The Suburban Times

Obituaries

Josie (Jo) Steele Patton Harrison

A devoted wife and loving mother, Lakewood's first "First Lady" Jo Harrison was born July 28, 1936, in Dickinson, AL, the oldest child of William Pratt Patton and Bonnie White Patton. She passed away peacefully on May 13, 2008, in her Lakewood home after a 6-year illness.

Always a "tomboy" and "Daddy's girl", Josie spent many youthful hours roaming the southern Alabama timberland with her father. After graduation from Grove Hill High School, she attended Judson College in Marion, AL, graduating in 1958. While at Judson, she excelled in many sports, especially Synchronized Swimming and Field Hockey. Later on she was a champion tennis player and bowler who also loved golf, bridge, arts and crafts, flowers, anything purple. Jo was a party giver extraordinaire.

Jo began her teaching career in the 4th Grade at Fort Benning, GA, where, in 1961, she also met 1st Lt. Bill Harrison at a performance of the Messiah. For the next few years, Jo continued to teach, including a stint at a Department of Defense school in Germany, before returning to Grove Hill to head the girls' Physical Education Department while caring for her seriously ill father. Later she began the Elementary Physical Education Program for the Fairfax County, VA school system.

Bill and Jo were married in the historic Stone Chapel at Ft. Leavenworth, KS on October 21, 1967. Thus began a long and successful career at Bill's side, in many locations throughout the US and around the world, including Germany, Iran, Korea and numerous stateside military posts including Carlisle Barracks, PA; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Ord, CA; Fort Lewis, WA; Presidio of San Francisco, CA.

Two sons entered the Harrison family and became a major focus of Jo's love and lessons, and sources of joy and pride: William Patton Harrison, born January 1970 at Ft. Belvoir, VA, and Charles Hardin Harrison, born March 1971 in Frankfurt, Germany. Juggling duties as mother and wife of the commander, Jo created a happy, active life for the family despite seventeen moves in 24 years until Bill's retirement. Second only to her dedication to her family was Jo's commitment to serve the broader Army family. She was active in army community services, family support groups, Officer and NCO wives clubs, Red Cross, Chapel activities, and after retirement, in political activities in Lakewood.

Jo was known far and wide as a gracious and welcoming woman who loved to entertain. With a ready wit and a twinkle in her eye, she brought joy to all who graced her door whether civilian or military, enlisted or officer, child or adult. First as a junior officer's wife, later in Quarters 1 at Ft. Lewis and in retirement in Lakewood, she was a party giver extraordinaire. Occasionally Jo treated guests from garrison staff to governors to a hilarious anecdote or two stemming from the family's many experiences around the world.

Throughout her life Jo was a rabid University of Alabama fan, perhaps because her father and his eight younger siblings had all graduated from the university. Even in the later years of her illness, she could be coaxed into a "Roll Tide" cheer accompanied by a big smile. Jo loved to shop and, particularly during overseas tours, did her best to enhance the local economy. Her carefully coordinated and very colorful style always drew happy comments. What people didn't know was that Jo did most of her shopping at the Post Exchange.

Jo is survived by her husband, Lieutenant General (RET) William H. Harrison and son William of the home, son Charles (Christie) from California, her brother Pratt (Roselyn) from Alabama and nephews Kyle and Jason Patton.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all of the friends who have supported Jo and the Harrison family during her long illness. We would especially like to thank the care givers from Advanced Health Care: Mary, Barbara, Trinetta, Loli, Catherine, Darlene, Justina, Gerry and scheduler Suzi; and from Franciscan Hospice: Tita, Tina, Susan, Cory and Beverly.

A special note should be made of the steadfast support given by members of the Lakewood, Dupont and Steilacoom Bible Study Group of the Main Post Chapel at Fort Lewis who provided a meal per week for over four years to Jo and her family.

