Category Archives: 5 Question Fridays

5 Question Friday With Joshua Swainston, author of Tacoma Pill Junkies

Posted on April 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

538148727_72d65b0626_mWelcome back to 5 Question Friday. I apologize for the lack of updates. I’ve had a lot going on personally and some things I really care about such as this site have been neglected, but that’s changing.

For those of you just joining us, 5 Question Friday is a column where I talk to someone in Tacoma and ask them 5 Questions. We’ve had everyone from a homeless street poet to the mayor of the city join us at one time or another. This week, novelist Joshua Swainston joins us to tell us about his debut novel, Tacoma Pill Junkies.

Joshua has been building his audience through a lot of hard work and self-promotion. A local bookseller recently told me that he was everything you want in a guest when it came to promoting his book.

Here’s Joshua:

1.      What is Tacoma Pill Junkies?

The Tacoma Pill Junkies is a novel about drug addicts and the working class of Tacoma.

It is a noir fiction true to the genre. The story is told from the perspective of minor criminals, in this case the pill dealers and takers. There are far more sinister activities underfoot. The story starts with a mugging and continues with stalking, theft, bribery, assault and murder. There are very few characters in the book without some sense of criminality.

The book also struggles with the plight of the working class in the changing reality of modern times. Since the Bush 2 era we have heard constantly of the dwindling middle class and building opposition to unionization (Though luckily not in Washington State. A sincere, thank you Sen. Murray.) The story builds from workers struggling in jobs that require little or no education (security guards, janitors, and shop attendants) and how they attempt to better their own lives. Though, a few of the methods might make Jimmy Hoffa uneasy.

2.      Where did you get the inspiration for the novel?

Can I plead the fifth? Let me just say, I have not always been the most upstanding member of the community. That time is over now. Pill Junkies started as a way for me to come to terms with the illicit aspects of those lost years.

As I tooled with the idea of the story becoming more than just a few pages regarding my personal drugged out haze, I wanted to say more. I added a few antidotes about my deep draft sailing experiences. Then I added some ideas I had about unionization, I think this is when the State of Michigan De-unionized. I had also just read a lot about the Brown Power Movement as well as my own union, the Inland Boatman’s Union. So I was really charged about workers’ rights.

3.      Why base it in Tacoma?

On the onset of the book the setting was split between Olympia, Seattle, Gig Harbor and Tacoma. The scope of the story just got too big. I wanted it tight. So, as T-town was the central local for much of the events that inspired the book and I live here now, I figured I would use it.

Tacoma also has the correct history for this story to function. On the drug side, Tacoma has always had its fair share of problems. When it has not had the problems, it’s had the stigma of the problems. Either way, we are not viewed by outsiders as the most pleasant place in the world. I find this odd because Tacoma is an amazing place. The people who live here are fiercely protective of it. On the workers side, Tacoma is historically overwhelmingly worker centric. You have the train unions, the waterfront unions, the brewery unions and the creation of Labor Ready. As a city we are people who get things done and work for a better tomorrow.

4.      What has the response been so far to your novel?

I think I am doing well. I don’t have much of a base to work from since this is my first book. I have gotten a lot of questions regarding what the book is about. Most of the time I answer: “Drugs.” Some people I have talked to about the book are shocked that it has so much illegal activity in it. Some people totally get it, but others scratch there head over the entire ordeal.

I think the cover gives readers pause. The cover was created by friends of mine at Sleepy Kitty Art. It was designed to be brash and unsettling. The vision for the cover was to tell the reader they might want to proceed cautiously.

Maybe it is my fault. When I finished writing the book I believed I had written a piece of Lit Fiction. I lived under the delusion that somehow I was loftier then genre work. In the last three months I have found out two things. 1) There really is no lit fiction any more. Everything is classified down so far that the general artsy Lit Fiction is totally gone. Jane Austin, in today’s world would be classified as Chick Lit. Joseph Conrad, maybe Adventure Fiction. Don Delillo writes Postmodern. Will Self writes Satire. Charles Bukowski gets pigeon holed as Dirty Realism, whatever that means. 2) I like writing Crime Fiction. I had not realized the novel was a Crime Fiction until after I had put it out. In the past, I had written a few shorts that were noir or hardboiled, but didn’t understand those terms in this specific context. When it all clicked upstairs I was able to stream pages of crime. Embracing the genre has giving me power. Now that I have focused on a specific audience the questions I receive about Pill Junkies are more pointed.

