December 2018 REAL Northwest Living

December 2018

NORTHWEST LIVING

ORCAS ISLAND Light Up Get featured! Join us on Facebook...

Northwest Living pg. 10

The Night

IN FOCUS A Race to Tokyo

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Feeling Good is Good to Feel

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THE TEAM MARKETING

Tacoma Regional Marketing Manager Steve Russo | 208.946.0901 steve@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Bring Your Ideas to Life!

Senior Editor | Content Manager Jillian Chandler | jillian@livinglocal360.com Staff Writers Patty Hutchens | patty@livinglocal360.com Colin Anderson | colin@livinglocal360.com

OPERATIONS

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DESIGN

Creative Director Design Director | Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

| Whitney Lebsock Maddie Russo | Donna Johnson | Darbey Scrimsher

CONTRIBUTORS

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TACOMA LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

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Living Local magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest; Tacoma, Edmonds, Gig Harbor, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum and the Spokane Valley.

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Bringing the Art of Fine Cabinetry Home

PUBLISHER’S

Note

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT OUR MISSION AT LIVING LOCAL IS SIMPLE. It is to impact the communities we serve in a positive way by creating content that will connect the community with one another. It is an approach that has made us one of the most unique and trusted publications in the community and is something in which we take pride. We also realize it would not be possible without our clients and those in the community who have supported us along our journey.

You have likely noticed that our publication is full of GOOD NEWS. It is here where you will find heartwarming stories of those people, organizations and businesses who are working to make this community a place people love to call home. Here you will not find anything political or controversial; those stories are for others to print.

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We love to bring stories that are unique; ones you will not find in other publications. In a world that finds many struggling, we enjoy bringing to the forefront the work of nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to bring blessings to those who may be facing challenges in life.

Our goal is to not only connect people in the community but also to inspire one another, perhaps provide ideas of how each one of us can give of our time and talents to make our home an even better place.

As another year closes, we at Living Local reflect on how fortunate we are to connect with amazing people in the communities we serve. Thank you for sharing your stories with us as we continue to strive to connect and inspire one another!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and many blessings.

Steve Russo

Steve Russo Executive Director steve@livinglocal360.com Creating | Connecting | Living Local

253.752.7000 x126 melinda@graylumber.com

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Contents

pg.20

10

Get Featured

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

14

Essentials

The latest tips and trends perfect for your home and lifestyle

32

Health & Lifestyle

Tips and informational articles about living a healthy, active lifestyle

38 Features Holiday Entertaining Made Simple: Tips and tricks for the season

20 Life & Community 44

Experience Proctor

Light up the Night: Zoo a glow for the season

Proctor’s Chalet Bowl: An enduring labor of love

22

50 Travel & Leisure

Good News

Paddle Your Dragon: Local club mixes fun and competition

Quiet Season on Orcas Island: The perfect antidote to all the holiday commotion

26 Business Spotlight 56 Food & Drink Connections Fine Jewelry: Making special moments extraordinary

Christmas and New Years is around the corner!

Check out these holiday recipes great for entertaining

28 In Focus

60 Arts &

A Race to Tokyo: Local sailor pursuing Olympic dream

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Entertainment

Calendar of great local events, music, sports and shows!

pg. 28

WE’VE GOT A REBATE FOR THAT.

pg. 50

54 | 38

(253) 502-8363 MyTPU.org/Rebates

pg. 22

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 13

Taking Stock of Your Kitchen

BY NIKKI LUTTMANN, INTERIOR DESIGNER

W

ith the holidays in full swing, our attention at home naturally turns to the kitchen. The center of our homes, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house. So it’s only natural that if we look to make any home improvements this time of year, our first thought is that our kitchens could use a little “sprucing up.”

So many people are redoing their countertops these days.

Granite and even quartz countertops are growing more affordable, and their durability can’t be beat. However, I often caution people against adding new countertops if their cabinetry is in sad shape, as eventually the cabinets will have to be replaced as well, and it just does not make sense to spend the money on counters if their cabinetry will not last for at least another 10 years. If this is the case with your kitchen, then my advice is to wait, do it properly and save for both new cabinets and countertops. You will not regret spending the extra money to have a whole new kitchen, even if it means a year or two longer with the old one!

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However, if the cabinetry is solid and still functions properly (i.e. doors and drawers open and close nicely and the overall layout is acceptable), then a countertop upgrade is merited.

If the cabinets still function and are solid but appear worn or dirty, then sometimes it can be a good idea to have them painted or refinished. However, if they are in good shape and clean but just “dated,” often just the addition of pretty hardware is all that’s needed to bring the cabinetry up to our current standards.

Another upgrade option might include cabinets and laminate countertops that are still in relatively good shape but a worn, water-stained wood backsplash that we find in so many houses from the ‘80s and ‘90s. In this case, an easy fix would be to remove the old wooden splash and replace it with some great hard-wearing tile that doesn’t break the bank and ties the whole look together. A qualified tile installer can have this done in as little as a day or two with minimal disturbance to the rest of the kitchen.

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Often just the addition of pretty hardware is all that’s needed.

Flooring works especially hard in a kitchen, taking a beating from spills, dishes dropping, trash going in and out, dish water, etc. There are some great new LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) products out there that can go right over existing sheet vinyl, worn hardwood or even tile, that can add a layer of durability and beauty to any decorating scheme. They usually go in quickly and easily, and this is an upgrade that can be done in as little as a day!

My advice: Take stock of your kitchen, look around honestly and ask yourself what needs to be replaced, what can stay and what needs a little tweak to make it just right for you and your loved ones this holiday season.

And always, if in doubt, contact a professional. Most of us are trained to take stock of what you already have while taking your wish list into account and come up with a game plan to make your dream kitchen a reality.

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Take stock of your kitchen, look around honestly and ask yourself what needs to be replaced, what can stay and what needs a little tweak.

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NEED MONEY MANAGEMENT?

Five ways a pro can help

Consider how these five life stages can be important times to seek professional guidance and advice about your financial future.

You’re saving for college tuition - It’s no secret today’s college costs can be astronomical, but of course most parents want to provide their children as many advantages as possible. The earlier in your kids’ lives you begin investing, the faster their college fund(s) can accrue. A professional can help decipher the best methods for helping make that happen.

You’re getting ready to retire: Now what? Only 50 percent of Americans have stocked away more than $10,000 for retirement so far, reports the American Payroll Association. But even if you're nearing 50 and have a minimal amount in your retirement fund, it’s not too late to start building wealth for your future. Whether you plan for lifetime income via an annuity or opt for another savings vehicle as part of your retirement strategy, a professional can assess your situation and develop a strategy with the goal of a comfortable retirement in mind.

Your parents are aging or ill - Caring for an aging or ill parent is tough emotionally. Elder care is an expensive business, and planning how to use your folks’ money to ensure they get the best possible care can be complex. Talking to a financial professional can be a great way to sort that out, since their focus will be on the most appropriate use of available funds.

You're undergoing a life transition - Marrying, divorcing, starting a family or dealing with the death of a loved one can impact your finances as well as your emotions. But in times of great change or strife, budgets

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and bills may be an added burden you’re not prepared to address. That’s when a session with a financial professional may ease your mind and even be a preemptive strike against future money troubles.

You want to start investing - Finding a financial professional who understands your situation and can design solutions for your day-to-day financial concerns can go a long way toward financial peace of mind, says Salene Hitchcock-Gear, president, Prudential Individual Life Insurance

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YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A MILLIONAIRE TO BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICES OF A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL. BUT WORKING WITH ONE JUST MIGHT PUT YOU ON THE ROAD TO SETTING AND ACHIEVING YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS.

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TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 19

Light up

Zoo a glow for the season

the night

BY COLIN ANDERSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM

The zoo glows bright each night now through January 6.

F

or kids, a trip to the zoo is a day not soon forgotten. A trip to the zoo at night will create memories that last even longer. Point Defiance continues this season with one of the area’s favorite winter traditions—Zoolights.

The zoo glows bright each night now through January 6 courtesy of the 700,000 lights strung up for the special occasion. Holiday lights decorate walkways, trees and plants, and you’ll be amazed at the larger-than-life animals lit up in the night’s sky. Keep your eyes peeled for the giant octopus, rock crab, polar bear, tiger’s head and a few more new surprises this year.

