November 2017 Gig Harbor Living Local

NOV 2017

LIVING LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL

HOLIDAYS

2017

LET’S BE THANKFUL MORE THAN

WATER FISH FOOD BANK

SPOT LIGHT

on business GigHarborLivingLocal.com

1

SERVING GIG HARBOR

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

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

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

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

Because We Care.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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Exceptional living exceptional QUALITY

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.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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PEACE OF MIND.

FOR THOSE WHO MATTER MOST. Free your mind to pursue all of life’s possibilities.

I can help you create a life insurance plan customized for the ones you love – all at an affordable price for you.

Let’s talk today.

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

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, American Family Life Insurance Company,

GigHarborLivingLocal.com 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2016 011785 – 4/16 4

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Redmond | Sold | $595,000

Redmond | Active | $929,950

Olalla | Sold | $519,950

North Tacoma | Sold | $345,000

L Y D I A

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20 Years of Sales in King County Now Selling in Pierce County

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G E L I N E

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Ca bou

Sound Clinical Medicine PS 6718 144th Street NW • Gig Harbor, WA 98332 • (253) 857-6166

Independent Family Practice Clinics in Gig Harbor and Tacoma

Your friendly, neighborhood Gig Harbor dentist.

Additional location now open at Heron's Key 4340 Borgen Blvd in Gig Harbor

By Appointment Only

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

Your healthcare providers.

New patients welcome.

• Comprehensive Physicals • Prevention & Wellness • Women’s Health Care • Immunizations • Urgent Care • Weight-loss • Medication Management • Commercial Driver Exams

• Cryotherapy • Dermatology Procedures • Geriatric Care • Orthopedic Injury Care • Personal Injury Case Management • Labor & Industries Claims

James L Aichlmayr, DMD, PS

253-858-2560

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

Michael Wingren, md, mph & Kimberly Roberts, arnp

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

253.857.6166

6718 144th Street NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98332

www.soundclinicalmedicine.com

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

• Starting from the low–$400,000s

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

TOUR

Harbor-Hill.com

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

Uptown Gig Harbor | 4711 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | 253.514.8478

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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We were blown away by the support from the community for our first ever Gig Harbor Living Local’s Finest Awards! You should all be proud of your accomplishments in the community! We can’t wait to do this again next year!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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NOVEMBER 2017

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 11

48

72

Living Local

Holiday Gift Guide

As the holidays approach, the decorator in us gets excited about how to deck the halls and drape the tinsel to create a festive home for the season. Social media is full of inspiration, but before you embark on decorating projects, check out this article on tips and tricks for decorating (and decluttering) before the holidays!

Get a jump on your holiday shopping and avoid the lines! This article by Colin Anderson has an assortment of unique gifts that will be sure to impress anyone on your list!

64

Feature Story

We can find ourselves feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help those who may be thousands of miles away from us. Our minds automatically go to monetary help, but one does not have to have an excess of disposable income to make a difference. Read about ways to help others in this story by Patty Hutchens.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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TASTE AND ORDER!

Stop by For The Love Of Spice for our tasting and ordering event. This is an amazing holiday opportunity for those wanting to put together baskets of delicious and handcrafted food and drinks.

DISCOUNTS!

We will offer great discounts for ½ and full case purchase of Harney & Sons Tea, Bunches and Bunches cookies, Urban Accents popcorn gift sets and specialty sauces. Bond Bar will make its debut with Peppermint Bark, Pretzel Bar and Toffee!

Funky Chunky popcorn varieties will be available and Wildly Delicious products will be offered as well.

NOVEMBER 9TH 10AM-9PM Legoe Bay Winery will be here sampling some of their top sellers and offering ½ case and full case discounts. Bring your list and your appetite!

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

Eat. Shop. Enjoy.

MARKETING

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

EDITORIAL

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

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

7804 PIONEER WAY, GIG HARBOR

253.358.3241

www.theharborgeneralstore.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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DESIGN

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

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS

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

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Sandwich styled and photographed

by Jamie Sedlmayer

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

Prison Pet Partnership rescue “Cosmo”, only shops at Green Cottage Pets.

Primary Healthcare for All Ages Accepting New Patients

Scot Fleshman, ARNP, FNP-BC

• Sports Physicals

• Referrals

• Family Medical Services

• Well Woman Exams

• Annual Physicals

• Well Child Exams

• Preventative Care

• Health Education & Management

• Immunizations

• Chronic Disease Management

• Same Day Sick Visits

• Acute Illness Treatment

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

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

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

PHOTO BY DIANE FETZNER

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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I SPY SOME...

Christmas Colors!

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

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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PUBLISHER Celebrating Veterans and Our Freedom THIS MONTH WE CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY—a day set aside to honor all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy as a country. Laying down your life for your country is one of the ultimate sacrifices, and although we acknowledge those sacrifices each November 11, it is something we should make a conscious effort to do all throughout the year.

The younger generation only hears stories of what it meant to be drafted into the military; young men anxiously waiting to see if their number came up. Would they be going off to college or to war? It was an uncertain time.

We at Living Local are so grateful for the freedom we have and for those who have fought for the rights we now have. Our freedom is something we should never take for granted. As journalists and a company that is independently owned, we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to write and report without censorship.

And while it is simply a coincidence that Veterans Day falls close to Thanksgiving, it also offers time to reflect on all the blessings we have—many of which would not be possible without the sacrifices of our veterans.

As you go through the month of November, take time to express thanks to those who have served in the military to protect and defend our great country. Do you know someone who has lost a loved one in the war? Reach out to them and extend a heartfelt thank you.

“WHERE FAMILY IS ALWAYS FIRST.”

To all those who have served or are currently serving, we at Living Local say, “Thank you, and God bless you.”

Steve Russo Steve Russo Executive Director steve@livinglocal360.com

NOV 2017

“ 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.”

LIVING LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL

HOLIDAYS

2017

LET’S BE THANKFUL MORE THAN

WATER FISH FOOD BANK

office

SPOT LIGHT ness

253.853.2033

on busi

ingLocal.com

GigHarborLiv

web

www.familyfirstafh.com

address

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

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Proud To Partner

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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ABOUT THE COVER NOVEMBER IS A TIME to be thankful. We’re thankful for friends, family and full bellies, among so many other things. In this lighthearted cover shot styled by Jamie Sedlmayer, we’re showing what, for many, is just one aspect of the start of the holiday season. Snap a photo of your favorite after-Thanksgiving leftover and put it up on Instagram with the hashtag #gigharborliving! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

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

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

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

253-514-6842

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

www.IntegrativeBody.net GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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



via igharbor 9roundg rliving gigharbo @ e th f part o op 3 in . Voted T d to be a Privilege wards Ceremony r #GigHarbor Finest A RoundGigHarbo #9 orLiving Fitness! #GigHarb

GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

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



jayrayad spr via Throwba c k to la @south_ sound_p st week’s photos hoot for #gigharb roud. #thatpnw life #gigh orliving @ arbor gigharbo rgondola

snw via propertie aymood n #mond o s a re e #beth Yes, let’s #gigharborliving



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

instagram.com/gigharborliving

pinterest.com/LL360

twitter.com/gogigharbor

Contributors

Brett Marlo DeSantis • Cheri Johnson • Deborah Olive • Marguerite Cleveland Kellie French • Susan Moore • Rhonda Savage • Deanna Iff • Darcie Miller • Stacy Woodward Paula Larson • Mary Terra-Berns

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

STAND TALL TO

LIVE LONGER

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

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

The James Group

CONVERGENT THERAPIES

Chiropractic + Massage + Exercise Therapy

AT ON Q FINANCIAL, INC. PETER & DAWN JAMES peter. james@onqfinancial.com 253.988.0426 NMLS # 487468 | WA # MLO-487468

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

GIG HARBOR’S POSTURE CLINIC

7 WEEK

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

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

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550

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253.254.5653 www.ConvergentTherapies.com 3214 50th St Ct NW, Suite 203 (By the Good To Go! offices) BEST OF GIG HARBOR

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WWW.THEJAMESGROUPONQ.COM

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

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

2017

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Contact the James Group Today!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 31

22 Essentials

The latest tips and trends.

31 Life & Community Great local events and stories.

32 Business Spotlight The Garden Room.

34 Good News

More than just a food bank.

38 Gig Harbor In Focus

Studies show great benefits to early swim lessons.

34

42 Business Spotlight The Nook.

46 Athletes of the Month Celebrating our student-athletes.

48 Living Local

Holiday host tips ... harbor style.

54 Hometown Experts The best local businesses.

56 Business Spotlight Maritime Jewelers.

58 Health & Lifestyle

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

64 Feature Story

How you can make a positive impact on the world.

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

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

58

92

72 Holiday Gift Guide

Creative ideas for the people on your nice list.

80 Living With Intention The road to a more fulfilling life.

92 Travel & Leisure

The benefits of big feet in a nivean environment.

99 Food & Drink

Discover Gig Harbor’s tastiest destinations.

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104 Arts & Entertainment

Calendar of great local events, music and shows.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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GigHarborHomes Real Estate | LindaPetersenTeam

Where you go when you want to go home LINDA PETERSEN Owner/Broker

253-549-6290

info@lindapetersenteam.com f / LindaPetersenTeam

TRINETTE GATES

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

WWW.LOANPROGATES4U.COM GigHarborLivingLocal.com

GigHarborHomes.com 253-853-2555

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SEANA WOHLFEIL Broker

253-549-3386

Practical Living

ESSENTIALS Article by Brett Marlo DeSantis

THE HARBOR COMMONS UW STOREFRONT STUDIO 2017

YES, GIG HARBOR, there could be such a place! Would it look exactly like this flexible community space called the Harbor Commons? Maybe … maybe not. These studio projects open our minds to what the future of our built urban environment could be.

You may remember, approximately four years ago, University of Washington Professor Jim Nichols led a small team of graduate and undergraduate students through this same process focusing on the main streets in Downtown Gig Harbor. The results from that project informed some of what you see today! Specifically, ideas, conversations and renderings spurred the exterior improvements to the Finholm Market as well as the patio at Anthony’s.

This year a smaller group of students participated, again led by Professor Nichols, and focused on the sites between Judson, Pioneer and Harborview. And just like last time, they followed Jim’s recipe for success.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

Gretchen Allen REALTOR/Broker 253-620-0028

Gretchen@HomesByGretchen.com

Kathryn Dunham REALTOR/ Managing Broker 206-617-7619

www.WeDonateTogether.com

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

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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The goal of the storefront studio process is to study main streets in small communities and respond with creative ideas for architectural improvements; goals that aim to enhance resilience, inclusivity and authenticity of the existing community.

The process begins with a tour and interviews.

It continues with community group panels called “town hall meetings” and open-house style presentations which share their collective information gathering and emerging design solutions. At the end of the studio, the students wrap up with their vision (based on our vision for our community) in the form of a final openhouse presentation, group discussion and publishing a book.

It did not take long for them to learn of our community goals: Save mature trees and significant/historic buildings, support existing community connections, improve pedestrian opportunities, provide flexible community spaces, be inclusive, sustainable, support our local businesses, preserve and create views, increase parking, activate spaces between buildings and oh, we love porches!

We spoke; they listened. When they spoke, this is what they recommended.

• We can add more open public space via boardwalks, sidewalks, plazas and play areas.

• We can follow our existing net-shed type of buildings which are small in scale and perpendicular to the waterfront. These small-scale buildings preserve views while allowing for unique and innovative cottage industries and provide opportunities to work where you live.

• We can use our natural topography to create solutions and enhance our connection to the water. We can provide more decks, more water features and more opportunities to view and connect with our harbor.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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• We can provide more parking. Their solution of deck surface parking uses the natural grade. It is not underground so it is not as expensive as other potential solutions and provides a practical, flexible, long-term solution that allows for changing uses over time.

A A A H!

affordable adaptable alternative housing

Are you curious to learn more? Check out both of the Gig Harbor Storefront Studio books, 2013 and 2017, to see more of these great ideas with your own eyes! The books are available to view as no-cost PDFs or to purchase through the Downtown Waterfront Alliance’s website.

The goal of the storefront studio process is to study main streets in small communities and respond with creative ideas for architectural improvements; goals that aim to enhance resilience, inclusivity and authenticity of the existing community.

So how can we begin to craft our built environment based off some the Harbor Commons concepts?

