98520.Life - 98520.Life - August 2018

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September 2018 Vol. 1, Issue 3 Biz Brief: Quilt Harbor and Mt. Olympus Brewing

Nonprofit Spotlight:

CCAP

Music: The Garage OUTDOORS: Kayaking & Canoeing

KIDDOS KORNER ART, MUSIC, BOOKS PUZZLES and more!

The Garden Plot: What's a CSA? The histo ry of

Abe a star fro m Walk rdeen of St ars ins

Made by Aberdeen, about Aberdeen, in Aberdeen, for Aberdeen and beyond.

ide

Wishkah River Photo by Craig Nichols

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98520.LIFE

KIDDOS KORNER

THE PUZZLE PLACE

SEPTEMBER 2018 SPONSORED BY GRAPHICALLY

DEB

ANSWERS

Jazzed-Up on Jacks

ON BACK

m

DEBBI JENSEN

A colorful set of metalic jacks.

DEBBI JENSEN for 98520.LiFE

Onsies, Twosies, all the way to Tensies. It’s one of my childhood games and it’s called Jacks.You can play with a group or play with two or practice your skill with only you.

I found a set of Jumbo Jax at Game Freaks for $3.99 plus tax. The set has ten brightly colored jacks and two small bouncy balls. This set may not be as user friendly for first time players as the jacks are on the large size.You may choose to get a smaller set of jacks, to make gathering in your hand easier.

Jacks are either made of a metal or a plastic, and have six pronged points. The game can be played indoors on hardwood floors, or outdoors on concrete.

Begin by scattering the Jacks in front of you and decide who goes first by “flipping.” Cup your hands together holding the Jacks and give them a light toss up in the air. Catch as many as you can on the backside of your hands. The person who collects the most, will go first. (Rock/ Paper/Scissors or tossing a coin

works, too.) Retoss the jacks into a circle you've drawn on the sidewalk (or made with a string indoors).

The first player will then toss the ball up in the air and quickly pick up a jack before the ball bounces twice. The ball may only bounce once and must be caught in the same hand with which you pick up the jack(s). Set the jack in your other hand and continue the game by tossing the ball and picking up two jacks.

Each time you throw you pick up one more jack. If the ball bounces more than once, or if you gather more jacks than you are supposed to, your turn is over. The Jacks you collected go back to the circle.

When it becomes your turn again, begin where you left off.

Picking up all the jacks first, beginning with one and finishing at ten, wins you the game. There are mega-variations of this game.

Black Widow, goes from Onesies to Tensies in one turn. Wow! How cool would it be to make up your own game and rules for Jacks? This game is for ages 5+ years. Wishing you a fun-filled day.

BOOK NOOK I came to read local author Floyd Wesley (Wes) Brosman’s NO PLACE ELSE primarily out of interest in my own father’s early life in California and Washington as part of a migrant “picker” family in the 1930s. (That and, having met Wes, I was just interested in what he had to say.)

I had studied the Dust Bowl and Great Depression in high school, but wasn't much interested until I was introduced to the captivating photography of Dorothea Lange. It was then that I became fascinated with the tales of survival and tenacity of those who scraped by during those difficult years—like my father’s family. Dad's stories were enthralling and he spoke of things I could only imagine in disbelief. I wanted to know more.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HARBOR

Brosman's memoir is so vividly and personally written it not only matchedd up with the images conjured up by myy own father’s tales, but illuminated them far beyond what I imagined. It made the lives of these people—my own kin—come alive. Wes has written (very well, I might add) an illuminating and captivating book that I would recommend to everyone.

But be warned: NO PLACE ELSE will leave you contemplative, perhaps exasperated at how the poor have had to eke out their way in our America, and it might even leave you quite undone.

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler

BOOKS & GIFTS

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SEPTEMBER 2018

SPONSORED BY THE ABERDEEN ART CENTER

Salvage Art at the Heart of Merlin Jensen D. ROD for 98520.LiFE

This includes going through his own garage, which is filled with things acquired over the years. While he considers himself a “jack of all trades,” he credits his years as a mechanic and his welding skills for helping him with his ability to create amazing, innovative pieces.

When it comes to art, some of the most interesting pieces can often be created by the repurposing of existing items that have been discarded. Such is the case with the work of Harbor artist Merlin Jensen. His art is a great example of this media form.

