July 2019 Gig Harbor Living Local

July 2019

LIVING LOCAL

Life & Community

Feature Story

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The Globe

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

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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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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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A place for kids and their parents too...

Dr. Brian Dansie and Dr. Paula Stepp

Accepting New Patients!

3316 56th ST NW, STE 100 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.329.KIDS (5437) frontdesk@thekidsdentistgh.com | thekidsdentistgigharbor.com

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Why an Independent Mortgage Broker?

We’re home to lower rates and costs.

Not the high interest rates of retail institutions.

“GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT SERVICE! I BOUGHT MY HOUSE WITH THEM AND THEN REFINANCED A FEW YEARS LATER! THEY SAVED ME HUNDREDS MONTHLY AND GUIDED ME THROUGH THE PROCESS, LISTENING TO MY CONCERNS AND DESIRES.” - MARK GIG HARBOR

LOCAL VETERAN-OWNED I N D E P E N D E N T M O RT G A G E S E RV I C E S Jeff Carr

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e d r l r o l o p w x e ur o y

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JULY 2019

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 7

inside

All Around the Globe

Adventurous family living a unique lifestyle

Make an Investment in Memories Deciding what boat is right for you

Aquatic Adventures

Fun in the sun and the water

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GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

MARKETING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Cassie Riendeau | 360.798.3061 cassie@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR | CONTENT MANAGER Jillian Chandler | jillian@livinglocal360.com STAFF WRITERS Patty Hutchens | patty@livinglocal360.com Colin Anderson | colin@livinglocal360.com

DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock DESIGN DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Donna Johnson GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Darbey Scrimsher

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

CONTRIBUTORS Nikki Luttmann, Felicia A. Soleil, Dan Aznoff, Scot Fleshman, Mariel C. Kraus, Kay Frallic, Darcie Miller, Angie Frantz, Bri Williams, Anneli Fogt, Marguerite Cleveland

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by Like-Media.com. If you would like to advertise with us please call 360.798.3061 or email cassie@livinglocal360.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at events@livinglocal360.com.

Living Local Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest; Gig Harbor, Edmonds, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum and the Spokane Valley. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Living Local Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Living Local Magazine is produced and published by Living Local 360, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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Quinn, the cutest Saint Bernard puppy, checking out where all of her food and treats come from. So fun to watch her grow up!

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“'Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about.”

— John Mayer

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PUBLISHER’S

Note

A REASON TO

CEL EBRATE Law enforcement. Firefighters. The U.S. military. All who serve in these roles are given the task of keeping us safe at home and abroad. They put their lives in danger each and every day. Often, we take for granted the high price that these men and women pay so that we continue to be and remain one of the truly greatest countries in the world.

As we observe the Fourth of July, let us sit back and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country where we are free to express religious beliefs and are blessed with an abundance of opportunities.

Offer prayers of gratitude for the blessings we have and for those first responders and military who serve our country and communities. And … let’s celebrate!

family and friends. Plan get-togethers with them, invite them for dinner or a day at the beach. Reconnect with people with whom you have lost touch. And while you celebrate, remember to give thanks that you live in a country that is one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Steve Russo

Steve Russo Executive Director steve@like-media.com Creating | Connecting | Living Local

Celebrate not only the joy that stems from the independence and freedom with which we are blessed, but celebrate the love of

ABOUT THE COVER IT'S OFFICIAL ... SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING. The kids are out of school, and now is the time to enjoy all things summertime: the warm sunshine and cool waters; the sights, sounds and smells; and heck, how about some ice cream or a popsicle—sure to remind you of your carefree days as a child.

What are you waiting for? It's time for some fun in the sun … and a cool treat!

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YOU’RE LOCAL. WE’RE LOCAL. THE JONES TEAM

YOUR RELOCATION EXPERTS CALL US TODAY: 253.514.1988

GARY & SANDY JONES CONNECT WITH US

WATERFRONT HOME $2,350,000 | MLS: #1447270

Debbie Mishko

NMLS #109688 American Pacific Mortgage 5151 Borgen Blvd, Suite 101C, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 Branch NMLS #1370632 Cell: 360-239-1942

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CONNECT WITH GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

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CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE

I spent a couple hours kayaking around the Harbor, a beautiful Monday morning. #kayaking #waterfun #paddling #gigharborliving

Cassie Riendeau | Washington Director 360.798.3061 | cassie@livinglocal360.com

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Contents pg. 40

pg. 28

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Get Featured

Join our Facebook group Gig Harbor Living for a chance to get your photos, recipes, ideas and much more featured.

40 Living Local A Natural Addition: Gig Harbor’s Kensington Gardens expands

20 Essentials

48 Health & Lifestyle

The latest tips and trends

Tips and informational articles about living a healthy, active lifestyle

26 Life & Community

58

A Weekend of Arts, Crafts, Music, Food and Fun: Summer Art Festival returns to the waterfront for its 35th year

28 Good News

Feature Story

Mission: Save Lives: Duties of the Coast Guard go beyond party patrols

82

Travel & Leisure

Toby’s Legacy Lives On: Pups bring smiles all over town

Enjoy a Foodie Getaway to Spokane and the Spokane Valley: It’s Crave! Time

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Business Spotlight

Northwest Mortgage Services, Inc.: Gig Harbor’s independent, veteran-owned mortgage broker

34

Gig Harbor In Focus

Pounding Ground: Trail maintenance a statewide effort

Food & Drink

Discover Gig Harbor's tastiest recipes and restaurants

92

Arts & Entertainment

Calendar of great local events, music and shows

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pg. 34

You’ll feel right at home.

Arnold’s Home Furnishings has been serving the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond for more than 65 years.

We offer a tremendous selection of furniture for the living room, dining room and bedroom along with rugs, lamps and everything that makes a home. Known for our quality and superb customer service, Arnold’s can help you select your new furniture, mattress and home furnishings purchase on any budget.

3 5 2 0 K i t s a p Wa y, B r e m e r t o n 360.377.5582 | arnoldshomefurnishings.com

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T H E LO W D O W N O N C A B I N E T R Y

BY NIKKI LUTTMANN | INTERIOR DESIGNER

C

abinetry is often the first thing my clients and I choose when working on a new construction project or kitchen remodel. Why? Because the cabinetry sets the tone for the entire room—and often the rest of the house.

Cabinetry is really an art form unto itself. Not only does it have to be functional, but it needs to be beautiful and durable as well. Yet, there are so many different types and styles it can be difficult to start. Cabinet boxes are the storage units themselves.

These often come in set size—counter height and multiple widths, though they can be customized to include drawers, pullouts, doors and more. The key to selecting the correct sizes for your kitchen is to really take a look at the things you have to store and where you like to store them. Do you like to keep

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dishes overhead in upper units, or do you prefer a lower-unit dish drawer? The options are endless, but there are often only a few that are exactly right for how you live and cook. Working with a good salesperson can really help streamline this process.

After functionality comes style. Do you like a more ornate door and drawer combo? Something with a little more detail works wonderfully in more traditional homes. I’m a fan of the Shaker style myself, but now there are usually options within the Shaker style, some with a beaded molding, some plain. Some with a slab drawer front versus a drawer with a border to match the door. Shaker works well with a variety of interiors—from modern to formal and everything in between, which is why it is a go-to for designers.

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GIG HARBOR’S RELOCATION SPECIALIST

I HAVE BEEN ASSISTING HOMEOWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN KING AND SNOHOMISH COUNTY. I RELOCATED TO GIG HARBOR A FEW YEARS AGO AND WOULD LOVE TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR RELOCATION TO THE HARBOR AS WELL. CALL ME SO WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR NEXT MOVE.

206.419.0775 | 253.242.0728 | www.lydiageline.com | lgeline@windermere.com Experience a knowledgeable, straightforward, dependable real estate agent in your area!

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Not only does it have to be functional, but it needs to be beautiful.

Finally, there is the color to consider. While painted cabinetry is all the rage right now, people are often surprised to find that painted styles typically cost more than their stained wood counterparts. This is because painted surfaces are more labor-intensive to produce and leave no room for error—they must be smooth and blemish free. Typical woods for cabinetry include beech (often considered builder-grade for its affordability), alder, cherry, walnut and, of course, oak. These can all be stained a variety of colors and are offered in an array of styles.

Beware, however, that not all woods are created equal. Walnut, for example, while pricey, is soft and may ding and dent more easily than other woods.

If, like me, you are a brave soul, you can paint your existing cabinetry to give your kitchen and baths an updated look. I used a primer and natural milk-based paint, which covered well.

Chalk paint is a popular option and covers well, also. However, keep in mind that as with any paint job, the finished product is only as good as the preparation. It pays to do a light sanding, use a cleaning agent and degreaser, such as TSP, and then always use a primer, which helps the paint adhere to the surface. And you will be doing multiple coats of paint, then adding a layer or two of sealant, so make sure you set aside plenty of time for this project!

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Happy 4th of July!

from Sharon’s

• Clothing & Accessories • Furniture • Gifts • House & Pet Sitting Services New Consignors Always Welcome!

7620 Pioneer Way Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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Promises, Promises R E A C H I N G A G R E E M E N TS I N D I V O R C E M E D I AT I O N

W promises?

By Felicia A. Soleil, Attorney/Mediator

hat do you mean when you make a promise? What is the difference between a promise and a vow? If you break a vow, does that mean you won’t keep your

These are questions that often haunt my divorce mediation clients. They come to mediation hoping to disentangle their financial life and create a co-parenting plan in a non-adversarial way yet may have questionable levels of trust between them. Each party claims they can be trusted to abide by informal agreements but may be hesitant to believe the other person will be as capable.

I usually explore their “trust factor” early on by asking each of them, “On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being minimal trust and 10 being complete trust, how would you gauge how much you trust the other person to abide by agreements if made in mediation?” Of course, there are couples who have mutually decided to amicably divorce and come to the process with high levels of trust between them. However, more often than not, at least one party assigns a low level of trust to the other party.

A track record of broken promises or, more significantly, broken marriage vows, has contributed to the end of the marriage and brought them to my office.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a promise as “a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing.” Rising to another level, a vow is defined as “a solemn promise,” synonymous with an oath, pledge or commitment.

What they both have in common is that neither requires a signed document to create the pledge. Yet, the result of breaking a vow or promise can be extremely detrimental to a relationship. Trust is now in jeopardy, creating a significant barrier to the future stability of the partnership.

Does a broken promise, or worse, a broken marriage vow, mean that the offending party is incapable of committing to divorce-related agreements in good faith without having every agreement memorialized in a written, signed document? “Good faith” is defined

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by Webster’s as “honesty or sincerity of intention.” Can someone who broke a solemn marriage vow now be relied upon to keep a simple, interim agreement made during mediation? Can they still be honest and sincere?

How can trust be rebuilt? What kind of accountability should be expected? “Good faith” is a key component to their success.

If they commit to mediation, we then explore the different levels of memorializing their agreements based on their levels of trust. These are: 1) a good faith agreement, akin to a “handshake,” not memorialized in a signed document; 2) a written Memorandum of Understanding agreement that both parties sign, which can then be presented to the court if mediation terminates and the agreement needs to be upheld; or 3) a court order, which is signed by the court as a “Temporary Agreement,” and can be cause for possible court sanctions, further incentivizing compliance.

I’m happy to report that my mediation clients have never opted for the Temporary Court Order option.

Most clients, when challenged, want to prove to each other that they are capable of keeping promises and holding trust despite past challenges. They are eager to establish a new kind of relationship so they can dissolve their marriage on better terms than what caused them to part, especially if they want to respectfully co-parent their children. Although all final financial and parenting agreements are memorialized in legally binding required documents at the conclusion of their case, the majority of their “mini-agreements” made along the way are made in good faith. Mediation provides divorcing parties the opportunity to rebuild trust while encouraging keeping promises through positive feedback and accountability.

Felicia Soleil helps her clients in achieving resolutions that foster both a compassionate ending to their union and a healthy new beginning for them and their families so they can focus on moving on, rather than simply moving out.

Felicia can be reached at 253.853.6940. All consultations are strictly confidential.

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EEKEND OF W A

Arts, Crafts, Music, Food and Fun S U M M E R A R T F E ST I V A L R E T U R N S TO T H E W AT E R F R O N T F O R I TS 3 5 T H Y E A R

By Jillian Chandler | Photos By Charlee Glock-Jackson

I

t’s time to celebrate the arts as the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival returns to the historic downtown waterfront district for its 35th year!

and food trucks, and the “Art in the Brewery” art show at 7Seas will feature work by PAL members.

