October 2015 Gig Harbor Living Local

OCT 2015

LIVING LOCAL

One

CELEBRATE THE Season

BOAT

at a

Time

IN GERMAN TRADITION

FILLING THE

Need

MAKING A

Difference

THE ART of

A Renaissance Man

LIVINGLOCAL

Volunteering

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

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SERVING GIG HARBOR

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

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

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

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

Because We Care.

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WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Find out what her clients know.

Carolyn Cares DRIVEN. PROVEN RESULTS. Carolyn Westmoreland

The Westmoreland Group • 253.961.5596 carolynwestmoreland@remax.net • www.carolynwestmoreland.com

Exceptional Service, Exceptional Company.

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

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

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Beautiful Living FOR EVERY

STEP IN LIFE

Bellesara - Harbor Crossing - Blackstone GIG HARBOR

GIG HARBOR

MANCHESTER

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

WWW.RUSHRESIDENTIAL.COM

{

Address & Directions Model Home Hours Features & Upgrades

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

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

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

068i0000001v8ET

Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles!

Remind your child to brush 2 minutes 2x a day. Younger children still need your help brushing!

Call to make an appointment for your child with a pediatric dentist.

Twice a year is per fect!

A pediatric dentist is the BIG authority on little teeth!

B RIAN D ANSIE , DDS, MS

Call for an appointment today (253) 858-8581 3519 56TH STREET NW, SUITE 140 GIG HARBOR, WA 98335

WWW.HARBORKIDSTEETH .COM WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Elite Exteriors H o m e

Renovations

Elite Exteriors H o m e

Renovations

Elite Exteriors

Call Elite Exteriors today for your coating and siding!

WE DO IT ALL! Siding :: Windows Roofing :: Coating

CHIC and long lasting protection for H oCoating m e System R e n oprovides v a t i obeautiful ns exterior stucco, masonry, concrete, metal, wood, and composite siding.

With a reputation unmatched in the industry, CHIC is the clear choice to refinish your home or building and save your exterior siding against our weather in Western Washington!

Long Lasting Protection and Beauty!

Podcasts available on ELITEE*186PB

To schedule a consultation call us at

CHIC Coating has protected this lighthouse in British Columbia for three decades.

253.858.8517

www.EliteExteriorsNW.com

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WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Thinking about your dream vacation home in your dream location? Call today for a free consultation.

223 Cedar Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864 | 208.263.2853 | www.dsscustomhomes.com

LIVINGLOCAL

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WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM MARKETING

Marketing Executive | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@gogigharbor.com

ENTERTAINMENT: 7-9pm 10/2 - SHADY DAY / PELICAN BREW NIGHT 7-10PM 10/3 - THEA WESTCOTT & HWY 16 BAND 10/6 - GAMERATI (GAME NIGHT) 10/9 - RICK & IKE

10/10 - SOFT (LIVE) 10/15 - BUNCO 6-8PM 10/16 - KURT LINDSAY 10/17 - BUDAPEST WEST 10/23-24 - SHY BOYS 7-10PM

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Patty Hutchens patricia@like-media.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig

SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENTS

Media Manager/Events | Melody Vanhorn melody@like-media.com Media Intern | Maddie Russo maddie@like-media.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS Joy Peterson • Sarah Polyakov Susan Paganelli • Chris Strickley Susan Moore

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by www.like-media.com. If you would like to advertise with us please call 253.273.8524 or email info@like-media.com.

To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at events@like-media.com.

www.forzacoffeecompany.com | 253.858.8033 5275 Olympic Drive NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Visit our other FORZA Locations in University Place (Bridgeport & 27th or Bridgeport & Cirque), Pearl Street, Dupont and Lacey.

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

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Your Personal Resource For Home Buying & Selling!

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

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

5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig 253.732.0534 Harbor, WA 98335

sue@suerand.com 253.732.0534 www.suerand.com sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

- www.HarborHomeRentals.com 5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.732.0534

sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

Turn your property into a vacation or short term rental.

Ask us how!

Harbor Home Vacation Rentals HarborHomeRentals@gmail.com

360.463.7328

5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.732.0534

sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

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PUBLISHER Supporting Our Police It’s horrific and yet it seems like every time we turn on the television we hear of yet another police officer that has been shot in the line of duty. These men and women who chose a life of being put in harm’s way to protect our communities I am sure never envisioned that those in their profession would be gunned down at the rate it seems to be happening today.

What can we as communities do to stop this? First, we can offer our support in every way possible. We can make them grateful they chose the career they did by simply extending a heartfelt thank you when we see them patrolling our sidewalks and streets. We can teach our children to not fear the police; teach them they are our friends who are there to make sure we are safe.

While criminals cry loudly about alleged police wrongdoing, we as law-abiding citizens can also speak in positive support. There are many ways to do so. There are Facebook pages such as Stand Up America and Support Our Police and We Support Our Police. Share stories with others of the positive things you see a policeman doing.

Next time you see a police officer, shake their hand, tell them thank you and maybe even offer to buy them a cup of coffee. Let’s take a stand as a community and support those who put their lives in danger each and every day – all for the common goal of making our community a safer, desirable place to live.

Do you have a story to share of how a police officer made a difference in your life? We would love to hear about it!

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

Creating. Connecting. Living Local.

Steve Russo

Steve Russo | steve@like-media.com

ABOUT THE COVER OCT 2015

LIVING

LOCAL

CELEBRATE THE Season

One

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at a

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Need

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253.853.2033

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

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LIVINGLOCAL

LIVINGLOCAL

WWW.GOGIG

HARBO R.COM

OCTOB ER 2015

1

The craft beer revolution is sweeping the country; whether you enjoy creating the beverage in your own kitchen or touring the breweries to sample the many varieties available, it is a hobby that is enjoyed by many.

This month there will be many opportunities to enjoy a craft beer of your choice at the countless Oktoberfest celebrations around the region! Enjoy a cold drink and sit back and celebrate the season!

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

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

F I NH O L M’ S

GROCE RY

&

DELI

Stone Brewery Night

October 16

5-7pm

Lita Dawn Stanton hosts a celebration party for the new mural

October 10

8812 N Harborview DR Gig Harbor, Washington (253) 851-2229

LIVINGLOCAL

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

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FIND MORE at gogigharbor.com

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM

OCTOBER 16-18 FESTIVAL

48 A Renaissance Man Dr. Forrest Bird, who passed away in August of this year, is credited with saving the most lives of anyone in the history of mankind. His inventions and impact on the medical field earned him the rank of third among famous inventors – right behind Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison. This article by Patty Hutchens will give you a unique insight to his life through the eyes of the person who knew him best; his wife, Dr. Pamela Riddle Bird.

Join us for one of the fastest growing independent film festivals in the Northwest.

The 8th Annual Gig Harbor Film Festival will feature a variety of selected films, a KidsFest and a 72-hour film competition with awards. Located at the Galaxy Theatre in Gig Harbor. Entries for films are still being accepted on our website www.gigharborfilmfestival.com.

OCTOBER 24 ALL HALLOWS EVE CELEBRATION Key Pen Parks is putting on a spooky and fun festival with Halloween right around the corner. Take part in the flashlight hunt and haunted hayride. Be sure to dress up and enter to win the costume contest!

S’mores and a live DJ will make this night lots-o-fun. Visit for more information keypenparks.com.

62 The Craft Revolution It’s a phenomenon that has quickly become the favorite hobby of many. Craft beer. Whether you enjoy making it or tasting the variety that is now available, it has certainly made an impact on the industry. This article by Colin Anderson will take you through the steps to making your own beer and provide you with information on the various breweries available for touring in the Pacific Northwest. Cheers!

CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE

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

pinterest.com/gigharborliving

instagram.com/gigharborliving

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Julie Reed Marketing Executive 253.273.8524 julie@gogigharbor.com

twitter.com/gogigharbor

LIVINGLOCAL

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

We’ve been expecting you...

Green Cottage Pets

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

A Health Food Store for Dogs & Cats 3028 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, Washington 253.851.8806

We're committed to turning your Outdoor

greencottagepets@earthlink.net www.greencottagepets.com

Space into an Outdoor Experience...

Because your experience matters.

253.380.7554

Susie, a Lab/Rot mix from Alaska.

Loves people and treats.

www.YardsByPacific.com

LIVINGLOCAL

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

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CONTENTS 16

34

56

62 24

48

76

30 88

SECTIONS

16 Home & Essentials 38 Athletes of The latest tips and trends. the Month

70 Shop in Style

24 Life & Community

76 Health & Lifestyle

The art of volunteering.

The best local shopping.

Adrian Valona and Justin Pasin.

46 Hometown Experts Your chosen local experts.

28 Business Spotlight 48 Feature Story Grace, love and fellowship.

82 Food & Drink

Discover Gig Harbor’s tastiest destinations.

A Renaissance man.

56 Arts & Entertainment

30 Good News Filling the need.

34 Gig Harbor in Focus One boat at a time.

Monthly calendar of great local events, music and shows.

62 Feature Story

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

88 Destination Northwest

Celebrate the season in German tradition.

The craft revolution.

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WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

ON THE COVER OCT 2015

LIVING LOCAL

One

CELEBRATE THE Season

BOAT

at a

Time

IN GERMAN TRADITION

FILLING THE

Need

MAKING A

Difference

THE ART of

A

Renaissance

Man

LIVINGLOCAL

Volunteering

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

1

Flexibility.

Keep Keepyour yourcar. car.

Trade in Flexibility.

Trade in yourFlexibility. loan.

your loan.

Kent Cashman, Agent State Farm® offers life insurance 6745 Kimball Drive STE D that allows flexibility to protect Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Bus: 253-851-5116 Kent Cashman, Agent your family’s finances, not only in State Farm® offers life insurance 6745 Kimball Drive STE D kent@kentcashman.com

that allows flexibility to protect Gig Harbor, WA 98335 thewith Kent Cashman, Agent future but today.

Refinancing us could State Farm Agent Bus: 253-851-5116 your family’s finances, not only in ® save you hundreds.

6745 Cashman, Kimball Drive STE D State Farm offers* life insurance that allows kent@kentcashman.com Kent Agent Refinancing with us could the future but today.

Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Call me now your to see how I can help State Farm Agent flexibility tocar protect family’s finances, Before high payments 253-851-5116 save you hundreds. * get 6745Bus: Kimball Drive STE D Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Bus: 253-851-5116

not in the but today. you only down,you give usfuture an opportunity and your family get better life me now to see Before high them carCall payments get how I can help to help bring down – with coverage.

Call me now to you seeand how I can you life your familyhelp get better you your down, giveno usget anbetter opportunity great ratesfamily and closing costs and life coverage. coverage.

to hidden help bring or fees.them down – with greatTO rates and no closing GET A BETTER STATE.®costs or hidden fees. FOR CALL ME TODAY MORE INFORMATION. GET TO A BETTER STATE.® CALL ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Where children can explore, create & learn!

Statelife Farm Life based Insurance Company (Not licensed *Hypothetical savings example over of loan on reduced interest rate. in MA, NY or WI) Life and Accident Assurance Company and- WI) Farm LifeFarm Insurance (Not licensed in(Licensed MA, NY inorNYWI) Actual savingsState amount willState vary depending on Company your individual circumstances.

State Farm1505051 Life and Accident AssuranceBloomington, CompanyIL(Licensed in NY and WI) State Farm Bank, F.S.B.,Bloomington, Bloomington, IL IL *Hypothetical savings example over life of loan based on reduced interest rate.

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ENROLLING NOW FOR 2015-2016 PRESCHOOL

Stop in and see us, we are located in Gig Harbor North by Albertson’s!

253.858.4835

www.discovery-village.com

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H

HOME & ESSENTIALS Tips & the Latest Trends

Feeling Loved and Special THE JOURNEY TO STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP THIS IS PART TWO IN A SERIES ON RELATIONSHIPS

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

Marriage is sometimes referred to as a crucible. A crucible is the vessel in which gold is refined. Gold is heated in a crucible until it melts, and the impurities rise to the surface to be skimmed leaving the purified gold. It is a fitting metaphor. Marriage is the crucible in which the continuing growth and development of individuals takes place. Marriage is the melting pot in which hidden imperfections and impurities, childhood wounds, dysfunctional scripts, denial and maladaptive strategies boil to the surface where they can be examined, appreciated for the purpose they served to protect or sustain us, and scrubbed away— leaving finer, wiser, humbler individuals and partners in their wake.

navigation chart or emotional GPS either; they are forced to muddle through as best they can.

Here is a simple tool to help you do much better than muddle. The Loved & Special practice can change everything. Try this for a full 30 days and pay attention to what happens in your love life... it could create a miracle!

Relationships confront your wounds, your losses, your flaws and your yearnings, but also your capacity for love and forgiveness.

In commitment, you learn to push beyond your previous capacity for selflessness and constancy. Bumps and bruises, disappointments and disillusionments, wrong turns, dead ends, flawed decisions and failure are opportunities to cultivate patience, wisdom and maturity.

• Make a date in the next week to share and exchange lists with your partner.

When a relationship is in distress, it seems you need a miracle to get back on track. A miracle has been defined by one writer as “a shift in perspective.” And another that all anguish is a result of being “at war with reality,” the conviction that something or someone should be different. Within these simple, profound choices is the road to peace and transcending relationship challenges with grit and grace.

Couples don’t set out to mess up their relationship. But they don’t come with a

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LOVED & SPECIAL EXERCISE Make a Loved & Special list: • Make a list of at least thirty things that make you feel Loved & Special.

• List things your partner has done and or wish they would do.

What to put on your list: • Favorite romantic dates, expressions of love, appreciation, validation and support.

• Add new things: romantic gestures, affectionate words, a juicy kiss, celebration.

How to use your list: • EVERY DAY, choose one item from your partner’s list to give as a gift. Cultivate your appetite for delight and wonder.

• CURIOSITY & SURPRISE. Two elements that make children so charming and delightful can keep your relationship forever new, lush and lively!

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Most Insurance Plans Accepted Flexible Payment Options Emergencies • Children Welcome Sapphire Whitening System • Cristal Veneers Friendly, Gentle, Quality Care 5122 Olympic Drive NW, Suite #B-201 Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

Making Happy, Healthy Smiles

253.851.8151 michellegreenfamilydental.com Follow Us on f

FREE NEW PATIENT EXAM (with billed xrays & cleaning)

Pick Up & Delivery Debra L. Burk

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

253.884.6622

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

www.debbiesofficeaide.com IF YOU ARE BEHIND WITH 2015 DATA ENTRY, LET OFFICE AIDE HELP. WE CAN HAVE YOU READY FOR YEAR-END TAX PREP BEFORE THE APRIL 15 DEADLINE!