A celebration of Jo's life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Lakewood, 5400 – 112th St. SW, Lakewood 98499, followed immediately by a reception at the Sharon McGavick Student Center at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd., SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to any of the following:

1. Alzheimer's Association: PO BOX 8462, Chicago, IL 60680-8462
2. Army Community Services: PO Box 339500; Fort Lewis, WA 98433-9500
3. Judson College: 302 Bibb Street, Marion, AL 36756
4. Franciscan Hospice: 7210 40th Street West University Place, WA 98466

The twinkle in her eye, the smile that lit up every room and the soft Southern charm are things we all remember.

From her husband: I love you, Sugar

From her sons: We love you, Mom

The above listed obituaries were arranged by Mountain View Funeral Home. Sign the online guest book. 253-584-0252.

5-12 Learning Community to host information night

The 5-12 Learning Community, recently renamed the Lt. Gen. William H. Harrison Preparatory School, will host an orientation and information night Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in rooms 6 A and B of the Student Services Center (10903 Gravelly Lake Drive SW).

The event is designed to familiarize students and their families with the school, its programs and staff. The school enrollment process will also be reviewed and there will be time for questions. Light refreshments will be served.

Letter: Was it The Fugitive?

My friend was photographed with Danny Davito at the Steilacoom pier in the 80's. Didn't they film some scenes from The Fugative here? (This letter is in response to this letter).

Cindy McKitrick

Letters to the Editor are submitted by readers and do not reflect the opinions of The Suburban Times. Submit your letter to editor@thesubtimes.com. Letters may be edited for length, content or formatting.

Few respond to golf course development | TheNewsTribune.com | University Place, WA

Pierce County is less than impressed, so far, with the number of developers who have responded to a request for qualification to develop "a clubhouse, lodging and other facilities" at Chambers Bay. Read David Wickert's story from The News Tribune here.

5-12 Learning Community school in Lakewood will move | TheNewsTribune.com | Lakewood, WA

Read Debby Abe's News Tribune story about the Harrison Prep School (formerly the 5-12 Learning Community) here.

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Obituaries

1st Sgt. James Henry Jackson

Went to be with his Lord on May 13, 2008. He was born in Lexa, Arkansas on July 29, 1931. As a member of the U.S. Army he served his country for 21 years. He did tours in Korea and Vietnam. After his retirement, he was a security guard until 1997.

Preceding him in death was his son Jimmie Ray Jackson. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Joan, his son Julius, his daughters Kathleen and Janet, his granddaughters Janell, Kendall and Erin, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Our special gratitude to the dialysis unit at St. Joseph Hospital and to the staff as Orchard Park Health Care & Rehab. Center.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 in the Mountain View Garden Chapel.

God looked around his garden this year,
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the Earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest,
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on Earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, "Peace be with you."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
The day God called you home.
God Bless you

Donald L. Kessler

Donald L. Kessler passed away May 12, 2008 in Puyallup, Washington. He was born March 14, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois to LeRoy and Cora Edythe Kessler. The family moved to Tacoma in 1918 and he lived in Tacoma and Puyallup until his death. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1934.

He worked for the A.T. Stewart Company for 25 years as a purchasing agent, and worked as Division Manager when the company was purchased by United Radio, until his retirement in 1981.

He was Past Master and 66 year member of Evergreen State Masonic Lodge, a 65 year member of Vida Chapter Order of Eastern Star, member of Puyallup Elks Club, charter member of Fruitland Grange, and member of Puyallup First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his son Lee (Louella) Kessler, daughter Gayle (Don) Shenk, grandsons Lance Kessler and Ken Shenk, a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Edith Kessler in March, 2006, and by his parents.

Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church, 412 West Pioneer, Puyallup, WA.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to First Presbyterian Church, Puyallup.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Linden Grove Health Care Center for the care of Don over the last six months of his life.

The above listed obituaries were arranged by Mountain View Funeral Home. Sign the online guest book. 253-584-0252.

Letter: Names of the other movies?

An article in the 5/13/2008 edition of The Suburban Times mentions that Steilacoom was featured in motion pictures in the '80s. War Games is mentioned. What are the other films? I was not a local resident in the '80s so this is news to me.

