This coming Monday will be the last day to apply for free side sewer replacement, and those who have not submitted an application are encouraged to do so before the deadline. Intended to help reduce leaks in the water system without placing too much of a burden on homeowners, free replacements are available to residents earning low-to-moderate income and have been made possible through a federal grant acquired by the city. Officials would like residents who have not considered applying to know many households qualify despite homeowners thinking they may not. Officials clarified the incomes of tenants rather than landlords are being taken into consideration, while some household incomes may be well above the poverty level but still moderate enough to qualify. A reduction in leaks will lead to a reduction in sewer system maintenance and, eventually, a reduction in sewer bills, so everyone is encouraged to at least call City Hall at (360) 295-3222 and find out if they may qualify.
The Vader Park Board would like to extend its thanks to the community for the success of its recent hotdog sale during the community yard sale on Aug. 2. The Assembly of God Church, Apple Electric, Little Crane Café and Rich Brice all donated supplies, while other community members were kid enough to donate proceeds from their yard sales. Thank you very much to everyone who was involved.
The Vader Assembly of God Church will be hosting a Back-To-School Fair this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Vader area school children. They are offering free games and food, school supplies, and also some clothing to choose from. Then, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, the church will be opening their food bank again starting at 10 a.m., while their monthly food giveaway outside the post office will be Wednesday, Aug. 27. For more information on these and other church programs, please call (360) 295-3756.
On Sept. 13, Vader will again be a location for those involved in the National Day of Service, organized as an effort to show community support and patriotism after the World Trade Center Attacks. City Hall says they need volunteers who can offer time and/or weed eaters for this project, which will involve various tasks throughout the city. The National Day of Service will be taking place from 8 a.m. to noon.
The end of this month will feature a public hearing regarding the City Council's current ban against medical and recreational marijuana facilities. Scheduled for the council's Aug. 28 meeting, residents are encouraged to offer verbal input, or written testimony, and those needing more information or accommodations may call beforehand.
The council has also changed the time of their regular meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., though they will still meet the second the fourth Thursdays of the month.