Submitted by Thurston County Commissioners
To celebrate Earth Day , Thurston County Commissioners presented their annual Earth Day proclamation at their regular weekly meeting. But with all the fanfare, flowers, costumes, dancing and dozens of special guests, today’s festivities will be remembered as something far beyond simple regular meeting proceedings.
The proclamation declaring Tuesday, April 22 Earth Day in Thurston County was welcomed with daffodils presented by students from McLane Elementary School, and a rousing song and dance from Samba Olywa that has become a delightful annual tradition at the county commissioners’ Earth Day presentation event. Commissioners also congratulated Eli Sterling and all of the volunteers that contribute to the Procession of the Species parade as they celebrate the 20th procession this Saturday.
“This special day gives us a chance to highlight the work and dedication of our local environmental heroes,” said Commission Chair Karen Valenzuela. “These volunteers are the heart and soul of this community. Thurston County is a greener and healthier place to live because of your hard work and commitment to the environment. Thank you all for everything you do for Thurston County.”
“I look forward to our Earth Day celebration each year,” said Commission Vice Chair Sandra Romero. “It’s a fun and festive way to acknowledge the serious business of protecting our environment. Protecting our clean water, our fertile agricultural lands, our forests, our prairies, our wildlife, and Puget Sound protects our own quality of life and our own health here in Thurston County. Our children are counting on us to do the right thing and leave them a healthy community and a healthy planet.”
“We truly could not accomplish all of the things these fabulous volunteers and environmental stewards do without the gifts of their time and tireless efforts. Thurston County as a government body could not afford all of the programs and projects that our volunteers donate to this community. What they do benefits us all, and for that we are all in their debt. They have given us all the gift of a healthier environment,” said Commissioner Cathy Wolfe.
