News
Brown Bear Car Wash is proud to support veterans and donates to causes that benefit them. When asked why the business does this, Steve Palmer, chief financial officer and marketing director, simply said, "You are the best of us." Since 1957 when Vic Odermat, Brown Bear's founder and chief executive officer, opened
Military Life
The Adopt A Family Program pairs donors with wounded veterans' families in need across the nation to ensure there are Christmas presents under the tree and a hot meal on the table. This spreading of Christmas cheer began in 2013 and expanded in 2016 to include post 9/11 Gold Star Families. The
Archives
Christmas is not the best time for artists and art galleries. Nobody ever gives art for Christmas. They should, but they don’t. I, for one, would love to get a painting by Ron Hinson or Chauney Peck or one of Holly Senn’s sculptures made from old books. But most people
Archives
PBS, pay attention. This is how you do a fundraiser. The Gift of Music doesn’t do the pledge and tote bag thing; they just throw a great party where attendees have a blast and give free musical instruments to talented children. The Emanuel Church Ensemble, Darren Motamedy, Michael Powers and
Archives
“The Great Debaters” is about an underdog debate team that wins a national championship, and some critics have complained that it follows the formula of all sports movies by leading up, through great adversity, to a victory at the end. So it does. How many sports movies, or movies about
Online Interactive Guides
A guide on local holiday shopping, events and more! Come back each week for more holiday ideas. Click here to view our interactive 2019 Holiday Guide #1.
Archives
I was surfing the Internet for prom shoes and shoes for the springtime when I came across a Web site called www.shoes.com. On the site, I saw the cutest pair of red patent shoes that strapped across the ankle and had an opening over the tops of the toes with
Travel
Portland is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and you can make it a day trip for holiday shopping or extend as an overnight trip to enjoy some of the city's sights, as well. The big advantage is the tax-free shopping, which saves you almost 10 percent compared to
Military Life
Did you know that Christmas trees are an agricultural crop that provides another income stream for local farms? Once a tree is cut, another is planted to take its place. Tree farms are a busy social hub during the weeks following Thanksgiving, with cut-your-own tree opportunities and seasonal fun like
Attractions
For the past 25 years, the Pierce County Parks has delighted thousands of families from near and far with miles of elaborate displays that can fill even a Scrooge with holiday cheer. From Nov. 28 through Jan. 1 from the hours of 5:30-9 p.m., Spanaway Lake Park will be transformed into
Reviews
ANNOUNCER: South Tacoma Way in Central Tacoma isn't exactly a destination spot for diners, as the mall up the street tends to reap the shopping traffic. The newly revamped Opal Lounge, however, may just pull some crowds south this holiday season. Adding to what was already a well known bar,
Stage
Under the direction of Lauren Love, the theater at South Puget Sound Community College has become one of the region's premiere theaters, presenting challenging and professional-level shows one after another. Witness last year's two-part Angels in America and earlier this year, Fun Home, both of which were the talk of
News Front
Air Force officials released details Nov. 20 on the fiscal year 2020 Selective Retention Bonus program, which includes 72 eligible Air Force specialties. "The Air Force works hard to retain our highly trained and experienced airmen, and the annual Selective Retention Bonus program is a key element in that effort," said
News Front
According to the thrift savings plan website, all TSP participants must have validated contact information and use two-step authentication to log into the TSP My Account beginning in December 2019. "It's a security measure," says Vic Villarreal, 21st Force Support Squadron personal financial readiness leader. "In today's world of high-tech and
News Front
Cannabidiol oil, also known as CBD oil, is growing in popularity as an ingredient in health and pet products, but is it okay for service members and federal employees to use? The simple answer is no. These products may contain tetrahydrocannabinol and can cause airmen to test positive during a urinalysis
Travel
Heading out to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery is a doable day trip from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but it is a long one at almost four hours each way. Spending the night on the Olympic Peninsula when it isn't daylight savings time is advisable, as it gets dark so early now.
News Front
Five U.S. Army soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) competed for an internship through a hands-on process at a local restaurant, interviewing during its busiest hours to earn one of the coveted opportunities last week. The culinary specialists, from the 7th Infantry Division and 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, tested their skills
News Front
On Friday, Nov. 15, Madigan highlighted Eric Steen, a visual information specialist, and Odis Crosby, a public affairs graphic artist, for designing and printing Madigan's new "Wall of Excellence" display in the Medical Mall on the first floor near the Adolescent Pediatric Clinic. This display highlights some of Madigan's safety,
Jobs & Education
In September, Carter Lake Elementary School, one of the newest additions to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) school system, welcomed a new principal. Marianne Rupprecht brings both a fresh perspective and a breadth of experience to Carter Lake. What kind of response have you had from students/parents/teachers about Carter Lake? Carter
News
Holidays can be an especially hard time for remaining military spouses, families, friends and/or community members of service members who are no longer with us. The Wreaths Across America (WAA) program helps to honor and remember those fallen and to help teach the next generation the importance of honoring those who
