YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY GUIDE
Bainbridge Island North Kitsap 2018
S p e c i a l S u p p l e m e n t t o t h e B a i n b r i d g e I s l a n d R e v i e w, 9 8 11 0 a n d N o r t h K i t s a p H e r a l d
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10/29/18
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Welcome
The holidays are a special time here in North Kitsap. There are so many fundraisers and community celebrations that each weekend can be filled with holiday cheer. It’s also the perfect time to support local businesses by purchasing the perfect gift from a local vendor. In order to help with that, we assembled some great gift ideas. Take a look at the suggestions of how to make the season a happy one. Have a book or music lover in your life? We’ve got you covered. Need to pick up a great bottle of local wine or spirit? We can help with that, too. Want to cut down your own Christmas tree? There’s a family here in Kitsap County that has been growing them for 50 years. Read on to find out more. Don’t forget that there are those in our communities who need help. As such, we’ve included an inspiring story about a teenager raising money for a children’s hospital by making and selling holiday cards. The staff of the Bainbridge Island Review and the North Kitsap Herald wish you the very best this holiday season. Thank you for reading.
VICE PRESIDENT Terry Ward GENERAL MANAGER Steve Perry REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Eran Kennedy MANAGING EDITOR Robert Monteith EDITOR, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND REVIEW Brian Kelly REGIONAL EDITOR Bob Smith REGIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER Brian Judge
MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND REVIEW Marleen Martínez MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, NORTH KITSAP HERALD Joshua Jakola CREATIVE ARTISTS Bryon Kempf, Raquee Rivera COVER DESIGN Raquee Rivera, Bryon Kempf DESIGN AND LAYOUT Bryon Kempf Published by Sound Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 278, Poulsbo, WA 98370 BAINBRIDGE OFFICE 206-842-6613 POULSBO OFFICE 360-779-4464 www.kitsapdailynews.com, www.bainbridgeislandreview.com
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wishes you a
(206) 842-9901 • www.acehardware.com Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm • Saturday 8am - 6pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm • 635 High School Road NE
| Max’s Snowdome Max Grover
Enjoy a meal at one of our four Pleasant Beach Village restaurants in December, and your tip will be matched dollar for dollar to help homeless cats and dogs at PAWS.
All Through December
TIPS FOR P WS You Tip. We Match It!
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND Add style to your holiday giving with art from our collection of work by local and regional artists. As a nonprofit gallery, your purchase from The Art Project helps promote art awareness and education in our community. A gift from The Art Project is a gift that gives twice. Gallery Hours: Monday–Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-5 Downtown Winslow | Bainbridge Island 206.842.3132
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS:
PAWS is an independent organization that is 100% community funded. We have proudly served the island’s pets and their people for 43 42 years. years.
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EXPERIENCES ARE A GIFT The experience of exploring our 150 acres of woodlands, forests, and gardens is truly a gift. Share Bloedel this season by visiting our beautifully curated gift shop. Find gift certificates for membership, admission, and more.
HOLIDAY VILLAGE Small towns, big memories
DEC 15-JAN 6 SOLSTICE WALKS Darkest nights, quiet light
DEC 20,* 21, 22,* 23 *Special family-focused walk
OPEN TUESDAY- SUNDAY 10 AM – 4 PM
| More information: bloedelreserve.org | Bloedel Reserve is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
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Kitsap’s best gifts in a bottle Get set for some holiday “Cheers!” BY BRIAN KELLY Kitsap News Group
We asked a few Bainbridge Islanders who are skilled at catching magic in a bottle for some of their personal picks on gifts that should reward the giver with “best ever” toasts of gratitude. Keith Barnes, proprietor/distiller at Bainbridge Organic Distillers,
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started with a versatile suggestion. “I’d probably recommend our Battle Point Whiskey, which is a double distilled wheat whiskey,” he said. “It’s mild-flavored; it’s easy to drink neat. It also makes a good mixer if someone wants to make whiskey cocktails,” Barnes added. “It’s a really nice, smooth, complex allaround whiskey. It’s a whiskey that we would look at it being a little bit of an everyday whiskey,” he said, though some save it for special occasions or for “treating friends to a new elevated whiskey experience.” And like the distillery’s other spirits, it too is certified organic. Barnes said the distillery will also be offering its gift pack again this holiday season, which features half-size bottles (375 milliliter, instead of 750 ml) of its Battle Point Whiskey, Doug Fir Gin and Legacy Vodka. “It gives you a good idea of what all of our spirits are like,” Barnes said. “A lot of people will give it to somebody who’s a spirits fan, and some people split it up and give the smaller bottles individually.” The gift packs are available starting in the middle part of November, and only a few hundred holiday sets are offered each year. “They sell out pretty quick,” Barnes warned. At the other end of the spectrum, in terms of price, is the distillery’s Bainbridge Yama Mizunara Cask Single Grain Whiskey, which finishes the aging process in small Japanese Mizunara Oak casks from Hokkaido, Japan. The distillery’s Yama whiskey was named “Craft Whiskey of the Year” by Whisky Advocate in 2017 and was also honored as “America’s Best Grain Whiskey” in the World Whiskies Awards last year. The whiskey, named after the historic Japanese village on Bainbridge’s south end (and originally sold as a fundraiser for the archaeological dig at Yama), will be back in stock for the holidays as a limited edition whiskey. Some bottles won’t be sent to distributors but will be available at the distillery/tasting room in the Coppertop Business Park (9727 Coppertop Loop NE, Suite 101) at a lower price. “We’ll probably have a couple hundred bottles we will be selling out of the shop,” Barnes said. At $525 a bottle, it’s a true collector’s whiskey but won’t last long. “It will sell out very quick,” he said.
The distillery will also offer another limited release this holiday season — its Vanilla Vodka. About 20 cases will be released, with a limit of one bottle per person. The distillery hasn’t been producing the Vanilla Vodka in recent years, given the soaring cost of vanilla beans from Madagascar. The cost of vanilla beans has jumped 1,200 percent in the past couple of years, Barnes said, and he noted the cost of a half of a vanilla bean at a local grocery store — $18. The cost for certified organic beans for a batch of Vanilla Vodka costs the distillery roughly $60,000, he said. But Barnes knows there will be Vanilla Vodka fans excited about it coming back this holiday season; the Bainbridge distillery’s Vanilla Vodka was named “World’s Best Vanilla Vodka” in 2016. “It’s a special, special product,” he said. Bainbridge Organic Distillers is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. At Eagle Harbor Wine Company, some of the best gifts in a bottle shouldn’t wait until the end of December to be opened. “Our Viognier is wonderful for Thanksgiving. It goes great with turkey for a nice white wine – a little more full-bodied than your average Riesling,” said owner/winemaker Emily Parsons. The winery also has some wonderful reserve Cabernets from Walla Walla. “Deep, dark fruit; wellbalanced tannins and acidity. That’s a special bottle if you want to impress somebody,” she said. Eagle Harbor Wine Company is also doing a
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Beyond can’t-miss gift certificates, the winery also offers memberships in its wine club, which come with a case of wine over the course of a year. Shipping is available, and Parsons noted that the business offers free shipping to 33 states with the purchase of three bottles. Eagle Harbor Wine Company also sells growlers, reusable drinking containers that can be refilled from a keg at the winery – $20 for a refill of red wine or $15 for white. “A lot of local people will buy the growler and come back each week and get it refilled,” she said. The winery/tasting room is at 8897 Three Tree Lane NE, and its downtown tasting room is at 278 Winslow Way East, Suite 106. Both are open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, with the winery also open Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Matt Albee, winemaker at Eleven Winery, offered three gift picks. “I would recommend our 2017 White Mourvèdre and our 2016 LEM for the holidays,” Albee said. “Also our 2017 Mourvèdre ‘The Prodigy’ is great if you’re doing a smoked bird, it’s got some smoky notes from the wildfires,” he noted. “The Prodigy” was a silver winner in the Washington State Wine Competition, and Eleven Winery notes it “is a study in paradoxical blackness: ultra black cherry and raspberry flavors, with a finish like velvet, but nonetheless light and bright.”
special collection for the holidays, with Cabernet Sauvignon offerings from three different vineyards – two from vineyards in Walla Walla and one from the Red Mountain area at the eastern end of the Yakima Valley. “That’s going to be called our Cabernet Collection. It will come in a nice wood box, so it would make a nice gift,” Parsons said. For the devoted wine lover, Parsons suggests Danish-designed Vagnbys 7-in-1 wine aerator/pourer, which features instant aeration and a built-in mesh screen to catch any sediment or pieces of cork.
