The Suburban Times » Events

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...)

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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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 .

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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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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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

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

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

Sprinker’s new ice rink is open

russell — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:35:09 +0000

After an eight-month renovation, Pierce County opened its new ice rink at Sprinker Recreation Center on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The $6.5 million project included a new roof, a new rink and refrigeration equipment for the 35-year-old facility in Spanaway. The ice rink portion of the building had been threatened with closure in 2010 due to structural concerns, but Executive Pat McCarthy and the County Council found a way to address critical needs with existing funding.

Doors opened at 9 a.m. for an open house. County officials and a special guest – Olympic ice dancing silver medalist Ben Agosto – delivered brief remarks at 10:30 a.m. before McCarthy drove the Zamboni through a ribbon across the ice, signaling the start of a new era of recreation at Sprinker. The rink is now read for public skating.

AD: St. Frances Cabrini open house

Ben Sclair — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:58:12 +0000

Lakes’ Banner to announce commitment; Lakes players to sign letters of intent

russell — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:44:18 +0000

Zach Banner, Lakes High School’s stand-out 6-foot-9, 305 lb. offensive tackle, will formally announce which school he intends to sign on Monday, Jan. 30 at 2:30 p.m. in the Lakes High School Performing Arts Center, 10320 Farwest Drive SW in Lakewood.

Cedric Dozier, a 5-foot-11, 175 lb. quarterback, receiver and defensive back, may also make an official announcement during this time.

On National Signing Day—Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m. in the PAC—five Lakes football players (Zach Banner, Cedric Dozier, Mane Manaea, Levonte Littlejohn, Charles Hall, and Zaheer Webb) will sign letters of intent.

‘Xanadu’ may be no pleasure dome but what a hoot!

russell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:38:01 +0000

by Lynn Geyer

Somebody made a mistake and dropped the Muse in Venice, California, in 1980, where they collided with “Starlight Express!”

Tacoma Musical Playhouse’s Director/Choreographer Jon Douglas Rake confesses that “Xanadu” is “a Dumb…Stupid… show!” But, it’s SO entertaining!

In a nutshell, this unbelievably campy musical is about a sidewalk artist who isn’t satisfied with his mural of the Greek Muse so he figures he’ll commit suicide. The youngest muse, Clio decides to help him. However, she must disguise herself or break Daddy Zeus’ rules of not revealing herself to a mortal. So, she changes her name to “Kira” and puts on a pair of roller skates, leg warmers and an Australian accent. Sonny, our hero, is instantly inspired and plans to ask location owner, Danny, to donate the old, never opened Xanadu Movie Theater to him to use as a roller disco!

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Pierce County GOP Announces 2012 Precinct Caucuses

russell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:59:21 +0000

The Pierce County Republican Party has announced that 2012 GOP precinct caucuses are set for Saturday, March 3, in ten locations around the county. The caucuses will give Republican voters an opportunity to participate in a "straw poll" to name their preferred presidential candidate and to elect delegates to the Pierce County Republican Convention, beginning the winnowing process to select Washington State’s delegates to the Republican National Convention late this summer in Tampa, Florida.

Pierce County’s GOP will hold "pooled caucuses" centrally located within legislative districts to maximize attendance and reduce confusion over where each precinct meeting is located. All precincts in the 2nd, 25th, 26th, 27th and 31st Legislative Districts will caucus in single locations. The 28th and 29th Legislative Districts will divide into three and two locations, respectively. Sites for all of Pierce County's GOP precinct caucuses are attached.

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Rotary Club of Clover Parks moves meetings to Carrs in Lakewood

russell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:34:47 +0000

Come join the Rotary Club of Clover Park at their new meeting place Carrs Restaurant in Lakewood.

The Rotary Club of Clover Park has moved it meeting location from Oakbrook Country Club to Carrs Restaurant located at 11006 Bridgeport Way SW. The Club meets every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Guests are always welcome.

About Rotary: Rotary International is an organization of service clubs located all over the world. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,976 clubs and over 1.22 million members worldwide. Rotary's best-known motto is "Service above Self" and its international efforts to eliminate Polio.

New Date of Feb. 1 for Lyle Quasim Talk on “The Fire Within”

russell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:34:13 +0000

Martin Luther King Jnr. Day event cancelled during the snowstorm will now be held 7–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Kilworth Memorial Chapel

Lyle Quasim ’70, Hon.’05, the retiring president of Bates Technical College and longtime social activist and political leader, will present a talk on “The Fire Within” at University of Puget Sound on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

Quasim’s keynote speech for Martin Luther King Jnr. Day was delayed last week due to inclement weather. The free public event will now be held in Kilworth Memorial Chapel, 7–8:30 p.m. The celebration will also include gospel music from local artists Navele Davis & Friends. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Chili feed will raise money to honor returning single soldiers from war

russell — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:24:25 +0000

Doing something about the high number of suicides among young soldiers and airmen, the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army is spreading the love the moment single service members return home to base. AUSA provides welcome home baskets in the rooms of each returning single soldier and airman to Joint Base Lewis McChord. Prior to this program, it was common for returning warriors to spend their first night back from war in an empty barracks room without their possessions (because they travel in a different shipment), devoid of even sheets and a shower curtain. Typically, only those married soldiers and airmen with families living here are greeted by loved ones after stepping off the airplanes back in the South Sound. Our single troops' families usually don't travel for this homecoming because arrival dates are too last minute to coordinate flights. It is also too expensive for some families to travel here. Finally, these troops often arrive after duty hours, so food services are closed down on the base.