“The festival draws artists and visitors to Gig Harbor from near and far,” says Pam Jenkins, festival chair. “Many people have told us that they plan their vacations around the festival and come back every year.”

Peninsula Art League hosts the annual two-day event, which is set for July 20 and 21. Held on Judson Street, the festival will showcase 125 talented artists from throughout the Northwest and beyond.

Discover artworks and crafts to include everything from paintings and photographs, fiber and glass art to pottery, jewelry, soaps and more!

Proceeds from the Summer Art Festival provide art scholarships for local students and Peninsula Art League members. In addition, PAL also sponsors art workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. The artwork selected for this year’s festival poster was created by Gig Harbor High School junior Sofia Kasteler and features a watercolor painting of a crab on a rocky beach.

Nearly two dozen writers and book illustrators can be found at the festival’s Literary Corner. Organized by local author Larry Fowler, the Literary Corner offers a place for writers of a variety of genres—from children’s books, historical fiction to biography—to come together and share their experiences with the community.

The festival and art show are free to attend. Festival goers are encouraged to use the free shuttle service, which will run from the Franciscan Medical Center parking lot on Kimball Drive (across from the Pierce Transit park-and-ride).

“We’ll all talk about our individual creative processes and the challenges of getting published,” says Larry, “And we’ll all have copies of our books to sign and sell.”

To find out more, visit PeninsulaArtLeague.com.

The festival will also feature kid-friendly artmaking activities, live music

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253.509.0258

7700 Pioneer Way STE 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

PHOTO BY FRANK OWEN SHAW

Toby’s Legacy Lives On PUPS BRING SMILES ALL OVER TOWN

By Colin Anderson Photos Courtesy of Toby the Therapy Dog Facebook Page

IN JUST A SHORT TIME THERE ARE NOW 15 THERAPY TEAMS OPERATING IN GIG HARBOR AS WELL AS TWO ADDITIONAL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ANOTHER TWO IN WISCONSIN.

S

tan Stearns has worked with St. Bernards for 50 years, and he knew he had a very special one in ‘Toby.’ “He loved everyone without qualification, he was never shy, never intimidating, and was especially good with kids,” Stan joyfully recalled.

Over his 10-year life, Toby made 900 unique visits, impacting thousands of people not just in Washington but across the nation. He brought joy and comfort to children’s hospitals, those on the autism spectrum, seniors living alone, and those in hospice care. Unfortunately Toby’s life came to an end this past spring after suffering a stroke, but his legacy lives on in the therapy dogs that continue to bring smiles to faces across the South Sound and beyond.

Having such a huge impact in the local community, people were immediately drawn to Toby and his owner Stan. Having built a successful company, Stan now splits his time between running a business in Houston and organizing a team of therapy dogs that go out into the greater Gig Harbor community just about every Friday through Sunday.

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Stan is founder of The Gabriel Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit that does research on finding treatments and a cure for canine osteosarcoma, or bone cancer.

A St. Bernard named ‘Gabe’ was one of the estimated 10,000 dogs to succumb to the disease each year.

After Gabe passed, Toby came into Stan’s life and it was immediately apparent that he was destined to help brighten people’s day. After his passing, The Gabriel Institute began recruiting and training more dogs in the community to carry out Toby’s legacy.

In just a short time there are now 15 therapy teams operating in Gig Harbor as well as two additional in British Columbia and another two in Wisconsin. Toby’s Team consists of St. Bernards, Golden Retrievers and Labs. They come as big as a Newfoundland to as small as a Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix. A Facebook page keeps track of training progress and weekly visits, and helps connect owners with organizations that would like to have a visit from a therapy dog.

With a group of volunteers who all still work, visits are usually done on the weekends. Stan has been doing so for the past eight years and is thrilled to

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“IT’S ALMOST AS MUCH FOR THE STAFF AS IT IS FOR THE RESIDENTS. THEY REALLY LIKE SEEING HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH THE DOGS AND BRINGS A SMILE TO THEM AS WELL.”

welcome new dogs into the places he continues to visit, which include nursing and veterans homes and children’s hospitals. “It’s almost as much for the staff as it is for the residents,” he explained. “They really like seeing how people interact with the dogs and brings a smile to them as well.”

While it can be difficult seeing the gravely ill on a weekly basis, Stan continues to push through, knowing his team is making an impact. “I’ve been at the end of life for more than one person; it’s hard but you know you are injecting life into someone who doesn’t have a lot of time left,” he said.

Getting over the pain of losing Toby was difficult—and continues to be difficult—for Stan. He wasn’t sure he wanted another puppy right away, but a contact in British Columbia convinced him otherwise. You will now find Stan strolling Downtown Gig Harbor with 5-month-old Teddy in tow. “He’s going to be probably the youngest AKC registered therapy dog I know of,” said Stan.

From a very young age, Stan has taken Teddy all around, giving him maximum exposure to a wide range of people, sights, smells and other dogs. While some wait to train therapy dogs until they are a little older, Stan has found that starting very young is paying great early dividends.

“When the pups go along with the adults they learn so fast, and it’s really amazing to watch.”

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Other places that Toby’s team has been asked to visit include churches, camps, and programs at the local YMCA. The team is growing quickly but is always eager to add additional volunteers. Stan covers all the expenses including a liability insurance policy for each volunteer. Welltrained dogs and certified therapy dogs are welcome. There aren’t really any breed restrictions as long as the dogs is well behaved and isn’t so high energy that it could knock over a child or senior. Dogs can be checked out to see if they’re ready to join the team.

While Stan is happy to see a mix of dogs, St. Bernards will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I think it’s the way they were originally bred. They’re gentle, they don’t intimidate and they don’t dominate,” he said.

While Toby has passed, his legacy lives on in the pack of dogs that now bear the name ‘Toby’s Team.’ Bringing smiles to those most in need is something that Stan and the rest of his volunteers never tire of. “It’s fun to make life fun for other people. I wish I would have started this a long time ago,” he said.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to request a visit from a therapy dog, you can contact Stan through his nonprofit at GabrielleInstitute.org. You can also reach out via Facebook under ‘Toby the Therapy Dog.’

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TEACHER OF THE MONTH

By Colin Anderson

Michael Fultz Kopachuck Middle School

A

fter wrapping up his 19th year as an educator, Michael Fultz has a pretty good understanding of what it means to be successful in the classroom. While many are hyperfocused on achieving that ‘A’ on their quiz or final exam, Michael is making sure his students aren’t taking shortcuts or stressing over a letter on a page when it comes to really understand the subject.

“Do your best and forget the rest. Too often, we get caught up in results when effort is all that really matters. If you continue to put forth maximum effort, the results will take care of themselves,” he said.

While Michael has all the knowledge and answers for students to ace the test, he prefers giving his students ample time to come to their own conclusions and find their way to the correct answer.

“Instead of just showing them everything, I would rather support them in finding their own way. Therefore, when I am not there anymore, they have strategies and prior success to build on, giving them the confidence necessary to continually move “I JUST WANT TO GIVE forward in education and, more importantly, MY STUDENTS THE in life,” he said.

BEST OPPORTUNITIES

Success in the classroom translates to better TO LEARN EVERY DAY success in personal development, and the AND SUPPORT THEM As a seventh and eighth grade on the paper is grade math teacher ALONG THE WAY WHEN only a small part of that. at Kopachuck Middle Teaching students to put School, those results in the work at an early THEY STUMBLE." don’t always come easy developmental age helps to Michael’s students. shape them into hardWhile some have a learning style in which working adults later in life. Michael said he mathematics is more easily understood, sees examples of this just about every day— others struggle as they advance into and that’s something he never tires of. more difficult topics such as algebra and “I just want to give my students the best geometry. In his years of experience opportunities to learn every day and Michael has learned that not everyone fits support them along the way when they in the same box and that it is important to stumble,” said Michael. “Whenever I see a recognize each student’s unique learning student succeed, I am encouraged and feel style.

I have helped that student along. Making a “I see myself as the guide to their math difference every day is the best feeling ever.” experience. I am rewarded by allowing students time and space to think and figure as much out on their own as possible.”

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Thank You

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Gig Harbor’s Independent, Veteran-Owned Mortgage Broker SERVING CLIENTS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA ELISE TILLMAN

NORTHWEST MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC. 7116 Stinson Avenue, Suite A-205 Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.851.1687 info@northwestmortgageservices.com NorthwestMortgageServices.com

PHOTO BY TAYLER BENNETT

“When getting a mortgage in Gig Harbor, I shopped around and visited three bank loan officers and three mortgage lenders. I went with Jeff at Northwest Mortgage Services and couldn’t have been happier with the service Jeff provided. First off, he beat all his competitors by at least .5%, in some cases .75%. He also was available weekends; it was like we had a personal mortgage concierge. He kept us updated throughout the process. He is a veteran and a VA Loan specialist. Here is the home run, he closed our VA loan in just 14 days—unheard of! We went into contract on the 1st of December and were in our house on the 14th, just in time to get ready for Christmas. Whether you are shopping for a conventional or VA loan, Jeff is your man: honest, polite and a true gentleman. Thank you Jeff. Hope to see you around town.” - Patrick

P

roviding financing for residential homeowners in Gig Harbor for more than 30 years, Northwest Mortgage Services is a full-service, veteranowned mortgage broker. Throughout its three decades in business, honesty, integrity and the desire to serve their clients well has kept the company going strong during the many ups—and downs—of the housing market.

Owner Jeff Carr and Mortgage Loan Officer Abel Hernandez are not your average business owners. As U.S. Army veterans, they pride themselves in living up to the values they were taught and treasure. This has allowed them to run a business with high integrity, ensuring they serve their clients to the best of their ability. They realize that buying or refinancing a home can be very expensive and pride themselves in being the low-cost provider in town—but not at the expense of great service.

Why is Northwest Mortgage Services different?

“As an independent mortgage broker, we act as the middleman to your advantage,” says Jeff. “Our job is to work on your behalf with several lenders to find you the most competitive interest rates and loan options that work best for you. We have a fiduciary responsibility to our clients. That means we will always make recommendations that will benefit you at the time of purchasing or refinancing and throughout the life of the loan. This is a role we relish.”

Mortgage brokers are held to a high standard by the Department of Financial

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

32

Institution and are required to be licensed, be in good standing, educated and re-licensed annually. They do the legwork for the borrower: They pull credit, analyze it, review asset documentation and obtain conditional approvals. Once the client settles on what option works best for them, Jeff and Abel will collaborate with the underwriting team, the closing agent and the real estate broker to ensure a smooth transaction from beginning to end.

Save money with a personal touch At Northwest Mortgage Services, they don’t believe a mortgage is a commodity to be purchased online. While they offer the latest technology, Jeff and Abel believe that borrowers deserve the options provided by a wide selection of lenders and loan programs; choices like this can only be received from independent mortgage brokers.

“There have been many instances in which our clients come to us with loan estimates from consumer loan companies or banks and we help beat their rates and upfront costs. It’s always a pleasure to see our clients’ eyes open wide when they realize how much they can save by choosing a mortgage broker instead of retail mortgage companies, online lenders or banks,” smiles Abel.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

When using Northwest Mortgage Services, they will be your single point of contact. You will not be shuffled around an endless phone message system or random staff. You will get constant updates and receive ethical financial advice along the way. This helps minimize the stress that commonly comes with buying or refinancing a home.

In addition, relationships matter at Northwest Mortgage Services. In a time where everything is done online without the personal interaction, Jeff and Abel can meet clients face to face and help put the human element back into the buying process. And to ensure these relationships last, they make sure they are easily available to their clients and keep them fully informed during the entire process from beginning to end. Any questions or concerns can easily be addressed by phone, email or in person.

“We believe that our clients benefit from a local professional loan officer that is rooted in the local community and dedicated to customer service,” says Jeff. “This connection helps strengthen the bond between our clients and us and, therefore, puts your goals and best interests in mind.”

If you’re in the market to refinance or purchase a new home, consider an actual independent mortgage broker like Northwest Mortgage Services, where Jeff and Abel are ready to serve you.

33

GIG HARBOR IN FOCUS POUNDING GROUND TRAIL MAINTENANCE A STATEWIDE EFFORT

BY COLIN ANDERSON

G

reater Seattle is a busy and bustling place. It’s one of the fastest growing regions in the country with thousands coming into the area for the promise of higher wages, a hip, fun and young city, and more laid-back vibe when compared to the East Coast and Midwest. Most of the people in this part of the country are active; they enjoy jogging, biking, paddling on the water and just being in motion. While the metropolitan area seems to go on endlessly, once you get outside the daily commuter traffic, you’re just a short drive from some of the most astounding outdoor playgrounds in the West.

