Home Care In University Place, WA

Streaming live sports, gaming, and other data-rich applications are driving Internet consumption to new heights

Community Contributor

|Updated Thu, Mar 7, 2024 at 11:03 am PT

Nearly 5,000 Xfinity Internet customers in University Place who subscribe to value-focused products – Connect, Connect More, Fast and Prepaid – are getting faster speeds starting today at no additional cost. As the need for data increases in ever-connected households in the area, Xfinity is ensuring customers can stream, surf, and share on a network and service they can rely on today and in the future.

"For the second time in about a year and a half, we've made our Xfinity Internet packages faster in Washington. This keeps up with our nearly 20-year history of increasing internet speeds," explained Rodrigo Lopez, the Senior Vice President of Comcast's Pacific Northwest Region. "People watching live sports online, playing video games, and using other apps that need a lot of data are using the internet more than ever. Plus, with the potential that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will not be renewed, we've really focused on making our internet faster, especially for our more affordable plans, so all our customers can enjoy these new features."

Starting today, new and existing customers in University Place can take advantage of the following speed increases:

Value Beyond Fast Speeds in Washington State

The speed increases rolling out today are made possible by Comcast’s fiber-based network which has been built to deliver an exceptional Internet experience, ubiquitously, to the more than 2.8 million homes and businesses across Washington. Fast speed is an important feature of a comprehensive connectivity experience that also combines this powerful network with sophisticated hardware and software to deliver incredible benefits to consumers:

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Keeping Washington Customers Connected

The federal government recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program could end as early as April if it does not receive additional funding. The speed increases rolling out today will help to ensure those who may be affected by the end of ACP will continue to have access to fast, affordable, reliable Internet options.

To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here.

Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Acquisition brings CDM's portfolio to 17 "Judgement Free" Planet Fitness locations in Washington state and 80 locations in total

Community Contributor

|Updated Thu, Mar 14, 2024 at 3:46 pm PT

KENT, Wash. (Mar. 14, 2024) – CDM Fitness Holdings (CDM) – an SBJ Capital portfolio company [based in Foxborough, MA, with an office in Kent, WA] and one of the largest developers and operators of fitness clubs under the Planet Fitness brand – announces the purchase of seven Tacoma, WA-area Planet Fitness clubs from Jeg Viper LLC of Philadelphia.

The properties, totaling nearly 162,000 square feet, are as follows:

Bonney Lake

19561 WA-410, Bonney Lake, WA 98391

Milton

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2800 Milton Way, Milton, WA 98354

Puyallup

625 River Road, Puyallup, WA 98371

Tacoma (Fern Hill)

9820 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98444

Tacoma (West End)

2217 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98406

University Place

6706 19th Ave West, University Place, WA 98466

Tacoma (Eastside)

817 E 72nd Street, Tacoma, WA 98404

This transaction (which did not involve brokers) grants CDM the rights to build and operate additional clubs in the Tacoma area. It marks CDM’s second Planet Fitness acquisition in Washington state, following the 2023 purchase of 10 locations in the Seattle area:

Renton, Federal Way, Kent, Woodinville, Des Moines, Marysville, Covington, Auburn, Kent Valley and Bellevue, which opened in July 2023.

“Seattle-Tacoma is a diverse, vibrant market, and we believe underserved in terms of affordable fitness options,” said Bruce Edwards, CEO of CDM. “We have experienced a positive reception since entering the greater Seattle market, and our immediate plans are to reinvest in and enhance our existing locations with new equipment and facility upgrades to ensure that our member experience rivals that of a brand-new facility. We are also actively looking to expand our Planet Fitness network to additional areas in and around the region.”

Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment. Its locations offer state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, numerous flat screen televisions, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, and additional amenities. For more information, visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlanetFitness), Instagram (www.instagram.com/planetfitness) and TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@planetfitness).

About CDM Fitness Holdings

CDM Fitness Holdings opened its first Planet Fitness club in 2002 in Massachusetts and entered into one of the first exclusive area development agreements with Planet Fitness corporate. In 2011, CDM established the first marketing cooperative in the Planet Fitness system. Since that time, CDM has grown to 80 clubs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington state through new club openings and acquisitions and is now one of the largest operators of Planet Fitness clubs.

About SBJ Capital

SBJ Capital (SBJ) is a private investment firm focused on investing in founder and family-owned consumer and services companies. SBJ provides operational resources, strategic advice, domain expertise, and a partnership approach to realize the shared goals of entrepreneurs, owners, and management teams. SBJ was founded by an experienced team of professionals with a track record of growing companies both as principal investors and as operating executives. Please visit www.sbjcap.com for more information.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2023, Planet Fitness had approximately 18.7 million members and 2,575 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

Another bubble tea shop has landed in the Tacoma area, but this one also bakes mochi doughnuts in six rotating flavors.

The joint Bober Tea and Mochi Dough debuted in early October at Green Firs Towne Center in University Place. All day on Saturday, Oct. 14, snag buy-one-get-one-free drinks (selection options only) and enjoy a dragon dance in honor of the shop’s grand opening.

Van Duong and Tammy Phan are behind this locally owned franchise. The company, founded in 2017, has stores in Singapore, China and the Philippines. Bober Tea USA and Mochi Dough USA have grown from Sacramento to 25 franchises in nine states.

University Place is its first in Washington state.

“Our mission is to bring good quality beverages and donuts to the community,” the UP owners said by email. “We offer six donut flavors daily and rotate different flavors every few days.”

