July/August 2023 Gig Harbor Living Local

HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

With Olympic Pharmacy and Healthcare Services’ new pharmacy app, patients can refill prescriptions, message the pharmacist, set medication reminders, view prescriptions and more! We also make retail pick up as easy as possible with our online store. Simply select the items you’d like online and pick them up the next day.

WINNER 2020-2022

LUXURY SKIN TREATMENTS, performed by Gig Harbor’s most experienced aesthetic team, INCLUDE:

Botox, Dermal Fillers, Dysport, Sculptra, Broad Band Light, Microneedling, Diamond Glow, Acne Treatments, Full Skin Rejuvenation, PRF for under eye rejuvenation and Medical-Grade Skin Care

LIMITED TIME OFFER

FREE ALASTIN EYE COMPLEX EYE CREAM WITH ANY PRF PACKAGE PURCHASED

BEFORE AND AFTER WITH PRF (PLATELET RICH FIBRIN)

PRF UNDER EYE TREATMENT

This is a regenerative treatment for the under eyes using the patient’s own blood concentrate. The treatment stimulates new collagen and elastin growth to make the skin smoother, brighter, and tighter!

Serina Jones, LME 20+ years experience @serinajones_aesthetics

Laura Brougher, RN 18+ years experience @thefaceangel

Gig Harbor’s most experienced injectors and skin rejuvenation specialists.

FOLLOW THE ARO TO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!

Our w aterf ro nt specialists are dedic ated to helping yo u ac hieve yo ur real estate go als w ith a millio ndo llar view !

L e t u s t a k e c a r e o f y o u

Choosing the right real es agent to represent you is k finding the luxury waterfron of your dreams Waterfront rising, and working with pr waterfront specialists can ensure you get the maximum Team ARO is your trusted ad walk you through every step process and have you in waterfront home in

gigharbor Living Local

marketing

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444

allyia@like-media.com

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Rebecca Baczewski | 253.363.8830 rebecca@like-media.com

editorial EDITOR

Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com

STAFF WRITERS

Taylor Shillam | Rachel Kelly

design

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton

DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo

SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Sam Stoke

DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

accounting & operations

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo

MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo

contributors

Allison Pollock-Pugh, Lisa Sweo Eul, Marguerite Cleveland, Jennifer Hawkins, Felicia Soleil, Nancy Harris, Christopher Stadtherr, Kandi Moller, Jennifer ‘Taz’ Vazquez, Serina Jones, Patrice Allen, Thomas Williams, Elizabeth Ray

photography

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

In-Gear Media pg. 1, 57, 84, 106, Justin Duckworth pg. 39

COURTESY PHOTOS: Compass by Margaritaville, Marguerite Cleveland, Alec Krishnadasan, On The Run Events, Gig Harbor Automotive Club, Kim Mackenroth

gig

harbor living local

magazine is brought to you by Like-Media.com. If you would like to advertise with us, please call 253.363.8830 or email rebecca@like-media.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at info@like-media.com.

Living Local magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest; Gig Harbor, Edmonds, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum and the Spokane Valley. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Living Local magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Living Local 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.

Family First offers compassionate, quality, 24-hour care in a comfortable home setting.

Family First provides:

• A caring and experienced medical team

• A home physician and transportation to medical appointments

• Entertaining activities for residents

• A team who has served Gig Harbor and the surrounding community for 25 years

Specializing in:

• Memory/Dementia care and Alzheimer’s care

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy through Home Health

• Stroke care & Parkinson’s care

• Oxygen and medication administration

• Diabetic and nutritional management

• Hospice and Respite care

FamilyFirstAFH.com 253.853.2033 julie@familyfirstafh.com

Sept 15-17th | 10-5pm

gigharboropenstudiotour.org

in part by a grant from the Gig Harbor Arts Commission.

Funded

The Law Office of Timothy Acker

Executive Director

steve@like-media.com

30+ years of experience in law. We offer the attention and understanding that comes from someone older and experienced in life.

The days are longer, the sun shines brightly , and the outdoors is beckoning you to take advantage of all the adventures that await. Here in Gig Harbor, there is so much beauty that surrounds us, and there is no shortage of opportunities to take in nature, whether on land or water. We’re certain our feature article will help spark your next outdoor adventure.

In this issue, we’re putting the spotlight on some wonderful local businesses: Spec German, a company dedicated to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz (and soon BMW) automotive services; and the largest boat brokerage in the Pacific Northwest—NW Yachtnet. They’re ready to help you find that perfect boat to get you out on the water this summer.

Summer brings with it the return of some wonderful annual events as well, like Gig Harbor Cruisers Club’s 25th Cruise the Narrows Car Show, weekly outdoor concert series at Skansie Brothers Park and the Uptown Gig Harbor Pavilion, Chalk the

Summer Adventures and Entertainment about the cover

Harbor, Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues Festival, and Hogs, Dogs, Rods & PinUps.

Nurturing the area’s diverse artistic community for more than 30 years, Peninsula Art League presents their annual Summer Art Festival—2023 marking its 37th year.

As Race For A Soldier is just around the corner in September, read more about the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation and the inspiring work they continue to do to serve our veterans, first responders and their families.

There’s no time like the present to seize the day and make the most of each and every moment and opportunity. Get outside, explore Gig Harbor, attend an event. You’ll be glad you did.

Summertime in the Pacific Northwest is a time for travel, adventure and enjoying the outdoors. And the best way to get there is by car—especially when you know you and your car are in good hands. Owner Jacob Coen and his wife Jaimee of Spec German, a company dedicated to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz (and soon BMW) automotive services, ensure your travels on the road will be safe and stress free. Read more about all they have to offer in our Q&A on page 57.

Meet Steve Russo, Publisher

Photo By In-Gear Media

Would you like to receive this issue and future issues in your inbox? Visit GigHarborLivingLocal.com and sign up for our FREE Digital Edition.

“Fabulous company! Had them install a fireplace, replace a garage roof, replace an old door and electric wall heater, put in a hot tub outlet, and a bunch of other things. Fast, responsive. Stuff just gets done, and done well. Beautiful work, good eye for details. Able to adjust to changing requirements, provides great service without upcharges. Will DEFINITELY use again.”

-Scott

LIGHT LIGHT Gather Around the

Creating an outdoor oasis around the fire pit

Warm summer weather provides the perfect opportunity to transform your backyard into an oasis that brings your daily life outdoors. Your backyard should be an extension of your home, adding usable square footage that welcomes family and friends. If you’ve ever been transfixed while watching a fire’s dancing flames, you know that a fire pit creates an unrivaled ambiance. It enlivens an outdoor space while providing warmth, the ability to cook, and radiating a feeling of summer nostalgia.

Fire pits have a calming effect; the heat and warm glow helps us relax and brings people together to share stories, late-night conversations, and of course, roast s’mores. Creating the perfect oasis around your fire pit will depend on your space, style, and the type of fire pit you choose.

How you design the area around your fire pit will depend on which type of fire pit is right for your lifestyle and yard. Whether you’re building a traditional wood-burning fire pit yourself or looking for a portable option with a propane tank that you can take camping, each has pros and cons that you need to weigh.

Wood-burning fire pits replicate traditional campfires. Made from various materials and available as both permanent and portable options, they provide warmth, the crackling sound of wood, and the ability to cook over

by ALLISON POLLOCK-PUGH

its fire. Built-in fire pits are customizable and can be constructed with stone or brick over a weekend, whereas store-bought fire pits may carry a high price tag but come in various sizes—some of which allow for portability. Wood-burning fire pits also produce varying amounts of smoke that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, the smell of which can also attach to fabrics.

Non-wood-burning fire pits have become more popular for their convenience in the backyard and more contemporary designs. Propane options are easily turned on and off without the messy ashes but don’t produce the warmth of a wood-burning fire and require an attached propane tank that needs regular refills. Gel fuel fire pits don’t emit smoke and cost less initially but require refueling every couple of hours. Natural gas fire pits connect to your home’s gas line. Its convenient supply and easy maintenance make it popular among homeowners, but it’s not ideal for cooking, isn’t portable, and is often costly to install.

Whether you envision relaxing backyard evenings with s’mores under the stars or plan to fill the space with friends and family ready to battle for this year’s croquet championship, seating sets the tone. If there are not enough

seats, people won’t linger. If there’s not enough heat, people might head inside. Luckily, when it comes to sitting around a fire pit, there’s no shortage of creative options.

Safety is the top priority when planning your fire pit area—the seats must be a safe distance from the fire. Most experts recommend three to four feet between seating and the outermost edge of the fire pit. This ensures you are close enough to feel the heat yet not so close as to cause a safety hazard.

Next, you’ll want to consider style and space. Once you’ve decided on the type of fire pit that will work the best for your needs, look at the aesthetics of your home and backyard. Do you want a rustic vibe or a sleek, modern ambiance? How comfortable do you want the seats to be? Sitting on a wooden log bench is great for camping but can get uncomfortable quickly.

Adirondack chairs are the most traditional choice for fire-pit seating. They are comfortable, sit low to the ground, and have wide armrests providing a spot to set drinks and plates. Adirondack chairs come in a myriad of colors and weather-resistant materials. Depending on which kind you select, they can carry a steep price tag at several hundred dollars per chair, but the ease of simply hosing them off makes them a popular choice.

If you have an abundance of space, built-in hardscape circular benches of stone or brick pair beautifully around a fire pit. The curved shape fits perfectly around a circular fire-pit design, and the stone or concrete is fire-resistant. Depending on the material and installation method, this option can vary in price but will last for decades. Include outdoor throw pillows or a bench seat cushion for added comfort.

Creating the perfect oasis around your fire pit will depend on your space, style, and the type of fire pit you choose.

BRINGING YOUR VI SION TO LIFE

Meet the Team (From left to right) Nicole Yoo, Lori Caseber, Jeff Caseber & Cory Caseber

Transform your backyard into an oasis that brings your daily life outdoors.

Sectional sofas and outdoor furniture are designed for comfort with thick, deep cushions that offer a luxurious space where you might want to take a quick nap. Often made of teak or outdoor wicker, they sit low to the ground so you can enjoy the warmth from the fire. The type of fire pit you selected is important when choosing outdoor furniture with fabric cushions. The smoke smell from a wood-burning fire can penetrate fabric, causing the smoky odor to linger. Additionally, due to rain and snow in the Inland Northwest, store cushions indoors during winter or replace them each year. The cost of outdoor furniture varies widely, so shop around for one in your price range.

Whichever type of fire pit you choose or style of seating and ambiance you set, the joy of spending time outdoors by the fire pit creates lasting memories. Whether wine tasting with friends or hosting a neighborhood outdoor movie night, s’mores roasted over the fire taste just as good on a plush lounge chair as on an old folding patio chair.