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St. Leo Food Connection to hold an evening of Irish food, music and dance to support hunger relief

russell — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:03:38 +0000

Please join us on Saturday, March 10th for the 2nd Annual Bia - Ceol- Damhsa, an evening of Irish food, music and dance to support the St. Leo Food Connection, which operates a number of emergency food programs, including:

The St. Leo Food Connection, one of the the largest food banks in Pierce County.
*The Springbrook Mobile Food Bank, serving more than 150 households weekly.
A Backpack Project that provides two days worth of kid-friendly food to more than 415 Tacoma Public School students at 14 schools on Fridays throughout the school year.
Summer Meals sites in Tacoma and Lakewood that provide lunch to an average of 500 children on weekdays throughout the summer as well as sites at two Migrant Farm Worker camps in the Skagit Valley that served lunch and a snack to 100 children daily.

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Southgate Elementary presents "Snow White" at Lakewood Playhouse on Jan. 28

russell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:38:52 +0000

Clover Park Rotary is sponsoring a performance of "Snow White" by students from Southgate Elementary School at Lakewood Playhouse on Saturday, January 28. The 4 pm performance is available to the general public on a pay what you can basis. The Lakewood Playhouse Youth Education program developed this project with a grant from Clover Park Rotary.

A command performance for the Clover Park Rotary will take place earlier in the day from noon to 2 pm as a fundraising event to finance future productions. Tickets for the afternoon performance are limited and may only be obtained from a member of the Clover Park Rotary. Contact Ernest Heller at 253-307-0545 to connect with a Rotarian to buy tickets.

This is the second year Clover Park Rotary has sponsored a Southgate Elementary School performance. Last year's production of "Peter Pan" was a standing room only event.

2012 Winter Wine Festival And Auction is Jan. 27

russell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:27:19 +0000

Festivities will be held at McGavick Center from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. including a wine tasting with 7 vintners presenting 28 varieties of wine. For your entertainment, Michael Martinez Duo will play live from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Michael's music is strongly influenced by Brazilian, Soul, and Jazz styles. For the auction, 90 items, each superb and unique, will be offered. One of the items being offered is a week's stay in Whistler, BC!
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Only three weeks until the Happy Hearts Dinner Auction!

russell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:13:47 +0000

By Diane Formoso

The auction is February 11 starting at 5:00 P.M. at the Sharon McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College. Tickets are only $35.00. We are asking the community to please support this fundraiser. I know what we do is so important. I not only volunteer my time but also invest over $5,000 each year in the program. We help thousands of kids in the community with the basic needs, so they will come to school ready to learn. So you can call me (Diane) at 279-9777 or email me at carekids@comcast.net. to purchase your tickets. If you would like to donate, you can send a check to Caring for Kids, 237 Eldorado Ave., Fircrest, WA 98466. Remember we are an all volunteer organization. We need you to help us make a difference!

Grief seminars offered in Lakewood Jan. 26

russell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:57:08 +0000

Mountain View Funeral Home will present a Grief Recovery Seminar on Thursday, January 26, 10:00 am to Noon, repeated on Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. These seminars will provide useful information about what actually helps people deal with loss. Both sessions will be at the Celebration of Life Center at Mountain View, 4100 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood. Geoff Piper, a certified Grief Recovery Specialist, will be the speaker. Piper, Mountain View’s Director of Bereavement Services, says, “Too many grievers suffer in isolation, thinking there’s nothing to do but ride out the pain. We’ll look at the myths and barriers to healing and share what has proven helpful for grievers.”

The program is for those dealing with a loss, as well as those who would like to help someone else who is grieving, and is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required. For more information, call Geoff Piper at 253-584-0252.

“Prevent Foreclosure Workshop” in Lakewood City Hall on Jan. 26

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:42:11 +0000

A free “Prevent Foreclosure Workshop” is being held in Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers on January 26th from 1-4pm. The Workshop is being conducted by South Sound Outreach, a non-profit agency approved by HUD that includes three certified housing counselors.

The Workshop will cover topics such as foreclosure timelines, communicating with lenders, how to submit a loan modification request, the mediation process and the” Making Home Affordable” program.

South Sound Outreach counsels clients with foreclosure prevention, loss mitigation assistance, personalized budget plans and credit repair. Learn more about South Sound Outreach by visiting www.SouthSoundOutreach.org

Children to create art after school at Steilacoom Pierce County Library

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:18:23 +0000

Children ages 6 and up will participate in free art events at Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.

Art After School will meet on the following Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Feb. 1
March 7
April 4
May 2

Young artists will make a craft to take home. Friends of Steilacoom Library sponsor these free events and will provide supplies.

Sprinker opening, Fun Run postponed due to storm

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:21:56 +0000

Two major Pierce County Parks and Recreation events have been postponed due to conditions caused by this week's winter storm.

Sprinker Recreation Center’s new ice rink was scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 21, after an eight-month closure. The opening is being moved to Jan. 28 due to the ice, snow and slush around the center, as well as the area's power outages.

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Special education Resource Fair Jan. 25

russell — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:54:55 +0000

Clover Park School District's Special Education Department is hosting its annual Resource Fair Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Services Center, 10903 Gravelly Lake Drive SW. Families of children with special needs are invited to attend this free event and connect to child-serving agencies and organizations. Food will be served and there will be games and activities for kids. For more information, call 583-5170.