Happy Friday Newsletter
November 1st 2024

Arts & Entertainment

  • Together We Grow at Evergreen Campus

    Together We Grow is an inspired creation of filmmaker and Meaningful Movies Project Manager, Melinda Raebyne. A unique and transformative event designed to bring inner healing tools to marginalized communities, will take place at Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus on November 9th, 2024. This free event combines diverse art forms and wellness practices to empower participants to cultivate peace within themselves and their communities. By attending Together We Grow, community members can explore the healing power of the arts, embrace wellness, and work together to create a more peaceful and united community.
    Event Details:
    ·        Date: November 9th, 2024
    ·        Time: 4 PM
    ·        Location: Evergreen State College - Tacoma Campus, 1210 - 6th AVE, 98405
    ·        Cost: Free

    Event Highlights:
    ·        Film Screening: THROUGH MY EYES — an insightful preview featuring youth, ages 6-21, who share their perspectives and experiences through their cell phone cameras.
    ·        Peace Workshop: Led by peace advocate Kwabi Amoah-Forson, featuring interactive exercises to inspire conversations about peace and how to cultivate it from within.
    ·        Album Debut: Jaziré debuts 'S.I.S (Sitting in Silence) blending R&B, soul, and hip hop into a unique sound, as she explores the struggle of managing emotions amidst chaos.
    ·        Yoga Session: Led by Faraji Bhakti, offering a mindful movement experience designed to relax the body and calm the mind.
    ·        Meditation Session: Guided  by Melinda Raebyne.
    ·        Sound Therapy: A -30 -minute meditation sound bath session led by Johny Oliver , owner of Johnny Girl Sound Therapy & Healing Arts Studio, to promote deep relaxation and inner peace.

    A Unique Focus on Healing and Empowerment
    “We are the seeds, and Together We Grow is providing nutrients to the soil,” says the event organizer, filmmaker Melinda Raebyne. “Through this experience, we hope to remind our community that the hero we have been searching for may be within us all along. By coming together, we can break down barriers and heal from within.”

  • New Art Exhibit Exposes Local Artist’s Baggage

    Emotional baggage. Everyone has some. Local artists have plenty. And while many create artwork that is a response to their baggage, eight brave artists have dared to make art that puts their baggage front and center.

    Titled “the Baggage we Claim,” this exhibit features eight new art pieces that began life as ordinary pieces of luggage. The exhibit is housed in a stylized airport baggage claim that was constructed inside the Woolworth Window on Commerce.

    Local artists include:

    Michael Darling • Lynne Farren • Shawn Foote • Becky Frehse • Nick Goetling • Jeremy Gregory • Tina “Journey” Lauzon • Erica O. Shirk

     Where: Woolworth Window #3

    1098 Commerce Street, Tacoma 98402

    When: Now through - December 31, 2024

     Most of the artwork in “the Baggage we Claim” is offered for sale. The exhibit was conceived and curated by Scott Nelson.

  • Jake Shimabukuro Holidays in Hawai'i Performance

    The Jake Shimabukuro: Holidays in Hawai’i performance takes place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma.

    By now, if you know the ‘ukulele, you might know the name, the innovator who is Jake Shimabukuro. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Jake embraced a deep love and respect for the `ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. Each album has showcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to weave together diverse genres to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation, changing the perception of the instrument itself and breaking barriers of what kind of music it is capable of.

    Enter his newest, and most personal album yet. Grateful is a coming home for Jake. With a literal who’s who of Hawai`i based musicians, this collection of songs is performed live, in studio with Jake’s friends, contemporaries, mentors, and heroes – all kanikapila style in a return to his roots. Grateful is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album with artists from Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler to Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Jake shares a connection with each and every artist on this album.

Neighborhood News

  • Eastside Community Center - Community Histories Project


    Metro Parks Tacoma is calling for Pierce County-based artists or teams to create a digital artwork sharing the stories of Eastside Tacoma. The project will highlight the histories of ethnic communities with strong local ties, including Native American, Eastern European, Southeast Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Central American groups. This unique opportunity invites artists to curate and preserve the histories of Eastside’s communities through video, audio, photography, or interactive media. The final digital project will be displayed at the Eastside Community Center and on Metro Parks Tacoma’s website.