FromGard en to Table

Maximizing the bounty of fresh produce

by PATRICE ALLEN

Having an abundant harvest from your garden is a rewarding experience, but it can also leave you with a surplus of fresh produce. Instead of letting your hard work go to waste, why not find creative ways to utilize this overabundance? From preserving the flavors of summer to sharing with friends and neighbors, there are countless ways to make the most of your garden’s bounty. Read on to explore six exciting and practical ways to put that excess produce to good use. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of every juicy tomato, crisp cucumber and vibrant zucchini that graces your garden.

Sharing

Others:

Embrace the abundance of your garden by exploring various preservation techniques for your surplus produce. Canning, pickling, and creating delicious sauces and jams not only extend the lifespan of your homegrown treasures but also capture the essence of summer flavors to be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you’re creating jars of vibrant salsa or preserving the tangy sweetness of fresh berries, these preservation methods lock in the freshness and allow you to savor the taste of your garden’s harvest long after the growing season has passed.

with

Preserving the Harvest: 01 02

Foster a sense of community and spread the goodness of your garden by sharing your surplus produce with friends and neighbors or local food banks. Not only does this generous act reduce food waste, but it also brings joy and nourishment to those who may not have access to fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Whether you organize a neighborhood swap, donate to a community organization, or simply share a basket of goodies with a neighbor, the act of sharing your garden’s abundance strengthens connections and cultivates a spirit of giving.

Freezing for Future Delights:

Extend the enjoyment of your garden’s bounty by freezing excess fruits and vegetables. Whether you blanch them before freezing or opt for flash freezing, this preservation method retains the flavors and nutrients of your produce, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer even in the midst of winter. From frozen berries for smoothies and pies to frozen herbs for seasoning, having a freezer stocked with your garden’s goodness ensures that you have a convenient supply of fresh ingredients ready for culinary adventures year-round.

03 04

Exploring New Culinary Frontiers:

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen by experimenting with recipes that showcase the flavors and textures of your garden produce. Take inspiration from the vibrant colors of your homegrown vegetables and fruits and dive into the world of culinary delights. Whip up refreshing salads bursting with flavor, create homemade salsas and chutneys to elevate your meals, or infuse your dishes with the aromatic herbs from your garden. The possibilities are endless, and your surplus produce provides the perfect canvas for culinary exploration and the creation of delicious masterpieces.

Juicing and Refreshing Beverages: 05

Quench your thirst and revitalize your body with homemade juices and refreshing beverages crafted from your garden fruits and vegetables. Extract the vibrant flavors, vitamins and nutrients by blending an assortment of your homegrown treasures. Create invigorating combinations like watermelon and mint, cucumber and lemon or a medley of berries for a burst of natural goodness. Sip on these refreshing elixirs on a hot summer day or as a healthy alternative to store-bought beverages, and relish the satisfaction of enjoying the fruits of your labor in a revitalizing form.

Sustainable

Composting:

Embrace the concept of “closing the loop” in your garden by composting your excess produce. Instead of letting valuable organic matter go to waste, transform it into nutrient-rich compost to feed your soil. Composting not only reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes food waste but also enhances the health and fertility of your garden beds. It replenishes essential nutrients, improves soil structure and supports beneficial microbial activity. By harnessing the power of composting, you create a sustainable system where your surplus produce nourishes the earth, completing the natural cycle and fostering a thriving garden ecosystem.

by JENNIFER HAWKINS, KEY2SEE TEAM

Housing was this Summer’s HOT Topic this Legislative Session!

Inventory continues to be an issue, and the REALTOR Political Action Committee made a big splash!

When you think politics, you don’t always think housing! But this session had 31 bills proposed that all pertained to housing in some fashion. I am not here to give my political views, nor am I here to tell you how to take a stance on any of these bills—I am here to share what the REALTOR Association is doing to lend a hand to our legislature in Olympia to get a handle on issues such as:

• People Experiencing Homelessness

• Permitting Process and Growth

• Clean Energy

• Transit

All of these issues line up with housing. The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous place, and we all know that because we live here. We love it for the natural beauty—and we need to ensure that it is protected, even while this place we call home continues to grow.

The simple fact of our topography deters from normal growth patterns of other city’s infrastructure—we have water EVERYWHERE— we are not a typical coastline with one body of water; we have inlets, sounds, bays and canals … oh my!

This beautiful part of our location doesn’t allow for a typical grid system for building and growth. Not to mention the other water we have. Not only does it rain here, but when it rains here, the water runs into the waterways. With these facts in front of us, it is difficult to find ways to house people while simultaneously protecting the beauties of our lushes PNW.

Continuing to stay involved with how our community is going to handle the growth is important—and imperative. REALTOR advocacy is a large part of that. Our platform is to stay neutral to allow for home ownership to be our primary focus. The list of bills that passed and failed can be found on the WAREALTORS.org website, and I encourage you to go and do your own research to see the many changes in store.

We are always happy to answer questions and help navigate through the information.

Our market continues to heat up as summer progresses, as well as the normalcy behind the formerly hiked interest rates.

Days on the market hit a high at 36 in Gig Harbor and have since gone down to just about 30. We are also only carrying 119 active homes for sale in Gig Harbor with an average sold price of $927,511 (per NWMLS June 2023), with Fox Island topping the average price at $1,051,588 with two luxury homes listed that officially broke the glass ceiling.; a waterfront home on Gig Harbor bay for $6.6 million and a waterfront estate on Horsehead bay for $8.9 million.

The luxury market remains healthy due to the elevated amount of equity in homes—allowing for more cash transactions eliminating the need for those pesky rates.

key 2 see team

Jennifer Hawkins

CJ Stewart

Whitney Johnson

This beautiful part of our location doesn’t allow for a typical grid system for building and growth.

Race For A Soldier

A journey through grief to growth

In 2009, Leslie Mayne received a call that every parent fears. The call informed her that her son Kyle had died.

Like many young men and women, Kyle Marshall Farr enlisted in the Army to serve his country following the attacks of September 11, 2001. During his service, Kyle suffered a concussive brain injury. Beginning in November 2008, he was treated at two different VA hospitals for more than three months for the litany of issues that come with a traumatic brain injury: post-traumatic stress, addiction, nightmares, suicidal intonations, anxiety and depression. In early March 2009, Kyle was told that he was “taking up a bed” and could self-medicate. He was discharged on March 6 and found dead on March 7 from an overdose. Accidental or intentional, the family will never know.

In the aftermath of losing Kyle, Leslie moved away from Gig Harbor to grieve. In 2010, she returned home and began waiting tables at the Tides Tavern. During this time, her family and the many new friends she met at the Tides began to strengthen her resolve to, in her words, “Do something.” Tides manager Kathy Davis asked Leslie to organize a special event called “Buy a Lunch for a Soldier.” On October 15, 2010, a group of Green Berets who were being deployed were celebrated and spoiled. Hugely successful, the event planted the seed of hope in Leslie’s mind to “Do something more.”

Leslie began running as part of her healing journey. As she ran, she envisioned a bold endeavor like a half

The three of them had no idea that their journey would capture the attenti on and energy of the entire community. Race For A Soldier was born.

marathon that could help spread awareness. She talked to Sue Braaten, owner of the Best Western Wesley Inn, who had become a close friend, about the idea. Sue told Leslie she needed to meet Miguel Galeana, owner of local running store Route 16 Running and Walking. The two met and discussed many questions and said, “Let’s continue to talk.” On Leslie’s second visit, she discovered that Jeff Bauknecht, a colleague she had worked with at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) years earlier, worked with Miguel putting on local races. Their response was, “We’re in!” The three of them had no idea that their journey would capture the attention and energy of the entire community. Race For A Soldier was born.

In its first year, the race attracted more than 1,400 runners with a bold mission to raise awareness for the challenges veterans face dealing with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Following the first race, more than $65,000 was distributed to nonprofits facilitating alternative therapy programs that were improving and, in some cases, saving lives.

Pharmaceutical “drug” treatments and other traditional therapies, although helpful to some, were simply not helping enough. There were too many lives, like Kyle’s, who were slipping through the cracks. Again, in Leslie’s words, “We have to do more, do better.”

From Leslie and Jeff’s work in nonprofits, they began to recognize this was no longer about a race. They were witnessing the birth of an organization. This was a community of compassionate allies willing to step into the gap between the current state of care and the “more” that was needed.

In 2011, as Leslie waited her turn to speak at a suicide awareness conference at Ft. Murray, she noticed a whiteboard with PTSD written on it. Under the letters, it read “Permission To Start Dreaming.” Leslie shared this with Jeff, and they knew their fledgling organization had found its name, The Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation. Over the next two years, a small group of family and friends formed the core of the foundation, and in the spring of 2014, the foundation was granted its official nonprofit 501c3 status.

We look forward to being part of your healthcare team.

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.

During the early years, the foundation added a Prayer Breakfast, Golf Tournament and Trap Shoot event, with proceeds funding existing alternative therapy programs showing promising results. In time, a new vision to create a retreat where veterans would learn strategies for developing strength out of their challenges began to take shape. The foundation also expanded its reach to serve first responders.

In 2013, Leslie was introduced to Ken Falke with Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) in Bluemont, Virginia. Ken, along with Josh Goldberg, coauthors of the book and program, Struggle Well, Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma, are leaders in discovering new treatments for post-traumatic stress. The BCR team was developing programs to assist veterans in learning strategies for growing through the challenges that accompany their traumatic experiences.

From this work, the Warrior PATHH, “Progressive & Alternative Training Helping Heroes,” was developed as our nation’s first non-clinical, peer-to-peer program designed to cultivate and facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG occurs when individuals turn adversity, trauma, or other challenges into positive psychological change. This shift enables an individual to begin to thrive rather than simply survive—not despite but rather because of their experiences.

In 2017, the PTSD Foundation delivered the first Warrior PATHH at Harmony Hill on Hood Canal, facilitated by the BCR team. In December 2019, with support from the Avalon Action Alliance, Ken Falke handpicked nine organizations around the country to be trained in and deliver PATHH in their region. In July 2021, the PTSD Foundation fully implemented the Warrior PATHH Program in the Pacific Northwest through a dedicated team to lead their peers on the journey to post-traumatic growth.

This transformative, lifelong, post-traumatic growth program provides training for combat veterans and first responders to help them make peace with their past, live in the present, and plan for a great future. Participants reveal they are better able to effectively manage life stressors, develop greater flexibility and adaptability to their adversities more effectively, and foster healthier interpersonal relationships.

In many ways, Leslie’s journey has been her own Warrior Path, struggling well through the trauma of losing Kyle and using that experience to grow stronger. Her strength inspired a small network of people who have, in turn, strengthened the lives of thousands of veterans and first responders over the last 13 years.

To learn more about the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation and how you can do more, contact them at PTSDFoundation.org.

Her strength inspired a small network of people who have, in turn, strengthened the lives of thousands of veterans and first responders over the last 13 years.

A preschool dedicated to cultivating children’s developing minds.

Each of our programs center around nurturing relationships as well as academic and play-based experiential learning. We also implement opportunities necessary for promoting children’s cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic and motor development. In all we do, we seek to foster a love of learning and to build an engaging community.