Patrick Canning

Nancy Covert responds: Chips the War Dog and something set on McNeil Island with Nick Nolte. I think it is 48 Hours, but am not certain.

Anyone else know? Email us at editor@thesubtimes.com.

Letters to the Editor are submitted by readers and do not reflect the opinions of The Suburban Times. Submit your letter to editor@thesubtimes.com. Letters may be edited for length, content or formatting.

Pierce College boasts five winners of state vocational scholarship

Five Pierce College students will receive two years of free tuition at the public or private school of their choice after having been selected as winners of the Washington Awards for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) by the state’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

The following are the WAVE scholarship winners for the Pierce College District:

• George Lang, 42, of Malone, began at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom last spring after a workplace injury ended his 20-year career as a carpenter. Lang is now completing the college’s construction management program. He will use his WAVE scholarship for two years at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. He plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management. He wants to stay focused on the construction industry.
• Oscar Gonzalez, 32, of Lacey, will use his scholarship to continue his work with male perpetrators of domestic violence. Gonzalez, who is completing his associate’s degree in social services and mental health at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, plans to continue his education at the University of Washington-Tacoma this fall. He wants to lead the domestic violence groups that benefited him when he was the perpetrator of a domestic violence incident many years ago.
• Kaylee Eckert, 20, of Federal Way, will use her WAVE scholarship to complete the dental hygiene program at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. As a former dental assistant, Eckert said she now wants to play an even bigger role in helping people live healthier lives.
• Adriane Wilson, 31, of Lakewood, has battled homelessness, single motherhood, and poverty to finish her associate’s degree in business from Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. She will now take her WAVE scholarship to The Evergreen State College, where she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in business.
• Jake Brain, 18, of Puyallup, is now enrolled in the two-year construction management program at Pierce College Puyallup. He plans to finish the program next June and transfer to a four-year university to study either architecture or business.

WAVE awards were established by the state Legislature in 1984 and provide undergraduate educational tuition for two years at any accredited public or private college or university, or at any licensed private vocational school. Winners, who must have completed either a high school or a college career and technical education course of study, are selected by a committee with members representing business, labor, education, government, and private citizens.

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AMC Commander visits McChord

By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks, 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – "Every time a C-17 (Globemaster III) from McChord, or any of our other bases, lands anywhere around the world, it's a symbol of hope," said Gen. Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, today during his visit here.

"It may be in the middle of an earthquake, it may be in the middle of a tsunami, it may be in the middle of a cyclone. and it's there to provide hope for the people who see it, he said. "It brings food, it brings equipment, it brings medical supplies and it may be taking people out of harm's way and transporting them to another place."

Jo Harrison, wife of Lakewood's first mayor, dies Tuesday

After a lengthy illness, Jo Harrison, wife of retired Lt. Gen. Bill Harrison, former mayor of Lakewood, died Tuesday morning. She was 71.

Mrs. Harrison was diagnosed two years ago with a debilitating illness, Lewy body disease, an affliction similar to Alzheimer’s. She had remained in their home where Harrison and caregivers took care of her.

Services are pending.

The News Tribune ran a story on Mrs. Harrison a couple yeas ago and in Wednesday’s issue repeated much of the information.

Over 300 Celebrate Completion of White Creek Wind Project

Roosevelt, WA ― Under sunny skies on May 8 in the Columbia River Gorge, over 300 gathered to celebrate the dedication of the White Creek Wind Project. The 205 megawatt project, which began commercial production in November, is the largest U.S. wind project developed by public power.

White Creek features 89, 2.3 megawatt Siemens wind turbines and is located on 9,500 acres of ranchland in Klickitat County (WA), 21 miles east of Goldendale. It produces enough clean, renewable electricity to meet the needs of 38,000 Pacific Northwest residences.

Terese High has been 'Caught in the Act...'

The May recipient of the 'Caught in the Act of Keeping Lakewood's Promise' award is Terese High (send from right, above), the Community Relations Secretary for the Clover Park School District.

