New Neighbors Guide Pierce County Winter/Spring 2023

New Neighbors Guide is a division of

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the New Neighbors Guide!

On behalf of the local community, we welcome you to Pierce County. Whether you’re here temporarily or for the long haul, we know you’re going to love our region. With our natural beauty, lakes, streams and forested trails, this is the perfect location for outdoor fun. With some of the best coffee in the world and a vibrant food and entertainment scene, Pierce County has something for everyone.

Let’s face it, moving to a new city can be expensive and time-consuming—but it’s also exciting! This guide is written by a mix of perspectives from native Pierce Countians to people who moved here from out of the area. We created this guide with the things we wish we had known when we moved here.

This resource guide offers tips and reminders to get you settled and to get the nuts and bolts of your new home well underway. This guide will also help you get connected to your local community, schools and health care, and help you put down “roots” in your daily life here. From great ideas for your home and events to engage in the community, we have you covered.

As we put together this issue, we look forward to providing you with information and education about all the “best things” in Pierce County and we hope to give you a sense of place where you belong and can engage and feel connected. We welcome you, our “new neighbor,” to Pierce County.

Kindest regards, Robin Lucas Robin Lucas, Publisher

Publisher Robin Lucas Office Manager

Karissa Wilson

Editing Team

Cynthia Boyd

Pamela Holt

Calendar Editor

Sally Perkins

Art Director

Susan Newsom Website

Kelly McKay

Social Media

Madison Ford Writing Team

Natalie Benson

Lynn Castle Leah Grout

Julie Leydelmeyer

Kelly Lenihan Mary Ellen Psaltis

Hillary Ryan

Photography

Amanda Howse Sales Team

Marcy Angel Saundra Coffen

New Neighbors Guide is a division of ShowCase Media

COVER IMAGE—Miller Family

Photo by Flourish Photography by Bree

CONTACT US

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11222 49th St E, Edgewood, WA 98372 info@showcasemedialive.com 253.251.2950 253.799.9189 (fax)

Copyright ©2023 ShowCase Media. All rights reserved. Editorial content and photography is welcomed for publication consideration.

TO PIERCE COUNTY

BY NATALIE BENSON

You’re a new resident of beautiful Pierce County — congratulations! But now there are some important tasks to take care of. Updating personal information is essential in order to become a productive part of your community. Listed below are some of the critical assignments for new residency.

REGISTER TO VOTE

Get involved in your local laws and government. Register online, by mail, or call for assistance until eight days before an election. sos.wa.gov/elections/voters

GET YOUR FURRY FRIEND A PIERCE COUNTY LICENSE

Believe it or not, your pet is considered a member of the community too! Please register your pet as soon as possible after you’ve moved into the County. You can register online or call. piercecountywa.gov

LEARN YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

People are definitely going places in Pierce County, and not just with their own vehicle. Look into Pierce Transit, local taxi options and Sea-Tac Airport. piercetransit.org portofseattle.org

UPDATE YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE

This is possibly the most urgent on the list of things to take care of during a new move. Visit your local DMV within ten days of moving to update your personal information with your new Pierce County address. Be sure to follow County safety regulations. Need more information? Check out details online. dol.wa.gov

DANCING GOATS COFFEE BAR Opens in Tacoma’s Brewery

When Dancing Goats Coffee Bar opened in the Brewery Blocks, Tacoma residents and UW students were treated to a great coffeehouse with a modern look not seen in their other Washington locations. The chic and coollooking store features their fresh roasted coffee blends as well as the highest level of service.

The development at Brewery Blocks revitalized dining and retail space in the historic area of downtown Tacoma. Visitors enjoy outdoor café seating, ample parking and pedestrian-friendly streets with widened sidewalks featuring native landscaping.

Located off the Thea Foss Waterway Bridge, Brewery Blocks also includes office space and residential lofts making their motto “Live. Work. Play.” a reality.

This district was highly attractive to the Dancing Goats team because of its accessibility to students, museums and the downtown workforce that visits Tacoma every day. According to Becci Ryder, Dancing Goats’ director of business strategy, “We wanted to be a part of the hustle and bustle of a downtown that is the hub of the community and bring our “Right Way” approach to the area.

“Our coffee sets us apart. We roast it fresh and it never sits on our shelves,” said Ryder.

District

BY ANDREA LERUM

Batdorf & Bronson, parent company to Dancing Goats, visits coffee farms around the world to secure the best product. Each Dancing Goats store orders what they need for the week and only then is it roasted and shipped to their 10 locations in Washington and Atlanta, Georgia.

Located at Commerce and South 21st Street, the 2,000+ square foot Dancing Goat Coffee

Bar offers indoor and patio seating and is open 8am to 4pm daily. The location features the Dancing Goats blend which brews well as espresso or as a drip.