Extra Services:

Extended care options

Date nights Birthday parties Camps

KARA BELOATE

Peninsula High School | English and CWU Introduction to Jazz

Kara Beloate has been teaching for 32 years and is currently a teacher at Peninsula High School, where she teaches 12th grade English and CWU Introduction to Jazz. Kara has also taught UW and CWU English through a college and high school partnership. She previously taught 30 years of theater arts.

Kara shares that she didn’t always want to be a teacher. She was resistant to teaching simply because, in her family, it’s the default. “I had to know that teaching is what I wanted to do, and here I am, 32 years later, still doing it,” she says.

Kara is absolutely in love with the kids. It is her joy to learn from them even as she teaches. One such example is the play Othello. She must have read the play 20 times, but her students have opened up things in it that she hadn’t previously seen. Kara has the rare opportunity in her work to learn and teach at the same time, ensuring that her job is never dull.

There have been many highlights throughout her career, but one memory stands out as being particularly special. Before COVID, when she was teaching theater, she was watching her students perform Once On This Island on the 5th Avenue Stage. Their performance went on to win the award for Best Direction and Best Cinematography. Kara could not have been more proud of her PHS students!

When not teaching (or putting in additional hours outside of her contracted time), Kara

teacher in the sp otlight

by RACHEL KE LLY

can be seen in the garden with her purple petunias, in the woods with her black lab, writing on her computer, at the theater, perusing thrift stores for vintage finds, or floating on the water with a book and a Diet Coke.

Kara believes firmly that love is the thing that makes the world go round; something that is seen in her personal life, as well as her dedication to teach her students. She believes that there is always more than one way to see a thing, and it is the greatest gift of love to consider another point of view. In this divided world, Kara believes that peace comes from listening to differing perspectives—even when it challenges one’s own. In this way, Kara is not just a teacher. She is a role model and an ambassador for understanding and peace.

We

Thank you, Kara, for all you do and have done for our kids over your 32 years of service.

“I had to know that teaching is what I wanted to do, and here I am, 32 years later, still doing it.”

STUDENTS IN

Alec Krishnadasan Peninsula High School

Sixteen-year-old Alec Krishnadasan just completed his junior year at Peninsula High School. He comes from a family of six, including his doggie (a Rhodesian ridgeback), who has supported him in all his efforts and will continue to do so as he moves forward to a four-year-university.

Exactly which university he’s not yet sure, but somewhere in Southern California at a university that offers pre-med, after which he plans to attend medical school followed by residency. Alec hopes to pursue neurosurgery.

“I find the brain so interesting, and I want to help people while pursuing my passion,” he says.

It comes as no surprise then that his favorite subject is science, an interest that fuels his passion for medicine. His favorite teacher has been his AP chemistry teacher, Mr. Stitt, who has been an encouraging and all-around amazing person. All of Alec’s science teachers

have been willing to discuss various subjects with him, generally challenging him and encouraging him in his pursuits.

Outside of school, Alec has pursued his interests in sports and the community, earning a letter in both tennis and community service. Tennis he practices most every day and really loves the sport. His community service hours have been thus far spent working with teachers and students at Purdy Elementary. He also participates in the Key Club, National Honor Society and the Knowledge Bowl. During his junior year, he served the school as a student representative on the Peninsula School Board, as well as on ASB Leadership, and will do so again come fall as a senior. He looks forward to being ASB president next year.

Alec is already looking forward to his senior year, and are we! Alec, this is such an exciting time for you. It sounds like you have some wonderful plans! No doubt your family and teachers will continue to support you as you move forward. We wish you the best as you continue to pursue knowledge, using that to care for the people around you. Have a great summer!

“I find the brain so interesting, and I want to help people while pursuing my passion.”

by RAC HEL KELLY

THE SPOTLIGHT

Eliana Dietrich

Gig Harbor High School

Eliana Dietrich wrapped up her senior year at Gig Harbor High School, as she graduated in June. She has a lot of interests and pursuits but feels a little awkward giving a “brag list.” However, she was asked anyway, and she was kind enough to answer the question. Eliana’s top accomplishments are as follows: National Merit Scholar, president of the PHS HOSA Club, National Speech and Debate member “with excellence,” and her job at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. For the past year she’s been working at the center as a research assistant under a faculty biostatistician, researching clinical trial analysis. She is a co-author on a clinical trial paper on melanoma in the New England Journal of Medicine. Two more articles are in the process of publication.

Eliana is doing valuable work. What’s more, she enjoys it. It makes sense then that when she looks to the future her hope is to keep going along in the same work as she moves through her graduate degree and hopefully

her PhD. Eventually she would like to become a biostatistician. Staying close by, she will go to the University of Washington for a degree in computer science, and maybe a double major in applied mathematics or statistics.

When asked about her favorite subjects, Eliana just simply responded that she loves to learn. She has an interest in history and math but has been surprised at how much she enjoys new subjects. “Both AP chemistry and AP economics were classes I was nervous about, but they were both so cool to learn throughout the year. I walked out having learned all of these things that I didn’t even know existed the previous year,” says Eliana.

When it comes to her teachers, she’s been truly fortunate. Her second-grade teacher was the first to encourage her learning in whatever areas interested her. Mr. Stitt, her AP chemistry teacher, has been similarly impactful. However, most impactful has been Eliana’s mother, who homeschooled Eliana throughout middle school. Learning with her mother has been an all-the-time activity.

When Eliana isn’t doing all of the above, she is experimenting in the kitchen. She also has a saltwater fish tank, which houses a clownfish with an attitude. She is a junior black belt in taekwondo and is up for testing to receive her black belt in November.

All in all, there is no doubt that Eliana thrives in an environment where she is able to expand her mind and her interests. Congratulations on your graduation Eliana!

Eliana thrives in an environment where she is able to expand her mind and her interests

PENINSULA ART LEAGUE

+ Summ er Art Festival

Bringing community to the artist and art to the community

BETH OWEN

For over three decades, the Peninsula Art League (PAL) has supported and nurtured the area’s diverse artistic community. Today, PAL’s membership includes nearly 200 artists who work in every imaginable medium—painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, jewelry designers, calligraphers, glass and fiber artists, and writers. Many are professionals. For others, art is a soul-satisfying hobby.

PAL’s mission is to bring community to the artist and art to the community. PAL brings community to Pierce and Kitsap County artists through meetings where we share ideas and explore new techniques, workshops, art exhibitions and education. PAL brings art to the community through the Summer Art Festival, art exhibits, learning experiences and the funding of adult and high school senior scholarships to promote the study of art.

“Through art, we help bind people to the community and to each other,” says Colette Smith, president of Peninsula Art League. “PAL has created and is committed to a strategic plan emphasizing community and partnerships in bringing art and people together to share and promote creativity. In bringing our 37th Summer Art

Festival to beautiful downtown Gig Harbor, we are thrilled to again partner with the City of Gig Harbor and Timberland Bank, our long-standing platinum supporters, and welcome and thank our new supporting sponsor, Red Lion Inn & Suites of Port Orchard. We are also proud to announce that PAL is a recipient of a Community Accelerator Grant funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and awarded by ArtsFund! This gift will accelerate PAL’s efforts as an arts and cultural organization in the Puget Sound area.”

One of the biggest ways PAL brings art to the community is by sponsoring the Summer Art Festival. Now in its 37th year, this annual juried festival is held on Judson Street in beautiful historic downtown Gig Harbor, just a block from the waterfront. It is an opportunity to see art, make art and buy art—packed with an amazing lineup of 120 artists from around the Pacific Northwest and around the country producing handmade and original artwork. Immerse your family in fun art activities, a literary corner for authors and illustrators, listen to local bands while enjoying food from local food vendors, enjoy the kid’s corner and a local art show by PAL members.

Expanded music at this year’s Summer Art Festival includes seven

STEVE HAMMOND

IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ART,

make art and buy art.

bands at the main stage playing throughout the festival. The wonderful selection of food vendors will be right at hand so that you can eat while you are listening to the lineup. Barbeque, pizza, hot dogs, kettle corn, smoothies, cannoli, and waffles on a stick round out the food choices. In addition, there will be a number of local artists demonstrating their process. Local artist Steve Hammond will be demonstrating scratchboard art— where a scraper tool is used to craft a beautiful picture. With a handful of highlights, Steve can create a work that draws you in and keeps you looking. All of these experiences make the Summer Art Festival one of the most anticipated festivals of the year in Gig Harbor.

Proceeds from the Summer Art Festival are used to fund $12,000 in scholarships to art students from Gig Harbor, Peninsula, Henderson Bay and South Kitsap County high schools, to fund scholarships to PAL members continuing their artistic learning, and to fund art shows, workshops and other educational programs for Gig Harbor and surrounding areas.

PAL holds a contest every year for local high school art students to design the Summer Festival poster. PAL members select the winning drawing, collage or painting that best conveys the idea of Gig Harbor as an artsy, creative place. PAL is pleased to announce its 2023 winner is Jack Sanford from Henderson Bay High School with his painting, “Cosmic Fish.”

PAL also sponsors an Open Juried Show in the fall. PAL’s 21st Open Juried Show will be held at the Harbor History Museum, October 6 through December 1, 2023. Mark your calendars for this beautiful show.

To keep up with all Peninsula Art League activities and other art activities in the area, be sure to subscribe to PAL’s monthly digital newsletter online through their website, PeninsulaArtLeague.org/subscribe-to-the-palette.

We hope to see you July 15 and 16 at the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival!

STEVE HAMMOND

The Coolest Cars Gather for the 25th Year

Gig Harbor Cruisers Club

revvi ng up to host the 2023

‘Cruise the Narrows’ Car Show

by ALLISON POLLOCK-PUGH

From vintage collectors to car-obsessed kids, families and car-lovers meet each year at the Cruise the Narrows Car Show to swoon over immaculate vintage models and the newest features in speed and style. Hosted by the Gig Harbor Cruisers Automotive Club, the show attracts car enthusiasts from throughout the area while raising funds for local youth activities, charities and educational scholarships.

Founded in 1997, the goal of the Gig Harbor Cruisers Automotive Club is to come together over their love of cars and share it with the community—helping others in need or just seeing the delight these oneof-a-kind cars bring.

“We started the club because we wanted to get people together who love cars. We wanted to include everyone—not just collectors or those with a specific type of car, but any and all car fans,” says Renée Crist, founding member.

Members gather together for monthly club meetings, plan social outings, tech sessions and cruise-ins, but they are also a fan favorite for parades, community and charity events, and their annual Santa’s Village Lighted Car Parade in December.

During the 2020 pandemic closures, the club organized drive-by car shows at local nursing homes and senior care facilities. When things started reopening, club members wanted to help local businesses bounce back and restore community events. Charter member Mitch Mackenroth

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says, “The car show is an opportunity for local business owners and business professionals to participate by either sponsoring a club member car or attending the show as a vendor in one of our vendor spaces.”

