By Dawn Masko, DuPont City Administrator
Senator Mike Carrell. The City was saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Mike Carrell this past week. Senator Carrell had been a passionate advocate for the DuPont Historic Dynamite Train project and was instrumental in securing grant funding for the train canopy. He was also a willing participant in many City activities and events and gladly helped plant trees and engage with children during our annual Arbor Day activities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Carrell’s wife and family.
We were very fortunate that we were able to capture Senator Carrell’s enthusiasm for our historic train in the most recent edition of PCTV’s Rainier Country. The video can be viewed on the Pierce County You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?
2. Fire Chief Resignation
Chief Greg Hull announced his resignation this past Wednesday for personal reasons after three and a half years as DuPont’s Fire Chief. Hull came to DuPont in late 2009 through a contract for services with Lakewood Fire District. He became an independent contractor with the City in January 2010 following his retirement from Lakewood Fire. Hull’s commitment to DuPont extended into the community through his volunteer efforts with the Lions Club and work with local schools on vision and hearing testing.
“Chief Hull came to DuPont following a period of turmoil in the fire department,” said Michael Grayum, Mayor of DuPont. “His leadership and experience helped stabilize the services provided by our first responders. Our community is grateful to Chief Hull for the professional fire department we have today.”
Hull’s last day is May 31st. The City will work with the Washington Fire Chiefs Association to find an interim replacement, while exploring all internal and external options for providing sustainable fire and emergency services to the citizens of DuPont.
3. City Hall System Upgrade
The City’s financial and utility billing computer system will be undergoing an upgrade during the first 2 weeks of June. Staff will be going through training to learn the new system beginning Monday, June 3rd. Customers may experience a little longer processing time for transactions at the front counter while staff is learning the new system. We appreciate your patience during this upgrade time and look forward to providing you even more efficient service once we have the new system in place and staff has been trained.
4. Center Drive Construction
Work is slated to begin on Monday, June 3rd on Center Drive for improvements to the box culvert. The majority of the work will occur under Center Drive. Limited lane closures are anticipated to occur, but one lane in each direction will remain open to allow traffic through. There will be no pedestrian access under the Center Drive culvert for the next two weeks during construction. Signs will be posted for the sidewalk closure. Once the culvert is completed, work will begin on the construction of the left turn lane into Creekside Village.
5. National Trails Day
Since 1993, the first Saturday of June is known as National Trails Day, inspiring the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out, discover, learn about, and celebrate America’s trail system. What better way to help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of National Trails Day then by walking the Sequalitchew Creek trail on Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Volunteers will be strategically placed along the trail to point out historical points of interest and natural vegetation. Trail maps are available at the beginning of the walk. There will also be bird walks with Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge volunteers. Bring a friend from out-of-town and experience all the beauty DuPont has to offer. Snack packs will be available for purchase. As a reminder, there are no restrooms or trash cans at the bottom of the trail, so please pack out what you pack in. Upon completion of the trail walk, make plans to attend the Safety Fair beginning at 10:00 AM in the Civic Center parking lot.
6. Spring Safety Fair
The 3rd Annual Spring Safety Fair is here! Join DuPont Fire, Police and Public Works tomorrow – Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Civic Center complex for a fun, family day out. The Safety Fair will include static displays of vehicles and equipment from each department. The Fire Department will have engines, a ladder company, and lots of support equipment. The Police Department will have patrol cars, police motorcycles and a police Gator vehicle on site. Public Works will feature their heavy trucks and earth-moving equipment. All departments will be on hand to answer questions and provide children with special gifts. This FREE event also features safety awareness activities, bicycle helmet sales, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) information, and disaster preparedness information. We will also have a special guest this year – McGruff the Crime Dog!
The DuPont Lions will be selling hot dogs, chips and drinks at the Safety Fair. All proceeds will be donated to the DuPont Fire Department historic fire truck. The Cascade Regional Blood Service blood mobile will also be onsite for those wishing to donate blood. All citizens, young and old, are encouraged to attend. This will be a very fun and informative event you won’t want to miss!
7. Upcoming Meetings – Week of June 3rd – 7th
- Youth Council Meeting
Monday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM - Parks Agency Meeting
Monday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM - Tree Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 5th at 4:00 PM
8. Duke Realty Sign Code Amendment
On May 30, 2013, DuPont issued an environmental decision on the code amendment submitted by Duke Realty regarding signage for the Amazon building. The comment period for the decision closes on June 13, 2013. The appeal period for the decision closes June 28, 2013. The decision is posted on the City website under Planning Department decisions.
