Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Car Show Report

I've been busy with family commitments and haven't been able to make the August parties in Ruston this year. Sherri Forch graciously sent these photos from the Cadillac LaSalle car show last Sunday, organized by Councilmember Bradley Huson.

Bradley reports there were over 90 cars in the show, 20 of which were from outside our area - hailing from far away places like British Columbia, Texas, Nevada, Alabama, California, Ohio and Kansas. We had visitors from 'the other Washington', New Jersey and Maryland to name a few. Overall, at least 150 visitors wandered Ruston streets on Sunday.

Live music kept things lively and 9 booths squeezed into the space near town hall for shoppers, sponsored by the Ruston-Point Defiance Business District. Car show owners and visitors were invited to visit the local shops along Pearl while they were here.

To encourage the walk up the hill each visitor was invited on a "Pasta Hunt". The classic car history buffs were given a noodle for a necklace at each shop they visited. The winner with the longest necklaces won prizes from our local businesses. The grand price was a large sculpted bell done by northwest artist Tom Torrens. The bell was donated by John Trueman of Trueman Appraisals.

Beth Torbet, current president of the business district expressed hope that partnerships between the district and the community could continue to expand. She notes that many visitors asked her what was so special about Ruston - a chance to sound our own horn! Sounds like a good time was had by all...









Monday, August 30, 2010

More Pictures!

More confirmation of the fun had at the Town potluck a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for sharing, Sherri!








Saturday, August 28, 2010

Tunnel Talk

There is an interesting discussion starting on Exit 133 - a well known blog that covers the greater South Sound area. They announced the tunnel closure extension and then asked how the detour is working for folks. The conversation is evolving into a discussion on the tunnel; memories, icon status and such. You can read and join in here...

Friday, August 27, 2010

Tunnel Closure Extended

The closure of the tunnel and the Ruston Way 51st Street intersection will be extended an extra 8 days. We'll need to find alternate ways out of town for another couple of weeks - until Friday, September 17th.


It's Official - We Vote

This resolution has been filed with Pierce County (click here to read) setting a special election in Ruston. Citizen's will vote on whether or not to outlaw card rooms and other gambling activities in town. The vote will be held along with the rest of the election on the first Tuesday in November. Let the campaigning begin!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New Look

Ruston's Town Hall got a new coat of paint over the weekend. The last paint job was done sometime in the 1990's with lots of touch up since then. I recall former Council Member Charlene Hagen was in charge of the project at the time. The hand carved sign in front was done by Carol Tritt, the wife of former fire chief Gerald Tritt. Their efforts have served us well for many years now.

This is a whole new color scheme just in time for the car show on Sunday. Guess I'll have to update my picture on left soon. Thanks to the many volunteers who made this possible. Things just keep getting better and better around here!


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Time for the next party already!

It's time to get ready for the next party in Ruston coming this Sunday. The traffic revisions for the classic Cadillac LaSalle show are listed below. Winnifred Street will be closed from 7 am until 4:30 pm Sunday, August 29th - and no parking on 52nd from Pearl to Bennett.

This is a unique show for the South Sound. I hope everyone can join us!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Family Picnic

Ruston held its 2nd annual family picinic yesterday. I was out of town, but event organizer Kathryn Hedrick shared some great photos. Everyone who attended said the food and the company was great!





Thursday, August 19, 2010

Point Defiance Cafe and Casino Burglarized

The Point Defiance Cafe and Casino at 51st and Pearl Street was burglarized yesterday at about 5 pm. Ruston police are asking for help in locating the suspect, who is pictured below. Anyone with information should call (253) 761-0272 or email Chief Kunkel at Jeremy.Kunkel@TownofRuston.org.

Tacoma Weekly

The Tacoma Weekly has an article about the new Mary Joyce Community Center in thier edition this week. You can read it here....

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

New Look Coming



It's time to spruce up town hall. Now that the curbs are painted, new street lights in and eventually a new road through the middle of town, some of the town's leaders have taken on a new project.

The town hall and fire house next door on Winnifred Street will be getting a new coat of paint in the next few days. Council Member Bradley Huson has picked out a unique color, the walls have been pressure washed and paint brushes will be out soon. The goal is a new coat of paint in time for the car show on August 29th. As is often the case here in Ruston, this will be volunteer effort. Call Town Hall if you want to help (759-3544).

Watch for photos of the new colors soon!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Careful What You Wish For

Just today I found myself wishing the construction along 51st Street would finish up. Then I got the announcement below - that the City of Tacoma construction is indeed finishing up, but that means Point Ruston can begin their phase of the utility work. And their work means closing the tunnel altogether.

Beginning 7 am next Monday morning, August 23rd until 5 pm on Friday, September 3rd, the tunnel will be closed. So rather than lengthy delays waiting to get through the construction zone, no cars will get through at all. Such is the price of progress!


Friday, August 13, 2010

Monday Council Meeting


Positive News Coverage For Ruston

We finally have a positive story about our town in today's News Tribune. You can read it by clicking here.... The story focuses on the opening of the Mary Joyce Community Center and the council's work to keep the town financially viable.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Ruston Town Picnic

It's time for our second annual town picnic ~ bring a dish, the kids and meet the neighbors for some fun as we wind down the summer!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Night Out Tonight

The News Tribune is highlighting the national event - Night Out Against Crime - in an article today (read it here). I only know of one party in Ruston tonight, on Highland in the 52nd Street area. The goal is to get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood - its easier to know when something is wrong (to prevent crime) if you know how things should be.

Ruston has a strong tradition with these block parties; we've even had full scale concerts on the streets around here on Night's Out in the past. Tonight sounds a little more quiet, but a great chance to build community nonetheless...

Monday, August 2, 2010

Nice....


Ruston's Second Hand Hound got a nice review from a customer. Check out the review here.... and the shop on 51st Street between Winnifred and Highland in person.