Terese led the planning, creation and assembly of the float for the School District - a job she has tackled for the past six years. "The District has been a part of the Daffodil Parade for as long as I can remember," said High. "I volunteer my time because I want to keep the tradition going for our students and our community."

Terese first started working on the float when her daughter Kylie was a candidate for Lakes High School's Daffodil princess in 2003. That year's candidates, along with their parents, were told that they would need to step-up and help with the production of the float in order to keep the District's long-standing participation in the annual parade going strong. Daffodil Festival rules state that communities and/or school districts must enter a float in order for the high schools to have princesses in the festival.

Students from Oakbrook Elementary and the Lakeview Hope Academy rode this year's float representing the schools attended by the princesses. Kelli Bornander, Lakes' princess and Brittany Ward, Clover Park's princess attending Oakbrook and Lakeview respectively.

Each year, the float is assembled in a donated bay at the bus barn courtesy of the transportation department. It takes approximately two weeks to assemble, but production starts long before that. Several community members, District staff and students helped paint, papier-mâché and decorate the float, which included the insertion of 4,000 daffodils.

While Terese High has been recognized by others for her efforts with the parade’s float, she is now recognized by Lakewood’s Community Collaboration, receiving the traveling Red Wagon, a symbol of Lakewood’s Promise of people pulling their weight to help the youth in Lakewood. She exemplifies our first promise by providing ongoing relationships with caring adults-parents, mentors, tutors and coaches, the second promise of providing safe places with structured activities during non-school hours and the fifth promise of offering youth opportunities to serve in their community.

Lakewood’s Promise mission is to mobilize people from every sector of life in Lakewood to build the character and competence of our youth by fulfilling these Promises:

• Caring Adults-Provide ongoing relationships with caring adults-parents, mentors, tutors and coaches
• Safe Places –Provide safe places with structured activities during non-school hours
• Healthy Start-Provide all the elements leading to good physical/mental health for a health future
• Marketable Skills-Provide marketable skills through effective education
• Opportunities to Serve-Provide youth with opportunities to serve in their community.

Lakewood’s Community Collaboration, made up of over 100 human service organizations, service clubs, businesses, individuals and public entities, each month present a “Caught in the Act-of Keeping Lakewood’s Promise” Award to an individual or organization that has quietly performed an outstanding deed for a family/child in the City of Lakewood.

Pets of the Week

China is a three year old, spayed female Boxer mix with Personality Plus! She is an active dog with lots of enthusiasm, and needs help learning to walk calmly on a leash. She knows a few basic commands, but would benefit from further training. Since she’s intelligent and eager to please, she will learn quickly! Come visit this sweet, playful dog and see if she’s the one for you! Her reference number is 402103.

Zimba was left behind when her owners moved, and she deserves a new home. She’s very sweet, outgoing, and loves attention. She is three years old, already spayed, well-mannered and a faithful litter-box user. On top of all that, she’s good looking and will enhance your social status. Come visit her and bond instantly. Her reference number is 373691.

Contact The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, (253) 284-5844 for more information.

You can now see all shelter pets online.

Fort Lewis celebrates Armed Forces Day

FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- Fort Lewis will open its gates to the Puget Sound community during the annual Armed Forces Day celebration, on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Be Water Wise This Summer

As the sun comes out and outdoor activities start, be sure you’re ready this summer. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among all ages in the country. Drowning can occur under various circumstances, including recreational sports, such as boating or swimming, or leaving children unsupervised for a short time in the bathtub, pool, or hot tub.

Below are a few things to remember, especially when children are present.

$2.4+ million worth of permit activity in Lakewood (April 2008)

Permits valued at more than $2.4 million were issued during April by the City of Lakewood. 80 permits were issued.

The breakdown of issued permits by category is as follows:

• Building, $2,368,230 (31 permits)
• Demolition, $13,650 (4 permits)
• Mechanical, $0 (17 permits)
• Plumbing, $0 (14 permits)
• Sign, $23,237 (14 permits)

Letter: More balance needed in superintendent story

My husband was at the Clover Park board meeting as a supporter of the 5-12 school where our daughter attends. Your article addressed mostly the superintendent controversy and only briefly stated why half of the crowd was at the meeting (to support the 5-12 Learning Community).