Merlin says his art interest began in the seventh grade. He recalls creating a sculpture of a giraffe, which earned him high grades.

A transplant from Oklahoma, Merlin uses his knowledge of metals, along with his mechanical know-how, to not only create metal art, but to deal with the technical process of executing his ideas into some very imaginative art forms.

He admits that he allowed his interest in metal work to go dormant for nearly ten years. He credits his wife, Debbi, for inspiring him to find an outlet and to continue with his art.

He is inspired by the things he sees during his travels. Often his wife tells him, “You can make that,” he says. And, make it he does.

He’s even created an amazing airplane weather vane with spoon propellers for her to display in their Aberdeen garden. These days, his metal artwork ranges from sculptures, fountains, and garden art, along with interesting industrial furniture pieces.

His recent art creations consist of dragonflies made of stainless steel kitchen utensils, and unique spiders made of serving spoons and windshield wipers. Both can be seen at Alder Grove Gallery, in the Aberdeen Art Center.

His steampunk-style is quite creative. His repurposing of everyday items inspires others to see things in a different perspective and challenges them to envision uses for things sitting in their own garages.

“I find it interesting to go into salvage places. I am used to digging through things,” says Merlin.

MERLIN JENSEN

Inset: Merlin Jensen shows off one of his dragonfly creations.

Rear: Merlin's work bench and another creation.

OUTDOORS

“Merlin’s original and imaginative creations add so much interest to the gallery,” says Aberdeen Art Center Director, Douglas Orr. “At times, we don’t know what he’s been creating until he brings in his finished work.”

SPONSORED BY

FOXWELL CREATIVE

Crazy Over Kayaking and Canoeing GREGORY E. ZSCHOMLER 98520.LiFE Editor As a teen I often enjoyed the thrill of whitewater canoeing. While those younger days are long gone I might still occasionally enjoy a leisurely river or lake paddle—be it by canoe or kayak.

The serene scenic beauty and refreshing coolness of a gentle water body on sizzling summer’s day is just the thing to unwind a wearied soul.

Of course, for the young and brave of heart, whitewater rapids are still an option, as is kayaking the ocean's bays and shores. (If you're inexperienced you should begin and practice in calm water before attempting whitewater.)

The water paddling sports can be done solo, in pairs or groups with some fairly inexpensive pieces of equipment.

While quality canoes and even kayaks can approach a thousand dollars or more, a basic single-rider kayak can be

had for less than $200. Of course you’ll also need (required by law) a life jacket and a signal whistle. Adults do not have to wear the life jacket, but must have it in possession; those sixteen years of age and younger must wear the floatation device at all times while on the water.

The sport is good exercise, too.You may paddle as fast and as far as you desire or can handle; push yourself or relax, but either way it’ll do you good in body, mind and spirit. As you glide through the water you’ll have plenty of time to reflect and rejuvenate.

Again, if you’re new to the sport I recommend learning on a lake, stay-ing close to the shore or dock and buddying up with a strong swimmer—perhaps one who is experienced at canoeing/kayaking as well.

I don’t recommend that you take on whitewater unless you are well experienced, have a guide and have learned to read rapids. Always know your river and be safety-minded.

There are many great places to paddle in the outlying areas of Aberdeen such as the canals and ponds of Ocean Shores, the Wynoochie reservoir or river, the Humptulips, Hoquiam or Little Hoquiam rivers, Black Creek, etc.

Perhaps the best place to get started is right here in our own backyard at Lake Aberdeen east of downtown. It’s close, calm, cool and calming, not to mention beautiful and accessible. Summer is rapidly (no pun intended) slipping by; so, what are you waiiting for? *there are differing techniques for righting a canoe

Once you’ve learned the basic skills, such as maneuvering, righting your vessel,* and boating safety, you could try your hand at river paddling. However,

and kayak. Both should be practiced with the aid of an experienced spotter/guide. I highly recommend that you take a lesson or two to get these down. It'll likey com in handy some time.

DOUGLAS ORR David Rodriguez tries his hand at kayaking the Hoquiam River.

Thanks to Our Wonderful Community Sponsors: 98520.LiFE OPEN HOUSE Come one, come all, come as you are!

Every month on publication day—the third Thursday of the month—we hold an open house for all. It's the day to meet our editorial staff, knock around story ideas, find out how YOU can be invloved, volunteer your skills and services, have some light refreshment and, best of all, pick up "hot off the press" copies of the new publication BEFORE they hit the streets!

