tacoma art place

Things to Do: Tacoma Art Place

Are you an Artist? Do you love to draw, take pictures, or sculpt but don’t have a studio space to call your own? Well then you need to check out Tacoma Art Place. TAP is a non profit locating in Downtown Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood that is dedicated to providing artists like you access to equipment …

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cormorant steilacoom

Cormorant Passage in Steilacoom

Cormorant Passage is a neighborhood nestled in Steilacoom, a historic town (Washington State’s first!) located less than 20 minutes from JBLM.  Because Cormorant is a mere 5 minutes to North Fort Lewis and within easy commuting distance to JBLM, Madigan, and I-5- it is a popular post for those who spend a lot of time …

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jblm real estate

Researching JBLM Real Estate

One of the most challenging parts of buying a home when you’re moving off post is researching neighborhoods. It’s one thing if you grew up somewhere, but for many who have recently PCSed to JBLM it can be difficult to get a feel for what neighborhood is right for them to live in.  Hiring a …

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jblm real estate

Is Your BAH Enough to Buy a House?

For many, base housing is a temporary situation. While it can be convenient when you’re first moving to an area, the urge to find a nice place to call your own is strong. Since the median home price in Pierce County is currently about $169,000 finding a home off post is surprisingly easy for soldiers at almost …

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Hudsons

Moving off Post to a Home of Their Own

Matt Hudson had only been in the Army a few months when he was moved to JBLM from Brownsville, TN. Little did he know that when he came here for work, he’d end up meeting his future wife and settling down. “We met at a Super Bowl Party in 2006,” remembers his wife, Tamara. “We …

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Things to Do: Tacoma Art Place Cormorant Passage in Steilacoom Researching JBLM Real Estate Is Your BAH Enough to Buy a House? Moving off Post to a Home of Their Own

Jan
10
2012

From Oceanside to JBLM

When Henry McCormick PCSed to JBLM from Oceanside, California he decided he wanted to buy a house.  To find just the right place close to base, he enlisted local Realtor Jim Swanson.  “He let me know he was the first person in his family to buy a home,” says Jim. “It was important that we find the right place.”

Henry was referred to Jim by the VA who he says were pleased with Jim’s track record with Vets and his understanding of a service member’s lifestyle.  Henry found working with Jim to be a positive experience, and in a letter said, Read the rest of this entry »

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Dec
29
2011

Dance Classes in Fircrest!

Have you been looking for dance classes for your kids? The benefits of dance classes goes far beyond building performance skills. In addition to being a fun way to exercise- kids build self esteem, coordination, and learn to appreciate dance as an art form.

“Dance has been great for both my son and daughter,” says Nicole Alderson, a Marketing Assistant at Windermere Professional Partners in Tacoma whose children have been dancing at The Image Studio of Dance for years.  ”It has helped them build confidence, discipline and a sense of achievement.

There are a number of great dance studios in the area including Elite in Puyallup, DASH in Downtown Tacoma, and many more.

“My son who is 17 has been dancing since he was 14 and he currently assists in teaching an all boys hip hop class plus takes additional hip hop classes at the studio.” says Nicole. “They also have dance camps all year long and offer free dance classes and camps a couple times a year.”

For more information on dance classes and dance camps here.

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Dec
28
2011

Warning: The Biggest Mistake VA Buyers Make

Right now many soldiers returning from abroad to JBLM are noticing the low prices around base and record low interest rates and are purchasing homes.  As we’ve mentioned in past posts, VA Loans are one of the best loans out there- and if you are eligible to use your VA Certificate to purchase your home you can purchase it with very little out of pocket.  The biggest mistake VA Buyers make when purchasing their first home is not getting a home inspection.

Why VA Buyers are less likely to get home inspections isn’t exactly clear, says Cyrus Bonnet, a JBLM Real Estate Agent and former soldier. “It’s true that VA Appraisers are often more picky than the average appraisal, but they are not a substitute for a thorough home inspection.”

Appraisals (even VA Appraisals) are not home inspections. An appraiser is hired by your bank to make sure you are not paying more for the house than it is worth, make sure the house meets VA Requirements for general overall condition, and to protect the banks investment.

