Marysville YMCA Early Learning Center Ribbon Cutting

Last month, the YMCA of Snohomish County held a ribbon cutting event for their new Early Learning Center in Marysville. I joined other elected officials and community members at the ceremony, where we had the opportunity to tour the impressive new facility.  

Set to open in September, the new Early Learning Center will provide four classrooms for children up to 5 years old. 40% of the slots will be available to low-income families at a reduced rate. As both a County Councilmember and a YMCA Board Member, I am committed to supporting early learning in our community and look forward to this great addition to our early learning network in North Snohomish County.

Conservation Futures Feature

Last month, I began highlighting Conservation Futures projects across Snohomish County. This month’s feature is the Old Pacific Highway Conservation Easement. The project is supported by multiple partners, including the Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program, a Floodplains by Design grant awarded to the Stillaguamish Tribe, and the property owner. It will permanently conserve nearly 111 acres of farmland along Old Pacific Highway, just northwest of the City of Stanwood. 

In July, I visited the site with representatives from Forterra NW and County staff who are managing the grant. Projects like this, and the Conservation Futures Program as a whole, are essential to preserving farmland and protecting wildlife habitat in Snohomish County. 

Stanwood Viking Way and Heritage Park Events

On August 4th, I spent the day in Stanwood to speak at the ribbon cutting for the new Viking Way Extension project and see the new covered dugouts at Heritage Park.  

The Viking Way Extension is a great road infrastructure project that will improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and increase connectivity with downtown Stanwood. The project was made possible by a combination of federal and state investments along with county support. Congratulations to the City of Stanwood for the completion of this important project. 

I also had the opportunity to visit Heritage Park with Mayor Sid Roberts while in Stanwood. The County funded new covered dugouts at Heritage Park and it was great to see the finished product with the Mayor. I hope our young athletes will be able to enjoy this new addition for years to come.

Last month, Snohomish County celebrated two of its hallmark traditions in both the north and east parts of the county. The Stanwood-Camano Fair (aka the “Best Lil Fair in the West”) and the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe brought our community together with youth agricultural exhibits, exciting carnival rides and games, and a full lineup of entertainment ranging from live music to monster trucks to rodeos. 

These fairs highlight the best of our county’s heritage, offering a place for families and neighbors to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the traditions that make our community so special. My family and I always look forward to attending, and we’re already excited for next year. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors whose hard work and dedication make these events possible!