September 2015 Latitude 45

MAGAZINE

LET THE FALL FUN BEGIN! Events & Activities

Live Your Best Life Real Estate

The Heart of the Gig Harbor Market

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TAILGATING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Latitude45Mag.com

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Sleep Better | Feel Better | Think Better | Perform Better

a relaxed brain is your competitive advantage

Relaxed?

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Beautiful Living FOR EVERY

STEP IN LIFE

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MANCHESTER

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068i0000001v8ET

Contents FEATURE STORY 10 Live Your Best Life

A woman’s journey to fullfillment.

WWW.LATITUDE45MAG.COM MARKETING

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

EDITORIAL

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

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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 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

CENTER FOR DENTAL ARTS

Tailgating the Northwest

16 Arts & Entertainment

Let the Fall Fun Begin!

21 Living Spaces

Snowbirds Prepare to Safeguard Their Home

22 Financial Focus

The State of Gig Harbor Real Estate 26 Local Flare

Everyone’s Best Friend CONTRIBUTORS

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Sarah Polyakov • Megan Olson Sarah Friesen • Mike Trittin

Paul Moore

Karla M. Bloomquist, DDS

Sharing a lifelong responsibility for the promotion of dental health and well-being.

VOTED BEST DENTIST

by South Sound Readers for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 2014, 2015

Committed to the

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Higher Standard

welcoming new families

whitening • implants • veneers oral sedation • general dentistry

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2727 Hollycroft St., Suite 280 West, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.857.4114 www.soundbridgedentalarts.com

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

TAILGATING THE NORTHWEST

Experience college football up close

By Colin Anderson

F

all means football, and there’s no shortage of great action in the Northwest. We have many beautiful campuses, unique stadiums with red and blue turf, tailgating by boat, former national champions, and a whole lot more. There’s nothing like the buzz around a college campus on a crisp fall Saturday afternoon. And even if your alma mater might be across country, there’s no shame in rooting for another regional team, rivalries withstanding!

Just taking in the sites of game day is a blast, and we are fortunate to have some of the most interesting stadiums

in the country close by.

University of Oregon Location: Eugene, OR Stadium: Autzen Stadium Capacity: 54,000 Home Schedule: 9/5 vs. Eastern Washington, 9/19 vs. Georgia State, 9/26 vs. Utah, 10/10 vs. Washington State, 11/7 vs. California, 11/21 vs. USC, 11/27 vs.

Oregon State.

About the Team: The Ducks are one of the most powerful offenses in all of college football. Oregon brings in Eastern

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Washington transfer Vernon Adams to take the place of first round QB Marcus Mariotta. As luck would have it, the Ducks host the Eagles to open the season in what is sure to be an emotional matchup for Adams. Even with a brutal schedule, a trip to the college football playoff wouldn’t surprise many.

Did you know? Autzen stadium was used as the fictional field for Faber College in the John Belushi classic “Animal House.”

Oregon State University Location: Corvallis, Oregon Stadium: Reser Stadium

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Capacity: 47,249 Home Schedule: 9/4 vs. Weber State, 9/19 vs. San Jose State, 9/25 vs.

Stanford, 10/24 vs. Colorado, 11/7 vs.

UCLA, 11/21 vs. Washington.

About the Team: Oregon State struggled last year managing just two wins in conference play and a 5-7 overall record.

The Beavers were 32nd in the country in passing yards, but that was coming off the arm of recently graduated Sean Mannion. A big test comes in week two with a trip to the big house in Michigan and a showdown with Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

Did you know? Reser Stadium broke ground in September of 1952 at a cost of $1 million dollars. The bill for renovation and expansion in 2005 was $80 million dollars.

Eastern Washington University Location: Cheney, Washington Stadium: Roos Field Capacity: 8,600 Home Schedule: 9/19 vs. Montana State, 10/10 vs. Cal Poly, 10/31 vs. Weber State, 11/7 vs. Northern Arizona, 11/21 vs.

Portland State.

About the Team: The Cougars are looking to put it all together this year under Coach Mike Leach and his airraid offense. It’s been a struggle for the Cougs in recent history and with most pundits calling the Pac-12 a top three conference in the nation this year, it’s not getting any easier for them. Look for WR Gabe Marks to step up big in the passing game.

Did you know: A fire at Martin Stadium on April 4, 1970 destroyed nearly 6,000 seats and the press box, forcing the Cougars to play their next two seasons an hour and a half away at Spokane’s Joe Albi Stadium.

University of Washington Location: Seattle, Washington Stadium: Husky Stadium Capacity: 70,138 Home Schedule: 9/12 State, 9/19 vs. Utah California, 10/17 vs. vs. Arizona, 11/7 vs.

Washington State.

vs. Sacramento State, 9/26 vs.

Oregon, 10/31 Utah, 11/27 vs.

