Volunteers to beautify Enumclaw, Buckley

It’s almost time to glove up and grab your tools — Beautify Enumclaw and Beautify Buckley are right around the corner.

For those not in the know, these annual events are a grassroots effort to spruce up the two cities. The Enumclaw event, organized by Jeri Gamblin, is celebrating its fifth anniversary; the Buckley event, put together by Amy Molen, just reached its fourth (it was canceled last year due to heat and poor air conditions).

“This is a community event, trying to being neighbors and friends together for a common good,” Gamblin said.

The Enumclaw event will be starting off with a grab-and-go breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind Arts Alive! and the Chamber of Commerce buildings, followed by a flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m. with scout Troop 244, the national anthem with the Enumclaw High choir, and Mayor Jan Molinaro.

This year, the big projects include cleaning up and re-barking the flower beds at Veterans Memorial Park; painting the gazebo at Montgomery Park; cleaning up graffiti and sticker residue on street signs along Cole Street; harvesting produce at the St. Hope garden; Giving the Enumclaw pool spectator area a fresh coat of paint; and more. Work is expected to be finished by noon.

Participants are encouraged to simply show up to work — no signing up necessary. Tools are limited, so if you have a particular project in mind, bring your own.

Some projects lack a lead (someone who can give directions to volunteers) so contact Gamblin at 253-261-6955 to volunteer.

Across the river, Beautify Buckley will also start with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

Flagship projects for this year include painting a mural at the skate park; painting a ballet studio; planting blueberries at the community garden; and decorating Main Street with fall decor; and building community pantry boxes with Building Beyond The Walls, a local nonprofit.

Young children can also participate by building tool boxes and painting rocks at the Buckley Youth Center.

Again, tools are limited.

Both events are held on Sept. 10 in order to recognize the National Day of Service the following day.