|
 “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.”
-- Lou Holtz --
|
|
 Friday morning, I had the honor of joining roughly 30 Auburn Police Officers and staff in a training session by The Human Solidarity Project. I want to thank COO Dustin Washington and his team for a thoughtful and engaging four hours of learning, discussion, and inspiration. The session is designed to help people connect as humans and to understand that we need to think outside the box for solutions. We talked about the challenges of social media, the burdens of past experiences, how people make assumptions, and how to build trust. I can’t adequately do justice to what those four hours encompassed, but I left the training even prouder of our officers. Their jobs are hard, and some people will hate them simply because they wear a uniform. They are more than a uniform, they are amazing human beings who want to ensure safety in our community.
 Following the resignation of former Councilmember Larry Brown, the City of Auburn is requesting applications from residents of Auburn to fill a vacancy on the City Council. The term will commence once a candidate is appointed by a majority vote of the City Council and will expire after the results of the general election to be held November 2025 have been certified.
The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:
- March 6, 2025 - March 24, 2025: Applications are due to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on March 24, 2025
- April 7, 2025: City Council, in public session select which candidates to invite to participate in an interview
- April 14, 2025: City Council to conduct interviews of qualified applicants Special Council Meeting starting at 5 p.m.
- April 14, 2025: Council vote to select candidate to fill vacancy (Special Meeting)
- April 21, 2025: Selected candidate sworn in at the City Council meeting.
To be considered, your application must be completed and received by the City Clerk at Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington, 98001, no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025.
For more information, including how to apply online, visit the City of Auburn website and submit the required information.
 Next week, I and our entire city council will be heading to Washington, D.C., to join fellow local leaders at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. This event is always an incredible opportunity to connect with other city officials, learn from experts, and advocate for the needs of Auburn at the federal level.
Pete Buttigieg at last year's conference.
I’m looking forward to hearing from leaders like U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, U.S. Senator John Thune, and Rosie Rios, the former U.S. Treasurer. These conversations will help shape our approach to critical issues like infrastructure, housing, public safety, and economic growth. As always, I’ll also be meeting with our congressional delegation, ensuring Auburn’s voice is heard when it comes to securing funding and support for our community.
Stay tuned for updates from the conference -- I’m eager to bring back fresh ideas and opportunities that will help Auburn continue to thrive!
 March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped our history and continue to lead us forward!
From the women who fought for the right to vote to those who are breaking barriers in business, science, government, and the arts today, their contributions make our world a better place. Here in Auburn, we are proud to recognize the women who serve our community, from city leaders and educators to first responders and business owners.
 And tomorrow, March 8, is International Women's Day, which has been observed since the early 1900s as the world was growing and industrializing. During this time women around the world were demanding equality and actively campaigning for change. In1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
From 1908-1910 countries around the world marked the end of February as a time to collectively bring attention to women's issues such as women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.
In 1911, International Women's Day was honored for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights. However less than a week later on March 25, the tragic 'Triangle Fire' in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labor legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events.
In 1913, on the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on February 23, the last Sunday in February. Following discussions, International Women's Day was agreed to be marked annually on March 8 and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since.
For over a century this worldwide observance has taken many forms and continues to bring attention and dialog to ensuring all of our women and girls will have bright futures regardless of where they live.
Please join me in honoring the history of women and supporting the next generation of women in our community!
(Click image to watch videos)
This is our last request for our Auburn area residents for your support of our city-
wide mental wellness project, “We Are R.E.A.D.Y. Are You?” It has been an incredible
success to date with almost 22,000 people and businesses viewing one of our 3-mental
health videos.
Why Did We Do It?
- To increase awareness of the mental health crisis in Auburn and beyond.
- To encourage people to talk more about mental health issues which would help
reduce the fear of seeking help.To provide some tools to use in a mental health crisis.
- To demonstrate the need for more providers, more treatments, and more research.
The project will close March 31, 2025. I know it is asking much, but would you help us reach 50,000 views by the end of March? That’s over half of our population and would
demonstrate your absolute commitment to helping the people of Auburn including many
youths who are suffering with mental health issues and need to seek help.
This project was made possible by the tremendous support and generosity of Wellpoint Washington and the Auburn School District.
Watch one of the three videos via the button below, and don't forget to complete the quick survey for a chance to win a free prize!
|
|
Auburn Community Players: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
The Auburn Community Players are at it again! This musical look at “Big Business” means Big Laughs in a delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder! Tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love, we follow the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Get your tickets today!
###
* March 7, 8 & 9
* Various times
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular, $27 & $30 at the door)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Postmark Second Saturdays
Visit Postmark Center for the Arts gallery, open to the public each Second Saturday from 12-4PM! Each month features new and exciting all ages events!
