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Connect to Tacoma Community: July 2020

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July is Pride month in Tacoma! And it’s usually the month of Art on the Ave. We miss you! We miss these festive events and street parties and markets! Although Art on the Ave and many other street festivals are called off this year, Pride is NOT can…

July is Pride month in Tacoma! And it’s usually the month of Art on the Ave. We miss you! We miss these festive events and street parties and markets! Although Art on the Ave and many other street festivals are called off this year, Pride is NOT cancelled. It’s just looking a bit different. You’ll find ways to celebrate in our list below.

Our tradition of creating a monthly Tacoma Events post is 2 years old this summer! Events are a bit scarce these days - or relegated to remote gatherings (oxymoron?) - but our need to engage, connect, and be in community is stronger than ever.

Especially regarding racial justice, systems of oppression and inequity, it feels like we need to be in community and in conversation. And by conversation I don’t mean commenting as part of an audience, I mean conversation with the nuance of voice and body language, volume, and breath, and pause. Speaking to a remote audience, receiving information as that audience, has power and it has limits. It isn’t always ideal, but in order to take care of each other and keep our community safe, that’s just what we’re working with pretty often right now. This is all a preamble to why the list looks a bit different, why fewer events are featured, and why we still need to be reaching out.

This month, we’re sharing 9 events alongside 5 places/organizations/entities we recommend you connect to because we believe they’ll help connect you to Tacoma. And at the end you’ll discover 1 spot that’s “coming soon” to a neighborhood near you. All in all, this is 15 ways to connect to Tacoma this July!

Connect to Tacoma with Events & Gatherings

1. Volunteer at Mother Earth Farm

Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Fridays & Saturdays, 9 am - 12 pm, 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Mother Earth Farm
Puyallup Valley

  • Free volunteer opportunity - register here

  • Mother Earth Farm is an 8-acre farm operated by the Emergency Food Network to provide fresh produce for local food pantries and you can help!

  • Gardening or farming experience is wonderful, but not required

  • Tools and training provided - with training in mind, it’s really helpful if you can sign up for an ongoing shift

  • Questions? Reach out to Sam Cook at SamC@efoodnet.org or (253) 584-1040

  • Everyone needs access to healthy fresh food!

2. Free Hilltop! Acupuncture Clinic

Mondays
1 - 6 pm
Fern + Foster Family Wellness
1402 S. 11th St, Tacoma

  • Free acupuncture care for people needing healing

  • Service is free - donations given to the family of Manuel Ellis

  • BIPOC & LGBTQ+ encouraged and welcome!

  • Care given by Amanda of Tacoma East Asian Medicine (Masters of Acupuncture through the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine) and hosted at Fern + Foster in Hilltop

  • 25 slots available each week, so spread the word

Image from Molly’s Tamales - artwork by Kelly Shami

Image from Molly’s Tamales - artwork by Kelly Shami

3. Kick Ass Cocktail Series

Thursdays July 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd
7 pm
From Home via Zoom

  • $100 - register here

  • Celebrate iconic women and learn how to mix some classic cocktails at home with Molly’s Tamales - ingredients and necessary supply lists provided in advance so you’ll be ready to mix, learn, connect, and imbibe each Thursday

  • This 4 weeks series celebrates Frida Kahlo, Missy Elliott, Selena Quintanilla, Lucille Ball, Naomi Klein, Ella Fitzgerald, Melissa McCarthy & Laverne Cox, so go ahead and research these women as part of the cocktail series - mixing a drink at home is fun, but this is about even more than that!

4. Anti-Racism Book Club: Ascent Fitness

2nd Wednesdays
July 8th
7 - 8:15 pm
From Home via Zoom

5. Tacoma Public School Board Meeting

Thursday, July 9th
6 pm
From Home - Livestream

6. SLOW & SOCIALLY DISTANCED BIKE RIDES WITH 2ND CYCLE

2nd & 4th Fridays
July 10th & 24th
Wherever you ride!