You commented that someone came up to you and said "Of the 187 students enrolled in the 5-12 program, why did they leave CP".

Employees of the year selected for Clover Park School District

Since 1987, the Clover Park School District (CPSD) has honored exemplary employees in three categories, classified, certificated and administrative. Award recipients are chosen by an independent panel of Lakewood citizens.

Clover Park Superintendent selection sparks reaction

By Ben Sclair, Publisher

Debby Aby from The News Tribune did a nice job of relating the events from Monday night's Clover Park School District board of directors meeting. Read Debby's story here. (Furthermore, there are five comments on the story. Read those comments here).

There can be little doubt the selection of Debbie LeBeau as Superintendent of the Clover Park School District has touched a nerve for some in the community. I witnessed the rally before the board meeting, and attended the first three hours, leaving after the public comment period.

Progess reported on welcome home baskets for troops

Things are coming together in preparing welcome home baskets for 2,000 returning Fort Lewis troops, according to Helen McGovern, Lakewood city councilperson and coordinator of the welcome home program.

Between May 28 and June 10 approximately 2,000 troops will be returning to their barracks without any family to greet them, according to McGovern. These troops will have to immediately go shopping for necessities and these are the items McGovern hopes to have ready for them.

Welcome home baskets will include:
Packaged crackers and cheese, energy drinks, juice, bottled water, soda, discount coupons to movies or for pizza, gift cards, calling cards, gum, candies, chips, granola bars, towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, bars of soap, candles (they miss good smells), nail clippers, files, foot cream.

Plans are to utilize the Lakewood Hope Center facility on May 20 and 21 to put the baskets together in an assembly line process. McGovern said more community volunteers are needed to make the project work efficiently during the 9 am to 5 pm hours that the work will be going on.

It now appears that enough products are available to put together 1,200 baskets. McGovern said she is still hoping more contributions of cash and products will still come in to increase the total number of baskets.

“I just got word from Little Ceasar’s Pizza that they are donating 2,000 coupons each good for a pizza as well as a 24-ounce bottle of Monster Energy drink,” she noted in commenting on the support from the business community as well as individuals. “We were able to order $8,500 worth of product from Wal-Mart as a result of their generous contribution,” McGovern added.

Contributions to the project are being accepted at the Lakewood City Hall reception desk or contact McGovern, 253-680-6614.

Lakewood United upcoming schedule

Lakewood United meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at Burs Restaurant (6151 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood). Upcoming speakers are:

• (Revised) May 15, 2008 – Discussion – Casinos on The Wheel of Destiny – Win or Lose…. You Choose! John Arbeeny, Chris McManus, Walter Neary, City Council and Dolores Chiechi, Executive Director for Recreational Gaming Association of Washington
• (Revised) May 22, 2008 – To be determined
• May 29, 2008 – Tall Ships Come With The Dream (July 3-7, 2008) – Claire Petrich, Co-Chair Tall Ships 2008, Port of Tacoma Commissioner
• June 5, 2008 – The New China, their Education System, Economy, Pollution, New Cities and Lifestyle- Senator Mike Carrell, 28th District

Note that changes in subjects/speakers occur from time to time. If you are interested in speaking to Lakewood United, contact them through their website.

Lights, camera, action…

By Nancy Covert

Shades of the '80s when Steilacoom was the location for three major films and numerous commercials. (War Games, etc.)

Once, again, it's showtime in Steilacoom…no, not the SHS Musical--"How to Succeed in Business"--that production, though, runs May 15, 16, 17 and 19.

Curran Apple Orchard Park Cultivates New Espalier

At the Curran Apple Orchard Park, Fred Langton, a volunteer with CORE (Curran Orchard Resource Enthusiasts), is creating a unique living sculpture, or an espalier, consisting of thirty-four dwarf apple trees and twenty-two large letters that spell out the park’s name.