According to Nichols, incremental implementation is the key. He recommends we create a series of meetings to continue this conversation and call it “the porch dialogues” to celebrate our love of porches and push forward on our goals for and with our community.

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

We can focus on small manageable moves to encourage activity. Seasonal or temporary events, activating existing public spaces or building off existing infrastructure are good first steps. Let’s take them together.

We build it.

BRETT MARLO DESIGN BUILD

253 376 7935 - brettmarlo.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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LICENSE # BRETTMD892QP

A GRANDPARENTS’ GUIDE…

TO A GREAT VISIT WITH THE GRANDCHILDREN

POWERING YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING

GET ON THE ROCKET

COMING SOON

RocketFishDigital.com

IT’S TIME FOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS!

• CLommercial Grade Lights w/ Timers • Custom Installation • We Guarantee Our Lights and Will Replace Any Bulbs That Burn Out • We Take Down and Store Holiday Lights

253-225-3630 www.ccwindowpros.com

BY STACY WOODWARD, OWNER, BABIERGE (BABY + CONCIERGE)

IT IS ALWAYS EXCITING when you find out the grandkids are coming to visit; even more so when the time spent together is enjoyable for all, with everyone looking forward to the next visit before they even leave. Planning ahead for this special visit is important, and some factors to take into consideration before the grandchildren arrive include: Where will the kids sleep? What kind of gear should I have on hand? How will I keep them entertained? Here is a short guide to help ensure a fantastic stay.

Baby gear can be rented from local companies, but different aged children have different needs.

The following are suggested items for different age ranges: Infants 0 to 3 months • Full-size crib with linens • Monitor • Infant car seat • Swing • Play mat (for quality floor time) • Infant toys (soft rattles, soft infant books) 4 to 6 months • Full-size crib with linens • Car seat • Monitor • High chair (when baby can sit in it properly and eat solid food) • Safety gates (if baby is crawling) • Toys (board books, soft toys baby can squeeze, toys with built-in mirrors, stacking toys) 6 months to 1 year (until walking) • Full-size crib with linens • Monitor • Convertible car seat • Exersaucer • High chair • Safety gates • Toys (board books, stacking rings, musical toys, soft stacking blocks, plastic cars)

10 Years Experience • Licensed, Bonded & Insured LIC# CC CLEANCW855KQ

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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1 to 2 years • Full-size crib with linens • Monitor • Convertible car seat • High chair • Safety gates • Bath toys • Toys (board books, ride-on toys, peg puzzles, walking toys, buses, airplanes, learning toys) 2+ years • Full-size crib with linens or bed rail (when baby moves out of crib) • Convertible car seat • Booster chair • Potty chair • Toys (books, wooden puzzles, smaller trains with tracks, trucks, dolls, play kitchens Now that everyone is sleeping through the night, what happens during the day? Here are some kid-friendly destinations that can be fun for everyone: • • • • • •

Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Harbor History Museum Fort Nisqually Children’s Museum of Tacoma Washington State History Museum Tinkertopia - A destination for artists, inventors, makers, hackers and tinkerers of any age • Promenade Playground at Point Ruston • Wheel fun rentals at Point Ruston • Sehmel Homestead Park A great resource for finding other activities is FamilyDaysOut.com. Just type in your location and you will find a full list of family friendly places to visit.

Finally, remember to breathe and go with the flow. Having grandkids and their parents visit is wonderful, but it can also be stressful and throw everyone off of their normal routines.

Remember to enjoy it, even when things get a little crazy. These are precious moments that will remain lasting memories.

UNDERSTANDING INHERITED IRAS WHAT BENEFICIARIES NEED TO KNOW AND CONSIDER

BY CHERI JOHNSON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS

DON’T BE PERPLEXED

AT FIRST GLANCE, the rules surrounding inherited IRAs are complex. Here are some questions (and potential answers) to consider if you have inherited one or may in the future.

Who was the original IRA owner? If the original owner was your spouse, you can roll over your late spouse’s IRA into an IRA you own, or you can treat it as an inherited IRA. If the original owner was not your spouse, you must treat the IRA for which you are named beneficiary as an inherited IRA. What kind of IRA is it? It will either be a traditional IRA funded with pre-tax contributions or a Roth IRA funded with post-tax contributions.

Do you want to let the money grow and take RMDs or cash it all out now? In the case of a small IRA, many heirs just want to cash out.

Money coming out of an inherited traditional IRA is taxable income, however, and if a lump sum is taken, the tax impact could be notable.

If the IRA is substantial, there is real merit in scheduling Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) instead. This gives some of the stillinvested IRA balance additional years to grow and compound. Any future growth will be tax deferred (traditional IRA) or tax free (Roth IRA).

Internal Revenue Service rules say that RMDs from inherited IRAs must begin by the end of the year following the year in which the original IRA owner died. These RMDs are required even for inherited Roth IRAs. Each RMD is considered regular taxable income.

One item is worth noting regarding inherited traditional IRAs. If the original IRA owner died on or after the date at which RMDs are required for that IRA, then you can schedule RMDs during the remainder of your lifetime. If the original IRA owner died before that date, you have a choice of

scheduling RMDs over a lifetime or withdrawing the whole IRA balance by the end of the fifth year following the year of the original owner’s death.

What is the IRA’s basis? In other words, what is the amount on which the original IRA owner paid taxes?

When you know the basis, you can figure out the percentage of an RMD from an inherited traditional IRA that is subject to tax.

Can you withdraw more than the RMD amount from an inherited IRA each year? Certainly, but keep in mind that a large, lump-sum payout could leave you in a higher tax bracket.

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

What happens when you inherit an inherited IRA? As a secondary beneficiary to that IRA, you assume the RMD schedule of the person who was the primary beneficiary.

Can you convert an inherited traditional IRA into a Roth IRA? The IRS forbids this—with one exception. A spousal IRA heir who rolls over an inherited IRA balance into their own traditional IRA can arrange a Roth conversion.

If you have inherited an IRA, talk with a financial professional. That conversation may help you determine a tax-efficient way to manage and withdraw these assets.

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

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

www.StrategicWealthAdv.com

253-858-4411

Investment Advisor Representative of USA Financial Securities.

Member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

27

ESSENTIALS

GROWTH AND GRATITUDE WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

BY DEBORAH OLIVE, BUSINESS/LIFE COACH

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

WHETHER THERE ARE TWO OR 22, turkey or tofu, Thanksgiving is the day we set aside to give thanks. The first Thanksgiving focused on a bountiful harvest of crops and enough food to sustain the early Pilgrims through the winter. It was simple then. They were establishing a colony and a new way of life. It was about survival. Today our tables may fill to overflowing, but our gratitude encompasses far more than food.

easy to celebrate. And if we navigated a difficult time, we may find ourselves grateful for what we learned and how we responded. Either is growth. What are you grateful for?

Did you start a new business? You may have printed business cards, bought supplies, built a website, designed your marketing, delivered value to your new clients, joined the Chamber and let the business community celebrate your ribbon cutting. Maybe your business is established and you found a better way to serve your clients. You streamlined your processes, hired employees or added a location. Perhaps you’ve grown your business to the point where it nearly “runs itself.”

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner or service professional, as so many of us in Gig Harbor are, you focus a lot of energy in your business: how well you’re servicing your clients/customers, how your team works together or the completion of a new project. Of course, there’s how well the kids did in school, your relationships, health, vacation and free time.

There are levels to gratitude.

What will you give thanks for this year? Chances are, you’ll celebrate the same thing the early Pilgrims did—only in a different form. I’m guessing you’re celebrating growth. We’re designed to create a fuller, freer more abundant version of ourselves. The areas where we made progress are

Will you give thanks for the way your business grew you? Each time you encountered a new challenge and found a way to overcome it, you grew—probably in ways you didn’t anticipate.

Is your gratitude list filled with family, health, spirituality, learning, hobbies, your home, vacation, time with friends, contributions in the community and so on? Are you as intentional growing your life as you are growing your business?

GIVE THANKS

When you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, I hope your list is rich and fulfilling in all the ways that are important to you.

If you have a “someday” goal that’s not done, it probably won’t be on your gratitude list. Chances are, you’d rather not talk about it. Getting it done may be closer than you think. The outer steps are straight forward: Clarify what you want and why you want it. Design a strategy and outline steps to get it done. Take action.

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How will you astound yourself by the end of 2017?

When you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, I hope your list is rich and fulfilling in all the ways that are important to you.

But what if it’s hard to clarify, you run out of steam before you take action or there’s just too much to do? How you feel when you get something done is so very different than leaving it on your someday list.

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You may be in the position of an athlete who performs way better with a review of the game film and a good coach. It could be that removing a few blocks and getting into action is what it takes to make significant progress, or even get it done. More and more people understand the benefits of a professional coach to act as a guide to help you see what you don’t see and harness your potential to design a strategy so you can accelerate your results.

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I’d sure like to see you sit at your Thanksgiving table and give thanks that you’re getting the stuff done that was on your someday list just a short time ago.

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LIFE & COMMUNITY HEART AND SOUL

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Shop and support local. By Colin Anderson

AVID SHOPPERS WAIT ALL YEAR for Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when large department stores and online retailers offer oncea-year deals on some of their most popular items. While some might enjoy the thrill of spending their Thanksgiving eve in line outside a store and battling frenzied crowds, others have taken another approach to their kickoff to holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday falls the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 25 this year) and encourages community members to visit their small locally owned businesses.

Waterfront Alliance is the neighborhood champion in the area and is helping promote this upcoming day throughout the downtown waterfront.

Local shops, galleries and restaurants will be offering special deals during Small Business Saturday. It’s a great occasion to take a relaxing stroll through the heart of the Gig Harbor community to see what’s new, what’s familiar and perhaps stop by a few locations you haven’t been before. With the greatly varying businesses set up along the waterfront, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Supporting these businesses helps keep money in your community instead of being shipped off to corporate offices across the country, and in some cases, the globe. Local businesses pay taxes, employ your friends and neighbors, donate time and capital to nonprofit and youth sports programs, and spend their earnings with other local businesses in the area. Gig Harbor’s Downtown

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

Consider helping your local business out this holiday season by shopping small so they can continue to grow the local economy and help out programs that make Gig Harbor such a great place to live and work.

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Garden Room The

LOCAL SEASONAL UPTOWN SHOP BRINGS THE BEST OF THE SEASON TO THE HARBOR

BY REBECCA REECE

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SINCE OCTOBER 2010, The Garden Room, located in Uptown Gig harbor Shopping Center, has been delighting the close-knit community of Gig Harbor with seasonal décor from all over the world, as well as providing products crafted by talented local artisans. Owner Christine Wickstrom uses her innate intuition and eye as a designer to travel the world and bring back the most beautiful, unique and sought-after décor year round.

Christine grew up nearby in University Place and has been a part of the Gig Harbor community for more than 30 years. She has been proud to be able to use the success of The Garden Room to stay regularly involved in fundraisers for FISH Food Bank, the Harbor History Museum and other organizations, as well as donating to local school fundraisers.

Each of the four seasons in The Garden Room offers beautiful and functional décor and accessories for the home and garden, however, this time of year is what the community calls “magic” inside the walls of this shop!

The winter holiday season is kicked off every year with their annual Holiday Open House (they will be celebrating their eighth annual open house November 10, 4 to 8pm, at The Garden Room store!). When you walk into The Garden Room, you’re transported into a Winter Wonderland of the color and scents of the season. As you walk in the front door, the robust aromas of Frasier fir, cinnamon, spice and other familiar holiday scents wrap warmly around you like being baked into your grandmother’s apple pie! You may have seen them at the Tacoma Dome last month

for the Tacoma Holiday Food and Gift Festival, but don’t worry, you haven’t missed their other upcoming events including a beautiful showing at A Victorian Country Christmas, November 29 through December 3, at the Washington State Fair Event Center; and back to The Garden Room store on December 10, 4 to 9pm, for the final party of the year—their Eighth Annual Ladies Night!

however, is this: “Our customers are the most loyal and wonderful people around; every time a season changes in The Garden Room, it’s like a reunion as long-time customers arrive with stories and updates about their children and grandchildren. This community isn’t just made up of people; it’s family—we’re family—and that’s my favorite thing about what I do,” she says.

