January 2016 Gig Harbor Living Local

JAN 2016

LIVING LOCAL

Skansie NET SHED

Foundation

Feature Story

Living Simply

Travel & Leisure /// International Travel GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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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.

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Trusted.

Referred Time & Time Again.

Working with the Westmoreland Group does make the difference.

DRIVEN. PROVEN RESULTS. Carolyn Westmoreland Carolyn Cares The Westmoreland Group • 253.961.5596

Exceptional Service, Exceptional Company.

Mark Wambold NMLS ID 248580 State Lic. MLO-248580 Direct 253.225.3352 | mwambold@fairwaymc.com www.wamboldhomeloans.com This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or a commitment to lend.

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

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Beautiful Living FOR EVERY

STEP IN LIFE

Bellesara - Harbor Crossing - Blackstone GIG HARBOR

GIG HARBOR

MANCHESTER

Now is the time to live with the ease, innovation and quality of a new construction home, and there is only one local Gig Harbor team to help realize your dream: RUSH RESIDENTIAL | ED ARO | THE JAMES GROUP AT ON Q FINANCIAL, INC.

WWW.RUSHRESIDENTIAL.COM

{

Address & Directions Model Home Hours Features & Upgrades

To pre-qualify for home financing, call Dawn James (NMLS# 487467) at On Q at 253-313-1586.

On Q Gig Harbor Office Location: 2727 Hollycroft St NW #360 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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On Q Financial, Inc. is an equal housing lender. NMLS #5645.

068i0000001v8ET

WHEN YOUR DREAM INCLUDES A FUTURE FOR YOUR FAMILY, WE CAN PROTECT IT.

Specializing in life insurance opportunities for you and your family.

TIM LOPEZ, AGENT AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE 7512 Stanich Lane Unit 2 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: 253.858.7200 Fax: 253.858.7700 f / TimothyLopezAgency www.trlopez.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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I’ll help you make the move that’s right for your lifestyle.

Ask me why January is a great time to buy or sell a home!

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

Mark Sigafoos 10111 133rd St. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98329

5801 Soundview Suite 101 Please sign & fax back to: 253-857-0757 or Drive, call 253-225-4016 253.732.0534 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 magazinepublishing@gmail.com

sue@suerand.com 253.732.0534

www.suerand.com sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

Installing Only the Finest Exterior Building Materials from Elite Exteriors

Happy 2016

• Mold & Moisture Detection • Thermal Imaging • Radient Barrier • Porches & Decks

5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.732.0534

sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

• Insulation

Serving you since • Soffi1998. ts • Weatherization Thank you for your business!

• House Wraps Elite Exteriors H o m e

Renovations

YEAR END SAVINGS!

FREE HOUSE TRIM

Elite Exteriors

10% off Siding, Windows, Roofing & Coating*

With complete siding replacement

* Book before January 20th. Not valid with other offers or specials. Mention Living Local. Expires 3-18-16.

Not valid with other offers or specials. With Your Local Shopper Ad. Expires 3-18-16

H o m Protecting e RHomes e n and o vCommercial a t i o Buildings n s in the Puget Sound Since 1998

Protecting Homes and Commercial Buildings in the Puget Sound Since 1997 253-405-0402

Elite Exteriors H o m e

800-589-1150 253-405-0402 Siding • Windows 800-589-1150 Roofing • Coating • Zuri Decking

R e n o v a t i o n sSiding • Windows •ELITEE861PB Roofing ELITEE861PB

Coating

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Elite Exteriors H o m e

Renovations

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5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.732.0534

sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

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One of the most important things in life... is pictures of family and friends. Photos pile up and you’re at a loss as to what to do with them. We have a great solution. Bring us your photo albums, loose pictures, video tapes, 35mm slides, 8mm films, picture frames, etc. We’ll scan, color correct, and save all of your memories onto DVD disks.

VIDEO TAPES

35 MM SLIDES

SUPER 8 & CASSETTE PHOTO REEL-TO-REEL 8 MM FILMS TAPES PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUMS TAPES

“I’m really glad we did this.

Our kids were too young to know their grandparents.” - Mark S.

Call Today

for Special New Year Pricing (253) 906-8395

Support Local Business • We accept

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n o i t olu

Your 2016 Digital Marketing

S

Call or email Julie today to get started!

253.273.8524 julie@livinglocal360.com

WWW.GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

MARKETING

Washington Sales & Marketing Director | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Patty Hutchens patty@livinglocal360.com Editor | Jani Gonzalez jani@livinglocal360.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig NOV 2015

SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENTS

Media Manager/Events | Kelly Williams kelly@livinglocal360.com

CAL

LO LIVING

Media Intern | Maddie Russo maddie@livinglocal360.com Y TURKE TROT TMAS CHRIS G-GIVIN TREE LIVINGLOCAL

StuRdenat-dRiuon WWW. GOGIGH

ARBOR .COM

NOVEM BER

2015

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS Managing Partner | Kim Russo Executive Director | Steve Russo

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer | Michelle Hoag

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by www.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.

We help you reach your target market & turn clicks into profit.

New in 2016 is our ability to direct a marketing campaign specifically to YOUR target market. Spread the word to YOUR customers more efficiently WITH US!

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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 Like-Media and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

- www.HarborHomeRentals.com -

We need YOUR home! People are booking their spring and summer stays now. Contact us to learn about renting out your property!

Harbor Home Vacation Rentals HarborHomeRentals@gmail.com

253.432.6672

CALL US TODAY AND MAKE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH APPOINTMENT Sedation Dentistry • Most Insurance Accepted Flexible Payment Options • Emergencies • Children Welcome Sapphire Whitening System • Cristal Veneers Friendly, Gentle, Quality Care

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MAKING HAPPY, HEALTHY SMILES NEW PATIENT EXAMS ARE ALWAYS

Michelle Green Family Dental

FREE

WITH BILLED CLEANING AND X-RAYS

5122 Olympic Drive NW, Ste #B-201, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 |

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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253.851.8151

| michellegreenfamilydental.com

PUBLISHER Make it Different This Year IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE we are welcoming in 2016. It does not seem that long ago when people were stocking their shelves, fearful of what the year 2000 would bring. Here we are 16 years later, and while a lot has changed much has remained the same.

One thing that never seems to change is the traditional New Year’s resolution. The statistics of those who actually stick with theirs is astounding – only 8 percent. So why not make a goal this year to do something attainable and fun.

There are countless civic organizations in our community. Why not plan to attend one each month? It is a great way to connect with others in town and find out about local events.

Like most communities, ours too is full of nonprofits who are in need of help. Volunteering can not only be fun but has many intrinsic rewards itself.

If you are someone who likes adventure, make a resolution to visit five new places this year.

They can be a day trip away or a fun weekend getaway. It does not have to be expensive and can add some excitement to life.

“ W H ERE FAMI LY IS A LWAYS F I RST.” “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.”

We at Living Local want to share with you our New Year’s resolution – to continue to grow our relationships with all in the communities we serve and work with our clients to be the best marketing partner they have. Thank you for putting your trust in us!

Creating. Connecting. Living Local.

Steve Russo

Steve Russo | steve@livinglocal360.com Would you like to receive this issue and future issues in your inbox?

Visit www.GigHarborLivingLocal.com and sign up for our FREE Green edition!

ABOUT THE COVER JAN

2016

LIVING

office

253.853.2033

web

familyfirstafh.com

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

LOCAL

THE HARBOR is the very essence of our community. It is the place we gather for festive celebrations and defines our rich maritime history. This cover photo by Michelle Hoag captures the beauty of Gig Harbor, the place we call home.

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We are the #1 distributed magazine in our target markets.

Wishing you...

! r a e Y y p p a H A

F I NH O L M’ S

GROCE RY

&

DELI

Wingman Brewery Night

January 15

5-7pm

Buying or selling a home? Call us today!

Gary & Sandy Jones

8812 N Harborview DR

Your Gig Harbor Real Estate Team

Gig Harbor, Washington

(253) 514-1988

(253) 851-2229

Experience • Efficiency • Passion

For all your mortgage needs...

Call me today!

NMLS #1850

Debbie Mishko

Loan officer, MLO 10968

5201 Olympic DR NW Suite 110 (360) 239-1942 debbie.mishko@apmortgage.com

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FIND MORE at GigHarborLivingLocal.com

WWW.GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

JANUARY 15-17 MONSTER JAM Monster Jam is returning to the Tacoma Dome! Bring your friends and family to this popular event. Watch the Monster Jam truck line-up and see some of the most exciting races, freestyle, donuts and wheelies in one night! Buy tickets online at tacomadome.org/monster-jam.

FEATURE STORY 48 A Shark Tank Adventure For those who love to invent and create, the thought of producing a product that will change the lives of many is often thought to be an unattainable goal. In this story by Jani Gonzalez, you will meet two individuals from North Idaho who not only captured the attention of the judges on the famous show Shark Tank, but they landed a record setting deal with the sharks. Their story is sure to inspire many entrepreneurs.

JANUARY 21 FISH, GAME & GRAIN DINNER AT MORSO The bounty from our great outdoors spans from our coasts, fields, forests, plains and streams. Highlighting this diversity in foods and tradition, Morso has planned a beautiful dinner at 6:30pm celebrating some of our outdoor bounty from heirloom grains, to seafood and game with wines to highlight their unique flavors. $100/ person.

FEATURE STORY

62 The Road To Simplicity

In a world that is full of materialism and instant gratification, this story by Megan Olson will leave you longing for a simpler life. She shares her own personal challenges and offers tips on how to simplify your life, offering steps you can take to experience a less complicated and more joyful world. After reading this story, you may just find yourself making a different New Year’s resolution this year!

CONNECT WITH GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE facebook.com/gogigharbor

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

Green Cottage Pets

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

A Health Food Store for Dogs & Cats

3028 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 253.851.8806

greencottagepets@earthlink.net www.greencottagepets.com

Painting Parties

Art by Tami

Rosa is a havanese; she is happy about her treats from Santa!

“I didn’t lose my independence, I gained it along with parts of my life I thought were gone forever. My caregiver is incredible, thanks again for bringing her to me.” —Ms. Jean V.

Tap into your creative side with local artist Tami Figliola. A happy and unique experience!

• Girls, Family & Couples Nights • Corporate Parties and Team Building

• One-on-One Private • Birthday Parties and Fun for ALL Ages • Art Parties & Classes

All materials provided with hands on step-by-step instructions by Tami at your location or her Studio.

Everyone leaves with a masterpiece!

WWW.ARTBYTAMI.COM

Toll Free 844.530.4455 • slawson@homecarepioneers.com

TEXT OR CALL 253.227.1565 • LIPPY2B@AOL.COM

www.homecarepioneers.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Contents Gonzalez • Megan Olson • Joanna Sappenfield • Candace Ramirez CONTRIBUTORS: Jani Joy Peterson • Maddi Russo • Kellie French • Diane Fetzner

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16

30

34

16 Home & Essentials The latest tips and trends.

24 Life & Community Great local events and stories.

28 Business Spotlight Home away from home.

30 Good News Finding one’s purpose.

34 Gig Harbor in Focus

Local Lion’s Clubs raise funds for measles vaccinations.

37 Business Spotlight Delectably delicious.

38 Athletes of the Month

James Ritchie and Sam Gagliardi.

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48 Feature Story

Startup garners nationwide attention.

56 Arts & Entertainment

Monthly calendar of great local events, music and shows.

62 Feature Story The road to simplicity.

70 Shop in Style The best local shopping.

76 Health & Lifestyle

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

82 Food & Drink

Discover Gig Harbor’s tastiest destinations.

88 Travel & Leisure An international experience.

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KNOWLEDGEABLE ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER seeks adventurous cat owner. agent seeks customers Please be employed and willing to relocate.

Especially fond of looking for real FATHER OF EIGHT seeks black and lady. whiteMust tuxedo cats. energetic love PROTECTION and long All responses be answered. kids, be fit andwill ready to jump forthe thatfun.

Purrr-fect OFLooking seeks inEIGHT and join Militarymatch. term RELATIONSHIP. FATHER energetic lady. Must love training would be helpful. kids, be fit and ready to jump DEPENDABLE and GRANOLA in and join the fun. Military EATING, CAMP FATHER OF EIGHTwould seeks training be helpful.WORLDCAT KNOWLEDGEABLE LOVING, TRAVELER ADVENTUROUS LOVER DEPENDABLE and energetic lady. Must love SINGLE, ARTSY LADY SEEKS seeks woman of my cat dreams. adventurous owner. kids, be fit and ready to jump agent seeks customers KNOWLEDGEABLE SINGLE ARTSY GUY. If youjoinlove in and the fun. MilitaryMust ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER bebe fit and love spending days Please employed and willing training would be helpful. cat owner. painting, and decorating, baking seeks and adventurous DEPENDABLE and nights outdoors in the middle to relocate.

Especially fond of of agentlooking seeks customers for real Please be employed and willing DEPENDABLE and black and white tuxedo cats.

KNOWLEDGEABLE ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER to relocate. Especially fond of looking for real KNOWLEDGEABLE seeks adventurous cat owner.

PROTECTION and long All tuxedo responses agentLook seeks customers no further. black and white cats. will be answered.

Please be employed and willing agent seeks customers Looking for that Purrr-fect match.

PROTECTION and long All responses will be answered. to relocate.

Especially fond of looking for real term RELATIONSHIP looking real black.and white tuxedo Looking forcats. that Purrr-fect match.

Having oneforspecial person FATHER OF EIGHT seeks energetic lady. Must love kids, be fit and ready to jump in and join the fun. Military training would be helpful.

Kent Cashman, Agent 6745 Kimball Drive STE D Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Bus: 253-851-5116 kent@kentcashman.com

ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER seeks adventurous cat owner.

Please be employed and willing to relocate. Especially fond of black and white tuxedo cats.

All responses will answered.

PROTECTION and long All be responses will be answered.

Looking for thatLooking Purrr-fect match. for that Purrr-fect match.

term RELATIONSHIP PROTECTION and long . for your home. term RELATIONSHIP . termcar, RELATIONSHIP

and life GRANOLA EATING, CAMP GRANOLA EATING, CAMP LOVING, WORLD TRAVELER insurance lets you get down GRANOLA EATING, CAMP LOVING, WORLD TRAVELER SINGLE, ARTSY LADY SEEKS seeks woman of my dreams.

TRAVELER SINGLE, ARTSY LADY SEEKSLOVING, WORLD seeks woman of my dreams.

SINGLE, ARTSY LADY to business with the rest seeks woman of myof SINGLE ARTSY GUY. you love Must fit anddays love spending days SINGLE ARTSY GUY.SEEKS If you loveIf Must be dreams. fit and love be spending SINGLE ARTSY GUY. If you love Must be fit and love spending days painting, decorating, baking and painting, decorating, baking and and nights and nights outdoors middle of in the middle of painting, decorating, baking andwhat and nights outdoors in the middle ofin the outdoors your life.

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Kent Cashman, Agent Look no further.

Kent Cashman, Agent 6745 Kimball Drive STEGET D Kent Cashman, Agent Look no Look no further.

