The Suburban Times » Tillicum

Photo: Desperate Times

Ben Sclair — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:04:58 +0000

Desperate Times: “I need to make some money... However, I don’t have enough to let you buy these chairs... So, I’ll rent them to you for a little while. I know that they don’t make up a full set. You’ll just have to have that fourth person sit on the floor - BUT! I’ll give you a good deal!! As long as you bring them back when you are done!”

This photo, titled “Desperate Times” is from personal website of Christina Klas. A resident of Tillicum, Christina posts (almost daily) photos from her hometown.

===> Posted on July 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Ride with me!

Ben Sclair — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:34:43 +0000

Next month a group from the Tillicum Youth & Family Center are riding in the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. We are doing this ride in an effort to raise support for the Tillicum Youth & Family Center. Your support will help us continue the life-changing work of the TY&FC.Read more...

===> Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Neary-Sighted: ‘The Future of Tillicum’

Ben Sclair — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:04:08 +0000

Lakewood City Councilman Walter Neary writes on his Neary-Sighted blog about “The Future of Tilliucm“. From the post, “Tonight’s Lakewood City Council study session is 7 p.m. at the police station community room. There will be discussion about federal community development block grants, but likely the liveliest discussion will be a preliminary conversation about a draft neighborhood and economic development plan for Tillicum.” Read the rest online at Neary-Sighted.

===> Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: ‘Help Tillicum kids stay in school’

Ben Sclair — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:50:20 +0000

Communities In Schools of Lakewood (CISL) is the local affiliate of the nation’s largest drop out prevention program. We have been located in Lakewood since 1993 and have seen the graduation rate increase from 40% to 70%. We are now looking for your help.

Beginning in the Fall of 2010, CISL will (grant pending) begin a large scale program at Tillicum Elementary. This will include additional academic support after school as well as enrichment activities and recreational games and team-building activity. This program will include roughly 75 students and will run 5 days a week after school.

===> Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Tillicum Centennial Celebration

Ben Sclair — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:26:30 +0000

The Tillicum Centennial Celebration will take place Saturday, August 14 (11 am-7 pm) at Harry Todd Park. A day of food, music and live entertainment include a car show, Chris Craft boat rides, games, prizes, face painting, indian drummer and storyteller, chainsaw woodcarver, magic show, bounce house, music by the Rockin’ Relics and the Rebel Rousers. Emcee will be Tillicum native Jane McCarthy, a former KING 5TV news personality and current evening news co-anchor at KREM 2 in Spokane. 253-588-3159 for more information.

===> Posted on July 11, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Cooling centers available

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:10:24 +0000

Due to the region’s anticipated heat, Pierce County libraries and other facilities are inviting people to stop by and cool off. With temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees in some places this week, these air conditioned facilities can be valuable respites from the heat. Citizens are also encouraged to take advantage of cooler air in other public buildings such as movie theaters, malls and other stores.

In addition, all Lowe’s, Petco, and Petsmart locations and VCA Pacific Avenue Animal Hospital will allow people and their pets to come in and get out of the heat. Pets need to be on a leash or in a crate. Owners must provide water if they plan on staying for long periods of time.

===> Posted on July 6, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Happy Birthday to The Suburban Times

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:25:56 +0000

Happy 5th Birthday to The Suburban Times. On July 5, 2005 I wrote about “Our Plan“. The next day I wrote, “Welcome to The Suburban Times“. Reading back through those two posts, I was a bit nostalgic (is that possible after just 5 years?) and a bit pleased. You see, I’ve stuck pretty close to the original plan. Define the area (geographic in this case), and provide a clearinghouse for content that is hard and/or tedious to find otherwise. This was never meant to be MY newspaper. This is OUR newspaper. 99% (or so) of the content is user generated, and that’s exactly how I plan to keep it.

While writing this birthday note to myself, I thought I would take a look back at the last 12 months, to see how far we’ve come. In June 2010 we hosted 10,769 visits to our websites (up 60% from June 2009) from 6,569 visitors (up 56% from June 2009). In total, those visitors looked at 17,071 pages (up 53% from June 2009). [If you care, see our Google Analytics report below.]Read more...