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LEM is from the Red Mountain area, and Eleven Winery explains: “LEM is short for Lemberger, one of the first grape varietals planted in Washington.” It’s described by the Bainbridge winery as “a cherry festival in your mouth! Flavors reminiscent of black and Rainier cherries mingle with vanilla in a wine that is smooth, easygoing and friendly.” Eleven Winery is at 7671 NE Day Road and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Eleven’s Winslow Way Tasting Room is at 287 Winslow Way East, and is open from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 7 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Wishing Peace, Cheer and Joyful Goodwill
Fine Jewelry
Honorably Serving Bainbridge Island Since 1998
Connie Castellano, Timeless Designs in Precious Fine Jewelry Since 1998
Full Service Retail Jewelry Store | 270 Madison Ave South | 206. 780.9705
“Exclusively original, just like her!”
Lisa Barfield, DVM
MUSEUM STORE
Uncommon Gifts | Northwest Artists | Local Brilliance Jewelry • Glass • Craft • Books • Toys • Fiber • Artwork Cards • Home Décor • Pottery • And More
Thomas B. Penn, DVM • Kenneth Zebrowski, DVM Christine Susumi, DVM • Jessica Haggar, DVM Jane O’Halloran, DVM • Akiko Westerhout, DVM Holly, Trish, Dana, Carolina, Debra, Disiree, Hannah, Heather, Jennifer, Jessilyn, Kailene, Kathleen, Kristine, Lara, Melissa, Rachael, Racheal, Zanna, Rita, Larry!
Open daily, 10am-6pm | FREE Museum Admission ‘TIS THE SEASON 2018
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WING POINT WINTER ALE
BAINBRIDGE BALTIC PORTER
Bainbridge Brewing Brewed November-December Northwest Winter Warmer 7% ABV. 40 IBU. Wing Point Winter Ale is Bainbridge Brewing’s version of a Northwest Winter Warmer, full-bodied with a malt complexity showing caramel, toffee, dried fruit and chocolate, with a solid backbone of Northwest hops and real Douglas Fir boughs. Malt: Maris Otter, NW Pale, Crystal Dark, Special Roast, Chocolate and Extra Special Roast. Hops: Willamette and Centennial. Yeast: British “As the days get darker and the rains move in, it’s time for a beer best drunk with friends in the comfort of a warm pub.” -Bainbridge Brewing Available by the glass and growler at Bainbridge Brewing locations, and at bars across the region.
Bainbridge Brewing Brewed December-January Baltic-Style Porter 8.5% ABV. 30 IBU. This Northwest version of a big Baltic-style porter is dark, malty, and chocolaty, with hints of raisin and plum. Brewed with BB’s hybrid Kolsch ale yeast strain and fermented cool for a clean smoothness. Malt: Vienna, Munich, Amber, Caramel, CaraMunich, Pale Chocolate, Blackprinz and Extra Special. Hops: Apollo and Sterling. Yeast: Kolsch Additions: Belgian Dark Candi Sugar. Available by the glass and growler at Bainbridge Brewing locations, and at bars across the region.
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2017 WHITE MOURVÈDRE WASHINGTON Eleven Winery Pale gold. The nose is filled with fruit: ripe apricot, lemon, strawberry, with hints of marjoram, birch and peach. In the mouth, the wine is broad, dry and luscious, with flavors of alpine strawberries and hibiscus, and with a little bit of melon, resin and even a touch of orange oil on the finish. Well balanced and smooth, with a very pure flavor – this could absolutely pass for a Bandol or Provencal rosé. Production: 115 cases. $30 / Club Price $24 Bainbridge Tasting Room 287 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 “You can drink this with anything that you put on the table.” -Eleven Winery
2016 LEM RED MOUNTAIN Eleven Winery Gold medal winner, Washington State Wine Competition LEM is short for Lemberger, one of the first grape varietals planted in Washington. Flavors reminiscent of black and rainier cherries mingle with vanilla. Production: 120 cases. $26 / Club Price $20.80 “This wine is a cherry festival in your mouth!” -Eleven Winery Bainbridge Tasting Room 287 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
HERITAGE DISTILLING CO. – GIG HARBOR, WA. ORANGE GINGER COSMO (Pictured at right) 2 ounces Heritage Distilling Co. Blood Orange Vodka ¼ ounce Raft Ginger Syrup 1 ounce cranberry juice ¼ ounce lime juice Garnish with cranberries and lime wheel.
