March 2021 253 Lifestyle Magazine

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE

Positively Impacting and

SERVING THE COMMUNITY 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

Q&A WITH

GARY PARKER OWNER/OPERATOR OF BBQ2U

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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GOING, GOING ... GONE! SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS. CALL IF YOU WANT IN ON THIS FANTASTIC SELLERS MARKET! | MLS# 1721314

CAROLYN WESTMORELAND Broker/Owner | 253.961.5596

JENSEN WESTMORELAND Broker | 253.240.5514

Mark Wambold NMLS ID 248580 State Lic. MLO-248580 253.225.3352 | mwambold@fairwaymc.com www.wamboldhomeloans.com

This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or a commitment to lend. Other limitations may apply. ©2014 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation FIMC NMLS ID#2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER WA. License Number MLO-248580.

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Healthy, Glowing, Fashionable?

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253.756.0933

Office of Khash A. Dehghan, MD, PHD, FACS

3515 S. 15th St., Suite 101, Tacoma, WA | ArtisticPlasticSurgery.com

Ask Ampro Builders YOUR HOME REMODELING EXPERTS

Exquisite 1890’s mansion owned

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MARKETING

WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Julie Reed | 253.363.8832 julie@like-media.com DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MARKETING Jackson Russo | 208.610.4416 jackson@like-media.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyssa Koberstien | 253.363.8830 alyssa@like-media.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com STAFF WRITERS Colin Anderson | colin@like-media.com Abigail Thorpe | abigail@like-media.com

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Darbey Russo GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Marisa Inahara DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

OPERATIONS

MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins

great things for a great community Founded in 1925, Peninsula Light is your member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, providing reliable power throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. We are dedicated to continually improving the quality of life in this great community through system reliability, helping you conserve and use electricity more efficiently and rising to the challenges of a rapidly changing industry.

253.857.5950 | 888.809.8021 13315 GOODNOUGH DR. NW | GIG HARBOR, WA 98332

WWW.PENLIGHT.ORG 6 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

Nikki Luttmann, Marguerite Cleveland, Laura Jane Brougher, Sarahlynn Etta, Susan Newsom, Tina VanDenHeuvel

PHOTOGRAPHY

Samantha Elise Tillman, Jim Niehues, Kiersten Patterson Photography, Symphony Tacoma, Mandi Ann Photography, Marguerite Cleveland, Washington.org, Ritz Carlton, Tina VanDenHeuvel, Nate Graves of In-Gear Media

253 Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

Building Better Solutions for Clients With almost 30 years experience serving families in Gig Harbor and Pierce County, Felicia Soleil provides more constructive alternatives to dissolving a marriage outside of a courtroom. In addition to her family law practice, she also provides mediation services, offering legal support, education and case management - from simple to complex - for separation and divorce, parenting plans, child support and prenuptial agreements.

Facing a divorce or separation? Felicia focuses on reducing and resolving conflict, helping you transition by moving on, not just moving out.

Felicia A. Soleil, Attorney at Law and Mediator

253.853.6940 • FamilyLawResolutions.com • 7191 Wagner Way, Suite 303, Gig Harbor, WA

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PUBLIS HER’S

Picks

Steve Russo Executive Director

Spring … It’s Just Around the Corner!

JUST LAST MONTH WE WERE STILL RELISHING THE WINTER MONTHS, enjoying our time spent indoors, warm by the fire, embracing the cold, wet, snowy days knowing that this time would soon pass, and the promise of spring would be fulfilled. March is here, and spring (at least in name) is just around the corner.

If you’re feeling uninspired, you’ll find some thoughtful ideas to help get you started. From replacing your flooring to updating your kitchen, sprucing up your space is sure to brighten up your spirit and attitude.

As the clouds clear, the weather warms and the earth begins to once again come to life all around us, it ignites a light in us that has been dimmed the past several months. It is incredible to witness the changing of the season and the power it holds in lifting our spirits and our hopes for tomorrow.

In this issue, we are also taking the opportunity to celebrate our twoyear anniversary, as we continue to have the privilege of creating and delivering 253 Lifestyle Magazine to the community. Since 2019, we have been so fortunate to continue to be an integral part of this community, and we’ve decided now is as good a time as any to celebrate!

As we prepare for that spring cleaning, outdoor gardening and home remodel projects, be sure to enjoy—and embrace—the work. It is truly fulfilling to sit back, relax, and take in all that has been accomplished.

As Leo Tolstoy said, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” Now’s the time to start preparing for the warmer—and brighter—months ahead.

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POSITIVELY IMPACTING AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY: 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

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Q&A WITH GARY PARKER, OWNER/OPERATOR OF BBQ2U: COMMUNITY AT THE HEART

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FEATURED RECIPE: CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

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THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: WASHINGTON D.C.’S SIGNATURE SPRING CELEBRATION

COMPLETE ROOF & CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE SERVICES CALL 253-851-1180 • Roof Repair, Cleaning & Free Inspections • Skylight Repair & Replacements • Moss Treatments

• 5 Year Certifications • Chimney Sweep • Gutter Cleaning

Licensed - Bonded - Insured | LIC#: ROOKSL955N5 | RooftopServicesLLC.com | f 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS 12

40

12

H OME

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Having Difficulty Deciding on New Flooring?: Hardsurface flooring FAQs

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28 Q& A

HE ALT H & LIF E S TY L E

Considering a Remodel?: The how, what and why to refreshing your kitchen space

Q&A with Gary Parker, Owner/Operator of BBQ2U: Community at the heart

The latest tips and trends about living a healthy, active life

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40

TR E NDING

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I N FOC US

TH E ART S

BU S IN E S S P IN P O I N T

Positively Impacting and Serving the Community: 253 Lifestyle Magazine celebrates two years

Symphony Tacoma Launches ‘Eternal Light’: A rare multimedia video made with kids

Your Luxury Travel Experience: Take a ride with Airman Transportation

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sneak peek into March ...

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LIFESTYLE

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MAGAZINE

Positively Impacting and

SERVING THE COMMUNITY 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

Q&A WITH

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F E ATUR E

FEAT U R E D R ECIP E

Navigating the Slopes: Meet the artist who guides your way

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

GARY PARKER OWNER/OPERATOR OF BBQ2U

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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About The Cover

ENTE RTA I NMENT

TRAV E L & LE IS U R E

FEATURED ON THIS MONTH’S COVER OF 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, we are excited to showcase restaurant owner and local philanthropist Gary Parker. His mission and his passion are married to a food experience, fulfilling needs of the community he becomes aware of. Take a read of our March Q&A, and be ready to be inspired.

Events in March you don’t want to miss!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington, D.C.’s signature spring celebration

Cover photo by Samantha Elise Tillman.

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Home Having Difficulty Deciding on New Flooring?

HARD-SURFACE FLOORING FAQS

BY NIKKI LUTTMANN, INTERIOR DESIGNER

R

eplacing your hard-surface flooring can be a very rewarding home improvement project. However, there are so many different types, colors and materials out there, what’s the best one to choose for your home? Following is a reference guide to “all things flooring” from tile to laminate to some of the newer options like LVP. For this article, I’ve established a quick cost guide for each, with one $ being the least expensive and four $$$$ being the most.

