Flags and Veterans Celebrated at King County Aquatic Center | | |
The City of Federal Way proudly partnered with Soroptimist International of Federal Way to host a heartfelt celebration honoring Flag Day and Veterans Day on Saturday at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. The event brought together residents, local leaders, and veterans for a festive afternoon filled with patriotic performances, inspiring remarks, and complimentary meals for all attendees.
Mayor Jim Ferrell, joined by members of the Federal Way City Council, opened the program with a welcoming address that reflected on the significance of the American flag and the unifying spirit of Veterans Day.
“America is not defined by where you’re born, your faith, or your heritage,” Mayor Ferrell said. “You become an American when you swear to uphold the Constitution, when you commit yourself to the ideals of liberty and equality that flag represents.”
The program also included a special recognition of Retired King County Aquatic Center Director Mike Dunwiddie, honoring his years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to the community.
The City extends its gratitude to Soroptimist International of Federal Way for their partnership in creating a meaningful event that celebrated patriotism, service, and community spirit.
| | Officers Take Oath of Office at Nov. 5 City Council Meeting | | |
At the Federal Way City Council meeting on Nov. 5, five police officers took the oath of office administered by Mayor Jim Ferrell. Additionally, two officers received a promotion.
The new officers, David French, Zachary Louie, Kyle Duda, and Armando Borrero are entry-level police officers who recently graduated from the Police Academy and are currently in the Federal Way Police Department's (FWPD) Field Training Program. Officer Douglas Weable is a lateral police officer who joined Federal Way from a neighboring municipal agency.
Corporal Daniel Graf was promoted to the rank of police lieutenant. He has 20 years of law enforcement experience, including spending the last 15 years with FWPD. During his time with the FWPD, Daniel has served as a long-time Field Training Officer in addition to holding a variety of specialized roles.
Officer Jason Avestruz was promoted to the rank of police corporal. He has been a valued member of FWPD since 2021. Prior to joining the department, Jason served as a Federal Reserve Law Enforcement Officer and more than three years in active duty for the U.S. Army.
| | Federal Way Kids Paint the Plows | | |
Our Public Works Department partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Federal Way for the annual Paint the Plow project. This has become a yearly tradition in Federal Way that invites kids from around the City to design artwork that goes on the front of City plows.
This year’s theme was “Slow Down in Work Zones.” Two designs were chosen and painted on plows by kids at the Boys & Girls Club and Teen Center. Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council were on hand last week to provide certificates to all of the kids that participated in this fun project.
| | Mending Fair Held at Federal Way Public Library | | |
The City of Federal Way partnered with the King County Library System and the Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) on Saturday to host a free Mending Fair at the Federal Way Library on 320th Street. It was an opportunity for residents to have their clothing, accessories, and other meaningful items repaired at no cost.
This initiative promotes sustainability by keeping clothing and other items out of landfills, giving them a second chance and helping reduce waste.
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Public Works Installs Winter Snowflakes
Around Town
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As winter approaches, Federal Way is lighting up once again! Our dedicated Public Works crews were busy last week installing the City’s signature illuminated snowflakes on poles throughout town. This beloved annual tradition adds a festive glow to our streets and marks the beginning of the cozy winter season ahead.
Next time you’re out and about, take a moment to enjoy the lights, and see how many snowflakes you can spot!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the City Council at the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon last week. The guest speaker at the event was Nicholas Vann, who is the interim director of the Washington State Historical Society.
July will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Vann talked about the ways Washington is planning to celebrate and honor that historic milestone.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends David E. Hill Memorial Wetland Preserve Grand Opening | | Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the David E. Hill Memorial Wetland Preserve grand opening last week in Algona. The preserve was named in honor of the former mayor of Algona. The event included a ribbon cutting and a tour of the new wetland trails. | | Join Us for Our Kickin' It Federal Way Festival Unveiling on Nov. 14 | | | | |
The World Cup is coming to the Puget Sound Region next summer, and we are planning a big event to watch some games together and celebrate the occasion!
Join us at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Friday, Nov. 14, for our free Festival Unveiling event to find out more about our big plans!
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the main event runs from 6-7:30 p.m.
It will include live music, food, and giveaways. We are excited to share information about what is sure to be one of Federal Way's biggest events in 2026!
| | Join Us: Federal Way Employees Launch Holiday Food Drive | | |
With the holidays nearing, more families in Federal Way are facing increasing hardship and wondering how they will put food on the table and meet other basic needs. Reduced SNAP (food assistance) benefits, combined with ongoing impacts from the federal government shutdown, have led to a growing number of households turning to local food banks for support.
