Empowering Disabled People to Become Independent

Center for Independence is a nation-wide non profit organization and has been a resource for disabled people since 1981. The Lakewood building moved in March to a more visible location.

Tillicum Neighborhood Has Seen Boom, Bust and Now Boom Again

Pocket community was once a vacation destination.

Korean BBQ At Its Best -- and It's All-You-Can-Eat, Too

Cham Garden Korean BBQ is a mom-and-pop restaurant featuring 12 kinds of meat and a variety of other foods.

Fast Food Mexican Restaurant Coming, Hand Me Round Consignment Shop Relocates in Lakewood

Here are a couple photos I snapped while driving along the Bridgeport Way in Lakewood Thursday morning.

Kick in the New Year With Blackbelt USA — Battleground MMA

Children, adult and family classes are offered. The dojo's goal is to not only teach students how to kick and punch, but to promote strong character development, respect, self-esteem, patience and discipline.

Holroyd Co. Inc. Recycles Concrete and Asphalt

The 74th street plant in Lakewood has been around for more than a decade. The business takes in concrete and reprocesses it to be used for new buildings, roads and other construction projects.

Pho Hoa Noodle Soup Rivals Any Other in Lakewood

Their broth, fast service and laid-back dining area make it my favorite place for authentic Vietnamese food.

A Fun Place Back in the Day

Shoppers at one time could buy school supplies and ride an elephant in a single spot at the B&I Public Market Place in Lakewood.

Tropical Dreams in the South Sound

With winter and the holidays quickly approaching, wouldn't it be nice to take a little break and think all things tropical? Actually, you can! Experience the sounds, scents, and tastes of the islands, right in our own backyard!

What's Your Favorite Teriyaki Restaurant in Lakewood?

Patch created a map of the different locations. Tell us which one you prefer the most and why in the What Do You Have To Say comment section on the main page.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Restaurant Coming to Lakewood

The popular national burger chain is scheduled to open Jan. 15 at the Lakewood Towne Center near the Bridgeport Way entrance.

Blast Off at Gamerz Wanted in Lakewood

The all-around entertainment venue features Magic, Dungeons & Dragons tournaments and other fantasy card games along with an entire room dedicated to playing Xbox 360 on HD TVs and special gaming chairs.

Start Your Engines at Grand Prix Raceway

Enjoy the thrill at one of the fastest indoor tracks in the country.

Poll: Cyber Monday Deals Are Out There – Will You Be Shopping?

A Shop.org survey says nearly 80 percent of retailers will have online specials.

Swans Candles Supplies it All

This old fashioned craft supplies store has been operating since 1974 out of a home in Lakewood.

A Taste From the Islands

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Lakewood brings islander cuisine to the suburban Towne Center strip mall. Feel the warm environment and delicious food at this uncommon chain restaurant.

Eat Local for Thanksgiving

Pierce County started an eat local for Thanksgiving movement and you can be a part of it, too. Want to know where to get fresh locally grown foods this time of year? Read on.

Forza Company Set to Open Café in Lakewood YMCA

The nonprofit recreational facility conducted a poll and discovered that many of its members would like a coffee and sandwich shop. Plans are to open the Forza inside the Y by February 2012.

Sit Down With WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese

Association oversees athletics and activities for schools.

Active Military Members, Veterans Get Free Meals at Lakewood Applebee's, Other Restaurants

Expect long lines at the Lakewood Towne Center Applebee's and other nearby eateries in Tacoma on Friday.

Big on Bagels? Cascade Bagel & Deli Delivers

The locally-owned deli provides a myriad of bagels and other foods.

Thanksgiving With a Twist

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving standards? Sure. But they don't have to be. Check out how the South Sound can make this traditional holiday meal with a local twist.

Finding Jobs for Disabled Adults

CenterForce in Lakewood is the largest vocational vendor in Pierce County.

LASA to Serve 75 Dinners to Families for Thanksgiving and Christmas

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, the non-profit agency in Lakewood will do its part to provide meals for struggling families.

A Passion For Baking

Lakewood resident Desirae Jones launched her at-home business about six months ago as an artistic expression and to "do something that was for me."

Apple's iPhone 4S in Lakewood Selling Quick

A steady stream of iPhone 4S buyers filter through the AT&T store at 10009 Bridgeport Way.

It's Family, Supplies and Longevity at Lakewood Hardware & Paint

The long-standing establishment has provided a "home-town" atmosphere since 1948.

National Guard Site Predates Washington State

Camp Murray has its own military history longer than Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

UPDATED: Steve Jobs Dies

The iconic co-founder of Apple Inc. was 56.

Café Banana Packs Flavor

New Asian bistro replaces Goodfellas Steakhouse space adjacent to Great American Casino in Lakewood.

First-Ever Lakewood Music Video to be Released Next Month

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is spearheading the project that will be featured on its website, in TV commercial spots in 2012 and social media outlets such as Facebook and YouTube.

USGA and Chambers Bay unveil 2015 U.S. Open logo

As excitement builds for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, Pierce County and the USGA are ready to introduce the championship logo to the community.

Poll: What's Your Debit Card Worth to You?

If you're a Bank of America or a Wells Fargo customer in Gig Harbor, you may soon be paying to use your debit card.

Caring For Kids Taking Over Ram Tonight to Help Needy Children

10 percent of profits on food and drink between 4-9 p.m. to go toward clothing and other necessities for students in local schools.

Pierce County Library Hosts Fifth Annual Card Drive For Entire Month of October

People who sign up for a free library card can enter to win cool prizes including an iPad 2.

Frugal Family: Great Buys For Parents

Lakewood Patch scours the South Sound to help find deals that can save parents a buck or two.

Sleep Country's Coat Drive for Foster Children Runs Through Oct. 30

The Lakewood store along with all Sleep Country stores is collecting coats for children in area foster care.

Answers To Where's Patch Photo Contest

Check back at 4 p.m. on Thursday for another round of competition.

Stina's Cellars Offers Lakewood Residents Fine Wines

The award-winning winery and wine-tasting room, located in a Lakewood industrial complex, is producing nearly 1,000 cases a year and offers nine varietals ranging from a signature Merlot to Chardonnay.

Comic Book Ink Avoids Closure

The business raised $17,000 this summer, including a desperate push before the Aug. 22 deadline. Owner John Munn credits the people who care about the shop.