The Suburban Times » Announcements

Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County at 4 p.m. today

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:10:54 +0000

To protect public health from rising air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban in Pierce County, effective at 4 p.m. today. This ban is in effect until further notice.

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Same sex marriage bill: Forum to discuss the effects for the people of Washington

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:57:50 +0000

On Feb. 1, the Washington State Senate passed a bill to make same-sex marriage legal in Washington. The measure now moves to the House, where supporters say they have the votes to pass it as early as next week. From there, Gov. Chris Gregoire has promised to sign it, making Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage.

But what does it mean to the citizens of the state? Some interesting consequences are tied to the measure.

A panel hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and the Diversity Resource Center will consider the consequences of making same-sex marriage legal in Washington at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in William Philip Hall on the UW Tacoma campus. (more...)

Airport Advisory Commission applicants sought

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:53:31 +0000

The Thun Field Advisory Commission is seeking applicants to fill one position to represent South Hill residents on the commission. The commission meets bi-monthly to review issues related to the Pierce County Thun Field airport and other properties within 1,000 feet of the airport.

The unpaid positions require applicants to be current South Hill residents. The term expires April 12, 2016.

Applications are available here or by calling 253-798-4050. Go online to get more information about the Thun Field Advisory Commission.

For more information, please contact Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities at 253-798-7109 or deb.wallace@co.pierce.wa.us.

2nd Stryker Brigade troops host G.I. Jane Day Friday

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:20 +0000

The Soldiers of Company B, 1^st Battalion, 17^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will host a G.I. Jane Day, Friday, Feb. 3 to give Soldiers’ spouses, as well as other family members, a fun, yet challenging look into some of the ways their Soldiers train. Leaders from Company B, 1-17 Infantry, hope the G.I. Jane day will strengthen the bond between Soldiers and their families while helping them better understand what it means to be a Soldier.

Schedule of Events:

11 a.m. “Battle-Rattle” Dash
12 noon M4 carbine rifle and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon firing
1:30 p.m. Stryker rides and static display

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Pets of the week

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:01 +0000

Omar: 458824 Ormar is all muscle and a giant heart! He’s a 5 year old neutered pit bull and is looking for love and a home where he can get lots of play time! Omar loves to go for walks and is very treat motivated. He would do best in a home where he can work on his training and learn new tricks. He already knows how to ‘sit’. Omar does seem to have some allergies that cause the pads of his paws to swell. This will need to be monitored and hopefully his new family can find the cause and get him on a special diet.. Come meet this handsome boy today!

Meino: 458723 This pet of the week is a true kitty Casanova. Meino is a 2 year old black tabby with white. He’s a neutered male and would love a home in time for Valentine’s day. Meino came to the shelter as a stray and is now hanging out in our new Petunia Louise Community Cat Room. He LOVES napping in the window seat and people watching. He’s very playful and very affectionate. He can get a little rough at times when he plays and would do best in a home with older children. Come meet this handsome man today!

Contact The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, (253) 383-2733 for more information. You can now see all shelter pets online.

AD: Foothills Family Furniture Anniversary Sale

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:42:56 +0000

AD: Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity Changing Lives Luncheon

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:48:12 +0000

Lakewold Garden hosting Winter (Clean-up) Garden Parties

russell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:41:54 +0000

Friends of Lakewold (and others who’ve got lots of energy left over after taking care of their own gardens) are invited to join in and help restore this piece of paradise to its usual splendor at a series of "Winter Garden Parties" at Lakewold Gardens. Formal attire is not required. Garden Parties are set for 9 -11:30 a.m. beginning on Feb. 8. Interested folks should contact Susan Ryan at 253-584-4106, ext 106, or email her at sryan@lakewoldgardens.org .

National truck driving organization recertifies Bates program

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:58:58 +0000

This month, the Professional Truck Driver Institute granted Bates Technical College’s Commercial Truck Driving-Entry Level program recertification.

PTDI certification, valid for five years, means the career education program meets or exceeds industry standards. The certification also helps ensure graduates are adequately qualified to safely handle the demands of the truck driving profession.

William Balcom, program manager for the Washington State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division, said, “Students who complete the truck driving course from Bates Technical College are well taught and prepared drivers,” he said. “The course sets the standard and exceeds state training requirements in order for a new truck driver to receive his/her commercial driver’s license.”

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Nominations being accepted for fourth Annual "Spirit of Youth" Award

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:37:38 +0000

The Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice (WA-PCJJ) is seeking nominations for the fourth Annual “Spirit of Youth” Award. The intent of the award is to recognize and celebrate a young adult who has made great strides following involvement with the juvenile justice system; has overcome personal obstacles; and is today making significant contributions to society. A $1,000 scholarship to attend a Washington state college, university or vocational/technical school is available to the award winner.

The award also provides the WA-PCJJ and the public with an important opportunity to learn from a young person’s direct experience about the hard work and dedication it takes to build a better life, and how juvenile justice professionals and systems can most effectively be of help.

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Emergency Food Network receives $15,000 from Harlequin Books

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:18:07 +0000

Once upon a time, in the land of books and publishing, Harlequin asked readers, authors and fans to help choose the recipients for the 2012 Harlequin More Than Words award—a program that recognizes and rewards women making extraordinary contributions to their community. The story continues when the winning recipients are paired up with Harlequin authors and the recipients’ journeys become the inspiration for three fictional short stories.

After more than 111,000 online votes and 7,800 Facebook shares, the 2012 recipients of the eighth annual Harlequin More Than Words award are Mindy Atwood of Hilliard, Ohio, who runs Patches of Light, a nonprofit organization where anonymous angels pay the rent for parents of desperately ill children; Helen McGovern of Tacoma, Washington, who oversees Emergency Food Network, which distributes food to 67 food banks, meal sites and shelters, including those with health restrictions; and Sally Spencer of Toronto, Ontario, who manages a mentoring program that rescues at-risk children.

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Giddy Up on Over to the Lakewood Chamber Chili Cook-Off!

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:29:34 +0000

Alrighty now Buckaroos...it's that time of year again! Dust off your saddle, scrape off the mud and polish up your boots for the 13th Annual Lakewood Chamber Chili Cook-Off!

If you’ve participated in the past, you know what a great time it is! If this is your first time … prepare yourself for an awesome gastronomical experience! Attendance has grown exponentially over the years and cook-off contestants continue to raise the bar with their offerings in this fierce competition! Thirteen competitors are hoping to have bragging rights for a year ~ in hopes of dethroning last year’s winner, Brink & Sadler, CPA’s.

YOU ARE THE JUDGE! Everyone attending the luncheon will be provided with their own ballot to select their favorite chili. Highest scorers will take home a first place and second place trophy!

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Love Struck, A Select Wedding Show is Feb. 17 & 18

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:20:46 +0000

From the producers of the South Sound and West Sound Wedding shows, comes Love Struck; an exclusive boutique wedding show featuring premier wedding professionals for the Puget Sound region.

The show is Friday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McGavick Event Center. The show is presented by South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine, a local resource guide for the South Puget Sound.

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Check into “California Suite” for a laugh-filled evening

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:06:45 +0000

by Lynn Geyer

There was a time when, if theatre-goers wanted an assurance of a fun evening, they would look for a Noel Coward play. Since the 1960s, Neil Simon plays have always been sure-fire laugh fests.

Today – things haven’t changed!

No matter how you slice it or what your age, “California Suite,” by Neil Simon is still as funny as it was when first produced in 1976.

This sparkling comedy offers four vignettes involving five actors as 11 characters; all but one of whom plays two or three roles. The differences between these personas are beautifully pulled off by the actors – there is absolutely no similarity of character in the roles each plays.

Much of this is probably due to the excellent direction of Frank Kohel, who has a portent for bringing out the best performances from an actor. Yet, surely, it is the actor who is ultimately responsible for the finished product of any show.

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Feb. 2 flag lowering to honor fallen Army private

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:04:49 +0000

Governor Chris Gregoire has directed flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Thursday, February 2, 2012, in memory of U. S. Army Private First Class Neil I. Turner, 21, of Tacoma, who died January 11, in Afghanistan of injuries sustained from a training accident.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Thursday, or first thing Friday morning, February 3.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Clover Park Technical College Foundation receives gift from the Muckleshoot Tribe

russell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:32 +0000

The Muckleshoot Tribe has awarded a $5,000 gift to Clover Park Technical College Foundation. The money will be used to continue to build our Emergency Assistance Endowment.

“We are grateful for the Muckleshoot Tribe’s donation,” said Dr. Debbie Ranniger, Executive Director. “The money will be used to fund our emergency assistance endowment – a fund that helps students stay in school by offering critical and timely assistance.”

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has long understood the importance of being proactive in meeting the needs of its community. The Muckleshoot Charity Fund has placed high priority in awarding grants to organizations throughout the region that address the unique local and regional issues facing the population.

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Lakewood Boys & Girls Club to take over the Lakewood Ram

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:06:58 +0000

The Lakewood Boys & Girls Club will take over the Ram Restaurant & Brewery from 4pm to 9pm for a fundraiser that will see 10% of all proceeds during this time donated to the Lakewood Boys & Girls Club.

The money goes to support programs and to allow 270 kids a day to be exposed to a safe, positive place to go after school, where they can have fun and build relationships with caring adults and other youth! Please come out and enjoy some food and support the youth in Lakewood as they strive to reach their own GREAT FUTURES!!!

The Ram Restaurant is located at 10019 59th Ave. Lakewood, WA 98499

For questions or more information contact Erik Kramer (253) 502-4661 or kramere@bgcsps.org

Tea at Ft. Steilacoom is set for Feb. 11

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:16:39 +0000

By Nancy Covert

Ladies of the Territory are cordially invited to attend an afternoon Valentines Tea with Abigail and Elizabeth, daughters of Mrs. Colonel Silas Casey, on Saturday the 11th of February, 2012.

The tea will be held at the Casey home at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory. Please arrive by 2 o’clock p.m. so that you will have plenty of time for socializing. Please, also, do reply no later than February 5th because Mrs. Casey’s housekeeper will need time to prepare the refreshments.

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Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon February events

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:16:31 +0000

Bird Walk
All ages welcome, free
Find out which of our avian friends call the Adriana Hess Wetland Park their home on a guided walk through the park. No registration needed. Call 253-565-9278 for more information.
February 13 noon – 1:30pm

Tahoma Audubon Just for Kids
Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $9 per student
Young homeschoolers and other children begin science and nature exploration through games, walks, and crafts. Register two days prior to the session.
This class is held at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place.
February 1 10:30am – noon Who’s Who
February 15 10:30am – noon Animal Families
February 29 10:30am – noon Bunches & Groups

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Lakewood United speaker schedule

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:05:05 +0000

By Robin Rego, Lakewood United President

The Lakewood United group meets at 7 AM every Thursday at Burs Restaurant, which is located at 6151 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood. The events for the next four weeks are as follows:

February 2, 2012 – “What is The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation” – Jeff Pritchard, Development Director (KC Carlson - MC)

February 9, 2012 – “State of the City” – Doug Richardson, Mayor, City of Lakewood (Kristi Roy - MC)

February 16, 2012 – Habitat for Humanity in Tillicum – Sue Potter, Director of Development (Evelyn Kelly - MC)

February 23, 2012 - Washington State Budget, Economy and Relationship to Federal Budget – Gary Chandler, Vice President Government Affairs, Association of Washington Business (AWB) (Ernie Heller - MC)

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Harrison Prep deemed International Baccalaureate World School

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:56:46 +0000

On Jan 9, 2012, after three years of preparation and planning, Clover Park School District's Harrison Preparatory School received its official authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Middle Years Program (MYP) to sixth- through 10th-graders (students 11 to 16-years-old).

“I am thrilled we have finally been authorized as an IB World School,” said Lisa Boyd, principal. “The Middle Years Program introduces our middle school students to rigorous international standards and allows our staff to have access to an international community of teachers and resources.”

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord late night firing announcement

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:54:59 +0000

Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be conducting late night firing on the following dates:

DATE	TIME	FIRING OF
1-3 February 2012	Day & Night	Demolitions, C4 and 120mm, 60mm Mortars
7-10 February 2012	Day & Night	120mm, 81mm and 60mm Mortars

Increased levels of activity will be noticed during the evening hours, and firing will be conducted from numerous firing points on base.

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AARP Drivers Safety Program class locator and schedule for February 2012

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:09 +0000

Currently there are 15 classes scheduled in and around the Tacoma – Pierce County area in February. Should someone wish information about future classes in the Tacoma area, please call 253-588-2885.

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Lakewood Chamber of Commerce seeks fearless chili tasters for chili cook-off on Feb. 2

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:09:08 +0000

The chili cook-off starts at 11;30 a.m. at the McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College. Tickets are $20 prepaid and $30 at the door. Proceeds go to the Business Students of the Year Scholarship Fund and an additional scholarship for military dependents only. Call (253) 582-9400 to RSVP.

