December 2017 Gig Harbor Living Local

Merry Christmas!

DEC 2017

LIVING LOCAL

l a c o L p o h S

BEST WESTERN

The effects of spending your money in local communities

Get Outside

- not your father’s yacht club GIG HARBOR YACHT CLUB TURNS 60 GigHarborLivingLocal.com

WESLEY INN

HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR FOSTER FAMILIES

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SERVING GIG HARBOR

Pharmacy . Full Service Repair . Home Delivery . Exceptional Patient Care

Olympic Pharmacy and Healthcare Services has grown into a leading provider of medical supplies and equipment to the Puget Sound area. Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality products, exceptional customer service and to be an active participant in our patients’ healthcare and well being.

We believe that offering exceptional patient care is a collaborative effort. Our trained and knowledgeable staff understand that every patient is unique and strives to promote a warm and caring environment where our patients feel comfortable.

4700 Pt. Fosdick Drive Northwest Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 (253) 858-9941 . Fax: (253) 851-9942

Because We Care.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Merry Christmas!

Thank you Gig Harbor for a wonderful year! Have a blessed and prosperous 2018 !

- Carolyn Westmoreland and Hannah Richards

Exceptional living, exceptional QUALITY CAROLYN WESTMORELAND Broker/Owner WESTMORELAND PROPERTIES 253-961-5596 carolyn@westmorelandproperties.net

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Exceptional Service, Exceptional Company.

Mark Wambold NMLS ID 248580 State Lic. MLO-248580

Direct 253.225.3352 | mwambold@fairwaymc.com

www.wamboldhomeloans.com

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This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or a commitment to lend.

Other limitations may apply. ©2014 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation FIMC NMLS ID#2289 (www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER WA. License Number MLO-248580.

PROTECTION FOR A

PLACE CALLED HOME. Home – it’s where life happens and dreams are brought to life. Let me help you protect what matters most with the customizable coverage you need and the support you deserve – all at an affordable rate.Let’s talk today.

Timothy Lopez Agency 7512 Stanich Lane Unit 2 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 858-7200 www.trlopez.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 011760 – 2/16

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LYDIA GELINE 253-242-0728 206-419-0775 lgeline@windermere.com www.lydiageline.com

Ca bou

STAND TALL TO Your friendly, neighborhood Gig Harbor dentist.

Your community is the most important thing in your life; Your friends Your family Your hometown businesses.

Your healthcare providers.

New patients welcome.

James L Aichlmayr, DMD, PS

253-858-2560

LIVE LONGER

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3220 Uddenberg Lane, Suite 6 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 harborviewdentistry.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2015

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BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2016

BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2017

Your NEW home, your lifestyle Find it in north Gig Harbor • Tour model homes

• Starting from the low–$400,000s

• Four builder choices • Walk to nearby shops, dining, trails and the YMCA GigHarborLivingLocal.com

TOUR

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WOODLAND SUNRISE

&

MAGICAL EVENTS DESSERT TABLES

Come celebrate life on the water.

"spending time in nature has a way of nurturing your soul "

Board the only authentic Venetian gondola in the Pacific Northwest and let the stress melt away.

We specialize in unique woodland themed parties, vintage tea parties and dessert tables, As well as party favors and decorations for Birthdays, weddings and corporate events.

Creating beautiful moments with a whimsical woodland charm.

206.747.7477 www.woodlandsunrisenw.com

You’ll feel right home.

Comfort andatStyle Gift Certifi cates Available Let Gig Harbor’s beauty be the backdrop of your celebration.

Visit GigHarborGondola.com

for more information.

John Synco Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard

3117 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 253.432.0052

gigharborgondola@gmail.com f Gig Harbor Gondola

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

3520 Kitsap Way, Bremerton 360.377.5582 • www.arnoldshomefurnishings.com

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Locally owned and operated Fine Jewelry, Custom Creations, Citizen Watches, Repairs, Appraisals and Serveware/Decor by Vagabond House * Special financing available

GigHarborLivingLocal.com 253.514.8478 | 4711 Point Fosdick Drive NW Gig Harbor, 9 WA 98335

DECEMBER 2017

VOLUME 7 NUMBER 12

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In Focus A beautiful waterfront and harbor such as Gig Harbor sends out a siren song that calls to the boater within, and next thing you know you are buying a boat. At least that is what happened to Gig Harbor Yacht Club Commodore Christine Neely and her husband David. Read about the Gig Harbor Yacht Club in this article by Marguerite Cleveland.

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Feature Story Gig Harbor resident Steve Tice is grateful. He is grateful to the Army medics who treated his shrapnel wounds on a bloody hillside in Vietnam almost 50 years ago. He is thankful to the helicopter crew that risked their own lives to lower a basket to him on that desolate hillside to airlift him to safety. Read about the work he is doing to help others with PTSD in this article by Dan Aznoff.

Travel & Leisure

This past summer, writer Colin Anderson and his wife Stephanie took a 1,300-mile road trip with a toddler, leaving Spokane, Washington, and heading through Bozeman, Montana, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Read about their stops along the way, including Jackson, Wyoming, in this article.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

ROUTE 16

RUNNING & WALKING gigharbor@route16runwalk.com | 253-851-2226

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

Manager | Route 16 Running & Walking Director | Grinch Trail Half Marathon Founder | Rain Tides Pub Club Race Event Director | Race For A Soldier Half Marathon/5k

Have you thought about treating it naturally?

Primary Care Providers Family and Wellness Visits Physicals Science Based Medicine Delivered with Compassion For appointments and information please contact us frontdesk@peninsulanaturalhealth.com

253.857.5544 • 5603 38th Ave. NW • Gig Harbor, WA 98335 ANNA COLOMBINI, nd

Naturopathic Physician Owner, Medical Director

Most Major Insurances Accepted

www.PeninsulaNaturalHealth.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Winner

GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

Eat. Shop. Enjoy.

MARKETING

Washington Director | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@livinglocal360.com Washington Marketing Director | Emily Maze 253.282.8862 | emily@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Jillian Chandler jillian@livinglocal360.com Senior Editor/Staff Writer Patty Hutchens | patty@livinglocal360.com Staff Writer Colin Anderson | colin@livinglocal360.com

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Groceries, Deli, Coffee, Boxed Lunches, Grab & Go Meals & Gifts STORE HOURS Monday – Saturday 7am-7pm, Sunday 8am-5pm DRivE THRU WinDOW OpEn Monday-Saturday at 7am

7804 PIONEER WAY, GIG HARBOR

253.358.3241

www.theharborgeneralstore.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Rachel Figgins Designer & Media Manager Maddie Russo

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS

Managing Partner | Kim Russo Executive Director | Steve Russo Operations Director | Jessica Herbig

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Christy Ash Gig Harbor, Washington

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by LivingLocal360.com.

If you would like to advertise with us please call 253.273.8524 or email info@livinglocal360.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at events@livinglocal360.com.

Living Local Magazine is published 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 Living Local 360, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

MERRY

Christmas from

Green Cottage Pets See what a difference a good diet will do for your pet.

A Health Food Store for Dogs & Cats

Featuring Human Quality Foods, Treats and Supplements 3028 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 253.851.8806

greencottagepets1@gmail.com www.greencottagepets.com

Leonberger puppy Odin, just in time for Christmas, waiting for his treats.

Primary Healthcare for All Ages Accepting New Patients

Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP-BC

• Sports Physicals

• Referrals

• Family Medical Services

• Well Woman Exams

• Annual Physicals

• Well Child Exams

• Preventative Care

• Health Education & Management

• Immunizations

• Chronic Disease Management

• Same Day Sick Visits

• Acute Illness Treatment

We work with our patients to create pathways for optimal health and wellbeing through an integrative and comprehensive care approach. Being your primary care provider involves treating the entire patient, starting with overall physical health while also considering other significant factors such as family, emotional, social and environmental health.

4423 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 306 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 432-4437 | RainierFamilyMedicine.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Located in the Gig Harbor Corporate Center Across the street from the Gig Harbor Library

PHOTO BY DIANE FETZNER

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Oh holy night ...

The Harbor’s Brightly Shining

Put your local photos up on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #GigHarborLiving to show us just exactly what you think is so special about Gig Harbor!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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PUBLISHER Making a Positive Impact AS WE APPROACH THE END OF THE YEAR, we should all take the time to reflect.

2017 was, to say at the very least, interesting. There were so many changes this year—hard changes— and most of these changes seemed divisive.

It would be easy to get pulled into the discussions that seem to divide most of us, and there would be a lot of material for our Living Local team to use when building the magazines. But as we all gather around our “war room” table and build our editorial for our publications, the No. 1 question we ask ourselves is, “Will this story benefit the community?” If the answer is no—if the story is just intended to stir up controversy to grab headlines—then it isn’t suited for our publications.

We take a lot of pride in our editorial and realize we are here for a more useful purpose. Our goal each month, with each publication, is to positively impact our communities. I want to ask you, our valued readers, are we doing our job? We sure hope you think we are.

Our mission continues to expand, and in 2018 we plan on working even closer with the nonprofits and causes our communities support. Our publications are a platform that they can use to leverage their mission while providing our communities with many benefits.

“WHERE FAMILY IS ALWAYS FIRST.” “ We are committed to providing professional, compassionate assistance in a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring a life of dignity and independence for seniors in our community.”

office

As Christmas approaches and 2018 is right around the corner, we can all take a deep breath and count our blessings as we hope for a better year; a year in which we put our energy into things that matter most, not energy into things that hurt us most. Be grateful for the blessings you have, and work toward a better future that can be so much more gratifying than any gift we can buy.

From our Living Local family to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Steve Russo Steve Russo Executive Director steve@livinglocal360.com

Merry Christmas!

LIVING LOCAL

ocal

Shop L

BEST WESTERN

- not your father’s yacht

ingLocal.com

address

4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. #312 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Get Outside

club -

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ABOUT THE COVER THE MIGHTY JOE is looking his best for the holiday season in this cover shot captured by local photographer Christy Ash in Gig Harbor.

This Christmas, rest in the traditions of your family and remember to relax and enjoy the time spent together! Merry Christmas from all of us here at Gig Harbor Living Local!

From illness or injury back to thriving in your Body, Home and Community

• Neck, shoulder to hand conditions treated • Parkinson’s Movement Disorders world acclaimed LSVT treatment of choice for Parkinson’s • Vertigo and Balance Treatments • Certified Aging In Place Specialist

Mariel C. Kraus, OTR/L LSVT-Big, CAPS-CGA

253-514-6842

5775 Soundview Drive Suite A-103 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

www.IntegrativeBody.net GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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#GIGHARBORLIVING GET SOCIAL & LIVE LOCAL! Use the tag #GigHarborLiving when you post your photos on Instagram and Facebook. Your photos will show up on our Get Social page at dif1998

and you’ll have the chance to see your photos in print right here!

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S E E M O R E AT W W W. G I G H A R B O R L I V I N G L O C A L . C O M CONNECT WITH GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE! facebook.com/gogigharbor

instagram.com/gigharborliving

pinterest.com/LL360

twitter.com/gogigharbor

Contributors

Brett Marlo DeSantis • Cheri Johnson • Deborah Olive • Marguerite Cleveland • Susan Moore Deanna Iff • Rhonda Savage • Darcie Miller • Dan Aznoff • Howard Mackert

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE Julie Reed Washington Director 253.273.8524 julie@livinglocal360.com

$500

Provides 40 local families with a nutritious weekend meal.

$1000

Helps assure at least 50 disadvantaged youth can participate in area sports and recreation programs.

Quick, Simple, & Easy Commitment to Put You & Your Client First In-House Specialists Work with a Lender You Can Trust

$2600

The average size grant from the Foundation to area organizations trying to deliver services.

The James Group AT ON Q FINANCIAL, INC. PETER & DAWN JAMES

How would it make you feel to know that—because of you—

peter. james@onqfinancial.com 253.988.0426

thousands in our community will not go hungry and will be looking forward to the New Year with hope? Or, that hundreds of

NMLS # 487468 | WA # MLO-487468

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would it make you feel, knowing that you

dawn.james@onqfinancial.com 253.988.0425 NMLS # 487467 | WA # MLO-487467

can help change the world?

In 2017 GGHF… • Provided over 8,000 hours of services totaling some $340,000 of support to community organizations, projects, events and activities.

• Distributed over $155,000 in grants, directed funds and services to area organizations addressing important community needs.

Since 2006, community support has enabled GGHF to provide over $5-million in community-centered assets, services and opportunities! Because of YOU, we are changing lives in our community.

To make your tax-deductible donation:

Contact the James Group Today!

WWW.THEJAMESGROUPONQ.COM

gigharborfoundation.org/giveONE or by mail to: Greater Gig Harbor Foundation 7191 Wagner Way, Ste. 102, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.313.1586 2727 Hollycraft St. NW #360 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Your ONE CHECK can make all the difference!

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On Q Financial Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender NMLS #5645 | WA # CL-5645

TABLE OF CONTENTS 31

22 Essentials

The latest tips and trends.

31 Life & Community Great local events and stories.

32 Uptown Holiday Shopping Map Visit Uptown this Christmas season.

34 Good News

Christmas party for foster families hosted annually at the Best Western Wesley Inn and Suites.

38 Gig Harbor In Focus

Celebrating 60 years of cruising, comradery and community service.

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42 Business Spotlight Harbor Fit.

44 Athletes of the Month Celebrating our student-athletes.

48 Living Local

Holiday host tips ... harbor style.

52 Hometown Experts The best local businesses.

54 Holiday Waterfront Shopping Map Don’t forget to shop the Waterfront this Christmas season.

56 Health & Lifestyle

Tips and informational articles about living a healthy, active lifestyle.

Would you like to receive this issue and future issues in your inbox?

Visit GigHarborLivingLocal.com and sign up for our FREE Digital Edition!

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62 Feature Story

Vietnam vet is grateful to be moving past the traumatic stress of his wartime memories.

70 Holiday Gift Guide

Creative ideas for the people on your nice list.

78 Effects of Shopping Local Supporting your neighbors this holiday season benefits the entire community.

90 Travel & Leisure

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Take a trip ... to Jackson, Wyoming.