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Kent Cashman, Agent Look no 6745 Kimball Drive STE D Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Having one special person 6745 Kimball Drive STE D Bus: Gig Harbor, WA 98335 6745 Kimball Drive STE D 253-851-5116 Having one special person for your car,person home andfor life your car, CALL ME TODAY. Having one special Gig Harbor, 98335 kent@kentcashman.com Having one special person Bus: WA 253-851-5116 GigBus: Harbor, WA 98335 for your car, home andspecial life you get Having one person insurance lets down 253-851-5116 kent@kentcashman.com home and life insurance lets get for your lets car,toyou home and liferest you Bus: 253-851-5116 insurance get down business with the of kent@kentcashman.com for your car, home and life down to business with the rest of your yourthe life.rest It’s what I do. insurance lets you get down kent@kentcashman.com to business with of life.

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State Farm Mutual State Automobile Insurance Company, Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Farmand Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State FarmState Fire Casualty Company, 1101201.1 State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL 1101201.1 State State FarmFarm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, 1101201.1 State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

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Thank you for a wonderful 2015!

Let’s State have healthy and happy FarmaMutual Automobile Insurance Company,2016!

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- A Great Deal Depends on Your Broker -

Serving Gig Harbor and the entire West Sound

Bryan Bosveld, Broker

5775 Soundview Dr., Ste. B 202 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Main 253.514.7348 Office 253.693.4940 Bryan@infinityrewa.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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HOME & ESSENTIALS

Relationship Upgrades TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THE NEW YEAR

BY JOY PETERSON, M.A. LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST. AUTHOR OF “22 MYTHS OF DIVORCE” AND “DISCOVERING A DYNAMIC MARRIAGE” DISCOVERINGDYNAMICMARRIAGE.COM

WELCOME TO 2016! It’s a brand sparkling new year full of promise and possibility. Everyone makes resolutions, and they fully expect to run out of steam within a few weeks. I challenge you to do something different. Upgrade your relationships. Marriage, children, relatives, friends and colleagues. Technology forces you to upgrade regularly. It’s inconvenient and awkward during the learning period. Change is not comfortable. Neither is childbirth. But we get through it and the rewards are worthwhile.

Investing in relationship upgrades holds the most promise and pay-off. When relationships are satisfying and solid, life is good! When relationships are strident and sour, life sucks!

The formula for effective relationships is not a mystery, the wisdom is as old as time. It is called The Golden Rule: “treat one another with the same love and respect you want to receive.” Here is a simple, practical way to accomplish that goal – relate to others with curiosity and intention to appreciate and understand.

There are a few rules and guidelines to help ensure a successful and transformative relationship upgrade in the new year: • When it comes to relationships, kindness and fairness are minimum standards!

• Growing and enriching a relationship and the people in the relationship is the primary goal of any interaction.

• A loved one’s needs, feelings, opinions and happiness are as important as your own.

• Nobody wins unless everybody wins, and never at the expense of another.

• Never blame or judge; always give every

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benefit of the doubt.

• Seek first to understand and second to be understood.

• Integrity is telling your truth in this moment, relevant to this discussion, not recounting errors and omissions of the past, your own or another’s.

• Fear and ego are the enemies of love and true intimacy; they are selfish and closedminded.

• When you are sure you are right or need to be – you are probably wrong.

• Every problem offers myriad possibilities; the real issue is limiting beliefs, feelings and attitudes.

• Miracles can be a slight shift in perspective – understanding from another’s point of view.

Consider thoughtfully, with intentional openness to discovery to one another and to an issue. Discover what works and what you want to keep and create more of in your relationship. What doesn’t work falls away with lack of mutual support. Don’t rehash old grievances or disagreements. Issues that keep recurring without resolution tend to come out of unconscious scripts and beliefs from your childhood. Take a fresh look and consider whether they serve your current objectives.

Rewrite and refine your operating rules, and agree on how you will relate on a troubling issue moving forward.

Time-out loaded issues and revisit later when you have had space to absorb and reflect.

Welcome to a new year, make it the best ever.

ENJOY YOUR STAY.

253.858.9690 | wesleyinn.com for Reservations

Pick Up & Delivery Debra L. Burk

Bookkeeping | Data Entry | Payroll Accounts Payable & Receivable Monthly & Quarterly Taxes

253.884.6622

Fax: 253.884.6250 | Cell: 253.225.0319 officeaide@centurytel.net

service pricing.

Maintaining quality with affordable

www.debbiesofficeaide.com

No Job Too Small

IF YOU ARE BEHIND WITH 2015 DATA ENTRY, LET

253-851-7077

WE CAN HAVE YOU READY FOR YEAR-END TAX

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Call us for your commercial and residential electric needs.

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PREP BEFORE THE APRIL 15 DEADLINE!

17

Three Powerful Questions DESIGN A LIFE YOU LOVE

BY DEBORAH OLIVE

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE consistently advance in their career or grow their business, develop deeper relationships with those they love, invest time in their communities, travel and enjoy a life of meaning while others simply drift? And why do some people win in one area of life, seemingly at the expense of another? They might be successful in business, but ignore their health or grow distant from their spouse, children and those they love.

In polite conversation, we tend to “understand” how difficult it is to juggle everything, and we support the status quo. Perhaps we don’t want others to feel badly, so we form an unspoken agreement to understand each other’s limitations.

This conversation maintains the drift. In other words, 2016 is likely to look a lot like 2015.

December and January are the time of the year we use Dickens’ perspective to look at the past, present and future. What are you dreams for 2016? They won’t happen simply by turning the page on the calendar or writing a few bullet points on a napkin at a New Year’s Eve party.

A couple weeks ago, I posted a question on Facebook. “Will you set a New Year’s resolution, intention or practice for 2016?” The majority

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of those responding said, “No. I stopped doing that years ago.” One person said, “I don’t like the pressure or the possibility of failure.”

There weren’t enough responses for the researcher in me to draw sweeping conclusions; nevertheless, she’s not the only one who feels this way. When we don’t declare what we want, we don’t risk failure in the short term; however, in the longer term, we may sacrifice the life we want to live.

We live life by design or by default. When we live by default, we drift. The book doesn’t get written.

The friend doesn’t get called. The vacation is pushed back another year. Commitments to family and health get pushed back. When we live by design, we tend to advance in many areas of our life.

January starts a brand new year. Michael Hyatt, past CEO and blogger, poses three questions to help you stay on a path of designing a life you love throughout the year.

The first question is: “How do you want to be remembered?”

When my father passed away, people gathered

from many walks of life. I remember the conversations. We laughed. We cried. He was a simple man, but he stood for what he believed, and people shared the ways Dad inspired them and made a difference in their lives.

You and I create and shape our legacy every day. Be brave and answer this question. How do you want to be remembered?

Unleash Your Potential DEBORAH OLIVE

The next question is, “What’s important to you?”

There is a myth that you can do it all. You can’t do everything, but you can do what’s important to you. In a world with more distractions than ever, answering this question gives you the power to separate the urgent from the important. Keeping the main thing the main thing is more important than ever. Similarly, putting something that’s important on hold temporarily can easily extend into months or years. In time, it’s easier to know what’s important to your spouse, your boss, your customers, more than yourself. Taking care of YOU is what makes this question so powerful.

The third question is “What single brave decision do you need to make today?”

Answering the first two questions establishes the direction, answering this question keeps you moving forward. Rarely is it having the perfect BIG plan that wins the day. Instead, it’s knowing what you want and taking that one small step outside of your comfort zone that brings you closer to the projects, dreams, goals and experiences you long for. Yes, it’s that brave decision to take action.

BUSINESS/LIFE COACH TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERT SPEAKER

Small steps in the right direction yield BIG results.

Are you ready to make

2016 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER? Your first small step is to BOOK YOUR VISION STRATEGY SESSION Complimentary Sessions for the first 12 people.

Use Code: GHLL01

Visit and Like me on Facebook: f Deborah Olive Coaching

Whether or not you decided to make New Year’s resolutions this year, these three questions will help stop the drift and create the kind of year that you’ll look back on December 31, 2016 with a smile on your face and satisfaction in your heart. These questions will guide you as you succeed in business and win in life.

Taking Applications Now For Private & Group Coaching. Call:

253.209.2528

deborah@deboraholive.com www.DeborahOlive.com

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Moving Services

New Beginnings SENIOR MOVE MANAGERS® HELP MAKE TRANSITIONS SMOOTH FOR THE ELDERLY

BY GIG HARBOR HOME MANAGEMENT WITH A THOUSAND MILES between them, Carol could hear the anxious voice of her mother over the phone. Newly diagnosed Parkinson’s was quickly stealing her independence as she struggled to maintain confidence in her ability to live alone. Carol evaluated options as she promised her mom that she’d find a way to help her move into the safety and care of a senior living community.

Fortunately, Carol was quickly introduced to a Senior Move Manager®, who offered to guide her through the many steps of making a significant move. Understandably, her most pressing question was “What can my mom do with the furniture and belongings she doesn’t want to move with her?”

Luckily, there are a few options to consider in the local area.

Friends, Family and Social Circles First off, ask family and close friends if they would like any items that you no longer want, or if they know of someone who is in need.

GigHarborHomeManagement.com Specially trained:

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Consignment A limited number of items may be consigned if their resale value is sufficient. You’ll have to coordinate to get the item to the consignment house and agree to take a commission on what sells. Space is limited and store owners must be particular about what things they can accept. Start by taking a photo and visiting the store to see if there is any interest.

Auctions Off-site auction houses can be a great solution if you have many items to sell. For a fee, they

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will come to your home and remove those items you’ve decided to sell. They will either sell it at one of their auctions or post it for an online auction. You’ll receive a commission on the items that sell. This has proven to be a very fruitful endeavor for some and is a great way to remove a large number of items from your home all at once.

Estate Sales If you are willing to have your home opened up to the public (either before or after you move out), then a professionally managed estate sale is a viable option if you have a high volume of items. Customers come to you, and experts price the items, manage and clean up the sale for a commission.

Donations There are a number of reputable organizations that will pick up items from your home; a local favorite is NW Furniture Bank, who also has a mattress recycling program. Although you might be disappointed that you’ve been unable to sell your furniture, it can be rewarding to know that it will continue to benefit someone else’s family.

Seniors who need to make a move in a very short time frame, or who are unable to manage this process all on their own when family members are far away, can greatly benefit from Senior Move Managers® who are experts at preparing for a move. Often partnering with the movers to ensure that moving day goes smoothly, their ultimate reward is in the joy and satisfaction of settling someone into a new home by the end of the day.

Financial Focus INVESTMENT MISTAKES TO WATCH FOR … AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE

Make Your Financial Future a Priority.

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY EDWARD JONES FOR USE BY YOUR LOCAL EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR, ERIN ABRIGO

AS AN INVESTOR, how can you avoid making mistakes? It’s not always easy, because investing can be full of potential pitfalls. But if you know what the most common mistakes are at different stages of an investor’s life, you may have a better chance of avoiding these costly errors.

or 457(b). These retirement accounts offer tax advantages that you may not receive in ordinary savings and investment accounts.

Try to put more money into these retirement accounts every time your salary goes up.

Let’s take a look at some investment mistakes you’ll want to avoid when you’re young, when you’re in mid-career, when you’re nearing retirement and when you’ve just retired.

Mistake: Not having balance in your investment portfolio — When they’re within just a few years of retirement, some people may go to extremes, either investing too aggressively to try to make up for lost time or too conservatively in an attempt to avoid potential declines. Both these strategies could be risky. So as you near retirement, seek to balance your portfolio. This could mean shifting some of your investment dollars into fixed-income vehicles to provide for your current income needs while still owning stocks that provide the growth potential to help keep up with inflation in your retirement years.

When you’re young …

Mistake: Investing too conservatively (or not at all) — If you’re just entering the working world, you may not have a lot of money with which to invest. But don’t wait until your income grows — putting away even a small amount each month can prove quite helpful. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of investing primarily in short-term vehicles that may preserve your principal but offer little in the way of growth potential. Instead, position your portfolio for growth. Of course, stock prices will always fluctuate, but you potentially have decades to overcome these short-term declines. Since this money is for retirement, your focus should be on the long term — and it’s impossible to reach long-term goals with short-term, highly conservative investments.

When you’re in mid-career …

Mistake: Putting insufficient funds into your retirement accounts — At this stage of your life, your earning power may well have increased substantially. As a result, you should have more money available to invest for the future — specifically, you may now be able to “max out” on your IRA and still boost your contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as your 401(k), 403(b)

When you’re nearing retirement …

When you’ve just retired …

Mistake: Failing to determine an appropriate withdrawal rate — Upon reaching retirement, you will need to carefully manage the money you’ve accumulated in your IRA, 401(k) and all other investment accounts. Obviously, your chief concern is outliving your money, so you’ll need to determine how much you can withdraw each year. To arrive at this figure, take into account your current age, your projected longevity, the amount of money you’ve saved and the estimated rate of return you’re getting from your investments. This type of calculation is complex, so you may want to consult with a financial professional.

By avoiding these errors, you can help ensure that, at each stage of your life, you’re doing what you can to keep making progress toward your financial goals.

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Let’s work together to design and implement an investment strategy that suits your needs.

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To Behave or Not to Behave…

RETHINKING THE WAY WE INHABIT (THE SHORT LIST)

BY BRETT MARLO DESANTIS RECENTLY GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY published a study on “Nature and Nurture: Human brains evolved to be more responsive to environmental influences.” They suggest that “the human brain is extensively shaped by its environment no matter the genetics” and that our brains are constantly adapting to our changing physical environment, including our social and cultural context.

whether our buildings will provide for our greatest health. In the built environment, the role of occupant behavior in buildings is key to understanding how to attain efficiencies. Positive behavior change will enhance our lives and building performance.

So what does that tell us?

If we take control of our indoor environments, we can effectively train our brain. Ok, I agree, that’s an extrapolation, and yet why wouldn’t it be so?

According to Prochaska of “In Search of How People Change,” research has shown that one will rarely progress through the stages of change in a linear, straight forward manner. Rather, relapse and recycling are common as depicted by a spiral (the most common shape found in nature!)

Much like New Year’s resolutions, we can identify a specific behavior that has the potential for positive change. Whether you commit to eat less, stress less, experience more, volunteer more or break an unwanted habit, you are taking account of your current behaviors in an effort to create positive change.

Thankfully we don’t usually go back to square one; we learn from our relapses. They provide opportunities to understand what works, what does not, and create a better plan during our process of change. In order to succeed, we try new strategies, make adjustments and try again. If we accept relapse as part of the process, there’s no need to throw in the towel.

While most of us do not think twice about how we occupy our homes, offices and structures in general, as inhabitants how we act decides

Here’s a very short list of simple strategies to get you started:

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We know that behavior change is a slow process.

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For better indoor air quality: Definitely have a doormat outside your front door. Consider one inside as well. Leave your shoes at the entry. Don’t use products with fragrances. Use a vacuum with a filter.