Everyone gets to be a judge!

You can go to http://www.lakewood-chamber.com/pay_online to prepay for best price of $20!

Special thanks to Jaimie Garrett, Cobalt Mortgage and Adam's DJ Service

Lakewood Community Collaboration - health department survey seeks feedback on efforts

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:03:05 +0000

Admittedly, it was nice to get power back this week. Every time we experience a loss of sorts, it provides an opportuniy to reflect on the fortunate aspects of our lives. I spent part of this week working to relocate a gentleman who lost everything in a house fire last weekend. Through a grant human services secured, assistance the City provides through human services funding to help support the Tillicum/American Lake Gardens Community Center, and case management services and support provided by LASA, this man has been provided with relocation assistance, replacement of much needed items, and he has hope. While he'll never recover all the things he lost in the fire - he has an attitude of gratitute and a heart filled with hope. It's an amazing and encouraging story that supports so much of what we all do. Pictures like this truly put a loss of lights into perspective!

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Big crowd enjoys Sprinker ice rink’s opening day

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:03:50 +0000

A slideshow from the Jan. 28 opening ceremony is available here.

More than 400 skaters of all ages and abilities tried out Sprinker Recreation Center's new-and-improved ice rink on Jan. 28, which opened to the public after an eight-month renovation.

County Executive Pat McCarthy cut the ribbon by driving the Zamboni ice resurfacer through it, heralding the start of a new era at the 35-year-old rink, which was threatened with closure in 2010.

"This rink has been a great resource for recreation and exercise for hundreds of thousands of people over the years. Groups like the Lakewood Winter Club and Friends of Sprinker made it clear they wanted us to find a way to solve this problem," McCarthy said. "I'm really proud of my team for zeroing in on the priority needs, and then identifying existing funding to pay for it. I appreciate that the County Council approved this cost-effective, common sense solution."

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Forecast for January 30- February 1, 2012

Tony Propp — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:39:24 +0000

This week is definitely going to be a week full of showers! Monday, we are going to see showers throughout the day with a high near 50 and a low near 39. Tuesday, we are going to be seeing similar conditions with showers, a high near 48 and a low near 38. Wednesday looks similar to the rest of the week as well with showers, a high near 46 and a low near 37. It does look like we may get some sun at the end of the week, so let's keep our hopes up on that!

Tony Propp is now studying his prerequisites for photography. He is heading to The University of Oklahoma as soon as he gets his Associate's degree. He is currently a National Weather Service (Skywarn) Storm spotter. He is known nationally for his forecasts and storm chasing. He owns/operates a storm chasing team called Mesochase, which intercepted 31 tornadoes in the 2010 season, 2 of which were in Washington State. The 2011 season wasn't as active for the team as Tony only intercepted 1 tornado in Texas. After Tony gets his Bachelor's degree at the University of Oklahoma, he will join the Air Force to become a pilot.

AD: Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity Changing Lives Luncheon

Ben Sclair — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:44:54 +0000

Westside Story – Mail Masters

Joe Boyle — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:49:47 +0000

Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle

Back in about 1989, an enterprising entrepreneur opened a new Lakewood business called Mail Masters, located at 8103 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood, Washington 98498. Mail Masters featured mailbox rentals, mail service and package processing along with some general merchandise.

It was about 1998 when Bobby Williams, only 22 years old, purchased the operation and ran Mail Masters for 13 years. He worked hard six days a week with very little vacation time.

I became a customer about ten years ago when the Pony Express Mail Center closed at the Lakewood Mall.

Bobby was always pleasant and helpful during our decade of doing business together.

Well, the bad news caught up with me this past Friday. Bobby is closing Mail Masters on January 31, 2012.

If you get a chance and you know Bobby, stop by and wish him well with his next venture.

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Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County - Indoor and outdoor burning restrictions apply

russell — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:06:59 +0000

To protect public health from rising air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban in Pierce County, effective at 12 p.m. today. This ban is in effect until further notice.

High pressure has been building over the Puget Sound region, resulting in very cold and stagnant weather conditions. Air pollution is building up in Pierce County, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. With stagnant conditions expected to continue through tomorrow, pollution levels could reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category at some locations.

Clean Air Agency staff follow a protocol set by state law to determine when and where to issue a burn ban, and when to lift a burn ban.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas. It also includes burning yard waste and storm debris. Pierce County is providing FREE storm debris disposal options.
Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

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