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) $$ Generally speaking, LVP is fairly cost effective, both as a product and to install. It does require a smooth, debris-free and non-sloping subfloor, but a professional installer can usually tidy up any issues that your subfloor may have. Still relatively the “new kid on the block” in the flooring industry, the popularity of LVP has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to its durability, waterproof nature and the myriad looks that it offers. LVP is a layered product, with a vinyl wear surface on top, pad on the back and a rigid or flexible core sandwiched between. Generally speaking, the product locks together with a locking mechanism similar to a laminate floor, creating a floating floor surface that is quite durable and pet, kid and spill friendly. Because it is a floating floor, it installs quickly, and is a good option for many areas of the home, from main living spaces to bathrooms and mudrooms. It’s also very practical for basements, as it has insulative qualities due to the cork or rubber backing attached to most products.

Laminate ($) Laminate is quickly losing momentum to LVP, but it is still a front-runner for bargain flooring solutions. It is easy to install, and resistant to scratching and other surface damage, but typically not very water resistant. There are a few laminate products that have a water-resistant core, but they are typically more expensive and on par with LVP for pricing. However, for sheer durability in dry locations, laminate can’t be beat. Just a warning, though, it is far harder to find a good-looking (realistic) laminate than it is to find a good-looking LVP. Engineered Hardwood ($$-$$$) Engineered hardwood is real wood. Yes, you read that correctly. Engineered hardwood is typically wood all the way through. However, it is made up of a pre-finished veneer over a plywood substrate. This plywood or other core is used to create dimensional stability that is especially helpful in our northern climate’s interiors, where it can be dry and hot, cold and damp, and everything in between—all in one day! This construction allows for larger, wider planks, and variances in temperature that solid hardwoods do not tolerate well. For quality, look at the thickness of the veneer, the type of substrate and the kind of finish applied. For those of you who ask the inevitable question, “Can it be refinished?” The answer is “Yes,” but it’s not designed to be. A quality engineered wood may have a lifetime or 50year finish on it. These finishes are often proprietary from manufacturer to manufacturer and may include language like “Aluminum Oxide” or “Titanium Finish” and are typically baked on for a more durable finish. They are truly intended to last a lifetime.

Solid Hardwood ($$$-$$$$) Solid hardwood can also come prefinished, but you will likely not find 6-inch-wide planks that run to 8-feet long like you can with engineered wood. Solid hardwood can warp and bend and is generally finicky about where it lives—just like the trees it comes from.

If you are absolutely convinced you want a solid hardwood floor, in our climate I recommend looking at hardwoods like oak or maple,

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 13

and going with thinner boards in shorter lengths. Work with a reputable installer and follow the installation guidelines. Often, solid hardwoods are recommended to be glued and nailed, or full-spread glued, which can be pricey. For sand-and-finish hardwood, it is even more important to work with a reputable installer. The techniques used for finishing a floor in place are very specific and really, really easy to screw up. I have done it myself and then had to call in a professional to come fix my mistakes!

Tile ($$$$) Tile is one of my favorite surfaces—for walls, showers, accents and even floors. It is durable and comes in so many looks and colors, it is suitable for any home. While there are many affordable and beautiful tile options out there, something that people often don’t consider is the cost of the labor to install tile. It is by far the most expensive flooring option to install correctly, and for good reason. Tile installation—really, like any good flooring installation—is an art. Many things must be taken into account, from floor joist weight loads, to subfloor quality, to underlayment application, grout type and direction of the tile. It is possibly the easiest flooring option to have done badly. If this is the case, the new tile might look good for a week, a month, or even a year, but then cracks start to form, grout starts to chip out, and the floor fails. If you are considering tile for your flooring needs, I highly recommend going through a reputable installer who will guarantee their work.

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LIVE YOUR HEALTHIEST LIFE

CLEAN CALM CONSTANT 360.394.7702 kimcoplumbing.com

We are excited to welcome the Gig Harbor Community to our opening!

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welcome the Gig Harbor Community to our opening!

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Specializing in luxury, stylish kitchen & bathroom remodels & interior/exterior painting.

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3216 Judson Street, Gig Harbor 253.525.1362 | info@harborhealth.net Conrad Esser CEO & Nicholas Wyatt CPO 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 15

Trending THE KITCHEN: CONSIDERING A

REMODEL?

The how, what and why to refreshing your kitchen space

By Abigail Thorpe

F

or most of us, the kitchen has become one of the most used (and viewed) spaces in the home. Gone are the days of hiding it away; now, we look to open concepts, plenty of counter space, and welcoming lighting and accessories to make our kitchens the beautiful and functional entertaining and family spaces we use them as.

As a primary space in the home we use and see every day, it’s often the kitchen you look to remodel first.

But if you’re on a budget and want to make sure your money goes the distance, it can be hard to decide what choices to make when refreshing your kitchen, and if or when to do it yourself. The average kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $20,000 to upward of $75,000. The good news is, there are ways to save money—as long as you don’t cut corners where it matters.

How can you save on cost?

When it comes to a kitchen remodel, the highest costs are typically the cabinets, countertops and appliances.

It’s also important to know what kind of structural or electrical changes you have to make, as these will drive cost and time up. “Every remodel we do varies depending on style, products, and whether we have to move load-bearing walls, plumbing, HVAC or

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Particularly when it comes to installing countertops or cabinets and electric and plumbing, it’s important to hire a professional. electrical,” explains Derek Adams of Creekside Construction in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

When it comes to saving money, cabinets are a prime place to look. If your cabinets are in good condition, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference and save you a boatload, says Daniel Yoder, owner of Panhandle Countertops in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

“That’s something that can really freshen it up.”

If you do need to replace the cabinets, opting for manufactured versus custom cabinets, or choosing less expensive materials and design, can help save on cost. “The best way to save money is to buy a less expensive cabinet door material (ie: alder), and have it painted or stained in one of the cabinet company’s standard finishes,” adds Deann Hammer of Broadway Design in Tacoma, Washington. “Also, the cabinet door style can drive up the cost. A standard shaker-style door design is less expensive than a cabinet door with a lot of detail in the design.”

When it comes to countertops, quartz is a popular and often affordable option, but laminate options have come a long way and are often half or a third the price of stone or a solid surface, advises Yoder.

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When to hire someone and when to do it yourself.

Doing it yourself might not save you money in the long run.

“Unless you have experience or friends with lots of extra time and skills, we don’t recommend going at it solo,” says Adams. “It may sound cliché, but you get what you pay for!”

Particularly when it comes to installing countertops or cabinets and electric and plumbing, it’s important to hire a professional. “A professional is responsible for all of the job,” says Juan Oseguera of In-N-Out Construction in Olympia, Washington. He recommends first getting an estimate from professionals and asking questions to find out about their experience and ability.

If you’re dying to get in and do some of the work yourself, you can help with the demo, or even do something as simple as paint the walls (leave the cabinets to the experts). But don’t just start ripping stuff out. Call your suppliers first to find out lead times and availability, that way you don’t get stuck without a kitchen sink for six weeks, advises Yoder.

An interior designer can help provide the necessary design materials for you and your contractor, and also help save you time and money (and end up with a great finished look) by providing material selections and designer access to pricing and offerings, adds Hammer.

Gig Harbor Gig harbor estate resource Real Estate real Resource

Average sales price

ch | SOLD 910,000

Fox Island | Sold $714,679 $1,950,000

Up $11,945 from January

Sales Price:

.

Days On Market:

highest luxury sale

Downtown | SOLD $3,300,000 9 Days $2,100,000

Down $2,830,00 from January

average days on market 10.6 Down .9 days from January

$672,653

* Data collected from multiple listing services on February 21, 2020

11

welcome home to your new gig harbor neighbors . . .

Sale in 3rd Quarter:

$3,100,000

What's Your Home Worth? www.key2see.com

key 2 see Team "Pairing innovation with Communication to create a long lasting trust so you can Enjoy Home"

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what’s your home worth? www.key2see.com (253) 229. 1414

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 19

Now trending …

Let’s talk appliances.