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Once inside, experiencing the lights is just the beginning of all the fun to be had.

Children ages 3 and older can go for a camel ride while little ones feed goats and introduce themselves to the zoo’s family of meerkats.

The antique carousel is also operating at night, and snacks and warm beverages will keep everyone happy on chilly winter evenings.

night is December 4, and there are military discount nights throughout December as well.

Zoolights tickets are available at the door for $12, or you can purchase them in advance for just $10 at local Fred Meyer’s or at PDZA.org.

Zoo member prices are $6, and kids ages 2 and younger get in for free. Senior Discount

A fun evening stroll through an amazing display will leave you and your kids with lasting memories. Don’t miss this totally unique and unforgettable experience.

If you plan on visiting the zoo during the day you can purchase a combo pass. This allows you to stay inside the zoo after 4pm close and be some of the first people into Zoolights when it opens at 5pm.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 21

Paddle Your Dragon Local club mixes fun and competition

BY COLIN ANDERSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF GIG HARBOR DRAGON BOAT CLUB

22 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

S

haron Byrne Shaffer wants to get you excited about Dragon Boat Racing. The current president of the Gig Harbor Dragon Boat Club can’t say enough about how much fun she had as she recalled her first experience on the boat.

“I competed with a novice team from my Rotary Club. Novice means that we knew nothing. I didn’t even know how to hold the paddle,” she said. “I was beat up by the end of that race and exhausted. But, being in that boat with friends, I was instantly in love with dragon boats and wanted it here for our community.”

Dragon boat racing dates back more than 2,500 years to an area in Southern China. A vessel features paddlers working in unison, a steering operator and a drummer, whose beat helps synchronize the paddle strokes. Today, the U.S. is one of 74 nations that are members of the International Dragon Boat Federation.

Started just four years ago by the Canoe and Kayak Club, the Gig Harbor Dragon Boat Club now boasts more than 70 ‘Dragons,’ the majority of which practice year round. With help from The Gig Harbor Marina, PenMet Parks and many others, a

20-person boat was secured and the group was off and running.

“We operate as a true team, building our power together, supporting each other with common goals, welcoming all newcomers, building relationships, building muscle memory, sharing responsibility. It’s kind of like the very best of kindergarten all over again!” explained Sharon.

It quickly became popular, and last year two smaller 10-person boats were added, allowing the team to expand. The combination of fun, camaraderie and competition is appealing to many.

“We have a ton of fun together. We work hard in the boat; we tease each other and toss a bit of smack talk around. Beyond our shared travel to regional competitions, we gather for seasonal parties that are actually epic,” Sharon said.

The Dragons dressed up for Halloween, and on December 15 you’ll find them dressed in holiday costumes paddling through the harbor singing merriment and spreading holiday cheer.

Training is done five days a week in 90-minute sessions. Members can choose how often they want to paddle, but Sharon warns that once you try it

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 23

“We have fun together on the water, we work hard together, we take care of each other and we challenge each other,” said Sharon.

“Amazing people and dang good workouts in this gorgeous harbor of ours.” you will be hooked. During the winter months, the training is scheduled around building up endurance. During the spring and summer season, it’s on to race readiness: race strategy, best form, race transitions, synchronicity and power.

Whether recreational or competitive, goals are regularly set by all members. Goals might be to nail the start, to smooth out a transition or to be perfectly synchronized. On personal levels, each has form and stroke pieces that are worked on individually.

While much of the team is competitive, you can also choose to be a recreational member. A youth program is also in place for ages 12 through 17, where skills are honed and teamwork is learned.

“Right now my personal goal is to nail the catch in my stroke and use my legs and core for most power,” said Sharon.

While some are just in it for recreation, a few paddlers have joined up with Washington Area Maters (WAM) to compete even more vigorously.

Last year two went to world competitions in Hungary. Four more are working to qualify for international WAM team competitions.

“So, we are recreational, we are competitive in regional, national, international, and we are proud,” said Sharon.

In just four short years, the group has already taken home nine medals at regional races. Recent competitions include: Olympia, Tacoma, Lake Meridian at Kent, Seattle at Lake Union, False Creek in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., and Flathead Lake in Montana.

While the podium is always a welcomed accomplishment of the hard work put it, it’s the beautiful sunrise and sunset paddles around their local harbor that many find to be the very best part of being a Dragon.

“We have fun together on the water, we work hard together, we take care of each other and we challenge each other,” said Sharon. “Amazing people and dang good workouts in this gorgeous harbor of ours.”

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As the group grows, it continues to be actively engaged in the community by partnering with the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak team for their Paddlers’ Cup. Members help them on the Dragon Boat race day by training the novice teams comprised of local businesses for a friendly day of competition.

In March, the second annual Dragon Flea Market will be held at the old Peninsula Gardens site. Money raised goes to covering boat and moorage expenses. All items are donated by team members and friends, and any items not sold are donated to local charities.

“Honestly, I have never been involved with a more wonderful bunch of folks,” said Sharon.

For a free introductory paddle, you can call Sharon at 253.208.4353. The Dragons provide both the portable flotation device and paddle. You’ll find the group gathering at the Pavilion at Skansie Brothers Park and boarding boats at Jerisich Dock.

Experience Little Norway this Holiday Season!

Jule Fest & Scandinavian Bazaar Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Free photos with Nordic Father Christmas

Reader's Choice in BEST OF KITSAP survey BEST HOLIDAY EVENT Downtown Poulsbo Christmas

Lighted Boat Parade Scandinavian Foods, Bakery and Gifts

For Dates and Times visit www.HistoricDowntownPoulsbo.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Send all submissions and inquiries to whitney@livinglocal360.com

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 25

Making Special Moments Extraordinary GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

Connections Fine Jewelry 3822 North 26th Street Tacoma, Washington 98407 253.752.0940 CFJ@wamail.net ConnectionsFineJewelry.com Facebook.com/ConnectionsFineJewelry

TAD AND TOM FIND THE JEWELRY BUSINESS TO BE “A HAPPY BUSINESS,” AS JEWELRY IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WANT, RATHER THAN A NECESSITY, MAKING IT AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH THE OWNERS AND THE CUSTOMERS EACH AND EVERY TIME.

I

n the heart of Tacoma’s Proctor District lies a gem—Connections Fine Jewelry. Since 2015, this Tacoma jewelry store has been providing exceptional service and superior products to the community thanks to owners Tad Kraus and Tom Donnelly.

Both Tad and Tom are not new to the jewelry business and are experts in their fields. Tad ran Kraus Diamond Specialty in Lakewood for two decades with his brother. Beginning in 1999, Tom ran his business, Connections Fine Jewelry, out of Tad’s store. When Tad and his brother retired from the business in 2006, Tom moved Connections to the Hess German Bakery in Lakewood. Five years later, in 2011, Tad decided to come out of retirement, and he joined Tom at Connections Fine Jewelry. At that time, they relocated the business to the 6th Ave Business District. At the start of 2015, they decided to make the move to its current location in the Proctor District.

“No more moving,” says Tom. “We are very happy in Proctor.”

26 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

Whatever you are looking for, whether it be a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or wedding band, estate jewelry or pre-owned Rolex watches, Tad and Tom are ready to serve you. If you’re looking for an honest business that will give you a fair price for pieces you’re looking to sell, Connections Fine Jewelry is the place to go.

“We focus on quality jewelry but with lower markup,” says Tom. “We also will trade customers’ unwanted jewelry for new jewelry.”

Tad and Tom find the jewelry business to be “a happy business,” as jewelry is something people want, rather than a necessity, making it an enjoyable experience for both the owners and the customers each and every time.

When it comes to what the business partners and friends find most rewarding about the work they do, it’s being a part of their clients’ joyous

occasions, from engagements and anniversaries to birthdays and other life events that are made that much more special with a beautiful new piece of jewelry.

Tom and Tad value each one of their customers who walk through their door, treating them with respect and kindness; the same way they like to be treated. This is one of the key factors into what has led to continued success of the business. As Tad says, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” The rest all falls into place.

