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
Editor
Pamela Holt
Calendar Editor
Morgan Marici
Art Director
Susan Newsom
Website
Kelly McKay
Social Media
Madison Ford
Writing Team
Natalie Benson
Lynn Castle
Leah Grout
Julie Leydelmeyer
Morgan Marici
Emily Molina
Mary Ellen Psaltis
Hillary Ryan
Photography
Amanda Howse
Sales Team
Saundra Coffen
Dana Pethia Shore
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
Over 300 SEAWORTHY EXPERIENCES:
• friday night market, smoke & sawdust carve comp, live music on 2 stages
• Dockside tug tours Fri-Sun
• harbor tours, hands-on kids activities
• chainsaw log carve fri-sun
• tugboat races at noon on sun
• photo contest
• over 200 arts & crafts vendors
Labor Day Weekend • September 4-6, 2026 All activities and events subject to change without notice. Visit HarborDays.com for details & where to stay Olympia
Sponsors & Partners:
ShowCase Magazine, City of Olympia, Capital Heating & Cooling, City of Tumwater, City of Lacey, Inspire
The Legacy of Lucky LeMay
BY HILLARY RYAN
Driving around Tacoma you may notice more than the usual number of classic cars. The love of the automobile runs deep here. Tacoma is home to two museums devoted to the automobile and multiple car shows throughout the year. These are due, in large part, to the LeMay family.
Harold “Lucky” LeMay, who was voted the least likely to succeed by his high school class, started his garbage company with just one truck. He grew his operation, LeMay Enterprises, into one of the most flourishing business in the South Sound region.
Fueled by the success of the company, he and his wife Nancy began collecting cars in the 1960s. When Harold LeMay died in 2000, the couple had amassed over 3,000 vehicles—the largest collection of automobiles in the world. Recognized by many as a national treasure, the collection of cars, motorcycles and trucks spans the 20th century and features virtually every American make, as well as numerous foreign cars.
Vehicles weren’t the only things the husband and wife collected. The family rule was that if there was space in a building to store a car, that space would have a car. The nooks in the buildings, however, could be filled with other things. That agreement resulted in a number of smaller collections, such as salt-and-pepper
shakers, Americana memorabilia, neon signs, hose nozzles, and over 2,000 dolls.
The LeMay Family Collection Foundation was born out of Harold LeMay’s dream of keeping his massive car collection together and in a place where others could appreciate it. In 1996 he began talking about opening a nonprofit museum that would allow the public to see his collection and keep it all together. In 2012, LeMay–America’s Car Museum opened in downtown Tacoma, just south of the Tacoma Dome. In addition, hundreds of LeMay’s cars are displayed at the historic 80-acre site of the
LeMay Family Collection at Marymount, which opened in 1991.
If you are interested in vintage vehicles, you couldn’t come to a better place.
LEMAY COLLECTIONS AT MARYMOUNT lemaymarymount.org
Peak Credit Union is proud to serve Pierce and Thurston Counties. No matter where you are on your financial journey, we’ll meet you there – and help you achieve financial well-being. Become a member-owner of Peak today!
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
CONCORDIA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
This is Your Place!
BY LYNN CASTLE
Located in the Stewart Heights area of Tacoma, Concordia Christian Academy is a K-12 school that is small enough, with under 300 students, to look at each individual student and personalize their education. At its core, Concordia Christian Academy is a community that loves God and seeks to serve Him. Whether it’s through outreach, co-curricular or regular school activities, they strive to live out their mission in the community.
“We really are a light in the community with our service to others. Our staff provides our students with opportunities to serve the community and those lessons in service stay with our students long after they have graduated,” said Principal Sherrie Gibelyou.
Founded in 1899 (yes, more than 128 years ago), Concordia has evolved into a campus with four buildings and more than 30 educators. This school system provides a Christ-centered, quality education in a student-focused environment, preparing young people to actively serve in the world with their unique talents and gifts.
