The Suburban Times

Leading the online class revolution with Quality Matters Certification

Ben Sclair — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:09:34 +0000

By Shawn Jennison, Clover Park Technical College, In The Spotlight blog

Fran Hunter, instructor for the Dental Administrative Specialist program is training to become a Quality Matters Master Reviewer. She runs the online version of her program and plans to use this training to help the Dental Administrative Specialist program become QM Certified. Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process that is designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses.

QM is a leader in quality assurance for online education and has received national recognition for its peer-based approach and continuous improvement in online education and student learning. QM subscribers include community and technical colleges, colleges and universities, K-12 schools and systems, and other academic institutions.

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

Area kids make trip to Yellowstone

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:56:35 +0000

Some truly blessed kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound got the opportunity of a lifetime. Through a gift by a couple of anonymous donors a select group of 21 Club members from Lakewood, Tacoma, Spanaway, North Mason, Bremerton, and South Kitsap took an all expenses paid journey to Yellowstone National Park August 16-20. The Club members, who are all 5th graders, were led by five Boys & Girls Clubs staff members and two Yellowstone Association Instructors in learning about and experiencing wildlife, ecology, and geography.

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

Help build a playground

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:44:17 +0000

The Playground by the Sound committee is trying once again to win a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Everything Internet Contest. There are three (3) ways to vote (all three count each day, so vote three times). FIRST: Text 100542 to Pepsi (73774). SECOND: Online at Pepsi Refresh website. THIRD: On Facebook (which works best if you are already logged in). Another easy was to “remember” is to sign-up for a daily reminder at the groups website. Remember, the playground was designed by University Place School District students, and will be built by volunteers in the North Meadow about Chambers Bay Golf Course.

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

Fill The Bowl

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:34:40 +0000

Anthony Victor from Madurai, India set the Guinness record for longest ear hair (7.12 inches)… All that YOU have to do to break a world record is donate some food! On September 17th and 18th, our community will SHATTER the Guinness record for the largest 24-hour food drive by collecting 1 million pounds of food. Visit http://www.fillthestadiumbowl.blogspot.com for event information. Here’s how you can help:
Read more...

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

Prepare for a Disaster, Get CERT Trained

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:21:04 +0000

After a disaster strikes, the capacity of our first responders may be overwhelmed by the number of people in need of their services; fire, police, medical, and utilities personnel are not able to respond to every need at once. If our emergency responders cannot reach us, we will have to help ourselves. Do you know how to take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors after a disaster? DuPont citizens have the opportunity to learn these skills through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. CERTs are trained by uniformed fire personnel in various disaster topics. The twenty hours of training include sessions on personal preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical, search and rescue, and disaster psychology. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a CERT helmet, goggles, and a backpack filled with emergency response supplies. The training culminates in a four-hour, hands-on disaster drill at the DuPont Fire Station.

CERT training is free to anyone who lives or works in DuPont. Come take CERT training and help DuPont become a more prepared community! There are no knowledge or ability requirements; we invite any citizens with the desire to help others to join our CERT team. The next class begins October 18th and meets every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-9:00pm for three weeks. The final drill is from 10:00am-2:00pm Saturday, November 6th. For more information or to register, please contact Vincent Martinez, at 253-983-4580.

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

AD: Rainbow Rehab Physical Therapy!

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:14:13 +0000

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

Health Department closed September 6-7

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:59:13 +0000

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2010, to honor Labor Day. Then, the department will also be closed on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, as part of planned furlough days when the agency closes and staff take leave without pay. A budget shortfall resulted in the need for thirteen furlough days in 2010. Furlough dates for the rest of 2010 include:

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

USGA adds $25,000 to fund for American Lake Veterans Golf Course

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:52:43 +0000

Harold (Pepper) Roberts, Ken Still, Gene McClure (left to right).

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – While top-ranked amateurs battled brisk winds and each other for quarterfinal spots in the U.S. Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay, a special presentation took place near the main public scoreboard.

On Thursday, Aug. 26, Gene McClure from the United States Golf Association presented a $25,000 check to representatives of nearby American Lake Veterans Golf Course. The funds will assist with maintenance of unique and heavily-used facility, the only course in the U.S. designed specifically for wounded and disabled veterans.