===> Posted on July 5, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Letter: Tillicum community steps up

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:57:47 +0000

“Thank You for responding to the needs of one of our neighbors – the Thomas Davidson family. Burial expenses are now paid in full as just last evening (July 1st) attendees at the TWNA monthly meeting contributed the final amount needed. All the costs of Tom’s burial have been paid. It is a pleasure to minister in a community where people respond so well to one-another’s needs. Please continue to pray for the family and for their financial burdens as Kathy only has part time work to run the entire household.”

Pastor Scott
Tillicum Baptist Church

===> Posted on July 5, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: ‘Thank you City of Lakewood’

Ben Sclair — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:59:07 +0000

Thank you City of Lakewood, Public Works, for the outstanding job of flag placeholders along Union Ave. in Tillicum! Exactly in line, standing proudly like sentinels at attention, 100 4×6 American flags mounted on 16′ poles stretch both sides of the main thoroughfare making this weekend a drive worth taking – twice!

===> Posted on July 4, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

‘Eyes in the Woods’ program kicks off

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:32:18 +0000

The “Eyes in the Woods” program kicks off the summer season on Wednesday, June 30, 6 p.m. at the public launch in Tillicum. Volunteers will gather for instructions from Fish & Wildlife Officer Dustin Prater on litter pick-up, site maintenance, flyer distribution and schedule rotation. Bright-orange take-home vests and gloves will be issued. To volunteer to help keep our lake access clean and safe, please contact David Anderson, project coordinator, at (253) 988-2536 or billsboathouse@qwestoffice.net.

===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Tillicum Emergency + Update

Ben Sclair — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:39:10 +0000

The Tillicum community once again needs to rally around the Davidson family, long-time residents of Tillicum. Tom just this morning, June 23, 2010 died of a heart attack. Tom and Kathy recently lost their three-year-old granddaughter Saniah in a tragic accident. Saniah’s mother Lancey Canley and so many family members are there at the home now as I write this. And more members of this large and close family will be arriving.

That presents a very practical need. Food. If you would like to prepare food for the family – and that would include things to drink, and the very practical items of cups, plates, utensils, paper towels, even toilet and tissue paper, and garbage bags and whatever else you can think of practically that would enable this family to not worry about such things, then contact me at the options below.

Various kitchens throughout the neighborhood have been made available – school, church and Youth & Family Center – for freezing items as necessary.

On behalf of this very dear family to so many of us,

Thank you.

Community Matters
David Anderson
988-2536

UPDATE:

As I wrote earlier today, Tom Davidson, long-time resident of Tillicum, died this morning, June 23, of a heart attack. Tom and Kathy recently lost their three-year-old granddaughter Saniah in a tragic accident. Now the family must bury the grandfather.

Here are excerpts of an update from Scott Fennell, pastor of Tillicum Baptist church.

“The Tom and Kathy Davidson family has no money or insurance to cover the burial cost. The minimal costs for a humble plot and burial is $3500. The Tillicum Baptist Church has set up a fund to cover the cost, and money can be donated by writing a check to the church with “Tom Davidson” in the memo. Any money given would be used to cover burial expenses, and anything that comes in above the cost would be given over to Kathy Davidson. Could you please help get the word out and let us help bring love and healing to this dear family.”

Thank you,

Pastor Scott B. Fennell
253-584-1864

===> Posted on June 24, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Letter: Woodbrook’s PTSA is now inactive

Ben Sclair — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:01:23 +0000

By Karen Lebeter, Tillicum

The Woodbrook Middle School’s PTSA is now inactive. We have not been able to meet the minimum member requirement to continue to be a part of the National PTA organization. The school used to have a PTO, but to start another we would have to file a 501(c)3 at a cost of over $700. Sarah Weiler and I have not had a child there for 2 years but tried to keep it going.

We awarded money we had earned through bookfairs and collecting Box Tops and Labels on Friday, June 18th. Beth Harrison is in charge of the student ASB and sports department. We gave her a check for $500 for a Scoreboard or other expenses for the Sports dept, and a check for $425 for the Student Body to be used as they wish (dance, party, supplies, etc.).Read more...

===> Posted on June 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 2 comments.

Letter: Curb it, park it

Ben Sclair — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:26:11 +0000

By David Anderson, Tillicum

Curb it, park it, get on your bike and ride it! Save the planet and here’s a way to pay for it (Olympian story)! Check out the ongoing discussion on Facebook by the group “City of Lakewood should provide Tillicum with a BIKE PATH!“. There is yet another discussion on Tillicum’s website at www.MeetTheNeighbors.org.

