Community Update for July 17th, 2024

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

These updates are produced by the KP Partnership with input from numerous other local organizations

Timely News

There will be a Free Kid’s Concert with Eric Ode at Gateway Park tomorrow, July 18th, from 11:00 to noon.

The Free Clinic will open tomorrow, July 18th starting at 4:30 pm in the community office in Key Center. Please check in early to ensure a provider is available.

The Kitsap Public Health District has issued a warning about Toxic Algae in Horseshoe Lake.  This toxic algae can make people and animals very sick. To find out more, go to: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/bulletins/3a90353

https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/cyanobacteria-warning-issued-at-horseshoe-lake/

The toxic algae in Bay Lake has not yet been cleared by the Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept and continues to be a danger. To find out more, go to: https://tpchd.org/news/we-issued-a-toxic-algae-caution-advisory-for-bay-lake-in-key-peninsula/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2RjvRH2Q6bmoQlI3PF3MplxaQZdB9bkLA_UNQAUf5hiwOyf7RQHQxvG8s_aem_eR8F-P5Jqy_rggy69zVUXA

The Lake Holiday Community is doing a Community Yard Sale this Saturday, July 20th from 9:00 to 5:00

The KeyPen it Clean group will hold their next clean-up this Saturday, July 20th at 10:00 am.  Meet at the corner of Whiteman Rd and Lake Drive SW

KP Business & Organization Info

Red Barn Youth Center is open for middle and high school students 3 days a week at no cost.  To find out more and how to be a part, go to: https://www.redbarnkp.org/

Food Backpacks 4 Kids is running its Summer Lunch Program offering free sack lunches to kids of all ages through the end of August.  The program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:00 at Gateway Park, Home Park, the KP Civic Center, and the Gig Harbor Skate Park.  For more information, go to: https://www.foodbackpacks4kids.org/summer-lunch

The Mustard Seed Project is partnering with Homewatch Caregivers and Rotary Club of Gig Harbor to provide training for in-home caregivers. This is a Certified Home Care Aid Program that will put participants on the path to a career in Health Care. The first session will begin in September. We will have another session in the Spring. Scholarships are available. To register or learn more email programs@themustardseedproject.org

Reminder:

Key Center Library offers personalized assistance on your laptop, phone, tablet, or library computer on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Sign up for a 30 minute appointment at the library or by calling (253) 548-3309

Other

The Peninsula Art League Summer Art Festival is this weekend at Sehmel Park. Open both Saturday (10:00 to 6:00) and Sunday (10:00 to 5:00). Shuttles are available from Gig Harbor HS and St Anthony’s Hospital.  Find more information at: https://peninsulaartleague.org/2024-summer-art-festival/

There is a Dance Festival in Gig Harbor this weekend.  The Raq the Harbor Festival will be on Saturday, July 20th from noon to 5:00 at the PenMet Parks Community Recreation Center.  More info at: https://www.raqtheharborhafla.com/

Pierce County is running a survey for the Vision Zero Community Action Plan.  To make your thoughts heard, go to: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7825980/Pierce-County-Vision-Zero-Survey

The Pierce County Library system has a HUGE number of resources available to the public.  To see a list go to: https://mypcls.org/online-resources/

FAQ’s

  • What is the toxic algae and why should we be concerned?
    • The toxic algae that have been found in 2 of our local lakes (see above) is called
      • A harmful algae bloom is when there is excessive growth of the algae in a body of water.
    • According to the Kitsap Public Health District, not all cyanobacteria are dangerous, but type found in both Bay Lake and Horseshoe Lake are toxic, especially in the large amount present in the “bloom”.
    • You should be concerned because the toxins in the algae can cause sickness in people and animals. Symptoms can include:
      • Nausea
      • Vomiting
      • Diarrhea
      • Abdominal tenderness or pain
      • Acute liver failure
    • Where can I get more information?