News
On Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., the unmistakable roar of more than 400 motorcycles will mark the start of the 2017 Albany (Oregon) Veterans Day Parade. The traditional motorcycle start will be eagerly anticipated by the more than 45,000 spectators expected to turn out this year to watch the
Travel
The Applegate Valley in southern Oregon is a special place. Highway 238 is a scenic two-lane country road that follows the curves of the Applegate River. It winds up and down forested hillsides and past rows of trellised grape vines. Small family farms with fields of fresh produce and herds
Military Life
The Lewis Community Spouses' Club (LCSC) is hosting its annual Holiday Market at Lakes High School* Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get an early start on your holiday shopping with handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list. This year, the event will be held off base. "Our
Military Life
A group of military and civilian families has come together to establish a new Venturing Crew in Tacoma. Venturing is a program under the auspices of the Boys Scouts of America (BSA) and is for youth ages 14 to 21 years old. Venturing Crew 216 falls under the Pacific Harbor Council,
Travel
In the drive south on Interstate 5, Vancouver is often overlooked, since people visit its more famous sister city, Portland, just across the Columbia River. However, Vancouver is a vibrant city with lots to see and do, particularly if you like history. First stop is the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Travel
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area makes a great vacation destination, especially when you make Stevenson, Washington, and the Skamania Lodge your base for your time in the Gorge. There are so many activities, adventures and places to eat within 10-15 minutes of the lodge that you can easily
Jobs & Education
Carmen Flores, a military spouse and owner of Bow and Arrow Children's Boutique in the Capital Mall in Olympia, has come a long way from making and selling bows she made at home. Her mall business is a bright and cheerful boutique specializing in unique toys and clothing items for
Outdoors
Beginning in September and lasting through December, salmon run in our area. The fish return from the Pacific Ocean into the Puget Sound and then travel back to the streams and rivers of their birth to spawn the next generation. It is an epic tale of survival: A female salmon
Military Life
Denise Dhane is long retired from her role as vice president of the DuPont subchapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), where she ran the Single Soldier Program. But when she received a plea from Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Goodman that his soldiers needed help, she jumped right in
Military Life
"Welcome to ‘JBLM in 10,' The Ranger, NW Airlifter and JBLM Living newspapers' video channel connecting you to the greater JBLM area," says Christina Butcher, executive producer of video production and on-camera host, in the introduction to "JBLM in 10" videos. The videos can be found on the new YouTube
News
On Oct. 4, Work of Honor will host a Veteran & Military Spouse Network/Hiring Event at the Dystopian State Brewing Company in Tacoma. The event will allow veterans, military spouses and those transitioning from the military to meet and network in a relaxed environment with business professionals and company representatives
Features
Harmon Brewing and Restaurant Company will celebrate its 20th anniversary during its annual weeklong Oktoberfest. The highlight of the week is a German-themed Brew Master Dinner Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. (reservations required). Owner Pat Nagle invested in the future of Tacoma 20 years ago. "Reflecting back on twenty years
Military Life
Julie St-Louis, a Canadian and military spouse whose husband is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), recently traveled to Toronto to join with her peers in the Valcartier Canadian Military Wives Choir. They were united with nine other Canadian Wives Choirs for a total of 191 military spouses and servicemembers
Outdoors
Fall is a great time for harvests, festivals, haunted houses and train rides. The areas surrounding Olympia and Tacoma have many entertaining activities lined up for the next two months. Here are a few highlights. OLYMPIA AND THURSTON COUNTY Rutledge Corn Maze featuring The Bountiful Byway, through Oct. 31 Rutledge Farms' corn maze includes
Features
As a member of a military family, you always hope to discover the places where the locals shop when you move to a new location. The mom-and-pop businesses that people have been going to for years, and in some cases generations, go a long way in making you feel like
Travel
Southern Oregon Wine Country has many wineries that offer generous military discounts. "I'm a proud patriot," said Wayne Parker, owner of Melrose Vineyards, when asked about the large flagpole flying the American flag at the entrance to his property. Parker never served in the military, but he has always had a strong
Travel
American Vinicultural Areas (AVAs) are unique geographic locations with the right climate, soil and topography for growing grapes. The Columbia Valley AVA is mostly in Washington, but the small section in Oregon contains some of the oldest vines in both states. The high desert climate allows for slow growth, and
Travel
For the perfect fall getaway head north of Seattle to Bellingham and the Mount Baker Wilderness. Get your fix of apple orchards, farm fresh produce and crisp mountain air. Where to Stay. If you want the cabin in the mountain experience, check out Mount Baker Lodging, which has over 80 properties
News Front
The 2017 Race for a Soldier takes place in Gig Harbor Sunday, Sept. 24. The race includes a half marathon and a 5K. The start, finish and race basecamp is the Tom Taylor Family YMCA. Day of race registration is available at the YMCA. Proceeds from the race benefit the
Travel
The Water Education and Technology (WET) Science Center is a place to learn all about water. Children will love the interactive games and exhibits while they learn about water conservation, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water use and how to protect the Puget Sound. The center is owned and operated by the