Customers look forward to the main theme of every year; this year’s theme is coming together and evident through thousands of shiny-faced snowmen and shimmering one-of-a-kind icicles and ornaments that generously cover limbs of high-quality pre-lit trees. Several themes can be perused during the season as you make your way through the store: Rustic Woodland Winter, Soft Sage, Ice Blue and Gold Elegance, just to name a few. You’ll see everlasting floral and greenery wreaths arranged by their talented designers who are always ready to help you put together the just-right wreath, arrangement or centerpiece for your front door, mantle or holiday table.

Stop by and see what makes The Garden Room in Uptown Gig Harbor one of the Harbor’s greatest treasures!

Rich, colorful linens, candles of all kinds, scented, non-scented or flameless and remote control candles, unique serving and wine accessories, and anything else you need to be ready for your holiday dinner guests is beautifully displayed throughout the store.

Whether your style is classic, modern, whimsical or a combination of all, you’ll find décor you won’t find anywhere else in the Harbor or nearby, and that is part what Christine attributes to the success of The Garden Room over the past years.

She believes the key to continued success,

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The Garden Room Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center 4729 Point Fosdick Drive NW Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.514.6033 GardenRoomStore.com

Each of the four seasons in The Garden Room offers beautiful and functional décor and accessories for the home and garden, however, this time of year is what the community calls “magic” inside the walls of this shop!

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WE PRIDE OURSELVES on community in Gig Harbor, but some of our neighbors go above and beyond.

The volunteers who run the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank and Community Services have lived by their motto “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” for more than 41 years.

Located near the Gig Harbor waterfront, FISH is the only food bank in Gig Harbor, and it is an all-volunteer effort.

“We have 100-percent volunteers, no paid employees. We are completely supported by the community,” notes Amy Gartlan, GHP FISH communications director.

It is all about community for the 200 or so volunteers who make this nonprofit go.

Volunteers ranging from high school students to those in their 90s are dedicated to helping people in our area who find themselves in need. These volunteers manage a food bank to help people who experience food shortages, but they do so much more.

FISH also provides free clothes, diapers, toys for kids, food for pets, emergency financial assistance and help with transportation for people in need. They provide a space for social services to meet with clients who might not be able to make the trip to Tacoma or Bremerton.

They have an Education Aid Program that gives financial assistance to pay for books, utilities and other expenses for people in financial need who are pursuing an education.

FISH also collects toys and bikes for holiday gifts for children. They even have a birthday closet where parents can pick out a toy for their child’s birthday.

FISH serves a nine zip code area that includes the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsulas. In 2016 they served 8,814 clients, including 3,043 children coming from all walks of life. Around half of their clients are either elderly or disabled.

“We are talking about all kinds of people on the margin, and it takes nothing to push you over,” says FISH Board President Ron Coen. “An

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

34

unexpected medical bill, your furnace breaks … it doesn’t take much.”

The food pantry is set up like a little grocery store, where volunteers help patrons as they shop for food and other items their families use rather than being given a bag of items.

FISH has found this to be a more comfortable experience for those who depend on them.

“Folks don’t want to use us, they really don’t,” says Gartland. “What’s so great about the shopping area is that they can come and shop.

They aren’t just given a bag of food. That’s part of it, the compassion and the dignity.”

“They just go up and down the aisles, just like you would in the store,” adds Coen. “Baby formula, things like that, that’s a big deal.

Diapers, too.”

All of these services are made possible by the volunteers and by our community. FISH runs on cash donations, food donations, food drives and contributions from stores and other

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Volunteers ranging from high school students to those in their 90s are dedicated to helping people in our area who find themselves in need.

community businesses. Three times a week, volunteers collect food from local grocery stores. Cash donations pay for perishable foods like meat, milk and other foods above and beyond what’s donated. Local gardeners grow fresh produce for the food bank. It’s all made possible by our neighbors who are dedicated to helping neighbors.

“We will have people who will come in and drop off $500, $1,000 or 10 bucks. That’s the thing that keeps us going,” says Coen.

Pierce County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, and the Gig Harbor area is growing by leaps and bounds. As the population rises, more and more folks find themselves in need of a little help. The number of people this group has assisted has more than doubled in the last 20 years, which means their 4,800 square feet of space (plus the full-time cargo container outside) can no longer meet their needs. So GHP FISH is looking to build a new facility.

suitable land on which to build. FISH has some money set aside to pay for a new building, but they are now in fundraising mode for the balance as they look into the future.

“We have about $230,000 that’s been dedicated to [a new building]. We figure we’ll need about $2.5 million because we want the building to be efficient; it has to meet codes and all that,” says Coen. “You want to build out in a way that’s going to be long term.”

As FISH turns their attention to raising funds for a new facility, they will continue to do what they do best—be neighbors helping neighbors.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in volunteering, check their web page GHPFISH.com or give them a call at 253.858.6197.

“The usage over the last 20 years has grown just like the population,” notes Coen. “That’s the thing that really drives the [need for] expansion. There’s no way we can not expand if we are going to keep pace, and we need to make the expansion big enough so that it’s going to hold us for awhile.”

FISH is looking to build a 7,000-square-foot building that would allow them to better serve a growing community. A building designed for their needs would allow them to store and display more food, clothes and other necessities. The new facility would also be more accessible to their elderly and disabled clients and provide space for more social services.

Coen and Gartland note that they have received a lot of support from Gig Harbor’s mayor, city manager, city council and other agencies. They are working with local government to identify

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By Colin Anderson

INFANT

GETTING A CHILD COMFORTABLE in and around water should be at the top of every parent’s to-do list. According to the Center for Disease Control, there was an average of 3,536 drownings per year in the United States from 2005 to 2014; about 10 per day. One in five of those drownings were children under the age of 14. When someone begins to panic in the water, instincts take over and actually hurt your chances of survival. Your body works to keep your head above water creating a difficulty for rescuers to render aid as the drowning victim will often unknowingly try to push themselves up out of the water, using the rescuers as leverage by pushing them under. It’s a terrifying situation that no one should have to be in. Traditionally, swimming lessons begin with children age 2 to

3 splashing playfully in about six inches of water, and it isn’t until they are 6 or 7 when heads go under water and strokes and treading water practices are introduced. A new campaign from the International Swimming Hall of Fame is aiming to change that by getting kids into the pool at an even younger age.

“More Than Water” is a program to recognize swim schools in a nationwide effort to educate and encourage parents to start swim lessons for their children as early as 6 months old. Based on extensive global research and conclusive evidence from countries like Australia, there are clear physical, emotional, social and intellectual benefits of learning to swim for children under 5 years old. Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard’s Beard Swim Co., which opened this past July in Gig Harbor, is the first swim school in the United States to earn the designation and be recognized for aligning with these core principles.

“The new guidelines are meant to bring attention to swimming as a life skill that not only makes kids healthier and happier, but also advances their development and opens the door to a big world of experiences,” said ISHOF Executive Director Bruce Wigo. “We chose to recognize the Beard Swim Co. first since Amanda has always embraced this philosophy, and now as a swim-school operator, she has the opportunity to create programs that get more kids in the water sooner.”

“We created Beard Swim Co. with the belief that the ability to swim is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child,” said Beard. “Swimming remains a huge part of my life, and as a mother of two young children, I know the benefits of learning to swim firsthand. We’re thrilled to be recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame and feel lucky for the opportunity to work with children of all ages in the pool.”

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SWIM LESSONS

STUDIES SHOW GREAT BENEFITS TO EARLY SWIM LESSONS More than Water is based on six key beliefs, including: • Swimming makes kids happier, healthier, stronger, smarter, more curious and safer.

• Kids can start swimming lessons as early as 6 months old.

• Kids who learn to swim before the age of 5 are often months or years ahead of their same age peers in both cognitive and motor skills.

• Swimming opens the door to many lifelong recreational and occupational opportunities that aren’t available for those who can’t swim.

• Swimming can save your life or help you save the life of another.

• Swimming is more than a sport, it’s a life skill.

A 2013 research study conducted by Dr. Robyn Jorgensen in Australia found children who participate in swimming during their early years appear to achieve many milestones earlier than the normal population, regardless of social

background or gender. On average, children who swam before the age of 5 experienced advanced physical, cognitive and language development.

On average, children who swam before the age of 5 were: • 11 months ahead of the normal population in oral expression • 6 months ahead in mathematics reasoning • 17 months ahead in story recall • 20 months ahead in understanding directions • Children also scored significantly better in motor skills like cutting paper, coloring in and drawing lines; gross motor stationery skills like standing on tiptoes, standing on one foot, imitating movement and performing sit-ups.

At Beard Swim Co., there are many levels at which lessons are taught starting with the Infant Splash class. Here babies 6 months and older can be with a parent and instructor for supervised play time in the water. By introducing children to water and including playtime with someone they trust, the likelihood of developing stress, fear and anxiety over swimming and open water is often

greatly lessened. The Beard Swim Co. adheres to the World Aquatic Babies & Children Network (WABC) guidelines in all its classes. Some of these guidelines include parent participation and a happy, fun and secure environment in which babies and young children can learn.

The pool temperature is set to be warm and inviting, making it a comfortable and safe place for young children. Lessons are taught by experienced professionals, and children only move on once they have completed each task.

Young children begin submersing themselves for short periods of time, about one to three seconds, and don’t move up to longer periods until they demonstrate proper breath control. There are nine levels of group swim lessons available at Beard Swim Co., with a maximum ratio of four swimmers to one instructor. There are also various levels of private one-one swim classes and elite level training directly with Amanda for those who aspire to swim at the collegiate level

and/or pursue their own Olympic dreams.

It can be a somewhat scary putting your toddler in water over their head, but as studies have shown, the earlier they get used to the water, the more likely they’ll avoid a life or death situation later. Water is always dangerous, and you can’t completely eliminate risk, but getting children comfortable and learning to stay afloat at a young age will greatly reduce that risk. Classes are filling up quickly, and several waiting lists are currently out. To register your child or find out more information, visit BearSwimCo.com or find them on Facebook.

“MORE THAN WATER” IS A PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE SWIM SCHOOLS IN A

GIG HARBOR

BY THE #S

NATIONWIDE EFFORT TO EDUCATE AND ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO START

6 months

SWIM LESSONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN AS

The age in which a child can start swim lessons.

EARLY AS 6 MONTHS OLD.

9

The number of levels of group swim lessons available at Beard Swim Co.

4:1

The maximum ratio of swimmers to one instructor.

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SOMETIMES BUSINESSES open fast. It can be awesome like that; especially when your business partner is your friend. Stephanie Hammel and Linnea Bergstrom met eight years ago at church. They got together to have coffee at the end of April this year. Their conversation evolved into talking about their recent individual businesses they started up and their dreams to someday own a boutique gift shop in Downtown Gig Harbor. They were both so mutually passionate about the concept that they decided to become business partners and opened The Nook Curated Home and Gifts in Gig Harbor. The opening was June 1 to coincide with the opening of Jerisich Dock and the Skansie Brothers Park, which they can see from their shop window.

Linnea also has an online store, MADE, and Stephanie operates a side furniture business, Urban Patina. “Until our brick and mortar store can accommodate all we have to offer, we plan to continue our individual businesses,” states Stephanie.

The Nook focuses on acquiring vintage and ethically made items with a more modern aesthetic genre. Beautiful handmade leather bags are a current feature of the store. The Nook offers unique shopping experiences in that an inventory of locally made, handmade and fair-trade items are constantly being added. Stephanie comments that “The Nook specializes in offering a simpler shopping experience where items are carefully curated and displayed”.

The Nook offers a great selection of gifts from accent furniture to tapestry art, jewelry, kitchen and home decor. Stephanie considers herself crafty by nature and likes to bring in local makers. She enjoys talking to people, going to local markets and finding new products by word of mouth. The Nook is currently collaborating with a local illustrator to create unique Gig Harbor merchandise, which will cater to locals who want to represent the Harbor, as well as souvenirs for tourists. According to Stephanie, “We were surprised to find out how far some of our customers had traveled, so we started having customers pin their hometown on one of our United States corkboard maps.”