Microfiber mops rock. Use your kitchen and bathroom fans. Check filters. Consider an air-purifier for your most used spaces. Buy a plant (it’ll clean the air + release happy natureinspired brain waves.)

ADU* *accessory dwelling unit

To ease eye strain and reduce electromagnetic fields: Rely less on overhead lighting and more on natural light or task lighting. Minimize objects that create glare. Choose paint with a low or

In order to succeed, we try new strategies, make adjustments and try again.

If we accept relapse as part of the process, there’s no need to throw in the towel.

You name it. 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

no-sheen. Install occupancy sensors, especially in rooms that children use. Opt for plug-in devices that have grounded wiring (3-prong plugs). Take breaks from screen time by looking outside at nature. Turn off devices at night. Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible for best sleep.

We build it.

To increase thermal comfort: Live seasonally. Adjust clothing choices.

Occupy rooms that reduce the need to change your thermostat (perhaps downstairs in summer, upstairs in winter or rooms that allow for more or less sun exposure.) Keep blankets or throws handy. Opt for operable windows when possible and use them. Increase the use of outdoor spaces. Be active.

Whatever behavior, strategy and action you choose after reflecting upon how you inhabit your spaces, remember that relapse is inevitable; just rethink your strategy. Learn what works and what is important to you and your health.

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LICENSE # BRETTMD892QP

LIFE & COMMUNITY

Preserving a Piece of History NETSHED TELLS THE STORY OF OUR PAST

BY KELLIE FRENCH PHOTOS COURTESY DIANE FETZNER

GIG HARBOR IS A PLACE rich in history.

And you will find one of the places that has shaped our culture on Harborview Drive in the heart of the harbor. The Skansie Brothers Netshed is a historic jewel in the Harbor and an important part of the community’s past.

Named for the Skansie brothers who settled in Gig Harbor, the family built the first floor of their house in 1908 and built the netshed in 1910. The history of the Skansie family in our community dates back to when Peter Skansie immigrated to Gig Harbor from Croatia in 1886; he was later joined by his brothers, Joseph, Mitchell and Andrew.

So what exactly is a netshed? A netshed is a structure along a dock where the fishing nets

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could be cleaned, stored and hung to dry.

But it was much more than a place to store equipment. It was a place where the fishermen and their families could gather and provide support to one another; it was the hub of the fishing community.

The life of a fisherman in the late 1800s and early 1900s could be challenging to say the least. The fish had to be hoisted up into wooden boats with nets, and this is where the netsheds were a valuable tool in maintaining the nets needed to catch the fish. Functional nets and netsheds were imperative for the livelihood of the fisherman and the Gig Harbor economy.

Descendants of Andrew Skansie, Atone and

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition OUR HOPE Address the issue of youth suicide in our community through training and education WHEN January 30, 2016, 9am-Noon WHERE Smalling Family Education Room @ St. Anthony’s Hospital - 11567 Canterwood Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA REGISTER Please register by January 27th EMAIL ghkpsuicideprevention@gmail.com PHONE 253.753.3013

SAFE TALK TRAINING SAFE TALK, a training that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.

Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to use these opportunities to support that desire for safety.

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Ad Sponsored by Gig Harbor Rotary Clubs

Vincent Skansie, lived in the house their father built until they passed away in 2001 and 2002 respectively. It was then the City of Gig Harbor purchased the house, grounds and the netshed.

It was also at this time the Skansie Brothers Park was also established. Commercial fisherman Andy Babich knew Atone and Vincent Skansie.

Their families fished and socialized together.

“The Skansie Shipyard became a prominent boat building business; the brothers and family businesses contributed greatly to the development and growth of the Gig Harbor community,” said Babich of the shipyard that was built in the early 1900s and maintained by the family until the early 2000s. It is well known that the Skansie family played a critical role in leading and helping to maintain the fishing industry in Gig Harbor for decades.

replaced by commercial marinas, the ability to preserve the history and to tell the story of the fishing industry in Gig Harbor and how it started is dependent on maintaining the netsheds and making them available to the general public.

“One of the main goals of the foundation is to keep the history alive and to preserve the physical netsheds and equipment,” shared Anrich. Teachers, Boy Scout groups and the general public are encouraged to visit the website and learn more about the special events.

It is also through the website that the public can contact the members of the foundation to

In an effort to preserve the netshed and its contents, the Skansie Netshed Foundation was founded in 2015 and serves as an educational organization that is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of fishing family heritage. Lita Dawn Andich, a board member for the Skansie Netshed Foundation, strongly encourages those local to Gig Harbor to visit the Skansie Netshed Foundation’s website to learn more about the people, places, vessels, skills and stories of Gig Harbor’s commercial fishing industry. (www.skansiebrothersnetshed.com) As the years have passed more and more netsheds have disappeared and have been

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set up tours. The website is a fantastic tool to educate the current generation of our fishing history in Gig Harbor and how it all started.

And when one walks into the Skansie Brother Netshed and sees a Croatian flag, curiosity will surely be piqued. Who would guess our maritime culture was in a large part started by the passion and work ethic of the Skansie Brothers? It’s a part of Gig Harbor’s history we don’t soon want to forget. It is a critical historical dimension that defines the culture of Gig Harbor.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

HOME AWAY FROM HOME SINCE 1997, KENNETH AND SUE BRAATAN have welcomed travelers and given them a home away home. As owners of the Best Western PLUS Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor, they provide not only overnight or extended stay lodging, but also over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space and the best complimentary full hot breakfast in the area.

What keeps travelers returning to their beautiful hotel? For one, it is their exceptional customer service. As the number one ranked hotel on Tripadvisor in Gig Harbor for many years, the Best Western PLUS Wesley Inn & Suites has earned its reputation through hard work and a love for their guests. They are the largest hotel in Gig Harbor with 83 rooms and suites and treat their guests to freshly baked cookies every afternoon. “Repeat guests get a packet of cookies in their room upon arrival,” said Sue. In addition to their outdoor heated pool, they also have a Tesla and electric charging station for all their guests to use – a luxury that is appreciated and used by many of their guests.

The atmosphere at the Wesley Inn & Suites is one that makes one instantly feel comfortable and welcome. They have an outdoor courtyard where people can gather to visit and enjoy the gas fire table.

“We have a hotel public relations ambassador, Parker the dog, who lives at the hotel,” shared Sue. “He greets guests and help them feel at home. He began his career 10 years ago and hopes to never retire.”

Echoing the family atmosphere of the hotel and its staff, it is named after Ken’s father, John Wesley.

Together John and Ken built the hotel. And as a tribute to Ken and Sue’s four children, they have named the meeting rooms in their honor.

The Wesley Inn & Suites is the top choice for many in large part due to Ken and Sue’s passion for the Gig Harbor community and their eagerness to share it with visitors. They have lived in Gig Harbor for 37 years and raised all of their children here. Before building and operating the hotel, Ken had a construction company and built both spec and custom homes. But Ken and Sue do not take credit for their success, instead they extend their gratitude and thanks to their outstanding staff, their amazing guests and the Lord’s favor on their business.

Their love of the Gig Harbor community is demonstrated in the fact they enjoy giving back to the place they call home. Sue volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and she and Ken host and raise funds for the annual Christmas party for the children in foster care. In addition they give purses filled with goodies to the women who are released from Purdy Correctional Facility. “We also collect and distribute gently used luggage for children in foster care,” shared Sue.

BY PATTY HUTCHENS GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Wesley Inn & Suites is much more than a place to call home for a few nights. It is a place where people celebrate the beginning of new chapters in their lives with weddings and receptions, and where others say good-bye and celebrate those who have passed with celebration of life services. Whatever the occasion, Ken and Sue and their staff feel privileged to do what they do.

“It is an honor to serve our guests and have them leave feeling special,” said Sue.

Their love of the Gig Harbor community is demonstrated in the fact they enjoy giving back to the place they call home.

Best Western PLUS

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GOOD NEWS

FINDING ONE’S PURPOSE LOCAL NONPROFIT MAKING AN IMPACT WORLDWIDE

GIG HARBOR NATIVE and long-time mattress industry businessman, Scott Smalling, is hitting the ground running with his newest sleep project. Now he wants to give away beds to those in need.

In 2014, inspired by a conference he went to, Smalling decided to make his part-time humanitarian efforts full-time, effectively starting his journey to what is now Relief Bed International, which recently gained its 501(c) (3) status.

“I was tired of the typical corporate world and became very passionate about humanitarian work,” said Smalling. “So I decided to leave.”

Relief Bed International (RBI) is in the beginning stages of funding. One of the initial methods in which Smalling plans on funding RBI is emulating the Tom’s shoes model.

Purchase one bed, and another is given to someone in need.

Smalling also has a for-profit company selling Relief Beds on the side in which this model is implemented. Relief Beds are $149.

“Those sales will be what is going to drive some of the dollars that go toward Relief Bed International,” Smalling explained.

Smalling has partnered with World Vision to ship and supply the beds where they are needed.

He said that having such a major organization that was highly respected like World Vision, that have “boots on the ground,” is really what is needed to get these beds to the needy. World Vision works in nearly 100 countries “World Vision has said that the need is limitless if I continue to give them for free,” Smalling said.

In partnership with Therm-a-Rest, the beds were designed to withstand outdoor environments. They include 20-inch wide,

BY JOANNA SAPPENFIELD GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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72 inches long, and 2-inch thick air/foam technology, UV resilient and easy to clean outer shell. Generation two is already in the making.

Generation two will be called Relief Pad and will be customized for indoor use, in places like shelters, according to Smalling.

“A lot of people don’t understand that sleep is the number three biological need,” Smalling said. “The first thing you need is water, then food, then sleep. And many people have no clue about that. If you don’t have a one of those…you die.”

The mattress industry is a $7 billion industry and for Smalling the next step to get RBI up and running is connecting with mattress retailers in the area. Smalling plans to bring the onefor-one Tom’s shoes model to retail mattress companies. The customer buys a mattress and one Relief Bed is sent to someone in need.

Congratulations!

To Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce 2015 Awards Gala Honorees.

Citizen of the Year John Hogan

Business Person’s of the Year Michele and Mike Henery, Tickled Pink

Non-Profit of the Year Communities in Schools of Peninsula

Will You Be Next In 2016?

Ambassador of the Year Theresa King, Financial Advisor

Chairman’s Choice Ron Williams, City Administrator

Getting Involved Has Its Rewards What have this year’s Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce 2015 Awards Gala honorees all learned: getting involved with one of the Puget Sound and Washington State’s most active, vibrant and influencial business and community organizations is highly rewarding. If you’ve been thinking about

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Smalling already has an Oregon mattress chain piloting the idea.

“They will have select mattresses that when customers come in to buy those mattress, they will be donating the dollars to RBI,” Smalling explained. “It is a onefor-one campaign.”

Along with the mattress industry, Smalling plans to have a similar system within retail outdoor companies. But Smalling doesn’t just want their money.

“We are going to encourage them to send us the money and let me send them the Relief Beds and have them go out and create projects in their own market space to drive more press for them and also get them involved, get their hands and feet in this instead of just writing a check,” he said.

Relief Bed International has made it a goal to largely contribute to local nonprofits.

In November, Relief Bed International partnered with Sleepless in Seattle, a grassroots mission founded in 2014 to care for the homeless in King County.

Together, along with 250 volunteers, they gathered 4,000 sleeping bags, 200 Relief Beds and 500 tents.

“The cars get loaded up and they go to the predesignated areas all around King County and we meet the needs, “ said Eddie Wang, founder of Sleepless in Seattle.

One characteristic Wang notices in his work with the homeless is the common denominator of broken relationships.

PHOTO COURTESY SCOTT SMALLING

tour guide for Smalling, showing him where other pockets of unsheltered communities were. Smalling would later take him and five others to dinner.

“The homeless love each other. They help each other and know each other,” Smalling said.

difference between life and death.

By the time this article will be published Smalling will have participated in a similar outreach called Tired in Tacoma.

“Coming alongside people and just being their friend is one of the most important things that we try and do,” Wang said.

Wang echoes Smalling, “a lot of these people will give back a dollar or two of what money they have.”

Smalling now speaks at the same conference where he was inspired to start RBI. He often uses a quote by Mark Twain. “The two best days of your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.”

Smalling and his team went to Kent, near the Green River. Ricky, a homeless man, had a special impact on Smalling. Ricky acted as a

Wang says that bringing Relief Beds to the King County homeless is such a blessing and that having something like this could be the

“And about a year ago I found out why,” Smalling said. “And ‘why’ is Relief Bed. That’s my core driver.”

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Happy New Year!

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GIG HARBOR

IN FOCUS Local Lions Clubs raise funds for measles vaccinations B Y C A N DA C E R A M I R E Z

EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A lifesaving vaccine available, measles is a leading cause of death among young children, according to the World Health Organization. They estimate that 114,900 people died from the highly contagious disease in 2014, most of whom were children under the age of five. Despite these alarming statistics, many Americans don’t realize the scope of this issue, as many of the fatal cases occur in developing countries without access to quality healthcare.

This year, the local Lions Club International district put forth tremendous effort to change that through the Sully Hat Project. The Lions raised $184,000 to vaccinate children around the world.

The project came about when former District Governor John Kirry was brainstorming for a project to rally together his district, which included 47 clubs and 1,440 members. Hoping for a cause everyone could excitedly PHOTO COURTESY JOHN KIRRY champion, he enlisted the inspirational starpower of his friend and former coworker, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, who is best known for serving as captain during the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009. Sullenberger captured worldwide attention when he and his crew safely landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in New York City’s chilly Hudson River during an emergency. Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator, a CBS News aviation and safety expert, and the founder of Safety Reliability Methods, Inc., a safety consulting firm. Sullenberger uses his notoriety to support humanitarian efforts on a regular basis, supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and more, so Kirry knew his friend would be eager to partner with the Lions Club.

Kirry considered asking Sullenberger to travel to Washington to speak at a big venue like the Tacoma Dome, which he felt would be a big draw. However, knowing a speech would be a one-time event, he set about devising a plan that would leave more of a lasting imprint.

Ultimately, Kirry settled upon a year-long fundraising effort, centered around a U.S. Airways captain hat autographed

by Sullenberger. The Lions would spend the year campaigning and raising funds, and at the end the highest donor would be awarded the hat.

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It was Sullenberger who chose to raise funds for the eradication of measles. When thinking about the Lions Club’s list of causes including hearing aid programs, diabetes awareness, disaster relief, and many others, Sullenberger latched onto the organization’s ongoing One Shot, One Life campaign, which began a year earlier and continues until 2017.

Kirry said at the time the project began, there had been a measles outbreak in the United States.

Additionally, the World Health Organization reports that in 2014 there were 114,900 measles deaths globally – about 314 deaths every day or 13 deaths every hour.

“At that time, they advertised that a measles shot cost one dollar,” Kirry said. “So we focused our energy not just on raising dollars, but on saving lives.”

Kirry put the autographed hat in a display case and set out to visit all of the clubs in his district, speaking to them about the campaign and asking for contributions. With the help of district members, the Lions received donations ranging from one or two dollars each, up to $1,000.