JOIN US 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th for the next 98520.LiFE OPEN HOUSE!

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98520.LIFE

SEPTEMBER 2018

The M.O.B. Brews Up New Downtown Destination LAUREN GARRET for 98520.LiFE

OPENING SOON! Mount Olympus Brewing [M.O.B.], located in the old Harbor Shoes building, is here to foster the growing “craft community” on the Harbor and bring awe and intrigue in the form of an everevolving selection of craft brews. With the capacity for eventual distribution, the M.O.B. guys (and gals) are doing things with beer that you might not have known were even possible.

Partners describe head brewer Orlando Maldonado as “a beer chef” who conjures up wild flavors that will likely delight even the beer-phobic. Past experiments have included a Molé Stout, made with cinnamon, cocoa nibs and chilies, and a pale ale that could pass as a mimosa. These are just two examples of the crafty things these guys have done with beer.

For the purists, in the works is a double IPA so refreshing it just might teleport you to a sunny riverbank (owner and handyman Daryl’s favorite place to enjoy a brew).

The brewery's generous space is designed to be 100% family friendly and even features a children’s area where kids can busy themselves with games and toys while mom and dad enjoy an adult beverage. While there may be a kids’ curfew to allow for a different after dark atmosphere, if there’s a game to be seen, that game will probably be on. The interior will provide an inviting vibe where anyone will feel welcome.

“Like your second home,” says Kamma Maldonado, partner and bookkeeper.

A variety of seating options accommodate every occasion, from an intimate night out to a large gathering of kindred spirits; from cribbage players like assistant brewer James Lundgren to history buffs like taproom manager Cody Braemer. Describing beer drinking as a “social activity,” they hope guests will take advantage of communal seating and get to know fellow locals as well as out-of-towners.

“The M.O.B.,” as they like to refer to their business (and hope you will too), will offer up to ten delightful selections at a time, plus two guest taps (featured brews brought in from other local

brewers), one guest cider, and even a cold brew tap for the designated driver. (Non-alcoholic sodas and juices will also available for the kiddos.) When asked about a flagship brew, Cody said the market will decide if and what it will be, but, “there will always be something new and different.”

If you’re looking for something to-go, you can get a “Crowler” – a 32 oz. sealed can that will keep your brew fresh until you’re ready to imbibe – a service made possible by a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign (in which 88 backers helped them exceed their goal of $15,000 to raise $17,486.)

While the M.O.B. family aims to grow into their space slowly, with a keen focus on high quality at every turn, they have big plans.

In addition to distribution, their goals include a full calendar of events, with a variety of family friendly activities that will not only appeal to a broad range of patrons, but also coordinates with surrounding businesses so no one need endure the dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out). Once the beer is flowing smoothly, a menu featuring high-end pub fare and bar snacks will be debuted.

Their slogan states:

"Different on purpose and purposely making a difference."

In addition to blowing your mind with unique variety, these guys are fervent about bettering their community and plan to host events benefitting local causes and projects. They are open to suggestions for events and activities, so be sure to let them know what you would like to see.

Mount Olympus Brewing is: Orlando Maldonado, head brewer/CEO; Kamma Maldonado, bookkeeper; James Lundgren, assistant brewer/ janitor; Daryl Blumberg, owner/ handyman; Cody Braemer, owner/taproom manager; Becca Blumberg, owner.

MOB is located at 105 Heron Street.

Editor's Note: The M.O.B. crew hope to be open by the time this issue "hits the stands."

Be sure to follow @mountolympusbrewing on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date on events and brew selection!

CONTRIBUTED Top: The M.O.B. brew crew. Back row: Daryl Blumberg, Orlando Maldonado, James lundgren and Cody Braemer.

Front row: Becca Blumberg, Kamma Maldonado, Brittney Jensen and Shenece Nunez.

Bottom: Just getting started; hortly after the fermentation vessels (CCVs) were moved in.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

98520.LiFE

PROGRAMS AND PROGRESS

is published the third Thursday of each month and distributed to local businesses throughout Aberdeen, Wash.