LIVINGLOCAL

service pricing.

Maintaining quality with affordable

No Job Too Small

253-851-7077 Call us for your commercial and residential electric needs.

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Stimulate Your Curiosity

Our mobile devices render trivia games obsolete. Do you want to know who starred in a particular movie, the name of a state capital or the year a law was passed? Simply enter your question into Google, and you’ll have an answer in microseconds. The quality of your response is dependent on the quality of the question you ask. For example, if you’re visiting Springfield and want to know what’s playing at the local movie theater, a search for “Springfield movies” may provide show listings thousands of miles away – unless you enter the state. With 38 municipalities named Springfield in the United States and five in Wisconsin, you can see what might go awry.

HIGH QUALITY QUESTIONS DELIVER HIGH QUALITY RESULTS

BY DEBORAH OLIVE

Information is easy to find. Asking high quality questions requires wisdom, creativity and finesse.

The next time you step to the counter of your favorite barista, note the power of a well-timed question. If your barista asks, “Would you like your usual?” chances are higher that you’ll purchase a repeat beverage than if your barista asks, “Did you see that we posted our new fall beverages?”

Question Asking high quality questions requires wisdom, creativity and finesse.

As a business life coach, I work with professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners who are at a crossroad – often with a difficult question.

• My work is demanding, and I’m not spending

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LIVINGLOCAL

enough time with my family. I feel trapped.

How can I change this?

• The people I hire don’t care about my customers the way I do. How do I find good help?

• My youngest is a senior in high school. I’ve got a full career and we have important decisions to make about college and what I want for the next phase of my life. How do I know we’re making the right decisions?

• I own a successful business and I’m ready to travel more. How do I phase out while simultaneously building my business to sell at a value that supports my retirement?

There’s no Google box for these answers. We crave certainty and tend to look to the past for solutions.

This is important, but rarely enough to find the best solution for the person we are today. High quality questions help us tap our inner genius to uncover responses we can count on as we walk through these new doors.

Most of us weren’t taught how to ask high quality questions. Here are a few to help tap your inner genius.

What do I know for sure? This question stimulates curiosity. You’ll uncover not

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Unleashing Your Potential

We crave certainty and tend to look to the past for solutions.

DEBORAH OLIVE CERTIFIED TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH AND BUSINESS CONSULTANT

only what you do know, but possibly what you think you know that isn’t necessarily so.

What do I need to know? This breaks an otherwise daunting question into bite size pieces. Write out your responses to help clarify and prioritize.

What would I love? Because this question is so expansive and asked of adults so rarely, your first response may be very different than if you stay with this question for a couple days – or more.

What do I need to ask? Notice how your responses bring you closer to your decision.

It’s been said, “The quality of your questions determines the quality of your life.” While this is especially true when standing at a crossroads, it’s true in our day-to-day living. After all, each day is a lifetime in miniature.

OUT OF YOUR BOX AND INTO YOUR GENIUS OCTOBER 9, 2015 1-5PM

Early Bird Pricing $

97

Miles Global Meeting Room 3519 56th St NW, Ste 240 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

If you’re saying these things AND you’re serious about making a change, this workshop is for YOU! • I’m sick-and-tired of feeling BOXED IN • I know there’s MORE, I just don’t know what • I’m distracted and don’t stay FOCUSED In this 4-hour WORKSHOP you’ll experience the power of the proven DreamBuilder success-system to clarify your VISION, ignite your passion, tap your INNER GENIUS and change your RESULTS

REGISTER AT YOURINNERGENIUS.EVENTBRITE.COM

Taking Applications Now For Private & Group Coaching. Call:

253.209.2528

deborah@deboraholive.com

www.DeborahOlive.com Find Me on Facebook! f/ Deborah Olive Coaching

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Help for seniors moving to new living spaces

You Can Do it All A STRATEGY FOR JUGGLING LIFE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

BY SARAH FRIESEN, GIG HARBOR HOME MANAGEMENT

A Personal Move Manager will handle every step:

✓ Expert Guidance ✓ Organizing & Downsizing

✓ Estate & Auction Oversight

✓ Packing & Moving Assistance

✓ Getting Settled

No more goofing off into the late summer nights: back to business, new schedules and school routines.

The responsibilities you threw out the window in August are back on the to-do list in October.

on each balloon: work, son, daughter, partner, grandparent, family time and self-care. Now throw them up in the air. How hard is it to keep them all afloat? But what happens to the ones that do fall to the ground? They’re resilient, bouncy, patient.

Many women struggle to find balance and sanity while trying to accomplish the work of Superwoman. With the catchy title, “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All,” Anne Marie Slaughter’s 2012 article in The Atlantic created much controversy as women across the nation debated on whether “having it all” was just a myth.

Could this be true of our real “balloons?”

Could we take turns with responsibilities as our seasons change and let some fall gently to the ground – if just for an hour, a day or week?

According to Patricia Falotico, an IBM executive, women need to dispel the myth that work and life have to be equal parts all of the time. She shared a personal story of when she was caring for her sick father. “There were days when I had to be daughter first and executive second,” she said.

Relocation Services

GigHarborHomeManagement.com Specially trained:

“I’m really concerned about people feeling like they have to define balance based on anyone else’s definition. It’s got to be what works for you,” says Marilyn Midyette, CEO of Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. She tackles “having it all” in seasons. “In one quarter, I may hunker down because I have major initiatives I need to get accomplished.

In another quarter, it may be my kids are getting ready to go off to college, and I want to be present for that.”

For a visual picture, local therapist Teresa Renner suggests that you imagine a pile of balloons at your feet. Write one responsibility

Last month I watched with admiration as my employees practiced the art of choosing which “balloon” to keep in the air as they strived to be present during changing life seasons. Some had kids starting middle school, high school and even going off to college. Husbands traveled for work, grandkids visited, self-care took a turn and a couple weekends were devoted purely to business initiatives. Because of their efforts to make conscious choices for their time and devotion, they entered their new beginnings with peacefulness, fewer regrets and energy for what comes next.

As you settle in to the changes the fall has brought, challenge yourself to find the deep satisfaction of balance and peacefulness that can only come from within, when you are just exactly where you need to be in the moment that life hands to you. *Quotes taken from www.womenpoweringbusiness.com.

✓LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

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Avoid Emotional Investment Decisions

Make Your Financial Future a Priority.

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY EDWARD JONES FOR USE

BY YOUR LOCAL EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR, ERIN ABRIGO

What’s the biggest obstacle to your ability to invest successfully? Is it the ups and downs of the financial markets?

Political events? The fact that you weren’t born rich? Actually, the chief hurdle you face is something over which you have control: your own emotions.

Your emotions can lead to a variety of illadvised investment behaviors, such as these: • Cutting losses – Declines in the financial markets can lead some investors to try to “cut their losses” by selling investments whose price has declined. Yet, when prices have dropped, it may actually be a good time to buy investments, not sell them, especially when the investments are still fundamentally sound.

• Chasing performance – In the investment world, the flip side of “fear” is “greed.”

Just as some investors are propelled by fear of loss, others are motivated by quick, big gains. They may pursue “hot” investments, only to be disappointed when the sizzle quickly fizzles. Instead of trying to “score” that one big winner, you may be better off spreading your investment dollars among a range of vehicles – stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. While diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, it may help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio.

• Focusing on the short term – When the market is down, you might get somewhat upset when you view your monthly investment statements. But any individual statement is just a snapshot in time; if you were to chart your investment results over a period of 10, 15 or 20 years, you’d see the true picture of how your portfolio is doing – and, in all likelihood, that picture would look better than a statement or two you received during a down market. In any case, don’t overreact to short-term downturns by making hasty “buy” or

“sell” decisions. Instead, stick with a long-term strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Heading to the investment “sidelines” – Some people get so frustrated over market volatility that they throw up their hands and head to the investment “sidelines” until “things calm down.”

And it’s certainly true that, when owning stocks, there are no guarantees; you do risk losing some, or all, of your investment. But if you jump in and out of the market to “escape“ volatility, you may take on an even bigger risk – the risk of losing some of the growth you’ll need to reach your goals. Consider this: If you had invested $10,000 in a package of stocks mimicking the S&P 500 in December 1979, your investment would have grown to more than $426,000 by December 2013. But if you had missed just the 10 best days of the market during that time, your $10,000 would only have grown to less than $206,000 – a difference of about $220,000, according to Ned Davis Research, a leading investment research organization. The bottom line? Staying invested over the long term can pay off.

(Keep in mind, though, that the S&P 500 is an unmanaged index and isn’t meant to depict an actual investment.

Also, as you’ve no doubt heard, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.)

Our emotions are useful in guiding us through many aspects of our lives, but when you invest, you’re better off using your head – and not your heart.

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Defining Design THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE FATAL

BY BRETT MARLO DESANTIS

In our modern world, we depend on design. Your home is designed (along with everything in it); your car, the roads you drive on, your community, your workplace, your doctor’s office, the book you are reading and the clothes you are wearing.

Anything and everything manufactured was once designed.

There is great power in design, both for good and not-so-good. From designing buildings to designing apps, our every-day experiences are defined by design.

an item if there a quick-fix is not available. This horrible design ethic creates problems for both the consumer and our environment.

The GOOD, and sometimes, INNOVATIVE--thoughtful design embraces innovation and creates solutions. Great designers design desirable products and consider lifecycles. These products may be composed of reusable, recyclable or compostable parts that may be easily fixed. This design philosophy allows for continued value to the consumer.

Designing for future adaptations, often referred to as future-proofing, is critical in all design industries.

The BAD, and sometimes, FATAL--planned obsolescence--design for obsolescence occurs when a product is deliberately designed to have a specific short life span. Products are designed to endure long enough to develop a lasting “need.” When the product fails, the customer will want to fill that need and want to buy another, newer up-to-date version.

Forward-thinking building designers will take a holistic look at a project and its natural and built environment; from mechanical and technological systems to planning for accessibility, adaptability, modularity, deconstruction and re-purposing/end-of-life use.

Designers working in companies that follow the philosophy of built-in obsolescence actually spend time brainstorming how a product can be designed so that it lasts long enough to build customer confidence in both the product and its manufacturer AND still break down quickly enough to ensure another purchase. Most consumers will quickly discard

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

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How do we, as consumers, avoid design for obsolescence, or at a minimum manage or mitigate potentially fatal design?

Is the design practical, durable and cost-effective? Is it low-energy,

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flexible, even modular? Can you easily mend or replace broken or worn out parts? Are the parts and labor available locally?

How resilient is it; will it take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’? Is it overly-trendy…will you be over it before it breaks? Is the design appropriate for your region and environment? Regional and locally manufactured designs will address many of the above concerns.

Design Ethics Most consumers will quickly discard an item if there a quickfix is not available.

This horrible design ethic creates problems for both the consumer and our environment.

The great news is that with the invention and access of 3D printers, consumers can print parts to repair their purchases locally. Our emerging crowd-sourcing society shares printready files online!

Do we depend on design for our survival?

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LIFE & COMMUNITY Local Events and Stories

The Art of Volunteering BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM

BY SUSAN PAGANELLI

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There is an art to running a volunteer organization. There’s also an art to being an effective volunteer. Understanding both of these things is key to having a successful time, either as a volunteer or as an organizer.

I have been fortunate enough to work with organizations both large and small, schools and international group. I have held both leadership and grunt positions. What follows are lessons I have learned from my many years in volunteer work.

If you run an organization that needs volunteers, consider the following things.

First, volunteers step forth for a lot of reasons, but none of them generally do it for financial rewards. That means find out what drives your people: is it passion for a cause, to be a part of a child’s life, or to give back to the community?

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Whatever the reason, try to speak to that motivation. Second, don’t ever waste your volunteers’ time. Make sure meetings are run efficiently. Be prompt and try to keep activities organized. Third, be clear in your needs and endeavor to communicate those needs to your volunteers. Some volunteers love outreach and fundraising while others hate it. Try to identify different tasks and transmit them clearly to your volunteers so that they can choose what they are best at doing. Fourth, find a way to effectively communicate with your volunteers.

This allows both you and your volunteers to air concerns, discuss lessons learned and assess morale. Lastly, always be appreciative. This seems like a no-brainer, but people remember when they aren’t thanked and inadvertently forgetting to thank people happens more than you would think. Thank

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your volunteers often and graciously, and let them know how their efforts have contributed to the success of the project or organization.

Now for the other part of the equation: how to be an effective and helpful volunteer. First, know your motivation for volunteering. If it is to be near your child in their classroom, don’t sign up to help in the library. If you enjoy working with people, request a position that

reasons, so appreciate your fellow volunteers and strive to cooperate. Third, and this is a biggie, please don’t be the “idea fairy.” There are two types of idea fairies; the ones who offer lots of suggestions at an event but were never part of the planning, and those who have great ideas that take time, effort, money or people to implement, but don’t volunteer to help do it themselves. I’d have plenty of money in the bank if I had a dime for every time I’ve heard someone say, “You know what you should

Volunteerism

Volunteerism and charity are critical to creating and sustaining strong communities.

for an ineffective volunteer. Please, understand your limits, both in time and energy, and don’t feel guilty about putting your family, job and health first.

Volunteerism and charity are critical to creating and sustaining strong communities.

Look around- our parks, the flowers in our towns, our schools, youth activities (sports, art, drama, tutoring), our public art, medical research, disaster assistance, aid to the poor or housebound — many of these things are provided by people and groups striving to improve our world. None of it happens without volunteers. So, please, consider giving a little of your time and expertise to an organization near you. Choose one that meets your life’s constraints but also speaks to your passions and call them up... I guarantee they’ll be happy to hear from you. lets you interact with the community. Second, be mindful that most of the people you are working with are also volunteers. They give as much as you do and they, like you, don’t get paid. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many examples of pettiness and anger because one volunteer has a different idea or feels “more important” than another. We’re all here for the right

do…” and then walk away. If you have a great idea, help implement it. The last point I have for effective volunteering is often the most difficult thing to do: learn how to say “No.” I’ve met so many great, wonderful, energetic people that get burned out, put in the wrong position, or over-tasked because they say “yes” to all requests. All three of these things make

Susan Paganelli is a Gig Harbor resident and small business owner. She volunteers as a Disaster Team Leader for the American Red Cross, sits on the advisory board of Harbor Institute, and is President of the Gig Harbor High School Band Boosters.