About the Team: The Huskies are a real wild card team this year after losing big contributors on defense to the draft as well as replacing their quarterback. After

About the Team: The question for all Eastern Eagle fans is whether or not their high power aerial attack will continue without quarterback Vernon Adams. “Big Play” VA transferred to Pac 12 power Oregon for his senior season, however star receivers Cooper Kupp and Shaq Hill are back. Head coach Beau Baldwin has turned Eastern into a power at the FCS level with a National Championship in 2010 and Big Sky Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Did you Know: Eastern Washington installed it’s now famous red turf nicknamed ‘The Inferno’ in 2010 thanks in a large part to a $500,00 donation from Eastern Alum and NFL offensive lineman Michael Roos.

Washington State University Location: Pullman, Washington Stadium: Martin Stadium Capacity: 35,117 Home Schedule: 9/5 vs. Portland State, 9/19 vs. Wyoming, 10/17 vs. Oregon State, 10/31 vs. Stanford, 11/7 vs. Arizona State, 11/21 vs. Colorado.

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There’s nothing like the buzz around a college campus on a crisp fall Saturday afternoon.

Just taking in the sites of game day is a blast, and we are fortunate to have some of the most interesting stadiums in the country close by.

winning eight games a season ago, Vegas odds makers are only giving the Huskies four wins this season. Head Coach Chris Peterson opens the season at Boise State, the school in which he helped propel into the national spotlight.

Did you know? With a capacity of more than 70,000 and metallic roofs, Husky stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in the country crossing over the 100 decibel level multiple times each game.

Boise State University Location: Boise, Idaho Stadium: Albertson’s Stadium Capacity: 36,387

the west. The Broncos are predicted to win the conference this season and have 6 players on the pre-season all-conference team. Head Coach Bryan Harsin hopes he’s found the next great Bronco QB in Brett Rypien, nephew of Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien. Brett smashed his uncle’s greater Spokane League records and was the player of the year for the state of Washington.

Did you know: Boise State became the only team with blue astro turf in the world and was the first school to install a field with a specific color in 1986.

Home Schedule: 9/4 vs. University of Washington, 9/18 vs. Idaho State, 10/3 vs.

Hawaii, 10/24 vs. Wyoming, 11/14 vs. New Mexico, 11/20 vs. Air Force.

About the Team: While no longer the darlings that defeated Oklahoma in one of the greatest bowl games of all time, Boise State is still a consistent power in

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FEATURE STORY

e v i L Life Your Best

A woman’s journey to fulfillment.

By Megan Olson.

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WHATEVER IT TAKES Do whatever it takes to know that you lived – write the novel, jump into the lake wearing the fancy dress, learn to dance, experience the exotic places of the world, and don’t be afraid to love deeply. My plea to you is that when it is your unavoidable time, your heart will be full because it turned every stone. You can rest knowing that you lived and not existed. Make your list and brace yourself for how your life is about to change.

• A recent study by Dr. Gail Matthews suggests that the act of writing your goals makes you 42 percent more likely to achieve them.

• The top 3 most popular items on a bucket list include: 1) Offer support to a humanitarian cause 2) Write a book 3) Pursue a passion.

• According to a recent report, only four out of 10 have a goal list for their retirement years.

“A

nd so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves. It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.”

– Donald Miller If you knew your number of days, would you live differently? We abundantly hear the topic of establishing goals, but most of us never bring our ideas to fruition. It

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is easy to fall into the chasm of life where we are caught in the web of complacency and daily routine. We become immersed in an abysmal sea of distraction that washes us away from the shore of our unfulfilled dreams. The notion of generating and writing goals may appear trivial at first glance, but it can be what sets living apart from existing. You only have one life, and I challenge you to go after it.

Several years ago, I listened to a young man give a discussion at an educational benefit. He is the brother of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the horrendous Columbine High School shooting. The speaker delved into the importance of composing and writing goals and its correlation to achieving success and accomplishing dreams. That night, I went home and I established a list that was comprised of the top 100 things that I want to experience in my life. I gave no

regard to how outlandish or unattainable they may have seemed at the time. I wrote from the perspective of envisioning the final moments of life. What would it take for me to feel as though I had fully lived?

In 1961 John F. Kennedy spoke before Congress of his goals in search of space program funding. He asserted that the United States was in need of committing itself to the goal of having a man land on the moon by the end of the decade. In July of 1969, with less than six months to spare, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins fulfilled the president’s bold aspiration. There is power in the articulation of our words and how they relate to the fulfillment of our ambitions.

It was only four years ago that the sweet, funny kid who graced my classroom passed away from brain cancer at the age of 13. He left a huge empty space in my heart. What probably hurt the most was to watch the torturous misfortune that his mother would be forced to endure.

Before his passing, the class held a discussion from the book “Tuck Everlasting”.

The characters inadvertently drink from a mystical fountain of youth and are forced into immortality. The conversation with this boy was forever imprinted into my mind after I posed the question to the class – would you choose immortality over death? He shrugged without hesitation to suggest that it was really no contest at all.