===> Posted on June 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

O’Ban raises $14,000 at kick-off

Ben Sclair — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:49:55 +0000

Steve O’Ban, candidate for State Representative in the 28th district, has reported raising $14,000 at a Wednesday night kick-off fundraiser at Tillicum’s Thornewood Castle. The O’Ban campaign will report an additional $16,000 of in-kind donations as well.

===> Posted on May 27, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Water line insurance?

Ben Sclair — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:13:33 +0000

A sharp citizen has tipped me off to a recent mass-mailing from a company offering insurance for your water lines from the street to your house. I don’t have many details yet, but I’m checking into it. At this time I cannot say it it’s legitimate or a scam. The mailing includes a phone number and a WA state contractor’s license, both of which I am investigating.

===> Posted on May 23, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

King 5 high-speed rail story

Ben Sclair — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:12:26 +0000

King 5’s Glenn Farley had a segment on May 17 on the proposed high-speed rail line cutting through Lakewood, Tillicum, JBLM and Tacoma.

Thank you to Dave Anderson for passing along the link.

===> Posted on May 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Observant neighbors may have stopped robbery

Ben Sclair — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:38:52 +0000

From Lakewood Community Service Officer Mike Miller: “Wednesday night about 5:30 some vigilant neighbors may have interrupted another burglary or possible home invasion robbery. At the door of last week’s home invasion robbery In the 8800 block of Forest Road SW, neighbors spotted an unknown (but recognized from living in the neighborhood) black male, early 20’s, hair in shoulder length ‘corn-row’ braids, wearing gray shirt knocking at the front door. The robbery victim answered the door, and the subject claimed to be lost, looking for a local apartment complex – which raises a red flag since he was knocking at a small private residential door. Subject left on foot down Forest towards the lake.

===> Posted on May 13, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Letter: What about that ‘nice, wide path’?

Ben Sclair — Tue, 11 May 2010 03:34:58 +0000

I am wondering if any readers might be able to answer a question for me. I live in Tillicum and often look to come into work via my bicycle (it is national ride your bike to work month – something I try and take advantage of when the weather is this nice!). However, Tillicum has no access into Lakewood other than to ride the shoulder of the freeway so that is what I am doing currently. I have noticed as of late, that because of the construction going on to put in new sewers for Tillicum, a nice, wide path has been paved on the inside of the fence surrounding country club property. In fact, as I drive passed at the Gravelly Lake entrance to I-5 I have seen several people strolling up and down this new path. Is this at some point going to be opened up to the Tillicum residents in order to have safe passage to and from Lakewood? What a great resource (not to mention a safe alternative!) that would be!! Thank you.

Christina Klas
Tillicum Resident

===> Posted on May 10, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 2 comments.

Beware summer scammers

Ben Sclair — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:23:59 +0000

Submitted by Mike Miller (LK303), Community Service Officer, Lakewood Police Department, 253-983-7856

A nice elderly lady in Woodbrook was contacted at her door by a ‘contractor’ offering to seal her driveway – which happens to be gravel, not asphalt. Contractor offered it for $200, the lady’s son bargained it down to $75 (cash only), and the job was done. At least, the guy sprayed some kind of diesel-smelling chemical on her driveway. So we have an offer of work, an acceptance, and job delivery – no crime there. He provided a generic bid sheet as a receipt when asked. THE CONTRACTOR IS NOT WANTED FOR ANY CRIME. This is just information for you. If you have had contact with this guy, I’d like to hear from you.

===> Posted on May 9, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Home invasion in Tillicum

Ben Sclair — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:50:03 +0000

Following is from Lakewood Community Service Officer Mike Miller regarding a home invasion in Tillicum:

On May 4 at about 04:15 a.m. a home invasion robbery happened at a residence on Forest Rd SW. Suspects entered through an unsecured back door, surprising the homeowner who was in the kitchen. They forced the homeowner to the floor and stole some cash and coins. The homeowner ran to a neighbor’s house as the two suspects fled out the front door, and neighbor called 911. Police arrived, a K9 track was run but without success. The homeowner was not injured. Some property was recovered and taken for fingerprint analysis, but the suspects may have been wearing gloves.