March 8, 2025 | 1-3PM - The Real Lady A: Welcome to the Porch Performance
Join us from 1-3PM for an afternoon of music and fun provided by The Real Lady A! Welcome to the Porch is a soulful storytelling community-driven performance, front porch-style, fostering unity, conversation and shared musical heritage.
FREE | ALL AGES
###
* Saturday, March 8
* 1 - 3 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
Rhythm & Rhymes Story Hour
Join Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Public Library for Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour! Enjoy a fun, interactive music presentation with ASO musicians followed by a story read-aloud with an Auburn librarian. This FREE program is best for ages 3-8 but families of all ages are encouraged to attend. Take home a craft kit to continue the fun at home!
###
* Saturday, March 8
* 10 a.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Fly For Freedom: HomeFront/WarFront
Who were the real “Rosie the Riveters?” How did Black Americans fight for democracy on two fronts?
Learn the little-known contributions of Black women in World War II aviation, as one trailblazing young pilot flies for Double Victory— championing democracy at home and abroad.
Antoinette and her family join the millions of Black Americans serving their country in the defense industries while bravely confronting racism, sexism and fascism on every front.
Home Front / War Front Fly for Freedom: new historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign. Using a unique blend of live theatre and archival film, Living Voices brings life to history
Developed in partnership with the Museum of Flight, Museum of History & Industry and The Boeing Company.
Seating is limited. Please let us know you are coming.
###
* Sunday, March 9
* 2 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free (please register)
|
Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
###
* Wednesdays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Fridays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
Salvadoran Folk-Art Block Printing
In this block-printing class, you’ll make a card based on the colorful and whimsical style of Fernando Llort, who has been dubbed El Salvador’s National Artist. You will have to chance to learn how to carve, ink and print from soft linoleum blocks and create your own unique cards inspired by the folk art of El Salvador! All materials for this class will be provided. If you want to print on more unique papers or make more than ten cards, please purchase packs of 5" × 6-7/8"cards and matching envelopes at: Dick Blick
Ages: 12+
Fee: $20/$25 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Alex Mojica
###
* Thursday, March 13
* 5 - 7 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($20 resident, $25 non-resident)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ 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: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
###
* Fridays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
Auburn Community Players: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
The Auburn Community Players are at it again! This musical look at “Big Business” means Big Laughs in a delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder! Tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love, we follow the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Get your tickets today!
###
* March 14, 15 & 16
* Various times
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular, $27 & $30 at the door)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Hunting, Fishing, and Native Sovereignty
Free Event courtesy of Humanities Washington
What happens when the sovereignty of one nation conflicts with the laws and practices of another?
The Treaty of 1855 is a document signed by Native American leaders, Washington Territory’s Governor Isaac Stevens, and Oregon Territory’s Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Joel Palmer. Palmer and Stevens pushed for “exploitative treaties” by “cajoling and threatening the delegates,” according to historians at the National Park Service. Despite resistance from Yakama Chief Kamiakin, Nations were confined to reservations and other areas were opened for white settlement, including “ceded land.” While the Yakamas could continue to hunt and use this land, the treaty removed the Yakamas’ exclusive use of it, granting wide access of the land to white settlers.
Aaron Paul Whitefoot (he/him) graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University. Whitefoot served as a tradition bearer in the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program from the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions, teaching hunting, fishing, tying nets, and cutting and processing elk. He runs the Yakama Nation Hunters and Gatherers Facebook page and a YouTube channel where he demonstrates his craft.
###
* Wednesday, March 19
* 6 - 7:30 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free (please register)
|
Artist Statement & Grant Writing for Creatives
Artist statements and grants are hard to write, but they are an important tools for artists working in any discipline. In this workshop, led by the City of Auburn’s arts staff, you will learn the basics of writing successful artist statements and begin creating your own, as well as tips and best practices for grant writing. By the end of the workshop, you will have the start to a solid artist statement and knowledge about how to write successful grant applications.
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Thursday, March 20
* 4:30 - 6 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Different Drummer @ Postmark
Different Drummer is a multi-genre chamber ensemble comprised of violin, cello, double bass and percussion. This unlikely quartet creates an exhilarating visual and musical show, adding a whimsical element to the chamber/jazz ensemble. Percussionist Don Dieterich delights audiences with his “drum set” comprised of a desk, typewriter, telephone, lampshade, trash can, desk bells, stampers, and a suitcase kick drum! Experience the fun of Different Drummer!
