to
living in Pierce County
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
Kris Carver
Editing Team
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
Morgan Marici
Emily Molina
Mary Ellen Psaltis
Hillary Ryan
Photography
Amanda Howse
Sales Team
Saundra Coffen
Dana Pethia
New Neighbors Guide is a division of ShowCase Media
Welcome
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
Commencement Bank Opens Gig Harbor Location
After operating out of a temporary space during the new branch’s construction, Commencement Bank recently opened in their permanent location on Pioneer Way in downtown Gig Harbor in August this year. This branch isn’t like a lot of other banks, however.
“Our philosophy since we formed in 2006 is to engage with the communities we serve, so we wanted the new location to fit aesthetically with the downtown waterfront district, while the interior features an open concept design to promote face-to-face interactions,” said Nigel English, President and COO of Commencement Bank. The full-service branch doesn’t have tellers and counters but instead has Community Bankers seated at desks to serve their clients personally in their bright and welcoming environment.
Early on, Commencement’s plan was to integrate the building into the surroundings and offer the space as a community hub when not in use. “I’ve been in banking for more than 33 years and I agree this is fairly unique. The branch was designed to host and serve the efforts in our community and the non-profit organizations we support all year,” said English. This support includes opening their parking lot in off hours for citizens to park in what can sometimes be a challenging parking environment.
According to English, “When I joined the Commencement Bank team two and half years ago, we made it a huge priority to expand into Gig Harbor.” Like many industries, finding the perfect location is a challenge but more important for English was finding the right banker. He immediately thought of Allisha McVay, now the Market Manager of the Gig Harbor branch, and knew she was the perfect combination as a lifelong Gig Harbor resident and experienced banker that would champion the core values of Commencement Bank.
“Local decision-making, speed to market, and everything our team does day in and day out is impactful and validates the benefits of
BY LYNN CASTLE
banking locally,” said English. “Gig Harbor is a tight-knit, welcoming community that supports each other and that aligns well with our style of banking.”
COMMENCEMENT BANK commencementbank.com
LIFE IN PIERCE COUNTYBY
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 in 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.
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.
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.
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.
NATALIE BENSON
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 14th 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 later, the 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.
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 in 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. She has been named an American Treasure by the National Park Service and is being preserved for future generations as the centerpiece of the Museum’s new Maritime Gallery, which is due to open in April of 2025. Visitors can see her restoration in action.
HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM harborhistorymuseum.org
City of Lakewood's MLK Celebration
Martin Luther King Day will be celebrated in Lakewood on Saturday, January 11, 2025 with a Beloved Community Welcome Walk. Kicked off by a keynote speech from Dr. John Scott at 11am, the day’s activities at Fort Steilacoom Park will include a one mile walk on the paved loop, food trucks, a DJ with dancing, and more from noon to 3pm.
In addition, on Monday, January 13, the City of Lakewood invites the community to attend an MLK Art Reception featuring the work of Rodney King at City Hall from 5-7pm. The reception will include jazz music, spoken word, and light refreshments.
According to Dr. Scott, “I’ll be inviting the audience to envision and practice what Beloved Community means to them, both in theory and practice. Three follow-up workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Scott on February 22, March 22, and April 19 from 10am to 2pm. These Beloved Community workshops will be a 'call to action' for attendees to create and sustain more Beloved Communities from within their systems, neighborhoods, and community work.
Dr. Scott’s experience with Beloved Community began over twenty years ago when he was working with Dr. Vincent Harding, a speech writer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and a major part of the civil rights movement. “I remember Dr. Harding saying to me, ‘Brother John, it is not about you, it is about the community. If called, the answer will always be yes,’” recalled Dr. Scott.
At its core, Beloved Community is a belief that we can build a community in which everyone is cared for, absent of racism, hate, poverty, and hunger. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. popularized the term during his lifetime of activism.
“There is a belief that compassion will ripple out and grow globally, impacting ecology, class, and healing through multi-generational smaller groups amplifying humanity,” said Scott. Through his teaching, speeches and lifetime of work, Dr. Scott hopes to continue to organize groups to put this philosophy of Beloved Community into integrated practice.
BY LYNN CASTLE
Workshops are free, and space is limited. They are geared toward those who have the ability to implement the traits of Beloved Community in their communities.
CELEBRATION FOR DR. MLK JR. cityoflakewood.us/mlk-day
ENROLLING IN SCHOOL IN PIERCE COUNTY
BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER
Choosing 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 currently popular options such as online programs and homeschooling.
