PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE OFFERS HOW-TOs
Under the organizational skills of Sustainable Tacoma-Pierce (www.sustainabletacomapierce.net), many local sustainability teachers will team up again this fall to offer another six-month round of permaculture education in Tacoma. Permaculture is the design of sustainable human habitats (including food, water, shelter, energy, etc.). The design course is based on an internationally recognized curriculum.
This year’s Permaculture Design Course will be based out of First Congregational Church (918 Division Ave.) and have an emphasis on daily hands-on learning, relevance to urban living, robust design curriculum and an inspiring array of guest instructors. First Congregational is excited to partner; look for many innovative features in their landscaping as the course participants put into practice what they are learning.
In preparation, a free informational event will be held on July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Speakers will include many of this year’s instructors, project updates from Sustainable Tacoma-Pierce and testimonials from last year’s students. There will also be a garden produce share table (bring your extras) and seeds and plants to share.
The course, Divine Earth Gardening Project, is a garden design and teaching business run by Kelda Miller. It is a Puyallup-based permaculture resource, though many projects extend throughout western Washington. Find details at www.DivinEarthGP.com. The course lasts eight weekends throughout September 2011 and February 2012. Cost is $700-$900 on a sliding scale.
As unemployment numbers remain stark and the green jobs sector soars, recent data shows that a relatively high percentage (33 percent) of permaculture graduates will create their own businesses in fields such as garden design, home retrofit, water management and neighborhood energy systems. This is an added benefit; many people choose to study permaculture for the sheer enjoyment of growing food and living in more sustainable neighborhoods.
Participants of last year’s course have since planted diverse gardens, renovated houses for better water and energy efficiency and organized block parties to build community. Last year’s course helped inspire a partnership with Metro Parks in the master plan design of Swan Creek Park, a yard-by-yard edible landscaping conversion in Parkland, and numerous educational events ranging from garden design to alternative economics.
RAMP-A-THON HELPS DISABLED HOMEOWNERS
This summer, Rebuilding Together South Sound will help disabled homeowners get in and out of their homes safely with the first ever Pierce County Ramp-A-Thon. Led by homebuilders from the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, veterans will be giving back to their communities once again by constructing three wheelchair ramps on this one-day blitz, partially funded by the City of Lakewood.
Rebuilding Together South Sound jumped at the chance to work with VetsMeetVets, the organization providing volunteers for this event. VetsMeetVets, which is working to end veteran suicide, is always looking for ways to get their veterans involved in the community. “There is nothing better for our veterans than to be back in service in their community,” explains founder and Executive Director Rod Wittmier. “It stops the spiral immediately by raising their self-worth and value in their community.”
Continuing its strong partnership with the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, Rebuilding Together South Sound is utilizing skilled volunteer homebuilders to lead these three projects.
In 2001 when Rebuilding Together South Sound was established, three projects were completed during a one-day event called National Rebuilding Day. “It’s exciting to see this organization grow from a once a year service event to a year-round affordable housing organization that can facilitate special one day events such as the Ramp-A-Thon,” Executive Director Amy Hoyte said. “In the last three years, our year-round services have grown substantially, and thanks to the community support we receive, we’ll be completing 100 projects between our two programs this year alone.” Rebuilding Together South Sound was managed entirely by volunteers for its first four years and focused solely on the annual Rebuilding Day event. Today, with just two staff members and one AmeriCorps member, the affiliate is able to serve hundreds of South Sound residents through its two housing repair programs.
NEW SERVICE ASSISTS NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS
People who do not speak English now have improved access to local services and resources through the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Five new language lines are operating to help people with limited English skills. The telephone lines provide 24 hours-a-day voicemail that enables residents to get help and information. Residents can call anytime to leave a voice mail. A case manager will return the call within two business days. Language lines include:
• (253) 798-4550 - Cambodian/Khmer
• (253) 798-4551 - Korean
• (253) 798-4552 - Russian
• (253) 798-4553 - Spanish
• (253) 798-4554 - Vietnamese
“By some estimates, more than 11,000 Pierce County residents do not speak English,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, the manager of Aging and Long Term Care. “These may be people in need of help that will enable them to continue living safely in their own homes in the community. Many are linguistically isolated. The ADRC is the key for them to connect with the most appropriate resources that can meet their needs,” he added.
The ADRC is a first stop for older adults and individuals with disabilities seeking information, assistance and referral to programs and services in Pierce County.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center also serves as a point of entry for numerous other services including family caregiver support, memory care and wellness, case management, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance information and many other public resources and private pay options. For more information, please call (253) 798-4600.
URBAN LEAGUE HOLDS SCHOOL BOARD FORUM
Tacoma Urban League Young Professionals (TULYP) will host a community forum of candidates for Tacoma School Board District #10 on Aug. 11. The forum is offered as an opportunity for the public to meet and question the candidates, resulting in voters who are more informed and ultimately empowered. All candidates are invited. The forum will run from 6-8 p.m., with a welcome reception at 5:30, at the Allen Russell Building, 1321 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. On street parking available with additional parking available behind Allen AME Church.
The TULYP is a National Urban League volunteer auxiliary that targets young professionals ages 21-40 to empower their communities and change lives through the Urban League movement.
RULINGS ON WASHAM RECALL
Backers of an effort to recall Pierce County Assessor/Treasurer Dale Washam scored two legal victories last week. Pierce County Ethics Commission determined that county employees can contribute more than $100 to the campaign. County rules prohibit staff from contributing more than $100 to candidates. The commission drew a distinction between candidates and recall campaigns. U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Bryan issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily nullifies a state law concerning individual contributions to recall campaigns. That law limits such contributions to $800. Bryan’s decision prevents the state from enforcing the law.
COUNTY BUDGET EARNS AWARD
Pierce County Budget and Finance recently received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2011 budget.
“The award represents a significant achievement by Pierce County,” said Stephen J. Gauthier, GFOA spokesman. “It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.”
“This year, we did not receive a single ‘does not satisfy’ rating on any of the 27 criteria evaluated,” Budget Manager Aaron BeMiller said. “Our small staff produces exceptional work that amazes me each day.”
PORT HIRES ENGINEERING DIRECTOR
Dakota Chamberlain has joined the Port of Tacoma as engineering director. Before joining the port, Chamberlain served as director of seaport management at the Port of Seattle for the past 15 years, where he oversaw a large capital development program. Prior to that he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration.
In his new position, Chamberlain is responsible for directing the activities of the port’s Engineering Department. He takes over for Trevor Thornsley, who served on an interim basis when the position became vacant.
Chamberlain holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii and is a registered professional engineer in the states of Colorado and Washington.