He asserted that he would unequivocally choose death. It was a valiant statement from a terminally ill child to offer mortality as the better alternative. His justification was that we need to make do with the time we are given. There is an excerpt from the book that says “Do not be afraid of death, but the unlived life.” I have feared death, but more importantly, I have been far too content with the complacency of my own existence. The great tragedy rests in the latter, as it is the avoidable path.

It was shortly thereafter that I faced my own catastrophic hardships of life. A failed marriage left me feeling devastated and afraid as I stood at the doorstep of homelessness and financial insecurity.

Loneliness festers in the quietness of the night. I have wept into the darkness, only for my cries to be left unanswered. I have lost much but have gained more through the process of grief. It brought me an opportunity to rebuild myself better than I was before. I thought back to the list of my 100 things. I retrieved it from my drawer and I began my journey - not of life, but of living.

I started with guitar lessons and a marathon. The guitar lessons made my fingers hurt, but I learned a few things along the way. I mostly discovered that I am horrible at playing the guitar. The marathon was probably one of the most physically grueling but rewarding achievements of my life. The hours I spent running on the

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road offered me time to heal and sort out my business.

On October 6, 2013, I ran my heart out and concluded my 26.2 mile endeavor. I will never forget that moment of crossing the finish line and hearing the crowd cheer.

My body was battered, but my soul was completely ignited like a phoenix reborn and rising up from the ashes.

“I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth. Then, I ask myself the same question.”

- Harun Yahya More recently, travel has moved to the forefront of my agenda. I grew up in the awe-inspiring wilderness of Montana; however, the seclusion has fueled my need to see and experience the world. I

I went home and I established a list that was comprised of the top 100 things that I want to experience in my life. I gave no regard to how outlandish or unattainable they may have seemed at the time.

It was in Puerto Vallarta where I captured some of the most delightful moments of my life story. Time stood still as my “highly unlikely” items took shape like a comprehensive inception of hopeful dreams. began with taking a trip through the desert so that I could meander my way to Texas.

I don’t know that I would recommend this for everyone, but I slept in my car at truck stops just for the sake of making the trip all the more interesting. I drove each day into the wee hours to watch the sun fade into dawn like a masterpiece into the distance of where the sky kisses the face of a brazen mountain. I experienced (not saw) the wonderment of what the author Donald Miller describes as a painted desert. My eyes were open and my heart was full as I awoke each morning to unveil Emily Dickinson’s words: “I’ll tell you how the sun rose, -- a ribbon at a time”. I was witness to nature’s portraits that were so beautiful that it was an impossibility to hold back the raw emotion of the moment.

Tears streamed down my face as I stood at the threshold between night and day.

When I wrote my list, I made sure to include items that were just at the cusp of outlandish but remained plausible. I stumbled many years ago upon a brochure for swimming with dolphins. I thought “why not?” and placed this adventure on my list, but it remained in the “highly unlikely” category in the back of my mind. I hung that brochure on my refrigerator where it served as a reminder for seven years. I had decided that there would be no harm for the addition of outlandish dreams, only from missed opportunity.

Missions work in Mexico left me eager to return so that I could experience its

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leisurely splendor. There is something so fundamentally delightful about sipping coffee while enveloped in the morning sun on a Mexican rooftop. World travelers proclaim that Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the entirety of the

world. The experience draws you in like a strong embrace that offers reprieve to a weary soul.

It was in Puerto Vallarta where I captured some of the most delightful moments of my life story. Time stood still as my “highly unlikely” items took shape like a comprehensive inception of hopeful dreams. I experienced the warmth and inexplicable beauty of the Pacific Ocean, received my unlikely opportunity to swim with dolphins, dined on succulent cuisine, and unexplainably found love. Like a lucid dream, never could I fully envision swimming with dolphins and under no circumstance did I think I would ever find love. There I was, caught in the elegant rapture of the beauty of life.

My father used to tell me to do my best with what I’ve got. I know that I haven’t fully hit the mark on all of my goals. At 6 feet tall, I didn’t make a very good wakeboarder, but I kept trying until I was able to make it out of the water. When you catch the toe-side edge of a wakeboard, the lake’s surface at 20 mph feels less like water and more like concrete. The experience was sufficient enough for me to cross it off of my list. I have accepted that the idea is not that of mastery but of effort.

I’ve had to make peace with the past. I have struggled with forgiveness and letting things go, but I continue to be a work in progress. The most valuable component

to my happiness has been learning to surrender and knowing when to let go. I deplore the process of grieving, but there is no path to circumvent the condition and true healing does not allow for us to skip steps. There is no guarantee of happiness in life, only sorrow as we move through the lines of our own Shakespearean tragedy.

Suffering is the thread that intertwines the fibers of all humanity.