    Project Details:
    🔹 Budget: $12,000 (plus $500 stipend for finalists)
    🔹 Deadline: Nov. 4, 2024
    🔹 Format: Digital media (video, audio, visual, or interactive)
    🔹 Eligibility:
    • Applicants must be 18+
    • Open to artists, teams, or organizations based in Pierce County
    • Priority given to artists with Eastside roots or projects reflecting marginalized histories
    • Must be able to work in digital formats

    Timeline:
    • October 14, 2024: Opportunity released
    • November 4, 2024: Deadline for submissions
    • By November 11, 2024: Finalists selected
    • November 14 or 19, 2024: Site visit for finalists
    • By December 16, 2024: Proposals presented, and final artist(s) selected
    • May 31, 2025: Project completed

    Apply via Submittable: [link in bio] or follow this link: https://bit.ly/ECCHistory

    Submit     your application and show us why you’re the best artist to lead this project!

  • Tacoma Deploys Tech to Call Police When Gun Shots Are Heard

    Join us for a ShotSpotter Information Forum on Sunday Nov 10th from 1-3pm at Evergreen College in Tacoma.

    Tacoma received a grant for a 3-year pilot program of the ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology. The ShotSpotter system alerts police when the sound surveillance equipment thinks it detects a gunshot.

    Hear from activists, experts, and community members about where this pilot will happen, what other cities have learned from using ShotSpotter, and how this might add additional burdens to communities that already experience over-policing.

    Speakers include PLU Professor Marni Ritchie, UWT Professor Emma Slager, Public Health Specialist Malcolm Clay, and Minister of Defense of the Black Panther Party Bunchy Carter.

    This event is sponsored by Institute for Black Justice, The Conversation 253, Black Panther Party of WA, 350 Tacoma, Climate Alliance of the South Sound, Native Daily Network, Indivisible Tacoma, and Tacoma Coalition for Police Accountability.

    RSVP by clicking on the flyer QR code or send an email to ssp111024@gmail.com.

  • T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair

    When: Friday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Where: Tacoma Dome

    What: The City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and Korsmo Construction invite the local media and the community to T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair at the Tacoma Dome. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity for Tacoma residents to interact with City departments, explore career opportunities, and engage in hands-on activities. For the second year, T-Town will once again feature the Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) and Korsmo Construction Trades & Hiring Fair.

    The event introduces a new element, “Truck-Or-Treat,” a fun twist on a Touch-A-Truck event, where attendees can enjoy trick-or-treating in the Tacoma Dome Arena. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged as participants explore vehicles from City departments, including Environmental Services Solid Waste, Tacoma Power, Tacoma Rail, Public Works, TV Tacoma, Tacoma Fire, and Tacoma Police, among others.

    Additional event highlights include:

    • Interactive City Booths: Hands-on activities include a generator bike peddled to create electricity, a life-sized affirmations tree wall, the return of Public Works Traffic Garden, Ballin’ Out For Safety activity, Tacoma Dome friendship bracelet making, and so much more

    • Vehicles and Equipment: Check out City equipment such as a bucket truck, dump truck, snowplow, street sweeper, sewer video inspection truck, SWAT vehicle, Tacoma Rail Hi-Rail vehicle, Operation Lifesaver trailer, and TFD vehicle extraction demo

    • Sensory Hour: A quieter, more relaxed experience on Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

    • Special Appearance: The Tacoma Rainiers’ Rhubarb the Reindeer makes a special appearance on Saturday, November 2

    • Film Screening: Grab a bag of popcorn and watch the Tacoma Dome’s 40th Anniversary film and explore backstage

    Media: Free parking will be available at the Tacoma Dome throughout the event. More information on this event is available at tacomadome.org/t-town. Media interested in scheduling an interview opportunity should RSVP to Hillary Brenner, hbrenner@tacomavenues.org. Media not requesting an interview may attend at any time during public event hours and can pick up a Media credential at the Guest Services Desk just inside the Tacoma Dome arena.

  • Keep Track of Your Ballot

    The upcoming election in Washington took a hit as this week got started. Early Monday, one or more people drove around Portland and Vancouver, Wash., setting fire to ballot drop boxes. One fire in Portland damaged three ballots, and another in Vancouver destroyed hundreds. Authorities believe the crimes are connected to a similar incident earlier this month. Ballot boxes in Washington and Oregon have fire-suppression systems — when the boxes reach a certain temperature, they release a fire-suppressing powder. That system didn't work this time for that Vancouver drop box. This is probably a good reminder that you can always check the status of your ballot at www.votewa.gov.