BROWN SUGAR BOURBON DARK CHOCOLATE COCOA (Pictured on page 10)
2 ounces BSB Brown Sugar Bourbon 6 ounces dark hot chocolate 2 dashes of orange bitters Add the hot dark chocolate cocoa of your choice to mug, mix in BSB Brown Sugar Bourbon and orange bitters, top with whipped cream. Heritage Distilling Co. spirits are available at local liquor stores.
Wishing You
Peace and Joy
Davidson Studios
Rolling Clay Studio
• Millard Davidson
• Jane Schupay
• Linda Davidson
• Rosette Gault, MFA, Phd
Mesolini Glass Studio
Terry Siebert Pottery
• Gregg Mesmer & Diane Bonciolini
• Terry Siebert
• Veronika Leitner
• Lynn Anju
Impressionist paintings, cards & gifts
Flowers and Foliage plaster casts
Diamonds & Jewelry New stunning selections for the holidays | Clocks and watch repair 265 Winslow Way East | 206.842.4718
Glass Art for all occasions European Goldsmith
Ceramics: Classes/Studio space Paper Porcelain
Functional majolica pottery Etched metals
For details and map visit: www.biworkingstudios.com
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Bainbridge Island EVENTS
TURKEY TROT
Battle Point Park 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22 Runners and walkers of all ages, start your Thanksgiving Day right with a community fun run that supports local families in need through this event benefiting Helpline House. Don’t miss one of Bainbridge Island’s most anticipated holiday traditions – it’s the perfect excuse for one more slice of pie! On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the one-mile race begins promptly at 8:30. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. Visit www.biturkeytrot.org to learn more and register.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND WINTER STUDIO TOUR
Friday, Nov. 30, Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 The 34th annual Bainbridge Island Studio Tour invites you to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of local, handmade art by visiting actual artist studios. Regional artists submit work to a jury to be included in the summer and winter shows, and sell their work at island artist studios and historic community halls for three festive days. When you visit the studios, you’ll see some works in progress, raw materials, tools, and perhaps some inspiration mixed in with a little sawdust. Visit www.bistudiotour.com for a complete list of artists and studios, as well as a map.
OVATION! PERFORMING ARTS NORTHWEST’S “MASQUERADE: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER” Nov. 30 through Dec. 16. Specific show times/ticket info TBD. Visit www.ovationmtb.com to learn more.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY
Friday, Nov. 30, Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Celebrating 25 years, this beloved community event supports home-based business entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, artists, authors, and musicians. Following a map, visitors will drive the winding, tree-lined, rural roads on Bainbridge and stop at quaint historic cottages, farms, fascinating homes hand built by the owners, and nonprofit venues. The free, self-guided driving tour is suitable for all ages. Besides holiday shopping that is unique and personal, there are activities for children including free pony rides and Santa visits. Visit www.christmasinthecountry.info to learn more.
BAINBRIDGE PERFORMING ART’S “THE WIZARD OF OZ”
Dec. 7 to Dec. 22 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $29 for adults, $24 for seniors, students, teachers and military members. “The Wizard of Oz” offers holiday enchantment for all ages, and is based on the classic 1939 film. Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas
Bainbridge Island’s Best Music Lessons All Instruments and Voice All Age Levels 10598 NE Valley Road, Bainbridge Island 206-780-6911 www.islandmusic.org
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and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together with her companions the Tin Woodsman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, whom she meets on the way, Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure. Directed by Buddy Todd, with musical direction by Reece Sauvé and choreography by Angela Snyder. Visit www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org to learn more.
DOWNTOWN WINSLOW COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
Madrone Lane TBD Musical performances (and a potential visit from Santa himself) will kick off the annual community gathering, which culminates in the lighting of the giant tree on Madrone Lane.
BLOEDEL RESERVE HOLIDAY VILLAGE & MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY
Dec. 15 through Jan. 6 Discover the magic of Holiday Village at Bloedel Reserve, an imaginative tiny town that brings home big memories. Intricately designed, handmade pint-size palaces, tree houses, and cabins will wow the young and young-at-heart. Model trains chug around the village, fragrant cider simmers, and the Residence is decked out to the nines. It’s a holiday tradition for all. Exhibit access included with regular admission. Visit www.bloedelreserve.org to learn more.
Poulsbo EVENTS
MEET OUR NORDIC FATHER CHRISTMAS
Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22. Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23. Christmas Eve. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your camera and take photos of your kids and pets with Father Christmas in his house on Front Street in Downtown Poulsbo. Free with 100 percent of donations going to the Fishline Food Bank. Send letters to Santa at the North Pole with the mailbox outside his house as well.