  • Free

  • An opportunity to create connection and lift spirits from a distance until riding together is part of life again

  • 2nd Cycle recommends that you choose a comfortable route, decorate your bike, wear a costume, play some tunes, wave (or ring your bike bell) at people as you go by to create connection

  • Share a photo or video with the 2nd Cycle community on the FaceBook event or use the #SLOWANDSOCIALLYDISTANT hashtag where you post

7. Stride with Pride (Virtual Fun Run/Walk) - 2020 Tacoma Pride Festival

Saturday, July 11th
Anytime
Choose your own route

  • Free - register here

  • Donations benefit Tacoma’s Rainbow Center

  • Choose your own time, route, and striding buddy

  • Stride with Pride will recommend some routes for you if you need a little help

  • Run, walk, roll, stroll - all striders receive a t-shirt, race kit, printable bibs, and cheer signs

More Tacoma Pride - Tacoma Pride events run from July 9 - 20th

8. MIP Conference (Male Involvement Program) from Tacoma Urban League

July 16 & 17
Thursday & Friday at 2 pm
Live Zoom Conference

  • Free - register here

  • The MIP Conference is a 2 day Zoom conference hosting conversations “surrounding healthy male engagement and the role mentorship plays in preparing young KINGs for the world in front of them”

  • "Mentoring from men of color to help provide a safe and supportive community for boys of color, where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity"

  • 2 panel discussions, breakout sessions, live music, DJ, prizes, and most importantly, opportunities to connect to a network of support


9. Free Workshop for Business Owners & Tax Preparers from the City of Tacoma

Wednesday, July 22nd
2 - 4 pm
Online

  • Free - register here

  • If you’re a Tacoma business owner, tax preparer, or an aspiring Tacoma business owner, this is for you!

  • This workshop will focus on Tacoma’s Tax & License requirements and the next workshop isn’t until the end of October, so if you’re interested, tune in

  • The workshop includes: tax classifications, minimum thresholds that apply before filing is required, completing your tax return, online filing and license renewals, Tacoma's paid sick leave and minimum wage laws, plus time for your specific questions regarding taxes and licensing

Connect to Tacoma with Ongoing Engagement

We recommend following these organizations, communities, business, entities, etc. There are so many more we’d like to suggest, but that’s for another month, another chance, another list. If you haven’t explored these or gotten connected, take a look. We’re pretty sure you’ll find welcome.

The Tacoma Urban League

Mission: “Our mission is to assist African Americans and other underserved urban residents in the achievement of social equality and economic independence.”

The Tacoma Urban League on Facebook
Tacoma Urban League on Instagram

Hilltop Action Coalition

Mission: “The Hilltop Action Coalition is the "Communications Anchor" for the Hilltop Area community. Our Volunteer network of Neighborhood Leaders, Community Block Programs, Informational Outreach, and Advocacy Work are at the heart of the community building work HAC is famous for.”

Hilltop Action Coalition on Facebook - Tip: Check out their Events page regularly as they maintain a good list of community events of all kinds!

Tacoma Public Library

Mission: “Tacoma Public Library provides access to ideas and perspectives from around the world, and through innovative library services, stimulates the development of literacy, knowledge, wisdom, critical thought, and valuable interaction that yields positive experiences and a thriving community.”

It’s been a long time since my search bar started automatically guessing I’m looking for “Tacoma Public Library” as soon as I type “Ta.”

Tacoma Public Library on Facebook
Tacoma Public Library on Instagram

Downtown Tacoma Partnership

What We Do: “In 1988, the Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area (BIA) was created to keep downtown safe and clean. As the city has grown, we have grown as well into the Downtown Tacoma Partnership. Today, we continue to maintain expansive safe and clean services, while also providing community beautification, transportation services, and retail support and recruitment. Look for our team keeping our downtown streets safe, clean, and welcoming.”