According to Gibelyou, “For us, it’s being a Christian school that finds a balance between law and gospel. We always lead with grace and forgiveness, recognizing and forgiving a mistake and implementing a law only if they keep repeating the same mistake.” This approach is a nice balance -- allowing the team to look at each individual student, identify their interest areas, and create an experiential learning environment for them.
The small school environment allows staff to create authentic relationships with students where they can make their education what they want it to be. “I say it all the time. This is your place, make it what you want it to be. Incorporate what you would like to do into what we do,” Gibelyou said. This means extra-curricular activities and clubs happen because the kids are allowed to explore what they are passionate about.
In our world where values are constantly changing, Concordia Christian Academy teaches common values that are biblically-based. These values find their truth in the bible, so they don’t change.
Concordia Christian Academy believes it’s about you – “This is Your Place!”
CONCORDIA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY concordiachristianacademy.org
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.
Pierce College: Belong. Advance. Thrive.
As the largest community college district in Pierce County, with more than 14,000 students annually, Pierce College is nationally recognized for student success. Through their vision of Belong, Advance, and Thrive, Pierce College is striving to make every student successful.
According to Chancellor Julie White, Ph.D., “Our culture at Pierce College is very studentcentered. Everyone from faculty and staff to student leaders are working to make all people feel welcome.”
Two separate campuses, one in Puyallup and one in Lakewood, make up the Pierce College District. Offering high school completion, certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and continuing education, Pierce College welcomes students at all stages of their educational path. “We welcome everyone. There is a place for everyone here regardless of where they are in their journey,” said White.
BY LYNN CASTLE
Pierce College offers 26 associate degrees, eight associate direct transfer agreement (DTA) degrees, six bachelor’s degrees, 52 certificate programs, and professional-technical degrees in a variety of areas of study including accounting, anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, geography, and writing. Classes are held on the quarter system and are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Pierce College Puyallup is in South Hill on 39th Avenue SE, not far from the retail hub of the city. This location allows easy access for residents in the surrounding area. The campus is filled with modern buildings that include wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances.
Featuring 140 acres, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is adjacent to the 342-acre Fort Steilacoom Park and Waughop Lake. This unique location offers views of the Puget Sound as well as walking trails and access to outdoor recreational fields. On-campus housing is available at the Fort Steilacoom campus, offering traditional, community-style living with support of resident advisers to assist with safety and community needs.
Pierce College also offers Running Start. Running Start offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits towards an associate degree creating cost savings as well as time savings. Running Start students who graduate high school with their associate degrees may enter college as a junior.
PIERCE COLLEGE pierce.ctc.edu
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.
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.
Ed Selden Carpet One: Three Generations of Evolving
BY LYNN CASTLE
“My name and reputation are very important to me, so I make sure the right product is selected for the environment it is going to be put in,” said Gayle Selden, President and owner of Ed Selden Carpet One in Lakewood. Pride in her name is a natural result when you are the granddaughter of the founder and original owner, Ed Selden.
More than 65 years ago, Ed recognized an opportunity in new home construction in Lakewood and predicted there would be a need for all types of different flooring. Over the years, the business transitioned, pivoted, and expanded to meet ever-changing business environments. At one point, under Gayle’s father, the business moved to a residential remodel operation and then as times improved it expanded again to include providing products to commercial, residential, new construction, and remodels.
According to Selden, “We sell all types of flooring and accessory items including hardwood, tile, vinyl, carpeting and the new luxury vinyl plank that every home improvement television show features.” But Ed Selden Carpet One isn’t just about floors. They can assist with an entire project including clients that are remodeling their home so they can age in place. “These projects are really challenging, but they are also so rewarding.”
Standing behind their wide variety of products and especially their installation is one of the driving tenets of Selden’s business philosophy. “We make sure the customer picks the right product by coming to their home and recommending the right product for their needs,” said Selden.
In a world filled with big box options, it’s nice that shoppers have the option to go in and
talk to the owner about their needs. With such a wide range of products, and a willingness to hunt down a client’s wild dream, Selden and her team are good problem solvers.
Selden encourages people to shop local. “When people shop independent, local places they are making a better, brighter impact on their community without spending any extra money.” Through her own community outreach and that of her team, Ed Selden Carpet One exemplifies her belief that a strong community builds a strong business.