Chris Olsen, owner of Fondi’s Pizzeria and car show sponsor, shares, “We at Fondi Pizzeria are absolutely blown away by the success of the Cruise the Narrows Car Show. Gig Harbor really knows how to come out and support the locals—and enjoy pizza too!”

On the 25th year of the Cruise the Narrows Car Show, the club has become a big part of the community, exemplifying its mission to make friends, have fun and give back to the community—providing more than over $100,000 in scholarships to local youth pursuing careers in the automotive and trade industries. Mitch continues, “Our goal is to help the Gig Harbor community in as many ways as possible—scholarships, business advertising and promotion, and the draw of a few thousandplus people for a fun day at our show every year.”

Even after a quarter-century, club members take great pride in the car show, hand-selecting winners in dozens of categories, including favorites by vehicle make, decade built, muscle car, 4x4, kids’ pick, and under-20 cruiser for new car buffs. Winners receive custom, handcrafted trophies built by club members out of donated parts, which are welded into creative designs and painted for a one-of-a-kind trophy.

This year’s annual Cruise the Narrows Car Show will take place from 8am to 3pm on August 5, 2023, in the Uptown Gig Harbor Plaza parking lot. Participants range from Volkswagen clubs to hot rods, foreign and domestic vehicles, American muscle and iconic classics—like the Ford Model T. It’s a day for everyone to get out and enjoy their community while checking out some of the coolest cars in history.

For additional details about this year’s event, be sure to visit GigHarborCruisers.com/car-show.html.

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4. North Tacoma Commencement Bay view. (Sleeps 11 in 6 bedrooms)

(Re)Discover the Outdoors

by ALLISON POLLOCK-PUGH

Summer is when the Northwest takes center stage and shines like the sun on the sea. There’s nothing quite like a summer day spent outdoors, enjoying the picturesque views of glistening rivers and lakes surrounded by evergreen trees, only falling into shadow when the sun sets behind the beautifully steadfast mountain ranges.

The warm summer weather creates an idyllic time for outdoor activities. Access to some of the greatest rivers in the country, hundreds of campsites, thousands of trails and lakes provide abundant opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Whether you’re ready for extreme whitewater rafting, planning a family camping trip, or outdoor wine tasting tours are more your thing, here are some outdoor adventures to try based on your interests and personality.

If you like an outdoor walk in nature

It may be the fresh air, the serenity, or the forced disconnect that comes with no cell service in the mountains, but hiking has a way of clearing your mind and making you feel calm and refreshed. Whether you’re traversing a steep grade to a panoramic mountain peak, overnight

backpacking through the Cascade or Rocky Mountain Ranges, or just taking a quiet walk in the forest, the benefits of hiking are as vast as the mountains themselves.

Hiking has many advantages and is even medically prescribed as “ecotherapy” for the mental health benefits it provides. It can improve your overall fitness and stamina while also offering options for any skill and ability level. Looking for an easy hike close to home? Or, maybe something more challenging that ends at a hot spring? In the Northwest, you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful spot to suit your needs. Plus, there are numerous websites that provide details and difficulty levels of hiking trails so you can be well-prepared before setting out on your adventure.

If your ideal outdoor experience includes charcuterie and tastings

One of the best parts of having so many wineries in the Northwest are the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery that comes with vast sprawling vineyards. And, with all the amazing vineyards clustered together throughout the region, who says you can’t experience the outdoors while tasting some of the award-winning wines?

Valleys adorned with thousands of rows of grapevines surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and rivers provide panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere not to be rivaled. Since they’re also a hotspot for travelers, there is often a wide variety of restaurants and outdoor activities nearby. Some ways to get more time in nature while exploring the vineyards are walking tours, bike rentals, or golf courses—there are even wineries where you can have a tasting with your feet in a river. Whether you prefer crisp whites, sparkling bubbly or bold reds, you’ll find plenty of outdoor experience while sipping your tasting flight at one of the region’s wineries.

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for action

Have you ever wondered what life is like for the birds? Parasailing from a boat is a great family activity and gives an aerial view from 500 feet while paragliding lets the wind take you over water. Maybe being high up amongst the trees is more your style. The whole family can take in the view as you glide through the treetops while ziplining down a mountain.

Looking for adventure but want to stay out of the sky? Whitewater rafting is an experience the whole family can enjoy, with each river providing a different current and challenge. If you want an endurance-filled activity, the forests, deserts and backcountry trails make the Northwest one of the country’s best locations for mountain biking. Whichever activity you choose, just make sure you find a reputable guide before heading out.

If you’re a water-lover (don’t forget your life vest!)

There is simply nothing better than a summer day on the water in the Northwest, which makes it one of the top water sport destinations in the US. Whether you want to kayak on the sound searching for seals, go fly fishing for trout in the Snake River, or load up your kids and floaties for a day at the beach, the opportunities to spend a day (or week) on the water are endless.

Boating is a great way to get on the water, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across the water on water skis, a wakeboard or innertube. But, being

There is simply nothing better than a summer day on the water in

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beautiful adventure.

If you find the idea of living off the grid appealing

Camping is one of the most common outdoor activities in the world, and for good reason. Disconnecting from everyday stressors while being engulfed in nature and sleeping underneath the stars is revitalizing— allowing you to slow down, focus on relationships and learn valuable life skills.

Camping is also very flexible, so depending on whether you’ll be truly roughing it or are looking for more of a Troop Beverly Hills experience, there are options for you to choose what works best for you and your

you spend your camping days and nights. Just remember that many campgrounds require reservations, and some book up quickly!

The Northwest’s proximity to water, mountains and desert make it one of the most appealing places to spend the summer. While some activities require training or expensive equipment (boats/RVs), spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant—there’s a reason country songs have been written about simply floating a river.

Lifelong memories are made during the little moments of togetherness. So, load up the life vests, water toys, sunscreen and snacks, and wherever you’re headed, you’ll be set for a great adventure.

Building Local Relationships, Maintaining European Cars

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

The moment they partner with Spec German for their automotive needs, clients quickly recognize that the Spec German family is passionate about what they do. A company dedicated to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz (and soon BMW) automotive services, owner Jacob Coen and his wife Jaimee saw a need for this business in Gig Harbor, not only due to the growth of the area but because they recognized the lack of customer service and experience found at other dealerships.

In addition, Spec German’s point-of-sale system is designed to keep an open dialogue between the Spec German team and clients throughout the service and repair process, which allows clients to see estimates and text with both the office and technicians directly. The team will even email photos to help better explain issues and bring the clients into the workshop to discuss what the technicians are seeing needs to be addressed. They strive to answer the phone as often as possible and are prompt at returning phone calls. “We find this key in both establishing transparency and building strong client relationships,” affirms Jaimee. “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”

Among Spec German’s master technicians is a combined 50-plus years of high-end European repair experience. They build a rapport with their clientele, while striving to build service plans that fit their clients’ needs— both current and future—without pushing unnecessary work.

Jacob and Jaimee met at an automotive startup, and throughout their careers they’ve collected and experienced both the positive and negative practices of the automotive industry. As a result, they went on to open Spec German on March 15 of 2021, where they are joined by co-owner Jason Edlin.

“Our combined experience and drive have allowed us to build off of those experiences to provide the best quality experience for our clientele,” affirms Jaimee. “This approach helps relieve stress and prepare our clients for each future service in advance.”

Jaimee finds it rewarding to be able to build relationships with their clients. “Nobody wants to have their car break, but it’s a great feeling when clients are happy with the result and enjoy bringing their cars to us.”

Spec German is excited to announce that they’re expanding! As the company has outgrown their space, they will be relocating to 3523 57th Street this August and look forward to this opportunity to grow their business. “We’ve received a lot of interest in servicing BMW, and our hope with this new space is that we’ll have the potential to expand into that in the near future,” smiles Jaimee.

Pedaling Through Summer Pedaling Through Summer

Exploring the benefits of cycling for your body, mind, and summer adventures

by THOMAS WILLIAMS

Summer is a time for fun, sun and relaxation, but for parents, it can also be a stressful time trying to keep kids entertained and engaged while school is out. Prepping for summer activities ahead of time can help alleviate some of that stress and ensure that your kids have a summer filled with fun and meaningful experiences.

As the sun shines brighter and the temperature rises, the allure of summer beckons us to step outside and embrace the great outdoors. And what better way to seize the season than by hopping on a bicycle and pedaling through the warm summer breeze?

Whether you choose the adventure of exploring scenic trails or the convenience of stationary cycling in the comfort of your home or gym, bike riding offers a multitude of benefits for both your physical well-being and mental health. Let’s delve into the advantages of bike riding and uncover how this invigorating activity can contribute to your overall fitness, enhance your cardiovascular health, boost your mood, and bring a sense of joy to your summer adventures.

So, get ready to grab your helmet, fasten your shoelaces, and join us on a journey exploring the transformative power of pedaling through summer.

Bike riding is an excellent form of exercise that provides a full-body workout. It engages various muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, core, and even the upper body if you maintain proper posture. Regular cycling helps to build strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. By pedaling, you strengthen your leg muscles, leading to improved balance and stability.

Additionally, cycling is a low-impact exercise, which means it puts less stress on your joints compared to highimpact activities like running. This makes it a suitable option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those recovering from injuries or dealing with joint pain.

Cycling is also an effective way to maintain a healthy weight. It burns calories, aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of obesity. According to estimates, a person weighing 155 pounds can burn approximately 300 calories during a 30-minute moderate-intensity bike ride.

Furthermore, bike riding promotes cardiovascular health. Pedaling on a regular basis contributes to a healthier heart and improved cardiovascular function. Cycling helps to increase the heart rate, improving blood circulation and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure. It also boosts the production of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)

Beyond the physical benefits, bike riding offers significant advantages for your mental well-being.

while reducing LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), leading to a healthier lipid profile.

Beyond the physical benefits, bike riding offers significant advantages for your mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which enhance your mood and reduce stress levels. Cycling outdoors allows you to connect with nature, enjoying the fresh air, scenery and natural beauty around you. This can have a calming effect on the mind and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Moreover, bike riding can serve as a form of meditation and stress relief. When you pedal, you can enter a state of flow, where your mind is fully absorbed in the present moment. This can help you release negative thoughts and worries, promoting mental clarity and relaxation. Cycling can be a form of active mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the rhythmic movement and experience a sense of tranquility.

Bike riding also provides an opportunity for social interaction and community engagement. You can join group rides, cycling clubs, or charity events, where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for biking. This social aspect not only adds enjoyment to your rides but also fosters a sense of belonging and support.

In addition to outdoor bike riding, stationary cycling offers its own set of benefits. Indoor cycling classes, for example, provide a structured and energetic environment led by an instructor, which can be motivating and inspiring. Stationary bikes equipped with modern features like virtual training programs and interactive screens can add an element of excitement and variety to your workout routine.

Stationary cycling allows you to pedal away without worrying about traffic, weather conditions or time constraints. It provides a convenient option for those with busy schedules or limited access to outdoor biking routes. You can cycle at home or the gym, adjusting the resistance levels and intensity according to your fitness goals.