I am in bewilderment of how my life has unfolded before my eyes. I have felt the searing pain of loss like wind removed from a sail, but there is opportunity for growth and beauty in every moment. We have this vision and anticipation of how we think our life will go and then we experience the callous reality. I’m learning the importance of being present and rejoicing in the moment. All we have is today; the here and now.

It is important to accept that tomorrow is out of our control while maintaining a sense of hope. It’s exciting to think about the potential that arises from the breath of dawn on a new day. I think about what is yet to come. I want to finish my novel, eat weird food, dance, skydive, and hold the hand of my love under the brilliance of an aurora borealis as it pirouettes across the night sky. If I finish all of my items, then I will write one hundred more.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

From the lakes to the mountains a lot of fun to be had this month

LET THE FALL FUN BEGIN!

By Patty Hutchens

I

t is here. Fall. And with fall comes a multitude of fun things to do. The weather is still beautiful, with even a welcome relief from the unusual heat we experienced during these summer months. We have high school football games, fall festivals and much more.

Get out your calendars and plan a month full of fun activities.

the annual Bumbershoot at the Seattle Center. With music, film, comedy and arts to enjoy, Labor Day weekend is a great time to head to downtown Seattle to experience this great event for the whole family. There will be 17 different venues at Seattle Center, including a main stage at Memorial Stadium. For more information and for a schedule of events, visit www.bumbershoot.com.

The beginning of September marks

Also on Labor Day weekend, you

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can travel to Bremerton to take part in the Blackberry Festival at the Bremerton Boardwalk. From Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7 attendees can enjoy a children’s stage, music, car show, wine tasting, blackberry smoothies and wine, craft booths and a whole lot more! www.blackberryfestival.org.

If you enjoy hard cider, you won’t want to miss the Cider Summit Seattle taking

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MORE EVENTS AT WWW.LATITUDE45MAG.COM NOW-SEPTEMBER 7 EVERGREEN STATE FAIR The Evergreen State Fairgrounds hosts the annual 12-day Evergreen State Fair every August through Labor Day. The Fair is one of the largest events held annually in the Pacific Northwest and is the largest single attraction held in Snohomish County. Meet farm animals, watch pigs race, eat fair food, and catch a show at the fair in Monroe. Visit www.evergreenfair.org for more details.

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Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian rock band started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall, who serves as the band’s lead vocalist, as part of a youth group at First Baptist Church in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. Casting Crowns’ has consistently delivered songs that spur listeners to evaluate their relationship with God and with each other, and they will be performing at this year’s Evergreen State Fair. For tickets visit www.evergreenfair.org.

11 SEPTEMBER 11-27 WASHINGTON STATE FAIR

Seventeen days of exhibitions, rides, music, animals and fun for the whole family take place in Puyallup for this annual event.

Watch the rodeo, parade and talent show.

Competitions for photography, beer and wine making, agriculture, and high school juniors and seniors art show. Concert series includes Keith Urban, Jake Owen, Pitbull, Jason Derulo, Heart and others. For a schedule of events and exhibitions, visit www.thefair.com.

SEPTEMBER 16-OCTOBER 11 SHAKESPEARE COMEDY A short, funny, and wild play by William Shakespeare, “The Comedy of Errors” features slapstick comedy about mistaken identity at Seattle Repertory Theatre. More details available at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

SEPTEMBER 1 CASTING CROWNS

SEPTEMBER 17 THE FAB3

Beatlemania is alive and well at the Harbor History Museum. Based out of Seattle, Paul and Marcie Forrest and Russ Salton pooled their talents to perform the timeless songs of John, Paul, George and Ringo. The music that changed the world is as popular now as it was when The Beatles first hit the airwaves. www.harborhistorymuseum.org.

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Lee Brice’s new album, “I Don’t Dance,” is a showcase for his painstaking approach to writing and recording, with his distinctive fingerprints clearly emblazoned on every element of the album. Lee will be performing at this year’s Evergreen State Fair. For tickets visit www.evergreenfair.org.

SEPTEMBER 11-13 WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL & CRAFT FAIR

See 300 boats and boating demonstrations and meet expert craftsmen and wooden boat enthusiasts at the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. Just down the street is Crafts By The Dock crafts fair running both Saturday and Sunday.

Information on these event is available at www.nwmaritime.r2ak.com www.porttownsendartsguild.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2 LEE BRICE

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SEPTEMBER 11-12 CIDER SUMMIT SEATTLE Try 100 artisanal ciders from the Northwest and around the world. Eat fine food and hear live music at Cider Summit NW Festival outdoors at South Lake Union Discovery Center. The sixth annual event will be Friday, September 11 from 3 to 8pm and Saturday, September 12 from 12 to 6pm. Must be 21 to attend. Visit www.cidersummitnw.com for more details.

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SEPTEMBER 18-20 FREMONT OKTOBERFEST

Fremont Oktoberfest offers 100 kinds of beer and multiple live bands for adults to enjoy all weekend long. Sunday gives you free entry for kids and dogs as you come participate in a scavenger hunt, 5K that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and numerous family events. Details available at www.fremontoktoberfest.com.

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SEPTEMBER 3 SEAHAWKS VS RAIDERS

The Seahawks are taking on the Los Angeles Raiders at CenturyLink Field!

Come watch the battle as the Hawks work their way through the last preseason game.

Kickoff is at 7pm. Visit www.seahawks.com for ticket information.

SEPTEMBER 12 HARVEST FESTIVAL Participate in this fun, lively hands-on community festival with workshops, cooking demonstrations and fun activities for all ages. Eat tasty food and enjoy live music with friends and family. Harvest season is a time to celebrate! The festival takes place in Meridian Park, behind the Good Shepherd Center from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit www.seattletilth.org.

SEPTEMBER 5 SOUNDERS VS TORONTO The Seattle Sounders are going against Toronto in CenturyLink Field at 7pm.

Enjoy an enthusiastic game of soccer as you cheer on our home team.

Visit www.soundersfc.com for schedule information.

SEPTEMBER 5-7 BUMBERSHOOT Celebrate the end of summer at Bumbershoot, a spectacular festival of music, film, comedy, and arts on Labor Day weekend in 17 venues at Seattle Center, including a main stage in Memorial Stadium. Visit www.bumbershoot.com for more information.

Upcoming Events OCTOBER 3-4 NORTHWEST CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 25 SOUNDERS VS REAL SALT LAKE

OCTOBER 4 SOUNDERS VS LA GALAXY

OCTOBER 31 RUN SCARED

OCTOBER 5 SEAHAWKS VS LIONS OCTOBER 6 FEAST AT THE MARKET OCTOBER 10 SNOHOMISH BEER FESTIVAL

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SEPTEMBER 26 2015 CIDER SWIG

The Cider Swig returns to Gig Harbor on National Public Lands Day 2015. Nearly two dozen regional cider makers will present a range of 70 plus hard ciders to the growing community of cider lovers and the cider-curious alike traveling from near and far to join in a day of sampling the best ciders west of the Mississippi! For more information go to www.gigharborfoundation.org.

OCTOBER 10 ART & WINE WALK OCTOBER 16-18 GIG HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 17 SOUTH SOUND IPA FESTIVAL OCTOBER 18 SEAHAWKS VS PANTHERS OCTOBER 24-25 BAINBRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL

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Visit

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place at South Lake Union Discovery Center lawn on September 11 and 12.

With over 150 artisanal hard ciders from around the world, those 21 and older can enjoy unique cider selections and food from Whole Foods Market, Capitol Cider and Smitten Truffles.

And if you have a dog you would like to bring along, the Cider Summit has a dog lounge water station that will benefit Seattle Humane. There is also a Cider Cocktail Lounge hosted by Eden Ice Cider, Capitol Cider and CiderCraft Magazine. www.cidersummitnw.com.

On September 19 and 20, you can take a drive to the Rainier Mountain Festival. For two fulfilled days, you can enjoy everything from music to demonstrations to mountain yoga.

There is a boot and backpack fit seminar, sled pull alpine games, a demonstration on preparing yourself to climb Mount Rainier as well as a food court and beer garden and much more. Whether you are a climber or

just want to join a great time, head to Mount Rainier Basecamp. Who knows, you may be inspired to take on a new challenge! www.rainierfestival.com.

What would fall be without an Oktoberfest celebration?

From September 25 through September 27, head to Kirkland for Oktoberfest with a Northwest twist. Kirkland Oktoberfest is an authentic German Oktoberfest biergarten. You will experience multiple entertainment stages, competitions and a whole lot more at this three-day festival on the waterfront in downtown Kirkland.

Take part in or watch beer pong, stein hoisting, keg rolling, corn hole and more while enjoying not just great beer but some great German cuisine as well! www.oktoberfestkirkland.com.

Don’t let September pass you by without taking advantage of all the great things going on in the Pacific Northwest!

ENJOY THE BEAUTY ON A BIKE Bike tour offers something for everyone.

by Patty Hutchens

If you are a bike enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful fall ride and help raise money to promote clean air and healthy lungs . The Ride Around the Sound 2015 bike tour, which takes place on September 19, offers an opportunity to ride 38, 73 or 92 miles, all while raising money to support the mission of the American Lung Association in Washington State. The proceeds will go to help fight pollution, further education, enhance research, and support those with asthma, lung cancer, COPD and all lung disease.

The 92-mile route begins in Seattle; the 73-mile route begins in Normandy Park and the 38-mile route begins in Tacoma, with all finishing in Bremerton to a celebration near the Ferry.

With varying distance options, people of all ability levels are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Puget Sound including lighthouses, marinas and wildlife. There are rest stops along the way where one can enjoy food, replenish their electrolytes and receive medical assistance as well as any bike mechanics that are needed.