There is Mount Rainier to the south, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to the east, the North Cascades and, to the west, Olympic National Park. All of these areas are owned by the public, meaning everyone is free to explore these remarkable forests and the sights and sounds within. One of the best ways to do so is to lace up the hiking boots or air up the mountain bike tires. With thousands of miles of trails to explore, there is a nearly limitless amount of options. Keeping these trails safe, clear of debris and connecting one to another takes a ton of work, and what you might find surprising is nearly all of it is done by volunteers.

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The Washington Trails Association (WTA) is headquartered in Seattle but its team and volunteers service the entire state. The organization actually began in 1966 as a magazine called Signpost for the Northwest Backpacker. The publication was a way for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts to share stories of backwoods adventures and recommend fun experiences they had across the state. Contributions grew quickly and, under the leadership of the late Guidebook author Louise Marshall, evolved into the Washington Trails Association.

As the organization continued to grow, leaders and members realized they wanted to

do more than swap stories but have a lasting impact on the trails they love so dear. In the early ‘90s, money from the state and federal government started to slow down. Fewer new trails were scheduled to be cut and a list of thinning and maintenance projects began to grow longer and longer. The late Greg Ball was executive director at this time and had the idea to connect hikers and recreationalists with stewardship of the lands they so greatly enjoy. WTA worked with land managers and together set a plan in place to take over the bulk of the work in both maintaining current trails and carving new ones.

Today, hundreds of volunteers all across

the state help dig, clear and reinforce all kinds of pathways through our public lands.

According to WTA, in 1993, the first year of the program, about 250 volunteer hours were logged in our National Parks and Forests. 25 years later, volunteers are logging more than 160,000 hours and have created the largest such program of its kind in the nation.

Trail work parties are happening every week at locations all across the state. Parties are led by a WTA crew leader, and each trip is different. Volunteers meet up at a designated location, have a safety briefing, and outline the project they will be working on. Most of the time volunteers will be hiking, and

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not on level ground, so a certain degree of physical fitness is expected; however, WTA encourages quality work over the quantity.

This means that volunteers are free to go at their own pace and take as many breaks as they wish without any judgment. Projects might be as simple as clearing vegetation that’s covering an existing trail. This is done with simple tools like shears, handsaws and machetes. On these projects volunteers might cover a lot of ground whereas other projects like building a bridge over running water or a natural retaining wall around a steep corner will keep crews in one area.

WTA is also efficient at bringing trail systems

together that were not previously connected. This involves cutting brand new trail through all kinds of terrain. Trail engineers work ahead and mark where the new trail will be cut, and crews work their way from start to finish. First brush and debris are cleared so the digging can begin. In order to create a proper trail that will last decades and not see weeds and trees pop up in the middle of it, builders need to dig all the way down to where the vegetation line ends. This is done with multiple tools such as shovels and hoes, and Pulaskis and axes for chopping through stubborn and deep tree roots.

Volunteers must be 10 years and older, with a parent present for children 14 and younger. Meet-up is at 8:30am, and the day ends at 3:30pm. Each crew is different, and you may encounter first-time volunteers or those who have been volunteering for 20 years. Those looking for an even greater challenge can look into the Back Country Response Team. These teams hike out to remote sites for up to eight-day long projects that are typically far from the trailhead. Volunteers should be experienced overnight backpackers and have all the supplies to survive camping out in the woods for multiple nights. An equally long but less intense version is the Volunteer Vacations.

Here groups spend a week doing projects, often staying at an established campground, backwoods cabin or backwoods camping. All food and tools are provided for each camper, and there is ample time to relax and enjoy the surroundings while you work.

Finding a work party is quite easy. Visit WTA.org and click on the ‘Volunteer’ tab. Here you will find a list of statewide projects, or you can also view a map and see when a project is coming up in a specific forest.

Washington Trails Association looks to empower hikers and is a great

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

resource for those new to the activity or looking to plan their first overnight adventure. The website offers guides to thousands of routes which can be broken down by region, distance and difficulty. WTA offers tips for hiking with young kids, a trail report section for hikers to share up-to-date information, and all the information on passes and permits that you need for entering the various lands across the state.

With thousands upon thousands of miles to maintain, WTA is always eager for new volunteers. If being outside on a summer day, enjoying a hike and having an impact on your fellow citizens’ enjoyment of the great outdoors is something that sounds appealing, consider joining up with a work party.

Our public lands are worth protecting, and keeping well-established trails open will help keep more people enjoying them for decades to come.

36

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GABE KRISHNADASAN Peninsula High School

G

abe Krishnadasan, 17, has learned to not allow what others think stand in the way of success.

What many believed would be a transition year for the Peninsula High School soccer team turned into a successful year, especially considering they had many players graduate last year.

“The whole season our team motto was, ‘Show them who we are,’ and we did! We finished second in league and made it to the first round of state,” said Gabe, who has been on the varsity team since his freshman year.

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Gabe also served as the team captain this past year and received honorable mention for South Sound 3A, the Coach’s Award (2017) and Most Team Spirit Award (2019).

In addition to soccer, Gabe also played on the tennis team in 2017 and 2018. And his success is not limited to sports. Gabe has a 3.99 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been recognized by the South Sound 3A Conference for academic excellence.

IN HIS WORDS...

VERONICA FOLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Gabe said he would like to play soccer at the collegiate level, either at the varsity level or intramurals. As far as a career path, Gabe is interested in computer science.

He shares that what he enjoys most about soccer are the relationships that are formed among his team.

“My freshman year I didn't know many people who were trying out for the high school team, especially the upperclassmen.

The day after tryouts one of the team seniors asked me and a couple other freshmen to go to lunch,” said Gabe. “I immediately gained so much respect for this person, not only because of his skills on the field but his leadership on the team. Even though he has gone on to college, we remain friends, and I continue to look up to him because of the way others respect him and, more importantly, how he respects others. I hope to set this kind of example and provide the same type of influence on incoming freshmen in the years coming.”

"I continue to look up to him because of the way others respect him and, more importantly, how he respects others."

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38

THE MONTH Grads!

GRADUATION SPECIALS!

CLAIRE BOSSELMANN Gig Harbor High School

W

hen Claire Bosselmann was a sophomore, she decided to forgo her other sports—basketball and track—to focus solely on the sport she is most passionate about, soccer.

The biggest lesson Claire has learned from soccer is that confidence is key, something she had to put into play in the spring of 2016 after getting kicked in the face and dealing with months of doctors appointments and missed school.

It was a commitment that paid off as this last season her team secured first place in the girls’ 3A State Championship.

“My coaches pushed me to recover, and I was back to playing again two games before state cup. Overcoming that injury wasn’t easy because of the effects that it had on my confidence, mindset, and impacted my level of skill,” said Claire.

“This was a huge accomplishment for all of my teammates who worked so hard through to the last seconds of our season, and for me,” said Claire, who is the team’s keeper.

“Hard work, teamwork and a coach who believed in us and held us to a high expectation allowed our team to compete in the 2017 Region IV Presidents Cup Championship game after winning the Washington Presidents Cup—which was the highlight in my soccer experience up until the Gig Harbor women’s soccer state win," said Claire. "But I know I still have work to do in my final high school year to help accomplish our team’s goal of leaving a legacy.”

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She shares that her favorite part of soccer is being part of a team, especially when there is a good dynamic and energy among the players.

“The most successful teams that I’ve played with have all had a really good dynamic off the field, and it changes the whole environment of games and practices. We’re all happy to be there, and you meet a lot of different people.”

IN HER WORDS...

“Hard work, teamwork and a coach who believed in us and held us to a high expectation allowed our team to compete in the 2017 Region IV Presidents Cup Championship game."

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A NATURAL ADDITION GIG HARBOR’S KENSINGTON GARDENS EXPANDS

BY ANNELI FOGT PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BESSEX

O

ccupying 27 acres in northwest Gig Harbor, Kensington Gardens is a labyrinth of sculptured hedges, topiaries, lush manicured lawns, and flowering plants and trees that mimics its London namesake. Within these gardens, people can be found reading in nature nooks, strolling the pathways past ornate fountains or boarding a passenger coach for a day of adventure.

Meanwhile, beyond the gardens in the Georgian Manor and Carriage House, others are practicing music, preparing lunch and relaxing by fireplaces. And while it sounds like a vacation destination, Kensington Gardens is anything but. It’s a resort living community for residents over the age of 55. Currently, the community has 11 residents living in either personalized care or independent living, but that number is about to get larger as the community is in the process of expanding. Construction has

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Construction has begun

NEW LUXURY RESIDENCES—FIVE VILLAS AND FIVE COTTAGES—WILL OFFER 70 UNITS FOR BABY BOOMERGENERATION ADULTS TO LIVE IN LUXURY.

“Our members are choosing what they want their lives to look like,” she says. “Our future is a resort community where Baby Boomers and retirees can have the freedom to travel without the worry of home maintenance. Then, if they need care, we are here to provide that. We want our residents to age in place without having to move again.”

The new cottages and villas aim to be a community “for Baby Boomers and Beyond,” according to an April statement from Kensington Gardens, who are healthy and seeking a place to retire. When needed, cottage and villa residents can move from the resort community to the first floor of the manor or into the carriage house to receive more personalized care.

begun on new luxury residences—five villas and five cottages—that will offer 70 units for Baby Boomer-generation adults to live in luxury.

The addition to the community also includes plans for a putting green, tennis and pickle ball courts, music and art studios, and spa with saltwater pool and a Himalayan salt wall. A groundbreaking celebration for the new buildings was held on May 31. The first villa and cottage are expected to be completed next year. The remaining four villas and four cottages are set to be completed by 2023.

Susan O’Leary, Kensington Gardens’ chief operating officer, says the new spaces offer opportunities for her and the Kensington Gardens staff to be creative in meeting the needs of the community. She said the addition of art and music studio spaces came in response to a resident who wanted a space to practice playing his instruments. The pickle ball court came after a conversation with some future residents in Port Ludlow who asked about the 50-year-old sport that is now seeing a resurgence.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

“Life should continue to get better,” Kensington Gardens co-founder and co-owner Kelly Watson says.

The new community is the most recent in the evolution of Kensington Gardens. The property was founded in 2007 by Kelly and her husband Mark as an event venue to host weddings and corporate events. But the couple was also caring for their aging family members, including Mark’s Grandma “Junebug” June, and couldn’t find what they wanted in a full-care retirement community. So, they turned their business into that vision. More than 250 couples were married on the grounds before it became a resort living community in 2012.

Kensington Gardens now has a Carriage House with five rooms for residents in need of round-the-clock skilled personalized services; six rooms on the first floor of the manor for personalized care; and another five garden balcony suites on the manor’s second floor for independent living. The Watsons kept the same commitment to service and people as

42

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

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they did when they hosted events and aimed for luxury, including purchasing a yacht for the members and offering fine dining for three meals each day.

“It’s the same kind of philosophy now as it was then: ‘How can I help? How may I help you have a good day?” Kelly says. “Because we’re privately owned, we have more flexibility to do it right.”

Susan adds the vision behind the community is a desire to be different and offer a standard of resort living that is uncommon in retirement communities. “We’re targeting those who are enjoying life and would like that to continue in a new community,” she says.

Kensington Gardens is currently accepting $1,000 deposits for charter members who would like to secure a villa or cottage unit.

Informational lunch meetings about pricing, types of care and more are offered monthly for those interested in learning more about the new resort living community.

For information about future lunches, follow Kensington Gardens on Facebook. To RSVP, visit KensingtonGardens.com/lets-dolunch.

Our future is a resort community

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Huge Inventory Reduction

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Cassie brings years of marketing and creative experience to help local businesses brand themselves in unique and effective ways. Cassie knows the Gig Harbor community and how business in the harbor operates. Please contact Cassie for all of your advertising and marketing needs.

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CUSTOM PRINTS NW

AMBROSE LOBATO DESIGN / BUILD

Gig Harbor’s premier shop for screen printing, embroidery, signs and promotional items.

Call or email for a free design consultation today, by appointment only. When you need orders on time and looking great, contact Custom Prints NW! Gig Harbor—2801 Hollycroft St. 253.225.7725 Jessica@CustomPrintsNW.com CustomPrintsNW.com

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

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CRUISE PLANNERS TRAVEL SERVICES

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

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

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Save time and let them do the booking for you.

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

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

Gig Harbor—3220 Uddenberg Lane, Suite 6 253.858.2560 | HarborViewDentistry.com f Harbor View Dentistry

TONI GIBBS LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Toni Gibbs is committed to creating the garden of your dreams. Small spaces, large garden rooms and container gardens are what she and her team can do for you. No project is too big or too small. Transform your space into a beautiful extension of your living space today!

