It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lacey, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lacey, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lacey, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lacey, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
LACEY, Wash. — Waste management workers in Washington state joined a multi-state strike against Republic Services, one of the country's largest sanitation companies, disrupting garbage collection across multiple cities including Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Kent.A demonstration began Wednesday at 6 a.m. at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, with workers protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices. The central issue in the dispute centers on wage disparities between Republic Services workers and their counterpa...
LACEY, Wash. — Waste management workers in Washington state joined a multi-state strike against Republic Services, one of the country's largest sanitation companies, disrupting garbage collection across multiple cities including Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Kent.
A demonstration began Wednesday at 6 a.m. at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, with workers protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices. The central issue in the dispute centers on wage disparities between Republic Services workers and their counterparts at other area waste management companies.
Will Zekus, a heavy equipment operator for Republic Services, was on the picket line.
"Currently, as it stands right now, we're significantly paid less than everybody around here, about $5 or $6 less,” Zekus said.
Near the picket line, some residents expressed support for the workers.
"This is a job that nobody really wants to do, and I appreciate their work," said Troy Lamphiear of Lacey.
The strike in Washington is part of a broader labor action affecting Republic Services operations in multiple states. Union representatives indicate workers across the country are facing similar contract disputes and have not ruled out launching additional strikes.
"They want to play hardball," Zekus said. "So, when you mess with one teamster, you're going to mess with a lot of them."
Despite the inconvenience caused by the work stoppage, striking workers remain committed to their cause.
"I don't like what we are doing," Zekus said. "I really don't. I don't like the inconvenience to workers, to anybody, but I believe in the fight."
Republic Services issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and expressing readiness to continue negotiations. The company confirmed it is "in contract negotiations with the union representing some employees at our Lacey facility, and four locations in other areas outside the state."
The company said affected customers "will have all their recycling and waste collected on their next scheduled service day, similar to when inclement weather occurs."
However, striking workers appear prepared for a prolonged dispute.
"We're not budging," Zekus said. "So, they're going to have to do something ‘cause we are not."
The company's full statement emphasized that Republic Services "respect[s] the rights of our employees to engage in collective bargaining and are ready to continue discussions with the union to reach agreements that benefit our employees, our customers and our company."
The strike affects Republic Services locations in King and Snohomish counties, with workers picketing at various company facilities in the state as contract negotiations continue.
The union that represents Republic Services workers said Seattle would be impacted by the strike. However, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) said that wasn't the case.
“Seattle Public Utilities does not foresee short-term impacts, such as collection disruption, to our customers during this situation,” an SPU spokesperson said. “SPU’s contractors, WM and Recology, are still providing service in Seattle. SPU continues to monitor this situation.”
Republic Services workers at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, represented by Teamsters Local 252, went on strike early Wednesday morning over wages and benefits.However, Thurston County does not anticipate any disruptions in garbage pickup. Trash and recycling collections are done by different workers who don’t work for Republic.“There’s no interruption in services for garbage pickup. Garbage pickup is done through LeMay or the city of Olympia for Thurston County,” one representative told T...
Republic Services workers at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, represented by Teamsters Local 252, went on strike early Wednesday morning over wages and benefits.
However, Thurston County does not anticipate any disruptions in garbage pickup. Trash and recycling collections are done by different workers who don’t work for Republic.
“There’s no interruption in services for garbage pickup. Garbage pickup is done through LeMay or the city of Olympia for Thurston County,” one representative told The Olympian.
“So at this time, we have no interruption in services at the Waste and Recovery Center. We don’t anticipate any.”
The City of Olympia made an emergency plan in case the strike begins to affect access to the waste facility.
Spokesperson Carrie McCausland told The Olympian on Wednesday, “We understand planning has been done to prepare for emergency-based impacts to site access. If the strike continues, we’d expect those plans would be put in place as needed, but can’t really speculate on when or how that would happen.”
Roughly 15 to 20 members of Teamsters Local 252 began picketing at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The union cited insufficient wages, benefits and labor protections as reasons for the picket.
“Republic Teamsters are demanding a contract with improved wages, better benefits and stronger labor protections. The multi-billion-dollar waste giant has refused to give workers a fair deal,” the Teamsters said in a news release.
The Thurston-Mason-Lewis Central Labor Council said in a statement posted to their website that Republic’s wages and health insurance plan are not competitive compared to other local sanitation employers.
Local 252 told the Central Labor Council, “Republic acknowledges its wage schedule is several dollars below its competitors … as well as the fact that its health insurance plan is not as comprehensive as the Teamsters Plan enjoyed by Local 25 members at other sanitation employers throughout the region. Yet the company still refuses to agree to provide the same wages or health care.”
Union members in Lacey joined Republic employees already striking in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia and California. According to Teamsters spokesperson Matt McQuaid, roughly 300 Republic employees in Seattle and Bellevue are honoring picket lines by refusing to report to work, though they are not going on strike.