From Main Street to Your Street

PUBLISHER Wil Russoul

WIL RUSSOUL Main Street Executive Director

Main Street Executive Director

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gregory E. Zschomler Harbor House Writers, LLC editor@98520.life

ASSC. EDITOR/ADS Deb Blecha

We are into our third issue of 98520.LiFE and the feedback received from folks inside and outside of 98520 has been very encouraging. We feel we are right on target to continue and grow positive snapshots of our downtown and surrounding communities. Please know we have even more ideas/concepts to develop as we gain the capacity to manage the various aspects of this volunteer-driven publication. Thank you all for such a warm welcome to this new idea.

Graphically Deb sales@98520.life

WEB / TECH. Todd Fox

We have been asked why do a printed version in a time when everything is or can be on the internet? Well, we believe folks living here in the area realize the value of coming downtown to pick up a copy at a local business—slowing down

time, sitting and chatting at a local business while reading this publication. Socializing downtown does help develop a more robust economy where we can build up our personal “third space”—a place away from home, work or school where you hang. It might be for, but not limited to, working remotely, unwinding, or meeting up with friends.

In reviewing similar mill towns and cities hit by various recessions which have begun to bounce back, you’ll find one common thread: the creation of third spaces for all ages.

It’s wonderful to hear folks report back that seeing more folks out and about downtown is breathing life into our 98520. We agree.

Wil Russoul, 98520 Believer

RICK MOYER

Anna Kennedy shows off her copy of the inaugural issue.

Foxwell Creative, LLC web@98520.life

DISTRIBUTION MNGR. Debbi Jensen Contributors this issue: Deb Blecha,Lauren Garret, Debbi Jensen, D. Rod, Todd Fox, Craig Nichols, Wil Russoul, Ruth Zschomler, and Gregory E. Zschomler. © 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored

CALENDAR of EVENTS @ the D&R: Aaron Neville 7-10 p.m., Sept. 23.

St. Mary School Okotberfest Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., October 6. The bazzar coincides with Oktoberfest which includes stage entertainment, bingo, Christmas Corner, the Bavarian Coffee Haus, Great Bites Cafe and the Kids Carnival!

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ events/272243653351691/

The Garage OPEN MIC, 7 p.m. every first and third Monday night of the month at The Garage, and afternoons, 2nd Sat. of each month at Tinderbox Coffee. The Garage also has a free DRUM CIRCLE (third Thursday of each month) and an All-Ages JAM NIGHT (Mondays, twice monthy) at the Shoppes at Riverside. Call 360.209.4129 or see TheGarage98520 on Facebook for more information.

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express consent of the publishers.

To Submit Content and Press Materials: Please visit our website

www.98520.life for submission directions, or to contact us.

Mailing Address:

Aberdeen Out of the Darkness Walk, 9 a.m. to noon, October 7. Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Aberdeen to raise awareness and funds to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Free.

ART DRIVE: Twin Harbors Studio Tour, October 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14. More than 50 artists open their studios for your visit. artdrives.blogspot.com

P.O. Box 1593, Aberdeen, WA 98520

To Support this Publication through sponsorship please contact:

FIRST FRIDAYS: Art and music at various venues around the downtown area from 5-9 p.m. the first Friday of every month. Come on downtown and enjoy what Aberdeen has to offer!

TOON TUESDAYS: Cartooning, Coffee & Conversation, noon, third Tuesday of the month at Tinderbox Coffee Roasters. Artists of ALL kinds are welcome to participate.

98520 & 98550 OCTOBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Live Music events every day of October throughout Hoquiam and Aberdeen. Hosted by the 98520 Music and Arts District Initiative. Interested Musicians and Venues can find applications here: https://98520musicandarts.org/octobermusic-festival CORRECTION from our last issue: Engelbert Humperdinck is now schedualed at the D&R for Feb. 2019.

Deb Blecha at sales@98520.life

FROM THE EDITOR

We strive to be family friendly in content; however, the views expressed herein (as well as the advertising content) are not necessarily those of, and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher, editors or printer.

In this our third issue we explore more of downtown Aberdeen—its past, present and future—and the people of our city who make living here special. Of course we couldn't fit it all in. We couldn't even come close. Those stories will have to wait for coming issues.

Maybe those stories are YOUR stories. So, if you have a tale to tell, drop us an email and we'll see what we can do. We're always on the look out for "what's doing downtown" and around. We're here to shine the spotlight on all of Aberdeen's positive news and views.

