Let's Give Back

Sherri is living on borrowed time. Doctors told her decades ago that the scleoderma and its many complications would take her soon.  That’s when she signed over her house over to her longtime live-in boyfriend, Jim. She wanted to ensure he could stay in their home after she died.

But Sherri’s got spunk. She’s outlasted all the predictions with grace and humor despite constant challenge. When Jim died unexpectedly two years ago, Sherri was shocked to discover that Jim had secretly mortgaged their home, leaving her with payments she cannot make.

In a few months Sherri will beg a judge to let her live out her remaining days in her home. Her body is giving out on her and she won’t be around too much longer. She is in kidney failure, severely anemic, her lungs are giving out – it’s a wonder she’s still here.

Everyone who knows this woman knows she lives and breathes Seahawks. But she’s never been to a game. She is a beloved neighbor who has given much to our little community over the last forty-plus years. She singlehandedly raised money buy American flags for our main street. She was an active member of the Firefighters Auxiliary. She’s outspoken, kind and living on a very limited income.

I want to invite anyone (Seahawk player or organization, season ticketholder, anyone) to help us get Sherri and an assistant to the next playoff game – or any game.  She deserves this. We can’t make it happen on our own. Help us give back to a lady who has given so much.

  

Donate at GoFundMe here 

Show your support of Facebook here

Santa Visits Tomorrow

To get the holiday juices flowing just scroll through the pictures of the Ruston tree lighting party below. Then grab the kids when you hear the fire engine sirens in town tomorrow and head to town hall (5117 N. Winnifred). Santa will visit from 11am til 1pm. Bring the wish list and camera!

Mio Sushi Planned At Point Ruston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Point Ruston, LLC

Mike Cohen – Manager

Phone: 253-752-2185 x208

Point Ruston Announces Next Restaurant – Award-Winning Mio Sushi

Tacoma, Wash. – December 10, 2014 – Point Ruston (PointRuston.com), the Northwest’s newest waterfront neighborhood, announces that Mio Sushi (MioSushi.com), a full-service Japanese restaurant, will open its newest location immediately adjacent to the nine-screen Century Theatres. Along with WildFin American Grill, Mio Sushi is planning a Grand Opening in Spring 2015 to coincide with the opening of the Century Theatres.

Mio Sushi at Point Ruston will offer patrons a menu that combines classic and creative fusion dishes that reflect the local flavors and ingredients of the Pacific Northwest. The menu will feature a variety of fresh hand-pressed Nigiri, premium custom-designed rolls, and the classic rolls that we all love. Customers will also have the opportunity to make their own customized rolls by choosing from an assortment of fresh ingredients.

"We at Mio Sushi are beyond excited to bring our customer-centric restaurant to the waterfront neighborhood at Point Ruston," says Sonny Kim, Owner of Mio Sushi. "Our customers visit us for the exceptional value we offer making Mio Sushi our customer’s Japanese restaurant of choice, time and again. It is our honor to invite you to explore our extensive menu of traditional and well-crafted fusion dishes that are sure to please kids, sushi novices and experts alike," he added.

"Mio Sushi is a fantastic addition to the diverse restaurant offerings that will make Point Ruston the preferred dining and entertainment destination in the region," stated Mike Cohen, Managing Partner of Point Ruston LLC. "At Point Ruston our patrons will enjoy the convenience of a one-stop dining, entertainment, and shopping experience, all within our beautiful waterfront location. We can’t wait for Mio Sushi to open!”

