So let’s get this out of the way … yes, I live in Lakewood and served on the City Council from 2004 through 2011. But no, I had nothing to do with Lakewood being on Neighborhoods. Really! The idea of filming in Lakewood was a pleasant surprise from host Sabrina Register and Comcast Video Manager Ed Hauge. But hey … after you watch this video, you’ll see Sabrina and Ed had a really good idea.
Lakewood is a classic example of some of the first suburbs in America, which have both old and new attractions. Among the people and places you’ll meet are:
- Well, me. Talking about the history of Fort Steilacoom, the oldest official U.S. presence in Washington Territory. I wasn’t asked because of my Comcast connection, more because I’m the co-author of a couple of books about Lakewood history and a past president of the fort society. That said, after all the years of writing about Sabrina and Ed’s shows, it was fun to film with them. Please watch the show despite me being in there.
- Joe Lewis, one of Fort Steilacoom’s most dedicated volunteers, talking about the living history we perform at Fort Steilacoom.
- Don Anderson, the mayor of Lakewood.
- Becky Huber, longtime president of the Lakewood Historical Society and its museum.
- Stephanie Walsh, executive director of Lakewold Gardens.
- Mary Dodsworth, director of the City of Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department.
- Brent Champaco, communications manager for the City of Lakewood, talking about the commercial district and the city’s Veterans Memorial and close relations to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (and other military).
- Jay Han, owner of Boo Han Market, one of the cornerstones of the city’s large International District.