January 2016 Latitude 45

TAKE A HIKE! DISCOVER NATURE IN THE NEW YEAR!

THE ROAD TO SIMPLICITY AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE FINDING ONE’S PURPOSE JANUARY 2016 Latitude45Mag.com

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Contents FEATURE STORY 10 The Road to Simplicity

Finding a happy balance in an overly indulgent world

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

EDITORIAL

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

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DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig

SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENTS

Media Manager/Events | Kelly Williams kelly@livinglocal360.com Media Intern | Maddie Russo maddie@livinglocal360.com

Latitude 45 is published and mailed to targeted neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest. We’re not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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06 Travel & Leisure

16 Arts & Entertainment

CENTER FOR DENTAL ARTS

An International Experience Take a Hike!

22 Get Out There Adventure

Startup Garners Nationwide Attention

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26 Local Flare

Finding One’s Purpose

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Olson • Jani Gonzalez Maddie Russo • Joanna Sappenfield

Karla M. Bloomquist, DDS

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Photo courtesy of xCraft

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Combining travel with education provides in-depth experience

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By Patty Hutchens | Photos by Joanne Heaviland Photography

ravel. It is something that most of us love to do or, at the very least, dream about.

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

From Tourist to Tour Guide

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

As an employee for United Airlines when she was just 21, Heaviland had the opportunity to travel all over the world to places such as China, Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Peru and many places

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throughout Europe. That experience, combined with her own heritage, gave her a taste of places she would like to explore further.

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

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

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Heaviland. “My 2011 trip is what inspired me to do a tour to Peru and also Machu Picchu in June of 2015 that was titled ‘Experience Peru: A Culinary, Cultural and Photography Journey through the land of the Incas.’”

The 2011 trip to which Heaviland refers was with a nonprofit group, International Children’s Network, that assists at-risk and orphaned children in countries all around the world. Heaviland traveled to Peru in 2011 as part of the group that was there to choose children for the World Orphan Choir.

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

Heaviland shares how, as the children auditioned for the choir, they were singing for their lives. It was their ticket out of poverty to be able to travel throughout the U.S. performing at schools, churches and community events to bring awareness to the plight of poverty in other parts of the world.

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

Heaviland sponsors three of those children.

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

Heaviland shares that given the world as it is today, it is often preferable for many to travel as part of a tour. “I think especially women who are traveling alone prefer to travel in a group. They feel safer, but they also enjoy other women who like to travel as well,” said Heaviland.

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

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

As a novice photographer, Wallen said she appreciated Heaviland’s patience with teaching photography on the trip.

“She taught me a lot,” said Wallen who adds that the accommodations were wonderful and the local guides were very informative. “I am ready to go on another tour with Joanne, whenever and wherever she plans to go, I’m ready.”

In addition to returning to Peru and Italy for tours in 2016, Heaviland is currently

But her trip not only changed the lives of the children, it changed hers as well.

She fell in love with the country of Peru and vowed to return. She did just that this past year with her Peru tour.

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

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Photo Courtesy Nichole Pagano

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

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

planning a tour to Ireland for this year, a new place for her. She will announce exact dates in February on her website, www.joanneheavilandphotography.com.

Communications class has brought to light many of the cultural barriers between the cultures. “From language to religion to norms and beliefs,” the differences are many.

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

Nichole Pagano is a senior at the University of Idaho where she is majoring in marketing in the College of Business and Economics. She has spent this fall exploring the country of Italy. It’s been exhausting and exhilarating and, given the chance, she would do it all over again. In addition to Italian 1 and Italian 2, her courses include Italian Cuisine and Intercultural Communications. “These classes in particular have definitely enhanced my experience in Italy,” said Pagano. She shares how her Intercultural

Pagano said that her full Italian experience was definitely enhanced by enrolling in the Italian language classes, as difficult as they have been. “I feel more competent and confident living in Torino being able to carry a basic conversation with locals,” said Pagano.

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

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

The Italian Cuisine class has taught her far more than learning how to cook authentic Italian dishes; it has given her a glimpse into where the Italian culture’s passion lies.

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“Implementing the Italian Cuisine class to my studies has given me an appreciation of what it truly means to be Italian. When you visit an area and eat the food, you don’t fully understand the time and effort and generations of recipes that it takes to bring that food to your table,” said Pagano.

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

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

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

FEATURE STORY

THE ROAD TO

Finding a happy balance in an overly indulgent world

By Megan Olson

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

H

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

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

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

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

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

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

we are ultimately moving away from our own happiness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Familiarize yourself with local nonprofits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gutting out the home can be particularly taxing with children.

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

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

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

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missed them. In fact, giving them away allowed me to bless someone else’s little girl.

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

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

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

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

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Explore nature in the New Year

TAKE A HIKE!

By Melody Vanhorn

T

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

On January 1 many parks will have

guided hikes with expertise provided by rangers and volunteers, in honor of New Year’s Day, which is also known as First Hikes Day. Unable to get away on the holiday? Take an extended weekend for Martin Luther King Day on January 17 and 18 as you enjoy the many benefits that are offered by our state parks including a diverse and dramatic range of landscapes such as coastal beaches, islands, waterfalls, lowland forests, historic military batteries, geological points of interest and much more. Here are a few parks around our area that you should check out.

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

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

Dash Point State Park Dash Point State Park is a 398-acre park with approximately 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline along the Puget

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JANUARY 4 FREE CPR/ AED CLASS

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

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

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JANUARY 14-17 NORDIC LIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL

JANUARY 8-10 PUYALLUP HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Puyallup Home and Garden Show is designed for all homeowners that may be remodeling, landscaping or decorating their homes. Come enjoy hundreds of exhibits with product demonstrations geared to enhance a wide variety of interests. Get advice from the pros and leave with great ideas for your home! www.puyalluphomeshow.net

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JANUARY 1617 WEDDING SHOW

Calling all brides!

The Washington State Convention Center is hosting the Seattle Wedding Show on Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm and Sunday 10:30am to 5pm. With over 400 wedding vendors, fashion shows and discount gowns, come live and breathe weddings. Tickets are $17. Children under 12 get in free.

JANUARY 17 FOREVER TANGO Forever Tango features guest stars Anna Trebunskaya and Dmitry Chaplin from TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Twelve worldclass dancers from Argentina, a traditional Argentine 1930s style vocalist, and an 11-piece orchestra will perform at Benaroya Hall starting at 4pm. Discount tickets are $25. www.seattlesymphony.org

23 JANUARY 18 MLK DAY IN TACOMA Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration features a keynote speaker and performance that chronicles Dr. King’s life. Through words, shadow play, and photos, learn and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 11am-1pm. This event is free!

Come enjoy contemporary films both long and short. Films produced from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden will be shown at the SIFF Film Center. This is a great event to see different cultures and share the love of film by all moviegoers.

JANUARY 23 THUNDERBIRDS VS. WINTERHAWKS

The Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team will compete against the Portland Winterhawks at ShoWare Center in Kent. Bring your friends and family to this awesome sporting event that starts at 7:05pm. Come take part in the action and unleash the thunder! Visit seattlethunderbirds. com for their full schedule.

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JANUARY 17-18 FREE STATE PARKS

Enjoy the day outdoors!

Grab friends, family and some warm gear to adventure around the many Washington State Parks. Enjoy the day exploring the wilderness at over 140 locations for free. To see if a park near you is participating in this free state park day, visit www.parks.state.wa.us.

JANUARY 27-31 WASHINGTON SPORTSMEN’S SHOW The Washington Sportsmen’s Show is one of Washington’s largest shows. There is a packed lineup of many family-friendly attractions. Some highlights include camp cooking demonstrations, the Kids’ Free Trout Pond, the “Head & Horns” competition and wilderness survival. Check online at www.thesportshows.com for event times and tickets! Fishing, hunting and camping is waiting for you!

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15 JANUARY 15-17 NORTHWEST REMODELING EXPO Needing ideas for your dream home? From January 15-17 the Washington State Convention Center is hosting an expo to learn about the latest innovations and design trends! Come learn from the experts about small design details to large housing additions. This advice will save you money, time and stress! www.homeshowcenter.com

JANUARY 17-18 BAVARIAN ICEFEST The village is dressed with twinkling lights and a flurry of frosty frivolity. Enjoy a weekend in Leavenworth making snow sculptures, snowmobiling, live music, fireworks and many other winter festivities!

Bring your friends and family for this fun and icy weekend getaway. www.leavenworth.org.

JANUARY 1517 MONSTER JAM

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

JANUARY 16 ELLENSBURG WINTERHOP BREWFEST This Beer Festival in Ellensburg makes for a fun weekend getaway! Winterhop Brewfest includes a souvenir glass and five tastings from 20 different microbreweries. Explore historic downtown Ellensburg and rock out to some live music. Tickets are available to purchase at www.ellensburgwinterhopbrewfest.com.