Say hello to light, warm and natural. Kitchen trends are firmly in the neutral category, and while white and grey are still a popular choice, even warmer neutral colors and materials are gaining traction.

“Now, more often than not, our customers are doing a combination of mountain modern or modern,” says Adams. In addition to color schemes, open concepts and easy accessibility to the surrounding spaces is central to current kitchen designs, adds Oseguera.

“Appliances are a category that can make or break your budget,” warns Hammer. Read consumer reports to find good appliances that will last, and don’t just opt for the cheapest. To save money, buy an entire appliance package from one vendor (added bonus, the finishes will match), she advises, or search out the scratch and dent section at appliance companies for great appliances with minimal damage that you often can’t see once it’s installed.

“Think warm-colored wood cabinets, earthy-colored countertops (like concrete color), and warm-colored lighting,” explains Hammer.

“The new trend in kitchen designs is to make the kitchen feel more like the rest of the house, and less industrial.” Along with the neutralhued trend is a focus on using organic materials whenever possible for added comfort and a natural feel.

When it comes to choosing between an electric or gas stove and oven, take a look at your habits and what your space is set up for. Gas is cheaper to use, but if your kitchen isn’t set up for it, you’ll spend additional money for the change.

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Ultimately, what’s important to you and your lifestyle will determine what your remodel looks like, but there are some important things you can consider along the way to save time and money, and also a whole lot of headache.

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In Focus Po s i t i ve l y I m p a c t i n g

AND SERVING THE

COMMUNITY 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

F

or those who live here in the 253, we know how truly special this place is that we all have chosen to call home. Our community is filled with kind, generous, giving people, who care deeply for this place and the quality of our lifestyle.

It was two years ago—January 2019—that Like Media would introduce a new publication, sharing positive stories highlighting all that’s wonderful in the 253, along with the incredible local businesses that help in sustaining this bustling—and thriving—community. With a hyperlocal focus and original content based on uplifting and highlighting the best parts of our area, from day one, 253 Lifestyle Magazine has been about the people and delivering the most beautiful magazine, designed to serve the locals and visitors by providing valuable and resourceful information.

Like Media is the media agency behind not only 253 Lifestyle Magazine but five additional monthly print publications across the Northwest—Gig Harbor Living Local, Coeur d’Alene Living Local, Sandpoint Living Local, Bonners Ferry Living Local and Go Sandpoint Magazine. In addition, they produce a biannual publication, REAL Northwest Living, which is distributed in areas from Spokane, Washington, to the Canadian border and Western Montana; and it published the annual Gig Harbor Visitors Guide.

“What sets us apart from other print models is that we produce our publications complimentary to the communities; we have a very ‘inclusive’ philosophy and

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YOU’RE ALWAYS COVERED. New year. New normal. Whenever you need us, for whatever reason, we are here for your family.

Scheduling a College Sitter is fast, easy & convenient.

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Serving Tacoma, Gig Harbor + all South Sound communities 253.251.2477 | collegenannies.com

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Enjoy your private patio, gas fireplace, and ample kitchen space. Small pets welcome. Landscape maintenance included. No buy-in or entry fees.

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Our Communities Gig Harbor 4203 Rosedale St. NW (253) 530-3334

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NE Tacoma 4301 Norpoint Way NE (253) 952-8347

North Tacoma 3602 N. Narrows Dr. (253) 879-1000

Silverdale 1001 Deer Harbor Ln. NW (360) 633-1800

www.norpoint.com 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 23

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want to provide a publication that the community can be proud of,” shares Julie Reed, Like Media’s Washington executive director for 253 Lifestyle Magazine and Gig Harbor Living Local. “If you are unable to pick up our magazines, we also have the free subscriptions in our digital e-newsletters. I have never seen such a beautiful magazine, thanks to our design and creative teams!”

And it is not only in print that the media company is showcasing their talent, work and support of local businesses and communities. “Like Media has created so much more than just a community magazine,” says Allyia Briggs, Like Media’s director of marketing. Like Media is a fullservice agency that helps companies build and execute their marketing plans. Its motto: We build your marketing, so you can build your business.

“It is an entire (print + digital) platform. From our website to weekly and monthly e-newsletters, social media and more, we make sure that our positive hyper-local articles and advertisers are being seen everywhere— which is really unique to this area.”

With a mission to impact the communities it serves in a positive way, owner and publisher Steve Russo is committed to what the company was founded on, especially in today’s world.

“IF YOU LOOK

“It’s unfortunate that mainstream media has turned into what it has.

It is on a mission to divide us based on political and religious beliefs, but the reality is, we are all very much the same,” he says. “Most of our beliefs, core qualities, humanity and desire to help others is what makes us all so similar. I feel we all need to get back to identifying as people, community members, family members, and not red or blue, pro or against.

AROUND LOCALLY, IT IS HOPE THAT

DRIVES US EACH DAY BECAUSE TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG

AND POWERFUL.”

“We need to get back to uniting around our commonalities rather than dividing up over our few differences. Fear is winning out nationally, but if you look around locally, it is hope that drives us each day because together we are strong and powerful; apart we become isolated and weak. In today’s climate, we all need to proclaim that fear will never win out as hope pushes us to be better versions of ourselves.”

Like Media carries out its mission in a number of ways: telling the good news stories that don’t always make the news and spotlighting the people who do wonderful things within our communities; highlighting and sponsoring local events; supporting small-medium local businesses by providing them an affordable platform to share their messaging; and most importantly providing free marketing sponsorships for local nonprofit organizations.

Each and every month, Like Media sponsors area nonprofits, organizations, groups and community members in each publication to help ensure they are able to carry out their mission.

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 25

“Through these sponsorships, we are able to give our nonprofit organizations a voice to create awareness for their own missions and any needs that they may have,” says Allyia. “It is truly the most special feeling in the world to experience the level of appreciation and awe that these organizations feel when we reach out and let them know that we are doing a free marketing sponsorship for them. This includes articles, advertising, social media promotions and much more. It is this kind of work that brings us so much pride at Like Media.”

“We are building a unique platform that serves dual purposes, which allows small to medium businesses to effectively build their marketing and brands locally while supporting local philanthropic groups and organizations. There is nothing quite like this in the communities we serve,” Steve says. “What our advertisers should know is that we are actually partners in promoting the goodwill not only locally but in every town we serve. The support they give locally goes well beyond our city boundaries by helping many in need.”

Since its inception, Like Media has been committed to connecting local businesses with the people they serve, with the goal of impacting communities in a positive way. “253 Lifestyle Magazine and Gig Harbor Living Local bind people together and connect the businesses to the community—and this builds trust with one another,” explains Julie. The Northwest’s trusted media partner, Like Media is dedicated to taking companies where they want to go through effective and thoughtful strategies that combine traditional media with new technologies.

“I am grateful to be able to have a part in the production of 253 Lifestyle Magazine and Gig Harbor Living Local and put my heart and soul into providing excellent customer service to our clients and readers,” says Julie.

“It brings me great joy when I hear all the positive feedback, especially when businesses report back how much they have grown their branding awareness and businesses. My favorite thing to do is to help businesses with their marketing plans!”

As a full-service media company, many of Like Media’s print advertisers also leverage the company to handle all of their digital marketing as well through Rocket Fish Digital; everything from building their logos and websites, to SEO services, reputation management, social media, podcasts and more. “We take time to brainstorm with our clients and come up with a variety of solutions to meet their business’ needs,” affirms Allyia. “We have the best partners in the world!”

With 29 years in print and over eight years in the digital marketing sphere, Like Media successfully provides a platform and voice for local companies to reach their target audiences in the most effective way, while saving time and money, and building successful businesses that strengthen communities.