Try to identify different tasks and transmit them clearly to your volunteers so that they can choose what they are best at doing.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GRACE, LOVE & FELLOWSHIP Church opens new campus to meet the growing needs of the community

By Patty Hutchens In a time when many churches have seen a decline in membership, Harbor Covenant Church in Gig Harbor has continued to grow and expand to serve members of our community.

“Harbor Covenant Church has had a presence in Gig Harbor for over 30 years. With the growth of Gig Harbor that has already taken place and is projected in the years to come, there is a whole region of our community that doesn’t have a place to be loved, accepted and welcomed into authentic relationships,” said Pastor Mark Willson of the decision to add a North Campus to Harbor Covenant Church earlier this year. “Recognizing the need, Harbor Covenant decided to create such a place in the North area where people would have easy access to participate in life together and grow as individuals and families.”

Joining Pastor Willson at the Harbor Covenant Church North Campus is worship leader Ben Wysong. Together they lead worship each Sunday at 10am at Discovery Village, which is located off Borgen Boulevard behind Harborstone Credit Union and across the street from Costco.

With a mission to love God, love others, serve God and serve others, the congregation is working together to transform lives in response to Christ’s love. “We are seeking to

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engage every member in our shared mission to the entire community through relationships and service in the heart of Gig Harbor North,” shared Pastor Willson.

Acknowledging that we are imperfect people who desire acceptance, grace and love, the congregation shares that those at Harbor Covenant Church seek to be non-judgmental or divisive; rather accepting and inviting.

“Our desire is to come alongside people in their journey. We believe God meets us where we are at, not where we wish we were or think we should be,” shared Pastor Willson. “We simply are doing our best to invite people into real relationships with one another as we get to know God better. And the best way we know to do this is doing life together and serving others.”

With a desire to take their mission beyond the physical walls of the church, those at Harbor Hill Covenant Church North Campus take one Sunday every three months to go out into the community they serve. On those Sundays people are organized into teams to work in conjunction with existing organizations such as the Easter Seals’ Camp Stand By Me, Habitat for Humanity, Northwest Furniture Bank, local public schools, A Place Called Hope — which supports foster children and their host families, Mustard Seed on Key Peninsula, and various

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families in need in our community.

“We seek to partner with businesses and organizations that are already serving in the community. We do this by funneling people into serving with various organizations and participating in local fundraising and community events like Race For A Soldier and Ellie’s Project,” said Pastor Willson. “ We want to be a group of people known for bringing love, hope and care for our community.”

In addition, they hope to foster a sense of community in Gig Harbor North by throwing block parties in Harbor Hill in various neighborhoods and hosting barbeques and picnics at local Pen Met Parks, just to name a few of their outreach activities.

Those at Harbor Covenant Church want people to know and experience God’s unconditional love, and at Harbor Covenant Church North Campus people will experience acceptance and support in their journey through life. “We are a place where we receive and extend grace,” said Pastor Willson.

Harbor Covenant Church North Campus 4835 Borgen Boulevard (Discovery Village) Gig Harbor, WA www.harborcovenant.org/northcampus

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

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

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

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

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

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GOODNEWS

Filling the Need Altrusa is combatting local hunger in creative ways Article and photos by Sarah Polyakov

Hunger? In Gig Harbor? No way!

That’s what you might hear were you to pose the question to most of the residents of this beautiful community.

For many reasons, hunger is an often silent force. Those who are hungry may not speak up or seek services because of a sense of shame.

Others may not know how to speak up, even if they wanted to make their hunger known.

Finally, there may not be resources for the hungry, even if they do choose to speak up.

Often, we may not be able to spot those who are hungry in our communities because hunger is not on our radar. We live in an affluent community and could easily draw the conclusion that hunger is elsewhere, but not here. Hunger happens in other communities, but not ours. Unfortunately, assumptions govern actions and taking action can change the world.

But if we decide to set assumptions aside and delve deeper, we will soon find reality of the issue. The reality is that even though we live in an affluent community, around 25 percent of school-aged children in Gig Harbor struggle

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with daily hunger. Mothers and fathers have to live with the excruciating pain of looking their hungry children in the eyes and telling them the cupboards are bare. While bare cupboards might make for a catchy nursery rhyme, this is not the case for the children or the parents who live with this alarming reality.

Fortunately, we will always have the dreamers who dream of better communities for children and who follow through by taking action locally. Some actions they take are practical, while others are creative. But the real magic happens when practicality and creativity merge to make a difference in a big way. Such is the case with our local Altrusa chapter as they leverage the power of the grassroots Empty Bowls project.

Filling the Bowls The concept is very simple. Local potters create a beautiful, handmade soup bowl to donate to the Empty Bowls project. Community members purchase a soup lunch through the project, and the proceeds go directly to combat local hunger. When our Altrusa chapter learned of the project, they realized it was a

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terrific way to help end childhood hunger in our community. They are tackling the largest need first and they are addressing the lack of meals available to school-aged children during the summer.

“The Empty Bowls project is a simple way to remind everyone that there are empty bowls in our community that need filling.

The Empty Bowls event partners with many different volunteers such as potters, restaurants, educators, sponsors, who, when working together, become a powerful force to end hunger. Our Empty Bowls event will raise money for ‘Food Scholarships’ to help pay for lunches and snacks for kids in the Boys and Girls summer program,” notes Jan Hohman, President of Altrusa International of Gig Harbor. According to recently developed figures, 48 percent of the Gig Harbor Boys and Girls club summer attendees are eligible for free and reduced price lunches.

Many of us are not aware that many children in Gig Harbor go hungry each summer because subsidized lunch programs are not available to them. These children fall through the cracks because of

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the way funding is calculated by the federal government. A footnote in FDA regulations indicates that one in four children go hungry during summer vacation.

Altrusa has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to address this need. “Altrusa’s focus has always been on the children of our community.

When we discovered that, while surrounding communities all had summer lunch programs for their children who had no other resources, we were amazed and horrified. One of every four students in Peninsula schools qualify for free or reduced price lunches, yet there is nothing to fill the gap when school is out for the summer. That should never happen in a community as fortunate as ours,” notes Altrusa’s past president Nancy Hohenstein.

Altrusa’s interest and intervention is hardly recent. Altrusa has been working with the Boys and Girls Club for 10 years to address hunger. Their first project, which was 10 years in the making and has been now been realized, involved building a large, new kitchen for the Boys and Girls Club. Altrusa pledged to fund the kitchen 10 years ago and has raised $10,000 per year to pay off the kitchen over 10 years.

They have recently reached their goal and had a “Mortgage Burning Celebration” on September 22.

Still, Altrusa has always known they would go

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We hope to see the effort grow to ensure that every child in our community, like those in every community surrounding us, has a good, healthy lunch to see them through their summer vacation. further and provide free lunches at the Boys and Girls Club for the 25 percent of local students who would otherwise go hungry.

Altrusa understands that their work with the Boys and Girls Club is just the beginning. In the future, it is their hope to partner with local churches and organizations.

Altrusa is hopeful that their efforts will inspire others to take up the issue and find ways to make a summer lunch program a reality for kids who might otherwise go hungry.

“What we can do is only one piece of the puzzle,” says Hohman. “We hope to see the effort grow to ensure that every child in our community, like those in every community surrounding us, has a good, healthy lunch to see them through their summer vacation.”

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LIFE & COMMUNITY

GIG HARBOR

IN FOCUS ONE BOAT AT A TIME

Keeping Gig Harbor’s Nautical History Alive

By Sarah Polyakov Photos courtesy of the Gig Harbor BoatShop Little did Captain Charles Wilkes know that on a stormy day in 1841, history would be made. In 1841, traveling only in a small captain’s gig and attempting to find respite from the storm, the captain could not have imagined that this serendipitous moment would be the beginning of something much bigger. So it was and continues to be that Gig Harbor and its nautical history are undeniably tied together to this very day.

Reminders of our nautical history and those who selflessly built our community are everywhere.

Fortunately, community members are equally aware that our nautical history is priceless and well worth being maintained. The Gig Harbor BoatShop, which is a nonprofit and located at the historic Eddon Boatyard, plays a large role in preserving our history through on-site education and a multitude of hands-on programs.

John Humphrey, the community development director at the BoatShop, notes that its mission is to “preserve the historic Eddon Boatyard and its traditional uses to perpetuate and build awareness of the cultural livelihoods on Gig Harbor’s working waterfront and to serve as a model for other communities and organizations that wish to preserve the cultural heritage sites on which they depend.”

Preservation of vessels is done in a multitude of ways. The Gig Harbor BoatShop engages in all of the essential activities of a traditional boatyard. These activities include boatbuilding, boat repair, vessel restoration, boat use, community launching events, and the documentation and preservation of historically significant boats. They also sponsor programs that enable community members to learn how to sail.

While the Gig Harbor BoatShop Family Boat Building Program is one of the most popular, there is so much more going on there. Nowhere else in Gig Harbor can historical boat building techniques be passed along to the next generation. The Gig Harbor BoatShop even has an internship for college students where they can work on a project with a master boat builder using centuries-old techniques. A group of passionate volunteers along with a couple of interns keep these remarkable projects humming along.

But all of this knowledge was almost lost to the Harbor since the historic Eddon Boatyard almost met its demise at the hands of commercial development. Fortunately, Eddon Boatyard was saved by members of the community who believe in historical preservation.

After the Eddon Boatyard was saved, community members went a step further.

Humphrey notes, “after this occurred, the nonprofit Gig Harbor BoatShop was formed to introduce this important structure to the community. The leadership felt an urgency to get back to the core of what a boat shop does, and they decided to start a restoration program and have it open to all members of our community. This allows community members to see and experience a piece of Gig Harbor’s working-

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ABOVE 93-year-old Lee Caldwell christens the newly restored boat, which he built over 75 years ago.

TOP RIGHT The restoration of boats

by Gig Harbor BoatShop and others helps to keep the nautical history of our community alive.

BOTTOM Many gathered in September to celebrate the completion of the boat, Gaylann, sharing the history of the boat and other vessels of the region.

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Gig Harbor by the Numbers Each vessel has a compelling story that is echoed through windbattered boards that make up the historic hulls.

1888 The year that Gig Harbor was platted.

1946

The year that Gig Harbor was incorporated.

2012

The year that Gig Harbor was named one of the 20 best towns in America by the Smithsonian.

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waterfront heritage — that of restoring historically significant boats in the historic Eddon Boatyard.”

The Old Man and the Sea When a historic boat is brought to the Gig Harbor BoatShop restoration, sometimes it is difficult to envision what the vessel looked like during its glory days. Nonetheless, each vessel has a compelling story that is echoed through wind-battered boards that make up the historic hulls. Sometimes, a very rare story emerges where the past and the present collide. Such is the case with the historic vessel, Gaylynn.

Back in 1940, the vessel Gaylynn was no more than yet-to-be-named dream. A South Kitsap High senior, Lee Caldwell, had a dream to build a boat as a senior project. With a custom set of plans in hand and a resolute mind, he started the construction of the boat that would eventually be named Gaylynn, after his first daughter. After he graduated in 1941, he continued working on the boat when he had spare moments. A Navy boatwright named Tom Tomlinson agreed to let Lee work on his boat in his shop. He often worked on the boat with Tom each night until 10pm, and then after getting off work, do it again all over the next day.

Lee married his sweetheart in 1943, and soon after the happy couple welcomed their daughter Gaylynn to the world. Lee’s boat finally had a name — Gaylynn. But the next few years the happy couple welcomed more children and life

got busy. In 1949 and with a family and a busy career, Lee stored Gaylynn away in an openair shed where it remained out of the water for over 65 years.

In 1989, Lee’s good friend Allan Kane, pressed Lee to sell it so that Gaylynn could be restored.

He convinced Lee to sell him Gaylynn, and he transferred Gaylynn into a shop on his own property. Of course, even life can get in the way of the best laid plans, and so Gaylynn sat out of the water for many more years. In 2013, Allan Kane had started volunteering for the Community Boat Restoration Program at the BoatShop where he helped restore a 1927 custom motor launch. As the project was reaching its end, Allan was struck with an interesting idea.

Full Circle Allan generously donated Gaylynn to the BoatShop in early 2014 so that a crew of volunteers could restore her to her former glory. In September of 2015, the volunteers at the BoatShop brought Gaylynn up to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival and shared her story and other stories from the BoatShop with more than 600 people. But presenting a restored Gaylynn to others would not be complete unless Lee Caldwell attended.

with one hand shaky holding his walker and the other shaky hand holding a bottle of champagne, blessed Gaylynn by pouring the champagne onto her bow. The very boat that he built over over 75 years ago would now be given a second life.

Just about every vessel found at the Gig Harbor BoatShop has an interesting story or historical significance. But the best part is that community members can rent or tour in many of these vessels during the summer. For example, there is a historic Thunderbird #2 sailboat that has been restored, and the shop conducts seasonal tours in it around the harbor. The thunderbird is a must-see for sailboat enthusiasts. Next summer, Gaylynn will also be available as a day-rental that can be used within the harbor.

The Gig Harbor BoatShop has a lot more to it than meets the eye. They welcome community members to shop by to learn about all that they do. If you would like to learn more about all of their activity offerings or if you would like to become a volunteer, please visit their website at: www.gigharborboatshop.org.

Allan Kane brought the now 93-year-old Lee Caldwell up to the show for a small ceremony to honor the Gaylynn, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Kane, and those who put their hearts and souls into restoring the vessel. The 93-year-old Caldwell,

Allan Kane brought the now 93-year-old Lee Caldwell up to the show for a small ceremony to honor the Gaylynn, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Kane, and those who put their hearts and souls into restoring the vessel.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

LOCAL, FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT Local electrical contractor a staple in the Gig Harbor community for nearly 30 years

By Julie Reed For many, our long-term career goals are shaped by childhood influences.

Such is the case for Gig Harbor resident, Gary Dean Miklethun. Miklethun grew up in Shelton along with his brother and two sisters and started working summers with his father at the age of 14. The time spent working alongside his mentor and father influenced Miklethun to pursue a career in the electrical field; a career he has had for 40 years.

Miklethun has owned Narrows Electric in Gig Harbor since 1986 and said he is grateful for his father’s knowledge, inspiration and expertise.

But it is not just a passion for his work that has led to his success; it is Miklethun’s desire to help people that has helped him succeed in business and in life. He said that he likes to “be the hero” and tackle any electrical problem that comes his way. There is no electrical issue he is unable to resolve in an efficient and professional manner.