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

Food banks to receive outreach services

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:49:17 +0000

FISH Food Banks of Pierce County, South Sound Outreach Services and Bank of America will host an opening celebration and tour for their new Lakewood-area Connection Center on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Lakes Area FISH Food Bank, located at United Methodist Church (6900 Steilacoom Blvd., SW, Lakewood 98499).
Read more...

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

Family, friends to welcome 8th Airlift Squadron home

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:41:40 +0000

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – More than 120 Airmen from McChord Field’s 8th Airlift Squadron will be greeted by family and friends here Thursday morning after a 120-day deployment in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. The 8th AS Airmen were deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to an overseas contingency location in the Middle East.
Read more...

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

Clover Park, Lakes football game slated for Sept. 3

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:36:55 +0000

Clover Park and Lakes High School football teams will start their 2010 season playing each other on Friday, Sept. 3. For the first time, the teams will face each other in the opening game of the season, instead of the last game of the season. As of the 2010 season, Clover Park and Lakes are in different classifications and their league schedules are different. Clover Park will host Lakes at 7 p.m., at Harry E. Lang Stadium, 6015 111th St. SW in Lakewood. Admission prices are:

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

PR: September is National Preparedness Month

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:32:46 +0000

In conjunction with the five-year anniversary of the devastating Gulf Coast storms of 2005, the U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging business owners, homeowners and others to create their own disaster preparedness plan during National Preparedness Month in September.

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

Pets of the Week

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:30:37 +0000

This couch potato is looking for a home of his own where he can share the TV remote. Meet Benny. Benny is an 11 year old Black Lab. He’s an older dog with more than a few gray hairs, but don’t let that fool you! Benny loves to get around. He loves to take walks and be the center of attention. Benny is overweight because of an overactive thyroid. He is going to need some additional vet care and a good diet. Come to the shelter and meet Benny today!

This pretty kitty is Drusilla. She is a 3 year old domestic short hair mix with a beautiful light coat. She is a spayed female with a very loving personality. Drusilla came to the shelter when her owner ended up with too many cats. She is now here awaiting her ’forever home’ and new family. Drusilla likes to talk, has a wonderful purr, and craves attention. She can be a little shy, but just until she gets to know you. Come meet her today!

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

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

State Medicaid offices closed Sept. 4-7

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:26:42 +0000

Offices of the Washington State Medicaid program will be closed for an extra-long Labor Day weekend in part to accommodate a temporary layoff day intended to cut government costs in this year’s budget. Medicaid offices will reopen on Wednesday, September 8, at 8 a.m.

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

Lakewood building permit activity (August 2010)

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:18:50 +0000

Permits for more than $6.7 million worth of construction were issued during August 2010 by the City of Lakewood. The breakdown of issued permits by category is as follows:

35 building permits for construction valued at $6.631,503.88
1 demolition permits valued at $20,000
17 mechanical permits
10 plumbing permits
10 sign permits valued at $50,699

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

Letter: Steilacoom resident posts “Mariners’ Blues”

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:05:09 +0000

Steilacoom resident Craig Mooring has posted “Mariners’ Blues” on YouTube. The song is fun and describes the state of the Mariners.

Paul Hinds
Steilacoom

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Apprenticeship program helps student’s mother, community

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:05:07 +0000

Back row, from left: Poli Villami, Michelle Scafaro, Angelica Watson, Ashley Lehman, Oliver Kilifi, Jim Jones. Front row, from left: Meili Chen, Tracy Oster, Kim Garcia, Blanca Curtis.

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Hillside secretary honored for professionalism, expertise

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:52:17 +0000

Pam Jones, left, secretary of Hillside Elementary School, receives a JBLM MWR coin and certificate of appreciation from Denis Senftner, right, deputy director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation for her professionalism and expertise during a recent visit by the secretary of the Army.

During a recent tour of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) John McHugh, secretary of the Army, requested a visit to Hillside Elementary School—much to the surprise of school secretary Pam Jones. Jones was busily working in the office when members of the Secret Service notified her of McHugh’s arrival and requested a tour of the facility. Jones happily obliged and took McHugh and a small group of JBLM officials on a tour of the building, answering questions and providing information.

