Nov. 30, 2018
Newcastle Hosts Community Food Drive
The City of Newcastle is partnering with Northwest Harvest to host a community food drive! You're invited to join the cause and make a difference for families in need in the Newcastle area.

Bring donations of non-perishable foods, baby formula and diapers to the collection box located on the first-floor lobby at Newcastle City Hall (12835 Newcastle Way) through Dec. 20. Northwest Harvest recommends donations of shelf-stable food with the lowest saturated fats and refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour).
Community News
You're Invited: Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Beit Tikvah invites the community to a Chanukah Menorah Lighting ceremony at 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Newcastle Fruit & Produce. 

Sufganiot (jellied donuts) will be provided by QFC and coffee will be provided by Starbucks. Newcastle Fruit & Produce is located at 13013 Newcastle Way.
Tips to Prevent Package Theft During the Holidays
We're entering the biggest shopping season of the year. Unfortunately this is also prime season for package thieves. The City of Newcastle reminds you as you're making online purchases over the next few weeks, take a few simple steps to avoid becoming the victim of package theft.

If possible, require a signature for delivery. Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when to expect your package. Consider shipping your packages to your place of work or use a ship-to-store option. Did you know you can arrange to have your FedEx package delivered to the Newcastle Safeway?

City Council Adopts 2019 Budget
After making a series of amendments, the Newcastle City Council officially adopted a 2019 budget that puts a priority on public safety, includes funding for a project to address parking and traffic concerns by Newcastle Elementary School, and prepares the city for the future with funds budgeted for a long-range financial plan.

The council also heard updates from the volunteer Planning and Community Activities commissions, reviewed a list of proposed amendments for the Comprehensive Plan update and more at its Nov. 20 meeting.

Bishops Opens in Newcastle Commons
Bishops , a hair care shop established in 2001, officially opens at the Newcastle Commons on Saturday, Dec. 1. Stop by the new location at 13325 Newcastle Commons Drive to check out the Newcastle mural painted on the shop’s wall!

The Newcastle Police Blotter features selected crime reports and traffic citation statistics from across the city. It is released in this email newsletter, published a few days before every regular City Council meeting.


The City Council will host a public hearing regarding the May Creek Park Assemblage development agreement, consider an ordinance adopting amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and receive the results of a financial forecast analysis at the Dec. 4 meeting.

The Friends of the Newcastle Library group will host a mini book sale on Dec. 7-8 during regular hours at the Newcastle Library. Explore hundreds of books for all ages.
It’s time to get covered! If you or someone you care about needs health insurance, you should know that open enrollment runs through Dec. 15. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/coverage .
Happy December! Kick off the month with fun and games at the Newcastle Library's Game Day on Saturday. Later this month get in the holiday spirit with the Dickens Carolers.

Newcastle Police Chief Jason Houck is taking the plunge this winter. On Feb. 9, 2019, he'll jump in the icy water of the Puget Sound to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Washington. You can support him on his fundraising page   here .
Get out your camera! Newcastle Trails is hosting a photo contest. The Newcastle nonprofit is seeking your best trail photos from 2018. Submissions are due by Dec. 15. Winner receives a signed book.

As part of its commitment to improving visitor experiences, King County Parks is looking for your feedback. What do you enjoy about King County parks? What could be improved?

Photo/Video of the Week
"Newcastle Fruit & Produce owner Dave Franklin leads the countdown at the community tree lighting on Nov. 24."

Helpful Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

The Newcastle email newsletter is published before every City Council meeting. Learn more about the newsletter, see an archive of past newsletters and sign up to receive it at newcastlewa.gov/newsletters .

Content submissions/ideas for the newsletter? Email  christinac@newcastlewa.gov .