The big tipping point came when Kirry approached the Kent Lions Club.

“After I gave my presentation to them, they stepped forward and said they would match the donations received up to a total of $46,000, because there are 47 clubs, and they were going to give as much as $1,000 per club based on club donations,” Kirry said. “But they weren’t going to match their own donation, so that’s why the 46.”

Once the district raised $46,000, Kent Lions Club upheld its promise of matching, which increased the total to $92,000.

“The magic gets better from there,” Kirry said.

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Gig Harbor by the Numbers 45

The percentage of people who typically make New Year’s resolutions.

34

The percentage of people whose resolutions are financial in nature.

31

The percentage of people who make resolutions related to relationships.

That’s because both the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the GAVI Alliance agreed to match the total donation amount as well, bringing the grand total raised to $184,000.

Every dollar raised is going directly to the Lions Club Foundation’s measles vaccination program, with no overhead costs.

“We were trying to save 100,000 lives,” Kirry said, “and we ended up saving 184,000 lives from the measles.”

The Sully Hat Project concluded in July, and Kirry delivered the autographed hat to the highest donor- the Kent Lions Club.

Committee Chair Mike Peterson took it upon himself to contact all 750 Lions Club districts worldwide to tell them about the project.

Kirry said that while the Kent Lions are not a huge club, they organize a big community project called Kent Cornucopia Days, and most of their donation came from the work they put into it.

Former District Governor Mike Ellis, along with his wife, fellow former District Governor Barbara Ellis were enthusiastic campaigners as well.

“They were happy to match our funds and get us officially halfway there,” Kirry said, noting his delight at the Kent Lions’ plans for the prized hat.

“I got a note from the Kent Lions later saying they plan on using the hat as a way of fundraising again for more Lion’s activities,” he said.

He made it clear the Sully Hat Project was a shared effort, extending thanks to those who put time and hard work into fundraising.

“They were all instrumental in making this work,” Kirry said of his fellow Lions.

Kirry’s term as District Governor has ended, but he is staying active as a member of the Gig Harbor Lions Club, which has around 40 members. The group works on a myriad of local projects including college scholarships,

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Food Backpacks for Kids, eyeglass recycling and assistance, hearing aid assistance, services for seniors and veterans, the Christmas Giving Tree, diabetes awareness, environmental programs, and a program that provides dictionaries to all Gig Harbor third grade students, among others.

Gig Harbor Lions Club is also nearing the tenth year of its photography calendar. Each year the club enlists 12 local photographers to submit eye-catching photos of Gig Harbor, with each page of the calendar being sponsored by a different local business.

“We’ll be working on our tenth anniversary calendar very shortly,” Kirry said. “We have lots of pretty pictures and talented photographers.”

For more information about the Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

To keep up with the Gig Harbor Lions Club, visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/gigharbor.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DELECTABLY DELICIOUS THE TROP’S HISTORY in the chocolate industry began long before their move to our area. The family, which includes Larry and Heather’s two children Emily and Spencer, lived in Southern California where they owned and operated a chocolate store for 12 years. “My mom was pregnant with me when she was still working in the store. This means I can tell people I have literally been around chocolate my whole life,” Emily said.

They decided to move to Gig Harbor after they heard great things from their family already located in Washington. “We fell in love with the trees and the people of Gig Harbor,” said Larry. Plus the people of Gig Harbor have come to love and appreciate the delectable products of Trop’s Chocolates.

They started wholesaling their product to local coffee shops and markets since moving here 12 years ago and made the transition to retail last summer when they opened their Gig Harbor retail store in July of 2015 “Our family designed the store and built it all together; it was a once in a lifetime experience!” said their son Spencer.

Trop’s Chocolates is more than just a chocolate store: it is a factory, a bakery, a gathering place and a coffee shop. They make their own chocolate on-site using original recipes and Belgian chocolate. If you are looking for a unique gift, you will find it here for sure. They mold their boxes out of chocolate, making everything edible, and then write on the lid for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries – and they can do it while you wait. “One of the first things we did, as part of their training, was to teach our staff how to write as fast and as neatly as possible,” said Heather.

Trop’s has their own bakery where they make fresh scones and other pastries using fresh butter and other fine ingredients. With over 30 different choices of truffles, caramels, nuts, graham crackers and brownies, there is certainly something for everyone. “And…we are the only chocolate store in Gig Harbor,” said Larry.

If you are a coffee lover, like many in our area are, you will thoroughly enjoy the freshly roasted Valhalla coffee. To add some decadence to your coffee, Trop’s also makes their own sauces for espresso drinks including dark chocolate, caramel and white chocolate.

Where there is chocolate, there are sure to be eager children waiting to try the mouthwatering treats. The Trop family has designed the store and all of their products to be child friendly. “We welcome families to see us making our chocolates right in front of them,” said Larry. Because they are both family and community oriented, the Trop family is passionate about giving back to the residents of Gig Harbor. One example of this is the craft fair they recently held at the store.

“We donated 10 percent of the proceeds to CHEW, a local dog rescue,” said Larry. They have also donated to various charities around town including Rotary International, FISH food bank, and various school organizations.

BY PATTY HUTCHENS GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Trop’s is located in the Narrows Business Park on Jahn Ave next to the 16 Freeway a few blocks from the bridge. They are open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 6pm.

Trop’s Chocolates is more than just a chocolate store: it is a factory, a bakery, a gathering place and a coffee shop.

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RIGHT James will likely pursue a career as a computer hardware engineer. Photo by Photos of Life.

ATHLETES OF

THE MONTH James Ritchie - Peninsula High School “Be ready for any opportunity, because sometimes you only get one chance, and you have to take advantage of that chance.” That is the lesson that Peninsula High School senior James Ritchie said he has learned through participating in sports. And it appears he has taken advantage of every opportunity given to him.

physics. Setting his sights on a four-year university, James would like to continue to play basketball and become a computer hardware engineer.

James has been on varsity basketball and baseball teams since freshman year and is currently serving as captain of the basketball team for the third year. “I hold the 3A SPSL league record for rebounds,” shares James.

James was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2009, but manages his blood sugar levels well, allowing him to do what he loves most – compete.

But it is not just on the basketball court and baseball field that James excels; he has done so academically as well. With a 3.9 GPA, James has passed the AP exams for world history, European history, U.S. history and

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“I have always liked to build things, and I love technology and learning how things work,” he said.

“Competition in sports drives me to be my best and perform at the highest level possible,” said James. “I also enjoy building relationships with my teammates and working as a unit.”

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LEFT Sam enjoys building relationships with others, which is one reason he would like a career in sales and marketing. Photo by Jerry Chunn.

RIGHT Sam said one of his favorite experiences was last year’s state playoff game when he played Davis at Eisenhower High School in Yakima. Photo courtesy of Tom Jones Photography.

James Ritchie & Sam Gagliardi B Y PAT T Y H U T C H E N S

Sam Gagliardi - Gig Harbor High School Being a team leader means supporting your team no matter what. That is something that Gig Harbor High School senior Sam Gagliardi is demonstrating this season as he starts his third year on the varsity basketball team. Sam has been injured and unable to play since the start of the season. “It is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to deal with,” said Sam, who is also team captain.

“I am staying positive and being supportive of my teammates. I try to encourage them and push them to do their best.” But he hopes to be back on the court by mid-season. “I am working hard to try and make it back.”

Sam would love to play basketball in college and is exploring his options. He would like to pursue a degree in business, focusing on sales and marketing.

As he looks back on his years in sports, Sam shares that he loves being part of a team and the competition that comes with being an athlete. He has also learned to be a mature competitor. “No matter what level the competition is, I need to bring my best game to the gym. It shows me that I should always do the best I can at anything I do,” said Sam. 7700 Pioneer Way #202 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 www.cougarwear.com • 253.224.1408 Open M-F, 10am-5pm Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday, 12-4pm

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LIVING LOCAL

Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake What you need to know to be prepared

“EVERY PLACE AND IN every day of living there are hazards, and people are very bad at sorting out what are the most dangerous.”

That’s what Bill Steele, seismologist and spokesman for the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, said addressing the response of the public after the New Yorker article, “The Really Big One,” came out in July 2015.

The article painted ugly scenes of “unrecognizable” regions along the West Coast, explaining that nearly 13,000 people would die and 1 million would be displaced after the historic earthquake. One of the more dramatic quotes saying that “everything west of Interstate 5 would be toast.”

According to Steele, who lives just eight blocks east of Interstate 5, he’s not any safer than those to the west, but certainly no one will be toast.

But the “really big one,” of which the article is referring to, is a very real thing, and the pressure of one tectonic plate sliding underneath another is happening right at the border of North America. This particular fault is called the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and right now it’s at a standstill waiting to slip.

“We live on a plate boundary between the ocean plate called the Juan de Fuca plate, which is converging with North America,” Steele said.

“We are coming together and because the two plates are locked together what’s happened is the crust is forming a ripple.”

BY JOANNA SAPPENFIELD GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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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.

We hope you will give generously to help warm the hearts—and homes— of those in need.

For more information, contact the Member Services Department at 253.857.5950 or toll-free at 888.809.8021.

T HANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT ! www.penlight.org

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The coastline of Washington and Oregon is rising steadily. We are being pushed east a little bit, and the toe of North America under the ocean is being pushed down. It’s been doing that for 315 years since the last earthquake in 1700.

“We know that there’s enough strain accumulated to produce a great earthquake,” Steele said. “But the average recurrence is 500 years. So it could be a century or two before it happens.”

If such an earthquake happened in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which is 700 miles from

This fault is off shore about 100 miles from the Puget Sound region and a 700-mile long fault ripping is going to take several more minutes compared to that of the average earthquake, which is 20 to 40 seconds long.

“The first feeling that you’ll have are short pulse like motions, and that won’t last very long.

But then the ground will start shaking,” said Sandi Doughton, Seattle Times reporter and author of the book “Full-Rip 9.0: The Next Big Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest.” “It’ll be low frequency (and) slow shaking. It won’t be hammer, hammer, hammer. It will be wave-like

After the quake, a cascade effect of events will take place – some are more certain than others.

According to Doughton the thing that will do the biggest damage outside of the tsunami area (coastal towns) is that the shaking will be destructive on our buildings and infrastructure.

Doughton said that almost half of our highrises were built before 1990, and it wasn’t until the early 1990s that building codes considered CSZ quakes in building codes.

According to Steele, a University of Washington research group is looking further into the effect a massive quake will have on highrise buildings.

Vancouver Island, Canada and goes all the way to Cape Mendocino, California, the region could experience anywhere between an 8.7 and 9.3 earthquake.

“In most cases you’ll see strong shaking in pockets where there are poor buildings, where you have a lot of damage, and then you’ll have neighborhoods (where) you’ll be able to walk and see very little signs of damage,” Steele said.

The actual probability of a great earthquake occurring in Cascadia in the next 50 years is about 15 percent, according to Steele.

“A 15 percent chance in 50 years is a high enough probability for a great earthquake that we need to take it seriously,” Steele said

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

for four to five minutes.

The longer the ground shakes, the more water comes out of

42

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the particles in the soil, causing liquefaction, which causes structural problems for buildings.

Buildings on hills and river valleys where soils are loose and not hard-packed can create structural problems for buildings on these areas as well.

“A lot of our infrastructures run through valleys. This will create electrical line and pipeline damage and flooding,” Doughton said.

For bridges built to more modern standards, Steele said they will probably be just fine. But delays and inspections after the quake will cause closures.

“Know the capabilities of schools and nursing homes,” Holdeman said.

“Ask to see a copy of the plan. Ask when the last time they simulated an earthquake was. How long are they prepared to take care of your children?”

You will want to move away from the water or waterfront if you can because, even though the tsunami generated will take hours to get down to the Puget Sound or more, the amplitude is going to be limited to a meter or two and depending on where the high tide is – that could mean some localized flooding.

“We expect a small tsunami in the Puget Sound,” Steele said. “The currents are going to be very tricky and very strong. The marinas are really going to be bad place to be. Landslides can generate tsunamis that can cause problems and flood waterfront areas.”

Steele explains that most of time when you have a great earthquake, you won’t see a response from volcanoes, but occasionally it does happen “If a volcano is getting ready to erupt already, I think being pulsed by these long period waves

that are compressing and dilated in the ground can crack things up a bit more,” Steele said.

“This could cause debris flows and mountain landslides. Most likely that would be contained in the park.”

“Life as we know will cease to exist for months.”

Eric Holdeman, director for the Center of Regional Disaster Resilience said.

Pacific Northwesters should expect to be on their own for up to two weeks, and the best place is to be in your home.

“Recognize that no one is coming to help you,” Holdeman said. “With this size of disaster all our resources are engaged – they are going to the nursing homes, schools and higher occupancy types of facilities.”

Create a plan with your family and consider that cell phone towers may not be working.

Use your neighbors and know their strengths and skills.

“Know the capabilities of schools and nursing

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homes,” Holdeman said. “Ask to see a copy of the plan. Ask when the last time they simulated an earthquake was. How long are they prepared to take care of your children?”

Besides food and water, Holdeman said that enough medication for two weeks and a battery – powered radio are necessities.

“It could happen tomorrow or 100 years from now, that’s the geologic time scale. That doesn’t mesh with the human time scale,” Doughton said. “We have all these other things competing for our time and attention and money. It’s an easy thing to push to the back of the list.”

“We will pull through and have a really nice memorable experience out of it, if we do it right,” Steele said.

For Doughton, preparedness also includes wine because two weeks or longer without wine is a very long time. www.ready.gov/earthquakes

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BUSINESSES

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AMADORA SALON

Start the New Year off with a great new style created just for you. Owner and stylist Babette McGilvrey enhances your best features with styles personalized to facial structure, hair type and creative placement of color. Come see what gifts we offer for the holiday season.

Visit Amadora Salon’s friendly, relaxing salon in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor below Timberland Bank.

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FEATURE STORY

Startup Garners Nationwide Attention Drone manufacturer, xCraft, surpasses its goals with Kickstarter and wows Shark Tank judges

By Jani Gonzalez | Photos courtesy of xCraft

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A Brief History of Drones Some of the earliest drones date back to the 1850s here in the United States and not surprisingly, were used in military operations.

1849: Balloons mounted with bombs were used during the U.S. Civil War. 1898: A camera mounted to a kite was used for reconnaissance during the Spanish-American Wars.

1900s: Target drones were used to test and train combat pilots.

1916: Remotely piloted planes are developed.

1920s: Remotely controlled ships are used and interest grows in vehicles that can be controlled from a distance.

1946: Pilotless Aircraft Branch established.

1950s: The U.S. Marine Corps used drone to protect surface warships.

F

or JD Claridge, the past year has been nothing short of success for his company, xCraft, with two Kickstarter campaigns that went far beyond their funding targets and an historic deal on the hit inventor show, Shark Tank.

Claridge, CEO of xCraft, is the inventor of the X PlusOne and the PhoneDrone Ethos.

Originally from Spokane, the Sandpoint, Idaho aerospace engineer and licensed pilot says he’s been designing aircraft since he could fly a paper airplane.

and went through five prototypes, currently hanging in his office, before finding the one that worked.

“It started as a hobby – it was an idea I had and wanted to see if I could develop a working prototype,” he said of the innovative drone design. “The first time we flew it, it was flawless.”

“Flying has been a fascination of mine for as long as I can remember,” Claridge said.

The drone’s uniqueness is its ability to “become an airplane” and transition to forward flight after a vertical lift off. With traditional quadcopters (drones with four motors), the device has to pitch forward to go faster, but there’s a limit because it uses the motor’s forward thrust for lift.

He came to Sandpoint initially to work for Quest Aircraft and later began his own consulting firm, Aero Designworks. His drone, the X PlusOne, began as a side project

“I thought if we could tilt (the drone) 90 degrees and turn the wings, we’d be using the motor’s power for thrust and just use the battery for power,” he explained.

1964: Drones are used in spying missions 1968: Lightning Bug drones used for surveillance during the Vietnam War.

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With the support of Charles Manning, CEO of Kochava and also in Sandpoint, they began xCraft in 2014 focusing solely on the design and manufacturing of drones. The two met informally and later Claridge asked Manning for advice on the X PlusOne. “I thought it was a cool idea and really well timed,” Manning said. “I told him to go after it, but he wanted me involved.” Manning said he mainly works at promoting the company as an aside to heading Kochava. “I love it,” he said.

From Kickstarter Phenomena to Shark Tank Spotlight To raise funds and market the X PlusOne, Claridge went to Kickstarter. He initially had a goal of $50,000, which more than doubled to $143,400 before the campaign ended. That success inevitably lead to another.

start with the X PlusOne. Having such a huge success with their initial Kickstarter campaign, was also a big advantage to have in their favor.

Claridge also used the opportunity to introduce his newest product, the PhoneDrone Ethos, which converts most smartphones into a drone by inserting it into a protective exoskeleton.

Claridge and Manning initially asked for $500,000 for 20 percent equity; half to expand the X PlusOne and the remainder to develop the PhoneDrone Ethos. Right away, the offers were for more than their request, which is unusual for the show. Kevin O’Leary, “Mr. Wonderful,” offered $750,000 for 25 percent; Lori Greiner, the QVC queen, offered $1 million for 20 percent; and Daymond John offered the same for 25 percent.

“We launched that product (X PlusOne), and we got noticed by Shark Tank. They asked if we were interested. They had been looking for a drone company, and we got selected to tape and got aired. Not everyone gets aired,” Claridge said. “That was pretty exciting and a big deal.”

Smelling a “shark war” the judges asked for time to discuss a deal amongst themselves, which is unprecedented on the show. The five sharks each bought into the company at $300,000 each for 5 percent equity – for a total of $1.5 million at 25 percent equity in addition to other investors that xCraft already has. More than 10 million people watched the show, and the interest generated from it is showing.

The Shark Tank episode, which aired at the end of October, was distinct from previous ones in that the judges were visibly impressed from the

“Since the episode, we’ve been channeling a lot of inbound inquiries for job applications and orders. This will take the company to the next

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level. We are hiring, and we’ve gotten a lot of good applications,” Claridge said.

Although it’s still early in the partnership with the Shark Tank entrepreneurs, Manning said that they had been in contact with some of them in moving forward.

The drone’s uniqueness is its ability to “become an airplane” and transition to forward flight after a vertical lift off.

“We have had contact with their teams and have spoken to Daymond (John). Things are happening already but not a whole lot yet. It was a big thing to share with them – selling $300,000 a month after the deal – that’s not too shabby,” he said.

The Shark Tank episode also helped additionally fund the PhoneDrone Ethos, where users can program their smartphone and insert it into the drone’s structure. The episode coincided with its Kickstarter campaign, and to date, more than 1,000 backers have funded the Kickstarter goal to $283,902 – far beyond

“Our vision is to be in the top three in the drone industry in the next three years. It’s ambitious but possible.” the $100,000 target that had been set at the beginning of December.

“We ended up selling 1,256 units which totaled $326,000 or 320 percent of our goal. It’s just something that customers are clearly excited in,” Manning said.

The Stars of xCraft: X PlusOne and PhoneDrone Ethos Most drones, unmanned aviation vehicles, are multi-rotor aircraft that can hover but can’t travel as fast; the X PlusOne is fast, stable and lightweight, weighing 2.9 lbs. It’s also more affordable than traditional drones at $1,800 and has a Go Pro mount. It’s similar to other drones in that it can hover and land like a traditional multi-rotor drone. What distinguishes it is its upward-facing wing, which allows it to fly vertical at a 90-degree angle and can fly twice as fast than other drones, up to 60 mph for up to 20 minutes.

“What we have accomplished is amazing. It’s

a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design – it can hover like a helicopter for take-off and landing, but then go fly like an airplane,” Manning said.

The PhoneDrone Ethos allows users to program the drone’s flight path with an app before placing their smartphone into the drone’s structure.

“It can be fully autonomous.

You draw the flight path, and it automatically draws a path back on its own,” Claridge explained.

This way, the drone can perform its “mission” and return back to its user. There is also a mode where the user can control the drone from another device.

“It can also follow you at a selected altitude, which is useful for some sports, and take photos,” he said.

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While drones are not new, they are creating a buzz as technology allows more people to use one. The military has used variations of drones to collect data or surveillance at least since the 1850s when balloons mounted with bombs

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were used during the U.S. Civil War. “(xCraft has) received a tremendous amount of exposure because of Shark Tank and Kickstarter. Drone space as a whole is a really big growth market,” Manning said.

The xCraft drones are meant for a variety of activities from entertainment to commercial applications. To date, most of the orders are for personal use. Users need to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, fly no higher than 400 feet and avoid airports.

Privacy laws still apply in regards to airspace over private property and government spaces.

The current general rule is to “fly within the line of sight.” In mid December, the FAA issued a requirement that drone users register any unmanned aircraft weighing from 1 to 55 pounds on their website.

But the X PlusOne’s capabilities can go far beyond the allowances given to consumers.

It can cruise at heights up to 10,000 feet, applicable for activities ranging from aerial photography and mapping to search and rescue. Commercial entities can request FAA permission to use drones at those distances though this market is still relatively untapped.

Manning gave an example of its potential use as an agricultural tool.

“What if you used a color spectrum camera where you could see where you were underwater (and) it would give you feedback,” he said.

The military might be an obvious market for drones, but Claridge doesn’t want to see his drones used as weapons.

“We don’t want to be weaponized but (have the drones) used more as a level of surveillance,” he said.

New Market in Drones – Bright Future for xCraft For this young company, the general interest and excitement over the production of the X PlusOne and the PhoneDrone Ethos is just the beginning of a long line of inventive drones with an abundance of possibilities. Currently, xCraft is considering the demand for larger, faster drones that can fly for longer and with heavier payloads. The xCraft drones could collect data for industries that helicopters provide but at much more reasonable cost.

“We want to get a larger version on the market for industries such as oil rigs and mines. This is a utility-driven business and not just a fancy product,” Manning said. He also noted that Amazon’s recent announcement on a future

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drone delivery service shows the fast, growing interest companies have in using drones to facilitate their business needs.

But for now, xCraft is manufacturing to fill their Kickstarter orders for shipment and distribution this summer. The versatility of the products allow for it to be applicable to a number of industries and consumers from the hobbyist to the unmanned vehicle (UV) specialist, securing the long-term viability of the products.

“I’m excited to have this in Sandpoint – it’s exciting and there’s nothing but goodness,” Manning said of the company.

Claridge is looking beyond xCraft’s two products and has goals to grow the company and make it an industry leader.

“Our vision is to be in the top three in the drone industry in the next three years. It’s ambitious but possible,” Claridge said.

For more information about xCraft, visit the website xcraft.io.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Take a Hike!

EXPLORE NATURE IN THE NEW YEAR

BY MELODY VANHORN

TAKE YOUR RESOLUTION to new heights in 2016 as you explore the natural resources and recreational opportunities found at state parks across Washington. This month the State of Washington is offering several “free days” where a Discover Pass is not required to enter a state park. These days fall on New Year’s Day and on the holiday weekend of Martin Luther King Day, January 17 and 18.

Take an extended weekend for Martin Luther King Day on January 17 and 18 as you enjoy the many benefits that are offered by our state parks including a diverse and dramatic range of landscapes such as coastal beaches, islands, waterfalls, lowland forests, historic military batteries, geological points of interest and much more. Here are a few parks around our area that you should check out.

Bridle Trails State Park Bridle Trails State Park is well-known for their equestrian shows that take place on its 482acre surroundings. This forested park is on the

northeast edge of the Seattle metropolitan area and is known for its riding and walking trails that span over 28 miles of the park’s interior.

Federation Forest State Park Federation Forest State Park is a day-use park where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nearly 600 acres of old growth Douglas Firs, with mature Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar trees. Short interpretive loops make this park ideal for small children and allow you to hike through five distinct ecosystems within a radius of just one mile.

Flaming Geyser State Park Flaming Geyser State Park is a 480-acre day-use park with more than three miles of freshwater shoreline along the Green River. The park’s most unique feature is its geysers with methane seeps. While the Green River is a popular spot for rafting during the warmer months the park also offers access to horse trails and over 4 miles of hiking trails within it’s borders.

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Penrose Point State Park Penrose Point State Park is a 152-acre marine and camping park on the shores of Puget Sound. The park has over two miles of saltwater frontage on Mayo Cove and Carr Inlet and offers a wide variety of water activities along with 2.5 miles of biking and hiking paths.

Wallace Falls State Park The Wallace Falls State Park is a 4,735-acre park along the shoreline of several area rivers and lakes. Located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, the park features a 265foot waterfall, several old-growth coniferous forests, and numerous fast-moving rivers and streams. The park also offers a rock-climbing wall eight miles east near Index.

Interested in learning about more parks in your area? Visit www.parks.state.wa.us and explore all that Washington has to offer!

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BREATHE EASIER

VISIT WWW.GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM & SIGN UP FOR THE GREEN EDITION! JANUARY 1-3 POLAR PLAZA ICE RINK Lace up your skates and come to downtown Tacoma for the final days of Polar Plaza Ice Rink! Enjoy music, art, and ice skating with friends and family at Tollefson Plaza.

Tickets are $4 to $8, and if you have a group of five or more receive $1 off adult admission tickets! Come downtown to soak up the last bit of holiday spirit!

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JANUARY 4 FREE CPR/ AED CLASS

Learn how to perform CPR and to use an Automated External Defibrillator!

Northwest Response is hosting this free class from 6 to 8:30pm. All must register online at northwestresponse.com. Fast response to a cardiac event can be the difference in the victim’s chances of survival. This is great information for anyone!

JANUARY 17-18 FREE STATE PARKS

Gig Harbor Young Professionals, a program of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, is having a lunch from 1pm to 2:30pm.

Come join this fun, socially engaging group that offers educational benefits to young professionals. Help each other grow and get involved in the community!

Enjoy the day outdoors! Grab friends, family and some warm gear to adventure around the many Washington State Parks.

Enjoy the day exploring the wilderness at over 140 locations for free. To see if a park near you is participating in this free state park day visit www.parks.state.wa.us.

JANUARY 22 INSIDE RADIOLAB WITH ROBERT KRULWICH You have the opportunity to experience public radio live! At the Pantages Theater starting at 7:30pm, Robert Krulwich will discuss the inner workings of the smash hit RadioLab which has been featured on more than 450 NPR stations. Watch live interviews, Q&A, and videos about this popular podcast featuring science, philosophy and human experience. $19 to $49.

The Olalla Community Club is hosting an evening concert featuring John Batdorf at 7pm. Come watch his seemingly limitless talent and energy. All concerts are part of a benefit for the preservation of the Olalla Community Club for which they suggest a donation of $15 to $20 or whatever you feel you can afford. olallahouse.org/schedule.html

JANUARY 20 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LUNCH

JANUARY 1517 MONSTER JAM

Monster Jam is returning to the Tacoma Dome! Bring your friends and family to this popular event. Watch the Monster Jam truck line-up and see some of the most exciting races, freestyle, donuts and wheelies in one night! Buy tickets online at tacomadome.org/monster-jam.

JANUARY 9 JOHN BATDORF CONCERT

JANUARY 23 HILARY SCOTT IN CONCERT Off the successful release of her album Freight Train Love recorded in Los Angeles with multiple Grammy-awardwinning musicians, indie-Americana singer-songwriter Hilary Scott is playing at Morso at 8pm. Scott, whose voice has been described as “absolutely extraordinary in its emotional greatness” writes songs that hit where it hurts so good. Bring friends and family!

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JANUARY 23 CRAB FEED

Come enjoy a delicious feast of Dungeness crab, salad and garlic bread hosted by the Key Peninsula Civic Center from 4 to 7 pm.

Tickets will go on sale soon and typically sell out! Proceeds benefit the Key Peninsula Civic Center, a nonprofit organization that supports the Key Peninsula Community. www.kpciviccenter.org

VISIT WWW.GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM & SIGN UP FOR THE GREEN EDITION! JANUARY 10 IT’S A WRAP! ART AIDS AMERICA FREE CLOSING PARTY Help send Art AIDS America off in style! The Tacoma Art Museum and community partners come together to host a celebration of life and art. From noon to 4pm come enjoy a fashion show, live music, photo booth and art activities. For more information visit tacomaartmuseum.org.

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The Gig Harbor Pierce County Library is hosting a Junie B. Jones party for children ages 5 and up. Starting at 4:30pm, celebrate Junie B. Jones through stories, activities and crafts.

Special guest, Junie B. Jones, presented by the Tacoma Musical Playhouse will be making an appearance! Register online at www.piercecountylibrary.org.

JANUARY 26 WATERCOLOR WITH KAREN PETRILLOSE

Start the new year with a watercolor demonstration by Peninsula Art League’s member Karen Petrillose. Her painting “Reflections on Waughop Lake,” won Best of Show in their Fall Members’ Show. Come learn some new techniques and enjoy painting with watercolor! www.peninsulaartleague.com/ eventShow.html

JANUARY 15 ART, SCIENCE AND ADAPTATION ART RECEPTION Join together at W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory as 11 local artists investigate the phenomenon of evolution through the lens of contemporary art. On this night enjoy live music by the band Moon Age while sipping refreshments. This exhibit runs throughout January and into March. For more information visit metroparkstacoma.org

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JANUARY 21 16TH ANNUAL DO SOMETHING HEALTHY

Enjoy an evening with local Olympic goldmedalist swimmer, model, wife and mother, Amanda Beard. Listen as she shares her incredible journey and rise to the podium, along with her struggles and hardships along the way. Come listen to her powerful story at the Bicentennial Pavilion from 6 to 8pm. Tickets $10.

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JANUARY 12 JUNIE B. JONES PARTY

JANUARY 21 FICTION BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION Gig Harbor Pierce County Library’s staff is hosting its monthly book club discussion. Adults are encouraged to read, “The 19th Wife” by David Ebershoff.

This book is about Ann Eliza Young being expelled from the Mormon Church, while in the 21st century, a young man searches for his father’s killer. Come take part in the discussion from 2:30 to 4pm.

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JANUARY 29 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Who did it? Join the Pacific Northwest’s premiere Mystery Theatre Company for a highly interactive dinner evening full of improvisational comedy and audience interaction from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Gather your group and head over to Chambers Creek Regional Park

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JANUARY 21 FISH, GAME & GRAIN DINNER AT MORSO

The bounty from our great outdoors spans from our coasts, fields, forests, plains and streams. Highlighting this diversity in foods and tradition, Morso has planned a beautiful dinner at 6:30pm celebrating some of our outdoor bounty from heirloom grains, to seafood and game with wines to highlight their unique flavors. $100/person.

Environmental Services Building to tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes! Must pre-register by January 20. Tickets $57.

JANUARY 31 BROADWAY CENTER PRESENTS CHARLIE CHAPLIN The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts is showing a Charlie Chaplin Double Feature at Studio 3. Join them for two short Charlie Chaplin silent films: “The Rink,” a slapstick story of a rollerskating waiter, and “The Kid,” Chaplin's first fulllength film. Showtimes are at 1pm and 3:30pm. Tickets are $8.

BYOSC

Bring Your Own Seafood Crackers!

By Maddie Russo Are you looking for a fun family night out?

Here is way to not only have a great time, but give back to the community as well. The Key Peninsula Civic Center is hosting its annual fundraiser Crab Feed on January 24 from 4 to 7pm. To complete the feast of the fresh Pacific Coast Dungeness crab, there will be Caesar salad, spaghetti and garlic bread. Drink options will include coffee and tea for free or you can purchase and beer, wine and soda. In addition, it is requested that guests bring their own seafood crackers and picks for crab cracking!

Family

FEATURE

Tickets may be purchased at several locations including Sunnycrest Nursery and Blend Wine Shop in Key Center or the Key Peninsula Civic Center in Vaughn. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and and $10 for children ages 6 to 12; children under 6 are admitted for free. Depending on availability, tickets may also be sold at the door.

The proceeds of this event will all go to benefit the Key Peninsula Civic Center – a nonprofit organization that promotes the welfare of the Key Peninsula and its surroundings. They are also home to many nonprofits in the community such as Boy Scout Troop #220, Fresh Food Revolution Co-op, KP Historical Society, KP Senior Society and Two Waters Arts Alliance.

For more information or to volunteer for this or future events, call 253.884.3456 or email kpciviccenter@centurytel.net.

Upcoming Events

FEBRUARY 5 - 27 NUNSENSE

FEBRUARY 25-28 MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE

FEBRUARY 6 MARDI GRAS

FEBRUARY 27 CLASSICS III DEBUSSY AND BEETHOVEN

FEBRUARY 12 WINE AND CHOCOLATE AT THE CONSERVATORY

FEBRUARY 19 NANCY K. DILLON

FEBRUARY 13 BRAD PAISLEY AT THE TACOMA DOME FEBRUARY 16 RHYTHMIC CIRCUS FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW! FEBRUARY 20 EMPTY BOWLS

Visit

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for more events!

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Saturday, February 13th 1pm-5pm along Gig Harbor’s beautiful Downtown Waterfront

For details and more information, visit us on Facebook at Gig Harbor Wine and Food f or contact the Alliance at 253.514.0071.

Presented by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance and the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor

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FEATURE STORY

THE ROAD TO

Finding a happy balance in an overly indulgent world

By Megan Olson

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There is something about a quiet space that is calming to the human psyche. Tranquility is essential as it refuels our joy.

H

ow are we already standing at the threshold of 2016? Another year has faded into the background like steam rising on a winter’s morning.

We hold these moments just before us and in an instant they diminish like vapors that will never be seen again. Another holiday season has come to pass, and we begin our ascension of emotional and financial recovery. It’s the dawn of a new year; that time where many of us contemplate our fresh beginnings. In its quest for happiness, the discontented human spirit eagerly seeks change in the form of resolutions. Perhaps it is time to search for happiness that can only be found by simplifying life.

The holiday season can be a time of great merriment, but it can also send many into a tailspin of stress and anxiety. You’re not alone if you’re feeling emotionally and financially depleted at the end of the holiday season. The crowds and monetary burdens of shopping, the company Christmas party, and the family gathering (that includes Cousin Eddie and Aunt Bethany) might be just enough to push any sane person over the edge. It should come as no surprise that 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions in an effort to seek change and well-being. The Research Institute reports the top three New Year’s resolutions as losing weight, getting

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organized and spending less. All point in the direction of seeking happiness through the trimming down and simplification of life. The human spirit has this intrinsic notion that less is more as it pursues the road to happiness.

My daughter’s fourth birthday marked the one year anniversary of being on our own as a family. I have worked very hard and have refused to let her go “without.” I think that single parenthood has only fueled my need to prove that “I can give my kid that too.” I gave her a party as though the summation of all my pride was contingent upon that moment. She adored Rapunzel and so my princess would have her Rapunzel party. I threw her a party that could not be rivaled in all the land. To mimic the movie “Tangled,” a live Princess Rapunzel (with real hair) rode in on a gallant steed to wish my daughter a happy birthday.

It wasn’t until my daughter’s fifth birthday drew near that I knew that I had over-complicated birthdays for all time. I had given her the grand apex of birthdays before she was even in kindergarten. All she really wanted on that day was to be recognized, eat cake and to play with her friends. All she really wanted was something so very simple. This notion provokes the rhetorical question of “at what age do we begin to drift away from the simplicity of life?” By sacrificing our own simplicity,

we are ultimately moving away from our own happiness.

This last November, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a catastrophic windstorm that reached speeds of near hurricane velocity. Hundreds of thousands went without power for days and some for weeks. As a resident of Eastern Washington, I too sat in utter darkness as the wind swept through like a thief in the night. One faint glimpse of light after another faded into the darkness as though it had been swept away by the sea.

I work from home; my career and livelihood are dependent upon electricity and modern technology. As soon as the crack could be heard from the falling tree, all conveniences were immediately terminated by Mother Nature until further notice. No electrically generated light, heat, nor sound could be summoned from the pit of that kind of darkness.

One’s focus is redirected when stripped of all work obligations and modern distractions. Such an environmental occurrence propagates a new life direction that is comprised of only the basics: heat, food, shelter and love. A Facebook status suddenly becomes insignificant. Maslow’s assertions on the basic needs of humanity are undeniably precise.

For my family, the power failure resulted in new found simplicity and joy. It facilitated opportunity to play card games with my daughter that I had been putting off for months. We were able to go for walks during the daylight and have conversations that we might not have had otherwise. We discovered that we are innovative engineers when it comes

to crafting a warm water showering system. We prepared daily meals from our woodstove to share with our beloved neighbors that have become more like family than just “the people that live next door.” We were given the absolutely greatest gift; that of modern day minimalism and opportunity to engage.

It’s no wonder that the trend towards “tiny houses” has surged in recent years. Homes the size of recreational vehicles are being built across the country as an avenue for people to downsize. There is an actual association called The Tiny House Movement that consists of individuals seeking to scale down and live more efficiently. This new generation of houses range between 100 and 400 square feet. The association reports that the average size home in the United States is 2,600 square feet.

It is estimated that one-third to one-half of a family’s income is spent on a mortgage. The average size “tiny house” costs less than $30,000 to build, and most owners are debt free. The tiny house philosophy takes a minimalistic approach that is designed to free valuable time and resources.

The tiny house concept isn’t going to be for everyone; particularly for those with larger families. The underlying premise of life simplification is cutting what is unnecessary.

A reduction of excess can range from lifestyle to clutter. There is something about a quiet space that is calming to the human psyche. Tranquility is essential as it refuels our joy. That’s why so many leave the hustle of the city to find serenity at the beach or in the woods.

For my family, the power failure resulted in newfound simplicity and joy.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Whatever the solution may be, the importance is to find your path to simplicity. The real value is in family – giving of your love and your time.

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Not only is it necessary to maintain those healthy boundaries and relationships, it’s imperative to reduce the physical clutter.

In terms of chaos in our daily lives, we sometimes fail to assess our lifestyle and recognize how we over-extend ourselves.

Too many obligations can be a way of becoming trapped in the busyness of day to day living. It’s easy to become swept into the vicious cycle of being a people-pleaser at the expense of generating damage to one’s own life. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, it’s possibly time to consider practicing the word “no.” It’s okay to set healthy boundaries and fight the impulse of appeasing every person. You can politely decline without being considered ill-mannered. There is a reason that flight attendants tell passengers to put their oxygen mask on first before coming to the aid of others. When we overcommit ourselves, we foster a great deal of unnecessary stress.

By always saying yes, you are potentially sacrificing your own health and well-being. Selectively declining requests enables you to simplify your life and puts you on the path to happiness.

Not only is it necessary to maintain those healthy boundaries and relationships, it’s imperative to reduce the physical clutter. In theory, cleaning the house sounds like a seemingly simple task. Unfortunately, the reality is we live in a world of chaos. I always think back to college chemistry. A clean house is kind of like entropy. The house begins in this lovely and clean condition and then rapidly fizzles out into a state of mayhem. The dishes and laundry were completely done for about 12 seconds. Twelve seconds might even be bragging a little. I don’t think my professor was relating a clean house to the Laws of Thermodynamics, but anyone that has children or a messy housemate surely understands this quandary. It’s impossible to keep a house clean for any extended amount of time.

We will never be able to completely avoid entropy in the sense that our organized state will always be destined for disarray.

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” ~ Socrates • If you are one who wants to simplify your life, but don’t know where to start, here are some tips to help you begin.

• Start by going through your home one room at a time. If there is something you find that you have not used in a long time and at one time brought you joy, consider giving it away and imparting that joy on someone else.

• Familiarize yourself with local nonprofits.

Many of them rely on donations to keep operating. By donating your used items to these organizations, you are paying it forward and helping others.

• When taking an inventory of your belongings, keep those things that bring you happiness and make your life easier.

• It may be overwhelming at first to part with too many items. After your first

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“purge,” go through your belongings again in three months.

• If you are undecided about whether or not to donate a certain item, try putting it in storage for a period of time until you are sure.

• Lastly, remember that happiness is not found in possessions, but in those relationships that are important to us!

As we progress and learn to let go of our worldly possessions and the need for constant acquisition of new items, our finances suddenly become less strained.

For most Americans, accumulating “stuff ” is the primary method of over-complicating life. It’s imperative to ask “Do I really need this?” The rule is, if you haven’t used something for 18 months, chances are you never will. Stripping your home of the bulk of its possessions can be one of the most difficult yet liberating of all the simplifying tasks.

“Baby’s first Christmas dress” evolved into holding on to the crusty old T-shirt from Elementary kids’ third annual walka-thon. I had accumulated enough sentimental baby items to stock a thrift store.

It’s very difficult to let go when we become sentimental and emotionally attached to our “stuff.”

Gutting out the home can be particularly taxing with children.

Let’s face it , it’s a challenge to keep up with all of the clothes, toys and books that children outgrow every few months.

Historically, I have not been overly sentimental about my possessions – until I had a baby. The thought of giving away the tiny outfits worn by my little “bundle of joy” would bring tears to my eyes. I would see an outfit and immediately be brought back to a special moment in time. “But she wore that dress the first time she smiled.” Before I knew it, the saving of

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It’s important to learn to separate the truly important items from the rest. I had to ask myself “will my daughter want this when she’s older?” I allowed myself to keep 20 things for her keepsake box. To remedy the situation of letting go of the other items, I took pictures and made a scrapbook of what I was afraid I would eventually miss. Once I let them go, I never missed them. In fact, giving them away allowed me to bless someone else’s little girl.

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As we progress and learn to let go of our worldly possessions and the need for constant acquisition of new items, our finances suddenly become less strained. The American Research Group anticipates that Christmas spending for 2015 will be up 2 percent from last year. The data collected from around the country in a random sample suggests that the American family will spend upwards of $900 on presents this year. Giving gifts makes us feel joyful and the heart rejoices in the feeling of generosity. Watching the beaming faces of little children open presents on Christmas morning is unparalleled.

Sometimes, we buy more gifts than what we have money to afford. CSNBC reports that the mean credit card debt is about $8,000. Some suggest that the key to affording Christmas is finding deals all year long. Others prepare creative and innovative homemade gifts.

Whatever the solution may be, the importance is to find your path to simplicity. The real value is in family – giving of your love and your time.

We cannot be replaced. Some of our friends and family might not make it into the next year. Hold onto your moments and treasure each and every one of them because before we know it, you will be reading what I have to say for 2017.

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SHOP IN STYLE

Getting Organized in 2016 CLEANING OUT THAT WARDROBE FOR A CLEAN SLATE

BY MICHELLE PHILLIPS

Have fun with this project and merchandise your closet as though it were a darling boutique.

CREATING A WARDROBE can be challenging. Most of our closets are packed full. But if you are like most people, you wear about 20 percent of your wardrobe 80 percent of the time. Paring down is the imperative to a streamlined, fabulous wardrobe.

• • • • •

dresses, long sweaters and jackets pants and skirts golf /athletic wear shirts and blouses sweaters (these may be hung or folded on open shelves)

Imagine if you donated 50 to 80 percent of your wardrobe that you don’t ever wear and then added a few key pieces? Wouldn’t it be easy to choose your outfit every morning from all of your favorite clothes? Can you imagine a closet full of only great pieces that look fabulous on you?

Start with one section at a time and evaluate each piece – try it on, when did you wear it last? Do you love it? Is it flattering, up to date and in great shape? If so, it’s a keeper. Place it in its section of closet. If not, determine whether it is sellable, needs to be donated or tailored and place in appropriate pile.

Why wait for spring when you can start 2016 with a fresh, organized closet? You are sure to feel more in control of your life – excess stuff creates stress.

Once you have finished one group, arrange that section so that the more formal items are towards the back of section and the items worn most often are more accessible. I suggest keeping like items together and arranged by color. Have fun with this project and merchandise your closet as though it were a darling boutique.

I have created a quick, easy way for you to start your new year with stress-free style.

If you are able to, it is best to limit the color choices so that most items can be mixed and matched. For example, my base wardrobe is black and my accent colors are shades of green and grey.

Starting with a clean slate is the easiest way.

Start by removing everything from your closet.

Dust and vacuum all of the shelves and make sure you have adequate lighting.

Choose which sections will house which types of items. I find it easiest to create one section for:

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You will be amazed how much easier it will be to choose your daily outfit and to pack for trips.

Wishing you all the best in 2016!

Michelle Phillips is the founder and designer at Dolly Mama Designs, Inc. and Dolly Mama Boutique in Gig Harbor, WA. Visit her website at www.dollymamadesigns.com

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HARBOR HOME CONSIGNMENT

Serving Gig Harbor

Looking to spruce up your home but finding it’s not within your budget?

Look no further! Harbor Home Consignment has been serving the Gig Harbor area for 11 years. They have all you need to make your home feel like a brand new place. Get that designer look without the designer price.

