Clarence Bundrock: 1917-2009

Ruston has a strong history. In many ways, our heritage is carried in the memories of our elder statesmen. We are loosing much of that collective memory in recent years as folks move out or pass on.

One of Ruston's longest-standing couples are Clarence and Roberta Bundrock. Sadly, Clarence passed away on Independence Day this year. The military brought him to town during WWII to man one of the crash boats stationed at Point Defiance, according to his obituary in yesterday's paper.

We loose some of our community fabric when we loose friends like Clarence. Our hearts go out to Roberta and her family. Please know that we treasure your history and contributions over the many decades you have given us. May Clarence rest in peace, knowing he was an important part of the life of this little town.

Fire Recovery Update

The Bergman family has settled into their new home in Old Town this week. Joanne remains deeply grateful for the support and concern from her Ruston neighbors after a fire destroyed their home on June 3rd. The family was technically tenants at the time of the fire and had no insurance to cover their losses. Neighbors have collected almost $250 to help so far.

Joanne said the cash helped get her into her new place, but even more important is the emotional support she has received. She always believed that people were kind and generous, but when it became personal like this, its has been overwhelming. She is humbled and deeply grateful.

The basic household needs have been met so far. Joanne claims she's always been a great thrift store shopper and those skills have come in handy. They are slowly rebuilding. Loosing all your material possessions, but knowing your family is safe puts it all in perspective. Somehow the "stuff" doesn't matter as much anymore.

Even though the Bergman family is safe and has a roof over their heads, it feels good as neighbors to help get them started on a new chapter in their lives. You can still make donations at the Tacoma Narrows Federal Credit Union at the bottom of 51st Street to the Bergman Family Fire Fund, or in the donation buckets at Don's Market or Town Hall.

Council Meeting Quick Notes: July 6, 2009

Just a few quick notes on the meeting tonight. After a 35 minute executive session for personnel issues and pending litigation again, the meeting started about 7:45 pm.

Ordinance 1290: Repeal Library Card Reimbursement: Moved to next July 20th meeting.
Ordinance 1292: Administration of Development Regulations: Hedrick tried to waive the second reading and grant approval tonight. The measure failed 3-2 (Stebner and Albertson voting no). Even though it won majority approval, a super-majority is needed to waive the second reading. I'll have more details on the interesting exchange later, made more interesting given this issue is the heart of the casino lawsuit. The ordinance will have its second reading at the next council meeting.
Ordinance 1292: Increasing Heights on Pearl Street: First reading, no comments
Ordinance 1293: Public Records Policy: First reading, no comments
Ordinance 1294: Indemnification for Town Officials: First reading, no comments
Resolution 447: Surplus Property (old police car): Passed 5-0
Resolution 448: Legal Services Contract: Passed 5-0 (included rate increases)
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Maintenance: Moved to July 20th meeting so an ordinance could be prepared.
Claims and Payroll passed 3-2 (Stebner and Albertson voting no)

Council Meeting Tonight

Here is the agenda for the council meeting tonight. There are lots of things up for discussion under new business from public records policy to increasing the building height in the commercial zone along Pearl Street as recommended by the planning commission. The full packet of background information is available on Ruston Reports.

Be sure and attend tonight, 7 pm at Town Hall ~ 5117 N. Winnifred Street. It's always interesting in a unique, small-town kinda way!

Happy July 4th!!!

Here are the rest of the day's parade pictures. We had lots of help from our police and fire personnel, and the Davis family treated everyone to Krispy Kreme donuts afterwards. I haven't heard an official count, but we had plenty of kids (and grown up's) join in the parade, and several neighbors came out to cheer from the sidewalk.

Enjoy the heat today and fireworks tonight ~ Happy 4th of July!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

4th of July Fun

There was a great turn out and lots of fun for the kids young and old today at Ruston's 4th of July parade. Isabelle Davis got the idea started and put together a great application for the parade permit. I'll get lots more photos up as the day progressess.

More Parade Fun

Point Ruston In The News

The South Sound magazine has a feature story on the Point Ruston and Stack Hill developments. Check it out here....

Ruston's 4th of July Parade

The kids get their own parade on Saturday morning in Ruston. In true old-fashioned American tradition, the town will see a parade down Winnifred Street starting at 10 am. Decorate your bikes, scooters, pets, wagons and babies ~ bring 'em on down to show off! Even grown up kids are welcome.

Word of this community party did not make it into the town newsletter, so let your neighbors know to bring the kids out for some fun 4th of July morning. We'll gather in front of Don's Market at 51st and Winnifred at 10 am. Hope to see you there!

Sunset Over Ruston

Check out this photo of a spectacular sunset over Ruston. It doesn't get much prettier!