Stop in Connections Fine Jewelry Tuesday through Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Tad and Tom are ready to provide exceptional service, an unforgettable experience and a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 27

TACOMA IN FOCUS A RACE TO TOKYO

LOCAL SAILOR PURSUING OLYMPIC DREAM

BY COLIN ANDERSON

I

magine if the Super Bowl, NBA Finals or World Series were only held once every four years. Now imagine those household names and sports icons weren’t paid to play and instead went to work each day like you and me, and spent their evenings and down time training and competing for a once-in-a-lifetime chance at a championship.

This is the reality that most of our Olympic hopefuls face. No mega contracts, multimillion dollar endorsements, private charters or personal chefs, just a love of their sport and determination to complete for a chance at their own athletic glory.

The 2020 summer games are in Tokyo, Japan, and Gig Harbor sailor Hanne Weaver’s lifelong

28 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

dream is to take on the world’s best and bring home a medal for her country.

“I have always had the dream to go to the Olympics,. To win and represent my country will be an honor,” she said.

Hanne was just 8 years old when she learned to sail on Wollochet Bay with the Tacoma Yacht Club’s Learn to Sail program. Her grandfather was the first to take her out on the water, and from that first experience, her lifelong passion was born.

“He took me sailing when I was little. I guess it runs in my blood,” said Hanne.

Hanne picked up the sport quickly and started

competing in youth events and finding early success. As her skills improved, she sought out even more competitive events, taking home wins regionally and nationally. Winning at the highest level helped prove to Hanne that she has a real shot of competing for her country and also has helped shape the woman she is today.

“I have been so many different places and have experienced so much with becoming a sailor.

Sailing has taught me so much about being independent, reliable and a strong female,” she said.

As with any sport, team or individual, to be the best you have to fully dedicate yourself to

your craft. For Hanne, this means long days and nights in the gym, constantly being on the water even in less than ideal conditions, and not having as much time with friends as your typical young adult would.

Hanne keeps her calendar close by and each week it’s packed, even when there isn’t a competition going on. She’s in the gym five days each week, sometimes six. She trains on the water three to four days each week as well.

She says she is very thankful for the support of her sponsor, CHI Franciscan Health, which helps her out with expenses. But like most other Olympic hopefuls, Hanne works a job as well. You’ll find her at the LOFT in Uptown Gig Ahrbor when she’s not in the gym or on

the water. Hanne’s friends know that sailing always comes first, and they are behind her in her quest for the Olympic Games.

“It’s hard to choose between all of it, but when you love it as much as I do, you will do anything to get out on the water.”

One of the many things that makes the Olympics so unique is the world is introduced to sports they might not be familiar with.

Though her style of racing is done in more than 120 countries, 2020 is an opportunity for Hanne to bring more awareness to the sport she loves so dearly here in the states.

While there are various sailing events, Hanne will be competing as an individual in the

Women’s Singlehanded event. Her boat is a Laser Radial 14-foot dinghy. Hanne is only about six inches off the water as she constantly adjusts her sail and course. To the uninitiated it might appear that she is just holding the sail and letting the wind do the work, but there is so much more at play.

“Laser sailing is a very physical sport. It looks easy, but sailing has a lot going on. The wind doesn’t always come from the same direction, not each wave is the same, then there is the current and obstacles in the water, too,” she explained.

Being so close to the water, Hanne is being splashed and also needs to be fully aware

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“SAILING HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT BEING INDEPENDENT, RELIABLE AND A STRONG FEMALE.”

of the other boats around her. Similar to competitive golf, sailing is a self-governed sport, which means that each competitor is responsible for himself or herself. But sailors can protest each other if they break any rules.

With 80 or so boats out on the course at a time, there is a lot to be aware of.

As the calendar flips to 2019, there are more events on Hanne’s schedule leading up to her big Olympic qualifiers. In January, she will be competing in the Miami World Cup, a regatta she qualified for earlier. She will continue to challenge herself with these races, and, in 2020, the two biggest races of her life will take place.

“There will be one in Florida and one in Australia. Whoever places with the lowest points at both competitions wins the spot for the Olympics,” she said.

There is only one spot available, so competition will be fierce as other sailors around the country are also hoping to see their Olympic dreams realized.

Hanne continues to train and sail out of Shilshole Bay Marina. And despite her incredibly busy schedule, she still finds time for fans and to help out in one of the places that helped her become the sailor she is today.

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“I still see my old coaches and young sailors that look up to me. I always love giving back to my community, and when I grew up sailors did that for me, I want to do the same for them,” she said.

Hanne has accomplished many of the goals she set for herself at a young age and continues to strive for her ultimate goal of making the U.S. Olympic team. She was third in line for the Rio games, and just missing out is a motivator to come out on top as this opportunity only comes around every four years.

You can follow Hanne’s journey on her website WeaverSailing.com. A lifetime of training for a chance to compete in one race; something very few are willing to put the work into but not Gig Harbor’s Hanne Weaver, your local Olympic hopeful.

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Do Your Homework

Know what your fitness or nutrition coach’s credentials really mean

By Kenny Markwardt, CSCS

YOU MAY HAVE READ MY RECENT ARTICLE REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING A COACH to help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals. But did you know that the fitness and nutrition industry is one of the worst when it comes to qualifications?

Right, and that mindset and situation is exactly how we’ve gotten to the place we are in. Trusting that a trainer or coach knows what they are doing has gotten a whole lot of people hurt. An exercise professional should lie on the continuum of health and wellness professionals, not be an outlier.

Literally, in less than a few hours, you could look up and find an online certification, skim through their material, pass their online test and call yourself a trainer. You could buy insurance and hang up the sign on your personal training studio by this afternoon.

Where an orthopedic surgeon makes repairs to the body via surgery and manually returning things back to the way they should be, a physical therapist establishes corrective movements and manual therapy externally to restore proper range of motion and pain-free function to those joints. A qualified exercise professional should continue that path and strengthen those parts, allowing them to be used optimally and prevent further injury.

Compare that to our brothers and sisters in body mechanics and physical training. Physical therapists require three years of specialized school in addition to their initial college degree. Chiropractors are similar.

You may be thinking to yourself, “Yeah, but those are medical professionals, trainers are just trainers.”

Outside the context of rehabilitation, this continuum still exists, but the starting point differs. In my field, we should be evaluating “healthy” people to make sure they are in fact moving in ways that will provide them the best vehicle for success long term, fixing the things that fall within our scope

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AN EXERCISE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD LIE ON THE CONTINUUM OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS.

of practice, like limited range of motion, strength imbalances and glaring weaknesses, then leading a person down the path toward their best physical version of themselves.

IN MY FIELD, WE SHOULD BE EVALUATING “HEALTHY” PEOPLE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN FACT MOVING IN WAYS THAT WILL PROVIDE THEM THE BEST VEHICLE FOR SUCCESS LONG TERM.

Unfortunately the state of affairs and regulation within fitness and nutrition does not allow for the professional coach to be differentiated from the trainer. The online trained coach is seen on the same plane as the pro who has been through schooling and has legitimate credentials.

How are you as the consumer supposed to navigate that landscape to ensure you don’t end up in the wrong hands? You just need to do your homework.

If you are interested in hiring a fitness or nutrition coach, you should: • Interview them, ask them questions. You’ll get a feel.

• Do your research on their credentials. Just look up the letters or credentials they have listed on their website.

• Do your research on their experience. You don’t want to be their crash-test dummy. Make sure they’ve done this before.

• Ask around. Reputations can tell you a lot.

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*A quick note on credentials, certifications, seminars, etc. There are a ton of fantastic weekend certifications out there. That’s somewhat the nature of this industry.

These just require an objective eye. Understand that there are two sides to that story. One side is that they spent about 16 hours learning something that they may or may not use as a tool. That’s good. The other side is that it was really only 16 hours and that one of those should really just be one of their tools. I tend to be skeptical of the one-trick ponies, where they’ve only got a series of certifications from one body. It’s important to be well rounded and know other approaches to fitness.

On a similar note, another way to look at this industry is as a self-guided post-graduate program. Someone who has taken a class on Shakespeare does not mean they are qualified to instruct you on how to be a playwright.

However, if someone took the initiative to say, “Hey, there really isn’t an established way to do that, so I’m going to do it on my own by taking as many courses and reading as many books as I can,” that’d be someone you might look to, respect and value their opinion.

The takeaway from all of this is to understand that not all fitness and nutrition coaches are equal, that it’s up to you do to your homework, and that it’s time to demand more from the people in this industry.