Improve your photo skills at Lakewood Community Center

Photos and story by Ed Kane

Have you ever returned home from a long-awaited trip to some exotic land that you have dreamed of since way back when? While there did you burn up a fortune in film or digital space documenting your experience – an experience you would treasure through your images forever? Have you been disappointed – stunned even – that the photos did not truly represent what your eyes and mind absorbed and the emotional impact the actual scene had on you? Have you watched with humiliation as your friends and relatives yawned and held separate conversations as you unveiled your slide presentation or stack of photos from your once-in-a-lifetime adventure?

Obituaries

Betty Lou Roesler

Betty was born on November 24, 1919 in Danville, Illinois to Paul and Daisy Roesler. She passed away May 9, 2008 in Tacoma, Washington.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 PM, Friday, May 16, 2008 at Mountain View Memorial Park.

The above listed obituaries were arranged by Mountain View Funeral Home. Sign the online guest book. 253-584-0252.

Flags at half-staff Thursday

Flags will again fly at half-staff on Thursday, May 15 to honor Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week. To read the proclamation by President Bush, click here.

Pierce College to host open house

Tired of daydreaming about a new life and a new career? Take the first step and get all the information you need to realize your possibilities at the open house events this month at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. 1601 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood, will host its open house from 4 to 7 p.m. May 29. For more information, call (253) 912-3740.

The event will give you the information you need about academic and worker retraining programs, financial aid and scholarships, Running Start, advising, transfer, student programs and activities, and support services.

"This will be the best opportunity to get the broadest information regarding our services and our academic programs, all in one place," explained Sabrina Crenshaw, outreach manager for Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. "You can learn about the various ways to finance your education, the services we provide our students, and the certificate and degree options available for you to pursue."

In addition, current Pierce students will be on-hand to share their personal stories and to provide inside information on life at Pierce, while experts from such areas as financial aid and advising provide one-on-one information suited to your needs. Campus and facilities tours, including those of Pierce's two child development centers and science labs, will also be offered throughout both open houses.

Refreshments will be served and visitors will have opportunities to win prizes, including Pierce College merchandise and a $500 scholarship (one available at each campus).

Visitors at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom can also enjoy a visit from the KISS 106.1 FM Party Crew, which will be at the campus playing music and games, and giving away prizes.

Idlewild Elementary to offer tuition-based full-day kindergarten

Clover Park School District's (CPSD) Idlewild Elementary School will offer a tuition-based full-day kindergarten class beginning this fall. Tuition will start at $290 a month and will reduce on a sliding scale based on free and reduced lunch eligibility.

"We have seen amazing growth from our students in our state-funded full-day kindergarten programs," said Gary Wilson, assistant superintendent of Cluster two schools. "Idlewild staff and parents decided to create the full-day program at their school in order to expand early childhood education offerings. A full-day at school allows students to explore and reflect on their learning while receiving more individualized instructional attention-elements that are essential for increased student achievement."

Farm Day to showcase island sustainability

The Anderson Island Historical Society (AIHS) has been practicing the art of sustainability since its inception in 1975--with the donation of the Johnson Farm by Alma Ruth Laing, the only grandchild of John and Alma Ruth Johnson

AIHS will host “Farm Day,” on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Tide Bounce Back With Force

Midfielder, Machael David, assisted on goal #3. Photo by Samantha Mitchell.

The Tacoma Tide bounced back from a poor outing in Spokane to dominate the Cascade Surge by a score of 4-0. The Tide made Curtis High School Stadium, once again, look like a comfortable home.

The score was 1-0 at halftime on a penalty kick converted by Ruben Orozco late in the 37th minute. The penalty kick came on from a Brayton Knapp cross. Knapp’s left footed cross met the hand of a Surge defender and the official deemed it worth of a hand ball in the box. Whether the call was fair or not, the Tide dominated possession in the half and were deserving of the goal.

University Place fire chief hiring process faulted | TheNewsTribune.com | U. Place, WA

Read Brent Champaco's story in The News Tribune about University Place trying to hire a fire chief.

