Grave Concerns Association

06/04/2026

The upcoming Monthly Planning Meeting for the Grave Concerns Association is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, taking place at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Everyone is invited, whether you're a returning volunteer or simply interested in participating.

During this meeting, we will discuss future work parties, ongoing projects, events, and initiatives to honor the memories of those interred at Western State Hospital Cemetery through efforts of restoration and remembrance.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 9th
⏰ Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Christ Lutheran Church
8211 112th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498

Additionally, Tracy Asher will be facilitating a bead sorting session before the meeting, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

Kindly confirm your attendance by reaching out to [email protected].

Please be aware that the doors will be locked, so don’t hesitate to knock or call for access.

We hope to see you there!

05/22/2026

Members of the Grave Concerns Association gathered for a card making class led by Joette. It was a meaningful afternoon filled with creativity, connection, and time together outside of our regular work parties and meetings.

We’re grateful for the people who continue to build community alongside us, not just through service, but through moments like these too.

Thank you, Joette, for sharing your time and talents with us!

05/19/2026

We’re honored to have Laurel Lemke joining Washington Peer Network’s Wellness Wednesday meeting tomorrow, May 20th, to share about the work of the Grave Concerns Association.

Laurel will be speaking about the history of the Western State Hospital Cemetery and the ongoing efforts to restore dignity to those buried there through advocacy, community partnerships, sustainability, and remembrance.

Her stories and experiences offer an important reminder of the power of community care and preserving local history.

Thank you to Washington Peer Network for inviting Laurel to speak. Click the link below to learn more about Laurel and tomorrow’s meeting.

https://washingtonpeernetwork.org/page/wellness-wednesdays

05/16/2026

Ehrengard and Bobbie continued grave grooming today after marker installation. The predicted rainy weather was overcome with sunshine.

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

Volunteers today at marker installation.

05/16/2026

Grave Concerns work party today adding 90 markers. Volunteers range in age from 18 months to 95 years old!

05/14/2026

🌟 Join us this Saturday for a meaningful morning! 🌟 We're thrilled to gather at Fort Steilacoom Park on May 16th from 9-12 to honor those resting at the Western State Hospital Cemetery. Together, we’ll be grooming graves and placing markers to ensure their memories are celebrated. Your hands can make a difference! Bring your friends and family, and let’s show our community spirit. Are you in? Comment below if you’re joining us!

05/07/2026

Join us for the next Grave Concerns Association Monthly Planning Meeting on Tuesday, May 12th at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Whether you’ve volunteered before or are just curious about getting involved, all are welcome.

We’ll be gathering to talk about upcoming work parties, projects, events, and ways to continue honoring those buried at Western State Hospital Cemetery through restoration and remembrance.

📅 Tuesday, May 12th
⏰ Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Christ Lutheran Church
8211 112th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498

Before the meeting, Tracy Asher will also be hosting another jewelry making session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join in.

Please RSVP to [email protected].

Please note: doors will be locked, so knock or call for entry.

We’d love to see you there!