Community Involvement Alive This Weekend

1. Parks Appreciation Day

This event further polishes the Lakewood play areas in preparation for the spring and summer. You can read a story about it .

2. Grave Concerns Association

The Grave Concerns Association will install between 40 and 60 markers at the patient cemetery in the middle of the part to complete the "Perimeter Project" phase of the all-volunteer effort to restore and preserve the largely forgotten burial sites on Saturday. Funding from OptumHealth made it possible to accomplish replacement of more than 200 markers all the way around the perimeter of the cemetery with more replacements in the works as time and money allows.

Grave Concerns volunteers will be joined on Saturday by members of Peace Out, Inc., a youth group that teaches philanthropy and community service skills.  In addition, at least one family will be present to honor their great grandfather who is buried in the cemetery.

3. Military Swap Meet at Western State Hospital

The first United States governmental presence in the area will also be celebrated at Fort Steilacoom this weekend with a Military Swap Meet at the Historic Fort Steilacoom Museum Association complex, on the grounds of Western State Hospital. The event will include volunteers in Mexican War and Civil War uniforms as well as booths for historically minded people to buy their own historical items.

4. Historical Society Continues Local History celebration

The celebration of local history won't end this weekend. The Lakewood Historical Society’s next program, set for 7 p.m. on April 19 at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, will include David Nicandri, director of the Washington State Historical Society.

His presentation will be centered around his books "Deconstructing the Lore of Lewis and Clark," and "River of Promise: Lewis and Clark on the Columbia River." Nicandri will also answer questions regarding the future of the museum. The program is free and open to the public.

5. Baseball jamboree kicks off on Saturday at Fort Steilacoom Park

The Lakewood Baseball Club Jamboree is on  Saturday at Fort Steilacoom Park. Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson and West Pierce Fire Chief Ken Sharp will throw out the first pair of baseballs of the season. Patch will be there to kick off the new season.