DANCING GOATS COFFEE 253.292.1530 dancinggoats.com

LIFE IN PIERCE COUNTY

BY NATALIE BENSON

Vibrant and diverse, Pierce County is made up of over 20 cities, including urban Tacoma, charming Gig Harbor and home of the Washington State Fair, Puyallup. The County is composed of historic structures and buildings, breathtaking waterfront views, lush rural land, quaint and welcoming suburbs, an ever-industrious energy, and is the neighbor to magnificent Mount Rainier. There is so much to explore and safely engage in, even during this time of social distancing.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Nonprofits MultiCare and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offer pristine services, top-rated physicians, and have several locations in order to be easily accessible to patients. Try local yoga studios, gym facilities, therapy offices and more. Everything you need to keep happy and healthy is nearby. Be sure to check business hours and number of participants that are allowed in the facility.

GET SOME FRESH AIR

There are many opportunities to get outside and play in Pierce County’s varied terrain. There are over 5,271 acres of available recreation - trails, golf courses, beaches, skateboard pavilions, parks and more. Remember, Mount Rainier National Park is close by. Be sure to check restrictions and regulations before venturing out and stay home if you are feeling under the weather.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Our County is alive with creativity and innovation. Immerse yourself at art museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass, and Asia Pacific Cultural Center during their new business hours. Support local artisans and makers by visiting small-town art galleries, downtown boutiques, and local breweries. Dine happily at renowned restaurants and cafes, being sure to follow Pierce County safety regulations.

HISTORY

The County celebrates so much of its past by maintaining historic buildings and sites and by offering numerous museums relative to each area. Many historic museums have now re-opened to the public. The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, provides visitors with a look at one of the original settlements on Puget Sound.

The Harbor History Museum

BY STEPHANIE LILE

Nestled on the Gig Harbor waterfront where Donkey Creek meets the bay, the Harbor History Museum is celebrating its 13th year of operation. Yet the Museum’s campus has a much deeper history, first as a village site of the sx w babš, or Swift Water People, a band of the Puyallup Tribe. In the early 1900s it became the site of C.O. Austin’s log mill and original site of the Peninsula Light Company, formed in 1926. The Museum campus includes the 1893 Midway Schoolhouse and 65-foot fishing boat, Shenandoah. Step through the Museum’s front doors, surrounded by massive logs reminiscent of the trees that were once milled here, and a whole world of culture and tradition welcomes you.

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The Museum’s 7,000 square-foot permanent gallery takes you on a journey from the twisted remnants of “Galloping Gertie” (the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge) to the immigrant stories of boat builders, fishermen, farmers, and ferry operators. Look closely and find the first winners of Gig Harbor’s fabled Round Rock Contest and hear the clamor of the crowd as C.E. Shaw’s famous racing roosters take to the track. These roosters were so popular they were featured on New York’s radio show Hobby Lobby 1938, running a demonstration race at Madison Square Garden.

Fans of local boat building will delight in the Willits canoe, the giant wheel from the ferry Defiance, and a purse seiner’s power block— the 1950s invention that changed commercial fishing forever. Loved by many are the Norwegian and Croatian costumes on display from the days of Scandia Gaard, a 1970s local attraction where Nordic heritage was celebrated through music, dance, and folklore.

Visitors may step inside the one-room Midway schoolhouse, the last of its kind in the Gig Harbor area. Restored and set in 1915, the schoolhouse is home to the popular Pioneer School Experience field trip program.

The Shenandoah is 65 feet of wonder. Recently named an American Treasure by the National Park Service, she is being preserved for future generations as the centerpiece of the Museum’s new Maritime Gallery, due to open in 2025. Visitors can see her restoration in action.

HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM

Boys & Girls Club Gives Back

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a study was done in 2019 that compared youth who participated in activities outside of the classroom versus children who didn’t. The study found that “the percentages of students who attended an event sponsored by a community, religious, or ethnic group with their parents in the past month were higher for those whose parents had a graduate/professional degree (62%) or a bachelor’s degree.”

The Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound in Pierce County offers many educational resources to youth outside of school hours. Their missions are zero-hunger tolerance, educational resources, good health and well being, reducing inequalities, and creating sustainable cities and communities. These

goals help give youth a leg up with schooling and supporting them in their success.

When asked about healthy living habits, the Boys & Girls Club noted that “70% of club kids reported getting 60 minutes of activity five days a week.” This is an essential part of healthy living for youth and is a great accomplishment. The Club offers many options to help kids: physical activity involving sports, mindful activities including cooking and nutrition classes, and soul activities focusing on self-worth and healthy communication.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a huge disadvantage among some of our youth. Online learning is not an ideal learning environment for many children and some

truly struggled. Even a traditional classroom learning environment can be difficult. Online learning creates an environment where kids have to take more initiative on their own to reach out to teachers for help or ask questions when that can already be tough for them to motivate themselves in a normal setting.

The Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound provides snacks and dinner daily, free access to all events, help with homework, family events, and access to sports and field trips. The Club has found that kids thrive when given multiple opportunities to try new things or have a controlled setting where they can ask for help in a particular subject they may be struggling in.

ENROLLING IN SCHOOL IN PIERCE COUNTY

BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER

CChoosing the best academic environment for your child can seem daunting when you move to a new area. There are numerous traditional options to consider—your neighborhood public school, a charter school, or private school—in addition to alternative options, like online school or homeschool. In this era of COVID-19, parents may feel additionally worried about making the right choice for their child.

Pierce County is home to 16 public school districts and several charter, private and religious school systems. Most of these offer online enrollment for new students on their district or school websites. In general, you’ll need the following information to complete an enrollment form:

• Name of the school you want to enroll your child

• Emergency contact information

• Healthcare provider(s) contact information

• Previous school address and phone number, if applicable

To complete your child’s enrollment, most schools will also ask parents to provide:

• Proof of immunization signed by a healthcare professional

• Proof of residence

• Parents’ photo identification

• Proof of age and legal name for the student

• Previous report cards or transcripts, if applicable

The district’s website can tell you whether in-person learning is occurring. All school districts are following guidance from the Washington State Department of Health and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department about students returning to campuses for in-person learning in the 2020-2021 school year. When in-person learning is not possible due to the county’s metrics of COVID-19 cases, virtual or hybrid learning systems are being used. When it is time to return to in-person learning at school, remind your child the importance of:

• Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth

• Practicing physical distancing by staying 6 feet apart from others

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Letting you know if he or she feels unwell

PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOL FINDER RESOURCE:

To find your Pierce County school district, go online to matterhornago.co.pierce.wa.us/infobyaddress

Enter your address on the interactive map and then click the Additional Info tab.

GIVING BACK IN THE

253

In any community, a sense of “community” is built on the connections made through unique groups of people that support one another. When I moved to Tacoma five years ago, I was wanting to know my neighbors, to feel that my community supported one another, and to find ways to give back. Quickly, I learned that the 253 has an abundance of opportunities for giving of time or financial resources. I encourage you to join me in this building of community.

If you are looking to give time, the South Sound region is filled with organizations that would love to have you as a volunteer. You can choose to focus on a wide range of interests: recreation, arts, social justice, health and education, to name a few. If you are passionate about education and the development of younger generations, a good place to start is in our schools. Outside of the schools, nonprofits often look for volunteers to do administrative tasks or provide program support.

Two good ways to find out about service opportunities are to join the Volunteers group on Facebook or visit the nonprofit websites listed on the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation page.

BY TAUNA SHOEMAKER

When you feel your roots settling into the 253 and your heart is called to give back, but your time is limited, a monetary gift can provide hope and resources throughout the South Sound. “Philanthropy” is often misperceived as giving big financial gifts, but a gift of $20 a month goes a long way in creating a sustainable community. For Emergency Food Network, for example, every dollar you donate provides $12 worth of nutritious food for our neighbors in need. Philanthropy in any amount promotes the welfare of others. Your generous gift could change lives.

To find local organizations that qualify for tax-exempt giving, visit the nonprofit listing on the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation page.

gtcf.org/community/directory facebook.com/greatertacoma

MAKING YOUR HOUSE Home

Tips to transform a house into a home with decor and furniture from the heart

~ Design tips provided by Sage Interiors in Tacoma

*Your entry is the initial introduction to your home and sets the stage for you and your guests. Place a cozy rug or floor mat inside the door to define the entry and give an immediate sense of personality. A reclaimed wood bench, umbrella stand or coat rack, and luscious candles complete the welcoming picture.

*Be creative with your space. Move items at an angle, layer different rugs, and add a wall of photos and memories. Use your imagination to make the space warm, inviting and as unique as you are.

*Try to bring nature inside. Although the Northwest is overflowing with the beauty of nature, we all know that during our wet, gloomy weather we may stay inside for much of the time. Visit your local nursery to get tips on what kind of plants will work for your space, the amount of light available, and your lifestyle.

A*Incorporate different elements such as wood, metal, glass and greenery throughout each room to bring warmth and life to your spaces. Mirrors not only provide style and function but also lighten up a room and help create movement.

GettinG Settled into a new home

BY KELLY LENIHAN

After the last box is moved into your new home, you might think the hardest part of moving is over. And you’re right, but there are still things to take care of before you can relax completely.