97 Food & Drink

Discover Gig Harbor’s tastiest destinations.

102 Arts & Entertainment

Calendar of great local events, music and shows.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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GigHarborHomes Real Estate | LindaPetersenTeam

Image courtesy of the City of Gig Harbor©

Wishing You a Happy Holiday!

LINDA PETERSEN Owner/Broker

253-549-6290

TRINETTE GATES

LOAN ORIGINATOR | NMLS ID# 112074 CELL: 360.471.8211 OFFICE: 253.328.7291 TGATES@ENVOYMORTGAGE.COM

WWW.LOANPROGATES4U.COM GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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GigHarborHomes.com 253-853-2555 info@lindapetersenteam.com f / LindaPetersenTeam

SEANA WOHLFEIL Broker

253-549-3386

Practical Living

ESSENTIALS Article by Brett Marlo DeSantis

HELP WANTED:

OUR SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE

IN THE WORLD of construction, we are desperately seeking skilled workers in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, welding, HVAC and more. Great opportunities abound, so why aren’t these well-paid jobs being filled?

Frankly, we are steering our youth away from trades jobs simply by implying that tech jobs are the way of the future. I would challenge that thought. Fundamental trade skills are truly gratifying and completely necessary for our communities. There is nothing quite like working your craft and seeing your progress when the day is done.

Not to mention, being skilled at a trade will ensure one’s own livelihood.

Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs created the Profoundly Disconnected campaign in an effort to challenge the absurd belief that a four-year degree is the only path to success. It’s hard to believe in recent times of record-high unemployment and more than a trillion dollars in student loan debt PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PSD TRADES PROGRAM

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Your Local Gig Harbor Expert REALTORS We are bigger than just a home sale “Our Closing Gift is a donation made in your honor!”

Gretchen Allen REALTOR/Broker 253-620-0028

Gretchen@HomesByGretchen.com

Kathryn Dunham REALTOR/ Managing Broker 206-617-7619

www.WeDonateTogether.com

Locally owned, operated and trusted for over 30 years Give the Gift of Memories this Holiday Season

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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that 3-million jobs could be overlooked. Rowe is providing scholarships and opportunities through his foundation in an effort to make trades training more accessible.

According to CBS News, we lost hundreds of thousands of skilled tradesmen and women after the Great Recession hit. Fewer than half of those people returned to their trade. In addition, “For every skilled worker entering the workforce, there are five who retire.”

Perhaps the biggest reason we are seeing this skilled labor shortage is our lack of local educational opportunities. We do not have a national, even regional, skilled-trades educational system in our public schools.

Starting in our local high schools, we need to offer, prep, educate, teach, train and certify our youth.

Look around; construction is booming.

The existing housing stock availability has decreased and housing costs are soaring. Prices will continue to soar due to the shortage of labor and increasing costs of materials until we establish local programs to educate our youth in the trades and create opportunities for local manufacturers of regional materials.

The great news is that Peninsula School District is forging ahead of the pack to face this crisis.

The PSD Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program just kicked off this year! Partnering with community and industry alliances, the goal of this program is to prepare students to immediately enter apprenticeships where they will learn while earning industry-level wages.

According to Erin O’Neill, executive director of College, Career and Life Readiness: “We strive to ensure career-connected learning.

Giving students the opportunity to touch, see, feel, build skills and experiences, and work with masters in the field is critical. The Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program is the epitome of this kind of opportunity. Students not only learn important skills, they tour jobsites and post-secondary training programs, train for industry certification and gain preferred or direct entry into apprenticeships.”

These students will have the opportunity to get certifications with OSHA, First Aid and CPR, as well as learn how to operate a fork

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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and scissor lift. While learning about tools and safety, they will practice the math and science of each trade. The culmination of this pre-apprenticeship will end with a tiny house being built by the students and overseen by master craftspeople. During this process, the students will be meeting and learning from local mentors, craftspeople and businesses, therefore forging much-needed connections within our own community.

A A A H!

affordable adaptable alternative housing

With our support of this local program, our community could lead the way in creating new standards and opportunities beginning in high school for vocational training.

With our support of this local program, our community could lead the way in creating new standards and opportunities beginning in high school for vocational training. We would see our youth staying in our communities, enjoying and sharing their craft and thriving.

To learn more about this amazing program, check out their web page, or connect with real people with their feet on the ground: PSD401.net/skilled-trades-pre-apprenticeship Eric Morton, Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor: mortone@psd401.net

You name it.

John Selfors, Career and Technical Education Curriculum Facilitator: selfors@psd401.net

tiny house, granny suite, backyard cottage, sidekick-in-law, attached or detached, basement apartment, compact design, small footprint housing, love shack, on-grid-off-grid

Erin O’Neill, Executive Director of Career, College, & Life Readiness: oneille@psd4021.net

We build it.

BRETT MARLO DESIGN BUILD

253 376 7935 - brettmarlo.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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LICENSE # BRETTMD892QP

Schedule your Well-deserved Spa Day Today!

‘TIS THE SEASON …

BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED

BY ANNIE NYE, INTERIOR DESIGNER

IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR AGAIN that I see people with that panicked look in their eyes. They have created all these self-inflicted deadlines.

Some are self-improvements in preparation for the New Year. Some are home improvements to get things ready for visiting family. And some are gifts that need to be finished in time for Christmas. No matter how you stack it, this is the time of year that most people are trying to squeeze a lot into a little (and sometimes that’s just a dress for your holiday party)!

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This year, instead of panicking and stressing yourself out, take a moment and think instead of what the holidays really do bring to our homes and our local economy. Most of the time, they bring friends and family. They bring memories, games and, if we are lucky, they also bring some relaxation.

So, instead of focusing on last-minute home improvements, if our decorations are more lavish and extravagant than our neighbors or if our tree is even on all sides, take a moment to focus on those with different priorities. Think of people who are concerned where their next meal will come from or if they can pay their heating bill.

Think of our servicemen and women who are living halfway across the world so we can spend our holidays on native soil.

With the holidays fast approaching, there are those much less fortunate than ourselves that would appreciate some thoughtfulness; simple things like smiling or saying hello. I’m not saying that you should rush out to greet every person you meet with a hug. I am saying that instead of avoiding eye contact with them and hurrying past, simply acknowledge them.

These next few months are the time people (aka volunteers) ask for donations. Instead of feeling irritated by that, please feel blessed that you are fortunate enough to have something to give.

Plan for it so that when you see them or have someone approach you, you are prepared and have something to give. Instead of feeling guilty

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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passing by or saying no, you can exchange a smile and give them something to pay forward.

Local organizations ask for donations for the Food Bank. I’m sure somewhere in your cabinets you have items that can be donated. Your local community also does a coat drive that allows you to donate coats in various boxes around town that will get distributed to the people who need them. You can multitask by decluttering and helping your community.

It is a magical time of the year, and as our kids are busy creating wish lists and behaving to the best of their abilities, let’s be mindful that they are watching us, too. Set an example for them that is true to the holiday spirit. Instead of stressing about how your house looks, be blessed to have a house in which to host guests. Instead of complaining, relish the time you get to spend with that family member or friend who may not be here for the next holiday season.

Help them to understand the things you really need—and want—are things that can’t be bought.

YOUR YEAR-END FINANCIAL CHECKLIST SEVEN ASPECTS OF YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE TO REVIEW AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE

Your Life.

Your Goals.

Our Focus.

BY CHERI JOHNSON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS

Are you confident in your financial planning – retirement - legacy?

YOUR INVESTMENTS. Review your approach to investing and make sure it suits your objectives.

Look over portfolio positions, revisit your allocations against your goals, risk tolerance and current economic conditions.

Your Retirement Planning Strategy. Does it seem as practical as it did a few years ago? Can you max out contributions to IRAs or 401ks? Is it time to make catch-up contributions? Consider Roth IRA conversion scenarios. If you are 70 ½ or older, be sure to take your RMD by December 31st or IRS will assess a penalty of 50 percent of the RMD amount on top of the taxes you will already pay on that income.

Your Tax Situation. Have your CPA craft a yearend projection including Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The recent rise in the top marginal tax bracket to 39.6 percent made fewer high earners subject to the AMT—their ordinary income tax liabilities grew. Examine accelerated depreciation, R&D credits, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, incentive stock options and certain types of taxadvantaged investments.

Review any sales of appreciated property and realized/unrealized losses and gains. Look back at last year’s loss carry-forwards. If you’ve sold securities, gather up cost-basis information.

Your Charitable Gifting Goals. Plan contributions to charities and education accounts and make any desired cash gifts to family members. The annual federal gift tax exclusion is $14,000 per individual for 2017, meaning you can gift as much as $14,000 to as many individuals as you like this year, tax-free.

You could also gift appreciated securities to charity.

If owned more than a year, you can deduct 100 percent of their fair-market value and legally avoid capital gains tax you would normally incur from selling them.

Your Life Insurance Coverage. Are your policies and beneficiaries up to date? Review premium costs

and beneficiaries and think about whether your insurance needs have changed.

Life Events. Did you happen to get married or divorced in 2017? Did you move or change jobs?

Buy a home or business? Did you lose a family member or see a severe illness affect a loved one?

Did Mom or Dad need assisted living? Did you have a baby? Did you receive an inheritance? All of these should be reviewed to see if there is an impact on your financial planning.

Lastly, did you reach any of these financially important ages in 2017?

Join me for a confidential and complimentary discussion to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

• • • • • • • •

Income Stress Test Investment Management Retirement Income Strategies Social Security Maximization 401k Evaluation Beneficiary Audit Legacy Planning Risk Protection

• Did you turn 70 ½? If so, you must now take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRAs. • Did your turn 65? If so, you are likely eligible for Medicare.

• Did you turn 62? If so, you can choose to apply for Social Security benefits.

• Did you turn 59 ½? If so, you may be allowed to take distributions from your 401k without penalty, provided you no longer work for that employer.

• Did you turn 50? If so, you can make catchup contributions to IRAS and some retirement plans.

The end of the year is a key time to review your financial “health” and well-being. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of these items.

Cheri Johnson may be reached at 253.858.4411 or cheri@strategicwealthadv.com. Cheri Johnson is a registered representative of and securities offered through USA Financial Securities, Member FINRA/ SIPC. A registered investment advisor, USA Financial Securities, 6020 East Fulton Street, Ada, Michigan 49301. Strategic Wealth Advisors is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities. Copyright Marketing Library Pro.

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www.StrategicWealthAdv.com

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Investment Advisor Representative of USA Financial Securities.

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ESSENTIALS

WHEN 1 + 1 = 11

BY DEBORAH OLIVE, BUSINESS/LIFE COACH

MAKE AN IMPACT

FROM PAGE TO STAGE TO SCREEN, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” remains a favorite holiday story—and for good reason. The struggle between commerce and relationships is as real today as it was when Dickens wrote his novella in 1843. Scrooge, an old miser, sees no reason to disrupt his business to celebrate Christmas—or the few people in his life.

During an EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) conference four years ago, the CEOs were asked, “What would have the biggest impact on your business?” An overwhelming majority responded, “Highly skilled, motivated and engaged employees.” A year later, only a handful of those CEOs had taken action to improve relationships with their employees.

Why? It seems that for some, it’s easier to work with numbers than people.

Dickens’ plot relies on visits to Scrooge from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Christmas Yet to Be, to bring the audience along as Scrooge reflects on his life and emerges a changed man by the end of the story. Scrooge accepts the invitation to Christmas dinner that he previously rejected and finds it in his heart to give his underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit, surprise Christmas gifts, a raise and ongoing funds for Tiny Tim. Scrooge’s actions are totally unpredictable at the beginning of the story.

‘Tis the season to take a different approach and celebrate the ways commerce and relationships are intertwined.

Gig Harbor is home to many outstanding businesses owned by local people who work hard for the people they serve. Business thrives when we focus on relationships, not only with clients, customers or patients, but with employees, other business owners, our families and the community.

When it comes to relationships, 1 + 1 can = 11 rather than 2—when we look at all the ways we add value to one another.

“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” is a variation on the same theme.

Businesses enjoy three major forms of relational value.

R E L AT I O N A L VA LU E

Intellectual value. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers and tend to handle many parts of their business themselves. Contracting vendors, hiring employees or bringing in additional agents is a big decision for a business owner. Finding the right person or people involves more than filling a position. When done well, you hire knowledge that complements your own and frees you to focus on the areas of the business you’re good at.

Service expands and the business grows. When done well, the value is far more than 1 + 1 = 2.

Financial value. Entrepreneurs create partnerships that increase the financial value of the business. This may take the form of a traditional business partner, a venture capitalist, one or more premier clients,

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How will you astound yourself by the end of 2017?

When it comes to relationships, 1 + 1 can = 11 rather than 2—when we look at all the ways we add value to one another.

collaboration with a complementary business and so forth. The list is as broad as the imagination. When these transactional relationships are constructed so that everyone benefits, the value exceeds 1 + 1 = 2.

Unleash your potential

Social value. No business exists in a vacuum, and social value takes many forms. This includes the support of family or friends, loyal customers or a good referral. Business owners support one another through networking groups, the Chamber of Commerce, business associations and so much more. Businesses return support to the community not only through their products and services, but through donations of time and money to many worthwhile causes.

“I believe that you can go BIG without burnout and that when you dare to go to the edge of the life you’ve known and step beyond it’s borders, what you discover is a way of being that delivers results beyond your wildest dreams.”

Through the power of professional coaching

While commerce creates some natural tension, I hope you’re thinking of the broad tapestry of relationships vital to good business. If you’re a business owner, the holidays are a great time of the year to remember those who support you and your business. If you support local business, it’s a great time of the year to thank the business owners for all they provide to you and to our community.

Click or call for your complimentary discovery session today! deboraholive.com/LetsConnect/ContactMe/

Deborah Olive Business-Life Coach Call 253.209.2528

‘Tis the season to notice that it’s through honoring relationships and appreciating the people in our lives that 1 + 1 most often equals 11. Happy Holidays!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

deborah@deboraholive.com www.DeborahOlive.com 29

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LIFE & COMMUNITY HEART AND SOUL

IT’S A WONDERFUL WATERFRONT

By Colin Anderson

DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR comes alive each December as busy holiday shoppers look for those perfect one-of-a kind-gifts, locals take their visiting relatives to their favorites restaurants and coffee shops, and seasonal celebrations take place seemingly every night of the week. One such event will be sure to please the entire family and help keep your holiday spirits up. The weekend of December 8 and 9, you’ll be able to take a holiday sleigh ride right in Downtown Gig Harbor with an appearance from a very special guest.

up and down the Judson Street block and also get the chance to experience live Christmas music being performed as well as an opportunity to sing along with St. Nick himself!