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Teachers go back to school, too!

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:50:57 +0000

Secondary educators from Steilacoom Historical School District’s Steilacoom High School and Pioneer Middle School attend classes at Pioneer focusing on Response to Intervention (RtI). The presentation made by Wayne Callender of Partners for Learning addressed how secondary teachers can assist students master material that they may have missed or not understood when originally presented. The model uses a team approach for supporting student with academic issues.

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Ad: Save the Date

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:48:04 +0000

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Golfers invited to join “Force of Volunteers” at 9-11 Golf Tournament

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:43:07 +0000

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Golfers and non-golfers are invited to join the American Lake Veterans Golf Course “Force of Volunteers” on Friday, Sept. 10 at a special tournament to commemorate 9-11 and to raise money for the course that caters to wounded and disabled veterans.

Golfers may register as individuals ($175), twosomes ($300), or foursomes ($500) and their choice of a morning or afternoon time. The scramble format tournament includes a barbecue lunch and opportunity to compete in several skills contests while playing. Mulligans, raffle tickets, T-shirts and ALVCC caps will be available for purchase.

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Obituary Notices

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:08:17 +0000

Dorothy Joan Brooks was born March 21, 1920, in New Zealand. She passed away peacefully August 27, 2010 at Recollections/Laurel House senior care facility. Joan is survived by her daughter Carolyn (Carole) Brown (David) and family, friends and caregivers who will miss and love her always. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Brooks, May 26, 1976. Services will be held Saturday Sept 11 at 1:00PMEin The Garden Chapel, Mountain View funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA. The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for the love, caring and support the team provided. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 253-584-0252. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.

CSM Edgar David Ware (Retired) was born on January 15, 1934 in Carthage, Texas to Lucy and Edgar Ware. He went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2010. Known for his love of people, David knew no strangers. Actively involved as a member of Allen A.M.E. Church, he served as Trustee ProETemp, sang with the Sons of Thunder, Gospel Chorus, and assisted Allen in many other capacities. David was also affiliated with the Tacoma Urban League Guild, Ray Gibson’s Caballeros Club, Cassia Lodge No. 5. Serving twenty-nine years in the United States Army, retiring from the United States Postal Service, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Evergreen State College, Tacoma, David was a presence in our city, “a definition of a strong Black man.” Leaving to cherish his memory is his wife Deloris; sons Ed (Diana), Greg, Michael (Chuck); grandsons Nathan, Jordan; brothers Albert Ware (Betty), Pastor Gregory Ware (Cheryl); sisters Katheryn Moffitt (Otha), Lorine Cash (Ed), Mary Ware-Williams; and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing Mountain View Funeral Home Friday, September 3, 2010, 1 – 7:30 PM. Memorial Service Allen A.M.E. Church, Saturday, September 4, 2010, 11:00 AM. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 253-584-0252. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.

MSGT Robert Allen Yoders (Ret. E-8) Dec. 28, 1942 – Aug. 28, 2010 Robert Allen Yoders, 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, from complications of cancer. Born in Rices Landing, PA, he was predeceased by his father Harry, mother Mary, brothers Sam, George, Barry, sister Geraldine, all of PA, sister Naomi of CA and first wife Elaine. He is survived by brothers Jo Walter, Charles, sister Betty of PA, son Michael and wife Kelly and family, daughter Deborah and husbandEMike and family, present wife Luanne and her children Launa Parker, Richard O’Leary and Danielle Gregory and there families: totalling 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Bob spent 24 years in the Army serving his country and was proud of it. He was stationed in Kentucky, Germany , Hawaii, Alaska, Fort Lewis, WA and did 2 tours in Viet Nam during which time he earned the Medal of Valor, the Silver Star and numerous other medals of recognition. He was a chief mechanic, infantryman, Drill Sgt. and career counselor. He retired in 1985 and went to work at Lockheed in Seattle for 3 years. He had his own mechanic body shop with his son until his health no longer allowed him to paint cars. He was a 37-year member of the Eagles Club and a disabled Vet registered with the DAV. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and travel across the states in his RV with his wife and their dogs. He spent his whole life helping others and living true to his word. He will be greatly missed by everybody who knew him – especially his hunting partners and best friend Donald O’Connor. We love you, Bob. The void you leave us with will never be filled by another. Open Services at Mt. View Funeral Park, Celebration of Life Bldg., Aspen Chapel, Friday, Sept. 3rd, 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 253-584-0252. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.