Upcoming Events FEBRUARY 6 BLACK SABBATH: THE END FEBRUARY 12 HEARTS AND WINE FEBRUARY 13 & 27 RELAX AND RENEW MEDITATION FEBRUARY 13 RUN OR WINE FEBRUARY 12-15 FAMILY BASKETBALL SHOW

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FEBRUARY 14 SEATTLE BIKE SWAP JANUARY 30 FROG DAY

Come celebrate Snohomish Ground Frog Day! Enjoy kids’ activities and see Princess Amphibiana and the mayor introduce a frog named Snohomish Slew at this annual event. There will be live music, an entertainer and Slew’s official handler. Admission is free.

FEBRUARY 14 DIE FLEDERMAUS OPERA FEBRUARY 25-28 MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE FEBRUARY 28 CHILLY HILLY

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Sound near the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Federal Way. The park’s beach provides unobstructed views of the Sound and excellent opportunities for sea-life study while they host eight different biking trails and a total of 11 hiking trails throughout their grounds.

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

Flaming Geyser State Park Flaming Geyser State Park is a 480-

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

Joemma Beach State Park Joemma Beach State Park is a 122acre marine camping park with 3,000feet of saltwater frontage on southeast Key Peninsula. Aside from the natural beauty of park and surroundings, the area is an excellent place for fishing, boating, and crabbing.

Penrose Point State Park Penrose Point State Park is a 152-acre marine and camping park on the shores

BYOSC

Bring Your Own Seafood Crackers!

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

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

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

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

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

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of Puget Sound. The park has over two miles of saltwater frontage on Mayo Cove and Carr Inlet and offers a wide variety of water activities along with 2.5 miles of biking and hiking paths.

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

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

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GET OUT THERE ADVENTURE

STARTUP GARNERS NATIONWIDE ATTENTION Drone manufacturer, xCraft, surpasses its goals, wows Shark Tank judges.

By Jani Gonzalez. Photos courtesy of xCraft.

F

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

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

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

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

He came to Sandpoint initially to work for Quest Aircraft and later began his own consulting firm, Aero Designworks. His drone, the X PlusOne, began as a side project and went through five prototypes, currently hanging in his office, before finding the one that worked.

“It started as a hobby – it was an idea I had and wanted to see if I could develop

a working prototype,” he said of the innovative drone design. “The first time we flew it, it was flawless.”

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

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

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

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company as an aside to heading Kochava.

“I love it,” he said.

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

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

The Shark Tank episode, which aired at the end of October, was distinct from previous ones in that the judges were visibly impressed from the start with the X PlusOne. Having such a huge success with their initial Kickstarter campaign, was also a big advantage to have in their favor.

Claridge also used the opportunity

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

Claridge and Manning initially asked for $500,000 for 20 percent equity; half to expand the X PlusOne and the remainder to develop the PhoneDrone Ethos. Right away, the offers were for more than their request, which is unusual for the show.

Kevin O’Leary, “Mr. Wonderful,” offered $750,000 for 25 percent; Lori Greiner, the QVC queen, offered $1 million for 20 percent; and Daymond John offered the same for 25 percent.

Smelling a “shark war” the judges asked for time to discuss a deal amongst themselves,

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

with some of them in moving forward.

“Since the episode, we’ve been channeling a lot of inbound inquiries for job applications and orders. This will take the company to the next level. We are hiring, and we’ve gotten a lot of good applications,” Claridge said.

The Shark Tank episode also helped additionally fund the PhoneDrone Ethos, where users can program their smartphone and insert it into the drone’s structure. The episode coincided with its Kickstarter campaign, and to date, more than 1,000 backers have funded the Kickstarter goal to $283,902 – far beyond the $100,000 target that had been set at the beginning of December.

Although it’s still early in the partnership with the Shark Tank entrepreneurs, Manning said that they had been in contact

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

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

The Stars of xCraft: X PlusOne and PhoneDrone Ethos Most drones, unmanned aviation vehicles, are multi-rotor aircraft that can hover but can’t travel as fast; the X PlusOne is fast, stable and lightweight, weighing 2.9 lbs.

It’s also more affordable than traditional drones at $1,800 and has a Go Pro mount.