Downtown Tacoma Partnership on Facebook
Downtown Tacoma Partnership on Instagram

Image & text from Tacoma Farmers Market: “We believe that everyone in our community should have access to fresh, healthy food, and so we are opening limited additional home delivery orders forlow-income, high-risk residents of the following zip …

Image & text from Tacoma Farmers Market: “We believe that everyone in our community should have access to fresh, healthy food, and so we are opening limited additional home delivery orders forlow-income, high-risk residents of the following zip codes: 98418, 98405, 98409, 98404, 98408, and 98444. We accept and match SNAP EBT so you can double your dollar to spend on fresh produce! Are you a low-income community member who identifies as a senior (60+), someone with a disability, or having a compromised immune system living in one of the above zip codes? Please email freshexpress@tacomafarmersmarket.com or call us at 253-272-7077 with your contact information if you're interested in home delivery of fresh produce and other market food products like salsa, honey, jam, and more..”

Tacoma Farmers Market

Mission: “Tacoma Farmers Market creates vibrant marketplaces where local farms, small businesses, and organizations connect directly with the community.”

Tacoma Farmers Market on Facebook
Tacoma Farmers Market on Instagram

Hey? What about the Saturday market in Proctor? Glad you mentioned it. (Do you think these markets are separate because they differ regarding the inclusion of the possessive apostrophe?)

Proctor Farmers’ Market

Mission:

  1. To support and encourage local farmers by providing a venue in our urban community for direct marketing of fresh produce and farm grown products

  2. To be an educational resource to the public highlighting the importance of local agriculture, sustainable business and our impact on the environment.

  3. To encourage community building and collaboration within the business and neighborhood community that the market serves. 

Proctor Farmers’ Market on Facebook
Proctor Farmers’ Market on Instagram

Coming Soon to Tacoma

Image from Cider & Cedar

Image from Cider & Cedar

Cider & Cedar - Cider Bar & Bottle Shop - 612 Tacoma Ave S

Have you heard? Cider & Cedar is set to open so soon! Tacoma locals Mia and Sterling have been working, and working, and planning, and now they are almost ready to open their door. That door is on Tacoma Avenue just up the hill from Corina Bakery and The Grand Cinema, and just a quick dash from Wright Park. They’re very nearly ready to serve you from a thoughtfully and enthusiastically selected library of ciders in a taproom full of handcrafted tables built by the business owners from wood salvaged from fallen cedars - that was a bit of a mouthful, but speaking of mouthfuls - follow Cider & Cedar on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.

Keep in touch about Tacoma life, Tacoma community, Tacoma homes, and a bit about us.

There’s change in the air across Tacoma, the return of things once lost, the reopening of places once closed, the transformation of one restaurant into another, the creation of brand new places to gather, shop, eat, and drink. We’ve been
From Sunday to Tuesday we joined almost every single person from @windermereabode for a retreat at @seabrookwa. We entered a time of camaraderie, visioning, personal exploration, and so many hugs. I don’t know how many realtor retreats are full
We took our two hearts out for an impromptu lunch at @threeheartstacoma today and we suggest you do the same. When we read the news that they’re extending their soft launch and staying open for the week instead of closing until next Tuesday we
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Featured
What's New, Tacoma? 17 New Businesses + 3 Coming Soon
What's New, Tacoma? 17 New Businesses + 3 Coming Soon

There’s change in the air across Tacoma, the return of things once lost, the reopening of places once closed, the transformation of one restaurant into another, the creation of brand new places to gather, shop, eat, and drink. We’ve been experiencing this change across the city and wanted to pull some of it together in one place. What follows is a list of 17 new, renewed, and returned businesses along with 3 coming soon. See if you can enjoy and support something new this month; if you do, we’d love to hear about it!

Tacoma Community: 15 Things to Do in October
Tacoma Community: 15 Things to Do in October

We’ve rounded-up and narrowed-down 15 ways to get out into community this October. Don your most intellectual scarf and hat combination for a literary night, dance and eat with the Greeks, step into a candlelit tour our 1855, get psyched up about cycling (and bicycle fashion), try forest bathing, don your most eccentric scarf and hat combination for the film festival, write letters for fun, tour art studios, hear from Latinas who experience being The Firsts in so many ways, take a local art walk, and celebrate Día de los Muertos. We’ve got some ways to volunteer in here too—lend a hand with Habitat for Humanity, pick up litter, or pull weeds and plant seeds at a favorite park to keep Tacoma green.