SCANDINAVIAN BAZAAR
Downtown Poulsbo, Saturday Dec. 1. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JULEFEST AT THE WATERFRONT
Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m. in Downtown Poulsbo, the vikings will escort the Lucia bride to Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park. Lighting of the yule log will be followed by the lighting of Poulsbo’s Christmas tree and will include an appearance by Santa himself.
ARGOSY CRUISES CHRISTMAS SHIP
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A two-hour evening cruise in Liberty Bay with the North Kitsap Northern Lights — an on-board choir — will be docking in Poulsbo. Tickets available at www. argosycruises.com
SECOND SATURDAY ARTWALK
Saturday, December 8. 5 to 8 p.m. Experience holiday creativity, enjoy festive refreshments & meet the artists.
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE SHOP LOCAL SATURDAY
Saturday, November 24 is the day to shop and support small independent local businesses.
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Saturday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Boats decked out in Christmas lights will depart the Poulsbo Yacht Club Marina for downtown Poulsbo. The parade will head to the west side of Liberty Bay, then onward to Manazanita Bay and the west side of Bainbridge Island.
Saturdays in Downtown Poulsbo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22.
Dec. 1st, Julefest & Scandinavian Bazaar Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Saturdays, 11 - 3 pm Free photos with our Nordic Father Christmas, Saturdays Sunda & Sundays, thru Christmas Dec. 8, Holiday Artwalk Dec. 15 Lighted Boat Parade
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Kingston EVENTS
KINGSTON HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Redeemer United Methodist Church in Kingston Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Benefits women’s fellowship community projects.
MAGIC STRINGS – A CELTIC YULETIDE CONCERT
Sunday, November 25, 3 p.m. Redeemer United Methodist Church in Kingston Tickets available at brownpapertickets. com. A portion of each ticket supports the Kingston Middle School WEB mentoring/ leadership program.
KINGSTON COVE CHRISTMAS
Saturday, December 1, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Starting at 3:30 p.m., visitors to the Port of Kingston’s Mike Wallace Park will be treated to bonfires, free cocoa and cookies, a free scavenger hunt for the kids and performances by the Kingston High School Band and Choir as well as Danny Vernon (as Elvis Presley). At 5 p.m., Santa will arrive to light the Christmas tree in the park and take photos with the kids. A Holiday Spirits Garden will also be available to the adults from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Hansville HOLIDAY IN HANSVILLE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hansville Helping Hands will host this event at the Greater Hansville Community Center. Unique gifts, fun items for holiday decorating and delicious baked goods will launch you into the holiday spirit.
Eglon EGLON HOLIDAY MARKET
Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be held at the Eglon Historic Schoolhouse and funds generated from the event will go to benefit local scholarships.
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Port Gamble EVENTS
If you long for the more simple life, and times when cellphones and the internet weren’t so predominant in our lives, take a holiday trip back in time to Port Gamble. The unique town has everything you’re looking for in the way of shopping and it’s also decorated to the hilt with holiday lights. Stroll past the New England Victorian homes. Stop in at the Port Gamble General Store & Cafe for a bowl of soup and some hot chocolate. Or make it a weekend and stay over at the Port Gamble Guest Houses. If you visit on the weekend of Dec. 8 and 9, you’ll be part of the town’s annual County Christmas celebration with special events for the kids, and you might even see Santa himself.
PORT GAMBLE GHOST CONFERENCE
Friday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 18. Those with an interest in the paranormal will rejoice during the 9th annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference. The conference promises three days of classes, paranormal investigations, and psychic readings. Tickets may be purchased at www.portgambleparanormal. com.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS AT THE PORT GAMBLE THEATER
Nov. 30-Dec. 16 Get ready for this coming holiday season with a production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic animated television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” comes to life in this faithful stage musical adaptation, in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets can be found at www.portgambletheater.com.
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youngsters will enjoy arts and crafts in Santa’s Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors are also expected to be on hand to offer their wares to the holiday shoppers. Horse-drawn hayrides and fireworks will also punctuate this holiday attraction.
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Beloved books, sweet sounds Tomes and tunes for the tough to treat BY LUCIANO MARANO Kitsap News Group Searching for a gift idea that is at once personal and inexpensive? Consider culture, the gift that can change a life. A new favorite book, band or song, once discovered, is a rich addition to anyone’s worldview, a truly priceless present, the impact of which lasts long after the tree and lights come down. Still not sure what to get for that hardest to please name on your list? Check out these recommendations from local experts – certified bookworms and audiophiles all.
