March 2018 Gig Harbor Living Local

MARCH 2018

LIVING LOCAL

Arts & Entertainment

A taste of Gig harbor

Outdoor

Remodeling

Get featured! Join us on Facebook...

In focus

pg. 20

SEE INSIDE THE HGTV DREAM HOME

#gigharborliving GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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SERVING GIG HARBOR

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

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

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

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

Because We Care.

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Exceptional living exceptional QUALITY

5 days on market with multiple offers!

Jensen Westmoreland | Carolyn Westmoreland | Hannah Richards

CAROLYN WESTMORELAND Broker/Owner WESTMORELAND PROPERTIES 253-961-5596 carolyn@westmorelandproperties.net Exceptional Service, Exceptional Company.

Mark Wambold NMLS ID 248580 State Lic. MLO-248580

Direct 253.225.3352 | mwambold@fairwaymc.com

www.wamboldhomeloans.com

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

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

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Featured listing MLS#: 1135119

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EACE PEACE OF MIND. OF MIND. PEACE OF MIND.

FORFOR THOSE THOSE WHO WHO FOR THOSE WHO MATTER MATTER MOST. MOST. MATTER MOST.

ee your Free mind your tomind pursue to all pursue of life’s allpossibilities. of life’s possibilities. can help IFree can youyour help create youacreate life a life all insurance plan customized plan customized mind to insurance pursue of life’s possibilities. r the ones for the you ones love you –create alllove at an all affordable at an affordable price price you. for you.

I can help you a– life insurance planforcustomized fortoday. the ones you love – all at an affordable price for you. et’s talk Let’s talk today.

Let’s talk today.

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

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American Family American MutualFamily Insurance Mutual Company, Insurance American Company, Family American Insurance Family Company, Insurance American Company, Family American Life Insurance Family Life Company, Insurance Company, 6000 American 6000 Parkway, American Madison, Parkway, WI 53783 Madison, ©2016 WI 53783 011785 ©2016 – 4/16 011785 – 4/16 American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, American Family Life Insurance Company,

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Your local Gig Harbor moving company

We are more than a moving company!

Check us out and see our list of services

Google Reviews

"Another thing I liked about this company - they have no hidden fees!"

"Gave us a solid move for a very reasonable price."

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Feeling Good is Good to Feel

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de Recat PHOTOGRAPHY Outstanding Unique Portraits

Carlie Parker Flight Attendant

Call Today for a Free Consultation GigHarborLivingLocal.com 253.514.6447 derecatphotography.com 7

Come celebrate life on the water.

Maritime Jewelers

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

Exceptional Collection

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

Visit

Estate & Consignment Fine Jewelry Diamonds & Rare Gems Custom Designs Jewelry Repair In-House Master Jeweler and Graduate Gemologist

Featuring Montana Sapphires

GigHarborGondola.com

for more information.

John Synco Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard

3117 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 253.432.0052

gigharborgondola@gmail.com f Gig Harbor Gondola

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS 3116 Harborview Drive, “Voted Finest Jeweler” Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm www.maritimejewelers.com

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WE NEVER. EVER. EVER. RUSH A CONVERSATION. We take the time to really get to know our clients. It’s how you get to know us too. We do not sell products, but create solutions to help you achieve your financial goals so that you have a reliable stream of income for the rest of your life The philosophy we embrace enables our clients to navigate an uncertain world with the most precious asset of all – PEACE OF MIND. Please visit our website www.pacificasset.com or call us so we can start a conversation.

4320 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253-649-4600 I PACIFICASSET.COM GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Photo by Diane Fetzner

MARCH 2018

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 3

features Get Outside!

Outdoor remodeling ideas that will brighten your summer

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Remodeling the Interior of Your Home When to DIY vs. hiring a contractor

Your Backyard Garden Functional and beautiful

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82 88

now OPEN in TACOMA

as seen on King 5 Evening Magazine

eco home decor and furniture from the heart

shop for sustainable style and timeless eco-furniture made with heart and your home in mind open everyday from 10 am to 6 pm GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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2416 South C Street TACOMA WA 98402 tree.co l hello@tree.co tree.us

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Eat. Shop. Enjoy.

MARKETING

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

EDITORIAL

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

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

7804 PIONEER WAY, GIG HARBOR

253.358.3241

www.theharborgeneralstore.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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DESIGN

Creative Director Senior Designer | Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

| Whitney Lebsock Rachel Figgins | Maddie Russo | Darbey Scrimsher

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS

Managing Partner | Kim Russo Executive Director | Steve Russo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo of Gig Harbor HGTV Dream Home.

Photo © 2017 Scripps Networks, LLC. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by LivingLocal360.com.

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

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

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

A Health Food Store for Dogs & Cats

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

greencottagepets1@gmail.com www.greencottagepets.com

Mika, a cute little papillon “Butterfly Dog” loves people and sitting on laps.

Primary Healthcare for All Ages Accepting New Patients

Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP-BC

• Sports Physicals

• Referrals

• Family Medical Services

• Well Woman Exams

• Annual Physicals

• Well Child Exams

• Preventative Care

• Health Education & Management

• Immunizations

• Chronic Disease Management

• Same Day Sick Visits

• Acute Illness Treatment

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

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

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

Home & Garden Spruce Up Your Home

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

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STAND TALL TO

LIVE LONGER

FINE JEWELRY AND GEMS

What if you’re pain wasn’t caused by age, genes, sports, housework, yardwork, or your shoes?

CONVERGENT THERAPIES

“Tailored to the individual”

Chiropractic + Massage + Exercise Therapy

GIG HARBOR’S POSTURE CLINIC

7 WEEK

Poor Posture is the main contributor to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain.

National and International Award Winning Jeweler 7716 Pioneer Way Suite A Gig Harbor, WASHINGTON 360-528-8098 michaelnutter.com

Posture Clinic

We’re tackling the poor posture epidemic in Gig Harbor to improve the health of our community one person at a time.

Includes exercise ball, resistance band, & stability pad

$

550

$850 value

253.254.5653 www.ConvergentTherapies.com

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3214 50th St Ct NW, Suite 203 (By the Good To Go! offices) BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2015

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BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2016

BEST OF GIG HARBOR

2017

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PUBLISHER’S note BLESSED TO LIVE IN THE NORTHWEST

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

I HAVE LIVED in the Northwest for nearly 15 years and am continually amazed at the beauty that surrounds us each and every day.

My wife had family who lived in both Gig Harbor and North Idaho, and we visited from Southern California often. But after living in California for my entire life, it was time to make a move. With three young children, we packed up and began our new life in Sandpoint. I have not regretted a single thing about that life-changing decision.

But there is much more to living in the Northwest than the opportunities for recreation. I am constantly blessed by meeting so many amazing people. The friendliness is unmatched, and it is an honor to meet all the small-business owners who we partner with to help them market their business. I have also had the opportunity to learn much about the nonprofit organizations and individuals who do so much to make the communities in which they live a better place.

In less than a day we can be on the water overlooking beautiful Puget Sound, taking in a Mariner’s game and enjoying the freshest fish available. In North Idaho, we have amazing outdoor opportunities year round.

With Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort literally in our own backyard, we can enjoy worldclass skiing that offers breathtaking views.

In the summer, we can hop on the boat and go to one of the many waterfront restaurants on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Coeur d’Alene is no different with Silver Mountain Ski Resort just a short drive away and Lake Coeur d’Alene beckoning on a beautiful day.

Yes, I am blessed to live in the Northwest. As for our kids, they were too young to remember much of San Diego. This is all they know, and they absolutely love it!

LIVING LOCAL

ent

Arts & Entertainm

A taste of Gig harbor

us In foc THE HGTV

Rem

Get featured! Join us on Facebook...

253.853.2033

web

www.familyfirstafh.com

address

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

Steve Russo Steve Russo Executive Director steve@livinglocal360.com

ABOUT THE COVER

MARCH 2018

or Outdo odeling

office

And while many may complain about their in-laws, I only have high praise for mine.

After all, they introduced me to paradise!

SEE INSIDE DREAM HOME

pg. 20

#gigharborliving

Local.com

GigHarborLiving

1

Proud To Partner

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SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and it’s the perfect time to start planning those home and garden projects! From fresh new paint and flooring indoors, to transforming your outdoor patio and garden, we’ve got some great tips and tricks to help get you started on bringing your vision to fruition! Photo of Gig Harbor HGTV Dream Home - Cover photo © 2017 Scripps Networks, LLC. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

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GET SOCIAL

CONNECT WITH GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

1.

3. #GIGHARBORLIVING #GigHarborLiving Your photos will show up on our Get Social page at GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

2.

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

1. danihohensinner via 2.

This view never gets old. #gigharborliving

facebook.com/gigharborliving

pinterest.com/LL360

instagram.com/gigharborliving

twitter.com/gigharborliving

As it turns out, when you're the queen, you're automatically granted the first docking spot. #sogoodtobeaqueen #gigharbor #gigharborliving #commercialfishing #fvislandqueen #seiner #pnw #pnwfishing #wintersun #k5winter #onthedock #harborlife #harbortown #clpicks

3.

wsuchristy via The first coat of resin is drying and the color is starting to show! We can't speak highly enough of our talented volunteers, they've been putting in the hours on this kayak build, which has a very special history for the owner. Each one of these wood strips is carefully shaped and fitted into place. Come by and see it in our shop! #gigharborboatshop #gigharbor #gigharborliving #gigharborlife #kayak #woodkayak #woodenkayak #pugetsound #southsound #pnw #seattle #tacoma #olympia #boatrestoration

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

gigharborboatshop via Contributors

Brett Marlo DeSantis • Alinda Morris • Cheri Johnson • Deborah Olive • Cathy Herholdt • Paula Larson • Ashley Peters • Deanna Iff • Darcie Miller Lawrence Larson • Kenny Markwardt • Marguerite Cleveland • Kathleen North • Howard Mackert • Andrea Johnson • Rhonda Savage Bri Williams • John Ross

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Sold

|

$929,950

Sold | $618,000

LY D I A G E L I N E 253-242-0728

206-419-0775

Sold

|

lgeline@windermere.com www.lydiageline.com

$785,930

Is it time to make a move? ove?

Give me a call to find out how I can help. p.

AR WORKSHOP 3208 Tarabochia St. Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253-844-3041 Subscribe to be a VIP! For exclusive offers, news and more!

Website www.arworkshop.com/gigharbor

We are a boutique DIY Workshop that offers hands on classes to creating custom and charming home decor from raw materials. From wood signs, framed signs, canvas wall hangings, pillows, lazy susans, trays, centerpiece boxes and even kids workshops. We offer private events and public classes. We also have a curated selection of fabulous retail like jewelry, decor, gifts in our boutique area of the workshop.

You can book a class at arworkshop.com/gigharbor

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Contents pg. 14

pg. 82

20

Get Featured

Join our Facebook page Northwest Living for a chance to get your photos, recipes, ideas and more!

44 Athletes of the Month Local high school super stars!

46 Living Local

24

Essentials

33

Life & Community

52

34

Business Spotlight

56 Health & Lifestyle

The latest tips and trends.

Great local events and stories.

Lessons learned from a good paddling.

Business Spotlight

Braaten Productions.

Ambrose Lobato Design / Build LLC.

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

36 Good News

66

It's Super STEM!

Feature Story

A gift from the heart.

39 Teacher of the Month 92 Alyse Yeaman.

Old-school photographer.

Travel & Leisure

40 Gig Harbor In Focus

99

Food & Drink

HGTV Dream Home 2018.

pg. 92

Check out Gig Harbor's best local eats!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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104

Arts & Entertainment

Calendar of great local events, music and shows.

GigHarborHomes Real Estate | LindaPetersenTeam

Live where you play!

GigHarborHomes.com info@lindapetersenteam.com

253-853-2555

LINDA PETERSEN

SEANA WOHLFEIL

253-549-6290

253-549-3386

Owner/Broker

Broker

PHOTO BY DIANE FETZNER

LIST YOUR HOME WITH OUR TEAM AND WE’LL DO THE REST!

HOME LOANS Empowering People to Make Informed Financial Decisions.

TRINETTE GATES

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS ID# 112074 CELL: 360.471.8211 EMAIL: Trinette.Gates@nafinc.com www.LoanProGates.com Consumer Loan Company License #CL-6606. © New American Funding. New American and New American Funding are are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions, DBA New American Funding.

All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office (800) 450-2010. 01/2018.

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We Specialize In: • VA HOME LOANS • FHA HOME LOANS • FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS • CONVENTIONAL LOANS

• • HIGH BALANCE LOAN PRODUCTS • JUMBO FINANCING • SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS

ESSENTIALS

Beauty + Bounty Part One growing local eats

I

BY BRETT MARLO DESANTIS

n 2012, the United Nations reported that 67 percent of the world’s population will live in a city by 2050. As our population doubles, so will the infrastructure in our built environment. Urban agriculture is a growing movement to provide beautiful solutions to our growing challenges.

“Urban farming is the way of the future,” assures urban gardener Sass Ruthven. In addition to the ability to feed people locally, the energy saved is enormous in terms of eliminating the need to transport goods. “There is virtually zero carbon footprint for growing and consuming your food,” she says.

Sass started as a garden educator at Lowell Elementary for 15 years, then seven years later worked for another seven years at Portland Ave Nursery while still educating Tacoma elementary students. She learned the art of successful gardening the good old-fashioned way, learning by doing it. She began a CSA called Share the Wealth Organics (STWO) in the fall of 2012, with 2013 her first official season.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

“My daughter was the first one to tell me to start a CSA when I was just growing so much food for our family; freezing a lot of it and giving a lot of it away. I had no idea what a CSA was,” Sass recalls. “My daughter explained that CSA stood for community supported agriculture, and soon we were borrowing an urban CSA model from Portland, Oregon.”