Get Out of Town: Puget Sound Day Trips
Get Out of Town: Puget Sound Day Trips

Once in a while, we all need to get out of town. This month we’re sharing about Port Townsend and Vashon Island, two places we go again and again when a change of scene is calling. They’re places where the beach is always near, where parking is easy, where woods and trails beckon us away from the sidewalks. Places where small, local bakeries, coffee roasters, independent bookstores, and one of a kind shops outnumber chains by far. We’ll share some of the ways we pass the time and how we fill our stomachs (never a problem). Don’t worry too much about planning; these destinations are so close to Tacoma, you can show up again and try what you missed. Wake up one morning and just decide to go!

Tacoma Outdoor Dining Guide
Tacoma Outdoor Dining Guide

Want to go out and really be out—out in the open air, beneath a colorful umbrella, on a shaded patio, beside a bustling sidewalk, seated on a deck overlooking the water, pulled up to a bar counter by the street? We’ve gathered over 60 of Tacoma’s outdoor dining spots by neighborhood to get you started. Take a look at our list of restaurants, cafes, and bars with outdoor seating, then get yourself away from the screen, out the door, and into the life of Tacoma’s summer. See you out there!

Out on the Town 2024: Tacoma Tuesdays
Out on the Town 2024: Tacoma Tuesdays

Tacoma, Tuesdays, Trivia, Tacos, Talent. It’s the truth, there’s stuff to do. We have 19 of those things listed right here (twenty would have sounded so good) and not all of them start with “t.” There’s ballet and book club, wine and film, story time and bingo. So dust off your dancing shoes, clean your spectacles, strap the baby in a stroller, study up on random facts, warm up your vocal chords, and work up an appetite; it’s Tuesday in Tacoma!

Tacoma Love: 5 Good Things—Vol. 4
Tacoma Love: 5 Good Things—Vol. 4

This is not an ultimate, all time, best of the best, win or go home, top 5 list. No, we aren’t really bringing that kind of energy to life. This is the 4th edition of 5 things we like in Tacoma from a list of way more things we like in Tacoma. Sound good? An annual rogue art treasure hunt, a tiny slip of sandy beach, an old place to watch new and cult classic films, a weekly opportunity for repairing your stuff, and a spot where the noodles and broth fill you up in a good way. Some of it’s free. All of it’s good. We’re not making any other claims (who needs all that best-stress anyway?).

The Sunset Side: Tacoma's Other Waterfront
The Sunset Side: Tacoma's Other Waterfront

This month we're here to give a shout out to the other waterfront, the home of Titlow Beach, Seashore Drive, the iconic Narrows Bridges, and the Tacoma sunset. We’ll share where we eat and what we order, the trails we like to take, and what makes this side of the city feel like home. All you need is one evening for a waterfront getaway.

Tacoma High 5 - August 2023
Tacoma High 5 - August 2023

Tacoma High 5 is our way to nudge you toward what we love about Tacoma. It’s a short list with a commitment to the local—it embraces the season, invites a bit of variety into life, encourages a spirit of exploration and some generosity as well. This month’s list includes a benefit concert with karaoke, a music festival staged on porches across Central Tacoma, block parties and outdoor markets, free berries, a favorite local publication, a neighborhood clean-up, and the chance to support the YWCA while eating hot dogs and nacho cheese. Maybe we’ll see you out there!

  1. Community Event

  2. Sweet Treat

  3. Exploration & Adventure

  4. Local Love

  5. Volunteering & Sharing

Hi, I'm Michael Duggan, a licensed broker with Windermere Abode. I would love to help you through the home buying or selling process. Please contact me to set up a meeting and get things started.