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

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

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

The Wellness Wheel

By Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP – BC Owner, Rainier Family Medicine | Photo Courtesy of Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce

W

ellness and health are terms that we frequently associate with maintenance of physical well-being. This is certainly an important aspect of what it means to be “well” but only tells part of the story. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This explanation gives a more complete idea of what it means to be healthy, however, we can elaborate further in capturing the full picture of wellness.

follows, there are anywhere from three to eight dimensions to consider.

The more obvious sections of the Wellness Wheel are physical, mental and social health. Other crucial aspects of health that should be considered are: community, environment, financial, intellectual and spiritual. Each component of the Wellness Wheel can have an effect on the other and, therefore, should be considered interdependent. Picture the spokes of a bicycle wheel. While the spokes are separate, they are all important components of the greater structure. If you removed a section/spoke it would have a negative impact on overall function.

In the past several years, the standard of being in “good health” has advanced beyond the concept of just lacking illness. There is now a more comprehensive ideology that overall health is comprised of multiple facets that each plays a crucial role in one’s wellness. In health care, this is often referred to as the Wellness Wheel. Depending on which Wellness Wheel model a person

In this multi-part series, we will explore these eight facets of health independently, starting with community health. This time of year in the Northwest truly encourages community wellness and engagement—

H E A LT H Y T I P

DRINK UP Drinking plenty of water has many benefits. For one, it can help boost the amount of calories you burn by boosting your metabolism by 24 to 30 percent over a period of one to oneand-a- half hours. If you drink two liters each day, this can amount to an additional 96 calories burned!

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Primary Healthcare for All Ages!

Accepting New Patients IN THE SAME WAY THAT COMMUNITY HEALTH CONTRIBUTES TO THE

Services: Family Medical Services

OVERALL WELLNESS

Annual & Sports Physicals

OF THE INDIVIDUAL,

Preventative Care

IT ALSO INFLUENCES

Immunizations/Flu Shots

OTHER SECTIONS OF OUR WELLNESS WHEEL, SUCH AS SOCIAL.

Well Woman & Child Exams Same-Day Sick Visits Health Education & Management Acute Illness Treatment Referrals

especially in our wonderful corner of the earth, Gig Harbor. There are endless events, festivals, concerts, markets, etc. that encourage residents to shake off the winter cobwebs and get involved in the community.

The idea of community health in this regard is that a town, city or neighborhood plays a significant role in the health of the individuals who reside within that given geographic area.

Community health is measured by a variety of factors including: access to recreation, programs, events, safety, tradition, income, community involvement and the general health of the individuals residing in the community.

Interestingly, the health of individuals in a community contributes directly to the overall health of that community, and vice versa. In geographic areas with more opportunities and structure for community involvement, its residents tend to have lower morbidities such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and so on. The opposite applies as well. Communities that lack access to structured programs, activities and events tend to suffer from higher rates of illness. Consider that if you are taking part in a community event, you are likely moving around, getting fresh air and soaking up vitamin D, just to name a few positive health benefits.

In the same way that community health contributes to the overall wellness of the individual, it also influences other sections of our Wellness Wheel, such as social. Taking part in activities and events directly and indirectly promotes the overall health of our community.

This involvement increases our interaction with other individuals who share our common goal of being engaged in the community. As we interact with our fellow community members, we benefit one another in those interactions and meet our basic human need to have meaningful social interactions and support. We’ll dive more into the social wedge of the Wellness Wheel in next month’s article.

We are truly fortunate to live in such a community-focused city that promotes togetherness and engagement. If you are looking for community activities to get involved in, check out the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, local newspapers and magazines (like Gig Harbor Living Local), community centers, social media sites, and websites for local parks and community organizations. Or ask your neighbors and local business owners.

Remember that as you engage in the health of our community, you are simultaneously promoting your own health. It’s a win-win!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP-BC

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Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP-BC

4423 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 306

4423 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 306 | 253.432.4437 (253) 432-4437 | RainierFamilyM RainierFamilyMedicine.com

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P O S T- C O N C U S S I O N SYNDROME Memory and Attention Impairments

By Mariel C. Kraus, OTR/L

F

ollowing a concussion—including from whiplash—there is a long list of symptoms which are identified as “PostConcussion Syndrome” (PCS). Changes in cognitive functioning is the longest lingering effect, and most PCS patients complain of mental fog, poor recall, word-finding difficulty, and inability to focus on their work and other tasks.

Some of my patients report missing their freeway exits, being distracted at work or school, and perseverating on a task (i.e. washing the same area repetitively without realizing it). This is not the typical “auto pilot” mode. It can be dangerous and can become a job retention issue.

The problem with undiagnosed PCS is that it goes untreated and may persist for years becoming Persistent PCS (PPCS). A student or worker with PCS is at risk for failing or losing their job, becoming anxious and/or depressed because they know they used to be able to function more efficiently, but now things are different but without medical acknowledgement. On top of this, there may be changes to personality and mood. The typical complaints reported by patients' families are clinginess, being irritable, easily frustrated and isolative.

Patients with PCS will often report feeling invalidated and don’t understand why a mild head injury is having such debilitating effects despite their doctors telling them they are “OK.” Many have trouble sleeping and are mentally and physically fatigued before noon. It is important to understand that when a brain has been injured, it works even harder to rewire new pathways for processing information (depending on the areas that were injured). Post-trauma brain CT scans show how many areas of the brain are over-stimulated as compared to an uninjured brain performing the same activity. Rest is often recommended after a concussion, however, it can perpetuate the psychological symptoms of PCS. 1

their environments. OT interventions provide practical and effective solutions for managing symptoms and correcting some of the cognitive dysfunctions associated with the head injury, such as: • The patient’s energy and strength for task initiation and completion

Specialized Physical Therapies designed to Treat the

Whole Person in Body, Home & Community!

Post-Concussion Syndrome Parkinson’s Comprehensive Therapies Automobile Injuries Balance & Vertigo

• The importance of good sleep habits • Daily schedules to facilitate optimal functioning for home chores, work and school • Adaptive equipment and compensatory techniques for memory impairments • Provide cognitive exercises among a host of other therapies The best outcomes are achieved by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to prevent intervention gaps. It is not necessary for all team members to be in the same clinic. A thoughtful and conscientious provider will refer to other specialists who have expertise in addressing PCS and other complicated conditions.

As a patient, you have a choice in who you hire to be your health-care partner. Choose relentless investigators who work hard at finding integrative therapeutic solutions for your condition!

For a more in-depth look at this topic, please go to IntegrativeBody.net/blog.

LSVT-Big, CAPS-CGA

Certified Aging in Place Specialist Certified Irlen Screener

An in-depth PCS therapy evaluation by a neuro-specialized occupational therapist (OT) will include assessment of their patient while engaged in self-care and work tasks that have been impacted by their brain injury in order to minimize overstimulation and distractions in

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Mariel C. Kraus, OTR/L

253-514-6842

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

www.IntegrativeBody.net

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RECENT STUDIES INDICATE HEARING LOSS LINKED TO DEMENTIA IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW!

BY KAY FRALLIC, MA, AUDIOLOGIST | HEAR FOR LIFE AUDIOLOGY

I

t really doesn't seem fair. Hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and even dementia. By the time Americans reach their 70s, two-thirds have hearing loss. "The general perception is that hearing loss is an inconsequential part of aging," says Frank Lin, an otologist and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. But recent findings suggest that it may play a much more important role in brain health than we've previously thought.

There's an upside. If this connection—shown in several recent and well-regarded studies— holds up, it raises the question of whether treating hearing loss more aggressively could stave off cognitive decline and dementia.

Researchers have theories about the link between hearing and dementia, but they aren't sure which of them—if any—will prove true. Lin is the author of several recent studies pointing to a link between hearing and cognitive problems ranging from mild impairment all the way to dementia.

In 2013, he and his colleagues tracked the overall cognitive abilities (including concentration, memory and planning skills) of nearly 2,000 older adults whose average age was 77. After six years, those who began the study with hearing loss severe enough to interfere with conversation were 24 percent more likely than those with normal hearing to see their cognitive abilities diminish. Hearing loss seemed to speed up age-related cognitive decline.

Kay Frallic, M.A., CCC-A Kay M.A., Audiologist KayFrallic, Frallic, M.A., CCC-A

In a 2011 study focusing on dementia, Lin and his colleagues monitored the cognitive health of 639 people who were mentally sharp when the study began. The researchers tested the volunteers' mental abilities regularly, following most for about 12 years, and some for as long as 18 years. The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss was, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. Compared with people of normal hearing, those with moderate hearing loss had triple the risk.

P. Murali Doraiswamy M.D., a professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University Medicine and coauthor of “The Alzheimer's Action Plan,” says that the findings about hearing loss affecting cognitive tests probably apply to other senses like vision, smell and touch. "Studies have shown that uncorrected vision problems raise the risk for dementia," he says.

While the link between hearing loss and milder cognitive problems has been questioned by some, it is becoming increasingly accepted.

"Every doctor knows that hearing loss can result in cognitive problems, but they still don't focus on it as a priority when they evaluate someone with suspected dementia—a big missed opportunity," Doraiswamy says.

"The benefits of correcting hearing loss on cognition are twice as large as the benefits from any cognitive-enhancing drugs now on the market. It should be the first thing we focus on."

How does it happen? One possibility lies in "cognitive load”—essentially, the effort of always straining to understand stresses the brain. This makes intuitive sense. It also seems likely that social isolation plays a part. Being hard of hearing tends to isolate people from others. When you struggle to converse, you're less likely to want to socialize in groups or go out to restaurants. And being socially isolated has long been recognized as a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.

“If you have hearing loss,” Lin says, “it makes sense to get it treated as well as it possibly can be. There's lots of room for improvement— fewer than 15 to 20 percent of those with a clinically significant hearing loss even use hearing aids."

Article condensed from AARP.org/health/ brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linkedto-dementia.html.

Researchers have theories about the link between hearing and dementia, but they aren't sure which of them—if any—will prove true.

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YO U R P O W E R F U L , E M OT I O N A L B R A I N AND THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PAIN

By Darcie Miller, Light in Balance

A Holistic approach to improved health

O

ur emotions are more powerful than you may realize. Feeling sad, depressed, anxious, overwhelmed or fearful can trigger headaches, nausea and body aches, which may cause you to feel unwell or as if you have come down with a virus or cold. And, your body may actually develop a virus or cold, which can also lead to your symptoms lasting longer or being more severe.

Chronic pain is described as the persistence of pain past the normal healing period.

Over time, your chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety and maybe even a sense of hopelessness. It is thought that chronic pain begins when sensors in your muscles misfire, which causes your brain and spinal cord to respond improperly.

Your pain signals become amplified and your central nervous system perceives those signals as intense pain; even minor pain and discomfort are received as extreme. I have been told by some who suffer from chronic pain, “You just get used to it,” or “I have a high pain tolerance.”

Chronic pain does not just affect the area of your body that has been injured. All of your body’s systems become taxed from your nervous system trying to recover from constant pain.

You may take daily medication to help manage your pain. And, there may be times when that medication does not alleviate your pain, or it may only dull your pain to a more tolerable level. Even this tolerable level can be unbearable as you try to do things such as

walking, household chores, sitting in a movie theater, going for a drive in a car, having a conversation with someone or working at your job.

This also can lead to irritability, withdrawing from socializing, and isolation.

Besides medication for managing your chronic pain, there are alternative or complementary therapies which, when combined with care you are receiving from your health-care provider, may help alleviate or greatly diminish your pain.

Reflexology is one choice you may benefit from. Reflexology is defined as the application of specific pressure by the use of the practitioner’s hand, thumb and fingers to a reflex map resembling a human body, which is believed to exist on the extremities.

Available Sessions: • • • • • • • • •

Reflexology Reiki Reiki Training, for Kids Ages 5-12 Reiki Training, All Levels Continuing Education Credits Singing Bowl Concerts Conscious Breathing Classes Vocal Toning Private Tibetan Bowl Healing

We know that our emotional brain is affected by chronic pain and illness, and that our emotions can actually increase the severity of your illness or pain. Cranial sacral reflexology and a protocol for working your emotional brain can be helpful in managing the effects of your chronic pain.

Meditation, Reiki, acupuncture, yoga and sound therapy may also help you manage your chronic pain or illness.

If you have “gotten used to" or "have a high pain tolerance,” please be kind to yourself and ask your health-care provider if they have any recommendations for alternative and complementary therapies that may help both of you manage your chronic pain or illness.