About Point Ruston, LLC

Currently under construction along nearly one mile of Puget Sound waterfront in Tacoma, Wash., Point Ruston is a new, waterfront resort-inspired village with panoramic views of the South Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Point Ruston’s entertainment, dining, and shopping district will include 75+ street-level shops and restaurants including the nine-screen luxury Century Theatres, a specialty grocer, and a four-star, full service Silver Cloud Hotel. The centerpiece of the Waterwalk, the Grand Plaza at Point Ruston, will become the South Sound’s new gathering place with scenic views of maritime activity on beautiful Commencement Bay, outdoor concerts in the summer, and ice skating during the holidays. Point Ruston will be a place to experience the best of what the Pacific NW lifestyle has to offer. For more information visit: http://www.PointRuston.com

Girl's Night Out - Blue Octopus

 

Local artist Kerry Cole and her friends have set up shop in Ruston. The Blue Octopus occupies the former liquor store at 5013 N. Pearl. Kerry was the first in Tacoma to offer a wine tasting + painting party and she has perfected the process at her Ruston gallery. In addition to the painting parties, she offers fine art for sale. For added fun, Kerry wanted let the neighborhood know the following:

We're having one of our quarterly girls night out celebrations this Friday from 6-9. There is no painting, but an $8 ticket gets you all access to exclusive vendors, food, drink, door prizes, swag bags to the first 20 in the door, gifts with purchase and generally a lot of fun. Would love to have you there...

I have great new merchandise for gift giving and home decor. This link is the newsletter evite for the event. http://eepurl.com/-IW0b

Goldfish Tavern To Reopen

The successful Kick Starter campaign means the Goldfish will reopen as the Defiant Goldfish soon. One of the new owners published the following letter of thanks.There is still time to contribute until 5pm today!

Hello To The 325 Coolest People I want To Get To Know!

The Kickstarter Campaign is winding down to it's conclusion. We are a couple thousand past our goal, and it is all because of you. Seriously, think about that. If you are reading this e-mail, you are one of the 325 people that are 100% responsible for the re-opening of our wonderful watering hole, The Goldfish Tavern. Yes, it will have a different name, but we are aiming to make it just as special to you as it ever was.

I have tried to make it clear to all of you, that we will go out of our way to show our appreciation to you, for a long time to come. Any event we ever have EVER, the 325 of you will have the first chance to take part in, make reservations for, or get first dibs in, whatever this bar does, till the end of time. You have earned this.

If we have any sort of New Years Eve function, Superbowl Party, or Valentines Dinner, you will be the ones who get the first chance to be there, before we open any options to the General Public. As far as I am concerned, this is a private club with 325 members currently, and we let other folks come in and try us out to help pay the bills. This is how YOU will be treated. (Don't get me wrong, we will treat new folks very very very well, but you will be able to see a difference). 

The fundraiser ends today at 5:00 pm. Yes we are trying to raise as much more money between now and then as possible. Yes, we are adding cool new options all day today. No, I am not asking for more from you. I am saying Thank You. I owe you Corey owes you. The other people that will get to enjoy the fruits of your contributions owe you. All of Tacoma owes you.

All I can do for now is say thanks. I will spend the rest of my working career paying you back for your generosity. You are appreciated. I can't wait to get to know all of you.

Forever in your debt,
Adam

Tree Lighting Saturday

 

Ruston's annual Christmas tree lighting will be this Saturday, December 6th at 5:30pm. Join us and Santa for music, refreshments and holiday joy at town center (N. 51st and Winnifred). 

Orca Whales Visit

In case you missed seeing the orca whales in person this morning frolicking along the Ruston shoreline, Point Ruston captured some great pictures here...

New Resturant Planned At Point Ruston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Point Ruston, LLC

Mike Cohen – Manager

Phone: 253-752-2185 x208

WildFin American Grill to Open Third Location at Point Ruston

Tacoma, Wash. – November 20, 2014 – Point Ruston (PointRuston.com), the Northwest’s newest premier waterfront neighborhood, is proud to announce that WildFin American Grill (WildFinAmericanGrill.com) will open its third restaurant in one of Point Ruston’s waterfront locations where the Waterwalk meets the Grand Plaza. WildFin American Grill will host a Grand Opening Spring 2015 contemporaneously with the Century Theatres Grand Opening as Point Ruston continues to build the Puget Sound’s premier waterfront living, dining, and entertainment destination.

WildFin American Grill at Point Ruston will contain more than 200 seats and will feature Tacoma’s best indoor and outdoor waterfront dining experience. Additionally, WildFin will offer patrons delicious fish and chips from a walk-up window situated on Point Ruston’s Grand Plaza. WildFin’s Executive Chef Chris Bryant uses local, regional, and sustainable ingredients including locally farmed produce, Washington poultry and beef, wild Northwest seafood, local artisan bread, and local microbrews. Chef Bryant was born and raised in Seattle and has a strong passion for the amazing bounty available in the Pacific Northwest, from fresh seafood and shellfish to the fertile valleys and farms that produce the region’s superior produce.

"WildFin is thrilled to bring our signature restaurant to the Point Ruston neighborhood," says Attila Szabo, President and Operating Partner of WildFin American Grill. "Point Ruston’s connection to Pt. Defiance Park and the Ruston Way waterfront will make WildFin an ideal location where friends and family gather to eat, drink, and share life’s occasions. We are looking forward to working with Point Ruston to open our newest restaurant and becoming a part of the greater Tacoma community," he added.

"We are very excited about the addition of WildFin American Grill at Point Ruston," stated Mike Cohen, Managing Partner of Point Ruston, LLC. "WildFin American Grill at Point Ruston will be the preferred dining destination throughout the region with its unobstructed water views and unparalleled outdoor dining experience. I am personally very eager to enjoy the delicious Northwest cuisine and the incredible sunsets over the Olympic Mountains," he added.

About Point Ruston, LLC

Currently under construction along nearly one mile of Puget Sound waterfront in Tacoma, Wash., Point Ruston is a new, waterfront resort-inspired village with panoramic views of the South Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Point Ruston’s entertainment, dining, and shopping district will include 75+ street-level shops and restaurants including the nine-screen luxury Century Theatres, a specialty grocer, and a four-star, full service Silver Cloud Hotel. The centerpiece of the Waterwalk, the Grand Plaza at Point Ruston, will become the South Sound’s new gathering place with scenic views of maritime activity on beautiful Commencement Bay, outdoor concerts in the summer, and ice skating during the holidays. Point Ruston will be a place to experience the best of what the Pacific NW lifestyle has to offer. For more information visit: http://www.PointRuston.com

About WildFin American Grill

WildFin American Grill opened its first location in 2011 in Issaquah, Washington, and opened its second location in 2013 in Renton, WA. WildFin American Grill is casual, comfortable and affordable with a keen sense of Northwest style serving authentic, high quality and flavor-rich foods from Northwest waters, fields, and ranches. WildFin’s menu features familiar, flavorful Northwest favorites with style and flare.  WildFin American Grill is “The Catch of the Northwest.”    For more information visit: http://www.WildFinAmericanGrill.com

New Art In Ruston - Point Defiance

Ever want to sit in the arms of an octopus? Or rest comfortably on a starfish? If so, then wander down to the Ruston area soon. Thanks to the efforts of the Ruston - Point Defiance Business District and the creativity of artist Jennifer Weddermann, new metal sculpture benches brighten the local landscape. The project has been in the works for two years and was paid for by a Tacoma City art grant, City of Ruston, business district funds and Tacoma funding support for the business district program.

Building on Point Ruston's octopus benches down the hill, the new art benches are painted in business district colors to match new banners that are in the works. There are a total of four benches - located at the Antique Sandwich Company, Urban Oasis Salon and Washing Well laundry on Pearl Street as well as in front of Don's Market. A dedication party will be coming soon. In the meantime, come down, get out of the car and walk the neighborhood. There are plenty of beautiful places to stop and rest along the way. 
 

Point Defiance Tap & Grill Open

 

The newest addition to Ruston's growing selection of great choices for a fine meal opened November 6th in the former Ruston Antique space. Point Defiance Tap & Grill offers locally sourced food and Northwest beer and wine. The Facebook announcement gives more details: We are open for lunch and dinner, 11am-9pm. We are located at 5101 N. Pearl St., directly across from the Antique Sandwich Company. Our sign will not be ready for another few days, but we're here! Street parking can usually be found in abundance in this neighborhood. The dining room is family friendly, and there are kid-friendly choices on the menu. The bar area is 21+. Looking forward to seeing you all there! The menu was updated today with some price reductions, so head on in soon! Welcome to town!

 

 

 

November Winds

Ruston appears to have survived yesterday's harsh winds without too much damage. This downed tree was spotted in the vacant lot near N. 51st and Highland. If you have more photos to share of your yard, just email them to karen.pickett.mba@gmail.com.

Help Re-Open The Goldfish

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Let’s Re-Open The Goldfish Tavern Together

Tacoma’s iconic tavern and local landmark, The Gold Fish Tavern, is in desperate need of restoration to open as The Defiant Goldfish in early February, or it will lose it’s ability to stay a neighborhood gathering place forever.

Tacoma, Washington - In early September, the City of Tacoma let the team that was looking into the purchase of the Goldfish Tavern know that the building was very close to losing its non-conforming use status, and would no longer be able to open as a tavern if it did not happen very soon. That information caused them to change their plans from “sometime in the spring” to “we have to get this done now”, or it would be lost forever. Business partners Corey Webb and Adam Dopps are launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise $22K in 35 days to restore and re-open the iconic tavern that had been in business since 1933, until is closed on Halloween two years ago.

The Defiant Goldfish is set to open in early February. It will be a family friendly bistro style restaurant and bar, with a focus on the seven Tacoma area Craft Breweries and the many Craft Distilleries popping up throughout the state.

It was a Tavern before, which meant “no minors”. It is re-opening as a restaurant with a full liquor bar, so it will be able to allow families with children in to the restaurant up until 7 pm. “We are planning to have a specialty cocktail menu that is a delicious as it is unique” said Adam Dopps. “On the food side, we will be sourcing our produce and fruit from local farmers and we will buy as much of our ingredients locally as possible. Our menu will be tweaked from global recipes, but our shopping will be done locally.”

The Goldfish Tavern had a loyal following from the folks of N. Tacoma, Vashon Island and all of the people from throughout the region that came on a Ferry ride, or to visit the Pt. Defiance Zoo and Park. It left a hole in the local landscape when it closed it’s doors. To many living in the North Tacoma, Ruston and Pt. Defiance area, the enigmatic Goldfish Tavern is a much-loved relic of our living past, a local treasure, and part of our history.

After 79 years of providing a place to gather and enjoy a pint together to the citizens of North Tacoma, Point Defiance and Ruston, this local landmark has sustained serious structural damage, which if unattended will be irreversible. We need to raise $22K on Kickstarter to get the work done now. The stucco exterior has weeds and moss growing out of the multiple cracks in it. The roof is leaking and has a river of water running through the outdated electrical panel and needs to be fixed, as well as replacing the outdated electrical service. The concrete floors have been added at different times over the decades and are uneven, as well as having a two foot hole in the middle of the room. The walk-in cooler is no longer in code and it sits where the new kitchen is going to be located. The list of needs also includes the equipment, tables, chairs, barstools and décor.

This project will only be funded if we raise all of the $22K by Friday, December 5th, 12:00 pm PST. Find us by going to the KICKSTARTER website and typing “Goldfish Tavern” into the search box or use this for a direct link http://goo.gl/AXhJr3 : . Consider donating as little as $10 to help us keep this vestige of The City’s past from fading away like old photographs.

###

If you’d like more information about The Defiant Goldfish Restoration Project, or to schedule an interview with Adam Dopps or Corey Web, please email them at adam@adamdopps.com, or send them a Tweet @DefianceBar.

Kickstarter Campaign Preview Page http://goo.gl/lDzBpB
Defiant Goldfish Facebook Page: http://goo.gl/AXhJr3

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1688164774/121454525?token=cb744296
Please paste these links in your browser bar. 

Happy Halloween!