Visit

Form your team today and help make a difference.

For more information go to www.ridearoundthesound.org.

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With over 150 artisanal hard ciders from around the world, those 21 and older can enjoy unique cider selections and food from Whole Foods Market, Capitol Cider and Smitten Truffles.

LIVING SPACES

SNOWBIRDS PREPARE TO SAFEGUARD THEIR HOME Home watch services gaining in popularity.

“

By Sarah Friesen, Gig Harbor Home Management

During a season that brought ants into our kitchen and rainwater into our basement, we are so glad we hired our Home Manager to check on our home and oversee calls from service providers in our absence.” — Sandy, happy Gig Harbor homeowner

manager to check the inside of their home for a variety of hidden risks

Every fall, snowbirds prepare to pack up and head south for the winter. Many of them discover just how much can go wrong inside their home where no one can see what is happening.

APPLIANCES - Refrigerator settings, washing machine odors, car battery chargers

“I’ll just turn off the water heater…”

Did you know that turning off your water heater has the potential to void its warranty?

“I’ll just turn the temp down…”

Did you know that a cold water heater can interfere with water softener systems, and lead to speedy corrosion and spring a leak overnight?

“It’s clean enough for while we’re gone…”

Did you know that sugar ants can literally explode in a feeding frenzy when unchecked, and are one of the hardest infestations to eliminate?

“The Security Guards will walk around the exterior every day…”

Did you know that a running toilet can waste up to 4,000 gallons per day and cost thousands if no one is inside to hear it?

A growing number of local residents are seeing the value in hiring a home watch

UTILITIES - water heaters, thermostat settings, leaks under sinks CLEANLINESS - food management, clean surfaces and visiting pests

OUTSIDE - Patio furniture during windstorms, outdoor faucets and freezing temperatures, flooding at foundations DISCOURAGING BURGLARIES - light timers, changing curtains and blinds, watering plants on the front porch, snow removal, packages left on porch Gain peace of mind for the safekeeping of your home by hiring a professional, licensed and bonded home management company that will check potential problem areas. A home watch manager will meet with you personally, create a customized checklist and inspection plan, and schedule regular visits that accommodate your concerns and wishes.

The cost of hiring someone to look after your home is far less than the cost of a major emergency going undiscovered for weeks or months. Don’t count on the friendly neighbor who keeps an eye on your home from down the street; the worst disasters are not seen from the outside! A trustworthy and dependable home watch manager will give you an added layer of protection, and bring you peace of mind while you are away.

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

THE STATE OF GIG HARBOR REAL ESTATE A few things nobody told you.

By Mike Trittin, REALTOR®

A

fter folks find out that I own a residential real estate brokerage affiliated with Keller Williams here in Gig Harbor, I am constantly asked some variation of this question: “How’s the market?” A question for which I indeed have the answer, however, I usually surprise people with my response.

If you’re in the market to purchase a threebedroom rambler within harbor city limits with a maximum budget of $200,000, you certainly won’t be pleased to find out there isn’t inventory in that price point. However, if you’re looking to sell your three-bedroom rambler, you’ll certainly be pleased with the activity on your listing if it’s priced right!

My team has seen a ton of multiple offer situations. The lifestyle Gig Harbor offers is valuable, and as we’ve begun to come out of the economic downturn, folks are more willing to pay for it.

So, how’s the market? It depends. It depends on who you are and what your situation is. Sure, there is opportunity in every market, but I’m not going to tell someone how great the market is until I understand their situation. Thus, without further ado, let’s dive into some numbers

to understand the state of our local market (as of early August). These statistics are for residential, single family homes (not including condos).

plethora of amazing lending professionals we have in our area. Feel free to reach out for any recommendations.

Months of Inventory

Mortgage Rates You’ve probably heard: Rates are historically low. When money’s cheap, buyers are more likely to seize a good opportunity and lock into a great rate. With a historical average of around 8 percent, the numbers we’re seeing in the 3 percent range is certainly a pretty sight for home buyers.

The lifestyle Gig Harbor offers is valuable, and as we’ve begun to come out of the economic downturn, folks are more willing to pay for it.

I’m not a lending professional, so I always advise my clients to seek advice from the

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Gig Harbor & Fox Island – 98335, 98332, 98333 • Four months (as of July 31) • Three months (May and June) • (Numbers were identical when Fox Island was excluded) Simply put, months of inventory are how many months it would take to sell all of the homes currently listed if no more were put on the market. Typically, it’s around five months. A low number here tells me that there are more buyers in the market than sellers. So, sellers will be at an advantage with fewer days on the market and less competition. A higher number tells me the opposite. Some may associate this statistic with a “buyer’s” market versus a “seller’s” market; however I’ve never been a fan of those terms. If a seller overprices his or her property, it will still end up with a high day-on-market and end up selling for

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far less than market value.