There will be refreshments available at the Timberland Bank, and families are free to mingle before and after their ride. Sleigh rides will go from 4:30 to 7:30pm each night, so make sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on this fun occasion. While you might have several Christmas season traditions already in your family, there is always room for one or two more.

The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance is putting on the Holiday Hayrides once again. Families, couples or whomever else who would like a ride can meet at the Timberland Bank on Judson Street beginning at 4:30pm each evening. Rides are free for everyone and provided by Miracle Ranch, a fun and friendly Western-theme camp located in Port Orchard. Riders will go

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Enjoy a ride, carols and a hot drink before an evening out in beautiful Downtown Gig Harbor, and keep your holiday spirit alive all month long.

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Multicare Healthy Reflections Boutique Gift-giving that truly gives back! Love Your Melon, Grace & Lace, glassybaby and Mala Prayer all donate a portion of sales to a cause. Located in the Multicare Medical Park. 253.530.8118

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Lele Restaurant Stop by Lele Restaurant to enjoy traditional tastes of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Your journey will be unforgettable with noodle soup, pan-fried noodle dishes, rice dishes, spicy curries, or Vietnamese salads.

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Blue Agave Amigos! Blue Agave Gift Certificates are a great gift for everyone on your list. Feliz Navidad! Open all day every day starting at 11am. Blue Agave Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar!

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GOOD NEWS

It is a blessing to have the hotel to use to help others in our community. I always say it is God’s business, so we want to use it for his glory,” Sue Braaten said.

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR FOSTER FAMILIES

HOSTED ANNUALLY AT THE BEST WESTERN WESLEY INN AND SUITES

Article by Marguerite Cleveland. Photos by Marguerite Cleveland and courtesy of the Wesley Inn. SUE BRAATEN, HER FAMILY AND THE STAFF at the Best Western Wesley Inn and Suites had been hard at work getting ready for the highlight of their year— the annual Pierce County Alliance Christmas Party for foster families—which took place December 1 at the hotel. The Wesley has hosted the event for 11 years now.

Sue has long been an advocate for children living in foster care. She has served as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for more than 25 years and launched a foundation, the Homestead Community, whose mission is to create a community of homes and resources for children in foster care and youth facing homelessness. “I have always loved children and been drawn to help others. I truly believe we all have an assignment for our lives here on earth, and this is mine.

It is a blessing to have the hotel to use to help others in our community. I always say it is God’s business, so we want to use it for his glory,” she said.

The PCA Christmas Party not only impacts the foster

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families but is also a very moving event for the staff at the hotel. Kathy Heerema, sales manager for the Wesley, said, “The party makes our Christmas and gives you a giving heart.” She has been present since the very beginning. “The first year, we heard the funds for the kids were almost non-existent. As we started thinking about our own children and what we wanted for them, we started raising money to help these kids,” Kathy said.

“Our community was so moved that within three weeks we raised enough to get all the kids something very special. It was the year the iPod came out, and so that is what the older ones received. There were also great gifts for the younger children.”

All the foster families licensed through the PCA are invited to the party. They bring their own children and any youth in their care who range in ages from birth to 18 years old. Young adults who are alumni of foster care in the PCA housing program and who have children are invited as well. “The Christmas party is an event that my staff, foster parents and youth look forward to every year,” said Samantha Garcia, PCA’s youth services

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director. “The extraordinary amount of time and energy that Sue and her staff put into this party shows through in every detail.”

Samantha appreciates the time and effort that goes into making the event a success. “Sue gets the community involved and has dozens of helpers. Each year the families know that they will see Santa and Mrs. Claus, who sometimes arrive to the party via a firetruck. It’s a night where the families get to gather together, share a meal and enjoy each other,” she said.

“There’s nothing better than watching the kids’ and teenagers’ faces light up when they get to take pictures with Santa and of course, when they get to open the gifts. The gifts are always thought out, age appropriate and amazing! Yet, the gifts really are not the focus. The family centered atmosphere and activities make the gathering unique and special. Some of the best moments of the parties happen on the dance floor. Most everyone gets pulled in by the fun and energy from the kids and ends up dancing or singing along to a song or two.”

Sue’s involvement with children in care has helped her become compassionate and knowledgeable about their needs and what helps the kids to hold their heads up a little higher. “This event lets the kids just be kids, not a ‘foster child,’” said Samantha. “Sue helps to create an environment where the families and youth get to leave the ‘foster care’ label at the door and simply enjoy each other and get immersed in the spirit of Christmas.”

Guests who stay at the Wesley Inn will find all kinds of ways they can help children in foster care. A festive Christmas tree sits in the lobby, with raffle tickets offered for sale, with proceeds supporting the Christmas Party. If you are looking for a snack, bars of World’s Finest Chocolate are available for purchase with the profits going to the party. Each hotel room has a cute stuffed animal which is modeled after the hotel mascot, “Wesley.” They are available for purchase and help support the Homestead Community.

This year, the Best Western Wesley Inn celebrates its 20th anniversary, and what a ride it has been. Twenty years ago there were no hotels in Gig Harbor, and Sue, with her husband Ken, saw an investment opportunity.

In spite of having no hotel experience, they took the leap. “It was a great opportunity for a small business,” said Sue. “We chose the Best Western Flag because it offered the best business model for a small hotel and included marketing and a reservation system.”

Over the years, it has become more of a family business and a legacy that the Braatens will be able to pass on to their children. Their oldest daughter, Brooke Murphy, is the CPA for the hotel; youngest daughter Candace Rowley does the marketing; and oldest son, Bleu Braaten, has just come on board as the general manager.

“Having the opportunity to continue in the family business is a tremendous honor,” said Bleu. “Not many families have the rich history

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of serving others and giving back for so long a period of time. Both my parents have modeled what true servant leadership looks like, and it’s our job to grow what they started.”

With the family on board, the Wesley Inn will continue to be a valued member of the Gig Harbor Community for many years to come.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the BW Wesley Inn and Suites hosted an Open House December 6, inviting the public to join them for an evening of food, drink, local personalities and more.

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Please consult a financial planner *Must live in your home and pay taxes, any government agencies. These materials are *Must livespecific in your home and pay taxes, regarding your retirement insurance maintenance. not fromand HUD or FHA and were notplan. approved TM

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Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights considered income and will not affect Social Copyright©2016 Independent Mortgage reserved.

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IN FOCUS

By Marguerite Cleveland • C ourtesy photos

The yacht club membership is fun-loving and friendly. All are welcome to become members, and you don’t even have to own a boat.

GIG HARBOR YACHT CLUB TURNS 60

Celebrating 60 Years of Cruising, Comradery and Community Service

A BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT AND HARBOR such as Gig Harbor sends out a siren song that calls to the boater within, and next thing you know you are buying a boat. At least that is what happened to Gig Harbor Yacht Club Commodore Christine Neely and her husband David. The two owned a small ski boat when they were invited to attend a GHYC function in 2011. They found the club members so nice that they attended another event and then joined the club. After an afternoon on a club member’s sailboat, they were hooked.

“David came home and started looking online for boats even though we knew nothing about sailing. Club members helped us with everything once we found a sailboat. They vetted the boat and taught us everything we need to know to become sailors,” said Christine. This anecdote really describes what the Gig Harbor Yacht Club, which is celebrating its 60th year, is all about. It is a community group that loves Gig Harbor, helping the local community and being out on the water.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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OVER THE YEARS AS THE CLUB OUTGREW THE SHORLINE CAFÉ BASEMENT, IT MOVED TO A FEW LOCATIONS UNTIL IN 1991 A PERMANENT LOCATION BECAME AVAILABLE.

It all began back in the summer of 1957 when Helen and Danny Evanovich were having dinner at the old Shorline Café. According to Helen, “During a conversation with Merle, we were informed that he had been instrumental, with two previous groups, in starting a local yacht club, and both failed. Merle offered us the basement meeting room of the restaurant free of charge. He knew of my previous experience in starting two other yacht clubs and that we kept our boat in Gig Harbor, and that I was a familiar person in the boating crowd.”

And so it began. Danny and Helen worked hard all summer to promote the new club that would have its first meeting in October 1957. “One week before the designated Wednesday in October 1957, we placed ads in the Tacoma News Tribune and the Peninsula Gateway newspapers,” recalled Helen. When the big day arrived, the Evanovichs were happy that 28 people from Tacoma and Gig Harbor showed. “We immediately started forming our charter, bylaws and proper name. Walt Williamson served as our first commodore,” she said.

Over the years as the club outgrew the Shorline Café basement, it moved to a few locations until in 1991 a permanent location became available. The board purchased the old Gig Harbor firehouse on Stinson Avenue, which is now the current location of the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. Past Commodore Jim Anderson claims, “GHYC has rich traditions, and we are very proud of its history and honor all those who have and continue to take part in its voyage.”

According to Christine, “We are a fun group of power boaters, sailors and social members. We are 100-percent volunteers except for our chef. In all, we have 35 committees that oversee everything from social events, regattas, monthly cruises and maintaining our facilities. We remodeled our lobby and bathrooms all with volunteer labor.”

“The yacht club membership is fun-loving and friendly. All are welcome to become members, and you don’t even have to own a boat,” added Vice Commodore Linda Strand.

One of the more popular events the club hosts is their monthly rendezvous around the sound. Longtime member, Mark Tronca, said, “What can we say other than GHYC is an awesome social club!

With or without a boat, we all enjoy visiting and telling stories of our adventures. One of the best ways to enjoy our passion is sharing them with fellow members at our Rendezvous Around the Sound.

These are monthly weekend social events at different marinas from Olympia to Tacoma and Seattle to Bremerton as well as in between.

The rendezvous are generally between 15 and 30 boats depending on the location; some may even come by car and hang on the dock with us. Our events range from large-group potlucks to small-group progressive dinners on and/or off the dock. Cocktail hour is always a favorite as the fish stories get really involved. So if you are new to the area and want to meet new friends or learn more about what Puget Sound has to offer—or just have boating partners to hang and journey with—we are the club to join!”

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Gig Harbor Yacht Club For your next Special Event!

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Another milestone for the club this year is the 50th anniversary of the LeMans Race which was held on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

This unique race began 50 years ago with Past Commodore Dick Carlson and local boat builder Ed Hoppen sitting around Ed’s kitchen table one night and was inspired by the LeMans’ car race.

This year’s event returned to the roots of the race as it was held in 1967, with a special “Founders Class” for the first start. One member of the crew for each boat rowed a dinghy out to their team which is anchored while the crew remained below deck. Once the dinghy arrived, then the crew members could get the boat underway and start the race.

“Things can still get pretty exciting as the fleet of as many as 40 boats rushes toward the 100-footwide mouth of Gig Harbor where it leads out onto Puget Sound,” claims Erik Carlson, Dick Carlson’s son and chair of the race.

Community service is very important to the GHYC members. Twice a year, in the fall and spring, they conduct a fundraising event or drive for a local charity. The event they are most well-known for in the local community is the annual GHYC Lighted Boat Parade. Mark, who is the cruise captain for the event, said, “The Christmas Parade annual event is very special to Gig Harbor, and Gig Harbor Yacht Club is proud to be supporting this event again! Our goal is

to have at least 1,000 linear feet of decorated boats participating in the parade, ranging in size from canoes and kayaks to boats more than 60-feet long. The time, energy and heart that each captain takes in decorating their boat is an amazing sight to see. You’ll enjoy many creative decorations and even a chance to spot Santa or Rudolph.”

If you are watching from the shore, the club recommends these locations to view the parade: Skansie Brothers Park, The Maritime Pier, The Public Boat Launch Dock or one of your favorite restaurants that have a view from a table. The parade committee advises for those viewing from a dock the use of floatation devices on children as they are standing near the water’s edge in the dark. “The weather hasn’t stopped the parade in the past, but we do take particular caution if the wind is blowing constantly hard,” added Mark.

The Lighted Boat Parade will take place Saturday, December 9, at 5pm in Gig Harbor. Any and all boaters are welcome to join in the parade.

For more information, visit GigHarborYC.com.

Register at ghyclightedparade@gmail.com. If you are interested in visiting the yacht club, contact their membership chairs at membership@ gigharboryc.com.

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Gig Harbor

By The Numbers

1957

The year the Gig Harbor Yacht Club was started.

28

The number of people at the first meeting in October of 1957.

1,000

The number of linear feet of decorated boats the GHYC wants to have participate in this year’s Lighted Boat Parade.

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You

Classes For

LOCAL STUDIO CHALLENGES ALL

BY COLIN ANDERSON. PHOTOS BY JULIE REED.

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WE ALL LEAD BUSY days with a balance of work and home life, and although we often feel maxed out, we can all find an extra hour in the day. Maybe it’s getting up a little earlier, running errands more efficiently or accomplishing something over our lunch break instead of just staring mindlessly into our phones. If you can free up just a few hours each week, Harbor Fit can lead you on the path to a happier and healthier you with more energy to tackle life’s daily challenges.

Opened in 2012 by Michele Brooks, Harbor Fit differs greatly from a traditional gym.

“The idea was to create a small class-based studio which offers a small community feel as well as fun and unique classes,” said Brooks.

The studio’s location in the Finholms District offers a peaceful environment as you prepare for your workout. “You can watch the harbor seals as you work out and also see the fishing boats leave in the early morning,” said Brooks.

Harbor Fit offers several types of small group classes including a recent expansion to four different styles of yoga. There are instructors who specialize in Barre Method, and strength components are added to the spin classes for a total body workout. Members can help encourage one another’s journey to a healthier lifestyle by holding each other accountable during the exercise and nutrition challenges.

Cindy Werner began attending classes at Harbor Fit, became an instructor and as of

last year decided to partner with Brooks as a co-owner. Werner’s background in nutrition means even more is coming to the studio.

Harbor Fit will soon begin holding nutrition workshops to accompany classes with the goal of helping maximize members’ efforts in the gym—ultimately leading to a healthier life.

With all the family, shopping, meals and end-of-year planning this time of year, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves, but Harbor Fit wants to remind you that each week and each month is important. They are currently offering a two-week trial for just $25, or you can try out your first class for free. There is never an initiation fee or yearly contract, and class sizes are kept small so you can work directly with your instructor on accomplishing your fitness goals. Guests can pay by the class or sign up for a monthly pass which allows you access to as many classes as you would like. These run just $60 for students and $80 per month for adults, with no long-term contract. The daily schedule is posted online, and one click will reserve your spot.

As much as Harbor Fit is dedicated to helping its clients achieve their goals, they are also committed to keeping Gig Harbor a great place to live. Brooks and Werner are members of the Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance, participate in Girls Night Out and are proponents of Youth for Christ Ministry, which works to see that every young person

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in every people group in every nation has the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become part of a local church.

Whether your 2018 goal is to shed a few extra inches, keep up your current fitness or increase your strength and flexibility, you’ll be put on the right path at Harbor Fit. Instructors are friendly and knowledgeable and can tailor plans for all fitness levels. Burn off some holiday steam, enjoy the feeling after a good workout, make a few new friends and enjoy the new you—all it takes is just a few hours each week.

Harbor Fit 8809 North Harborview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 253.265.5464 michele@harborfitllc.com HarborFitLLC.com

As much as Harbor Fit is dedicated to helping its clients achieve their goals, they are also committed to keeping Gig Harbor a great place to live.

ATHLETES OF ALI CAMPIGOTTO & ZAYNA FAIRHART

Proudly sponsored by

BY PATTY HUTCHENS

ALI CAMPIGOTTO: Peninsula High School PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL junior Ali Campigotto is a dedicated athlete and student. An avid soccer player, Ali has earned Second Team All League in 2016 and First Team All League in 2017.

“I love the competition a soccer game brings.

Being on the field with my teammates competing is the best feeling in the world to me,” she said.

In addition to earning two varsity letters in soccer, Ali has also lettered in fast pitch two times. “In school I have maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA and have taken a total of six AP classes so far throughout my high school career.”

Still a junior, Ali is undecided as to where she would like to attend college but knows she would like to play soccer at the collegiate level and is interested in a career in either business or medicine.

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As a soccer goalie, she said her biggest challenge has been her height.

“Standing at 5’3” is not a usual height for a goalie,” said Ali. “My height tends to shock many when they see the position I play. I overcome this challenge by putting in more practice than others taller than me would to help push me over the edge.”

As an athlete, Ali has learned much more than just the fundamentals of the game.

“Overcoming adversity is a huge lesson learned from sports,” she said. “With the sports I play, I have learned how to deal with both success and failure. Learning to overcome mistakes and reaching those tough goals is a huge lesson I’ve grasped from playing sports that I have been able to apply to my everyday life.”

THE MONTH

ZAYNA FAIRHART: Gig Harbor High School SENIOR ZAYNA FAIRHART is committed to not only her academics but to athletics as well. She holds a 3.8 GPA and is in her first year at Gig Harbor High School after her father, George Fairhart, accepted the position of head football coach at GHHS. Before moving to Gig Harbor, Zayna attended Eatonville High School. “At Eatonville, I received six varsity letters, three for track and field and three for being a football manager,” said Zayna, who also received a letter this fall for being a football manager at GHHS. “The past two years I placed at districts in track and field. Last year I received all league honors. I also have been recognized as a scholar athlete.”

She is currently on the bowling team for Gig Harbor High school and plans on doing track this year.

beginners, but we are developing skills really quickly. I look forward to seeing how much we can improve this season.”

Zayna plans to attend a four-year college and is interested in a career in the medical field; something inspired by her involvement in athletics. “I have seen and experienced a lot of injuries. In the future I would love to help people who have been in similar situations that I have been in,” she said, and adds that her injuries have been the biggest challenge she has faced through sports. But it is those adverse situations that have also been learning opportunities.

“The odds aren’t always in your favor.

Unexpected hang-ups will present themselves in games and in life, but a positive attitude can change everything,” Zayna said. “Not every loss is a failure. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.”

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Photos of Ali by Claudia Campigotto.

Courtesy photos of Zayna Fairhart.

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living local

The Giant Lives What is lurking beneath the bridge

By Colin Anderson

WORKERS CLAIMED TO HAVE SEEN IT during the reconstruction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Divers brave enough to take an up-close look also share stories of a giant creature looming and lurking around the old collapsed bridge. Legends and myths tend to start with something small and grow more exaggerated as time goes on, but in the case of the giant octopus that makes its home under the bridge, there’s a very good chance this legend is at least partially true.

“The myth goes that the world’s biggest octopus lives under the bridge, and it’s true we might have the biggest ever, but it’s replaced all the time,” said Rachel Easton.

Easton is the education director of Harbor WildWatch—a marine and environmental education organization dedicated to inspiring stewardship for Puget Sound. Easton is referring to the Giant Pacific Octopus of which many make their homes in the sound with the crumbled bridge being prime habitat for the

cave-dwelling creature. While not big enough to come on shore and swallow entire buildings, the Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest such octopus in the world with the largest recorded being some 30-feet across and nearly 600 pounds! The reason Easton says the world’s largest is replaced frequently is due to the short lifespan of octopuses, typically three to five years.

According to Easton, the Giant Pacific Octopus

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creates its home in crevasses and caves usually found on the sea floor. When the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed in 1940, the rubble that fell into the water created all kinds of shelter perfect for these octopuses. A typical adult is somewhere around 16 feet long, but due to its body structure, can squeeze into unbelievably small spaces. Even more fascinating is how quickly they grow. “The female typically dies shortly after laying thousands of eggs in her den. Each start out as the size of a pea, and

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Gifts Gig Harbor T-Shirts Sweatshirts Souvenirs Women’s Sportswear Beach Decor Christmas Decor And More!

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only a few make it due to predation and other factors,” explained Easton. “There is no metamorphosis that takes place as they have all the parts they need from birth; they simply start getting bigger very quickly.”

Despite their closest relatives being clams, abalones and snails (animals that are not intelligent), the Giant Pacific Octopus is actually quite intelligent, due in part to its short lifespan. “They will interact with divers, can solve toddler problems like putting a shaped block through the matching hole or unscrewing jars,” said Easton. “When catching food they camouflage by changing their color, shape and texture to blend in with the habitat they are in.”

There are two ways to see these giants: Get in the water and search, or visit one of the greater Seattlearea aquariums, all of which have them on display.

Those living in aquariums are typically smaller, about 6-feet long, and once they outgrow their environment are released back into the sound. As creatures of

habit, once they’ve built their den, the octopus tends to stay nearby so local dive shops can point you to an area where you are likely to encounter them. While they have the power to wrap up and immobilize a human diver, these are not aggressive creatures and are more likely to swim away than to get into a fight with a diver.

While they have the

power to wrap up and immobilize a

human diver, these

are not aggressive creatures and are

more likely to swim

If you choose the diving route and you haven’t been down below away than to get into our waters before, you will find an amazing variety of wildlife in a fight with a diver. and around the collapsed bridge.

“There is a ton down there: kelp that can reach 100-feet high, rockfish, sharks, ratfish, seals, sea lions; and even river otters will come down from their homes to fish in the kelp forests,” said Easton. “Many

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Choosing the perfect home isn’t always easy.

But it doesn’t have to be hard either.

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Holiday Season!

Let me help you make the move that is right for you.

Call me for an easy, no-hassle consultation today.

253.732.0534 sue@suerand.com www.suerand.com

“Why Gig Harbor is a great place to live, work and play”

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

TECH TIP

HOWARD MACKERT, MACKERT AUTOMOTIVE, LLC

It’s That Time Of Year Again It’s that time of year again; time to check your coolant/antifreeze, especially if you’re a skier or driving over the mountains for the holidays.

Coolant does a lot more than just protect against freezing your block. It contains additives that control electrolysis and lubricate the water-pump seal. As the coolant ages, the acid level rises.

There are PH strips available to test the acid level, but be careful because they don’t read as accurately in long-life coolant (the non-green).

Just because your coolant still looks good doesn’t mean it is. If you use an old antifreeze tester that floats the colored balls, you are most likely under protecting your engine. With the high content of aluminum in our modern engines, you get tiny aluminum particles suspended in the coolant.

These particles will float the colored balls in the tester and give you a false reading indicating more protection than you actually have. The proper tool is a spectrograph which measures the deflection of light that passes through your coolant, indicating the exact specific gravity (freeze protection).

These days, there are more than a dozen different colors of coolant—make sure what you use is compatible.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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varieties of sea stars, snails and crabs [are] the octopuses’ favorite food, [and] if you see crab shells in a pile, an octopus den is usually nearby.”

There is also a very common relative of the Giant Pacific Octopus—the Pacific Red. These look nearly identical but have three distinct eyelash features which allows you to tell them apart. The Pacific Reds are about the size of your hand and live only about a year. “They are found in negative tide pools, and this past spring and summer places like Sunrise Beach were full of them,” said Easton. These also change color and are easier to spot without having to dive into the depths for a look.

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The world’s largest octopus could definitely be lurking under the bridge, but it won’t be swallowing ships or swimmers as the legends go. Tacoma has embraced the legend, and it’s fun to know that it’s not a completely made-up tale and, in fact, there could very well be truth to it. If you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures or the other fish, animals and invertebrates that make this area home, the Harbor WildWatch offers programs, interactions and talks throughout the year on everything that’s going on under the surface.

So the next time you drive over the bridge remember, the world’s biggest octopus might very well be right under you, and that’s no myth.

• Comprehensive

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Michael Wingren, md, mph & Kimberly Roberts, arnp 253.857.6166

6718 144th Street NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98332

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AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Looking to start a new business? Already own one? American Family Insurance has great coverages for great rates for your small business. Tim Lopez Agency is part of the Gig Harbor community. They help the business owner have peace of mind to know they have the coverage they need to protect their dreams.

Gig Harbor—7512 Stanich Lane Unit 2 253.858.7200 | Fax: 253.858.7700 TRLopez.com f/TimothyLopezAgency

GIG HARBOR’S

HOMETOWN

EXPERTS

NARROWS ELECTRIC

Are you looking for an electrician with years of experience and training? Narrows Electric, with more than 26 years of experience, offers the best in residential and commercial wiring, electrical repair and other electrical services to Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas.

Whatever your electrical need, call Narrows Electric today!

Gig Harbor—3509 57th St Ct NW 253.851.7077 | NarrowsElectricGH.com gary.narrows.electric@gmail.com f Narrowss Electric Gig Harbor

GREAT CAR CARE CENTER

With four service centers, they provide a range of high-quality professional services.

Tunnel car wash with hand prep and dry, oil change and other maintenance services, detail center, interior and exterior detailing and doit-yourself service, 24 HOURS – six wash bays and vacuum facility. Get a free wash with every oil change!

Gig Harbor—6750 Kimball Dr. 253.858.1888 GreatCarCareCenter.com

WILLIAMS TREE & STUMP REMOVAL

Modern and efficient tree removal equipment that will make your Gig Harbor area tree removal job go quickly and efficiently. Because of this advantage, your tree removal project will be completed in half the time of competitor companies. Zero impact to your property, their crews provide exceptional cleanup service. Call them today for a free estimate!

Gig Harbor | 253.229.4119 WilliamsTreeandStump.com f Williams Tree and Stump

DE RECAT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

de Recat PHOTOGRAPHY

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Professional photographers specializing in Vanity Fair style portraits. With over twenty years of experience in both the film and fashion industries, Lisa and Emile bring a certain level of style, elegance and richness to your photos.

Let them capture the effervescent spirit, that is you and the ones you love.

Gig Harbor—5727 Baker Way NW Ste. 206 253.514.6447 | DeRecatPhotography.com info@derecatphotography.com

CUSTOM PRINTS NW

CLEAN & CLEAR WINDOWS

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!

Clean & Clear Windows and owner Steve Greco brings a new level of clean to your home or business, with over 12 years experience in the window cleaning industry. They are licensed, bonded and insured for residential, commercial, interior and exterior window cleaning applications. FREE Estimates!

Your satisfaction is their goal. LIC# CC CLEANCW855KQ Gig Harbor | 253.225.3630 CCWindowPros.com

Gig Harbor—2801 Hollycroft St. 253.225.7725 Jessica@CustomPrintsNW.com CustomPrintsNW.com

CRUISE PLANNERS TRAVEL SERVICES

FIX AUTO

They understand the disruption an auto accident can cause in your life. This is why they offer one-stop shopping for vehicle repair, whether it’s a door ding, fender bender or major collision. Their claims experts communicate with insurers, helping you get back on the road.

Remember ... you have a friend in the collision business!

FIX AUTO GIG HARBOR Gig Harbor—2905 Jahn Ave. NW #8 253-858-3522 • WWW.FIXAUTOGIGHARBOR.COM P: 253.858.3522 TF: 866.328.3861 FixAutoGigHarbor.com

Save time and let them do the booking for you.

Cruise Planners is a local travel company that can assist you with all types of travel - cruises, land based travel and Safari adventures. They are here for their clients from the first call until the return of your trip.

Gig Harbor | Esperanza and Tony DeMarco 253.649.4292 | f TeamDeMarco esperanza.demarco@cruiseplanners.com BellaLunaTravels.com

NE ED

A BODY SHOP ?

EDGE PILATES STUDIO

HARBOR VIEW DENTISTRY

They are a specialty business offering certified pilates, comprehensive training, post-rehabilitative training and nutritional programming. The equipment based studio, through professional instruction, structures programming around each individual. Athletic and functional health, sports conditioning and rehabilitative continuance are worked with via one-on-one or duet sessions. Veteran instructors with a minimum of 10 years in the field offer multiple training options.

Gig Harbor —5727 Baker Way NW, Ste 203 253.225.3469 | EdgePilatesStudio.com heather@edgepilatesstudio.com

At Harbor View Dentistry, they are a neighborhood dental office in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor where they spend the time and energy to get to know YOU as a person while providing state-of-the-art dental care. They do this simply because they care and see you as a part of their family. If you are looking for friendly quality dentistry at a fair price, you will like it there. As always, they are accepting new patients!

