Key Peninsula Community Council

Key Peninsula Community Council
a 501.c.3 organization
A Volunteer Board of Directors Aiming for a
Common Goal
Our Mission is to
"Improve the Quality of Life on the
Key Peninsula"

From Our Friends Over at the Key Peninsula News
KP Council Hosts Candidate Forum Online
Watch the recorded candidate forum at www.kpcouncil.org
Posted Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:01 pm
Staff ReportTen candidates for six local public offices ranging from the Washington State House of Representatives to Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer participated in a 90-minute candidate forum online hosted by the Key Peninsula Community Council Oct. 13.
The town hall-style meeting was traditionally conducted before standing room only crowds in the Whitmore Room at the KP Civic Center in Vaughn to give the community a chance to ask questions of elected officials and candidates running to replace them. But due to the pandemic, Lisa Larson, the council office manager, suggested an online forum.
“I started studying for this a while ago,” Larson said. She had attended a county-wide virtual town hall over the summer that was fraught with technical and security issues, and didn’t want that to happen here. “I attended webinars and studied Zoom security for weeks to prepare,” she said.
The event was moderated by Gina Cabiddu, program manager of the Children’s Home Society of Washington-Key Peninsula Resource Center, with assistance from timekeeper Stefanie Warren of the KP Civic Center.
Participants included candidates for the two positions for 26th Legislative District representative, incumbents Rep. Michelle Caldier and Rep. Jesse Young and their respective challengers Joy Stanford and Carrie Hesch; incumbent Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier and challenger Larry Seaquist; candidates for Pierce County Sheriff Cyndie Fajardo and Ed Troyer; Congressman Derek Kilmer, whose opponent, Elizabeth Kreiselmaier, did not respond to an invitation to attend; and Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan, who is running unopposed for a third term.
The candidates fielded about a dozen questions taken from approximately 40 submitted to the organizers in advance. They ranged from the impact of the pandemic-driven recession on property taxes to what officeholders would do about rising property crime on the KP, climate change and perennial traffic issues.
Over 200 hundred people registered to watch the Oct. 13 forum live, but a violent storm that day knocked out power to much of the KP and only about 70 people logged on. The event was also broadcast on KGHP FM while the online video was recorded by Cynthia Stewart of the Tacoma-Pierce County League of Women Voters. The KP Community Council has a link to the presentation on its website, and Larson encouraged the community to watch it.
“We did it for the community and it will be accessible to them for three months,” she said.
The power outage also forced the organizers to relocate from the Key Center office an hour before the event to the KP Civic Center, which recently installed a generator so that it can act as an emergency shelter.
The forum was sponsored by the KP Community Council, the KP Business Association, the KP Civic Center Association and the KP News.
The recording can be viewed here.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/E_x62mDnBFjXp3yTww4eFJgunyiHN_up_7FPp-YNghulGjb_eeBY3ZffNpu31KPE.2npECKQkTgcwTQTJ?startTime=1602640989000

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KPC
GOC- Broadband Survey
is
NOW LIVE!

Please click the link below to take the survey

Then share it with your Key Peninsula neighbors

THANK YOU!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6F3B6PK

Do you love your community?
Do you like what you see?
Do you want to get involved in our work?

Apply for a seat on the board

KPC Director Application
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Hi there,

Special thanks to Ms. Gina Cabiddu (Program Director @Children's Home Society of WA & President of the Key Peninsula Business Assn.)
for being the Moderator for the KP Candidates Forum TWO years in a row!!

Also, special thanks to Stefanie Warren, KPCCA for running such perfect timing for the forum Great job, Ladies!!!

Council Information

Calendar

KP Transportation

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION/JOINT EFFORTS TEAMWORK/PARTNERSHIPS/HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Many thanks to the United Way of Pierce County and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation through Pierce County Connected funding for supporting the efforts of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition's work. The funds will be put to good use in support the behavioral health needs in our community. We thank you for your kindness and generosity!

LIVING WORKS TRAINING SESSIONS ARE NOW BEING OFFERED AT NO COST TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT WHAT TO SAY to someone thinking of committing suicide

LIVING WORKS teaches trainees to recognize when a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, and will show how to connect that person to the help and support they need.