“Most people have heard that you should really get a home inspection,” says Cyrus Bonnet. “But once they are in the process of buying a home, they look at that $300-$400 expense and wonder if they should skip it. Especially when the home they are purchasing is brand new.

New homes need home inspections, too.  Many people assume that because the home they are buying is new that it is in perfect condition. “Not true!” Says Cyrus Bonnet. “The quality of a new home is only as good as the subcontractors who worked for the builder.  Quality of construction and finish work varies, and an experience licensed home inspector is going to be able to help spot builder defects and unfinished or sloppy work that could cost you money down the road.”

In Washington State home inspectors are required to be licensed. Your Realtor should be able to refer you to several qualified and licensed inspectors that you can choose from.  Heed the warning, hire a home inspector, and avoid the headaches of unanticipated repairs.

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Dec
13
2011

Tacoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

There are only 4 shows left of Tacoma City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” held annually at Downtown Tacoma’s Pantages Theater.  The only performance in the area to follow the story, scenic design, costuming and choreography as it was originally created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov accompanied by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky’s original score performed by Northwest Sinfonietta.

You can also support Toys for Tots at the show:

For 2011, Tacoma City Ballet is a proud sponsor of Toys for Tots.  The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.  The Toys for Tots Program delivers, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.  Please bring your donation of a new, unwrapped toy to any performance of The Nutcracker.

You can catch the shows this Saturday and Sunday (December 17th & 18th) at 3pm and next Wednesday, December 21st at 1pm & 5pm.  Tickets cost between $19-$60 and can be purchased at www.broadwaycenter.org or call (253) 591-5894 or (800) 291-7593. Military, student, senior and group discounts available.

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Dec
08
2011

What Are You Doing New Years Eve? We have Some Suggestions!

We know, we know.  It’s only the second week in December.  New Years Eve is weeks away!  Let me celebrate one holiday at a time, you say!  The thing about New Years Eve is that it sneaks up on you, so as a courtesy we are throwing some ideas for where to celebrate our journey into 2012 close to JBLM:

 

First Night Tacoma –  This is the classic family choice.  An alcohol-free celebration of the arts held in Downtown Tacoma.  The evening starts off at 6:30pm and will feature a game center for kids, music and dance performances, and a production of Sleeping Beauty!  To purchase a button that will grant you admission, visit one of the participating locations or order online.

 

Pacific Grill New Years Eve – If you’re looking for the classic New Years Eve party complete with party goers in a glitzy wardrobe, champagne toasts, and dancing to a live crooner into the wee hours, this is the place.  Crooner Chris Anderson will be performing while the guests dance the night away.  Tickets can be purchased here.

For something in between a night out with the kids and a formal party, many of the local bars and clubs are having parties with bands and DJ’s.  Jazzbones will be a having “The Thinking Man’s New Years” Party featuring The Randy Oxford Band.  Emerald Queen Casino will be having a Free New Years Eve Party down in Fife.  For a complete list of all the goings on this New Years Eve, check out the news tribunes list.

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Dec
05
2011

Local Tacoma Theaters Offer Classic Christmas Movies!

If you’re looking for some fun family time at the movies with some of the most enduring Christmas classics of all time, we are about to make your day!  Both the Blue Mouse Theater in Proctor (one of the oldest continuously operated movie theaters in the country) and The Grand Cinema (Downtown Tacoma’s non-profit art house movie theater) will be hosting special showings of Christmas Classics THIS WEEK.

 

Where: The Grand Cinema

606 South Fawcett, Tacoma WA 98402

When:  December 6th, 2011  2pm & 6:30pm

What: The Polar Express

A disillusioned little boy, just old enough to doubt the existence of Santa Claus, has the adventure of a lifetime one fateful Christmas Eve. Clad in his pajamas, he climbs aboard a magic train to the North Pole, driven by a kindly train conductor (voiced by Tom Hanks who starred in both of Zemeckis’s Academy-Award winning films FORREST GUMP and CASTAWAY). 

 

Where:  The Blue Mouse Theater

2611 North Proctor St Tacoma, WA

When:  December 8th 2011, 7pm

(Santa arrives at 5:30pm)

What: It’s a Wonderful Life

An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.