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Looking for something literary? Peruse these picks from two all stars at Bainbridge Island’s EAGLE HARBOR BOOK COMPANY (157 Winslow Way East), a locally owned and proudly independent bookstore located in the heart of downtown Winslow. Longtime events manager Victoria Irwin, also the shop’s e-book and audiobook expert, is especially passionate about nonfiction and social justice issues.
2. “FEATHERS: THE EVOLUTION OF A NATURAL MIRACLE” by Thor Hanson
1. “SHORT NIGHTS OF THE SHADOW CATCHER: THE EPIC LIFE AND IMMORTAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF EDWARD CURTIS” by Timothy Egan “Egan has done it again,” she said. “[He’s] taken a time and place in history and unlocked new insights and revelations from material we thought we already knew. He takes us to those early, hurly burly days in Seattle, when Edward Curtis, a hard-strapped young man, follows his dream to become a prominent and brilliant photographer. Through Egan’s lucid, beautiful prose, we watch as Curtis hits the pinnacle, sought by presidents and millionaires, and as he takes off on a project that will ultimately consume and destroy him – photographing and writing about and recording the languages, cultures and customs of Native Americans across the continent.”
“I love nature, particularly birds,” Irwin said. “But this treasure by Thor Hanson goes way beyond field guide descriptions of one of nature’s most perfect inventions. He wonderfully describes our love affair with feathers—from religious symbol to pragmatic and fantastic attire to the inspiration feathers give us in everything from art to science.”
3. “BEFORE THE FALL” by Noah Hawley “I couldn’t put down this tightly wired tale of a plane crash, two survivors, and the searing take the media can put on a story,” Irwin said. “Scott Burroughs, a painter, is offered a ride to New York City from Martha’s Vineyard on a media mogul’s jet. A former competitive swimmer, Burroughs makes it to Long Island carrying the young son of the family. At first considered a hero, he is besieged by the media, the rich and the FBI as each tries to figure out what happened. Hawley rivets readers with the backstory of all the passengers, keeping the cause of the crash just out of sight until the end. Fascinating!”
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Raymond Gendreau, owns of BACKSTREET BEAT (265 Winslow Way East, Suite 102, down the ivyadorned alley between Danger and Bainbridge Diamonds & Jewlery), the island’s premiere vintage book and vinyl shop. He has amassed a staggeringly diverse and eclectic stock of books, records and CDs, wherein treasures are awaiting your discovery. “I have a lot of unique items not found in every book or record store, such as signed first editions from writers as varied as Tess Gallagher, Jim Harrison and Anthony Bourdain,” Gendreau said. “Record-wise, I will be offering a good variety of classic rock and jazz reissues, but also some rare original pressings of a variety of music genres.
1. “I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK” by Michelle McNamara Destined for a spot on the Ultimate True Crime Book Shelf beside Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” the epic “Helter Skelter,” and Ann Rule’s own meta masterpiece “The Stranger Beside Me,” McNamara’s posthumously completed debut details her investigation of/hunt for the (recently captured?) Golden State Killer – and it’s riveting. Equal parts heartfelt and horrible, I can’t say it any better than Stephen King himself, who called it “Propulsive, can’t-stop-now reading.” If you have a sapling of interest in any part of that description, pick this book up right now. You won’t be disappointed.
“And remember, CDs make great stocking stuffers.” For his own meager money, your humble correspondent has chosen the following timely tomes as his personal recommendations, all released in 2018.
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2. “THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD” by Paul Tremblay Too long relegated to the ranks of genrefame, Tremblay has at last achieved the mainstream attention he deserves with a quietly terrifying trio of (unconnected) novels – 2015’s “A Head Full of Ghosts” and 2016’s “Disappearance at Devil’s Rock,” both also highly recommended – that bring timeless horror concepts brilliantly into the modern world. His latest, “The Cabin at the End of the World,” needs to be on the reading list of anyone who doesn’t mind sleeping with the lights on. In it, 7-year-old Wen and her parents are vacationing at a remote cabin on a quiet New Hampshire lake when four strangers suddenly arrive intent on violence, swearing they’re only doing what they must to save the world. 3. “WHISKEY: A NOVEL” by Bruce Holbert It’s part Cormac McCarthy and part Charles Portis. I read that and thought: No way, too good to be true. But it’s not. Holbert’s book about two troubled brothers going off to rescue one of their daughters from a religious zealot is captivating.