5.      What’s your next project?

I have started to assemble a tale involving a woman named Yvonne. She is a cross between Nico from the Velvet Underground and Bonnie Parker. I’ll be reading a short piece from her story as well as a sample of Pill Junkies at 3 pm, May 4th at Orca Books in Olympia WA. I will be joined at reading by Alec Clayton and Titus Burley.

BookCoverAsSeenOnAmazon

You can purchase Tacoma Pill Junkies at King’s Books in Tacoma, Orca Books and Last Word Books in Olympia, Elliot Bay Books in Seattle, and of course on Amazon.com. For more information on Tacoma Pill Junkies, you can go to the official website: http://tacomapilljunkies.com.

I’d like to thank Joshua for taking the time to join us.

As always, if you or someone you know wants to participate in 5 Question Friday, drop me a line at jackcameronis@gmail.com

-          Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Steve Rich, Pacific Avenue Steetscape Project Manager

Posted on February 8, 2013 | Leave a comment


2013-02-08_10-09-52_84The Pacific Avenue construction project is in full swing right now. Businesses are doing what they can to stay open and profitable during the year long project. I reached out to Project Manager, Steve Rich and asked if he could participate in 5 Question Friday and give us a bit more information about this project from the construction side of things. He was nice enough to take time out of his day to join me.

Here’s Steve:

1. What is the purpose of the Pacific Ave construction? 

The Pacific Avenue Streetscape project’s primary goal and purpose is to attract and encourage visitors and new business to downtown Tacoma by renovating the City’s main street.  The project was envisioned and designed to create an active, attractive, and economically viable main street that encourages people to be downtown. Streetscape beautification and innovative stormwater enhancements will improve the aesthetics, functionality and livability of Downtown’s core street thereby improving business opportunities.  The project’s stormwater improvements (raingardens and silva cells) are designed to improve the water quality prior to discharge through the storm system into the sensitive Thea Foss Waterway.  Raingardens will effectively filter the stormwater pollutants while adding landscaping to Pacific      Avenue’s heavily urban landscape thus creating a more walkable and inviting urban streetscape.  New sidewalks, intersection bulb-outs, crosswalks, bike sharrows and transit stops are designed to improve accessibility, multimodal transportation opportunities and pedestrian safety.

2. What is the city doing to help business affected by the Pacific Ave Construction?

Our project team is dedicated to achieving the project’s goals while minimizing impacts to the local businesses during construction. The project schedule and work plan were designed with this in mind. Our phased work plan concentrates the work in specific areas, minimizing the schedule duration for individual blocks. Two way traffic on Pacific Avenue and pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times during the project . Our general contractor, Tucci and Sons, Inc. is a local contractor who is diligently communicating and working with the local businesses to efficiently complete the project while proactively looking for the best way to meet the immediate needs of the businesses during construction. In addition, the project team holds monthly “Coffee Talk” public meetings at local businesses in the current construction zone.  These meetings are held to communicate project information and generate feedback from the community on how the project is going and suggestions on how or what we could do to help improve the process.

3. What can businesses do increase their businesses during this time?

This past Thursday we invited local businesses are to a Downtown Merchant’s Group (DMG) meeting where marketing and communications consultant Kurt Jacobson led a workshop to help businesses make money during the downtown construction work.  An excellent example is The Office Bar and Grill’s sign that advertises “DETOUR DEALS, Open During Construction”.

4. What are some of your favorite spots on Pacific Avenue?

I’m a big fan of the restaurants Vinum, Pita Pit, Hal of a Sub, and Matador just to name a few.  Dorky’s Arcade and Teaching Toys are also favorites to take my kids to.  We had a pinball tournament / birthday party at Dorky’s and the kids loved it and Caroline was an awesome host.