9. Memorial Day Ceremony
Many heartfelt thanks to the numerous volunteers who helped honor our fallen at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. Residents helped beautify Ross Plaza, and hundreds of others participated in Run to Remember, with many attending our ceremony upon completion of the run. We are very appreciative of our guest speakers, including Lieutenant General Robert B. Brown. Plans are already underway for next year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Parks & Recreation at (253) 912-5245.
10. Ride Smart, Ride Safe
As the weather gets warmer and kids spend more time outside, don’t forget to play safe! Over the coming months, DuPont Firefighters will be issuing “Safe Rider Citations” for kids who follow the safety guidelines while out bike riding, including wearing an appropriate helmet. Riding bikes is a great way for children to be active and get outside, but it can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed. Head injury is the single most common type of injury sustained from bike crashes, but wearing the proper bike safety gear can dramatically reduce the risk of injury. The “Safe Rider Citation” card is good for one free Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s. For more information about this program or if you have questions about bicycle helmets, please contact the DuPont Fire Department at(253) 964-8414.
11. Parks Agency Vacancy
The City is seeking interested residents for appointment to the City’s volunteer Parks & Recreation Agency. Eligible applicants must be residents of DuPont for at least one year. Please submit a letter of interest that includes your relevant professional experience, your reasons for desiring to be appointed to this position, and your thoughts on the most significant parks and recreation issues facing the City in both the short and long term, to the City Clerk at City Hall, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327.
12. Historic Hose Cart Shed Dedication
The Fire Department historic hose cart shed will be moved to its final location in June and formally installed on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30 PM. The hose cart shed is one of four original sheds that stood in the Historic Village and protected the hose carts which made up the bulk of DuPont’s fire-fighting apparatus up through the 1960s when the first pumper truck was purchased. The shed has been restored by firefighters in their off-duty hours, and will be moved to its new home on the grassy lawn in front of the Fire Station with the help of the Public Works department.
13. Snack Donations Requested
The AUSA (Association of the United States Army) DuPont subchapter is in need of snack donations that will be used in welcome home baskets for 2,500 returning single soldiers in the 4th Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The first wave arrives home in early June. DuPont is known for supporting our soldiers and their families, and once again, AUSA is hoping that businesses and residents can step up and lend a hand.
Snack items need to be non-perishable and individually wrapped. Examples would include trail mix packets, M&M’s, Snickers bars, small bags of pretzels, etc. Please drop off your donations at Dhane Orthodontics at 1100 Station Drive, Suite 281 in DuPont. Thanks for supporting our troops!
14. Steilacoom-DuPont Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Steilacoom-DuPont gives everyone in the community a chance to help save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer are invited to take part in this exciting team event. Relay for Life takes place from 10:00 AM on June 22nd until 10:00 AM on June 23rd at Pioneer Middle School, 1750 Bob’s Hollow Lane in DuPont. Individuals and teams will camp out around the athletic track, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay for Life is available at www.RelayForLife.org or by calling (800) 227-2345. Thank you to Kim Forbes, the Steilacoom-DuPont volunteer Relay event chair for all of her efforts for this worthwhile cause!
15. Parks & Recreation
Please call (253) 912-5245 or go to the City’s website at www.ci.dupont.wa.us for registration information, questions on Parks & Recreation activities, or for volunteer opportunities. Want to know more? Like us on Facebook at “City of DuPont Parks, Recreation & Tourism”.
- Augusta National, Here We Come! – The Masters Tournament Foundation, PGA of Amercia and United States Golf Association have partnered to create the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship, a free, nationwide junior skills competition for girls and boys ages 7-15, competing in separate divisions in four age categories. The local qualifier will occur at The Home Course in DuPont! Participants in the competition will advance through the local and regional qualifiers conducted in 11 regions throughout the U.S., all competing for a spot in the Championship final to be held at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2014– the day before the 2014 Masters Tournament begins. The Championship finals will be produced and broadcast by the Golf Channel. Several junior participants from DuPont will be competing for this national event on July 15th at The Home Course. Best of luck to all participants!
- Golf Committee – A special committee has been formed to help promote golf within the City of DuPont. This volunteer committee will help welcome and assist in upcoming championships at the Home Course. Anyone interested in serving on this committee is welcome to attend the first meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 6th at 9:00 AM at City Hall. Please contact City of DuPont Tourism at (253) 912-5245 if you are interested in joining our team. Your ideas and enthusiasm are always welcome!