Here we see a decreased months of inventory for May and June, which is common. As potential sellers saw the quick sales in spring and early summer, more jumped into the market in mid-summer which caused the increase to four months (still on the lower end).

As we headed into summer, we consistently saw an increase in home sales, but to really get a gauge on the market activity, it’s best to compare these statistics to the same months in 2014. When we do, it’s clear that there is definitely an increase in market activity for 2015.

Sale Price to List Price Ratio Gig Harbor and Fox Island – 98335, 98332, 98333

Number of Sales Gig Harbor & Fox Island – 98335, 98332, 98333 • 101 (July) | 80 (July, 2014)

• 99.1% (July) If Gig Harbor sellers continue to price homes well, we should continue to see the strong numbers currently representing our market.

• 99.2% (June) • 99.2% (May)

• 113 (June) | 62 (June, 2014) • 100 (May) | 90 (May, 2014)

This statistic tells us that homes are selling very close to the original list price – certainly good news for sellers. That said, however – it is still imperative the home is positioned competitively on the market at the time of initial offering. I recently put a house in Key Peninsula North ($350,000) under contract for full price, all while homes nearby continued to sit on the market. Why? Because it was positioned as a solid offering priced competitively at market value.

• 98.9% (Beginning of the year) • (Numbers were identical when Fox Island was excluded)

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Median Sale Price Gig Harbor – 98332 & 98335

• $441,000 (July) • $439,900 (June) • $407,975 (May) Fox Island – 98333 • $437,500 (July) • $410,000 (June) • $669,975 (May) This statistic, albeit interesting, is one I don’t advise clients to get too caught up in, mainly because a few million dollar home sales can up the stat a bit (which is why I value the median, as opposed

When I conduct an analysis, I’m looking for comparable properties to yours that have sold in the past 180 days (the more recent, the better). to the average when running numbers).

That said, homes around $400,000 in Gig Harbor and Fox Island are at a very common price point. Now, just because the median sale price in Gig Harbor is $441,000 does not necessarily mean your home is in the same price range, but it does help to give you an idea of the price point of homes in the area.

Recently, we’ve seen a ton of activity on homes priced between $275,000 and $400,000. But as I’ve mentioned before, the biggest factor is a correct pricing strategy. A well-priced $750,000 home will sell much faster than an overpriced $350,000 listing.

When I go to a listing appointment, or before I submit an offer, I conduct a CMA (comparative market analysis) on the property in order to give an accurate pricing recommendation after determining a fair market value for the home. First thing to understand is that this is difficult! It’s tough to separate yourself from your home enough to be objective. The unfortunate reality of selling your home is that one of the most intimate parts of your life has now become a business transaction with contracts, negotiations, and a team of real estate professionals guiding you along the way.

system is approved for. The house may have four bedrooms, but if the system is only approved for three, then I am required to market it as a three-bedroom home.

• You need ingress, egress, and a closet for a room to be considered a “bedroom.”

Don’t like the number I give you? There are several ways to improve your property that can increase the value. I’m happy to offer suggestions!

• A comparable property has one less garage than yours. I add around $7,500 to the sale price of the comp to make it match yours.

Is the market healthy? I’d say it certainly is on an upward trend – but, yet again − it depends on who you are! Buyers are in fierce competition with several multiple offer situations, and that is driving home prices up. The inflow of new businesses to the South Sound area is also attracting more relocation clients to Gig Harbor. Plus, as more people return from vacations and school begins, we expect to see an increase in buyer activity on well-priced homes during the month of September.

• Another comp has all hardwood floors, while yours is mostly carpet? I’ll subtract around $5,000 from the sale price of the comp.

So, curious about where you stack up?

Seek out a real estate professional. We’d be happy to help get you the perfect strategy to fit your lifestyle needs.

• Property with a view? I only use comps with similar views (if possible).

More with Mike: www.GigHarborMike.com Realtyin253.com 253.229.3721 MikeTrittin@KW.com

When I conduct an analysis, I’m looking for comparable properties to yours that have sold in the past 180 days (the more recent, the better). Then I adjust those properties to match yours as closely as possible.

Here are a few examples I see all the time:

• I adjust around $15 to $20 per sq. ft. for average condition, and $25 to $30 per sq. ft. when pricing luxury listings.

• I adjust for bathrooms but not bedrooms −although it’s easier to sell a three-bedroom home than a twobedroom home − the square footage is what affects the price.

• Septic? I can only market your home for how many bedrooms your septic

Pricing Strategy and What Nobody Told You… Since I’ve mentioned pricing strategy several times, I figured it would be helpful to include a bit about how we price and market properties.

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LOCAL FLARE

EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND

Prison Pet Partnership gives second chances to both dogs and people.

Article and photos

by Sarah Polyakov.