I implore everyone to keep all doors & windows secured, even when you are up and inside your house. A locked door might have prevented this robbery, or at least bought time for the resident to flee to safety. Remember, property can be replaced – your life and health cannot.

If you don’t have deadbolt locks, get some. Replace your current door strike screws with 3” screws. These longer screws will go all the way into the door stud, making the door much, much harder to kick in.

Be sure your windows and sliding glass doors have good locks, and use them. Put anti-slide and anti-lift devices in all slider windows and doors.

For anti-slide, use a wooden dowel cut to fit very closely between the door and the wall. You can cut another dowel to a shorter length for summer if you want your window open a couple inches.

For anti-lift device I recommend you install a screw at the top inside track of the door or window. Simply drive the screw in just far enough that the door/window can slide under it, but if anyone tries to jiggle it up & out of the track the screw will block it.

If you aren’t sure about your home’s safety, I’ll be happy to come do a quick check and offer recommendations. Just call me at 253 983-7856 to set up a time.

Mike Miller LK303
Community Service Officer
Lakewood Police Department
Community Safety Resource Team
6000 Main St SW Lakewood, WA 98499
253 983-7856 office

From David Anderson: This information will also be added to the Tillicum Woodbrook Neighborhood Assocation homepage where a discussion of this incident, and your ability to post similar news for purposes of our residents’ safety, can be added. Officer Miller is a member of that site and can thus monitor your entries of a police-need-to-know nature. You can access that page at www.MeetTheNeighbors.org. If you are not a member, and its free, you can join up. If you have difficulty registering, send me an email at billsboathouse@qwestoffice.net.

===> Posted on May 5, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Fire merger topic at Tillicum neighborhood meeting

Ben Sclair — Sun, 02 May 2010 22:06:08 +0000

The Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association (TWNA) first Thursday of each month meeting will feature a PowerPoint presentation of the proposal to merge the Lakewood Fire Department into that of University Place. The TWNA meets at the Tillicum Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave. SW, 6:30 p.m., May 6th.

===> Posted on May 2, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Spring 2010 AARP Driver Safety Class filled

Jaynie Jones — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:14:21 +0000

Bridgeport Place welcomed 20 guests to the Spring 2010 AARP Driver Safety Class, which is an eight-hour course spanning two days’ time, and is geared toward drivers who are 50+. The class was taught by Merrie Sullivan, certified instructor, who is already scheduled to return again September 24 & 25 for another session. The Suburban Times graciously carried the announcement about the Spring 2010 Class. Drivers who complete the course receive a certificate that can be utilized for a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The class members were treated to coffee and pastries each morning and a complimentary lunch buffet each of the days. They expressed not only their appreciation for the use of facility as a meeting place for the class, but were also pleased by the hospitality and warmth of the staff and residents who welcomed them in, and the range of amenities. Some of the comments they penned included “Kudos to the chef!” … “This is a very warm and friendly facility. It’s like a country club. Thank you for the wonderful meals and snacks” … “The two meals broke my diet, but it was worth it” … “What could have been a grind turned into a great experience thanks to your hospitality and generous buffet. Have talked to some residents and they are so positive and happy here.” More than half of those who attended the class requested a tour of Bridgeport Place.

===> Posted on April 26, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Spring Event at Bair Bistro

Jaynie Jones — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:23:42 +0000

Forty-three members and guests of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a “Spring Evening at The Bair” on Thursday, April 22. Representing the Port of Tacoma, Connie Bacon was the featured guest speaker during the dinner. She stated that the Port is currently conducting a “nationwide search for a new CEO who is trustworthy, who will tell us the right story in business for the Port of Tacoma, who understands strategic thinking, and is a go-getter.” According to Bacon, the Port of Tacoma is “beginning to see a tiny rise in activity, but anticipates steady growth over the next five years.” She added that the Port has spent $170M to clean-up Puget Sound and Commencement Bay. There are ongoing negotiations with the Puyallup Tribe about possibly operating a terminal, as well. Bus tours of the Port of Tacoma are available to the public and scheduled every couple of months.

===> Posted on April 25, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Family of 10 needs help

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:19:17 +0000

From the tireless Diane Formoso of Caring for Kids. “I am working with a homeless family of 10 members. They now have a place to live, but they have no beds or furniture. If you can help call Diane @ 253-279-9777.”