STWO just finished its fifth season. Sass reports that “last year, our season yielded 3.2 tons of produce from one sixth of an acre. That’s a phenomenal number that you’d never come close to with conventional farming.

Typically, conventional farming is about one seventh of what I produced in the same amount of space, just because they require so much more room from row spacing.”

Adopting a basic square-foot gardening method, the CSA spreads across six urban sites amounting to one sixth of an acre combined. All, except one site, are located along the same block, with the remaining site only a mile away.

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Close On Time — Guaranteed!

We believe sustainable lending is one of the highest forms of community service. Work with someone who lives in & understands the Beauty of Gig Harbor.

Ryan Johannes

Mortgage Consultant NMLS #1406926 | WA MLO-1406926

2727 Hollycroft St NW #360 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: 253.432.8047 | Mobile: 425.681.6475 | Direct Fax: 253.432.8071 ryan.johannes@onqfinancial.com | www.ryanjohannesonq.com

On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender.

NMLS 5645 | WA CL-5645

On Q Financial’s On Time Close Guarantee Program has restrictions and requirements. Not all loan programs apply.

Please contact your On Q Financial, Inc. Mortgage Consultant for more information. RJ0222180681Y000004Jh10

Cho os shar e a Rea l es y our tor tha t valu es!

www.WeDonateTogether.com

We are bigger than just a home sale “Our Closing Gift is a donation made in your honor!”

Closing Gifts to date $32,000

Gretchen Allen REALTOR/Broker 253-620-0028 Gretchen@HomesByGretchen.com

We donate a portion of our commission to a charitable organization of the homeowner’s choice and our passion partners who share the same philosophy on giving back!

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Kathryn Dunham REALTOR/ Managing Broker 206-617-7619

Create your own!

Mel Bartholomew, author of the book “Square Foot Gardening,” describes this innovative gardening method first introduced in the 1980s. Small raised garden beds are densely filled to eliminate the need for circulation space within the bed. Therefore the beds stay safe from compaction, and this allows for huge yields from small spaces.

who joined the CSA was my neighbor next door. The second yard was across the street.

Usually people offer before I even ask because they think it’s really cool, and I maintain it all.

They provide water and the space, and they get a full share or a half share depending on how many beds they have; it varies from location to location.”

As Sass says, “You are using all the bed space, and everything is in a grid work. It’s all measured out; nothing is just thrown in here or there. It’s all documented and measured. So we are getting as much as we can possibly fit into a bed without overcrowding it.”

One CSA block homeowner shares, “I just love coming home because every week things look different. It’s so much fun to watch everything grow!”

Sass recalls how STWO began: “The first yard

Inspired by Sass’s story? Create your own beauty and bounty. Simply plant the seed, start a neighborhood garden, work with others,

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A A A H!

affordable adaptable alternative housing

share food and stories, preserve the produce while creating culture.

Don’t know where to start? Sass teaches free workshops at the EnviroHouse and is also happy to share her recipe for raised beds. Contact her at sharethewealthorganics@gmail.com for more information and a chance to tour and learn more about starting your own neighborhood garden.

This is part one of a two-part article on urban agriculture.

You name it.

Urban farming is the way of the future

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

We build it.

BRETT MARLO DESIGN BUILD

253 376 7935 - brettmarlo.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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LICENSE # BRETTMD892QP

ESSENTIALS

COLOR A ROOM

BY ALINDA MORRIS, AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSIONAL, HABITUAL REMODELER, ADVENTUROUS, CREATIVE, ENTREPRENEUR AND MOM

“Colour are light’s suffering and joy.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Color is light dependent Color can be your most powerful design element if you learn to use it effectively.

Selecting a paint color can be difficult because color is light dependent. All color is created from three primary colors; simply put, all color has an undertone of another color.

Interior paint color undertones can make or break your color scheme. Translation: Your perfect French gray can turn blue or even worse, purple, in certain light.

Rules of engagement Have a plan. Decide how you want the space to feel. Your interior paint color should not be responsible for being the focal point of your space. That is an unreasonable expectation.

Your interior paint color should act as a neutralizer, pulling all the colors and wood tones in your space together. When telling the story of your space, begin with a neutral palate; you can add as much or as little color you want with pillows, furnishings and artwork.

A colorful space

3016 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor WA 253.579.8431 www.alindamorrisinteriordesign.com

@alindamorris

If you’re ready to move on from a totally neutral color palette, select any (yes, any!) three colors and repeat them—no more than three. Otherwise the space can feel chaotic.

The space should feel joyful and not take itself too seriously.

Classic white Nothing is more sophisticated than a bright white room done right. If your space is flooded with natural light, you are a perfect candidate for this classic beauty. Benjamin Moore Snowfall White is a nice crisp white.

If your room is dark or there is light but it is

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always in shadow, your white room is going to fall flat. You may want to opt for a muted hue, such as Sherwin Williams’ Repose Gray or Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl. This will give the room some depth. White trim will also brighten the space.

The luxe interior If your end game is a high-end interior, stick to a monochromatic color scheme.

The difference between a room that feels like luxury and a room that feels boring is texture. Consider texture and depth in all the decorative elements of the space to create interest. This can be done by layering fabrics with and without pattern. Select wall coverings with subtle variations of depth and variation. Artwork, rugs and accessories will create more visual interests.

THE WILD RIDE OF BITCOIN WHO KNOWS WHAT IT WILL BE WORTH NEXT YEAR...OR NEXT WEEK PROVIDED BY CHERI JOHNSON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

T

he ups and downs of bitcoin have amazed investors. April 1, 2017, one bitcoin was valued at $1,089.51.

December 16, the price hit a historic peak at $19,343.04.

web.” While all bitcoin transactions are verified through the blockchain, a kind of digital account book that renders transaction records transparent, some bitcoin buyers and sellers have managed to stay anonymous.

With the price of bitcoin jumping nearly 1,800 percent in less than nine months, the air in the commodities markets grew thick with hype: Bitcoin was “unstoppable.” Well, not quite.

By December 30, bitcoin’s price had sunk to $12,629.81. Rebounding to $17,135.84 a week later, it then stair-stepped down to $6,914.26 on February 5. Who knows what a bitcoin will be worth by the time you read this?

What are the chances that bitcoin will become the “new gold”? Governments, banks and institutional investors share a foundational belief that gold is a valuable commodity and will remain so in the future.

We do know one thing: Bitcoin is one of the riskiest investments around.

If speculators stopped believing bitcoin was valuable, then how valuable would it be? Nearly worthless, in the eyes of some observers.

As NerdWallet investment writer Andrea Coombes recently remarked, “The value is in the demand itself.”

Bitcoin Fever. Investors of all ages are asking about it. Should they put some of their retirement savings into bitcoin? Will they miss out on “the next big thing” if they stay out of bitcoin?

In fact, Goldman Sachs analysts wonder if bitcoin will be valueless five or 10 years from now. In a February note to investors, Goldman warned that bitcoin could very well be replaced by something else as cybercurrency evolves.

What is bitcoin, really? There are now bitcoin futures markets on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and CME Group, so you can now think of bitcoin as a commodity— but many bitcoin investors and users see it as a currency.

In the financial markets, higher prices are not always succeeded by higher prices. This is essentially the belief holding up bitcoin. Its biggest fans believe its direction will be up and up, with occasional storms of volatility. This is called irrational exuberance, and it has harmed many investors through the years.

Who determines bitcoin’s value? Speculators.

The free market defines bitcoin’s worth. No government or central bank regulates it or assigns any value to it.

Bitcoin’s price can fall dramatically due to comments from opinion leaders. In 2017, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon called bitcoin “a fraud,” and it fell 10 percent in response. When South Korea revealed plans to restrict bitcoin trading in January, bitcoin prices fell 14 percent in a day. Another shock came when Silk Road, an infamous website linked to drug trafficking, suddenly vanished.

If you are wondering why the bitcoin market took that shutdown as a negative, you should know that bitcoin has been linked to money laundering, drug deals and other shady financial transactions conducted on the “dark

Your Life.

Your Goals.

Our Focus.

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

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

• • • • • • • •

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

Whether you think bitcoin is the “new gold” or amounts to a bubble ready to burst, its extreme, dangerous volatility means one thing: If you do choose to invest in it, you would be wise to only invest money that you can afford to lose.

Cheri Johnson may be reached at 253.858.4411 or cheri@strategicwealthadv.com.

Cheri Johnson, 5775 Soundview Drive, Suite 202B, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 is a registered representative of and securities offered through USA Financial Securities, Member FINRA/ SIPC. A registered investment advisor, USA Financial Securities, 6020 E. Fulton Street, Ada, Michigan 49301. Strategic Wealth Advisors is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities.

Copyright Marketing Library Pro.

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www.StrategicWealthAdv.com

253-858-4411

Investment Advisor Representative of USA Financial Securities.

Member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

ESSENTIALS

WHAT WOULD YOU DO

with an extra 2.4 hours a day?

BY DEBORAH OLIVE

If you had 2.4 extra hours today, what would you do with them?

Would you double down on a deadline? Catch up on a project? Do something special with your family? Fit in an extra workout? Flesh out your business plan? Brainstorm with a creative colleague to develop or expand one of your ideas? Consider how you’d use a part-time person in your business? Would you take a nap? Would you go shopping? Your choices are unlimited.

What would you do with an extra 2.4 hours today?

Too many people say, “I don’t have time” or “I’m too busy.” Frantic not to miss something, they do and do and do. Too often, we act out of obligation, rather than that which is most meaningful to us.

If you had an extra 2.4 hours every single day, how would you use it to improve the quality of your life?

This isn’t a rhetorical question. This question shifts your attention to areas with greater meaning and to organize activities to increase enjoyment and reduce stress. Yes, this is a bold claim.

Jane owns a photography business, and she did it all. She did the marketing, created new products, delivered services and administered the details of her business. Harried and overworked, she considered hiring someone to help with marketing and administrative activities, but

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she always talked herself out of it. She wanted her income to be more consistent first. She wasn’t confident she’d hire the right person, and she didn’t know how to train an employee. She loved the idea of being a business owner, but she was always behind, and it cut into her weekends and evenings.

I coached her to account for how she used her time in her business. She defined her procedures and jotted down ideas for a part-time position.

Once she had a clear job description for an assistant, she posted an ad, interviewed candidates and hired a woman to work 10 hours per week.

Her assistant brought Jane’s books up to date and responded to routine questions and client support. It took time, but Jane began to relax. She spent more time in her zone of genius. She was more creative, consistent and confident. Referrals picked up.

This transformation wasn’t easy. Jane carved out extra time in an overloaded schedule. She learned new skills and moved through her doubts. She was nervous about training her new hire. She worried her plan wouldn’t work. But Jane moved through each of these obstacles.

Emboldened, she established a firm stop time at the end of her work day.

She completed projects around the house that had piled up. She started attending an aerobics class. Jane has more energy, works fewer weekends, and she and her husband enjoy more date nights. In less than six months, Jane “found” far more than an extra 2.4 hours a day for activities she enjoys.

Would it be okay with you, if life got easier?

Unleash your potential Through the power of professional coaching

Jane used three simple steps to navigate this change, and so can you. First, decide on the change you’ll make; fall in love with it and describe it in detail. Second, design a structure to support that change. And finally, deliver.

You don’t need to know how you’ll accomplish every little thing before you jump in. Take action!

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

Too many people wait until “someday” to make changes that enhance their life, but not you. Now is the time to decide, design and set in motion the next version of you and your business. You can do this on your own. Or you may be inclined to do something different and work with a mentor or a coach who’s trained to help you accelerate your actions and deliver the results you want—and do so with less stress.

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

Deborah Olive Business-Life Coach

Would it be OK with you if life got easier?

Call 253.209.2528

deborah@deboraholive.com www.DeborahOlive.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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LIFE & COMMUNITY

GATHER THE KIDS

and their Baskets

P

enMet Parks is once again hosting their Spring Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, noon to 2pm at Sehmel Homestead Park. The event is held the Saturday before Easter each year and has become a family tradition for many in Gig Harbor. And this year’s event is sure to be the biggest yet.

“PenMet Parks Spring Easter Egg Hunt has grown over the last 11 years, having been hosted at local Peninsula School District fields in its infancy to utilizing the entirety of the largest park in the Gig Harbor area—Sehmel Homestead Park,” says Chuck Cuzzetto, recreational specialist for PenMet Parks.

“This means the addition of a petting zoo, shuttle and so much more.”

The egg hunt is designed for children from pre-K to 12 years. This year, they expect around 6,000 visitors, with approximately 2,000 children hunting for Easter eggs and visiting the Easter Bunny. This year’s egg hunt will see around 10,000 eggs picked up and put

It’s time for PenMet Parks Annual Spring Easter Egg Hunt

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER PHOTO BY CHRISY DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY

into baskets. And every child will receive a prize! “I personally love seeing kids beaming with the joy of a set of toy golf clubs, bat and ball, stuffed animals and so much more,” Cuzzetto says.

There will be roped off areas according to age, though they welcome any and all siblings to join one another however they see fit. In addition, the entire park is open for everyone to enjoy the playground, trails and much more. There will also be booths and activities for visitors to stop by.

“This is a fantastic event for our community and a great opportunity to showcase PenMet Parks and Recreation!” according to Cuzzetto.

Don’t miss out! For more information regarding the annual Spring Easter Egg Hunt or to inquire about other activities offered through PenMet Parks, call 253.858.3400, email info@penmetparks.org or visit PenMetParks.org.