In response, City of Federal Way employees are coming together to help, and we invite you to join us.
From Nov. 10-21, we are hosting a Holiday Food Drive in support of the Federal Way Senior Center and Multi-Service Center, two organizations that provide essential food and support to residents across the city.
Why This Matters
City employees care deeply about the people we serve. As food insecurity rises across Federal Way, this drive reflects our shared commitment to compassion, service, and community support. By working together, we can help ensure that no member of the Federal Way community is left without access to nutritious food during this season of giving.
Where to Donate: Donation bins will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10 at:
- City Hall - Main Floor Lobby
- Second Floor - Near the Hylebos Conference Room
Suggested Food Donations: Shelf-stable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive foods are especially appreciated.
Visit our Food Drive webpage to learn more about how and what to donate.
| | Introducing The Nourish Network and Community Food Drive | | | | |
The Federal Way Inclusive Recreation Program is proud to introduce The Nourish Network, a new community initiative dedicated to building connection, compassion, and care.
How you can help:
- Please donate non-perishable food items to our Nourish Network donation bin, located in the Federal Way Community Center lobby.
- All donations will be used to create “meals in a bag:" simple, ready-to-prepare meal kits that participants can take home and make themselves.
Together, we’re working to create a more inclusive and compassionate community, one that nourishes both body and heart!
Donation Drop-Off: Federal Way Community Center Lobby. Questions? Contact Sabrina Bates, Inclusion Coordinator.
| | Nov. 5 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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 | | Tree Lighting at Town Square Park on Dec. 6 | | | | |
Join us for a FREE holiday celebration at Town Square Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy Santa’s big arrival, live music, free cocoa and cookies, and the tree lighting with Mayor Jim Ferrell.
Don’t miss out on this fun evening!
Event Details
Location: Town Square Park
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 4 p.m.
| | Jingle Bell Brunch at FWCC on Dec. 6 | | | | |
Santa’s stopping by for breakfast at the Federal Way Community Center.
Join us for Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. for a morning of holiday fun, crafts, music, and breakfast with Santa.
All ages are welcome, but most activities and crafts are designed for ages 2-10.
Event Details:
Location: Federal Way Community Center
Time & Date: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.
Admission: $18 Per Person
| | Cookies with Mrs. Claus at FWCC at Dec. 18 | | | | |
Join us at the Federal Way Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for a magical evening with Mrs. Claus. This event is perfect for children ages 2-10 and includes cookie decorating, photo opportunities, cocoa, and music!
Admission is just $5 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our most popular events and always sells out fast! Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as day-of tickets may not be available!
| | Community Clothing Swap on Nov. 22 | | | | |
Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, Nov. 22, 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 fall/winter). 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.
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Upcycled Terrarium Gifts Workshop
on Dec. 4
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Join us for a FREE creative and eco-friendly hands-on workshop where we upcycle discarded materials into beautiful terrariums!
Upcycled Terrarium Gifts, hosted by South King Tool Library, is a hands-on workshop on Dec. 4 from 2-4 p.m. where participants learn to build terrariums with foraged plants and upcycled materials.
All materials provided, including plants, containers and decorations.
| | Join Us for Plantapalooza on Nov. 15 | | | | |
Join us for Plantapalooza, a community planting event in partnership with the Washington Native Plant Society, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spend the day restoring native habitat, learning from plant experts, and connecting with neighbors while giving back to the environment.
Tools, plants, and expert guidance will be provided.
Join us at one of two locations:
- Steel Lake Annex: 2645 S. 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
- Celebration Park: 1095 S. 324th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003
| | City Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions.
The City is planning to conduct interviews at upcoming council meetings with a focus on filling open positions on:
- Human Services Commission
- Diversity Commission
- Parks Commission
- Steel Lake Management District Advisory Board
View the flyer for application details and more information.
Questions? Email CK@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540.
| | COPS vs. Ballers Basketball Game Nov. 14 | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) as officers go head-to-head with students from local high schools in the COPS vs BALLERS Basketball Game on Friday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) gym.
Entry is free, and the night will be packed with excitement, including raffle prizes and good vibes. Bring your friends and family and show your team spirit!
This event isn’t just about basketball, it’s about giving back. Raffle tickets will be available at the game, with all proceeds going directly to support the TJHS basketball program.
| | O Christmas Tea at the PAEC on Dec. 14 | | | | |
Don’t miss O Christmas Tea at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Monday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the starring duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
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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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Nov. 15: World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet
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Nov. 22: Kalimba: A Tribute to the Music of Earth Wind & Fire
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Nov. 29: PAEC Holiday Festival
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Dec. 14: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
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Dec. 18: Sisters Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
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