The Suburban Times » People

Clover Park Rotary International Project

Ben Sclair — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:13:07 +0000

By Alan Billingsley

This year Clover Park Rotary raised money to purchase stoves for an entire village in the jungles of Guatemala. Families there cook on the dirt floors of their very modest dwellings as they have for hundreds of years. Living and breathing the smoke from their cooking all their lives.

The village of Nuevo Santiago could not be any more remote. It takes 14 hours over the worst roads in the world to get to this village high in the mountains. The homes there are about 15’ X 20’ dirt floor; maybe a few wood logs or stools and a few cooking pots with a fire on the floor in the house. Of the 80 families in the village, we were able to give and install each with a new metal stove designed to vent outside the house and consume 10% of the fire wood used in the traditional 3 stone cooking fire.

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

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.

Walker’s Antiques open for business

Nancy Covert — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:02:56 +0000

Antique aficionados—take note. There’s a “new” business in Steilacoom; one specializing in “old” stuff. As an eye-catching display of wares takes shape on the back of an antiquated red pickup, and shop owner Al Walker explains that he’s been interested in antiques “ever since high school.”

This past Wednesday (business hours are from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays), he’d just unrolled a colorful Persian-style rug and anchored it with a pair of heavy pottery jars next to the truck.

===> Posted on July 21, 2010 by Nancy Covert. 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.

Tilzer wins IABM Award

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:51:08 +0000

Chris Tilzer, a student in Broadcasting and Video Production at Bates Technical College, is one of 10 recipients of the highly competitive International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) Engineering Student Award.

The only recipient from the United States, Tilzer will join other winners from France, Russia and the United Kingdom at the annual International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) this September in Amsterdam’s RAI Centre. The award pays for five days in Amsterdam at the IBC conference and exhibition, accommodation, travel and daily expenses.

===> Posted on July 20, 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.

The Power of Planning

Brad Berger — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:02:23 +0000

If you are planning for today, it’s too late. The day is already here. What you will be left with is a series of reactions that are not under your control, but instead are dictated by the forces around you. Planning should be about tomorrow and the years to come.

For some time I have been discussing my economic point of view, bringing attention to the difficulties that we face in our economy and in economies around the world. The list is long, including too much debt, cities and states in trouble, rising taxes, and few opportunities for growth. The trends were evident for all to see, ignored by most, and unfolded as if almost on queue.

===> Posted on July 15, 2010 by Brad Berger. No comments.

New administrators approved by CPSD Board of Directors

Ben Sclair — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:50:42 +0000

LAKEWOOD- The Clover Park School District (CPSD) Board of Directors approved the hiring of two administrators to fill vacancies in the district during the July 12 regular board meeting. The district welcomes Kristy Harris as the new director of financial services and Katie O’Brien as a new assistant principal at Lakes High School. The board also approved other new hires for the district as part of the monthly personnel actions listing.

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

Saudia James-Heard is running fast

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:38:40 +0000

On July 3rd, 2010 Lakewood’s Saudia James-Heard took 1st place in the 400m race (1:06:4), 1st place in long jump (12′9″), 2nd Place in the 200m race (29:3). Onward to Nationals! Saudia’s parents are Stephanie and Tony Heard.

Thanks to Mike Kanter for this wonderful nugget of information.

===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 6 comments.

Holocaust speaker talks with Lochburn students

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:23:13 +0000

English Language Learner students from Lochburn Middle School listen to the son of two Holocaust survivors, Sheldon Balberman, talk about their experiences.

English Language Learner students from Shelley Heinzman’s class at Lochburn Middle School listened to the son of two Holocaust survivors talk about their experiences. Sheldon Balberman conducted the presentation for the students on June 18.

The students studied the stories of Anne Frank and Sadako Sasaki which were part of an overarching theme on conflicts that lead to war and the children of war. The students created artifacts, posters, essays and visual art projects that were displayed in the classroom and library.