ED SELDEN CARPET ONE
edseldencarpetonelakewood.com
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.
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
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
LAKEWOOD
Ed Selden Carpet One Floor & Home 3901 Steilacoom Blvd SW 253.250.4459 edseldencarpetonelakewood.com
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
Inta Vintage
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
The Children’s Place Outlet Now Open
BY LYNN CASTLE
When you're looking for the best kids' clothing at affordable prices, the selection at The Children's Place is just what you need. The Children’s Place Outlet in Auburn’s The Outlet Collection Seattle, located between Nordstrom Rack and Discount Collection Depot, features stylish baby, toddlers and children’s clothing and accessories.
The Children’s Place Outlet is the outlet version of the national children’s clothing retailer, offering discounted kids’ apparel, shoes, accessories, and basics. It offers the
same brand and merchandise styles found in regular The Children’s Place stores but at outlet pricing. New clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers, and children, including tops, bottoms, dresses, sleepwear, and seasonal apparel are brought into this outlet store on a regular basis. This frequent influx of items makes checking back regularly a must for experienced value shoppers.
Instead of just looking for the best price, value shopping focuses on finding products that are durable, functional, and well-made.
This shopping process has many benefits. It ensures items will be used rather than wasted, providing better long-term value.
The Children’s Place Outlet is one of many outlet stores inside The Outlet Collection Seattle, one of the largest outlet malls in the Pacific Northwest, with 120+ stores offering a mix of outlet-pricing brands, family-friendly stores, dining options, and entertainment.
THE CHILDREN'S PLACE OUTLET childrensplace.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
Lakewood Farmers Market
June 2-September 1, Tuesdays 2-7pm Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood cityoflakewood.us/farmersmarket
Proctor Farmers Market
Through December, Saturdays 9am-2pm N 27th St & N Proctor St, Tacoma proctorfarmersmarket.com
Puyallup Farmers Market
Through September, Saturdays 9am-2pm Pioneer Park, Puyallup puyallupfarmersmarket.com
Tacoma Farmers Markets
Broadway
Through October, Thursdays 10am-2pm 9th & Broadway, Tacoma Eastside
Through August, Fridays 3-7pm Stewart Heights Park, Tacoma Dune Peninsula
Through August, Sundays 11am-4pm Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park tacomafarmersmarket.com
Waterfront Farmers Market
May 21- August 27, Thursdays 1-6pm Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor waterfrontfarmersmarket.org
MAY
Third Thursday Free Art Walk
May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, 5-8pm
Washington State History Museum | washingtonhistory.org
Museum of Glass | museumofglass.org
Tacoma Art Museum | tacomaartmuseum.org
Foss Waterway Seaport | fosswaterwayseaport.org
String Kaleidoscope
May 14, 7:30-9pm
Pacific Lutheran University
Lagerquist Concert Hall–Mary Baker Russell Music Center
868 Wheeler St S, Parkland plu.edu/event
St. Nicholas Catholic School Guardian
Angel Color Run
May 16, 9am
Cushman Trailhead Park
55th St NW, Gig Harbor stnicholascs.org/colorrun
Corks & Crush
May 16, 6pm
Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup 253.403.3038 | corksandcrush.org
The Year 1905: Love and Revolution
May 16, 7pm
Rialto Theater
310 S 9th St, Tacoma 253.591.5894 | tacomacitytheaters.org
JUNE
Our Voices Through July 12
Washington State History Museum 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.272.3500 | washingtonhistory.org
Babies on the Trail
June 3, 10am-12pm
Point Defiance Park
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma metroparkstacoma.org
Sotto Voce
June 5-21, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2pm
Tacoma Little Theatre
210 North I St, Tacoma 252.272.2281 | tacomalittletheatre.com
Private Garage Tour at LeMay Collections at Marymount
September 12 & monthly on second Saturday 325 152nd St E, Tacoma 253.272.2336 | lemaymarymount.org
Gig Harbor Film Festival
September 24-27
Galaxy Theatres Gig Harbor 4649 Point Fosdick Dr NW gigharborfilm.org
Fiesta de la Familia
September 26, 12-6pm
Fort Steilacoom Park 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood cityoflakewood.us/calendar
Get it Fresh at Your Local Farmers Markets
As spring settles over our area, the farmers markets come alive with color, community, and the unmistakable scent of fresh produce. These markets aren’t just places to shop—they’re weekly celebrations of local agriculture, creativity, and connection.