5. What do you see for the future of Pacific Avenue businesses?

Great things.  There’s a saying in real estate about “curb appeal” and the Pacific Avenue Streetscape project is all about making the sidewalks, landscaping, crosswalks (streetscape) the very best possible for looks, feel and safety for the customers of the Pacific Avenue businesses. In addition, the new catenary lighting system  between S. 7th and S. 9th Streets and the new cobblestone intersection at S.8th Street will create a new, yet historic, look and feel which should help create Tacoma’s new hot spot to be during the summer evenings of 2014.

I’d like to thank Steve Rich for participating in 5 Question Friday and look forward to the project being completed. As always, if you or someone you know would like to participate in 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com.

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5 Question Friday With The Blue Mouse Theatre’s Susan Evans

Posted on November 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Just about every city has a second-run theater where you can see movies after they leave the multiplex but before they arrive on DVD. For Tacoma, that theater is the Blue Mouse. Located in the vibrant Proctor District of Tacoma, it’s not just a theater that shows old movies. It’s a place from a bygone era. Unfortunately, it’s run into a 21st Century problem. Luckily, there are 21st Century solutions. I asked Susan Evans, the manager of the Blue Mouse to join me for 5 Question Friday to talk a little about the Blue Mouse and how people can help keep a Tacoma landmark alive. She was happy to accept the invitation. Here’s Susan: 

1. What is the Blue Mouse?

The Blue Mouse Theatre is the Oldest Operating Theatre in the State Of Washington.

We opened November 13th 1923, and We are the only discount movie theatre in Tacoma.

2. What makes the Blue Mouse unique?

Because the Blue Mouse is independently owned, we have the ability to do special events, long running film festivals, and bring school events out in to the community. Although we play mainstream films we pride ourselves as a family theatre where families can drop their kids and know they are safe and well cared for.

3. What is your favorite memory of the Blue Mouse?

There are too many to List. Every day is a new memory. But I guess I would have to say, My daughter’s wedding.

4. How can people help keep the Blue Mouse operating?

The Blue Mouse Has Kicked off a online fundraiser on Kickstarter.

This is a all or nothing campaign, If we DO NOT reach our goal we get NOTHING

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1355844229/help-save-the-blue-mouse-theatre

Not only do you get great rewards for your contribution, but you receive a tax deduction and you get to tell your friends and family that you helped save a local icon.

5. What do you see for the future of the Blue Mouse?

I see the Blue Mouse reaching and exceeding our goal allowing us to purchase a Digital Projector being able to do additional upgrades and staying open for generations to come.

I’d like to thank Susan for joining me on 5 Question Friday and as we get into the holiday season, I’d like to you consider giving to their Kickstarter campaign. Be a part of preserving Tacoma history. 

You can find out more about the Blue Mouse Theatre at http://www.bluemousetheatre.com/ or you can check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mouse-Theatre/ 

As always, if you think you or someone you know would be interested in participating in 5 Question Friday, send me an email at jackcameronis@gmail.com.

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With ThanksGIVING Food Drive’s Heidi Stoermer

Posted on November 9, 2012 | 1 Comment

As the holidays approach, it’s natural to think of those less fortunate and imagine what we can do to help. It’s not just about feeling good by helping people. It’s about helping build a stronger community.

Heidi Stoermer is a good friend I’ve known for many years. She’s one of the most driven and generous people I know. During a recent outing to a local pub, Heidi told me about her work with Tacoma Rescue Mission. As I listened to Heidi, I realized that this was something that needed to be shared. Heidi agreed to join me for 5 Question Friday this week and let you all know what she’s doing and how you can easily help those most in need this holiday season. Here’s Heidi:
1. What is the ThanksGIVING Food Drive?

The ThanksGIVING Food Drive is actually 2 things, which both benefit the Rescue Mission here in Tacoma.