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The team at Like Media looks forward to another year serving their clients, strengthening partnerships and inspiring the community through 253 Lifestyle Magazine and various print and digital services that they offer.

“I am excited to continue our mission of infusing positive community focused articles and contribute fresh ideas to the magazines to give our readers the experience of an interesting variety to connect them to the 253 area,” Julie smiles. “Most importantly, I am passionate about providing a unique product to the local businesses so that they have a multi-level platform to reach the communities in which they serve.”

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TACOMACOMEDYCLUB.COM | 253.282.7203

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Q&A

GARY

PARKER

OWNER/OPERATOR OF BBQ2U COMMUNITY AT THE HEART

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

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“IT IS MORE THAN A FOOD CHOICE. IT’S A CULTURE THAT MEANS UNITY OF A COMMUNITY. BBQ REENERGIZES THE SOUL AND CAN GIVE FRESH VISION TO THE WEARY. BBQ GROUNDS US IN OUR ROOTS AND REMINDS US WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE CAME FROM.”

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Q. How does one become a Pit Master?

A

ustin, Texas, native Gary Parker grew up with BBQing (it is a verb in Texas) as a way of life. Family get-togethers and community events were good excuses for throwing some meat on the grill. Parker worked for the Intel Corporation as an engineer, which brought him to Washington. Upon retirement he decided to open up his own little piece of Austin in Gig Harbor with his restaurant, BBQ2U. He is well known in the area for his support of the local community, whether it is for a nonprofit or helping small area businesses who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. He calls it “Give Back Programs.”

A. Thousands upon thousands of hours making BBQ. Meet the Pit Masters in your area, work with them, cook with them. Study the history and understand the role of BBQ in society. Study the science of BBQ, the fire, the woods, the smoke, the meat, the weather.

Understand how the process brings them all together. Don’t be a snob. All BBQ is great to someone, and you can always learn from those who do it differently than you do. I think Texas BBQ is the best because that’s where I am from. The methods and flavors were embedded in my soul as I grew up.

Ken Walker Jewelers. Time continued to pass, and we were watching events like the Taste of Gig Harbor and the summer art fair get canceled. The participants of these events had no outlet, no way to share their creations with others. So we invited some of the artists and authors to set up displays in our lobby like we had done with the businesses. This was really working. People now had something to do while waiting for their food, and the artists and authors started selling their books and paintings.

There are many stories of appreciation, and today it continues as an ongoing event called Books and BBQ.

Q. Can you share with our readers how you decided to use your lobby to support local authors and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Q. Can you share your philosophy on how BBQ has been the “center of community” throughout history and how it influences your give back programs?

A. Well, the thought really just evolved over time. The story started early in the first days of the COVID shutdown. Today, it’s hard to remember what it was like in those early days. I remember walking through the parking lot of the Plaza we are in. It was a weekday; a time when people would normally be buzzing around doing what they do. However, on this day, there was an eerie silence. No cars, no commerce, just silence. I was thinking, ‘What are we going to do? What are my neighboring businesses going to do?’

A. Now this is a big question. To really understand you must be a bit of an historian.

That said, you can look at in a biblical sense, or take a more modern view, but no matter how you approach it, cooking meat over fire and sharing it with the community is so ingrained in each one of us that it’s undeniable. What am I saying? To come together as a community, to debate issues, to celebrate milestones, to seek out others, to lend a helping hand, has often been based on community gatherings. Whenever there are community gatherings you can bet food will be present, and across America, that food is most often BBQ. It is more than a food choice. It’s a culture that means unity of a community. BBQ re-energizes the soul and can give fresh vision to the weary. BBQ grounds us in our roots and reminds us who we are and where we came from. I submit for review and consideration that there is no other food choice that can compare with BBQ and the role it has played in the building of societies. It’s this culture that BBQ2U tries to bring to this community.

We want to help those in need. We want to provide a place you can go and recharge.

We want to help young people play sports.

We want to show that small business can be the answer to classroom funding issues. The list can go on and on, but I trust you get the point. We are more than a restaurant—and we want you to be a part of our community and BBQ family.

A little time passed, and our little business was fortunate. We were seeing huge support from the community, but as I talked to other businesspeople, they were really telling a tough story. I was initially kicking around the idea of running specials that would promote other businesses. Something like show me your receipt from a struggling neighboring business and I would give you 10 percent off your meal. However, our crowds were growing and sometimes people were waiting 15 to 20 minutes for their order. They had nothing to do except get frustrated. We decided to bring in other businesses to set up displays and promote them. This gives people something to look at and do while waiting for their orders. It was a win-win.

In the first few weeks we featured businesses like Treasures 4 Humanity, Love of Spice,

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Arts

S Y M P H O N Y TA C O M A L AU N C H E S

‘ E T E R NA L L I G H T ’ A rare multimedia video made with kids

BY SUSAN NEWSON, SYMPHONY TACOMA 32 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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I

n the spring of 2020, when it became apparent that the COVID-19 lockdown was here for the long haul, Symphony Tacoma was forced to cancel its remaining concerts for the season.

“Our purpose as an organization is to perform live music. All of the sudden we couldn’t do that,” said Executive Director Karina Bharne.

Like many orchestras, the Symphony turned to online programming.

“We were excited to curate previously recorded performances into virtual ‘encore’ performances, and we reached out to our musicians to record new music in small chamber groups. But we also wanted to create something special in line with our mission of building community through music that would offer some hope to our community during the pandemic,” Bharne continued.

“I was inspired by all the creativity that artists have shown despite being unable to perform, and I was disappointed for the youth from University Place Presbyterian Church who were about to join us for an upcoming performance,” said Music Director Sarah Ioannides. “I also wanted to provide a unique piece for our community that would uplift spirits and celebrate the fusion of art, music and language.”

Ioannides began to conceptualize the project. “I thought about asking kids in our community to write a piece of music or a poem, draw a picture or send in a photograph of something that inspires them or carries them through a difficult time, and we would connect them into one special composition.”

She needed an iconic piece of music as inspiration. “As a runner, I often listen to music to help me run faster. But when I am facing a particularly challenging hill, music that struggles but gets through helps me fight the incline!” Ultimately, Ioannides decided on Lux Aeterna, or “Eternal Light,” an uplifting movement from Mozart’s Requiem, one of the programs that had been canceled.

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Thirteen local students ranging in age from 10 to 17 submitted original works. Following this, the students worked with Ioannides and the creative team of music producers Kim Scharnberg and Will Scharnberg and filmmaker Fernanda Lamuño Cavanas to create a unique production in response to each other’s entries.

The result is a fusion of music, art, dance and poetry that shows the creativity that exists within the youth of Tacoma. The video consists of two connected parts.

The first is a “collage” of the submissions visually woven together and performed by the students themselves. The segment concludes with a song by Keianna South (14) with accompaniment by Hudson Pierce (10) that intermingles all of the other musical submissions.

Part two spotlights the talents of three students in a composition entitled Undaunted. Ioannides chose to pair music composed by Kevin Kernie (17) with a poem by Holly Pierce (15) and artwork inspired by Kernie’s and Pierce’s works

by Audrey Hartman (12). The final work mixes Kernie’s original electronic music with orchestra lines recorded by Symphony Tacoma musicians alongside audio and video of singers from the Eternal Light cast and Tacoma Youth Chorus.

“It has been extremely meaningful to create something that has enabled young musicians and artists to collaborate with each other, learn new skills, and inspire them to express themselves through art in the future,” said Ioannides. “The outcome has been better than I could have ever imagined thanks to the hard work of so many involved. We hope it will bring joy to the hearts of many during these difficult times.”