Miklethun enjoys working with people and seeing the challenges that come his way every day. It is evident he loves what he does and it comes through in his demeanor while dealing with his customers. His goal? It is to have fun and provide excellent customer service to his customers.

Miklethun said he especially enjoys his senior customers. He enjoys helping them out and interacting with them. In fact, he offers both senior discounts as well as military discounts to current and past military personnel.

In his spare time Miklethun said he is passionate about cars and anything with wheels and a motor. Volvos in particular are his favorite, but he enjoys restoring and repairing old cars in general.

Miklethun employs a team of six who are all are very friendly, easy-going and eager to get the job done correctly and in the most costefficient manner for the customer. And if your problem should arise outside of business hours? No worries. Narrows Electric has a 24hour answering service to address your needs when they happen.

There is no doubt that the success of Narrows Electric can be attributed to the knowledge and expertise of Miklethun and his employees, but the fact they provide excellent customer service and honest and fair prices is a major factor as well. As an owner, Miklethun said he prides himself on being hands-on and is involved in every aspect of his business.

While Narrows Electric focuses primarily on residential jobs, Miklethun has extensive experience in commercial work as well. “We can do big jobs and any electrical job, but our focus is to stay local and service the smaller and residential jobs,” said Miklethun. Some of the residential services he provides include remodels, panel changes, and outlet repair and replacement. “We want to take the best care of the local area in the best way that we can.”

Narrows Electric’s office is located in the Westside Business Park in Gig Harbor. Call them with all your electrical needs!

When talking with customers about electrical issues, Miklethun says there is a misconception that an electrical problem will be very expensive and time consuming. But that is not the case.

“Most of the time it can be fixed in a couple of hours,” said Miklethun.

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BY PATTY HUTCHENS

Gig Harbor High School A 17-year-old senior at Gig Harbor High School, Adrian Valona is a first team all-league running back that has his sights set on playing college football. But that accomplishment does not come without a lot of dedication.

“As competition has gotten better, I’ve been working hard in the off-season to make sure I can still do my job well,” said Adrian who carries a 3.5 GPA. Adrian said what he enjoys most about football is the brotherhood he has with his teammates.

“It’s not an easy sport, and to play it with my best friends is a blessing,” he said of the grind and hard work it takes to stay on top of his game.

Adrian said he would like to become a physical therapist so that he can stay connected with sports and have the opportunity to help people; a characteristic that is evident in all aspects of his life as is evidenced by his community

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service. Over the course of the last two years, Adrian has traveled to Costa Rica and the inner city of Chicago on mission trips sponsored by his church, Fox Island Alliance.

When asked what insight he has gained from playing a team sport, Adrian replied, “Humility, being humble and appreciating the guys around me — and learning I can’t do everything myself.”

Justin Pasin

Peninsula High School With perseverance, you can accomplish anything. That is the lesson that sophomore Justin Pasin has learned through his involvement in athletics and is one that will help him in any situation he faces in life. “You just have to power through and push on, and you can achieve whatever you want,” shared Justin.

Justin said that he enjoys tennis because of the fact the team relies upon one another for its success. “You and your partner have to work together or you won’t get anywhere. It brings everyone together,” he said.

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Of the challenges he has faced, Justin said when he was just 8 years old he hyperextended his knee in a baseball game and pulled his patellar tendon while sliding into home. “I couldn’t play for a month, and to this day I still have issues with my knee,” he said. That lesson about perseverance? It is evident it got Justin to where he is today – a successful baseball and tennis player.

Justin plays both tennis and baseball and said that he is on the varsity tennis team this year.

“I hope to do the same for baseball,” he said of his aspiration to represent the school on the varsity team there as well.

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With a 3.5 GPA, it is evident that Justin has taken his desire to achieve into the classroom as well. While college is still a ways off, Justin said his interests include owning a clothing company, working for a graphic design studio or going into marketing.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Local foundations help put smiles on faces locally and across the world. By Chris Strickley

In today’s world, we seem to be bombarded with disheartening news on an ongoing basis. It’s not hard to miss this fact when one turns on any news outlet that is available. After being exposed to this constantly, hearing about good things going on in the world brings about a sense of refreshment.

Right now there are two foundations right here in our region that are doing their best to combat this trend by inserting a little more good news amidst all the negativity this world loves to report on: The Ripple Effect and The Goodtimes Project.

The Ripple Effect (TRE) was founded by Michael Ewens after his son Forrest was killed during an ambush while in Afghanistan.

Forrest was a graduate of Whitworth College and found his way to First-Lieutenant in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. He was killed along with a fellow soldier on June 16, 2006, when an explosive device went off after their vehicle struck it. He left behind his family and wife Megan Jagelski, who was also a FirstLieutenant.

Even from a very early age, his father Michael always had a heart for developing countries and those who were stuck in poverty. “I have been dreaming of work like this for most of my life … I am 50 years old, and I guess this is my mid-life crisis. I want to be involved with a type of service that has meaning and value.

Wanting to change the world, I have embarked on a journey that affects a part and therefore the whole,” Michael said.

While many people would normally take the proceeds from a life insurance policy to fuel personal interests, Michael decided to take

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his son’s proceeds and begin The Ripple Effect Foundation. The heart behind this foundation stemmed entirely from a lyric to an old song he used to sing with his four sons, “drop a pebble in the water and watch the ripples grow.”

Elaborating further on this idea, Michael firmly believes in the impact each individual person can have in an effort to better the world around us.

TRE seeks to take this idea into under-privileged countries by providing a more suitable and healthy way of living for those in need. Taken straight from the foundation’s website, they further state, “Here in the United States one of the blessings of our society is our abundance. It is a good gift that is a mixture of our efforts and the unmerited blessing of our birth. With it we can reach into the world of extreme need and transform another person’s life.”

working on reversing these misfortunes. Some of this work includes sustaining the town’s ability to harvest coffee plants, which yields a good harvest for about 12 years and can be sold at $2 a pound. They are also working on starting personal gardens that can be a source of income to go along with keeping their livestock healthy, which is another source of

TRE needs your help in keeping this dream of helping these countries alive. You can donate on their foundation’s website www. therippleeffectinc.org. No matter how much you can give, they would like to remind you that even the smallest donation can ripple out to places far beyond what you can imagine.

From those stuck in poverty in thirdworld countries to young children struggling with cancer in our own backyard, it’s wonderful to see the good that is still out there.

income for the town.

Currently, a big portion of the foundation’s work is happening in Chajul, a small town in northern Guatemala. The residents of Chajul experience many harsh realities including a lack of good farming land, a war-torn environment, lack of educational resources and unsanitary drinking water just to name a few. TRE recognized this need and is currently

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One other project TRE is embarking on is bringing clean drinking water to towns like Los Encuentros. This town relies solely on rain water for drinking. TRE is currently working on fundraising money to build suitable water tanks for the town. Once the project is complete, they want accomplish the same task in neighboring villages.

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Another feel-good story going in the world today is that of The Goodtimes Project (GTP). The GTP is a non-profit organization that provides “a no-cost pediatric oncology camp for patients, survivors, and siblings affected by cancer.” Campers come all the way from Alaska and Western Washington to embark on separate week-long overnight summer camps and kayak trips for young adult survivors. GTP currently has 200 people on staff that serves around 230 different children and young adults.

For the first 30 years of the program, Camp Goodtimes was operated and funded entirely by the American Cancer Society. Unfortunately, policy is a thing that is often volatile and in March of 2013, the ACS cut off funding for programs that were not directly involved in cancer research (including oncology camps).

Nearly immediately after this news became public knowledge, the GTP was formed by

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friends and volunteers to keep the program going in 2014 and beyond.

Fundraising for the program has been wildly successful. Each spring, the foundation holds a wine auction in an effort to raise money. This year at the 12th annual event, they raised a whopping $290,000 alone.

Coming up in October 2015, another fundraising event will be happening at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton. Known as the Drive-A-Thon, children who are battling cancer along with siblings and survivors are given the chance to ride in high-octane sports cars (such as a McLaren MP4 12C and a Lamborghini Gallardo). This produces smiles that are wider than the east is from the west and gives these kids and their families a means of escape from the tough road they battle every day.

In between laps, auctions are going on that offer items such as tickets to Seattle sporting events, vacation rentals, tools, motorsports events, wine and much more. Any person who is generous enough to donate $150 or more is given the opportunity to ride in one of the sports cars as well.

The foundation interviewed a mother named Alicia and her son Connor. Connor was diagnosed with Leukemia at age two. She had this to say about Camp Goodtimes, “Camp Goodtimes allows Connor the chance to feel normal for a week...it gives him the chance to participate in activities that he wouldn’t normally get to participate in. The difference in Connor after a week at camp is phenomenal.

He is more confident and more sure with himself after that week. It just makes him a stronger person and gives him the strength to get through the next 51 weeks out of the year.”

Drive-A-Thon is happening on October 16 and 17. You can also donate on the foundation’s website www.thegoodtimesproject.org.

PG. 40 The Ripple Effect has recognized the need of those in Guatemala and is working to reverse the misfortune of many in this country, one village at a time.

PG. 42 Michael Ewens, through The Ripple Effect, seeks to take the blessings he has and bring it to those in need to transform another person’s life.

ABOVE In Guatemala, many people make artificial ponds to collect rainwater. Part of the The Ripple Effect’s mission in Guatemala is to bring clean drinking water to areas so they no longer have to rely on rainwater as their sole source of drinking water.

In a world that is so full of bad news, we should all relish in seeing foundations like this rise up to help those in need. From those stuck in poverty in third-world countries to young children struggling with cancer in our own backyard, it’s wonderful to see the good that is still out there. These foundations and many others can’t exist and accomplish their purposes without our help. Living in our cozy bubbles of the American way of life, we often make excuses for not helping. Whether that is because of our lack of time, money, or any other resource is beside the point. These foundations prove that even the smallest act of kindness can exponentially make those around us and the world in general a better place to call home.

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FEATURE STORY

A Renaissance Man Dr. Forrest Bird leaves a legacy that will impact the world for generations to come

By Patty Hutchens

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1937 – Forrest Bird meets Orville Wright at the Cleveland Air Show.

1941 – Forrest Bird entered active duty as a technical air training officer.

1955 – The year the “Bird Universal Medical Respirator” was released.

1965 – First factory assembly line rolls out a medical respirator for home health, the Mark III. 1967 – Bird developed the Bird Innovator, a conversion of the Consolidated PBY Catalina amphibian aircraft.

1971 – Bird introduces first infant ventilator, the “Baby Bird.”

1995 – Dr. Forrest Bird is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

2007 – Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird open the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center in Sagle, ID. 2008 – Dr. Forrest Bird receives the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008 from President George W. Bush.

T

o the world, he was a man known as one of the most important innovators in the history of mankind. To the people who knew him best, he was a humble man whose knowledge and passion for everything he did changed medicine forever. Dr. Forrest M. Bird of Sagle, Idaho passed away August 2, 2015 at the age of 94, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Described as a true Renaissance man, Dr. Bird was known for many things in life. He was an inventor, a veteran who served his country proudly, an aviator, an educator and a generous community-oriented man. To recount all of his greatest accomplishments would take up much more than a few pages, but here is a glimpse into the life of the man whose legend will live on for decades to come, through the eyes of the person who knew him best, his wife Dr. Pamela Riddle Bird.

“Forrest saved more lives than anyone else in history,” said Pam of what she believes her late husband would consider to be his greatest accomplishment. Because of his invention, the little green Bird Universal Medical Respirator in the 1950s, the medical community can perform procedures such as organ transplants and open-heart surgery, operations that one could not fathom prior to the invention of the respirator. “Being on a ventilator is critical to these surgeries, and they were never even an option before the invention of the respirator,” Pam explained.

His initial invention was followed by a medical respirator for home health in the mid-1960s followed by a respirator for infants, which was nicknamed the Baby Bird, in the early 1970s. It was this invention that drastically impacted the infant mortality rates. “Prior to the invention of the Baby Bird, premature babies had a 70 percent mortality rate,” Pamela explained. “Now the infant mortality rate is down to 10 percent

2009 – Dr. Forrest Bird receives the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama.

2012 - Dr. Bird was awarded the Charles Lindbergh Award, and the Idaho Technology Council’s Hall of Fame.

2013 – The local charter school in Sandpoint, ID is renamed the Forrest M. Bird Charter School.

Dr. Forrest Bird held four doctorate degrees – medicine, aviation, physics and biotechnology.

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worldwide. He was the father of the respiratory industry.”

Initially met with opposition from the medical community who told him that a machine would never be able to breathe for another person, Forrest proved them all wrong and went on to change the world.

Not only did Forrest create life-changing inventions, he took his inventions through the development and marketing stages and trained doctors and respiratory therapists worldwide about the use of them.

Pam explains that Forrest traveled the world to teach the medical residents, and for those medical professionals who were already practicing, he had the Bird Institute and Clinic in California where doctors from all over the word would fly in to learn about the devices.

“The top doctors from each country were chosen to attend the clinic,” said Pam, who added that it did not matter politically what nation the doctors called home. “Blood bleeds red, and it was about saving lives.”

And for those residents who were in remote areas of the world, there was nothing that would stop Dr. Forrest Bird from reaching them. His mode of transportation was the Bird Innovator, a conversion of the Consolidated PBY Catalina amphibian aircraft, the only four-engine PBY aircraft in the world that enabled him to land on both water and land.

Dr. Forrest Bird later sold the Bird Corporation

to the 3M Company but continued his life’s work. “He was able to take his laboratory with him and went on to create newer innovations,” Pam said.

Among Dr. Forrest Bird’s mentors was none other than Henry Ford, a family friend whom Forrest met at the young age of 8. According to Pam, he also counted Bill Lear and Howard Hughes among those who also served as mentors to him. But perhaps one of the greatest influences on the career path he chose was Colonel Halsey, a World War II veteran who encouraged Forrest to go into medicine.

As a pilot in World War II, Forrest experienced firsthand the difficulty that pilots had breathing at high altitudes during the war. To combat this issue, Forrest invented the antigravity pressure suit regulator allowing pilots to go from 28,000 to 40,000 feet, giving the U.S. pilots an advantage over their enemy.

“Colonel Halsey told Forrest, ‘either you must have something or you must be crazy,’” recalled Pam. It turned out he was definitely onto something. Forrest had initially planned to go on and become a commercial pilot, but Colonel Halsey encouraged him to go into the medical field.

When speaking about Forrest as not only her husband, but also a man who was one of the greatest inventors of the world, Pam said Forrest’s main competition was himself. He spent his life inventing, improving and making a difference in people’s lives.

