Post 1949 donates to charities aiding military veterans
Local veterans of the U.S. military can be found every November, standing in front of local grocery stores, collecting money during their annual Poppy Drive.
But when the members of Enumclaw Post 1949 Veterans of Foreign Wars have finished their task, how much has been raised? And who benefits from the veterans’ efforts and the contributions chipped in by the community?
The answers: during the most recent drive, approximately $5,500 was collected by members of Post 1949 and the money has been distributed to six charities that benefit military veterans and their families.
Receiving donations were:
• Puget Sound Fisher House and Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord – these two operations provide rooms and meals for families of those who are spending time in Veterans Administration hospitals;
• Compass Housing Alliance, Compass Veterans Center – located in Renton, it provides shelter to homeless veterans;
• USO at SeaTac Airport – provides assistance for traveling service men and women;
• Wounded Warrior Project – raises awareness and enlists the public’s aid to meet the needs of injured service members;
• VFW National Home for Children – provides housing and help for widows and children of veterans killed in wars.
Artists recruited in Black Diamond
Budding artists are tucked into the cottages and hillsides of Black Diamond. Musicians, photographers, performers, painters, sculptors and crafters of all kinds are quietly (or noisily) following their passion, honing their skills and looking for an audience.
On that note, a handful of Black Diamond artists are gathering each month to organize. They are planning ways to establish a strong art presence in Black Diamond, both to encourage local artists and to provide a means to display or perform.
All artists, professional or amateur, are invited to join the group. Members gather at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Black Diamond Bakery coffee shop.
Those attending can take a sample of their work. They also are encouraged to provide ideas to help collect the artists of our city and build a strong presence of available talent in the community.
The next meeting is planned for Feb. 17.