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

Hole No. 3 dedicated to Medal of Honor Award Recipients

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:17:45 +0000

Master Sgt. Wilburn K. Ross (left) and Lt. Col. Joe Jackson (both retired)

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Hole No. 3 at American Lake Veterans Golf Course, considered the course’s “signature hole,” was dedicated as the “Medal of Honor” hole during a special event on June 25. The recognition honors recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. Two local Medal of Honor recipients were among participants at ceremonies last week to commemorate the special designation.

Army veteran Master Sgt. Wilburn K. Ross, a resident of DuPont, and Kent resident Lt. Col. Joe Jackson, a career officer in the United States Air Force, were honored at the dedication ceremonies. Ross was issued the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his extraordinary bravery while serving as a Private 2 (PV2) during repeated German assaults on his position near St. Jacques, France. Col. Jackson, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, distinguished himself as a pilot during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1969 for a dangerous extraction operation of comrades. Joining them was The Rev. Dr. Francis Jeffrey, National Chaplain Emeritus of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, who delivered the invocation and benediction.

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

PR: Oakwood receives grant from Office of Education Ombudsman

Ben Sclair — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:14:15 +0000

Principal of Oakwood Elementary School, John Mitchell, discusses the School-Family Partnership project with parent volunteer, Lucia Michelot, and third-grade Teacher, Liz Colleran (left to right).

LAKEWOOD- Oakwood Elementary School has received a $5,000 grant from the Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) to develop a School-Family Partnership (SFP) pilot project. The purpose of the project is to provide training in collaboration with parents and teachers so they are partners in the education of students. The OEO will help the Oakwood staff develop a SFP team comprised of trained parents and staff. Twenty Oakwood staff members will be involved with the training along with 20 parents. Oakwood is the only school in the Puget Sound area to receive the grant. In addition to the grant money, the school will receive: Read more...

===> Posted on June 30, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Area WASPs honored

Ben Sclair — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:42:18 +0000

Six surviving WASPS were honored by the Museum of Flight at a hangar party recently at Boeing Field. At the same event as the anniversary of the B-17. Second from right is Mary Sturdevant of Parkland and to her left is Dorothy Olsen, 94, of Tacoma. Both women ferried planes during WWII. WASP stands for Women’s Airforce Service Pilots. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of Flight).

===> Posted on June 30, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Galaz named Queen at Convention

Ben Sclair — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:46:29 +0000

Amber Galaz, 15 of Lakewood, incoming Sophomore at Curtis Senior High School was chosen Washington Grand Bethel Honored Queen at the June 18-20 State Convention for Job’s Daughters. Miss Galaz will hold the title until June 2011. Her duties include representing Job’s Daughters of Washington at the International Convention August 3-7, 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and traveling across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Job’s Daughters is an international organization for young ladies between the ages of 10 and 20. There are 26 local chapters across the State of Washington, including local chapters in Lakewood, University Place, Puyallup, and Tacoma. Local chapters select their own peer leaders, complete service projects, arrange fun activities, and travel. For more information go to www.waiojd.org.

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

Joel Lang appointed principal at Saltar’s Pont Elementary

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:07:08 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the selection of Joel Lang as the new principal of Saltar’s Point Elementary School located in Steilacoom.

“I view Saltar’s Point Elementary as a place of hope and learning for everyone – students, staff and families. My commitment is to help the Saltar’s Point community make a great school even better,” said Lang.

===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 2 comments.

PR: Deciding about long term care insurance

Ben Sclair — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:03:33 +0000

No form of insurance is more controversial – and confusing – than long term care insurance. That may be one reason why only 11 percent of adults in this country purchase coverage.

“Long term care insurance: wise or foolish?” is an opportunity to get impartial information about the strengths and weaknesses of coverage. The workshop will deal with basic issues such as how long term care insurance works, how much it cost, the various services it covers and conditions that may be excluded.

===> Posted on June 23, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

IBL all-time leading scorer to retire after 2010 season

Ben Sclair — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:38:18 +0000

A staple in Tacoma-area basketball is putting an end to his professional playing career. Dontay Harris, the International Basketball League’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time league all-star selection, is calling it quits.