McQuaid said that the duration of the strike will depend on the company’s willingness to address employees’ concerns. “You know, if the company addresses our concerns, this strike will be over quickly, and if they do not, then it won’t be. It’s entirely up to them.”
While the county denied that the strike would impact on trash collection, McQuaid said the Lacey Transfer Station remains a critical component in waste processing in Thurston County. He said the strike could have long-term consequences.
“The Transfer Station is pretty critical to the operation of waste processing, recycling throughout the county. So in the long term, I’m not sure how it’s going to function without that center being functional,” he said.
A man holds a sign that says “REPUBLIC CUT THE TRASH RESPECT YOUR WORKERS” outside of a Republic Services facility on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Trash collectors and other workers with Republic Services went on strike in Thurston County Wednesday, vowing to stay off the job until they receive better pay. While the main strike started in Lacey, there were also work stoppages in parts of King and Snohomish counties. (KOMO News)LACEY, Wash. — Trash collectors and other workers with Republic Services went on strike in Thur...
A man holds a sign that says “REPUBLIC CUT THE TRASH RESPECT YOUR WORKERS” outside of a Republic Services facility on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Trash collectors and other workers with Republic Services went on strike in Thurston County Wednesday, vowing to stay off the job until they receive better pay. While the main strike started in Lacey, there were also work stoppages in parts of King and Snohomish counties. (KOMO News)
LACEY, Wash. — Trash collectors and other workers with Republic Services went on strike in Thurston County on Wednesday, vowing to stay off the job until they receive better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
While the main strike started in Lacey Wednesday morning, it led to a ripple effect of work stoppages in cities like Kent, Bellevue, Renton and Edmonds in King and Snohomish counties.
The cities of Bellevue, Renton and Edmonds posted on Facebook Thursday morning confirming the "out-of-area labor disruption" was still impacting operations in King and Snohomish counties.
The city of Renton said "residential and commercial waste collection services" were impacted, adding that Republic Services was contacting all impacted customers.
"Republic Services is in contract negotiations with the union representing some employees at our Lacey facility, and four locations in other areas outside the state," a Republic Services spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to KOMO News Wednesday. "Those employees are engaged in a temporary work stoppage, and are picketing at Republic Services locations in King and Snohomish counties. As a result, some customers are experiencing temporary service delays."
Members of Teamsters Local 252, with signs in hand, are demanding a new contract with the trash giant.
"When you’re making $5 to $6 less than what the neighbor up the road is making to do the same job, that’s a problem," Thurston County Transfer Station Heavy Equipment Operator Will Zekus said. "We have some guys who neglect healthcare coverage because they can’t afford it."
Workers warned that while they strike across King and Snohomish counties, some people's full trash and recycling bins might stay on the sidewalk.
"We do have the ability to shut them down to stop garbage. I know currently, as of (Wednesday) morning, Kent, Bellevue, Lynnwood, maybe a couple of other locations, have currently been shut down and garbage is not getting picked up," Zekus added.
The cities of Bellevue, Kent and Edmonds sent a warning to homeowners over social media that trash and recycling service was suspended.
Workers from Lacey also shared their message with signs outside a transfer station in Seattle's SODO neighborhood, which is a Republic Services facility.
"The economy is bad for everyone right now, and right now we’re just trying to make ends meet," driver Eddie Coleman added.
Seattle Public Utilities clarified the Republic Services strike is not impacting Seattle pickups.
"This situation is affecting Republic Services’ facility in Seattle. It processes recycling for Seattle customers. Collection for Seattle customers remains unaffected," a spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement. "Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) does not foresee short-term impacts to our customers during this situation. SPU’s contractors who provide collection, WM and Recology, are still providing service in Seattle. SPU continues to monitor this situation.”
In Thurston County, workers told KOMO News the transfer station, which takes in 1.5 million pounds of garbage every day, is county-run, so they will not be stopping drivers from continuing service.
Zekus is pushing for more staff in Lacey. Right now, the facility has 12 people running the operation, including six drivers and six heavy equipment operators. Zekus claimed that before Republic Services took over a couple of years ago, they had more manpower to help with maintenance.
"It just causes a lot of stress (and) long hours. I mean, we have some heavy equipment operators who are pulling over 400 hours of overtime a year," he explained.
In a statement, Republic Services apologized for the delays and said impacted customers will have recycling and waste collected on their next scheduled service day, similar to service for a weather delay.
"We respect the rights of our employees to engage in collective bargaining and are ready to continue discussions with the union to reach an agreement in Lacey that benefits our employees, our customers and our company," the statement read.
Workers in Lacey plan to stay on the picket line until Republic Services meets them at the bargaining table, whether that takes days or weeks.
"They're going to have to budge, because we're not," Zekus said.