  • Community Youth Services Launches Winter Wonders Initiative

    From November 1 to December 15, 2024, CYS invites individuals, families, and workplaces to make a real difference by participating in our Holiday Gift Giving Program and Warm Clothing Drive. Together, we can ensure that youth facing challenges feel valued and supported this holiday season.

    How You Can Help:

    Select a Family or Individual to support: Purchase meaningful gifts that brighten their holidays. You can also choose to sponsor a gift bag for youth at Rosie’s Place, Haven House, or New Directions. Click here.

    Shop on Amazon:Visit our Winter Wonders Amazon Wishlist to donate with ease.

    Donate Gift Cards: Give the gift of choice.

    Contribute Warm Clothing: They are collecting new and like new clothing, especially men’s sizes L-4X, and other essentials like fleece blankets, sleeping bags, and hygiene products.

    Team Up for a Cause: Organize a gift or clothing drive with your workplace, community group, or family.

    Spread the Word: Share the initiative on social media and with your networks.

    By participating, you’ll ensure young people feel warmth this holiday season.

    For more information, visit communityyouthservices.org/winterwonders or contact Sarah at 360-918-7881.

Need recommendations for how to spend your weekend?
Our online community calendar has you covered!

ART BUS STICKERS Available at STORE link above.

ART BUS and Weekly Volcano Stickers available now at https://weekly-volcano.com/store

Opportunities

  • Two Library Board of Trustees Positions Open

    There are two positions available on the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board of Trustees is comprised of five members who are nominated by the Mayor and appointed by a majority vote of the City Council. The membership term is five years. All Library Trustees must live within Tacoma city limits.

    The Library’s governing board has policy and budget authority, and appoints the Library Director. Tacoma Public Library’s mission is to “empower our community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive.” More information about Tacoma Public Library is available at tacomalibrary.org.

    Additional information on the Library Board of Trustees is available here.

    Applications can be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by October 28 at cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication. Questions about the application process, requests for the application in an alternate format, or requests to submit additional documents may be directed to Elizabeth Wing in the City Clerk’s Office at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5178.

  • Tacoma Venues & Events is Hiring

    Tacoma Venues & Events is hiring for two key positions: Operations Manager and General Manager for Tacoma City Theaters. Explore the job descriptions and apply today to be part of an exciting team!


    𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 - 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒 𝐚𝐭 𝟓:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦
    This manager position is responsible for managing multiple facilities operations work units engaged in venue repairs/maintenance and the planning and execution of events. This role involves overseeing multiple elements of facility operations, including developing performance metrics, policies & procedures; procurement and budget monitoring, directing the operation and maintenance of complex venue systems; ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the facility for both the public and staff.
    https://www.governmentjobs.com/.../tve-operations-manager

    𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
    ASM Global is looking for a General Manager to manage and oversee The Tacoma City Theaters comprised of the Pantages Theater, (1270 capacity) Rialto Theater (740 capacity), and Theatre on the Square (300 capacity).
    https://asmglobal.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/.../General

Film & TV Reviews

No one else can make me question my existence like Mike Flanagan. From the Haunting of Hill House to Midnight Mass and Doctor Sleep, no one else captures our gift of mortality like him. So in his adaptation of the Stephen King short story, The Life of Chuck, death is its thematic center. Yet, instead of being a horrifying exploration of existence, it is a warm hug telling you that everything will be okay.

Told in a reverse three-act structure, we follow the life of Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) from his deathbed to his childhood. The first act or should I say act three, follows Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Felicia (Karen Gillan) as they come to terms that the world is ending and the apocalypse has arrived. However, instead of exploring the horrors of the apocalypse, The Life of Chuck chooses a quiet, melancholic exploration of the inevitability of death and how waiting is the hardest part of death.