Suicide is preventable.

LivingWorks is a social enterprise company dedicated to teaching others what to say to HELP save lives.

Integrated training programs
for ages 15 & up
Contact 253 432 4948 for more information or to sign up for a free 1 hour training session!

Special thanks to:

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation

CHI Franciscan

United Way of Pierce County

KPC is thankful for the donations received on behalf of:

Peninsula Violence Prevention Coalition

In support of the ongoing work of the following organizations:

Bischoff Food Bank

Children's Home Society of WA

Communities in Schools of the Peninsula

Harbor Hope Center

Key Peninsula Community Council Office

Key Peninsula Community Services
Key Free Clinic/Key Medical Center
Key Peninsula Fire Dept.
Food Backpacks 4 Kids
Olalla Recovery Center The funds were funneled to a wide array of KP community organizations to bring resources to the area to help improve the quality of life for residents on Key Peninsula. Thank you!

Comments from our community partners:

"....Thank you for bringing the resources from the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and United Way of Pierce County to the Key...."

Gina Cabiddu, Children's Home Society of WA

************

".....We deeply appreciate your compassionate heart and support as we are facing an unprecedented challenge. Your gift makes such a difference......"

Daniel Johnson, Harbor Hope Center

Come and Visit the Key Peninsula

Visit our community links page to learn about the offerings from our cherished community

Have you visited the US Census website?

You truly DO count!

"The more the merrier?"

Did you know....?

The Census counts the total number of people living in a specific area and the population is the determining factor to bring more resources to the communities where people reside.

How the Census Count Benefits Communities

Supports initiatives for:
legislation
quality-of-life
consumer advocacy

creates jobs

ensures public safety

new schools

hospitals

roads

You count, be counted!

HOT TOPICs:

INTERNET on the Key Peninsula

TRANSPORTATION
FREE TRANSPORTATION
"Essential Express"
Pierce Co. Residents unable to access transportation due to Covid 19
Certain restrictions apply

Request your trip today
piercecountywa.gov/ee
or call
211

Resources:

Subscribe to nearly 200 specialized email or text alerts from WSDOT to help you know before you go. Receive current traffic conditions, mountain pass reports, construction updates and more.

The Pierce County Community Plan for - The Key Peninsula

Pierce County reviewed and updated the Comprehensive Plan on June 30, 2015
The Pierce County Comprehensive Plan is an adopted policy document that guides County decisions related to growth and development in unincorporated Pierce County

Key Peninsula Community Office
9013 Key Peninsula Hwy NW Suite D
Lakebay, WA 98349
(Located in the heart of Key Center KC Corral)

253 432 4948 M-F 10-2
Email us! keypencouncil@gmail.com

2020 KPC Executive Board
President Don Swensen,
Vice President-Irene Torres
Treasurer-Robert McCrossin
Executive Secretary-Marcia Harris
Executive Liaison-Danna Webster
KPC Ofrice Manager- Lisa Larson

COVID-19 UPDATES

Covid-19 Updates
Friday, October 19th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 20th, there will be free Covid-19 testing at the Longbranch Improvement Club from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more on mobile testing, go to: https://piercecountywa.gov/6758/Covid-19-Mobile-Testing

Also tomorrow, “Harbor Chat” hosted by our local radio station, KGHP, will be talking to 3 local authors about Covid and their work. To listen, go to: to KGHP at FM 89.3, 89.9, and 105.7 as well as:
https://www.psd401.net/get-involved/radio
https://www.mainstreamnetwork.com/listen/player.asp?station=kghp-fm

KP Business & Organization Info

The KP tragically lost a resident last week during the windstorm, Dale McCraken A go-fund me account has been set up to help his family. To find out more go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-stephanie-hahn?fbclid=IwAR0tnqhKzWOBftuvqC8VT22AP9efPXyRcl0lbbFX_ATR4ccAy54CHiecvDw

Worth another mention: For all residents, businesses, and organizations that are on the Key Peninsula - the KPC Broadband Survey is now open. This survey is being run to increase both broadband/internet coverage and to speed up what coverage there is. To help inform this effort, please fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6F3B6PK