For the uninitiated, mochi doughnuts boast an unusual chewiness thanks to glutinous rice flour in the batter. Their story began in Hawaii, but they were popularized in Japan, where the machine used to form the distinctive scalloped shape was invented. Flavors, typically in the icing on a standard vanilla doughnut, range from black sesame, pandan and matcha to ones sprinkled with Oreo cookie crumbs, Fruity Pebbles cereal or sprinkles.

At an early visit to Mochi Dough, the selection included Oreo, taro and cinnamon-sugar-dusted churro.

A single doughnut goes for $3.50, but you can save by ordering a cute pink box of three for $10, six for $19 or a dozen for $35. Opt for a box of eight plain or funnel cake, dusted with powdered sugar, for $15.

Every Tuesday, buy a drink and get a doughnut for just a buck.

The University Place shop is tucked into the same plaza as Trader Joe’s and Safeway, just a few doors down from Wanna Cupcake, the second location for that Puyallup-based bakery. It’s outfitted with pastels: pink velvet chairs and a couch, a pink feather angel-wing Instagram corner, faux-rose art and pink-backed floral wallpaper. The boxes are pink with gold lettering, and the underside of the lid reads: “whatever sprinkles your donut.”

On the bubble tea side of things, the Bober Tea menu offers myriad styles and flavors, which default to a non-dairy option. Those include the classic milk teas and “chizu” series, topped with a salty cream cheese foam that alters the drink as you sip.

I tried the black sesame from the “latte series,” which uses whole milk, and appreciated the customizable sweetness meter — starting at 0% (my preference) and increasing in quarters. Signage explains that their teas naturally lean sweeter than other brands and encourages you to order accordingly.

Bober Tea calls specific attention to its “stir-fried” boba pearls in brown sugar, visible across the counter in a giant gold wok. If you add these to your drink, definitely downgrade your requested sugar level.

Vietnamese-style iced coffee is also available in standard form or with a hint of hazelnut and pink-hued foam, plus an array of hot lattes in flavors like cookie butter, strawberry matcha and pistachio.

Pierce County is swimming in boba shops, but mochi doughnuts are harder to find. If you fall for them, try them also at Mochinut in Lakewood (another rapidly expanding franchise) and the independent Milkvue Donuts in Gig Harbor. The wonderful Bon Bon Bakery in Lakewood stocks an impressive selection of Korean sweets like chapssal, a round rice-flour doughnut.

? 3818 Bridgeport Way W. (located in Green Firs Towne Center), University Place, 253-317-4043, boberteauniversityplace.square.site

? Daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (until 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday)

? Details: mochi doughnuts ($3.50 single-$35 dozen), specialty bubble tea and coffee drinks ($5-$7 plus add-ins)

? How to order: in-person at the counter, at a digital kiosk or ahead online

This story was originally published October 10, 2023, 5:00 AM.

253-597-8270

Kristine Sherred joined The News Tribune in December 2019, following a decade in Chicago where she worked for restaurants, a liquor wholesaler, a culinary bookstore and an award-winning food journalist. She previously covered the business for Industry Dive and William Reed. Find her on Instagram @kcsherred.

University Place, WA – The American Red Cross Northwest Region is thrilled to announce a new office location for its South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter at 4310 Bridgeport Way West in University Place.

To celebrate, the Red Cross will be hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 24, 2023. “I’m excited to utilize this new space as we continue in our mission to take care of our neighbors when they need it most,” said South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter Executive Director Dan Wirth.

"The new location has improved training areas, updated technology, and a versatile work center. I am thrilled to have an organized and well-developed facility for our volunteers and staff to prepare, respond, and provide emergency assistance to our community."

The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 4:45 p.m. Dignitaries and special guests, including city officials from University Place, Tacoma and the state of Washington will be in attendance.

A tour of the new facility will be offered, and guests will have the chance to meet key staff and learn how the Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Light refreshments will be provided, and parking is limited.

The South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the American Red Cross Northwest Region proudly serves and supports the communities of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston Counties. Through the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the American Red Cross provides first aid/CPR training, collects life-saving blood, and serves members of our military and those impacted by emergencies large and small.

Already in 2023, the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter has responded to more than 190 disasters, providing emergency assistance to more than 760 individuals, bringing help and hope when it’s needed most.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on X at @RedCross.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Comcast have announced a new $1.5 million grant awards program – Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge (The Challenge). This joint initiative will support the launch and expansion of local workforce programs designed to grow college and career readiness, close the digital skills gap, advance economic mobility, and lay the foundation for generational wealth in under-resourced communities.

Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge

Internet connectivity and digital skills are central to every part of life and key to advancing economic mobility. This joint initiative of the USCM and Comcast’s Project UP will support and expand digital training programs across the country.

The Challenge will award a total of $1.5 million in digital equity grants to 10 cities through a competitive process. An independent panel of judges selected by USCM will review applications and select winners. Winning cities will be announced at USCM’s Annual Meeting in June 2024.

The city of University Place may find more information about The Challenge grant program here. This partnership is a part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

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“Now, more than ever, mayors are focused on improving digital access and training in cities to build a stronger, more diverse, more equitable, and inclusive workforce in America,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. “The Talent for Tomorrow Challenge we are launching in partnership with Comcast reaffirms our joint commitment to economic opportunity and mobility. We must ensure that no one is left behind due to a lack of opportunity or access to the vital technology that drives the economy.”

“Collaboration across the public, philanthropic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors is essential to meet the challenges of achieving digital equity,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “In our ever-increasing digital economy, targeted development programs are key to closing the skills gap, spurring quality job placement, and achieving the large-scale economic growth that builds generational wealth. Through this Challenge, we are proud to deepen our partnership with Mayors to help cities compete and thrive in today’s economy.”

About The United States Conference of Mayors

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Follow our work on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Medium.

Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal.