Bight | December 2011

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

IN THE LOOP ANNUAL AWARDS GALA Celebrate Chamber’s 90th Anniversary – 4 SHELTON’S NEW RIDGE MOTORSPORTS The Course is paved! – 9 SEASONAL CONCERTS & CELEBRATIONS

Step into the spirit with music & more!

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DECEMBER 2011 December 2011

Shelton Mason County Chamber

Message from Chamber President SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Board of Trustees President Patti Case Green Diamond Resource Company Past President Lisa Woodard, West Coast Bank Vice President of Marketing Kathryn Kamin Hood Canal Communications Vice President of Member Services Drew MacEwen Falcon Financial, Inc. Treasurer Rick Verbarendse Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Steve Andrewski, EFI Herb Baze Black Star, The Strip Steakhouse Melanie Bakala State Farm Insurance Kevin Cronquist Prudential NW Real Estate

Mike Gango, Quality Appliance Bob Houle Houle & Goodell Attorneys, LLC

Mark Woytowich, Woytowich Design Produced by Image In Action Design and the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce as a benefit to Members and the community. All rights reserved. For contribution guidelines and advertising call (360) 427-5599.

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce Box 2389 |215 W Railroad Avenue Shelton, WA 98584 426-2021 • (800) 576-2021• FAX 426-8678

www.SheltonChamber.org

Mission Statement To encourage and maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism and facilitate economic development.

It is with mixed emotions that I pen (OK, type) this last report to our Chamber members. On the plus side, I can always use a little extra time to do my real job. On the minus side, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving – again – as your Chamber president, and navigating our organization over the past year.

“Navigated” is an overstatement. The steering has been done by Heidi McCutcheon, our executive director, with relief efforts, GPS readings and regular maintenance checkups by Diedre Eaton, our office manager.

We have an office staff that is second to none, and is tuning up our organization in real time. Me, I’m just the back seat driver, to tell the truth.

Over the course of the year, we’ve accomplished: A new office staff, with fresh ideas and great organizational skills A new logo and look A newsletter produced and printed locally with significant cost and time savings to the Chamber New member services, including Business Builder workshops and new Platinum and Silver member programs A successful first annual golf tournament (after all, my team placed second!)

A new tourism plan and objectives A new focus on downtown revitalization New marketing opportunities for members, including “Local Bucks” and a robust “Shop Local” campaign New financial policies Revised bylaws A new Board commitments and code of conduct

Oh, and a new paint job in the office, thanks to Awnaroll Painting. We have laid a great foundation for coming years and I feel confident that the incoming leadership can hit the ground running.

Our board members have been engaged, creative and provocative in creating new policies, leading new programs and examining efficiencies. Our committee members have given their time, ideas and sweat equity to carry out the work of the Chamber.

Finally, thanks to all of you for watching, questioning and supporting our collective work.

I work in a long term business, where we measure success in generations and plant what we will never see harvested. It’s a leap of faith, but one I am proud to be a part of. Likewise with your Chamber – I am merely a steward for a proud, near-90-year-old organization boasting both a grand tradition and a mission that is relevant today. Thank you for the opportunity. It’s been rewarding – and a great deal of fun.

I’m proud to be a part of it.

Patti Case President of the Board

An all new newsletter

A bigger, brighter newsletter…great! But what’s the story?

For more than a year, the Chamber’s Marketing Committee has worked diligently to provide direction for the newsletter, which until last month had been produced in-house

by Chamber Staff. The goal was to reach the community through our businesses and to provide a relevant, magazine-style newsletter; as well as reduce the expenses associated with producing the publication. After examining several options, the committee chose to partner with two local Chamber Members to design and produce the newsletter. The Chamber staff works closely with both of these businesses to provide an event-centric, content rich newsletter that we hope you will love to read and to share!

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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In addition to freeing up staff time and resources, the cost to produce and mail this newsletter is significantly less than the old format.

We are excited to be able to offer this publication to our Members, their customers, community visitors, and regional Visitor Information Centers. We are also happy to provide your business with additional copies, just let us know how many you’d like.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the new format – or if you have any suggestions! We welcome your feedback.

Message from Chamber Executive Director 2011 has been a transitional year for our Chamber. Many times change is chaotic, painful and disruptive. I’m pleased that, while at times chaotic, the change we have experienced has been fairly seamless and we have been able to remain fairly organized.

We’ve accomplished much this year! We have created and maintained a strong Shop Local Campaign which we marketed seasonally… and with marked success. From our first campaign last December, we have seen over a 300% increase in involvement from the community. That’s a huge difference to our businesses!

Another big item checked off of our to-do list: our newsletter has been moved from in-house into Rachel Hansen’s capable hands at Image in Action Design. And can you believe, for as beautiful and professional as it is, that it actually saves us money to do so? It just goes to show that just because something “has always been done that way” doesn’t make it the right way to do something.

Our Board is set to move forward in 2012 to continue the Chamber’s mission. Congratulations to newly elected Drew MacEwen of Falcon Financial, Steve Andrewski of EFI, Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance, Patti Tupper of Tupper’s Floor Coverings, Mark Woytowich of Woytowich Design, and Rick Verbarendse of Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club.

My appreciation to our returning board members, Patti Case of Green Diamond Resource Company, VP of Marketing Kathryn Kamin of Hood Canal Communications, Kevin Cronquist of Prudential Northwest Real Estate, Herb Baze of the Strip Steakhouse and Black Star Printing, Mike Gango of Quality Appliance, and Bob Houle of Houle & Goodell Attorneys, My thanks to Lisa Woodard of West Coast Bank, who will be leaving our board. I am thankful for your willingness to serve and for your commitment to the Chamber.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Welcome Newest Members!

I’m proud of what the Chamber has accomplished this year; it is more than what we set out to do. I’m thankful for a forward-thinking and supportive Board of Trustees, an exceptionally adept and competent associate in my office, Deidre Eaton, and to all of you, our members who join us, support us, and carry out our mission of making Mason County a better place to live, work and play. Thank you for a fantastic 2011.

Heidi McCutcheon Executive Director

bight [bīt] n.

1. A loop in a rope or cable. In logging referred to cable looped around a log when it was moved.

2. A bend or curve. A wide bay formed by such a bend or curve.

LIVE,WORK & PLAY Shop where you LIVE. The Shop Local campaign runs through December 31.

Nominate those who WORK hard Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Due December 2.

Have a say in shaping where you LIVE! Mason County is seeking applications for the Planning Advisory Commission.

Applications due December 22.

Constantly WORKing to better our community, Habitat for Humanity is seeking applications for 2012 Homes.

Celebrate where we LIVE…Christmas Town. December 2 & 3 hosts numerous events downtown on Railroad. See page 17 for local Holiday events.

Looking for places to PLAY? Skokomish Tribe reopens former Lake Cushman State Park

Let lights do the WORK. Mason PUD # 3 is offering incentives to upgrade to T8 fluorescent lighting – saving electricity and the environment.

Listen to music PLAY! Anna’s Bay Chorale and the South Shore Chamber Orchestra present the annual holiday oratorio. Harstine Island Community Choir presents their annual Christmas with the Neighbors Concert.

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William G. Reed Shelton Timberland Library 710 W Alder Street Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 426-1362 www.trlib.org

Mt. St. Helens Evergreens

200 SE Clearwater Rdg Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-5544

Jeffreys Management Services Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-5403 Utilities

SIGN*A*RAMA

2633 Willamette Dr, Ste H Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 915-9207 www.signarama-olympia.com

Brittany Michael’s Hair Co. & Spa 2923 Northview Circle Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-6337 Salon & Spa

Know someone else who should join the Chamber?

Please call (360)426-2021 or email heidi@sheltonchamber.org.

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

Celebrate Chamber’s 90th at the Annual Awards and Installation Gala 90 years ago, Time Magazine was launched. King Tut’s tomb was opened, the first game was played at Yankee Stadium and Insulin was introduced for the treatment of Diabetes.

Here, locally, the Shelton-Mason County Commercial Club was incorporated, which was renamed the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce in 1971. Our founding fathers included Mark E. Reed, Arthur B. Govey, William A. Hunter, Harry Deyette, Frank C. Willey, Waldo G. Rex, and Edward L. Kellogg with the purpose “to advance the prosperity and growth of the Town of Shelton and the County of Mason”. These men had incredible foresight and their efforts continue on today.

On January 20, 2012 we will celebrate the Chamber’s 90th Anniversary at our Annual Awards and Installation Gala.

This year’s formal event will begin with a social hour and mixer. During the plated dinner, the State of the Chamber Address will be delivered along with the history of the Chamber. We’ll then move forward to our Awards Ceremony and conclude with the Installation of our 2012 Board of Trustees.

You still have time to nominate award recipients! There’s no better way to say “thank you” for a job well done, than by nominating your hero, friend, colleague, or fellow volunteer to be recognized for their commitment, dedication and contribution to our community.

Last Year’s Award Recipients were Frank Bishop, Lifetime Achievement Award (given only every five years); Vickie Gonzales, Citizen of the Year; Susanna Samuelson, Volunteer of the Year; and Pantorium Cleaners, Business of the Year.

Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple, in honor of our 90th Anniversary. Black tie optional.

If you would like to stay for the post-event merriment, including live music and dancing at the Casino’s Starlight Lounge, discounted rooms are available – a King Suite is just $98. Make your reservations with Little Creek Casino Resort at (800) 667-7711 and ask for the "Mason County Chamber Awards" rate.

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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Great food and company are just two of the reasons to celebrate at the Annual Awards Gala photos Cooper Studio 2010 event

COVER IMAGE

BIGHT OF CHEER

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

DECEMBER EVENTS

This month’s cover image features the stars of the Season and the Christmas town parade -- our volunteer fire fighters -- and Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Thanks to Cooper Studios for these great images!

December 2 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Focus On Your Business – a Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks event.

The holidays are just around the corner and Downtown Shelton is proud to kick off the festivities! For years there has been a joint effort between the Shelton Downtown Merchants and the Kristmas Town Kiwanis in creating two days of merriment and family activities and this year is no different.

Business Builder Workshop Grove Street Brewhouse December 7 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting Brittany Michael’s Hair Co. & Spa December 14 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Visit Shelton downtown early on Friday, December 3rd for seasonal activities including shopping and caroling and the annual tree lighting ceremony! On Saturday, December 3rd, don’t miss the parade, sponsored by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis and Peninsula Credit Union.

Business After Hours Tupper’s Floor Coverings

2010 Christmas Parade photos Cooper Studios

Due to the busy holiday season, there will not be a Membership meeting in December.

Save Energy with PUD#3 by Upgrading to T8 Fluorescent Lighting Electric lighting accounts for nearly 40% of all the energy consumed in US commercial buildings each year. That’s a lot of energy, and we all pay for it in resources depleted, plus the real costs associated with our monthly energy bill.

T8 Lighting provides better and longer lasting illumination, making for safer and more productive workplaces and stores.

There are lots of steps to take on the path to energy efficiency. But conservation of energy is the first and arguably the most important step. It also happens to be one of the easier steps to take and one with a big upside.

Make the move from T12 to T8 fluorescent lighting, and you could see up to a 50% reduction in energy use.

Now imagine your utility bill shrinking by nearly that much - something you can achieve without breaking the bank on the installation.

Because of federal mandates requiring energy efficient lighting in commercial buildings, T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts will no longer be manufactured, or made available after July 14, 2012. So the change to T8 is inevitable.

the incentives work? and how long before you see significant return on investment? Let PUD 3 help you get to the bottom of these and any other questions you may have as it relates to your specific loca-

tion and need for high quality lighting. To get answers, or to begin the process by scheduling a free lighting audit, contact the PUD 3 Energy Services and Conservation department today! (360) 426-0777.

Amazing incentives are available with the help of PUD 3 through July 2012, which might sound like plenty of time to consider the upgrade. However, it can take several months to have the work done and complete the billing for the work.

What kind of up-front costs for the installation can you expect? How do

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

Billie Howard retires as Mason County Historical Society Director In November, the Mason County Historical Society introduced Justin Cowling as their new Executive Director. After 22 years of service, Billie Howard has retired.

The Mason County Historical Society would sincerely like to thank Billie for her past, and continuing, service and support.

Billie Howard | MCHS

Three books for a good start to the New Year!

Carolyn Olsen Sage Book Store #1 Many of us have known about Mind Mapping, now you can read about it in a very easy form. Mind Maps At Work by Tony Buzan is a fun form to realize how to be best at your job and still have time to play. Mind maps are tools to use the creative and the logical sides of your brain to accomplish fabulous results. Try it… it’s also entertaining! #2 Winning With Customers by D. Keith Pigues & Jerry D. Alderman is a practical approach to winning with your customers and ultimately increasing the value of your business. The authors share real life experiences that help you put this information to work in your organization This book also includes step-by-step customer plans and the resources to make these plans work, #3 Want a small book filled with what matters most in business? Then check out It’s Not About You by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The authors have learned that sometimes a work of fiction can turn on the light to non-ficiton. leadership principles. Read this book. You’ll enjoy the journey and become a better leqader and a better person in the process.

Justin is a 2003 graduate of Shelton High School and began as a volunteer with the historical society when he was 16 years old. He has been with the Historical Society for 11 years now. Over this time, he took a job with MCHS, served on their board of directors as both the vice-president and president, and received his bachelor’s degree in U.S. history from Saint Martin’s University. During the past two years he has helped fill in for Billie, slowly learning the job of Executive Director.

Justin says the biggest challenge facing the Historical Society is moving the museum at the Port of Shelton’s fairgrounds. His goal is to open a second museum and heritage center to display their wonderful collection as many artifacts that are in storage and hidden away.

MCHS is currently located on the corner of 5th and Railroad. Their hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 11-5 and Saturday 11-4. They can be reached by (360)-426-1020 or cowlingjustin@ hotmail.com.

Participant in PUD#3 Renewable Energy Pilot Project Wins Smart Power Prize A Kirkland company working on a ground-breaking project with Mason County PUD No. 3 was named as winner of the “Smart Power” category in the 2011 Cleantech Open competition. GridMobility won the award for its signal technology, which enables business, industry, and consumers to choose electricity sources based on their personal preferences.

GridMobility is collaborating with PUD 3 and the Bonneville Power Administration on a pilot program to measure the ability to match renewable energy generation with customer energy use.

The company’s Renewable Demand Response™ software is testing the timeshift of electricity use based on renewable electricity delivery.

The Cleantech competition, based out of California, is designed to find, fund and

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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photo credit King 5

foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges.

The hardware for the control devices has been developed by a local company, Allyn Technologies.

PUD 3 is installing special devices on water heaters that will tell them to turn on or off, based on conditions of the regional electrical system and the amount of renewable energy available.

Homeowners can override the device at any time. With modern insulated water heaters, it is unlikely homeowners will notice a change in water temperature.

PUD 3 provides electricity to nearly 33,000 customers in most of Mason County and small portions of Kitsap, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties.

The PUD also provides wholesale telecommunications services through a fiber optic network.

Free Microsoft Office Workshop

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

This informative, technology event will feature step-by-step demonstrations designed to help you get the most from Microsoft Office in your day-to-day work.

Platinum Members

This month, on December 2, Microsoft Pinpoint partner Todd Whitley will present Focus On Your Business – a Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks event.

At this one hour luncheon, you’ll learn: • How to get through everyday tasks quickly • How to overcome email overload • How to create professional documents and presentations with impact • How to easily get insight into your data • How to easily connect and share with customers, colleagues, friends and family

On the first Friday of each month, the Chamber provides opportunities to network while learning and sharing useful information that will help you build your business.

Please arrive at 11:30 AM if you wish to order a meal. The program will begin promptly at 12:00 noon and conclude by 1:00 PM. This event is a free benefit to Chamber Members.

Gold Members

Community Financial Center Generation D Computers & Technology Heritage Bank Richard C. Downing, DDS West Coast Bank

Habitat for Humanity Seeking Applicants for 2012 Homes Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is accepting applications for qualified partner families for homes being built in 2012. Qualified families must show a housing need, be a resident of Mason County for at least one year, are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity and have the ability to make a low monthly mortgage payment.

Habitat for Humanity builds homes using volunteer labor and sells them to partner families at no-profit.

“If a family has a steady gross income of 30-60% of the current median for Mason County, the willingness to invest 400 hundred hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others and are in need of a safe living environment, they are encouraged to apply” says Laura St. George, chair of the Family Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Mason County.

Silver Members

Harmony Hill Retreat Center American Family Insurance, Berti S. Brodsky

Not only do families experience a hand-up and a homeownership opportunity but their monthly mortgage payments are used to help build more Habitat houses.

COUNTRY FINANCIAL

Currently Habitat for Humanity of Mason County has poured the foundation for house #20 and is close to completing a remodel on a home on Euclid Street.

AUTO - HOME - LIFE - HEALTH

See me for all of your financial security needs.

Helping you achieve financial security, no matter where you’re starting from.

www.countr yfinancial.com

To apply for homeownership, learn how you can volunteer or support call the office at 360-426-8134 or visit www.habitatmasonwa.org.

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Anthony Ramirez 1635 Olympic Hwy N Ste 101A Shelton....................... 360–462–0086 7

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

LIVE,WORK & PLAY Mason Area Fair Makes Plans for 2012/2013 With New Community Fair Board Members For over a century the Mason Fair has been an important part of our community.

Local families represent generations of participants in different fair activities -from building the grounds to entering everything from alpacas to zinnias.

When the County pulled from fair operation in 2010 the fair superintendents banded together to form a non-profit association.

No longer able to be termed the Mason "County" Fair, the Mason "Area" Fair was able to continue youth programs that include State placement for 4-H and FFA students.

The Mason Area Fair maintained entry classes and divisions established in previous years and many of the previous barn & exhibit superintendents continued on in their buildings, or as in the case of many, also serving as the Mason Area Fair executive board. This continuation allowed for the Fair to be judged and considered financially by the Department of Agriculture.

als stepped up to take the helm of steering the Mason Fair into the next century allowing the former Fair board members time to concentrate on their animal barns.

Voted unanimously to the Fair executive board are: president, Art Tozier; vice-president, Julie Gray; secretary, Sharon Donaldson; and treasurer, Lissa McClanahan. Continuing as co-treasurer is Leilani Dixon.

The Association will once again partner with the Mason County Extension OfAt a recent board meeting fice, 4-H, Master Gardenof the Mason Area Fair ers, FFA Mason County Association a dedicated NPRA Rodeo and the group of local individuDavis Shows Carnivals n as well as o e to dat ts! n e v many local e Keep up d news an r e o t b and regional S m a Ch ERNEW B M bands and A H t s Text C r email li u o in entertainers jo o t ay apply.

42828 ta rates m a to present d d n a message the best December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

community agricultural festival ever!

Volunteer assistance is an essential ingredient in the success of the Fair. The Fair board is currently looking to fill superintendent positions including Baking, Hobbies, Fine Arts, Photography and Crafts. There are many different kinds of work to do that can reflect your interest and abilities.

Not all jobs require specialized training or preparation, or long hours. If your business or organization can offer any financial or in-kind support to present this event, organizers are delighted to offer sponsorship benefits to suit you.

Please feel free to call if you would like more information on entering your exhibits, getting a vendor booth or would like to offer your suggestions for 2012!

Your input is appreciated.

The 2012 Mason Area Fair & NPRA Rodeo will be on July 27-29 at the former county fairgrounds. For more information go to www.MasonCountyFair. org or call 360-427-5599.

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Weaving a strong business foundation for the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Future

Matt Matayoshi Economic Development Council of Mason County

Ridge Motorsports Completes Paving

The first lift of pavement is down at Ridge Motorsports Park! This is a major landmark accomplishment in the construction of Mason County’s motorsports facility.

Upon completion, the 2.4 mile road course and adjacent drag strip will host a number of activities including club events, open track days, and sanctioned races.

There was an incredible amount of land clearing and excavating completed to reach the first milestone of this dream project. The course had to first be graded to engineering design and 10 inches of crushed gravel was laid over the summer and into the fall. Lakeside Industries of Lacey was able to complete

the paving in four days which concluded on November 5.

Dozens of jobs were provided through this development phase.

The course is currently undergoing testing and construction has begun on additional phases of the project which includes preparation for paving the

quarter mile drag strip. Additional material will be crushed and spread for paving in the upcoming weeks. The developers of the project continue to make preparations for buildings and paddock areas as well as other infrastructure.

While ongoing, a number of smaller businesses partnering with the track are preparing for the planned summer 2012 opening of the track.

This course will host a variety of uses throughout the week days as well as weekends. This includes open track days, driving schools, car club events, and sanctioned races.

The track will host both automobile and motorcycles. Mark DeGross of “2 Fast LLC,” a motorcycle racing school, provided some insight into the type of events that he will be bringing to the track.

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Mark DeGross of “2 Fast LLC Photos EDC Mark said, “I plan to host at least two events here a year, with 100 bikes at the track per event.” He went on speculate about the benefits to the local community, including the fact that an estimated 50 riders will stay in Mason County for one or two days. It is anticipated that restaurants, hotels, and retails services will benefit greatly from such events.

The interest throughout the northwest for the Ridge Motorsports Park is impressive.

Our community will benefit greatly from the activity at the track.

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

Why we love “Messiah” Matthew Blegen, Director Anna’s Bay Chorale Here and in the United Kingdom, Handel’s “Messiah” is by far the most popular of all choral works. Of course, a big part of the appeal is that it’s in English, and it doesn’t hurt that it has become so closely associated with our holiday traditions.

But I suspect it would be nearly as beloved in German or Latin. It simply has that level of impact and appeal, and has ever since its premiere in 1742.

In 1741 Handel was nearing bankruptcy for the third time in his life, and was so depressed that he seriously considered going back to Germany after decades in England. But instead of giving up, the already devout Handel turned even more strongly to God. The result was “Messiah” which he composed AND orchestrated in just 24 days without once leaving his home.

“Messiah” was first performed in Dublin in 1742, and immediately won huge popular acclaim. Such was the buzz that for the inaugural performance, in order to have room enough for the crowd, a now famous request was sent far and wide asking ladies not to wear hoop skirts and gentlemen to leave their swords at home. The still financially challenged Handel could have made a killing from his “Messiah,” but instead he designated that all proceeds be used to free those in debtor prison and to support local orphanages. Handel maintained this practice for the rest of his life.

In fact, while writing the “Hallelujah” chorus a servant discovered him with tears in his eyes. He exclaimed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself !!” As music historian Newman Flower observes, “Each Anna’s Bay “Considering the immensity of the ticket purchaser work, and the spends on average short time innearly $30 on volved in putting it to paper, it will performance night remain, perhaps in addition to the forever, the greatest feat in the cost of their whole history of ticket.” musical composition.”

In this way, he started the tradition that annual performances of “Messiah” be used to enrich the local community.

Anna’s Bay continues this tradition with its third annual performances of “Messiah” December 9, 10 and 11 at the Shelton H.S. Performing Arts Center, 3737 Shelton Springs Road, Shelton. All ticket revenue from these performances will be used to supplement the in-school music programs at seven Mason County schools in four different districts (Mt. View, Evergreen, Bordeaux, Pioneer, Grapeview, Hood Canal, and Olympic Middle

Photos courtesy of Anna’s Bay Chorale December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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School) this school year.

Which means your ticket to “Messiah” isn’t just a holiday treat for you, but a gift to our entire community!

This is especially true for our business community, as each Anna’s Bay ticket purchaser spends on average nearly $30 in our community on performance night in addition to the cost of their ticket (based on figures from the Bainbridge Arts Council). With nearly 2,000 ticket purchasers expected this holiday season, that’s an additional $40-60,000 of retail, dining and lodging revenue for local businesses!

Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door) and are available at Anna’s Bay’s web site (annasbay.org) as well as at Sage Book Store in Shelton, and Cameo Boutique in Union. There is a group rate of $10 per ticket for those buying 10 tickets or more in a single transaction. Group tickets are only available in advance (not at the door on performance night) and arrangements may be made by calling 360-8985000.

DECEMBER CHAMBER AND COUNTY EVENTS December 1 “Girls Night Out” Benefit event for Turning Pointe | 6:00 – 9:00 PM Harmony Hill, Union 898-3200 | $25 December 2 First Friday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Downtown Shelton Focus on Your Business 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Business Builder Workshop Grove Street Brewhouse Tree Lighting and Christmas Festivities | 6:00 – 9:00 PM Post Office Park and Railroad Ave

December 3 Christmas Town USA Parade 5:00 PM | Shelton December 6 Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting | 7:30 AM Roosters Restaurant, Shelton December 7 Ribbon Cutting 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Brittany Michael’s Hair Co. & Spa

December 10 Christmas with the Neighbors Free Chorale Concert 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM St. Hugh Episcopal Church, Allyn December 13 Ambassadors and Member Services Committee Meetings 12:00 noon Steven’s On Railroad, Shelton December 14 Business After Hours 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Tupper’s Floor Coverings

December 9-11 Handel’s “Messiah” 7:00 PM Friday & Saturday, 4:00 PM Sunday Shelton High School Performing Arts Center

Marketing Committee Meeting | 8:00 AM Chamber Office, Shelton

December 17 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Local author book signing Cameo Boutique, Union December 21 SAVER Committee Meeting 7:00 AM Nita’s Restaurant & Gallery Shelton December 25 Merry Christmas from the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce!

For local Christmas events and community bazaars see page 17

Shop Local, Give LOCAL BUCK$ Brandy Faught, Maple Glen Senior Living

You can do both by giving LOCAL BUCK$ as gifts this Holiday Season. LOCAL BUCK$ are a community gift certificate that are accepted at more than 25 locations county-wide.

They are the perfect holiday gift for family, employees and friends and by purchasing LOCAL BUCK$ you are keeping your money in Mason County.

Mason County is unique and our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character.

Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. You save money by shopping at home.

You drive less, save time, and you’d be surprised how often the retail prices are lower as well. You can reduce your environmental impact by cutting out those long drives to the big city.

Your purchases help Mason County attract new entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

Towns that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character are more successful in recruiting.

You can help in this process for every $100 spent locally, $74 remains here through sales tax, infrastructure and employment. Shop Local, Give LOCAL BUCK$.

You can purchase LOCAL BUCK$ in increments of $5, $10 and $20 at the Chamber Office, Mason County Senior Activities Center or at Nifty Thrifty Thrift Store. LOCAL BUCK$ are redeemed for their full purchase price at the following businesses.

Participating Businesses 2nd Street Design Studio

Alderbrook Golf Course Anchor Electric Angela’s Beauty Boutique Bayshore Golf Course Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop Case By Case Jewellers Gillis Auto Center Grapevine Catering Grove Street Brewhouse Hackney Family Dentistry Healthy Benefits Market Hood Canal Adventures Isagenix/Living Well, Inc.

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Maple Glen Senior Living MC Senior Activities Center Nifty Thrifty Thrift Store Olympic Heating & Cooling Olsen Furniture Company Pier 101 Gift Shop & Boutique Quality Appliance Center Sage Book Store Shelton Cinemas Steph’s Espresso Steven’s On Railroad The Dance Shack Urraco Coffee Company VanderWal’s Garage

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

LIVE,WORK & PLAY SKOKOMISH TRIBE TO RE-OPEN POPULAR LAKE CUSHMAN CAMPGROUND IN 2012 Charles “Guy” Miller, Chairman of the Skokomish Tribal Council, announced in November that the Tribe will be reopening the former Lake Cushman State Park for public camping, boat launches, and day use in spring 2012. The 520 acre parcel was recently restored to the Tribe as part of a settlement agreement with the City of Tacoma.

“This land is very significant for us,” commented Chairman Miller. “The park is a real economic asset for this whole region, but it is also our home returned to us after many years.”

The Tribe’s business corporation, Skokomish Indian Tribal Enterprises, will be managing the park as part of the Tribe’s portfolio of businesses.

Enterprise CEO David Owens is pleased to be able to offer camping as part of the Tribe’s existing lodging options.

“We are already operating a waterfront resort on Hood Canal, and now we can offer a lake camping experience as well. It’s a great match for us, and a great way to showcase the beauty of the Olympic Mountains.”

The Tribe is already hard at work on upgrades and restoration projects at the campground, which will open as Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman.

The campground offers 82 camping sites including RV, tent, group, and walk-in sites; a public boat launch; and a public swimming and day use picnic area.

Photos courtesy of Skokomish Indian Tribal Enterprise

Campers can reserve their favorite sites at www.skokomishpark.org.

The campground phone number is 360-877-5760.

The park is part of the ancestral homeland of the Skokomish people, and includes areas where tribal members lived until they were evicted by construction of the Lake Cushman dam in the 1930s.

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

12 13

Journal Hires New Publisher

By KEVAN MOORE Shelton Mason County Journal

“De-Stressing for the Holidays” December Topic for Diabetes Support Group Meeting

Kari Sleight took over as the new publisher of the Shelton Mason County Journal in November.

Dreading the holiday season already? We all know it can be a stressful time, particularly for those with diabetes, but there are ways of managing the stress so you can stay healthy through it and actually enjoy the holidays.

Sleight comes to Shelton following a nearly 14-year run as the publisher of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, a thriceweekly paper serving Wasilla, Palmer and the MatanuskaSusitna Valley in Alaska just north of Anchorage.

Learn to keep your condition under control at the next Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics Shelton Diabetes Support Group meeting entitled, “De-Stressing for the Holidays” set for Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Ellinor Room at the Hospital.

When Sleight started at the Frontiersman, the newspaper published twice a week, had only spot color on the front page and was printed in Anchorage. During her tenure, Sleight oversaw the creation of a multi-million dollar printing plant in 2005, added a Sunday edition in August 2002 and began home delivery for the first time in the core areas of Palmer and Wasilla in April 2003.

Sleight’s journalism career began in 1977 at the Idaho Free Press in Nampa, Idaho.

She later joined Wick Communications in April 1986 at the company’s Ontario, Ore., paper before being promoted to the publisher post in Alaska. Sleight is known throughout the industry for her commitment to community journalism and she looks forward to bringing

Sleight | Journal photo that emphasis to every aspect of the Journal.

“I’m excited to call Mason County my new home and look forward to working with the newspaper staff to bring our readers relevant news and information each week,” Sleight said. “I also look forward to hearing from our readers and community leaders to get their input on how we might better serve the needs of the county.”

Guest speaker Gretchen Rice, MSW, ACSW, will be on hand with valuable information on maintaining a healthy balance through a stressful time and effective self-management over the holidays.

Family members in support of those with diabetes are

also invited to attend. There will also be time set aside for questions and answers.

The Shelton Diabetes Support Group, affiliated with the American Diabetes Association, meets at the Hospital every third Thursday of the month from September to June. It is free and open to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, their friends, and family. For more information call Sue Barwick, R.N., C.D.E. at (360) 427-7332 (from Allyn (360) 275-8614, and ask for the Diabetes Wellness Center).

Sleight and her husband, Fred, and their little Yorkie terrier, Rowdy, are house hunting in the Shelton area. They have lots of family in the area and look forward to welcoming their children and grandchildren to their new Mason County home.

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

LIVE,WORK & PLAY

David and Valerie Wagner Hood Canal Adventures

Local Business Community supports the 2011 Geocache Bash The purpose of the Geocaching event, hosted by Hood Canal Adventures is to bring more tourists to Mason County and it is working! Thanks to the support of local businesses, the Geocache Bash was a great success. The group received over $5000 in prizes from the following businesses, thank you so much for your support.

Alderbrook Golf Kapowsin Air Alderbrook Resort Lake Cushman Resort Artisan For Life Lucky Dog Casino Caffenina’s Expresso Our Community

Credit Union Cameo Boutique Renee Stein

Attorney At Law Capt Lee LLC Rumors Hair Salon Garmin USA Schwerzlers Natural

Creation Glen Ayr Shelton Cinemas Shepherd Soaps Habitat for Humanity Summer Tides Resort Hama Hama The Tides Hood Canal Adventures Theler Wetlands Wood Loved By Larry

Among the prizes individual businesses purchased water with their label to be provided to the Geocachers. All proceeds from the water went to the Wounded Warrior Project at Lewis McChord the total donated was $340.00.

This year eighteen families spent two nights in the area for the event. Money was spent on lodging, food, gas, souvenirs, wine, snacks drinks etc.

Organizers found that businesses that interacted with the Geocachers and invited them to sample goods experienced an increase in their business.

The group is planning more interactive experiences with businesses for 2012.

2011’s Geocache event brought over 100 people to town from the following geographic areas: • •

•

Oregon: Portland, Salem, Grants Pass & Kaiser Washington: Longview, Yelm, Grapeview, Enumclaw, Fife, Bremerton, Edgewood, Port Hadlock, Port Townsend, the farthest away was Palmer, Alaska

Feedback from this event was 100% positive and all the participants requested to be contacted for the 2012 event.

HCA is now planning their third Annual Geocache Bash event that will be scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of June 2012. The goal is to increase

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

the number of participants to to between 300 and 500 by expanding advertising with additional funds for Television ads and bring tourists from Portland, Salem, Medford Seattle, and Northern California area (1.5 hour flight from Silicon Valley).

It is anticipated that these changes will result in additional revenue for area restaurants.

Tourists will be directed to specific businesses and points of interest. This will increase business for lodging, restaurants, entertainment, parks, recreation, campsites, grocery stores, gas stations and more.

14 15

Please mark your calendar and contact Valerie at Hood Canal Adventures if you would like to be an “active” participant in our 2012 event.

HCA thanks you for your support and appreciates your continued feedback.

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CAMPGROUNDS IN TAHUYA STATE FOREST REOPEN The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that it will reopen two campgrounds in Tahuya State Forest —Camp Spilman and Kammenga—on December 1.

Olympic National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Now Available Visit offices throughout the Olympic Peninsula, including the Chamber’s Visitor Information Center in Hoodsport to purchase your permit. The permits cost $5 each and are valid in specific areas of the Olympic National Forest.

Included with your tree permit are a plastic tree tie, current cutting instructions, and a Hood Canal Ranger District boundary map indicating where you may cut your tree.

Permits went on sale the week of Thanksgiving. Make it a “family affair” and enjoy what the Olympics, Hood Canal and all it has to offer.

We encourage you to purchase your tree permit in Hoodsport at the Visitor Center. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; and Sundays from 12 to 4pm.

Accepted methods of payment are cash, checks and Visa/MasterCard. They look forward to seeing you this season!

The agency closed the two campgrounds in 2009 when budget cuts forced DNR to close or reduce services at nearly 40 trailheads, campgrounds, and other facilities across Washington.

DNR is able to reopen these campgrounds due to several factors, including receiving grant funding this year from the Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program and also, in part, from revenue from sales of the Discover Pass. Funding will help pay for enforcement, maintenance, and additional staffing.

DNR also gets help from the

Samuel Areopagita works in the environmental services department at Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics, and loves his job.

Samuel has been working at MGH for the past two years.

Prior to coming to MGH, he worked as a caregiver in an Adult Home operated by his parents, and also owned a car and motorcycle repair shop – a business he still does on the side. In environmental services at the Hospital Samuel cleans

and maintains the patient rooms, public areas, emergency department, intensive care, and the medical/surgical/pediatrics unit.

“The people here are so great to work with,” Samuel said.

“We all help and support each another.”

Before Samuel arrived in the United States from his native country of the Philippines, he worked as a disc jockey, entertainer, and sound technician.

He recently returned from a vacation where he visited his fiancé and four-year old son.

Areopagita “I hope to have them come and join me soon,” added Samuel, with a smile.

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“Even though the Discover Pass is a new funding source, DNR is on a slow but steady trajectory to restore recreation access,” said Mark Mauren, Recreation Program Manager for DNR. On January 6, visitors will be able to camp at the Tahuya River Horse Camp on a firstcome, first-served basis. DNR will no longer take reservations for this campground.

Kammenga and Camp Spilman campgrounds will be open seven days a week.

SAMUEL AREOPAGITA, OCTOBER HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

His dedication to his work has earned him the recognition to be selected as employee of the month for October. “Samuel is a hard worker and does an outstanding job,” said Andrew Bales, director of environmental services. “He is always ready to do what is asked of him.”

inmate crews at Mission Creek Corrections Center. The female crews help maintain facilities and trails, install small bridges, and pick up litter.

Tahuya River Horse Camp will open for camping at noon each Friday through noon the following Monday. On the following holiday weekends, the horse camp will open at 9 a.m. the Wednesday prior to the holiday and close at noon the following Wednesday: • Memorial Day weekend • 4th of July • Labor Day weekend There will be occasional weekend campground closures for permitted events by recreation user groups. For more information about camping at Tahuya State Forest, including a description of the campsites, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation and follow the link to DNR’s South Puget Sound Region.

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

A Sunny Spanish Christmas Celebration There’s a certain chill in the air, a magical sparkle in children’s eyes, and far too much advertising in your mailbox. It can only mean that Christmas is just around the corner.

If that chill in the air has you wishing for warmer weather, why not join the Harstine Island Community Choir for a sunny Spanish Christmas celebration – with songs also sung in America’s southwest and Mexico.

With a collection of holiday music from different regions of Spain -- from the Basque regions in the far north to Andalusia on the Mediterranean Ocean -- a little Caribbean rhythm thrown in for fun, and solo performances on guitar harp and marimba, the program is sure to warm you up on the coldest Northwest afternoon.

But no matter where you travel whether by boat or plane, by car or just by dreaming, the traditional songs of Christmas travel with you.

So come and satisfy your desire to sing carols in the sing-a-long sections of the concert featuring such classics as Joy to the World and Ding, Dong Merrily on High. And, since you have your voice all warmed up anyway, why not consider joining the Choir?

All ages and skill levels are welcome, no auditions or prior experience needed, just a good attitude and a desire to have fun singing.

Randy Grostick (former band director of Shelton High School) at the marimba | photo HICC

Harstine Island Community Choir invites you to join us for Christmas with the Neighbors – Navidad con los Vecinos at one of these times and locations: December 9th, Friday, 7:00 PM St. Edwards Catholic Church, 601 W. C Street, Shelton, WA December 10th, Saturday, 3:00 PM St. Hugh Episcopal Church, 280 E. Wheelwright, Allyn, WA December 11th, Sunday, 3:00 PM Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Rd N

State Parks prepares for short-term, dramatic budget gap The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has outlined a bold strategy to transform its operating model and be prepared for a budget gap as high as $30 million.

To replace lost tax dollars, the Legislature recently implemented the Discover Pass, a parking fee to access all statemanaged recreation lands. Like any new program, the Discover Pass needs improvements and refinements to build public awareness, acceptance and participation.

The Commission must have a strategy that allows the agency to respond to a “worst-case scenario” if the existing $17 million general fund dollars are cut or if Discover Pass and

other revenues fall short. The strategy includes dramatically cutting costs, changing service levels in the short term, and building capabilities for a better-resourced and sustainable future.

“The situation would be bleak if Discover Pass and other revenues do not increase,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Our goal is to keep parks open, but we need the help and support of the public to do that.”

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

Elements of the long-term strategy include: • Expanding fundraising and volunteer efforts • Developing marketing and promotional capability • Developing additional business and enterprise capability • Developing new operating and staffing models • Redirecting Capital Program investments to 16 17

public health and safety and revenue generation The Commission’s message to the Legislature and Governor is to retain and strengthen the Discover Pass as a principal source of operating funds, and retain the existing $17 million general fund “bridge” to support state parks and keep them safe for public use.

al c o L f o t h g i AB r! e e h C y a d i l o H ‘Tis the Season’ to be bright and merry -- to enjoy friends, family and neighbors!

Check out these local events and have fun helping sharing local spirit!

Little Creek Casino’s 15th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar 2011 Friday, Saturday & Sunday December 2 & 3 | 8 to 8 pm December 4 | 8 to 3 pm

Candles, ornaments, Native American crafts, crocheted items jewelry and MORE! Located in the Casino Lobby and boardwalk at West 91 State Route 108, Just off Hwy 101 at McCleary Exit.

Adopt-a-Pet Santa Pictures Saturday, December 3 | noon to 4 pm

Bring your dogs to have their pictures taken with Santa.

For a $10.00 donation you will receive a 4”x6” picture in a Holiday frame. Refreshments will be provided. Come join the Fun! 940 E. Jensen Rd., Shelton, WA.

SOCK 29th Annual Christmas Bazaar

“Enchanted Holiday” Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 3 | 9 to 4 pm

One stop shopping in a festive holiday atmosphere. Includes a wonderful array of beautifully decorated goods, ready for holiday gift giving, unique, personalized gifts and hand-made items with an interesting variety of specialty vendors. District 6 Fire Hall, 50 E Seattle St., Union, WA.

First Friday in Shelton Friday, December 2 | all day & evening

Kitten Rescue Bazaar & Bake Sale

Saturday, December 3 | 9 to 4 pm

Cat toys, jewelry, quilts, candles, baby gifts, baked goods, Christmas wreaths, crocheted & knitted items and much more!

100% of proceeds benefit Kitten Rescue.

If you are interested in donating items to sell at the bazaar, please contact Bonnie: bonniejubb@msn.com or 490-7911, 420 SE State Rt 3.

Theler Community Center Annual Holiday Craft Fair Saturday, December 3 | 10 to 5 pm

Holiday Vendor Fair featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, gifts and more! Theler Community Center, 22871 NE State Route 3, Belfair.

Merchants stay open until 8:00 pm for holiday shopping. Enjoy prizes awarded to shoppers; tree lighting & caroling; free hot chocolate; Art Walk as well as bonfires for marshmallow roasting! Shelton, WA

Christmas Town USA Holiday Parade Saturday, December 3

Railroad Street, Shelton, WA

Visit & Take Photos with Santa

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3- 4 |10 to 3 Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 10-11 | 10 to 3 Turn up the spirit with a visit to Santa!

Photos $5 each. All proceeds donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund.

Aldrbrook Resort, Union.

e d a r a P t a o B Lighted

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3- 4 Crafts, holiday gifts and decorations, local vendors; Santa; raffle for a holiday basket; silent auction for gifts donated by local businesses; bake sale and hot food and drinks prepared at Ivy’s Kitchen. Transit Community Center, 601 West Franklin, the location of SOCK.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Belfair Sunday, December 4 | 5:00 to 5:15 pm McLendon’s Hardware parking lot, Belfair, WA

Holiday Music December 4 | 6:30 to 7:45 pm

Enjoy seasonal music performed by the Shelton High School Chamber Singers and the Oakland Bay Junior High School Honor Choir. Director Paul Nakhla will lead two advanced student choirs in seasonal carols to usher in the holidays.

Light refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Shelton Timberland Library.

The library closes at 7 p.m. and will only be open for the presentation following that time. Timberland Library, Shelton, WA

Holiday SPArkle

December 14 | 5:00-9:00 Indulge in 2 petit spa treatments, plus wine and hors d’oeuvres. $60/person.

Alderbrook Resort & Spa (360) 898-5520

December 9 & 10 | when it gets dark The Shelton Yacht Club present a spectacular annual lighted boat parade that travels Hammersley Inlet and Oakland Bay. This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

Bundle up warm and pack the hot chocolate & family to Walker Park. or Oakland Bay. Have friends on the inlet? This is a great time to package up some cookies & pop by for a holiday visit! If you can’t wait until dark, all the boats get ready to leave at the Shelton Yacht club -- Catch a preview there! Visit www.sheltonyachtclub.com for details & departure times.

