The Aroma of Tacoma – it may be our city’s most time-honored pun. But, as they say, many a true word is said in jest.

While Tacoma certainly smells better now than in days of old there are still parts of Pierce County that have some of the highest levels of air pollutants than anywhere else in Washington. Fumes from the Port of Tacoma, wood burning smoke, car exhaust, dust…it all adds up.

At Pacific Science Center’s next Tacoma Science Café on Tuesday, Erik Saganic from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will discuss how this type of air pollution affects our health. He’ll also address what can be done to improve our air quality.

Tacoma Science Cafe
Where: The Swiss Pub, 1904 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: Free
Read more »

“The Palmistry Lady” Ask a Psychic Event Leean Lester joins us for this special Q&A session, 6-8 p.m. tonight, The Progressive Spiritual Center, 6108 Mt. Tacoma Drive SW, Lakewood; $10; lakewoodcenter.ning.com/events/the-palmistry-lady-ask-a.

The Healthy and Fit Woman: Midlife & Beyond Family physician Tanya Wilke, MD of the Franciscan Medical Group will discuss how to age well by managing hormonal imbalances, menopause, osteoporosis and other health concerns, 6-7 p.m. tonight, St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1455 Battersby Ave., Enumclaw; Free; 1-888-825-3227; www.FHShealth.org..

Book Group All are welcome to join this book discussion group, “The Housekeeper and the Professer” by Yoko Ogawa, 6:30 p.m. tonight, …

Read more »

Pacific Science Center’s Science Café is back Thursday with a talk on grizzly and black bears.

“Washington Bears: A Zookeeper’s Perspective” is at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave. South in Tacoma.

Angela Gibson, a zookeeper at NW Trek Wildlife Park, will talk about how zookeepers create safe, respectful and enriching environments for captive bears. Homeowners may want to hear her tips on keeping bears out of backyards.

Show up 30-60 minutes early for a good seat for the free event which is open to all ages. No science background is required.