In Pierce County, markets stretch from the shores of Gig Harbor to the foothills of Mount Rainier. The Proctor Farmers Market in Tacoma, one of the region’s few year-round markets, buzzes with activity even in winter, offering everything from crisp apples to artisan cheeses. With the Lakewood Farmers Market set in a large community park, this market enjoys a relaxed, festival feel. You’ll find fresh produce, food trucks, and handmade crafts. Often featured are live music, family games, and a large grassy area perfect for a picnic. According to the organizer of the Lakewood market, Sally Martinez, “Farmers markets are a way for
the community to gather. It is a family affair where we can get more done as we shop, socialize, play, and eat in a beautiful setting.”
Come summer, the energy expands across the County. The Gig Harbor Waterfront Farmers Market fills Thursdays with live music, fresh produce and fruit, and handmade goods, while the Puyallup Farmers Market transforms Pioneer Park into a bustling hub of growers, bakers, and crafters.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect berries, hoping to support small farms, or simply craving a sense of community, your local farmers markets offer a vibrant, ever-changing taste of the Pacific Northwest. Each visit is a reminder that local food isn’t just about what’s on the table—it’s about the people, land, and stories behind every harvest.
PROCTOR FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays, 9am-2pm March-December 20 N 27th and N Proctor Streets, Tacoma proctorfarmersmarket.com
LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays, 2-7pm, June-September Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-farmersmarket
GIG HARBOR WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, May 21-August 27, 1-6pm Skankie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor waterfrontfarmersmarket.org
THE PUYALLUP FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays, 9am-2pm April-October Pioneer Park, Puyallup puyallupmainstreet.com
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 NORTHWEST KITCHEN RUSTON
For a special treat or just a day or evening of enjoying the water views, check out Copper and Salt at Point Ruston’s Silver Cloud Hotel. Featuring handcrafted cocktails, locally-sourced 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
POODLE DOG RESTAURANT FIFE
Visit the long-standing iconic family restaurant for casual dining. Experience vintage charm by stepping into this historic 91-year-old restaurant, where the past meets the present and friends meet friends to dine. poodledogrestaurant.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
Light Dental Studios to Open Featherland Forest
After years of planning, Light Dental Studios' Puyallup location is ready for their grand reveal of Featherland Forest. Over six years ago, Lumi the Tooth Fairy began making appearances around the South Sound promoting good oral hygiene. The reception to Lumi was so amazing she inspired a book. Now a perfect replica of her home from the book will be on display for kids to play in before and after their dental appointments.
Light Dental Studios, a privately-owned company with 30 locations throughout the Puget Sound, is breaking the mold of traditional dentistry by tackling our fear of the dentist head on when that fear first starts to form in our heads … during our childhood.
“Our goal is to change people’s thoughts about going to the dentist, especially the little ones,” said Katie Hogan of Light Dental Studios. “We want it to feel like going to Disneyland where kids get immersed in the fun and then are excited to come to the dentist every six months.”
Visitors to Featherland Forest will see Sugar Bug Grotto, where bugs try to talk kids into eating more candy and not brushing. But a visit to
BY LYNN CASTLE
Lumi’s Cottage will show them that it’s better to brush and floss, plus when you lose a tooth, you get a special coin to help plant a Floss Tree. Lumi makes appearances throughout the day, with the help of kids using their coins.
Hogan, who plays Lumi the Tooth Fairy, knows the process is working because she is recognized when she goes out and about in the community sans costume. “Kids come up to me and are excited to tell me about taking care of their teeth.” She encourages kids to write to her, and she always writes back. “Kids can practice their writing and then they get the thrill of receiving a letter back in the mail.” The Lumi Book is also a passport where kids collect stickers of every dental visit marking milestones in their dental journey.