Eternal Light can be viewed on Symphony Tacoma’s YouTube channel: YouTube.com/ SymphonyTacoma.

“Forged into a cohesive, sparkling whole from rough diamonds of poetry, art and music by Tacoma’s young people, the multimedia piece premiered by Symphony Tacoma on YouTube last weekend isn’t just a pretty gem. It’s 10 minutes of a vision into a hopeful future from a troubled present, of a new musical order where classical instruments fuse with electronica and voices, and where light triumphs.” - Rosemary Ponnekanti, reviewer “I’d read in a book that in times of worldwide crisis like this, music and art were not seen as much of a priority … This author stated that art has a far greater impact on the citizens than we realize, and it is in times like this that art is the most necessary in society. Eternal Light is one example.” - Gloria, age 13, student

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Health D I S C OV E R B E AU T I F U L R E S U LT S

with Sculptra Aesthetic

Why everyone in Hollywood is getting this injectable superstar to keep their natural youthful look

BY LAURA JANE BROUGHER, RN, AESTHETIC INJECTOR AND SKIN REJUVENATION SPECIALIST AT GIG HARBOR AESTHETICS

W

hen you look in the mirror, are you wishing to maintain or get a more rejuvenated and youthful improvement? As an aesthetic injector and skin rejuvenation specialist for almost 18 years, I can help you understand and improve how to get back a more rested, refreshed and natural look. I will always assess the client and discuss a comprehensive rejuvenation plan to bring balance, structure and youthful radiance back to the face.

It’s a Journey!

There are many modalities to get a refreshed and rejuvenated face, most importantly skin rejuvenation, Botox/Dysport, dermal fillers, etc. However, today, we are discussing the superstar biostimulator Sculptra Aesthetic. We want to smooth the skin and add back lost volume. Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable treatment that works with your body to stimulate your own natural collagen growth. It is injected into the areas where there is fat loss and hollowing such as the temples, front of the ear and in the cheeks. It also works well in areas where there are laxity wrinkles and deep folds, such as the area in the mid-lower cheek and décolletage.

Sculptra is different than a hyaluronic dermal filler such as Juvederm or Restylane because it is a poly-L-lactic biostimulator that addresses the underlying cause of aging skin from within—loss of collagen.

Plump, healthy, youthful skin has lots of collagen and is the foundation for a radiant look.

By helping stimulate natural collagen growth, Sculptra helps restore the structure in your skin by replacing the lost volume and smoothness. Sculptra restores the fullness and will refine wrinkles and folds with your own collagen. Your body builds a web matrix of collagen support. This takes two to three sessions done approximately two months apart.

What to Expect During consultation, we will go over the different options, discuss skin rejuvenation, products, your timeline and budget. Sculptra

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treatments are usually done in two or three sessions. In the first session, the liquid Sculptra is injected in areas needed and will initially look full, then the liquid absorbs and leaves the poly-L-lactic acid behind to stimulate your body to produce the collagen. Over the course of the following two to three months, you will see a gradual improvement. The second session is the same, again building more collagen. Depending on how much improvement is desired, a third session may be needed. Each treatment takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. The most common side effects are tenderness and soreness at the injection site. There may also be bruising that will resolve in about a week.

Long-Lasting Results After achieving your full correction, studies have shown that the results last for more than two years, and many clients see results for much longer. Eighty percent of men and women injected with Sculptra have rated their results “excellent.”

Sculptra is a wonderful product to talk to your injector about. And by the way, please do not ever go to an injector who either looks overdone or has huge, overinflated lips. (These injectors don’t have a good artistic eye if they think they look good like that.) You will be taking an unnecessary risk on how your treatment will turn out. If you have already walked in their door, just walk out.

Ask Questions An expert injector will always look at your face from a standpoint of how to give the face more support, more balance, and will suggest a treatment plan that puts the curves back in the face in a way that looks natural. Also, be diligent and do your research on their experience and training.

At Gig Harbor Aesthetics, they will always be honest with you about pricing and your individualized long-term plan. They offer complimentary comprehensive consultations and are dedicated to helping you achieve your natural desired results.

AFTER

BEFORE

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Health LET’S GET MOVING! The benefits of exercise and tips to maximize them

BY SARAHLYNN M. ETTA, YOGA TEACHER

T

he long-term health benefits of regular physical activity are numerous and varied, impacting all the body’s functions and systems.

regular movers seem to get sick less often and less severely. This could be because exercise increases blood and lymph flow, thus increasing the circulation of immune cells in the body. Regular exercise also potentially slows down changes that happen to the immune system with aging.

Brain Power - The human brain is wired to move, and movement actually facilitates neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt to change by forming new neural connections. Regular exercise increases cognitive function and improves attention, learning and memory.

Anti-Inflammatory - One way exercise may support immunity is its generation of anti-inflammatory response in the body. The paradox here is that extremely intense exercise can temporarily increase inflammation, in which case low-impact activity is preferred.

Mood Booster - Movement stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, as well as neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. Physical activity elevates mood, increases self-esteem, decreases stress and anxiety, and reduces feelings of depression.

To maximize the benefits of your movement: • Establish routines to help form habits. These benefits come with regular exercise. Strive to get in 150 minutes of movement each week, or five 30-minutes sessions. Strive for at least 20 minutes consecutively.

• Engage in a variety of activities, including strength, stretch, cardio and balance.

• Stay hydrated. Eat to fuel your body, but avoid heavy meals just before and just after exercise.

• Take rests when you feel the need for them.

• Avoid vigorous exercise right before bed.

• Exercise with friends and loved ones to increase the release of oxytocin.

• Exercise outdoors to stimulate the vagus nerve, which improves heart rate variability.

• Engage in a mind-body practice such as qigong, tai chi or yoga to add the benefits of meditation and controlled breathing.

Sound Sleep - Exercise supports the ability to fall asleep more quickly, as well as improving overall sleep quality. Moderate aerobic exercise seems to increase the amount of deep, restorative sleep. And many types of movement help to decompress the mind, facilitating an easier transition to sleep.

Physical Health - Aerobic activity increases energy and improves metabolism while strengthening the heart and improving cardiovascular fitness, as well as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Movement lubricates the joints, resistance and weight bearing exercises strengthen the bones, and standing activities improve balance. Lower intensity exercises can also help to reduce inflammation.

Anti-Aging - People who exercise regularly show improved blood markers related to aging and also increased telomere length (an indicator of disease resistance and increased life span). Resistance training has moderate benefit, while endurance and high-intensity activities seem to show the most.

Immune Function - Though the mechanisms are not clearly understood,

If you experience very high stress, chronic inflammation or an autoimmune condition, you should also consider keeping intense workouts to less than one hour; exercise regularly (physical fitness decreases the amount of cortisol produced during exercise); take regular break and rest days; leave intense sessions to later in the day, when cortisol levels are lower; and focus on low-impact activities, such as swimming, walking, yoga and tai chi.

Sarahlynn Etta is owner, movement educator and meditation guide at Maitri Movement & Massage. To learn more or sign up for a yoga class, please visit MaitriMovement.com/move.

The long-term health benefits of regular physical activity are numerous and varied, impacting all the body’s functions and systems.

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YOUR LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE Take a ride with Airman Transportation

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

I

t was 1994 when a new luxury private transportation company introduced itself to Federal Way and the surrounding areas. Creating luxurious, and memorable, experiences for their clients since day one, Airman Transportation is sure to meet, and exceed, their passengers’ expectations.