Links

Puget Sound Grant Writers will be hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 28th titled, “My Programs Have Ground to a Halt, Help!” To register for the virtual event, go to: https://psga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2065438#/

FAQ’s
What do you know about Pierce County Ballot drop boxes? Are they safe? Yes, they are safe to use! Pierce County is a leader in this. Since the county has been doing ballots this way for a while, it actually developed and designed the drop boxes that we and many other areas in the country use. The county went through intensive testing and design process, including fire looking at fire risk and special locks. Additional safety features include: Fire suppression system 1/8th inch thick steel Bolted into or set in over a foot of concrete Special locks with controlled keys, maintained yearly by bonded locksmiths Ballot boxes are emptied at a minimum every 48 hours during elections and often more than that. Each ballot box is emptied by a 2-person team which must take pictures of the process as well as perform an “seal and oath” process at each drop box. There is a huge amount of information on how Pierce County keeps your ballot safe at: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7016/Election-Security-Integrity-FAQ Is there a way to know if my ballot was received by the county? Yes! You can check the status of your ballot on-line at: https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx

Friday, October 9th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

Please register to attend the annual KP Candidates’ Forum happening on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 6:30 pm. To register go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tNtSzkLeQ3GAMX8DKPpIHg
To send questions ahead of time (questions may not be submitted during the event, only prior), write to: keypencouncil@gmail.com
To listen via radio, go to KGHP at FM 89.3, 89.9, and 105.7

Communities In Schools and Food Backpacks 4 Kids are hosting a clothing swap drop off tomorrow, October 10th, at the KP Civic Center. Please bring gently used clothing and shoes of all sizes between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00. Additional drop off points are at: Kimball’s Detailing in Gig Harbor from Oct. 8th to Oct. 15th from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and at FB4K in Key Center on Wed. from 10:00 to 12:00 and Fri. from 3:00 to 5:00
No clothing will be accepted after October 16th.

Pierce County is offering free Covid Testing at the TCC main campus today until 3:00 pm. For more information, go to: https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/testing-information

KP Business & Organization Info

The KP Civic Center is looking for more people to join their association and take part in KPCC activities. To find out more, go to: https://www.kpciviccenter.org/donatevolunteer.html

The KP Community Council will be holding their monthly meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 14th, at 7:00 pm. Stay tuned for Zoom details.

Links

The Pierce County Burn Ban has been lifted. To find out more: https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/982/Outdoor-Burning

Washington State just revised some of its Covid guidance around restaurants, including expanded hours and table sizes. To see more, go to: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Phase%202%20and%203%20Restaurant%20and%20Tavern%20Guidance.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3jaHhwlAXJQOGWzcD7CXTTwR8jB6aLew1k8DFhaW2_jvzBIcYrJ_jNhC0

Worth a repeat: There are people you can talk to if you are feeling overwhelmed by all that is going on – here are two phone numbers:
Washington Listens: 833-681-0211
Crisis Connections: 866-427-4747 or text HOME to 741741

All In WA is offering grants to community organizations, especially those with a proven history of serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. To find out more or apply: https://allinwa.org/grants/

FAQ’s

It has been a long time since you mentioned Covid numbers ….any updates? Covid numbers continue to be a hot topic and confusing one. Go online and you will see everything from “total cases” to “active cases” to “deaths” to “per 100,000” and all muddled by lag times and ever-changing reporting guidelines. That doesn’t mean that Covid -19 is not real or that it is overhyped. It is still spreading around the world and certainly in the US. It is still a dangerous disease that leaves lasting damage to many who get it. Where are we now? The John Hopkins Covid Map is still considered one of the best and most accurate for numbers. Currently they have the following: World: Total cases- over 36 million (36,694,318) Deaths- over 1 million (1,064,204) United States: Total cases – over 7 million (7,635,052) This is more than any other country. Deaths – 213,131 This more than any other country. John Hopkins Covid Map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html Looking at trends, also from the John Hopkins’ site, a number of countries, including he US, are seeing an upward trend in confirmed cases over the last 7 days. This means that we are not arresting the spread of this disease yet. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/new-cases For more local numbers, we visit the Washington State Dept of Health where the state currently has the following: Total cases: 91,918 Deaths: 2,183 https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/DataDashboard And even more local – the Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept. reports the following: Total cases in the county: 8,382 Deaths: 178 https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19-pierce-county-cases/
If you are interested in trends, the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has some interesting graphs that look at where numbers have been, events such as universal mask mandates, and where they expect numbers to go. See: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/DataDashboard


Covid-19 Updates
Wednesday, October 7th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

Next Wednesday, Oct. 14th, at 11:30 am, The Prevention Institute is offering a webinar, “Preventing Trauma and Youth Suicide During COVID-19 and Beyond: Promoting Mental Wellbeing Through In-School and Out-of-School Supports”. To find out more and register, go to: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsf-qsrz0pH9NQXcc0mPQWna3A-pfzZIKj

KP Business & Organization Info

Worth another mention: For all residents, businesses, and organizations that are on the Key Peninsula - the KPC Broadband Survey is now open. This survey is being run to increase both broadband/internet coverage and to speed up what coverage there is. To help inform this effort, please fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6F3B6PK

There will be another mobile Covid-19 testing event on Oct. 20th at the Longbranch Improvement Club from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more on mobile testing, go to: https://piercecountywa.gov/6758/Covid-19-Mobile-Testing

Links

Safe Streets is hosting a series of online events throughout October to celebrate community building. To find out more and register for these evening virtual events, go to: http://safest.org/conference/

Pierce County Planning and Public Works wants to hear from you! They are running a survey on infrastructure and planning priorities for unincorporated Pierce County. To take part in this survey, go to: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5854956/Pierce-County-Planning-and-Public-Works-Infrastructure-Survey

FAQ’s

Are other people feeling tired of it all? Or is it just me? It is not just you. Today the Tacoma News Tribune ran an article today about “Covid Fatigue” https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/coronavirus/article246238030.html?ac_cid=DM296793&ac_bid=-1839285197
In a nutshell, the stress of this pandemic and all that it has wrought is getting to us. All area health facilities are seeing greater numbers of mental health visits compared to this time last year. We seem to do ok for awhile with unknowns, but as the pandemic drags on and the unknowns continue, we face greater stress, which in turn, can lead to greater mental health challenges. What can we do to help ourselves, and others, cope? This article points out the importance of self-care activities such as: Getting outside daily Getting regular exercise Create schedules for yourself that address needed activities such as paying bills, cleaning, job searching (if applicable), and recreational activities If working from home, create boundaries between the work and home life Is it me, or are people drinking their way through this? According to data from the Washington State Dept of Revenue, tax revenue from alcohol and marijuana sales are up considerably compared to last year. How much? Consumer spirit sales from April to June 2020 brought in $94,341,000 in taxes, whereas in the same period of 2019 brought in only $68,454,000. This August, the state collected $50,262,806 in taxes from marijuana sales, a 41 percent increase from last August’s $35,617,301.

Covid-19 Updates
Monday, October 5th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

For all residents, businesses, and organizations that are on the Key Peninsula - the KPC Broadband Survey is now open. This survey is being run to increase both broadband/internet coverage and to speed up what coverage there is. To help inform this effort, please fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6F3B6PK

Tomorrow, on HarborChat at 9:00 am, join members of the KP Fire Dept as they discuss ways to prevent fires and protect your family and home. To listen, go to KGHP at FM 89.3, 89.9, and 105.7 as well as:
https://www.psd401.net/get-involved/radio
https://www.mainstreamnetwork.com/listen/player.asp?station=kghp-fm

CORRECTION: The US Census IS still going until October 31st, not Sept. 30th, as reported last week. This is due to ongoing changes, extensions, and challenges to the original finish date. If you, or someone you know, has not yet filled out the 2020 Census please have them go to: www.my2020cencus.gov

KP Business & Organization Info

Voting is open for the Scarecrow Contest! To look at entries (by photo) and vote, go to: https://kpfarmtour.com/2020-annual-scarecrow-contest/?fbclid=IwAR1P1jfmjUIXW-Eb75JmoVv_dIdBHpG3U97l6hiHINfQxfhwzWYdzlKyWco

A reminder, 1 week from tomorrow, Oct. 13th, is the KP Candidates Forum. To submit a question or express interest on attending, email: keypencouncil@gmail.com