- Summer Camp Info – Tired of driving to neighboring cities to participate in youth summer camps? You asked – we listened! Parks & Recreation is hosting a number of summer camps for all ages this summer. Camps include baseball, volleyball, art, karate, golf and several others. Camps are strategically scheduled to occur throughout the summer. Registration information can be found on the City’s website at www.dupontwa.gov. You may also register for camps at the Spring Safety Fair on Saturday, June 1st at the Fire Station.
- 4th of July 5K Dynamite Dash – Registration is open for the July 4th 5K Dynamite Dash. This event is open to all ages. Register by June 14th in order to receive a tee shirt, which will be handed out the day of the event starting at 7:00 AM. The course begins and ends at Clocktower Park. Registration information can be found on the City’s website.
- Volunteer Officials Needed – The DuPont youth sports program is currently seeking umpires for the baseball playoffs in late June and football and soccer officials for upcoming fall programs. If you are interested in volunteering for these much needed roles please contact Tom Bradbury at tbradbury@dupontwa.gov.
- Adult Co-Ed Softball –Adult Co-Ed Softball registration is now open. The season will run July 7th thru August 4th at DuPont PowderWorks Park and will include 8 games. Each team will consist of 12 adults, with 4 members of the opposite sex on each team. The fee to participate is $595 per team or $50 per individual. Interested participants may register at City Hall from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Questions? Please contact Tom Bradbury at (253) 282-2189 or tbradbury@dupontwa.gov.
Visit our website for information on other programs and events including Karate, Yoga, Track, Kidz Love Soccer, Dance4Life, and more!
16. News from Northwest Landing
- · Annual Ice Cream Social – Join your friends and neighbors at the Annual Ice Cream Social proudly sponsored by Northwest Landing ROA on Wednesday, June 12th at Clocktower Park. Old fashioned ice cream sundaes will be served from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Bring a friend and help us celebrate the beginning of summer. Many helping hands are needed to help scoop the sundaes. If interested, please contact ROA Volunteer Coordinator Linda Cumberbatch at tahomahouse8@aol.com.
- · Semi Annual Citywide Yard Sale – The Semi Annual Citywide Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. This sale includes all DuPont exits. Thank you to Northwest Landing ROA for providing advertising in local newspapers. Residents are responsible for directing customers to their homes. Please be courteous and remove all signs upon completion of the sale.
17. Steilacoom Farmers’ Market & Concert Series
The Steilacoom Farmers’ Market will be opening on Wednesday, June 12th and will run each Wednesday through August 28th. The market is open from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and runs in conjunction with the Steilacoom Concerts in the Park which start at 6:30 PM each Wednesday. Fresh produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods (including gluten-free) and a variety of specialty foods and crafts will be offered. For weekly “fresh finds at the market” updates please follow the market on Facebook or join the mailing list atwww.steilacoomfarmersmarket.
The first concert of the series will be on Wednesday, June 19th and will feature America’s 1st Corps Army Band. The concerts are held at Pioneer Park, 1700 Commercial Street. In the event of inclement weather the alternate location is the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. The series is sponsored by the Town of Steilacoom and the MTC Group. For more concert information please call (253) 581-1076.
18. Women Veterans Summit
Washington State Women Military Veterans are encouraged to attend the Women Veterans Summit on Saturday, June 29th from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA. This free conference will provide women veterans with information about opportunities and challenges women veterans face today, as well as information on benefits and services they might be entitled to. Register for free today at www.dva.wa.gov/
19. Steilacoom Historical Homes Tour
Six privately owned historic homes in the Historic District of Steilacoom will be on view to the public from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 8th. The tour, presented by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association, will feature homes dating from 1858 through 1895. Of these, five were built when Washington was still a territory, and one built just after Washington achieved statehood. There has not been a home tour in Steilacoom for almost forty years.
Prices are $15.00 for Steilacoom Historical Museum Association members, or $20.00 for the general public. Tickets are available at the Steilacoom Museum, 1801 Rainier Street, on weekends from 1:00 – 5:00 PM or on the day of the event at Perkins Park at the corner of Union and Martin Streets. General public tickets are also available online at www.steilacoomhistorical.org. Children under 10 are discouraged. Proceeds will benefit the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. For further information, please contact (253) 584-4133.