GET YOUR UTILITIES SET UP

You don’t want to arrive at your new place late at night and find that the lights don’t work. Before you move, arrange for the utilities to be set up there. Make sure all of your services are up and running so you can check your electronics and appliances.

CHECK MAJOR APPLIANCES

If you moved major appliances, such as a range, dishwasher, washer or dryer, check to make sure nothing was damaged during the move. This is particularly important if the mover prepared your appliances for the move. Your insurance policy may have a limited time in which to make a claim. Since these are big-ticket items, you want to make sure they’re all working.

CHECK ALL BOXES AND FURNITURE

Make sure all boxes and furniture arrived and that nothing is damaged. If you’re missing something or you find damage, contact the mover and your insurance company to submit a claim. It’s important to do this immediately after moving in or the insurance company may not reimburse you.

SAVE RECEIPTS

Keep all receipts and documentation related to your move in one file and store the file in a safe, secure place. Make sure you have your bill of lading and payment receipt. You may be able to claim your move on your next tax return, and you’ll need all the necessary receipts to make your claim.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE GETTING YOUR MAIL

Check with the post office about mail forwarding. Update all important files and documents with your new address and notify everyone who needs to know about your move.

OLYMPIC LANDSCAPE

Heart for Community

BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER

Olympic Landscape has been designing, building and servicing outdoor residential and commercial spaces in the South Sound for more than 40 years. As an expert landscape contractor, the company creates beautiful outdoor living spaces, unique gathering spaces, and specially-themed gardens for homes and businesses. The owner and CEO, Joe Areyano, plans to continue that legacy. He also added new services and products that will carry Olympic forward for at least another 40 years.

“My family started a landscape company in 1980, so I’ve been around the industry for the majority of my life,” says Areyano. “At age 16, I started learning every division of the company, from landscape retaining walls to irrigation.” After about five years, he was promoted to field manager and continued to work his way into greater responsibilities. He’s now a certified landscape professional. This hands-on experience, he says, helps him ensure that customers receive the highest-quality service.

Since Areyano purchased Olympic Landscape from founder Neil Hedman, he has expanded the business. The company is growing into a regional leader, expanding its service area and the core

services it offers. As a great landscape construction install company, Olympic offers both landscape design/build and landscape straight to construction. They now offer commercial maintenance and can accommodate snow and ice removal projects too. This is good news for local businesses and homeowners who need these services.

The growth of Olympic Landscape is good news for the larger community as the company increased the number of employees to about 57 in 2019. Additionally, Olympic supports local charities and non-profit events such as St. Francis House, which eases the hardships of those in need in east Pierce County. They also support the Emergency Food Network that supplies 3.9 million pounds of healthy, nutritious food annually to 76 food pantries, meal sites and shelters for distribution to families and individuals in need. Olympic partners with Adorned in Grace, a bridal boutique that uses its profit to teach and train individuals rescued from human trafficking. The company is particularly proud to support their neighbors and give back to complete the community circle.

OLYMPIC LANDSCAPE olympiclandscape.com

Photo// CEO Joe Areyano by Amanda Howse

SHOPPING GUIDE

TACOMA

Blitz & Co. Florist

Gifts & Home Décor 909 Pacific Ave 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com

Brown & Haley

Candy & Confections 110 East 26th St 253.620.3067 brown-haley.com

LeRoy Jewelers 940 Broadway 253.272.3377 ljewelers.com

Selden’s Home Furnishings

Fine Furnishings & Home Decor 1802 62nd Ave E 253.922.5700 seldens.com

Tacoma Mall

Clothing, Jewelry & Dining 4502 South Steele St 253.475.4565 tacoma-mall.com

The Art Stop

Handcrafted Art, Jewelry & Clothing 940 Broadway 253.272.3377 artstoptacoma.com

Sage Interiors

Home Décor 2416 South C St 833.855.TREE (8733) sageinteriors.com

The Pacific Northwest Shop 2702 North Proctor St 253.752.2242 pacificnorthwestshop.com

RUSTON Purpose Boutique

Apparel & Jewelry 5105 North Main St 253.292.0508 purposeboutique.com

South Sound Running Active Gear 5109 Grand Loop 253.759.4779 southsoundrunning.com

GIG HARBOR Chalet In the Woods

Fine Clothing & Gifts 9406 74th Ave NW 253.851.8678 chaletinthewoods.com

The Garden Room Gifts & Accessories 5010 Point Fosdick Dr NW 253.514.6033 facebook.com/thegardenroomgigharbor

Tickled Pink Gifts & Accessories 3026 Harborview Dr 253.858.1751 tickledpinkgift.com

