Officer Wells Receives Life-Saving Award at April 15 Council Meeting | | |
Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) Officer Michael Wells was awarded the Life-Saving Award at the April 15 City Council meeting. Officer Wells received the honor for his actions during a resident's life-threatening medical event in April 2024.
Officer Wells took decisive action by performing CPR and demonstrating exceptional composure, skill, and dedication under pressure. Officers Brittany Paul and Sarah Montjoy provided critical assistance, ensuring the scene was secure and supporting Officer Wells throughout the resuscitation efforts until relieved by South King Fire personnel.
Due to their swift actions, teamwork, and commitment to preserving life, the resident survived and made a remarkable recovery. He was discharged from the hospital just a few days after the incident.
Officer Wells' bravery and professionalism embody the highest standards of public service. His actions saved a life and are deserving of life-saving recognition.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends TAF Varsity Luncheon | | Mayor Jim Ferrrell attended the TAF Varsity Luncheon in Seattle last week. It was an opportunity to hear the great stories of TAF@Saghalie students and alumni and see some of the projects they have created. TAF@Saghalie is an innovative school for sixth through ninth graders in Federal Way that focuses on STEM through project-based learning for college- and career-bound students. | | Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the “Good Eggs” breakfast, facilitated by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, on April 16. The event featured Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health Seattle-King County.
Dr. Khan provided a general health update, particularly about flu season and the emergence of diseases, such as avian flu and measles, and the emerging funding challenges facing public health in our region, state and nation.
| | PAEC Hosts Earth Day Celebration | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center hosted All the World’s a Stage, a free Earth Day event, this past Saturday. It was a fun, family-friendly celebration of nature and creativity that featured hands-on crafts, exciting entertainment, and more!
Local craft vendors were on-hand, and the event was highlighted by a paint and plant crafting station, a bounce house, and a magic show on the main stage with Xakary the Magician.
| | Mayor and Council Present Proclamations at April 15 City Council Meeting | | |
At the April 15 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council presented two proclamations, one recognizing April 14-18 as Black Wellness Week and another recognizing April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day.
The Black Wellness Week proclamation was presented by Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson to Keith Blocker and Christina Blocker of Momentum Professional Strategy Partners. Black Wellness Week is about celebrating the rich traditions of health and healing in Black communities, honoring ancestral wisdom, and creating spaces where joy and wellbeing are centered.
The National Therapy Animal Day proclamation was presented by Councilmember Paul McDaniel to Sarah Tollefson, manager of volunteer services with Providence Hospice. National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners to recognize all of the exceptional therapy dogs and other therapy animals who partner with their human companions to bring comfort, joy, and healing to those in need.
You can view the full Black Wellness Week and National Therapy Animal Day proclamations on our website.
| | Parks Appreciation Day April 26 | | | | |
Join us for Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.
We will be hosting volunteer events at three different locations, so grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup to make a lasting impact in our green spaces.
Plan to pitch in at one of the following sites:
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Site 1: Brooklake Blueberry Farm (726 S. 356th St.)
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Site 2: Steel Lake Annex (2645 S. 312th St.)
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Site 3: Celebration Park (1095 S. 324th St.)
Pre-register online if you plan to attend!
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Ongoing Programs for Residents:
Adopt-a-Drain, Ridwell, BYOC
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Adopt a Drain:
Join a community of volunteers across the city who keep our local storm drains clean to protect our waterways and reduce flooding. Federal Way is part of Washington Adopt-A-Drain (AAD), leading regional efforts to protect Puget Sound!
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Ridwell Recycling:
Federal Way residents are eligible for 6 free months of the Plastic Plus plan through Ridwell, a home collection recycling service. Vouchers are limited; learn more about eligibility and sign up on our website.
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Bring Your Own Cup:
Bring your reusable cup to one of our partner coffee shops for a free sticker and chance to win prizes each month! Share your cup selfies on Facebook or Instagram using the #BYOCFederalWay to show off your sustainable self!
| | April 15 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, May 6, 2025, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the City's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 30-June 1 | | | | |
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the third-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, at the Performing Arts & Events Center.
This vibrant festival will celebrate the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and community engagement.
The third-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.
| | Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale May 3 and 4 | | | | |
The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 3 and 4. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more to help support library programming.
General Sale:
- Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pre-Sale for Members Only:
- Saturday, May 3, 10:15 a.m. to 11a.m.
Memberships are available at the door for $5. Cash or checks only. Please bring your own bags.
| | Free Senior Lunch Program at Federal Way Community Center | | | | |
FREE! SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Lunch served at noon)
Second Wednesday of each month.
Seniors are invited to drop in for a FREE monthly lunch—no registration required! Enjoy a nutritious meal in partnership with Steel Lake Presbyterian Church and the Federal Way Community Center.
Upcoming 2025 Dates: May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13.
Located at the Federal Way Community Center.
| | Community Clothing Swap May 10 | | | | |
Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 10, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste.
Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for Spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling.
| | Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15 | | | | |
The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.
The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome.
Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.
| | BonsaiFEST on May 10 & 11 | | | | |
Join Pacific Bonsai Museum this World Bonsai Day/Mother's Day Weekend, May 10 & 11, for its annual BonsaiFEST! — a free, family-friendly celebration featuring hundreds of meticulously crafted living artworks.
Shop for your own bonsai treasures, enjoy delicious food truck offerings, and let the kids unleash their creativity at the games and art station. Free parking is available across from the museum at the Garden Parking Lot
| | Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday | | | | |
Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.
Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.
This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.
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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year round. Upcoming events include:
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April 26: State of Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's Swan Lake
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April 30: Living the Braveheart Life: An Evening with Randall Wallace
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May 4: Ode to Joy: Presented by Auburn Symphony
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May 4: Charity Concert for Ukraine
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May 6: USAF Band of the Golden West- Quartet
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Federal Way Symphony Season | | | | |
Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.
Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."
Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.
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