyle Benson, who spent years homeless in the Auburn area and recently spent time at South Correctional Entity (SCORE).
Kyle's insight into addiction and homelessness is meaningful and impactful, and I hope everyone reading this takes the time to listen.
As you probably know, I love quotes. I was particularly struck by what Kyle had to say around the 14-minute mark: "If you can move mountains to get drugs, imagine what you can do sober." If that doesn’t send a strong message, I’m not sure what will!
Spotify
Apple
 In mid-2023, we enhanced our Community Court program to include in-custody participants. In the past six months, we’ve invited 14 to the program, and of those, six have graduated, four are actively participating, and four are currently in in-patient treatment or have just completed treatment.
Because of these positive results, Auburn is exploring options to expand the court from a half day to a full day. The expansion will allow us to increase the number of defendants who are invited to participate, including those who are held in jail.
On Thursday, our court graduated SIX participants! I'm incredibly proud of our court staff and the work they do each week. Dozens of lives in the Auburn community have changed for the better because of this program, and I’d argue that the community as a whole is better, too.
 Seats are still available for State of the City 2024 at the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Convention Center. Join me for a progress report on Auburn -- what's happened, what's happening, why we're excited and why it matters to you!
This year's talk will share updates on the Auburn Avenue Theater project, a check in on businesses in the area, a look into our anti-homelessness efforts, and some infrastructure improvements in the immediate and near future, and much more!
📅 Thursday, Feb. 29
🕐 6 p.m.
📍 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Convention Center, 2402 Auburn Way S.
🎟️ Register (Free)
 Construction of the new bicycle pump track at Cedar Lanes Park is underway. I'm looking forward to opening this new amenity in the spring! I think it’s going to be so much fun!
You can read more about the new Cedar Lanes Park bike track and the little riders at Pioneer Elementary School in the Spring 2024 edition of the Auburn Magazine, set to hit mailboxes in late March!
Check out all biking programs and information about this new amenity online at auburnwa.gov/bike.
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Auburn Symphony Quartet at Postmark
The Auburn Symphony String Quartet presents an evening of beautiful music in the inspiring, intimate venue of the Postmark Center for the Arts.
📅 Friday, Feb. 16
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
🎟️ Buy Tickets (Regular: $20 Student/Senior: $17)
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Soul Sacrifice -- Santana Tribute Band
Soul Sacrifice, A Tribute to the Music of Santana has been voted one of the TOP 10 Tribute Bands in the Pacific NW, as well as the #1 Santana tribute in the PNW. From Woodstock to Santana's more recent hits, Soul Sacrifice performs with a passion and joy that engulfs the audience in the atmosphere of Santana's music. These musicians are entirely committed to bringing the authentic sounds of Santana to the live stage. Sizzling Latin Rhythms and outstanding musicians make this band a must-see and HEAR!
📅 Saturday, Feb. 17
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building (Cascade Hall) 12401 SE 320th St. Campus Event Center Parking (PDF) Driving Directions (PDF)
🎟️ Buy Tickets (Regular: $23 Student/Senior: $20)
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Drop-In Painting with Amy Sie at Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: Free
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Friday, Feb. 23
🕐 10 a.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
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 Wednesday was Valentine's Day -- how did you celebrate?
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