This luxury private transportation company specializes in airport transportation (SeaTac, Boeing Field, Paine Field) as well as all other “point A to point B” transfer requests. From date nights, wine tours and city tours, concert and cruise ship transportation, to meetings, doctor’s appointments and all hourly chauffeured requests, Airman Transportation can provide services for one to 30 passengers.

Offering smaller luxury black sedans (one to four passengers), luxury black SUVs (one to seven passengers) and 10-passenger private shuttle-type vans, all of the services they provide are door to door (note, this is not a ride-share service).

For those younger passengers, the company provides car seats of all sizes and are well-versed in proper installation to ensure the safety of your loved one, from infant to pre-teen. And there are no additional fees.

Sawsan Alhadeethy and daughter Leela Ward are the proud owners of this small, family run, woman and minority owned business. Providing excellent customer service for more than two decades, this is not your average ride-share services.

“We are very different,” affirms Leela. “Our rates are a little higher, but we provide a luxury service.” All of their drivers are thoroughly background checked by a third party chosen by the state and go through driver training, annual physicals and submit to random drug and alcohol tests throughout the year—all done by a third party. In addition, all drivers carry chauffeur licenses and are permitted and licensed properly to pick up / drop off at all Port locations.

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“We take care of our customers like they are our friends—and most of them turn into friends,” says Leela.

Airman Transportation would not be the success it is today if it were not for its visionary, Leela’s father, Amir Alhadeethy. “He taught me how to provide the level of customer service that is standard for us today,” she shares. “He was hard working and never gave up, and I always think about that and try to be like him in that regard when times get hard (COVID).

We wouldn’t be where we are without him and the foundation he laid for us.”

The story behind Airman Transportation is that of a family fulfilling their American dream. Amir had served in the Iraqi Air Force and later became a commercial airline captain. He and his wife Sawsan fled their home country to come to the U.S. as political refugees. The couple had no money when they arrived. “My father started out as a taxi driver, and once he accumulated enough taxis, he sold them and started Airman Transportation,” shares Leela. “I always looked up to my parents because they worked from the ground up to make a better life for us. They worked well together and were very proud of the service they provided.

“To this day, our customers still talk about my parents.

I am the only child, so when my father passed away and my mother retired, it fell upon me to take over— and I couldn’t be happier to do it.”

Leela’s mother retired from the business in 2019, which was bittersweet, as many of her loyal customers over the years had become so much more to her—they had become friends. “The fact that so many people showed up to say goodbye to her is a testament to how great her services were,” smiles Leela. “She left a longlasting impression on so many people, and I only hope to do the same.”

Since taking the helm at Airman Transportation, Leela has enjoyed the challenge that comes with trying to grow the business. “It has been so fun adding my own touch to it and watching it flourish. My favorite part is driving and meeting our customers—I try to be the first driver for our new customers so I can get to know them, tell them our story and make them comfortable with us,” affirms Leela.

“We have a fabulous reputation online (Yelp, Facebook, Google, etc.). Seeing new 5-star reviews posted about our service is the best part of it all.”

If you’re looking to sit back and relax in luxury and style to and from your next destination, let Leela and Airman Transportation take care of you.

AIRMAN TRANSPORTATION 206.762.3511 AIRMANTRANSPORTATION.COM 42 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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NAVIGATING THE

SLOPES MEET THE ARTIST WHO GUIDES YOUR WAY

BY COLIN ANDERSON

G

rowing up on a small farm in Western Colorado, Jim Niehues’ love of the outdoors started early.

Situated amongst 10,000-foot mountain peaks, and with red rock canyons and deserts within an hour drive, Jim was drawn to outdoor adventure. From a young age he was paddling the Colorado River and hiking and hunting with his brothers and father, all while mesmerized by the scenery around him. When he would come back from trips he would attempt to sketch and paint what he had seen firsthand, as well as his surroundings on the farm. “As a very young child I would draw the animals on the farm, and my mother figured I had some talent,” Jim recalled.

An unfortunate bout with Nephritis in the ninth grade had Jim bed-ridden for three months, but it was during this unfortunate time that he would begin his painting journey, which would become his life’s work. “During this time, Mom bought me an oil painting set to help pass my time. My first landscapes were painted from magazines as I discovered what would be my lifetime passion.”

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If you’re a skier, snowboarder, or have even just spent time in a lodge, there’s a good chance you’ve been impacted by Jim’s work. Millions of skiers and riders have posed alongside trail maps located at the base and summit of mountains across the globe. Eager planners pick up a trail map and devise a plan on where the best powder stashes might be, and how to maximize the amount of runs they can get in and still beat the lunch crowd back to the lodge. Few, however, have probably noticed the artist’s signature on these, but if you look close, you’ll likely find Jim Niehues.

At 75, Jim is beginning to wind down the career he didn’t begin until he was 40. In his 20s and 30s, Jim held many jobs as an artist. He worked for an automotive company, did freelance graphic design work, and partnered in a small ad agency in Grand Junction, Colorado. He met his second wife, Dora, and in 1984 the couple moved to Denver, each with two kids, in hopes of settling down. As Jim struggled to make ends meet he went back to his interest in painting outdoor scenery and reached out to Bill Brown, one of the original ski map artists. “He liked my portfolio and gave

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me a small project, which he had some time before it was due, in case he had to repaint my attempt. I worked hard to mimic Bill’s technique, and my version was used by the client,” said Jim. The small inset was featured by Winter Park Resort in its 1987-1988 ski map. As luck would have it, Brown wanted to move on to other ventures and began handing over client map inquiries to Jim. “I was on to a whole new career at the age of 40 … and I couldn’t ski,” he laughed.

Jim would learn and take on the same hand-painting process used by pioneers like Bill Brown and Hal Shelton.

He has since completed more than 430 maps across five continents, and each one is painted by hand. As one would imagine, the detail needed to accurately portray an entire ski mountain requires an immense amount of information. This involves gathering hundreds and often thousands of aerial photographs. Jim is often at the resort to capture the images himself and recalls the first few trips as quite the learning experience. “My first trip on assignment was terrifying. I was doing everything for the first time for real; client meetings, aerial photography, composing and painting the mountain, and delivering the finished product. I remember departing at the airport hoping I had everything I needed for the project; was I forgetting something?”

Today’s technology has vastly improved the amount of detail he can capture. When he was getting started in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the process was more drawn out. “In the early days it was a film 35mm camera. The film camera meant carrying 10 rolls of 36 exposure film from home, finding a developer on location, reviewing the 4x6-inch photos with the client during the visit and returning with all the prints for reference,” explained Jim. “Once in New Zealand I lost a roll of film from the helicopter as it rolled out the open door.”

Now armed with a 24meg Nikon D7100, Jim gets incredibly high-resolution photos, which he can bring back to his studio and begin the sketching process.

“When I shoot a resort I start with a sweep about 1,000 feet above the summit, high enough to get the entire resort at 50mm or so on the zoom. After taking various angles at that altitude, I will drop the plane to 500 feet

Some of the Northwest trail maps produced by Jim Niehues: Schweitzer Mountain Resort Silver Mountain Resort Brundage Mountain Resort 49˚ North Mountain Resort Mt. Baker Ski Area Stevens Pass Whitefish Mountain Resort … and more 46 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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above the summit and zoom into the top sections of the mountain for the detail and then drop to mid-mountain to capture the lower sections and base. When I review all these views I will pick the best to create the full perspective and draw a comprehensive sketch.”

Once he reviews these aerials and any other material he can get hold of, Jim will sketch out the scene for the client’s approval. Once the sketch is approved it is transferred/traced to the painting surface. “I use gouache watercolor that is easy to remove and repaint for future alterations and expansions, and I paint on an illustration board that is prepared with gesso so the paint will not soak into the board.”