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So Fresh and Clean: SKINCARE FOR NEWBORNS

BY JULIE YEH, MD, FAAP, PEDIATRICS NORTHWEST

B

ringing a newborn home for the first time is one of the happiest moments for new parents. But it can also be overwhelming, even frightening. There are so many questions that can only be answered through experience: How much should my baby eat? How often should I change him? How long will she sleep?

Bathing and taking care of your baby’s skin undoubtedly falls somewhere on this list. While delicate, a newborn’s skin actually does not require much maintenance. Rule of thumb: Less is more. The following tips will help you keep your baby comfortable and healthy.

First few weeks You may notice peeling skin. This can be expected since your little one has been soaking in your belly for months. Before the belly button cord falls off, simply use a towel or sponge to gently cleanse your baby—that’s all that is needed. The belly button cord usually falls off in the first one to three weeks.

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Once the belly button cord falls off, bathe your baby as needed, based on how much she sweats and spits up. Generally, I recommend a bath every few days. Babies do not need daily baths at this time and may end up with dry skin if bathed too frequent.

Baby skincare products There is a dizzyingly large variety of skincare products, just like the number of strollers and cribs you’ve already had to navigate. It is difficult to say whether your baby will have skin sensitivities. Typically, products without added scents or colors tend to be less irritating, so look for these.

Other common skin concerns your newborn may experience include: • Baby acne is small red bumps or pimples that can appear anywhere on the face. It is likely an inflammatory response to maternal hormones and should self-resolve after a few months.

Gently clean only as needed.

• Cradle cap appears as yellowish flakes on the scalp but may spread down to the eyebrows and ears. Washing baby’s hair with a mild shampoo

may help remove the flakes, but be careful to avoid getting it in his eyes! If the flakes seem to be more stubborn, using a natural oil (such as olive oil) or a thick moisturizer (such as Vaseline) along with brushing with a soft toothbrush can help lift them.

• Milia appears as small white or off-white dots on the nose or elsewhere on the face. It is the result of natural secretions on the surface of baby’s skin and will self-resolve in the first few weeks.

These tips should help you care for your newborn’s skin so that you can focus on enjoying skin-to-skin snuggles.

Other resources: HealthyChildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/ bathing-skin-care/Pages/Your-Newborns-SkinBirthmarks-and-Rashes.aspx HealthyChildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/ bathing-skin-care/Pages/Cradle-Cap.aspx HealthyChildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/ bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn. aspx

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recent study conducted by Allergan, the pharmaceutical company that produces Botox, found that 100 percent of women, aged 26 to 55, are aware of Botox Cosmetic. It’s pretty fascinating when you think about the fact that every single woman in that age group is aware of a single drug that is used to treat wrinkles. What many of the women in that same group did not know, however, is how the drug works, how much it costs, how long it lasts and what to expect during a Botox treatment.

Many women, and men, are surprised to find how simple, quick and easy a Botox treatment is. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

How exactly does Botox work?

Botox works by blocking the synapse that sends the message from the nerve to the muscle to contract.

Because that communication circuit has been broken, the injected muscle is not able to contract, which in turn causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. Over the next three to four months, new nerve connections are naturally created within the treatment area, and the muscle slowly gets movement back.

Are Botox treatments painful?

No. A very small needle is used to inject Botox.

Many clients find the treatment to be very well tolerated and do not experience any discomfort.

A typical treatment only takes a few minutes and involves superficial injections of the Botox into the desired treatment area. Numbing cream can be applied prior to your treatment if discomfort is a concern.

How long does Botox last?

Botox takes two to 14 days to become effective and lasts three to four months on average. Many clients find that with continued treatments they can go longer between appointments.

Is there any social downtime after Botox injections?

No. Most clients leave the office with small bumps at the injection sites, and they go away in 10 to 15 minutes. It is possible that you could get a small bruise, but unlikely. Many clients do their treatment on their lunch break and return to work immediately. You need to avoid vigorous exercise the day of your treatment, and do not massage your face for eight to 12 hours after your treatment (use very gentle pressure while washing your face).

How much does Botox cost?

The price of Botox varies from practice to practice.

On average Botox is $11 per unit. The amount of Botox a person needs also varies from person to person. Generally, the area between the eyebrows (frown lines) requires 20 units, the forehead 10 to 12 units and the crow’s feet 12 units/side. Men typically need more Botox than women to have the same effect. Botox can also be used in other areas of the face. Consult with your aesthetic provider to discuss other common treatment areas.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO We answer your most asked questions about Botox

BY BRI WILLIAMS, RN, BSN

Is Botox safe?

Botox Cosmetic received FDA approval in 2002 and is approved for use in over 75 countries. There have been more than 500 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals, and it is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind. There were over 7 million Botox Cosmetic treatments performed last year alone, and the medical community considers it to be low risk and safe.

When done conservatively and dosed appropriately, Botox can help to soften wrinkles and prevent deep lines from forming, without making you look unnatural or frozen. Consult your aesthetic provider to discuss if Botox Cosmetic is right for you, and learn how you can look refreshed, youthful and rested.

Many women, and men, are surprised to find how simple, quick and easy a Botox treatment is.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 37

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simple

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING MADE Tips and tricks for the season

BY TROY LOUIS CHANDLER

s I hit the snooze button for the umpteenth time, something came over me. A slight chill that was not emitted from the “white noise” fan that I keep on at night to quiet life’s random choir of neighborhood noises. I peered out of my bedroom window and noticed that it was slightly open and that all of the trees outside are naked. It is winter. I shut the window, grabbed my cozy robe, put on a pot of coffee, sat back and let the warmth of holiday cheer take over. This is my favorite time of year as a chef and as a house dad. This is the time for holiday entertaining. Holiday entertaining can be a chaotic and stressful time, but it does not have to be. I have come up with seven holiday tips to guide you through your holiday entertaining.

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• Keep It Simple, Go Nuts Most modern grocery stores have amazing bulk food sections. Visit these bulk food aisles to gather various roasted nuts. Mix your holiday bounty and place into a decorative bowl accompanied with a few nut crackers. Stand back and watched your friends and family gather ‘round, cracking and enjoying roasted nuts and talking about this holiday season. This has become a wonderful tradition at my house that is easy and inexpensive.

• Mulled Wine I like to keep this holiday libation on the kitchen counter in a crockpot on a low setting just enough to fill the house with holiday “spirit.” As guests come over, they are greeted with a little holiday goodness! Here is an easy recipe that will kick off all of your holiday soirées.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 39

This is the time for holiday entertaining.

Holiday entertaining can be a chaotic and stressful time, but it does not have to be.

“

Ingredients: 4 cups apple cider 1 bottle of red wine 1/4 cup honey 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks The juice and zest of one orange 4 cloves 3 star anise Method: Place all into a stainless steel or non-reactive pot and bring to just before a boil. Turn down to warm and watch the magic begin.

• Holiday-Themed Movies There is no shortage of great holiday movies out there. I gathered my favorites and put them on an external hard drive so that I can have them play on a loop. You can stream them to your TV from a laptop.

My top picks are A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, Christmas Vacation and … It’s a Wonderful Life.

• White Elephant Gift Exchange Most of us have experienced this phenomenon at work.

But trying it at home is more fun than a bag full of ferrets. Invite your friends and family to join you in your freshly holiday-decorated abode for a new comedy-packed tradition. A fun touch is to add in a ridiculous gift that can be passed on year after year. You can also give awards for best

40 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

gift, worst gift, funniest gift, etc. A good friend of mine wanted to win the worst gift category so he gave a card that read, “Your gift is a classic car.” The recipient was awarded with an old junker that they had to figure out what to do with. Funny?

• Be Cheesy A great way to impress holiday guests is with a cheese platter. This is an easy way to “wow” your friends with little effort. Grab four to five types of cheese. Cut some into cubes, slice some and crumble some. Arrange them on a tray and place strands of grapes for garnish. On a separate tray, arrange various crackers to pair with. Don’t be afraid to throw that weird holiday red almond cheese ball in the mix as a centerpiece.

