July 2021 253 Lifestyle

ISSUE NO. 31

JULY 2021

Q&A WITH

DEAN BURKE PRESIDENT AND CEO TRAVEL TACOMA – MT. RAINIER

Cheney

STADIUM WELCOME BACK TO THE STADIUM

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MARKETING

WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Julie Reed | 253.363.8832 julie@like-media.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Morgan Redal | 253.363.8830 morgan.redal@like-media.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com STAFF WRITERS Colin Anderson | Taylor Shillam | Rachel Kelly

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Darbey Russo GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Marisa Inahara DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

OPERATIONS

MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins

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253 Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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PUBLIS HER’S

Picks

Steve Russo Executive Director

VALUING OUR FREEDOMS WHEN WE THINK OF THE FOURTH OF JULY, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT COMES TO MIND IS FIREWORKS—of course! Then there’s the paid day off from work for many, and a day spent at the lake, beach, river or park, or even a celebration spent relaxing and socializing in the backyard with a barbecue.

But many people often forget why this is a day of celebration for us here in the United States. What is the significance of July 4? Let’s freshen up on some history.

July 4 marks an incredibly significant day for us Americans, as it commemorates the day the United States officially became its own nation, as the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776—and America was born.

Although the Fourth of July has been celebrated each year since 1776, it didn’t become a federal holiday until nearly a century later, in 1870. And it wasn’t until 1941 that it became a paid holiday for federal employees.

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CHENEY STADIUM: WELCOME BACK TO THE STADIUM

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Q&A WITH DEAN BURKE: PRESIDENT AND CEO TRAVEL TACOMA – MT. RAINIER

As we celebrate our independence this July 4, we must not forget all of those who have fought for this nation and those who continue to fight each and every day to ensure our freedoms and safety. Those who serve the greater nation as active-duty military (and our veterans), and those who serve closer to home as firefighters and policemen and women; they all have a significant role to serve and protect. May we never forget that these men and women sacrifice daily so that we may live our lives knowing that our families, our friends, our communities, our nation, are being protected every second, every minute, every hour of every day—all because of those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the greater good for each person in our nation.

We at Like Media want to say, “Thank you.”

As we celebrate Independence Day, remember that there are those on the front lines who instead of spending time with their loved ones on this holiday are in uniform ready to protect at any moment. Let’s remember to honor them this July 4.

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A DRINK TO CELEBRATE: 44 NORTH CHERRY SPARKLER

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CONTENTS 12

32

12

H OME

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Beach-Lover’s Paradise in the Northwest: Furnishing a charming waterfront home in Coopers Point Olympia, Washington

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28 Q& A

HE ALT H & LIF E S TY L E

Supporting Our Veterans: Local organizations that honor and support those who fought for our freedoms

Q&A with Dean Burke: President and CEO Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier

The latest tips and trends about living a healthy, active life

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32

40

TR E NDING

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TACOMA FO CUS

TH E ART S

BU S IN E S S P IN P O I N T

Cheney Stadium: Welcome back to the stadium

Samoan Community to Celebrate: Intergenerational celebration scheduled for July 25 through 31

Joe Sanchez & Associates of Coldwell Banker Bain: Gig Harbor’s real estate experts

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sneak peek into July ...

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ISSUE NO. 31

JULY 2021

Q&A WITH

DEAN BURKE PRESIDENT AND CEO TRAVEL TACOMA – MT. RAINIER

58

Cheney

STADIUM WELCOME BACK TO THE STADIUM

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58

F E ATUR E

FEAT U R E D R ECIP E

Keeping Our Waterways Clean: Small actions see big solutions when it comes to our waterways

A Drink to Celebrate: 44 North Cherry Sparkler

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ENTE RTA I NMENT

TRAV E L & LE IS U R E

Events in July you don’t want to miss!

Jamaica! Safely navigating a trip to the caribbean

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About The Cover DEAN BURKE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TRAVEL TACOMA MT. RAINIER, makes his debut on the cover of the July issue of 253 Lifestyle Magazine. Read more about Dean, his love for his community and his passion for the environment, orcas, shoreline transformation and more in our Q&A on page 28.

Cover photo by Samantha Elise Tillman.

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Home Beach-Lover’s Paradise in the Northwest FURNISHING A CHARMING WATERFRONT HOME IN COOPERS POINT O LY M P I A , WA S H I N G T O N

BY DEANN HAMMER, BROADWAY DESIGN

Broadway Design recently furnished a charming waterfront home in Coopers Point in Olympia, Washington. The homeowner is a single woman in her mid-30s, who is bright and talented, and owns her own mortgage company. The client requested a coastal theme with a “Serena and Lily Co.” feel. Deann Hammer, owner of Broadway Design, was ready for the challenge.