Brands of furniture include Hancock & Moore, Century, Baker, Thomasville, Henredon, Sherrill, Hooker and more. Stop in today and let them help you find the perfect furniture and home decor for your style and budget.

12 Years

3308 Uddenberg Lane | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.853.5994 | ghfurniturestore.com

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REVERENCE JEWELRY

WE BUY • SELL TRADE & CONSIGN GOLD • SILVER DIAMONDS • GEMS ANTIQUE & ESTATE JEWELRY JEWELRY REPAIR CUSTOM ONE OF A KIND PIECES BY MASTER JEWELER SINCE 1978

They offer 14 and 18 karat gold and sterling silver jewelry at affordable prices as well as custom beaded designs. Their in house master jeweler provides custom work and repairs. Come see their newly added fine art, sea life bronzes and small antiques. Located at the corner of Pioneer and Harborview, they buy, sell, trade and consign! Open Tuesday through Saturday.

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• • •

Newly remodeled showroom Custom beaded jewelry and repairs In house repairs on fine jewelry

773938-01

Free verbal appraisal

by GIA Graduate Gemologist

3116 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.853.4579 www.reverencejewelry.com 3116 Harborview Drive Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm

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253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS • www.reverencejewelry.com

THE BEACH BASKET

The Beach Basket Gift Clothing & Christmas Shop invite you to come explore their shop filled with unique gifts and women’s sportswear for yourself and others. Show Your 12th Man Spirit with a Seahawk Bunting made of Nylon fabric. This is a single sided design with design applique stitching. Size: 27 x 58.

4102 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.858.3008 f The Beach Basket Gift Shops / Beach Basket Christmas Shop

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EBB TIDE GALLERY OF GIFTS

Karen Petrillose, watercolorist and recipient of the Ebb Tide Award, will be honored at a reception on Saturday, January 2nd from 1-5pm at Ebb Tide Gallery. Karen’s beautiful batik like work is based on her own photographic images and techniques used in silk painting. Hand painted silk scarves as well as her award winning artwork will be on display at Ebb Tide during January 2nd-31st.” Image is “Blue Poppy,” by the artist.

7809 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.851.5293 f/TheEbbTideArtGallery | www.ebbtidegalleryofgifts.com

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FOR THE LOVE OF SPICE

For the Love of Spice specializes in custom designed and hand packed herb and spice seasoning blends, all of which are gluten free.

In addition to their wonderful array of herb and spice blends the store features an olive oil and vinegar bar, artisan made pastas, rare and unique grains, flavored sugars, infused salts, and organic and fair trade teas. Open Tues -Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm and closed Mondays.

3104 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.858.0272 f//loveofspices | www.loveofspice.com

RAINY DAY YARNS

A boutique yarn shop with a wide range of beautiful yarns and a large selection of needles, hooks, books and accessories. They offer group and private classes plus knitwear, jewelry and gifts made by local artists. Custom orders always welcome!

3200 Tarabochia St | Gig Harbor | 253.514.6890 | www.rainydayyarns.com

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dolly mama boutique

dolly mama boutique would like to help you update your wardrobe for 2016! Stop in to see our new apparel, accessories & jewelry! Now carrying Free People, Black Swan and PJ Salvage! Our new Winter Hours are: Monday 11-5, Tues-Sat 10-5, Closed Sundays.

7700 Pioneer Way Ste. 103 | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.851.5113

SOPHIE’S TOUCH

Their store is located downtown Gig Harbor and they work hard to provide quality, stylish and functional merchandise and complete, balanced, natural food and treats. They are proud to showcase many local vendors and craftsmen. Bring your pet in for free goodies! Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sundays,10am-5pm.

3302 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.853.3294 f Sophie’s Touch, Pet Comforts | www.sophiestouch.com

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SHILOH THREADS

Life is short...they live creatively, they wear creatively. Their clothes are ethically sourced and printed by hand with care and love. Their designs are unique, whimsical, and drawn by local artists. Shiloh Threads: unique clothing boutique and custom screen-printing.

3019 Judson Street, Unit C | Gig Harbor, WA | shilohthreads@gmail.com f/shilohthreadslivecreatively | /shilohthreads | www.shilohthreads.com

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MOOD

Mood is a family owned home furnishings store in Gig Harbor, Washington. They sell new and vintage furniture in Mid-Century Modern, Industrial Modern and Contemporary styles. In addition, they carry Dash & Albert rugs, lighting, decor, cool gifts and original artwork. They feature General Finishes Milk Paint and Gel Stains. Design/color consulting, custom paint services and art workshops are offered here.

5125 Olympic Drive NW | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.858.7226 | moodgigharbor.com

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BLACKWATER TRADING COMPANY

Visit your local NW gallery & gift shop in January and choose your favorite watercolor by Bainbridge Island artist John Adams. Finding inspiration in our natural environment, John’s watercolors capture his unique vision with color and expressive wonder. Open Thursday-Sunday.

7706 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA | 253.857.7886

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Getting Back to Basics...

AND OTHER SIMPLISTIC TRUTHS

BY SUSAN MOORE, OWNER OF BETTER GYM, GIG HARBOR, WA

IF YOU CAN SEE IT, you can be it. 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

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not complicated, and all it takes is consistency.

It goes back to 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.

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

Affecting Your Daily Life?

The leading cause of headaches is not what you think, and it’s not all in your head.

TruDenta is a drug-free, needle-free, and painfree system to provide long-lasting pain relief.

RHONDA SAVAGE, DDS

253.857.0835 UptownDentalGigHarbor.com

The life-changing, therapeutic treatments have been effective in patients suffering from painful symptoms of bite imbalance, chronic headaches, migraines and TMJ/TMD.

COMPLIMENTARY SONICARE

GigHarborLivingLocal.com with New Patient Exam, 77

Xrays & Cleaning

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.

common, time tested sayings or cliches 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.

What kind of fuel 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 took to get there. Now make a plan based on the visualization drill. It works. Every time.

The last 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 proteins, carbs and fats. 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. Most

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LLC

Rediscover Your Smile ARE CHRONIC HEADACHES AFFECTING YOUR “LOOK”?

Specializing in Cosmetic Skincare

BY RHONDA R. SAVAGE, DDS DENTISTRY IS ALL ABOUT creating beautiful smiles, and that artistry doesn’t end with teeth whitening and veneers. Your oral health and your overall health have a big impact on your appearance. Chronic headaches can affect your look without you realizing it. Some questions to think about: • Do your headaches make you feel tired or irritable?

• Are they affecting the quality of your family life?

• Do your headaches cause you to have difficulty focusing at work?

There may be a dental component to your headaches. Headaches are usually classified as: • Tension headaches – The most common type with feelings of pain and pressure, muscle aches, sleeplessness, and inability to concentrate.

• Migraines – An estimated 18 to 28 million Americans, mostly women, suffer from migraines. They are characterized by throbbing pain, visual problems, facial numbness, sensitivity to light and sound, and queasiness.

• Cluster headaches – The least common type, usually suffered by men. Cluster headaches begin as severe pain in one eye, resulting in swelling and watering of the eye.

Dental problems are a frequent cause of headaches. Malocclusion – when the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly as the mouth closes – causes tension in jaw, facial, neck and shoulder muscles resulting in tension headaches. A history of trauma (falls, car accidents or sports injuries) can also cause bite related TMJ issues.

Bruxism (grinding and clenching) applies massive bite pressure to the teeth and jaws

at night, stimulating headaches (as well as dental wear and damage). Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea and snoring prompt headaches, too.

Through a thorough dental evaluation and compassionate discussion, your dentist can determine possible dental causes of your headaches and recommend answers. You may find relief from a comfortable mouth guard worn at night to minimize grinding or an oral appliance to keep the airway open and alleviate sleep apnea.

Botox® Juvederm® Chemical peels

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Bite correction with modern orthodontia or restorative dental procedures can eliminate headache triggers. Many offices have a computerized bite analysis that takes the sum of four quick bites and can show where you bite first and how much pressure you put on your teeth.

Your back molars should have 10 to 15 percent of your overall bite force. The smaller premolars average 6 to 9 percent of the bite force. Your front teeth: 1 to 4 percent.

In addition to your bite analysis, your range of motion and a TMJ/ head and neck exam can reveal if some or all of your headache issues are caused by your dental condition.

Consider a dental solution rather than overthe-counter and prescription medications that only treat symptoms and slow you down.

If your bite isn’t in balance, you can get massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or physical therapy, but the pain typically returns.

You don’t have to suffer from headaches or take a handful of pills to get through the day. Make an appointment with your dentist today to find relief from chronic headache pain – and rediscover that beautiful smile!

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Karen Smith, ARNP

Stop in for our skincare products: SkinMedica®, Glytone® & Avene®

HarborHealthandSkincare.net

f

Find us on Facebook!

4221 Harborview Drive Suite 103 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.314.2618

The Young Bully WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

BY MIRIAM DRESSLER, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Gig Harbor Chiropractic & Massage www.GigHarborWellness.com

Dr. Greg Messer Dr. Keri Messer

253.857.6500

11430 51st Ave NW Ste 101A Gig Harbor, WA 98332

f gigharborchiropractic&massage Visit our website to take advantage of our New Patient Special!

AS THE PARENT of a young child, you may believe you don’t have to worry about bullying at this stage of development; however, that may not be the case. Bullying may begin well before your child enters kindergarten, as early as three years old when children develop the cognitive ability to understand feelings of others. They are observant of the world, absorbing information and behaviors from television, movies, computer games and books. They are also beginning cooperative play with their peers and are experiencing play-related conflict and aggression, a typical stage of development. This conflict teaches about compromise, negotiation, fairness, forgiveness and the power of making amends.

Normal conflict and aggression is usually identified when both parties are upset or have an agenda. When this is not the case, bullying may be occurring.

A bully is someone who is intentionally aggressive and uses an imbalance of power to intimidate, humiliate and hurt another person for the purpose of gaining social or psychological control and superiority.

Bullying behaviors include hitting, shoving, biting, name calling, threatening, socially excluding, teasing and destroying another’s belongings.

It can be hard to distinguish between developmentally-appropriate behavior and bullying in young children. Remember • Not all aggression is bullying.

• Aggression in young children is part of normal development, starting and birth and peaking at around 24 months, but continues throughout life.

• Normal conflict/aggression is usually identified.

• Children under the age of three do not have the cognitive ability to understand empathy, so aggression cannot be considered as an intentional act to undermine or hurt another. Aggression is more of a communication tool.

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• Bullying behavior is repeated and planned by the aggressor. The bully has intention to hurt the other child or gain control or power.

What are signs that your child may be being bullied: • Unexplained injuries • Unexplained headache or stomachache • Unusually clingy or other changes in behavior, like becoming withdrawn • Expressed fear about going to preschool If you believe your child is being bullied: • Talk to your child and get a good understanding of the situation • Remain calm • Reassure your child you will help • Help your child figure out how to deal with the bully (i.e. ignoring, stand brave, avoid being alone with the bully, tell the teacher) • Take Action! Meet with the teacher and express your concerns If your child is bullying other children, don’t deny the problem – ask your child to help you understand what is happening, it may not be his fault entirely. Then look for a potential source of frustration: hearing or speech issues; changes in your child’s life/ routine, and encourage your child to be empathetic – ask how he would feel if he were in the other child’s position. Work with your child to develop meaningful repercussions or consequences.

The way you handle the bullying, regardless of whether you have the bully or the victim, will have a long lasting effect on the children involved. By modeling respectful, caring and appropriate behavior, you’ll help your child enjoy the full benefit of the school experience.

New Year, New You NOT ANOTHER WEIGHT LOSS PLAN

BY DARCI BARMAN, REGISTERED DIETICIAN NUTRITIONIST

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN and many of us are looking back at Thanksgiving feasts and holiday over-indulgences and vowing to ourselves to get “back on track” come the first of the year. The majority of New Year’s resolutions include weight-loss goals, but why do 92 percent of us fail?

The answer: It’s not that easy.

Familiar with the term “stubborn weight?”

Me too. The majority of people who seek out dietetic services are those who have already tried calories in, calories out, but the real problem is not their calorie intake; it’s hormone imbalances, micronutrient deficiencies, poor gut flora, overactive immune responses and generalized inflammation that is enabling their body to not fully utilize the nutrients from the foods they are eating – even when they are eating healthy foods!

cultured vegetables and heavy doses of antiinflammatory herbs and spices to restore optimal metabolic function, results in those “stubborn pounds” just melting away.

Once you have eliminated these foods for a period of time, you strategically reintroduce them – noting any undesirable symptoms and excluding those foods – resulting in a customized diet that fits your specific health needs.

Not only does the Elimination Diet help with weight loss and resetting a sluggish metabolism, but it has helped thousands of patients improve: • • • • • • • • •

energy foggy thinking or memory issues moodiness or irritability depression and anxiety bloating, gas, constipation, or reflux muscle and joint pain skin rashes, eczema and acne osteoporosis asthma, sinus congestion and chronic coughing • migraines and headaches • autoimmune disease Where to Start

Why is this?

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is dominated by food laden with sugars, pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics and hormones.

With all the additives, preservatives, colors and sweeteners we eat in a day, it’s no wonder our metabolic fire is having a hard time burning. The solution? An Elimination Diet.

An Elimination Diet focuses on eliminating what harms and replenishing what heals.

Eliminating foods such as corn, soy, gluten, dairy, nightshades, caffeine, alcohol and a few others while including bone broths,

The biggest challenge encountered when eliminating several food groups at once is the lack of education, knowledge and a plan to ensure adequate nutrient intake. That’s where a dietitian comes in. Dietitians can put together a plan for you that includes meal plans, recipes, food lists and supplements that can ease the overwhelming task of eliminating foods that dominate your current diet. They are trained to help guide patients through challenging, but rewarding lifestyle changes.

Darci Barman is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. See darcibarman.com for more information.

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It’s not the good life, it’s the best life!

Welcome home to Harbor Place!

From morning to night, you’ve got friends to meet up with, activities to share and a beautiful environment around you.

From fine dining, to sunny courtyard lunches, our chef prepares meals meant to be savored.

Choose from a range of active living options that complement your personal requirements and lifestyle.

Independent Retirement & Assisted Living Community 1016 29th Street NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.853.3354 HarborPlaceRetirement.com

FOOD & DRINK

The Perfect Partner PEARS MAKE A GREAT CHOICE FOR WHOLESOME SNACKING

Half of all eating occasions in the U.S. are now snack-driven.

ADULTS EVERYWHERE are reaching for healthy snacks to fuel their families, and a fresh pear’s juicy, subtle flavor pairs well with snacks such as almonds, walnuts and cheese.

America’s snacking obsession is about to get fresh with portable, packable, pair-able pears.

In season nearly year-round, fresh pears are mainly grown in Oregon and Washington by 1,600 families who produce about 84 percent of the nation’s fresh pear crop. Pears are available in a range of varieties, from the signaturesweet Bartlett to the crisp, woodsy Bosc to the juicy Anjou.