While bike riding offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and appropriate cycling gear. Observe traffic rules, use hand signals, and stay visible to motorists. If you’re cycling outdoors, choose routes that are suitable for your skill level, and stay alert to your surroundings. For stationary cycling, make sure to adjust the bike settings and maintain proper form to prevent injuries.

Bike riding, whether outdoors or indoors, brings a multitude of benefits for your body and mind. It improves physical fitness, promotes cardiovascular health and aids in weight management. Furthermore, it enhances mental well-being, reduces stress, and allows for social interaction and community engagement. So, this summer, hop on your bike or stationary cycle and pedal your way to a healthier, happier you. Enjoy the freedom, the scenery, and the exhilarating feeling of the wind against your face as you embrace the joy of pedaling through summer.

This summer, hop on your bike or stationary cycle and pedal your way to a healthier, happier you.

by FELICIA SOLEIL, ATTORNEY/MEDIATOR

Facing Divorce in an EverChanging Housing Market

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

“Woulda, coulda, shoulda …” a common refrain these days from divorcing clients who regret not selling their houses during the “pandemic boom.” Those were the glory days for parties who wanted a quick cash-out, whether from selling or refinancing a buyout for the other party at historically low interest rates. It certainly kept conflict to a minimum around a major asset in divorce settlements.

Unfortunately, a new level of conflict has now arisen with respect to who gets the house and the timing and terms of a buyout. Declining home values, coupled with significantly rising interest rates, have put a monkey wrench in settlement negotiations.

I often tell clients that it is neither party’s fault for what the economy is doing the year they choose to get divorced, and their settlements will reflect what is happening within their geographic region, nationally—and sometimes even globally. They have to work within the confines of the economy in which they choose to end their marriage.

Before they may have been contemplating divorce, many clients took advantage of the historically low interest rates during the pandemic to lower their monthly mortgage payment by either refinancing or purchasing a new home. What does this mean for their pending divorce in present times?

If there are insufficient assets to trade for the home’s equity, it usually means one party is arguing strenuously to keep the home so their monthly payments remain affordable and asking the other party to delay receiving their buyout. Of course, the other party has to find new housing, whether a rental or a new purchase, in a market where rents and mortgages are now almost out of reach for some clients transitioning to a single income. Difficult decisions, for sure.

As a divorce lawyer and mediator, I’m repeatedly hearing about the “unfairness” of one party being able to keep the house and have low

housing costs, while the other party must now pay top dollar for housing. Or how forcing a sale puts both parties in the position of being unable to immediately purchase a new home while slashing budgets to pay for local rent.

How do we resolve this? In cases with children, the parties will often decide to keep the home intact for a period of time so the children can still have their family home. Also, the parent retaining the home—often the lower earner—can have affordable housing in the short term. When the focus is the benefit to the children, the other parent becomes more willing to sacrifice an immediate cash infusion from an equity buyout or sale.

Another scenario is for the person awarded the home to refinance now at current higher rates with the intent to refinance again in the future once rates, hopefully, become more affordable. While this has added costs for the party refinancing, it provides the other party with their equity sooner rather than later. However, this option only works if the refinancing party can afford to significantly increase their monthly payments and really wants to keep that particular home at the increased cost to them.

While these options seem simple enough, although not ideal, it can take a lot of negotiating to get to the most beneficial solution for all involved because the emotions are still so fresh from the pandemic and the associated housing boom that no one could have predicted. But this too shall pass, as every divorcing couple will face not only their interpersonal challenges but also the external challenges of the time in which they choose to divorce.

Felicia Soleil is a divorce mediator and family law attorney located in Gig Harbor. She helps her clients in achieving resolutions that foster both a compassionate ending to their union and a healthy new beginning so they can focus on moving on, rather than simply moving out. Felicia can be reached at 253.853.6940. All consultations are strictly confidential and currently conducted by appointment via Zoom or phone.

Building Better Solutions for Clients

With 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

Financial Foundation FINANCIAL PLANNING

Teaching children about money

Article Courtesy of Nancy Harris, CMFC, CDFA President, LPL Financial Planner, New Foundation Wealth Group

Here are some simple lessons to help children build a solid foundation for making a lifetime of financial decisions.

Lesson 1: Learning to handle an allowance

An allowance is often a child’s first brush with financial independence. Some parents ask their child to earn an allowance by doing chores around the house, while others give their child an allowance with no strings attached. If you’re not sure which approach is better, you might want to pay a small allowance and give them the chance to earn extra money by doing other chores. If you decide to give your child an allowance, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Stick to a regular schedule (the same amount of money on the same day each week).

• Consider giving an allowance “raise” to reward your child for handling their allowance well.

Lesson 2: Opening a bank account

Many banks and credit unions have programs that provide activities and incentives designed to help children learn financial basics. Here are some other ways you can help develop good savings habits:

• Teach about compound interest by showing how much “free money” has been earned on deposits.

• Offer to match bank deposits.

• Take a few dollars out of the account occasionally. Young children who see money going into the account but never coming out may quickly lose interest in saving.

Lesson 3: Becoming a smart consumer Commercials. Peer pressure. The internet. Children are constantly tempted to spend money but aren’t born with the ability to spend it wisely. Children need guidance to make good buying decisions. Here are a few things to help a child become a smart consumer:

• Set aside one day a month to take your child (or grandchild) shopping. This will encourage them to save up for something they really want rather than buying something on impulse.

• Just say no. You can teach a child to think carefully about purchases by explaining that you will not buy them something every time you go shopping. Instead, suggest that they try items out in the store, then put them on a birthday or holiday wish list.

• Show them how to compare items based on price and quality. For instance, when you go grocery shopping, teach them to find the prices on the items or on the shelves, and explain why you’re choosing to buy one brand rather than another.

Make these lessons positive and fun! We are all on this journey to improve our financial knowledge and independence.

VISCERAL FAT Know the enemy

by Christopher J. Stadtherr, MD

Not all body fat is created equal. Different types and different locations of fat have remarkably different effects on our health, yet there is very little discussion about it in typical health care settings.

Though we generally associate obesity with poor health, individuals with metabolic complications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are not necessarily more obese than individuals without these complications.

Obesity, then, by itself, is not a strong indicator of disease. The risk factor that is far more relevant than overall fat burden in predicting disease and mortality is the amount of visceral fat.

The Enemy that Lurks Beneath the Surface

Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds the internal organs of the body. In contrast to subcutaneous fat that is “pinchable,” visceral fat is deep within the torso. The majority of visceral fat is located in the central abdomen and is responsible for causing protrusion of the abdomen, the so-called “beer belly.”

Male-Female Differences

In general, men are more likely to store fat as visceral fat. Premenopausal women tend to store fat as subcutaneous fat, predominantly in the gluteal and femoral regions. As women transition into menopause, their decreasing

estrogen levels drive an increase in the central distribution of fat and subsequent cardiometabolic risk.

The Repository for Excess Energy

Visceral fat appears to accumulate after the subcutaneous fat stores have reached capacity. How much fat can be stored in the subcutaneous fat depots is determined by one’s Personal Fat Threshold, which appears to be determined primarily by genetics.

Risks of Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is associated with cardiovascular risk and is a major predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD), with central abdominal fat being more predictive of heart attack than overall obesity.

It appears that an increase of 1 kilogram of visceral fat is associated with a 10-point increase in blood pressure. Visceral obesity is also associated with high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) and small, dense LDL particles, which are more atherogenic (increased cardiovascular risk) than large, buoyant LDL particles.

As might be expected then, reduction of visceral fat is associated with significant improvement of cardiometabolic risk factors. There are several strategies to effectively reduce visceral fat and, subsequently, the risk of cardiovascular disease.

AIM TO REVERSE DISEASE, RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH, AND LOVE YOUR BODY AGAIN.

Nature's Breath

Rejuvenate and revive in the great outdoors

In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, it's increasingly crucial to step outside, unplug, and reconnect with nature. A breath of fresh air can work wonders for our physical and mental well-being. Immersing ourselves in the natural world allows us to escape daily routines and experience freedom and rejuvenation.

Fresh air brings a myriad of benefits to our bodies. Nature's air is often cleaner and oxygen-rich, providing our lungs with a refreshing boost. This increased oxygen intake improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity and enhances energy levels. Spending time outdoors exposes us to natural sunlight, essential for vitamin D production, which is crucial for bone health and regulating mood.

Beyond physical advantages, being surrounded by nature profoundly impacts our mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that green spaces reduce stress, elevate mood and promote mental clarity. They provide respite from technology's constant stimulation, allowing us to engage our senses organically. The sights, sounds and smells of nature evoke calm and relaxation, enabling us to recharge and find balance.

Embrace the opportunity to step outside, breathe deeply, and relish nature's simple pleasures. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a mountain hike, or sitting under a tree, the benefits of getting outdoors and breathing in fresh air are undeniable. It's an invitation to reconnect with ourselves and the world, revitalizing body, mind and spirit.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Recognize the signs … and see a neurovisual optometrist

Do you have anxiety in large stores or open spaces? Does driving, especially at night or on busy highways, cause you stress or make you no longer want to drive? Do you find yourself stumbling, walking crooked or into the person next to you? Take out some pictures of yourself; is your head tilted consistently to one side? Do you know someone who has panic attacks or rarely steps foot outside? Are indoor lights too bright for you?

These are all just a few signs of binocular vision dysfunction. If the 12 muscles or three nerves that control our eye movements aren’t working together, the eyes are misaligned and no longer work together as a team. Instead of receiving the same info from each eye, the brain receives two offset images, confusing the brain. This misalignment is usually very small but wreaks havoc on the person, causing symptoms that are not associated as being caused by the eyes.

A typical patient will see a physician, who might start the patient on “anti-something” drugs. Maybe a trip to a neurologist (if you can get in before six months), who scans to rule out organic causes, and prescribes medication for the pain, and injections for severe cases. A

trip to psych for different meds or counseling. Weekly adjustments at the chiropractor for the pain that never really goes away. Physical therapy for dizziness and clumsiness. Being benched after a concussion, then never feeling quite the same afterward. A trip to the ER for a fall. A banged-up car bumper because you can’t judge the distance from the curb. Visits to the VA for the lingering effects from a battlefield explosion. Maybe a trip to an optometrist or ophthalmologist to check vision that never seems quite right, only to be told everything’s normal.

A routine vision exam is not sensitive enough to find small amounts of misalignment. A specially trained neurovisual optometrist delves into the complex history and symptoms, performs “normal” eye exam tests, then also does multiple binocular tests to check for alignment issues—both horizontally and vertically. That same day the patient can visualize how the world changes with the new prescription.