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Forrest and Pam met 20 years ago at Disney World where Pam, who has her doctorate in business and who has worked extensively with some of the great inventors of the world, was hosting a conference. Someone suggested that she invite Forrest to speak. “I asked if anyone had heard him speak before and was told, ‘Well, he’s a doctor.’”

Pam’s response was that you cannot even read many doctors’ handwriting so it does not necessarily make them good speakers. But with the other speakers whom she knew were top rate presenters, including the inventor of Gatorade, the creator of Atari and the founder of Chuck E. Cheese, she decided to invite Forrest. “I figured if he messed up, it wouldn’t really matter,” she said because the

Initially met with opposition from the medical community who told him that a machine would never be able to breathe for another person, Forrest proved them all wrong and went on to change the world.

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“They ranked Albert Einstein as the greatest inventor of all time, Thomas Edison as number two, and Forrest as number three.”

others would make up for it. But she quickly discovered that he was not only an incredible presenter, but also one of the most intelligent people she had ever met. “And he was just such a really nice guy,” she said of the man who eventually became her husband.

Talking about her life with Forrest, Pam likens it to being married to the Internet. “He could talk about any topic from politics, medical issues, finance, drama, literature and the arts,” Pam said. He also was a prolific reader and writer who would read the Journal of Medicine cover to cover. “His memory was just incredible.”

Although there was an age difference between the two, Pam never saw it. They had so much in common and experienced many adventures together. “Together we traveled over 60 countries, and Forrest would remember everyone we met and the conversations we

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had,” said Pam. “The power of memory and the ingenuity and the power of the brain are amazing.”

Until the age of 91, Forrest continued to fly. “We flew three mornings a week at daybreak,” said Pam. “He could even still fly his ten-seater helicopter and was able to do spins and flips in his plane up until just a few years ago.” And traveling and sharing his knowledge and passion — that was something he did until January of this year.

While words such as “brilliant”, “passionate” and “intelligent” are terms used to describe Dr. Forrest Bird, the world “humble” is also a predominant theme.

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“He had such humility,” Pam said. “The morning of his Celebration of Life, I sat there crying wondering what it was I was going to say about him.” And it was his humility that she found was a message she needed to convey.

“He never said he saved a life. It was always

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we saved a life. He was always giving credit to others. Everything was a team effort.”

That team effort included everyone in the industry, including the medical community, respiratory therapists and all those who helped people with respiratory issues. “Forrest’s job was to teach others in the industry,” Pam said about the role Forrest played as an educator.

While there have been huge advances in medicine over time, Dr. Forrest Bird felt we were only hitting the tip of the iceberg. “He said we (still) know so little about the human body, yet we think we know so much, and yet there is much yet to discover,” Pam said of her husband’s view.

His Legacy Lives On While many in our younger generation can share the names of the greatest actors, musicians and athletes of their time, there are many who may know very little about some of the greatest innovators of our world’s history.

In an effort to continue to educate the youth, the U.S. Patent Office has created trading cards, similar to sports trading cards, to teach kids about inventors. “They ranked Albert Einstein as the greatest inventor of all time, Thomas Edison as number two, and Forrest as number three,” Pam shared. Those trading cards are

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given to children throughout the world to keep the world of science alive in young creative minds.

Forrest and Pam both have had a heart for the community. They gave a special gift to those of not only North Idaho but also visitors from around the world when they opened up the Bird Museum in Sagle, Idaho. A place to learn and explore, the museum is 16,000 square feet and includes everything from Bird’s airplanes, flight simulators, automobiles, items donated from NASA and the original patent models for inventions including the floor mat, the doorknob, and Superman original items.

“Both of us wanted to give back to society and humanity,” Pam said of their decision to open the museum, which has close to 60 volunteers.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offered their expertise in all aspects of developing the museum. “The top people from there worked with us and gave of themselves,” Pam said.

When Pam thinks of the role that inventors like her husband play in the world, she uses the “Footprints in the Sand” poem as a metaphor.

“There, God carries us through the difficult times in life, leaving just one set of footprints.

Inventors likewise leave a footprint on mankind

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forever — just a different kind of footprint.”

Gathering at his Celebration of Life were more than 800 well-wishers, eager to honor the man who was a proud veteran, humanitarian, aviator, inventor and a kind person. His dear friend Dr. Richard Sugden allowed some to see a personal side of his friend.

“When asked how he manages to own and fly so many aircraft, Forrest answered ‘I fly them all, one at a time!’” Sugden shared. And although he lived to age 94, it was still not long enough for what Forrest still wanted to accomplish.

Sugden shares that Forrest had said, “It is too bad our greatest level of knowledge occurs as we genetically run out of time.”

Sugden also echoed the sentiment that many in attendance felt in their hearts. “Today, I know he’s smiling down with a bunch of angels and old pilot friends, trying on his new wings.”

And looking back fondly at the years she shared with Forrest, Pam said, “I look at his life and I see humility, honor and integrity. He is my angel in heaven, and we’ll continue our work together.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Local Events & Activities

15 A Cultural Gift GIG HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

BY PATTY HUTCHENS For many, there is nothing more enjoyable than getting away from reality for a few hours and escaping to a theater to take in a good film. For those in our community, we are blessed to have the Gig Harbor Film Festival that brings a diversity of films for all, young and old, to enjoy. Quickly becoming one of the most rapidly growing independent film festivals in the Pacific Northwest, this year’s festival will take place October 16 through October 18 at the Galaxy Theatre at Uptown.

On October 15, Opening Night Gala ticket holders will be treated to the opening film followed by the Gala party at Canterwood Golf and Country Club. A VIP pass, which gives full access to all of the films and activities, is $115 and the Opening Night Gala ticket, which includes the feature film and the party at Canterwood, is $45.

While most of the films are not rated, the Gig

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Harbor Film Festival Board encourages parents to use discretion and advise that infants and toddlers are not permitted to attend any screening or panel.

Formed in 2007, the Gig Harbor Film Festival held its first event in September 2008. With a dedication to enriching the culture of the Gig Harbor community, the Gig Harbor Film Festival’s goal is to educate, entertain and inspire its audience and filmmakers. The featured films seek to promote understanding, tolerance and global awareness.

Marty Thacker, the executive director of Gig Harbor Film Festival, shared that they are still in the process of notifying all the filmmakers who have been accepted to screen during the October event, but she promises it will be something people will not want to miss.

“We have a great lineup of indie films for our community,” said Thacker. “Many have won

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audience awards at other film festivals.”

Because they sell multi-punch tickets, allowing attendees up to eight on a ticket, it is difficult to gauge exactly how many attendees the festival draws each year. But she knows one thing for sure – it has continued to grow over time. “Each year we have seen more and more growth,” shares Thacker, who hopes those who attend will help spread the word of this great cultural event.

Thacker shares that while many small film festivals own their own small theaters, Gig Harbor Film Festival is blessed to have a venue such as the Galaxy Theatre, which is home to 10 high-definition screens.

For information on films, dates, times and ticket prices, go to www.gigharborfilmfestival.org. Don’t miss out on the cultural event of the season!

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MORE EVENTS AT WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 3 PIER INTO THE NIGHT Harbor WildWatch features a Live Dive.

Equipped with an HD underwater camera, scuba divers travel to the bottom of the bay in search for creatures that inhabit the waters.

People of all ages become virtual scuba divers for the evening while staying dry and warm on the surface. Skansie Park, 7-9 p.m. harborwildwatch.com.

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OCTOBER 10 STEPHANIE PORTER QUARTET

Stephanie Porter Quartet will be performing at Morso in Gig Harbor.

Listen to her vocals soar during this jazz performance while socializing with friends and enjoying refreshments. This venue is great to sit back, relax and simply enjoy the music. Tickets are $20. morsowinebar.com.

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OCTOBER 3 3RD ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Join us for PenMet Parks Annual Scarecrow Festival at Sehmel Homestead Park. The festival is an autumn celebration with live entertainment and music, farm animals, hay rides, camel & pony rides, hay maze, carnival games, food and fair treat vendors. The Scarecrow Festival features a community Scarecrow Competition with entries created by local business, communities groups and families.

Admission to the festival is FREE; some activities include a small fee and suggested $2/child donation for kidz zone. $5/child for pony ride.

Mackert Automotive is hosting a women’s car clinic so you feel confident and prepared if anything happens while out on the roads. Enjoy food and beverages while learning how to change a flat tire, jump start your car, check vital fluids, warning lights, and secrets about which gas to buy! Call today! 253-851-3307. 5:30-7:30pm. 3416 57th Street Ct. NW, Gig Harbor.

Soroptimist International of Gig Harbor presents its Annual Fall Harbor Harvest Dinner and Auction from 5:30-9pm at the Gig Harbor Golf Course and Country Club.

Enjoy dinner, drinks and auctions. Tickets are $50 per person and $250 for a table of 6. Proceeds benefit the Scholarship and Awards program and the Brussels Sprouts Project.

Gig Harbor BoatShop is hosting Build Your Own Boat in a Weekend. You will learn many techniques that are still used by wooden boat builders today. Work in groups to construct a Salt Bay Skiff and launch it for a ride around the Gig Harbor Bay. From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. gigharborboatshop.org.

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Scott Kelby’s highly anticipated 8th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the world’s largest photo walk, is happening in thousands of cities all over the world. Ron Norris, Gig Harbor resident and photographer, will be leading a 2-hour walk along the Gig Harbor waterfront once again.

For more information or to register go to kelbyone.com/photowalk.

OCTOBER 13 WOMEN’S CAR CARE CLINIC

OCTOBER 17 ANNUAL FALL HARBOR HARVEST

OCTOBER 17-18 BUILD YOUR OWN BOAT IN A WEEKEND

OCTOBER 3 SCOTT KELBY’S WORLDWIDE PHOTO WALK

OCTOBER 22-25 33RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOOD & GIFT FESTIVAL Come to the Tacoma Dome for the largest holiday gift show in Tacoma!

Have your picture taken with Santa & see out 45’ hanging Christmas tree. Visit with artists demonstrating their skills & purchase original art. This is a great way to get started on your holiday shopping! holidaygiftshows.com.

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OCTOBER 14 BRUCE MEYERS: BOOK TALK & SIGNING Reflections of a Grunt Marine is the personal memoir of Bruce Meyers, whose adventures began early in life and continued through two wars and his time as a Colonel of Marines. Come enjoy this talk about Bruce Meyers’ life and even get his signature! 7 p.m. Moore Library. 215 South 56th St., Tacoma, WA.

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OCTOBER 24 BLUES & BREWS FEST

The Dean Reichert Band will be performing at the Blues & Brews Fest. Sit back, socialize and enjoy a dinner on this fun evening out. All proceeds benefit the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Come early to grab a seat and a beverage! Cover charge to enter. brownpapertickets.com.

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

MORE FEATURE EVENTS AT WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 3 FIRST SATURDAY ARTWALK RETURNS Indulge your love of art from 1-4pm along Gig Harbor’s Downtown Waterfront. The Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance is relaunching this event, featuring six galleries with free admission for anyone to enjoy artist demonstrations, different styles of work and refreshments. Come check out what Gig Harbor’s local artists are doing!

Come out and enjoy a great show by the legendary Johnny Mathis. His smooth voice has carried his musical career far as his records have made the Top 40 charts every decade since the 1950’s. This show goes to support the funding for arts education.

7:30 p.m. at the Pantages Theater. Purchase your tickets at broadwaycenter.org.

OCTOBER 10 GARDENING TALKS Pierce County Master Gardeners will give a talk about how to multiply your own plants with simple propagation techniques. Bring a friend or the family to the park to learn about propagation and then enjoy the rest of the day at the park. 1 p.m. at Sehmel Homestead Park.

OCTOBER 16-17 GOOD TIMES PROJECT DRIVE-A-THON

OCTOBER 16 TRICK OR TREAT IN TOWN Children and parents are invited to trick or treat in Uptown and Downtown Gig Harbor. There will be kids activities, crafts, and a giant carved pumpkin. Enjoy the scenic waterfront and gather treats from the retailers. This is a wonderful event for families and kids. Trick or Treat in Uptown Shopping Center 4-6pm Trick or Treat in Downtown 3-6 p.m.

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OCTOBER 8 JOHNNY MATHIS: A BENEFIT CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF ARTS EDUCATION

OCTOBER 24 ALL HALLOWS EVE CELEBRATION

Key Pen Parks is putting on a spooky and fun festival with Halloween right around the corner. Take part in the flashlight hunt and haunted hayride. Be sure to dress up and enter to win the costume contest!

S’mores and a live DJ will make this night lots-o-fun. Visit for more information keypenparks.com.

Good Times Project is hosting a Drive-aThon that supports Camp Goodtimes, a no-cost camp for children battling cancer, survivors and their siblings. Spend the day driving around the track, eating food, and bidding on auction items. Register to drive online or make a donation today! Ridge Motorsports, Shelton. www.thegoodtimesproject.org.

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OCTOBER 28 BURIED HISTORY: THE WICKED CURE Award winning author, Gregg Olsen will give a presentation on his book Starvation Heights. This presentation will explore paranormal findings, culture and history of this moment in Washington State. Arrive early to enjoy appetizers and beverages.

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OCTOBER 1718 ZOO BOO

Put on your best costume and join us for a fun, fall-themed weekend at the Point Defiance Zoo. Come watch the animals enjoy special pumpkin enrichments and see the creative pumpkin carvings by the keepers. This is a great event for children and families. Come in costume and receive $3 off general admission! www.pdza.org.

5-7 p.m. Harbor History Museum. harborhistorymuseum.org.

OCTOBER 30 NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD The undead will rise again in this spooky kick off to Halloween weekend. Wear costumes and come watch this eerie film at the Broadway Center Studio III. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $8 tickets.

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TRICK OR TREAT THE HARBOR DELIGHTS ALL AGES

by Patty Hutchens

If you are looking for a fun and safe way to entertain your children this Halloween, look no further than our own downtown waterfront!

Trick or Treat the Harbor is in its 19th year and has become a family tradition for many.

Again this year, Harborview Drive will be closed so that children and their parents can safely enjoy the tricks and treats that go along with this fun-filled holiday.

On Saturday, October 31 from to 2 to 5pm, ghosts, witches, superheroes and more will have the opportunity to trick or treat throughout the waterfront, with our local businesses handing out goodies for all to enjoy. But there will be more than just trick or treating going on. There will be Harbor Dance performances, a “spooky” touch tank with Harbor WildWatch and an opportunity for photos put on by the Rotary Club of North Gig Harbor.