Choice for Clover Park Schools superintendent draws criticism | TheNewsTribune.com | Lakewood, WA

Read Debby Abe's story about the Clover Park School District superintendent selection process here (The News Tribune).

Memorial ceremony for Fort Lewis Soldier

FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- Family, friends, Soldiers and the Fort Lewis community will remember Spc. William T. Dix, in a memorial ceremony to be held Wednesay, May 14 at 2 p.m. in the North Fort Chapel.

According to the Department of Defense, Dix, 32, of Culver City, Calif., died April 27 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.

McChord stands-ready for Myanmar (Burma) relief operations

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Active-duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing and Reservists from the 446th AW are prepared to assist victims of Cyclone Nargis, which ravaged Myanmar (Burma) last week, leaving as many as 100,000 dead and millions homeless.

"A potential mission like this highlights the strategic importance of the C-17 (Globemaster III) and the unique capability of our Air Force," said Col. Jeffrey Stephenson, 62nd AW commander. "If called upon McChord Airmen stand ready to assist in Myanmar (Burma) relief efforts in any way possible."

Pierce College student writes/performs One-Woman Play

Fionna Larcom a Pierce College theatre student has written a One-Woman Play, which she will perform for the public Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at King's Book Store at 218 St. Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

"Table for One, No Waiting" explores one woman's journey through military life and the devastation of war.

JazzNite 2008: New Orleans’ style at SHS

Travel down to New Orleans at the end of May when Steilacoom High School’s jazz band and jazz choir present JazzNite. This second annual event features southern cuisine and great jazz.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30 at the SHS Commons.

Cost for the evening is $15 per person or $10 for students, and includes dinner (Southern Cuisine) and a live show, featuring the Jazz Band and The Puget Sound jazz choir, says choral director Rachael Welde.

Order your tickets today by phoning 983-2344. This show sold out last year, so purchase your tickets today, Welde added.

Clover Park Phoenix Academy's Green Plan

Clover Park High School is joining the green revolution. As a part of making Clover Park School District greener, a group named Phoenix Academy Sophomores will be conducting a garbage assessment. Students will bus tables at breakfast and lunch and will be counting the number of recyclable materials that are currently being thrown away. After school, students will sort and assess the garbage. Students will use this information to calculate the number of recycle bins needed to move Clover Park High School into a greener practice of waste management.

Pride Week concludes with 20,000 Soldier I Corps Run

FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., I Corps commanding general, and Command Sgt. Major Frank Grippe, I Corps Command Sergeant Major, led the way as about 20,000 Fort Lewis troops completed 5.25 mile I Corps run on Friday, May 9.

Flag's at half-staff

A letter writer asked about flag's lowered to half-staff last week. Following is a response to that query.

Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff:

• Wednesday, May 7, in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chad A. Caldwell of Spokane who was killed in action in Mosul, Iraq, last week.
• Thursday, May 8, in memory of Robert Brachtenbach, former Washington State Representative and former Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. Justice Brachtenbach was elected to the House of Representatives in 1962 and served two terms. He served on the Supreme Court from 1972 to 1994. He passed away May 2.
• Tuesday, May 13, in memory of U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Joseph M. Cerfus of Marysville who died during an active duty military training exercise in Canada on Monday.

Pierce County Parks & Rec, upcoming schedule

The Pierce County Parks and Recreation have the following programs coming soon:

• 18th annual Tour de Pierce Bike ride on Sunday, June 29th. A route for every level of rider: 12 mile, 30 mile or 50 mile. Fees are: $10 for an individual or $25 for a family of 4. T-shirts are available for pre-purchase at $8 each. The deadline to pre-register at the lower fee and tee shirt price is June 8.

For more information go to www.piercecountywa.org/parks

All programs (and registrations) will be held at the Lakewood Community Center (9112 Lakewood Dr SW) unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 253-798-4177, or online.

Lakewood City Manager Weekly Report (May 9)

Highlights from the weekly report (May 9) from City of Lakewood Manager, Andrew Neiditz to the Mayor and Council Members: