Lakewood Playhouse's 86th Season Opener Godspell, has been extended due to popular demand. The show opened September 13th will now run through October 6th. The show has proved a hit with audiences and critics alike.

In Stephen Schwartz's lively and enlightening hit musical, Jesus builds a community of followers to share parables from the Book of Matthew, celebrating unity, spirituality and community. We are proud to announce a series of post show talkbacks to share space and thoughts with our cast, creatives and moderators. The talkbacks will be moderated by four incredible local artists, community builders and advocates.

Friday Sept 27th - Darryin B. Cunningham

Saturday Sept 28th - Jessica Johnston & Michelle Matlock

Oct 5th - Kwabi Amoah-Forson

Godspell runs from now until October 6th with performances Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.

Coming up later in Lakewood Playhouse's 86th Season: the beloved holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life comes to the stage as a captivating live radio broadcast, The Larame Project explores the complexity of identity and the human experience through the lens and voices of a community in crisis, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf - a fusion of poetry, dance, music and song, and The Spitfire Grill - a joyous celebration of human kindness, set to a melodic folk inspired score.

Season tickets are available for all five productions, including Godspell, as well as flex passes and single tickets. Call the box office at (253) 588-0042 or visit the website to book online.

October 17th 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Everyone deserves to feel a true sense of belonging in the place they call home. That's why Catholic Community Services is celebrating Welcoming Week, a global campaign to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Now in it's 12th year, Welcoming Week 2024 is a call for individuals and groups to come together and celebrate their strengths and differences. This year's theme, We're All In, invites communities to showcase how they're building places that value all perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and cultures.

During Welcoming Week, Catholic Community Services will display art that highlights the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that are unique and valuable about each individual and enrich our community as we come together. The International Foster Care Art Exhibit will showcase a compilation of silhouettes that were designed through a self-reflection activity by youth, families and staff which combine to make a community...one large picture. "While we are all individuals, who look different, believe in different things, and have different values, we can also come together to celebrate and honor those differences. We can be a part of a larger image, to create a community full of understanding, love and respect." Other interactive art activities on display will include a global mapping project to visualize our journeys and how we come together, as well as taking the inspiration of Tibetan prayer flags to share messages of peace, goodwill and compassion to promote places where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.

The International Foster Care Art Exhibit will be on display at the CCS Tahoma Family Center in Tacoma for the months of September and October. An ArtWalk Reception will be held October 17th from 5pm - 7pm. Visitors are invited to be a part of this celebration of community as well as reflect on how we're at our best when We're All In on building more welcoming places, together.

After a murder, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A detective interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds reds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef; a retired Army major; a strange man who claims his car has overturned in a drift; and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. When a second murder takes place, tensions and fears escalate. This record-breaking murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time.

The Mousetrap will run Friday October 18th, through Sunday November 3rd for a total of 10 performances. Evening showings are 7:30pm and matinees are 2:00pm.

There will be a special “Pay What You Can” performance on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 7:30pm.  Tickets for that performance are available now online, in person, or over the phone. The performance on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00pm will be an ASL interpreted performance. Tickets are $29.00 (Adults), $27.00 (Seniors 60+/Students/Military), and $22.00 (Children 12 and under).  Tickets may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281.  Group rates are available for 10 or more, and special FLEX passes for 6 are only $155.00. The Mousetrap is recommended for ages 7 and up.

Uke Night Sing & Strum: Saturday September 28th, 7pm

Bring your uke* and a snack to share. Music and beverages will be provided. This event is free but donations are accepted. Uke players 8 and up are welcome. Led by Larry Hogue and Megan Oberfield. *We have a few ukes to lend. First come first served. SIGN UP HERE.

Casual Community Chorus

No auditions. No performance. No long-term commitment. Just the fun of singing together! Meetings are Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15pm; October 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th.

$50 covers music, gentle voice instruction, and a month of making music! New sessions and music monthly(ish). Teens and adults welcome! LEARN MORE HERE!

This iconic structure in Tacoma's theater district began its life in 1924 as First Baptist. Even at the time it had its eye on the future by creating a large space that could be used for wide variety of activities. While it has been a church for 100 years it also made itself available to the greater community and the multitude of spaces inside provide opportunities for the Tacoma area.

This FREE tour will give you an exciting opportunity to see inside the building and to get to know the stories that have endeared this building to the region for a century. While the tour is free, courtesy of Urban Grace and Pretty Gritty Tours, space is limited so please be sure to register online here now.

TAPCO Credit Union is proud to announce that Jeremy Mandery has joined the organization as the new Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the lending space, with a proven track record of success in leadership roles. Most recently, Jeremy served as Vice President of Lending and Credit Administration at Kitsap Credit Union, where he oversaw all aspects of lending and collections. He also played a key role in introducing innovative products that enhanced the member experience and optimized workflows for employees.

A native of Gig Harbor, Jeremy is deeply connected to the local community. His passion for supporting the region was evident throughout the interview process, where he expressed a strong commitment to focusing TAPCO’s lending efforts on serving the entire community. Jeremy’s vision includes developing products and services that foster prosperity for all, particularly underserved segments, through equitable and inclusive solutions. His previous work with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) reflects his dedication to engaging diverse communities and promoting equity in financial services.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to the TAPCO team," said Justin Martin, CEO of TAPCO Credit Union. "His experience, combined with his local roots and commitment to community-focused lending, makes him the perfect fit to lead our lending efforts. Jeremy’s forward-thinking approach will ensure TAPCO continues to deliver exceptional value to our members, while advancing our mission of fostering financial well-being and inclusivity."