Longbranch Improvement Club, in conjunction with KP Fire and Evergreen ES, will be holding their annual Trunk or Treat drive through on October 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. To sign up to host a trunk, go to: https://form.jotform.com/202717299193160?fbclid=IwAR2wKXvqSIC8jYPk71CiBXGEHLvhvsf1Bu3VgJURtLKomMzhxviitx5MDE4

Peninsula School District continues to monitor the Covid situation to determine when the next steps will be taken to have additional in-person schooling. To see the district dashboard and find links to the latest reopening news, go to: https://www.psd401.net/schoolreopening

Links

Pierce County has funds to help people impacted by Covid-19 get needed transportation. The Essential Express is a free transportation service that provides rides to essential destinations such as medical appointments, grocery stores and places of employment.
Rides are offered from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. through December 30, 2020.
Riders must wear masks at all times and be over the age of 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Rides must be requested two days in advance. Trips with less notice or same-day requests are not guaranteed.
To schedule your ride, request a trip online or call 2-1-1.
For more, go to: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4859
https://www.piercecountywa.gov/transportation

Other Pierce County Transportation links can be found at: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/4348/Other-Transportation-Resources

FAQ’s

Why has the end date for the 2020 changed yet again? In short? Politics. This is nothing new when it comes to the once-every-10-years event. Go back through the history of this Constitutionally mandated event and you will find all sorts of controversies and issues. The reason why is because so much rides on where people live and how many people live there. Originally, the count was to have an idea of the young US’ population and to apportion the seats in the US House of Representatives, but its use has grown over the years. We now use the count to determine everything from where federal funds go, to understanding changing demographics, to figuring out local and state representation. The timeline of the original extension goes back to April when the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic became clear. Nothing in government is simple though, so getting clear directions and funding to extend the count has been complicated by many things, from conflicting directions to political bickering. Changing directives have led to court challenges in many states. Where do we stand now for the 2020 Census? At this time, Census workers have been told to continue their counting through the end of the month. https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/press-releases/court-ruling.html

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Covid-19 Updates
Thursday, October 1st, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News**
Important for both workers and employers to know - Washington’s minimum wage will go up to $13.69 starting on Jan. 1st, 2021. This is a 19¢ increase per hour.
Also on the Labor & Industries topic, public hearings on proposed L & I rates will be held on Oct. 27th and Oct. 29th. To learn more and get access, go to: https://lni.wa.gov/insurance/rates-risk-classes/rates-for-workers-compensation/proposed-rates

Tomorrow night– from 6:00 to 8:00, Band Together presents Russ Salton & Friends Stream this live event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHKPband2gether/
OR on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ghkpbandtogether
For more info: https://www.ghkpbandtogether.org/

KP Business & Organization Info
Grand Farms will be hosting their annual Haunted Forest again this year starting tomorrow, Oct. 2nd , for more information or tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/332805214567195/
Or: https://grand-farms.com/haunted-forest-at-grand-farms/?fbclid=IwAR09CJ15FOYGGTa_lpNyW4xMExC4ysr7UwG7PCIZug_jFDUnt3vuPWwlRBo

To put on calendar: Key Pen Parks will be holding a “All Hallows’ Eve Celebration” drive-through at Volunteer Park on Saturday, Oct 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/427296768232458/
https://www.keypenparks.com/uploads/4/5/0/8/45082793/all_hallows_2020.png

Links
Pierce County has a page where a request can be made to have the county respond for things such as: clean up graffiti, garbage on the sides of roads, or downed trees. The form can be found at: https://online.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/secure/publicworks/request.cfm?fbclid=IwAR3Fa2JxCGUL37fLEoNm95VN2cxdfSJbnbl0PVdE0avFHW_pq34x4gVW6dE