Gig Harbor—3220 Uddenberg Lane, Suite 6 253-858-2560 | HarborViewDentistry.com f Harbor View Dentistry

VALONA PAINTING COMPANY

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

ALONA

PAINTING COMPANY COATING AND SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR

JULIE REED GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

CARPET CARE NORTHWEST

Carpet Care Northwest

Superior service at a fair price! Carpet Care Northwest uses premium cleaning agents in conjunction with state-of-the-art truck mounted steam cleaning systems to achieve superior results for their customers. They also offer upholstery cleaning, carpet stretching, repairs and tile and grout cleaning. Call them today! Estimates and advice are always free, and don’t forget your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Phone 253.874.4377 carpetcarenw@comcast.net CarpetCareNW.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

They are your paint and specialty contractors that provide not only interior and exterior paint services, but also drywall repair, wood work and wood repair, stain and varnish services, furniture refinishing and floor coatings. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, call them today! Licensed, bonded and insured. VALONAPC853MS. andrew@valonapainting.com 253.303.0359 | C: 253.985.0342

Julie Reed brings years of marketing and creative experience to help local businesses brand themselves in unique and effective ways.

Julie knows the Gig Harbor community and how business in the harbor operates. Please contact Julie Reed for all of your advertising and marketing needs.

Gig Harbor, Washington | 253.273.8524 www.GigHarborLivingLocal.com julie@livinglocal360.com f/GoGigHarbor

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The Downtown Waterfront Alliance invites you to SHOP LOCAL during the holidays.

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Str

eet

1.

All About U Health & Wellness Clinic 8811 N Harborview Drive Ste B, Gig Harbor 253.559.0220 | AllAboutU-Tacoma.com

13.

2.

Devoted Kiss Cafe 8809 N Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.851.0055 | DevotedKissCafe.com

14.

Williams Flower & Gift 7706 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.851.7673

15.

Cougar Wear 7700 Pioneer Way, #202, Gig Harbor 253.224.1408 | CougarWear.com

16.

dolly mama boutique 7700 Pioneer Way, #103, Gig Harbor 253.851.5113

17.

Sharons Spa & Resale 7620 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.851.3550 | SpaGigHarbor.com

18.

Better Eats 3308 Uddenburg Lane, Gig Harbor 253.225.4037 | BeBetterGym.com

19.

Imagine Great Things 7807 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.851.4474 | ImagineGreatThings.com

20.

Envy 7811 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.226.1332

Harbor WildWatch 3207 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.514.0187 | HarborWildWatch.org

21.

For the Love of Spice 3104 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.858.0272

9.

dolly mama too 3133 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.432.4692

22.

10.

Heritage Distilling 3118 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor HeritageDistilling.com

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Water’s Edge Gallery 7808 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.858.7449 | WatersEdgeGallery.com

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Rainy Day Yarns 3200 Tarabochia Street, Gig Harbor 253.514.6890 | RainyDayYarns.com

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3.

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Sea Hags 8805 N. Harborview Drive, Ste. 201, Gig Harbor 253.851.0459 | www.SeaHagsLLC.com

Harbor History Museum 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 253.858.6722 | HarborHistoryMuseum.org

Beach Basket 4102 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.858.3008

6.

Weathered Cottage 3306 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.530.0818

7.

The Nook 3226 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.432.1499 | TheNookGH.com

8.

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AR Workshop 3208 Tarabochia Street, Gig Harbor 253.844.3041 ARWorkshop.com/GigHarbor

Tickled Pink 3026 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.858.1751 | TickledPinkGift.com Alinda Morris Interior Design LLC 3016 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.579.8431 AlindaMorrisInteriorDesign.com No Dearth of Books 7803 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.853.3355 info@nodearthofbooks.com Green Cottage Pets 3028 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.851.8806 | GreenCottagePets.com

Health & Lifestyle I F Y O U C A N S E E I T, Y O U C A N B E I T.

Don’t Wish for It, Work for It

By Susan Moore, Owner, Better Gym & Better Eats, Gig Harbor ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN. Getting back to basics. We’ve all heard these sayings and thought them to be nonsense. No one wants to go back to the beginning of a path to get further down the road. But what if these are necessary mindsets to ensure success? As of this point in our society’s wellness research, we know one thing for sure, and that is that no one seems to agree on anything when it comes to how to be healthy. Most every concept has been proven and disproven through every conceivable study. But what if we just do what we’ve always known to be true?

Losing weight is easy. That’s right, I said it. It’s not complicated, and all it takes is consistency. It goes back to the saying that “abs are made in the kitchen.” Are you currently at a weight that you are happy with? If you can say yes to that question, feel free to skip to the next paragraph.

Still reading, aren’t you? Abs really are made or destroyed in the kitchen.

I have a number of rules about eating. I like rules because they are boundaries, and in my experience all humans function better when they have boundaries to work within. Even if they periodically go outside said boundaries, they did it because they wanted to and not because they didn’t know any better.

H E A LT H Y T I P

Curb Your Sweet Tooth Got a late-night sugar craving that just won't quit? Think fruit first. Resist that chocolate cake siren, and instead enjoy a sliced apple with cinnamon or fresh fig halves spread with ricotta. Then sleep sweet, knowing you're still on the right, healthy track.

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Gig Harbor Chiropractic & Massage Look at yourself in the mirror for a second. This is your forever body.

Saying I “don’t” do things is empowering; saying I “can’t” do something is demoralizing.

Boundaries. Don’t eat anything that can’t nourish your body in some way. Before you eat something, look at it and make sure you are eating it mindfully, no matter what it is. If it’s a candy bar, then you aren’t actively trying to lose weight. If it’s fast food, your goal isn’t to be healthy. You can give all the reasons— also known as excuses—you want, but every bite, lick and taste you put in your mouth has a purpose. It’s either fuel or fuel for later (fat).

Make your choice.

What kind of fuel you consume is just as important. We tend to take better care of our cars than our bodies. If you were to buy a new expensive German vehicle, would you put regular unleaded gasoline in your tank?

You can always buy a new car, but we only get one body. We need to treat it at least as well as we do our vehicles. If you treat your car like a garbage can, it’s because it’s not important to you. If you knew that it was your forever car, would you change how you treat it? Think about that for a minute. Look at yourself in the mirror for a second. This is your forever body.

Getting stronger takes practice. It also takes visualization. “If you can see it, you can be it.” Our bodies don’t speak English. When I am coaching people, I have to find words to cue people to get them to move the way I want them to. If more than one person in my session isn’t getting the movement I am coaching, it isn’t their fault—it’s mine. All I have to do to get someone to move better is say something in a way that causes a visual response. So if there is something you really want to do, visualize it. Take your time and don’t just visual the outcome but also what it realistically takes to get there. Now make a plan based on the visualization drill. It works … every time.

The last truth is “getting back to basics.” It could be my favorite. We’ve all heard it, but how often have you actually thought about it and done it. You should and can get back to basics in every part of your life. Want to lose weight? Get back to the basics of food; good basic forms of fats, proteins and carbs. Want to move better? Start on the ground learning to roll around and crawl before load-bearing movements; the basics you learned as a toddler. It’s the same with health and fitness as it is with finance, studying or even just trying to be a better person in general.

The most common time-tested sayings or clichés came from somewhere. Most everything we need to have a better life has already been found, invented or discovered.

Sometimes, all we need is simplicity.

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SLEEP & LOSE WEIGHT

SLEEP AND WEIGHT GAIN HOW I LOST 3 POUNDS IN ONE WEEKEND

BY RHONDA R. SAVAGE, DDS, UPTOWN DENTAL GIG HARBOR

A QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you ever short yourself on sleep and then find yourself grabbing food or drinks (especially caffeine) to stay awake? Or, do you find yourself working hard all day, doing the things you must, and then you try to go to sleep, but you’re wound up like a top? Do you perhaps have an issue with worry, insomnia or clenching and grinding?

Weight gain and difficulty with weight loss is an issue if we don’t sleep, as hormones and enzymes are regulated at night.

I’ve done all of the above, and have lost weight from better sleep. Research shows that women need seven to eight hours of sleep a night and men need an additional hour or more to feel really rested. What really annoys me is that I can gain weight simply by not sleeping enough.

That’s because two hormones, ghrelin and leptin, get thrown off kilter, as do many more hormones and enzymes, if you don’t sleep well.

sleeping and eating can be a hassle? But that’s not how we’re designed. Weight gain and difficulty with weight loss is an issue if we don’t sleep, as hormones and enzymes are regulated at night. You might think you’re sleeping, but your cells are wide awake, reestablishing your regulatory system.

Question: Do you have stomach acid reflux or heartburn? This can be caused by not getting quality sleep. Do you have high blood pressure or blood-sugar level issues? Do you have a history of cardiovascular disease, stroke or arthritis pain?

So what’s this about? Quite frankly, just between you and me, do you ever feel that

There are many reasons why you may not sleep well and suffer from lack of oxygen at night: • Limited airway, due to a high vault to the roof of your mouth • Extracted teeth as a young person, changing the shape of your mouth • Sinus issues • Large tonsils, uvula or broad tonsillar

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• • • • •

pillars Overbite Weight The size of your neck Genetics Medications

Did you know that one out of 10 people in the U.S. over the age of 12 are taking antidepressants? Antidepressants can cause a dry mouth, resulting in more decay, plus cause more clenching and grinding, thus interfering with a good night’s sleep. Something else to consider: Patients taking antidepressants can also have a higher risk of implant failure, based on current research. Patients who don’t sleep well often suffer more from headaches and jaw pain. Begin with an oral exam and X-rays.

Patients with sleep issues often have more cavities and gum disease. Then consider a sleep study. You can do this in the comfort of your own home; the home tests are very accurate.

Results are read by a board-certified sleep physician, and then you can find out about your options based on your diagnosis.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT CERUMEN (AKA EARWAX) NO, REALLY, PLEASE DON’T STICK THAT IN YOUR EAR

BY DEANNA IFF, AU.D., CCC-A WRITTEN FOR HEAR FOR LIFE AUDIOLOGY

THE QUESTION I’M ASKED most often is not directly related to hearing but rather has to do with ear hygiene. In general, ear cleaning appears mired in uncertainty. Are ear candles safe? Are Q-Tips really bad? What am I supposed to use instead?

The Facts About Wax Although cerumen is generally referred to as “earwax,” it is actually a combination of skin cells, hair and oils produced by the skin in the outer portion of the ear canal. While it can cause problems when excessive, the purpose of cerumen is protective, and a small amount is normal and beneficial. Cerumen helps repel water, dust, dirt and insects, preventing intrusion and potential infection. It also lubricates the ear canal and has antibacterial properties. Believe it or not, it typically migrates out of the ear canal on its own due to both the natural growth of skin from the inside outward and to regular movements of the jaw with chewing and talking.

frequently more is pushed further into the ear canal. This is potentially dangerous, as impacted cerumen can be pushed up against the tympanic membrane (eardrum), causing temporary hearing loss. The cotton swab may also contact the eardrum, which can cause perforations and/ or damage to the tiny bones in the middle ear, creating lasting issues with hearing and balance.

So How Do I Clean My Ears?

Each year, approximately 12-million people in the U.S. are seen by medical professionals for impacted or excessive cerumen. As long as your eardrum is intact (no perforations or tubes), following the steps below can help you avoid becoming an ear-cleaning statistic:

Ear candles are neither safe nor effective (that wax isn’t from your ear). Cotton swabs are not the answer, either. Inserting a cotton swab into the ear canal can cause problems in several ways:

• Soften the wax using a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal twice a day for no more than four days. You may also use an over-the-counter cerumenolytic, such as Debrox.

• Histamine is released when the skin in the ear canal is rubbed with the swab. This can cause itching and inflammation, which often then provokes further attacks with the swab.

• Once the wax is softened, a bulb syringe can be used to gently irrigate the ear canal with warm (body temperature) water. Pull your outer ear up and back to straighten the ear canal, and tilt your head to the side to let the water drain out.

• Removing the lubricating layer of cerumen can cause excessive skin dryness, which again can lead to itching and attempts at relief using a cotton swab.

• Some cerumen may be removed, but

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• This procedure may have to be repeated several times before the excess cerumen is removed. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few treatments, see your audiologist or primary care doctor.

YOUR DIGESTION AND REFLEXOLOGY AID YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM’S FUNCTIONING WITH REFLEXOLOGY

BY DARCIE MILLER, OWNER, LIGHT IN BALANCE REFLEXOLOGY

GENTLE & MINIMAL

A Holistic alternative to improved health

YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM is a vital system that begins in your mouth and ends, well you know, the other end. It is responsible for breaking down the foods we eat and distributing the nutrients to all of our systems and organs. Your body uses all of its systems to accomplish this. They all support each other, and when one system or organ is not functioning optimally, the body becomes out of balance and is at dis-ease which can result in disease.

There are millions of people today who are affected by digestive symptoms: bloating, gas, heartburn, belching, abdominal pain, indigestion and constipation.

There are more than 25 different digestive disorders, some symptomatic and those that can last a lifetime and be debilitating as well as life altering, requiring a medical professional for treatment. These include GERD, gallstones, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, Crones, celiac disease and colitis.

These are just a few of the ones we hear about on a regular basis. Some are related to diet and lifestyle, which may also affect any digestive disorder or symptoms you may be experiencing. Digestive disorders have become so common that you or someone you know probably has either digestive symptoms or disease. Do you or anyone you know cringe when eating particular foods? Have you ever remarked, “This tastes great, but it’s going to hurt later,”? Eating a meal or snack is not supposed be painful or uncomfortable; if it is, and you have not addressed this with your health-care provider, perhaps it’s time to do just that. All of these symptoms affect your colon—a healthy colon is a happy colon, and yet many do not know their colon is not functioning normally.

Digestion of food begins when it enters your mouth and continues as you chew and swallow your food, which enters your stomach continuing through your small and large intestines. Once your digestive system has extracted all of the nutrients, minerals and water it needs to nourish your body, unused waste is stored in your colon to be eliminated.

Any imbalance along the way can disrupt the natural process affecting the colon’s ability to eliminate optimally.

So, how does reflexology fit in with your digestive health? There are specific reflex points within your feet, hands and ears that correlate to your entire digestive system. By reflexing these points and other systems that support your digestive system, relief from your symptoms can occur. If you are receiving a doctor’s care for any digestive symptoms or disease, or working with dietary changes and other modalities for wellness, reflexology would be a wonderful addition to help your digestive system’s function.

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Vietnam vet is grateful to be moving past the traumatic stress of his wartime memories

BY DAN AZNOFF PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE TICE & FAMILY

GIG HARBOR RESIDENT Steve Tice is grateful. He is grateful to the Army medics who treated his shrapnel wounds on a bloody hillside in Vietnam almost 50 years ago. He is thankful to the helicopter crew that risked their own lives to lower a basket to him on that desolate hillside to airlift him to safety.

Tice is beholden to the doctors at the field hospital who saved his life, indebted to the nurses who cared for him while he slipped in and out of a coma for almost half a year and obliged to the Veterans Administration that identified his nightmares and personal issues as something that became known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS).

Looking back at his life since coming home from the war in Southeast Asia, Tice is grateful to the many people who put themselves in harm’s way to save his life, blessed by having two “beautiful” sons and his wife, Lisa, who he

says has been his strongest source of support for more than 47 years.

“I’ve been blessed in so many ways to have people in my life that helped me deal with the pain that went far beyond my bodily injuries,” Tice said in a loud whisper. “I watched so many of my friends die on that hillside. There were apparently larger forces at work. It’s a mystery to me, but apparently God decided it was not my time to die. I had unfinished business.”

That unfinished business, he believes, led to Tice becoming one of the nation’s leading experts and lecturers on PTSD, what is now referred to as PTSS. Tice served as a member of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was injured in the infamous fight to capture Hamburger Hill in May of 1969 that became a focal point for the anti-war movement across the United States.

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FEATURE story Steve Tice, 1985 inMadison, Wisconsin, speaking on a PBS Chicago special for Vietnam Veterans titled For Vietnam Veterans And Anyone Else Who Should Care.

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Steve Tice in Camp Evans, Vietnam. Just returning from a mission. March 1969.

The military decision to stage a frontal attack of a well-fortified hill defended by entrenched troops from North Vietnam came under scrutiny because of the high cost of American lives sacrificed to capture the small rise near the border with Laos that lacked any strategic advantage. The controversy erupted when the hill was abandoned almost immediately after it was seized.

The personal nightmare for Tice began on that spring day on Hamburger Hill when his right hand was blown off when he took a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade. He arrived at the field hospital with multiple stomach wounds and shrapnel in his head that was similar to the injuries that had killed many of his fellow soldiers.

His wounds eventually led to the medical decision by his doctors to remove his right arm and most of his shoulder.

Beyond the injuries to his body, the impact of PTSD removed portions of his life. He was forced to deal with an American public that turned away from him because of his service in an unpopular war. The ex-soldier suffered from years of sleepless nights that brought on paranoia and depression, as well as an inability to maintain personal relationships.

There were times—many times—he said it was just too much for a 21-year-old with a wife and young child to deal with. His first marriage ended in 1977. It was at that point that Tice began to work with a counselor at the Veterans Administration. Professionals with the VA inspired him to deal with his grief in a way that would allow him to face his deepest fears, especially the guilt of not dying along with his friends on that forsaken hillside in Vietnam.

No more anger Tice never envisioned himself as a counselor.

He was thrust into the position as part of his training to help his fellow soldiers deal with the mental scars of war.

“My anger was used up,” said Tice. “Sadness was my primary emotion for many years. I was sad about the fact that people continued to suffer years after they had sacrificed so much for their country in rice paddies halfway around the world.”

The key, he said, was working with his therapist at the VA and reuniting with his wife.

“Being a counselor had never been part of the picture. I had always seen myself as in the role of a college professor,” Tice said with a smile. “I

“My anger was used up.”

Steve Tice, with his father Lee Tice, recovering at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco, circa October 1969.

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found it therapeutic to work with people who had suffered many of the same nightmares that haunted me since Nam.” He was trained as part of the VA program to help soldiers with PTSD. His most rewarding experience has been working with veterans of World War II who suffered through decades of undiagnosed mental anguish. His compassion for veterans from the Greatest Generation can be traced to his own father, who survived the Bataan Death March when soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army forced 76,000

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“The individual has to feel safe so they are able to share the deepest, darkest part of their struggle— dealing with the PTSD.” American and Filipino prisoners of war to trudge across mountainous terrain in the Philippines only to be imprisoned in forced labor camps that had been disguised as prison camps.

Tice believes the lessons of leadership his father brought back from his own ordeal in the Pacific gave him the tools to survive his own personal demons.

World War II veterans he worked with in the ‘80s were suffering from many of the same complaints Tice is dealing with today.

“These days, it is often difficult to determine if the gaps in my memory or the pain I feel in my bones are a result of my war wounds, or just part of natural aging,” he said. “Probably a combination of the two.”

took place when anti-war activists protested his appearance on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. Tice went outside after delivering his prepared comments to confront the protesters and ended up in an extended conversation that covered topics from politics to war.

“The people who came to Madison that night to protest my appearance did not understand that we were on the same side,” said Tice. “Soldiers are as opposed to killing and hate war as much as the protestors on the street.

“The difference is that many of us did not have a choice. Others dealt with the situation by making the decision to serve our country with the hope that we could be part of the solution.”

Compassionate soldier

Tice is now almost 70. He said many of his friends are dealing with symptoms that mirror PTSD brought on by a personal trauma in their lives, including the death of a parent or dealing with a terminal medical condition.

The survivor of Hamburger Hill extended the lessons of his personal journey in 1991 when he helped found Camp Chaparral in the shadow of Mt. Adams on the Yakima Indian Reservation.

Tice has been forced to face new adversaries since he has become the face of the VA program to help veterans dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. His message was often drowned out by people who take to the streets to oppose war of any kind.

“The individual has to feel safe so they are able to share the deepest, darkest part of their struggle—dealing with the PTSD,” Tice explained.

One of the most memorable confrontations

The camp was originally established as a Healing Camp for Native American Veterans.

Subsequent development of an all-cohort

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Lisa & Steve Tice, Gig Harbor December 2016

Indian Group at American Lake VAMC didn’t work out because of infighting among the various participating tribes.

The camp then assumed the name of the sacred ground on which it was held. Camp Chaparral was transformed to teach or sensitize VA and other practitioners who work with Indian veterans on the American Indian Traditional Methodology of Healing.

“To take that first step and find safety, for a combat veteran, is very difficult,” said Tice.

“Making a person feel safe is, in part, about culture. You need to understand what they bring into treatment.”

The ideas presented at the camp, according to Tice, can be woven into many other realms of human communication, self-awareness and relations.

“Camp Chaparral has left a lasting impression on over 900 VA participants not simply as a place of beauty,” said Tice, “but as a way of life in the work that the VA does.”

Today, the camp is focused on providing a unique and positive experience to the VA staff. It includes hands-on interaction with Native American warriors, spiritual leaders, traditional healers, and tribal Elders and families from the Yakama, Umatilla, Nez Perce, Sioux, Makah, Lummi, Warm Springs, Karuk and Colville tribes.

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Lisa and Steve Tice in 1995 at Glacier National Park, Montana.

A symbol of real pain.

Tice may not have become the college professor who disburses wisdom from a lectern at a university, but he did pass on his social values to his two sons, who both became teachers. One of his sons, he said, works with children with autism.

home an impression of the name of somebody they knew or had died in the conflict. Tice emphasized that the memorial was not built by the government. It was designed and paid for by contributions from veteran groups and individuals across the country.

Full circle

“The monument is more than a memorial,” said Tice. “It is a symbol of the real pain that people continue to suffer from an unpopular war that took place in our lifetime.”

Tice’s personal nightmare came full circle in 1982 when he and 35 counselors from the VA traveled to Washington D.C. for the unveiling of the Vietnam War Memorial located on a 2-acre site located adjacent to the National Mall, northeast of the Lincoln Memorial.

Never one to hide his feelings, Tice said he is “outraged” by the threat of war the current leadership in Washington D.C. “waves in the face of those who want to inflict harm on Americans.”

“It was a healing experience,” said Tice. “VA counselors were brought a week before the official dedication so we could have a preview of the memorial and be prepared to help the thousands of vets who flew to D.C. to deal with the pain from their own past.”

Lawmakers, he said, do not comprehend the impact they have on individuals when they communicate policy through racist tantrums or painful tweets.

He described the evening before the unveiling as “a gift” to be with people who understood the agony of fighting in Vietnam—then coming home to battle enemies from within.

He concluded by saying that the current president does not understand the full cost of war on the soldiers who are sent off to fight in the name of freedom, or on the loved ones who wait for them to come home.

Tice said there are no words to describe the emotions that a Vietnam vet feels when he comes face-to-face with the names of so many of their friends who never came home.

Dan Aznoff is a freelance writer based in Mukilteo, Washington. His work is dedicated to preserving the stories of our lifetime so they can be passed to future generations. Dan can be reached at da@dajournalist.com.

“You cannot help but be moved by the tragic loss of life that took place,” said Tice. “And for what?”

More than 3 million people visit the memorial every year, according to the U.S. Parks Service. Many of those people will rub the wall to take

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LOCAL

Your guide to last-minute gift ideas

By Colin Anderson

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eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting down to the wire with the holiday shopping. We held out for Black Friday and still have a few outliers for whom we need to purchase a gift!

visit our local retailers and find just the right thing! Our area is home to some amazing local shopping, and we would be doing right to support them!

On the following pages are suggestions for what that special person in your life might like. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a variety meant to spur you on to

Get out there and get shopping! The first step is the hardest, but the rest come easy!

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For Him

Hydro flask Whether he likes piping hot coffee all day or iced tea still iced after a day on the water, a Hydro flask is a gift that will be used for years to come. Its stainless steel and trademarked insulation design keeps drinks cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours. Hydro flasks are BPA free and come with a lifetime warranty. You can order from a variety of sizes and designs from 12- to 21-ounce standards to 25-ounce wine carriers, 12- to 20-ounce coffee mugs, or 32-ounce and 64-ounce beer growler sizes. In fact, there are more than 183,000 different combinations, so you’ll certainly find one that’s just right.

Gag Books Dads love nothing more than to embarrass their kids, so why not give them a little extra ammo with a collection of dad humor books filled with crazy stories and lowbrow humor. Titles like “The Very Embarrassing Book of Dad Jokes” or “101 So Bad They’re Good Dad Jokes” are top sellers on Amazon, but you can find dozens at your local bookstore as well. If your dad likes cheesy jokes, this is a really Gouda gift to bring his joke game to the next level—the bottom.

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Gig Harbor Holiday Events Dec. 8: Fourth

Annual St. Lucia Festival, 5 to 6:30pm at Harbor History Museum

Dec. 8 & 9: Holiday

Hayrides with Santa, 4:30 to 7:30pm at Timberland Bank

Dec. 9: Lighted

Boat Parade, 5 to 7pm on Gig Harbor Bay

Dec. 10: Hark

the Harbor, 7:30 to 8:30pm at Skansie Brothers Park

Visit our online calendar at

GigHarborLivingLocal.com to find out more about these and other upcoming events.

Local Butcher Meat Basket What grill maestro doesn’t enjoy a great slab of meat that they can sear at their leisure or share with family and friends? Toss out the traditional gift baskets and put together a basket of meats from your local butcher. Generally speaking, local meat markets have the best natural meat selection and finest cuts. This is one you’ll want to wrap the night before as to not spoil. Pick up frozen steaks, chops, sausages, ribs or other favorites, pack them in a cooler and wrap them up a like a big present. Don’t forget to throw a couple of unique 22-ounce bottles of regional craft beer to complement the meat.

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Photo by Diane Fetzner

Grounds from a local coffee roaster We are all guilty of running behind in the morning and grabbing a $5 cup on the way to work. When you do have time to enjoy a cup at home, enjoy an artisan blend from your local roaster and save yourself the trip and extra $5. Speaking with your local roaster, you’ll help determine what flavor profile the woman in your life enjoys and how strong of a blend she is looking for. Many locally owned shops can tell you the farm your beans come from, giving you peace of mind that their beans come from fair trade. There’s nothing like the smell of great coffee to get going in the morning!

Watch from a local jeweler Sure we can all get the time off of our cell phones, but owning a nice wristwatch will never go completely out of style. Other than telling time, a watch can be a beautiful accent piece for both work and evening attire. Watches can easily match personalities, whether you’re shopping for someone who enjoys loud or modern designs and bright colors or someone who prefers a more vintage or traditional look.

A high-end watch is often a welcome addition for someone who has plenty of earrings and necklaces.

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Wine from a local winery Some of the best wine grapes in the world are grown in the Northwest, and our regional vintners are continuing to pile up awards for their work. Indulge the woman in your life with a bottle from a local winery. One of the best parts of picking out the right bottle is you can taste a few yourself before you find just the right one to gift. The winemaker can include notes about the bottle you select and offer cheeses, meats or desserts to pair it with, which can be included in the gift. Include a couple of future wine-tasting vouchers so you can go back for more!

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The Effects of Shopping Local Supporting your neighbors this holiday season benefits the entire community.

By Jillian Chandler

T

he holidays are upon us, and the shopping season has begun. The hustle and bustle during this time of year can be overwhelming and stressful, trying to juggle everyday life with the added work of preparing for celebrations to be had with family and friends. Many are looking for the latest and greatest deals, hoping to surround their tree with more than plenty of gifts for those they love. What if you focused more on quality over quantity; not looking for the biggest sale, but rather looking to your neighborhood shops for those unique, one-of-a-kind gifts? This not only will guarantee smiles on the faces of those whom you love Christmas morning, but your investment in local businesses supports the community throughout the year.

I recently had the opportunity to interview small, local, family owned business owners and hear from them directly regarding the importance of shopping local and its impact. After reading what they—our neighbors—had to say, may help you rethink how you shop this holiday season.

