PEOPLE DO THE CRAZIEST THINGS >>>

Every sports team needs super-fans -and that includes roller derby teams. The Dockyard Derby Dames opened its seventh season Saturday night at the Pierce College Health Education Building. A packed house watched the Hellbound Homewreckers beat the Femme Fianna in the first bout and last year's champion Marauding Mollys beat the Trampires in the final bout. All for teams brought their most rabid supporters - you know, the guys (and gals) who are willing to wear bodysuits, become pirates, wear hot pink leis and dress as a milkman in short shorts. Yeah, those guys.

Here, we present 10 Dockyard Derby Dames super-fans at the season seven opener. OK, we included a scary-faced Derby Dame, Jooley Heaps of Poison Apple and the guy doing the robot during halftime.

LINK: More Dockyard Derby Dames photos from the season seven opener

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 2013 >>>

1. You may not be familiar with the wrestling phenomenon known as lucha libre, but it's all the rage in Mexico, where its popularity lags only behind that of soccer. For the second year in a row, costumed warriors will flex and destroy under the tutelage of José Luis Gómez, over 20 years a luchador in Mexico. His troupe, Lucha Libre Volcánica, hails from Renton, but they're performing at the Lucha de Sound event inside the University of Puget Sound's Memorial Field House at 7 p.m. to benefit a student group, CHispA, the Community for Hispanic Awareness. This event features commentary in both English and español, and you can't beat the price, amigo: it's free! (Since it is a benefit, however, a $5 donation is suggested.) So round up su familia and root for Puget Sound técnicos El Fénix, El Hero, and Rey Jaguar in their never-ending quest for justice against rude boys Chicano, Peligro, and Prófugo. There's a técnica, too: Vancouver, Washington's own La Avispa.v¡Que viva los luchadores!

2. Today marks the final monthly version of the Proctor Farmers Market, which goes down between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can expect garden plants and local produce from Cottage Gardens, tasty smoked salmon from Wilson Fish and the musical stylings of John Hoover and the Quinns, in addition to its regular farmer market awesomeness.

3. Sure, Tacoma celebrates its status as an arts community.  Sure, Tacoma loves to band together for a good cause.  With the YWCA RAGS Guild Wearable Art Sale and Juried Gallery, continuing for its 19th year, it does both. RAGS started as a fun way to raise money for the YWCA, whose mission statement is all about honoring diversity and creating opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. RAGS offers guests an opportunity to view and acquire fabulous handmade clothing, jewelry and accessories created by artisans from across the country. Check out RAGS from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside the Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma new showroom at 1701 Alexander Ave. East in Fife.

4. Wait ... you have a vision. You plug into the area’s collective unconscious. In a flash, you remember that you — and those of your ilk — don’t need the cathode ray tube and the remote control to flip through images of far-flung places. You’re telekinetic. Telepathic. Otherworldly. And — irony of all ironies — you almost blanked on today’s Psychic Fair at the Meeker Mansion Psychic Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But then, in the nick of time, your sixth sense kicked in. It always does.

5. Grab the nearest mouth guard, roller derby is back in Tacoma. Actually, it has been here for some time. And, it's in Lakewood. That said, the Dockyard Derby Dames open its season Saturday night at the Pierce College Health Education Center at 6 p.m. For the uninitiated, the all-female flat-track roller derby team has been blocking and lapping like mad for six seasons. The Femme Fianna, Hellbound Homewreckers, Trampires and season six defending champions Marauding Mollys will throw on the elbow pads, kneepads, helmets, fishnet stockings for two bouts. Grab a spot on the bleachers, or if you're really up for it, hang in the beer garden, where your own protective gear is probably a wise idea, and enjoy a night of good ol' fashion bruising.

LINK: Saturday, March 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

IT'S A SANDWICH SERIES >>>

Established in 1976, Rollies Tavern anchors the north end of McChord Field. The dive tavern is known for several things. For prowling ladies, it's a good spot to catch Air Force types all suited up and sexy. But it's even a better spot to find pizza, which is something the popular establishment has built a name on. Last, there's always that one guy in the corner, hoping to hang out with The Right Stuff crowd. Dude, you have to let go.

That said, this is a sandwich column. I don't care about dreams of being Chuck Yeager. I care bread density and mayo viscosity.

