Human Trafficking on agenda

Human Trafficking – The featured presentation at the Tillicum Woodbrook Neighborhood Association meeting Jan.3, 6:30 P.M. (Tillicum Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave. SW) will be “the issue of women being exploited, mistreated and devalued – a global concern” with Chris Gilge representing the international component –  “The Starfish Project” in Asia; Rose Gundersen, the state-wide aspect here in Washington where she serves as co-founder and executive director of Washington’s Engage; Abby Henning, the local emphasis and her work with “The Esteem Project”; and a testimonial by Robin Schemel, along with others.  A recent article on this issue - in an attempt to understand the magnitude of the problem, especially here locally in the South Puget Sound - was posted in both The Lakewood Patch and The Suburban Times.  Especially if you are a lawmaker, and/or serve in a legal, law enforcement or legislative capacity, this hour-long moderated presentation - which will allow for audience questions and answers – should be a meeting not to be missed.  The first hour, 6:30-7:30, will be dedicated to this topic followed by a refreshment break to allow further interaction with the panelists and then we will resume with the regular reports for the remainder of the evening. 

CERT Classes return to Tillicum – Community Emergency Response Team training is scheduled to start January 15th and run every Tuesday/Thursday evening from 6:30-9:00 P.M. at the Community Center, ending with a practical exercise on Saturday, Feb.2, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.  For more information call 983-4580 or contact Rachel Adler, CERT Coordinator for West Pierce Fire and Rescue at Rachel.adler@westpierce.org. 

Burn Ban – To stay up to speed on when burning is not allowed, and/or to take advantage of the program to replace your old woodstove or fireplace insert, check out www.cleanairpiercecounty.org or www.pscleanair.org, or call (253) 798-2706, ateague@co.pierce.wa.us.  Your primary contact is Alexandria Teague, Community Services Planner with Pierce County. 

Membership Dues – It’s the New Year which means (1) Happy New Year! and (2) your membership dues are due!  $12/year/person of folks residing in or owning residential property within the Tillicum Woodbrook Neighborhood helps offset some of the financial obligations and opportunities we have as a community.  Contact Abby Henning, TWNA treasurer, at the January 3rd meeting. 

Library happenings - Saturday, Jan. 12 @ 2:00: "Make a Rug" Create your own floor rug out of re-cycled T-shirts in preparation for the upcoming gardening season!   This is a class for adults, though children ages 8 and up accompanied by an adult are also welcome.  Saturday, Jan. 19 @ 1:00: Family Movie Matinee - Bring the whole family to enjoy a safe, new DVD release! Title TBA.  Ongoing beginning computer classes are always available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. Please call library staff to sign up: Jeanine Adams, 548-3314; jadams@piercecountylibrary.org. 

Tillicum in the news

Fifty-four bicycles, helmets, lunch and toys were given out to kids at the Tillicum Youth and Family Center.

Orchard street success story – An abandoned, litter-strewn yard and house in the neighborhood gets cleaned up.

Habitat home dedicated - In honor of Father Lee O Hightower, beloved former pastor of St John Bosco who was the guiding force behind taking on the project of building the house.