 

 

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Nov
28
2011

JBLM Off Base Housing Search Tips

For better or for worse, the days of finding an apartment to rent or a house to buy in the back of your local paper are long gone.  When the time comes to start searching for housing around JBLM, that search will be best carried out online.  That said, the internet is crowded with websites that lure you in with “homes for rent” or “homes for sale” that are only trying to capture your information to sell to real estate agents, property managers, and who knows who else.

Here are some great sites for doing your own research:

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Nov
20
2011

JBLM Christmas Lights!

If you’re looking for great light displays near JBLM, look no further!  We have a list of the best places to catch great displays of holiday lights across the area, most of which kick off this coming Friday!

Fantasy Lights

It’s cold outside!  Maybe you’d like to drive around and see fantastic holiday light displays from the warmth and comfort of your own car.   Located near the east gate entrance of McChord, the Fantasy Lights in Spanaway features a two mile drive along Spanaway Lake.  Using thousands of lights the makers have built more than 300 displays that are sure to delight young and old alike.  In addition there is a Wonderland Train Station and a soundtrack provided over the radio.  The cost is $13 per car, for additional pricing for larger vehicles and discount information click here.

Zoolights

Located at the Point Defiance Zoo perched over the Puget Sound, Zoolights is a sight to see!  With more than half a million lights arranged into inventive displays such as ice skating puffins and tiger cubs.  With an antique carousel, lots of hot cocoa, and even a Santa Clause that scuba dives with the Sharks, Zoolights is one of those events you are not likely to forget!  Zoolights starts November 25th.  For admission information and schedule, click here!

Of course if you prefer to go out and find amateur shows you will have lots of options all around JBLM.  If you live closer to Olympia, check out some of these neighborhoods bursting with holiday cheer.  In East Pierce County, check out some of these drives.

 

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Nov
15
2011

Tacoma Christmas Market? Get Ice Skating, Cocoa, & Christmas Trees Downtown!

Anyone who has ever been stationed in Germany surely remembers the incredible Christmas Markets.  The beautifully decorated outdoor markets selling a variety of gifts, handmade items, and delicious food and Glühwein are found all over Germany and in many other parts of Europe as well.  Who among us hasn’t walked through these beautiful outdoor markets and thought, “Why isn’t anyone doing this back home?”

This year in downtown Tacoma’s Tollefson Plaza the combined efforts of community members, corporate sponsorship, and the volunteers from Local Life Tacoma are making an effort to make an outdoor community space for the public this Christmas.

"Two-Ville" by artist Jeremy Gregory

Starting on November 25th 2011 until January 2nd, an ice skating rink called “Fransiscan Polar Plaza” will be open from 4pm – 10pm while schools are in. When school is out and on Saturdays hours are 10am – 10pm. Ice skating is open 10-8pm on Sundays.  Admission is $8 and skate rental is $2.

Returning for the third year, Two Five Trees will be selling Christmas Trees in the plaza for prices ranging from $20-$40, as well as free candy canes and hot cocoa!

Local artist Jeremy Gregory has contributed a mural titled, “Two-Ville” to the scene, giving it “Bavarian Whoville” vibe.

First Day – Friday, November 25, 7 pm
Enjoy live music from the 80′s cover band Big Huge.

Kick-off Day – Saturday, November 26
Bring the whole family to celebrate the opening of the Franciscan Polar Plaza, and even skate with your favorite dog Leroy!
4:30 pm Skate with Leroy, Santa, and Friends
5:30 pm Ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Tacoma
6 pm Kent Valley Figure Skating Club
7 pm Music

 

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Nov
09
2011

Active Military & Vets Have Free Admission to Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo Friday!

This Friday November 11, Northwest Trek  and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium  salute those who have served our country with free admission to the park  for individuals who are active or retired military. Both Parks are owned by Metro Parks Tacoma.

Free admission applies to active/retired military individuals only. Regular prices for Northwest Trek can be found here, regular admission prices for Point Defiance Zoo can be found here.

Please be sure to bring your active military/veteran identification card, discharge papers, DD214s, or any other proof of honorable US military service with you to Northwest Trek.

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