A fast, free, simple quiz can tell you if you or someone you love may be suffering from binocular vision dysfunction. Take your quiz at: CoulditBeMyEyes.com/eye-candy-optical.

by Dr. Kandi Moller, Owner of Eye Candy Optical and the Myopia Control & Treatment Center in Uptown, Neurovisual Medicine specialist, mother to @gumdropthepig

STOP THE ANT-INFESTATION!

by Jennifer ‘Taz’ Vazquez

Robert Folghum

Three months into a house remodel, my dad and I were excited to finally begin painting the first floor in my house. A couple hours into the painting, we realized we had accidently mixed up wall and trim paint … OOPS! Feeling rather discouraged, we realized we had to start all over again the next day.

What do you do when you make a mistake? Do you catastrophize it, thinking it is the worst possible scenario? For example, “This is horrible, I can’t believe we made this mistake! I hate painting!” Or do you acknowledge it, practice self-care, and then ask, “Okay, now what?”

This experience got me thinking about ANTs. No, not the insect kind … those sneaky “automatic negative thoughts.” Our brain has up to 60,000 thoughts per day. Most of these thoughts are repetitive, negative and subconscious. Psychiatrist Aaron Beck labeled these as automatic negative thoughts.

Our ancestors survived because they were on the lookout for danger, fixing problems and learning from mistakes. These skills have helped us for thousands of years. Unfortunately, these same skills can work against us when we are not aware of them. ANTs can start small, yet, if left unchecked, can rapidly escalate into an ANT-infestation! Negative thoughts can skew our perspectives (via cognitive

biases and distortions) and cause a host of negative effects.

For example, continually automatically assuming the worst can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. The more we repeatedly buy into the negative thinking, it even changes our brain forming “negative” neural pathways, which become an entrenched “negative thinking” habit.

So how can you learn to recognize, challenge and defeat these ANTs? Try these three tips: awareness (mindfulness), asking questions and reframing.

Mindfulness. Get curious and neutrally observe the negative thoughts without owning them.

Ask Questions. Is the thought true? Is there another explanation or perspective? How is this thought serving me? What advice would I give to a friend or family member?

Reframe. Be Brain Fit authors recommend naming our inner critic (our ANT source). Consider it to be a “really bad friend” you wouldn’t take advice from. Next, turn the ANTs into more neutral/factual and/or positive/empowering statements.

My dad and I chose to acknowledge how we felt and stepped away to do some activities we enjoyed. The next day, we were able to restart fresh, without the ANTs.

If you want to prevent an ANT-infestation, then catch them early and rob them of their power through mindfulness, questions and reframing.

“Don’t believe everything you think.”

-

BEACH CHIC

Unleash your confidence in stylish swimwear

by ELIZABETH RAY

Whenthe sun is shining, and the waves are calling, it’s time to hit the beach and make a splash in your stylish swimwear. Your choice of swimsuit not only determines your comfort level but also plays a significant role in boosting your confidence. Finding the perfect swimsuit that complements your body, while showcasing your unique style, can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore tips and tricks to help you exude confidence in your beachwear, so you can rock the shoreline with flair and self-assurance.

First and foremost, embrace your body shape. Every body is beautiful, and the key to feeling confident in your swimsuit is embracing your unique shape. Whether you have an hourglass figure, a pear shape, an athletic build, or any other body type, there are swimsuit styles that can highlight your best features while flattering your figure. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, opt for a swimsuit with a defined

waistline to accentuate your curves. If you have a pear shape, consider a swimsuit with ruching or patterns on the top to draw attention upward. Remember, confidence starts from within, so embrace your body and let your swimwear accentuate your natural beauty.

Knowing your personal style is crucial. Just like any other piece of clothing, swimwear comes in a variety of styles, from bikinis to onepieces, tankinis to monokinis. Understanding your personal style will help you choose a swimsuit that reflects your taste and makes you feel like your best self. If you prefer a more modest look, a one-piece or tankini with strategic cutouts can offer both coverage and style. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of a bold and daring look, a bikini or a trendy high-cut one-piece can be your go-to choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, patterns and designs to find the swimwear that resonates with your personal style.

MIGRAINES, HEADACHES OR TMJ PAIN?

WHEN CHRONIC MIGRAINES OR HEADACHES AREN’T RESPONDING TO TREATMENT, THEY DESERVE A CLOSER LOOK.

We use the latest diagnostic technology to closely examine the musculoskeletal system of the head, neck and jaw to find any signs of inflammation and tension that can lead to chronic headaches or migraines.

DON’T SUFFER ANY LONGER. GIVE US A CALL TODAY!

With TruDenta therapy system and Myotronics, an FDA-approved technology, we can provide a treatment plan tailored to address your symptoms, which includes the use of several tested technologies, including ultrasound, microcurrent photo biomodulation, muscle and appliance therapy.

Highlightingfeaturesyourbestiskey.

ORGANIZED BY THE SANDPOINT ROTARY CLUB

YOUR BEACHWEAR perfect

In addition to considering body shape, style, fit, design details and accessories, it’s important to prioritize comfort when choosing your perfect beachwear. A comfortable swimsuit allows you to move freely, enjoy your time in the water and confidently engage in beach activities. Look for swimsuits made from high-quality, breathable fabrics that provide both support and stretch. Adjustable straps, removable padding and elastic waistbands can further enhance comfort and ensure a secure fit. Remember, when you feel comfortable in your swimsuit, you’ll exude even more confidence, allowing you to fully embrace the beach experience and showcase your personal style with ease.

Finding the perfect swimsuit to complement your body while showcasing your style is essential for exuding confidence in your beachwear. Embrace your body shape, know your personal style, find the right fit, highlight your best features, play with colors and prints, pay attention to the small details and prioritize comfort. Remember, confidence starts from within, and when you feel good in your swimsuit, you’ll radiate confidence on the shoreline. So, dive in, have fun, and rock your beachwear with pride!

SUMMER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN GLOWING!

Revitalize your skin this season

by SERINA JONES, OWNER OF GIG HARBOR AESTHETICS

The summer season brings with it an abundance of sunshine, warmth and outdoor activities. While we all love this time of year, our skin often suffers due to increased exposure to UV rays, heat, humidity, and other environmental factors. To keep your skin healthy, radiant and protected during this time, it’s essential to incorporate effective skin-care treatments into your routine. Read on to learn more about some of the rejuvenating skin-care treatments that are beneficial during the summer months.

Sun Protection. With the sun at its peak during the summer, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital. Apply a broadspectrum sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. Opt for lightweight, physical formulas that won’t clog your pores or feel too heavy. If you are out for prolonged sun exposure, make sure to reapply every two to three hours.

Antioxidants. Antioxidants are another great option to incorporate into your skin care at home, as they have been proven to protect against oxidative stress, repair damaged DNA due to sun exposure and increase the efficacy of your sunscreen. A few of our favorites at Gig Harbor Aesthetics are the HydraTint and A-luminate by Alastin or Daily Power Defense by ZO Skin Health. If you’re looking for a beautiful sunscreen with nice coverage and a glow finish, the HydraTint is a must!

Exfoliation. Exfoliation is a game-changer when it comes to achieving smooth and glowing skin. During summer, exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts caused by excess sebum production. Consistent exfoliation will also help your active products work more effectively in the skin as well. Choose gentle exfoliants that can be used daily or three to four times a week. The best physical

exfoliants are the Exfoliating Polish by ZO Skin Health, which contains magnesium and is anti-inflammatory, or Alastin’s ReSurface Polish, containing glycolic to break down dead skin cells.

Our rule of thumb: If you flake, exfoliate!

Facials and Dermaplaning. Keep your skin clear, hydrated, smooth and peach-fuzz free. Depending on your skin type, your provider will choose a facial (to include dermaplaning) that is perfect for your skin, your goals and your lifestyle. Our Immaculate Complexion

Facial is the most comprehensive and relaxing treatment that includes our favorite modalities—the Diamond Glow dermal infusion as well as Cryotherapy to lift, sculpt and hydrate the skin. This combination therapy facial resurfaces, cleans out pores, removes the top layer of dead skin—all while giving you sculpting through lymphatic drainage. Cryotherapy reduces inflammation, promotes circulation and hydrates your skin, leaving it incredibly healthy and hydrated. There are a variety of facials to choose from to accommodate your skin-care goals and needs this summer.

Summer is a time to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but it’s equally important to prioritize your skin’s health and wellbeing. By incorporating these essential skincare treatments into your routine, you can revitalize and protect your skin throughout the summer months.

Remember to get treatments, wear SPF and antioxidants, exfoliate and keep your skin hydrated. Our incredible team at Gig Harbor Aesthetics can assess your skin, create a treatment plan and get you on your way to the most radiant skin this summer!

Luggage of Love

Imagine being taken from the only family you know and having to put all of your belongings in a garbage bag to take with you.

We want to give these children entering foster care hope and dignity by providing gently used suitcases for them to carry their personal belongings.

We accept donations at any of these sponsors:

BEST WESTERN WESLEY INN PENINSULA LIFE CHURCH

call : 253 222 3108

HOMETOWN

EXPERTS Gig Harbor' s

NEW LEAF HYPNOSIS

At New Leaf Hypnosis Center, they help people reduce anxiety and stress, conquer fears and phobias, heal past painful experiences, quit unhealthy habits, stop unwanted behaviors, improve sleep and low mood—faster than you ever imagined! Book a free consultation to take the first step to feel better today!

Gig Harbor | 253.617.4818

NewLeafHypnosis.com

2801 Hollycroft St, Suite B

ANCHOR BAY MORTGAGE (MB-71863)

Locally owned and operated by Tracy Hacklin Dennis (MLO-94066) with 16 years of experience! They provide the personalized attention you deserve. Their clients aren’t just customers, they’re friends and neighbors. VA Home loan specialist, Jumbo, Purchase, Refi, 2nd home and Non-Owner, get your FREE no-obligation quote.

Gig Harbor | 7700 Pioneer Way #202 253.224.1408 | AnchorBayMtg.com

f/anchorbaymtg

CUSTOM PRINTS NW

Gig Harbor’s premier shop for screen printing, embroidery, signs and promotional items. Call or email for a free design consultation today, by appointment only. When you need orders on time and looking great, contact Custom Prints NW! Gig Harbor | 2801 Hollycroft St. 253.225.7725

Jessica@CustomPrintsNW.com

CustomPrintsNW.com

JENNIE WETTER - INFINITY REAL ESTATE FOUNDER / MANAGING BROKER

As the Founder of Infinity Real Estate, Jennie’s top priorities are honesty, integrity and striving to create an exceptional home buying or selling experience tailored to her clients’ individual needs. As one of Gig Harbor’s top brokers, with more than 18 years of experience and 750+ homes sold, her expert negotiation skills will lead you to your next home. Join her Concierge program for an all-inclusive, customtailored approach to listing preparation for a top dollar sale.

Gig Harbor | 4221 Harborview Dr. 253.358.2010 | JennieWetter.com

jennie@infinitypnw.com

AMBROSE LOBATO DESIGN / BUILD

Our approach is to discover a design that reflects you and your way of living. We are a full service design company that can satisfy your architectural and building needs for residential and commercial products from concept through turnkey delivery.

Gig Harbor 253.303.1993 Office | 206.251.3983 Cell AmbroseLobatoDesign.com

VALONA PAINTING COMPANY

We are your full-service painters for both residential and commercial interior and exterior needs! Licensed, bonded and insured VALONAPC853MS. Valona Painting Company is your local home painting expert! Call us today for a free estimate.

Gig Harbor andrew@valonapainting.com

253.303.0359 | C: 253.985.0342

f Valona Painting Company

STEVE THE ARBORIST

An ISA Certified Arborist serving the Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor and surrounding Olympic Peninsula, Steve specializes in holistic plant health care and how your trees are interconnected with other plant life on your property. Services include general tree services, tree health and tree risk assessments, consulting and recommendations, arborist reports, pre-construction consulting and tree protection zones, and eco remediation.

Gig Harbor | 253.858.5474

TIMOTHY LOPEZ, AGENT AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Tim Lopez has been an insurance professional since 2007 and has much experience protecting customers’ dreams. American Family Insurance is an agency offering auto, home, life, business, farm/ranch, boat and umbrella policies tailored to fit your unique needs. You can count on this team to be honest and straightforward, and to put your best interests first.

Gig Harbor | 7512 Stanich Lane, Suite 2 253.858.7200 | tlope1@amfam.com

-

Stronger in 30 Minutes, Physically and Mentally Full-Body Workout Workout Changes Daily Trainer Always Included www.9Round.com @ 9RoundGigHarbor Uptown Shopping Center 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 100 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 514-6670 WINNER GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL’S 2021

IN THE MARKET OF SELLING

FUN

NW YACHTNET: THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’S PREMIER YACHT BROKER NETWORK

Bob Berglund and Kurt Kingman started their careers in the marine industry more than three decades ago, working for major boat dealers and yacht brokerages. In the summer of 2008, the two decided to partner and start their own brokerage in Tacoma—NW Yachtnet.

“We were held back in how much we could help a client find the perfect boat,” recalls Bob. “Other dealers wanted to mainly sell new boats, so the pool of pre-owned was restricted to just what the dealer had in inventory. Now, through NW Yachtnet, we can search the world, if need be, to find that perfect boat for our clients.”

Fifteen years later, Bob and Kurt have grown NW Yachtnet to be the largest brokerage in the Pacific Northwest. Late May of this year, the pair finalized their purchase of Gig Harbor Yachts on Harborview Drive, expanding their Gig Harbor office to that waterfront location—showcasing 400 feet of dock to display their boats. They now have five locations (Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Seattle, Olympia and Anacortes) and 20 brokers to better serve their clientele.

“Having so many locations really helps when it comes to not only locating a boat but also in marketing ones we have listed,” Bob affirms. “We also have one of the top websites on Yachtworld for boat traffic and leads nationally.”

At any given time, they have approximately 100 listings.

NW Yachtnet has sold boats in Alaska, South America and even Europe, but most of their transactions are here at home in the Pacific Northwest.

“We literally sell fun,” smiles Bob. “And for many of

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

our clients, a boat is a dream come true and a reward for working hard.”

NW Yachtnet’s Certified Professional Yacht Brokers have the knowledge, contacts and yachting expertise to give each client optimal service while maintaining honesty and respect, providing a seamless yacht buying and selling experience. “We are here to make boating the enjoyable experience it is meant to be,” adds Bob.

Most of the highly experienced team at NW Yachtnet grew up in Washington state around boats and the Puget Sound. “Our brokers have a vast knowledge of both power and sailing yachts, which really gives them an advantage in helping our clients make informed decisions—both during the buying process and after,” says Bob.

Bob and Kurt enjoy being able to share their passion and knowledge for boats with others. Youth sailing programs hold a special place to them, in which they support multiple programs. They also support the award-winning Gig Harbor Yacht Club program.

“Kurt and I really enjoy living in the South Sound with the incredible boating opportunities that It provides,” shares Bob, adding that they are grateful to have the opportunity to own a business in beautiful Gig Harbor. “Gig Harbor really is a community. You can feel it when you visit many of the local businesses and especially at events like Music in the Park and the Maritime Festival.”

To explore the variety of powerboats and sailboats available, Bob and Kurt invite you to browse their website, or stop on by to take an up-close look in person.

WHERE TO STAY

At this charming family run hotel, the team ensures each guest a memorable stay. Cozy with stylish design, guest rooms and suites are designed to fit each traveler’s needs. Pet friendly, amenities include outdoor heated pool and hot tub, patio with fire pit, and fitness center.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Gig Harbor Aesthetics believes in renewing your youthful glow. Utilizing luxurious skin and body care services, let their talented team of professionals give you natural-looking results. Specializing in injectables such as Botox and Dysport, be ready to leave feeling confident inside and out.

We GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL’S 2018

WA 98335 253.432.4437 • health@ghprimarycare.com • GHPrimaryCare.com

Salon Rivera Hair 253.858.2820 Salon-Riviera.com 8809 N. Harborview Dr. Ste. 201, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 A Prima Salon & Extensions Hair 253.509.0726 APrimaSalon.net 2609 Jahn Ave. NW. Ste. F-6, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

REAL ESTATE

Jennie Wetter • Infinity Real Estate, LLC 5775 Soundview Dr. Ste. B202, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.358.2010 • jennie@infinitypnw.com • JennieWetter.com

Gig Harbor’s local real estate professionals, led by owner and broker Jennie Wetter. Infinity Real Estate is dedicated to meeting clients’ needs, whether they are looking to sell or buy. Jennie and her dedicated team of professionals are committed to putting the client first, providing 100 percent dedication and care from start to finish.

Jennifer Hawkins • Key2See Team - Hawkins-Poe 8815 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.229.1414 • jennifer@key2see.com • Key2See.com

Memories begin in the home and are enhanced by choosing a community you will thrive in. At Hawkins-Poe, they are passionate about establishing that fit. The team’s local knowledge will inspire your process, allowing empowerment for your success.

Gretchen L. Allen • RE/MAX Northwest Realtors 4411 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 207, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.620.0028 • gretchen@homesbygretchen.com • HomesByGretchen.com

With 25 years as an experienced Realtor in our local real estate market, Gretchen takes great pride in working with her sellers and buyers consistently each and every day. Your real estate business is her top priority! She provides a clear focus combined with personal care in understanding your most important needs and with the highest level of integrity – second to none, delivers exceptional results!

Jaclyn Harkson, Windermere Professional Partners 2727 Hollycroft St Suite #210, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.549.3332 • jaclynharkson@windermere.com • www.harksonhomes.com

A Gig Harbor local, Jaclyn has a passion for serving others, is well-versed in the market and delights in sharing her Maritime City. A contractor’s wife, she is not only devoted to helping people find home but uniquely understands all that new construction entails. Each real estate journey is special, and Jaclyn seeks to come alongside you throughout the buying and selling process as a genuine friend with professionality and the utmost care.

MARINAS & BOAT LAUNCHES

Jerisich Dock • Marina 3211 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335 cityofgigharbor.net/187/Jerisich-Dock

Small half acre waterfront park in the heart of downtown that provides transient moorage for boaters and features a seasonal pump-out station, water and power. Restrooms, showers and life jacket loaner station are available onsite. Boats moored past 8pm must register at kiosk. Maximum stay allowed is three days in a 10-day period. First come, first served.

Eddon Boat Park • Boat Launch 3805 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

253.851.8136 • CityofGigHarbor.net/535/Eddon-Boat-Park

Historic boat yard listed on the Gig Harbor Register of Historic Places that includes the Gig Harbor BoatShop, a nonprofit organization that provides traditional shipwright educational classes and programming to the public as part of the city’s commitment to preserving the community’s maritime heritage. Restrooms, pier, float and kayake launch and life jacket loaner station are available for public use.

specialty stores and restaurants all located within walking distance in a charming outdoor shopping center. Shoppers can choose from a mix of national retailers and local merchants offering the latest fashions, or enjoy a bite at a wide selection of fine-dining or quick takeout restaurants and cafes.

THINGS TO DO

Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake National Park

by MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

Crater Lake National Park and Medford, Oregon, are perfect destinations for a dog-friendly vacation. Enjoy accommodations that love having pets as guests and outdoor dining options in the sunny days of summer. Adventures outside abound in Southern Oregon, featuring options along the Rogue River, a national wild and scenic river, numerous parks and lakes. Rogue Valley Wine Country has four wine trails which lead visitors to charming small towns and wineries around Medford. Stop at the iconic Harry and David store for some locally made treats.

Insider Tip: Visit TravelMedford.org, the official guide for the area. There is so much to do, and this article just scratches the surface.The Compass by Margaritaville is a new hotel in Medford that is a partnership with the Coquille Tribe and Margaritaville. The Coquille people’s “Spirit of the Potlatch” is a tradition of hospitality long practiced by the tribe. This welcoming environment is also pet friendly with a location that makes it a perfect base from which to explore Crater Lake National Park.

Although the size of a chain hotel, the Compass brings a resort feel with its high ceilings and tropical décor.

THE CIDERS RETURN FOR THE 10th ANNUAL CIDER SWIG!

130+ refreshing sips from the Pacific Northwest great live music featuring the Shy Boys delicious local food trucks

Experience one of Washington’s largest cider-centered festivals with more than 130 handcrafted PNW ciders, meads and more to sample.

Each ticket includes festival tasting glass, 5 drink tickets, live music, and access to food trucks, vendors, games and an awesome time! 21+ event

TAKE HOME YOUR FAVORITE CIDERS DIRECT FROM THE POP-UP BOTTLE SHOP! Proceeds support environmental education, restoration, land conservation and stewardship initiatives across our KGI watershed.

stay stay stay

The rolling hills of the Rogue Valley surround the pool deck, and the expansive lawn is popular for games of corn hole. The open-air bar has a beachy vibe with tropical drinks, and happy hour offering amazing specials each afternoon. The tropical décor carries into comfortable rooms with custom bedding. Families will love the bunk bed option with a choice of a kingor two queen-size beds, or splurge on a one-bedroom king suite for a couple’s getaway. Pets are welcome with a modest pet fee. Each morning, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet with both hot and cold favorites.Traveling with pets during the summer necessitates alfresco dining, and Medford has a variety of options. The Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor, located in Central Point, will delight foodies with the Rogue Creamery’s award-winning blue cheeses, Lillie Belle Farms gourmet chocolates and Ledger David Cellars. Pick up supplies for a picnic or relax at Ledger David’s outdoor tasting room to enjoy your bounty. No trip to Crater Lake National Park is complete without a trip to Beckie’s Café for the celebrated

Adventures outside abound in Southern Oregon, featuring options along the Rogue River, a national wild and scenic river, numerous parks and lakes.

eat eat eat

pies. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Beckie’s has been dishing up delectable comfort food since 1926. Get your pie to go and enjoy at the picnic tables nestled in a garden shaded by old-growth trees.

