Community
Being Neighborly | A community connecter in Burley
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We want this column to showcase how someone in the community — a stranger, neighbor, teacher, classmate, anyone — has helped someone else. It could be a small act of kindness or a big one: Has someone tracked you down when you’ve lost your wallet? Did someone lead you to a resource that made your life easier? Were you encouraged by a stranger while having a tough day? Send your submissions for the Being Neighborly column to [email protected]. And click here to receive Being Neighborly early as a newsletter.
He loves nature and people, and when he sees a need in his community, he responds.
Brent Doehring has lived in Burley for 25 years and has become a neighborhood greeter along with his dog, Squirty. Sometimes by kayak and other times on foot, Doehring welcomes new neighbors and does whatever he can to provide information about the community.
He’s also humble. Doehring was quick to point out that many other people are also involved in the projects that he has been a part of in the Burley community.
His background is in research and development for a major chemical company and facility management for a stock market educational company. He said he enjoys working on houses, landscaping and cars.
Brent Doehring, front, is part of the Purdy Sandspit revitalization group that has cleared blackberry bushes and other invasive plant species. Photo courtesy of Brent Doehring
Burley Hall booster
When the Burley Hall Association analyzed changes required to modernize its hall building and the town’s park and cemetery, Doehring helped organize crews to get the work finished before the weather turned.
Doehring also helped put together a beach cleanup, followed by a party float of more than 100 kayakers, which included a band. This summer will mark the third year that he has organized the event.
He also ran the hall’s holiday cleanup party, recruited volunteers for a wreath-making activity, wrangled bakers to provide cookies, and organized the potluck supper after. The wreaths and cookies were a fundraiser for the hall, which will help replace the roof of the building.
His handyman skills have helped people in the community who need home repairs and remodels. Doehring is always thinking of a way to use something that is being tossed out in order to help someone who may be in need, said Heather McFarlane, a Burley resident.
“A family was moving everything to a new town, and had some leftover appliances they wouldn’t need,” McFarlane said. “Brent showed up at my home just in time to replace my old washer and dryer combo that had become a pain in the neck.”
Brent Doehring of Burley finds many ways to help others in the community. He is part of the Burley Hall Association and the Purdy Sandspit revitalization. Photo courtesy of the Burley Hall Association
Discover Key Peninsula
His help with the “Discover Key Peninsula” sign at the Purdy Sandspit was mentioned in an Instagram post by Pierce County councilmember Robyn Denson. He said the crew has removed trash, and truckloads of blackberry bushes and invasive Japanese knotweed, with plans to introduce some native plant species.
Looking for a way to help his neighbors connect, and have fun, Doehring bought a stack of board games, a foosball table, ping pong table, darts, cornhole, and other games, and started what he calls Game Night at the Burley Hall once a month.
When he’s not working on the homes of his neighbors — or cleaning up beaches, helping connect neighbors, beautifying the Burley Hall, or any of the many other projects he has taken on — Doehring can be found on the soccer field. He plays in the Greater Seattle Soccer League for the Northwest Internationals, and with his friends at the Bremerton Soccer Center.
“I love working with people and improving our surroundings and environment,” Doehring said. “It’s been a rewarding experience. There’s so many awesome people that live in our area.”