It’s similar to other drones in that it can hover and land like a traditional multi-rotor

The drone’s uniqueness is its ability to “become an airplane” and transition to forward flight after a vertical lift off. drone. What distinguishes it is its upwardfacing wing, which allows it to fly vertical at a 90-degree angle and can fly twice as fast than other drones, up to 60 mph for up to 20 minutes.

“What we have accomplished is amazing.

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

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

“It can be fully autonomous. You draw the flight path, and it automatically draws a path back on its own,” Claridge explained.

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

“It can also follow you at a selected altitude, which is useful for some sports, and take

New Market in Drones – Bright Future for xCraft

photos,” he said.

While drones are not new, they are creating a buzz as technology allows more people to use one. The military has used variations of drones to collect data or surveillance at least since the 1850s when balloons mounted with bombs were used during the U.S. Civil War. “(xCraft has) received a tremendous amount of exposure because of Shark Tank and Kickstarter. Drone space as a whole is a really big growth market,” Manning said.

The xCraft drones are meant for a variety of activities from entertainment to commercial applications. To date, most of the orders are for personal use. Users need to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, fly no higher than 400 feet and avoid airports. Privacy laws still apply in regards to airspace over private property and government spaces. The current general rule is to “fly within the line of sight.” In mid December, the FAA issued a requirement that drone users register any unmanned aircraft weighing from 1 to 55 pounds on their website.

But the X PlusOne’s capabilities can go far beyond the allowances given to consumers. It can cruise at heights up to 10,000 feet, applicable for activities ranging from aerial photography and mapping to search and rescue. Commercial entities can request FAA permission to use drones at those distances though this market is still relatively untapped. Manning gave an example of its potential use as an agricultural tool.

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

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

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

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

“We want to get a larger version on the market for industries such as oil rigs and mines. This is a utility-driven business and not just a fancy product,” Manning said. He also noted that Amazon’s recent announcement on a future drone delivery service shows the fast, growing interest companies have in using drones to facilitate their business needs.

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL FLARE

FINDING ONE’S PURPOSE Local nonprofit making an impact worldwide

By Joanna Sappenfield We all know that giving to others brings us joy. But did you know that there are physical benefits to living a charitable life?

A 1999 study at the University of California, Berkeley found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were nonvolunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health and negative health habits. One reason researchers give as to why living a charitable life leads to greater health is that it actually helps to decrease stress, which has been associated with many health issues.

G

ig Harbor native and longtime mattress industry businessman, Scott Smalling, is hitting the ground running with his newest sleep project. Now he wants to give away beds to those in need.

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

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

Relief Bed International (RBI) is in the beginning stages of funding. One of the initial methods in which Smalling plans on funding RBI is emulating the Tom’s shoes model. Purchase one bed, and another is given to someone in need.

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

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

Smalling has partnered with World Vision to ship and supply the beds where they are needed. He said that having such a major

GET INVOLVED Are you looking to get more involved in our community? Are you eager to learn more about the businesses and people that make up Gig Harbor? Consider attending one of the many events that the Chamber of Commerce hosts each month. In addition to the monthly events, there are six major events throughout the year providing you an opportunity to meet new people, network and market your business. If you are not a member of the Chamber, consider joining today! Log onto gigharborchamber.net to learn about all the monthly opportunities to get out and meet new people!

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In 2014, inspired by a conference he went to, Smalling decided to make his part-time humanitarian efforts full-time. organization that was highly respected like World Vision, that have “boots on the ground,” is really what is needed to get these beds to the needy. World Vision works in nearly 100 countries “World Vision has said that the need is limitless if I continue to give them for free,” Smalling said.

In partnership with Therm-a-Rest, the beds were designed to withstand outdoor environments. They include 20-inch wide, 72 inches long, and 2-inch thick air/foam technology, UV resilient and easy to clean outer shell. Generation two is already in the making.

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

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

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

mattress, they will be donating the dollars to RBI,” Smalling explained. “It is a one-forone campaign.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smalling and his team went to Kent, near

“They will have select mattresses that when customers come in to buy those

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the Green River. Ricky, a homeless man, had a special impact on Smalling. Ricky acted as a tour guide for Smalling, showing him where other pockets of unsheltered communities were. Smalling would later take him and five others to dinner.

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

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

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

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

Smalling now speaks at the same conference where he was inspired to start RBI. He often uses a quote by Mark Twain.

“The two best days of your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.”

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

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