DANCE CLUB OF GRAYS HARBOR holds a social dance every third Saturday of the month at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge. Ballroom lessons, taught by Arlene Hoiland, 7-8 p.m. are free. The dance, from 8-10:30 is $10 and features live music. See https:// www.facebook.com/groups/danceclubofgraysharbor/about/ for more information.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

SEPTEMBER 2018 SPONSORED BY YOUR

NAME HERE

Quilt Harbor Couple Sew Happy Together RUTH ZSCHOMLER for 98520.LiFE When Ken Rausch recently retired from the Port of Grays Harbor after 26 years, he decided to join his wife Susan in the shop full-time at Quilt Harbor, 208 S Broadway. Quilt Harbor offers a variety of fabrics, quilting supplies, classes and sewing machine repair, but it’s so much more than that.

While Susan is busy helping customers, teaching classes, and running the business, Ken spends much of his time repairing and servicing sewing machines and sergers. Not only that, “He can thread and serge on any serger on the market,� Susan said, “and is a great teacher for the serger.�

RUTH ZSCHOMLER Susan and Ken Rausch at Quilt Harbor..

Ȁ ǧ

Susan showed him how to sew his first quilt in 2010. “He ripped out many seams but finished the quilt and even quilted and bound the quilt by himself,� she said. Ken’s Attic Window quilt has a view of a clipper ships and a lighthouse, a fitting choice for a Grays Harbor quilt shop. It also has an original poem around the quilt written by the couple that reads:

“There are big ships and small ships, ships that sail, and ships that fly, but the best ships are the friend ships between you and I.�

Even though they both had other jobs, Ken said they should purchase the shop from the previous owner, Elizabeth McElliott, in 2011, instead of letting it close. Since she had been working and managing the shop under McElliott and loving it for seven years already, it seemed like a natural transition.

“I didn't see how that could happen,�

Susan said, “but here we are seven and a half years later loving what we do together here.�

Susan teaches beginning quilting classes, machine mastery classes, children's beginning sewing, embroidery machine and software classes for the embroidery machine. continued p.8

SPONSORED BY YOUR NAME HERE

CCAP, Active Again After Aberdeen Armory Fire LAUREN GARRETT for 98520.LiFE Since its inception in 1965, Coastal Community Action Program (CCAP) has aimed to help people in need move from poverty to self-sufficiency. CCAP provides in-house support services as well as partnering with other community resources to help remove the barriers to success experienced by the nearly 4,000 people they serve annually.

Key services provided by CCAP are supportive housing and employment aid. Ironically, on June 9, CCAP found itself without a home when a fire destroyed the Armory building that housed the organization for the past twenty years. But, CCAP didn’t stay unhoused for long. “The management team met that night and Sunday,� said eight-year CCAP CFO Lucy Machowek, describing the swift response and recovery.

The management then asked their employees to meet Monday morning at Cornerstone Church to discuss a strategy and assign duties. By 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, CCAP reopened in the old Bank of America building, operating at full service. Lucy attributes the speedy recovery to, “each staff person’s commitment to their job and community‌

“Their hearts have been so open and caring.�

In addition to the efforts made by CCAP’s roughly 160 employees, all of whom were able to retain employment after the fire, Lucy gives special thanks to the community, “from the firefighters to [the people] who gave us flowers, without whose support CCAP would not have gotten back on our feet so quickly.�

PROVIDED A partial sampling of the CCAP team. Lucy Machowek, CCAP CFO is fourth from the right (^) in the blue jacket.

Since 90% of CCAP’s funding comes from state and federal sources, uses of those funds are often restricted to service within the scope of state and federal programs. This leaves CCAP reliant on other less restrictive sources of funding to support many of their other objectives.

When asked what project needs greatest support right now, Lucy told me about the Senior Center, also lost in the fire. Aberdeen’s Senior Center served as a gathering place where 40-50 lunches were served to local seniors, as well as 40-50 meals prepared for delivery to homebound seniors daily. In the interim, other centers have been able to quickly pick up the slack and "no senior went hungry," says Lucy.Yet, the need to re-establish an Aberdeen location is crucial in providing those meals consistently to those who struggle in traveling the extra distance to another center as well as restoring the camaraderie amongst those who met there regularly.

If you would like to donate to the restoration of the Senior Center and Senior Nutrition Program, please get in contact with Lucy, or send funds directly to CCAP specifying the reason for donation.