1. We’re expert Thanksgiving shoppers! We accept cash donations, which we use to purchase holiday food items such as turkeys, fresh veggies, stuffing, and pies. We’re able to maximize cash donations by working with store and meat department managers at the grocery stores we shop at. Stadium Thriftway, Top Foods, QFC, Safeway, and the Tacoma City Grocer have all given us a hand in previous years.

2. We’re a mobile donation station! This means that we set up meeting times in central locations where folks can drop off their donations, like the Krispy Kreme parking lot at the Tacoma Mall and the Walmart on Bridgeport Way in Lakewood. We’ll also come directly to you to pick up your order if you’re within a reasonable radius of downtown Tacoma.

2. How did you first get involved in the ThanksGIVING Food Drive?

This is our 4th Annual ThanksGIVING Food Drive! I was working for a large company in downtown Tacoma, who decided to move operations elsewhere. I had previously spearheaded a volunteer effort for my team, so we were all familiar with the great work that the Rescue Mission does every day. The ThanksGIVING Food Drive was an extension of that volunteer work, and a way for the team to refocus our priorities in the face of a layoff.

3. What is something everyone should know about this project?

We facilitate the ThanksGIVING Food Drive once a year, but the Rescue Mission serves more than 23,000 meals every month. Last year, we donated 18 turkeys out of the 2000 that the mission needs to ensure that everyone who asks for a hot meal over Thanksgiving week gets one. We’re just a drop in the bucket. Our goal is to make our drop the biggest and most effective.

4. How can people help if they want to get involved?

Folks can join our event on Facebook here, where we’ll be posting meeting times and locations: http://www.facebook.com/events/456365267738121

Donators can send me a direct message on Facebook or at heidistoermer@gmail.com with any questions, or to scheduled a personal meeting time for food or cash donation pick-up for Nov. 16th or 17th.

We’d also love to hear from you if you have a trailer we might borrow for the drive. :)

5. What do you see for the future of the ThanksGIVING Food Drive?

This is the first year that we’ve opened this food drive up to the community – previously, we’d collected only from friends, family, and co-workers. We’re expecting this to be the biggest ThanksGIVING Food Drive to date, and hope to continue the tradition for years to come. It will always be held the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, to ensure that fresh veggies stay fresh and frozen turkeys have time to thaw. :)

I’d like to thank Heidi for taking the time to join me for 5 Question Friday and I’m hoping those reading this will take the time to join in this great cause.

Update: Heidi wants to add a couple of things:

1. I say “we” a lot in this interview. The other half of the “we” is Karin Jenette Dhaese Losk. She deserves a high five (or 50) for keeping track of every single can and box and turkey and pie.

2. If you would rather donate directly to the Mission, that is A-OKAY with us! Our goal is to get the Mission as much help as possible over the Thanksgiving holiday, so if our drive doesn’t work for you but you’d still like to chip in, no worries – you can donate directly here: http://www.rescue-mission.org/donate

As always if you or anyone you know would like to participate in 5 Question Friday, drop me a line at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Jennifer Giles From Tacoma’s MASH!

Posted on October 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

If you’re a beer lover, the Northwest is like Heaven. Some of the best beers in the world are brewed here. And some of the best beer stores are here. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that if you want to make your own beer, Tacoma has a place to help get you set up. I contacted Jennifer Giles at MASH to join us for 5 Question Friday and tell us all about homebrewing Tacoma-style.

 

1. What is MASH?

MASH is the manifestation of a dream for a small, local boutique-style homebrew shop in our town that creates a close-knit community where brewers can come to learn about beer making at the beginner and all-grain level and where they can exchange ideas and love of homebrew.

2. How did MASH get started?

After many years in the corporate world, I encouraged Jason to step away and figure out what he loves to do most and to find something that works best for our family.  We decided to live on a shoestring budget and reprioritize our lives.  In doing so, we got 3 chickens, planted gardens, cooked more, and Jason began to brew more often.  One thing led to another and we decided that a homebrew shop in our neighborhood, where we could teach the brewing process and share our passion with our community, was a perfect fit.  We also wanted to create a space that was warm, friendly, and unintimidating for both men and women. We waited for the right time and place, and last January our location on N. 21st opened up and we started the process!  We had incredible support from our friends who helped make it all happen!