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
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
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
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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.
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
BY TAUNA SHOEMAKER
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
Creating a Generous Spirit of Helping
Nearly 1 in 6 households in Pierce County experience food insecurity. Through the assistance of Food Lifeline and World Vision, Life Center is working to make a difference in local people’s lives by providing much-needed food support.
According to Carrie Kay, Central Campus LC CARES Global Team Lead & Food Bank Manager for three years, “I am working with our high school leadership program, Interact, to get students active in our community through an ongoing food drive.”
Food generated from the efforts of the teen leaders will be used to support a food pantry located in the Life Center Central Campus. Food is picked up, then sorted and bagged for pickup on a Monday from 1-3pm. With more than 120 bags provided a week — feeding over 425 people — the food pantry has seen the need triple since the pandemic and grocery inflation struck.
Life Center has multiple locations including their Central Campus at 19th & Union, North Tacoma Campus, Rainier Campus, as well as online. The church operates Life Christian Academy on its Central Campus which is pre-kindergarten through high school with nearly
800 students as well as an independent living community called Life Manor.
Life Center also operates a stand-alone food bank from their Rainier location with two pickup days, as well as the team delivering 40 weekly bags to Life Manor Parkside residents. Donations help feed a hot meal once a week for tiny homes with children on 6th & Orchard.
“My goal is to have a constant food drive that incorporates opportunities for kids to volunteer, donate canned goods, and show them how valuable they are in the process of providing food for our community,” said Kay. She feels blessed to have the school, church, Life Manor, and pantry all on the same campus because she can incorporate all sides into the programs.
“Our vision is to reach wide, build strong and love well,” said Kay. “We have amazing volunteers at Life Center that make all of this happen.”
LIFE CENTER CARES lifecenter.com/cares
Experience the rich history of the greater Gig Harbor communities at the Harbor History Museum. With more than 7,500 square feet of exhibit space featuring unique artifacts, video kiosks, hands-on exhibits, and a restored 1893 schoolhouse, we bring history to life. Don’t miss our new Maritime Gallery, opening in spring 2025. To make history accessible to everyone, admission is complementary. We are located between two parks so don’t miss the walking trail behind the museum.
WED-SAT 11AM-4PM
The Power of Play
BY LYNN CASTLE
The work of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma evolved and grew over the last decade. As a nationally-recognized education and advocacy organization that became more than a museum, they changed their name to Greentrike in fall 2019 to reflect that growth. Greentrike is a nonprofit that advocates for and models equitable access to playful experiences for children, youth, and families — because play is essential for learning, joy, and a thriving community.
According to Alyssa Tongue, Chief Learning Experiences Officer at Greentrike, “First and foremost, we take children and youth seriously, consider them authentic, and listen to them when they tell us what they want. We consider them our co-creators.” She added, “The Greentrike name symbolizes what we do. It propels the organization forward.”
Tongue’s journey with Greentrike started as a child when she was a visitor of the former Tacoma Children’s Museum. Her experiences instilled her with a passion to seek a career in early childhood education. She began as a volunteer and formally joined the team in 2009.
With two museums, one in downtown Tacoma and one at JBLM, Greentrike also supports a variety of programs in Pierce County. Play to Learn is a free program for children and adults to play together that is offered at community locations throughout Pierce County. Greentrike operates Preschool Powered by Play at Hoyt Early Learning Center in Proctor and they recently added the Monarch Diaper Bank program, where families can visit the Tacoma location and receive diapers and wipes at no charge.
“On Thursday and Saturdays from noon to 4pm, families are able to access a free quality experience in the play gallery and receive muchneeded resources from the Monarch program,” said Tongue.
To further their goal of accessible play, Greentrike began the ‘Pay As You Will’ donation model which means admission at its two museums is by donation only. All donations made support the museums and keep it accessible for every family in our community. This one-of-akind payment structure has been nationally recognized and ensures that Greentrike manifests its commitment to access.
“There are no barriers for families to connect and thrive.”
GREENTRIKE greentrike.org
MAKING YOUR HOUSEHome
ATips 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.
*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.
Ranger Heating & Cooling
BY LYNN CASTLE
Ranger Heating & Cooling prides itself on their integrity. It just comes down to doing the right thing. According to Ranger’s President, David Kallander, “We approach every project as if it were our own house and we make sure the job is done right.”