After another approval, the final painting is taken to a photo lab for the scan. Jim then works on these scans to touch up areas and tweak the color. The scan is then uploaded to Dropbox and the link sent to the client for downloading. The client or their graphics people will put the trail names and symbols on the image.

For Jim, the greatest challenge is getting all slopes of a complex mountain in one flat representation of the real-life multi-faceted scene. It takes a lot of manipulation of the elements to connect all trails but keep them relative to each other to show all sides. All efforts are made to keep all runs running down-page, especially the steepest runs. “Many different perspectives flow together to create the final composition that will effectively navigate the skier to different parts of the mountain,” he said.

Once the sketch is approved, all the detail must be transferred exactly onto the painting surface. The airbrush is then used to paint the sky and all the snow’s undulating surfaces. Steeper slopes usually are shaded to set them apart from the easier runs.

The tree shadows on the snow are added next.

The trees are the most time-consuming part of the painting. “I have developed a technique that is creating a tree-like texture then rewetting the color to blend and adding the highlights and shadows. It is important to create the landforms with the sun’s light on the tree-covered slopes using shading,” said Jim. A large ski resort takes about a week to compose into a comprehensive sketch and a good two weeks to paint. Once the final rendering is approved, the 30x40-inch painting is sent to the photo lab for a 100meg capture, and then off for client approval.

While some resorts use computer-generated depictions, Jim is a firm believer that computers cannot replicate what the human eye can. In his case, many resorts across the world agree with him and have supported his art when they could have turned to technology instead.

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Virtual chat with our design team, on the house. 253-376-7935

Celebrate WITH BBQ CATERING! HAVE SMOKER. WILL TRAVEL. From an office party to an at-home celebration, or just a family dinner, we can help with your next event, large or small!

Let’s talk while you show us your space.

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“When I met with the crew at Schweitzer in 1993, they pulled out a computer-generated elevation-lined perspective of their mountain, and they were very excited about what the new technology could do in mapping. My heart sank,” Jim recalled. “They were hiring me that day, but how long did I have? My career had just barely made it to the comfortable level, and I might very well be outdated within a short time. I left that meeting thinking I had maybe 10 years. They did hire me again in 2006 for a new updated rendering.

Computer maps just couldn’t—and still don’t—match the presentation of a hand-painted map. The old way is the best. You need the human element to best relate the experience.”

Jim’s life work can now be found in a coffee-table book, which features 200 of his maps, intriguing stories and his artistic process. Jim teamed with Open Road Ski Corporation, which launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the book. The response was overwhelming; $500,000 raised, making it the No. 1 Art-Illustration Kickstarter campaign of all time. The funds allowed Jim to make the most beautiful book he could. It measures 11.5-inches tall and 24-inches wide and uses Italian art-quality printing, heavier weight matte-coated paper and a lay-flat binding. “It has been extremely rewarding to realize what my illustration has meant to skiers around the world. Most of them remember pinning the maps on their walls as kids,” said Jim.

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“

I THINK I AM MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I AM AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT IS CAPABLE IF YOU SET YOUR MIND TO IT. As Jim lives in semi-retirement he is able to reflect back at his accomplishments and where it all began. He believes the luck of being in the right place and the right time played a factor, as well as passion and determination. “I think I am most proud of the fact that I am an example of what is capable if you set your mind to it.” Jim also believes his wife Dora was a major key to his success, as she helped him navigate a lot of the business side of things so he could remain focused on the art.

Jim is a recent inductee into the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Colorado Snow Sports Hall of Fame. As the awards and accolades continue to pile up, Jim aims to continue to stay true to who he is. “I remain a pretty humble homegrown farm boy from the small community of Loma, Colorado, that is uncomfortable in ritzy resort accommodations. I like the smaller home-town ski mountains and cozy lodges.”

In retirement the painting won’t cease. He will take revisions to update existing resort paintings and perhaps one more resort or two—maybe. Jim has always wanted to paint landscapes and being so busy with maps has not found the time to do so. “I have hundreds of photos of scenes I’ve wanted to do. I have completed nine so far and plan to continue for years to come. After all, I started the ski maps at age 40, why not this at 75,” he laughed.

You can see more of Jim’s work at JamesNiehues.com.

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MARCH 17TH MARKS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY WAYS TO CELEBRATE WHILE SUPPORTING LOCAL IN THE 253

By Jillian Chandler

C

elebrations continue to take many forms as we try to maintain proper social distancing and follow all of the current—and everchanging—health and safety guidelines. But don’t let that rain on your parade. It’s time to don your best green attire (and of course, throw on those hats, beads, shamrocks and anything else to show your St. Patty’s Day spirit) and create your own celebration, whether it’s solo or with friends, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Beer and whiskey pair well with this annual Irish holiday, so why not plan your own pub crawl to enjoy some great brews while patronizing your local drinking establishments! If you’re looking to have a nice evening in, you can always order to pick up and take your choice of brews home with you.

And hey, St. Patrick’s Day may fall on a Wednesday this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate after a day at the office or on Zoom.

A stop at 7 Seas Brewing (2101 Jefferson Avenue) is a great place to kick off an afternoon or evening of festivities. Swing by Odd Otter Brewing

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Company (716 Pacific Avenue), and for a brew with a view, Narrows Brewing Company (9007 South 19th Street) can’t be beat! Though they were closed for the month of February, Black Feet Brewing (2302 Fawcett Avenue) will open its doors again in March. If cider is more your style, Incline Cider House downtown (2115 South C Street) has a great selection of ciders on tap, as well as beer and wine available for your enjoyment.

At Wingman Brewers (509 1/2 Puyallup Avenue), guests will be treated to well-crafted, authentic Tacoma ales. Dunagan Brewing Co. Tasting Room (1126 Commerce) is another great option. If you’re looking to enjoy brews from Harmon Brewing Co., be sure to visit Harmon Pac Ave (1938 Pacific Avenue). And don’t forget to top off your night with some good old-fashioned whiskey from Old Soldier Distilling (309 Puyallup Avenue, Unit B1).

Celebrate the holiday, safely, while showing love to local businesses.

Be sure to call ahead for current hours. As many of these establishments are serving at 25 percent capacity, make a reservation if you can.

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/ March

ENTERTAINMENT

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TACOMA RV SHOW Now’s the time to find your perfect family vacationer. Prepare for your summer adventures at the Tacoma RV Show, where you’ll have the opportunity to view and compare hundreds of models and over 200,000 square feet of RV space. Explore the region’s best selection of RVs, and get the season’s best deals on a broad selection of sizes, years and models, including new and used RVs. This is your chance to see Washington’s best dealers all in one spot, and to begin your 2021 adventure on the road. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $6 for military members and veterans, and free for children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit TacomaRVShow.com.

HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE WOMEN 2021 Join a group of women on your journey of discovery, and learn how to celebrate and commit to self care this year. Thursday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7pm, Jennifer “Taz” Vasquez, Nancy Harris and Cathryn Cummings will present this year’s virtual Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Women, where you will gain practical insight and tools to create a happier, healthier you no matter where you’re starting from. Join the free event virtually, and begin the journey to growing your health, wealth and wisdom. Register at NewFoundationWG.com/events.htm.

ST. PADDY’S DAY RUN TACOMA Throw on some green swag and head out to the live, in-person Bud Light St. Paddy’s Day Tacoma 5k on Saturday, March 13. This year marks the 12th annual year of the event, where runners can participate in a modified, in-person run with staggered start times from 8 until 10:45am. Celebrate the beginning of spring with a fun run through downtown Tacoma, and cheers afterward to the favorite Irish holiday.