I’m also a huge fan of audiobooks, something which seems to have been gaining in popularity of late, with the ubiquitous usage of digital devices with longer batter life and larger memory. Maybe you should get your recipient-to-be an iTunes gift card or Audible subscription? If you do, here are a few suggested first downloads: 1. “SALEM’S LOT” by Stephen King, read by Ron McLarty
Also, though not a book, I’d be remiss not to cast a vote for “AN AMERICAN TREASURE,” a compilation album box set of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, full of rare live recordings and previously unreleased tracks, put together by the man’s own daughter and friends, recently released by Reprise Records. The world lost a living legend slightly more than a year ago, but his work, always timeless, is alive and well here. For hardcore fans and newbies alike, this deserves a place in any music lover’s collection – right next to everything else the favorite son of Gainesville, Florida ever did.
Hail the King, people. Everything’s coming back to the man from Maine lately. In light of the success of the new “It” film, the upcoming second chapter, several sterling Netflix adaptations and the new “Castle Rock” series, he’s never been hotter. What better time to go back and revisit a classic from his early days? “Salem’s Lot,” the story of vampires in a small Maine town, what King himself called “Peyton Place” meets “Dracula,” is masterfully read by McLarty, who gives each of the novel’s many vivid characters distinction without ever falling into the trap of overacting. 2. “THE WORLD OF JACK LONDON: COLLECTED STORIES” by Jack London, ready by Frank Muller Frank Muller is probably the greatest audiobook narrator of all time, the longtime
preferred choice for Stephen King, John le Carré, John Grisham, Elmore Leonard (he won an Audie Award for Best Male Narrator for his reading of Leonard’s “Tishomingo Blues”) and many others. Gone too soon, at age 57, having succumbed to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash, the renowend reader is in top form for this assembly of Jack London’s classic tales. As one review said: “Dramatic, frightening, and, at times, emotional, master narrator … Muller matches the slow, deliberate pace of these stories with a sly smile at the edge of his lips. He knows nature will win, at least most times, but uses his voice to recount the time-honored tales of survival with just the right number of dramatic pauses and hair-raising emphases. Listeners may find themselves with their fingers curled tightly into their palms as Muller guides them through this forest of manly struggles.” 3. ANYTHING AT ALL BY PATTON OSWALT Both 2011’s “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland” and 2015’s “Silver Screen Fiend” are, not only wonderfully written, both hilarious and heartfelt, but masterfully performed by Oswalt, the much loved standup comic, actor and writer perhaps most famous for being the voice of Remy the rat in “Ratatouille.” Part memoir, part manifesto, both books are amazing achievements that merit repeat listening.
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A family tree rooted in Christmas The Christmas season is decidedly a family affair, and none more so than for Josh and Kassie Olmsted of North Kitsap. BY BOB SMITH Kitsap News Group The couple operates Olmsted Tree Farms, which cuts a wide swath among Kitsap County’s tree farms that sell Christmas trees to area residents. It’s been an all-consuming family enterprise since 1968 — 50 years ago — when Josh’s parents, Paul and Vivian Olmsted, began selling Christmas trees. “My mom was pregnant with my oldest brother at the time,” Josh said of his parents’ foray into the tree farm
business. “They had no money, so they went door to door selling trees. That’s how it basically got started.” The young couple started their first lot in Bremerton as a u-cut location, then moved to Silverdale with another location. They later opened up a presence in Poulsbo. Josh and his two brothers became involved in the operation from almost the time they could pull on their boots and gloves at a very young age. In 1998, Josh took it over with his wife and has operated it since then. Today, the business is a far cry from its door-to-door origins. Its office, tree farm and u-cut acreage is located just south of Poulsbo; other tree lot locations are
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in Silverdale, East Bremerton and Port Orchard. There also is a location in Olympia. A half-century is a long time to operate any business, particularly a family-owned operation in the competitive business of selling Christmas trees. And these days, it’s a different game, Josh says. “It’s very trendy,” he said. “Each year, somebody wants something a little different.” This year, the trend in Christmas trees is in buying “open” trees, most notably Noble firs. That means trees that have been sheared to allow open space for people to show off their decorations and ornaments, Josh said.