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Darcie Miller 253-720-1400 6625 Wagner Way Suite 260B Gig Harbor, WA 98335 darcie@lightinbalance.com www.lightinbalance.com

LLC

D E M E N T I A C A R E T O D AY, HOPE FOR TOMORROW Q&A WITH DAVID TROXEL, MPH

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BY ANGIE FRANTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT OLYMPIC ALZHEIMER’S RESIDENCE

D

avid Troxel, MPH, is an author, dementia care expert and consultant who was the executive director of the Santa Barbara (California) Alzheimer’s Association from 1994 to 2004. Troxel lives in Sacramento, California, and together with his writing partner, Virginia Bell, MSW, developed the Best Friends approach to dementia care.

Troxel discusses dementia and Alzheimer’s care of today and tools developed in collaboration by him and Virginia Bell to enhance the well-being of those living with memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Q. How would you summarize what we know about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as we know it today?

A. The famous opening sentence of Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” captures the state of dementia care today: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …”

Karen Smith, ARNP

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It’s the worst of times because we are still struggling to find an effective, diseasealtering medicine for dementia. Fifteen years have come and gone since the most recent FDA-approved drug entered the market.

Today, dementia not only is the sixth leading cause of death but the only one in the top 10 with no effective prevention or treatment— and the most expensive disease an American can have.

It’s the best of times, however, in that awareness is growing and there is much we can do to improve quality of life for people with dementia, particularly those living in community-based environments such as memory care communities. The right blend of people, programming and environment add up to what we call a therapeutic environment—an environment that contributes to spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

For 30 years, Virginia Bell and I have worked to create therapeutic environments that benefit people with dementia. In our view, this kind of dementia program embraces meaningful and innovative activities, good communication, skilled problem-solving around behaviors challenging for staff and excellent staff training.

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Q. What are some tools that you recommend for creating a therapeutic environment?

A. Our No. 1 recommendation is to pull out the resident’s “life story.” Gaining knowledge of a person’s personal preferences, interests, history and motivations allows you to start conversations about things that are important to them. It's a great way to establish rapport and create a social, emotional and physical environment that feels like home for them.

That knowledge also gives the person security because even when they don't remember something, you can still provide relevance to them, creating a sense of familiarity. How would you feel if someone brought you apple juice instead of orange juice, or coffee instead of tea? Develop and use the life story to say aloha to a resident who lived in Hawaii (evoking smiles and happy memories) or to sing a resident’s favorite Louis Armstrong tune to lift their spirits.

Secondly, emphasize socialization. Focus on relationships and activities that fill the days of a person with dementia. Structure the day with several meaningful interactions with those around them. Group activities and programming that allow them to interact with other residents, the team and their families is extremely important. No matter how far the disease has progressed, they desire a feeling of self-worth.

We’ve learned much from the power of creating a caring community in which everybody—residents, staff members and families—thrives. Residents with dementia respond well to this caring and loving culture, rich in relationship and activity. The result will be a reduction in behavior challenging for staff and an increase in the staff ’s experience of success.

Troxel is the dementia program consultant for Olympic Alzheimer’s Residence in Gig Harbor and for Prestige Senior Living. He contributed to the development and launch of the awardwinning memory care program Expressions.

He continues to support the programming and resident-specific needs on an ongoing basis. Call Olympic Alzheimer’s Residence to learn how we use the life story to care for our residents: 253.851.5306.

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WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS? Everything you need to know

By Bri Williams, RN, BSN

THEY CAN HELP

A

s we begin to age, one of the first things we notice is fine lines. But as the aging process continues, those fine lines turn into deeper creases and folds begin to develop in our lower face. The fat pads that once sat high on our cheekbones, providing us youthful cheek contours and a strong support and foundation for the entire lower face, begins to drop. We are left with deep lines between our nose and lip, referred to as nasolabial folds, as well as a downturned mouth, undefined jawline, and flat or sunken cheeks and temples.

How long do dermal fillers last?

If you are dealing with lost facial volume and feel it is aging you, there are treatments that can help. Dermal fillers are a gel-like substance that is injected into the face to help restore lost volume. The most common dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a type of carbohydrate that is naturally occurring in the body and can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water.

They can help to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and can also be used to augment the lips or regain the natural and youthful-looking contours of the face. Below we answer your most frequently asked questions about dermal fillers.

Most dermal fillers have lidocaine in them, which helps to numb the area being treated. Topical numbing cream, as well as additional lidocaine injections, ice and good injector technique can also help to minimize discomfort. Many clients find dermal filler injections to be slightly uncomfortableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but not painful. Talk to your aesthetic provider during your consult and ask what will be done to keep you comfortable.

How much do dermal fillers cost?

TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF LINES AND WRINKLES AND CAN ALSO BE USED TO AUGMENT THE LIPS OR REGAIN THE NATURAL AND YOUTHFUL-

There is a large selection of dermal fillers on the market, and they all vary greatly in their ability to lift, stretch and plump. The type of filler selected for different areas of the face, as well as how much is needed, will impact your treatment cost. Filler comes in 0.5- to 1-milliliter syringes, and the cost per syringe generally ranges from $400 to $800. It is important that you talk with your aesthetic provider to discuss what your goals are and to develop a treatment plan that addresses your desired outcome and budget.

LOOKING CONTOURS OF THE FACE.

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On average, dermal filler lasts nine to 18 months.

They are naturally broken down and metabolized by your body, therefore how long they last depends on our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s metabolism, as well as the type of filler used, what area it was injected (for instance, an area of the face that has a lot of movement, like around the mouth, versus a place with less movement, like the cheeks), as well as how much filler was used.

Do dermal filler injections hurt?

Are dermal fillers safe?

As with any aesthetic treatment, there are some risks involved. The most common side effect is bruising and swelling, so plan your treatment accordingly and avoid injections before a big event or trip. More serious side effects can include vessel occlusion (the filler is injected into a vessel and compromises blood flow) and vision impairment. These side effects are rare and can be greatly minimized if you are seeing a trained, licensed and experienced provider. During your consult ask about the risks and what your provider is doing to keep you safe and minimize complications.

Dermal fillers are a great tool to help you age gracefully and feel your most confident and beautiful. Talk about treatment options with your aesthetic provider today.

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MISSION:

SAVE LIVES Duties of the Coast Guard go beyond party patrols

BY DAN AZNOFF PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEFENSE VISUAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

T

he orange-striped ships with sailors from the U.S. Coast Guard that patrol the waters of Washington, Oregon and Idaho are responsible for more than checking registrations and policing loud parties.

District 13 of the Coast Guard has authority over commercial fishing regulations, enforcing environmental regulations and protecting inland waters. But their primary mission is to protect the Pacific coastline from attack from hostile forces from the border of California to the straights of Juan de Fuca in Northwest Washington.

“District 13, based in Seattle, covers a vast range of commercial and recreational boating responsibilities,” said Petty Officer Third Class Trevor Lilburn, who is stationed at the Coast Guard base on Alaskan Way in Seattle.

“The Seattle base alone is responsible for monitoring the Port of Seattle, the third largest domestic port in the country,” he said proudly. “That includes the Washington state ferry system, which transports 24 million passengers and 11 million vehicles across 10 routes every year.”

The 3,000 sailors assigned to the Seattle-based Coast Guard station are also responsible for the nation’s third largest cruise ship terminal, the nation’s largest grain export terminal and the multitude of commerce that relies on the Columbia River to reach international destinations.

As the often-overlooked branch of the U.S. military, the Coast Guard staffs three bases built originally to protect the Pacific Coastline. In addition to the one on the Seattle waterfront, Coast Guard bases are located in Bellingham near the Canadian border and in the Oregon town of North Bend.

An inland facility on the Columbia near Kennewick is responsible for safety on the vast number of lakes that draw thousands of recreational boaters with varying degrees of compliance at the helm of their vessel.

“There are times it feels like we are policing a college dorm during frat rush week,” said one officer assigned to the Clover Island base in Kennewick.

One incident that highlights the vital role the Coast Guard plays in protecting boaters took place last year when the branch of the Coast Guard was called on to assist the Kootenai County Sheriff ’s office with

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monitoring boaters at Lake Coeur d'Alene over one of the busiest weekends of the year.

According to one local newspaper, crews from the Coast Guard stopped and escorted three boats back to shore for boating under the influence, in addition to ending the voyage of two other boats for negligent operations.

In total, the military contingent stopped 81 boats, issued 21 warnings and was called on to help with numerous EMT responses and commercial inspections in just one weekend.

"A lot of people had their required safety gear," said USCG Maritime Enforcement Specialist Second Class Paul Quaife, "but unfortunately we did have some people who chose to operate a vessel under the influence."

As Lilburn explained, the mission of the Coast Guard is to save lives, not to be on the prowl for rowdy mariners.

In June, the Coast Guard based in North Bend deployed one of its helicopters to conduct a technical rope rescue for a hiker who had fallen into the center of the caldera in Crater Lake in Oregon.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Command Center received a dispatch from local authorities at 9:18pm that a hiker had stranded himself on rock pilings and was surrounded by water and oncoming waves.

The aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard

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Sector Columbia River hoisted the uninjured man and transported him to Air Station Astoria.

One Coast Guard spokesperson compared the duties of the marine-based military to those of firefighters: “Always on call,” he said. “And ready to respond at a moment's notice.”

The Coast Guard is America’s maritime first responder As one of the country's five armed services, the Coast Guard has a unique agency that can trace its history to August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws as well as to prevent smuggling.

Known variously through the 19th and early 20th centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew.

The Coast Guard established its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the construction and operation of 16 lighthouses along the coast built between 1852 and 1858.

The responsibilities of the Coast Guard in the Northwest expanded in 1854 when the revenue cutter Jefferson Davis was assigned to prevent late-night shipping of homemade alcohol from remote ports around the Puget Sound.

District 13 covers the coastal waterways and inland lakes of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The sailors and officers have 21 cutters, 132 boats and 11 aircraft based throughout the region to complete their mission.

The largest region in the Coast Guard system also has access to three endurance cutters for high seas rescue, two icebreakers, a port security unit, a maritime safety unit and security team out of Base Seattle.

Many of those pieces of specialty equipment were used in February of 2018 when Coast Guard crews were dispatched to rescue five members of an 87-foot fishing vessel who were forced to abandon ship when it was engulfed by flames south of Neah Bay. Crews aboard the Coast Guard cutters Cuttyhunk and Swordfish, an MH-65 dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles and motor lifeboats from Station Quillayute River and Station Neah Bay responded to the emergency.

The Coast Guard established its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the construction and operation of 16 lighthouses along the coast.

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Here’s what our families are saying!

Many facilities of all kinds have staff that just don’t seem to be fully engaged in the care of the residents or enjoying their jobs.

That is just the complete opposite of Olympic Alzheimer's Residence! The staff, the caregivers, the nurse, the chefs, the maintenance folks and everyone my husband and I have met are extraordinarily warm, caring, kind, and professional in all aspects. They go above and beyond in the care of the residents which provides us complete confidence and peace of mind that Mom is well taken care of. They are the best!

Kathy S., family member of resident at Olympic Alzheimer's Residence Olympic Alzheimer’s Residence 3025 14th Ave. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 343-5105 www.PrestigeCare.com

Tour today and experience our vibrant community first-hand!

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“

“

One Coast Guard spokesperson compared the duties of the marine-based military to those of firefighters: “Always on call,” he said. “And ready to respond at a moment's notice.”

According to a statement released by the Coast Guard, the pumps on the 87-foot Sunnfjord had failed to keep up with the rising water.

“While responders were in route, the fishermen reported they had their survival suits on, life jackets, that captain put his cell phone in a plastic bag to help keep it dry as they were experiencing issues with their handheld radio, and the water had risen in the engine room to above the floor boards,” the release stated.

The rescued fishermen were transported to Coast Guard Station at Neah Bay. The Sunnfjord sank approximately 6 miles offshore in about 300 feet of water. The vessel still had 800 gallons of diesel fuel onboard when it sank below the high seas. Another Coast Guard vessel with environmental containment equipment was dispatched to the scene to guard against the potential impact of fuel on the sensitive area.

Double duty Rescue crews from the Coast Guard were stretched thin last June when they performed two rescue operations in the same day off the coast of Oregon. In one incident, a Coast Guard

helicopter crew hoisted an injured 26-year old Ukrainian man who reportedly suffered from spasms from a boat 72 miles off the coast. The man had reportedly suffered lacerations two days earlier and had not had his tetanus shot.

The second rescue took place when a Coast Guard helicopter was called in to save a hiker from a ledge in Humbug State Park when officials determined there was no access to safely remove him by land.