It’s the perfect healthy way to start your St. Paddy’s Day with a fun tradition Tacoma’s been cheering on since 2009. Registration closes on March 10 at 10am. Visit TCMAEvents.com to register or learn more.

* Please note, as of press time, these events were still scheduled to take place as planned. Due to the current health crisis, there is the possibility that event schedules may change or events canceled completely. Be sure to visit event websites to stay up to date with current information.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE! Want your event to appear on the largest event site in the Northwest?

Submit your events to us online at Events.DirectoryNorthwest.com 24/7, 365 days a year!

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Eat & Drink

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CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Recipe Courtesy of Tina VanDenHeuvel, NTP You can follow Tina @madebetterforyou on Instagram

CAKE INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup coconut flour, sifted 3/4 cup almond flour, sifted 4 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 9 large eggs 1/2 cup white Erythritol Sweetener (I used Lakanto) 1/2 cup golden Erythritol Sweetener (I used Lakanto) 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla extract 4 cups carrot, grated and lightly packed 3/4 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (27 g.) + 1/4 cup toasted for garnish (optional)

METHOD

•

Preheat your oven to 350˚F and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper, spraying the exposed sides with cooking spray. Set aside.

•

In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut flour, almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda and powder, salt and nutmeg.

•

In a separate, large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the eggs, sweeteners, sour cream and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the flour mixture and stir until combined.

•

Gently fold in the carrots, pecans and coconut flakes until well combined. Let the batter stand for 10 minutes so the coconut flour can begin to absorb the moisture.

Your batter will be thick; this is normal.

•

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, spreading out smoothly. Bake until the sides are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS 12 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature (1.5 bricks) 3/4 cup sour cream 3 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup powdered Erythritol Sweetener (I used swerve)

METHOD •

In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream and sweetener on high speed until fluffy. Add in the vanilla and beat until combined and smooth.

•

Place one layer of the cake bottom side up on a cake stand. Spread 3/4 cup of the frosting all over it evenly. Then, place the other cake bottom side up gently on top.

•

Spread a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to make the crumb coat. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it’s just to seal in the crumbs. Chill for at least an hour, up to overnight. Put the remaining frosting in the fridge as well to firm up.

•

Once chilled, frost the entire cake with an offset spatula. Garnish with extra coconut, if desired.

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Travel THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL WASHINGTON, D.C.’S SIGNATURE SPRING CELEBRATION

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

A

s winter fades and trees begin to sprout blossoms and leaves, the nation’s capital springs back to life.

People emerge from winter hibernation and venture out to enjoy Washington, D.C.’s many public green spaces and monuments. Each year the signature event is the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Where to Stay The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City is the epitome of luxury, where you can often snag some great rates for a stay. It is so easy to get to from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The hotel has indoor access to the Metro and is only two stops away from all the monuments and museums. You are walking distance to great shopping at the Fashion Centre or Pentagon Row. Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon are also nearby. The hotel is offering a Spring in D.C. package with a perfect way to enjoy the spring season. It includes accommodations, a $65 breakfast credit, Afternoon Tea for Two and Metrorail passes for two.

Many hotels in the area are offering Spring Packages, so when booking reservations make sure to ask.

Where to Eat The National Mall is a food-truck oasis with a vast cultural diversity of food. There are so many it can be overwhelming, but it is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Where else can you dine on street food while enjoying the views of the Washington Monument and other treasures on the National Mall. Food choices abound with everything from Philly cheese steaks and burgers to authentic gyros, shawarma and other ethnic foods.

Another not to miss is the legendary afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City. This is a good option for lunch as well. Homemade scones, petit sandwiches and a variety of pastries are served up with your choice of teas or a champagne cocktail. Truly memorable and worth the splurge.

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Another popular activity in D.C. is happy hour at a rooftop bar—especially when the weather turns nice. Zoning limits the heights of buildings in the city limits, so there are some expansive views with no skyscrapers. Many of the hotels in the area have an outdoor experience. Google “Best Rooftop Bars” in Washington, D.C., and you will see list after list. Here are two that are repeated on multiple “best of ” lists. Top of the Yard Rooftop Bar is located at the Hampton Inn and Suites Washington, D.C. Navy Yard. It is famed for its view of the Nationals Park, and you can see the baseball games while enjoying a cocktail from this outdoor venue. Throw in a ballpark-themed menu for the win. The Watergate Hotel boasts the Top of the Gate with a 360-degree view of the D.C. skyline, Washington Monument, the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center. Enjoy small bites while sipping a craft cocktail. Rooftop Yoga is offered during the season.

Restaurants in D.C. are operating at a 25 percent capacity for indoor dining.

Outdoor dining, carryout and delivery are available at many local restaurants.

The situation is changing, so verify with the restaurant—and be sure to make a reservation.

What to Do The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an ode to spring. Plan your visit to coincide with the peak bloom date. According to the National Park Service, this is the day when 70 percent of the blossoms on the Yoshino cherry trees, which surround the Tidal Basin, are open. Throughout the city, a variety of events are planned. Due to the nature of COVID-19, some will be virtual, but 62 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

there will be opportunities to see the blossoms live. You will need to check with the festival organizers for more details. Two fun things to do during the festival is to go art hunting. Local and national artists have created 25 giant cherry blossom sculptures that have interactive icons you can engage with to win prizes. Beginning March 20, search around the D.C. area. A new event is the Petal Porches. Download a virtual map and plan a walk or drive around a D.C. neighborhood to see porches decorated with a cherry blossom theme.

The International Spy Museum is open. You will need a timed ticket, so make sure to purchase in advance so you aren’t disappointed. This museum is impressive, with lots of interactive experiences. You register as an agent during your initial briefing then complete challenges throughout your tour. Once you are finished with your tour you will enter the Spy Shop, one of the best museum gift shops in the country. A fantastic selection, they even have National Cherry Blossom Festival souvenirs.

With the weather so nice in the spring, venture to the Hillwood Museum and Gardens. This lovely estate was purchased by Marjorie Merriweather Post with the intent to establish a museum after her death. The gardens are set on 25 acres and have a variety of styles including a Japanese Garden and a Russian Dacha on the grounds, which is now used for special exhibitions. The highlight of the museum collection is two Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs, the Twelve Monograms Easter Egg and the Catherine the Great Easter Egg. Post’s collection of Faberge is one of the finest in the world. This is such a lovely property it is easy to spend a day. There is also a restaurant on-site and a well thought-out gift shop with many luxury items.

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Another museum house worth visiting when the weather is nice is that of George Washington. Mount Vernon was his love, and on a nice spring day you can see why. The estate is over 40 acres on the Potomac River, and there is so much to see and do; you will want to plan your visit. The ticket process can be confusing, as you must purchase an estate pass and then add-on tours of the home and other specialty tours, which vary by day. For first-time visitors, tour the mansion (timed tours purchased in advance online) and then use the website to decide on an itinerary. So many options from a first-time visitor or family itinerary to a military or African American history. For foodies, follow the Food and Spirits Itinerary. An interesting fact: Did you know George Washington made whiskey? In 1779, the year he died, his whiskey distillery was one of the largest in America and produced over 11,000 gallons.

When planning your visit to D.C., visit Washington.org, the official tourism site for the area, for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 requirements and what is open. The situation is constantly changing, so check back frequently. There is a wealth of information on the area, and the site has some great ideas for your trip. Make reservations or purchase tickets ahead of time. Due to space capacities, many attractions offer timed entry, and if you wait until the day you want to visit, you may be disappointed, so be sure to plan ahead.

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