If you or someone you know would benefit from CCAP’s numerous services, Lucy said the best thing you can do is come into the office during business hours. No appointment is needed, and you will be seen by someone who can assess your needs the very same day, sometimes providing immediate support.

CCAP is now located at 101 E Market St. Aberdeen, Wash., 360.533.5100, info@coastalcap.org

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THE GARDEN PLOT

SEPTEMBER 2018

SPONSORED BY YOUR

NAME HERE

Lettuce Look at CSAs and Why You Should Carrot All? RUTH ZSCHOMLER for 98520.LiFE Kale, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, chives.

Sounds like a healthy grocery list. But instead of heading to the store, Nicole Lynch of Aberdeen heads to a parking lot to pick up her weekly supply of fresh produce. Nicole is a member of Sky Island Farm CSA located in Humptulips, Wash.

A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a partnership between a local farmer and consumers.

Each week the customer buys a “share” of what the farmer grows.

Sky Island, unlike the traditional CSA where each share is dependent on what is in season each week (and a surprise to the member), the customers are allowed to select what produce they desire. A list of what is ripe and ready to be harvested is emailed out each week and the customer sends it back with choices selected.

Lynch, and others like her, know their food will be fresh and local. She also knows what she isn’t feeding her family: additives and/or harmful chemical residues. And she’s boosting the local economy and helping secure the future of agriculture in Grays Harbor County.

“I’m a vegan,” Nicole said. “This is a good way to get a lot of produce for a good price.”

Her share averages around sixteen dollars a week. She heard about the CSA from a coworker and is able to pick up her share during one of her breaks. If she had to go to the farm, she wouldn’t have the time.

When Kate Harwell and Bill Thorn, owners of Sky Island Farm, moved to Grays Harbor four years ago, they studied the market. They began by supplying local stores and restaurants with their produce. They have since expanded their business model to include the CSA, and are five months into their second year.

They soon realized that the traditional CSA method of paying the full annual fee upfront wasn’t going to work in this area and, therefore, chose another payment style more fitted to the region.

“You have to be flexible,” Kate said, “willing to adapt to the market.”

When you provide options, she said, the orders get larger. This is because there is less waste than when supplying random produce that the member may or may not use.

So, what is a CSA? In a traditional CSA, members buy annual shares, ranging from $16 to $32 per week, prior to the beginning of a growing season which generally runs from May or June through October or November.

This can run around five to six hundred dollars upfront. The fee helps pay for the cost of seeds, water, fertilizer, equipment and labor. In exchange, the customer receives a box of freshly harvested produce once a week throughout the growing season. Each share usually provides enough vegetables for the average size family.

Sky Island’s CSA has a pleasant twist: there’s not the same level of membership commitment; members only pay week-to-week for the weeks they need produce. There is a minimum of $15 per share on an order for a family of three or less and $20 for a share for four or more, however, you do not lose money if you are gone on vacation or can’t get a box for a few weeks. The average share costs between fifteen and forty dollars depending on the size of the family. They have around eighty CSA members right now, but have room (and enough produce) for a few more.

Sky Island Farm sits on fourteen acres, but the produce for their CSA is grown on a little more than one.

They have two large greenhouses—one that was built using logs from trees on the property—which is used for growing hothouse plants like peppers and tomatoes that need a longer growing season than the Grays Harbor County season provides.

In addition to vegetables, they have an herb garden, edible flowers and fruit shares. Mushrooms will be available in season, as well. Each year, they are able to grow a little more. The couple would like to expand to ten acres and eventually have a commercial kitchen, too.

Incidentally, all CSA’s provide both vegetables and fruit, but some have flour, egg, and meat shares.

Farmers arrange pick-up locations for the customer’s convenience. There are around twenty CSA members who pick up their produce weekly in Aberdeen, said Harwell. The Aberdeen drop off, 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays, is located at 2109 Sumner Ave. in the parking lot of the Health Department. Besides Aberdeen, Sky Island Farm’s produce drops include Montesano, Elma, Quinault and Ocean Shores. Or customers can take the trip to the farm to pick up their share.

Grays Harbor County CSA’s Grays Harbor County has always been known as an agricultural community. WSU County Extension says the county has 38 farms that produce a

RUTH ZSCHOMLER

Kate Harwell and Bill Thorn own Sky Island Farm, CSA at the Anerdeen delivery location.

wide diversity of products for sale directly to the consumer. According to Data USA, agriculture is the second highest paid industry in Grays Harbor County. In 2007, CSA’s totaled 12,549 nationwide.

One reason for the increase in CSA farms, according to a 2009 survey done by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, is the multiple food safety scares over the years. Washington State reported 388 CSA’s in 2012 — two in Grays Harbor County and 26 in Thurston County.

Since they began four years ago, Harwell has seen a shift in the attitudes of local consumers. They are becoming more sensitive to what they are eating. People care where their food is coming from.

Why join a CSA? Unlike large factory farms that specialize in monocultures (single crops), CSA’s are able to diversify their crops and grow more varieties in less space allowing farmers to utilize smaller acreages.

This sort of becomes an insurance plan for farmers.

If one crop fails, they have twenty others on which to fall back.

And CSA’s are able to grow specialty crops because they don’t have to ship over long distances.

Much of the produce found in traditional grocery stores is bred (often genetically as GMOs) to

withstand shipping and storage, not for taste.

Because CSA’s don’t need to worry about hardiness for travel, many choose to grow heirloom varieties not found in the average grocery chain store. This practice ensures genetic diversity in our seed bank.

For example, Bill said, “There are eighteen different varieties of heirloom tomatoes growing in one [of our] greenhouse(s).”

Most CSA’s, Sky Island Farm included, use earthfriendly, sustainable farming methods, thus protecting the earth for future generations. Pesticide and chemical-free produce means healthier, safer food for your family. Instead of chemical fertilizers, Harwell uses composted manure produced by the animals they raise. Any leftover crops are fed to the animals and the cycle continues.

“People are becoming aware,” said Kate, “and are more receptive to working with us.”

To become a member of Sky Island Farm CSA call 360.593.4775 or email skyislandfarmcsa@gmail. com. Their website is www.skyislandfarm.org or find them on Instagram and Facebook. To find a listing of local CSA’s, visit https://www.localharvest.org/csa/

PLEASE SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY SUPPORTING THESE SPONSORS IN YOUR COMMUNTY!

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THANKYOU BUSINESS SPONSORS,YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO US!

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98520.LIFE

We're looking for CONTRIBUTORS!

SEPTEMBER 2018

Sidewalk Stars of Aberdeen

Writers, Photographers and Artists we need your submissions.

This is your community publication and it's YOUR place to share whatYOU have to offer.

PRESS RELEASES about events, stories, story ideas, comics, cartoons, and photographs are all welcome.

All materials must be positive in nature and family-friendly.

Just tell us or show us what you love about Aberdeen.

CRAIG NICHOLS

Or tell us what's going on that you want others to be involved in.

We'll do our best to fit as much content into this publication as we can and what we can't fit here we'll post on our website (as long as it meets the criteria we listed above).

SUBMIT your materials (text as rtf or MS Word doc; photos as 300 dpi jpegs or tiffs, 5X7 or 12X12 for cover) to:

content@98520.life Or see our Facebook page for meeting times and show up.

The Aberdeen Walk of Stars features famous folk who hail from or have lived in our city.

This month's star features Robert Cantwell (1908-1978), novelist, critic and author of Laugh and Lie Down and The Land of Plenty. The latter novel (written during the Great Depression) focuses on a lumber mill in a thinly disguised version of Aberdeen.

Upon graduating from UW, and before entering a career as a writer, he worked at Harbor Plywood Co. in Hoquiam. He later became the literary editor at Time magazine (1935) and their sister magazine Fortune and, later, a senior editor at Sports Illustrated (1956).

Cantwell was reared and educated in Aberdeen, graduating from Weatherwax High School (1024), where he served on the school's newspaper (The Ocean Breeze) staff. His writing career took him to NewYork city.

The stars are forged by Aberdeen's Bergstrom Foundry.

Business owners, you can help support 98520.LiFE, your community publication, through sponsorship, advertising and/or by placing copies in your business.

And READERS, please support our advertisers. Let them know you saw their ad here. Find out ways to get involved in 98520 at by scanning this QR Code>

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SEPTEMBER 2018

continued from p.3 Susan loves to teach ewing to all ages. Her youngest student was three years old and their oldest was 94, she said. Classes aren’t limited to quilting but other crafting interests, as well, ncluding doll making, lace making, and machine embroidery.

Ken teaches serging. Need to learn how to use that expensive machine sitting around in your closet? They can teach you.

The couple travels to various quilt shows and Ken will often clean machines while they are there. They have two great employees and have met many wonderful people since owning the store. They love working with the public and are always encouraging people to try sewing for the first time.

“Our hardest challenge in life is taking time off,” Susan said, “we usually end up taking time off to go to a class, teach a class, or just go to other quilt shops for more fun ideas.” The large collection of vintage sewing machines on display at the shop only emphasizes their interest in textile arts.

“We hope that quilting does not become a lost art, just more to learn.”

Their young grandchildren, at times, have also been a part of the store. They have made and sold their creations at the Art Walk for the past few years and have helped with the creative window displays.

“We are always trying to find new ways to get the younger generation into sewing, we see us helping many people, over the years to come, to keep sewing, quilting, and doing crafts.”

Besides quilting supplies, they carry the whole line of DMC embroidery floss for those who enjoy hand embroidery, some great yarns from FiberPlay owned by Val Fox-Armes who “does amazing work with her colored yarns.” They sell cotton fabric and batting, some flannel, sewing and quilting notions and Mettler and Sulky threads, also Isacord and Hemingworth embroidery machine thread.

Since Ken recently began working full-time at the store, they've been busier than ever. Last month the couple and their grandchildren paricipated once again in Art Walk and found that people are still discovering the shop they "didn't know was here" after all these years.

“We didn't know when [Ken] sewed that quilt in 2010 [that]we would end up here,” Susan said, “but we truly can't see us doing anything else we would enjoy so much together.”

You can contact Quilt Harbor at 360.532.1200 or quiltharbor@msn.com. Website: http://www. quiltharbor.com

RUTH ZSCHOMLER

Ken Rausch lubes a sewing machine while working with Susan in a booth at a recent quilt show in Raymond, Wash.

Music and Art Jump Starts at “The Garage” D. ROD for 98520.LiFE

their canvas, sculpture, pottery or metal art, adds Lakey.

The Garage, Music and Arts Center, located at the Shoppes at Riverside, in South Aberdeen, is a rehearsal, performance and events venue that serves as a safe and sober gathering hub for musicians, artists and the community. The non-profit space, created by co-founders JR Lakey and Kelly Durham, just celebrated their one-year mark.

Anyone can walk in, hang out and have access to rehearsal space and instruments, which The Garage can, and often, does provide. Instruments include percussion and keyboard instruments as well as guitars. Lakey and Durham have provided instruments and even subsidize some of the funding.

The focus of this nonprofit has been to provide educational music programs to all of Aberdeen. Lakey was set on working with Durham to create the educational component of The Garage’s mission from the start.

The Garage, according to Lakey, “provides a place for musicians to gather, rehearse, or perform for the community in a low-pressure environment,” regardless of age or skill level.

The space also was created to expose people to the different genres of music, including jazz, rock, blues, orchestral, as well as others. The space also serves as a venue for artists of all media to display and sell

Other provisions and funding have been donated by the community, which sees the need for such a place. The Garage has signed another one-year lease and hopes to soon add another 1,000 additional sq. ft. to their space, says Lakey.

The Garage sustains itself primarily through donations and grants and with the programs and services it offers, including practice rooms and a studio space available for rent. Practice rooms are free for students and $3 per half hour for non-students. The larger studio room can be rented out for $25 per hour. The nonprofit group also raises money through instrument sales and by carrying guitar strings, drumsticks, reeds and other accessories for sale.

“It currently is the only music store within 50 miles,” says Lakey. They also serve as a satellite rental location for Ted Brown Music, carrying band rental instruments.

The center holds community drum circles, and jam sessions and open mics, which are open to the public and those willing to attend and participate.

“The hardest thing can be to get people to attend. Once they come, see, and listen for themselves, they ask ‘where was this when I was a growing up?’” Lakey says.

The Garage operates Monday through Saturday, from noon.-7 p.m and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m..

Call 360.209.4129 for more information about The Garage’s spaces, programs or upcoming events.

Or visit the web site at www.98520musicandarts. org, or like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ thegarage98520.

GREGORY E. ZSCHOMLER / INSETPROVIDED

JR Lakey, cofounder of The Garage, plays sings at a local venue.

Inset: Looking into The Garage from the Shoppes at Riverside.