As TAPCO's Chief Lending Officer, Jeremy will spearhead initiatives that align with TAPCO’s dedication to delivering innovative financial products while supporting the broader community. His leadership will strengthen TAPCO’s commitment to serving the financial needs of the entire South Sound region.

WSDOT is calling this weekend their BIGGEST, BUSIEST weekend of construction closures for the Seattle Metro region this year. Closures will affect I-5, I-405, SR 167, and SR 520 all at the same time (Sept 27-30).

Peep these maps

SR 520 Highway & trail CLOSED from I-5 in Seattle to 92nd Ave NE in Clyde Hill from 11:00pm Friday Sept 27th to 5am Monday Sept 30th.

NB I-405 in Renton CLOSED from Sunset Boulevard to Coal Creek Parkway SE 11:00pm Friday Sept 27th to 4am Monday Sept 30th. Signed detour will be available and this work is weather dependent so it could be rescheduled.

SB SR 167 in Kent CLOSED from SR 516 to South 27th Street 11:59pm Friday Sept 27th - 4am Monday Sept 30th. This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.

Both directions I-5 CLOSED overnights only from SR 18 in Federal Way & 54th Ave E in Fife Overnight Friday Sept 27th & Saturday Sept 28th. NB lanes close by 10:30pm and SB lanes by 11:00pm. Lanes begin opening by 7:00am (fully open by 11am) Sunday lanes begin opening by 8:00am (fully open by noon).

Mercer Street on-ramps to I-5 CLOSED to both NB & SB I-5 in Seattle 10:00pm Friday Sept 27th to 5:00am Monday Sept 30th.

Plan ahead. Consider transit or bike. Arrive early, leave late. Know before you go. Do what you must to get through the weekend.

Due to unexpected changes in the international glass market, Tacoma's glass recycling vendor has temporarily stopped accepting glass. While the city explores long-term solutions, all collected glass will be sent to the landfill. Continue to use the glass drop-off sites, Recycle center, and multifamily and commercial recycling containers. Stay tuned to tacomarecycles.org for updates.

Are you trying to reach consumers in Tacoma and Pierce County? We spend a lot of time trying to design projects to help you compete against the unfair advantage of corporations like Amazon, Walmart, etc. Here are some upcoming projects you could participate in:

Holiday Shopping Catalog in the November issue of Weekly Volcano
Last year we dedicated a full page to gift ideas from local businesses. This year we would like to expand that into a catalog inside the newspaper. Each business will send us a photo of a product on a white background, a short description, price, and a link to buy it online. This will allow our readers to go to their website and see all the products and services they have for sale online and hopefully encourage a lot more local shopping this holiday season. The cost to you is just $100. We think that is a deal you can't afford to refuse!

November and December ART BUS Tours
Every Third Thursday we do something no-one else does: we bring shoppers directly to local businesses. We always have a different celebrity tour guide, we always film the tour and share it online and we always give away gift bags full of promotional items from any local business that wants to participate. The cost ranges from FREE to $300 depending on which options you choose. Reach out if you would like to have your business featured.

Print and digital advertising
Self promotion is the worst. Everyone hates it. Let us promote your business. We have lots of methods and very talented people. Reach out for a customized marketing package with Weekly Volcano! We would love to be on your team.

To participate, send email to Advertising@Weekly-Volcano.com

The Tacoma Little Theater is holding auditions for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens. The production will be directed by Suzy Willhoft.

15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Auditions will be held Sunday October 20th and Monday October 21st at Tacoma Little Theater (210 N I St, Tacoma) and Tuesday October 22nd at the Star Center (3873 S 66th St, Tacoma). Audition appointments will be set starting at 6pm Sunday and 7pm Monday and Tuesday. Callbacks will be held Wednesday October 23rd at Tacoma Little Theater. All actors must schedule their appointment using Casting Manager at this link or call the box office for assistance at (253) 272-2281.

Anyone and Everyone is invited to audition for any production at Tacoma Little Theatre regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, age, ability, body type, ethnicity, expressions, or experience.  All roles for this production are available to all. Anyone and everyone (minimum 16 years) is welcome! We hope to build a diverse cast and include the neurodivergent community, especially in the role of Christopher.

Auditioners are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue. No accents please. Auditions will also include a cold read (material provided) and some movement.

All actors cast receive a travel reimbursement up to $150.00.

FREE CPR Education for Our Community!

Multiple class times available October 12th & 13th. (See Below)

CPR Saturday/Sunday is an annual community event offered free-of-charge to anyone interested in learning the basic life-saving skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). On the second Saturday and Sunday in October every year, students are taught the fundamentals of CPR and then given the opportunity to practice with CPR mannequins and Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a Tacoma Fire Department CPR Certification Card.

More than 50 certified Basic Life Support instructors - 1.5 hours of classroom lecture plus 1 hour of hands on training - practical training with CPR mannequins and AEDs - The course does not meet BLS HCP requirements and does not cover first aid.

Attendees will learn: what happens when you call 9-1-1 - the new CPR guidelines: C-A-B-D - Patient assessment - one rescuer adult/child/infant CPR and obstructed airway - AED use - how to recognize opioid overdose signs and symptoms, and the use of the reversal agent Narcan/Naloxone - Foreign body airway obstruction management - essentials of a home first aid kit - CPR related information/reminder list for home and wallet.

Class Times and Locations:

Saturday October 12th - Eastside Community Center - 1721 E 56th St. 9am , 11am

Sunday October 13th - Henry Foss High School - 2112 S Tyler St. 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm