Auburn on Main

You're probably listening to this on a Wednesday but if not, most likely a Thursday or a Friday or a Saturday or -- you get the point. But if you happen to be listening on a Tuesday, and it's the morning, THEN GET YOURSELF TO DOWNTOWN AUBURN FAST! Because every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this spring and summer, City Hall Plaza is hosting two NEW food trucks (some repeats, apologies). Economic Development Coordinator Emerson Folker joins Jonathan and Chester to talk about the new food truck craze hitting Auburn, in addition to a city partnered discount program called Eat Local Auburn, with discounts on meals and deals across the city. Just head over to Economic Development's website here: https://www.ecdev.auburnwa.gov/current-restaurant-promotions The boys also talk about other upcoming events happening on Fridays in June, July and August, but we'll talk more about that later. For now, eat some food why don't ya.  Because we talked so much about food trucks, trivia this week is allllll about the 2014 movie Chef, starring Jon Favreau. Jonathan is a big fan. Sorry.

It's a day after Earth Day (sorry) and while we recorded this a week prior, I think we did a pretty good job capturing the essence of earth by celebrating a very-Auburn event coming up -- CLEAN SWEEP! in case you've been living under a rock (don't worry, we'll clean those up) Clean Sweep is Auburn's annual Earth Day-orbiting (pun intended) event where thousands of folks from across the city will descend upon parks, green spaces, flower beds, sidewalks, streets? idk, all across the City of Auburn to plant plants, flower flowers, and clean and sweep. You can still pre-register for the event and pick your spot, or just show up to the Community and Events Center at 8 a.m. for FREE BREAKFAST and tag along to a park near you. Stick around to the end of the episode to test your Arbor Day knowledge and learn why you should never consume Dabomb hot sauce.

It's that time of the year when the rain won't stop, it just seems to rain all of the time, water literally cannot seem to quit falling from the sky, and then also it's just kinda drizzling all of the time. But that also means it's nearly Easter, and when it's Easter, that means it's time for Peter Cotton Trail! Parks Coordinator Ashley Gain, who oversees the event, joins Chester and Jonathan to share some insights into Mr. Cotton Tail and his cool event, and why you should be excited to explore the parks and trails around Auburn in search of the elusive bunnies. Tune in to hear more about the event and stick around for Fire and Facts at the end, where we test your knowledge of Peter, Easter and Bunny trivia (you won't wanna miss it). 

It's been years in the making but we finally got Lucky Backus, daughter of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, into the podcast studio! (We finally asked and she immediately agreed and it was super fun). Lucky joins us all the way from Olympia, where she lives with her partner. She helps manage the Vans in the Capital Mall and when in Auburn, can be found just about anywhere the mayor is currently -- like City Hall, at city events. You name it, she's seen it. We reminisce about her days growing up here (getting in trouble for listening to the TV too loud in the back areas), moving away, starting her own life, and of course, what it's like to grow up the child of a politician. 

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Auburn Symphony Orchestra's Executive Director, Rachel Perry and Music Director & Conductor, Wes Schulz! The dynamic duo took a long walk down Main Street (2 blocks) to City Hall to discuss this season's upcoming shows, how the last few have gone, and things to get excited about that are on the horizon! Learn why you should be impressed by your friend who can play the trumpet, and learn how difficult it can be to join a symphony (it's no walk in the park). Stick around for the symphony versus graphic design trivia at the end.

Grace Abrams song titles aside, this episode is all about the BRAND STINKIN' NEW MISS AUBURN AND MISS AUBURN'S TEEN! Chandler Groce and Malia Watanabe-Collier are hot off the Miss Auburn circuit where they were recently crowned! Chandler has an amazing story of preserverance and determination, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at just 17 years old (she's 22 now). She's writing a children's book all about it, and she'd love if you'll read it one day. Malia, on the other hand, is 14 and already smarter than you and I and everyone else. She's going to change the world one day, believe you me.

It's the Wednesday after the Super Bowl, a game between two teams we'd rather wax our entire back than ever watch play in the final game of the season. Again. Again. But there's business to talk about, so Chester, Jonathan and Angee get down and dirty about the second phase of the Postmark, set to finish up this spring, and how bees are TAKING OVER AUBURN!!!! OK, not really, but they are lovin' the wildflower beds are Parks, Arts and Recreation Department have put out, and they're gonna love them big time this spring. Stick around till the end to try your knowledge at Super Bowl trivia. We promise next episode will be better.

It's Chester, it's Jonathan, and it's Amanda Pantano, former Miss Auburn's Outstanding Teen and Miss Auburn -- that's right, she's done it all, and she did it well. Not only has she been competing in pageants for much of her life, she's one half of an amazing marketing duo with her husband. Hear about how Miss Auburn shaped her into the person she is today, and how the skills learned can translate to just about any job. Also, her dog is the chief fun officer. 

What's better than a big, beatufiul building of the arts? How about one that used to be a Post Office! Or a public health facility! We're talking about Postmark Center of the Arts, obviously, and it has so many amazing events and programs on the horizon that we just had to invite Arts Supervisor Allison Hyde on the show to yap it up. She shared some insights into how a class is made, what's coming up for creators of all shapes and sizes, and what's going on with the second phase of the Postmark Project (hint: it rhymes with masement). Tune, have a listen, and test your Post Office knowledge!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! How does a city get its look and feel? Who are the creatives who make it happen? How, exactly, does a banner get made? City of Auburn's lone Graphic Designer, Kevin McCoy, joins the Auburn on Main crew to chat about design work, making logos, how he moonlights as an illustrator, and everything in between. 

What's better than a series of Safe Auburn: Community Conversations meetings? How about a round two! That's exactly what's headed to schools across Auburn in January and February when the Safe Auburn series continues with the latest in greatest. We heard you, now we're ready to share. Keisha Taylor, Equity, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, joins Jonathan, Chester, and Angee to talk about the meetings, further outreach efforts, and more! Plus, put your Christmas and holiday knowledge to the test.

Chester, Jonathan and Angee are joined this week by Amanda Valdez, one of City of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation's Special Events Coordinators, to talk SANTA! OH MY GOD !!!!! It's Santa, we know him. The big red guy is coming to Auburn this Saturday for the Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is a fun parade down Main Street, ending at City Hall for the lighting of the tree in the plaza! Come downtown around 4:30 p.m. to catch the fun, and stay for the music and dancing after it's all lit up! Listen to the end of the episode to test your knowledge on Santa trivia! 

*extremely Tim Allen voice* uhhhuaaahhh?!? Jonathan, Chester and Angee are joined by South King Tool Library Executive Director Amanda Miller to talk...tools! And how you don't have to own em -- that's right, you can check out just about anything your heart desires at the South King Tool Library at the Outlet Collection Seattle. They've got leaf blowers, chain saws, hammers, drills, air fryers, and more! They also hold classes on how to do-it-your-self and how to preserve. There's just one question -- do you need the nail hammers, or do you need the hammer? Probably the former. They round out the podcast with everyone's favorite, "Is it Tool lyrics, or is it gibberish?" Test your knowledge!

Chester and Jonathan are joined by crowd favorite Angee Pogosian and making his debut, Economic Development Coordinator Emerson Folker! The quartet talk Auburn-area businesses (what's new, what's popping, what's moving, what's crabbing) and why it's a really great time to be a resident in the city -- especially if you love escape rooms and sea food YUM. Stay till the end to test your knowledge on political movies (sorry, dash of politics). 

Angee and Jonathan are joined by ... Chester! He makes his triumphant return to the podcast after being gone for a month in the Phillipines and the trio are already to chat about all of the wonderful public safety meetings happening across the City of Auburn. By the time you hear this, all of them will have concluded, but worry not! There's more in the future worth attending. We also chat Halloween Harvest Fest, Civics Academy, the upcoming Veterans Day Parade, and end strong with some spooky movie trivia. 

Angee and Jonathan are joined this week by City of Auburn Peer Support Specialist Christina Alexander, who as part of the Human Services department, interacts directly with homeless folks in Auburn, connecting them services and housing. Christina was homeless herself and addicted to drugs in the Seattle and South King County area, a story she's willing to tell because she knows it will help people just like her. Learn about Christina's role and how it's helping the homeless in Auburn, and stay tuned for info on Auburn Community Players' production of Prom and Prom movie trivia. 

I'm sorry, but it's fall. You know it, I know it, the leaves certainly know it. And that morning dew? It's a dead giveaway. Don't be distracted by the random 80-degree day here or there -- it's happening whether you like it or not. But that's OK, cause City of Auburn offers a variety of fall fun, like the type your kids are having at our fall camps run by Parks, Arts and Recreation coordinator Ashley Gain. She joins Jonathan and Angee to talk camps, Tom Petty's relationship to her grandma, if the kids really are alright, and tries her hand at camp movie trivia (hint: they slayed).

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Parks intern Jackson Conner to chat about summer camps, transporting kids to Leavenworth, how to improve your golf game, life after internships, and how, well, wouldn't you know it, all the leaves are falling (and the sky is gray). Which brings up the perfect trivia topic: does Jonathan like this fall past time? (hint: yes, probably). 

Well, it's happening, and it's time. The Auburn Avenue Theater is finally being demolished. It'll be a few weeks until the actual building itself starts to come down, but starting in early September, crews will begin clearing debris and materials before the inevitable. Chester and Jonathan are joined again by Angee Pogosian (who will co-chair in Chester's absence, bon voyage!) to chat the theater, downtown parking signage changes, some museum events, and Gen Alpha/Gen Z slang (they're both terrible at it).

Chester and Jonathan are joined AGAIN by Angee Pogosian! She's been busy on City of Auburn socials sharing some insights into local businesses, black-owned businesses, Farmer's Market vendors, and recording videos at Auburn's many summer events. She'll also be co-chairing the podcast while Chester is on vacation for a month :( it's OK -- we forgive him.

Jonathan and Chester are joined once again by the Office of Equity's Maddie Ralstin! And why? Because National Night Out is right around the corner -- that's right, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from about 5-9 p.m., Auburn elected officials, staff, police and Mayor Nancy Backus will be out and about in the community! We're talking to residents face to face, sharing updates on what our city is up to, and fielding all sorts of questions. Don't have a neighborhood event to attend? Come to City Hall Plaza! We'll see ya Tuesday.

It's warm, it's hot, it's summer, it's time to start racing! The NHRA nationals are this weekend and what better way to celebrate than watch them in person next to your bestest buds. Speaking of friends, Chester and Jonathan are joined by #NextStepAuburn intern Angee Pogosian, who began in June working in the communications/multimedia department. For several weeks she's been sculpting and molding City of Auburn socials to be incredibly fun and engaging. How'd she do in racing trivia? Well, guess you gotta listen.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Rachael McAlister, the White River Valley Museum's Director, to chat about the newest exhibit, Dancing with Our Ancestors, which runs from now until October 13. Dance, food, taiko drums, and remembering those who have passed makes Bon Odori a beloved celebration in Japan and across the U.S. Learn more about the traditions of Bon Odori right here in Auburn.  The trio also talks about the latest wave of COVID (and how Shadow of the Erd Tree dropped at the exact right time), how the Mariners always seem to lose when you see them in person, the Bear season 3, and how they finish strong with some museum trivia! See if you can beat a museum director in her own domain.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by the City of Auburn's Parks, Arts and Recreation Social Media Manager Andrea Alvarez, who has a hand in crafting pretty much all of the social media you see on the Parks side. Not the City side, that's still Jonathan, unfortunately, and he's really sorry about that. The trio talk upcoming events (hello Kids Day, 4th of July Fest, Farmers Markets and more), the meaning of life, the impending doom of AI and technology ethics, and finish strong with some kid-centric trivia. If you can't guess the real-life name of the Trix bunny, well, you may wanna start seeing a chiropractor. 

Chester and Jonathan are joined again by the Office of Equity's Maddie Ralstin to talk -- you guessed it -- Juneteenth! The City of Auburn is planning an exciting, fun, awesomely sick event at Les Gove Park Sunday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And don't forget about Pride at the Farmer's Market this Sunday, June 9, same place and same time. And while you're at it, maybe like share and subscribe and share with your friends and family and then go out and eat cookies and candies and cakes and junk and stuff.

What else would the Chester and Jonathan boys be talking about but the AUBURN FARMER'S MARKET?!?!? It's right around the corner, which means fresh garlic, sharpened knives, delicious food truck food, and a Pride! celebration June 9. So much fun, so little time. Also, honestly, for like the first 10 minutes they talk about the aurora borealis and what it means to be an uncle? Riffing this fresh, you'd think we have a farmer's market booth ourselves.

Chester and Jonathan talk about Petpalooza! The most fun you and your dog can have on a Saturday, probably. Plus, White River Amphitheatre concert schedule is in full swing. And if you can guess these dog barks, well, maybe seek help. 

Join Chester Boyd and Jonathan Glover as they talk about Auburn's Clean Sweep, which was just last weekend, plus the Comprehensive Transporation Plan, water system flushing, and Taylor Swift's new album.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by the Office of Equity's Madeline (Maddie) Ralstin to talk equity work citywide. Maddie works closely with several departments across the city to help plan the annual Juneteenth event, which is ushering in its third year at Les Gove Park. Plus, Pride at the Market in June and more!  Oh, and because it's officially baseball season, see if you can guess who's singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Jonathan may have accidentally made it way too difficult.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by empty space to discuss the Auburn Food Bank's big move to their new building! It's a massive, wonderful, bright and cheerful space full of so much potential and food. The duo also talk warm weather, March Madness, Peter Cotton Trail, and goings on at the Postmark Center for the Arts. 

Chester and Jonathan are joined by City of Auburn Special Events Coordinator Amanda Valdez to talk about all the amazing events coming up this spring, including Peter Cotton Trail later this month, Clean Sweep the following, and Petpalooza in May! And of course, they can't NOT talk about Dune 2 and State of the City, two equally important cultural milestones for Auburn area residents. To celebrate everyone's favorite day, the start of daylight saving time, they finish strong by guessing song names and artists who wrote about time.

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Auburn's Bridget Jones, one of the pastors of Messiah Lutheran Church at 4th and H Street. The trio talks about Civics Academy, what brought Bridget to Auburn, State of the City, and Dune Part 2 (HYPE). 

Chester and Jonathan sit down with newly crowned Miss Auburn Maddy Lindsay to talk about her journey to now, the hardships she faced along the way, and how she's doing to spread volunteerism city wide!  The trio also discuss the Super Bowl, Santana (and Rob Thomas) and then try and guess singers of the national anthem (hint: Maddy is pretty good!). 

Jonathan Glover and Chester Boyd are joined by City of Auburn Senior Planner Josh Steiner to talk long range planning, the City's giant, complex Comprehensive Plan, baseball, music and more! Find out why the Comprehensive Plan is so important and how that process is carefully constructed to involve as much public input as possible. Have an idea or suggestion? Let our planners know: planning@auburnwa.gov

Chester and Jonathan return for the first 2024 episode of Auburn on Main! The boys catch up, go over what's new since last year (three new council members, a smattering of events at Postmark), and finish strong with a sound that's been stuck in our heads all week.

The boys sit down with City of Auburn Neighborhood Programs Coordinator Chris Lovings to talk all the ways the City of Auburn works to get residents connected with, well, residents. And not just each other, services and programs that help enrich and enhance the experience of living in the Auburn valley. We delve deep into the community fund, civics academy, national night out, and more! Stick around till the end to see if Chris can successfully guess a scene from a famous sports movie that's confusingly in the public spotlight.

The Auburn on Main boys Chester and Jonathan are joined by Aidyn Dervaes, one of two new arts assistants at the City of Auburn. Aidyn, alongside her cohort Amanda Jenkinson, spends her working days in the brand new Postmark Center for the Arts, curating artist exhibits and readying the community for classes and activities.  The crew sit down to talk art, artists, Postmark, and how you -- yes you -- are literally missing out on the time of your life by not checking out Postmark. 

The boys sit down with Parks, Arts and Recreation Manager Kevin Wittee to talk about the latter of what parks offers -- recreation! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there's no better time than now to start thinking about fitness and how to burn off those extra calories. The trio also talks about Pickelball, somehow the most popular new sport in America. How it's played, why it's so popular, and where in Auburn you can smack around the ball. They also chat about the best Thanksgiving movies and music (hint: there ain't much to choose from).

You either dream of it, dread it, run from it, or hide, but eventually, most everyone has to do it at some point. That's right, I'm of course talking about becoming an intern. At the City of Auburn last summer, about a dozen youths were interns across the city, including our guest Sean Jellison. Sean interned in the Parks, Arts and Recreation department and afterward was hired on part-time to help with outdoor events. Sean sits down with Chester and Jonathan to talk about the process, how to best other interns at a game of quidditch, and how the 2013 comedy "The Internship" was made about 8 years too late.

Well, it had to happen eventually. That's right, Chester Boyd and Jonathan Glover finally convinced Miss Auburn's Natalie Myers to come on the podcast to talk about Miss Auburn -- how she got into pageantry, what it means to the community, her goals, and of course, whether Miss Congeniality has had a lasting impact on her life (it has for Chester and Jonathan). The group finishes strong with some Tobasco ghost pepper sauce!

Jonathan and Chester sit down with the City of Auburn's Rec Center supervisor Keisha Taylor to talk horror movies, babysitting the "youths," teen camps, the Exorcist and more. 

Jonathan and Chester sat down with Savage Kat Tattoo's Paige Gray and Camilo Mendoza, two up-and-coming tattoo artists who were recently featured in the cover story of the Fall 2023 Auburn Magazine, available to all residents Sept. 24, 2023. They chat body art, legacy, the idea of permancy, and maybe a tiny bit about Little Shop of Horrors. You know, the classic with Rick Moranis. 

Jonathan and Chester sit down with City of Auburn Emergency Manager to talk about what NOT to do in an Auburn emergency (hint: pick a side).  They also discuss farmer's markets and how getting it fresh is just always better.