“News from Tacoma GoodwillNew Computer InstructorTroy Peterson has joined Tacoma Goodwill as a computer instructor. Peterson specializes in helping people with disabilities learn how to use assistive technology in the workplace.Vocational Services EvaluatorDeidre Puffer has joined Tacoma Goodwill’s Vocational Services department as a work evaluator. Puffer previously had worked for Goodwill in Flagstaff, Arizona.Puffer is the first person to graduate from Tacoma Goodwill’s Kurzweil Voice Recognition program offered through the organization’s Computer Skills Center. The program helps people learn to utilize computer voice recognition programs.Volleyball ChampionsTacoma Goodwill employees Sallie Takatsuka and Patty Smith both won gold medals recently in a Special Olympics volleyball competition.The two reportedly got off to a shaky start and lost the first round. With encouragement from their coach, the pair rallied to take the next two games and to take the gold.According to Smith, the secret to their success is keeping their confidence. Takatsuka added that as a team they never gave up.Customer Service AwardJohn Bartley recently received Safeway’s Customer Service Award for his enthusiasm and energy.Bartlett works as a courtesy clerk in the Proctor district Safeway in Tacoma. He was placed at Proctor Safeway through Tacoma Goodwill’s Individual Employment program which matches qualified people with developmental disabilities with competitive jobs within the community.Bartley originally was hired as a custodian for the meat department, and then was moved into a courtesy clerk position with more public exposure. The move has been a success, according to store manager Mal Nelson.“He’s a witty, fun-loving guy,” Nelson said. “He has a lot of energy and he’s well-liked by both the customers and employees.”UPS VolunteersSeven students from the University of Puget Sound recently helped tag over 1,000 stuffed toys for Goodwill.The students were members of Circle K, an arm of Kiwanis International, who participate in a variety of community service projects.The volunteers were Kristen Fujii, Betta Peterson, Lisa Sternadel, Stephanie Satre, Jonathan Butterworth, Reid Katagihara and Tracy Yoshino.Toy DistributionTacoma Goodwill provided 14,000 stuffed toys to other area nonprofit agencies and community groups to give to those in need during the holidays in 1999.This is the third consecutive year Tacoma Goodwill has provided the toys.“I don’t think anyone should have to go without during the holiday season,” said Mike Dubbs, executive director of Tacoma Goodwill. “This project comes together because of the generosity of our community. The people here really care about each other.”Dubbs was the originator of the idea for the local giveaway.Anna Maria Garcia, a social worker for Casa de Esperanza of Tacoma said the toys were sometimes the only present some children received for Christmas. Casa de Esperanza distributed 100 of the toys to the Latino and homeless population.Rehabilitation ScholarshipTacoma Goodwill’s Rehabilitation Department was recently awarded $2,100 from Executive Women International. The gift is designated to support Goodwill’s Scholarship Fund.The scholarship program assists individuals who need services but do not meet certain criteria to receive funds through agencies with which Goodwill works, or for those who need immediate assistance.Tacoma Goodwill dispensed more than 10 scholarships in 1999, with an average award amount of $850.Boeing Donates Pentium PCsThe Boeing Company is providing five Pentium model computers and one printer to Tacoma Goodwill. The donation is being provided by Boeing through its Company Contributions Program.The surplus computers and printer will be used by employees and clients of Tacoma Goodwill. Boeing has offered to provide more high-tech equipment this year.Bratrud Middleton Branches Change Names StatewideBratrud Middleton Insurance, based in Tacoma, is changing its eight branch office names to its corporate name. Each of the following offices changed its name to Bratrud Middleton Insurance on January 1, 2000:- Adams-Thompson-Shipp Insurance, Vancouver, Washington.- McCallum Blair Insurance, Puyallup.- Olympia Insurance, Olympia.- Soriano Hayward Insurance, Bremerton and Bainbridge Island.- Torrence Martin Insurance, Longview.- Yearout Insurance, Aberdeen.Sprenger Insurance in Auburn will change its name later this year.Other than name changes, nothing involving operations will change, according to the company. All locations and personnel will remain the same.Bratrud Middleton Insurance was founded in 1923 and reportedly is the largest, privately owned independent insurance agency in Washington. The company is one of 200 Best Practice insurance agencies in the U.S. and offers business and personal insurance from over 50 carriers.Clapp Gift to UPS for ArtsMatthew N. Clapp Jr. has established the Norton Clapp Visiting Artists Endowment for The University of Puget Sound. The $250,000 endowment was made in memory of his father, Matthew Norton Clapp, who served on the UPS Board of Trustees from 1933 through 1995, including 19 years as chairman.The endowment will enable the university to bring prominent playwrights, directors, scholars and practitioners of performing arts to the campus for short, focused teaching residencies. Many of the presentations will be held in the Norton Clapp Theatre.”