Rollies has a whoppin' two sandwiches on its menu. That's how it Rollies.

Flipping a coin, the Rollies Clubhouse procedure was set in motion.

A club is a club is a club, in most cases.  Go into any deli or tavern, and you're likely to get the same sandwich. However, Rollies Clubhouse sandwich has more of a twist to it than simply adding the word "house" to its name. You can go hot or cold with it. Your call.

Layered between three pieces of crisp toasty bread, you'll find the standard fresh tomatoes and lettuce, stacked with slices of crispy bacon. At Rollies, ham replaces the standard turkey and thick, melted Swiss cheese takes the top slot. It's tasty. it's not drive from Tumwater tasty, but still a solid lunch option.

Did I mention you can go hot or cold with the Clubhouse?

ROLLIES TAVERN, 2404 112th ST. S., LAKEWOOD, 253.582.7770

TIME TO START PLANNING >>>

Late last year, we got our company Corolla impounded (don't ask), and had no choice but to explore the Pierce Transit bus system. we found ourselves pleasantly convenienced: There were plenty of bars and city services within busing distance, and the hands-free commute allowed for reading and ear-budding and window-gazing like we were in high school again. We'd study the Pierce Transit map every day, looking for new destinations. It was like a game.

But for daily commuters traversing Pierce County's 292 square miles trying to get to work, school, medical clinics and such, Pierce Transit's public transportation system is about to be a darkening nightmare, especially for those with disabilities. That's because cuts in service are on the way due to the loss of Proposition 1 in November 2012. Pierce Transit currently operates 417,000 annual service hours. Once the service reduction plan is implemented, Pierce Transit will operate 300,000 annual hours, a 28 percent cut.

What the hell? Pierce Transit will tell you at nine public meetings beginning today at noon inside the Pierce Transit Training Center. The reductions will happen in late September 2013. Don't get caught holding the map in the middle of nowhere. Get your butt to a meeting.

LAKEWOOD: Wednesday, March 6, noon to 2 p.m., Pierce Transit Training Center (Rainier Room), 3720 96th St. SW, Lakewood

>>> Served by Routes 48, 300

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON - TACOMA: Thursday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., William W. Phillip Hall (Jane Russell Commons), 1918 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 

>>> Served by Routes 1, 48, 53, ST 590 (Northbound),ST 594, ST Link light rail

NORTHEAST TACOMA: Wednesday, March 13, 4-6 p.m., Northeast Tacoma Police Substation, 4731 Norpoint Way NE, Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 62

PARKLAND / SPANAWAY: Monday, March 18 5-7 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 1

PUYALLUP: Thursday, March 19 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>>Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

GIG HARBOR: Wednesday, March 20, 5-7 p.m., Gig Harbor Civic Center (Council Chambers), 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor

>>> Served by Route 100

PUYALLUP: Tuesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>> Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

UNIVERSITY PLACE: Tuesday, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m., University Place Library, 3609 Market Pl. W., Ste. 100, University Place

>>> Served by Route 2

Detailed service reduction plan information is available online at www.piercetransit.org, or by calling customer service at 253.58.8000. A public hearing on implementation of the service reduction plan is scheduled for the May 13, 2013 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting.

TEARS >>>

Hudtloff Middle School, or as the 1979-80 ASB President Pappi Swarner called it to the very end - Hudtloff Jr. High School - is being demolished at this moment. A new 99,000-square-foot Hudtloff in Lakewood's Oakbrook neighborhood was built behind the old building because the 54-year-old school building's mechanical, heating and electrical systems were shot.

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 2013 >>>

1. What's your perfect day? I'm not asking a question; the question isthe name of Argonaut's latest EP, released on Strange Earth Records. If your perfect day has anything to do with rock 'n' roll that's heavy in sound and heart, that's saturated with the sweat of hard and pounding drums; includes a wonderfully mastered EP set on replay, lyrics hitting home and guitar driving hard, then your perfect day would include spending quality time at Argonaut's CD release show at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge. Read Nikki McCoy's interview with Matt Sader about the new album in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

2. Mary Larson's portraits of homeless people in Seattle are pop-style portraits executed with bright colors, and every one is a straight-on portrait with the head practically filling the canvas and looking right at the viewer. Most of them look dignified and happy. Like people you'd really enjoy knowing. What her paintings do for the people whose portraits they are is something that perhaps no one else could do in any other way. She shows them as what they are: people like any others. How often have we passed homeless people on the streets and seen them, if at all, as a class or group or concept and not as individuals who just might want to be acknowledged - who have parents and children and probably former friends and neighbors who more than likely no longer see them. Larson's portraits of the homeless ends its run at the Pierce College Fine Arts Gallery with a closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Read Alec Clayton's full feature on Mary Larseon's paintings on the Weekly Volcano's blog Spew.

3. Wildside Wine (608 S. Oxford, Tacoma) will host a dinner and blind wine tasting pairing at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Sip, swirl and compare Syrah and Shiraz varietals from all around the world as you nibble on the likes of beef bourguignon on potato puree and a poached pear and bleu cheese salad. The feast is $30, though RSVP is required to insure enough for everyone. All wines being sampled will be available at a 15 percent discount that evening.

4. Douglas A. Blackmon, author of the Pulitzer-Prize winning book Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II, will speak at the Olympia Timberland Library from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Blackmon presents evidence that slavery in the United States did not end with the Civil War, instead persisting well into the 20^th century.

5. Alex Tapia of RowHouse, Allan Boothe of Humble Cub and J. Martin will perform solo at 7:30 p.m. inside Amocat Cafe.

LINK: Friday, Feb. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THEATER >>>

First, it was a book written by Susan Hill. Next, it was a play adapted from the novel by Stephen Mallatratt. In fact, it remains the second-longest running play ever in London's West End. And then, Harry Potter brought the story to the big screen in a 2012 movie.

The bit of fiction is The Woman in Black, a creeptastic romp through a tale of haunts and horror.

If you somehow managed to miss this tale of woe in all its many incarnations, you have been granted another chance. The Woman in Black will open at the Lakewood Playhouse Friday, Feb. 22 and run through March 17.

"It's the rare kind of show that combines all of the best elements of theatre: strong acting in an imaginative setting and the ability to really show off our lighting and sound system," says John Munn, managing artistic director at the Lakewood Playhouse. "We've never done anything like it here before. We've told mysteries. We've told ghost stories. But to tell a story that holds both elements and scares the audience so uniquely ... without using gore ... is so rare that we just had to do it!"

One of the coolest things about the play is that it revolves around just two actors. Two actors set on scaring the shit out of you!

A lawyer hires an actor to help him tell a story from his childhood - a tale of the ghost of a woman haunting a town. The lawyer hopes to tell the tale to set himself free from fear of the Woman in Black. But whether or not she will ever truly leave him alone is up for debate. Sometimes ghosts really don't enjoy their tales being told.

LAKEWOOD PLAYHOUSE, FEB. 22-MARCH 17, 8 P.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 2 P.M. SUNDAY, $18-$24, 5729 LAKEWOOD TOWNE CENTER BLVD. SW, LAKEWOOD, 253.588.0042

HOMELESS OUT OF SEATTLE >>>

The memory part of my ageing brain fails to dredge up a clear picture of where I first saw Mary Larson's portraits of homeless people in Seattle. I think it was some documentary on telvision, or perhaps I walked into some gallery in the Emerald City not knowing what was showing and there they were. Wherever or however it was, those haunting images stuck with me.

They are pop-style portraits executed with bright colors, and every one is a straight-on portrait with the head practically filling the canvas and looking right at the viewer. Most of them look dignified and happy. Like people you'd really enjoy knowing.

What her paintings do for the people whose portraits they are is something that perhaps no one else could do in any other way. She shows them as what they are: people like any others. How often have we passed homeless people on the streets and seen them, if at all, as a class or group or concept and not as individuals who just might want to be acknowledged - who have parents and children and probably former friends and neighbors who more than likely no longer see them.

I remember that seeing those portraits carried a big wallop when I first saw them, and seeing them again is like running into old friends.

Larson's portraits of the homeless are now on display at the Pierce College Fine Arts Gallery, Steilacoom campus. This is the last week for the show. It closes Friday evening following a closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m.

The gallery will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Through Thursday and beginning at 10 a.m. Friday before the reception. In conjunction with the exhibition, the college is holding a food drive for the needy. Donations of non-perishable or canned food will be accepted at the food deposit located in the gallery.

Larson does not sell these paintings. Instead, she gives them away in exchange for donations for the homeless. Read what she has to say on her website:

"I am an artist and a nurse who works with the homeless. The subjects of my portraits are the patients I help take care of at the clinic where I work. Many of the sitters in my portraits are homeless; some are not. All have been touched by homelessness. There are items that are luxuries for people who are homeless; socks (often worn two months at a time), gloves, hats, underwear, and a cup of coffee. Instead of putting a dollar value on my portraits, I sell them in exchange for items that are given to our patients at the clinic & to other organizations that provide for those in need in Seattle. For purchases from other cities around the world, I work with buyers to identify a homeless organization in their own community where items are donated."

On Larson's website you'll see something you'll probably never see on any other artist website. Most of the portraits are marked as sold along with a line of type indicating what they were sold for, for example: 500 tubes travel size toothpaste and 1000 toothbrushes, 750 Cans of food for a neighborhood food bank, and new hammers to help build new Habitat for Humanity Houses.

I hope you can see this show before it's gone. If you can, please go armed with a food donation.

LINK: Alec Clayton's weekly Visual Edge column

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Memo to Memo's Mexican Food Restaurant opening in the spot where Mango Salsa served Lakewood (9602 Bridgeport Way) for about two months: Make better tasting food than Mango Salsa.

Also of note in Lakewood: Starbucks on 100th Street closed.

HOUSE OF AWESOME >>>

Stuffy analysts will tell you how health care is one of the fastest-growing industries, but I hear there's an impending boom in a much tastier industry. The donut industry.

House of Donuts (HOD) in Lakewood reopened for business Jan. 27. At 6 a.m. three hundred donut lovers from near and far bombarded the triangular donut shop. It was a beautiful sight to HOD's new and second-ever owner Tom Peterson, a Lakewood native who started and ran two successful businesses in California and firmly believes in the power of donuts.

"We think there's a donut boom coming," Peterson says.

Tom and his team shut down the beloved HOD for three weeks in order to implement phase one of a three-stage plan to continue to improve the HOD legacy for all of eternity.

"HOD has been a tradition for 54 years in Lakewood," Peterson says. "It's been known for the taste and quality of donuts for many decades, yet the last five years it had lost its path due to a number of management changes and lack of vision."

But the new HOD team is back on the right donut track. Phase one included gutting the building and restoring it back to its original glory. HOD now has brand-new equipment customized for their super secret-recipe donuts. That's right. Lifelong HOD fans will be ecstatic to learn that Peterson got his hands on the original HOD recipes for quality, handmade donuts.

"That's what makes our donuts special," he says.

Of the five donuts I scarfed, er, tasted, the apple fritter was my favorite. Delightfully crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a yummy glaze - it was definitely special.

Peterson noted that in addition to the best donuts, HOD has the best team in the world. And in HOD's business philosophy, 1+1=3. That's right, 3. Obviously, they have big plans.

"We want the world to revolve around donuts," he says, adding that they hope to truly build a brand.

Phase two of HOD's three-stage plan will include adding a professional kitchen onto the back of the building and revamping the front end of HOD to allow the delivery of a café experience, complete with barista. Again, Peterson noted, best donuts, best coffee ... 1+1=3!

Phase three will include a second location for HOD.

Original owners Marilyn and Bob Cheatham opened HOD in 1959, and Peterson bought HOD from Marilyn this past December. He first noticed the "for sale" sign outside House of Donuts last summer when he was back in Lakewood. Having sold his two successful businesses and ready for his next adventure, he knew it was fate.

"This place is iconic," Peterson says, explaining that the building itself is a Lakewood landmark for four main reasons: its unique roofline, double drive-up windows, famous neon sign and multiple globe lights. 

HOD plans to become an active part of the community and host at least four big events a year on his ample land, including a car show. And of course they vow to continue to earn their place in the hearts of donut lovers.

"At the end of the day," Peterson says, "it's our main focus to make the great donuts for our loyal customers to enjoy."

HOUSE OF DONUTS, OPEN DAILY 6 A.M. TO 3 P.M. (OR LATER IF THEY HAVE UNSOLD DONUTS), 9638 GRAVELLY LAKE DR. SW, LAKEWOOD, 253.588.2647