• Potluck Why slave away in the kitchen this year? Let your guests know of the masterpiece that you are going to create and then allow them to create everything that will go with it. So that you don’t end up with 12 types of artichoke dip, make a list of items that you would like your guests to bring. You can create a group email and check items off as your guests accept each challenge. As an added bonus to your genius, you will have a week’s worth of awesome leftovers!

• Be Entertained All right, all right, you have been the host of many holiday get-togethers.

It just might be time for you to be holiday entertained. It’s time that you finally accept that offer to go to the neighbor’s or a co-worker’s house or … a family member’s house for the holidays. Make your favorite dish, show up and just have a nice time. As a chef, I am going to take this advice, let someone else drive the bus and have a great holiday season.

I will see you at your house!

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 41

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES Unique gift ideas that last a lifetime and don’t break the budget

By Patty Hutchens

T

he Christmas season is a joyful time full of family, fun and joy. But the reality is, that for many, it also brings with it a great deal of stress. “How will I afford to buy all these gifts for the people on my list?” It makes one dread what is supposed to the season of hope. So why not try something new this year? Instead of watching your credit card balance increase over the holiday season, why not think of creative ways to provide a gift to someone on your list that does not cost much—or possibly nothing at all. Purchase just a small gift that also provides an opportunity to spend valuable time with one another. Shared experiences are something that will last a lifetime, unlike toys that will soon be forgotten, or even broken.

As adults, how often do we find ourselves “spring cleaning” no matter what time of year. We get tired of the clutter and seek to rid ourselves of the abundance of things we have in the hope that it will help not only our physical environment but also our emotional well-being. “Cleaning house” externally can help calm us internally.

So, the gift of spending time with someone or providing an experience to them makes sense when it comes to gift giving to the adults in our lives. But it is not just adults who benefit from time spent together; shared experiences are important for children, too, as it helps contribute to their psychological development. Those children who spend time sharing experiences with others have been found to have a stronger sense of identity, higher rates of academic success and a greater sense

42 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

of security. Grandparents and grandchildren who spend time together also can learn a great deal from one another’s generation.

Here are a few suggestions for those who may be on your list this year.

Homemade gift certificates can be a wonderful way to tailor a gift for that special person in your life, whether it is a child or an adult. Make a gift certificate to take that person to their favorite restaurant for some special one-on-one time. This way, the recipient can choose the place and you get the opportunity to share time with that special person.

Spending time as a family is something that is increasingly difficult in this day and age. Both parents often work outside the home and kids’ schedules are packed with extra-curricular activities and homework.

So, consider giving gifts to your children that can help facilitate a family game night. Buy one game for each child this Christmas and increase your game collection. Then, set aside one night each week to gather as a family and spend time interacting with one another and trying out the new games!

Do your children enjoy working with their hands and creating new things? A “craft bucket” full of supplies is a wonderful gift for them (and you!) to explore their creative side. Fill a bucket with scissors, paper, glue, painting kits and more to inspire them. If you are particularly crafty, take the time to teach your child your special skills.

“ feliz

For seniors on a fixed income, it may be especially difficult to make ends meet over the holidays. After all, often times they have the largest list of all with children and grandchildren to buy for. Instead of purchasing gifts, why not offer your children the gift of babysitting your grandchildren so your child can enjoy some time with their spouse. And you get to spend that cherished time with your grandchildren as well!

Dads. They are frequently much more difficult to buy for, especially when it comes to gifts of experience. Does your dad or husband enjoy a particular hobby? Home beer brewing has become increasingly popular over the last several years, and more and more men (and women) are creating their own concoctions at home. It’s something people can do together, and both can learn a new hobby as well. Visit a local home brew store to investigate what supplies and ingredients are necessary.

Does your dad enjoy outdoor activities? Plan a spring or summer camping trip for the entire family (as the best camp sites must be reserved months, if not a year, in advance) and let him know he’ll be enjoying the outdoors again soon enough. Even better, his Christmas gift will carry over into the new year, and he’ll cherish the opportunity to spend time with his family creating memories.

Moms are typically much easier to shop for when it comes to giving the gift of an experience. Pampering gifts are especially popular, whether it is a massage, pedicure or simply time alone to soak in a hot bath while Dad takes the kids out for a movie or sweet treat.

For a man seeking to give the gift of an experience to his wife, simply planning a date night and making all the arrangements, including the babysitter, will go a long way.

Women often are the ones who schedule and plan all the family’s activities, so this will truly be one you want to repeat for special occasions!

Whatever you choose to purchase or create for those on your “nice” list this year, it is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas and to carry the spirit of Christmas in your heart all year long!

navidad TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 43

Experience PROCTOR CHALET BOWL

By Anneli Fogt

Washington’s oldest continuously operating bowling alley sits on North 26th Street in Tacoma’s Proctor District. Sandwiched between an investment company and a sports retailer, Chalet Bowl is a family owned, 12-lane bowling alley that has been in operation since 1941. It’s had multiple names over the years, including Proctor Bowl and North End Alleys, and has changed hands a few times, but the Frederick family’s three decades of ownership have come to define the establishment.

Tacoma native Reggie Frederick has owned the business longer than any of his predecessors and stakes claim to not only the alley but the building and land it occupies. It’s been a passion project of Reggie’s—who has always loved bowling—since he and his late wife Nancy, took on the neighborhood business with two young children in tow in 1984. The couple didn’t take home paychecks for years but have now built a thriving family business—a rarity in today’s world. With both of their sons now grown, one has taken over ownership and operations of the alley along with his own wife. Now, they’re working to preserve and sustain the beloved space that Reggie and Nancy built.

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Proctor’s Chalet Bowl An enduring labor of love

By Anneli Fogt

Reggie Frederick was 8 years old the first

time he went bowling. “I bowled a 32 at lane five in 1960,” he recalls. He didn’t know it at the time, but rolling that large rubber ball down an oiled lane at Tacoma’s North End Alleys would come to define the rest of his life.

Reggie now owns that bowling alley in Tacoma’s Proctor District—the oldest continually operating alley in the state.

Its name has since been changed to Chalet Bowl and the space has been modernized, but nearly 60 years after that first game, Reggie’s love for the sport remains at the heart of everything he does.

A Tacoma native, Reggie grew up less than 2 miles from the Proctor District in a home at the corner of South Washington and South 17th streets. It was there that he would watch bowling on television. “I got hooked on ‘Championship Bowling’ back in the late 1950s,” he told Bowling Center Management’s magazine in September 2017. “I would get a ruler and a pencil and make scoresheets while they were bowling. Then I’d take my set of plastic pins and balls out to the garage and try to bowl like the guys on TV.” By the time he was in high school, Reggie was working at local bowling alleys. He went on to study physical education at Washington State University, where he was a member and coach of the university’s bowling team. He regularly bowled 100 games per week and was named an All-American in 1973—a title reserved for the top 10 collegiate bowlers in the nation. But despite his busy schedule in Pullman, he made the five-hour drive back to Tacoma often to work at Chalet Bowl under former owner Jim Stevenson. “I was making $2.75 or $3 per hour,” he recalls. “When I came home for break, even if it was only two days, I’d work.”

He even has bowling to thank for his love life. In September of 1971, he went on a blind date with a girl named Nancy.

They bowled at the WSU student center where Reggie scored 244. Nancy got 12 gutter balls. “I [darn] near laughed my butt off,” Reggie recalls. The couple married two years later, right around the time things began to click for Reggie. By the time he was 23, he knew he wanted to be in the bowling industry. “I loved it. I loved the people,” he says. Seeing guests enjoy themselves, that’s the high for me.”

So, when Jim called in 1983 to let Reggie know he was selling Chalet Bowl, Reggie took the opportunity to return home. With his late wife, a 5-month-old son and a 4-year-old son, Reggie walked into Chalet Bowl on May 1, 1984, as the establishment’s owner. He began making improvements—adding lights to brighten up the dark space, purchasing bumpers to fill the gutters as children’s birthday parties became more popular, and, most recently, installing a new scoring system and new lanes. “It’s been quite the

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This commitment to staying current and being flexible might just be why, in a time when small neighborhood businesses are disappearing, the family owned bowling center is thriving. transformation,” he says. Not surprising as he has been at the alley’s helm for nearly 35 years, longer than any previous owner.