Organized by the Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance, this fun afternoon ensures all our youth will have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. All are welcome and ghosts and goblins of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun and dress-up.

Family

FEATURE

Upcoming Events

NOVEMBER 3 TRAVIS PASTRANA’S NITRO CIRCUS LIVE NOVEMBER 6-7 WRITE IN THE HARBOR NOVEMBER 7 ARTONDALE CEMETERY CLEANUP

NOVEMBER 20 SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL NOVEMBER 21 SALMON TOURS BY HARBOR WILDWATCH NOVEMBER 26 TURKEY TROT 5K & 10K

NOVEMBER 7 ANNUAL WINTER WARM UP: CHILI COMPETITION NOVEMBER 7 LEMAY SOCK HOP DINNER & DANCE NOVEMBER 12 GIRLS NIGHT OUT

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WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Visit GoGigHarbor.com for more events!

8TH ANNUAL OCTOBER 15-18, 2015

October 15

Opening Night Film & Gala Meet Filmmakers Workshops & Panel Discussions KidsFest 72 Hour Film Competition Age appropriate films and workshops Galaxy Theatre, Uptown Gig Harbor

For information about KidsFest, participation in the 72 Hour Film Competition, or volunteering contact:

851.FILM (3456) or 253.381.4647

For Festival events and schedules, and to purchase tickets online, please visit our website: www.gigharborfilmfestival.org

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FEATURE STORY

Enjoy the ride

By Colin Anderson

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BREW YOUR OWN BEER Complete starter kits are by far the easiest way to go and are available online or at local homebrew shop.

Other equipment required includes a wooden stirring spoon and fine strainer which you likely already have in your kitchen. Instructions from the American Home Brewer’s Association: 1.

Bring 1.5 gallons of water to a boil and add your malt extracts. Boil for 45 minutes.

2.

Sanitize all equipment that will come in contact with the beer. This can be done with sanitizer found in a home brew store or with a weak mixture of bleach and water.

3.

Add 3.5 gallons of cold water to your fermenter (bucket or carboy).

4.

Add the hot malt extracts to your fermenter.

5.

When temperature reaches 75 degrees or below, add yeast.

6.

Seal your fermenter and attach the fermentation lock.

7.

Ferment beer for 14 days in a room where the temperature is 60 to 75 degrees.

8.

Bottle and cap (to add carbonation to beer boil ¾ cup sugar with 1 cup water, then add to beer before bottling.

9.

Allow beer to age for 7 to 10 days

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rowing up just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the term “craft beer” was seldom heard. Granted, I grew up in a home where my father didn’t drink, and it would take my mother a good two months to polish off a 12-pack of MGD, so my exposure to alcohol of any kind was limited. What I recall is every once in awhile seeing a six pack of Leinenkugels Honey-Weiss or Amber in the fridge ‒ fancy beer! Beer made with honey, and why is that other one so dark colored?

It’s amazing to think that throughout the 90s and early 2000s in a place as large as Minneapolis, you could count the brewers challenging the big three on one hand.

This summer, I took my wife home for a Minnesota Twins baseball game and to see family and friends. We wandered through uptown Minneapolis and the change was incredible. Every restaurant and bar seemed had 20+ taps of beer made within two hours of the location. The first recommendation

on everyone’s list was something from Surly Brewing Company. I’d heard of this small outfit from a friend about five years back but had never been to the brewery. We decided to check it out before the game. Approaching the place, it appeared to take up an entire city block, and found out that in just eight years, this brewery has gone from micro to producing 39 different beers. The new state of the art facility can hold 1,000 people inside and out, has a full restaurant, gift shop, daily tours and event space for weddings and corporate gatherings. This is just further evidence that the craft industry is officially in a boom and the Northwest can take a lot of credit for helping launch this new age of beer.

Pre-prohibition, there were countless neighborhood breweries all across the country. Most weren’t distributing much past their front doors, but people seemed to like and support the idea of a local neighborhood brew. After prohibition was repealed, craft cocktails took center stage and it wasn’t until the early 1980s that the local brewer

10. Drink your homemade beer!

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finally started to gain some momentum. The difference this time around was that these brewers were all about experimentation and challenging the power of the American Light Lager. Samuel Adams takes a lot of credit in the East for ushering in the craft beer movement, but Northwestern staples like Redhook, Pyramid, Deschutes, Manny’s, Big Sky and Full Sail helped inspire the nano and micro brewers we see popping up all over the region today.

From Homebrew to Commercial For most of your modern craft brewery owners, the dream all began in the kitchen.

For those who haven’t brewed at home before, it’s fairly simple. If you can bake cookies, you can probably make a decent beer. It pretty much works like this: Seep your specialty grains in warm water, add malts and hops and bring to a boil. Add yeast to create alcohol, and at bottling or kegging time, add sugar to create carbonation. This is a hobby enjoyed by thousands across the country, and many are taking this hobby and making it their business.

Urban legend has it that the homebrew that eventually became one of the more popular Pale Ales in Seattle got so popular that it was being bottled, kegged and transported at night and sent around the city in secret as the brewery and licenses weren’t quite in place. KettleHouse Brewery in Missoula, Montana took the genius idea of starting a “Brew on Premise” or U-Brew location to work on recipes. The concept of a U-Brew allows customers to

come in and use a small brewery’s equipment to make their own beer under guidance of a professional. This allows the brewer to make a profit while experimenting with different recipes, saves the homebrewer from having to invest in equipment, storage space, or clean up, and ensures a quality end result. Luckily for KettleHouse several of those end results turned into flagship beers including multiple award-winning Double Haul IPA and Cold Smoke Scotch Ale (I dare you to find a person who has tried this beer and not put it in their top five). The brewery has opened a second extremely popular location and is considering greatly increasing the size of their brew house in order to distribute outside of the state. A popular U-Brew destination is Gallaghers’ in Edmonds, Washington which has been helping people make their own craft beer since 1995.

The staff guides you to a style of beer you want to make and helps you through the process while educating you at the same time. The end result costs you just over a buck a bottle, which saves you money and gives you bragging rights as you made it yourself.

While it’s easy to make a drinkable beer at home, the art of brewing is a constant finetuning of timing, temperature, well-measured ingredients, and sanitation. Making the jump from at-home to commercial production requires a large amount of money for equipment, licensing and space, but it still ultimately comes down to a consistent taste that’s well received by the thirsty public.

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Plan your trip Breweries in the Northwest are so popular that people will plan out entire trips just on taking a brewery tours. Portland, Bend, Seattle, Missoula, and Spokane/Coeur d’Alene are all home to a growing number of unique breweries.

Using the technology of today, you can plan your city visit and map out which breweries you want to visit in advance. The Washington Beer Commission (washingtonbeer.com) has a “Create my Brewery Tour” feature that allows you to select the region you are visiting, click on which breweries you want to find, and then creates a customized map with brewery information on it for you to print out.

There are currently 280 breweries listed with

If you can bake cookies, you can probably make a decent beer. It pretty much works like this: Seep your specialty grains in warm water, add malts and hops and bring to a boil. Add yeast to create alcohol, and at bottling or kegging time, add sugar to create carbonation.

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Washington is famous around the country for its apple crop so it makes sense that this is also one of the more popular regions for creating hard ciders.

the Washington Beer Commission, a number unthinkable even 15 years ago. When visiting Eastern Washington and North Idaho, you can pick up an Inland Northwest Ale Trail map (inlandnwaletrail.com) and earn yourself a free 32-ounce mini growler or “grunt.” Twentyseven regional breweries are laid out on a large map, and each time you visit one of the tap rooms and buy a beer, you’ll get a stamp from the brewery. Collect 12 and you’ve earned the free grunt. Beer lovers nirvana, Bend, Oregon, also features its own Ale Trail as well as the Bend Brew Bus, which transports you to local breweries for tours and also the Local Pour, which takes guests to a brewery, winery and distillery with a behind-the-scenes look at each.

Wine Country Not to be completely overshadowed by the growing craft beer industry, Washington’s

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vintners are also growing in number and accolades are continuing to pile up from the Columbia, Yakima, and Walla Walla Valleys. A recent study published by Washington State Wine shows an increase from 650 Washington wineries in 2009, to 850 currently open today. The study also showed that the economic impact of the wine industry in the state was $4.8 billion in 2013, up from $3.5 billion in 2009. At Washington State University in Pullman, the Viticulture and Enology department continues to see increased enrollment as more college students look to learn the art of growing grapes and crafting award-winning wines. Walla Walla is now home to more than 200 wineries and the town is seeing record visitors. Guests can do

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walking tours and sample from the downtown tasting rooms or arrange transportation to visit and taste wines directly at the winery.

While more at the mercy of the annual grape harvest vintners are also able to experiment a bit like their brewer counterparts by blending

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different reds together, deciding whether to put a chardonnay in oak or bottle it before it hits the barrels, and letting wines sit and ferment for different times, sometimes years.

Hard Cider and Soda ‒ the Next Revolution?

As other pioneers and entrepreneurs have watched the wine and craft beer industry explode in the West, they are looking at the next big market which could very well be hard cider. Washington is famous around the country for its apple crop so it makes sense that this is also one of the more popular regions for creating hard ciders. Making a hard cider can be as simple tossing yeast in with true apple cider, but to put something great together it takes a lot more than that. Ciders across this state are described anywhere from dry, sweet, tart, earthy, citrus, and bittersweet. Pioneers in the industry are experimenting with all kinds of fruits like cherry, pear, raspberry, peach, and many adding hops to their creations as well. The alcohol content of cider is usually in between beer and wine, around 8 percent to 9 percent. Liberty Ciderworks in Spokane ages one of their ciders in locally made Dry Fly

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Whisky barrels, giving a real unique twist on the classic cider. Many who eat a gluten-free diet are turning to the cider industry.

With the family friendly attitude of the majority of breweries in the state, brewers have also decided to put something on tap for the kids. Many breweries now feature craft root beer and cream soda for the kiddos, something for them to enjoy at the brewery as well. Not all breweries can admit children, so it’s best to do your research beforehand. Your local grocery store offers a bigger selection of craft sodas than ever before and a few companies out there like Not Your Father’s Root Beer is trying the alcoholic soft drink route as well. Options are limited now but wasn’t that the case with beer just 15 to 20 years ago?

smoked porter versus a coffee porter. It’s also pretty amazing to think that from where you sit right now there is almost surely a local brewery, winery, or cider house within 15 minutes.

The craft industry is an encouragement of responsible drinking as more drinkers are focusing on savoring the complexity of the beer instead of slamming eight in the parking lot before heading into the game. There was a time that to get anything unique we had to import it from overseas, now luckily for us it’s just a walk, ride or short drive away. Expand your taste buds ‒ there’s never been a better time!

Perhaps the best part of the craft revolution is that the choice is yours. Options have never been greater and there continue to be more and more each day. You might say you don’t like IPAs, Porters or sour beers, but if you’ve only tried one, why not give a different brewery a shot? The difference between a session IPA and a Double Dry Hopped IPA is huge as is a

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Halloween Safety KEEP KIDS AND PETS SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN

BY SARAH POLYAKOV

What kid doesn’t love Halloween?

It seems all children love the fun and magic associated with the holiday. But to ensure everyone has the best time possible, I have compiled some safety tips for kids and pets so that your family can have a spooktacular Halloween night.

Halloween Safety for Walkers First of all, children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.

If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Everyone should cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. Put reflective tape on costumes and provide children with glow sticks to carry.

Teach children to make eye contact with drivers and to signal to them before crossing in front of them. Always walk on sidewalks or paths, and if there are no sidewalks, be sure to walk facing traffic. Ideally, children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

Above all else, check to see if local businesses or community organizations are sponsoring trick or treating during the late afternoon so that kids can fill their bags safely and easily.

Make sure wrappers are off the floor and also out of reach. Keep wires and cords well out of reach of pets since some dogs and cats are chewers by nature. Make sure that your pet is wearing very clear ID tags in case it darts outside when assisting trick or treaters. Better yet, contain your dog in a separate part of the house if you are handing out candy. Keep pets away from candles and lighted jack o’ lanterns.

Oftentimes, small batteries power different Halloween items. Ensure that these batteries are out of reach of pets since they can be easily ingested. Most of all, don’t force a pet to wear a costume unless he loves it.

The Power of Neighbors If you live in a neighborhood, hold a short meeting prior to Halloween and encourage all neighbors to actively watch for the safety of trick or treaters and to be mindful of any unusual activity in the neighborhood. Develop a plan of action both for keeping children safe as well as responding to unusual incidences.

This is a great way to bond with neighbors while contributing to a safe experience for everyone.

Safety Tips for Pets Be sure to keep candy bowls that are filled with chocolate candies out of reach of Fido or Fluffy.

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

Your Personal Resource For Home Buying & Selling!

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

5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.732.0534

253.732.0534 sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

sue@suerand.com • www.suerand.com

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SHOPINSTYLE

1.

ADVENTURE Support small business and shop local in Gig Harbor!

BETTER GYM better. because quality of life is earned Training to move well, increase strength, sharpen focus, and gain the mental toughness that are essential for optimal quality of life.

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Natural & Organic Skincare

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360.489.2266

susan@bebettergym.com 5125 Olympic Dr. NW #110 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 www.bebettergym.com

f/betterperiod t/bebettergym

ďŒ­/be_better_gym #bebettergym

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HARBOR HOME CONSIGNMENT

Serving Gig Harbor

Looking to spruce up your home but finding it’s not within your budget? Look no further! We have been serving the Gig Harbor area for 11 years. We have all you need to make your home feel like a brand new place. Get that designer look without the designer price. Brands of furniture include Hancock & Moore, Century, Baker, Thomasville, Henredon, Sherrill, Hooker and more.

Stop in today and let us help you find the perfect furniture and home decor for your style and budget.

11 Years

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

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Business Saturday spending in 2013 totaled $5.7 Billion.

Sea Hags Fine Art, Gifts and Coastal Decor is a unique experience in art & home décor. With a passion for the unusual, our store is filled with artisans’ creations complemented with unique coastal and cottage décor. We focus on Fair Trade, American Made and Local Art. Stop by and see what’s new! Want to add some coastal accents?

You’ll find it all at Sea Hags!