FAQ’s

What is the Key Peninsula Partnership for a Healthy Community? We are a non-profit organization based on the Key Peninsula. Our mission is to Strengthen the Key Peninsula by Connecting the Community. How long have you been around and how did you start? We have been doing our work for 5 years now. We were started when a group of community leaders came together with some major funders to find a novel way to make a difference in the lives of people living on the Key Peninsula. Many of those same community leaders still serve on our board and guide our work. What are your main areas of focus and how would you say you impact the community? We concentrate our work in 3 main areas: Transportation, Hunger, and Health & Wellness. These 3 areas overlap and so our work is to help find connections and ways to make an impact in each of them. For example: We provide gas cards to help people that don’t qualify for other types of transportation aid to get to appointments, job interviews, or similar. We coordinated and created an opportunity to have a dental clinic that served over 70 KP residents last winter. The clinic included hygiene services as well as more serious needs such as tooth extractions and oral surgery. (The cost for these services, provided free to attendees, measured in the many, many thousands of dollars). We’ve helped to support the Key Medical Center so that it can offer immunization clinics here on the KP every year, allowing families to save themselves a drive over the bridge and a toll. We help coordinate efforts among the local food banks, senior centers, and other service providers, bringing them funding opportunities and looking for ways to support them in their work. We also look forward. We have spoken to many KP residents over the years, created surveys, and compiled community visions. These visions guide us in our work so that we create opportunities and differences that matter to the people that live here on the Key Peninsula. These visions are: A community that fosters cooperation, collaboration, and communication to: Best utilize its strengths and assets                      ○   Work across lines of service Build trust                                                              ○    Overcome shared barriers A community unified in its desire to have a strong voice in order to best promote itself A community where residents have access to care regardless of income: Medical                                                                  ○    Mental Dental                                                                    ○   Substance abuse A community that is fed A community that fosters creative transportation options A community that can: Find affordable housing options                          ○   Age in place A community which works to develop economic opportunities within its ideals of a healthy and rural community A community that fosters its youth and families through: Family support initiatives Family recreational opportunities A community working to increase safety and protection through: Protection of its natural areas Concern for the marine environment Crime prevention Traffic safety Disaster Response Fostering of parks and other public places What else do you have going on? Stay tuned – more next week including a survey for you to help us out as we move forward into our 2021-2022 planning 😊

Covid-19 Updates
Tuesday, September 29th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

Census!! Tomorrow, Sept. 30th, is the last day to fill out the 2020 Census form. To fill out information for your household, or get more information, visit: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5853/2020-Census     or   https://2020census.gov/en.html
You may also call and talk to a real person to answer the 10 census questions, the whole thing should take less than 10 minutes. To call in your information, dial (toll-free): (844) 330-2020
Additional phone numbers for languages other than English, visit: https://2020census.gov/en/languages.html

A reminder that certain Pierce County grant programs, such as Business Mortgage/Rent Assistance, have application deadlines of Oct. 2nd (Friday). To find out more and apply: https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/6957/Commercial-RentMortgage-Assistance-Progr

KP Business & Organization Info

In case you missed it last week, Sen. Emily Randall spoke with Gina Cabiddu from Children’s Home Society and Family Resource Center. You can find the talk here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=355869815460795&ref=watch_permalink

The Pierce County Library system has many, many resources on-line for parents, teachers, and students. To see, go to: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/
And, Key Center Library is still doing curbside pick-up.
And, the library system has a number of resources available to those looking for work, needing certificates, or starting new businesses: https://jbc.mypcls.org/

Worth another mention:
The Longbranch Foundation has set up their web site to facilitate giving to Key Peninsula (KP) 501(c)(3) organizations. When you go to https://www.longbranchfoundation.org/ click on COVID-19 in the header and you will reach a page where there is a list of KP non-profits. You can either donate directly by going to the web site of the non-profit of your choice, or you can donate to one or more non-profits by following the instructions on the page. (Reminder: The new tax provisions permit taxpayers who don't itemize to now deduct up to $300 per year in charitable contributions.)
If we have missed a non-profit that you would like to see on the list, please send that information to hozro_99@yahoo.com.