3. What are the biggest misconceptions when it comes to home brewing?

The biggest misconception around  homebrewing is that it must be hard to make beer.  Jason’s phrase that he uses to describe homebrewing to people is this: “It’s not rocket science.  It’s just beer”.  Beer-making is very similar to making a large batch of tea; only you add yeast at the end.  Part of the vision of MASH was to create an environment that reflected that simplicity so when new brewers come to see us, they think, “That’s it?  That’s all I need to make my own beer?”  Yes, it is that simple.

4. What is your advice for someone who wants to get started in home brewing?

The advice we give people who want to start homebrewing is to start small.  Like any hobby, you can invest as much or as little as you want.  We don’t want people to feel that they have to refinance their house to be able to pursue homebrewing.  It can be done with a simple pot on a stove and a carboy.  That’s how we started after all.

5. What are your plans for the future of MASH?

In the future, we see ourselves hosting brewing clubs and potentially doing a brew co-op.  When we host brew clubs, we will then be able to have our homebrewers share their beers at our store with other brewers and exchange ideas and methods.  It looks as if in a few months, the group H.O.P.S. (Homebrewers of Puget Sound) will be gathering on Friday nights at MASH to do just that! We are super excited to have them!  We are so greatful to be where we are in all of this and we couldn’t do it without the amazing support from the town we love!

Thanks to Jennifer Giles for joining me. You can visit MASH at 2714 North 21st Street or stop by their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MASHTacoma.

As always if you or someone you know wants to participate in a future 5 Question Friday, contact me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

-          Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Mark Thomason From Broadway Center For Performing Arts

Posted on September 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

Everyone has a passion. For those who are smart or lucky, they are able to turn that passion into a career. I’ve known Mark Thomason for years and his passion for theater is one of the constants in his life. He is now the Production Stage Manager at downtown Tacoma’s Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Tomorrow begins a free event that the Broadway Center is putting on called the Fall Free For All. Mark was nice enough to take time out of his incredibly busy schedule to join us for 5 Question Friday. Here’s Mark: 

1.      What is Broadway Center for the Performing Arts?

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts is hard to define, actually. Ostensibly we’re a non-profit organization which presents live entertainment and manages the city-owned facilities including the Pantages, Rialto, and Theatre on the Square venues, plus three rehearsal halls as well as several interconnected spaces.

But much more than that, BCPA is a community-centered organization which partners with literally dozens of other non-profit organizations to support education, anti-poverty initiatives, economic development, and so much more. I could go into all the various initiatives and projects BCPA is involved in here in Tacoma and Pierce County, but it would take me all day to list them.

2.      How did you get started there?

I’ve spent my career in the performing arts industry, graduating with degrees in theatre production and communications/photography. I worked as a freelance stagehand when I first moved back to the area after college, and eventually took a full time job at the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton. I was there for ten years; during most of that time I lived in Tacoma and commuted. I continued to freelance as a lighting designer in the area, a capacity in which I met David Fischer, Executive Director for the Broadway Center, when I worked with him on My Name is Asher Lev last year. Last January, they came to me and asked me to join their staff as Production Stage Manager. I loved the Admiral, but BCPA is such an important part of Tacoma, and I was happy to be given the chance to be a part of an organization that is really making a difference in our town. Plus the five-minute commute doesn’t hurt!

3.      What can people interested in Broadway Center for the Performing Arts do if they want to get involved?

The simplest thing is to go to the website at www.broadwaycenter.org and volunteer. We have a large volunteer corps whose primary duties are acting as our ushers but they also help out in so many other ways. Of course, as a large performing arts center with a community service mandate, we absorb the costs of presenting shows by lowering ticket prices and giving away tickets to underprivileged groups, so there are numerous sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals interested in donating, either financially, or in-kind.

