 On Tuesday I was invited to the Auburn School District's welcome back celebration at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, where hundreds of educators gathered to learn and connect ahead of another amazing school year. In addition to the comradery of seeing colleagues face to face, the district also recognized approximately 200 teachers who have put in the professional development time to complete what's called Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training.
 The goal of LETRS is to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. If knowledge is power then literacy is a superpower. Reading and understanding enables us access to knowledge, teaches us how to communicate effectively, and how to properly navigate this sometimes crazy world. My daughter Lucky and I are both proud graduates of the Auburn School District, and I cannot overstate how incredibly grateful I am that we both got to learn from such amazing teachers. The wisdom and compassion they shared with us was truly lifechanging. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren't for the educators who helped shape my life. A large part of that shaping was only possible because of the literacy lessons I learned along the way.
 A big thank you to the Auburn School District for inviting me to the kick off event ahead of what's certain to be a remarkable school year!
 Earlier this month I proclaimed Thursday, Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Auburn as part of a global day of remembrance for the millions of lives lost to overdose. No community is immune to overdose, and deaths remain high across our state, impacting urban, suburban, and rural communities. The statistics are staggering as this crisis continues to surge driven by the use of fentanyl, which is involved in 70% of all confirmed overdose deaths. In 2022, there were 1,001 fatal overdoses, and 786 so far this year.
Preventing and overcoming mental health ailments and/or substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally. We will continue to encourage people with mental health issues and/ or substance use disorders to seek appropriate treatment through our local agencies, such as HealthPoint, We Care Daily Clinics, Addicts and Alcoholics helping Addicts and Alcoholics Supportive Housing and A Walk to Freedom Counseling.
I encourage all residents to come together in observance and help spread the message that tragic overdose deaths are preventable, not just on August 31st, but every day of the year. When, we posted the proclamation to our social media platforms, there were some who chastised us for thinking a proclamation would make a difference. For the record, no, I don’t think that a proclamation will do much, but it is a way to honor those in the battle, and those who are no longer with us. I do encourage you to read more about the City of Auburn's fight against homelessness and drug use by reading our Summer 2023 Auburn Magazine story about Kent Hay, the director of Anti-Homelessness team.
 As you may have heard, the City of Auburn recently installed photo enforcement cameras in school zones with the goal of reducing speeding in those areas and improving student safety.
On Wednesday, Sept. 6 (the first day of school), cameras will be active and issuing infractions in these locations:
Ilalko Elementary School / Riverside High School
Oravetz Rd SE, both directions
Lakeland Hills Elementary School
Lakeland Hills Way SE, Northbound
Mt Baker Middle School
37th St SE, Eastbound
Evergreen Heights Elementary School
S. 316th St, Westbound
These cameras will be issuing warnings only from Sept. 6 to Oct. 6, after which they will start issuing infractions.
Arthur Jacobson Elementary School / Mountainview High School
132nd Ave SE, both directions
Olympic Middle School / Pioneer Elementary School
21st St SE, both directions
Olympic Middle School
17th St SE, Eastbound
Gildo Rey Elementary
M St SE, Southbound
Evergreen Heights Elementary School
S. 316th St, Eastbound
 The Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Blood Coalition are urging people to donate blood now to avoid a summer blood shortage. Bloodworks Northwest and Vitalant characterize the summer months as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood remains constant, transfusion needs increase, but donations go down.
Despite updated donor eligibility guidelines that allow more people to donate blood, nationwide the American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations during the first two months of summer. With fewer donations, the Red Cross’s Pacific Northwest Region does not expect to meet patient need targets this month. Smoke and unhealthy air conditions canceled several blood drives, making matters even worse.
Consider donating today!
 Join the Auburn Symphony orchestra at Half Lion Brewing Company in Sumner to kick off a new season of concerts!
Music Director Wesley Schulz will host the evening which is designed to provide music lovers a chance to socialize in a fun environment while giving the party-goers a sneak peak (or listen) to the coming season. Auburn Symphony String Quartet will perform music by composers featured in this year’s concerts. The quartet will include: Emilie Choi, violin; Ingrid Fredrickson, violin; Richard Neff, viola; and Paige Stockley, cello.
The evening will also include a silent auction of unique items and experiences. Additional donations go directly to support ASO’s artistic and educational programs. Dinner will be available from an on-site food truck. Seating is limited so it is advised to purchase tickets in advance.
📅 Thursday, Sept. 14
🕐 7 p.m.
📍 Half Lion Brewing Company, 1723 West Valley Highway E, Suit 101, Sumner, WA 98390
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online
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Auburn Farmers Market
It's Vendor Appreciation Day at the Auburn Farmers Market. Show your support for your favorite vendors. Make a thank you card at the info booth or give thanks in-person!
The Market provides a convenient venue for local farmers and artisans to provide access to healthy, fresh, locally sourced food and products to area residents. The Market serves as a vibrant gathering place where visitors can learn about healthy food choices, and overall health and well-being. View more information on the Auburn Farmers Market webpage.
📅 Sunday, Sept. 3
🕐 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park - 1140 Auburn Way S
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Government Offices Closed -- Labor Day
All Government offices will be closed on the first Monday of September for Labor Day.
📅 Monday, Sept. 4
🕐 All day
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 They say a photo is worth a thousand words, and in my opinion, this one from the Auburn School District Welcome Back event is worth tens of thousands! It's like people watching, but in photo form.
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