Peninsula School District Board Meetings are available to watch (if you didn’t make last Thursday’s) at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCziGt9xSKb9BZvayuXcm15Q/videos

Links

Hurray for new baby Orcas!! Our resident J Pod has added 2 new babes this month – super important for the overall health of our Orca Population. To find out more go to: https://www.whaleresearch.com/

FAQ’s
You mentioned the Puget Sound Orcas above. What else can you tell us about the Puget Sound? The Puget Sound is an amazing body of water! There’s not a lot like it elsewhere in the world, although people often compare it to the Chesapeake Bay. It holds a lot of water. Looking at the main basin of the Puget Sound, which includes all inlets south of Whidbey Island, there is about 40 cubic miles of water. That’s a difficult number to put one’s mind around, but imagine a cube of water a mile high, by a mile deep, by a mile wide. Now imagine 40 of those. In comparison, because the Chesapeake is so shallow, it only holds about 18 cubic miles of water. According to some studies, if we could “value” the Puget Sounds natural assets like it was a business asset, it would be worth between $305 Billion and $2.6 trillion. Source for this: https://www.conservationgateway.org/Documents/Valuing%20the%20Puget%20Sound%20Basin%20v1.0.pdf For some more great Puget Sound Facts, go to: https://pugetsoundblogs.com/waterways/2017/08/21/amusing-monday-a-quiz-for-you-based-on-the-puget-sound-fact-book/
I hear the term Salish Sea often, what is the difference between the Puget Sound and Salish Sea? The term “Salish Sea” refers to ALL of the combined inland waters of the Straight of Georgia, Straight of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and the San Juan Islands. It includes waters on both sides of the Canadian-US border. British Columbia and Washington State agreed in late 2009 to use the name to describe these collective waters. For more on the naming and borders of the Salish Sea and Puget Sound, go to: https://www.eopugetsound.org/articles/geographic-boundaries-puget-sound-and-salish-sea#:~:text=The%20name%20Salish%20Sea%20was,the%20entire%20cross%2Dborder%20ecosystem.&text=The%20Salish%20Sea%20water%20boundary,drains%20into%20Salish%20Sea%20waters.

Covid-19 Updates
Friday, September 25th, 2020
These updates are a joint effort by the KP Partnership, The KP Council, and numerous other local organizations

Timely News

Tonight! From 6:00 to 8:00, GGHF Band Together presents RetroRockets. Stream this live event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHKPband2gether/
OR on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ghkpbandtogether
For more info: https://www.ghkpbandtogether.org/

To put on calendar: Key Pen Parks will be holding a “All Hallows’ Eve Celebration” drive-through at Volunteer Park on Saturday, Oct 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/427296768232458/
https://www.keypenparks.com/uploads/4/5/0/8/45082793/all_hallows_2020.png

KP Business & Organization Info

Be on the lookout for a broadband survey coming out on Oct 5th. This is more than just a “Are you happy with your service” survey, this one is to map out poor service areas on the KP and see what we can do about getting better internet to those spots.

Worth another mention: The KP Candidates Forum will still be happening this year! It will be held virtually on Oct. 13th at 7:00 pm. Attendees who wish to submit questions to candidates may do so prior to the event by sending the questions to: keypencouncil@gmail.com
More event information will be available as we get closer to the date.

A bit of KP History:
A 2013 blog about a sea serpent, circa 1855: https://blogs.sos.wa.gov/fromourcorner/index.php/2013/03/sea-serpent-at-devils-head/?fbclid=IwAR0mEtOCDQnT2grm3yLWLUEZD9_umKiGP7ihNYmK4L1k43pPjOIfgRvbtOU
A 2014 TNT article about Home: https://www.thenewstribune.com/entertainment/article25869265.html?fbclid=IwAR0fx7hoIc-u8h7PapvGstthOQfHmpbWdisFBfROZlQaL1Nk4BcjKWXjlLY
And a short documentary about the same: https://www.pbs.org/video/northwest-now-home/

Links

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation has a number of resources, including on-line technology tutorials, to access these, go to: https://gigharborfoundation.org/technology-tutorials

Forterra, a group that looks at land use, conservation, and communities, is holding a 1 day conference about the South Sound on September 29th. To find out more or register, visit: https://forterra.org/event/south-sound-2020?fbclid=IwAR1pnSJPvmzrQFinCM7Y7XRkPTZBkkEsKzGykLpFP8CAXKcTNIWKL6lRWWQ

FAQ’s
It’s the end of September and I need something funny to look at. Got anything? I do! Some of it is a little dated, like from early May and quarantine time, but worth a look! https://www.boredpanda.com/coronavirus-funny-jokes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic And because this just about sums it up for me: