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Westside Story – Highest & Best Use
Photo & Story – Joseph Boyle
About 5 years ago, we built what we refer to as our garden house. We kept putting stuff inside to store out of the weather, but we never took anything out to be disposed of.
After 5 years, we could hardly walk around inside our garden house. It reminded me of the famous old time radio show, which featured Fibber McGee and Molly’s closet.
Westside Story – North Bend Starbucks Goes Dark
Photo & Story – Joseph Boyle
On this past Sunday, May 5, 2013, I fired up my Harley Road King and headed down the road to meet up with my 1950 first grade school buddy, Drew. If you remember, it was a great day with full sun and warm temperatures.
We dropped our kickstands in front of our favorite North Bend, Washington Starbucks at around 10:00 am.
Around the Sound: King Street Station Renovation completed
By Nancy Covert
Seattle’s King Street Station: the place where a $16.9 million restoration to the original $450,000 railroad terminal has been completed, and the City of Seattle officially marked its re-opening this past Thursday, April 24, 2013. What a Difference!
Around the Sound: First, current mayors of Steilacoom meet
William Wallace, Steilacoom’s first mayor re-enacted by David Leroy, meets Ron Lucas, Steilacoom’s current mayor.
By Nancy Covert
Mayor William H. Wallace, portrayed by David Leroy, Idaho’s former Lt. Gov. and Wallace scholar, spoke Saturday, April 20, at Historic Ft. Steilacoom during its 2013 Living History Day program. The presentation was co-sponsored by Historic Ft. Steilacoom and Steilacoom Historical Museum Association.
Westside Story – Financial House
Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle
This article is about keeping your financial house in good order.
When you retire, please, please, please take a good long look at your retirement plan settlement options. Do the right, ethical, smart and loving thing during your decision making process.
Around the Sound: An afternoon at the Wagon Shop
By Nancy Covert
Nineteen Cherrydale Kindergarteners from Kelly Foit’s class visited Nathaniel Orr’s wagon shop on April 11 to learn about Orr and all the tools stored therein: bellows for the forge, drills, saws, hammers, nails, etc even tops. [See photo gallery below]. Everyone had a good time, including the Chaperones. Best of all were the “bouncy buggy rides” provided by Buzz Brake, Wagon Shop Docent. A good time was had by all. After a thrilling, time-packed half hour they continued with a tour to the Post Office.
Westside Story – Retirement Week 1
Story – Joseph Boyle
It has been one week since I started my new life serving our community as a retired guy. Someone has to do this important work. I am doing my part by hanging out at Starbucks with no visible means of support. My friends are hoping I have some invisible means of support.
Plus I opened up an opportunity for a young guy or gal who is waiting in the wings for my job.
Around the Sound: Tulip Tree
By Nancy Covert
The Liriodendron tulipifera–better known as the Tulip Tree–is reknowned for its chalice-like blossoms. A recent sighting of one in my neighborhood, inspired these words from Omar Khayyam, the 11th century Persian mathematician/astronomer/poet who wrote the Rubaiyat. There are at least 18 different translations. Here’s one:
“Come fill the cup and in the fire of spring your winter garment of repentance fling. The bird of time has but a little way to flutter, and lo, the bird is on the wing.”
Tutoring: One Small Step at a Time
How did you make it through high school? Most of us had some simple help – even if only from older siblings or parents. But what if that help hadn’t been there? What if your parents or older siblings didn’t graduate high school? This is the case for many young people struggling in school today.
In the isolated overlooked community of Tillicum, there are many potential first generation high school graduates. Tacoma Youth for Christ established the Scholars Program at the Tillicum Youth & Family Center to help that potential become a reality.
To find out how something as simple as a $10 art fee can be a challenge to a struggling young person – check out the latest blog by Education Specialist Nate Duriga.
Around the Sound: New exhibit features Lakewood’s original shopping centers
By Nancy Covert
Lakewood Community Center (LCC) was designed and built for the people of the Lakes and Prairie districts of Pierce County by residents of the district. The success or failure depends upon the use by you and your family and not whether the builders make or lose money.
While every effort has been made to make the Lakewood Community Center a lovely place with the finest furnishings and equipment, there will be no premium prices for using the center.”
Westside Story – A Train Ride
Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle
I can’t believe it. It seems like just yesterday when I started my career with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. On Friday, March 29, 2013 at 4:30 pm I walked out the door of the County City Building – Sheriff’s Headquarters for the last time. For 8440 days, my career was a giant part of my life.
It is official. I am retired.
Westside Story –The Dalai Lama, Words of Wisdom
Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle
Early this week I was wandering around Graham – Kapowsin High School. I do that because I have a wandering-around job.
Around the Sound: Hope in a small package
By Nancy Covert
Portulaca—the first time I saw the rosy-hued Moss Rose (here are about 100 varieties, I’ve learned), was in mid-February of my 9th year when my third grade science teacher pinned up an illustrated poster colored with at least a dozen varieties of flowers, ranging from cosmos daisies to zinnias, from morning glories to nasturtiums.
Searching for Great-Grandfather Who Named Anderson Island?
By Nancy Covert
Nancy Marguerite Anderson wanted to know more about her great grandfather.
His name was Alexander Caulfield Anderson. He’d come to the Northwest in the 1840s as a fur trader with the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Around the Sound: Springtime in the Cemetery
That’s not litter in the Cemetery off Washington Blvd. Those are pink, white and purple crocuses that spread every year–the crocuses provide a nice touch of color for the area. Photo by Nancy Covert.
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