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“I personally love seeing kids beaming with the joy of a set of toy golf clubs, bat and ball, stuffed animals and so much morE.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Ambrose Lobato Design / Build LLC TURNING YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITIES

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

AMBROSE LOBATO Design / Build LLC 2110 Judson Street, Suite 47 Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 Gig Harbor: 253.303.1993 Cell: 206.251.3983 Ambrose@ambroselobatodesign.com AmbroseLobatoDesign.com f Ambrose Lobato Design/Build

A

“EACH OF MY PROJECTS EMPLOY SIMILAR ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES AND YET EACH BUILDING IS UNIQUE TO EACH OWNER/ CLIENT. EACH ONE TELLS THE STORY OF MY CLIENT.” GigHarborLivingLocal.com

mbrose Lobato Design / Build has been providing Gig Harbor and the surrounding communities with residential and commercial architectural and construction services for more than a decade. With nearly 30-years experience in design and building in the Northwest, owner Ambrose Lobato is a fullservice design professional providing project services from concept to turnkey delivery.

Construction services, though only offered for projects that are designed

by ALDB, include bidding, general contracting and construction management. They also offer a free consultation as part of their standard services to potential clients.

“My experience includes new and remodeled custom homes, multifamily projects and a variety of mixed-use commercial and retail buildings in Washington, Utah, Colorado, California and Oregon,” says Ambrose. “Working with the municipalities in all of these locations, I have been able to achieve my clients’ objectives every time with complete professionalism and success.”

The design / build practice has been organized into two separate

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businesses for their clients’ benefit. Ambrose Lobato Design / Build is available for all design and permitting work, while Lobo Construction is available for the physical construction work and related management and coordination services.

“I do this because it allows me to better serve my clients on both side of the design build practice while saving them money and time. I strive always to look out for my clients.”

Ambrose attributes talent, persistence, hard work and his supportive wife and family as the key components to what has made Ambrose Lobato Design / Build a successful company. He has also surrounded himself with quality team players, such as Jenn Brumm, who helps him produce the architectural drawings, and a variety of local contractors, who build the work, ensuring that each client is satisfied with the results of their projects.

“Thinking outside the box” is what sets Ambrose Lobato Design / Build above the rest. “Most of the time, my clients are surprised to find out that with a different perspective and some creativity, they can usually attain their goals more completely and with less effort and money than they had originally assumed.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Mr. Lobato relocated to Gig Harbor in 2009 from West Seattle, where he had an office for 10 years. “I expected to be here for a couple of years while our daughter graduated from Gig Harbor High School,” he says, but “I soon fell in love with Gig Harbor and decided to stay, relocating my business permanently in 2010.”

Ambrose genuinely cares about each client he serves. In addition to his undergraduate work at the UW, he studied psychology, physical anthropology and history to help him better understand humanity in order to more successfully design spaces that are true reflections of his clients and how they live. “I filter your needs, site constraints and budget through my design and construction experience and sensibilities to create a design that best fits you,” says Ambrose. “Each of my projects employ similar architectural principles and yet each building is unique to each owner/ client. Each one tells the story of my client.”

If you are ready to create your dream home or business and are looking for a design builder who will turn your vision into a reality, let Ambrose Lobato Design / Build tell your story. As Ambrose says, “I love what I do and will work until you love it, too.”

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It’s Super STEM!

Connecting girls with science and math

F

aster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound—it’s CAPE-empowered middle school girls!

doors. It’s … really important to get in that window of time—elementary to middle school can make or break someone as far as shutting doors and not getting on the pathway to certain classes or clubs.”

CAPE (Career and Pathway Expo) is an annual oneday event in April that encourages sixth through eighth grade girls in the Peninsula School District (PSD) to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM education).

How do we keep young girls involved in science and math? It’s CAPE to the rescue!

Women are underrepresented in STEM careers, and studies have shown that girls in their pre-teens and teens often move away from a path of science and math classes. Since these classes tend to lead to higher paying careers, leaving the path of STEM learning can impact these girls for a lifetime. Once these students get off the STEM path, it is difficult for them to get back on, so keeping young girls interested in science and math is crucial to them having opportunities in STEM careers.

BY PAULA LARSON

PHOTO BY FRANK OWEN SHAW

GOOD NEWS

“It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Joy Giovanini, CAPE coordinator. “If someone doesn’t believe in themselves, that they’re not a math person or a science person, they end up eliminating some of the opportunities that would open future

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When Giovanini was teaching robotics, she noticed that many of the middle school girls she taught stopped taking STEM classes in high school. Those girls thought that science and math weren’t “cool” and that if their friends weren’t taking those classes they didn’t want to, either. She researched ways to keep girls on the STEM pathway and the result was CAPE. “What came up over and over again, and what CAPE was built around, is that girls respond to being with other girls,” explains Giovanini. “We needed to make a safe space for girls to ‘geek out’ with other females their age. The whole thing was created around what works to keep middle school girls from closing doors to opportunities, especially in STEM.” This year is the fourth year of CAPE. It is a day

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where 250 of the district’s middle school girls (around one-fifth of the middle school girls) from all four of the middle schools come together with high school student mentors, STEM teachers and volunteer community members in STEM careers to do hands-on learning and exploration. CAPE is meant to give girls hands-on experiences, opportunities to form bonds with other female students and to provide layers of support from a variety of mentors.

opportunities. The girls have hands-on fun doing things like fingerprinting with forensics teachers and piloting underwater robots with a science teacher who leads a club.

Keynote speakers set the tone for the day.

Pilots, doctors and engineers are among the past keynote speakers who spoke about their careers and education. It’s important for girls to be able to identify with professionals in STEM careers.

“Even if you have just one other friend that’s a girl in that class of 30 people, connecting and having that kinship can make a big difference,” notes Giovanini.

“It’s imperative for them to have career mentors that they can relate to so that they can see themselves in those careers,” says Giovanini.

After the keynote address, the girls and their high school mentors head to an expostyle session where they can explore middle school science and math classes and clubs.

The goal is for the girls to make connections with PSD middle school staff and get the students interested and involved in STEM

The expo is primarily designed to get the girls interested and stay interested in STEM classes and clubs throughout their school career and beyond. Another goal is to connect the girls with other girls so that they have friends taking STEM classes with them.

After the expo, the girls head to three 30-minute hands-on career workshops on topics in engineering/technology, health science and animal sciences. These sessions are run by community volunteers including doctors, nurses, engineers, veterinarians, computer scientists, dentists and more. The volunteers lead the girls in activities such as doing an ultrasound on a pregnant woman, learning to do sutures using an orange, computer coding, construction/engineering and veterinary work.

These sessions let the girls experience real-life STEM applications and build relationships

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with professionals who may just inspire them toward a career in math and science.

“It really does take just one person—one teacher, one mentor, one job shadowing— to open up a pathway for someone,” says Giovanini.

We can all do our part to help young girls explore STEM learning. Encourage them to explore and tinker from an early age. Expose them to women in STEM careers in books, movies and real life. Encourage them to pursue STEM classes, clubs and hobbies. Let the young girls of our community know that they can do anything.

CAPE is always looking for community support. They need community volunteers (both women and men) in STEM-related careers to help out or run workshops. CAPE is sponsored by Peninsula Schools Education Foundation, Uptown Gig Harbor and Allovus, but they can always use monetary donations which help pay for STEM materials, event T-shirts, backpacks and other supplies. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Joy Giovanini at giovaninij@psd401.net.

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Alyse Yeaman

BY COLIN ANDERSON

O

ur teachers are the lifeblood of our community and have more influence over our young people than just about anyone other than their parents. They work early mornings and are grading tests and papers far past 5 o’clock when most others are clocking out. They commit after school as advisors for speech and debate teams, coach young athletes and musicians, and guide students to new passions outside of the standard study material. It is our great privilege to unveil a new monthly feature in which we highlight a local teacher each month. At Living Local, it's our small way of saying thank you to the educators in our community who make such a positive impact on our young people.

As an art teacher at Gig Harbor High School, Alyse Yeaman sees those who are just beginning their high school experience to those preparing for life afterward. Alyse teaches ninth- through 12th-graders courses like intro and advanced drawing, painting, ceramics and creative arts, as well as an art portfolio class. Young people often look forward to art classes as a mental break, and Alyse is always excited to see her students walk through the door. “Every day I get excited to see them as I greet them. They spark my joy to hear of their lives,” she says.

“My favorite thing to do is encourage them as individuals to be great.”

brings in more than 100 artists to show off their work. Students benefit from the proceeds from the show, and Alyse also oversees their participation in the various tasks it takes to put on the show.

Teaching all grade levels allows Alyse to watch young boys and girls grow into young men and women, and watching and being part of that life-altering transition always brings her joy at the end of the school year.

“One experience that stands out in my mind as a teacher over the years is the times I stand at graduation and honor my life’s work as an educator and my students,” says Alyse. “The relationships I build and the joy that comes from seeing them succeed is a joyous moment.

Not one year goes by that I do not stand there with complete validation that this is what I am meant to do.”

Whether it’s a student just exploring their creative side or one that is passionate about making the arts their future career, Alyse is happy to assist at every stage. Being passionate about the arts and about being a teacher of young people is what drives her, a message she also sends to each of her students.

“As a teacher, one life lesson I share with my students: ‘If you follow your passion you will find your purpose.’”

Alyse’s dedication to the arts goes beyond the classroom as she is also the director of TideFest, an annual two-day arts and crafts festival that

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Thank you to our local teachers

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to Gig Harbor. “I got to see how the locals live,” he said. He chose to rent a Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO) from Noemi and Ihab Ibrahim.

Flynn enjoyed his stay in the studio apartment and found the location of the VRBO very convenient to the waterfront.

Flynn spent months designing and working on the home, which necessitated frequent long visits

The Ibrahims weren’t surprised. “Most of our guests seem to like being next to everything.

We are close to many great restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, boutiques, and let’s not forget the harbor. With water sports and a quaint store

t is not often that the HGTV Dream Home is right in your backyard. It is also not often that a celebrity makes himself right at home.

HGTV Dream Home 2018 designer Brian Patrick Flynn spent plenty of time in Gig Harbor while working on the house and soon became a fixture at the Gig Harbor waterfront where he was embraced by the community. You might say he became an honorary local.

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just around the corner, it is a very convenient location. Down the road there from our home is a large flight of public stairs that lead to the street before the harbor. From here you can also find a beautiful picturesque view of Mount Rainier," said Ihab. "My husband and I have been living here for three years now, and every time we take a walk around town we still get the same joy we did the first time we visited. It is such a peaceful little town."

The Ibrahims found Flynn to be kind, focused,

GIG HARBOR IN FOCUS HGTV DREAM HOME 2018 DESIGNER BRIAN PATRICK FLYNN SHARES HIS FAVORITE PLACES IN GIG HARBOR

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND PHOTOS © 2017 SCRIPPS NETWORKS, LLC. USED WITH PERMISSION; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

dedicated and a wonderful guest. “It is during tough times that you can really see someone’s true character. Brian stayed with us during some of the coldest days of last year, and during his stay we experienced complications with our furnace.

Without the furnace he was left without hot water for showers and heating. We offered a hotel for the rest of his visit, but he chose to stay us. He showered at the gym that morning and made it to work on time. He was so focused on the solution and not the problem and was so sweet and very patient as things were repaired. He could have

asked for his money back but didn’t. He is a busy man who, I am sure, doesn’t have time to deal with these kinds of issues, and still he chose to continue his stay with us without a word of complaint and even came back for another visit a few weeks later. He is one of our favorite guests, and it is always a pleasure having him,” said Noemi. The Ibrahims vacation rental is listed at VRBO.com/723600.

Flynn enjoyed walking the Gig Harbor waterfront and frequenting local establishments. “I went to

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the Devoted Kiss Café at least six times a week.

Lara (a server at the café) would already have my tea and French toast ready for me when I would come in. I would sit out back on the deck and enjoy watching the harbor seals,” he said.

Another waterfront location he liked to visit for brunch was Netshed No. 9. “For dinner, Puerto Vallarta was absolutely delicious,” he added.

Lara Stroh, a Devoted Kiss Café server for six years, enjoyed getting to know Flynn. “We saw quite a bit of him while he was staying in Gig

Harbor, and he was a very nice man. We strive to know what our guests like, and Brian liked Banana Bread French Toast with crispy bacon and hot tea with milk,” she said. “What struck me was how enamored he was by the Pacific Northwest. No matter what the weather, he liked to sit on our deck, which has a great view of the harbor and Mount Rainier. He also asked our advice on what to see while he was here. It was fun having the dream home in Gig Harbor and to be a part of it.”

Working on the dream home involved many long days, but whenever there was unexpected free time, Flynn took advantage of it to visit some of the iconic sights of the Pacific Northwest. “We had a weekend where we couldn’t work on the home, so I took my whole team to Lake Quinault.

We had the opportunity to kayak on the lake, and it was magical,” he said.

Surrounded by dense rainforest and stunning lake views, the Lake Quinault Lodge is a grand, rustic jewel of the National Park System and was built in 1926. Flynn became fascinated with the rising mists that cover the tops of the trees, and this Pacific Northwest weather anomaly inspired some of the paint colors in the dream home.

Like many who are new to the area, the looming presence of Mount Rainier can act like a siren’s call drawing you in. It had the same effect on Flynn, who visited at least seven times. “Whenever I had an afternoon where I finished up early, I would head up to Mount Rainier and just sit and look for hours,” he said.

The HGTV Dream Home 2018 is a waterfront home that overlooks Henderson Bay. “My favorite place in the house is the pergola area,” said Flynn. You can easily see why this area would be a favorite. The outdoor

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

space makes a perfect spot for dining and entertaining. The waterfront views kick into overdrive on summer evenings with majestic sunsets over Henderson Bay. Throw in a few harbor seals and you will never want to leave.