Just a minority of tree buyers ask for a more traditional, old-fashioned layered look that was du jour back in the early days. “The Noble fir is the only tree that will do that: After pruning, they start to ‘bush out’ and take on a layered look. “People just don’t grow them that way anymore,” he said, but his tree farm is one of a few that includes a small portion to meet that request. Christmas tree customers in Kitsap County and elsewhere have increasingly sought out u-cut locations as part of their family tradition during the Christmas holiday. “People are just looking to have the full family experience, and that’s why they like to go to the u-cut,” he said. “We have a lot of people who come out just to get their family pictures taken. We have a person coming out on Sunday to cut a tree, drag it out and get pictures with their kids for their Christmas cards.” With its u-cut location totaling 10 acres and 90 acres leased out for tree growing, running a Christmas tree business is not surprisingly a full-time job for the couple. “We have seasonal workers who come in and help us during trim time and help us out in the fields.” Like any business, it has its own unique challenges. For the Olmsteds, one of those is managed by Mother Nature. “It’s getting tougher and tougher each year,” Josh said of the work to grow his source of income. “Our [climate] conditions are changing up here, there’s no doubt about it. Back in the day, you could plant a tree and it would grow. Now, you almost have to have water [brought in] to grow the tree. When you’re trying to grow acreage, it’s really tough.” He said his business lost “thousands and thousands” of little seedlings planted this year. Thousands more died last year, as well. “We now go three to four months with very little water,” he said of the increasing summer drought conditions. “It takes two years of watering to get them to grow. People just think you can put a tree in the ground and let it grow, but unfortunately, that’s just not the case anymore. The moisture just isn’t in the soil anymore. It doesn’t take much to keep a tree growing,
but we’re not getting much. “People say it rains a lot in Washington, but it just doesn’t rain at the right times.” But, as has been the case over a halfcentury, this family business will somehow adjust. As far as how the Olmsteds will celebrate the halfcentury milestone, Josh said he isn’t sure right now. But whatever they do, it will reflect the joy and pleasure the business has brought to his family and their loyal customers.
Founders Paul and Vivian Olmsted pose during the early years operating Olmsted Tree Farm. Opposite page: Olmsted Tree Farms has remained in the family and is operated by Josh and his wife Kassie. The business is celebrating its 50th year selling Christmas trees in Kitsap County and beyond. (COURTESY PHOTOS)
“I have people that will still come buy trees just from me who remember me bouncing around the tree field when I was just 3 years old,” he said. “Someone will say, ‘I remember when you were selling pine cones when your parents were selling trees.’ “That’s kind of fun, and everybody’s in a good mood. It’s a fun time of year. I’m looking forward to seeing that with my own kids.”
‘TIS THE SEASON 2018
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and say, ‘My grandfather was in the Army and I made this card for him, is it OK if I take it and go give it to him?’ That’s what this is for. It’s really just spreading that idea of positivity and encouraging those around you.” Newell is in the process of working toward earning her Gold Award, the highest accomplishment in the Girl Scouts. As part of her project, Newell led a group of young Girl Scouts in making holiday cards which she then sold at NKHS’ Holiday Fest, which took place on Nov. 3-4. “Half of the cards will be decorated and sold at Holiday Fest and the other half are going to be sent straight to patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital,” Newell said before the event. “For every card that I sell, one card will be sent to patients.”
Cards For Courage BY NICK TWIETMEYER Kitsap News Group Geneva Newell has crafted a unique way of spreading her message of positivity and courage in the face of adversity. Newell is the founder and driving force behind the charity Cards for Courage. In her own words, Newell said Cards for Courage seeks to spread positivity in the local community and raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Newell was once a patient at Seattle Children’s after severely fracturing her leg. “That was a really hard time for me,” Newell said. “Something I realized is that one way I could get through it is if I held onto words and motivational sayings, I thought that was really powerful.” Newell began handwriting motivational and encouraging quotes onto cards and handing them out to those she encountered around the hospital. This later evolved into creating
cards to sell at North Kitsap High School’s Holiday Fest, with all of the proceeds going to Seattle Children’s. In July, Newell held a booth during Poulsbo’s 3rd of July celebration wherein community members stopped by to make cards for retired veterans living at Retsil Veterans Home in Port Orchard. “It was really interesting being able to work with especially younger kids who had no idea what a veteran was,” Newell said. “Some kids would come up to me
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF GENEVA NEWELL)
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Newell said fundraising was only part of the reason for the endeavour, however. “I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a fundraiser, but it’s more [about] getting that idea of positivity out there and being able to send things to current patients.” Newell added that all proceeds from the cards she sold will go directly to Seattle Children’s Hospital. In the past year, Newell has raised over $650 for the Hospital.
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