The Suburban Times » Announcements

Forecast for July 30th-August 1st

Tony Propp — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:45:36 +0000

These last couple days have been cooler but still sunny! That change in the weather pattern is here as you may have witnessed with the chilly and cloudy mornings. We are going to see all of that continue on top of some possible drizzle. Friday, we are going to see drizzle in the morning and a gradual clearing by the afternoon with a high near 74 and a low near 52. Saturday, we are going to see similar conditions with some possible drizzle in the morning becoming mostly sunny later in the day with a high near 67 and a low near 52. Sunday, we are going to see a chance of drizzle in the morning with mostly cloudy skies throughout the day and a high near 71 and a low near 52. The weekend weather isn’t the best to hear about but next week is looking pretty good! Enjoy your weekends everyone!

Tony Propp recently graduated high school. He is planning to attend The University of Oklahoma and is currently a National Weather Service (Skywarn) Storm spotter. He is also known nationally for his forecasts and storm chasing. His storm chasing team is called Mesochase which chases here in the Northwest as well as the Plains of northern Texas, through Oklahoma into Kansas.

===> Posted on July 30, 2010 by Tony Propp. No comments.

Ad: Move Now for Summer Savings – Merrill Gardens at Tacoma

Ben Sclair — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:46:01 +0000

Merrill Gardens

===> Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: NSF awards $344,055 grant to TCC

Ben Sclair — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:01:26 +0000

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant of $344,055 to Tacoma Community College to expand its existing Secure Logistics curriculum. The grant will allow TCC to develop continuing education modules for people working in the Secure Logistics field, and to further align coursework with industry-based best practices. The grant period began July 1, 2010 and ends June 30, 2012.

===> Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Audubon and Nature Center activities for August

Ben Sclair — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:07:21 +0000

The Tahoma Audubon Society, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place WA 98466, (253) 565-9278 is open Monday – Saturday 10 am-1 pm. Register for the following programs through the Tacoma Nature Center (253) 591-6439.

===> Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Pierce County Library System recruiting new Board of Trustee

Ben Sclair — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:04:04 +0000

An opportunity is available to guide the future of library service for the 554,000 residents throughout Pierce County Library System’s 1,800 square mile service area. The Library System is accepting applications for a new Board of Trustee to help guide the future of library service. Along with four other volunteer trustees, the new trustee’s primary responsibilities would include:
Read more...

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

PR: Red Cross Water Safety Tips to Live By

Ben Sclair — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:53:59 +0000

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is always a great time for children and parents to enjoy outdoor activities especially swimming at local pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches.

According to studies, drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for youth ages 5 to 24 years old and the fourth leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for all ages. The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, so both parents and children need to remember to follow the basic rules of water safety.

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

Audubon and Nature Center activities for August

Ben Sclair — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:18:07 +0000

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

Forecast for July 28-30 2010

Tony Propp — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:47:28 +0000

We have had a nice streak of weather this past week and now we are going to resume the weather we had last week. Remember when we had the cold cloudy mornings and around 2 PM it cleared up? We are going to start seeing that pattern again this week. Wednesday, we are going to see decreasing clouds ending the day with mostly sunny skies with a high near 77 and a low near 51 allowing that marine layer to come back. Thursday, we are going to see quite similar conditions with decreasing clouds throughout the day with a high near 77 and a low near 52. Friday, we are going to see that marine layer in the morning but it will burn off quick and we will see partly sunny skies with a high near 77 and a low near 52. Everyone enjoy the rest of your weeks!

===> Posted on July 28, 2010 by Tony Propp. No comments.

Lakewood Baptist Church to host Vacation Bible School

Ben Sclair — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:01:41 +0000

The Lakewood Baptist Church (10710 Old Military Road SW, Lakewood) will host its “Quest for Truth” Vacation Bible School August 3-7 (6:15-8:45 pm, except for August 7). For children from kindergarten through 6th Grade. Activities will include: games, skits, contests, prizes, snacks, Bible stories, and much more! Contact the church at 253-584-2500 or via email.

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

Youth Mapping Project

Ben Sclair — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:49:21 +0000

Kinds at the Computer Clubhouse are mapping all Lakewood-based programs for youth. At present, they are in need of “day care centers, churches, martial arts schools, etc… The Clubhouse kids are ready to jump on buses and start knocking on doors but, in the summer, that too is “hit or miss” because of seasonal hours.” If you can provide some data, click here for more information.

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

Lakewood United upcoming speaker schedule

Ben Sclair — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:59:23 +0000

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:

July 29, 2010 – Economic Development in Lakewood – Update – Ellie Chambers-Grady, Economic Development Manager, City of Lakewood (Pamela Maddess – MC)
August 5, 2010 – “Lakewood Playhouse Season Preview, Sherlock Holmes and More” – Marcus Walker, Managing Artistic Director (Ernie Heller – MC)
August 12, 2010 – “What’s Happening in Congress” – US Representative Adam Smith (Ninth District) (Kristi Roy – MC)
August 19, 2010 – State of the Department – Lakewood Assistant Police Chief Mike Zaro – Chief Bret Farrar will join if available (Sue Boguszewski – MC)

===> Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Free housing seminar aids tenants and landlords

Ben Sclair — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:04:49 +0000

Have you ever been turned down for housing, or been treated unfairly by a prospective landlord? If you’re a landlord, do you want to avoid fair housing complaints and learn more about what’s covered under the Fair Housing Act? The Pierce County Department of Community Services and the Fair Housing Center of Washington are hosting a free Fair Housing Training seminar for the general public. The seminar will be held July 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Soundview Conference Room of the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 98418. Additional time will be available following the one-hour presentation to answer questions. A flyer is available to download online.

===> Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

U.P. 15th anniversary celebration

Ben Sclair — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:07:35 +0000

A University Place 15th Anniversary celebration will be held on August 7th at Cirque Park (Cirque and Bridgeport) from 10 AM to 3 PM. The event will be hosted by KLAY Radio and Sponsored by Apple Realty and UP Vet Clinic. Events will include: Reptile Man, Rock N Roll Magic, Pups N Park, Watermelon Eating contest, Games and prizes for the Best Picnic Basket. It is a down home style event with hot dogs and community esprit de corp.

===> Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Forecast for July 26-28 2010

Tony Propp — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:16:13 +0000

We had quite a nice warm streak of weather over the weekend! We are going to see a couple more days of it before we get some clouds. Monday, we are going to see completely sunny skies with a high near 83 and a low near 52. Tuesday, we are going to see mostly sunny skies with a high near 81 and a low near 53. Wednesday, we are going to see a few more clouds with partly sunny skies and a high near 80 and a low near 53. Everyone enjoy your weeks! Get out and enjoy the sun!

===> Posted on July 26, 2010 by Tony Propp. No comments.

PR: Restored funding will keep parks open, maintained

Ben Sclair — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:42:04 +0000

Last Thursday was the last that boaters hoping to use the lake at Spanaway Park will find the front gates locked due to Pierce County budget cuts. The Pierce County Council this week put $80,000 back into the Parks and Recreation Services budget to keep Spanaway Park and others open every day for the rest of the summer and resume regular maintenance that had been discontinued. Councilmembers unanimously approved a supplemental 2010 budget measure (2010-26s) on Tuesday that uses general-fund reserves to re-open the parks, reinstate maintenance at Gonyea Playfield in Parkland, Dawson Playfield in Midland and Spanaway’s Sprinker Recreation Center, and hire extra seasonal help.

===> Posted on July 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Partnership puts area nurses back to work

Ben Sclair — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:32:25 +0000

A pilot program will launch this summer to put local resident immigrants who are skilled in nursing back to work in local hospitals and clinics. Tacoma Community College, WorkForce Central, Franciscan Health System and MultiCare are collaborating to form an international nurse program. The program aims to find qualified immigrant or refugee nurses and provide them with additional training on U.S. nurse practices so they can pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX). This will help address the nursing shortage locally.

===> Posted on July 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: More than 80 free computer classes

Ben Sclair — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:29:04 +0000

Visit a Pierce County Library this August through September to learn everything you need to know about computers. Learn the basics about using a computer, downloading audiobooks and e-books, communicating via e-mail, navigating the Net and creating a website. Get started using Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint or find answers to questions during drop-in help. Discover Library e-sources for job searchers, small business owners, investors and antique collectors.

===> Posted on July 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Forecast for July 23-25 2010

Tony Propp — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:47:32 +0000

Every day has been pretty much the same story. Clouds in the morning burning off by early afternoon. Well this will hold true for the next couple days. Friday, we are going to see decreasing clouds throughout the day and by the end of the day we will see a high near 76 with mostly sunny skies and a low near 53. Saturday, we are going to see sunny skies with a high near 84 and a low near 53. Sunday, we will see sunny skies with a high near 85 and a low near 53. The weather is staying pretty nice for us! The nights are a bit chilly but other than that it is very nice out there! Everyone enjoy your weekends!

===> Posted on July 23, 2010 by Tony Propp. No comments.

Tacoma Power receives long-term license for Cushman Dam

Ben Sclair — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:32:50 +0000

After waiting more than 36 years, Tacoma Power has finally received an acceptable long-term license to operate the Cushman Hydroelectric Project. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order on Thursday that amended a license issued in 1998 to include the terms of the settlement agreement that Tacoma Power and other government agencies signed with the Skokomish Tribal Nation in January 2009.

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

Pets of the Week

Ben Sclair — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:23:30 +0000

Meet Hammy! Hammy is a 1 year old female golden hamster. She is very sweet and looking for a home where she can get lots of time out in an exercise ball and lots of love. Hammy is currently hanging out in SMAM-a-lot with 4 other hamsters, 6 gerbils, 3 guinea pigs, and (of course) some bunnies. If you are looking to adopt a small pet, check us out first! We might have just what you are looking for! Hamster and Gerbil adoption fees are only $3.00! Guinea pigs are only$5.00!

Introducing Sabrina! Sabrina is a 1 1/2 year old spayed female. She is a domestic long haired kitty with tabby markings. Sabrina is a very sweet kitty and has not only spent time in foster, but has also been featured on our Comcast on Demand show. Sabrina is looking for a home where she can get lots of daily love and attention. Come meet her today. She might be just the kitty you have been searching for.

Contact The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, (253) 284-5844 for more information. You can now see all shelter pets online.

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

Stake no signs

Malcolm Russell — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:58:29 +0000

There are several improved right-of-ways within Lakewood and other neighboring communities. Most of these improved right-of-ways have rather costly irrigation systems with PVC piping located not far below the surface. The staking of seasonal political signs in the soil of these improved right-of-ways brings with it the risk of causing rather severe damage to the irrigation systems. If you are supporting a campaign this season please discourage the staking of political signs in our improved right of ways and help us avoid potential damage the costly irrigation systems located therein.

===> Posted on July 21, 2010 by Malcolm Russell. No comments.

Tide keeper shines on big stage

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:56:53 +0000

Just one day after the Tacoma Tide FC played a PDL regular season match in the race for the playoffs, Jordan Jennings was on the biggest stage against one of the most famous clubs in the world. With an injury to Kasey Keller and a red card to Terry Boss, the man holding the gloves was Jordan Jennings. The Tide’s all-time leader in goal keeper saves, shutouts, and minutes, ended up shining for 60+ for the Sounders FC in front of 45,000 fans.

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

Pierce County Council District #7 Candidate Forum On-Air

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:32:17 +0000

Eight candidates for the District #7 seat on the Pierce County Council participated in a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women voters on Wednesday, July 14 in University Place. Sewer hook ups, the county’s proposed flood control district and economic development were among the issues addressed by the candidates, one of whom will replace current County Councilman Terry Lee who is stepping down due to term limits. The forum is available for viewing at the following times and locations:

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

Pierce Transit Preservation Plan

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:28:39 +0000

Lakewood, WA – Details regarding the Pierce Transit Preservation Plan, the system redesign alternative selected by the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners at their July 2010 meeting, are now available at www.pttomorrow.org.

Modifications were made to the plan after the June 2010 Public Hearing regarding PT Tomorrow design alternatives. The focus of the Preservation Plan is to maintain service levels similar to current operations. Highlights of the June 2010 modifications include:

Milton

* Route 501, will connect Downtown Tacoma to Fife, Milton and Federal Way.

North Tacoma

Refining the service and renumbering of the 700 series back to the current Pierce Transit numbering system.

* Route 11, provides connections from Pt. Defiance to Downtown Tacoma via the Proctor District.
* Route 13, provides connections from Old Town and North 30th to Downtown Tacoma.
* Route 16, provides connections from Tacoma Community College, Wilson High School, Proctor Shopping District, and the Stadium District to Downtown Tacoma.
* Route 220, connects North Tacoma and the Proctor Shopping District to Lakewood. Route 220 will also serve portions of the eliminated Route 51, along N Union from N 26th to Center Street.

Previous modifications after phase two of the PT Tomorrow Public Involvement effort included services to Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Edgewood, Orting, and Steilacoom. Olympia Express service to Gig Harbor and Tacoma was also restored after phase two.

In addition to the adoption of the Preservation Plan, the Pierce Transit Board directed staff to put forward a ballot proposition for the February 8, 2011 election to exercise the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to provide funding to meet current service demands.

Since the beginning of the recession, Pierce Transit has been actively addressing the impacts of sharp declines in sales tax revenue. The agency was one of the first entities to experience a layoff of personnel –a five percent reduction. Pierce Transit delayed or eliminated capital projects, reduced service by nearly six percent, and increased regular adult fares by 25 cents. Those actions combined with employee identified operational efficiencies have saved over $72 million.

The Pierce Transit Board also directed staff to continue to look for ways to cut more costs without impacting service until the voters have their say in February of 2011.

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

PR: ‘Welcome Home’ and Change of Command Ceremony

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:16:55 +0000

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Joint Base Lewis-McChord will formally welcome home the Soldiers of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division during a Redeployment and Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, July 22, at 10 a.m. on Watkins Field.

The 5th Stryker Brigade (also known as the “Strike and Destroy” brigade) was deployed from July 2009 to July 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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

A shameless plug for Neighborhood Associations

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:05:09 +0000

Following is the start of a post from Kurt Sample on the Lakewood’s Promise website. He brings up some great points. Click here to read the entire post, and enjoy.

I like the idea of neighborhood associations. I like the fact that people, sharing a common area of town, have opportunities to get together and discuss what goes on in a neighborly way. I like the fact that you can talk with City representatives, police officers, fire personnel, guest speakers, as well as neighborhood residents and business owners. I like all of that.

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

Lakewood United upcoming speaker schedule

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:01:49 +0000

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:

July 22, 2010 – “What does the Pierce County Auditor do anyway?” – Julie Anderson (John Huber – MC)
July 29, 2010 – Economic Development in Lakewood – Update – Ellie Chambers-Grady, Economic Development Manager, City of Lakewood (Pamela Maddess – MC)
August 5, 2010 – “Lakewood Playhouse Season Preview, Sherlock Holmes and More” – Marcus Walker, Managing Artistic Director (Ernie Heller – MC)
August 12, 2010 – US Representative Adam Smith (Ninth District) (Kristi Roy – MC)

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

BE Daily: Lakewood vehicle licensing office receives perfect audit

Ben Sclair — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:52:44 +0000

The Lakewood Vehicle Licensing Office has received a perfect audit from the Washington State Department of Licensing. The office has been open for 29 years and is a sub-agent of the Pierce County Auditor’s Office. “It’s almost unheard of to receive a perfect audit,” said Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson. “I’m proud of the licensing services Walt Robb and his staff provide the citizens of Lakewood every day.” Lakewood customers will soon be able to pick up tab renewals without having to leave the car, via a licensing drive-through window. The Pierce County Auditor’s Office is responsible for elections, licensing services, a variety of public records and animal control services.

The above posted story is reprinted with permission from the Business Examiner.

===> Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Bruce Parker selected SHSD’s facilities and maintenance supervisor

Ben Sclair — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:36:23 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the appointment of Bruce Parker as the new Supervisor of School District Facilities and Maintenance. “My goal as a supervisor is to have employees who feel valued and involved. In my experience, this leads to people who want to contribute their best,” said Parker.

Mr. Parker comes to the district with thirty years of experience in the building maintenance and construction fields. Since 1997, he has served as Maintenance Foreman (HVAC) with the Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor. He is both a licensed master electrician and electrical contractor. He also holds certification as a Universal Refrigerant Technician and other professional endorsements.

===> Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

‘Holes 4 Homes’ golf tournament

Ben Sclair — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:33:36 +0000

Rebuilding Together South Sound and Sound Refining are teaming up for the 2010 Holes 4 Homes Golf Tournament to raise funds to help ensure that all of our neighbors can remain safe and independent in their homes. The tournament will take place DuPont’s Home Course (2300 Hoffman Hill) on August 5, starting at 11 am with a shotgun start. The tournament is followed by a dinner and silent auction. Sound Refining is sponsoring the tournament. Various levels of sponsorship are available, and we are accepting donations for auction items. You can also join for dinner only. For more information please visit our website. Please contact Linda Troeh with any questions.

===> Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.