4.      What is the Free For All event this weekend?

Fall Free For All is probably the most publicly visible of our initiatives to promote and support downtown Tacoma. A completely free event open to the public and sponsored in part by the city, we’ll be closing down Broadway between 9th and 11th to put on a festival of arts and music encompassing the street and the entire theatre complex on Broadway. We’ll have 7 total stages on Saturday, with music, live arts installations, family-friendly performances, bouncy houses for the kids, even a live iron-casting art presentation. The fun begins at noon and lasts into the evening, with Vicci Martinez headlining on Saturday night at the Pantages. We continue the party on Sunday with a much smaller festival, with a mix of shows in Theatre on the Square and Studio 3, a live-cooking show in Studio 1, and a historical fashion show, a mix of Tacoma History and a men’s clothing fashion show in Studio 2.

Anyone interested in attending, visit the website and submit your email address to be registered to receive wristbands for you and your family for access to the whole weekend.

5. What’s coming up for Broadway Center for the Performing Arts?

At this point, I’m so focused on Fall Free For All, that’s everything I’m thinking about. That said, let’s look at my calendar… We’ve got ongoing classes for kids and adults both here and at various locations around town, we’ve got all our local arts partners gearing up for their season such as the Northwest Sinfonietta’s performance of Beethoven’s 9th in the beginning of October and Tacoma Opera’s Cosi Fan Tutte later on… we’re kicking off our own presenting season with Wayne Brady on the 11th at the Pantages, and we’re helping to mount the new broadway tour of A Chorus Line, opening on the 26th and 27thhere before they head out on tour all over the country. Did I mention the Korean Consulate’s bringing in Gong Myoung to the Rialto, and we’ve got our performance of the Voices Of the City, an outreach program representing many of the different communities and cultures living in Tacoma, where normal Tacoma citizens develop a way to present their own stories to share… We’ve got Video Games Live in early November, we’re showing an Alfred Hitchcock Film & Lecture series… so much coming up I’m getting exhausted just thinking about it.

For more information on the Free For All event beginning tomorrow, September 22nd, go to click here .  I’d like to thank Mark for joining me this week. As always, if you or someone you know is interested in participating in 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Pacific Grill’s Gordon Naccarato

Posted on September 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Seven years ago if you wanted to go to a really nice restaurant in downtown Tacoma, your choices were few. That when Gordon Naccarato opened Pacific Grill. Gordon agreed to join me for 5 Question Friday and tell us a bit about his restaurant and some other things. Here’s Gordon:

1) For those who don’t know, what is Pacific Grill?
PG is my restaurant in the gorgeous Waddell building in downtown Tacoma. We serve contemporary American cuisine, and a great all-day Happy Hr.

2) Why is Tacoma a good place for a restaurant?
When we opened PG 7 years ago I think Tacoma was under-served in terms of quality restaurants, and certainly in chef-owned, non-corporate chain restaurants.

3) What are some of your favorite places to get a bite to eat in Tacoma?
I love the Lobster House on 38th in the International District for good Asian food and next door El Zócalo that serves amazing and delicious tortas (that are enough for 2 meals)– and has an attached bakery. Charlie McManus does a great job at Primo Grill and Crown Bar. And I do love the great breakfasts they are serving at DOA. But I love driving to Seattle or Portland to learn something new and see what is going on. And I just got back from Los Angeles where I went out to eat day & night (and one day had 3 lunches with my daughter cause I had to try so many new places!)

4) What food is highly underrated?
Ramen. I love ramen, pho and Saimin (in Hawaii). But if I could have only one it would be ramen. Although I appreciate how unstructured Saimin can be– in Hawaii it as if Pho & Ramen had a wild child named Saimin that can be quite untraditional and really delicious. Even the cheap-ass ramen is delicious (especially if you add some Vietnamese Curry powder to the base, some fresh grated ginger, cilantro, mint and basil– and even a tablespoon of chunky peanut butter too!)

5) What are your plans for the future of Pacific Grill?
I am working on several new projects. It is hard to say which may come to fruition first. But I am considering shaking things up a bit on the PG menu in the near future.