Not all the Coast Guard rescues are equally dramatic. Last summer, Coast Guard sailors were called in by a Washington state ferry when a man fell off his 39-foot boat near the Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle. The man was reportedly wearing a life jacket and communicated with rescue crews with a hand-held radio he kept above the water until he was pulled onto a 25foot response boat.

Some rescues do not even include people. In July of 2018, the Coast Guard was called in to investigate a 48-foot sailboat that was adrift near Greys Harbor.

The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Barracuda discovered the sailboat more than 440 miles southeast of its last reported position. After an

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inspection of the vessel’s seaworthiness, it was towed to Coast Guard Station Fort Bragg.

The owners were reportedly sailing from Hawaii to Bellingham when a storm rendered their vessel disabled and tore their main sail.

The couple activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon, and a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Astoria responded and rescued them.

“The vessel was not under power and was completely at the mercy of the sea,” said Chief Warrant Officer Chris Ramp, the Sector Humboldt Bay command center chief. “The owners probably never thought they’d see it again.”

The active Coast Guard personnel are not the only ones with eyes on the coastline or the inland waters of the Northwest. There is also an active contingent of Coast Guard Auxiliary on duty to assist with educational programs and public safety.

Thomas Bliss, the Flotilla Commander for the auxiliary in Seattle, explained that the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been active for more than 79 years to provide navigational assistance and be watchful for polluters.

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The Washington state auxiliary provides support to active duty personnel at events like SeaFair and at festivals and celebrations all summer across the state.

“We do not have punitive authority,” said Bliss. “Our job is to steer owners in the right direction so they have the proper safety equipment aboard before they are caught in a situation when it’s too late.”

With a smile, Bliss said auxiliary members try to teach lessons in basic “boating etiquette.”

The Coast Guard has a monumental task in District 13, from safeguarding recreational boaters on the Puget Sound to protecting some of the military’s most secret submarine research at a remote lake in Idaho.

More than 20 members of the auxiliary are available to support activities in Western Washington, while an equal number assist the Coast Guard with crowd control and education east of the Cascades.

research since the middle of the last century.

On Lake Coeur d'Alene, and Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho, the Coast Guard is charged with enforcing regulations and reporting violations to the proper authority, according to Bliss.

The site was chosen because of the lake’s unique combination of 148 square miles of surface area, crystal clear water and one of the deepest lakes in the country. Depths in some portions of the pristine lake reach 1,150 feet deep.

The Coast Guard has one other duty in Eastern Washington. That is keeping recreational boaters a safe distance from the clandestine submarine testing that goes on at Lake Pend Oreille in the panhandle of Idaho. The lake has been the inland point for secret submarine

The Navy's Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) at Bayview, Idaho, which is some 375 miles from the ocean, is where new shapes and designs for submarine and surface ships are tested in ocean-like conditions far from watchful eyes of potential enemy vessels.

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The subsystems are tested in a sub-scale environment that closely mimics the ocean.

The lake is deeper than Loch Ness. Its large size, clear water and quiet conditions provided by steep tree-lined shores and a flat muddy bottom, along with a constant chilly temperature under 100 feet, are all key factors that have made it such an attractive testing location for the U.S. Navy since WWII. The Coast Guard has a monumental task in District 13, from safeguarding recreational boaters on the Puget Sound to protecting some of the military’s most secret submarine research at a remote lake in Idaho.

Petty Officer Third Class Trevor Lilburn summed up the task: “It is a job we accept with the knowledge that we are protecting lives and doing our duty to maintain peace.”

Dan Aznoff is a freelance writer based in Mukilteo, Washington, who takes great pride in sharing stories that document our history.

Aznoff is the author of three books and was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the Toxic Waste crisis. He can be reached directly at da@dajournlist.com.

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ALL AROUND THE GLOBE ADVENTUROUS FAMILY LIVING A UNIQUE LIFESTYLE

BY COLIN ANDERSON

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F

or the Shanafelt family, big changes came together quickly. In January of 2017 they bought a boat. In April their house went on the market and by June it was sold.

Come July, they were moved in and starting a new life course very few would embark on. Their new home was a 46’ Nodhavn vessel they named the ‘Noeta,’ and their new home was afloat in the waters of Gig Harbor Washington.

“We were working really hard, doing well, achieved a lot but didn’t see each other all that much,” recalled Alexa Shanafelt, an educator, wife and mother of three. “We just started asking ourselves, ‘What are we doing?’”

Alexa and husband Pat had always dreamed of enjoying a life at sea but weren’t planning on starting their adventure until all three kids were out of the house. That changed, however, over a family dinner.

“We got talking and our daughter Hailey said, ‘That sounds fun!’

And we pretty much decided to do it that night,” said Alexa.

The Shanafelts sold their four-bedroom home and the bulk of their other possessions, downsizing enough to be able to fit two parents, one adult child, two teens and the family cat Gilligan inside the vessel that is about the length of your typical school bus. While acclimating to their new lives and space, the Shanafelts docked the Noeta in the protected harbor. Alexa continued to teach and Pat continued to pilot planes for Alaska Airlines while Hailey and son Jack attended traditional high school. After a year it was time to set sail with four aboard as oldest daughter Mikayla would be moving to California for her career.

They laid out a plan to sail down the Pacific Coast and got as far as San Francisco before that plan was altered. The boat Pat had always dreamed of owning, a 50-foot Nordhavn hull 20, came on the market, something that rarely happens. The boat, however, was in Rhode Island. Being the adventurous family nonetheless, they made an offer having only seen photos. The offer was accepted, the original boat was sold in San Francisco and the Shanafelts were now on their way to the Northeast.

Being able to add a third stateroom to their floating home became a priority, especially with two teenagers on board. With the original boat, the plan was to float leisurely down past the Baja Peninsula and into the Sea of Cortez, docking in Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta area. With Pat still piloting airplanes, the Noeta needs to stay near an airport to continue his work and Puerto Vallarta provides that.

The Shanafelts would still get to their final destination, albeit, from a quite different approach.

From the far Northeastern seaboard, they set sail for Florida, sailing up close to the statue of Liberty and seeing other iconic landmarks and communities they never thought they’d be floating by.

“We learned quickly that there is a huge migration of people that take the intercostals waterway from the Northeast down to Florida every year,” said Pat. They had to get used to fixed docks instead of floating, and much

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shallower waters. In fact, it’s common to bump the bottom in the much shallower waters of the Atlantic, something that happened three such times but without any damage. They made it to Fort Lauderdale, and as their Noeta left on a cargo ship through the panama canal, the family made their way back across the country by land, eventually meeting back up with the boat in La Paz, Mexico.

Two of the most common questions the family gets during their travels are ‘Why?’ and ‘How do you live like that?’ While true the Shanafelts are living in much tighter quarters than most, they deal with the same family dynamics as us and deal with each situation with honesty.

“We all get along really well, but when someone needs their space or quiet time, you have to give it to them,” said Alexa.

“It forces you to deal with everything that comes up, and we make sure everyone has an equal say because you just can’t keep anything bottled up,” said Pat. Before leaving Washington they reached out to other families via social media and blogs to get some advice as well. What they discovered was a very tight-knit community of people the Shanafelts were quickly brought into.

Teenagers typically do schooling either from their parents or online education programs. Around 1pm classes stop and kids get on the radio to coordinate a place to meet up, which could be someone’s boat or a place in town. “Nobody gets left out, and it’s a very unique situation,” said Alexa.

Jack and Hailey still hang out as typical teenagers would, but have also done some volunteering and have immersed themselves in the Spanish language by riding local buses and frequenting local markets and other stores. The family has found out that it’s not just the ‘cruising’ community that is welcoming but that the locals in the places they dock are also very inviting.

“I tell people if you just open your ears, eyes and heart, it will

change you. It’s been really powerful how this experience has been,” said Pat. “It’s so rewarding to just let go of your fears of other people, and we have really enjoyed getting to know families from all over,” said Alexa.

Hailey is now 17 and is beginning to look at colleges. Her plan is to spend another year on the boat before heading off to continue her education. Jack is 15 and has a few more years to decide what he would like to do. As far as Mom and Dad are concerned, they see no immediate reason to head back on land.

“We are going to do this until we no longer enjoy it or we physically can’t,” said Alexa.

You can follow the family’s journey on social media and at MVNoeta.com.

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Make an Investment in Memories DECIDING WHAT BOAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

BY PATTY HUTCHENS

S

it back, close your eyes and picture yourself on the beautiful open water with the sun beating down on you. If you try hard enough, you will be able to hear the laughter and joy coming from those who accompany you on this adventure. Maybe it’s your children or friends. Or maybe it’s just you and your significant other. For many that may seem just like a dream, but it can become a reality, and knowing where to start and how to choose the correct boat for your needs is important when making such a large investment. Do you see yourself on a pontoon boat? Do you and your family enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing? Perhaps the tranquility of a sailboat is what appeals to you most. Do you enjoy getting out in the early morning hours and fishing?

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Because each boat is specific and specialized, what one you buy will be driven by what activities you will want to enjoy while on the water.

Finding a boat to fit your activities, tastes, needs of your crew and budget will require research. One way to be exposed to a plethora of options is to attend a boat show. Boat shows typically can be found nationwide beginning in fall going all the way into May. Spokane’s boat show is usually in February of each year. The next one in Seattle is scheduled for January 24 through February 1 of 2020. Boat shows will afford you the opportunity to ask questions of the experts and peruse the many options available.

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Begin by carefully considering what will give you the optimal use of your new purchase. Is it realistic to think you want something you can put on a trailer and haul from home to water each time you want to use it? If not, be sure to work into your budget the cost of a boat slip for the summer months.

If entertaining friends while gliding at lower speeds across the water while making dinner on the grill is something that you envision, a pontoon boat is the perfect solution. They have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to pontoon tube design, new boat-building materials, innovations in outdoor fabrics and efficient outboard engines. You can get one with the basics or go all out and purchase one with a second story complete with a slide for some family fun! Once thought of as slow-moving vessels, today there are pontoon boats with as much as 900 horsepower and ones that can top speeds in the 60s. They also come with performance pontoon “tube” packages, allowing them to corner as well as some traditional fiberglass-hulled boats.

If you are into watersports, there can be many factors to consider when deciding what boat will best suit your needs. According to Boating Magazine, each tow sport requires its own specific wake characteristics. For instance, slalom skiers want small wakes, whereas wakeboard riders and wake surfers desire larger wakes. And for those who don’t need one for a specific sport, there is a crossover boat that allows you to ride, surf and ski.

In an August 2017 article, Boating Magazine reports, “A few builders make crossover boats that let you ride, surf and ski, such as the Malibu 20 VTX, Nautique G20, Supra SR and the Tigé RZR. These boats typically use a V-drive engine, but the shorter and lighter size along with empty ballast tanks keep the wake smaller for recreational slalom skiing.”

If sailing is your thing, then the best advice is to start with something small and perfect your skills before moving up. Experts suggest that adults are best starting off with something in the 22- to 27-foot range, (if kids will be learning, they should start with something smaller). A boat of this size is typically easy to sail, won’t capsize, has ample room and is affordable. Take advantage of others’ knowledge and ask local sailors for their advice as well.

If, after ample research and inquiries, you are still uncertain, try renting a boat for a day. There are many places available to rent anything from small speed boats to

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larger pontoons. It is best to take advantage of these opportunities before making an investment you may quickly regret.

So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to your decision, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to make that investment.

Boat loans are very similar to car loans, with a specific amount on which you pay interest over a fixed term. They are available through banks, credit unions, boat dealers or marine finance companies. If you can make a sizeable down payment and have a low debt-to-income ratio, you may qualify for a subprime loan. When deciding what you can truly afford, be sure to consider the cost of ongoing maintenance, storage, insurance and the ever-fluctuating cost of fuel.

Boat loans can be both secured and unsecured. Since a secured loan allows the lender to take back the boat in case of default, unsecured loans are a higher risk to the lender and will typically have a higher interest

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

rate. Secured loans can generally be as long as a 20-year term, depending on the amount and lender, while unsecured loans are typically no longer than seven years.

Interest rates, as of April 2019, were between 4 and 6 percent on secured loans, but things the lender will consider include credit history, loan term and loan amount. For a secured loan, the lender will also likely do a marine survey to assess the condition of the boat.

We live in a beautiful place with many opportunities to get out and enjoy the water. Be sure to do your research, even test drive or rent a few of your choices, and consider what you can afford. After making that purchase, you will be guaranteed that your investment will pay off with years of wonderful memories.