T

he woodwork was gorgeous but a bit too heavy, so we had the balusters on the stairs painted Sherwin Williams high reflective white to lighten things up. The walls were originally yellow, so we cooled things down by painting all the walls Sherwin Williams Rhinestone. It is a lovely color that plays well off of the water and contrasts the white trim nicely.

The kitchen was previously updated by the former owner, although the dining banquette needed a refresh. Our designers selected new bench seat cushion fabric in Sunbrella Grey Ticking, added custom decorative pillows, and punched up the seating area with three large woven grass light pendants that give the space warmth and drama. A solid walnut modern single-pedestal dining table was also added to set the stage.

The great room is quite large, so we added a 6x4-foot tall wide custom framed octopus art piece above the mantle and an extra-large woven round mirror over the TV to play off of the extra high ceiling height. Two seating areas were created to break up the large expanse. The chairs by the fireplace are from Palacek, with custom performance fabric (wet bathing suits are okay!), and they are flanked by solid brass drink tables. A free-standing bar cabinet rests near the fireplace for a refreshing cocktail after a day in the sand.

The large sectional is custom made in a performance fabric as well to handle dogs and beach life. The coffee table is made from ground seashells and is called the “Clamshell Lava Table” by Palacek. It is cast in a polymeric plaster with crushed up shells on the top, giving it a lustrous shimmer to the finish.

Upstairs, the loft is adjacent to the client’s open office area and is a wonderful place to sit and watch the sea life swim by. We placed a large sectional with a limestone coffee table so she can put her feet up and relax without having to worry about scratching a table or leaving water marks on her table.

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The upstairs guest rooms are darling with twin end-to-end built-in beds in one room, and a queen bed in the other. The themes are timeless, with custom-made art and oars hanging on the wall with a gentle nod to the sea without overwhelming the space with nick knacks and shells in glass vases, typically seen in a beach motif.

There is a sitting area in the second bedroom with ottoman and floor lamp for private guest lounging, and a coffee bar in the hall outside that room for easy access from the office for a quick pick-me-up while working, or for guests.

Our team at Broadway Design was truly blessed to be a part of this special home.

Deann Hammer is the owner of Broadway Design, a boutique interior design firm in Gig Harbor. She and her team craft spaces that are tailored to each client’s personality and lifestyle, while mindful of their budget, creating a perfect harmony between aesthetics and function.

BroadwayDesign.net

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Trending SUPPORTING OUR

VETERANS Local organizations that honor and support those who fought for our freedoms

By Taylor Shillam

A

s we rejoice Independence Day, many will take extra care to recognize our veterans, those who fought for our independence and the freedoms we celebrate. This month, we can show our support alongside the local organizations dedicated to preserving our veterans’ connections to the community and overall quality of life.

Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation Dedicated to providing hope and healing to those who served in the military, Gig Harbor’s Permission to Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation focuses on enhancing the mind, body and spirits of veterans and their families. Serving veterans and first responders throughout the Pacific Northwest, they strive to provide effective, long-term solutions for growth and overcoming post-traumatic stress.

Born out of Leslie Mayne’s grief from losing her son Kyle to an overdose following treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress, the organization serves to honor Kyle’s memory and service as an army veteran. The foundation seeks better outcomes for veterans of today and the future through bringing hope, peace and healing from the past.

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“A place for growing food, community, and each other,” the Growing Veterans Nonprofit Farm was established in 2012 and seeks to break down the feeling of isolation experienced by so many veterans.

“We believe they should be provided the very best programs that help restore their lives and overcome the trauma they face while serving their country and communities,” the organization states.

They offer strength-based programs including post-traumatic growth workshops and retreat, designed to help every veteran, first responder and family member live a fulfilled life.

The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation holds monthly meetings to provide an inclusive environment that fosters connection through sharing of experiences and working through trauma. The facilitated huddles are designed to cultivate a positive growth mindset while building community. They meet for an informal dinner on the last Wednesday every month in Gig Harbor, with plans to expand and reach more locations.

They offer several annual events, including Race for a Soldier, and Pull for a Soldier, a competitive trap shoot event in partnership with the Gig Harbor Sportsman Club. Community members interested in signing up to run, compete, or volunteer with the organization can visit PTSDFoundation.org.