Over the past six seasons in the IBL, the 32-year-old Harris has tallied 2435 points in a total 106 games. During that span, Harris donned uniforms for Tacoma’s Thunder, Jazz and Tide. His best season offensively came in a Jazz uniform in 2007, when the power forward averaged 21.2 points in 18 contests.

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

Computer Clubhouse offers summer programs

Ben Sclair — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:41:26 +0000

The Lakewood Computer Clubhouse will again be offering free programs this summer for youth ages 10-16. The summer programs are meant to be fun while strengthening skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas. Featured this summer will be:Read more...

===> Posted on June 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

CP student receives achievement award

Ben Sclair — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:34:45 +0000

Hana C. Page, a student at Clover Park High School has received The Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award for superior citizenship and achievement in national competition. Hamilton Awards are given annually by The Alexander Hamilton Friends Association (Hamilton Friends) of Seattle, Washington. It includes a cash award, a copy of the biography, Alexander Hamilton by author Ron Chernow, an autographed copy of Hamilton by the Slice, by its author William Chrystal, and a celebratory proclamation signed by Doug Hamilton, the fifth great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton.

===> Posted on June 16, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

‘Bad Boys of McNeil Island’ produces large turnout

Ben Sclair — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:39:51 +0000

A large crowd turned out to hear Joan Curtis of Steilacoom discuss the “Bad Boys of McNeil Island” Tuesday night at the Lakewood Library. The Steilacoom author and historian was the featured speaker for the Lakewood Historical Society’s June program. The speaker provided a wealth of information about the inmates of the island prison when it was part of the federal prison system. Curtis told how early prisoners rowed the boat to the island under armed guard and how some prisoners has a soft life, courtesy of the warden at the time.

===> Posted on June 16, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Lakes’ Laubach to be new director of teaching and learning

Ben Sclair — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:58:10 +0000

LAKEWOOD – Lakes High School principal Brian Laubach has been appointed as Clover Park School District’s new director of teaching and learning. Laubach is replacing Patty Maxfield, who is retiring July 1. Karen Mauer-Smith, an assistant principal at Lakes, will replace Laubach as Lakes’ principal. ”Brian has been very involved with improving instruction, professional development and curriculum issues throughout his tenure in the district,” said superintendent Debbie LeBeau. “He will bring a principal’s perspective to the director of teaching and learning role and help move forward the district’s work accomplished to date.” Laubach has worked in the district since 1993 and has served as principal at Lakes since 2006. Laubach will assume his new duties July 1.

===> Posted on June 15, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Saunders joins Lakewood Historical Society board

Dave Sclair — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:51:52 +0000

Larry Saunders, former Lakewood Police Chief, has joined the board of directors of the Lakewood Historical Society. He is filling out the term of Gary Hess, who has resigned due to business commitments. Society President Becky Huber said she feels Saunders will be a strong addition to the growing historical society and museum. The organization recently employed a professional director on a part-time basis and is currently involved in its annual fund raising campaign.

===> Posted on June 15, 2010 by Dave Sclair. 5 comments.

Correction: PR: Marianne Bull named Steilacoom’s Citizen of the Year

Ben Sclair — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:07:16 +0000

Editor’s Note: This release ran in Monday’s email edition with an Marianne’s name spelled wrong. Apologies to Mrs. Bull.

Marianne Bull has served her community well during the past thirty plus years. Her love and appreciation of historic preservation goes back to her hometown of York, Pennsylvania. She has served as a member of the Steilacoom Preservation and Review Board for the past ten years. During that time Design Standards were adopted to further assist the board in its review of buildings in the Historic District. Her artistic eye and attention to detail have greatly contributed to the work in the district. That attention to detail and hard work were further utilized when she restored her own home, The Captain Black House. The restoration “is an example of how it is possible to adapt an historic structure to modem use and life, while preserving and honoring the integrity of the historic design and structure.” In May the Bulls received a Historic Preservation Award from the Town of Steilacoom for their work and dedication.