Getting children excited about the dentist, plus reading and writing, is all in a day’s work at Light Dental Studios.
LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS lightdentalstudios.com
Health Starts Where We Live, Work and Play
Since 2005, Pierce County Gets Fit & Healthy, a countywide initiative to promote the importance of healthy eating and active living, has provided tools to help everyone get fit and healthy. It is a major collaborative effort, led by the MultiCare Center for Healthy Living, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Best of all, it’s easy to participate. Whatever your health challenge, whatever your fitness goals, Pierce County Gets Fit & Healthy has something for you.
Sure, healthy living is a long-term commitment, but there are steps you can take right now that will make you healthier today than yesterday and pave the way for healthy living tomorrow. Since Pierce County has 50 park sites totaling over 4,200 acres, why not find a walking buddy and get out on one of many walking trails right away?
HEALTH CARE RESOURCES
• YMCA
• Hospitals
• Medical Clinics
Healthy choices should be convenient choices for everyone in Western Washington. That’s why Pierce County medical providers are helping families live healthier lives, through programs and services in medical clinics and hospitals throughout our communities.
Tacoma health care quality comes down to access, affordability and outcomes. Out of 39 counties in Washington, Pierce County ranks 24 for health outcomes, 26 for health factors, and 33 for healthy behaviors. Research indicates that a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 70 percent of common life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
• Emergency Services
• Senior Centers/Resources
• Caregiver Support
• Parent Help 123
• Maternal Child Outreach
• Community Health Care
• Children With Special Health Care Needs
• Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department
Tuladhara Moves to New Location
When the Tacoma Tuladhara Yoga Studio lost the lease on their space in the Proctor District late last year, owner Alicia Barrett did what all great entrepreneurs do. She figured it out. First a temporary location in the Stadium District met her needs and then she found a perfect location on the corner of 6th and Union.
“It is a premium location in a newly-remodeled building across from a Farrelli’s Pizza and just down the street from UPS,” said Barrett. “With a planned parking lot on its way, I knew it was a great location for us.”
After a quiet opening last September, the newly constructed yoga studio features gorgeous natural light, a massage room, two bathrooms, and a locker room area—all designed to create a premium and welcoming environment. A celebratory grand opening will follow with an open house, special classes and events at a date to be announced in October.
Tuladhara takes pride in creating a sense of community by helping people connect and come together in their beautiful, inviting studios. According to Barrett, “We have a diverse community, so we offer a diverse range of classes for those new to yoga or more rigorous classes like Pilates Fusion. We have strength building and relaxing classes that create a huge range taught by some of the most experienced teachers in the area.”
There are three Tuladhara Yoga Studios in the area including one in Gig Harbor and their original studio on Lakewood Drive. “Having multiple locations and a successful therapy practice is only possible because I work with a very talented leadership team,” Barrett said. The studios also offer online yoga classes.
Facilitating longevity and aging well is a core value of the Tuladhara team. This is extended with their Yoga Teacher Trainings where they educate and train more people in the art of yoga. The training course is more than just the education needed to become a yoga instructor, but also for people wanting to understand the benefits of yoga better and massage therapists that are interested in bridging the two elements together.
v LYNN CASTLE
For Additional Information Tuladhara Yoga Studio tuladharayoga.com
Boys & Girls Clubs Help Local Families
For families across our region, the hours after school have quietly become some of the most important, and most challenging, hours of the day. Parents are juggling full-time jobs, rising costs, and increasingly complex schedules. Young people are navigating academic pressure, social stress, and lingering effects of the pandemic. In today’s landscape, out-of-school time programs are no longer optional supports. They are essential to the success of families and the health of our communities.
Decades of research, and lived experience, show that youth benefit deeply from safe, structured environments outside of the school day. These programs do more than supervise children; they provide stability, consistency, and opportunity during the hours when families need it most. For working parents, out-of-school time programs make it possible to stay employed and focused, knowing their children are safe, supported, and cared for.