Stephanie feels the success of The Nook can be attributed to being raised in a conservative Christian household where being creative and thrifty was normal. “If we wanted something, we had to find a way to make it or earn it.” Stephanie has a heart to connect other makers with the shoppers in Gig Harbor. Linnea loves to find items that will not only beautifully accent a home but also serve a purpose. “One goal of The Nook is for consumers to be intentional about their purchases and to feel good about the items they are buying, whether it be fair trade, ethically made or local,” says Linnea. She credits her ambition to the fact that her father was an entrepreneur. Growing up, her father taught her creative solutions to problems and how to be a good steward of the items she owned. Linnea moved to Gig Harbor 14 years

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ago to take a job as one of the youth interns at Harbor Covenant Church. Stephanie and Linnea both say that their husbands have largely supported and encouraged this venture and their talents for years.

The hope is for The Nook to become a store known for thoughtful gifts, locally made items and beautifully curated modern home décor. The store is located across from Jerisich Dock in the building with El Pueblito Family Mexican Restaurant. Customers can find ample parking on both sides of the building and quick access to shop! If you see signs out for The Nook, the store is open! Store hours are Thursday through Saturday 11am to 5pm.

They look forward to meeting you.

The Nook 3226 Harborview Drive, Suite 4 Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 TheNookGH.com f thenookgh

The hope is for The Nook to become a store known for thoughtful gifts, locally made items and beautifully curated modern home décor.

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

13.

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

2.

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

14.

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

3.

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

15.

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

4.

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

16.

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

5.

Beach Basket 4102 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.858.3008

17.

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

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

18.

Envy 7811 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor 253.226.1332

7.

Weathered Cottage 3306 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.530.0818

19.

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

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

8.

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

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dolly mama too 3133 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.432.4692

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Heritage Distilling 3118 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor heritagedistilling.com

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Tickled Pink 3026 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.858.1751 | tickledpinkgift.com

11.

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

23.

No Dearth of Books 7803 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.853.3355 info@nodearthofbooks.com

AR Workshop 3208 Tarabochia Street, Gig Harbor 253.844.3041 arworkshop.com/gigharbor

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12.

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Alinda Morris Interior Design LLC 3016 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.579.8431 AlindaMorrisInteriorDesign.com

Green Cottage Pets 3028 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor 253.851.8806 | greencottagepets.com

ATHLETES OF BURKE GRIFFIN & PAIGE LAWSON

Proudly sponsored by

BY PATTY HUTCHENS

ys! a d i l o H y p p Ha BURKE GRIFFIN: Peninsula High School

We have the gifts you need for your favorite Cougar fans!

Mention this Ad for

10% OFF one store item (excludes Cougar cheese)

7700 Pioneer Way #202 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

www.cougarwear.com 253.224.1408 Open 7 Days A Week

JUNIOR BURKE GRIFFIN knows what it takes to succeed. With a GPA of 3.96, Burke is also a member of Peninsula’s football and track teams. This is his second year starting as quarterback for PHS, and last year he helped lead his team to the state quarter finals. “I am driven to win state finals this year,” said Burke of his football aspirations.

His athletic awards are numerous including a 2017 Northwest 9 finalist, 2018 Russell Wilson quarterback camp MVP, 2016 South Sound Conference All-League Honors and 2017 Linfield Camp quarterback MVP. Football is something Burke enjoys not only for the competitive factor, but also because it provides an opportunity to be with his friends.

“I love the Friday Night Lights; the buzz and atmosphere before the game,” said Burke.

“Most importantly though, the feeling of going out and playing on the field with some

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of my best friends with whom I’ve worked so hard and laughed so much.”

Burke shares that coaching football is something at the top of his list of career goals. “I love the atmosphere and strategy of the game as well as the hard work it takes to succeed. Besides coaching, I’m also interested in being a business major and working to learn more about the economy.”

Burke will cherish his time playing for Peninsula High School and is focusing on living in the moment. “I love playing football, and I know that it’s not going to last forever.

Regardless of whether I’m fortunate enough to play beyond high school, I know some of my best memories will be made at Roy Anderson Field. I want to make sure that I truly enjoy each of those moments.”

THE MONTH

PAIGE LAWSON: Gig Harbor High School PAIGE LAWSON HAS PLAYED team sports since she was 5 years old, competing in everything from soccer to basketball, volleyball, tennis and equestrian. “I was also a competitive dancer until ninth grade,” said Paige. Her athletic accomplishments have been many including being the setter for GHHS varsity volleyball team where her team finished fifth at state last season, and she has also served as the captain of the tennis team.

“I’ve lettered seven times for volleyball and tennis,” said Paige, who also plays for a club volleyball team that competed at the 2016 USA Girls’ Junior National Championships in Indianapolis.

“This past summer I particularly focused on beach volleyball, competing and qualifying for Nationals at Hermosa Beach, California,” said Paige. In addition to sports, she enjoys singing and has won awards for her talent there as well.

Paige is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She maintains a 3.9 cumulative GPA with AP and honors classes and is a Running Start Student focusing on STEM. Looking ahead, Paige plans to attend a fouryear university and said she will be active with beach volleyball while pursuing a degree in medicine. It is clear that whatever path life takes her, she will be successful.

“Sports have taught me that success is earned through hard work and sacrifice. Sports have also taught me mental toughness and have shown me how to execute my best performance and decision making while under high pressure,” said Paige. “These vital lessons continue to be carried throughout my life.”

“Sports have also taught me mental toughness and have shown me how to execute my best performance and decision making while under high pressure,” said Paige.

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HOLIDAY HOST TIPS HARBOR STYLE Quick tips to prepare your home for holiday guests

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SERVING GIG HARBOR SINCE 2002 Servicing Foreign & Domestic A/C Services Scheduled Maintenance Brake Service Oil Changes & More

253.851.0500

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

3523 57th ST CT NW, Gig Harbor, WA www.turcosautomotive.com

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

TACOMA NARROWS PHOTO BY DIANE FETZNER

LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY ACKER

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

3200 Tarabochia Street • Gig Harbor 253.514.6890 • www.rainydayyarns.com Mon-Wed 11-5, Thurs 11-7, Fri 11-5, Sat 10-5 NOW OPEN Sunday 12-4

Call to join our Group & Private Classes!

ROnALd E THOMpSOn

50+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

Personal Injury Attorneys Estate Planning | Elder Law Probate & Guardianships Each client will receive individual attention, to carefully analyze your case, advise you on the options, and bring you peace of mind through resolution of the matter.

No Place like Gnome Family PJ’s 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

(BPT) - AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, the decorator in us gets excited about how to deck the halls and drape the tinsel to create a festive home for the season. Social media is full of inspiration, but before you embark on decorating projects, the following are a few easy ideas to ensure your home is as functional and welcoming as it is festive for family and friends.

Create a safe, cozy area for fireside chats In the harbor, a warm, roaring fire is a cozy centerpiece for after-dinner storytelling and catching up with family and friends. What better to combat the early fall rain than a fire? Whether your home is equipped with a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it is important to ensure the unit is in good working order. First, inspect the area and repair any damage to key pieces such as the baffle, damper or mantle that may have occurred during the year. Next, schedule a time for a thorough chimney sweeping to remove excess buildup of soot and creosote. A clean, maintained fireplace not only makes for a festive environment but can also serve as an element to heat your home, reducing seasonal stress on your furnace.

There are many local businesses that can help you out with anything from new installs to cleaning the pipes on your already loved home centerpiece. Get going and gather your family around the fire!

CORRAL THE CLUTTER AND SHOW A SPARKLING HOME WHEN GUESTS ARRIVE Corral guest clutter in your main living areas There’s nothing like visiting with old friends or reconnecting with family members who come home to the South Sound for the holidays that you haven’t seen in awhile. Of course, with the increased foot traffic in and out of your home comes the question comes of where to put your guests’ belongings so they are out of the way and organized. If you have a coat closet, be sure to clean it out and make room for your guests by storing your coats in another room.

You might also consider using an additional coat rack and strategically placing some festive decorative baskets for holding shoes and purses. It’s probably even perfectly acceptable to throw your own coats under the bed so they’re out of the way, and you become the hostess with the most-est!

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Choosing the perfect home isn’t always easy.

But it doesn’t have to be hard either.

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

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

253.732.0534 sue@suerand.com www.suerand.com

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

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Kid-friendly get togethers really bring out the feeling of family holidays.

Create a kid-friendly space

Prepare the outdoors, too

The harbor is a family community. If you plan on hosting friends and family members who have small children, take some time to kid-proof your home, particularly anywhere they are likely to play. Along with putting plug covers on all of the outlets, remove any common hazards young kids might get into.

Secure electrical and window treatment cords, protect hard-edged furniture and put breakables out of reach. Once the groundwork for a safe, kid-friendly space is cleared, add toys, games, comfy pillows and more so they’re entertained and feel welcome. This follows with that old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you take the time to focus on the children early, they tend to play nicely after the adult conversation starts and leave you to it! Bonus points to you if you provide something bold, like painting on a paper tablecloth after dinner!

When it comes to prepping for holiday guests, don’t forget about high-traffic areas outside the home. Be sure to clear the walkways of any snow and ice and replace outdoor lights with fresh bulbs to help guests safely navigate their way to your home. If it’s rainy, and it often is this time of year around Gig Harbor, make sure that the lighting is especially good. No one wants great Aunt Freida to take a fall before dinner.

‘Tis the season to repair, repaint, refresh A pristine paint job is the perfect backdrop for holiday entertaining. Throughout the year, the walls of your home take a lot of abuse, from kids banging their toys into the corners and chairs hitting the walls, to the nail holes and cracks that appear over time. To restore your walls to their former glory, fill in those dents, holes

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and cracks before you repaint with ALEX Plus Spackling, which delivers professional strength and durability when making repairs on a range of surfaces such as drywall, wood and metal.

If you have troublesome recurring cracks that just won’t go away, ALEX Flex Spackling is the perfect solution for a lasting, seamless repair.

And for the ultimate professional finish, use ALEX Flex Premium Molding and Trim Sealant to fill gaps and cracks around interior window and doorframes and along baseboards, chair rails and crown molding for a crack-proof, seamless finish. With your walls repaired and looking like new, you’re now ready to paint and decorate for a fresh, updated look.

These quick and easy preparations will help you and your guests feel more at home, setting the stage for all to enjoy the festivities and fun of the season, from Halloween through New Years and beyond.

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AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

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

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

GIG HARBOR’S

HOMETOWN

EXPERTS

NARROWS ELECTRIC

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

Whatever your electrical need, call Narrows Electric today!

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

GREAT CAR CARE CENTER

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

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

Gig Harbor—6750 Kimball Dr. 253.858.1888 GreatCarCareCenter.com

WILLIAMS TREE & STUMP REMOVAL

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

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

DE RECAT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

de Recat PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

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

CUSTOM PRINTS NW

CLEAN & CLEAR WINDOWS

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

Call or email for a free design consultation today, by appointment only. When you need orders on time and looking great, contact Custom Prints NW!

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

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

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

CRUISE PLANNERS TRAVEL SERVICES

FIX AUTO

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

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

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

Save time and let them do the booking for you.

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

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

NE ED

A BODY SHOP ?

EDGE PILATES STUDIO

HARBOR VIEW DENTISTRY

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

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

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

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

VALONA PAINTING COMPANY

ANCHOR BAY MORTGAGE (MB-71863)

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

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

ALONA

PAINTING COMPANY COATING AND SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR

JULIE REED GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

CARPET CARE NORTHWEST

Carpet Care Northwest

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

Phone 253.874.4377 carpetcarenw@comcast.net CarpetCareNW.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

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

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

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

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Unmatched Expertise and Value

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

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ERIK IS BRINGING MORE than 40 years of experience with him to Maritime Jewelers, located in the heart of Downtown Gig Harbor.

After starting Maritime Jewelers in 2016—a name fit for this quaint waterfront town known as the Maritime City—Erik has been delivering his knowledge and expertise through his exceptional collection of fine estate and antique jewelry to all who walk through his doors— locals and visitors alike.

Originally from Norway, Erik came to America and settled in Southern California, where he ran a wholesale jewelry business for 30 years. Seventeen years ago, Erik moved to the Northwest, and when he first visited Gig Harbor, and walked the streets of the beautiful seaside town, he knew it was where he was meant to stay.

“When I first laid eyes on Gig Harbor, it reminded me of Norway,” says Erik. “I knew this is where I wanted to park myself for the rest of my life. I felt more at home here than anywhere I’d been before.”