Many are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2018 in April. The winner of the grand prize package, which is valued at more than $1.8 million, will receive the completely remodeled and fully furnished home, a new Honda Accord, plus $250,000 from national mortgage lender Quicken Loans®. A sneak peek at this striking, one-of-akind makeover is available at HGTV.com/HGTVDreamHome.

Puerto Vallarta Restaurant 4225 North Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 253.851.9887 Devoted Kiss Café 8809 North Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 253.851.0055 Netshed No. 9 3313 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 253.858.7175

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ATHLETES OF Proudly sponsored by

SETH KASTELER & ANDREW SEXTON

BY PATTY HUTCHENS

SETH KASTELER Peninsula High School A SENIOR AT Peninsula High School, Seth Kasteler has been on the school’s basketball team for three years. “My first year was at Bellarmine Prep,” said Seth, who has lettered in basketball two years and was named first team all league both times.

His success is in part due to his determination in overcoming a disappointing freshman year. “I missed the whole season,” said Seth of a lower back injury that caused a lot of pain and discomfort in everyday activities. “This was hard because after all the work I had put in, I was not able to show my first year of high school.”

Seth plans to attend a four-year university, possibly Utah State or Boise State, where he hopes to be able to enjoy basketball for another four years. But first, Seth plans to serve on a mission for his church.

Seth said he is interested in following in his father’s footsteps and working in business and investments. “Money and numbers

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always have been interesting to me,” he said.

“I enjoy watching my dad work and having him teach me how stocks work.”

Being part of a team, which Seth said is like a group of best friends playing together, has been a great experience. “I love to compete and have fun against other people who have the same goal as I do. It is very competitive, but I love always having to be on the edge,” said Seth.

Applying the lessons he has learned through basketball to everyday life, there is no doubt that Seth will succeed in anything he sets out to do.

“I’ve learned to work hard in anything that you do and to never give up. Also to give it your all, because if you just go half the distance, you won’t accomplish what you’re shooting for.”

Photos by David Montesino

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ANDREW SEXTON Gig Harbor High School ANDREW SEXTON is off to a great start as a freshman at Gig Harbor High School. He achieved a 4.0 GPA his first semester and qualified for the boys’ water polo high school state competition with the Gig Harbor water polo team. “I also qualified for the state competition in swimming in one individual event—the 200-yard freestyle—and two relays, the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay,” said Andrew.

myself playing each sport in the future,” he said. “When I started swimming in late 2016 on the Tacoma Swim Club, I really enjoyed it. I swam on the club team until high school season started. My greatest disadvantage coming into the high school team was my experience level. Since I have only been swimming for one year, I found that I had to focus on improving my form as well as work on getting faster.”

His goal is to attend a prestigious college where he can focus on math and science. “It would be great if I can continue to progress in my athletic career in high school so I can compete at the collegiate level,” said Andrew.

Andrew said he really enjoys the friends he has made on the team as well as the mental and physical challenges that swimming has to offer.

Finding a sport he truly enjoys was a challenge growing up. As part of a military family, Andrew moved frequently and was always trying new things.

“I have played a number of different sports such as lacrosse, wrestling, basketball and soccer. I had fun participating in these sports but never felt that I excelled, and I didn’t see

“Swimming has an important team aspect but also allows me to focus on my personal improvement to beat my previous time in each event,” said Andrew, adding that his coach has taught him that competition is all about mindset. “You have to believe that you can do something and keep an open mind without doubting yourself.”

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LIVING LOCAL

LESSONS LEARNED FROM A GOOD PADDLING ENJOYING THE JOURNEY AND THOSE YOU SHARE IT WITH

BY KATHLEEN NORTH PHOTOS BY CATHY KASPERBAUER

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t was at the tender age of 8 that our son Erik joined a small, merry band of frequently wet and shivering children paddling around Gig Harbor in improbably skinny boats, under the tutelage of Coach Jon Sousley. At first, it was all they could do just to stay upright.

Actual forward motion came with time.

Erik’s kid sister Kelly, then a preschooler, followed the action from the dock with an intensity of a rock band groupie. And so it began for the North family.

Thirteen years and many soggy practices and breathless races later, I’m thankful— although maybe not in the ways you might think. What I’m most thankful for are not the skills gained or the ribbons won but rather the life lessons our whole family has gained from paddling. These lessons transcend the children’s experience

on the water. It’s funny, but I think the North family learned the most from the moments that fell somewhere south of our expectations.

Celebrate Every Success At Erik’s very first regatta, he fell out of a boat during a race. More accurately, he cartwheeled out of a four-man canoe (C4) that was within a couple of boat lengths of a sure first-place finish. What made it more cringe-worthy as a parent was that he’d been asked to “race up”—he was a true novice in a boat of older, more experienced paddlers. With one swift motion, the older boys hauled the soaking newbie back into the boat. In the process, they drifted out of their lane and were disqualified.

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In my mind, it was a debacle. I had no idea how my son, the older boys or the coach would react. As the boys made their way back to the shore, I was amazed to hear lots of good-natured chatter. I could hear them congratulating Erik on staying with them stroke for stroke, then breaking into gales of laughter as they relived the moment a larger boy’s knee block slipped and jettisoned young Erik out of the canoe.

Head Coach Alan Anderson hurried over to slap all their backs and commended them on their strong performance during the largest portion of the race. What Coach Alan knew, and the kids had already been taught, I was just learning: Success can be found in many forms. So celebrate the

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LIVING LOCAL

One more lap to go!

win. Negativity isn’t productive. If you keep your eyes open for it, there is success to be celebrated in almost every circumstance.

Finish What You Start Then there was the time Erik and another young canoe paddler, whose combined training amounts to mere weeks, attempted to participate in a mass start with 100 other boats in a 10,000-meter long-distance race on the wind-whipped, white-capped waters of Green Lake. All but a few boats were finished and off the lake when the pair completed the second of three required laps. The announcer, assuming they were finishing, blared out their names and congratulated them on persevering to the finish. I fleetingly thought that maybe if they slinked across the finish no one would be the wiser.

Nope. My son had more integrity than that. Though exhausted,

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they knew they had one more lap to go. They explained to the officials and paddled on. They knew if they finished, they would get points for the team. So they finished. Their effort contributed to what became Gig Harbor’s first national championship.

What a great lesson for all of us. If you are already on the course (no matter what it is), stay in your “lane” and finish, even if you’re last. Your effort affects your whole team.

Some Things Really are More Important Than Winning In 2015, hopes were high when eight boys, including five from Gig Harbor, were selected to represent Team USA at Junior Worlds.

There was a lot of buzz that, for the first time in years, the USA would have enough strong, capable athletes to include an entry in the four-man canoe race.

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Winner

I could hear them congratulating Erik on staying with them stroke for stroke, then breaking into gales of laughter as they relived the moment a larger boy’s knee block slipped and jettisoned young Erik out of the canoe.

Then the setbacks came—the worst of which being when the boys arrived in Portugal for the event, their ordered C-4 boat was nowhere to be found. Sprint canoes are manufactured right there in Portugal, but their particular boat only existed on a paper order at the factory.

Two days before the race, their boat finally arrived. The glue was still warm. The seams pulled apart the first time they got in. The boat was ultimately held together with strategically placed tape, but the athlete’s spirits were frayed.

It was at this point we made an international call to our son. I asked if he thought they could still make the finals. With maturity beyond his years, he said, “It’s not about that now, Mom.” My son patiently reminded me that the actual race would last about four minutes, but the friendships of the athletes could be for a lifetime, if they figured out how to manage their emotions.

Team USA in the taped-up C-4 didn’t progress past the semi-finals.

However, the boys in the boat remain the best of friends today.

The bottom line? Sometimes crazy stuff happens. If you can’t salvage everything from an experience, at least salvage the relationships. The rest of it doesn’t last long anyway.

Enjoy the Journey At the end of any canoe or kayak race, there are just three spots on the podium. If you aren’t going to be happy unless you are holding a gold, silver or bronze medal, you may not be happy often. So, celebrate every success. Finish what you start. Remember some things are more important than winning. Be intentional to enjoy your journey, and treasure the people who make the journey with you.

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Let’s talk about airbags!

Back in 1985, when the NHTSA decided air bags should be mandatory, GM protested the level of energy that was being specified (stop a 6-foot, 200-pound male from hitting the steering wheel without his seat belt on). They accurately predicted it would kill people. The NHTSA agreed to delay the air-bag mandate if 75 percent of the states would adopt seat belt laws. GM spent $50 million campaigning for seat belts and won a five-year delay. Finally, after too many deaths to ignore (should be only one!), the NHTSA relented and adopted the Euro spec for air bags starting with model year 1998. They also allowed people, who were 10 inches or less from the air bag when driving, to get a waiver to have their airbags legally disabled!

This is interesting history but comes into effect when you go out to buy your daughter or granddaughter their first car. Not everyone has a volleyball player in the house, so if your darling is more petite, avoid vehicles with an unsafe air bag!

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Braaten Productions BRINGING YOUR STORY TO LIFE

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

Braaten Productions 253.227.8485 rachbraaten61@gmail.com FilmsByRach.com "The Pleasure of seeing glimpses of my life in living color, with my voice telling my story, is a priceless gift that I can pass on to generations present and future."

—Alma Gray Martin, Gig Harbor "I can't thank you enough for the kindness you showed to my Dad! He loves his ‘story’! I will treasure this for all my days!" —Anne Brandt, Fox Island

“I

f you could sit across the table, having a cup of coffee with your adult great, great, great grandchild, what advice would you give them?”

Owner and operator of Braaten Productions, Rachel Braaten has been in the photography/video business since 1980, producing short commercials for websites, educational films, wedding and love story films, as well as athletic video resumes. Yet the most rewarding films, she discloses, are “capturing a lifelong story, with their own voice, photos and old films.”

Rachel’s passion for life-story films is the result of personal loss. Her mother, Evelyn Braaten, had a massive stroke at 73 years old, which left her unable to speak or write during the last three years of her life. “Sadly, many of her stories were untold and will eventually be forgotten,” says Rachel.

This left her with a desire to capture the stories of others, in their own words, adding photos and old films, along with cinematic soundtracks and favorite songs.

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“Some worry what to say or coming up with the right words, but we make it [comfortable and relaxed], like sitting down with an old friend, and help you recall all those wonderful memories that will never be forgotten,” Rachel adds.

Having produced many memorial films, Rachel quotes families who say: “’They would’ve loved to have seen this.’” And with that being said, Rachel encourages people not to wait until they are in the late winter of their lives but in the autumn of their lives.

“I have come to realize this invention of a video camera is an actual time machine,” Rachel confides. “My greatest reward is having the opportunity to watch the expressions of my client when they view their life film. They often look at me with tears in their eyes and whisper, ‘Thank you.’”

homeless youths in Tacoma.

Rachel moved to Gig Harbor 20 years ago, renting a little cabin near the Fox Island Bridge then purchasing a cozy home in the Sylvia Lake area in 2001. “I love the people, the quietness and the artistic environment that it offers,” she says. “Many artists need to be a little reclusive to tap into that creative source that our Creator gives us, and Gig Harbor-ites understand that.”

Through her work as a videographer, Rachel has been able to give back to the community in other ways while utilizing her talents. “I’ve had the privilege to produce films for the amazing Leslie Mayne and her foundation, Permission to Start Dreaming, for returning soldiers with PTSD—Race for a Soldier, Swing for a Soldier and Pull for a Soldier.” Rachel has also done films for the Homestead Community, which provides hope and home for

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HOMETOWN

MICHAEL NUTTER JEWELRY

EXPERTS

253.380.7554 www.YardsByPacific.com

FINE JEWELRY AND GEMS

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Designed for your lifestyle, quality for a lifetime. Michael's attention to detail with a focus on your needs and budget offers award winning Bridal and Custom fine jewelry. Each piece is designed by Michael Nutter here in Gig Harbor. Call today For Your Fine Jewelry Needs. By Appointment or Visit Our Store.

Gig Harbor—7716 Pioneer Way, Suite A 360.528.8098 | MichaelNutter.com f Michael Nutter Jeweler Gig Harbor

NARROWS ELECTRIC

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

Whatever your electrical need, call Narrows Electric today!

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

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

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

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DE RECAT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Specialize in Roofing, Specialize in Roofing, Windows & Siding Windows & Siding

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

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

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

CUSTOM PRINTS NW

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.

Gig Harbor 253.303.1993 Office | 206.251.3983 Cell AmbroseLobatoDesign.com

CRUISE PLANNERS TRAVEL SERVICES

FIX AUTO

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

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

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

Save time and let them do the booking for you.

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

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

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A BODY SHOP ?

EDGE PILATES STUDIO

HARBOR VIEW DENTISTRY

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

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

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

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

VALONA PAINTING COMPANY

ANCHOR BAY MORTGAGE (MB-71863)

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

Gig Harbor—7700 Pioneer Way #202 253.224.1408 | AnchorBayMtg.com f/anchorbaymtg

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PAINTING COMPANY COATING AND SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

CARPET CARE NORTHWEST

Carpet Care Northwest

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

Phone 253.874.4377 carpetcarenw@comcast.net CarpetCareNW.com

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

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

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

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Improving Your Health Sourdough bread just might be the answer

By Ashley Peters, BrownPaperBaking.com and Baker for Better Eats Cafe in Gig Harbor

T

here are many reasons why naturally leavened bread, or commonly referred to as sourdough bread, is the optimal bread to eat. Before diving into the science behind it, simply put, sourdough bread allows the body to absorb the amazing benefits this bread has to offer. Besides that, it tastes delicious! It has a crunch crust and a moist and open crumb. Its flavor is complex. It is the perfect addition to your meals.

nuts. In humans (or other animals with one stomach), the phytic acid blocks the enzymes that we need to break down proteins and starches in the stomach causing the issues. Commercially produced bread does not offer any acetic breakdown or fermentation needed to absorb the large amounts of nutrients available to us from grain. Ironically, the “healthy whole grain� you see in the grocery store is actually the worst thing someone with a wheat intolerance or digestive issues should eat.