The second act follows Chuck in his daily mundane life. He aspired to be a dancer, but life got in the way and now he works as an accountant. Yet, in a moment of spontaneity he begins dancing like nobody's watching while on his way home from work. Thus giving one of the most crowd pleasing and feel good moments from TIFF. While in the final, or should I say act one, follows Chuck in adolescence after he moves in with his grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara) after his parents died. We come of age with Chuck as he navigates his grief, adolescence, and his curiosity with the mysterious room upstairs that is haunted by ghosts.

The beauty of The Life of Chuck lies in its simplicity. This is not the first time that Flanagan has adapted Stephen King, but it is the first time he has done work outside of the horror genre. And the results are astonishing. He proves yet again that he is the only filmmaker in Hollywood besides Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, The Mist) who understands King. His screenplay, direction, and editing are cinematic perfection for setting up his stories that are heavy with exposition and non-linear storytelling. And if you are familiar with Flanagan, you know this is where Flanagan is at his strongest. While this might turn some viewers off, the reverse story structure works wonders in The Life of Chuck. Each act gives you a little glimpse into Chuck's life and when it finally comes together in the final moments of the film, it is cathartic. It is a warm hug telling you that everything will be okay in the end.

As per usual, Mike Flanagan continues to create some incredible ensembles, filled with many familiar and new faces to the Flanagan Universe. And as to be expected, this ensemble delivered with each actor given a scene stealing moment with their beautiful monologues. The first act is wonderfully led by Karen Gillan and Chiwetel Ejifor as they face the end together. Together they are accompanied by Matthew Lillard who gives a scene stealing performance. The second act is the only act where Tom Hiddleston is present, and despite having very limited screen time, he gives you a dance performance that you won’t forget. While the final act is led by rising actor Benjamin Pajak as Chuck with Mark Hamill and Mia Sara being his grandparents. Pajak makes a splash with his debut as Chuck, but it is Mark Hamill who steals the show as he gives one of the best performances of his career.

My only disappointment with The Life of Chuck is its released date, which is set for the summer of 2025. Given it won the People's Choice Award at TIFF, it was destined to get a Best Picture nomination, especially since this year's race is wide open. If released this year, it easily would have been nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay with a good chance of winning, Best Supporting Actor for Mark Hamill, Best Editing and Best Score. However, given its summer release date, it will not be eligible for this year's Oscars. So it will have to compete next year and we shall see what next year's Oscar slate looks like. It would be ashamed to see the film get snubbed because it deserves at least a screenplay nomination, especially given the Television Academy snubbing Flanagan for the past five years.

Overall, The Life of Chuck is another masterpiece from Mike Flanagan, who continues to prove that he is one of the best filmmakers in Hollywood. It is a perfect crowd pleaser that will pull you heartstrings as well as question your existence. I highly recommend it as Mark Hamill managed to convince the audience that math is fun.

My Rating: A

Coming to Theaters Next Summer

Film Review: The Life of Chuck

By: Elizabeth Malloy

The more I think about Emilia Perez, the more frustrated I become with the film. On one hand I deeply respect the film's ambition. As someone who is not a fan of movie musicals, I respect the direction of making the film a crime musical instead of a regular crime drama. Director Jacques Audiard threw some concepts at the wall to see if it will stick, to which I respect him for it. But on the other hand, I think this film is cowardly.

The film is cowardly on how it handles its titular character, Emilia Perez (Karla Sofia Gascon), a drug cartel boss turned trans-women philanthropist. With this information, you know that she will be a controversial and morally complex character. And instead of diving into the complexities and controversies of this character, Emilia Perez presents something much worse. A one-noted exploration of trans-identity and redemption.

We are introduced to Emilia Perez through the eyes of Rita Castro (Zoe Saldana) , a criminal lawyer who is kidnapped by Perez in the middle of the night. Perez wants Castro to help her transition from a man to a woman and to set up a new life for her, away from the drug cartel and her family. With this information in mind, you think the film will explore the long, arduous journey of transitioning. However, the film chooses to boil it down to Castro traveling around the world singing and dancing about surgeries and hormone therapy and by the next scene Emilia is now a woman. That's it, that is the trans experience that this film chooses to explore. Nothing about discovering your identity with your new body or about coping with new insecurities because of the transition. These essential themes about the trans experiences are nowhere to be found in Emilia Perez. And the cowardice doesn't stop there.