At Maritime Jewelers, Erik, who is a 1988 Graduate Gemologist (a higher degree than simply a gemologist), along with his Master Jeweler Tom, who also has 40-plus years in the jewelry business, offer fine estate and antique jewelry covering many periods, but also modern and contemporary pieces. They offer custom designing to clients as well, whether you are looking for that perfect engagement set, wedding ring or custom piece with a diamond or rare color gem. As Erik states, they have a huge collection of color gemstones. In addition, he has partnered with a Montana sapphire miner and gets his sapphires directly from the mine. Maritime Jewelers offers all of their color gems at wholesale prices, and they

offer a huge collection of designer sterling silver jewelry from Tucson, where Erik has attended the largest gem and jewelry show in the world each February for the past 40 years.

In addition to their extensive jewelry offerings—all offered at lower prices than you’ll find anywhere else in the area—what really sets them apart at Maritime Jewelers is their in-house repair service, where most repairs can be done the same day. They also take some of their most valuable pieces and have them authenticated and appraised by an independent lab called North American Gemological Laboratory. This is a $100 value and is done free of charge to their customers.

These appraisals can be used for insurance purposes. Also with every gold ring purchased, Erik offers free sizing, one time, which is another minimum $100 savings. As he says, “We do this to provide good service to our customers.”

Erik and Tom recently welcomed a new addition to Maritime Jewelers—James. A wonderful young man with a genuine interest and desire for the jewelry business, Tom is training him to be a bench jeweler, while Erik is teaching him about gemology and how to run the business. James, in turn, is offering his Internet and computer expertise to bring Maritime Jewelers into the 21st century, states Erik.

“Between the three of us, we have all the basis covers; we’re all about taking care of our customers,” he says.

When it comes to what Erik finds most rewarding in his line of work, he says: “Seeing the smile on people’s faces and knowing that we gave them the best possible product for

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the best possible price, and just putting good energy into every piece that we do.”

With a business that is run on faith and values—running the business according to Deuteronomy—it takes away all of the worry, Erik explains. “Just do it, do the best job that you can, God provides and good things happen.” He attributes the success of his business to God and passion for what he does.

“Tom and I both have heart and soul, and we truly love and desire to do what we do. Not born into the business, we both started from our own desires and accord, myself at 19 and Tom at 16.”

As a business owner in the Gig Harbor community, Erik, along with Tom and James, proudly supports others in the community through contributions to various causes.

“We still love what we do after 40 years. We still have a passion, and that passion has never left us,” Erik says. “It’s about doing what we love, not the money.”

Maritime Jewelers 3116 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.853.4579 MaritimeJewelers.com

“When I first laid eyes on Gig Harbor, it reminded me of Norway,” says Erik. “I knew this is where I wanted to park myself for the rest of my life. I felt more at home here than anywhere I’d been before.”

Health & Lifestyle QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Does Your Fitness Make You Fit?

By Susan Moore, Owner, Better Gym & Better Eats, Gig Harbor

IT’S NOVEMBER, AND THE YEAR IS coming to an end. Within two months we celebrate—and indulge—with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is when Americans gain the most weight, which they plan on taking off once the new year hits. Every year millions of people make getting in shape their New Year’s resolution. It’s the “I’ll start Monday” mentality that we battle the rest of the year but on a much larger scale. But what exactly does getting in shape mean to us? What is our motivation? What are our goals exactly? Asking the “why” is probably the most important question to think through in order to optimize success.

Learning the “how” to facilitate the “why” and subsequently devising a

productive plan could turn this year’s resolution into next year’s reason to be thankful. It’s actually easier than you could have ever imagined.

First you need to write down your goals and how you think you can accomplish them. Spend some time researching people who have done what you plan to do and how they did it. What were their struggles?

One of the most crucial things to consider is safety. You need to make sure that the exercises you decide on are not inherently dangerous. Are you going to be using a video, going to a class, hiring a trainer or even buying a piece of equipment? Do your due diligence. I don’t typically

H E A LT H Y T I P

Fuel up on fish Certain types of fish are packed with inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Experts recommend at least 3 to 4 ounces of fish, twice a week.

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Look for training that makes you feel better versus worse.

recommend any videos that have strength training exercises in them like push-ups, pull-ups, lunges or squats. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, chances are your body needs a refresher on the proper mobility, flexibility, strength and reflexes to do these movements under qualified guidance.

If professional guidance is absolutely off the table, video yourself doing the movements and watch the videos. If anything about the movements doesn’t look right, it isn’t.

We were all born with the ability to know what right/wrong looks and feels like, but unfortunately we all have to sit for long periods of time in our society, so we tend to lose the ability to know what right/wrong feels like. Thankfully we never lose the ability to know what right/wrong looks like. If when you watch the video and it doesn’t look like the movement you were trying to do, do some more research and continue to work on these movements like you would if learning any new skill. This is the skill of strength.

Keep videoing and keep refining. You should eventually learn how to do the movements correctly and in the process get stronger, healthier and burn some calories.

If you feel like you would have more success in a group setting (my personal favorite) or want to join a class, make sure the instructor is a subject matter expert in what they are teaching. If you don’t feel comfortable

asking for their qualifications, Google is a beautiful thing, and you can usually get all the information about your instructor you are looking for. I’m pretty good with instructing TRX, and if you go to their website you’ll find that I can back that up with the amount of education I have in it.

Most instructors don’t know what they don’t know, and just because they look fit doesn’t mean they know how to instruct, correct, modify or when to refer people to a medical professional. I teach a lot of professional education around the country to health and fitness practitioners, and approximately 80 percent don’t know how to properly teach or even do a squat themselves.

The main reasons people don’t stay motivated is they lack direction or get injured. If you are in a class, make sure quality of movement is more important than quantity. The only thing a lot of bad movements will get you is an eventual injury. You should feel like you are ready to take over the world most days after training, not like you need a nap. Look for training that makes you feel better versus worse. There seems to be a surge of fitness masochism where a training session isn’t good unless you get annihilated. Remember, adaptation is what a training protocol should provide, not just fatigue. Anyone can make you tired, but can they make you stronger?

If you are bargain shopping for fitness instruction, you will get what you pay for.

The more education your trainer/instructor invests in, the more they are investing in your success.

Set a goal, ask questions, get moving and enjoy every second of it!!

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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

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FORM HEALTHY HABITS

FOUR TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS’ TEETH HEALTHY AND CLEAN

WE ALL WANT OUR KIDS to have moviestar smiles as adults. As parents, this means knowing how to protect their teeth when they’re young, while ensuring that they practice good dental health care for a lifetime.

It’s never a bad time to “brush up” on instilling good oral-hygiene habits in our children.

Consider this: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), nearly one in three children ages 2 to 5 years old in the U.S. are affected by tooth decay, which is one of the top chronic infectious diseases among children and can compromise their health, development and quality of life in both the short and long term.

“Parents are bombarded with unsolicited advice and health findings that are constantly changing,” says Dr. Jade Miller, AAPD president. “We don’t want to add to that stress, but there are a few common misconceptions that could help make a huge difference in your child’s oral health—which is linked to their overall health and wellness.”

The good news is that tooth decay is nearly 100 percent preventable. The following dos and don’ts from the AAPD can keep tooth decay at bay and keep kids smiling for years to come:

Children shouldn’t graze on candy and sugary drinks (including sports drinks and juice). That prolonged exposure to sugar and acid can wreak havoc on teeth.

• Do cut down on sugar. Children shouldn’t graze on candy and sugary drinks (including sports drinks and juice). That prolonged exposure to sugar and acid can wreak havoc on teeth. Instead, stick to designated meal and snack times and have them drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Don’t put babies to bed with a bottle. Milk and juice contain sugar. When babies are put to bed with a bottle, the sugar coats their teeth while they are sleeping, causing tooth decay. If you use a bottle before sleep, opt for water.

• Do wean children off of pacifiers by age 3. Pacifiers are a natural way for children to self soothe. However, prolonged use can increase the risk of cavities and affect

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the way a child’s teeth bite together, often causing an overbite.

• Do avoid topical teething gels and rings.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using teething gels that contain benzocaine or lidocaine because they can harm your child. Parents and caregivers should stay away from teething rings, too, which contain chemicals and low levels of BPA—despite labels citing otherwise—that can be harmful to your child.

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WILL MY HEARING EVER BE NORMAL AGAIN? ADVANCES IN HEARING HEALTH CARE

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

ALTHOUGH THERE IS currently no way to restore damaged hearing to normal, or to prevent any damage from occurring, cuttingedge research is continuously revealing new information about the auditory system. As more details are uncovered regarding the complex process of human hearing, the futuristic goal of repairing existing damage moves closer to realization. Until then, advances in hearingdevice technology will allow for progressively more sophisticated options to meet each individual’s needs. What follows is a summary of current and ongoing developments in hearing health and technology.

Can we restore hearing and balance?

The key to restoring hearing lies in the ability to regenerate sensory hair cells. Unlike most other species, humans are unable to regenerate these cells, meaning that any damage is permanent and hearing at least somewhat impaired.

This problem is the focus of a group of researchers from Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Brigham and Women’s Institute. By examining the hair cells in the cochleae of primates and mice, they have identified a cell protein biomarker that could stimulate cellular reproduction. They hope to translate this discovery into a drug therapy that could be injected directly into the middle ear and are planning clinical trials as early as 2018.

In other advances, gene therapy has been used to restore balance and hearing in mice by researchers at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The genetic codes of the mice were modified to carry a condition similar to Usher Syndrome, which in humans manifests with progressive hearing loss, dizziness and vision loss.

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Additionally, researchers at University of Maryland’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery have identified a genetic mutation affecting proteins in the inner ear. These proteins are essential to maintaining the structure of the “hairs” (stereocilia) on inner ear hair cells. It is believed that modifying these dysfunctional genes could result in reversal of hearing loss.

What can I do right now?

Until the cure for hearing loss is revealed, hearing aids and other assistive devices remain the best option for staying engaged in the presence of hearing loss. Hearing aids are often smaller, more discreet and more versatile than people realize. With rapidly advancing technology, the newest devices allow an individual with hearing loss to maintain their normal activity levels with little to no hassle.

Most devices now are inconspicuous, some nearly invisible. They are able to adjust to changing and challenging environments automatically, focusing on speech, reducing background noise and adjusting volume as needed. With wireless options to meet almost anyone’s needs, manual adjustments can frequently be made with the use of a smartphone, allowing the user to control some hearing aid features without anyone realizing they are even using hearing devices.

Hearing aids can connect to televisions, virtually any phone, remote microphones, looped rooms, computers and music players. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and your audiologist can help you select the best options for your lifestyle. These are not your grandfather’s hearing aids.

REFLEXOLOGY ANXIETY AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

BY DARCIE MILLER, OWNER, LIGHT IN BALANCE REFLEXOLOGY

MANY PEOPLE TODAY SUFFER from anxiety and stress. Anxiety can be debilitating, affecting sleep, social interactions and relationships. It can cripple and paralyze you from living your life the way you may wish to. Stress is a normal physical response when a person feels threatened, frightened or upset about any given situation or event in their life.

The body’s natural defense system kicks in, creating an automatic fight or flight reaction; the nervous system automatically releases large amounts of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones alert the body for emergency action, causing blood pressure to rise, the heart to beat faster, senses to become more acute and sometimes a very brief increase in strength and stamina. These are all life-preserving responses. Unfortunately many people live in this heightened sense of alert all the time, and over a prolonged period this can impact overall emotional and physical health. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a key role in stress management, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for helping repair the body’s systems. When too much energy is diverted to a continual anxious state, the PSN is unable to respond to begin the healing process and can actually stop functioning properly. It is important that these two parts of the nervous system be in balance in order to achieve overall balance and homeostasis within the body.

Many people try different drugs and other methods of relaxation. Some work, some do not. Complementary alternative modalities (CAM) can help with anxiety and stress, either by itself or in conjunction with treatment from your health-care provider.

Reflexology is one of the CAM modalities, and one of the most common uses for this type of therapy is to help treat stress and anxiety.

Reflexology is the palpation of reflex points and zones used to stimulate various body organs and systems. These points and zones

GENTLE & MINIMAL

A Holistic alternative to improved health

can help restore the body’s natural energy flow so that it can maintain balance in both physical and mental functioning, promoting relaxation.

Additionally, reflexology may help to increase blood flow to the extremities, slow heart rate and decrease blood pressure. Benefits may also include better sleep, more complete digestion, less pain, reduction of migraine or headaches often associated with stress, improved mental focus and clarity of thought processes, and improved circulation.

The work in this type of therapy is gentle, has minimal pressure and feels soothing to the client. The benefit is that, for people looking for ways to feel or be relaxed without medication, this could be a promising natural choice. No equipment is needed, just a trained, certified and licensed reflexologist.

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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

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

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FEATURE STORY

THE ART OF

GIVING

How you can make a positive impact on the world

By Patty Hutchens

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We can find ourselves feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help those who may be thousands of miles away from us. Our minds automatically go to monetary help, but one does not have to have an excess of disposable income to make a difference. And the beauty of it is that it not only benefits those who we set out to help but also blesses those who contribute.

W

e turn on the news each night to stories of tragedy.

Hurricanes wiping out people’s homes and lifelong memories. People fleeing from forest fires that threaten their safety. Mass shootings taking away innocent lives. In a world with news at our fingertips 24 hours a day, the constant influx of violence and tragedy can be devastating to our spirit. If we are not careful, we can become so overcome that it can lead to sadness and anxiety.

boats and trucks door to door to help evacuate some of the hurricane victims; total strangers helping families go through the rubble after a wildfire or flooding has taken their home. Then share with your child or children how they, too, can be an everyday hero.

Kids identify most closely with money. They stock their piggy banks only to empty them out and count how much money it will take to buy their new favorite toy. When donating money, remember to give to reputable organizations and remember, every little bit helps.

In a story in the Washington Post a little over two years ago, Political Scientist Shana Gadarian noted, “Media competition means that journalists and editors have incentives to use emotionally powerful visuals and story lines to gain and maintain ever-shrinking news audiences.”

Children and families do not always have to give their own money; they can hold fundraisers that will bring the community together to help collect donations of money and items. Fundraisers can be a big undertaking, so maybe partner with a school or church and make it a community event!

But what effect can all of this have on our own mental health? According to British psychologist Dr. Graham Davey, exposure to violence through the media can either intensify or trigger stress, anxiety, depression and, in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder.

Approach the fundraiser thoughtfully, keeping in mind what the goal is.

Is it an opportunity to collect toys for those children who lost theirs due to a natural disaster? Are you collecting money for a food bank to help with those who need it? Do those whom you seek to help need clothing?

We can find ourselves feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help those who may be thousands of miles away from us. Our minds automatically go to monetary help, but one does not have to have an excess of disposable income to make a difference. And the beauty of it is that it not only benefits those who we set out to help but also blesses those who contribute.

If you want to keep your fundraiser on a smaller scale and witness firsthand the impact your donations are making, consider adopting a family. You may even find you’ll make some new friends along the way.

As adults, there are many ways we can help depending upon time and talent. During the recent Las Vegas shooting, the greatest need was the donation of blood. While one can pray that a tragedy like this never happens again, much less in our own communities, we can do our part to help in even the smallest of circumstances. Donating blood does not cost anything and can ultimately give someone the greatest gift of all— the gift of life.

Getting involved and giving back While much of the tragedy that has recently taken place is distant from our own backyard, it is a perfect opportunity to teach our children the importance of giving back to others.

While we often talk about the importance of giving and being thankful for our blessings around the holidays, it is a lesson we can all put into action year round. And what better time to start than this holiday season?

Another way that teens and adults can help is through mission trips to the areas that were impacted by the hurricanes or other natural disasters.

For years after Hurricane Katrina, people flocked to New Orleans to help rebuild homes and lives. They will be doing the same after the impact of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Be selective on what your child sees on the news, as you do not want to instill fear in them. Share the positive stories of heroism; people taking

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My son was 14 when he traveled with a local church group to help the families devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. I was thrilled as he described his trip with such great enthusiasm. He found so much joy in connecting with people and helping them out in their time of need.

It was definitely a life-changing event for him.

system against immunosuppressing effects of stress. And those endorphins that are released are also a natural painkiller. It’s a win-win for everyone!

If you are interested in such a trip, check with local churches and community groups, such as Rotary, to see if there are any planned trips to help out. Often times, they will have sponsors for the trip so the cost to you is minimal, and the reward is great!

There are many behaviors that can be defined as altruistic, and the best part is that they are easy to implement into our daily lives.

What does it mean to be altruistic?

Generosity: Being generous can be a simple act such as helping a neighbor with lawn care or snow shoveling. Offer your talents to help someone in need. Are you handy around the house? Check out your local Habitat for Humanity to see what you can do to help a family building a new home. Do you love to cook? Offer to bring a meal to someone who may be struggling financially or emotionally. A little bit of generosity can change how we perceive others and can help bring joy to others at the same time.

Altruism displayed in many ways The benefits of giving back to others not only gives one a good feeling emotionally, but it is reported that altruistic behavior actually promotes positive physiological changes in the brain that are associated with happiness. In fact, when we give to others, our body releases endorphins that help activate areas of the brain associated with trust, pleasure and social connection.

Kindness: Have you ever heard someone tell you that if you smile when you speak to someone on the phone, they can “hear” that smile on the other end? We all have good and bad days, but a smile and a kind gesture can go a long way to brightening someone else’s day as well as your own.

In addition, when we help those in need, it can provide perspective on our own daily lives. Those things that may have been a source of stress for you may not seem so bad after witnessing the losses that others have experienced.

Compassion: Being compassionate requires a willingness and ability to enter into the feelings and experiences of others. For people who are seeking to provide compassion, the greatest thing one can do is to simply be with that person and listen to and validate their feelings. Remember

In a 1996 study, evidence showed that altruistic behavior can actually help boost our physical health through helping to stabilize our immune

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to keep your own wellbeing in check as well. It is easy to become overwhelmed with another’s problems, so maintain your own emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Volunteering: Giving back to others through donations of our time and talent is beneficial to not only those who volunteer but also the community they serve. It is also a wonderful way to connect with people, leading to new relationships that will hopefully be a blessing to us for years to come.

Providing rest for the weary It was just three years ago when Scott Smalling was first inspired to form his nonprofit, Relief Bed International. A Gig Harbor, Washington, native and longtime mattress-industry businessman, Smalling hit the ground running and has been making a dramatic impact on the lives of those in need ever since.

Relief Bed International was first launched in September of 2015 and provides innovative beds to help the poor and homeless as well as those who are victims of disasters. While their reach is worldwide, they have a special focus on the homelessness in North America.

“My original concept after creating our product was to work primarily with international relief agencies like World Vision,” said Smalling.

“Although after only two to three months, I was very intrigued by the homeless plight in the U.S.” The natural disasters that have taken place in the last few months have certainly kept Smalling busy. “We have distributed 1,200 relief beds to victims of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, the Santa Rosa fires and the earthquake in Mexico,” he said. “It is unprecedented to have this many natural disasters in North America in such a short amount of time.”

Although Smalling has been in the field distributing beds on many occasions, this

• VOLUNTEERING TEACHES YOU NEW SKILLS From helping create websites, to teaching immigrant kids your native language, to arranging events for charity; volunteering can really be almost anything. That means that when you get involved in charity work, a lot of the time you will face challenges just as you would in a new job. And through overcoming these challenges you learn and start to master completely new skills.

• VOLUNTEERING HELPS YOU STAY ACTIVE Sometimes when you need to do something the most is when you feel the least like doing anything.

This is where volunteering can help out. It’s a lot more difficult to blow off volunteering than a casual appointment with a friend. So when you feel poorly, and you don’t really

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want to-but really need to-stay active, volunteering is your friend.

• VOLUNTEERING FILLS EMPTY SPACES ON YOUR RESUMÉ If your job search seems to be taking longer than you had expected, you might want to consider volunteering.

It’s a way to prove that you’ve not just been idle the whole time but instead that you’ve been actively taking steps that can help you better your situation.

• VOLUNTEERING CAN LEAD TO WORK I’ve seen people go into volunteer with no expectations, and further down the road, are hired to work for the nonprofit as a coordinator. Of course this line of work is not for everyone, but thankfully volunteering will give you a good idea of whether or not it’s a viable career path for you.

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time he stayed at his headquarters and did what he could to keep up with the demand. His beds are distributed through non-governmental organizations, which are nonprofit voluntary groups that are organized either at a local, national or international level.

As adults, there are many ways we can help depending upon time and talent. During the recent Las Vegas shooting, the greatest need was the donation of blood. While one can pray that a tragedy like this never happens again, much less in our own communities, we can do our part to help in even the smallest of circumstances.

And while Relief Bed International has worked hard on doing what they can to assist the victims of the recent natural disasters, they also are busy each and every day working to provide the homeless with a comfortable bed to sleep on.

Relief Bed International is funded approximately 30 percent by individual donations, and 50 percent of the donations are self-funding from Smalling’s for-profit business. “The other 20 percent comes from various places such as corporate donations,” said Smalling, adding that by going onto his website, ReliefBed.com, one can donate online. Since the beginning of 2016, Relief Bed International has donated more than 9,000 beds worldwide, and the need continues to grow.

Smalling is grateful for the opportunity to serve others. “It’s a gift to be able to give,” he said, taking much of his philosophy from the Bible 1 Peter 4:10 which reads, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

As we enter this holiday season of festive celebrations and parties, let’s each of us also think about how blessed we truly are and consider sharing some of our gifts, whether it is time, talent or financial, with others who are hurting. The feeling you receive will be the greatest gift of all.

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By Colin Anderson Get a jump on your holiday shopping and avoid the lines! The following pages have an assortment of unique gifts that will be sure to impress anyone on your list! We always recommend you try our local stores first, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been proven that the more you spend local, the more money stays local. It funds local events, supports even more local businesses and helps your next-door neighbor.

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We love supporting our local small businesses, and in giving you an early head start on the holiday madness, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping you have time to browse the local retailers and downtown businesses that depend on local support to keep their businesses running and new local goods coming in!

for the LITERARY CANDLES Those who love to curl up with a good book under soft light will undoubtedly enjoy lighting one of these great smelling candles with scents reminiscent of great works of literature.

Transport yourself to Sherlock Holmesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; study with the smell of black currant tea and leather or enjoy tea time with the Mad Hatter with scents of Bergamot, lavender, mandarin, thyme and ylang ylang with a touch of jasmine. Each candle is soy based and contains 12 ounces of wax. There are several books to choose from, each transporting you to a different story.

for the WINE BOTTLE WIND CHIME Bottles Uncorked has found a great way to turn empty wine bottles into beautiful works of art. These one-of-a-kind wind chimes will surely catch the eye and are a great addition to any backyard or patio.

Bottles are expertly cut and wrapped in a copper accent that creates a unique bouncing light effect from the sun. A wooden ball and heart is attached to each bottle to catch the wind and play soothing and not overbearing tunes. Many variations in color are available, and chimes can be purchased separately or in the full set of seven.

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for the PERSONALIZED CUTTING BOARD Every chef loves to put their signature on a dish, so why not have that signature on the presentation. These high-quality cutting boards can be engraved and personalized for the kitchen connoisseur who seemingly has everything. Made from beautiful acacia wood, this item is stylish and can be left out on display at all times. This item works as a cutting board, lazy Susan and also as a pizza serving dish.

for the VINTAGE TYPEWRITER While computers have made typing and correcting our mistakes far simpler, there’s a certain nostalgia and peace of mind when using a typewriter. The familiar clack, clack, clack and ding takes us back to a more simple time. Tony’s has a variety of typewriters available dating back to the 1930s. These beautiful pieces are a great conversation starter in any living room or office, and all are still functioning. If you have an author in the home who’s stuck in writer’s block, perhaps a break from the computer will help them come up with the next big idea.

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for the SHASTA CAMPER TRAILER FLASHLIGHT HAT When camping, whether by backpack, drive up or motorhome, space is always an issue. Now you can leave the bulky flashlights and lanterns at home and still look good wearing this fun flashlight hat.