For more than 85 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound has filled that role for families across Pierce, Mason, and Kitsap counties. Every afternoon, kids walk directly from school into a Club where they are welcomed by caring mentors and offered support that extends far beyond homework help. In 2025 alone, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound served more than 7,500 youth and provided over 120,000 meals, meeting critical needs for families who rely on these services every day.
For parents, the difference is tangible. When they arrive to pick up their child, homework is already finished. Their child has had a warm dinner and a healthy snack. They’ve spent time with friends in a safe environment, talked with trusted adults, built confidence, and developed skills that aren’t always possible during the school day. That changes the entire dynamic at home and removes one more burden from families already carrying a lot.
For youth, Clubs offer something truly unique: a place that brings everything together under one roof, every day after school. Kids have access to academic support, STEM and arts programs, sports that build teamwork and resilience, leadership and civic engagement opportunities, and social-emotional learning that supports mental and physical well-being. For youth who need Clubs most, this consistency and connection can be life-changing. National studies show that young
people with access to high-quality out-of-school programs experience better long-term outcomes and are less likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system.
The benefits extend beyond individual families. Boys & Girls Clubs of America report that every dollar invested in Clubs generates a $10.32 economic return for communities through improved educational outcomes, stronger workforce readiness, and reduced social costs. Many parents also share that without the Club, their children wouldn’t be able to participate in sports or enrichment activities at all due to work schedules and transportation challenges.
Out-of-school time institutions like Boys & Girls Clubs are critical community infrastructure. They support working families, address food insecurity, promote health and emotional well-being, and prepare young people to become productive, caring, and engaged adults. While much has changed in recent years, the need for these organizations has only grown.
Parents, donors, and policymakers all have a role to play. When we support out-of-school time programs, we’re not just investing in children, we’re strengthening families, stabilizing communities, and building a future we can all count on.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH PUGET SOUND bgcsps.org
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Warm-Weather Wellness Tips for Seniors
BY KELLY LENIHAN
Warmer weather often awakens a desire to get outside and be active. But seniors who have a higher sensitivity to heat need to use caution when making plans in the sun.
PUT ON YOUR WALKING SHOES
Walking is an excellent physical activity. And doing so in a park or forest is a great way to connect with nature. Joining a group can also be an easy way to meet new friends. Choose terrain—and supportive shoes—suitable for your activity level and balance.
TAKE AN EXERCISE CLASS
Get your endorphins flowing! Yoga, pilates or tai chi can all improve balance and flexibility, decreasing the chance of falling. Water aerobics is good for those with arthritis or chronic pain. Or try low-impact sports such as horseshoes, miniature golf, bocce ball, bean bags, badminton or croquet.
GET OUTSIDE AND GARDEN
Gardening can be as calming and relaxing as an hour of meditation. Digging, planting and weeding can improve strength, flexibility and agility. If you don’t have a garden, consider volunteering at a local park.
LIGHTEN UP YOUR DIET
With fruits and vegetables coming into season, it’s time to enjoy salads, light soups and other lighter fare. Farmers markets provide an opportunity to get outdoors and select healthful foods for dinner.
STAY HYDRATED
As we age, our ability to notice thirst may decrease, so keep an eye on your water intake, especially when you’re outdoors in the sun. At home, drink water and herbal tea rather than other beverages.
WATCH FOR ALLERGIES
Summertime can mean allergy season, so pay attention to allergy forecasts. Untreated allergies are uncomfortable and can lead to breathing problems or sinus infections. Your doctor can recommend or prescribe a treatment to help prevent serious respiratory problems.
CHECK THE SIDE EFFECTS OF YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS
Some medications increase sun sensitivity. Find out whether you need to take extra precautions. Following other suggestions on this list will help you avoid problems.
RELISH THE OUTDOORS
Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic! Just remember to pick an area with comfortable seating and shade, even if it’s in your own backyard. Bird-watching and photography are two other pastimes to stimulate the mind and body. If you love to shop, flea markets are a fun summertime activity. Just remember to protect yourself with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and bug repellent.