Customers can check the status of their garbage pickup at the Republic Services website by using the "See Schedules" and "Track my truck" features for real-time updates.
The work stoppage follows similar actions by Republic Teamsters in Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, and California.
Local 252 said Teamsters across the country are experiencing similar contract disputes with Republic, and they could launch strikes of their own at any time.
Workers in Lacey were seen holding signs saying “Republic Teamsters on strike” and “Hold your nose.”
Are you ready to celebrate the red, white and blue? It’s time for Fourth of July events near Olympia with lots of music, food and loud bangs. Don’t stay home – head out to one of these fun things to do for the Fourth of July! This list includes where to see 2025 July 4th fireworks in Thurston County.Planning on having a fireworks show at home? Be sure to check out the Washington State Patrol’s g...
Are you ready to celebrate the red, white and blue? It’s time for Fourth of July events near Olympia with lots of music, food and loud bangs. Don’t stay home – head out to one of these fun things to do for the Fourth of July! This list includes where to see 2025 July 4th fireworks in Thurston County.
Planning on having a fireworks show at home? Be sure to check out the Washington State Patrol’s guidelines and information resources on which Thurston County cities have firework bans and/or restrictions.
June 2912 p.m. – 5 p.m.FreeWilkowski ParkRochester Street E, Rainier
Put on by We Love Rainier WA, the All-American Jubilee kicks of Thurston County 4th of July early! This free event will have live music, food, kids activities and more. Check out the We Love Rainier WA Facebook page for more details as they are announced.
July 3, 20244 p.m. – 11 p.m.FreeRainer Vista Park5475 45th Ave SE, Lacey
The City of Lacey Fireworks show will be held on July 3, 2025. Head to Rainer Vista Park before the show to enjoy local food vendors and live music. There a Kids Zone too! Don’t forget to pick up your 3D glasses before the big night starting June 16 at Lacey Collision and Capital Collision, or at their booth at the event while supplies last. Learn more at the Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation website.
July 4, 2024Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road SW, Tumwater11 a.m.Free
The Tumwater Fourth of July parade is a fun event for the whole family. The parade includes classic cars, horses, veterans groups, high school cheer and dance, floats, bands and more. This year’s theme is “the Great Outdoors.” Want to join the July 4th Parade? Entries must be received by June 20, 2025. Find out more on the City of Tumwater’s website.
July 46 p.m.Tumwater Valley Golf Course4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE, TumwaterParking, $10 (benefits Thurston County Special Olympics)
The Tumwater Family Festival on July 4th is full of kids activities, games and more. Kids will love the bounce houses and obstacle courses, all ages will enjoy cornhole, volleyball and more. Entertainment includes DJ K12, Wings Aerial Acrobats and the playing of the national anthem. The Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show will begin at 10:15 p.m. Learn more on the City of Tumwater website.
July 4, 1 p.m.19107 Melon Street SW & 19030 Loganberry Street SW, Rochester
Hosted by Lazy L Saloon & Resort, come enjoy a night of barbecue, beers, fireworks and fun! There will be bounce houses, a swimming pool and dunk tank, mechanical bull (after 4 p.m.), live music (6 p.m.) and more! This is potluck style, so bring what you like to eat with enough to share. You can camp overnight with tents, campers or RVs. Message through their event page for camping information.
Note: The Boston Marina July 3rd fireworks is cancelled for 2025 due to increasing risks and costs associated with the show.
Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools
Learning should be rigorous and challenging—it should also be joyful. It’s why the North Thurston Public Schools 2024-25 district theme was Joy of Learning! Throughout the school year, NTPS celebrated a few of the many staff members who reflect the Joy of Learning in their work every day.
Thank you and congratulations to these NTPS staff members! We asked each honoree to reflect on what Joy of Learning means to them.
Physical education teacher at Evergreen Forest Elementary School: An enthusiastic, kind, and creative PE teacher. Ken shares:
K-3 resource teacher at Woodland Elementary School: Designs relevant and fun lessons to build student skills. Crystal shares:
Multilingual learner teacher at Lydia Hawk Elementary School: Creates an exciting and interactive learning environment through hands-on activities, storytelling, and visual aids. Megan shares:
Transportation specialist: Creates a fun and positive environment on the bus. Aaron shares:
Leadership and American Literature teacher at Timberline High School: Caring teacher who helps sustain a culture of positivity. Beth shares:
5th-grade teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School: Strong collaborator who celebrates the joy of learning in her classroom. Daveralyn shares:
Biology and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at North Thurston High School: Integrates hands-on, community-centered instruction. Charlie shares:
Math teacher at River Ridge High School: Brings energy and curiosity to solving difficult problems. Oksana shares:
Envision Career Academy office professional: Brings a sense of joy to the school for students, staff, and family members alike. Laurel shares:
Watch video examples of the Joy of Learning in action throughout the 2024-25 school year.
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