Don't forget to bring the kids by Town Hall (5117 N. Winnifred) tonight to visit the police and fire department. Climb a fire engine, get goodies, see grown men and women in costume with lots of fun!

Tree Down

Most of town made it through the wind storm last night without more than a few branches down. But Sherri Forch near the end of Winnifred Street woke up to a neighbor's tree across her yard. No one was hurt and no major damage. Clean up should start soon. Thankfully Sherri survived, even if her yard was not so lucky!

History Honored

Ruston's history will be honored on Thursday night in the area's newest building. The Smelter History Exhibit grand opening starts at 5:30pm on Thursday, October 23rd. To give you a flavor of some of the displays, the video on this link plays when an antique dynamite plunger is pushed, similar to the one used to implode the smelter stack. If you can't make the grand opening, stop by the Copperline building soon (next to Two Town Cafe) and see the exhibit for yourself.

Kota Captured

This notice was posted today on the Bring Kota Home Facebook page. Kota started his run in Ruston several weeks ago and was finally brought to safety today. All's well that ends well.

I just have to say this community is awesome! The reported sightings from the posters we put up were so beneficial in determining his territory. I will be over in that area this weekend to do poster removal. If you happen to see a poster and can take it down before then, we would appreciate it. So here is how Kota's run came to an end. Drum roll please........Kota was captured in a fenced yard last night. Once contained the home owners were able to get a hold of him. He is safe and we are working out the details on where he goes from here. Stay tuned. We plan to have pictures of him posted tomorrow with an update. Many thanks to all of you who supported Kota and his recovery.

History Exhibit Opening Thursday

RSVP at TacomaSmelterHistory.com or (253) 752-2185 extension 235

New Local Restaurants

Two local restaurants are highlighted in The News Tribune's diner column. Read more about Two Town and soon-to-open Point Defiance Tap and Grill here.  And there is a picture posted on Facebook (here) about a new restaurant opening at the former Goldfish Tavern to be named Defiance Bar & Bistro. Is anyone hungry yet?

Help Capture Kota

This request from the Bring Kota Home page today. Contact Bonnie at 253 279 5943 or Jim 206 552 0304 if you can help.

I just received a call from a man who"s house Kota stops by regularly. He feeds cats outside and Kota stops there to eat. He was there at 7:35 a.m. I am hoping to try work on some kind of a plan with him. But understandably he doesn't want a trap where his cats could get in. As long as Kota has food sources outside the trap it is less likely he will risk going in the trap. We are certain he is staying in the area because he is either being fed or finding food. I would like to try set up a Kota feeding station in someone's fenced yard. Leaving the gate open and moving the feeding station further into the yard each day. Then coordinate a containment trapping where we would be out of sight, let him go in the yard and then close the gate behind him. We need the community to spread the word, if Kota is regularly seen near your home or a neighbor's home that is fenced will you allow us to try this? We have figured out he is often on the move and most likely looking for food between 7 am and 9am and 4pm - 6pm.

Point Defiance Tap & Grill Almost Ready!

Community blog Exit 133 is reporting that Point Defiance Tap & Grill on the corner of 51st and Pearl should be opening within the next few weeks. Furniture is in place and things are looking good. More details at Exit 133 here.

More Details on Kota - The Ruston Dog

Kota Urgently Needs Your Help!

Kota is a very sweet dog with a hard luck past. After being transferred from a high kill shelter in Eastern Washington, he was adopted from a local shelter but escaped from his petsitter in the Point Defiance area in mid August – and he has been on a terrified run ever since.

Volunteers from several different rescue organizations are now working to bring him to safety but need help from the community. Kota is a black lab mix with a white blaze on his chest and is wearing a blue collar. He has been using the area from Point Defiance Park to just South of Baltimore Park as home base. If you see Kota, please call Bonnie at (253)279-5943 or Amy at (206)755-3981 to report where you see him. Please DO NOT try to capture or chase him – just report the sightings.  Rescue volunteers have also asked for anyone in the area who is willing to help monitor a live trap that will eventually be set to contact them at the above numbers. You can also help by joining his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bringkotahome

Lost Dog

Many of us have seen this dog mentioned in this Craig's List notice. If you know where the dog is, please respond to the ad (link here).