Today, Reggie’s son Billy, who was 4 years old when he first entered Chalet Bowl, and his wife Alyson are the majority owners and handle Chalet Bowl’s day-to-day operations. The two took over in 2012 after moving back to Tacoma from San Diego where Billy was a wildland firefighter and Alyson worked in accounting for Hyatt Hotels. They are “the future” of Chalet Bowl, Reggie says, and are responsible for keeping the space modern.

This commitment to staying current and being flexible might just be why, in a time when small neighborhood businesses are disappearing, the family owned bowling center is thriving. As bowling has changed over the years from an exclusively league sport in the 1980s to the entertainment activity it is today, the center’s intimate 12-lane space has lent itself well to hosting events for the surrounding community. Reggie has also remained committed to having the newest equipment—in 2011, the center closed for 10 days to install new pinspotters and an automatic scoring system.

He says roughly 1,000 people come through Chalet Bowl’s doors on North 26th Street every week, and the center hosts up to 500 special events each year, including end-of-the-year parties for local schools and roughly 40 holiday events. It’s all done with a staff of eight that sometimes includes an appearance by Reggie, who still enjoys helping out where he can.

“If I knew at 25 that this is what I’d be doing full time, I would have majored in hospitality management,” Reggie says with a laugh. “I learned it all by the seat of my pants, but I got into bowling because I loved it.”

As for Billy and Alyson, Reggie says he let them learn through their own experiences as well. Now, with years of operating the center behind them, Billy told Bowling Center Management’s magazine last fall that they hope to build on what Reggie and Nancy started. “This is a special place in the community, and Alyson and I hope to keep it that way for a long time,” he said.

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North Proctor

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You will be in expert hands with any one of our over 145 Full Service Brokers.

A Better Way Home...

Better Properties North Proctor is the oldest Real Estate Company in the Proctor District!

Mark Hulen

Mark Hulen Broker Owner/Managing Owner/Managing Broker “Helping Clients Since 1983” “Helping Clients Since 1983” Cell: 253.921.0887 Cell 253-921-0887 mark@betterproperties.com mark@betterproperties.com info@betterproperties.com info@betterproperties.com

You Can Relax!

2609 N. Proctor St. Tacoma, WA 98407

With over 145 Full-Service Brokers, you’ll be in expert hands.

Better Properties North Proctor is the oldest Real Estate Company in the Proctor District!

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www.betterpropertiesnp.com 2690 N. Proctor St. Tacoma, WA 98407 | 253.761.8888 | www.northproctor.com

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TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 49

Quiet Season on Orcas Island

The perfect antidote to all the holiday commotion STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

Y

ou know you have stumbled upon a hidden gem when the guests, finding out you are a travel writer, ask you not to write about the location because they don’t want anyone else to discover this special experience. So shhh, don’t tell anyone about the Smuggler’s Villa Resort on Orcas Island; it will be our secret. You will want to visit sooner rather than later as rumors abound on the island about Oprah’s recent extensive real estate purchases on the island.

Mike Stolmeier has managed the property for almost 30 years and is also an owner. The resort has individually owned townhouses that are offered as vacation rentals. “We get a lot of regulars. I am now seeing kids who I watched take their first steps now bringing their own kids here. This is a place of firsts—first step, first time swimming or making s’mores. That’s what makes my day here,” he said. “We say we like kids and tolerate adults.” The resort is very family friendly.

Quiet season is a special time in the San Juan Islands, and Orcas Island is a perfect location to unwind before or during the holiday season. “Guest coming here love there are no malls. Families will visit to do holiday baking and spend time enjoying each other’s company,” said Stolmeier. “One of the popular things we do each night is our fire pit. Typically there are three shifts which begin at sunset. The first is parents with younger children, followed by families with older kids, and then you will get adults sitting around the fire until 1 or 2 in the morning.”

50 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE STUMBLED UPON A HIDDEN GEM WHEN THE GUESTS, FINDING OUT YOU ARE A TRAVEL WRITER, ASK YOU NOT TO WRITE ABOUT THE LOCATION BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO DISCOVER THIS SPECIAL EXPERIENCE.

Located on the North Shore of the island, the pebble beach affords breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker and lovely sunsets. The outdoor swimming pool is unheated but open year round.

Many guests try a European spa experience by jumping in the icy water and then getting into the hot tub or sauna. Kids will love the menagerie of animals from parrots and guinea pigs to aquariums. Cuddles, a super friendly bird, greets everyone with a hello when they pass by her cage.

The resort also has a marina and kayaking, and fishing charters or whale watching tours are available adjacent to the villas.

As the quiet season slips on to Orcas Island, the summer crowds fade away and some businesses close. Make sure to visit the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce website (see The Specifics). Each week they post a “Blast” which gives you a schedule for all the activities taking place on the island, and they also have a listing of what is open. A must see during your visit is the little town of Eastsound with its quaint shops and restaurants. You can walk from Smuggler’s but it is about a mile or so.

This time of year it is easy to find parking in town. Stop at Brown Bear Baking for good coffee, fresh pastries and hot-out-of-the-hearth bread— all baked daily. The baking kitchen is open so you can watch the masters at work. With a very friendly staff, you will find yourself a regular during your stay on the island.

Plan to spend a day on the other side of the island. Moran State Park with its pristine lakes and lush forests is the jewel of Orcas Island. It is much larger than you would expect and is actually the fourth largest state park in Washington. Drive up to the top of Mount Constitution, which rises nearly a half mile above Orcas Island, or plan to park and hike up. There are a couple of options for shorter or longer hikes. At the top of the mountain is a watch tower, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. From the top of the tower is the best view of the San Juan Islands. Locals call it one of the top water views in the world. Although that is not verifiable, it is pretty incredible. On a clear day you can see Mount Baker and Mount Rainier and all the way into Canada.

After spending time in the park you are sure to have worked up an appetite. The Rosario Resort is not far away and is a beautiful location to enjoy a late lunch at the Mansion Restaurant. (Note this time of year lunch is only Friday through Sunday.) The restaurant is in the historic Moran Mansion in what was once the veranda overlooking Cascade Bay. The hotel also has a free museum with information about the historic mansion and the Moran family. A former mayor of Seattle and a shipbuilder, Robert Moran donated much of the land, which became Moran State Park, to the State of Washington.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 51

AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IS A WATCH TOWER, CONSTRUCTED BY THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS IN THE 1930S. FROM THE TOP OF THE TOWER IS THE BEST VIEW OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS. LOCALS CALL IT ONE OF THE TOP WATER VIEWS IN THE WORLD.

52 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

The Specifics GETTING THERE For peace of mind, make a ferry reservation and note that you will need to make a westbound and eastbound reservation. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure or you will lose your reservation. TakeaFerry.com

VISITOR INFORMATION Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce OrcasIslandChamber.com Visit the San Juan Islands - VisitSanJuans.com

WHERE TO STAY Smuggler’s Villa Resort - Smugglers.com

WHERE TO EAT The Brown Bear Baking Company Facebook.com/BrownBearBaking Boat House Ciderworks - BHCider.com

THINGS TO DO Outer Island Excursions - OuterIslandX.com The Rosario Resort - RosarioResort.com Moran State Park - MoranStatePark.com

Quiet season is a special time in the San Juan Islands.

If you are lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, you can experience the unique performance by musician Christopher Peacock. He regales the audience with tales of the mansion’s history interspersed with musical interludes on the 1900 Steinway Grand Piano and the 1914 Aeolian organ with 1972 pipes and a slide show of historic photos. The grand finale is the original silent film version of “The Phantom of the Opera” featuring Lon Chaney in the title role. The silent movie is accompanied by Peacock on the organ. It is mesmerizing. The presentation is free and takes place at 4pm on Saturdays.

The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway has a portion on Orcas Island. This is a great way to explore and points out all the highlights of the island. The self-guided drive begins at the Orcas Island ferry landing in the cute little Orcas Village. There is an eclectic market with upscale groceries, a few shops and Boathouse Ciderworks. It will take two to three hours to drive around the island. The byway will take you through small hamlets and

scenic bays. The views really open up this time of year after the fall foliage is gone. Deer Harbor has a nice public sandy beach which is worth a visit.

For more information on the byway, check out the Visit San Juan Islands website (See The Specifics).

Orcas Island really shines in the quiet season where one can relax and unwind without the crowds of the summer. Winter weather is very mild with average temperatures of 46 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a lot less rain than the mainland—in December you are likely to see a sunny day during your visit! After touring the island, enjoy some downtime at the Smuggler’s Villa Resort. Disconnect from technology and reconnect with your family or friends. Stroll the quiet beach or take a private charter with Outer Island Excursions located on site. You can schedule a fishing charter or go see some of the lighthouses from the water. Bundle up, throw some steaks on the grill and enjoy the views from your deck.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 53

Spirit of Seattle brings cheer to the Sound

BY COLIN ANDERSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARGOSY CRUISES

F

or more than 70 years, Argosy Cruise’s Spirit of Seattle has been bringing Holiday cheer all throughout the season, and you can be a part of this time-honored tradition all month long. Decorated in hundreds of twinkling lights, the official Christmas Ship sets sail each evening cruising by upwards of 65 Puget Sound communities.

Choirs on board entertain guests, and there are several ways individuals and families can partake in the festivities.

The Lead Boat cruise is onboard the Spirit of Seattle, and guests are also joined by Santa Claus. The boat slowly makes its way through the Sound over the course of about three hours. There is a special reading of “‘Twas the Night before Christmas,” photos with Santa and kids holiday arts and crafts.

The Follow Boat experience is in another decorated vessel in the fleet and follows closely behind the Spirit of Seattle. You also get a photo with

54 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

Santa, and children receive their own holiday craft bag. Both cruises offer a full bar and box meals for an additional charge as well as contests to win great prizes.

Those who are unable to get on board can still be very much involved.

Viewing parties are held each evening as the boats pass by, park and the choir’s performance is broadcast to shore. Each performance lasts about 20 minutes, and there will be a community bonfire, lighting or other special event each evening.

Special events throughout the season include a Kids Cruise, The Parade of Boats on December 14, the 21+ Follow Boat Experience and the Grand Finale. A portion of all Christmas Ship Festival proceeds are donated to The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy.

For a list of pricing, availability and onshore party schedules, you can visit ArgosyCruises.com.

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Magic In Manette - Dec. 7 Bremerton WinterFest - Dec. 8 Bainbridge Island Winter Wonderland Dec. 8 Port Gamble Country Christmas Dec. 8 -9 Port Orchard Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 8 Poulsbo Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride & Visit Father Christmas - Dec. 8 Bloedel Holiday Village ~ Bainbridge Island - Dec. 14 Gig Harbor Light Up the Night - Dec. 14 Poulsbo Lighted Boat Parade - Dec. 15 Bremerton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade - Dec. 14 & 15

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holiday Decor & Gifts

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Visit Kitsap.com TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 55

Champagne & Chocolate A NEW YEAR’S TREAT COURTESY OF CHEF TROY LOUIS CHANDLER With the guilt of holiday meals and the apprehension of a grand resolution, I say that a New Year’s treat should be at least 1,000 calories a bite. That being said, here is a simple treat that is interactive and fun.

Place a tablecloth on your table and a decorative bucket full of ice along with a bottle of Champagne. Add the proper amount of Champagne glasses. Next have a bowl of strawberries. These are to drop into your Champagne and also for your fondue.

Fill a basket or container full of skewers. Set up a fondue pot or chocolate fountain if you have one. For this fun treat, I have suggested strawberries but don’t let me stop you from adding anything that is dipping worthy. Dried crickets anyone?

Ingredients: • 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips • 3/4 cup honey • 1/4 cup evaporated milk • Strawberries • Pound cake • Rice Krispy Treats • Anything your heart desires

method: • Melt chocolate chips over medium heat in a fondue pot.

• Stir in honey. Add evaporated milk and stir. If mix is too thick just add a little more evaporated milk.

tip

Set up a table in a good location, that also has access to an electrical outlet, for your guests.

REAL homeMade

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DRUNKEN PRAWNS Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler Not too long ago, I stopped going out on New Year’s Eve, although I have had as much fun as the next guy, I think. I came to a point in my life where the thought of being in all of the chaos, traffic, Ubers and, oh yeah, the overly intoxicated masses just wasn’t as appealing as it once was. Now I enjoy ringing in the New Year with my family and whatever ball-dropping special is on the tube. Or to have a few friends over to have a nice evening and talk about the events good and bad of the quickly fading year that was that will now only be with us in memories. Here is a fun appetizer for New Year’s Eve.

INGREDIENTS - prawns • Prawns - about 3 per person (I like Mexican wild prawns, but any will do. For the size, u-15s are my favorite. 1620s will work just as well. See note below about prawn sizing.)

• 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs (dill, tarragon, parsley, etc.)

• Olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD • Coat your prawns in olive oil and season with salt and pepper and set aside. *Prawn sizing.

Prawns/shrimp are sized by the pound. So a u-15 means there are about 15 prawns in a pound. 16-20s means there are about 16 to 20 prawns per pound. The lower the number, the larger the prawn. Salad shrimp are anywhere from a 77 to 99 count. I feel that most prawns that are larger than the u-15 can be tough or chewy, so bigger isn’t always better and is always more expensive.

INGREDIENTS - sauce • • • • •

1 medium shallot minced 1/2 cup dry champagne 2 tbsp. champagne vinegar 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD • Combine shallot, champagne and vinegar in a saucepan on medium heat.

• Stir and cook until it reduces by about half.

• Add the heavy cream, stir and cook until slightly thickened, enough to coat the back of a spoon.

• Whisk in butter until butter is melted. Season and set aside. (You can return the pan to a low burner to melt any stubborn pieces of butter, but be careful. Too much heat will break your sauce.) A good way to hold this sauce is to place it in a bowl over hot water.

• In a sauté pan on medium high, add your prawns and let them cook until they turn color on the pan side. Stir them and sauté for another minute. Plate the prawns and drizzle your sauce over them. Garnish them with fresh chopped herbs.

58 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

CHEF TROY LOUIS CHANDLER

The Polar Bear

Winter Warm Up

Plunge

21+

Well, that went by fast! It seems like just a year ago we were talking about resolutions that we may or may not have kept. We were all excited to ring in the New Year and equally excited (meaning terrified) to take the polar bear plunge. 2018, you were an excellent year, but it’s time to put you in the books.

To ring in the New Year I have come up with a cocktail called “The Polar Bear Plunge.”

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 oz. Sparkling wine • 1 oz. Vodka • 1 oz. St. Germain liquor •

• 2 oz. Meyer lemon simple syrup (1 part Meyer lemon juice to 1 part sugar, heated until sugar is dissolved then chilled)

METHOD: 1

2

This is a fun cocktail that looks like a pond frozen over. To do this, use a large rocks glass (bucket glass). For the ice, freeze water in a ramekin or anything you can find that will create a circle that will fit in your glass. You can also purchase ice ball molds online that would work well.

Place the ice into your glass.

3

Fill a shaker with ice, add vodka, St. Germain, Meyer lemon simple syrup and shake for 30 seconds.

4 5

Pour onto your ice pond.

Top off with the sparkling wine and … Take the plunge!

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 59

Deck the halls!

ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 1, 8, 9 &15

Unique Gifts FIND MORE THAN 40 VENDORS AT ANNUAL SALE

BY COLIN ANDERSON

60 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

W

hile some shoppers prefer to go at the holidays the easy way—ordering online from a retail giant or grabbing a stack of gift cards on their way out of the grocery store—those who want their gifts to be truly memorable are always in search of something unique and local. If this is what you are after then make sure your holiday shopping days include a trip through the annual Holiday Show.

The Gig Harbor Farmers Market’s Peninsula Marketplace is the perfect backdrop for this event.

While closed for the season, the Marketplace opens back up in December and you’ll find more than 40 local vendors and artisans with booths for you to wander.

There is no cost for admission and, once inside, you’ll find wide-ranging gifts, decorations and other holiday flair. Authors and artists, jewelers, metal crafters and

potters, bakers, fishermen and craftsmen are just a few of the folks you’ll encounter. Rachel Morgan Perry and David Hannon will be providing live music as you shop. This is truly one of the best places to shop and support local businesses and artisans, and the variety is sure to help you check many gifts off your to-do list.

The Holiday Show is open December 1, 8, 9 and 15 from 9am to 3pm. You’ll find the Peninsula Marketplace at the corner of Wollochet and Fillmore Drive, and there is plenty of parking available. Those wanting more information can visit PeninsulaMarketplace.com.

Take the little extra effort this season, skip the gift cards and big-box items, and find something made by one of the many talented people right in your own community. They’ll appreciate your business and so will the recipients of the many unique gifts you’ll find at the Holiday Show.

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TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 61

REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE A SITE TO BEHOLD

BY PATTY HUTCHENS | PHOTOS BY MIKE MANDICK

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to experience the beauty of Christmas in ways many people cannot. With snow-capped mountains and the beauty of the Puget Sound, it certainly is picture- perfect setting.

Add to that boats decorated with the beauty of Christmas lights reflecting off the water and it is truly something to behold.

On December 15 at 6pm, the Lighted Boat Parade will depart from the Point Defiance Docks next to Anthony’s with the procession traveling down to the Foss Waterway. The boats will begin to line up from 5:30, so you will not to be sure and get there early!

Leading the procession will be the Sea Scout Boat, Charles N. Curtis.

The Charles N. Curtis is 78-feet and 9-inches long, 14-feet and 8-inches wide and was one of six sister Coast Guard patrol boats constructed in June of 1932 in Southern Ship Yards in Newport News, Virginia, to chase down Prohibition-era rum runners off the East Coast. All six ships were transferred to the Pacific Coast in June of 1937 where the Charles N. Curtis remained until 1942 before returning permanently to Tacoma in 1945.

With so much history, the boat is certainly something you will want to see.

There are currently approximately 20 boats signed up to participate, and there is no fee to join in the parade.

If you want to participate in the parade, boat slips can be arranged through Dock Street Marina, located at 1817 Dock Street in Tacoma. Their phone number is 253.250.1906 or you can email them at info@dockstreetmarina. com. You can also arrange for slips through Delin Docks at 1616 E D St. in Tacoma. They can be reached at 253.572.2524 or info@delindocksmarina. com Looking to find the best place to watch the parade? Organizers recommend Ruston Way and Foss Waterway.

62 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL Mark your calendars! You may just discover a new holiday tradition!

DEC. 15

MAGNIFICENT WITCHES & WIZARDS HOLIDAY BALL

December 8

ZOOLIGHTS

Held at Hotel Murano, this event is for Harry Potter fans ages 6 and older. Guests will enjoy live music from guest Wizard Rock Bands, entertainment, dancing and hor d’oeuvres buffet. Come comfortable or wear your dress robe or finest gown and participate in the Best Dressed Witch/ Wizard content. Tickets are $35 for ages 6 to 12, $50 ages 13 and older and can be purchased online at WeekendOfWizardry. com.

December 1 - January 6

December 8

See the Zoo transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with more than a half-million sparkling lights. The holiday spirit comes aglow in this magical world of dazzling 3D animal light displays at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Zoolights runs nightly through January 6, 2019, 5 to 9pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit PDZA.org.

4TH ANNUAL WHITE CHRISTMAS MARKET

December 5 Join the Weatherly Inn, 6016 North Highlands Parkway, 3 to 7pm for their annual White Christmas Market. Sip on hot cocoa, get in some Christmas shopping and listen to holiday tunes performed by Chris Anderson. This is a great event for the entire family, as Santa will be there ready to take a free photo, and there will be live reindeer! Enjoy the spirit of the season!

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3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY HAUL CRAWL Join in the fun of this year’s annual Holiday Haul Crawl. Held in Downtown Tacoma 10am to 10pm, enjoy a full day of events, giveaways and holiday specials at local boutiques and restaurants. Support local businesses while getting a bit, if not all, of your holiday shopping done. Find the event on Facebook to see a list of participating venues and deals.

SANTA RUNS TACOMA

December 8 2018 marks the 10th year of this Tacoma tradition! Santa Runs Tacoma includes the Donner and Blitzen 21k (half marathon) and relay, The Scrooge 10k, Frosty’s 5k and the Tiny Tim’s 1k kids run. Registration online at SantaRunsTacoma.com. Race tee and a finisher medal are included in the cost of registration. Receive a family discount when registering four or more family members. Email info@tcmaevents. com to receive a discount code before registering.

DOWNTOWN TACOMA MARKET: HOLIDAY EDITION

December 9 The Downtown Tacoma Market is back with their Holiday edition! This funfilled day takes place at the beautiful and historic Court House Square in Downtown Tacoma! Stop on by 11am to 4pm to shop for unique gifts from 40 local makers and vintage dealers. Enjoy brunch and cocktails from en Rama and The OutPost Kitchen, coffee and sweet treats from Lift Bridge Coffee and music by Josiah French and James DjSemaj Sochor. And Santa will be there for photos! Visit EventBrite for more information.

SANKTA LUCIA CELEBRATION

December 11 Hosted by Scandinavian Cultural Center, join them in their Sankta Lucia Celebration 6:30 to 8pm. For more than 60 years, Pacific Lutheran University has been celebrating Sankta Lucia. This year, the tradition continues on Tuesday, December 11 in the Scandinavian Cultural Center.

For more information about the event, call 253.535.7349 or email scancntr@plu.edu.

TACOMALIVINGLOCAL 63

THE GRAND CINEMA SHOWING IN DECEMBER 12/05- CATVIDEOFEST 2018 12/06- THE MERCY 12/08- GREMLINS 12/12- IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 12/15- A CHRISTMAS STORY 12/15- HEAVY TRIP 12/19- BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE 12/21- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

WINTERFEST INDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

December 14 The STAR Center invites the community to be entertained by a free indoor movie! December’s movie night features The Polar Express on the big screen. Gather the kids and be sure to bring blankets, pillows or low chairs to relax on. (The STAR Center will provide chairs for those who don’t have their own.) And don’t forget to bring some popcorn! Admission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 253.404.3939.

64 TACOMALIVINGLOCAL

DEC

15

Start the morning of this day of frozen fun with breakfast with Santa and photos. There will be ice skating under a snowy filled sky (indoors), sepcial effects lighting and an on-ice DJ mixing holiday tunes. Enjoy a snowball toss with your friends, fruitcake bowling, ugly sweater contest, gingerbread house building and more! For more information, visit PierceCountyWA.gov/Winterfest.

Check out TacomaLivingLocal.com for more events and information!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 15 Saturday, December 15, The Center at Norpoint will host Breakfast with Santa. For just $10 in advance or $15 at the door, you will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, holiday arts and crafts, pictures with Santa and more! There will be two sessions: 8:30am and 10am. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance at MetroParksTacoma.org. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Center at Norpoint or by phone at 253.404.3900.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

December 15-23 Join Tacoma Musical Playhouse as CampTMP’s Honor Program presents the award-winning 1965 CBS special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This play, based on the classic holiday TV special is sure to be a hit for audiences of all ages. Show dates and times are as follows: December 15, 11am; December 16, 6pm; December 21, 7pm; December 22, 2pm; December 23, 2 and 6pm. For more information, call 253.565.6867. Tickets can be purchased online at TMP.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan.10 - March 4 - Trapped: Escape Fort Nisqually Jan.12-20 - Tacoma Musical Playhouse Presents Stinky

Kids the Musical Jan.15 - The Wizard of OZ: The Broadway Musical at Pantages Theater Jan. 17-20 - Tacoma RV Show at The Tacoma Dome Jan. 19 - Benaroya Wing Opening at Tacoma Art Museum Jan. 21- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Greater Tacoma Convention Center Jan. 24 - 27- Tacoma Home + Garden Show at Tacoma Dome Jan. 26 - 2019 Right to Play Gala for Children’s Museum of Tacoma

The Nutcracker

JINGLE BELL RUN AT WRIGHT PARK

December 21 & 22

December 24

Children’s Dance Theater and Prestige Dance Studio proudly announce the seventh annual production of The Nutcracker.

Show times are 7:30pm December 21 and 2 and 7:30pm December 22. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased online at AuburnChildrensDanceTheater. com or PrestigeDance.net. Held at Columbia Junior High School, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Head to Wright Park Christmas Eve day, 10 to noon and noon to 2pm, for the annual Jingle Bell Run. Don your best and most festive holiday attire, join the community and spread Christmas cheer. All ages are encouraged to participate in this fun 3-mile run or walk. Registration is $10 per person per run. MetroParksTacoma.com

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