Uptown Gig Harbor

Unique Shops & Dining 4701 Point Fosdick Dr NW 253.851.4557 uptowngigharbor.com

UNIVERSITY PLACE

Naturepedic Organic Mattress Gallery 3550 Market Place W 253.320.8668 naturepedic.com/uplace

PUYALLUP

Johnson Jewelers 103 South Meridian 253.848.1332 johnson-jewelers.com

South Hill Mall Retail, Movies & Dining 3500 South Meridian 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com

Sunrise Village Dining, Shopping & Services 10305 156th St E 253.904.8923 mysunrisevillage.com

Watson’s Greenhouse & Nursery

Gift Shop & Nursery 6211 Pioneer Way E 253.845.7359 watsonsgreenhouse.com

SUMNER

A Picket Fence

Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry 1006 Main St 253.863.6048 apicketfence.com

IntaVintage

Vintage Home Décor & Clothing 1109 Main St 253.939.4888 sumnermainstreet.com/directory/ categories/inta-vintage

Northlight Interiors

Home Décor & Design Services 1119 Main St 253.826.0339 northlightinteriors.com

Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

Home Furnishings 13608 Valley Ave E 253.863.0422 oldcanneryfurniture.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

Metro Parks Tacoma Senior Arts Program

January 24-February 21

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am-2pm Eastside Community Center 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma 253.404.3990 | metroparkstacoma.org

Jacobsen Professional Artist SeriesAlistair MacRae, cello January 27, 7:30pm

University of Puget Sound Schneebeck Concert Hall 1567 N Union Ave, Tacoma 253.879.3741 | pugetsound.edu/events

Po Boy Tango

January 20-February 5

Fridays & Saturdays 7:30pm; Sundays 2pm 210 North I St, Tacoma 253.272.2281 | tacomalittletheatre.com

The Peking Acrobats

January 22, 3pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

Tacoma Home & Garden Show January 26-29 Tacoma Dome 2727 East D St, Tacoma exhpo.com/ths

Land (Wind) Fall

January 28, 7:30pm Rialto Theatre 310 South 9th St, Tacoma

January 29, 2pm

Pioneer Park Pavilion 330 Meridian, Puyallup nwsinfonietta.org

FEBRUARY

The Gospel at Colonus February 2, times vary Tacoma Armory 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

Voices of Mississippi

February 2, 7:30pm

Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

Carmina Burana

February 11 & 12, 2pm Pantages Theatre 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.591.5894 | tacomacityballet.com

Tooth Fairy Fly In February 17 & 20, 8am-3pm

Light Dental Studios February 17: 8012 112th St Ct E, #320, Puyallup February 20: 18310 Hwy 410, Bonney Lake lightdentalstudios.com

Family Steam Day February 18 11am-3pm and every third Thursday 2702 East D St, Tacoma 253.779-8490 | americascarmuseum.org

Wee Ones Weekly

February 6, each Monday from 1-2pm Children’s Museum of Tacoma 1501 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.627.6031 | greentrike.org

Jacobsen Professional Artist SeriesPuget Sound Piano Trio

February 10, 7:30pm

Ailey II

January 28, 3pm

Pantages Theater

901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

University of Puget Sound Schneebeck Concert Hall 1567 N Union Ave, Tacoma 253.879.3741 | pugetsound.edu/events

Proctor Winter Farmers Market

February 11, 10am-1pm

N 27th St & N Proctor St, Tacoma 253.961.3666 | proctorfarmersmarket.com

25th Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration February 25, 11am-6pm Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall 2727 East D St, Tacoma 253.383.3900 | asiapacificculturalcenter.org

Portrait of Aretha Starring CeCe Teneal February 25, 7:30pm Rialto Theater 310 South 9th St, Tacoma 253.591.5894 | tacomaartslive.org

Reconciliation

February 25, 7:30pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org

MARCH

Rock of Ages

March 3-26

Tacoma Little Theatre 210 North I St, Tacoma 253.272.2281 | tacomalittletheatre.com

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

March 9, 7:30pm

Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

VIVID: A Fundraiser for Arts Access & Education

March 25, 5:30pm

Tacoma Armory 1001 S. Yakima, Tacoma 253.346.1721 |tacomaartslive.org

Youthful Brilliance March 18, 7:30pm

Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org

Dancing Mallets and Pulsing Percussion

April 22, 7:30pm

Pantages Theater

901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org

Fate Now Conquers

March 4, 7:30pm

Rialto Theatre, 310 South 9th St, Tacoma March 5, 2pm

Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 Meridian, Puyallup nwsinfonietta.org

Mariachi Los Camperos

March 5, 7:30pm

Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

APRIL

Puyallup Farmers Market April-October Saturdays 9am-2pm Pioneer Park, 300 S Meridian, Puyallup puyallupmainstreet.com/puyallupfarmers-market

Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra Stage & Screen Spectaular April 8, 3 & 7:30pm

Tacoma Armory 1001 S Yakima, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org

Spring Fair

April 14-16

Washington State Fair Event Center 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup thefair.com

Significant Other April 21-May 7

Tacoma Youth Symphony Trivia Night

Fundraiser and Auction

March 10, 6-10pm

Tacoma Yacht Club 5401 Yacht Club Rd, Tacoma 253.627.2792 | tysamusic.org

Tacoma Little Theatre 210 North I St, Tacoma 253.272.2281 | tacomalittletheatre.com

MAY

Tooth Fairy Fly In May 3, 8am-3pm

Light Dental Studios 7210 40th St W, Ste #320, University Place lightdentalstudios.com

Puyallup RV Show

May 4-7

Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup puyalluprvshow.com

Blues, Tangos and Rhapsodies

May 13, 7:30pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org

HAPPY neW YeAR!

BY KATE ROSSMAN

Music, the smell of food from the parking lot, two live stages, learning about a new culture, and being surrounded by families just like yours coming together for the new year — this is exactly what to expect on February 25, 2023 at the Tacoma Dome, thanks to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center.

Each year since 1997, there has been a different host country either from Asia or the South Pacific that is the center focus of the Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration. This means that this amazing tradition is now officially 25 years old! This year’s host country is Samoa. The festivities will start at 11am and finish at 6pm. While at this event, you can enjoy over 100 different vendor booths with clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and food.

Free entry into the Tacoma Dome will allow you to see cultural entertainment on two different stages which includes martial arts, singing, and dancing. This host country will teach you about their culture through clothing, food, traditions, and other immersive experiences. About 8,000-10,000 people visit the new year celebration every year along with 30 to 40 dignitaries who also attend.

When Faaluaina Pritchard, the Executive Director, was asked about her favorite part of this event, she said, “It is very diverse. There are lots of families enjoying the different cultures. I love that you cannot leave without learning something. The minute you walk through the door it is a completely immersive experience in a different culture. You see it. You hear it. You smell it. It is a great event for families.”

Whether it is experiencing a culture you already enjoy, or learning about a culture for the first time, celebrating the lunar new year with APCC is an event you won’t want to miss. Teaching your kids about a new culture as well as learning for yourself is a great way to get to know your neighbors and get outside your daily routines.

Challenge yourself to attend, try a new food, learn something at one of the information vendors, and enjoy some cultural entertainment. Family-oriented new experiences are so important to the community. We can’t wait to see you there!

ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER asiapacificculturalcenter.org

Northwest Kitchen

When you tell your parents at just seven years old there are only two things you want to do in life - get some tattoos and cook for a living - and then do it, you really have a vision for your life. That’s just what local Chef Josh Balague did. Now the Chef at the Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen at the Silver Cloud Hotel in Ruston, Balague creates a menu with Northwest Italian Cuisine.

Opened in the fall of 2021, the Copper and Salt Northwest Kitchen is an open concept with spectacular panoramic views of the Puget Sound. “We often comment that our line cooks have the best views in the city from our open kitchen,” laughed Balague. It certainly is a selling point when looking for the best talent to fill spots on his team.

Trained at L.A.’s Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, Balague approaches his role at Copper & Salt as a teacher helping others become chefs themselves. “I hope to grow my program so I that I can equip many quality chefs,” he said recently. Offering the opportunity to help in the creation of the menu and selecting ingredients, Balague is opening doors for many of his colleagues.

The menu at Copper & Salt is simple and delicious and beautifully presented. When you visit, you’ll want to try the bolognese — braised ground beef over delicious pasta. Or enjoy delicious meatballs made from three tender meats, parmesan, and parsley served with savory red sauce and parmesan-crusted crostini.

Located on the Point Ruston waterfront, the name Copper & Salt comes directly from their location — copper to salute the former smelter and salt to recognize their adjacency to the salty waters of the Puget Sound. The theme is carried throughout the 150-seat restaurant from the copper serving ware and jars filled with various salts in the entrance, to the lovely hanging copper beadwork that separates areas of the restaurant. It is a lovely location to dine and enjoy a chic dining room right on the water.

The Silver Cloud brand is rooted in the Pacific Northwest, with nine hotels across Washington and Oregon. For a special occasion or just a dinner you will not soon forget, visit the Silver Cloud Hotel at Ruston Way.

COPPER & SALT silvercloud.com/pointruston

BY CHEF JOSH BALAGUE

Service and convenience at the heart of

LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS

We can all agree on the qualities for the ideal dental provider: round-the-clock service, free consultations, same-day appointments, entire-family bookings, empathetic service and affordable care. It’s nearly impossible to find a full combination of such attributes. But then there’s Light Dental Studios.