===> Posted on April 20, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Saniah Marcus memorial service

Ben Sclair — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:30 +0000

A candle-light vigil for Saniah Marcus, the 3-year-old girl who was accidentally killed while riding her tricycle Monday, was held Friday, April 16 at Happy Days Daycare, 8311 27th St. SW, in University Place. Saniah had attended Happy Days Daycare all three of her years, along with her siblings. Donations will be accepted to cover funeral expenses.

The PTA at Sunset Primary School has also established a donation account to help Saniah’s family with medical and memorial costs. Two of her siblings attend the University Place School. Donations can also be made at any Columbia Bank branch to the “Donation account for Saniah Marcus.”

===> Posted on April 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Maldonado family update

Ben Sclair — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:19:29 +0000

The following is an update on the Maldonado family from Mary Anderson who has been coordinating their needs.

Dearest Tillicum Community and friends,

Thank you so much for all of your donations of diapers and Similac as well as offering your time. I am sending you this long overdue email to update you concerning the Maldonado family – Parents Maria and Geraldo; and children Danny and Crystol (both in Middle School) and little Kaylee.

Last night (Thursday, April 1) I was privileged again to visit their home. With me, for the second time, came some friends – James, with his recently married wife, a kind-hearted girl relocating here from Mexico. She translated for us and truly enjoyed speaking Spanish. These evenings included much laughter and sharing of stories.

===> Posted on April 4, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Read before writing that check

Ben Sclair — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:37:16 +0000

If you have not already, very soon you will be asked to financially support candidates that would like to represent you in Olympia. We strongly recommend that you carefully consider the values that matter to you before you write that check.

Given your support of the initiative to ban gambling in Lakewood in 2008, we of the SaveLakewood Steering Committee believe – like you – that it is strong families that build strong communities; that economic development should reflect the values of the people who live here; that public safety should not be sacrificed to, nor threatened by, the predatory gambling industry. The following candidates seek your vote, and your financial support.Read more...

===> Posted on March 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 15 comments.

Help needed in Tillicum

Ben Sclair — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:57:13 +0000

A young Hispanic family in Tillicum needs your help. Their little one-year old has suffered significant brain damage and cries all the time – except when she is held, rocked, cuddled. Mom and dad are exhausted. Both work, and two older siblings attend school. The two children speak English. There also may be food and diaper needs, perhaps others as well as we become more familiar with this family. But the primary concern right now is for little one-year-old Kaylee to just be held.
Read more...

===> Posted on March 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Rockin’ Relics at Tillie’s for a 50’s Party

Ben Sclair — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:53:36 +0000

Thursday, March 11, 2010, is going to be a rockin good time. At Tillicum Elementary, a 50’s party (and dinner) to benefit the Tillicum Centennial will be held. The group will be serving chicken alfredo and salad, with root beer floats for dessert. Come on down and be prepared to have some fun. If you have some 50’s attire (poodle skirt, cocktail dress and hat, suit with skinny tie, etc.), come decked out! If not, show up anyway and have a blast! This time the tickets bought ahead of time will be the usual price, $7.50 for adults and $4.00 for kids (under 3 free), but adults will be $10 at the door. It is hard to get a count when everyone buys their tickets at the door and we want to have enough food without lots of leftovers. Call Karen 253-983-9093, or buy tickets in advance at Tillicum Elementary School, or the Bill’s Boathouse in Tillicum, or the Tillicum Community Center. Be there or be square!!

===> Posted on March 9, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Rockin’ in Tillicum

Ben Sclair — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:11:20 +0000

Get your tickets sooner than later! They are $7.50 now, $10 at the door! (Children 4-12 are $4, and under three are free). It’s the third in our series, Thursday Night Live At Tillie’s – Not Your Regular Dinner Show!

One night only…its Johnny “Crash” Arbeeny, former deputy mayor of Lakewood, and The Rockin’ Relics! Chicken Alfredo, salad, and rootbeer floats! It’s a return to the golden age of Rock ‘n Roll!

Thursday, March 11th, Tillicum Elementary School gym, 8514 Maple St., doors open at 6 p.m.
Read more...

===> Posted on March 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.