Starting with the problem of commercial bread and grain, the storage of phosphorus in the grain is found in the bran part of the wheat (the outer coating). This coating is called phytic acid and can be the cause of discomfort or digestive issues. This phytic acid is not only common on wheat grain, but all other grains with the addition of some seeds and

Sourdough, however, is made from a wild yeast culture that hosts lactobacillus bacteria. This neutralizes the phytic acid through an acetic breakdown during the fermentation of the dough. By preventing the effects of the phytic acid, it makes it easier to digest and makes important minerals available to us, because the phytic acid molecule binds together

H E A LT H Y T I P

Keep Your Bedroom Cool

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, setting your thermostat at around 68 degrees is optimal for sleeping comfort. High body temperatures have been associated with insomnia.

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Adding a variety of grains into our diet through sourdough baking will provide plenty of fiber, a wide variety of microbes, along with proteins, minerals and vita mins previously not available without the acidification and fermentation of the dough. with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and others rendering it unavailable to us.

Sourdough also goes through a process of a long, slow fermentation and acidification of the dough which actively retards starch digestibility, lending to a low glycemic response. This fermentation process of the dough alters levels of bio-accessibility of the active compounds in the grain to improve mineral availability. The fermentation of the grain alters the previously non-digestible polysaccharides modifying it into an accessible grain fiber complex that can be healing to our gut microbiota. This actually helps to feed our gut microbes that digest our foods. The fermentation process also renders a breakdown of gluten, making it suitable for those sensitive to gluten. The acidic breakdown in the grain matrix improves the nutritional quality of the bread.

Lactic acid bacteria present in sourdough is particularly beneficial when dealing with whole grains because it helps to deliver minerals and previously protected (by the phytic acid) compounds into our blood circulation for absorption. The enzymes produced during the fermentation process cause hydrolysis in the glutenin protein as well as solubilisation of the proteins and polysaccharides of the grain, making new bioactive compounds like prebiotics and oligosaccharides (partially broken down compound from a more complex carbohydrate, or polysaccharide). Along with a carbohydrate that can be better absorbed by the body, prebiotics enhance our ability to absorb

important nutrients and minerals from the grain, lowering the pH in the digestive tract, inhibiting potential growth of pathogens or damaging bacteria, which helps to support the digestive system and gut bacteria.

Simply, as the phytates are neutralized through the fermentation process, aided by wild yeasts pre-digests the flour. This releases the nutrients our bodies now can easily absorb, easing in digestion and reducing discomfort and bloating.

Adding a variety of grains into our diet through sourdough baking will provide plenty of fiber, a wide variety of microbes, along with proteins, minerals and vitamins previously not available without the acidification and fermentation of the dough. So if you were having digestive issues, the protein molecules possibly causing the problem are already pre-digested and will less likely trigger an immune response.

Introducing sourdough bread into our food regimen can be an important way to maintain a healthy and diverse microbial gut and healthy diet, a strong immune system, healthy mood and behavior as well as maintaining a healthy weight. Sourdough bread is said to take longer to digest which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

It is important to consider that how we eat influences our physical and mental well-being.

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Gig Harbor Chiropractic & Massage www.GigHarborWellness.com

Dr. Greg Messer Dr. Keri Messer

253.857.6500

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

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

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Empowering CHILDREN

I

had the privilege, for 12 years, to be a volunteer dentist for the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Lions, tigers, leopards and polar bears don't get cavities; they break their teeth and need them cleaned. As humans, we get cavities in our teeth, for a number of reasons, but primarily because we have sugar in our diet.

TO BE

As a parent, you can empower your children to have healthy teeth. At the age of 2 to 3 years, children want to brush their own teeth. But they don't have the dexterity to do a good job until later years. Parents sometimes need to push through this stage, continuing to help despite objections. You're actually doing them a kindness to floss and brush their teeth for them.

On the upside, we don't have it as tough as a lioness!

HEALTHY

There was a fascinating nature channel show about the developmental stages of lion cubs. When the cubs are first born, the mother nurtures the cubs and protects them from danger.

At the age of 2 to 3 weeks, their eyes are open and they’re almost able to run. The lioness brings in something small for them to play with, like a grasshopper, and then eventually brings them a rodent, something that smells of warm blood.

Lessons from a lioness

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

Finally, a few more weeks pass and she takes them outside. She controls them at first, corralling them near the den, but the stakes are up. They play and fall, and they skirt with danger.

Then the time comes for the cubs to learn to hunt. She takes them to the edge of the savannah, sets them up in a line, snarls and snaps to keep them in one spot. She hunts and takes down an animal, drags it over and eats her fill. Then the cubs eat.

After several lessons, she approaches a herd of antelope, picks out a weak animal, snips at the prey and draws blood. Then she releases the cubs to chase the weakened animal. They’re unprepared. They fall down and make mistakes, but eventually they bring down the animal. This time, the lioness lets them eat first.

The cubs are weaned in several days. She doesn’t allow them to nurse once they’ve had their first kill. The hardest part of this is that if they weren’t hungry, they wouldn’t hunt. She snaps at them and drives them off when they try to nurse. At the age of 1 year, the female cub is now a lioness and is pregnant. The cycle starts again.

Fortunately, we don’t need to snap and drive our young off to stand on their own. As a parent, our role is to nurture, teach, allow for mistakes and, like the lioness, train our children for independence. Oral health and systemic disease often go hand in hand. I do believe that if you take care of your teeth, they'll take care of you!

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No Fear Family Dentistry No Dentistry NoFear FearFamily Family Dentistry RHONDA SAVAGE, DDS

Dental visits are often negatively associated with RHONDA SAVAGE, DDS DDS 253.857.0835 RHONDA SAVAGE, Dental visits areoften often negatively associated with discomfort in are many people’s minds.

253.857.0835 Dental visits negatively associated with UptownDentalGigHarbor.com 253.857.0835 UptownDentalGigHarbor.com discomfort inDental many people’s minds. Center, But at Uptown and Wellness UptownDentalGigHarbor.co discomfort in many people’s minds.

But at Uptown Dental and Wellness Center, Dr. Savage andand team create an atmosphere ButRhonda at Uptown Dental Wellness Center, Dr. Rhonda Savage and team create an atmosphere focused onon dispelling those myths.

Dr.focused Rhonda Savage and team create an atmosphere dispelling those myths.

Our team is truly passionate about dentistry,and and focused on dispelling those myths.

Our team is truly passionate about dentistry, wewe areare trained to gently eachdentistry, and we are Ourtrained team is gently trulyaccommodate passionate about to accommodate each individual needs. individual patient’s needs. trained topatient’s gently accommodate each Comevisit visit us individual patient’sCome needs. us today! today!

Come visit us today!

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FEAR OF FALLING? HEARING LOSS MAY INCREASE RISK FOR FALLS

BY DEANNA IFF, AU.D., CCCA, HEAR FOR LIFE AUDIOLOGY ACCORDING TO the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year, adding up to one fall for every second of every day. The CDC also reports that falls are the leading cause of injuries and injury-related deaths among older adults. Injuries from falls cost Medicare an estimated $31 billion in 2014, and this cost is expected to surge as the population ages, with the financial toll projected to reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

Financial costs are not the only concern, as falls can also reduce confidence and increase fear, causing individuals to restrict physical activities.

Lessening physical activity leads to reduced muscle strength and impaired balance, and can result in depression due to decreased overall health and dwindling social interaction. For older adults, managing fall risk is an important component of maintaining a high quality of life.

Advancing age not only increases the likelihood of falling, but it is also the most significant predictor of hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, approximately 15 percent of adults aged 18 years and older report some difficulty hearing, and nearly 25 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent of those 75 years and older have a disabling hearing loss.

The odds of falling increase threefold for even a mild hearing loss, and that risk continues

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to grow with an increased degree of hearing loss, according to a study published in 2012 by Dr. Lin of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Ferrucci of the National Institute on Aging. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Laryngoscope in 2016 also stated that the odds of falling were 2.39 times greater for older adults with hearing loss.

The association between hearing loss and fall risk may be explained by the reduced awareness of the environment, balance system dysfunction caused by related inner-ear damage and/or the theory of cognitive load.

This theory essentially suggests that attention is required for managing posture and stability, but hearing loss requires more brain power to be dedicated to understanding sounds in the environment, which limits the mental resources available for paying attention to standing and walking. Additional sensory issues, such as visual impairments or peripheral neuropathy (numbness) could cause further overload.

Despite the changes that come with age, there are ways to reduce your risk of falling. Some recommendations include: 1. Talk to your doctor about reducing fall risk, and report any falls. Your medical providers cannot help you if they are not aware of an issue.

2. Maintain a current list of medications, and talk to your doctor about any that may increase fall risk.

3. Stay active! Participate in programs that improve balance and strength.

4. Manage your environment to reduce obstacles that can encourage tripping and falling.

5. Have your eyes and ears checked annually and follow provider recommendations regarding use of glasses or hearing devices.

REIKI A subtle and gentle method of healing

BY DARCIE MILLER, OWNER, LIGHT IN BALANCE REFLEXOLOGY

R

eiki is a simple, natural and safe method of handson spiritual healing, where hands are placed on or just above the client’s body. Reiki allows you to relax and clear your mind for new inspiration or reawaken something inside of you that once brought you solace, comfort and joy, but no longer take the time for. It is also a form of selfimprovement that everyone can use and has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady. Receiving reiki, along with other medical or therapeutic techniques, has been proven to help relieve side effects from chemotherapy and addiction. Many hospitals throughout the world use reiki to help their patients in recovery from surgeries and illness. It can help promote a feeling of overall wellness and peace.

A Holistic approach to improved health

Often times, a client will feel a sudden release of something that feels stuck or uncomfortable and, as a result, begins to feel lighter, as if a heavy burden has been lifted. It can also bring up something from the past that has been stuffed away for a later day. Hanging onto those old thought processes and patterns can lead to a feeling of stagnation and leave you feeling at dis-ease.

Where there is dis-ease, disease can develop. When the body is in a relaxed state, it can begin to heal itself.

Who can receive reiki? Everyone can receive reiki: men, women, children, babies and even animals. Reiki can and has been used to send healing energy to plants, rivers, oceans, lakes, streams, mountains—everything can benefit from reiki.

What reiki is not: • It is not painful or invasive.

• It is not forced.

• It is not a religion—but can help your spiritual journey.

• It is not a secret club.

What reiki is: • It is kindness and compassion.

• It is gentle.

• It can help in healing.

• It can help you find or grow in your own spirituality.

• It is energy work (prayer can also be a form of energy work).

• Everyone and everything can benefit from reiki.

• It is recognized as a CAM (Complementary Alternative Modality).

• It can be a type of therapy on its own.

• It can benefit and enhance other treatments you are receiving from a doctor or therapist.

• It has been used for over 1,000 years.

• It is used and accepted world wide in all cultures.

• It is a wonderful form of self-care.

There are different forms of reiki: Usui/Tibetan, Karuna, Rainbow and Kundalini, to name a few. When choosing to receive reiki, please be sure to receive reiki from a practitioner who has received training and the proper attunements for their reiki practice. There are many practitioners; choose one who resonates with you and who you feel comfortable with and trust.

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Don’t let seasonal allergies slow you down!

Here Comes Allergy Season!

BY DR. LAWRENCE LARSON, PEDIATRICS NORTHWEST, P.S.

T

he Pacific Northwest is such a terrific place to live. Each season has its benefits, but I am always excited to get out of the dark, cold days of winter and into the warm spring months.

Springtime also brings allergy season. In the early spring, we get tree pollen, starting out with the alders that typically peak in February and March. Then comes summer’s grass season, which lasts about four months beginning in May, and finally fall’s weed season in August and September. Our wet climate is also a perfect environment for mold in the outdoor air, most pronounced in the spring and fall months. So our allergy season is really allergy seasons!

Our board-certified allergists, immunologists & pulmonolgists specialize in diagnosis and treatment of: • allergies/hay fever • asthma/respiratory disorders • food allergies • eczema/hives • sinus problems • immune disorders • chronic cough • lung disorders

Schedule an appointment today!

253-383-5777 • pedsnw.net

We can’t avoid exposure to allergens—it’s important that we get outside and enjoy all our region has to offer! Inevitably, you or your children will experience a runny nose, nasal congestion or itchy red eyes. Generally, allergies can be managed with simple medications and avoidance if your symptoms: • Are mild and don’t limit attendance at school or work.

• Don’t interfere with your ability to sleep at night.

• Don’t interfere with your daytime activities.

These are preventative steps you can take to minimize the effects of pollen exposure: • Wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

• Wear goggles and a pollen mask when gardening.

• Close your windows during pollen season and use air conditioning in the car.

• Remove your shoes and outer clothing when coming indoors.

• Do not dry clothes outside during pollen season.

• Avoid being outside in the morning and on windy days if possible when pollen is more prevalent.

• Use an antihistamine before exposure to allergens.

• Wash your face and rinse your eyes as soon as you begin to experience a reaction.

• If you are very symptomatic when coming from outside, take a shower and wash your hair.

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Some suggested treatments for seasonal allergies include: • Saline (salted water) nasal wash.

• Over-the-counter oral antihistamines. All work well but some have fewer side effects (loratadine and fexofenadine) or have faster onset of action (cetirizine).