A local favorite is Jasper’s, with a variety of burgers, hotdogs and shakes. It’s a dive, but the outdoor garden area is pleasant with tables under shade trees and awnings. Order a burger patty for your dog to enjoy. Jasper’s also has puppy ice cream. Many of the wineries on the wine trails surrounding Medford have pet-friendly areas where visitors can enjoy outdoor tastings.

Insider Tip: Enjoy happy hour each afternoon at The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill in the Compass, which offers outdoor seating, and Fido is welcome. Great specials on food and drink.Jaws drop upon the first views of this water-filled collapsed volcano at Crater Lake National Park. It is absolutely stunning, as the rocky terrain contrasts with crystal blue water. The massive snowfall this year deluged the park with 52 feet of snow, so visitors will likely see snow into July before Rim Drive around the lake is completely clear. The park is surprisingly pet friendly with five trails that allow pets. These range from short hikes to the challenging Pacific

do do do

Crest Trail, which passes through the park. Other areas include the overlooks, roads, campgrounds, picnic areas and paved parking lots.

Insider Tip: Plan to arrive at the park early to avoid the crowds.

You will want to take Highway 62, also known as Crater Lake Highway, from Medford to Crater Lake National Park. On the way back, stop at the Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint for a short .3-mile loop trail, which has four viewpoints of the Rogue River Gorge and interpretive signs. It is pet friendly, but some animals may be frightened by the loud rushing water. Right next door is Beckie’s for a pie stop. A little further down Highway 62 is the Natural Bridge Trail. The shorter trail leads to an ancient lava tube where the Rogue River sinks away, running underground before popping back up further downstream. Later in the summer, when water levels are lower, it forms a natural land bridge. The trail is very scenic with plenty of benches for a rest or to enjoy the sounds of the birds chirping and the rushing water. This stop is also pet friendly.

The Specifics

Compass by Margaritaville CompassHotel.com/Medford

5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill CompassHotel.com/medford/eat-drink

Beckie’s Cafe UnionCreekOregon.com/dining/beckies-cafe

Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor TravelMedford.org/artisan-corridor

NPS.gov/crla

Rogue Gorge Trail

AllTrails.com/trail/us/oregon/rogue-gorge-trail--2

Natural Bridge Trail TravelMedford.org/natural-bridge-trail

YUM

your local dining guide

RECIPES

LOCAL FLAVOR

Dine Out In The Harbor

LUNCHBOX LAB

Experience the world's best burgers and shakes at LunchBox Lab Gig Harbor. Stop in for their boozy shakes (using locally produced ice cream), handpressed patties, organic fresh buns and premium ingredients. And they're always experimenting with new menu items—come see their newest creations! Complete your experience with an eclectic cocktail from the full bar. Open for lunch and dinner 11:30am to close daily for dine-in, curbside and delivery; private dining event space and corporate catering are also available.

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor

253.432.4061 | ToastTab.com/lunchboxlaboratory-gig-harbor/v3

F LunchBoxGigHarbor

Instagram | LunchBox_Lab

northwest-style fish & chips · clam chowder

MILKVUE HANDCRAFTED DONUTS + COFFEE

cioppino · bouillabaisse · steamers

Experience inspirational donut creations and the "happiest" customer service! Known for fresh mochi donuts, raised, filled, fritters and cake donuts, enjoy a variety of unique flavors including horchata, blueberry lavender, cookies and cream, maple bacon, raspberry and more! Also enjoy Italian sodas, Bubble Tea and Olympia Coffee. Takeout only. Stop in Mon.-Wed. 8am-5pm, Fri. 7am-5pm, Sat.Sun. 9am-5pm.

BBQ2U

There’s nothing like a plate of pure Southern comfort. BBQ2U brings all the smoky flavors of Texas-style barbecue right here to our backyard. Patrons are treated just like family and will enjoy the unique dining atmosphere. Open seven days a week from 11am to 8pm.

4814 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor

253.313.5656 | TexasBBQ2U.com

KETTLEFISH

Open Spring 2022 · 7806 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor

Freshly hooked and perfectly cooked! Opening in Gig Harbor in spring of 2022, KettleFish is the place to go for fresh and delicious Pacific Northwest seafood, featuring Northwest-style fish and chips, clam chowder, cioppino, bouillabaisse, steamers and more! Focused not only on preparing a delicious meal, with seafood sourced from sustainable resources, their steam kettle cooking process is extremely energy efficient and fast. To find out more and to order online, visit their website.

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor

253.432.4529

Instagram | MilkVue

F MilkvueHandcrafted-DonutsCoffee-114242959995704

7806 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor

KettleFish.com | 360.692.9611

F eKettleFishRestaurant

Refreshing Refreshing Refreshing

Peach, Feta & Zucchini Salad

Indulge in the flavors of summer with this unique and flavorful salad!

ingredients ingredients

2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

2 ripe peaches, sliced

4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh squeezed

Salt and pepper to taste

method method

• Combine zucchini, peaches, feta cheese, pine nuts and mint leaves in a large salad bowl.

• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat.

• Let the salad sit for 10 minutes.

• Serve and enjoy!

tip tip

You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices if desired.

Music Fills the Air All Summer Long

Annual family friendly concert series are underway

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

It’s the season we all look forward to—summertime! And each summer, music fills the air at Skansie Brothers Park and the Uptown Gig Harbor Pavilion.

The 2023 Summer Sounds at Skansie concert series kicks off on Tuesday, July 11, with performances taking place 6 to 7pm. Free to attend, the concert is a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday evening with friends and family. Bring a chair or blanket, and a picnic dinner, and sit back and relax to the tunes of some fabulous area artists. The series continues all summer long, with the final concert concluding the event on August 29.

Summer Sounds at Skansie Park Season Lineup:

July 11 - Beat Frequency (Pop/Rock/Dance/R&B/Funk Duo)

July 18 - Casey and Company (New & Classic Country/Classic Rock)

July 25 - The Jewel Tones (Motown-Inspired Vocal Trio)

August 1 - The Ante Up Band (Rock/Pop/Country/Classic Rock/ Blues/R&B/Funk/Reggae)

August 8 - Good Day Sunshine (Beatles Cover Band)

August 15 - The Beatniks (Classic Rock)

August 22 - Ian Ayers & The Soul Purpose (Reggae)

August 29 - Sounds Like Dolores (Rock & Dance Band)

Now that your Tuesday night entertainment is covered, if you’re looking for some more of those good summer vibes, you’ll want to make your way Uptown to take advantage of the Uptown Summer Concert Series. Performances are held 6 to 8pm each Thursday evening July 6 through August 10 at the Pavilion.

Uptown Summer Concert Series 2023 Season Lineup:

July 6 - Adam Krum & The Hwy 65 Band (Country)

July 13 - The Michael Crain Band (Classic Rock)

July 20 - The Shy Boys (Oldies/Classic Rock)

July 27 - The Profits (Party Rock)

August 3 - United By Music (Blues & Soul)

August 10 - Emerald City Throwdown (Funk)

Whether you choose to groove with the music at Skansie Brothers Park or Uptown Pavillion—or both!—attending these weekly concerts is a great way to spend a summer evening outdoors in Gig Harbor, enjoying some fabulous entertainment with friends and family in our beautiful city and showing support to regional artists.

AUGUST

Chalk the Harbor

Join Gig Harbor’s Downtown Waterfront Alliance downtown for one of the community’s favorite summer family friendly events, Chalk the Harbor. From 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 15, (the Saturday of the Summer Art Festival weekend), all ages are invited to come together for this day of self-expression and creating with that favorite coloring utensil—chalk! A maritime theme is always encouraged, though not required. Chalk the Harbor is a free event; chalk is provided. Judging will begin at 3pm. Visit GigHarborWaterfront.org/events.

Summer Sips @Uptown

In partnership with Uptown Gig Harbor and Locust Cider, The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is pleased to present Summer Sips @Uptown noon to 6pm on Saturday, July 8. Enjoy an afternoon of locally crafted libations and great live music throughout the day! Let your taste buds run wild with more than 60 seasonal beers, wines, ciders, spirits, sodas, kombucha, and other sips from the 253 to try. Tickets, priced $10 to $40, can be purchased online at EventBrite.com by searching “Summer Sips @Uptown.”

Golferitaville

COE

Join the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday on Friday, July 21, for a day of golf, fun and fundraising at McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard. You have the option to register as a single player or a group of four. Registration includes a round of golf, cart, official tournament hat, five raffle tickets, event gift, beer/drinks, breakfast bar, lunch and more. Shotgun start at 10:30am. The day concludes with a post player reception and awards dinner. To register to participate, visit Golferitaville.com.

Galloping Gertie

Run the famous Tacoma Narrows Bridge at the 2023 Galloping Gertie half marathon, 10k and 5k. Join the Gig Harbor Rotary North at Tacoma Narrow Airport on Saturday, August 5, for a day of fitness and fun for both running enthusiasts and the entire family. Featuring stunning views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding cities of Tacoma and Gig Harbor, registration can be done online today at Galloping-Gertie.com. Don’t miss out. Race start times are 8am for the half marathon, 8:15 for the 10k and 8:30 for the 5k. Local beneficiaries of this fundraising event include Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Children’s Home Society, and Communities in Schools Peninsula.

Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues Festival

AUGUST

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 12, for Gig Harbor’s Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues Festival. From noon to 9pm, enjoy live music (Billy Stapleton, All Funk N’ Games, Roeman & The Whereabouts, 9, Magical History Tour, The Profits, Red House, and HD Fusion with Maddy Dullum), local vendors, food trucks, and for the adults, a beer and wine garden. Tickets are priced $30 in advance (purchase at Harbor Barber, Finholm’s Harbor and Kimball Coffeehouse) and $35 the day of. Children under 12 are free. All details can be found at RockinRNB.com.

Hogs, Dogs, Rods & PinUps

A motorcycle and car show, you won’t want to miss this year’s Hogs, Dogs, Rods & PinUps, held noon to 5pm on Saturday, August 26, at The Gig Harbor Eagles. In addition to the fabulous cars and Harleys, enjoy the PinUp Girl Contest, live music with Northern Rebel, awards ceremony (trophies, cash and sash prizes), and of course hot dogs to satisfy your hunger while at the event. Proceeds go to benefit The Northwest Kidney Center. To participate in the show, reserve now, as space is limited. For more info, call or text Kathy Black at 253.301.9345 or email kathygh12@gmail.com.

RUN, WALK OR VIRTUAL RACE

JOIN US FOR THE 13TH RUNNING OF THIS LIFE-CHANGING EVENT.

RUN TO INSPIRE & HONOR THE VETERAN OR FIRST RESPONDER IN YOUR LIFE! RUN

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 | 07:30 GIG HARBOR, WA

HALF MARATHON | 5K

The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation is committed to finding the best tools and training to enhance the mind, body and spiritual well-being of our nation’s veterans, first responders and their family members. We believe they should be provided with the most effective programs that help restore their lives and overcome the trauma they face while serving their country and communities. PTSDFoundation.org

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