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AQUATIC ADVENTURES FUN IN THE SUN AND THE WATER!

BY JILLAN CHANDLER

We are fortunate to live in a place where the outdoors offer us an abundance of natural pleasures, from hiking and biking trails, to beautiful parks and lakes, rivers and ocean. As the sun shines brightly and the warm air surrounds us, there’s nothing like spending a day on the water to cool you off.

Here are some of the top on-the-water recreational activities you’ll want to try this summer—if you haven’t already.

Wakeboarding

1

We’ve all seen those wakeboarders out on the water, surfing and jumping wakes, even throwing in a flip or two. This can be intimidating to say the least.

But, if you’ve never tried wakeboarding, there’s no time like now! Attempting any new sport can be difficult, but it is said that wakeboarding is one of the water sports that can easily and quickly be picked up. The concept is simple: You get into the water behind your towing vessel, secure yourself onto a short board with foot bindings, hold onto a rope and … you’re off! The most difficult part of the process can be actually getting up out of the water. But once you’re up, it’s time to ride those wakes—thus the name wakeboarding. Make sure to where a life jacket, and some even suggest a helmet.

Wakesurfing

2

A similar water sport to wakeboarding, wakesurfing takes excitement and skill to the next level. Like wakeboarding, the “surfer” gets up on the wake, initially by using a tow rope. But rather than continuing to hold on, once the rider reaches the peak of the wake, he or she let's go and trails behind the boat, surfing the boat's wake without being pulled by the boat. The sport resembles surfing and can be done on any body of water. It is important to note that you should never attempt wakesurfing behind a boat with an exposed propeller, as serious injury could result.

Kitesurfing

3

Also referred to as kiteboarding or kiting, kitesurfing is a wind-powered surface water sport that uses a kite and a board to “surf ” across the water. This action sport combines elements of wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, snowboarding, skateboarding and sailing, creating the ultimate water sport activity. The kitesurfer, or kiteboarder, rides a small surfboard or kiteboard (which is similar to a wakeboard), and harnesses the power of the wind through a large parachute-type kite, propelling the rider across the water.

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Parasailing

4

Imagine soaring high into the sky, the wind at your face, the blues waters below; that feeling of weightlessness and freedom. And the views can’t be beat!

This recreational kiting activity, also known as parascending or parakiting, tows the willing participant (or participants) behind a water vessel, usually a boat, while being attached to a specially designed canopy wing called a parasail wing, resembling a parachute. While parasailing, you’ll find yourself hundreds of feet in the air. It is important to note that if there are extreme winds and dark clouds, it’s best to reschedule your water adventure.

Jet Skiing

5

If you’re into the speed and smooth ride that hopping on a motorcycle gives you, you can take that adrenaline rush off-road and to the next level—onto the water! Jet Ski® and Sea-Doo®, two of the most popular brands of personal watercraft (PWC), are powered by a jet engine—rather than being powered by an outdoor motor and a propeller, like a normal boat—and travel on the surface of the water. These personal watercraft get their power by squirting a high-powered jet of water behind it, which, in turn, pushes the PWC forward. Riders are sure to enjoy the freedom and speed they will discover on the water with a personal watercraft.

Boating

6

This classic family friendly activity appeals to all ages. A day on the water on the comfort of a boat really can’t be beat. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, relaxing while enjoying a beautiful summer day. Not all of us have the opportunity of owning our own boat—don’t let that be a deterrent. With boat rentals easily available, there’s no reason not to splurge for a day of memory making. And of course, to add some extra excitement to the day, try some tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing.

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Enjoy a Foodie Getaway to Spokane and Spokane Valley It’s Crave! Time.

By Marguerite Cleveland

V

isionary chefs from around the Pacific Northwest will be converging on the City of Spokane Valley for the annual Crave! Food and Drink Celebration July 11 through 13, 2019. With all this culinary talent in the area, it makes the perfect time for a foodie trip. Spokane is building a reputation as a food lovers’ paradise, and it is an exciting time to experience it. From older family loved restaurants to new and innovative places, there is something to love for everyone.

Stay Whether you are coming from a short distance away—can you say staycation?—or driving from further afield, plan to make your base at Spokane’s grand dame, the Historic Davenport Hotel. This lovingly restored gem is just beautiful. It is a food and wine destination on its own with its renowned Sunday Brunch and two wine tasting rooms on-site. Book a Brunch package or a Sip and Stay package, which are perfect options for food and wine lovers. Insider Tip: Make sure to have a cocktail at the Peacock Room Lounge with happy hour every day (even on weekends). It has a jazz-age vibe and a stunning 5,000-piece stained glass Peacock.

Crave!

This three-day festival of all things food and drink is a foodie’s Disney World. Not only will you enjoy culinary

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THE FOOD SCENE IN SPOKANE HAS JUST BLOSSOMED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS. JAMES BEARD CHEF SEMIFINALIST ADAM HEGSTED IS THE CREATIVE VISIONARY BEHIND CRAVE! AND SERVES AS THE CULINARY DIRECTOR FOR THE EVENT.

Photos Courtesy of Aaron Theisen

treats but you will help the less fortunate with both 2nd Harvest Foods and Wishing Star, this year’s beneficiaries. The 2019 lineup includes over 40 chefs and is at the Spokane Valley CenterPlace Regional Event Center. There are a variety of options for tickets. You can purchase for just one event or splurge for the whole weekend. Kicking the event off on Thursday, July 11, is a Seafood Bash. The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday, July 13, from noon to 4pm. You don’t want to miss this one with over 70 participants with food, wineries, artisans, craft breweries, cider makers and distillers. Visit Walla Walla will anchor the event.

a fun vibe, and the younger crowd is a great source for local favorites for restaurants and entertainment.

Eat

The Cork District The Cork District in Spokane is one of the most convenient areas in Washington to taste wine with tasting rooms from wineries across the state. From the Historic Davenport Hotel, just take the elevator downstairs to two tasting rooms on-site, Arbor Crest and Va Piano. Just a short walk away is Helix Wines, which are just outstanding. Also make sure to stop in Terra Blanca for a truly stunning tasting room, which is in the old Chronicle (a newspaper) building. It is a rather unique experience and a little more hopping than most tasting rooms as many of the residents in the apartments above the tasting room are wine club members. It offers

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The food scene in Spokane has just blossomed in the past 10 years. James Beard Chef semifinalist Adam Hegsted is the creative visionary behind Crave! and serves as the culinary director for the event. His restaurants, under the Eat Good Group, are also culinary destinations while in town.

Another James Beard Chef semifinalist is Jeremy Hansen and Top Chef contestant Chad White, who both own restaurants in the area. There are some great eateries in the Downtown Entertainment District. Cochinito Taqueria is an interesting take on a taco shop. All the ingredients are responsibly sourced and then paired with craft cocktails and a curated beer and wine list. There are also some of the old places still around.

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant has been around for more than 30 years and is consistently voted Best Italian Restaurant in Spokane, great service and food in a historic building.

Sunday Brunch at the Historic Davenport Hotel is an epic gastronomic experience. The lavish buffet is served in one of the hotel’s legendary

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Barrister Winery

The Specifics WHERE TO STAY The Historic Davenport Hotel DavenportHotelCollection.com

WHERE TO EAT Crave! - CraveNW.com Cochinito Taqueria - CochinitoTaqueria. com Luigi’s Italian Restaurant - LuigisSpokane.com Eat Good Group - EatGoodGroup.com

THINGS TO DO The Cork District - CorkDistrict.Blog The Green Bluff Growers GreenBluffGrowers.com The Kitchen Engine - TheKitchenEngine. com

ballrooms. The extravaganza of food includes buffets of seafood, salads, specialty items and carved meats like prime rib. House-made desserts and a towering chocolate fountain will satisfy any sweet tooth. Champagne and mimosas are included or, for an additional charge, take a trip to the Bloody Mary Bar. Things to Do Head out to the Bluff. Just 15 minutes north of Spokane you’ll find more than 35 farms, which are part of the Green Bluff Growers.

Endless fields of green fill a 12-miles square area of farms, country stores, farm stands, wineries and breweries. Farm to table takes on a new meaning when the restaurant is located on the farm or orchard. Well worth the drive and fits in with the theme of this trip. There is something special about getting in your car and discovering where your food comes from. Agritourism has really helped small, local, family farms. Your dollars go a long way to help these treasures stay in business.

With a weekend centered around food, shopping has to include a culinary store. Make sure to check out the locally owned Kitchen Engine, located in the old Flour Mill. Their motto is “Find Your Inner Chef.” How can you not with over 7,000 items to choose from. The store has all the tools you need to create your next culinary masterpiece. High-end cutlery, pots and pans, every kitchen gadget you can imagine, as well as spices, sauces and other culinary treats will have you yearning to get in the kitchen.

They also offer cooking classes and demonstrations. Check out their calendar for more information.

After all that food, a little exercise is in order. You can easily access the Spokane Riverwalk from your hotel. It is a 1.9-mile loop trail with the

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Photo Courtesy of Aaron Theisen

highlight being Spokane Falls. The falls are so thunderous you’ll hear them before you see them. Roaring through downtown, the Spokane River has carved its way into a river gorge. In addition to the trail and artwork, plan to purchase a ticket to ride on the Skyride to have a bird’seye view of the Spokane Falls from a gondola. Two suspension bridges along the trail allow you to cross over the river to the other side.

Spokane really deserves its reputation as a foodie paradise. When planning your weekend, peruse the Crave! events and see which ones you want to attend. Pay attention to which local restaurants are participating.

Plan your other meals around places you didn’t get to experience at Crave! or visit a favorite from the festival. There are such a variety of great places to eat you want to hit as many as you can. The Visit Spokane website is a good source of information on the area. Everything you need to know from hotels to restaurants to things to do is on the site. It is well organized and easy to find what you are looking for.

What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Spokane for your perfect foodie weekend.

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YUM

Your local Dining Guide

RECIPES

LOCAL FLAVOR

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SPOTLIGHTS

Traditional and Contemporary Vietnamese Coffee, Milk Tea, and Boba

5160 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite C101 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | Hours: Every Day, 11am - 9pm 253.649.0915 | mssaigongigharbor.com

Experience the Flavor

Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine

Serving Traditional Taste Family Owned and Operated Since 2001 4747 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 200 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Hours: Every Day, 11am - 9pm | 253.514.6382 | lelegigharbor.com lelerestaurantgigharbor | lelerestaurant

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SPRING PEA, RADISH + F E TA S A L A D

Recipe & Photos Courtesy of Marina Gunn @marinagunn | MarinaGunn.com Serves 3 - 4 INGREDIENTS: 4 cups of leafy greens of your choice (red leaf lettuce, spinach, romaine) ½ lb. fresh spring peas (or 1 can of sweet peas) 5 to 6 radishes, thinly sliced 3 green onions, thinly sliced 4 oz. feta, crumbled Handful of sprouts (broccoli, radish or mung bean sprouts) ¼ lemon, juiced ¼ cup olive oil Pinch of salt and pepper METHOD: • If using fresh peas, taste them first. If they are tender, keep them raw for the salad. If they are a bit tough, blanch them in a small pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 2 to 4 minutes.

Drain and spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to cool. If using frozen peas, thaw them by leaving them at room temperature or by running them under warm water. Canned peas can also be used.

• Starting with the salad greens, layer and add peas, sliced radishes, green onions, crumbled feta, and sprouts.

• Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil to top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Serve and enjoy!

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Occasions Occasions

Coffee and Crepes Coffee and Crepes 4700 Pt Fosdick Dr NW, Ste 109

Occasions

In the Olympic Medical Plaza

253-851-2576

• • • • •

Paninis & Sandwiches Build Your Own Crepes Salads and Soups Forza Coffee All Recycleable Packaging and Utensils

Coffee and Crepes

out k c loth Che C & y a l C ns! g i s De

FRESH STR AWBERRIES AND WHIPPED CREAM

Find Great Gifts & More!

www.occasionscoffeeandcrepes.com

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LUNCHBOX LABORATORY This “funkadelic” restaurant boasts the world’s best burgers and shakes, features a wide range of eclectic burgers, as well as rotating experiments. Also on the menu are handcrafted shakes, a variety of crazy experimental cocktails and patio dining when the weather allows!

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor 253.432.4061 LunchboxLaboratory.com

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, they offer an expansive view of the harbor. Family owned and operated. Beer and wine, takeout menu available. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11am-8pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. 11am-8pm.