• Intranasal steroids, like fluticasone (Flonase Sensimist) or triamcinolone (Nasacort), are safe and effective for treating persistent nasal congestion and allergic eye symptoms. Use these intermittently or daily through your peak allergy season. Minimize nasal bleeding with proper administration and use of Vaseline to septum before administration. Avoid nasal sprays with scents or alcohol-based preservatives to minimize nasal irritation. Young children can be challenging to administer therapy; try using the spray when asleep.

• Nasal antihistamines and anticholinergics (such as Montelukast) can be prescribed by your doctor if symptoms are poorly controlled with other medications.

If your life is impaired by allergies, it may be time to consider allergy immunotherapy. Visit a board-certified allergy/immunology specialist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Today’s allergy immunotherapies include sublingual (under the tongue) or subcutaneous (allergy shots) treatment for long-term management or cure. Both options are effective and safe.

So enjoy the warmer weather knowing you have options when it comes to minimizing allergy symptoms.

Dr. Lawrence Larson is the co-founder of Pediatrics Northwest where he has practiced since 1980. He is board certified in pediatric and allergy/immunology care. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis and fishing.

UNDERSTANDING ACNE

A

nyone who has ever struggled with acne knows that it can be crushing to someone’s self-esteem and confidence. There are more than 60 million cases of acne in America (20 percent of them being adults), so chances are you or a loved one has been affected by it. But what exactly is acne, what causes it and how can it be treated?

We all have thousands of tiny holes in our skin; pores that connect to our oil glands beneath the surface of the skin through a follicle. These glands make an oily substance called sebum that travels through the follicle and excretes through the pore. The role of the sebum and follicle is to carry the dead skin cells to the surface of the skin so they can be removed from the body.

When the follicle gets plugged from excess oil or dead skin cells, the following can occur: blackhead (open clogged pore), whitehead (closed clogged pore), pimple (pustules/papules with pus at their tips), nodule (large, solid painful lump beneath the surface of the skin) or cystic lesion (a pus-filled lump beneath the surface of the skin) can form.

There are several factors that can contribute to the follicle becoming plugged. Hormonal changes can cause an increase in oil production.

This most often occurs in older children/ teenagers entering puberty and during pregnancy or while starting/stopping birth control. Other contributors to excess oil production include certain medications (such as corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium) and diet.

While puberty isn’t something that can be avoided, and certain medications are necessary for health reasons, our diet is something that is well within our control. Eating a diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugar causes our blood-sugar levels to rise quickly. Our body then releases a hormone called insulin. As a result, there is increased inflammation within the body, causing our oil glands to produce more oil. The excess oil is the most common culprit of clogged follicles, leading to acne.

Acne is categorized as either non-inflammatory acne or inflammatory acne, and the treatment varies depending on the type. Blackhead and whiteheads are categorized as non-

Your guide to clear skin

BY BRI WILLIAMS, RN, BSN

Your friendly, neighborhood Gig Harbor dentist.

inflammatory acne because they are clogged pores that do not allow bacteria to get inside the pore and thrive. Pimples, nodules and cystic lesions are categorized as inflammatory acne because the clogged pore has become infected with bacteria. Non-inflammatory acne is best treated with topical products that either kill the bacteria on the skin or decrease the production of oil. The topical medicine may contain a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic or salicylic acid. Inflammatory acne is better treated with a combination of topical medication but also oral medications that work to heal the acne from within, such as an antibiotic. The course of treatment should be determined by a medical provider to ensure the best treatment for you.

There are also easy things you can do at home to help prevent acne or keep it from getting worse: • Change your pillowcase frequently (every other day).

• Use a clean towel to dry your face after cleansing.

• Don’t allow your cell phone to press against your skin.

• Cleanse your face every morning, night and after working out.

• Avoid touching your face with your hands and, whatever you do, don’t pick at blemishes.

• Lastly, only use skincare products and makeup that state they are noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog your pores.

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

Your healthcare providers.

New patients welcome.

These simple changes can prevent your pores from becoming clogged and save you from a breakout.

Whether you are a teenager struggling with acne or an adult who gets the occasional blemish, it is important to understand that it can be treated. The emotional distress from acne can be diminished by a visit to your provider for guidance in a treatment plan and by making lifestyle choices to promote clear skin. A clear complexion will help you to feel better and give you the confidence to truly shine.

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James L Aichlmayr, DMD, PS

253-858-2560

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

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?

that number to employers, friends, spouse or potential suitors? (I literally have no idea what my wife weighs. I know she’s physically fit though!)

FOCUS ON HOW YOU FEEL AND LOOK; NOT WHAT THE SCALE SAYS

If you can identify 20 markers of progress, and you’re hitting 19 of all 20, but you put so much weight on the one that it completely depresses and unmotivates you, you should recognize that something isn’t valid about that one number.

BY KENNY MARKWARDT, CSCS “YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD another iteration of this story before, but my ear is to the ground, and the moral of the story doesn’t seem to be sticking, so I’m going to tell you my version here.

The other night, I had a conversation with a client about her progress. It’s a conversation I’ve had hundreds of times.

In the six months that she has been working with me, she has completely and utterly transformed herself. She’s stronger, faster, more confident and has much less body fat. In addition, she carries herself with more confidence and has a presence about her that she knows that she can do whatever she puts her mind to.

If you asked me, I’d say that her journey has been a rousing success. In fact, I’d imagine that she would agree 90 percent with that opinion.

What’s the last 10 percent? That silly scale.

Though her clothes are fitting better, she is visibly leaner and more defined, the number on the scale hasn’t really changed that much.

Now, I understand it (as much as a 33-year-old male can understand the lifelong relationship with the scale that women are faced with).

When you’ve spent your life determining your health by a number, if that number isn’t what you want it to be, or what you think it should be, it makes it seem fairly black and white.

Unfortunately, when there are a million other markers that are telling you the opposite of the scale, you need to trust those numbers and just throw the darn thing away.

At what point does it not matter?

If you look better, feel better and perform better, does that number still matter? Do you advertise

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To take it a step further, what if the opposite were true?

What if you were able to step on the scale and see that magic number, but in trade, you felt terrible, carried more body fat, performed worse, looked worse, were weaker, less capable and just plain miserable? Would you make that deal with the devil?

Sadly, I imagine that answer isn’t as obvious as it should be on the surface. So, what’s the answer?

Well, if we can agree that it’s far too simple of a solution to say to just not care about what the scale says, then we just need to abstain from it altogether.

Just get rid of the scale and refuse to get on another one—period.

If your doctor asks you to, tell him/her, “No.” If you absolutely have to for health insurance or other purposes, cover your eyes and put your fingers in your ears. There’s nothing that number will tell you that other things cannot.

Take your psyche back and take control of how you feel about yourself. Move better, feel better, look better and be more confident. That success will breed more success, and you’ll stay motivated by how you feel rather than respecting the opinion of three integers.

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FEATURE STORY

A Gift From the Heart Why one fa mily gave away $10,000

By Cathy Herholdt Photos Courtesy of World Concern

W

e have a tradition at World Concern. When someone makes a large donation, we ring a cowbell. Everyone comes out of their offices and we gather to celebrate the gift.

I remember a particularly chilly Northwest afternoon last December when the cowbell rang. A man named Doug, a father of two young kids, had just dropped off a check for $10,000. We’ve certainly received other big gifts like this, but what made this one special was how it came about.

It was a spontaneous gift, given from the heart of a dad.

Doug and his wife Mindy had taken their kids to see a Nativity display in their North Seattle neighborhood. As their kids waited in line for hot chocolate, something caught Doug’s eye. It was a World Concern Global Gift Guide—a catalog of gifts people can give to those in need in honor of loved ones. The catalog is filled with photos of children and families served by World Concern in poor countries.

“When I picked up the catalog and saw the pictures of those kids, it spoke to me,” recalled Doug. “I got really emotional. I remember crying ... just seeing those kids, I thought, ‘We need to do something to help them.’”

That night, Doug talked with Mindy about his desire to help kids living

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in poverty. They’d been blessed with extra income that year from Doug’s job as a freelance director of photography and had set some money aside.

Doug told Mindy he wanted to donate the money.

“When I saw his reaction to the photos, I wasn’t surprised,” recalled Mindy. “I know his heart for kids and his compassion. But I didn’t know he was going to say anything about the money or giving. We had discussed what we were going to do for Christmas—giving in some way.

This just felt right. As soon as he said it, I agreed.”

Doug and Mindy shared their decision with their kids, 9-year-old Sophia and 7-year-old Elliott.

“The pictures were sad because they didn’t have stuff we have here,” said Sophia. One of the photos showed a young boy drinking dirty water from a pond through his T-shirt. “He drank through his shirt because the water was bad and had a lot of germs and bacteria,” she explained.

The kids enjoyed learning how their family’s donation would provide goats, chickens, clean water and other practical gifts to children in need.

“We’ve never given a donation like that before,” said Doug. “I’m a freelancer, so some months there’s no work and other months I’ll be

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FEATURE STORY slammed. God has always been so faithful to us in terms of providing.”

Mindy said they’d been holding onto the money for some time. “I wish I could say we were just waiting for the right time, but it was holding on for us—for our needs,” she said.

“There are other things I know I wanted and could have got for Christmas gifts, but this donation filled that need, whatever it was. I can’t even think right now of what I wanted.”

“We have such a good life. It just felt selfish not to do something more with our money,” said Doug. “Don’t get me wrong, I love stuff and buying new things, but we are called to be more than just consumers. It’s a test of faith.

When our diligence with our money and work benefit someone besides ourselves, that feels good.”

The Irvines have been tested in that faith this year. They have a new baby, 4-month-old Preston, and one of their cars recently broke down. The repairs are more than the car is worth, so they’ll have to get a new car. But they still feel the sacrifice was worth it.

“When I see so much difficulty in the world ... neglect and hard conditions; it doesn’t take a lot of money to help a kid’s life. It feels cool that there are kids and orphans that I can be like a dad they’ll never meet—that I can provide for them in some way, help in some way,” Doug said.

“ I got really emotional. I remember crying ... just seeing those kids, I thought, ‘We need to do something to help them.’”

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8805 N. Harborview Dr, Suite 202 Gig Harbor, WA 98332

FEATURE STORY

“There are people around the world who are human, and no different than me, except they were born into these countries and these situations. These families are real, and these problems are real, and these kids are real, and they have real needs and they need real help.”

Doug admits he tried not to think about the sacrifice he was making when he brought the check in on that chilly December day. “It takes sacrifice, whether it’s a thousand dollars or ten thousand,” he said. “But, it narrows the gap pretty quickly when you realize you’re changing someone’s life.”

Mindy agrees. “If someone was considering making a donation, knowing what I know now and the impact that a small amount can have, I would want to say to them, 'It's a no brainer.

“When I see so much difficulty in the world ... neglect and hard conditions; it doesn’t take a lot of money to help a kid’s life. It feels cool that there are kids and orphans that I can be like a dad they’ ll never meet— that I can provide for them in some way, help in some way.”

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Yeah, do it,'" she said. “Take the leap of faith.

Knowing what I know now about how we’ve impacted families and children, yeah, it’s worth it.”

This blog is part of the #GivingTuesday series, produced by The Huffington Post and the teams at InterAction, 92nd Street Y, United Nations Foundation, and others. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday— which took place for the first time on Tuesday, November 27—is a movement intended to open the holiday season on a philanthropic note. Go to GivingTuesday.org to learn more and get involved.

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Y

ou’ve made it through the holidays, and hopefully tax season hasn’t been too rough on you. Summer is right around the corner, and you’re already seeing many of the weekends fill up with trips, visits, parties and more. For many of us it’s the shoulder season where we aren’t quite as busy. If you’ve been considering home improvement projects or putting them off again and again, this is the time to get going and start bringing your plans to fruition. Why spend the summer doing projects when you could be enjoying the fruits of your labor instead?

GET OUTSIDE!

Outdoor remodeling ideas that will brighten your summer

Your Deck and Patio – Snow, rain, cold and gray tend to keep us from utilizing these spaces during the darker months. Come summer, it’s the perfect place to relax and read, absorb some much-needed vitamin D or enjoy after-work beverages or an outdoor meal with the kids. Get summer barbecue season off right by getting a fresh coat of stain on your deck. While not always the most fun job, staining is a fairly simple task you can do to brighten your home’s exterior without having to drop big bucks on outside labor. Try a new shade this season to give your deck a new feel. Bold colors are also in style. If you want to save a little time in the future, consider acrylic deck restoration coating, available in several brands. Applying these products takes a little more time and effort but typically last longer than stain and helps smooth out splinters that might be emerging.

Outdoor Kitchen Space – Once you’ve gotten the surface of your deck looking fabulous, you’ll want to spend more time on it dining and entertaining family and friends. One of the hottest trends in home improvement today is creating outdoor cooking spaces. A lot of outdoor cooking revolves around the grill, and many higher-end models come with multiple cooking features including infrared grilling surfaces, separate smokers and attached burners to assist with creating side dishes. Consider adding concrete countertops around your grill for a modern durable surface to prep and serve on. A mini fridge is an easy addition to keep from running in and out of the house for beverages, and a sink built into the countertops helps ease cleanup time. A truly unique addition is an outdoor pizza oven, where you can create your own wood-fired pizzas and quickly toast breads and appetizers.