Based in Puyallup, the dentist-owned company—with 22 locations in the South Puget Sound—has customer service at the core of its mission.

“We try to treat people the way we would want to be treated,” says owner and CEO Dr. Steven Broughton, who bought his first office from a former dentist in Puyallup in 1997. “People say our practice feels like we’re all neighbors, like they’re just going down the street for friendly dental care.”

With hours from 7am to 7pm including Saturdays, doctors available 24/7, free consultations, same-day appointments, and entire-family same-day care, Light Dental Studios has solutions patients need.

BY LEAH GROUT

“We’re trying to make dentistry effortless by making it about our patients, not the dentists,” says Broughton. “Our schedule accommodates their schedule, not the other way around. Our doctors are always available, and almost all procedures are done in-house.”

Besides standard dental checkups, treatments and other services, Light Dental Studios offers on-site orthodontics, implants, surgeries and dentures. Children’s dental care is also offered. In fact, the offices frequently schedule care for entire families side-by-side on the same day to save time.

Light Dental Studios also gives back to the community at the annual South Sound Free Dental Day. That’s when the staff donates its time and skills to give away more than $90,000 worth of dental work—including fillings and extractions—on a first come, first-served basis. “We want patients to feel comfortable,” Broughton says. “Our first goal is to provide same-day treatment.”

Broughton notes that Light Dental Studios will continue to add offices over the upcoming years in locations with growing families.

LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS lightdentalstudios.com

PEDIATRICS NORTHWEST

SUGAR ISN’T ALWAYS SWEET!

BY HARBIR JUJ, MD, MPH, FAAP

We’ve all heard that healthy eating is important. But did you know that the eating habits your child develops now can have a lasting impact for years to come? Research shows that how your child eats and drinks in their early years can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating and living. With all the different terms and tactics used in food packaging, though, sometimes it can be hard to figure out which foods are actually healthy.

ADDED SUGAR VS. NATURAL SUGAR

As you look for healthy foods and recipes for your family, it’s important to consider added sugars. Natural sugars are found in many foods (e.g., fruits, dairy), but added sugars are supplemented to foods during the manufacturing process. Too much added sugar over a lifetime can increase a person’s risk for a number of ailments.

HOW MUCH SUGAR IS TOO MUCH?

Most of us enjoy having a special treat from time to time, but at what point does added sugar start posing an increased risk for developing health problems? Here are the current recommendations:

• Infants and toddlers under age 2 should get 0 grams of added sugar per day.

• Toddlers and children over age 2 should get less than 25 grams of added sugar per day (equal to about 6 teaspoons).

SIMPLE WAYS TO CUT BACK

Here are a few ways to help limit added sugars in your child’s diet:

Eat fresh and whole foods

Sugar is often added to processed and prepackaged foods. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and other foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed will help cut out added sugars.

Eliminate juice and soda

Beverages like sports drinks, sweetened teas, fruit juices, or diet sodas are not advised. The best beverages for your child are water and unflavored milks. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends children should not get more than 1 cup per week of any sweetened beverage.

Compare food labels

Start looking at and comparing food labels. Much of the added sugar in our diets comes from sneaky places like ketchup, condiments, dried fruit, packaged foods, and sometimes even seemingly healthy foods like yogurt and peanut butter. Start comparing food labels so that the options in your home have low or no added sugars.

Limit sugary treats

Make treats an exception. We all enjoy sharing treats with our loved ones, but make these sometimes foods instead of everyday foods.

Keep at it!

In the beginning it might seem hard to make these changes to your diet. But once you discover some healthier options, you’ll quickly find that this becomes part of your new family routine.

Happy eating!

PEDIATRICS NORTHWEST pedsnw.net

What better time than now for hope and healing?

Through every act of kindness and every moment of human connection, anyone can make a difference in the healing of another person’s body, mind, and spirit.

PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH FUN AND FAMILY

BY EMILY HAPPY

Owners Kim Bisson and Susan Jankelson wanted to create a clinic that felt like home. Their goal was for each person who walked through the doors, whether patient or employee, to feel like part of the family.

Welcome home to Rainier Family Physical Therapy. What started over a cup of coffee in 2007 has transformed into a thriving practice based on two principles: family and fun! No more boring, stressful doctors’ offices. Rainier Family Physical Therapy wants to be a highlight of your day.

Committed to serving people in their own backyard, community involvement is important to this team. They are proud sponsors of the Run 4 Her Heart 5K supporting women’s heart health, and the K9 5K, a dogfriendly run in support of Bridges Center for Grieving Children.

Rainier Family Physical Therapy uniquely provides personalized treatment plans with expert staff trained in Counterstrain therapy, Muscle Energy techniques, Kinesio taping, therapeutic exercises, and various methodologies to promote overall healing and wellness.