More than 700 Prison Pet Partnership dogs have been placed in Washington, Idaho and Montana. Service dogs respond to the needs of individuals who experience seizures, or who live with illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, or have multiple disabilities, giving them increased independence. PPP also provides animal-assisted therapeutic visits and helps students improve reading skills by having dogs listen while children read aloud. Sister Pauline Quinn established the training program in 1981.

D

ogs don’t care what we look like. They don’t care whether we have been away for two hours or two years, they greet us with the same enthusiasm. But a dog’s best quality is their ability to love unconditionally, forgive freely and offer second chances.

Sometimes, dogs require second chances.

Prison Pet Partnership, located on the grounds of the Washington Corrections Center for Women(WCCW), is a program that leverages the power of second chances and often changes the lives of both canines and offenders for the better.

The program, which rescues and trains homeless dogs, is a non-profit organization in Gig Harbor that works in partnership with the WCCW. Prison Pet Partnership provides therapy, companion and service

dogs for persons with disabilities, operates a boarding and grooming facility, and provides vocational education for female inmates.

Prison Pet Partnership benefits everyone involved, whether human or canine. Dogs are transformed into lives of service; inmates learn valuable vocational skills, which often lead to gainful employment; and persons with disabilities receive welltrained service dogs and the chance to live more independently.

Dogs selected for the program come from kill and no-kill shelters from the Gig Harbor area, as well as from across the country.

Employees are always on the lookout for dogs who may become qualified candidates for the program and can be found searching internet bulletin boards that participate in re-homing of pets.

13TH ANNUAL HARBOR HOUNDS DOG WALK The 13th Annual Harbor Hounds dog walk for charity happens September 12 in downtown Gig Harbor, 10am to 3pm, between Skansie Park and Donkey Creek, with contests and prizes throughout the day. Organized by Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday, all proceeds directly support Prison Pet Partnership and other local charities. Follow Facebook for up to the minute information. To register your hound, visit harborhounds.dojiggy.com.

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Only 10 percent of dogs selected can pass the rigorous training, often due to distractibility issues.

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My favorite part is watching the offenders grow personally and professionally.

After selecting candidates for training, the process of matching a dog to the right offender begins. Offenders who train the dogs must first have a record of cooperation within the prison and with other inmates. They go through a rigorous 12-week class where they learn basic pet care and customer relations skills. They must pass the course with an 85 percent or above in order to continue. After successful completion, they work in the kennel for a minimum of six months. Offenders may then elect to continue further training in grooming or formal dog training, and begin the next months-long portion of the program.

Betsy Pratt, a service dog training instructor, explained the process. “The general public may not be aware of how much effort goes into the care and training of these dogs. Many see the effects of the care, but they don’t see the small details, like how the women who work with grooming and boarding the dogs know their names and their personality quirks, just as much as the owners.”

Dogs are trained to turn lights on and off, to pick up small items, to pull a wheelchair, to respond to seizures, open doors, and sometimes act as a brace if an individual were to fall. Only 10 percent of dogs selected can pass the rigorous training, often due to distractibility issues. Graduate dogs are matched and moved into their new homes, primarily to individuals with mobility issues or seizure disorders. Ninety percent become “Paroled Pets” and are obedience trained and adopted into our community.

Director Beth Rivard receives much gratification from her position. “My favorite part is watching the offenders grow personally and professionally.

Some women in our program have never had jobs, so watching them learn to communicate with one another, problem

solve and become skilled in their jobs is extremely rewarding.”

Asked how the program is able to operate financially, Rivard said, “It’s through boarding and grooming service fees, dog adoption fees, individual and business contributions, special events, and a contract for the VocEd program from the Department of Corrections.” Each May, the organization holds a popular fundraiser auction, “Bark and Bid.” Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday is also a wellknown supporter via donations received from their Harbor Hounds event. Beth continued, “Private donations make up over 30 percent of our budget. Without community support, we would not be able to train and place the service and therapy dogs in the community.”

The overarching theme of Prison Pet Partnership is to set offenders who work with the dogs on a different life-path.

Beth and her colleagues have seen many a transformation. Often, offenders who participate come with traumatic backgrounds. Many have not experienced the deep and enduring friendship that a canine can provide. They become the recipients of unconditional forgiveness and love. Through the dog’s reactions to them, they learn to temper responses and problem solve. The final result is the offender gains a new toolkit to help live a successful life outside of the correctional facility. Prison Pet Partnership makes an incredible impact on the recidivism rate of offenders. “Of the women who have worked in our program and released, less than five percent have returned to prison,” noted Rivard.

Prison Pet Partnership always needs volunteers to help socialize their dogs, assist with office work, serve on their board of directors, and to assist with special event planning. Beth added, “We want to thank the Gig Harbor community for being so supportive of our program

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through using our boarding and grooming services, making financial contributions, volunteering, and spreading the word about the good things we are doing.”

To learn more, visit: prisonpetpartnership.org.

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Cider Swig

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