8805 N. Harborview, Ste. 201 | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.691.7731 f/seahagsllc | www.seahagsllc.com

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REVERENCE JEWELRY

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

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

• • •

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

Free verbal appraisal

by GIA Graduate Gemologist

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773938-01

DID YOU KNOW? Small

SEA HAGS

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

SHARON’S SPA & RESALE BOUTIQUE

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS • www.reverencejewelry.com

SUGAR NOT WAX...All Organic product, never hot, Gentler than WAX. 10 days hair growth. Sugar all areas of the body. Enjoy Natural & Organic Skin Care. Choose from Facials, Body Treatments, Peels, Brow Shaping, Lash Tinting, Sugar Hair Removal (the new WAX), Reiki and more. Our Boutique offers all the labels you love at below retail. Enjoy shopping for casual to formal items or become a consignor and earn CASH. Exfoliate and brighten with a LEMON ZEST FACIAL. 7620 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor, WA | 253.851.3550 f/SharonsSpaBoutique | www.spagigharbor.com

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THE BEACH BASKET

The Beach Basket invites you to come explore our shop filled with gifts, Gig Harbor t-shirts, sweatshirts, and souvenirs. We also carry beautiful women’s sportswear and beach themed home décor. You will be pleasantly surprised by the unique, affordable merchandise in both our gift and year-round Christmas Shop. Beautiful “Harvest Moon” throw, 50” X 60”. Also available in a tablerunner and pillow. Decorate your home for fall!

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

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EBB TIDE GALLERY OF GIFTS

Join us for the reinstatement of the Gig Harbor Art Walk on the first Saturday, October 3rd from 1-5pm and meet featured Artist Judy Prisoc at her reception. Judy has taught and painted in oils for years and is a nationally known artist and recent transplant from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work has subtle influences of the desert from starry skies and old trains to glowing candles and meditative works. Shown is her painting: “Locomotive5030.”

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

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7.

7

dolly mama boutique

dolly mama boutique is located at Judson & Pioneer in Downtown Gig Harbor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Show your support with our Pink Ribbon Collection! A portion of proceeds donated to the Carol Milgard Center of Tacoma. Fall Hours: Mon 11am–5pm; Tues–Sat 10am-5:30pm. GNO is coming up Nov 12th! Bags go on Sale Oct. 29th!!

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

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SOPHIE’S TOUCH

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

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

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SHILOH THREADS

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

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

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MOOD

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

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

Capri pants were introduced in 1948 by fashion designer Sonja de Lennart. The pants’ name derives from the Italian isle of Capri, where they rose to popularity in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.

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The busiest shopping day is the Saturday before Christmas as last-minute shoppers hit the stores.

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Uptown Eye

4735 Pt. Fosdick NW, Suite 300

We’re open Saturdays for your c

(253) 851-4144

Our qualified eye professionals take pride in providing excellent optical service and getting to know the individual in you.

Our Lenses Digitally laser surfaced using a diamond lathe for clarity of lenses, with a gas-infused non-glare hard coating and UV protection.

Our Frames Designed by private designers who ONLY create eyewear. They’re free of logos and imprints and made from quality materials, including exotic lightweight wood options.

Uptown Eyes 4735 Pt. Fosdick NW, Suite 300, Gig Harbor | (253) 851-4144 | Uptown-Eyes.com We’re open Saturdays for your convenience.

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H

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Tips to Keep You Healthy

Stress?

Bring it On! TURN YOUR STRESS INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE

BY SUSAN MOORE, BETTER GYM, GIG HARBOR

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Stress. The name itself is synonymous with all negativity in our lives. We stress out about our kids, parents, work, school, traffic, food; the list goes on with things that are both in and out of our control. But if you actually think about what stress really is, is it inherently bad? Let’s look at this another way. How do our muscles grow? We subject them to external stress and they adapt. What kind and how much stress dictates our rate of adaptation. So if our bodies’ natural response is to adapt, why do we seem to crumble? If this is a learned behavior, do we have to accept it or can we emotionally adapt the way our muscles do physically? I believe that we can take the stress and use it to our advantage.

We have been told for years that stress causes

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most illnesses; our happiness is of the utmost importance and we need to put ourselves first so we can deal with everything else. This could be why we now see so much entitled behavior.

We aren’t taught to cope, but rather to avoid anything or anyone that causes stress and remove the negativity from our lives. If we do that and live a stress free life, how do we learn to adapt? How do we learn to cope?

Most research in the past that showed stress caused illness was missing one important variable. How did the subjects manage their stress? And what were the subjects’ coping mechanisms? More research has been done with these variables in mind and new information has been found. Recent studies done by the University of Wisconsin-Madison

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Affecting Your Daily Life?

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

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

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

253.857.0835 UptownDentalGigHarbor.com

COMPLIMENTARY SONICARE

with New Patient Exam, Xrays & Cleaning

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and other places have shown stress itself doesn’t cause illness but rather changes in our physiological, emotional and behavioral responses when under stress that can lead to disease.

Chronic stress is defined as a “state of prolonged tension from internal or external stressors, which may cause various physical manifestations – e.g., asthma, back pain, arrhythmias, fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and suppress the immune system.” This is something that most of us have heard before and why we believe we are stressed and therefore obviously suffer from (insert illness here). Now this is where the tough love comes in.

Stop it! Do not accept the fate that our lives are stressful and we have to suffer through it.

Our lives are the byproduct of our decisions.

It isn’t the stress that gets us; it’s our lack of positive coping strategies and our belief that we deserve better. You only deserve better when you work to be better. Earn your better! Are you overweight? Quit eating food that doesn’t nourish your body. Do you have immobility?

Move more! Are you tired? Gather more energy from the last two suggestions. We have the ability to change. Every action and every inaction has a consequence. Do not be a victim in your life. Meet your stress head on and do something about it. Realize that some things are out of your control, and that’s OK, but most things aren’t. As Ghandi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Every incredible person I have ever known in my life has been exposed to monumental

stress. They have lived through truly horrible events, situations or years of struggle. They have come out the other side better. They are people of extraordinary character, and I value being a part of their lives. In contrast, most people I find difficult to be around are the ones that think the world owes them something and that life isn’t fair. They don’t want to work for anything and expect something for nothing.

We all have to decide who we want to be and how we want to be remembered.

Stop It! Do not accept the fate that our lives are stressful and we have to suffer through it. Our lives are the byproduct of our decisions.

I have a working list on how to successfully adapt to stress to be a better person: • Take responsibility for your actions - If you do it, own it.

• Argue to be heard but never to win.

• Treat people the way you want to be treated and never based on how they treat you.

• Lead by example.

• Train your body even if you think you can’t.

• Spend less time trying to be happy and more time trying to be useful.

• Be a person of your word. Integrity is not negotiable.

• Be grateful every day.

• Use your stress as fuel. Strength is a choice.

Most research in the past that showed stress caused illness was missing one important variable. How did the subjects manage their stress?

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Increased Rest And A Healthier You Specializing in Cosmetic Skincare

PAIN, SLEEP APNEA AND FIBROMYALGIA

BY RHONDA SAVAGE Pain fragments your sleep continuity, impairs sleep quality, and disrupts normal sleep architecture. Pain and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) go hand in hand. Poor quality or insufficient quality of sleep may decrease the pain threshold, impair recovery from injuries, and increase the pain response.

Poor quality sleep for FMS sufferers has to do with abnormal sleep breathing, especially seen in patients with sleep apnea, which, by some, is considered to be a cause of FMS. Also, FMS can potentially increase the risk of sleep apnea in those who don’t already have the condition.

It’s another case of “what came first ...”

Although there doesn’t seem to be an answer yet for why people with FMS tend to have sleep apnea, the fact FMS symptoms get worse with lack of sleep means that treating the situation effectively is very important.

Plus, FMS patients suffer from fatigue. The biggest reason for the fatigue is the poor quality sleep that most people with FMS experience.

When Julie came in to see me about her

LLC

sleep issues, she was in so much pain! Nearly crying, she told me she was praying that I could help. She suffered from FMS, arthritis and periodontal disease. She had high blood pressure and trouble losing weight, both often attributed to oxygen deprivation. She told me she was barely sleeping three hours a night.

After her sleep study, she refused to wear a CPAP due to claustrophobia. After discussing all options, she chose to try an oral appliance.

I called her a week after she received her appliance to see how she was doing and she said, with a huge smile I could feel over the phone, “I’m sleeping SIX hours a night!” She was thrilled.

Botox® Juvederm® Chemical peels

New Patients Only Botox at $9 a Unit

When she came in for her one month check, she said, “My massage therapist can now work on muscles in my neck and shoulders that before she couldn’t even touch!”

Check with your dental care provider about obtaining a home sleep study, which can then be read by a board certified Sleep Physician.

Consult with them about the choices you have for your dental treatment. Begin the journey to a healthier, well rested life!

Karen Smith, ARNP

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

HarborHealthandSkincare.net

f

Find us on Facebook!

4221 Harborview Drive Suite 103 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.314.2618

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Staying Healthy in The New School Year DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS AT A YOUNG AGE

BY MIRIAM DRESSLER, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & EDUCATION, BLOOM EARLY EDUCATION

Gig Harbor Chiropractic & Massage

Fall always brings with it an interesting array of viruses, and children are especially susceptible to catching all kinds of things due to their still-developing immune systems. There are a variety of things you can do to decrease the odds of your child getting sick:

www.GigHarborWellness.com

Healthy food can affect how well our bodies fight off common illnesses. Fresher is always better! Avoid processed meals – they don’t provide the body with immunity-building power. Choose fruit and vegetables at least twice a day, whole grain over white bread, lean meats, and save treats as special events, not fillers between meals or rewards for behavior.

Dr. Greg Messer Dr. Keri Messer

253.857.6500

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

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

Healthy Food

Lots of Sleep Sleep is the body’s best friend when it comes to rejuvenation and repair – and children need LOTS of it. Most children under the age of four still need to nap to refill their energy tanks: Birth – 12 month olds: 14 – 16 hrs 1 – 3 year olds: 12 – 14 hrs 3 – 6 year olds: 10 – 12 hrs 7 – 12 year olds: 10 – 11 hrs 12 – 18 year olds: 8 – 9 hrs Lack of sleep affects the behavior of your children, and also compromises their immune systems.

Healthy Habits Teaching children healthy habits from a very young age gives them an edge to staying healthy.

• Hand washing - This is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Teach your children to wash hands with soap and water. Use sanitizer

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or wipes only when soap and water are not available.

• Coughing - Young children have no awareness of what isn’t healthy. They have to be taught “coughing etiquette.”

Cover the mouth when coughing, into the crook of their arm or into their hands – followed by hand washing, of course!

Physical Activity Children love to move, and physical skills are as important as cognitive skills to building academic success. Fall is a great time to take the children outside as much as possible. The great outdoors is the ideal environment to run, jump, climb, swim, dance and more.

The epidemic of childhood obesity in the world today can also be ascribed to the fact that children are not encouraged to and have little opportunity to be as active as they should be. This fall, create some opportunities for your children to be active and gain some of the benefits for yourself too with these simple ideas: 1. Take a walk - Set aside time after dinner to go for a walk with the family. It’s great for bonding and also burns off the last of the children’s energy for the day, making bed time so much easier.

2. Morning exercises - Wake up 15 minutes earlier and have a family routine.

Stretching, jumping jacks, hopping or pushups start the day off in the right way. Exercise is also a natural mood enhancer!

3. Weekend activity - Plan at least one active activity each weekend. Gardening, bike riding, swimming, a trip to the park, anything that lasts at least an hour.

You will soon see the benefits!

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

What Are the Best Running Shoes?

TAKE THE SIMPLE STEP OF ENSURING YOU HAVE THE PROPER FIT

BY RYANNE LEMON, PTA, ACE-CPT

Shopping for running shoes can be challenging and confusing for runners of all ability levels and classes. It has become especially unclear lately with the barefoot and minimalist running trend that has been heavily influencing the running shoe market. Literature, such as Christopher McDougall’s “Born to Run,” has further facilitated the popularity of barefoot and minimalist running.

So you may be asking, is barefoot running right for me? The answer to that is … it depends. When selecting the most optimal running shoe, the first consideration that must be taken is foot type. There are basically three different categories of feet including: flat foot, normal foot and high arch. Within these three categories of feet, there are three subcategories of foot type including: rigid or hypomobile, normal and hypermobile.

With advancements in technology, specialized computer programs can be especially useful in taking images of the foot by analyzing gait patterns then determining how the foot moves and distributes pressure throughout all phases of gait. Foot specialists such as podiatrists, physical therapists and prosthetics are all able to determine foot types and recommend specific footwear.

So what makes a good running shoe?

Studies have shown that although running shoe technology has advanced over the years, injury rates have not really changed.

In fact, injury rates have increased a little.

Traditional running shoes tend to have an elevated heel that is approximately 2x the height of the shoe at the toe. This dramatic heel lift puts runners into a forward position and encourages leaning back and using a long stride and heel-toe strike pattern to offset the forward imbalance. This running style has been shown to put a significant amount of strain on the knees, hips and lower back.

running shoe with virtually zero support, to a minimalist shoe, to more traditional, supportive running shoes with zero or minimal heel lift. Choosing the proper fit for your foot type plays a large role in running shoe comfort and avoidance of injury. Individuals with a high arch and/or a more rigid foot may not be able to tolerate a minimalist shoe (although a smaller heel lift can be beneficial) and would most likely benefit from more rigid support such as a custom orthotic foot bed. Also consider the following: 1. Wide toe box – allows toes to splay and naturally absorb shock 2. Buy shoes at the end of day – mimicks foot size during running 3. Make gradual changes in running shoe style – avoid jumping from super supportive shoe to minimalist shoe overnight 4. Consider foot type – this is the key to buying correct shoes As most runners know, running can be one of the most joyful and relieving part of the day, an injury can be truly devastating.

Having proper footwear can be a simple step in creating a better stride, which feels full of energy and free from pain - Happy running!

Welcome home to Harbor Place!

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

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

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

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

Running shoe companies have caught on to these new studies and have started making shoes that encourage a more natural running gait. Shoes can range from the barefoot

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

HarborPlaceRetirement.com

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F FOOD & DRINK

The Best Local Eats

Go Natural WINERIES SPEAK UP ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL CORK

A growing list of leading wineries, including St. Francis, Bogle and Fetzer, are speaking up about the benefits of using natural cork. They recognize that not only does natural cork allow wines to age perfectly, but using natural cork also provides a potential competitive advantage when it comes to marketing their wine brands.

According to Wines & Spirits “25th Annual Survey of Top 50 Restaurant Wine Brands,” wines finished primarily with cork accounted for 90 percent of the brands selected in these top restaurants. This represents a 21 percent increase from a decade ago, compared to a 39 percent decline in wines with screw caps and a 70 percent drop for those with synthetic closures.