When Emilia finally transitions, her hands are entirely washed clean of all wrongdoing that she did as a man and as a cartel boss. Her character is now treated like a saint as she can do no wrong, even though she is still doing some pretty questionable things. For example, she creates a charity to help find people who were murdered by the cartels. However, she doesn't create this charity out of her own guilty conscience as she and her cartel undoubtedly put hundreds if not thousands into the ground. She does it because someone gave her a missing person poster. She did not start this charity to repent for the sins of her past and to help her guilty conscience, she does it because it makes her feel good about herself. Does the film call her out for her selfishness? No. Does the film call her out for using her cartel money and other cartel money to start and fund the charity? No. Does the film call her out for emotionally abusing her ex-wife (Selena Gomez) and children by posing as their aunt instead of admitting she is their dead father? No.

Emilia Perez is by all means, an awful person. I understand this film is about redemption but it doesn't take anytime to explore it. The moment that Emilia transitions, the film treats acts like she is cleansed of her sins because she is now a woman. She is never dragged through the mud and forced to face the consequences for the sins of her past. What is the point of redemption if they never face any consequences for their actions? The film is deathly afraid of showing a trans character as "morally complex". The trans community, like everyone on this planet, is deeply human, capable of greatness and destruction. So let's start showing that community as human instead of goody two-shoes who can do no wrong. As for the rest of the film, I think it is fine. Jacques Audiard will have you on the edge of your seat with his maximalist direction. From the cinematography to the dance choreography during the musicalnumbers, Audiard is using every ounce of direction he can to immerse you in this musical experience. The musical numbers were fine as the direction was doing the heavy lifting to elevate these musical numbers.

The performances from Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez were all great and they tried their hardest to elevate the script. However, all of their performances sadly feel one noted as their characters were not given the desperate moral ambiguity and nuance that the film desperately needed. Overall, I was enjoying myself while I was watching Emilia Perez. I respect its ambition and for it trying something different. However, the more I think about the film, the less I like it. It is a cowardly exploration of trans identity and redemption. It is terrified to explore its own subject matter because it is afraid of offending someone. Emilia Perez is not as progressive as it thinks it is.

My Rating: C

Film Review: Emilia Perez

By: Elizabeth Malloy

Film Review: The Room Next Door

By: Elizabeth Malloy

Winner of the Golden Lion at the 81st V enice International Film Festival, Pedro Almodóvar's first English feature, The Room Next Door, is a frustrating film. With talents such as Almodóvar, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton all working together on a singular film, I sadly found myself surprised by how undercooked and shallow this film is.

On paper, The Room Next Door has a fascinating and relevant story. Ingrid (Julianne Moore), reconnects with her old friend, Martha (Tilda Swinton) after hearing about her cancer diagnosis. Months go by and Martha's cancer has metastasized, giving her months to live. In her act of defiance, she wishes to commit euthanasia with Ingrid, who is terrified of death, at her side in the room next door.

For a film that is centered on ending one's suffering and the inevitability of death, The Room Next Door keeps death as far away as possible. Martha is dying from cancer and wishes to end her suffering before the cancer gets her. Yet that suffering is missing. Martha is obviously mentally distressed from her cancer diagnosis, beautifully portrayed by Tilda Swinton, but the physical suffering is nowhere to be found. We don't see the physical pain and destruction that cancer does to someone. This suffering is one of the reasons people become attracted to euthanasia, to end their suffering, and it is tragically absent.

Furthermore, Ingrid's fear of death is absent in the film. Julianne Moore tries her hardest to bring this fear into its screenplay, but it doesn't come into fruition as her character is focused on Damien (John Turturro). Despite a good performance from Turturro, his character adds nothing to the narrative. He is never utilized to help Ingrid navigate her fears as the narrative instead chooses to use him as a political mouthpiece on climate change. His character is jarring and out of place in the narrative.

The Room Next Door wants to explore our gift of mortality, but wants to keep it outside of the house instead of the room next door. It is ironically afraid of its theme of death, which leads to a thematically hollow film. Which is a tragedy because The Room Next Door is a confidently made film with some great performances and great individual scenes. However, it chooses to hide from its thematic exploration. If you wish to see a film or series explore the inevitability of death, go watch a film by Mike Flanagan.

My Rating: C+

Coming to theater Christmas

Screenshots

We scrolled so you don’t have to: