Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful, an organization devoted to repainting the houses of low-income homeowners, is currently recruiting a merry band of volunteers to repaint houses this summer. The organization will be recruiting more than 1,000 volunteers from in and around the Pierce County area; high schools, service groups and neighborhood councils are invited to volunteer. Donation-funded food and barbeques will be available to all volunteers.

"Volunteers may sign up for as little as a one day shift or multiple days," says Megan Shea, the community mobilization specialist with Associated Ministries, PTPB's sponsoring agency. "We only require that they be at least 16 years old and have a desire to paint."

In particular, the organization is short on homeowner applicants from Lakewood, and urges Lakewood homeowners whose houses are in need of a paint job and whose incomes fit the requirements displayed at www.paintbeautiful.org to complete a homeowner application. Despite claims of already-passed deadlines on the website, the deadline for homeowner applications has been extended until the organization has a sufficient number of definite eligible homeowner applicants. Homeowners who apply for the service and are selected will be allowed to choose the color of their house.

PTPB wants to implore all those with generous, charitable souls out there to visit their website and fill out either a crew or an individual application. Crew leaders will be chosen once volunteers are broken up into groups. A volunteer orientation will be taking place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 10.

For anyone who is unable to participate personally but still wishes to contribute to the cause, donations can be sent directly to Amy Alison at Associated Ministries or www.paintbeautiful.org. Any additional application information will be on that website.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 2013 >>>

1. The Grand Cinema teaches science in a different way: First it secures a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation to pair films with lessons in science. Next, it invites notable figures from the world of science, technology and medicine to give introduction lessons using those long pointer sticks to tap the screen while nodding their heads. Each film is used as a jumping off point for the speaker to reveal current scientific research or technological advances, providing the perfect combination of entertainment and enlightenment - even for the most science-phobic culture vulture. Then, of course, everyone watches the film, paying close attention to key factor brought to light by the big brains before the screening. Science on Screen kicks off at 6:45 p.m. with Dr. Jim Gawel, professor of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Washington Tacoma, who will discuss how the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens completely changed the ecosystem and chemistry of Spirit Lake. Afterward, he'll grab some popcorn and watch Alien with the audience. Read Pappi Swarner's full feature on Science on Screen in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

2. Pierce College Theatre blasts off on a rock-and-roll flight to Return to the Forbidden Planet, a family-friendly musical that tells the story of mad scientist Doctor Prospero who unknowingly jettisoned into space with his infant daughter, crashes into D’Illyria, the Forbidden Planet, and the adventure begins. The play features a 35-member cast of Pierce students and community members, a live band and professionally designed costumes - at 7 p.m. on its Fort Steilacoom campus.

3. Weekly Volcano readers voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to its well drink Wednesdays. Two dollar well drinks after 7 p.m. Are you kidding? That's, like, riding the train to funkytown for only eight bucks. Yes, please. The kitchen stays open to midnight. Choo, choooo!

4. Champagne Sunday brings its powerful, honest, edgy and refreshingly original rock music to Cork Wine Bar at 8 p.m.

5. Play bingo with those not just killing time before the Grim Reaper calls their number. At 9 p.m. in The New Frontier, bingo players are treated to a rather boisterous evening of number calling. The music rocks, the prizes are craptastic and there's something very satisfying about yelling, "It's not a tumor!" when B-9 is pulled from the hopper (Schwarzenegger anyone?).

LINK: Wednesday, May 29 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

When we think of art, we think of many things. Art brings us emotion, thoughts and ideas, appreciation and imagination. However, one of the most important things art can do is to create connections between people and bring an entire community together - particularly in the spirit of support and love.  

In the South Puget Sound, there's an opportunity to participate in this very type of an art project while welcoming our Servicemembers back from serving overseas.

Sunday, Sept. 15, the city of Lakewood - in cooperation with the 4-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), the Lakewood subchapter of the Association of the Unites States Army and a host of community partners - will throw a Raiders Welcome Home Celebration and parade for the 4-2 SBCT after its 9-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Read more...

MONDAY, MAY 27 2013 >>>

1. Memorial Day is the one day of the year that we set aside to remember and honor our country's patriots, yet we owe them a debt of gratitude, every day of every year. Our Memorial Day Command Center has all the services, events, stories and proclamations.

2. Today, the Blue Star Museums program opens again for the summer. Blue Star Museums offers free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 2. South Sound museums are participating.

3. The Greta Jane Quartet plays the Royal Lounge at 8 p.m. The quartet is back at The Royal tonight at 8 p.m. In your world, jazz is the Pandora station your boss makes you listen to at work. Well, prepare to get schooled. In the Quartet's nimble hands, jazz was powerfully sexy, just the thing to settle a body down after another manic Monday. Imagine a snifter of Maker's Mark and pretty ladies in cocktail gloves. That's right, cocktail gloves! It's our  fantasy, damnit! Anywho, happy days are here again - at least for tonight.

4. Abd.El.Kader, or AEK, has created his own original blues style, SafarBlues, combining the sounds of North Africa and the West. Hear it at 8 p.m. in The Swiss.

5. Bands RowHouse and Julian Najar will make a special Monday night appearance at 9:30 p.m. in Magoo's Annex.

LINK: Monday, May 27 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, MAY 17 2013 >>>

1. Talented artists command the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom semi-monthly, illuminating their work and creativity with the visually aided enhancement implied by the name of the series, TRIPOD Slide Shows. Created by Tacoma artist Lynn Di Nino, the night of digital slides features three artists and one creative theme.  The next TRIPOD Slide Show slides into Madera tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. featuring 15-minute slide shows by Mady Murrey will show slides of art hidden at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, nationally syndicated political cartoonist Chris Britt and Oregon’s "Barbie Lady" LaVonne Sallee.

2. The annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hangar 9, building #1166, on JBLM-McChord Field. Event officials are expecting approximately 2,000 military beneficiaries to attend, who will enjoy the Madigan Healthcare System Health Fair, ID card issuance and replacement opportunities, the Legal Assistance Station, Vehicle registration fun, the VA Compensation Review Station and the Veterans Information Expo.

3. Grit City Comedy Club will be closed for three weeks while Malarkey’s Pool & Brew hosts the APA League Championship for Pierce County May 17-June 1. Winners will move onto the Nationals in Las Vegas.

4. Paula McLain wrote The Paris Wife, a novel that captures the love affair between Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain paints a real sense of their daily life - Hemingway's charisma, genius, stinginess and cruelty that apparently could erupt with no warning - and the citizens of Pierce County know this. For the past two months, thousands have been reading the book as part of the Pierce County READS program. At 7 p.m., McLain will drop in on the McGavick Conference Center to discuss the book, and the life of the famous couple.

5. Local Internet NWCZ Radio knows music. It's not only obvious from their daily shows, but also in the live shows they produce — as in the case of the 9 p.m. presentation of Ben Union, Perry Acker and The Furniture Girls at the Harmon Tap Room in Tacoma.

LINK: Friday, May 17 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

MONDAY, MAY 6 2013 >>>

1. It's Monday. Yesterday's awesome weather is still on your mind, and in about eight hours, you're going to be facing the eternal first-night-of-the-workweek dinner dilemma. We dunno about you, but hell no, we're not going to come home and start slicing and chopping and stirring and dirtying four pans on a Monday night. Yet there's the voice in the back of our heads reminding us that we ate out three times over the weekend, and the tired, drag-ass part that just wants to slouch on the sofa with a bowl of something. Don't do it. Head to Olympia for a chill dinner then hit Le Voyeur at 10 p.m. to see San Francisco's One F band. Gigging since 2006, One F has been described as listening to "Dinosaur Jr. vs. Pink Floyd, while being refereed by Pavement." One minute they're soothing with sincere balladry; next minute they're all-out rocking. We're so there. You?

2. The flowers at Lakewold Gardens are going nuts. It's an explosion of color and fragrances. There's not better time to visit as the Lakewood garden celebrates MayFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 12. Check out the displays, exhibits and activities in the Wagner House. Smell a flower. Enjoy life.

3. It's Military Spouse Appreciation week on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Cascade Community Center will give spouses a free slice of cheesecake with purchase of lunch through Friday.

4. The OverDrive Digital Bookmobile - a 74-foot semi-truck and trailer equipped with computers and mobile devices - will be parked outside the Tumwater Timberland Library from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can navigate the Gadget Gallery, Audiobook Alley, the eBook Experience, Digital Catalog and Video Lounge and learn how to access the library's digital titles for free.

5. Composer/guitarist Joe Mailhot, bassist Erich Hahn, saxophonist Scott Reed and drummer Mo-weee Mailhot, aka Malhotia Unit, will fill The Royal Lounge with original jazz tunes inspired by John Coltrane, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler and Jimi Hendrix beginning at 8 p.m. Special guest Charles Adler will contribute spoken word to this performance.

LINK: Monday, May 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 2013 >>>

1. Before Tacoma's semi-longstanding, all-ages venue The Redroom closes its door for good April 27, Bleak Outlook Volume 1 will blow open doors and minds this weekend with a three-day fest that includes two kickin' shows at The Redroom and one at Fifth Dimension. It all begins at 7 p.m. when Transient, Sidetracked, Same Sex Dictator, Mahnhammer, Hirsute Corpse and Carrion Cathartid rock The Redroom.

2. At 7 p.m., the last day of the Greek & Roman Mythology exhibit at Tacoma Community College, Tacoma Poet Laureate Josie Emmons Turner, former TPL Tammy Robacker, Puget Sound Poetry Connection founder Connie Walle and a who's who of regional poets will add a poet's voice to the strong art show depicting strength of character, purpose and ideology to ancient myths by contemporary South Sound artists.

3. Crystal Mountain will hold an amateur film night at 7 p.m. inside the Snorting Elk Cellar. Visitors are encouraged to bring their short ski/snowboard films that are no longer than four minutes.

4. A cozy little romantic drama with touches of comedy, The Rainmaker still speaks to audiences after more than a half-century. Originating as a television play in 1953, Richard Nash's best-known work hit Broadway in 1954 and Hollywood two years later. There's even a musical version (110 in the Shade, which seemed like a good idea in 1963). Set on a Western cattle ranch during a drought, The Rainmaker remains a captive to its own pre-feminist, quaint, and rigidly defined-role times, when men roamed the range rounding up cattle and looking for romance (generally not at the same time), while women stayed home and did wifely things, such as cooking, cleaning, and burying themselves under the weight of society's expectations. See it all unfold at 8 p.m. when Lakewood Playhouse opens its version of the story for a run through May 12.

5. Drag show troupe New Queens on the Block has produced shows at the Urban Onion since September, dropping a themed show on Olympia every third Friday of the month. Tonight at 9 p.m., the troupe celebrates fashion and the "runway" at the Onion. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on New Queens on the Block.

LINK: Friday, April 19 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 2013 >>>

1. Doors for Dockyard Derby Dames' season 7, bout 2 open at 5 p.m. at the Pierce College Health Ed Center. Tonight's roller derby bout will feature The Trampires and Femme Fianna squaring off, followed by the Hellbound Homewreckers and Marauding Mollys battling. Throughout the action on the floor, a cast of characters - from the two funny announcers, to team mascots to the arm punchers in the beer garden - add to the awesomeness. Bonus: The bout sponsors the Children's Therapy Center!

2. Is there really a better way to get your Saturday started than by catching Big Wheel Stunt Show at 3 p.m. inside Rocket Records? The answer is no.

3. If you are a modern dance fan, you certainly don't need the Weekly Volcano telling you to check out the Whim W'Him dancers. Whim W'Him (pronounced whim whim), a unique Seattle dance company founded by Olivier Wevers three years ago, takes the Pantages' stage at 7:30 p.m. to shake up your definition of dance. Whim W'Him strives for relevancy largely through social commentary that lines up with current issues. The performance at the Pantages will feature four original Whim W'Him pieces that will be resurrected for Tacoma's first look at this dance company. These pieces are: "This is Not a Raincoat," "More," "FRAGMENTS" and "Monster," all created between 2007 and 2010 - all of which take a look at important issues in today's society. Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on Whim W'Him in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. This ain't the Ringling Brothers. You won't be seeing (or smelling) any elephants. You won't be stuffing your face with peanuts and cotton candy. And you certainly won't be harassed by creepy clowns. What you will see from Circa - the Australian contemporary circus at 7:30 p.m. inside the Washington Center - is acrobatics, contortionism and tumbling that might just blow your mind.

5. Based on the 2001 movie, Tacoma Musical Playhouse's Legally Blonde tells the story of the relentlessly sunny and sexy Elle Woods. She is dumped by her boyfriend, who, on his way to Harvard Law School, decides he needs more "suitable" wife material. As pink in her outlook as she is in her wardrobe, Elle decides to go to Harvard as well and, over the course of two acts, learns about more than just the law. It hits the stage at 8 p.m.

PLUS: Gig Harbor Art Walk, Eric Carle lecture, The Hard Way and more in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, April 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

GO GRAB IDEAS >>>

In a manner of speaking, Lakewood was made for getaways, beginning with the founding of a number of country estates in the 19th-century by Tacoma area business leaders.  And although the then-bedroom community has since grown up, some of those estates remain, clustered around the local lakeshores. One such estate on Gravelly Lake now belongs to a nonprofit group that maintains its long-celebrated gardens for public enjoyment. The estate's name is Lakewold Gardens. Today marks a three-week run of publicity for the Gardens as the Designer Showhouse 2013 moves in.

Nothing like bringing the outside elements of beauty inside - a splash of color inspired by a favorite rose bush, a furniture arrangement that mimics an outside design, or window treatments that let the sun shine in just so. That's exactly what will happen as several professional designers have transformed the rooms of Lakewold's Wagner House Mansion into works of art, allowing visitors to explore rooms and view them as never before, even allowing entrance to rooms that have previously unavailable to the public.

This pairing of interior design and the breath-taking array of gardens on the 10-acre estate at Lakewold Gardens will surely delight and inspire visitors of all ages.

LAKEWOLD GARDENS, WEDNESDAYS 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M., THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M., SUNDAYS 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M., $18-$22, 12317 GRAVELLY LAKE DR. SW, LAKEWOOD, 253.584.4106

CREATURE FROM THE REF LAGOON >>>

Bodies colliding at high speeds. Bruises, bumps, and (occasionally) broken bones.

While the above description may evoke thoughts of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Bobble Tiki is actually waxing roller derby - and specifically Dockyard Derby Dames' season 7, bout 2 Saturday at the Pierce College Health Ed Center. These tough-as-nails women (professionals, school teachers, nurses, Bobble Tiki face slappers) love nothing more than strapping up the old skates and doling out some punishment on the rink.

You might notice that the Dockyard Derby Dames look a little different than skaters did in '70s derbies - uniforms may have similarities, like team identification, skater name (which has to be completely unique and registered nationally) and short shorts, but that's about where it ends. Unlike the quads of the '70s, today's derby skates have specific wheels, bearings, plates andlubes. Also different are the pad requirements, including kneepads, elbow pads, helmets and mouth guards, and massive cleavage. The contact portion of this contact sport is fairly limited, with the majority of the contact allowable only between hips and shoulders, and never from behind or with the use of elbows. But don't let that fool you - these girls are out for contact, and as tight as the pack moves, anything can happen.

Saturday's bout will feature the losers from the season opener - The Trampires and Femme Fianna squaring off, followed by the two winners - Hellbound Homewreckers and Marauding Mollys - battling. Throughout the action on the floor, a cast of characters - from the two funny announcers, to team mascots to the arm punchers in the beer garden - add to the awesomeness.

PIERCE COLLEGE HEALTH ED CENTER, 5 P.M., $12 ADVANCE, $15 DOOR, $25 VIP, 9402 FARWEST DR., LAKEWOOD, WEBSITE

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