8825 N. Harborview Dr. Unit C | Gig Harbor 253.858.3487

MOCTEZUMA’S Voted best Mexican Restaurant in South Sound Magazine for 2015! Since 1978, Moctezuma’s has been the favorite of those seeking authentic Mexican food and award-winning Margaritas. Go visit their Gig Harbor location and enjoy their Tequila Bar for daily happy hour specials and an array of delicious appetizers.

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

GERTIE AND THE GIANT OCTOPUS At Gertie and the Giant Octopus, located in the Uptown Mall next to the Galaxy Theater, patrons will be treated to a warm and inviting staff complemented by a delicious yet affordable dinner menu, taking its inspiration from French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and meant to share. They invite you to dine with them Tuesday through Saturday 4 to 9pm.

4747 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 600 Gig Harbor | 253.649.0921 www.gertieandthegiantoctopus.com

PHO EVER WOK Whether it's a hot lunch or dinner you're looking for, look no further than Pho Ever Wok, where their traditional Vietnamese pho is always sure to satisfy. Whether you like your soup mild or spicy, they'll prepare it just the way you like it, and vegan and vegetarian options are available as well. Even better, the prices can't be beat, and there's plenty of parking. Also available for take-out. Open Monday through Saturday 10:30am to 9pm.

4819 Point Fosdick Drive NW | Gig Harbor 253.858.8399

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GREEN TURTLE RESTAURANT The dining atmosphere has always been considered one of Gig Harbor's favorites with a quaint dining room and our outdoor deck, both with serene waterfront views of the Gig Harbor light house and Mount Rainier. Join us for cocktails, premium beers and an extended wine list and make The Green Turtle one of your most memorable dining experiences. To make a reservation please call:

2905 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor 253.851.3167

OCCASIONS COFFEE & CREPES Gig Harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home for coffee & crepes! Located in the heart of Gig Harbor at the Franciscan Medical Building, Occasions Coffee and Crepes offers premium, hand-crafted espresso drinks, smoothies, fresh salads, hot paninis, fresh made deli sandwiches, soups and of course made-to-order crepes!

Authentic centrAl texAs-style BArBecue

4700 Point Fosdick Dr NW #109 | Gig Harbor 253.851.2576 OccasionsCoffeeandCrepes.com

EAT FRESH

Open seven DAys

A

Week

11:00AM - 8:00pM JOin us fOr A unique Dining experience!

253.313.5656

4814 Point Fosdick Dr. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335

TexasBBQ2U.com BBQ2U

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ENTERTAINMENT

A DAY OF EMPOWERMENT, ENRICHMENT AND EDUCATION

INAUGURAL PENMET WOMEN'S WELLNESS EXPO COMES TO SEHMEL HOMESTEAD PARK

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

A

s working mothers, Carrianne Ekberg and Jenna Brasch were inspired to find a way to connect women across all demographics and ages as a way to help support them through their individual wellness journeys. The pair began talking seriously about putting on an event last July, and in September, they approached the PenMet Parks board commissioners with a proposal to host this event as one of their own. With the tremendous support of PenMet Parks, the PenMet Women's Wellness Expo, presented by MultiCare, became official!

“The mission of the expo is to empower, enrich and educate women while supporting their own individual wellness journeys,” says Jenna, cofounder of the event. “Connecting local health and wellness resources with the women in our community is of paramount importance as well.”

The PenMet Women's Wellness Expo, which takes place Saturday, July 13, from 8:30am to 4pm at Sehmel Homestead Park, hopes to attract women of all ages, from 16 to 100-plus, from both Pierce and Kitsap counties. They anticipate anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 in attendance.

According to Jenna, the all-day event will include:

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Get connected with local health professionals!

fitness classes, wellness workshops, a Vendor Village with 70 health and wellness vendors, live entertainment, authentic networking sessions, food trucks, and a 7Seas Brewing beer garden.

Highlights of the expo include goat yoga, guided mindful trail runs, and there will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit Terry's House through The Coffee Oasis, a safe house for women who were victims of sex trafficking.

As Jenna notes, the event would not have come to fruition without the support of many others: “Jamie Mullen, Aimee Allen, Kim Camuso and Shayna Levine make up our passionate and dedicated volunteer executive committee; the PenMet Parks board commissioners and integral staff have provided the support necessary to bring this inaugural event to life; support from our local sponsors such as MultiCare and many others are the reason why we are able to offer this free event to the women in our community!”

The PenMet Women's Wellness Expo is free to attend, though registration is required as some classes have a set capacity. Free shuttle service and off-site parking is also available. For additional information and to register, or if you’re interested in volunteering, visit PenMetWWE.sched.com.

For more information

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY

7 Seas 10th Anniversary Bash

5-7

This is a party you won't want to miss! Join the community at 7 Seas Brewing as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. This three-day event is sure to be their biggest bash ever, with three days of beer, food vendors, live music and their 2019 growler release. The event kicks off at 4pm Friday. 7SeasBrewing.com

JULY

JULY

6&27

07

Dinner in the Vineyard

9th Annual Gig Harbor Wings & Wheels Air Show

Swing for a Soldier

Join Olalla Vineyard & Winery for an evening of alfresco dining in the vineyards. Dinner will begin at 6pm with a glass of wine, appetizers and a walk through the vineyard followed by a three-course meal, each paired with an Olalla wine. The cost is $135 per person (all inclusive), and tickets are available online at EventBrite.com.

Come out to see the F-18F Super Hornet tear up the Gig Harbor Skies alongside an AD-5 Skyraider in the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight. Held 11am to 4:30pm, you won't want to miss warbirds, aerobatics, formation flying and static displays plus great food, a beer garden and VIP Chalet. It's air show time! Tickets can be purchased online at EventBrite.com.

Support the Permission to Start Streaming Foundation while enjoying a sun-filled afternoon of golf at Canterwood Country Club, reception and awards dinner. Be a part of a foursome of civilians, veterans and military personnel competing for the cause: bringing awareness to and supporting families of our warriors with PTS and TBI. The event takes place noon to 8pm. SwingForASoldier.org

JULY

JULY

09

17

Summer Sounds at Skansie Enjoy a Tuesday evening outdoors during Summer Sounds at Skansie. This outdoor music concert series takes place every Tuesday 6:30 to 8pm through August 13 and is free to attend, thanks to sponsors CHI Franciscan and Harbor Hill. See the upcoming lineup at GigHarborGuide.com/music.

JULY

08

Cocktails & Fishtales Gig Harbor Taproom hosts this month's Cocktails & Fishtales: Rockfish in the Puget Sound and Abalone in Southern California, July 17, 5:30 to 7pm. This co-presentation from Adam Obaza and Amanda Bird, researchers at Paua Marine Research Group (which focuses on marine research in the Pacific), will discuss the latest research on rockfish in our area and current abalone research in Southern California.

HarborWildWatch.org

Upcoming Events - August 03

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3V3 LIVE CRUISE THE TOURNAMENT NARROWS CAR SHOW GigHarborLivingLocal.com

10 94

GALLOPING GERTIE HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K

17

MOVE IN THE PARK AT SEHMEL HOMESTEAD PARK

JULY

The Summer VIP Experience & Long Table Dinner

19

Join The Zoo Society and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 6:30 to 11pm, for a summer evening five-course dinner while taking in the views of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Also enjoy music and dancing, specialty cocktails, vendor booths, interactions with zoo staff and animals, and live auction and raise the paddle. TheZooSociety.org.

JULY

JULY

JULY

20&21 Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival Held on Judson Street, the two-day festival will showcase 125 talented artists from throughout the Northwest and beyond. Discover artworks and crafts to include everything from paintings and photographs, fiber and glass art to pottery, jewelry, soaps and more, as well as the festival's Literary Corner. Find out more at PeninsulaArtLeague. com.

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Summer Swing Golf Tournament

Gig Harbor Wine & Food Experience

Register today to participate in a fun-filled day on the golf course paired with games, prizes, food and drink at this year's Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce Summer Swing Golf Tournament. Held at Canterwood Golf and Country Club Friday, July 26, 7am to 4pm, you'll have the opportunity to talk to potential clients, make new connections and play a round of golf with your friends. For additional information, contact Tracy Patton at tpatton@ gigharborchamber.com.

Celebrate the region's wine, spirits, brews and food during this one-day event featuring classes and demos at various locations along the downtown waterfront; wine and food tastings at the Waterfront Block Party throughout downtown; and an Exclusive Dining Experience at Brix 25â&#x2014;Ś. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit HarborWineAndFoodFest.com.

JULY

JULY

28

28

Putts, Pups & Pints

Hearts & Soul: A Benefit for Heartwood Haven

Hosted by CHEW Dog Rescue at Performance Golf Center, Putts, Pups & Pints is a family friendly event with a mini-golf tournament, games, raffles, hot dogs and beer, and live music by Cheaper Than Therapy! The fun takes place Sunday, July 28, 1 to 5pm. A portion of the proceeds from the food, beverages and golf go directly to CHEW Dog Rescue! For additional information, call Janet at 206.999.8367.

Satisfy your taste buds and your soul by attending Heart & Soul: A Benefit for Heartwood Haven. Enjoy a gourmet vegan barbecue, followed by a tour of Heartwood Haven, and find out what brought these animals to the sanctuary. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only enjoy a gourmet meal but help the animals that live at Heartwood Haven. Tickets can be purchased online at BrownPaperTickets.com.

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OLALLA AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL

17

KEY PENINSULA LOGGING SHOW AT GATEWAY PARK

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21

COCKTAILS & FISHTALES: ENVIRONMENTAL TRIVIA NIGHT!

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DINNER IN THE VINEYARD AT OLALLA

GET YOUR

FEET WET with

harbor

Get3Y0+our B EAC Feet WH et

wildwatch wa lks

Over 600 in July & August!

Education Programs Full schedule onLINE Annually Get to know the unique creatures of • the Guided beach, wetland, intertidal zone with and estuary walks biologists at 12 beaches in• the south Puget Citizen science Sound. Freeand (donations monitoring training opportunities appreciated) and great for all ages!

• Live dive underwater Plusexperiences july & august

S U M M ER CA&M PS youth • seaStars Beyond • Cocktails & Fishtales science socials for 21+

naturalist trainingnow program Enrolling • Ages Hands-on exhibits 7-12 can enjoyin Downtown Gig Harbor STEM-based summer camps on Fox Island.

Sign-up online!

HarborWildWatch.org (253) 514-0187 (253) 514-0187 HarborWildWatch.org 2502 S. TYLER ST. TACOMA, WA 98405 | 253.752.7707 | WERTACOMA.COM

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IMAGINE LAZY SUMMER NIGHTS

POINT FOSDICK WATERFRONT 100 FT. MED-BANK BEACH 4 BRS | 7004 SF | .94 ACRE MLS #1465499

WHAT YOU IMAGINE, WE MAKE HAPPEN. Joe Sanchez & Associates Coldwell Banker Bain “We Sell Homes.

We Build Relationships.”

253-853-2262 JSAssociates@CBBain.com www.WaterfrontGigHarbor.com

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SHOP SHOP

Enjoy your Uptown Life!

Take a break from the ordinary, the expected.

SIP SIP

STROLL STROLL

Treat yourself to the easygoing Uptown style.

EVENTS

CONCERTS

Gig Harbor Plant Swap June 8th 10am-11am

July 11th Flor de Luna Latin

Summer Sidewalk Sale July 12th - 14th

July 18th The Shy Boys, Rock

Cruise the Narrows Car Show August 3rd 9am-3pm

July 25th The Dark Horses, Country

Gig Harbor Film Festival September 26th - 29th Gig Harbor Plant Swap October 12th 10am-11am

August 1st Wounded Mic, Rock August 8th Indigo Jazz Band, Jazz August 15th The Michael Crain Band, Rock

DINE DINE Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm Hwy 16, Exit 10 - Olympic Drive to 4701 Pt, Fosdick Drive Hwy 16, Exit 10 - Olympic Drive to 4701 Pt, Fosdick Drive UPTOWN GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE UPTOWN GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE

DISCOVER DISCOVER

www.uptowngigharbor.com www.uptowngigharbor.com

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stores Over 30 stores

2019 SUBARU ASCENT

Come celebrate with us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our 18th anniversary!

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED SUBARU DEALER. JOHN DIONAS | President-Owner

Come meet Duke!

Peninsula Subaru in Bremerton, WA, treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence!

Located in Bremerton, only a 20-minute drive, and lower sales tax!

800.458.5808 | PeninsulaSubaru.com 3888 W. St. Hwy. 16, Bremerton, WA (between Bremerton & Port Orchard)

C L O S E D O N S U N D AY F O R FA M I LY D AY GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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(253) 530-7300

Fax (253) 530-7301 (253) 530-7300GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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