The heating and cooling industry is in Kallander’s blood as the third generation to work in this field, starting with his grandfather some 70 years ago. In operation for more than ten years, Ranger focuses primarily on residential work and some light commercial projects where the team of 24 employees look at systems as a whole project.
“How we approach the project is not typical in our industry,” said Kallender. “We take in all the information about a home and focus on improving the overall quality from air filtration to safety.”
The Ranger team will evaluate smoke detectors, gas valves, propane ventilation, and ductwork and then focus on the customer’s quality of life. Throughout the install, Ranger staff want their customers
to have a really good experience. It is what drives their entire team to excellence. As experts in saving energy, Ranger can ensure they install the most energy efficient system for your home which takes advantage of all energy rebates and financing options.
Through their customer service and year-round consistent pricing, Ranger sets itself apart from others in its field. “Because we only work with strong brands like Daikin, with low failure rates, Ranger can offer lifetime workmanship guarantees,” added Kallender. Plus, Daikin products are made 100% in the USA.
Serving all communities in the South Puget Sound, Ranger believes in up-front pricing and they are committed to providing professional service that is guaranteed to exceed customers’ expectations.
RANGER HEATING & COOLING rangerheating.com
SHOPPING GUIDE
TACOMA
Blitz & Co. Florist
Gifts & Home Décor
909 Pacific Ave
253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com
Brown & Haley
Candy & Confections
110 E 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 S 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 N Proctor St 253.752.2242 pacificnorthwestshop.com
RUSTON
Purpose Boutique
Apparel & Jewelry 5105 N Main St 253.292.0508 purposeboutique.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
Direction Apparel
Gifts & Accessories
3026 Harborview Dr 253.858.1751 directionapparel.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 S Meridian 253.848.1332 johnson-jewelers.com
South Hill Mall
Retail, Movies & Dining 3500 S 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
Simple Tidings Kitchen
Kitchen & Gifts
1115 Main St 253.863.7933 simpletidings.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY
Third Thursday Free Art Walk
January 16, February 20, March 20 & April 17, 5-8pm
Washington State History Museum | washingtonhistory.org Museum of Glass | museumofglass.org Tacoma Art Museum | tacomaartmuseum.org Foss Waterway Seaport | fosswaterwayseaport.org
MLK Welcome Walk
January 11, 12-3pm Fort Steilacoom Park 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood cityoflakewood.us/mlk-day
The Year Goes Around Virtual Story Time
Wednesday, January 1- Friday, January 31 depts.washington.edu/hortlib/events/story-time
Beloved Community Art Reception
January 13, 5-7pm Lakewood City Hall Foyer, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood cityoflakewood.us/mlk-day
The Pack Drumline
January 17, 7:30pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.com
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
January 24-February 9
7:30pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
Tacoma Little Theatre
210 North I St, Tacoma 253.272.2281 | tacomalittletheatre.org
Mortal Beloved
January 25, 7:30pm Schneebeck Concert Hall
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma
January 26, 2pm Pioneer Park Pavilion 303 S Meridian, Puyallup Northwest Sinfonietta
253.383.5344 | nwsinfonietta.org
Tacoma Home & Garden Show
January 30-February 2
Tacoma Dome 2727 East D St., Tacoma tacomahomeandgardenshow.com
FEBRUARY
Right to Play Gala
February 1, 5:30-9pm
Marriott Downtown Tacoma 1538 Commerce St, Tacoma 253.627.6031 greentrike.org/childrens-museum-of-tacoma
Wine and Chocolate Festival
February 7 and 8 45224 284th Ave SE, Enumclaw 360.226.3493 | enumclawexpo.com
Puget Sound Women’s Show
February 8, 11am-4pm Tacoma Mall, Macy’s Court showcasemedialive.com
Love at the Zoo
February 10 & 11, 9am-3pm
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 4500 N Pearl St, Tacoma pdza.org
Family STEAM Day
February 15, 11am-3pm & every third Saturday 2702 East D St, Tacoma 253.779.8490 | americascarmuseum.org
Mini Maestros: Fiddler on the Hoof February 16, 2:30pm University of Puget Sound Schneebeck Concert Hall 1567 N Union Ave, Tacoma symphonytacoma.org
Colin & Brad: Scared Scriptless February 3, 7:30pm
Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.com
Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration
Tacoma Dome
2727 East D St, Tacoma 253.383.3900 | asiapacificculturalcenter.org
Cirque Kalabanté
February 28th, 8pm
Federal Way Performing Art & Event Center
31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way 253.835.7010 | fwpaec.org
MARCH
Freedom Song
March 8, 7:30pm
Rialto Theater
310 S 9th St, Tacoma
March 9, 2 pm
Pioneer Park Pavilion
300S Meridian, Puyallup 253.383.5344 | nwsinfonietta.org
Lights... Camera... Music!
March 9, 4:30pm
Federal Way Performing Art & Event Center 31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way 253.835.7010 | fwpaec.org
Cascade Christian Schools IMPACT Auction
March 15
Washington State Fair Grounds, AgriPlex 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup 253.841.1776 | cascadechristianschools.org
Shamrock’n in the Harbor: 5K/12K Run/Walk
March 16, 8am-1pm
Cushman Trail, Gig Harbor 253. 514.6338 gigharborfoundation.org/shamrocknrun
Symphony Tacoma: The Americas!
March 22, 7:30pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org
Portland Taiko
March 29, 7:30pm
Rialto Theater
901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.346.1721 | tacomaartslive.org
Cinderella March 30 & 31, 2pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.591.5894 | tacomacityballet.com
APRIL
Puyallup Farmers Market
April-October, Saturdays 9am-2pm Pioneer Park
300 S Meridian, Puyallup puyallupmainstreet.com
Proctor Farmers Market
April-December, Saturdays 9am-2pm N 27th St & N Proctor St proctorfarmersmarket.com
Daffodil Festival and Marine Boat Parade
April 5 Festival Parades: Tacoma 10:15am, Puyallup 12:45pm, Sumner 2:30pm, Orting 5pm April 13 Marine Boat Parade thedaffodilfestival.org
Spring Fair
April 11-14 & April 18-24
Washington State Fair Event Center 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup thefair.com
Symphony Tacoma: Beyond the Shores April 26, 7:30pm Pantages Theater 901 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.7264 | symphonytacoma.org
Swan Lake
April 26, 7pm
Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center
31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way 253.835.7010 | fwpaec.org
Local Food Favorites
BY MORGAN MARICI
Pierce County is home to some of the best places to dine and enjoy a meal with loved ones. Below is a list of some of our favorite establishments that you should try now that you call Pierce County home.
CROCKETT'S PUBLIC HOUSE PUYALLUP & BONNEY LAKE
Voted as a reader favorite for People’s Choice, you have to check out the menu of high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. This family friendly location was featured on the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Fish tacos are a staff favorite! crockettspublichouse.com
COPPER & SALT RESTAURANT RUSTON
For a special treat or just a day or evening of enjoying the water views, check out the Copper and Salt at Point Ruston’s Silver Cloud Hotel. Featuring handcrafted cocktails, locallysourced produce and fresh ingredients, their culinary team presents artisan dishes that capture the spirit of our region. copperandsaltnw.com
TRACKSIDE PIZZA PUYALLUP & SUMNER
Trackside Pizza is family-friendly and a perfect place to take the kids for a fun experience. Kids are invited to create their own pizza and the team at Trackside will bake it up. They say “Pie Up” and they will bake it up for you. pizzatrackside.com
WOVEN SEAFOOD AND CHOPHOUSE RUSTON
At Woven Seafood, Pacific Islands meet the Pacific Northwest. Chef Roy Yamaguchi has artfully created a menu that weaves local heritage with the roots and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. Foodies will love this location as there is always something fresh and sizzling on the menu — not to mention fantastic waterfront views. eatwoven.com
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 30 locations in the 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 and entire-family same-day care, Light Dental Studios has solutions patients need.
“We’re trying to make dentistry effortless by making it about our patients, not the dentists,” says Broughton. “Our schedule
BY LEAH GROUT
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 $100.000 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.
Pediatrics Northwest’s Allergy and Asthma Location Serving Tacoma
We are excited to announce that Pediatrics Northwest is serving patients at a location in Tacoma exclusively dedicated to allergy, asthma, and immunology care. The clinic is located in Building B on the Allenmore Hospital and Medical Center campus. This expansion comes as a direct response to the growing need for specialized allergy/immunology and asthma care in our community.
At Pediatrics Northwest, the practice is committed to the health and well-being of
the entire family. The new Allenmore location will not only provide specialized care for the youngest members of our community but will also expand services to adult patients in need of allergy care.