The skilled team of physical therapists offers a variety of exercise, manual, and strengthening therapy options to suit different abilities and prevent future injury. They seek healing beyond the symptoms to find the source of issues for the most effective treatment.

“The therapists are amazing and make you feel like family. There is always a smiling face. I hate to be done, but I am grateful to be healed. Thank you all for your support and getting me back on track,” client Joanne wrote in a thank-you note.

Neighbors from Puyallup, Graham and around the South Sound depend on Rainier Family Physical Therapy for help with back and neck pain; muscle, tendon and ligament injuries; concussions; headaches and migraines; muscle tightness and weakness; pre- and post-surgical support and so much more. They even offer free consultations—with no pressure, only fun.

No one wants an injury. But—just in case—you need someone to call. Who better than family? For physical therapy, it’s Rainier Family.

RAINIER FAMILY PHYSICAL THERAPY

18710 Meridian Ave E, Puyallup 253.875.6826 | rainierfamilypt.com

Is Refractive Surgery Right for You?

As we age, our eyesight can become a bigger focus of our overall health. Maybe you now need to wear readers, or your long-held eyeglass prescription has been increased. Maybe you are worried about cataracts. Whatever the concern may be, Evergreen Eye Centers are here to help evaluate your overall eye health and provide the best solutions to help you reach your goals.

One of those solutions may be refractive surgery which allows patients to see better without contacts. Refractive surgery includes Lasik or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) which are laser surgeries to correct issues with the bending of light in the eye. More intense refractive issues may be solved by an intraocular lens implant (IOL) or Refractive lens exchange (RLE), which have the added benefit of eliminating any potential for cataracts in the patient’s future. Because the lens that could become cloudy or thick (commonly called a cataract) is exchanged, the threat of a cataract is also removed.

According to Dr. Erin Seefeldt, a cataract and refractive surgery specialist at Evergreen Eye

Centers, “When I begin evaluating a patient, it really is about listening for their goals and hearing where their frustrations are. Then I work to determine what will meet their needs.” She added, “I start with their anatomical features and combine that with their current prescriptions and piece it all together to determine their best surgical options.”

Lasik and PRK are quick procedures on the outside of the eye that take place in the office with a mild relaxation pill and have fast recoveries. A refractive lens exchange is inside the eye and requires more time for both the procedure and the healing. But t hat healing is typically within a few days.

“I feel fortunate I get to do what I love. Following surgery, many patients are so pleased with their results that the most common thing I hear is ‘why didn’t I do this sooner’,” Seefeldt said. Evaluations for refractive surgery are free at Evergreen Eye Center.

BY LYNN CASTLE

EVERGREEN EYE CENTER

Locations in Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Burien, and Seattle evergreeneye.com

Northwest Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

BY KELLY LENIHAN

During the winter months, slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, especially for seniors. The following tips will help prevent common cold-weather dangers faced by the elderly population.

Avoid slipping on ice. Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. These falls often cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma and major lacerations. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and nonskid soles, and stay indoors until the roads are clear.

Dress for warmth. Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, a condition in which the body temperature dips too low. According to the CDC, people over the age of 65 are at greater risk of hypothermia-related death. So limit the time spent outdoors and dress in multiple layers with a good head covering.

Fight wintertime depression. Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many seniors have less contact with others during cold months. This can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation. To help avoid these issues, family members can check in on seniors as often as possible. A short, daily phone call can also make a big difference. Seniors can arrange a check-in system with neighbors and friends, with each person looking in on one or two others daily.

Check the car. Driving during the winter can be hazardous for anyone. But it is especially dangerous for older people, who may no longer drive as often or whose reflexes may not be as quick as they once were. Get your car serviced before wintertime hits—or ask a family member to take it to a garage for you.

Prepare for power outages. Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out. Stockpile warm blankets. Longer power outages can spoil the food in your refrigerator and freezer so keep a supply of nonperishable foods on hand that can be eaten cold. If the power goes out, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Move around a lot to raise your body temperature. Check out this winter weather checklist from the CDC to make sure you have everything you may need: cdc.gov/disasters/winter

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector and buying an updated one if you need to. The most important tip to keep in mind during the colder months is to ask for help. Arrange rides to the grocery store and doctor’s appointments—many communities have shuttle services specifically for seniors. Don’t be afraid to reach out or help.

ICE (in case of emergency). For seniors who live alone and their long-distance care team: Print out a contact card/in case of emergency card for your senior to give to trusted neighbors, landlords, clergy, and so on to easily locate family members (or power of attorney) should an issue arise.

Wintertime certainly poses challenges for seniors, but with planning and awareness, you will stay healthy and experience the joys of springtime soon enough.