Did you see or find bk lab/pit mix? white on chest (Pt Defiance)

There are volunteers from three rescues trying to locate this dog. It has been reported roaming the Ruston / Pt Defiance area since the owner lost it on 8/14/14. NO one has been able to capture it. Last seen it had a color, when lost it had tags. It is very skittish, please just call us if you see it or have seen it recently. We believe it has moved out of the area or was captured by someone. We really would like to use our resources and time wisely. Please let us know if you have any information on this dog. He is a male, small in size, primarily black with a bit of while on his chest. He is not aggressive he is very scared and will continue to run if people try to "catch" him.

Downtown To Defiance This Sunday

 

The second annual Downtown to Defiance event is this Sunday, September 28th. Participants are encouraged to bike, run, walk, roller skate or other means of self-propelled transport from Point Defiance to downtown Tacoma and back again. Things kick off at 8am at the park with some road closures. The event is free but pre-registration nets you a cinch bag. Register here.

Local Bear Captured

The black bear roaming Point Defiance Park made her way downtown last night and was safely captured. She'll be released into the wild soon. The News Tribune has more details and pictures here.

Welcome Blue Octopus!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2014

FOR INFORMATION

Heather Joy, Spaceworks Manager

253-682-1722      

heatherj@tacomachamber.org

SpaceworksTacoma.com

Spaceworks Announces The Blue Octopus Grand Opening

Friday, September 12, 2014 ~ 11am-8pm
5013 N. Pearl Street, Ruston

Tacoma, Wash –

Spaceworks Tacoma is excited to announce the latest Spaceworks Creative Enterprise to open its doors, The Blue Octopus on Pearl. Grand opening festivities are set for Friday, September 12 from 11am – 6pm, plus a reception from 6 – 8pm, at 5013 N. Pearl Street in Ruston.

Nationally recognized artist Kerry Cole, owner of The Blue Octopus, offers painting parties, an art gallery, and a painting studio at her new location. Since early 2010, The Blue Octopus has been located in downtown Tacoma, first at Sanford & Sons, then at a co-operative space called The Saint Helens Ave Mercantile, where four women-owned businesses operate under one roof. Cole needed more space for her sought-after painting parties and has been working with Spaceworks since early in the year to find a larger home for her business. Regarding her new spot, Cole says, “This location has a lux, relaxed, beachy vibe which more accurately reflects the feeling you would have while painting in a cottage by the sea.”

Along with space, Spaceworks Tacoma has provided Cole with business training, one-on-one consultation and marketing support. Thanks to Spaceworks’ partnership with the property owners John & Karen Trueman, Cole has also been provided with 6 months free rent. The Trueman’s wanted to activate the first floor of their previously vacant building that until a year ago was Ruston’s liquor store. They knew with plenty of vacant space in Ruston that the Spaceworks program “was a good way to fill our space with something new to the area.”

“Looking at the Spaceworks success rate, which we understood to be 80%, we also felt that there is a very good chance that our Spaceworks tenant will sign a lease with us to continue the business when the Spaceworks lease is up. So to us, it’s a ‘win win’ situation and well worth the effort,” the Truemans said.

The Blue Octopus on Pearl’s business hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 11am – 7pm. One-on-one instruction, private or ‘Sips-N-Canvas’ painting parties can be scheduled any time. Details can be found at: www.theblueoctopus.com

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Vacancy to Vitality! Spaceworks Tacoma is a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber designed to activate empty storefronts and vacant space in Tacoma. The initiative makes no- and low-cost temporary space, training, and technical assistance available to artists, creative entrepreneurs, organizations, and community groups in order to nurture successful projects that transform Tacoma into a stronger, more active city. Since starting in July 2010, Spaceworks has worked with over 150 artists and creatives in 31 spaces around Tacoma.