Community Update for Apr 15, 2026

Community Updates

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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

 

Timely News:

Vets and Friends Coffee at Key Peninsula Community Services (KPCS) Wednesday, April 15, 1:00pm. Go for Coffee, snacks, and conversation. Speaker is Charlotte Shippley, local CHW who can help make connections with needed resources.

Kids Maker – a STEAM for Kids Discovery Lab program at Key Center Library Wednesday, April 15, 2:00pm-3:00pm.

The Key Free Clinic on Thursday, April 16. Walk-in 4:30pm-6:00pm at the KP Community Council Office in the Key Center Corral. Extended hours to 7:00pm by appointment. For additional information: peninsulakeyfreeclinic@gmail.com

Public Safety Committee Thursday, April 16 at 5:30pm-7:30pm at Key Center Fire Station.

KP Business Association Luncheon at El Sombrero on Friday, April 17 at 12:00pm.

KP Civic Center Cleanup Day Saturday, April 18, 8:00am-2:00pm. In honor of Earth Day they are bringing back this longtime tradition. For additional information: (253) 884-3456, office@kpciviccenter.org

An Orca Afternoon Saturday, April 18, 1:00pm-3:00pm in the Whitmore Room at KP Civic Center. This is a fundraiser for the sculpture at Gateway Park. NW Orca Network Co-Director is excited to meet Key Peninsula residents. Their sculptor will talk about how he will create the orca sculpture in Gateway Park , show photos of previous work, and do a sculpting demo. Refreshments, Raffle, Door Prize and Silent auction. All for an entrance donation of $20.00.

Sunday, April 19th 1:00pm-5:00pm at Camp Seymour: YMCA Camp Seymour, Forest Stewards of the Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Land Fund and Great Peninsula Conservancy invite you to tour Camp Seymour’s 100+ year-old forest in the company of foresters and naturalists. For more than a decade, the camp has been practicing active forest stewardship through thinning, root rot management, hazard tree removal, and tree planting — offering a valuable chance to see what these actions look like after a decade of regrowth and how they might result in healthier forests. There will be short, guided walks from 1-3:30. Then we’ll head inside to hear Adrian Wolf, stewardship director at Great Peninsula Conservancy, speak about the ecological forest management being done at GPC preserves and the Listen Up project that deploys remote birdsong monitoring devices to gauge changes in the bird community pre- and post- thinning. The event is free, but a suggested donation of $15 will cover our costs (we can accept cash, checks or Venmo)

Artwork Poster Contest to celebrate 20 years of The KP Farm Tour. Theme is Community Sufficiency and reflects the heritage of learning, sharing, and growing together. For additional information: https://kpfarmtour.com/2026-kp-farm-tour-poster-contest/

Move with KP Kids, annual Spring fundraiser for Minter Creek, Vaughn, and Evergreen Elementary PTA’s. They are working with KP Fire Department to encourage healthy habits and raise money for all three schools. This month, all students will take on a 10-day challenge to exercise 30 minutes/day. Students will seek a $10 pledge daily. For additional information: mintercreekghpta@gmail.com, For donations: https://mintercreekpta.givebacks.com

Upcoming Key Peninsula Events:

There will be a Mobile Dental Van on the KP Wednesday, May 13. This is by appointment only and there are limited spots available. Contact Charlotte at (253)400-7072 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Activities off the Key Peninsula:

FREE informational session on Caring for Aging Parents Thursday, April 16, 5:00pm-6:30pm; check-in 4:45pm at Sievers Real Estate in Gig Harbor. Get information on legal, money, and housing tips for caring for your aging parents. To reserve a spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-for-aging-parents-legal-financial-and-senior-living-essentials-tickets-1984088329604?aff=oddtdtcreator

Worm Composting, Learn how redworms turn food scraps into nutritious compost for plants. Thursday, April 16. 6:00pm-7:30pm at Sehmel Homestead Park Pavillion in Gig Harbor or by Zoom. For additional information and to register: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1561/Earth-Matters-Series

Legal Aid Pop Up with Tacoma Pro-Bono Monday, April 20, 10:00am-12:00pm at Gig Harbor Civic Center-Community Room. No appointment needed, served in order of arrival.

FAQ’s:

Do you know about the CTE program for students to help them prepare for their future careers?

The Peninsula School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program provides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for both college and career pathways. The program offers multiple pathways including: STEM, Skilled & Technical Sciences, Business & Marketing, Health Sciences, and more!  These pathways and their classes allow students to explore interests while building industry-relevant skills and enhancing their career readiness.

Beginning in middle school and expanding through high school, CTE courses integrate academic content with practical application, including opportunities for certifications, work-based learning, and dual credit with colleges. These pathways align with students’ High School and Beyond Plans and can fulfill graduation requirements while helping students develop clear postsecondary goals.

Overall, the district’s CTE program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, technical skills, and experiences needed to succeed in high-demand careers and further education.

 

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