This ballcap features four extra bright LED lights built right into the brim. The on/off switch is easy to operate, and the lights are powerful enough to illuminate things 40 feet away. The batteries last up to 50 hours and are easily replaceable. The hat is adjustable to fit any head size and is even washable. You’ll never worry about forgetting the flashlight again!

for the PERSONALIZED AMMO CAN Add a personal touch to your favorite sportsman’s hunting equipment with a customized ammunition box. The American flag graphic comes on both sides and names are added at the time of order. This ammo can is made to U.S. Military specifications, is water and air tight, and also can include a locking mechanism for safe keeping. The graphics are precision engraved so they won’t peel or fade like decals or paint applications. While good for storing ammo, the water- and air-tight design allows this carbon steel box to serve in many different functions as well.

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Gig Harbor Yacht Club For your next Special Event!

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for the HANDMADE LEATHER CAMERA STRAP The photographer in your life who loves the versatility and precision of a high-end digital SLR will truly appreciate this beautiful custom strap to help keep their camera out of harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. Each is 100-percent leather, handmade and hand stitched. It comes with a laurel stamp design and is available in several different colors. The strap will last for years and provides great comfort for those with a camera strapped to them for the day.

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Custom Furniture Custom Doors Custom Kitchens Laser Engraving Millwork Gifts Items Gig Harbor - Olalla, WA (253) 858-3210 Robb@RobbYoung.com Family owned & operated, since 1980

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LIVING WITH

INTENTION The road to a more fulfilling life

By Patty Hutchens

“Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” - Mary Anne Radmacher Why should life be different as an adult? We all need to take time to f you are like most people, you occasionally have one of those days enjoy life, laugh and spend time with those we love. Sounds easy, right? where you throw up your hands and just say, “I give up!” Many of Not really. Not in a world that is hectic and hurried and driven by a need us are so consumed with the day-to-day commitments in our lives of instant gratification. Add into that the technology that seems to be that at times we feel we just can’t keep up. We crawl into bed tired always at our fingertips. and weary.

As you seek to live a life full of intent, evaluate what it is in your life that What if you could change all that? What if you could control your life makes you happy. What values are most important to you? Are there instead of letting it control you? Intentional living may mean different people who tend to bring negativity into your life? Set boundaries and things to different people, but in the end the result is the same—happiness choose to surround yourself with joyful people and engage in activities and fulfillment. that make you happy and bring you fulfillment.

I

In the quest to live an intentional life, examine your values and beliefs, and reflect on what makes you happy.

As children, we played with abandon. We laughed and did not feel guilty for enjoying life; after all, there were few obligations other than a possible homework assignment pulling us in different directions.

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Living with intention requires really getting to know who you are. Make a list of your passions, talents and yes … list your weaknesses. Reflect on the past and make a conscious decision to not allow any negativity to shape who you want to be. Look forward and define goals you would like to accomplish, and look at ways you can accomplish those goals.

I grew up in a large city where I never felt what I did would truly make

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an impact. But 20 years ago I moved to a small town where I instantly saw firsthand the work of volunteers making a significant impact on those in the community. I soon found myself involved in various nonprofits, choosing ones that supported causes that were near and dear to me. It brought fulfillment to know that I had a gift to give and could share it with others.

Each year around the holidays, we hear of Shop Local campaigns. When I first heard it, my immediate thought was, “What is the big deal?” I grew up in Minneapolis where the choices of where to shop were abundant. How can it make that big of a difference where I shop? But since moving to a town of only 7,000 residents, I have grown to know those who have worked hard their entire lives to build a business, and I now consciously choose to support those who have become my friends and neighbors, knowing that the money I spend will not only

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support those people, but the entire community.

Living with intention may require a great deal of self-examination in the beginning, but once realized, it opens a whole new way of looking at the world.

When you wake in the morning, start by making a choice on what type of attitude you will have as you approach decisions that may come your way.

Be purposeful in both your words and your actions.

Engage in your community and at work.

For many people, living intentionally also includes decluttering their lives— physically and emotionally.

Examine your habits, situations and people that bring stress or unpleasantness. Likewise, look at how you can get rid of physical things that may add clutter to your life.

Does a certain object add to your life? If not, give it away. It may be a treasure to someone less fortunate. It is

refreshing to see what was once “the bigger the better” is now becoming a trend of minimalism. The latest trend of tiny homes is one such indication of this new way of life for many.

Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles one may have when it comes to living intentionally is holding onto past mistakes. Learning to forgive ourselves for things in the past is important to being able to move forward and fully embrace the life we want to live.

Does living with intent mean that every day will be joyful?

No. That is not real life. But if you learn to embrace those not-so-perfect days and focus on the positive, your blessings will be great.

So go out, live a life where you can express your feelings and show the world the true authentic you. It will bring blessings to you and to those with whom you come in contact.

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DOES YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL VALUES? Edward Jones financial advisor, Ken Wood, discusses this new trend

By Patty Hutchens

I

t has been a trend in our everyday life for a while now and is growing in popularity.

Through sustainable living, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how they can live an environmentally and socially responsible life. From green building to locally sourced food, those who practice sustainable living are doing their best to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

Restaurants are making a conscious effort to bring “farm to table” offerings to their menu. The result is fresh food that also has a positive impact on their local farmers.

For decades, our homes became bigger while our families became smaller, but that has changed with the tiny-home movement.

People are opting to bike or walk as opposed to driving to destinations a short distance away. Recycling and composting have done much to reduce waste. These are all things that many people do each day to achieve their goal of sustainable living. But are you aware that you can also practice sustainable living when it comes to investing your hard earned money?

While many of us think of the words “conservative” or “aggressive” when it comes to our investment strategy, sustainable, responsible and impact investing is a strategy that is gaining momentum in the investment world.

Just what does it mean to be a “sustainable investor”? Naturally, one seeks for strong financial performance in his or her investments, but they also look for investments that have a positive impact on society or our environment.

People seek to invest in companies that are making a difference in the world, either through giving back to the community or supporting programs that benefit our society.

In the following interview, Ken Wood, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Sandpoint, addresses many questions people have about this growing trend.

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What is socially responsible investing (SRI)?

Social responsible investing (SRI) is known by a lot of terms, including “green,” “ethical,” “sustainable” or “mission” based investing. Essentially, it involves taking someone’s personal values and aligning those with their investment strategy.

It has been an expanding trend over the past 15 years as more people choose to invest with their heart as well as their head. In fact, the 2016 report by US SIF Foundation on sustainable investment trends indicated that $1 out of every $5 under professional management in the U.S. is allocated to SRI, and the market for SRI investments has increased 33 percent since 2014.

Why would someone consider social responsible investing?

SRI appeals to a variety of people. Yet, their underlying reasoning for pursing this type of investment platform is because they want to align their moral values and beliefs with their money.

In some cases, I find clients are seeking to avoid specific companies or industries. For example, I had a client whose mother had passed away from lung cancer after years of smoking. As such, she didn’t want any of her hard-earned money invested in tobacco-based companies.

For other clients, they see it as a way to reward companies that pursue and adopt ethical and sustainable business standards. Every person I meet with has their own reason and story for wanting to pursue this investment strategy.

How is SRI applied in developing an investment portfolio?

It really starts with a conversation around their personal principles and goals. The components of a well-diversified portfolio include a combination of equities and bonds built around an individual’s investment objectives and tolerance for risk. I spend a lot of time asking questions to both existing and potential clients about what they want their portfolio to accomplish. We try our best to eliminate companies and industries that are not in alignment with the individual’s moral values. Then, we try to find areas that an investor might be passionate about that could be suitable, long term investments for their portfolio.

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What are the risks involved with investing in this manner?

I want to make it very clear that there is always some level of inherit risk when investing. With that being said, when it comes to investing in socially responsible investments, there are some specific risks that people need to be aware of. First, sustainable investing often has many subjective qualities, and may mean different things to different people. This can result in a sustainable investment not aligning with all of a client’s desired qualities.

Second, investments may not always receive high-sustainability scores from third-party evaluators, even if the fund is marketed as sustainable. Finally, certain sustainable funds have a narrow focus, which results in less diversification than we would generally find appropriate.

Where can I learn more about investing in SRI? Sustainable investing is becoming more prevalent as an investment strategy, and there are various resources available to those wanting to learn more about it. The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, located at USSIF.org, has a variety of articles and information regarding this subject. In addition, CR Magazine (TheCRO.com) publishes an annual report called the Best Corporate Citizens list, highlighting companies that perform well in seven distinct categories such as environmental, philanthropy and corporate governance. Finally, I would encourage anyone interested to talk to a financial professional about their specific goals and investment objectives.

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PEOPLE SEEK TO INVEST IN COMPANIES THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, EITHER THROUGH GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY OR SUPPORTING PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT OUR SOCIETY.

Do I have to sacrifice potential returns if I want to follow a valuebased investment approach?

As a financial professional, I have a legal duty and a strong desire to help clients take care of their money so that they can pursue the life they envision. I could not endorse an investment platform that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assist my clients in achieving their individual goals. From the extensive research that I have done, I am convinced that it is not necessary to sacrifice your own values for investment performance. A properly constructed, welldiversified portfolio can be socially responsible, sustainable and provide comparable investment performance to conventional portfolios over a long period of time.

Disclaimer: Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

What kind of investment options are available?

2016 Report on Sustainable & Responsible Investing Trends, 11th, 12-12. (2016). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from www.ussif.org.

There are various investment vehicles available to suit an individual investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. These include individual stocks and bonds, exchangetraded funds specific to SRI and various mutual funds. Many mutual-fund companies have even emerged that provide only religiousbased and/or socially conscious specific funds.

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CHIONOPHILES...

AND THE BENEFITS OF BIG FEET IN A NIVEAN ENVIRONMENT

BY MARY TERRA-BERNS

TRAVEL & LEISURE

“Nature says, ‘I’m going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that’s tough. I am going to snow anyway.’” - Maya Angelou speech THE GREEK WORD FOR SNOW IS CHION. And when it comes to snow, you are either a phobe, euphore or a phile. A chionophobe is someone who doesn’t like snow and avoids it. Chioneuphores tolerate snow and chionophiles look forward to, and enjoy, snow and the winter months. As the days get shorter and nights get longer, fight the urge to hibernate. Instead of enduring the cold temperatures and snow by staying indoors wrapped in a cocoon of blankets, spread your winter wings and make the most of the nivean (snow) environment. Now is the time to ditch that bikini and break out the snowshoes!

about in the winter was critical for our ancestors’ survival.

However, with our relatively small feet and big bodies, traveling in snow was a substantial challenge. At some point, probably when post-holing through thigh-deep snow, our human ancestors may have observed a snowshoe hare (or other big-footed chionophile) moving effortlessly across the top of the snow thanks to its big feet. Well, we humans may not have big feet, but we do have a big, creative brain; a brain that recognized the benefits of big feet and translated that knowledge into simple yet efficient devices that imitated the bunny’s big feet—snowshoes.

A few thousand years ago, being able to travel and move

Snowshoe designs continued to improve and eventually

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

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

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

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

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SNOWSHOEING AS A WINTER ACTIVITY HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR, AND WHY NOT? IT’S EASY AND INEXPENSIVE, AND THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN PARTICIPATE.

evolved into a few functional shapes and sizes, which were influenced by location, type of use and snow conditions. Initially, skis were called long snowshoes and snowshoes were called raquettes by French Canadians, because of their similarity to tennis rackets, and webs by Europeans who recently arrived in America.

But, by the early 1900s, raquettes and webs became snowshoes, and long snowshoes were known as skis.

Snowshoes were indispensable winter survival gear for Native Americans, trappers and explorers but were also used for winter sports.

In the mid-1800s, several snowshoe clubs on the eastern side of Canada conducted racing competitions. Recreational snowshoeing was born.

Snowshoeing as a winter activity has become increasingly popular, and why not? It’s easy

and inexpensive, and the whole family can participate. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Aluminum frames and neoprene decking make moderns snowshoes lightweight and maneuverable. Also, bindings have improved.

Rotating-toe cord bindings allow the tail of the snowshoe to drag instead of being lifted, which requires less energy. The fixed-toe cord binding allows the whole shoe to be lifted, which makes it easier to step over obstacles or run on packed trails, but requires more energy. Crampons can be added for extra traction and stability; however, if you are moving through downfall, you may want to remove them because they easily catch on wood and can trip you up.

Insulated boots that support your ankles and hiking poles provide additional stability.

The increased popularity of snowshoeing has seen recreational programs pop up everywhere in snow country. Community recreation

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”

programs, colleges, ski resorts and park facilities offer workshops, demonstrations, clinics and races. Some national parks and ski resorts loan out snowshoes for day use. State Park and Recreation agencies have designated snow-park locations (large parking lots kept clear of snow) for winter recreationalists. Some snow parks have groomed trails dispersing from the parking lot and are typically intended for cross-county skiers and snowmobilers.

However, with the continued popularity of snowshoeing, trails nowadays often have a designated side for the shoeing crowd.

Snow conditions dictate the style and size of snowshoe best suited for the day’s travel.

That fluffy white stuff isn’t always fluffy; the snowpack has different densities. If you are venturing out on dense, compact snow, a smaller snowshoe is adequate. In some instances, if you are smaller and don’t weigh a

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lot, you can walk without snowshoes on top of this type of snow. However, if you are looking to trek through some champagne powder, that beautiful light, fluffy stuff, you will need to go with a bigger snowshoe. Even with a larger snowshoe you will still sink a few inches, and breaking trail in powder is quite a workout. Go with a few friends so you can switch off trailbraking duty.

Most dogs enjoy the snow, and snowshoeing is a great activity for many fur-faces. My furry four-legged companions love the snow.

However, they usually are not allowed on groomed trails. No matter, they will gladly follow you as you break trail on any snowshoe adventure. They figure out very quickly that it is easier to bring up the rear while you do all the hard work. Once the trail is established, they will happily run ahead investigating the nivean environment. Dogs are quick to pick up the scent of any wild critter that has crossed your path. If you are out and about after new, sparkling snow has settled, usually 24 to 48 hours, you are likely to see a variety of animal tracks. I spent years snow-tracking

on various wildlife research projects and still enjoy spotting and trailing tracks to identify what kind of chionophile was out and what they were doing.

If you do have your pups with you while exploring the nivean environment, keep in mind, particularly if you are on public land, winter is when trappers are out setting their trap lines. Watch for boot tracks or snowshoe trails. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, especially when they pick up an unusual scent.

Different attractants are used—sometimes a can of sardines, sometimes a lure that smells like skunk. If you notice other human tracks, smell skunk or see your dog overly focused on a specific spot, rein them in and move on because there is likely a trap or traps set in the area.

There are numerous guide books that describe routes (some are summer hiking trails), from easy to extreme, and give advice for trekking during the winter. On the other hand, you may want to go it on your own and enjoy the freedom of making your own path. Keep in

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mind that landmarks look different in the winter, so having some navigation savvy is wise.

Additionally, if you are following tracks made by some other adventurer, you should have a good sense of where the tracks lead—the route may be an avalanche hotspot that you should avoid, or you may be following someone with more extreme genes than yourself. Always take plenty of food and water. Most importantly, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back—cell phones don’t always have reception in the backcountry.

Safety first!

Still resisting breaking out of your cocoon and committing to living the life of a chionophile?

Here’s some additional incentive; you can burn about 450 calories per hour while snowshoeing! A lot more if you are breaking trail in powder. Snowshoeing will keep you trim and fit throughout the winter and come spring, when the sun is shining warm and bright, you can confidently don that bikini that has been hibernating since last fall.

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Eat Well Eat Local

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BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOLIDAYS

Recipe courtesy of the Waterfront Farmers Market Broccoli originated in the Mediterranean. It was probably first grown in the United States by Italian immigrants who grew it in their home gardens. Today, farmers can grow 30,000 broccoli plants per acre. Broccoli stems are edible and as nutritious as the florets, except they have less beta carotene.

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INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 large carrot, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 1 large potato, peeled and diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp. dry mustard

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METHOD • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

• Add onion, carrot and celery; cook, stirring often, until the onion and celery soften (5 to 6 minutes).

• Add the potato and garlic and cook while stirring for 2 minutes.

• Stir in flour, dry mustard and cayenne, continuing to stir for an additional 2 minutes.

• Add broth and broccoli stems; bring to a boil.

• Cover and reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Stir in broccoli florets and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

• Ladle 2 cups of the simmering soup into a mixing bowl and mash.

• Return the mash to the soup.

• Stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream while the soup continues to simmer.

• Stir until the cheese is melted and the chowder is heated through (about 2 minutes).

• Season with salt as desired.

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• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper • 2 14-oz. cans vegetable broth • 8 oz. broccoli crowns, cut into 1-inch pieces, stems and florets separated • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/2 cup sour cream • 1/8 tsp. salt

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Come and try their delicious new additions and nightly specials at the Green.House Restaurant, offering lunch, twilight, dinner and happy hour.

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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.

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Arts & Entertainment LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

GIRLS NIGHT OUT 2017 A Gig Harbor annual tradition

By Marguerite Cleveland Photos courtesy of the Downtown Waterfront Alliance

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL GIRLS NIGHT OUT Gig Harbor Waterfront takes place Thursday, November 9, from 10am to 9pm. The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance encourages you to spend the day shopping and dining at local businesses. The event is one of the largest girls night out events in the state and received the 2014 Excellence on Main Award – Outstanding Promotional Event, awarded by the Washington State Main Street Program. It features more than 50 participating businesses along the waterfront, making this Gig Harbor’s largest shopping and dining event.

Josh Sherwin, chair for the Girls Night Out event committee and special projects coordinator for the alliance said, “This event brings the community downtown and gives a lot of exposure to our local businesses. It is a great way for ladies to kick off their holiday shopping season. Proceeds from the event support the Waterfront Alliance (which is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization). We have over 2,000 ladies attending the event. The social activity online before the event and during the day of is amazing.”

Two complimentary Pierce County Transit Trolleys will run routes from one end of town to the other with multiple stops in between. Convenient parking is available at the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, located at 7400 Pioneer Way in Gig Harbor.

Programs will be available for purchase the day of the event for $10. This is a great resource for planning your day. It includes maps showing participating businesses and stops for the trolley. It lists the many fun activities and door prizes taking place throughout the day. Most importantly, it has coupons.

For more information and to stay abreast on the details, visit Girls Night Out Gig Harbor Waterfront on Facebook or contact the Alliance at info@ ghhwa.org or 253.514.0071.

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PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

t s e f r e t in rfest PEN

IN

OOL GH SCH I H A SUL

W e t n i W PEN

I

HOOL IGH SC H A L NSU

A R T S & C R A F T S F E S T I VA L

Thanksgiving Weekend November 25th-26th

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BODY PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL • 14105 PURDY DRIVE NW • GIG HARBOR, WA 98332 GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOV

13th Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

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Tacoma Art Museum’s 2017 Día de los Muertos brings together more than 30 community altars, a colorful tapete, traditional foods, Aztec dancing from CeAtl Tonalli, Mariachi performance by Mariachi Ayutla and artmaking in TAM Studio.

Held 10am to 4pm, this program is free and open to the public. As a special treat, TAM members get exclusive access to the sugar skull making activity.

TacomaArtMuseum.org

NOV

NOV

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Girls Night Out

The award winning, 8th annual Girls Night Out on the Gig Harbor Waterfront is Gig Harbor’s largest shopping and dining event! More than 50 downtown waterfront businesses will be participating. From 10am to 9pm, ladies are encouraged to bring their friends and join the fun discovering what our downtown businesses have to offer! GigHarborWaterfront.com

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Winter Warm-Up Crafts Fair

More than 60 booths of handmade and one-of-a-kind local art and creations at this year’s events. Entertainment includes children’s crafts and face painting, Vaughn Elementary Drum Ensemble and Choir, Bluegrass Minstrels, KPMS Jazz Band and KP NEw Pictures with Santa at 1pm.

Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the Key Peninsula Civic Center. KPCivicCenter.org

NOV

NOV

23

17

The Polar Express Train Ride

Holmes Gig Harbor Turkey Trot

Register now for the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot. Start your Thanksgiving Day festivities with the annual Holmes Gig Harbor Turkey Trot.

Head to the Post Office Parking Lot on Judson Street and join in the fun Thanksgiving morning and participate in the 10k or 5k, starting at 8am. Register online at GigHarborTurkeyTrot.com.

November 17 - December 31. The magic of The Polar Express™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive onboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole. Visit MtRainierRailroad. com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Upcoming Events - December

01

02

SANTA'S ANNUAL TREE CASTLE TOY LIGHTING AT DRIVE @ SKANSIE BROTHERS ACM PARK GigHarborLivingLocal.com 106

08

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: 4TH ANNUAL ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL

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IT’S A WONDERFUL WATERFRONT

Schedule your Well-deserved Spa Day Today!

Come celebrate life on the water.

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

Gift Certifi cates Available We Provide: Spa Packages Massage Waxing Body Treatments Facials & Skincare Lash Extensions Nail Care Spray Tanning

For Yourself or Someone You Love *Appointments & Gift Certificates Can Easily Be Made or Purchased Online

Let Gig Harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty be the backdrop of your celebration.

Visit GigHarborGondola.com for more information.

John Synco

bluemoonmassage-spa.com

Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard

3117 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 253.432.0052 gigharborgondola@gmail.com f Gig Harbor Gondola

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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253.509.0258

7700 Pioneer Way STE 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

NOV

24 NOV

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Zoolights

November 24 - January 1. See the Zoo transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with more than a half-million lights. The holiday spirit comes aglow in this magical world of dazzling 3-D animal light displays. The aquariums are a favorite nighttime attraction, and the holiday carousel will run each night. Cookies, cocoa and other treats will be available. Zoolight hours are 5 to 9pm, and admission is $10 with children 2 and younger in free. PDZA.org

Small Business Saturday

Show Gig Harbor’s Downtown Waterfront businesses your support this holiday season by taking part in this year’s Small Business Saturday, held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This wonderful event promotes community and shopping local, encouraging neighborhood and community relationships with retail therapy.

GigHarborWaterfront.org

DEC

02

December 2 Breakfast with Santa

DEC

02

Peninsula High School Winterfest

25-26. Peninsula High School Winterfest arts and crafts festival takes place Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm at Peninsula High school (14105 Purdy Drive NW).

Admission is just $5. All proceeds benefit the Peninsula High School Student Body.

For more information, call 253.530.4400.

DEC

Celebrate the holiday season and have your pictures taken with Santa! 9 to 11am, enjoy holiday music, arts and crafts, and letters to Santa! The Gig Harbor Kiwanis will also be providing a pancake breakfast.

There’s a photo booth, too! Children under 2 are free! Children must be accompanied by paid adult. Pre-register online or call 253.530.0722 to avoid the lines at the door.

03

6th Ave Santa Parade

6th Ave Business District is hosting the Santa Parade December 3. This free, fun, family friendly event kicks off at 4:30pm.

Drumline, bands, floats, lights, the Grinch, Whos and Santa ... What could be more exciting than?! The parade will follow 6th Avenue from Alder to State in Tacoma.

On6thAve.org

Upcoming Events - December 09

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

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14

HARK THE HARBOR

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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WHIMSICAL SNOWMAN PAINT NIGHT AT THE HARBOR GENERAL STORE

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MENORAH LIGHTING

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Experience

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WEATHERLY INN’s

White Christmas Market Wednesday, December 6, 2017 3:00PM—7:00PM

Live Music by

Chris Anderson Hot cocoa

Holiday Decor GIFTS Crafts

Jewelry FOODS

& MORE

6016 N Highlands Pkwy Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 752-855o www.weather lyinn.com

GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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an t EnREReti o th Wre WH NO r buy old anusia Ad? A IR W Ji all in cl tyh o st? RCla N m ty g a e n W D ss ITNG s e at pe th si ho t ife ic A ED! ut !

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

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

We’re interested in selling you a car that will bring you happiness for years to come.

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

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

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

1938 FORD COUPE HOT 1936 SERIES 70ROD All new everything. Runs and drives CADILLAC excellent. 350/350 set up. $25,000 $36,000

1949 HUDSON SUPER SIX 1966 PONTIAC

24,579 original miles. Stored 40 years by GTO parents then donated to a Museum. Car runs $17,000 and drives perfectly. $9,750

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

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

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GigHarborLivingLocal.com 253.514.8478 | 4711 Point Fosdick Drive NW Gig Harbor, 114 WA 98335

de Recat PHOTOGRAPHY

Call Today for your free Consultation 5727 Baker Way NW • Suite 206 • Gig Harbor • WA • 98332 • (253)-514-6447 info@derecatphotography.com • www.derecatphotography.com GigHarborLivingLocal.com

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(253) 530-7300

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

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