Veterans
The Lakewood Knights Lions Club exists as an example of humanitarian service in this community. "We are a family that cares for the community, and the community is our family," said Balarie McLeod, president of the organization. Her words hearken back to the history and mission of the Lions. Founded in 1917
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Some bands seem to hit from the word go. It seems from the moment Santee sleepily, casually emerged on the scene, there has been an uncommon level of excitement for what was originally just an acoustic two-piece. Now a full band, Santee is running on all cylinders and continually exceeding
Music
Some bands seem to hit from the word go. It seems from the moment Santee sleepily, casually emerged on the scene, there has been an uncommon level of excitement for what was originally just an acoustic two-piece. Now a full band, Santee is running on all cylinders and continually exceeding
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When my wife saw a photo of Richard Craig Meitner's Branch - blown glass with rust patina - she said, "That's creepy but interesting." She paused a moment and then said, "I like it." That reaction may be typical for Meitner's work. His glass sculpture can be witty and perhaps a
Health
Free and accessible medical care is one of the best benefits of military service. But what happens when servicemembers retire or separate? How do they continue to receive medical care and coverage? While on active duty, most servicemembers (and their dependents) receive mostly free medical care through TRICARE. However, once they
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The circus is a dying art - and the circus-lifer is a dying breed. Bearded ladies just don't go as far as they once did. Sure, someday there may be an iPhone app replicating the experience only achieved by rings of fire, balancing acts, shitty peanuts and
Health
Military medical coverage is free and all-inclusive most of the time, but there are certain conditions and cases that are not entirely covered by TRICARE, like being overweight. For those who qualify, TRICARE will cover surgical options such as gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty. Locally, these procedures will be done
Health
If you've waited in line at the Madigan Army Medical Center's pharmacy and watched those numbers tick by slowly, the idea of going to an outside pharmacy may have crossed your mind. The following is list of some retail pharmacies in both Pierce and Thurston counties that accept Tricare. Note: for
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In 2006 the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation helped create the Youth Against Violence Initiative - a local group partnering community leaders, activists, professionals and (most importantly) area youths in an effort to reduce youth violence and build an "engaged community that fosters a sense of hope and optimism among our
Health
Military healthcare has many moving pieces - from being seen at a military or civilian medical facility to dental and vision plans - and it can be hard to keep track of all of them. The following websites help explain and provide information that can help servicemembers and their families
Health
Having a straight, white smile is a feature many people are not born with, but takes multiple dentist visits to achieve. From teeth cleaning, pulling, and filling to cosmetics such as whitening, visiting the dentist can be painful and expensive. The Tricare Dental Program (TDP) tries to minimize both and makes
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Put simply - the immigration situation in this country is a little fucked right now. It's ruining innocent lives every day, and until we do something about it the problem is only going to escalate. Sunday, Tacoma Community House presents a panel discussion titled "Demystifying Immigration," at St. Mark's Lutheran
Health
The military TRICARE insurance system can be difficult to maneuver. There are many medical procedures that are covered for active-duty servicemembers and not covered for dependents. On its website, TRICARE says that its insurance "covers most inpatient and outpatient care that is medically necessary and considered proven. However, there are special rules
Focus
The Chinook dropped out of the sky, hovered for an instance, and then gently touched down on LZ (landing zone) Goldfish. Moments later, approximately 15 Soldiers comprising "Red Platoon" and assigned to A Troop, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment came off the ramp, fanned out and dropped to the ground. As they
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Saturday, Sen. Debbie Regala (D-Tacoma), Rep. Jeannie Darneille (D-Tacoma) and Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) invite constituents of the 27th Legislative District to a town hall discussion from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Evergreen State College's Tacoma Campus. The leaders will come prepared to chat about education, social services, the environment, and
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If you have yet to catch the local dance phenomenon that is MOVE!, you're a little behind the curve - but there's still hope. Friday and Saturday MOVE! #18, with the talents of the Tacoma City Ballet, The MOVE!NG Company and Joel Myers - to name but a few -
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It's a scientific fact that the only thing that comes close to achieving the adrenaline rush of hurdling down a steep-ass, majestic mountain at warp speed strapped to a snowboard or skis is sitting in a theater, bucket of popcorn between your well-toned legs, watching people on screen hurdling down
Scene It
When editor extraordinaire Matt Driscoll suggests I check out the Nightgowns SXSW sendoff show for this week's column, I happily agree. See, Matt promises me a meat market of epic proportions, saying, "just about every hipster in Tacoma should be there." Every hipster in Tacoma, you say? Finally, a place
Music
CHIEF >>> Saturday, March 12 Centralia knows how to party. Seems like Podunk towns always do, especially when it comes to hometown pride. The bands come out, the kegs get tapped and everyone and their moms and grammas turn out to show some spirit. Saturday, Centralia and The Hub Bar and Grill
Ragnet
In every issue of this fine rag my hack team of wannabe journalists and I tackle some of the most laughable criminal acts that have recently happened in our area. Then - if we're doing our job - we write about those crimes in a way that makes you chuckle,
