March 5, 2025
ISSUE 10
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IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
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Eatonville Family Agency helps community By Merrick Parnell In a world where many face hunger, isolation, and financial challenges, the Eatonville Family Agency (EFA) is stepping up to make a difference. From food assistance to youth programs and senior services, EFA is a lifeline for the community, helping those in need and building a stronger, more connected Eatonville. “EFA is a true cornerstone of the community, a place where people come together not only to give but also to receive with dignity. It’s a space where generosity, kindness, and support flow in all directions, creating a sense of belonging for all. Being part of this mission is incredibly rewarding, and I’m honored to contribute to an organization that embodies the power of community and compassion,” said Executive Director Kylee Hutchings. The Eatonville Family Agency (EFA) is a non-profit that supports individuals, families, and seniors in need. Founded in the 1980s as the Eatonville Multi-Purpose Center, EFA has grown to provide essential services like food assistance and community programs. In 1993, EFA built a community center and launched the Center
Street Junction (CSJ), a thrift store that funds its services and supports local businesses. The organization serves the Eatonville area and neighboring communities like Graham, Yelm, and Roy as their programs help those facing food insecurity, financial struggles, and isolation.
In addition, the group offers food delivery, mobile pantries, and the Grocery Rescue Program, which provides free groceries every Friday. The Youth Game Nights and Pizza Wednesday Club allow local students to socialize and have fun, with special sessions for SPED students.
EFA also offers opportunities to get healthy, like the Sit and Fit Classes for seniors and free blood pressure screenings to help with health concerns. In 2024, EFA launched the EFA Market, a new food pantry format
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Lady Cruisers battle past Ridgefield, advance in 2A State Tournament By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
COURTESY HEATHER QUIRIE
Eatonville senior Tia Schanbeck at the free throw line with the Cruisers up 54-51. Schanbeck would make the free throw to seal the Cruisers 55-51 victory over Ridgefield to send Eatonville to the round of 12 in the Yakima SunDome.
The Eatonville Cruisers led from start to finish and held off a late Ridgefield rally to secure a 55-51 victory in the opening round of the WIAA 2A Girls State Basketball playoffs on Friday. With the win, the Cruisers advance to the round of 12, where they will face the No. 6 seeded Prosser Mustangs in a loser-out game at the Yakima Valley SunDome. The Cruisers built a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but Ridgefield fought back behind a strong performance from first-team all-league selection Madison Ingham, who scored 10 of her team-high 15 points in the final period. However, Ingham fouled out with just under four minutes to play and Eatonville clinging to a 49-48 lead. Shortly after, the Spudders lost their second-leading scorer, Nora Martin, to fouls as well. Eatonville’s defense played a pivotal role in the win, limiting Ridgefield — a team known for its perimeter shooting—to just four made three-pointers. Turnovers plagued the Cruisers throughout the game, as they coughed up the ball 30 times compared to Ridgefield’s 20. However, Eatonville dominated the glass, outrebounding the Spudders 38-24, with Hailey Hall pulling down 13 boards. The Cruisers, typically reliable at the freethrow line, struggled in this contest, converting just 8-of-17 attempts. None, however, were bigger than Tia Schanbeck’s free throw with 4.5 seconds remaining, which extended Eatonville’s
lead to four and effectively sealed the game. Eatonville wasted no time establishing its inside presence, feeding 6-foot-4 post Lillian Bickford for two quick baskets to take an early lead. The teams traded baskets for much of the quarter before Eatonville closed on a short scoring run to lead 19-13 after one. Turnovers hindered the Cruisers early, as they committed eight giveaways to Ridgefield’s three. However, a strong 8-3 rebounding advantage helped keep them in control. Ridgefield opened the second quarter with a quick transition basket off an Eatonville turnover, setting the tone for a back-and-forth period. Bickford, who scored eight in the first quarter, faced increased defensive pressure and was limited offensively. That allowed Bailey Andersen to step up, scoring eight points in the quarter as the Cruisers took a 33-29 lead into the half. At halftime, Eatonville head coach Deanna Andersen emphasized the importance of limiting turnovers and controlling the boards. While the Cruisers continued to struggle with giveaways, turning the ball over nine more times, they dominated the glass with a staggering 17-3 rebounding advantage. Andersen’s five points and a key three-pointer from Alayna Meyer helped Eatonville maintain its lead at 45-40 heading into the final frame. Eatonville started the final quarter strong, opening with a 4-0 run to stretch the lead to
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