I want to thank Gordon for taking the time to be part of 5 Question Friday. You can check out Pacific Grill for yourself at 1502 Pacific Avenue.

If you think you or someone you know would be interested in participating inf 5 Question Friday, drop me a line at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Barry Watson From Pint Defiance

Posted on June 29, 2012 | 3 Comments

Up until now, Tacomans had to go all the way up to the awesome 99 Bottles in Federal Way (pictured here) to find specialty beers. The Watsons’ Pint Defiance promises to be just as much fun.

Beer. It’s one of the foundations of civilization. At the end of a long day there are  few things better than an ice cold beer.

Beer lovers in Tacoma know of the handful of places throughout the city that have a better than average beer selection. I’m not talking about a place with Red Hook ESB. I’m talking about a place they might carry Old Engine Oil. The bottom line is that Tacoma simply doesn’t have a specialty craft beer store. This fall that will all change when Barry Watson opens Pint Defiance.

As soon as I heard about this, I tracked down Barry Watson who is co-owner with Renee Watson and asked him if he’d like to be part of 5 Question Friday and tell us all about this new venture. Here’s Barry.

1. What is Pint Defiance?

A retail store and taproom dedicated to the love of great beer. We will stock hundreds of labels & have draft taps also. You can purchase bottles, fill growlers, enjoy a pint & attend tasting events.

2. Why do you think Tacoma is a good place for a Craft Beer Store?

I have always felt that a store solely dedicated to craft and quality beer has been something missing from Tacoma business landscape. Good beer has become such an integral part of northwest culture and lifestyle that we wanted to celebrate it.

3. What is the most underrated beer out there?

I’m not sure if they qualify as underrated, but I have really been enjoying some of the smaller Hood River breweries. Everybody’s Brewing, Country Boy IPA & Double Mountain, Vaporizer Pale are super tasty right now.

Also, Shane Johns & Sean Jackson at the Engine House #9 have really stepped up the quality and variety of beers that they offer.

4. What other projects are you involved in?

I recently sold the restaurant that I opened back in 2003. This is my main focus right now. My wife Renee and I are building this from scratch, so it takes a lot of time and effort. (Although the fine folks at the Red hot let me make a guest appearance behind the bar from time to time.)

5. When you’re going out for a beer, what Tacoma bars do you like?

Both the Red Hot & the Parkway Tavern have an unmatched selection & range of beer. Not just in Tacoma, but in the region. Either bar can easily hold its own against any pub in Seattle.  Also, you can’t beat a enjoying a fresh pint in the beer garden at 7 Seas (I know it’s not Tacoma, but my palate does not discriminate geographically).

I’d like to thank Barry for taking the time to join me on 5 Question Friday. Rest assured that when Pint Defiance opens you’ll be reading more about it here. 

If you or someone you know would like to be part of 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Market On Market’s Patricia Lecy-Davis

Posted on June 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago I met up with my friend Clay Richart who you may remember from Fingerprint Confections. He told me that his famous caramel candies were going to be sold in a new place up on Market street called Market on Market. I was immediately interested. He suggested I talk to Patricia Lecy Davis. She was only too happy to join me this week for the return of 5 Question Friday. Here’s Patricia.

1. What is Market on Market?

Market on Market is a year round local producer collective, showcasing unique goods made by people in our region. It will be open Tues-Thurs 2-7, Fri-Sat 10-7. Adam Martin will be the market concierge facilitating ongoing sales beyond what sits on our shelves for each vendor. It will be a dynamic space that changes constantly, and growing in offerings. We will be educating folks on what is local and what is not, along with why certain things may or may not be available at certain times of the year, or from this region.

2. What other projects are you a part of?

I am the Vice President and Co Founder of an organization called Go Local that supports independently owned business. We currently have around 300 members.

3. Why do you like doing business in Tacoma?

I love the connectivity between business owners and the community. We share common goals and customers as well.

4. How can people help if they’re interested in Market on Market?

Spread the word. Let folks know that they can get quality goods that will feed their body and soul, as well as support our local economy.