Sharon Kresse, owner of Sharon’s Spa and Resale Boutique in Gig Harbor, Washington, says, “Locally owned businesses make Gig Harbor what it is—a unique and special place where neighbors know each other’s names and people care about the community. Locally owned businesses keep Gig Harbor dollars in Gig Harbor instead of helping corporate headquarters. We don’t just run a business in this community—we are part of the community.”

She adds: “We have managed to survive and thrive in Gig Harbor for over 20 years. I’ve not only paid taxes all these years, but have hired locals, resold items from locals, supported local businesses and given back to the community with donations and time in many different ways. We do it because we care. We live, work and play in Gig Harbor.”

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Nikki Brook, also of Gig Harbor and owner of Mood, a specialty store offering home furnishings, gifts and original artwork, puts it simply: “Small businesses cannot exist without local support. We have a symbiotic relationship with our community.” She adds that local businesses give personalized services and experiences to their clientele, unlike the big retailers. In addition, “We offer unique and diverse goods that are specifically tailored to our local demographic. When our community invests in us, they receive an immediate return. We can continue to provide the products and services they love. When we’re thriving, we contribute to the local economy. Everyone benefits.”

Brent Eacret, who owns Alpine Shop in Sandpoint, Idaho, reminds us, “Behind every small business there are families who rely on customers shopping local. At the Alpine Shop, we employ an average of 20 people any given ski season. Many of these employees have years of ski industry experience. As a local business, we know that our differentiator is knowledge and customer service.”

He and his wife Nicole take pride in being members of the Sandpoint community, spending much of their off time volunteering in the community and donating a large amount to local charities and fundraisers. And as Brent adds: “By employing as many people as we do, that means we support those people through the money generated in our store and, in those families, continue to spend that money within our community. By buying local, you truly are putting your dollars back into our community.”

Sandpoint Furniture owner Mike Gunter has been a staple in the community for years. As he says, “The small businesses here are literally the ‘engines’ that drive and sustain our greater community. The creative spirit of entrepreneurship is truly alive and well. That is a sign of a healthy local economy, and we should all celebrate and support that.”

He adds: “We live here and most of our children and grandchildren live here, and we care deeply about this community. That’s why we invest in our education system, our law enforcement, our local 4H programs, our

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

local nonprofits such as Kinderhaven and Celebrate Life, just to name a few.

“Shopping locally is a great example of what goes around, comes around,” says Sandpoint business owner Robin Campbell of Great Stuff. “A vibrant local shopping district pays more in local taxes that provide essential services and beautification projects. It provides local jobs. Those employees have money to shop, and they also pay taxes. A healthy downtown generates energy and provides more entertainment opportunities as well. … In Sandpoint, we are especially blessed. All of our downtown stores are locally owned [and] carry a unique selection of goods that reflect the owner’s taste. We have some really unique stores.”

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, business owner Sandra Gunn of The Culinary Stone believes that supporting local businesses at the busiest time of the year keeps revenue internally in the community and helps boost it. In addition, when shopping locally, it helps support local jobs, local vendors and generally enriches the local economy. In addition, you get the personal customer service and hands-on attention.

“When shopping within our store you will have an overall great experience and elevate all your senses,” says Sandra. “Personal interaction still has great value to all of us and creates a more meaningful shopping experience. This still cannot be achieved with online shopping!”

Many of us recently gave thanks, surrounded by family and friends, while enjoying Thanksgiving feasts around the table; let’s extend our gratitude to those businessmen and women who serve our community and offer us superb goods—and a friendly smile. You’re sure to end your shopping experience with bags full of joy; and you may just happen to kindle a new friendship.

Now get shopping!

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Merry Christmas to our

Community and Families

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By Dan Aznoff

Familiar Faces Volunteers provide advice and expertise to enhance lives in communities throughout Gig Harbor.

Some helping hands offer a boost while others provide a strong shove in the right direction.

Volunteers come in many shapes and sizes. The people who donate their time and energy to causes in the Gig Harbor area have found innovative ways to improve the lives of their neighbors, starting with the youngest members of the community.

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Allison Flanigan Some people decide to volunteer out of a commitment to a cause; others, like Allison Flanigan, back into an obligation that becomes the focal point of their lives.

Allison was the mother of two young daughters when her oldest, Kaitlin, showed interest in joining the Girl Scouts. After researching what was available at the local school and her church, the successful business owner decided to establish a new troop for her daughter and some of her friends. Over the past 15-plus years, Allison has gone from Cookie Mom to the mentor and confidant to almost two dozen college coeds.

The experience has allowed her to expand her own horizons as well as play a pivotal role, in her words, “in the lives of some pretty amazing young people.”

When her younger daughter Hope wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, Allison wanted to be fair, so she formed a second troop.

To Allison, the most revealing factor about her relationship with her Girl Scouts is that most of them remained members of the troop until they graduated high school. “Most teenage girls would turn their noses up at wearing a Scout uniform to sell cookies outside a grocery store where their friends from high school could see them,” Allison said with a smile. “We were more than a troop of scouts. We are a sisterhood.”

Allison’s troops have done more than sell cookies. They have followed her example of giving back to the community by sewing pillows for cancer patients, visiting with seniors in retirement communities and by making hand-made toys for the children at the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The troops also “worked their tails off ” to stage a Christmas workshop that provided 200 under-privileged children the opportunity to make gifts for their parents.

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Deb Krishnadausen The dedicated mother knew what she wanted to accomplish in 2003 when she volunteered to serve out the final two years of the term on the Peninsula School Board. Deb Krishnadausen had the inside scoop on the situation because she had one child in elementary school, another in middle school and a third in high school. Her own children described the need for better facilities.

“My unique perspective allowed me to look at the individual needs of our students,” Deb explained. “I was able to see how our practices impacted their lives as well as their education. That means teaching becomes more than spending hours in the classroom just to be prepared to take standardized tests.”

Following her abbreviated term on the school board, she was elected to a full four-year term. She won re-election to another four years on the board last month. Parents and peers have described Deb as “a pillar of the community.” And she makes it her job to drop in for unannounced visits at schools across the district.

“My kids used to be uncomfortable when they saw me at their school until they realized I was doing my job and not there to spy on them,” she said. “It took a little longer for teachers to understand that I was just there to observe and not to judge.”

In addition to her elected duties with the school board, Deb also volunteers with the Franciscan Foundation in Tacoma and coaches a soccer team in the Gig Harbor Premiere League.

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Jennifer Stiefel A distillery that produces one of the most popular bourbons in the Northwest is not the first place you think of when scheduling a school field trip. But the president and founder of Heritage Distilling Company in Gig Harbor has opened the doors of her homegrown business to homeschooled students as well as classes from public schools.

Jennifer Stiefel has three children enrolled in the Peninsula School District and uses her background in elementary education to turn the sweet smell of her warehouse into a learning laboratory. Her business and her expertise have become a valuable resource for the Peninsula School District. “There is a great deal of science and math involved in the distillery industry,” she explained. “For the kids, we focus on science, math and the chemistry of distilling. We cover everything from the farmers who produce the ingredients we use to the essential oils that are produced as a by-product of distilling. We are not your typical manufacturing company.”

Heritage Distilling recently partnered with Puget Sound Community College near Olympia to establish a degree program in distilling. The program, Jennifer said, will provide two benefits. It will allow more people to learn about the industry so that the graduates can open their own business. “Plus, it will generate our own workforce.”

Erin O’Neil In 15 short months, the career and life readiness counselor at Peninsula High School has created programs that will impact students and the community for generations.

Erin O’Neil has created programs that have established career pathways in careers from technology to forklift driver. She has established partnerships with government agencies and the private sector, she said, to give students “options after they walk across the stage at their high school graduation.”

Erin moved to Western Washington from her home in Iowa with a clear vision of what she wanted to establish in the Peninsula District.

College, she explained, is not the right path for every student. She has also been responsible for implementing a program that provides college credits to students who complete regular core efficiency courses in high school.

Heritage Distilling is best known for its Brown Sugar Bourbon. In addition to its flagship location in Gig Harbor and one in Eugene, Oregon, the company is in the process of opening a series of tasting rooms in the Western Washington communities of Ballard, Capitol Hill, Tumwater and Roslyn.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

“Our goals are different than they were just a few years ago. The bar has been moved,” Erin explained. “The last thing you want to see is somebody graduating from college with $80,000 in debt and only qualified for a job that pays $40,000 per year.”

Courtesy photo by Joshua Bessex

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Travel & Leisure

Take a Trip …

By Colin Anderson & Stephanie Krebs-Anderson THIS PAST SUMMER, my wife and I took a 1,300-mile road trip with our 1-year-old, leaving Spokane, Washington, and heading to Bozeman, Montana, and looping through two of our most beautiful national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There were many incredible stops along the way including Jackson, Wyoming, a place we would both hope to visit again.

Her Perspective Jackson, Wyoming, is an easy place to love.

The town, together with the surrounding area, is known as Jackson Hole—and the two names are frequently used interchangeably, albeit incorrectly—but however it is referred to, it is nothing short of breathtaking. Flat ranch land ends abruptly into the base of steep mountain slopes, creating a rich ecosystem inhabited by the likes of moose, wolves and bears. In town you’ll find Western-style storefronts and historic wooden boardwalks connecting many shops and restaurants, which are a charming

reminder of Jackson’s cowboy roots. It won’t surprise you that a John Wayne movie was filmed here.

Jackson caters to all tastes and styles, with offerings ranging from the luxurious to the rustic. Multiple area resorts offer spa and wellness treatments and high-end accommodations. Boutique shops and art galleries dot the streets, between coffee shops and restaurants advertising buffalo burgers. A nightly “Shootout” is performed during summer months by the Jackson Hole Playhouse, which also hosts a popular Westernstyle comedy and dinner stage show.

Snake River Brewing sits a short walk from the town square and is absolutely worth a visit.

The micro-brewery boasts an excellent slate of beers and a delicious, ever-rotating food menu to match.

Just beyond the city limits, a recreational paradise awaits, with endless options

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for exploring the valley and mountains.

Whitewater rafting and horseback riding are available to those seeking an organized outing.

Those looking to build their own adventure will find hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails to navigate.

As you might imagine for a place surrounded by massive peaks, Jackson is magical in the winter. The town serves as a cozy oasis in the valley nestled between three ski resorts.

Snow King Resort quite literally runs into the edge of town. It is so close you’ll feel like you are already at the lodge while standing in the town square. If hitting the slopes is not your style, other popular winter activities include snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and dogsled trips.

Plus, there is always the shopping and spas.

Jackson serves as an excellent jumping-off point for visiting the area’s two national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Nearby Grand Teton Nation Park is a must-visit. Regardless of the season, the star of the park is the stunning

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THE GIFT O F WA R M T H It may be the warmest gift you give.

It’s called Project HELP. Project Help serves our members who need a hand to pay their winter heating bills. It’s a partnership between Peninsula Light Co. and Key Peninsula Community Services.

Your contributions go entirely to the fund—no administrative costs are taken. Contributions are tax deductible and Peninsula Light Co. matches every donation, dollar for dollar, so your gift goes twice as far.

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Jackson is not an unknown gem. On a summer day, at the height of the tourist season for the nearby national parks, it is not uncommon to see a long lineup of cars from the north slowly inching into Jackson with passengers eager for a break from the outdoors, lunch and a tank of gas.

The wait is well worth it, as this lovely little town has much to offer. You’ll quickly learn that you may come to Jackson Hole for the scenery—but you’ll stay for the cowboy charm.

His Perspective One of my first thoughts upon driving south into Jackson was, “Man, we need to come back here in the winter.”

While the town’s official name is Jackson, it’s easy to see where the Jackson Hole name comes from, as being in the center of town surrounded by stunning peaks you do feel like you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole. The surrounding peaks are home to three ski hills: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King and Grand Targhee. Teton Village is also not far to the northwest, and although I’ve yet to ride any of these mountains, a quick study of the trail guides suggests that a winter week in Jackson would be burning calves and cramped thighs, but plenty of fun memories.

But back to summer and the trip at hand. After a few nights camping and lots of sightseeing in the car, it was time to find a meal and stroll the streets of the city. As we were traveling in the busy summer months, stopand-go traffic started forming about 2 miles outside of town. With all the recreation and national parks in the surrounding area, the town swells during summer.

We were able to locate a parking spot, and thankfully Jackson is very easy to walk around, even with a baby in tow. I’ve been to many ‘themed’ towns in my travels, and the presentation of this traditional Western community was apparent from the first few steps. Facades on the storefronts all beckon you back to the late 1800s, and wooden-raised sidewalks added to the charm. Some might find it a little cheesy to walk by high-end stores, art galleries and fly shops all done up to look old and rustic, but I suppose that depends on how you see the world.

jackson, wy

40-mile long Teton Range, with its highest peak, for which the park is named, checking in at nearly 14,000 feet. A lake hugs the base of the peaks and is great for kayaking, paddle boarding and skipping rocks. With snow-capped peaks year-around, you’ll take more photos of the scene than you care to admit—or your spouse will believe is necessary—but the landscape is so striking you’ll feel compelled to do so (so it’s really not your fault). Watching the sun slowly sink behind the peaks is a perfect way to end a day exploring the park and the surrounding valley area.

It’s no secret that there is no lack of wealth in this

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Travel & Leisure

community. One really cool feature is the four arches made of elk antlers at the town square. Local boy scouts collect the antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge, and every couple of decades the old antlers are replaced with new ones—some 10,000 pounds worth!

While the population is less than 12,000 permanent residents, seasonal workers and wealthy business owners and celebrities create a much larger demographic. While we didn’t see any famous stars of screen or stage, not that we were looking too hard, it’s not an uncommon sight any time of year. One look at the listings in the multiple real estate offices will show you what kind of income you’ll need to afford even a modest place around here. There are plenty of high-end restaurants, but I was pleased to see plenty of more laid-back, local and affordable places as well, like where we had lunch—Snake River Brewing, the oldest brewery in Wyoming.

On the way out of town there were dozens of fly fishermen casting a line and many bicyclists taking advantage of the paved trail that leads all the way into Grand Teton National Park. While the peaks are massive, the valley below is very flat, making this an excellent place to go bike camping, as the trails are easy, paved and well maintained.

With such incredible beauty and immense outdoor activities, it’s not surprising people pay small fortunes to live here. Still, the town maintains a pleasant Western charm and offers enough to see and do without you having to be Oprah rich to enjoy it.

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While the town’s official name is Jackson, it’s easy to see where the Jackson Hole name comes from, as being in the center of town surrounded by stunning peaks you do feel like you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole.

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Eat Well Eat Local

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SALMON STUFFED AVOCADOS WITH SPICY MANGO SAUCE Recipe courtesy of the Waterfront Farmers Market The perfect appetizer to bring to a festive party this holiday season!

INGREDIENTS Salmon Mix: • 1 lb. wild salmon, skinless and boneless, cubed • 3 green onions, chopped • ½ tsp. ginger, grated • ½ tbsp. olive oil • ½ tbsp. sesame oil • ½ tbsp. soy sauce • Habanero sauce to taste

• Juice from 2 limes • 6 tbsp. olive oil • 8-10 tsp. habanero sauce (adjust to taste) • 8-10 sprigs cilantro • Salt and pepper to taste Avocado: • 4 avocados, ripe but firm • 1 lime

Spicy Mango Sauce: • 3 ripe mangos, peeled and cut into large chunks

METHOD • Preheat a large heavy skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.

• Coat salmon with olive oil. Place in skillet and increase heat to high. Cook for 3 minutes.

• Combine all the ingredients for the salmon mix in a bowl and stir together. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the mango salsa.

• Place the mango slices, lime juice, olive oil, habanero sauce, cilantro and salt and pepper in the blender.

Blend until smooth. (Taste and adjust the amount of habanero, salt and pepper to your preference.)

• Cut the 4 avocados in half lengthwise, remove the seed.

• Carefully peel the avocados. Drizzle each avocado with a little bit of lime juice.

• Fill the center of each avocado with a generous portion of salmon mixture.

• Drizzle the spicy mango habanero sauce on top of each stuffed avocado. Place the stuffed avocados and serve immediately.

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Gig Harbor 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW #400 253.514.6482 GreenHouseGigHarbor.com

BLAZING ONION Locally owned featuring 26 chef-inspired burger options, salad creations and more. Fresh, locally sourced produce and natural meats, chicken, buffalo, turkey and vegetarian options. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am11pm. Sports Lounge open Sun. 11am-10pm, Mon.-Thurs.

11am-11pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am.

4701 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor 253.514.6703 | BlazingOnion.com

HARBOR GENERAL STORE The Harbor General Store is a gourmet market, cafe and gift boutique, where the community comes to get supplies and gifts and feel connected. They sell goods that are quality and made in America and are passionate about the environment, creating jobs and supporting artisans. Open Mon.-Sat. 7am-7pm, Sun. 8am-5pm. Drive thru opens at 6am Mon.-Fri.

Moctezuma’s Voted best Mexican Restaurant in South Sound Magazine for 2015! Since 1978, Moctezuma’s has been the favorite of those seeking authentic Mexican food and award-winning Margaritas.

Go visit their Gig Harbor location and enjoy their Tequila Bar for daily happy hour specials and an array of delicious appetizers.

7804 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.358.3241 | TheHarborGeneralStore.com

Gig Harbor 4628 Pt. Fosdick DR. NW 253.851.8464 Moctezumas.com

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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

LOCAL FAMILY OWNED 1988

2018

We Simplify Life’s Transitions ✓ Plan

5315 POINT FOSDICK DR NW GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 (ACROSS FROM NEW FRED MEYER)

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858-RIBS

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Schedule your FREE 1-Hour Consultation!

253.777.5895 206.962.0015 RightsizingForSeniors.com

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Arts & Entertainment LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

TACOMA LIGHTED BOAT PARADE BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON A holiday celebration like no other.

By Jillian Chandler Photos by Lisa Helling

THE TIME HAS ALMOST ARRIVED when the Tacoma waterfront will magically light up as more than a dozen decorated boats will parade across the water, uniting the community and offering them festive holiday fun.

Saturday, December 16, starting around 6pm, gather with your family and friends for the annual Lighted Boat Parade, where a fleet of boats, large and small, decorated with holiday lights, travels along the Tacoma waterfront from the Tacoma Yacht Club Clubhouse along the Ruston Way waterfront bringing holiday cheer to all.

“This event is special because it is a way for children and adults to experience a little Christmas/holiday excitement and see the pretty lights on the water, not just on homes around town,” says Linda Dent, Tacoma Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade chairperson.

“Boats decorated with lots of lights, blow-up figures and many ingenious designs line up near the Point Defiance Marina, and the parade goes past the Yacht Club and along the shore ending at Delin Docks Marina,” says Dent. “We have no restrictions, so you never know what you’ll see. We’ve even had the “Big Guy,” Mr. Claus, and some of his elves on a boat.”

Last year, 18 decorated boats lit up the waterfront, and Dent is hoping for even more participation this year. If you are interested in participating in this year’s event, Tacoma Yacht Club members can sign up online. Should anyone from another Yacht Club, or just someone who would like to get in line with them, want to join, Dent asks that they contact her or the Tacoma Yacht Club no later than December 10. Call 253.752.3555 or email rhome4me@hotmail.com.

If you haven’t yet made attending this event an annual family tradition, mark your calendars for December 16 and be amazed by the lights of Tacoma Lighted Boat Parade—a holiday celebration like no other.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DEC

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

01

1, 2, 8 & 9. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tells the story of six delinquent children who were engaged in misfit behavior and go to church for the first time and are given roles in the Sunday school’s Christmas play, presenting a non-conventional Christmas story. The show runs through December 9, and tickets are priced $10 to $27 and can be purchased at ParadiseTheatre.org.

DEC

DEC

Deck the Harbor Decorating Contest

01

1-24. See Gig Harbor’s waterfront transformed into a magical holiday experience for all to enjoy as participating businesses decorate their storefronts and windows to create a festive, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland! Photo by Diane Fetzner.

01

Polar Express Train Ride

1-31. The magic of The Polar Express™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board The Polar Express™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.

Visit MtRainierRailroad.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

DEC

DEC

DEC

Breakfast with Santa

A Festive Christmas Revelry

Annual Tree Lighting at Skansie Brothers Park

02

It’s time for season for the eighth annual PenMet Parks and Peninsula Athletic Association Breakfast with Santa. Holiday music, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa and letters to Santa are all part of the fun! The Gig Harbor Kiwanis will also be providing a pancake breakfast. The event takes place 9 to 11am at The Boys and Girls Club in Gig Harbor. Pre-register online at PenMetParks.org or call 253.530.0722.

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The Bluegrass Minstrels invites you to join them for this free community event December 2 at 6pm. There will be music, carols and cookies! The event takes place at Lakebay Community Church Hall. There is a $6 suggested donation at the door to support The Mustard Seed Project of Key Peninsula Senior Housing Project.

KPCivicCenter.org

Gig Harbor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is the official kickoff to the holidays in Gig Harbor. Bring your family and join your friends and neighbors for an evening of entertainment featuring live music, refreshments and a visit from Santa on the fire truck! Don’t miss out on the fun! The Annual Tree Lighting takes place at Skansie Brothers Park 5 to 7pm. 253.853.3554.

Photo by Kelly Williams.

Upcoming Events - January 06

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PIER INTO FIRST SATURDAY THE NIGHT ART WALK WITH LIVE DIVE GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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TRIVIA NIGHT AT GIG HARBOR MARKEE

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YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN AT PARADISE THEATRE

DEC

14

Whimsical Snowman Paint Night

Head to Harbor General Store at 6pm and let your creativity flow as you paint a snowman. Cost is $25 per person and includes materials and instruction. There is limited seating, so sign up today via PayPal or email margaretolsonmeco@ msn.com stating which class you are attending! GigHarborGuide.com

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DEC

08

Holiday Hayrides With Santa

8 & 9. Children will love Holiday Hayrides with Santa! This magical treat meets at Timberland Bank on Judson and operates from 4:30 to 7:30pm both days. Refreshments will be available at the Bank, and the rides are free. Experience live Christmas music being performed and an opportunity for a brief sing-along with Santa. For more information, call 253.514.0071.

DEC

DEC

DEC

Light Up the Night: 4th Annual St. Lucia Festival

Lighted Boat Parade

Lucy Kaplansky in Concert

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Celebrate Gig Harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scandinavian heritage at Harbor History Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Light Up the Night festivities from 5 to 6:30pm.

This family friendly event features crafts, games and traditional Scandinavian snacks. Admission is just $2 for all ages.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Langford at 253.858.6722 ext. 6 or education@harborhistorymuseum.org.

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Gig Harbor Yacht Club invites you to a wonderful evening with the maritime holiday Lighted Boat Parade circling Gig Harbor 5 to 7pm. Come early and get your spot on the dock and enjoy the fun creativity local boaters work so hard to share. You might even see Santa and Rudolph with his bright red nose.

GigHarborYC.com

Make your reservations to see one of the finest folk singer/songwriters performing today. Lucy Kaplansky will be returning to Morso on Saturday, December 9, at 8pm. For more than 25 years, she has been performing with a remarkable solo career and has also been part of amazing groups that have included Shawn Colvin and Richard Shindell. For tickets, call 253.530.3463.

DEC

DEC

Hark the Harbor

Menorah Lighting

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Join the community under the Pavilion at Skansie Park 7:30 to 8:30pm for an evening of caroling. Songbooks and candles will be provided. Sharon Stearnes, a family oriented entertainer and accomplished musician, will lead carolers with joyful holiday carols while awaiting the arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship, all aglow in festive lights! For more information, call 253.514.0071.

Join the Chabad of Pierce County as they celebrate Chanukah with the annual public Menorah Lighting at Uptown, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive, starting at 6:30pm at.

The event includes traditional readings, song, dance and refreshments. For more information, call Kristin at 253.851.4557.

Upcoming Events - January 15

STATE PARKS FREE DAY

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LADIES NIGHT OUT AT JAVA & CLAY

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WINTER MOON PAINT NIGHT AT GIG HARBOR MARKEE

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25-28. TACOMA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

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t Fosdick Dr Nw Hours: bor, WA 98335 Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 7:00pm 51-5104 Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm 485@theupsstore.com Sun: Dec. 6, 13 & 20th GROUND, 3-DAY SELECT, 2-DAY AIR, storelocal.com/0485

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

stomer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid hen presented at a participating location. The UPS Store y owned and operated. © 2015 The UPS Store, Inc.

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2015 The UPS Store, Inc.

Offer expires 12/31/15

OVERNIGHT

1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2015 The UPS Store, Inc.

Offer expires 12/31/15

December 18th: Last day to ship UPS 3 Day Select Services for delivery for Christmas Day (delivery on Friday Dec. 22)

December 22nd: Last day to ship UPS Next Day Air packages to be delivered Saturday, December 23.

December 19th: UPS 3 Day Select shipments picked up today will be scheduled for delivery Tuesday, Dec. 26.

December 23rd: Delivery of UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Next Day Air and UPS 2nd Day Air packages processed and labled for Saturday delivery.

December 20th: Last day to ship UPS 2nd Day Air packages for delivery before Christmas Day

December 24-25th: Closed, Merry Christmas!

December 21st: UPS 2nd Day Air service for delivery before Christmas Day (delivery on Sat, Dec. 23)

December 31st- January 1st: Closed, Happy New Year!

UPTOWN GIG HARBOR 4810 Pt Fosdick Dr NW 253.851.5104 • theupsstorelocal.com/0485 Hours: M-F: 8am-7pm • Sat 9am-5pm • 10th & 17th Open Sundays 12-5 Support your local owners Jim & Kathy Endres GigHarborLivingLocal.com 112

an t REEn Reti th rW o ed H NO W r buy old an usA ?A I i a s CN RIN W Ji all in cl yoth R m ty g a ne t?DW lasT s e at pe th si hto ife sicEADG! 20 s e c c c huase OwFa ut!o m 6- of ar. ar t ?rCe FnE 40 ca W th faell t yRo otiv u a r J 6- s, e t r i Eo e 13 ru pa re smu. Dut o 13 nn y sul s to f t t (h ing op s i er do n u e o r in s l th no lar e H t. ar bo Ca ll r) fo

If you’re on our website looking at our classic cars for sale, you’re halfway to buying a true classic. We sell cars with lots of history to consumers interested in prolonging the history of a car that, well, most likely shouldn’t even be on the road considering its age.

OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS NOW OPEN AND AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE

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If the description reads “excellent shape” or “drives really good” that means it does exactly what we say it does.

RESTORATION • BODY PAINTING • TUNE • as ELECTRICAL WORK WeFULL draft each description and take pictures WORK of all the • defects and bad parts of the UPS car just much as the good parts. Please accept my personal invitation to come visit our shop and warehouse 7 days a week.

SALES SERVICE A L W A• Y SCONSIGNMENT A C C E P T I N G C O N S I G• NM ENTS A L W A YALWAYS S L O O K IACCEPTING N G F O R C O LCONSIGNMENTS LECTOR CARS TO BUY ALWAYS LOOKING FOR COLLECTOR CARS TO BUY

1940 FORD DELUX 1936 SERIES 70 2-DOOR SEDAN CADILLAC

A Beautiful example of craftsmanship and $36,000 comes with the “Jim’s Personal Guarantee’’ stamp of approval. $52,500

1978 VOLKSWAGEN 1966 PONTIAC BUS 8 WINDOW KOMBI II GTO Looking for a new owner, and one of the most surprising cars we’ve had to date.

Well cared $17,000for, just needs a little bit of TLC. $15,500

1940CORVETTE CADILLAC SERIES 62 1966 STINGRAY $48,000 GM to a Cadillac dealer in Rochester, New York.$26,500

This rare beauty comes complete with new brakes, tires, wire harness, fresh tune up, newly redone steering wheel and paint in a beautiful Antoinette blue. This car runs wonderfully, just needs to be finished on the inside. Comes with original shipping papers from

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206-406-1313 206-406-1313 We are are llocated in G Gig Harbor at We o cated in ig Harbo r at 3522 3 52 2 5 57 7 TTH H St. S t .CT C TNW NW

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