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

Steilacoom Grade School, 1926 7th and 8th Grades

Ben Sclair — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:36:03 +0000

By Buzz Brake

Continuing with Steilacoom Historical Museum Association’s (SHMA) historical photo of the week series, this photo shows the Steilacoom Grade School 1926 7th and 8th grade classes. This and many other school photos are available for viewing and downloading (for free) at www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com. School photos can be viewed in full size and downloaded free at that web site.

Pictured here are (left to right): front row, James Jack, Raymond Dailey, Russell Wells, William Petrie, Lind Rennord, Cornelius Karman; second row, Ruth Bacon, Edith Curran, Viola Adams, Jewell Morris, Juanita Andrews, Grace Hubbard, Emily Fitch, Margaret Hatcher, and; back row, Beatrice Hatcher, Mary Taylor, Alice Chapman, and Katherine St. Clair.

If you have comments or suggestions concerning the school photos shown here or previously in Suburban Times, or any other SHMA historical photos, please contact the historical photo site webmaster.

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

PR: Marianne Bull named Steilacoom’s Citizen of the Year

Ben Sclair — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:25:30 +0000

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

Steilacoom Grade School, 1892 – 1916

Ben Sclair — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:34:20 +0000

By Buzz Brake

The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association (SHMA) historical photo this week is of the Steilacoom Grade School built in 1892, the first substantial school built specifically for that purpose in Steilacoom. Prior classes had met in the courthouse, and before that, in a small one-room structure. In 1916, a new school was built adjacent to the 1892 school. That school building is still in use and is now called Pioneer School.

Visit www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com to see other views of the 1892 school, its 1916 replacement, and many more historical photos and documents of interest to Steilacoom and regional citizens. If you have comments or suggestions concerning the school photos or any other SHMA historical photos, please contact the webmaster.

===> Posted on June 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

High schoolers earn varsity letter in community service

Ben Sclair — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:44:15 +0000

LAKEWOOD- Nineteen Clover Park High School (CPSD) high schoolers earned a varsity letter in community service this year. The students received their letter on May 25 at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. Each year since 2002, United Way of Pierce County partners with Pierce County schools to recognize and reward students for their volunteer efforts in the community. Students who volunteer 145 hours or more of service in a year can earn their varsity letter, the same as those earned by athletes and musicians. Applicants must meet the following basic qualifications: be a student in grades 9-12 in Pierce County; complete at least 145 hours of community service from April 1 to March 31; at least 50 of the total hours must be in non-school related activities; and have at least one school related volunteer activity. The CPSD students who are varsity letter in community service recipients are:

Read more...

===> Posted on June 3, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Lakewood Fire Dispatcher Honored at Daughter’s School

Jenny Sharp — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:27:43 +0000

Lakewood firefighters and dispatchers gather with Guy’s wife, Wendy (center, in black) and Char Bair (far left)

Lakewood, Wash. – On Thursday, May 27, 2010, Olympic View Elementary students, PTA members, North Thurston School District employees, Lakewood Fire Department firefighters and Fire Comm dispatchers gathered together for one reason: to honor Guy Ploegman.

Guy Ploegman worked at the Lakewood Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter from 1972-1983 and then became a Fire Comm dispatcher in 1983 until he retired as a dispatch supervisor in 2007. Guy retired to spend time with his family; his wife, Wendy, and daughter Amanda. Sadly, Guy’s time was cut short with his girls, as he passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on December 7, 2009. Guy has been greatly missed, not only by his family, but his Lakewood Fire family and all who knew him.Read more...

===> Posted on June 2, 2010 by Jenny Sharp. No comments.

St. Mary’s hires music director

Ben Sclair — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:36:15 +0000

Fred McIlroy has been hired by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church & Christian School as Music Director effective July 1. The position will merge together the myriad duties of choir director, organist, contemporary music leader and St. Mary’s Christian School music instructor.

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

Former CWA headmaster dies

Ben Sclair — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:47:02 +0000

Former Charles Wright Academy headmaster Bob Minnerly (1986-1996) passed away on Tuesday, June 1. As a proud CWA alum (1988) this is indeed a sad announcement. God speed Bob. [Read more of the announcement from CWA's Wright Back at Ya blog and as we learn more, we'll pass it along].

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