Backyard Pathways – After dinner it’s nice to get out and enjoy the backyard with the kids. A stone pathway linking your deck or patio area with your outdoor seating or fire pit creates a nice flow to the space. Landscaping around this pathway is entirely up to your tastes and preferences. If you enjoy growing plants, grasses and flowers, use smaller stones or pavers and line the walkway with your favorite plants, allowing the greenery to take center stage. Pea-sized gravel is an easy and cost-effective fill in but can be difficult to clean out debris and will need to be raked occasionally so bald spots don’t appear. Large pieces of slate or other solid rock also make for a great look, especially as they sink slightly down into the lawn. When designing your pathway, make sure it includes turns or a bit of a bend as curves and soft edges create a more natural look than perfectly straight lines.

By Colin Anderson

Designated Kid’s Area – Let’s face it, for those who like a lush green and well-manicured looking lawn, kids can be a nightmare. Tackle football, slip ‘n slides and sprinklers, and the occasional off-road biking, can wreak havoc on a lawn.

Give the kids and yourself a break by setting up a designated play area for them. Easily separate the play area from the main lawn with a natural barrier of plants or mulch. To keep

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them in their special area, give them as many play options as possible including something to climb and swing on, a sandbox or area to build, and some green lawn as well for them to stretch out, run and roll around in. Have children help mow or pick weeds at a young age to show them how much work goes into keeping the lawn up and looking good, and perhaps they’ll think twice the next time they go digging for worms with a shovel.

Hydroseeding the Lawn – If your lawn is in rough shape and has uneven color, and watering and sprinkling seed hasn’t seemed to help much, there are still solutions out there without having to fork over big bucks to re-sod. If you have a large yard, hydroseeding can save you a good amount of money as the amount of labor that goes in to it isn’t nearly as much as spreading out roll after roll of sod. Through hydroseeding you can also choose a specific style of grass or seed blend, which is especially helpful if you have difficult growing conditions. It can take up to two months for a hydroseeded lawn to take shape, and weeds will also sprout during this time, so keep that in mind if you have young children or pets, as they can’t go on the lawn for several weeks.

Installing a Sprinkler System – If you plan on hydroseeding your lawn, you’ll need to install a sprinkler system before spraying the seed, and even if you don’t plan on creating a new lawn, underground sprinklers are a worthwhile investment. New systems can be controlled

from smart phones and can be set to run virtually any time of day and for any length of time. You’ll have better control and consistency with a finely tuned system compared to constantly moving around hoses and portable sprinklers. Underground systems are again a bit of an upfront investment, but the time saved in the long run is well worth it. It is also a big added value if you eventually decided to sell your home.

Power Washing the Siding – If your home is 20-plus years old, your siding probably is not looking as bright as it was the day you bought it. While it might just look like fading, most of the dullness on vinyl and other siding is caused by dirt and debris that’s built up over the years. Utilizing a power washer to remove that grit and grime will help your home ‘pop’ again, and you’ll be surprised how much more curb appeal is added with this simple weekend task. Pressure washers are available to rent at many local retailers, and you’ll also want to get a siding specific detergent, and if your home is two stories, spray tips and extensions to avoid using a ladder. Gently apply the detergent and wash the siding clean, avoiding windows and exterior vents.

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She/He-Shed for Entertaining – While the term ‘man cave’ is well established, the ‘he shed’ or ‘she shed’ is another trend in turning space usually used for storage into one meant for entertaining. A little spring cleaning and organizing might help you realize you no longer need your shed. While keeping the outside appearance of a typical storage shed, transform the interior into a walk-up bar, game room, sports bar or quiet reading nook. While you might need to call in a plumber, other projects like adding a bar top, shelving, wood or laminate flooring and interior decoration can typically all be done by homeowners with a little guidance from your local hardware shop. Your friends will be stunned the next time you take them to the backyard to relax in your shed.

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REMODELING the INTERIOR of your HOME GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Choosing the perfect home isn’t always easy.

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Y

our home is where your heart is, but it can feel a little less like love when you’re not crazy about its interior. Perhaps you loved it once, but time has aged it and dated it, leaving you wanting something a bit more fresh and modern. Maybe you prefer something a little different as your tastes have changed, or maybe you bought a home in a desirable neighborhood for an unbeatable price and need to put a little sweat equity into the home.

Whatever your reasons for wanting an interior remodel, you can do it yourself or choose to hire someone to do it for you. Depending on your budget, you can have the entire interior of your home gutted and remodeled by professional contractors or you can hire contractors only for the most intricate details of your remodel.

Whether to DIY or hire professionals is the biggest question you must ask before you begin this process.

What Can You Do Yourself?

The DIY process of your home remodel might depend entirely on your budget. If you have a lot of money to work with and want to go the route of hiring professionals, you can. However, if the amount of money you have to spend on the remodel is limited, you can do a lot of your remodel yourself. It’s best to save your money to hire professionals to handle very specific things you aren’t qualified to do.

The next most important question you can ask yourself is what kind of handyman experience do you have? Are you learning as you go? The Internet makes it easier for you to learn how to do things most people can’t do, and that might help you do a lot more on your own. Here are just a few things you can do yourself without spending a big chunk of your money in one area.

WHEN TO DIY

Your Kitchen Remodel: A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive aspects of any home, but it’s not always as expensive as you might imagine. If the footprint is good, you need not move any electrical wiring or plumbing. That’s a huge savings. If the cabinets are nice but you’re not a fan of the color, there is no reason to spend tens of thousands of dollars on new cabinetry when you can spend a few hundred dollars on paint and give yourself a major upgrade.

Updating your counters, your sink, your faucet and your handles and pulls are easy projects you can do on your own.

vs.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

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Floor Remodels: You might not know how to lay tile or hardwood, but there are instructional videos all over the Internet to help you learn.

It’s not as difficult as it looks, and you can do it yourself to save significantly on the cost of new flooring.

Paint: Painting is one of the most dramatic changes you can make to a home without spending much money, and you can do it yourself without any prior experience.

What You Can’t or Shouldn’t Do Yourself You can do a lot on your own if you have the experience, but there are some interior remodeling projects you simply shouldn’t

tackle if you’re not properly trained or don’t have ample experience working with them.

These are the things you might want to take your money and spend hiring a professional to ensure the job is done correctly, safely and as inexpensively as possible. If you try to do some of these things yourself without any experience, you might find it’s more expensive when you need someone to come out and fix your mistakes.

Plumbing: Plumbing is important, and it’s not something you want to tackle on your own. You can install a sink and exchange some fixtures without any help, but any plumbing upgrades, replacements or changes should be done by a professional. If you plan on changing the layout of your bathrooms or kitchen, you should hire a plumber to move the plumbing for you.

Electrical: Unless you are a trained electrician capable of working electrical panels, there is no reason you should try this on your own.

Electrical wiring, if done poorly, can cause significant damage to your home and life.

You could electrocute yourself, cause a fire by wiring things incorrectly, or seriously damage your home or put your family at risk. It’s not worth it.

Roof Repairs: This might sound relatively easy compared to moving plumbing or handling electrical work, but roof repairs are dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not only could you fall and end up seriously hurt without the proper equipment and knowledge, you might not do the job correctly and cause serious damage to your home in the meantime.

The good news about remodeling your home is you can do so much of it on your own. You might not even need as much work as you think, which is why it’s a good idea to start small and work your way up. Try painting the house first to see if that makes a difference. If it does, you might find everything else looks a

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little better in your eyes.

Once you’re ready to start the interior remodeling process, you should ask a contractor to come in and give you an estimate on the work that does need to be done professionally. Unless you have experience, it’s never worth the risk to take on a job that could have devastating effects. Remember, it’s always less expensive to have a job done right the first time than it is to have it repaired after the additional damage is caused by shoddy work and a lack of experience in the remodeling department.

Whether you’re working with $1,000 or $100,000 to remodel your home, you can make big changes. All you need to know is which changes you can do yourself and which ones you should leave to the pros. It makes life a lot simpler in the long run.

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your

BACKYARD GARDEN Raised Beds Whether you consider yourself a gardener or not, raised beds can help you succeed in having a plentiful harvest. Here are just some of the advantages that gardening in raised beds offers: A higher quality of soil â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A raised bed, as opposed to supplementing the soil in your yard, allows you the ability to plant your vegetables with the perfect soil blend, something that will go far to achieving a plentiful harvest.

Functional & beautiful

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Less weed growth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Raised beds are typically planted more densely than those that are planted in the ground. This means there is less room for weeds to grow, and if they do find the space, they are easier to pull from soil in raised beds.

More growth in less space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Whether you use succession planting or vertical supports, you are able to plant more food in a small space, resulting in an abundance of fresh vegetables.

Edible Landscapes Do you consider yourself more practical than creative? This is an opportunity for you to be both! Edible landscape techniques allow the integration of your plants into a decorative setting. Whether you plant herbs, seeds or berries, the result is not only beautiful but useful as well.

A popular practice is utilizing onion and garlic chives as a perennial edging or border plant in an herb garden. Chives are part of the lily family and are grown in large part for their leaves and flowers. And the best part is they keep coming back year after year!

When choosing a spot for the chives, keep in mind that they do best in full sun. When

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Whatever you choose, take the opportunity to be creative!

planting chives, start in early spring using soil that has much compost or a slow-release fertilizer. For best results, plant them 8 to 12 inches apart and use rich, well-drained soil.

to add color and vibrancy to your yard. All you need to start is a blank wall or a bare fence.

Plant edibles, annuals and even perennials for a burst of color.

If you choose to grow your chives near peppers, there is the benefit of deterring insects. It is also said that it can improve the flavor and yields of nearby plants.

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a place to create your planter wall, a wood palette makes a perfect starting point to construct one, and you can gain inspiration simply by logging onto Pinterest.

Or if you simply want to order one, there are â&#x20AC;&#x153;living wallsâ&#x20AC;? that can be custom made. A couple starting points include LivingGreenPlanters.

Planter Walls Creating a vertical garden offers an opportunity

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com or your local garden store.

You can even make your wall portable by placing a planter box on wheels and attach vertical lattice to provide a place for plants.

This is a great option if you want to use your wall as a privacy barrier or move it around to optimize sun exposure.

Whatever you choose, take the opportunity to be creative!

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND PHOTOS BY RANDALL J. HODGES

Old-School Photographer RANDALL J. HODGES

I

n the age of digital photography where any image can be manipulated in Photoshop or jazzed up with an Instagram filter, Randall J. Hodges stands apart as an old-school photographer. He uses a style referred to as “All in Camera.”

“I do all the work right in the camera without the use of Photoshop, Lightroom or any other post processing programs. This means I set up the color palette of my digital camera to mimic the old films I used to shoot with Kodak Ektachrome, Kodachrome and Elite Chrome films. What this means is, the image you see in my gallery, on social media or in calendars and magazines is exactly the same as what you would have seen in the back of my camera if you had been standing next to me when I shot it,” said Hodges. He takes great pride in the fact that his work is all his skill and technique and not the result of computer manipulation.

“Walks Far” is his tagline, and it fits Hodges, who on New Year’s Eve 2015 hit 24,901 miles hiked, which is the equivalent of walking around the circumference of the earth. “Hiking is what got me into photography. I have always considered myself to be a hiking photographer. When I first started out I just carried a point-and-shoot film camera and would snap photos of the locations I hiked to. I would often backpack deep into the wilderness for many days and then bring home my photos to show everyone. I found myself always explaining how much better the views were than my pictures could convey, so I decided to change that. I bought a real camera and learned how to use it, and soon I did not have to explain how amazing the places I visited were; my images could now do that on their own. When people started telling me they looked like postcards and I should do something with that, I decided to become a professional landscape photographer, and as they say, ‘the rest is history,’” he said.

Hodges is just starting his 18th year as a full-time photographer, and he continues to hike between 1,000 and 1,300 miles a year. “I really love to hike,” he said.

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"I DO ALL THE WORK RIGHT IN THE CAMERA WITHOUT THE USE OF PHOTOSHOP, LIGHTROOM OR ANY OTHER POST PROCESSING PROGRAMS. THIS MEANS I SET UP THE COLOR PALETTE OF MY DIGITAL CAMERA TO MIMIC THE OLD FILMS I USED TO SHOOT WITH KODAK EKTACHROME, KODACHROME AND ELITE CHROME FILMS."

Hodges is a well-known regional photographer, and his work has been published in National Geographic, Outdoor Photography magazine, Nature Photographer Magazine, Photo Professional Magazine, Popular Photography, Seattle Met Magazine and many more. His work has been published more than 4,500 times. He recently fulfilled a long-term dream when he published a 208-page, full-color, coffee-table book, “Images of the West, Hiking Photographer’s Adventures in the Western United States and Canada.” Renowned photographer and conservationist Art Wolf wrote the foreword to the book. “I dedicated it to my hiking partner and gallery greeter, Shyla the dog and super hiker, who has hiked about 7,200 miles herself in her 13 years as a professional hiking dog. It covers all my favorite areas of the West with my inspirations for each region and some light photography tips techniques woven in. The book has received rave reviews, and I am very proud of it. This is the first book I have ever published that is all my work, but I have been published over 4,500 times worldwide in books, magazines, calendars, greeting cards, postcards and so much more. I always enjoy being published, but having my own book out is a real dream come true,” Hodges said.

Hodges’ dog Shyla is a German shepherd mix and a loyal hiking companion. “We have never known what the mix is, so I have always said she is shepherd plus awesome,” he said. Shyla has hiked over 7,200 miles

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with Hodges carrying her own food, water and bedroll during many backpacking adventures. “At the age of 11, I retired her from that duty and now carry the load for her. At the age of 13, she can still put in an 8- to 10-mile day.”

Hodges is very popular in the local area for his photography lessons, which are conducted out in the field. Many of his classes for 2018 are already sold out, especially his Tulip seminars. “My students can expect to learn everything needed to shoot like I do, right in the camera. I will help them get their camera set up correctly, teach them the “old school” techniques, and work with them on composition and light. Many of my students have told me they have learned more from me in four hours than they have learned in their entire life. I get a lot of repeat students.