A recent usage study commissioned by USA Pears showed that 46 percent of pear consumers eat them as mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Pears are often considered best eaten fresh and just-sliced, making them a perfect partner for wholesome, simple snacking – think sliced pears atop whole-grain toast, wrapped with prosciutto, dipped in nut butters or partnered with blue or aged, hard cheeses.

Half of all eating occasions in the U.S. are now snack-driven. According to a recent Mintel report on snacking, 94 percent of Americans snack at least once a day, compared to just 64 percent last year. Thirty-three percent say they are choosing healthier foods this year compared to last year, with an emphasis on

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simple ingredients. Millennials are leading the way and are more likely than any other demographic to snack multiple times throughout the day.

Pears are a nutrient-dense, fat-free food, an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving. To tell when a pear is ripe, simply check the neck.

If the pear gives slightly to pressure near the stem end, it’s juicy and ready for snacking.

With a warm growing season in the Pacific Northwest, a greater number of high-quality fruits are available at a “snackable” size – perfect for throwing in a lunchbox, purse or string bag on the way out the door.

Looking for more simple snacking tips? Think outside the cracker box: • Slice pears atop whole-grain toast • Wrap pear slices in prosciutto • Pair pears with blue cheese, parmesan or aged white cheddar • Dip pears into yogurt • Pack a pear with a small portion of nuts • Smear slices with almond or cashew butter • Sprinkle diced pears onto chia pudding Visit www.usapears.org for recipes, ripening tips and more.

food, wine & beer

waterfront resta u ra nt with a rt ga llery

enjoy lunch, happy hour & dinner

2014 OPEN TABLE TOP 100

BEST WINE LIST in America as voted by Open Table Diners

amazing salads · filet mignon fresh fish · great wines · happy hour rotating craft beers · patio seating live entertainment · 21+ tuesday - thursday · 4pm to 10pm friday & saturday · noon to midnight sunday · 2pm to 9pm 9014 Peacock Hill Ave. at N. Harborview Dr. at the head of the bay

253.530.DINE (3463)

online reservations at morsowinebar.com

& Tequila Bar AWA R D-W I N N I N G

Mexican Restaurant

The Place To Go For Mexican!

4628 PT FOSDICK DRIVE NW GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 253.851.8464

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YOURLOCALDININGGUIDE

Restaurants with this symbol have public wifi access.

Jimmy John’s

Morso

Satisfy your palate with their amazing gourmet lunch and dinner overlooking spectacular views of the water. Gig Harbor’s best kept secret! Wine list offers a worldwide scope, craft beers on tap, fun food & wine events. Their Morso Gallery provides private dining & a unique experience seeing local & national artists. Live music events feature amazing artists from around the country. Hours: Tue-Thurs 4-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 2-9pm.

9014 Peacock Hill Ave at N. Harborview Dr. morsowinebar.com | 253.530.3463

Freaky fast! Freaky good!™ Jimmy John’s is your go-to spot for freaky fast sandwiches made with real, fresh ingredients. JJ’s tasty French bread is always served freshly baked, and quality meats and locally-grown veggies are sliced in-store daily. Hours: Sun-Sat 11am10pm.

5114 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Ste. B Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.858.8960 jimmyjohns.com

Taste Green.House Restaurant

Come and try their delicious new additions and nightly specials!

Offering lunch, twilight, dinner & happy hour. Also serving a 3 course twilight dinner for $19 all night. Their small and bigger bites menu offers fun, deliciously sharable plates.

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sun 11am-8pm.

4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 400 253.514.6482 | greenhousegigharbor.com

Occasions Coffe

and

Crepes

Occasions Coffee and Crepes is Gig Harbor’s home of Ray Wainwright’s specialty savory and sweet crepes. With build your own crepes, salads, soups, paninis & sandwiches, and fresh local coffee, as well as local artisan gifts, they are a local destination for food and coffee. Go see them at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays! Mon-Fri 7am-5pm.

4700 Point Fosdick Dr NW #109 253.851.2576 occasionscoffeeandcrepes.com

Yo! G’s Frozen Yogurt

Gig Harbor’s family owned and operated self-serve frozen yogurt store offers ten varieties of yogurt that rotate on a regular basis and over 60 toppings!

Included are dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free options. Try one of their delicious flavors today. You’ll be sure to come back for more!

4784 Borgen Blvd. NW, Suite E 253.858.9647

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of

Peru

Taste of Peru offers traditional Peruvian dishes as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Two year running Bite of Seattle winner for their quinoa salads. They prepare their meals from scratch and use fresh ingredients in order to offer a lighter and healthier option without compromising flavor.

Hours are Tue-Fri 11:30am-3pm and 4:308pm. Sat 11:30am-9pm. Sun 12-8pm.

5500 Olympic Drive NW, Ste D -101 253.313.5198 tasteofperuonline.com

Harbor Farms Seafood

Meats

and

NW natural meat products. All wild caught fish and homemade marinated meats - go pick up dinner! Freezer case with exotic hard to find products, specialty items, soups. The best pork you can buy from the Midwest! Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 9am-8pm and Sun 9am6pm.

6820A Kimball Drive, Suite 7 253.313.5640 harborfarmsmeatsandseafood.com

Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant

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. They have WiFi! 4628 Pt. Fosdick Drive NW 253.851.8464 moctezumas.com

QUALITY MEATS

FRESH SEAFOODS

• Fresh hams, lamb • Pre-order your prime rib for the Holidays • NW Natural Meat Products • All Wild Caught Fish • Homemade Marinated Meats Come Pick Up Dinner!

• Freezer Case With Exotic Hard To Find Products • Specialty Items And Soups

SPECIALTY FOODS

Spend $30 or more and receive your

FREE POUND of ground chuck!

*Mention Gig Harbor Living Local!

WWW.HARBORFARMSMEATSANDSEAFOOD.COM 253-313-5640 | 6820A Kimball Drive Suite 7 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Open 7 days a week Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm Sunday 9am-6pm

Marketplace Grille

American cuisine with a Caribbean flair. The best Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder in Gig Harbor! Located next to Anthony’s Restaurant and offers an expansive view of the harbor. Family owned and operated. Beer and Wine, Take Out Menu available. Hours MonThurs, 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm, Sun, 11am-8pm.

8825 North Harborview Drive, Unit C 253.858.3487 themarketplacegrille.com

Make 2016 Fruitful Celebrate the New Year with one of our fresh fruit smoothies froyos or arrangements.

Green Turtle Restaruant

Fine dining with endless views of Mt. Rainier and the Gig Harbor lighthouse. Outdoor deck dining on the water at its finest! Cocktails, premium beers and extended wine list. Lunch Mon-Sat, 11am-2pm. Dinner Mon-Sun, 4:30pm to Close.

2905 Harborview Drive NW 253.851.3167 thegreenturtle.com

* Offer valid at participating locations shown. Expires: 1/31/16. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Occasions

Coffee and Crepes Est. 2000

CREPES Paninis & Sandwiches Build Your Own Crepes Salads & Soups Forza Coffee All Recyclable Packaging & Utensils Local Artisan Gifts Ray and Jan Wainright, owners of Occasions Coffee & Crepes since 2000 and Gig Harbor residents.

Ray Wainright Owner

HAPPY NEW YEAR! TRY OUR NEW MUSHROOM LEEK & BRIE CREPE!

Savory Greek Yogurt Gobbetti with Olives Brought to you by Litehouse Foods® Gather Ingredients

• 16 oz whole wheat Gobbetti Pasta • 2 cups 2% milk • 6 oz 2%-milk sharp cheddar cheese, shredded • 3 Tbsp. “Three Cheese Egg Beaters” • 1/2 cup Litehouse® OPA Feta Dill

2. Heat milk until it begins to simmer (but not boil). Turn off heat, add cheese and stir until cheese melts. Place pasta into 3-quart baking dish. Add egg product, OPA Feta Dill Dressing, and olives. Stir to blend ingredients.

3. Bake pasta for 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and brown on the edges. Garnish with Oregano and serve.

• 1 3.8 oz can sliced, ripe black olives, drained

Put it Together

See us at the Gig Harbor Farmer's Market on Saturdays!

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and set aside.

4700 Pt Fosdick Dr NW, Ste 109 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.851.2576 GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Lunch & Dinner Cocktails ~ Premium Beers ~ Extended Wine List

Make your reservation for Valentine’s Day at The Green Turtle!

OPEN Lunch Mon~Sat 11am to 2pm Dinner Mon~Sat 4pm to Close

Fine Dining with Endless Views of Mt. Rainier and the Gig Harbor Lighthouse.

Surf & Turf 6oz filet mignon grilled and topped with sauteed onions, button mushrooms and a creamy gorgonzola sauce along with seared scampi in a lemon beurre blanc.

Jazzy Chop Porterhouse pork chop marinated in extra virgin olive oil, rosemary and garlic, oven baked and finished with our creamy goat cheese, spinach, mushroom, Thai chili sauce.

Muscovy Duck Oven baked and topped with our plum and toasted almond sauce.

Ahi Tuna Lightly coated with black peppercorns, seared rare and topped with our roasted garlic / ginger glaze.

2905 Harborview Drive NW Gig Harbor www.thegreenturtle.com

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Combining travel with education provides in-depth experience

By Patty Hutchens | Photos by Joanne Heaviland Photography TRAVEL. It is something that most of us love to do or, at the very least, dream about.

Whether it is to lands far away that we have only read about in history books or a place right in our county, travel is filled with adventure and new discoveries. And when you combine that adventure with an opportunity to learn new things, the experience is that much more exciting.

From Tourist to Tour Guide Such is the case with Joanne Heaviland, a professional photographer who lives in

Southern California. Heaviland has taken her passion for travel and photography and shared it with others in her photography workshops all over the world. It is a chance to explore, learn and create in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

As an employee for United Airlines when she was just 21, Heaviland had the opportunity to travel all over the world to places such as China, Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Peru and many places throughout Europe. That experience, combined with her own heritage, gave her a taste of places she would like to

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explore further.

Growing up with an Italian grandmother, Heaviland developed a passion for Italy and Italian food early in life. Her work as a professional photographer and passion for travel are what inspired her to conduct travel photography workshops.

“I named my first one in 2013 to Tuscany, Italy ‘Wine, Food & Photography,’” said Heaviland.

“My 2011 trip is what inspired me to do a tour to Peru and also Machu Picchu in June of 2015 that was titled ‘Experience Peru: A Culinary,

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Cultural and Photography Journey through the land of the Incas.’”

The 2011 trip to which Heaviland refers was with a nonprofit group, International Children’s Network, that assists at-risk and orphaned children in countries all around the world.

Heaviland traveled to Peru in 2011 as part of the group that was there to choose children for the World Orphan Choir.

As she traveled to orphanages in the Andes Mountains, at an altitude of 17,000 feet, Heaviland saw young children who had been abandoned, neglected and abused. The children were living in an orphanage so they could attend school – an option that would not be available to them if they lived with their parents.

Heaviland shares how, as the children auditioned for the choir, they were singing for their lives. It was their ticket out of poverty to be able to travel throughout the U.S. performing

at schools, churches and community events to bring awareness to the plight of poverty in other parts of the world.

Heaviland knew she wanted to be involved. She used her talent as a photographer and as she traveled to the orphanages in Peru, she took photographs of all the orphaned children – one avenue by which potential sponsors could connect with the children. Heaviland sponsors three of those children.

But her trip not only changed the lives of the children, it changed hers as well. She fell in love with the country of Peru and vowed to return.

She did just that this past year with her Peru tour.

“My tours are unique in the sense that I always include wine – or in the case of Peru, their traditional drink of Pisco Sours – food and photography. We also have a cooking class of the traditional food from each particular country, and then I hold photography classes

for any of the participants that are interested in photography,” said Heaviland. “I would say that usually half the people on my tours are interested in learning how to improve their photos. The tours also include cultural and historical tours as well.”

Heaviland shares that given the world as it is today, it is often preferable for many to travel as part of a tour. “I think especially women who are traveling alone prefer to travel in a group.

They feel safer, but they also enjoy other women who like to travel as well,” said Heaviland.

One of those who went on the tour is Chrys Wallen who traveled with her daughter-in-law to Peru this past June.

“We had a tour through the local market place in Lima led by our chef at the Sky Kitchen Cooking School,” said Wallen. “It was very fun and informative.”

As a novice photographer, Wallen said she

Photo Courtesy Nichole Pagano

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She used her talent as a photographer and as she traveled to the orphanages in Peru, she took photographs of all the orphaned children – one avenue by which potential sponsors could connect with the children. appreciated Heaviland’s patience with teaching photography on the trip. “She taught me a lot,” said Wallen who adds that the accommodations were wonderful and the local guides were very informative. “I am ready to go on another tour with Joanne, whenever and wherever she plans to go, I’m ready.”

In addition to returning to Peru and Italy for tours in 2016, Heaviland is currently planning a tour to Ireland for this year, a new place for her. She will announce exact dates in February on her website, www.joanneheavilandphotography.com.

Beyond Studying Abroad While many equate such travel with the life of the retired or the wealthy, there are college students who are also choosing to not only study abroad but to also immerse themselves into the culture by taking part in classes that give them a broader understanding of the country in which they choose to temporarily call home.

Nichole Pagano is a senior at the University of Idaho where she is majoring in marketing in the College of Business and Economics.

She has spent this fall exploring the country of Italy. It’s been exhausting and exhilarating and, given the chance, she would do it all over again. In addition to Italian 1 and Italian 2, her courses include Italian Cuisine and Intercultural Communications. “These classes in particular have definitely enhanced my experience in Italy,” said Pagano. She shares how her Intercultural Communications class has brought to light many of the cultural barriers between the cultures. “From language to religion to norms and beliefs,” the differences are many.

Pagano said that her full Italian experience was definitely enhanced by enrolling in the Italian language classes, as difficult as they have been.

“I feel more competent and confident living in Torino being able to carry a basic conversation with locals,” said Pagano.

And Pagano was determined to leave Italy in December with an ability to communicate effectively in Italian.

“I feel like I know a lot of Italian, but at the same time I know there is so much more out there,” said Pagano. “But every time an Italian can tell I’m American and speaks to me in English and

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I reply in Italian, I feel extra victorious!”

The Italian Cuisine class has taught her far more than learning how to cook authentic Italian dishes; it has given her a glimpse into where the Italian culture’s passion lies. “Implementing the Italian Cuisine class to my studies has given me an appreciation of what it truly means to be Italian. When you visit an area and eat the food, you don’t fully understand the time and effort and generations of recipes that it takes to bring that food to your table,” said Pagano.

“Learning different techniques and recipes and prep courses to make a full Italian meal has not only helped me understand the culture, but has made me fall in love with Italy even more.”

As she comes to the end of her four-month adventure, Pagano said she would do it again in a heartbeat. Not only was it a chance to learn about another culture, but the experience has changed her in ways difficult to describe.

“If you told me I could start again tomorrow, I would without a second thought. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I can tell how much I’ve grown and changed, and I’m excited to get back home and implement what I’ve learned into my daily life in America.”

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