For many people, allergy and asthma symptoms can significantly interfere with their daily activities, and we understand the impact this can have on the whole family. From seasonal allergies to food intolerances, our specialists are here to help alleviate discomfort, identify triggers, and create
personalized treatment plans to help you get back to enjoying life again.
Pediatrics Northwest’s Allenmore location is now accepting appointments. To schedule a visit, call them at 253-383-5777 and the team will be happy to assist you.
Content provided by Pediatrics Northwest
PEDIATRICS NORTHWEST pedsnw.net
Changing Lives One Smile at a Time
Braces are a rite of passage that preteens and adolescents have endured for decades. Many of us have vivid memories of painful extractions, wires poking our inner cheeks and headgear worn in unflattering photos. Those traumas are a thing of the past for patients at Molen Orthodontics. The family business has created confident smiles in the South Sound for nearly 50 years.
“The way we do orthodontics is different,” says Aaron Molen, DDS. “We focus on the
smile, in addition to the face and lips, to design more natural and curved smile arcs. Our patients receive the most beautiful and aesthetic smiles possible.”
Parents are encouraged to bring in their child at an early age for an initial evaluation. “We like to see kids right after their seventh birthday. Few need treatment at this age, but it allows us to capture baseline records and monitor their growth to make more informed treatment decisions,” notes Dr. Aaron, as
BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER
he’s known in the office, to avoid confusion between him and his brother Dr. Rick Molen or their father, Dr. Bruce Molen, who has been a pioneer in adopting innovative treatments, such as orthodontic expansion.
“Between the ages of eight and ten, we have a window of opportunity, before the suture in the roof of the mouth fuses closed, to gently work with nature to make the jaws wider,” explains Dr. Aaron. “This allows teeth to come in less crowded and also, research has shown, opens the airway, improving a child’s ability to breathe.” Better breathing, he says, results in better sleep at night and more alertness during the day.
Beyond the clinical side of treatment, the Molen Orthodontics team keeps patients motivated by making office visits fun. A rewards program lets patients earn prizes. Completed treatment plans are celebrated with cheers and red-carpet walks.“Rick and I grew up here and now we’re raising our own kids here. We’re passionate about caring for patients in this community,” says Dr. Aaron. “Our mission is to change lives one smile at a time.”
MOLEN ORTHODONTICS molenorthodontics.com
MYNX AESTHETIK | Optimal Care for Skin & Wellness
Mary Stinson’s commitment to educating and caring for her customers’ well-being goes far beyond skin deep. Mynx Aesthetik, her skin and wellness business, attracts top-notch professionals who take time to know you. They want to understand your goals and concerns. “Education is key to success along the skincare journey,” says Stinson. Together a plan will be created for your care, rejuvenation, and healing.
“I’m passionate about what I do,” she adds. In order to offer a wider range of services, Stinson went back to school to become a Master Esthetician. She can provide treatments to treat spider veins, rosacea, and common skin irregularities such as skin tags, cherry angiomas, and sebaceous hyperplasia. A few of her favorite services are Potenza Radio Frequency Microneedling (RFMN), HydraFacial, and laser facials for skin rejuvenation.
“We have a medical director who oversees medical treatments,” explains Stinson. Mynx Aesthetik offers injectables like Botox and
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS
deeper skin treatments that cannot be performed by a traditional esthetician. The APRN (Advance Practice Registered Nurse) consults with clients before any treatment is scheduled. “This is an industry that is constantly changing. We stay up on continuing education to stay relevant,” explains Stinson. Skin is your largest organ and deserves your attention.
Mynx Aesthetik is a growing collective of well-being experts creating a functional medicine spa. In 2023, Stinson purchased the Ruston Building on Pearl Street. The upstairs renovation is complete, and the rest of the building will be done in stages. There is already a Thai massage therapist and a somatic coach. In time there will be professionals in the areas of nutrition and alternative medicine. Mynx Aesthetik also carries quality skincare products to meet your specific needs.
Are you wondering about your next step? It’s easy. Call for a consultation. You’ll bring in the current products you are using along with your concerns, goals and budget. “Our job is to collect info and hear concerns.” Your plan may be simple or robust; that’s up to you. It’s an investment in your optimal health.
Stinson’s energetic interest in skin, medical advances, and healthy relationships makes her an excellent connection for your skincare journey.
MYNX AESTHETIK mynxaesthetik.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.
Wintertime certainly poses challenges for seniors, but with planning and awareness, you will stay healthy and experience the joys of springtime soon enough. 1 2 3 4 5
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
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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.
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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.