Many, who started with a local class, got their camera set up and learned how to use them, figured what kind of teacher I am, then come out for one of my bigger adventures. I have some students who have taken over 25 classes with me. Not only am I your teacher on my longer adventures, but I am also your tour guide, and I put you in the right place at the right time over and over again! We have so much fun out in the field,” he shared.

Starting out as a photographer you have to pay your dues to build a

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Epic Photography following. Hodges spent 14 years on the Northwest Art Circuit doing 26 shows a year. A huge dream was to one day open a photography gallery. “I finally realized that dream when I opened the Randall J. Hodges Photography Gallery at 317 Main Street in beautiful Downtown Edmonds. We have now been opened for four years, and I absolutely love having and running the gallery. I have just signed a lease in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and am very excited to open my Second Gallery, Images of the West, the Randall J. Hodges photography Gallery,” he said. Hodges' gallery in Cannon Beach is tentatively scheduled to open in March 2018.

With his experience as a hiking photographer, Hodges has plenty of favorite places in the Pacific Northwest for photography and hiking.

He breaks them up by the seasons. “My favorite areas in the Pacific Northwest can be divvied up into time of year. In the winter I love to shoot the Oregon and Washington beaches. In the early spring it’s tulips, tulips, tulips! Mid to late spring it’s forest trails, creeks and waterfalls, and

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the spring greens are alive and the water is flowing high. In the summer, the only place you will find me is up high in the alpine wilderness of the mountains searching for wildflowers and lakes. My favorite areas for fall color are the east side of the cascades and the Columbia River gorge.

Some of my very favorite hikes are Shi-Shi Beach in Olympic National Park, The Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier, The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and Park Butte, Skyline Divide, Sahale Arm and Yellow Aster Butte in the North Cascades,” he said.

Hodges’ gallery in Downtown Edmonds is open daily. To find more information on his artwork and to learn more about his photography classes, visit RandallJHodges.com.

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253.851.0500

At TURCO’S AUTOMOTIVE, we don’t just care about your car, we care about you!

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WE LIKE TO GIVE BACK! Please ask about our Military and Senior Discounts

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LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY ACKER

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

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

Wide Range of Beautiful Yarns Large Selection of Needles, Hooks, Books & Accessories Knitwear, Jewelry & Gifts by Local Artists Custom Orders Always Welcome

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253-851-0012 4423 Point Fosdick Dr NW Gig Harbor, WA law.timothyacker.com

Fine Dining with Endless Views

of Mt. Rainier and the Gig Harbor Lighthouse.

Walk-Ins & Reservations Lunch Mon~Sat 11am to 2pm Dinner Mon~Sat 4pm to close Closed Sunday

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Cocktails ~ Premium Beers ~ Extended Wine List

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Eat Well Eat Local

Gig Harbor Living Local Dining Guide 2018 GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Rustic Spelt Loaf Courtesy of Millville Pizza Co. This recipe makes 2 loaves

Bulk Fermentation: 5 hours Proof Time: 1 1/2 hours Sample Schedule: First mix at 8am, second mix at 8:30am, divide and shape into loaves at 1:30pm, and bake at 3pm.

Ingredients: • 6 ¾ cups Hi-Gluten Flour (850 grams) • 1 ¼ cups spelt (we prefer Bob’s Red Mill Spelt) (150 grams) • 6 cups water (80°F) (750 grams) • 4 ½ tsp. salt (26 grams) • ½ tsp. instant dry yeast (3 grams)

Materials: • Two (2) Bread proofing baskets • One (1) Dutch oven • One (1) Cooling rack

Method:

Millville Pizza Co. Located along the historic Downtown Gig Harbor waterfront, Millville Pizza Co. serves artisanal wood-fired pizza Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and 4:30 to 9:30pm.

3411 Harborview Dr. Gig Harbor, WA 253.514.8626 MillvillePizzaCo.com

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• First Mix - In a large mixing bowl combine 6 ¾ cups of Hi-Gluten Flour and 1 ¼ cups spelt with 6 cups water (80°F).

Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

• Second Mix - Sprinkle 4 ½ tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. instant dry yeast evenly over the flour/water mix. Mix by hand. Gently stretch and fold dough, working around the bowl so all sides are stretched and folded. After completing one full circle of stretch and fold, pinch dough six to eight times to thoroughly combine the yeast and salt with the flour/water mix. Repeat this step three times.

• Fold - Stretch and fold three times every 30 minutes (see above for stretch and fold description). Do not pinch dough after second mix! After final stretch and fold, let rest for 3 1/2 hours (total bulk fermentation 5 hours).

• Divide - Moderately flour work surface and divide dough into approximately 1.87 lbs. (850 grams).

• Shape - Dust two proofing baskets with flour or semolina. Shape each piece of dough into a medium-tight ball.

• Proof - Cover and set dough in a warm area for 1 1/2 hours. Remember to begin heating oven 1 hour after proof so the oven is heated at 1 1/2 hours and the bread does not over proof.

• Preheat oven to 450° with Dutch oven inside from start.

• Bake - Bake first loaf in Dutch oven for 22 minutes. Remove from Dutch oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes. Repeat for second loaf.

For a complete list of instructions and pictures, you can visit MillvillePizzaCo.org/recipes.

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Winner

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

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

7804 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor 253.358.3241 | TheHarborGeneralStore.com

GREEN.HOUSE RESTAURANT Come and try their delicious new additions and nightly specials at the Green.House Restaurant, offering lunch, twilight, dinner and happy hour. Try the three-course twilight dinner for $24 all night on Sunday. Their small and bigger bites menu offers fun, deliciously shareable plates.

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

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

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

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

THIS MONTH Explore the Flavors of Gig Harbor while Supporting the Rotary Club PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY FOR A TASTE OF GIG HARBOR

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

T

he Rotary Club of Gig Harbor brings you the 27th annual Taste of Gig Harbor. This annual event, scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 5:30 to 10pm at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, features food and drink from your favorite restaurants, pubs, taverns and eateries from all around the town and region.

Enjoy an evening of fun filled with the best in food and drink, followed by exciting live and silent auctions packed with unique and special items, experiences and opportunities.

“Rather than a sit-down-rubber-chickendinner event, we have a mix-and-mingle atmosphere in which guests visit tables provided by 10 local restaurants and two bars to sample delicious small portions,” says Hal Hodgins, Rotary Club committee chair.

In addition, guests will be entertained with the wine-toss and golf-pitch-shot event, live and silent auctions, and a duet playing Brazilian jazz on flute and acoustic guitar. An artful video will fill in guests on the many projects the Gig Harbor Rotary Club has done both locally and internationally.

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Since 1991, Taste of Gig Harbor has provided a fun, exciting forum for both friends and sponsors, and their partnership with the community and commitment to excellence has earned Taste of Gig Harbor the reputation as the best dinner and auction in the area.

This must-attend event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Rotary of Gig Harbor to help fund their charitable efforts. This year’s event expects to see 380 guests in attendance who will enjoy a festive night out while learning about the reach of the rotary’s community service above self locally and internationally, according to Hodgins.

“The generous support of our community and club members has made the Taste of Gig Harbor a success year after year,” he says.

One of the premier dining experiences Gig Harbor has to offer, don’t miss out on this evening of delicious food and drink, entertainment and fun, all while supporting the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor. Tickets to the event are $85 per person. For tickets, contact Rod Ladd at 253.722.4746 or purchase online at TasteOfGigHarbor.com.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAR

08 MAR

10

24th Annual Wearable Art Sale & Show

8-11. RAGS Wearable Art Sale and gallery competition takes place at MercedesBenz of Tacoma in Fife, raising funds for the YWCA Pierce County’s life-saving domestic violence services. Unique wearable garments, jewelry and accessories from more than 75 artists will be for sale with artist giving 33 percent of each sale to RAGS. YWCAPierceCounty.org.

24th annual wearable art sale & show

Many

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ma ke

k th i s wor

Your purchase of new wearable art benefits the YWCA Pierce County’s life-saving domestic violence services.

GALA PREVIEW March 8th 6PM – 9PM $80 per person SALE & GALLERY March 9th & 10th 10AM – 6PM March 11th 10AM – 4PM Admission is free

GALA TICKETS Call: 253.272.4181 x 352 Visit: ragswearableart.org MERCEDES-BENZ OF TACOMA 1701 Alexander Ave. East Fife, WA

Free Recycling Event

MAR

Don’t miss out on the Gig Harbor electronic recycling event 10am to 1pm in front of Coldwell Banker Bain. Come drop off everything from computers, laptops, printers, wires, toners and computer batteries to small appliances, washers and dryers, TVs, ovens/stoves, stereos, barbecues, lawn mowers and fitness equipment. For more information, visit SBKRecycle.com.

Titus Will Families Foundation

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Malo Castro Band

Join Gig Harbor MarKee 7 to 10pm for live music featuring the Malo Castro Band. Playing Cuban music, reggae and R&B, they're sure to set the right mood for your Friday evening. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the Malo Castro Band while enjoying food and drink from MarKee’s menu.

DrinkMarKee.com.

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at The Club

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Meeting of Marine Organizations and Businesses

Club members will rock out to live hits performed by The Feral Cats while enjoying festive green drinks, a luck o’ the Irish feast (delicious corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots, shepherd’s pie, brown bread and caraway bread) and St. Paddy’s party favors. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 253.358.6546. GigHarborMarina.com.

Join GHYC Junior Sail for a meeting of all marine organizations/businesses in Gig Harbor on Tuesday, March 20, from 9 to 11am at the Harbor History Museum. Each will share what they do in Gig Harbor related to marine activities and how they can better collaborate together. Please RSVP to Lynn Collins at elhjcollins@aol.com.

Upcoming Events - APRIL 7

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VEGGIE GIG HARBOR FILM GARDENING FESTIVAL AT GALAXY BASICS AT THEATRE ARTONDALE FARM GigHarborLivingLocal.com 106

SILHOUETTE EVENT AT THE NOOK

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WOMEN'S WELLNESS WEEKEND AT YMCA CAMP SEYMOUR

SAVE THE DATES

JULY 12th-15th at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley For more event details visit

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CHENEY STADIUM OPENING MATCH MARCH 16

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TACOMA CHENEY STADIUM OPENING DAY APRIL 5

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MAR

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A Night at The Boatyard: Rainy Dayz Silent Auction & Dinner

The evening, benefiting Rainy Dayz Preschool, will feature a silent auction and cocktail hour, buffet dinner, live auction and the alwayspopular dessert dash. The live auction will include the once-ina-lifetime art projects each class has been working on. Tickets are $55 per person and are available for purchase by emailing director@rainydayzpreschool.org.

MAR

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Restaurant Week

Monthly Movie Night

Ad Libbers at MarKee

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25-29. Experience the tastes of Gig Harbor’s Waterfront during Waterfront Restaurant Week, March 25 through 29. Participating restaurants will offer special meals at fixed price points of $20 or $30. It’s a great way to try that new place, support your longtime favorite spot, and experience new and creative menu items at each location. Visit Gig Harbor’s Waterfront Restaurant Week on Facebook for participating restaurants and menus.

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The Gig Harbor Film Festival is proud to present an exciting selection of OscarNominated Live Action Shorts for their Monthly Movie Night March 28 at 6:30pm.

Admission is $10 at the door and free for GHFF Members. The Gig Harbor Film Festival Monthly Movie Nights are held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Galaxy Theatre in Uptown Gig Harbor.

GigHarborFilm.org.

Spring Egg Hunt

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Head to Chambers Creek Regional Park, 6320 Grandview Drive West in University Place, for their inaugural Spring Egg Hunt. The event takes place 9 to 11:30am, with three scheduled hunts: ages 1 to 3 at 9:30am, 4 to 7 at 9:45am and 8 to 11 at 10am. This free event offers 6,000 eggs as well as 3,000 pieces of thrown candy for the kids to hunt for, costumed bunny for photos, a bounce house and face painter. Call 253.798.4107 for more information.

The last Thursday of each month, 7 to 8:30pm, come out and join the Ad Libbers for a night of lively, fun and entertaining ad-libbing along with the beer, wine, coffee and tasty dishes that make MarKee a favorite Gig Harbor spot. This is a fun event for seasoned speakers and kneeknocking newbies alike. Call 253.649.4122 to find out more.

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PenMet Parks Annual Spring Easter Egg Hunt

PenMet Parks hosts their Spring Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, noon to 2pm.

Children will enjoy gathering Easter eggs and visiting the Easter Bunny. And every child will receive a prize! There will also be a petting zoo, booths, activities and more!

Call 253.858.3400 or visit PenMetParks.org for more information.

Upcoming Events - APRIL 14

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ROSES AND 19-22.

ROSEDALE SPRING FAIR: SPRING EDITION WASHINGTON AT SEHMEL STATE FAIR AT HOMESTEAD PUYALLUP GigHarborLivingLocal.com 108 PARK

21& 22. GIG HARBOR PADDLERS CUP AT SKANSIE BROTHERS PARK

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Pier Into the Night Find out what creatures lurk beneath the surface through this virtual SCUBA experience.

First Saturdays, October through March at Jerisich Public Dock.

This free event is open for all ages. Donations kindly accepted.

Check our website for specific times.

Learn more at harborwildwatch.org 253.514.0187

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Luxury Waterfront With Deep-Water Dock Custom 4,140 sq. ft. Raft Island Home 110 ft. Low-Bank Frontage | .6 Acre MLS: #12446856

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Coldwell Banker Bain, Gig Harbor 253-853-2262 JSAssociates@CBBain.com www.WaterfrontGigHarbor.com

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

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

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

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

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

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GI FT! www.penlight.org

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