###
* Friday, March 21
* 7:30 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
|
Radical Poetics: Erasures as Reclamation
Erasure or blackout poems are created by covering up or “erasing” parts of pre-existing texts including books, medical papers, legal documents, and more. In this two-day generative workshop students will work with Auburn's Poet Laureate, Mateo Acuña, to create blackout poetry and analyze erasures as conversing with and countering the original source text as a means for advocacy, social justice, and dissent against mainstream narratives.
Dates: March 26th and 27th, 6 - 7:30PM Ages: 15+
Fee: $25/$32 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Mateo Acuña
###
* Wednesday, March 26
* 6 - 7:30 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($25 resident, $32 non-resident
|
|
 |
 |
|
Book Explorers with KCLS - Gifts From Georgia's Garden
Free Program!
Calling all Book Explorers! Looking for a literary adventure? Join us for book discussions and museum activities.
Do you have a garden? Why are we so drawn to natural beauty? Celebrate spring and Women’s History Month with an artist who painted the nature she loved. Then dig into activities connected to gardens and art.
Ages 7 and older.
###
* Thursday, March 27
* 4:30 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free
|
Comedy at the Course
Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only.
###
* Friday, March 28
* 7:30 p.m.
* Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House | 29630 Green River Road
* Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Framing for Beginners
Framing artwork can be expensive and intimidating, so being able to DIY is a wonderful skill to have! In this workshop City of Auburn arts staff will teach students how to use basic supplies to mat, frame, and install hardware to artworks for professional-looking display. There is no experience required and all are welcome!
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Thursday, April 3
* 4:30 - 6 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
|
Sound Worlds featuring violinist Ilana Zaks
Sound Worlds is a one-hour program featuring music for violin and electronics. This program features music by Hunter Prueger, ('Silent Moment', 2023), Brannon Warn-Johnston's A Year with Cancer', (2024), Patrick Long ('Shadow Steps', 2011; finished 2021), Aaron Levin's Videogame Vespers' (2023). This program is intended to bring awareness to underrepresented composers innovating and bringing sounds from their life experiences to one of the oldest existing instruments: the violin.
FREE | ALL AGES
###
* Friday, April 4
* 7 - 8 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Stonesy – The Music of The Rolling Stones
STONESY is a Seattle based band faithfully reproducing the timeless music of the Rolling Stones on stage! Their vocals, instrumentals and precision drumming combine to create riotous rock 'n' roll like only the Rolling Stones and Stonesy can deliver. Hold onto your top hat and join in the fun – “It's a gas, gas, gas…”!
###
* Saturday, April 5
* 7:30 p.m.
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular)
|
Auburn Symphony: Visions of America
Journey with the Orchestra through the breadth and depth of the American landscape. From the quiet beauty of rural America in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land Suite, to the joyful praise break of a church in Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, to the inspirational march of a band in William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, revel in the triumphant sounds of the American dream.
Join us at 1:30 before the concert for a talk with Dr. Gwynne K. Brown.
###
* Sunday. April 6
* 2:30 - 4 p.m.
* Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
* Tickets ($10-$45)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Unit Souzou - Constant State of Otherness
Experience the imagination, creativity, and incomparable sound of Unit Souzou taiko drummers as they present Constant State of Otherness. This multi-layered performance explores the impacts of the universal experiences of othering and alienation. Through taiko, Japanese folk dance, song, and personal story, six performers guide the audience through a four-part journey inspired by experiences of isolation and displacement. Rooted in ancestral wisdom and survival, Constant State of Otherness explores the complicated emotions that otherness evokes. By allowing their stories to fractally unfold through the resonance of drum, voice and movement, Unit Souzou offers an invitation to locate our shared longing to belong.
###
* Saturday, April 12
* 7:30 p.m.
* Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
* Tickets ($27 student/senior, $30 regular)
|
Peter Cotton Trail
Friday, April 18 - Monday, April 21, 2025
Hop through Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunnies who will be hidden in various locations around Auburn. Find 10 bunnies, submit a scorecard, and get entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, including seniors and those in the specialized recreation community. It's a great way to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors!
###
* April 18 - 21
* Various times
* Parks across Auburn
* Learn more
|
|
 |
The crocuses are beginning to bloom at City Hall Plaza, and the bees sure are loving it!
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
This isn’t the first time the United States has gone through a severe egg shortage. Eggs became expensive and rare during World War I thanks to a steep rise in the price of chicken feed. Home cooks looking for cheaper alternatives were a lucrative market for companies like the Royal Baking Powder Company, who produced this promotional cookbook in 1917 to advertise the use of baking powder as an egg substitute. The Olson Family of Mary Olson Farm in Auburn used this copy in their kitchen.
Want to try a recipe yourself? Read the whole cookbook online through the Museum’s online collections portal.
|
|
|
|
|