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

Allstate Ribbon Cutting The Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Marcy Johnson and Allstate Insurance on Wednesday, November 9. The office, located at 2215 Olympic Hwy N, has been beautifully remodeled and has a warm, welcoming character.

Agent Marcy Johnson and her six, licensed staff members – all of whom proudly wore their Allstate “Mayhem” shirts – hosted a packed house of Chamber Members, community leaders, and customers.

Johnson was hand-picked by recently retired Bob Buhl to serve his loyal, local customers.

She has been with Allstate for more than 14 years and worn many hats in the company.

Her tenure and expertise provides not only an understanding of the ins-and-outs of insurance, but also the opportunity to service hundreds of families regarding their protection needs.

“As a small business owner, I understand the importance of building a solid foundation for the future and developing long-lasting customer relationships. That's why I'm committed to offering you the same level of service I'd expect from

Agent Marcy Johnson and staff members

my own business dealings.

When you leave my office, I hope you'll feel confident, informed, assured and satisfied in your choices. The way you should feel.”

Be sure to stop by to meet Marcy and her friendly staff and say “Welcome!”.

Mason General Hospital Wins T-System National Award for Emergency Department Excellence Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics was recently chosen from more than 1,700 hospitals nationwide to receive the 2011 T-System Client Excellence Award.

“Using T-System solutions has helped our physicians, nurses and staff to increase our efficiency, reduce length of stay, and improve patient contact and coordinate care between providers.”

T-System, Inc., an industry leader in clinical, business and IT solutions for emergency medicine, annually recognizes hospitals that have most effectively used its solutions to improve the quality of patient care, operational processes and financial results in the emergency department (ED).

In addition, Tom Hornburg, chief information officer at MGH & FC added, “The Tsystem solution highlights our continuing effort to provide exceptional medical care while taking advantage of the latest technologies.”

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award as a result of the hard work and progress made over the past year to improve our emergency department and the professional lives of our dedicated emergency medical staff,” said Dean Gushee, MD, medical director at Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics.

“Congratulations to Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics for being chosen as a 2011 T-System Client Excellence Award recipient in demonstrating superior patient care and financial improvements in attaining their goals,” said Sunny Sanyal, T-System chief executive officer. “Their commitment to the use of technology to enhance the practice of emergency medicine is an inspiration to all hospitals.

Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics’ deploy-

The Emergency Department of Mason General Hospital is known for high quality and efficient care. The hospital has leveraged the experience of T-EV in deploying technologies to the rest of the facility.

T-System provides a best of breed model to compare with enterprise documentation solutions.

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

18 19

ment, use of our solutions and outstanding collaboration with T-System employees is both exemplary and a best practice in emergency medicine.”

In recognition of Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinic’s accomplishments, T-System will make a donation to Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinic.

MGH & FC will also receive a commemorative plaque and special recognition at the 2012 T-System user conference.

L&I proposes standards for medical providers who treat injured workers

Pud #3 Redistricting

The Department of Labor & Industries is seeking public comments on draft standards for health-care providers who treat injured workers.

The new standards are the first step in creating a statewide network of providers to treat people with work-related injuries and illnesses. The standards will apply to providers who treat injured workers covered by the state workers’ compensation program as well as those covered by self-insured employers.

"This network will help injured workers get the best possible care," commented Beth Dupre, Assistant Director for Insurance Services. "We want workers to return to good health and to work."

The proposed standards are modeled on those used by most health plans. To develop the standards, L&I worked closely with a special advisory group made up of worker, employer, and provider representatives from the Industrial Insurance Medical and Chiropractic Advisory Committees.

District 1 District 2 District 3

best practices for occupational health.

PUD 1 territory

Three hearings will be held to gather public comment on the proposed standards: •

•

Seattle, Dec. 8, 10 AM Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Tumwater, Dec. 12, 5:30 PM at L&I Headquarters

Written comments on the draft rules will be accepted until 5 p.m., Dec. 16.

You can submit written comments to Jami Lifka by email to Jami.Lifka@Lni. wa.gov.

PUD #3 Adopts Commission Redistricting

In November PUD Commissioners adopted resolution 1533, PUD 3 Commission Redistricting. The redistricting balances the number of voters in each district so they are approximately the same.

The prominent redistricting changes include the consolidation of commissioner district two in the North Mason/Tahuya Peninsula region and the extension of commissioner district three to include Lake Cushman and the SE portion of the Olympic Peninsula.

Districting requirements included equal populations; areas being as compact as possible and consisting of geographically contiguous areas.

To the extent feasible the district

boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries and preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest.

The commission used data from the most recent federal census to develop redistricting.

Commissioners praised Nancy Bolender, assistant to the manager, for her outstanding efforts in researching the redistricting issue and developing a wide range of options from which to choose.

The medical provider network is part of historic legislation passed in 2011, Substitute Senate Bill 5801, to improve workers’ outcomes following injury.

In addition to creating the network, the legislation expands access to the state's Centers of Occupational Health and Education (COHEs) and directs L&I to offer incentives to network providers who use

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

LIVE,WORK & PLAY

LOSS OF THE NJROTC WILL LEAVE HOLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Helen Thomson NJROTC Booster Club Public Affairs Officer

The school district has received notice from the Navy that if enrollment doesn’t meet the minimum requirement of 100 students by October, 2012, the program will be closed June, 2013. With currently 76 students, Shelton High School is at risk of losing its Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit and the funding provided by the Navy.

According to Lt. Commander Thien, the Naval Science Instructor, “Loss of this program will leave a hole in this community.

We had over 40 cadets parking cars for two days during Oysterfest and three days during Fair this past summer.

Our honor guard is at proms and graduations and cadets march in all the parades. The cadets have served as mentors for the Back-to-School Jamboree the past two years. We have honor details at both the Memorial Day service and the Veterans Day service. The cadets put on the Forest Festival Car Show. These kids are trying to be outstanding and we need to support them the best way we can.”

The NJROTC promotes patriotism and community service while developing informed, respectful and responsible leaders of students in grades 9-12.

The Navy established the NJROTC program

This is a leadership program, not a recruiting tool. Only about 2 percent of cadets join the military after high school.

In the past four years, three Shelton cadets

in Shelton in 1977 and the curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership.

Cadets are taught the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment and there is a high expectation that they will live healthy, drug-free lives.

According to the cadet Commander, Amanda Thomson, “For years, the course at the junior high satisfied a PE credit but the school district took that away three years ago. It’s unfortunate that a program this valuable isn’t recognized for its worth.”

The Booster Club believes that part of the reason for decreasing enrollment is the increasing graduation requirements.

The high school level course does satisfy one half of the one occupation education credit required; but beyond that, the course is counted as an elective.

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

have received full scholarships to private universities; valued at over $180,000 each.

Another Shelton cadet has applied to the Naval Academy and one will be graduating from West Point this year.

Statistics show cadets have fewer suspensions, a lower dropout rate, higher GPAs, and more community service hours than the national average.

The NJROTC Booster Club invites cadets, families, neighbors and community partners to help identify ways to increase enrollment of students in grades 9-12 and save this valuable program from being closed due to low enrollment.

The NJROTC Booster Club can be reached at njrotcboosterclub@ gmail.com.

Any student interested in enrolling for second semester can contact their school counselor or any questions can be directed to Lt. Commander Thien at Shelton High School.

Images courtesy Helen Thomson 20 21

COMMUNITY BIGHT Mentoring Where You LIVE Creates Positive Experience and Changes Futures No matter who you are, you have been impacted by a mentor or tutor at some point in your life. In a school setting, volunteers have the ability to immediately impact student’s lives in ways that will determine their success on many levels for years to come.

As individuals and groups, we all greatly benefit from the success of children in schools today. Consider volunteering at Hood Canal School as a mentor and tutor.

attend school in that community. Fourth through sixth grade attended school on the reservation; seventh through ninth grade attended the new junior high school.

Hood Canal School has an interesting history. Originally, many schools existed within the valley and along the Canal.

All children attended school through grade six within their community and then attended Shelton Junior High and High School.

Before the close of the 1960’s, facilities were added to Hood Canal School to accommodate K-6, (initially, by closing Hoodsport Elementary and lower Skokomish Elementary).

The communities decided to consolidate to serve resident students more locally. At that time, the Hood Canal Junior High was built and consisted of six classrooms and a library.

Students in grades K-3 were transported to Hoodsport to

HCS file ph

oto

In 2009 a local group of community leaders, educators, and individuals formed the Hood Canal Education Foundation.

This 501 C (3) foundation’s mission is “to enhance and expand educational, cultural, and artistic opportunities “Never doubt that for students and a small group of residents of the thoughtful, committed Hood Canal citizens can change the School District (#404) and the world; indeed it is the Hood Canal only thing that ever Community.”

has.”

Within this mission, the School is seeking volunteers in a student tutoring program The goal is to provide reinforcement and individualized mentoring to local children.

Margaret Mead

American cultural anthropologist

In short, HCS draws students from all walks of the community thereby providing many different interaction opportunities.

The program helps establish relationships that grow a positive network of individuals who can and want to help them.

The commitment does not have to big. Even an hour a week can make an impact. You will discover that you draw as much, if not more, from the experience as the students. To all of you who think your life is hard, to all of you who think you have no time--there is some student in this community who can show you how to be a better and more thankful version of yourself.

For more information, please contact Kathryn Kamin, Hood Canal Communications at (360) 898-2481 or email questions to kathrynk@hcc.net.

Jobs and unemployment in WA improved in October Washington’s employment picture bounced back in October, adding about 4,600 jobs and lowering the unemployment rate to 9 %.

The department originally estimated that the state lost 18,400 jobs in September, but has since revised the estimate to a loss of 10,700 jobs.

1,100; retail trade, down 1,000; state government (excluding higher education), down 500 jobs; and financial activities, down 400.

This is the lowest the state’s unemployment rate has been since March 2009.

Industries that posted the most job gains in October included government, which added 4,900 jobs; wholesale trade, up 3,100 jobs; education and health services, up 2,600; and manufacturing, up 2,100 (1,500 of them in aerospace).

An estimated 314,698 people in Washington were unemployed and looking for work in October, and 176,390 of them received $255 million in unemployment benefits. As of Nov. 5, 64,550 workers in Washington had run out of all unemployment benefits.

“The October numbers showing slow, steady improvement are more consistent with what we’ve seen for more than a year,” said Dave Wallace, an economist for Employment Security. “It looks more likely that the September numbers were an anomaly.”

Jobs were lost in professional and business services, down 7,000; transportation, warehousing and utilities, down

Employment Security is a partner in the WorkSource system, which offers a variety 21

of employment and training services for job seekers, including free help with interviewing skills, résumés and job referrals.

WorkSource also can help employers recruit and screen for qualified workers, apply for employment tax breaks and qualify for subsidized employee training.

Locations of local WorkSource offices are listed online at www. go2worksource.com and in the blue pages of local telephone books.

Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

THE LAST BIGHT

FULFILLING CHRISTMAS WISHES Rachel Hansen Shelton Mason County Chamber Bight I have three kids. Somedays my house resembles the toy aisles at Fred Meyer.

A little bit of everything left over from each child, all amassed in the attention of one six year-old with indulgent older brothers. And now another Christmas is upon us, and, frankly, I am tired of stuff!

But that is just me. The kids have lists as long as their arms.

Last Friday, my six-year-old delivered her’s to Santa when he arrived at Alderbrook.

Imagine her relief. All she has to do now is wait.

But there are other reasons to shop at home. Local stores provide jobs for our friends, family members and neighbors.

Purchasing through the Internet may boost employment in another state - or country.

So this year I am making a pact with myself. I am determining to put more thought into the process. If I buy it will be things that last - like memories or, at the very least, well made toys!

Local merchants also pay taxes that help keep our schools open, our municipal and county services operating - and our own taxes lower.

I am also going to work hard at investing locally. It sounds trite, but after becoming more involved locally, I see many reasons to support neighbors and friends over big box stores or internet companies.

Don’t expect online store to have helpful, knowledgeable personnel eager to offer advice to ensure the gifts you buy are just what you - or, more important, the person they will delight - were hoping to find.

Find that perfect gift? You can examine them - touching, looking, perhaps tasting, smelling or listening - before making a decision.

And store owners and managers in our hometowns do much more. They support local soccer teams, the Area Fair, help United Way fund drives, and support literally hundreds of other local worthy causes. Often, without a bit of publicity, they dig into their own pockets to help both customers and others through illnesses, layoffs and hard times in general.

And gift cards? Stay away from that convenient wall as you enter the grocery store. In this nearly 100 billion dollar industry the stores are counting on the fact that annually 10% are unspent. Purchases made with a gift card are typically 20% to 50% higher than the average purchase price.

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

Valley Road wagons and tricycles available at Toziers/Ace Hardware in a variety of colors..

If you are determined to do gift cards, consider purchasing from a local restaurant or perhaps the Shelton Cinemas.

Movie passes and treats for a family is an insightful gift as well as builds lasting memories.

Who knows, you might even get invited to share it! And a local restaurant will not fee you gift card monthly.

Even better, why not support the Chamber’s LOCAL BUCK$ program (page 11).

My kids won’t let me get away with certificates. They want to see the presents under the tree. In any case, I enjoy the pleasure of wandering the local shops.

Union’s Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop has some wonderful Christmas items. Pier 101 in Hoodsport has those hard to find treasures for the out of town family - and a few things I wouldn’t mind having. Visit Lynch Creek Floral for not only a great selection of flowers and home items but also an amazing children’s section filled with classic toys and books.

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How can you go wrong with a book? Stop by Sage Book Store and enjoy a coffee and pastry as you shop!

Last year the biggest hit at our house was a bright pink tricycle with wagon purchased at Toziers. After all the plastic toys lost their luster & pieces, this gallant American made piece of art still sits in the drive without so much as a paint chip.

Sure, these Amish made toys are more expensive than the box store knock-offs (although cheaper at Tozier’s than buying online). But I figure my grand kids will be loading rocks in that same pink wagon.

For any number of reasons, it makes sense to do our Christmas shopping at local businesses. Again, they are our friends, neighbors and supporters of our communities 365 days a year. And they offer truly good deals and unmatched service both before and after the sale.

So check them out during the next few weeks. That will make Christmas merrier for both them and you.

No matter how big or small your printing needs, we have a solution for you!

2975 37TH AVE SW TUMWATER, WA 98512 PHONE

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Supporting our community since 1969

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

December 2011

NEWS SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 2389 | Shelton, WA 98584

Or Current Resident

December 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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PRSRT STD RATE US POSTAGE PAID SHELTON, WA, 98584 PERMIT #60