“These survey figures are consistent with the August 16, 2014, Nielsen scan of the Top 100 Premium Brands, which showed that since the start of 2010, there has been a steady increase in cork’s market share with a 30 percent positive slope for cork-finished wines compared to a 9 percent slope for wines with alternative closures,” commented Peter Weber, Executive Director of the Cork Quality Council (CQC).

Christopher Silva, President and CEO of St. Francis, said, “We believe that natural cork is an integral part of the romance of the wine experience. There is nothing that can duplicate

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the iconic ‘pop’ when a cork is pulled from the bottle.”

Silva said that his winery discontinued using cork two decades ago, due to inconsistent cork quality. But he and his team kept testing corks on a few cases of wine each year in the hope of returning to cork. They saw a steady improvement, and by 2012 they were convinced it was time to return to cork.

He added that using natural cork is consistent with St. Francis’ commitment to sustainability.

“We are a certified sustainable Sonoma County business that is powered by solar energy, uses eco-friendly packaging, and is active in water conservation and recycling.”

Weber continued, “In addition to cork’s robust sustainability credentials, wineries are also benefitting from the hundreds of million dollars that Portuguese cork manufacturers have invested in new technologies and improved quality-control measures.”

In 2013, the CQC members conducted over 30,000 analyses. Their combined screening records show a steady reduction in measurable 2,4,6-Trichloroanisle (TCA) levels that are now 95 percent lower than the results seen when records were first tabulated in 2001.

“Using natural cork is an integral part of our message, heritage and culture,” Silva added.

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

food, wine & beer

enjoy lunch, happy hour & dinner

waterfront resta u ra nt with a rt ga llery

2014 OPEN TABLE TOP 100

BEST WINE LIST in America as voted by Open Table Diners

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

253.530.DINE (3463)

online reservations at morsowinebar.com

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

Mexican Restaurant

The Place To Go For Mexican!

4628 PT FOSDICK DRIVE NW GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 253.851.8464

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Morso

Check out some of our favorite local picks!

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

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

Whether you are looking for a small plate to a full meal, Gig Harbor has plenty of tasty options to choose from and great locations for beautiful views of the harbor.

Marketplace Grille

American cuisine with a Caribbean flair.

The best Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder in Gig Harbor! Located next to Anthony’s Restaurant and offers an expansive view of the harbor. Family owned and operated.

Beer and Wine, Take Out Menu available.

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

8825 North Harborview Drive, Unit C 253.858.3487 themarketplacegrille.com

Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant

Voted best Mexican Restaurant in South Sound Magazine for 2015! Since 1978, Moctezuma’s has been the favorite of those seeking authentic Mexican food and award winning Margaritas. Come visit our Gig Harbor location and enjoy our Tequila Bar for daily happy hour specials and an array of delicious appetizers. We have WiFi! 4628 Pt. Fosdick Drive NW 253.851.8464 moctezumas.com

Restaurants with this symbol have public wifi access.

Green.House Restaurant

GOOD EATS

Come and try our delicious new additions and nightly specials!

Offering lunch, Twilight, dinner & Happy Hour. The patio is ready for sunny days! Also serving a 3 course Twilight Dinner for $18 all night. Our Small and Bigger Bites Menu offers fun, deliciously sharable plates Open M-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8pm.

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

Taste Forza Coffee Company

Gig Harbor FORZA offers hot breakfast sandwiches, burritos, quiche & pastries, lunch, including sandwiches & salads, dinner, including Italian flatbreads, antipasto & caesar salad and more! Try our great selection of wine and craft beer while listening to live music or enjoying trivia! Happy hour daily from 4-6pm.

5275 Olympic Drive NW 253.858.8033 forzacoffeecompany.com

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of

Peru

Taste of Peru offers traditional Peruvian dishes as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Two year running Bite of Seattle winner for our quinoa salads.

We prepare our meals from scratch and use fresh ingredients in order to offer a lighter and healthier option without compromising flavor. Hours are TueFriday 11:30am-3pm and 4:30-8pm. Sat 11:30am-9pm. Sun 12-8pm.

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

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM OCTOBER 2015

Harbor Farms Meats Seafood

QUALITY MEATS

and

NW natural meat products. All wild caught fish and homemade marinated meats come pick up dinner! Freezer case with exotic hard to find products, specialty items, soups. The best pork you can buy from the Midwest! Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 9am-8pm and Sun 9am-6pm.

6820A Kimball Drive, Suite 7 253.313.5640 harborfarmsmeatsandseafood.com

FRESH SEAFOODS

SPECIALTY FOODS

1 WHOLE ROASTING CHICKEN

Get

• Nw Natural Meat Products • All Wild Caught Fish • Homemade Marinated Meats Come Pick Up Dinner!

• Freezer Case With Exotic Hard To Find Products

average 4-5lbs with your purchase of $50 or more*

• Specialty Items And Soups

*Mention Gig Harbor Living Local!

Try our new Spinach & Avacado Smoothies: WWW.HARBORFARMSMEATSANDSEAFOOD.COM Sweet7Baby Energy or Multi V 253-313-5640 | 6820A Kimball Drive Suite GigGreens, Harbor, WA Tonic 98335 Open 7 days a week Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm Sunday 9am-6pm

Get a fresh fruit beverage

Try ourTry newour Spinach Avacado Smoothies: new&Spinach Sweet Baby Greens, Energy Tonic or Multi V & Avocado Smoothies:

Sweet Baby Greens, Energy Tonic or Multi V

Green Turtle Restaruant

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

2905 Harborview Drive NW 253.851.3167 thegreenturtle.com

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with storepick pick up Enjoy other specials with store up 4901 Point Fosdick Drive, GigHarbor Harbor 4901 Point Fosdick Drive, Gig Tacoma Parties Mall location "Opening Gifts Treats for Kids & More Soon" Tacoma Halloween Mall location "Opening Soon"

Gig Harbor’s family owned and operated selfserve frozen yogurt store offers ten varieties of yogurt that rotate on a regular basis and over 60 toppings! Included are dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free options. Try one of their delicious flavors today. You’ll be sure to come back for more!

4784 Borgen Blvd. NW, Suite E 253.858.9647

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Bootastic Bouquet ™

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Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible , Edible Arrangements , the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ®

®

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. Gig Harbor, WA Tacoma Mall location “Opening Soon”

Occasions

Coffee and Crepes Est. 2000

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

CREPES Now Offering Fresh Strawberry Crepes Sweet & Savory Paninis & Sandwiches Salads & Soups

Ray Wainright Owner

CHOPPED GREEK SALAD WRAPS Brought to you by Litehouse Foods Serves 2, Finished in 10 minutes Gather Ingredients • 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped) • 1 medium tomato (diced) • 1/4 cup cucumber (diced) • 10 Kalamata olives (sliced) • 2 pepperoncini peppers (sliced) • 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced) • 1 cup grilled chicken (diced) • 2 large flour tortillas • 1/4 cup Litehouse Feta Cheese Crumbles • 4 T. Litehouse Greek dressing

Put it Together 1. Combine the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, chicken and feta cheese in a large bowl and toss to mix. Drizzle the salad mixture with the Litehouse Greek dressing.

2. Lay out the tortillas on a flat work surface.

Divide the salad mixture between the two tortillas. Tightly rolls the salad into the tortillas, folding the bottom into the wrap to keep the salad from falling out. Serve immediately.

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

®

253.851.2576 86

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STAGE ACTOR. ITALIAN MOVIE HEARTTHROB.

WALLA WALLA THEATER DIRECTOR. Ron Williams | GESA Power House Theater From Shakespeare to symphony, Walla Walla is home to performers who have toured the world. Now they’re here to make Walla Walla a place you’ll want to see, hear and experience again and again.

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253.851.3167

Lunch & Dinner Cocktails ~ Premium Beers ~ Extended Wine List

Experience waterfront views and fine dining with us!

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

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

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

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

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

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

2905 Harborview Drive NW Gig Harbor www.thegreenturtle.com

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DESTINATIONNORTHWEST

CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN GERMAN TRADITION

Leavenworth is home to the full German experience

By Colin Anderson Nestled in the Cascade Mountains between Seattle and Wenatchee is a community unlike any other in the Northwest. Leavenworth is like stepping briefly out of the U.S. and into an alpine village somewhere in Germany.

Everything from the local shops and restaurants to the banks, offices and even McDonald’s are done in Bavarian style. The surrounding peaks create a dynamic landscape in any direction, making you feel like you’ve been planted in the Alps. There are many ways to experience Leavenworth whether you’re a family, couple, group of friends, or just stopping through on a drive.

The Leavenworth Oktoberfest celebration is in

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full swing this month and is the most popular time for tourists. Thousands of visitors travel from all over to one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations you’ll find outside of Munich. Many come in authentic lederhosen and dirndls, others with beer goggles, giant hats and their liter steins. The festival dates this year are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3, Oct. 9 and 10 and Oct. 16 and 17. Admission is $10 on Friday nights and $20 for all day on Saturday.

If you haven’t booked your stay yet, be prepared to fork over a handful of dough on a last-minute cancellation, or you might get lucky with a home rental on VRBO, FlipKey or

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Airbnb. For last minute reservations, your best bet is probably to stay in Wenatchee. Many do this each year as there is a shuttle service that will run you back and forth to Leavenworth both Friday and Saturday for a small charge.

Once in town, the shuttles are also free in an effort to cut down on traffic and drunk driving.

The shops in town are all open during this time, and you don’t want to miss the procession that officially opens the event each Saturday. A parade of locals dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing march through the streets with flags followed by polka music and the bier wagon.

City leaders are brought in by horse-drawn carriage to the official tapping of the keg at

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1pm. Once inside the festival, you will find four venues featuring live music, arts and crafts, traditional German food, shopping and of course plenty of taps featuring regional and imported German beers like Paulaner, Warsteiner, and Ayinger. This year bands from the U.S., Canada and Germany will be entertaining in all four tents. You will also find traditional German dance presentations, group toasts, and you may very well end up doing the chicken dance. Your admission fee does not include any food, drink or souvenirs, and you will need to purchase tickets inside to get food and drink. You can bring your own stein to fill up, or purchase a souvenir mug to take home with you as well. The lines are usually longest in the beer halls so look outside for a shorter line to get a drink. Wine and soda are also available.

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Also back by popular demand this year is the Saturday morning half and full marathon.

This popular run zig zags through the neighborhoods just outside of town. Finishers are rewarded with a medal that also doubles as a bottle opener!

The event is family friendly by day but tends to get a little more rowdy in the evening, so if you plan in bringing the little ones, get an early start on the festivities. Families can also visit Kinderplatz which is an area just for kids with climbing wall, bouncy toys, and L-Bow the Clown. There is live polka music outside the festival in the town square as well. These October weekends are the most popular of the year, so be sure to book plenty early as hotels and condos fill up fast.

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If large crowds and large celebrations aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other weekends that the town slows down, but still offers plenty for everyone. November marks the start of the Christmas season celebration and the Christkindlmarket. The three-day market over Thanksgiving weekend includes food, arts and crafts, unique Christmas gifts and a visit from St. Nick himself. After Thanksgiving, the downtown is lit up with Christmas lights during the evening, and once the snow falls, kids can go sledding right downtown.

On any other day, there is plenty to see and do. Take a stroll down the main drag and visit some of the unique stores like the hat shop.

Try the world’s hottest pepper sauce or sample countless cheeses at the Cheesemonger’s shop.

Enjoy a brat or have a nice romantic dinner at

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Thousands of visitors travel from all over to one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations you’ll find outside of Munich.

one of the many restaurants. You can pick up everything from funny souvenirs to authentic crafts made in Germany.

Another reason thousands of people flock to Leavenworth is for wine tasting. The Columbia and Cascade Valleys are becoming recognized more each year for their superb growing conditions, and the awards keep racking up for vintners who call these areas home. There are literally dozens of wineries and tasting rooms around. You can walk, hire a guide or even book a limo tour that will take you out of the city to some additional tasting rooms and you won’t have to worry about driving. Most tasting rooms will charge a fee to taste but waive that fee with the purchase of a bottle. This is a great time to stock up for your own supply or pick up early Christmas gifts.

within walking distance of town. If you book a condo or vacation rental, it’s usually less than ten minutes away. Leavenworth may sound like a “tourist trap” town, but it is truly proud of its Bavarian traditions, and the locals are happy to show you around and teach you a German tradition or two. For a list of events, attractions, places to eat, and places to stay visit www.leavenworth.org.

If you enjoy a drive, the two lane highways surrounding town are beautiful for a leisurely cruise. The fall colors are some of the best around, and there are plenty of turnouts to snap a few photos. You can also drive up to the top of Steven’s Pass and stop into Lake Wenatchee State Park, or if the snow is falling, drop into Steven’s Pass Ski hill for a day on the slopes. There are also opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and during the summer months fishing, rafting and tubing the rivers.

Your options are limitless, and with so much to do, you’ll want to visit during all four seasons.

Most of the hotels and bed and breakfasts are

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Thank you for making the #1 read magazine in Gig Harbor. We couldn’t do this without your support!

Distributed magazine Read magazine Producer of local stories For feature events We

love where we live... Gig Harbor, Washington.

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Woodstock Birthday Bash

Communities in Schools of Peninsula (CISP) recently held a “friend raising” event in Gig Harbor to raise funds for programs and services for children in the Peninsula School District.

The event was the “Woodstock Anniversary Celebration” event, and it drew over 200 attendees. The party hosts were located on Reid Drive, and guests enjoyed music by the Driving Sideways band, which played a variety of Woodstock favorites. Many partygoers dressed in the 60’s fashion; it was three hours of peace, love and music!

The mission of CISP is to “surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in School and achieve in life.”

CISP is the local affiliate of the most effective dropout prevention organization in the nation.

By following an evidence-based model, they are able to provide integrated student services to schools in the Peninsula School District. The

Photos by Julie Reed

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CISP national office is located in Arlington, Virginia with almost 200 affiliates located in 27 states. Like other affiliates of CISP their goals are 1) keeping kids in school, 2) doing whatever it takes to eliminate barriers, and 3) never giving up on anyone.

The Communities In Schools model works because each affiliate tailors its services to local needs. CISP provides after school and during school academic reading and math mentoring programs in 10 of the 15 schools in

Peninsula School District. They also provide wrap around services to students in need.

These services include things like the provision of school supplies, individual tutoring, clothing, food, dental care, bully prevention programs, sports scholarships, and more. For more information or to become a volunteer mentor, please call 253.884.5733 and visit www.peninsula.ciswa.org.

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destination

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