5. What do you think downtown Tacoma is missing?

Good public transportation, connectivity of neighborhoods and organizations, self esteem.

Market On Market is having its Grand Opening this weekend on Saturday, June 16th from 11am – 5pm. They are located at 1122 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. 

I’d like to thank Patricia for joining me for 5 Question Friday and Clay for helping me get in touch with her. If you or someone you know would like to be part of 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

- Jack Cameron

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5 Question Friday With Designer Danille Ulvila from D & D Design Resources

Posted on May 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

A friend of mine suggested I contact Danille Ulvila. He told me she was a designer and an artist in Tacoma whose work he admired. I got in touch with her and found that she’s starting up a new venture called D & D Design Resources. She was gracious enough to take the time to join me for 5 Question Friday this week. Here’s Danille:

1. How did you get started in design work?

In some ways it was destiny as I developed a love for good design from my Mother.  She has great design sensibilities that go beyond just having good taste.  I think I picked that up from her.

That said, I sort of stumbled into design when I met a local artist and Giclee printer, Joe Palcich in 2007.  I bought some really interesting vintage Giclee prints from him to help my friends merchandise their wine shop on Sixth Avenue.  At the time I had a bunch of my kids’ art posted on the refrigerator and I was contemplating an interesting way to showcase it without being too saccharine.   I visited his studio, and saw his printers and had an “Aha moment” thinking there might be a market for printing children’s art on large format stretched canvases.  I pitched him on the idea and he was on board.  From there I started my own business, Prints Charming, and I began developing a local clientele of families who wanted to do the same thing with their children’s art and family memorabilia.

My Prints Charming business was largely supported by my network of friends, and friends-of- friends with children.  As time passed my very talented Interior Designer friend, Dawn Bloemers, began working on a large interior design project for DaVita.  She knew in a previous life, before motherhood, I had a career in Marketing Communications and she thought I might be able to help her accommodate DaVita’s request to have their corporate culture reinforced  visually in their office space.  I put together some large scale canvas collages together for her and they liked it.  From there we moved beyond canvas and started working with several local vendors using all sorts of new materials to develop design and décor projects for their offices in Tacoma.

2. What projects have you worked on?

Beyond Davita I had the privilege of working with the Children’s Museum of Tacoma on their new space. Most recently I had the opportunity to work on some really fun memorabilia display cases for the Space Needle’s 50th Anniversary of the World’s Fair.

3. What’s the most misunderstood thing when it comes to designing for a business?

I think the most misunderstood thing about design and décor is that you just have to have good taste, or that you are just there to make things look pretty.  In fact it really has nothing to do with your personal taste at all.  Successful design projects require you to translate clients’ needs into something that positively represents their aesthetic.  Beyond aesthetics you have to source the best vendors, the latest materials and you have to know how to move their concept from paper to installation which requires a lot of coordination and massive attention to even the smallest details, like where to place the screw holes.

4. What’s a project you’d love to to but haven’t had a chance to do?

You know I have never actually thought about this.  If someone had told me 5 years ago that my work with children’s art would have led to work with the Space Needle I would have laughed out loud.  I’ve been really fortunate to work with a wide variety of interesting clients and I am looking forward to whatever the next phone call brings.  I always enjoy projects that allow me to meet and promote local artists, so I would like to develop a few more projects in that direction.

5. What’s next for your design career?

I sincerely love what I do and the really interesting businesses I get to work with.  Dawn Bloemers and I are joining forces to expand our offerings to businesses large and small all around the Puget Sound.  Through installations and experiences (good and bad) we’ve developed a wealth of resources.  Her deep knowledge of all things interior design; like lighting, textiles and finishes combined with my understanding of fabrication and branding will allow us to offer a unique range of services. It’s going to be an adventure.

If you or your business has a project you would like Danille to help you with, you can contact her at dnddesignresources@gmail.com or by phone at 253-677-9931.

I’d like to thank Danille for participating in 5 Question Friday. As always, if you think you or anyone you know would be a good subject for 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com and tell me why.

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