===> Posted on September 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Forecast for September 1st-3rd 2010

Tony Propp — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:50:08 +0000

This week has been a gloomy one for some people and a happy one for others, some welcome the rain and some dislike it. We did need the rain but it’s not going to stick around! Wednesday, we are going to see showers throughout the day with a high near 69 and a low near 51. Thursday, we are going to see it clear up and warm up quite a bit with mostly sunny skies, a high near 76 and a low near 51. Friday, we are going to see completely sunny skies with a high near 77 and a low near 52 so everyone enjoy the rest of your weeks!

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 September 1, 2010 by Tony Propp. No comments.

Letter: Why Run?

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:08:00 +0000

By Jon Higley, Candidate for State Rep. from the 27th District

To a casual observer it would seem odd that a school teacher of 30 years who’s recently retired would make a very good representative in Olympia. So, why would I want to run? More importantly, what would I do once I got to our state’s capitol? These are valid questions which deserve to be answered.

But first, let’s look at the facts regarding our state’s fiscal circumstance taken from the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus of 2008: Read more...

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Family, friends to welcome 8th Airlift Squadron home

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:12:05 +0000

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Touch a Truck

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:40:11 +0000

Pierce County Parks and Recreation invites you and your child to explore the world of big trucks and special equipment on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00am-1:00pm. Kids of all ages will love to climb, sit in, and honk horns. This free event is held at Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 S C St in Parkland. For more information call 253-798-4177.

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Ladd, Stahlman married

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:02:39 +0000

Roberta Maria Ladd and Marc James Stahlman were married on the 12th of August in a private ceremony at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in Jamaica. The bride is the daughter of Robert and (the late) Maria Ladd. The groom is the son of Walter and Patsy Stahlman. The bride is a graduate of Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA. She is the owner of Roberta Ladd Consulting. The groom is a graduate of Sacramento High School in Sacramento, CA. He is serving in the Army, currently stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He is a member of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (reflagged 2nd Brigade) that returned home July 2010, after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The couple resides in Lakewood, WA.

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

America’s Credit Union recognized as high performing

Ben Sclair — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:55 +0000

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA – America’s Credit Union (ACU) received a Crystal Performance Award from Raddon Financial Group (RFG), a research provider for financial institutions. RFG recently presented its annual awards to high-performing credit unions. The award recognizes 10 credit unions in each asset category (above $500 million and below $500 million) that achieve a top ten ranking on a balanced scorecard measuring growth, income, efficiency and margin management.

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Lakewood United upcoming speaker schedule

Ben Sclair — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:59:40 +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:

September 2, 2010 – Small Business Administration Recovery – Calvin Goings, SBA Administrator, Region 10 (Mike Stevenson – MC)
September 9, 2010 – “Full Court Press, the Expansion of Lakewood Municipal Court” – Judge Ernest Heller, Lakewood Municipal Court (Kristi Roy – MC)
September 16, 2010 – Department of Corrections Overview – Focus on McNeil Island – Superintendent Ronald Van Boening (Pamela Maddess – MC)
September 23, 2010 – Elder Abuse Investigation – Paul Tosch, Regional Ombudsman for Lewis/Mason/Thurston Counties) and Nellis Kim, Regional Ombudsman for Pierce County (Evelyn Kelly – MC)

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

A call for caring adults

Ben Sclair — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:41:15 +0000

Last year, over eighty students—in grades 4-10—met 1:1 with a Champions Mentor. As the year ended, many teachers reported significant growth in the students who had the good fortune to meet each week with a caring adult. We currently have 20 students on a waiting list, and hope to recruit and train a mentor for each one during the month of September.
Read more...

===> Posted on August 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.