Growing Veterans “A place for growing food, community, and each other,” the Growing Veterans Nonprofit Farm was established in 2012 and seeks to break down the feeling of isolation experienced by so many veterans.

Founded by a combat-wounded USMC veteran and mental health counselor turned farmer, Growing Veterans uses organic farming

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as a catalyst for making an impact on the health of veterans around the region and around the world. Their holistic approach is grounded in camaraderie, authentic connections and enhancing mental health through time in nature.

The food growth comes from an organic farm located in Lynden, Washington, and an outpost farm on Greenback Whidbey Island, hosting volunteers three days a week and donating a majority of the food grown to the Bellingham Food Bank and North Whidbey Help House. Their organic hops, peppers, summer vegetables and more can be sold at wholesale prices for other businesses, garnering further support for their mission.

Volunteers on the farm receive “Dirt Therapy,” based on the belief that feeling soil on your hands while hearing a friendly voice delivers a positive experience. The farms also deliver Peer Support Training to staff members and interns, where they are taught how to be a support system to the veterans they serve.

The organization’s community growth occurs through building connections for veterans. Working in partnership with other local businesses, groups and individuals throughout the region, Growing Veterans seeks to strengthen the bridge between veteran and civilian communities with outreach events, farm tours, collaborations and volunteer days.

Growing Veterans takes pride in the variety of veterans and civilians alike who come together on the farm, “to simply be with one another, share stories, laugh, and interact in a way that is centered

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on growing things with our hands rather than destroying.”

To get connected or get involved, visit GrowingVeterans.org.

and encouraging private, yet open, discussions to talk through their experiences.

VFW 1263

The VFW 1263 offers a long list of benefits and services for veterans, including health-care benefits, long-term care, and family support. Because their ultimate goal is to keep veterans from feeling alone and to help those who are struggling, the VFW maintains a veteran crisis hotline available through phone, text and online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. More information on Post 1263 and its resources can be found at VFW1263.org.

Located in Renton, the VFW Post 1263 is a center for military and veteran outreach that supports service members from active duty, through discharge and after their return.

They welcome both veterans and active service members to take part in their programs, available resources and veteran outreach, especially aiming to provide continued support and community for veterans suffering from PTSD. “There has never been a more important time to take a stand and do something to support our veterans,” the organization states in their mission to fight against the number of veterans lost to suicide.

Part of their veteran outreach program includes their “BuddyBuddy” program, connecting veterans through shared trauma

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Many of the veterans who have fought for our freedoms don’t stop fighting after they return home. The organizations that honor and serve our veterans recognize the weight of their service and aim to give back through values rooted in community and inclusion.

On this month’s holiday and beyond, veterans can be celebrated through these local organizations offering opportunities and support for those who sacrificed so much in the fight for our country’s freedom.

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Tacoma Focus

CHENEY STADIUM WELCOME BACK TO THE STADIUM

BY RACHEL KELLY

I

t’s time to step back into the limelight with Cheney Stadium. In person. Live. The smell of wet grass and fried food. The roar of the crowd. The crack of the bat as it echoes through the park. Cheney Stadium, we’ve missed you! Last year on July 3, the stadium made its support and presence known by firing off July fireworks for our community. Since they were the only fireworks last year, it was a gift seen and felt. With our community laid out on the grass, distanced but together, each burst of light was a beacon of hope. It reminded us of what we had to look forward to. This summer we’ve been invited back, and we won’t have to watch from the sidelines. With a spectacular lineup, fireworks every Friday, promotions, and theme nights tailored to our community, it’s time to get back in the action.

As of June, the Tacoma Rainiers made all 48 remaining home game tickets available for purchase. If that alone is not enough to get you into the stadium, there’s also a variety of promotional nights. Thirsty Thursday at the R Bar is serving $3 Michelob ULTRA cans. The party in the bar continues over the weekend with discounts on cocktails on Friday, $5 Seltzer Saturday, and $5 Rosé on Sunday. For fans of all ages, families can snag the Chick-Fil-A “Bring the Herd” promotion. Forty-four dollars gets you all fours: four reserved tickets, four Chick-Fil-A sandwich vouchers, four ball-park meals, and four exclusive Rainier hats. Also, as of July 5, the stadium will be hosting BECU’s Monday Mondays. Fifteen dollars gets you a signature Rainiers hat, a reserved ticket and a ballpark meal. If you flash your BECU debit card in the Team Store, you receive 10 percent off your purchase. The best promotion, however, has got to be the Friday night game fireworks, reserved for home games. If a promotional night falls on a Friday, what’s not to love? There really is no downside here, fun for families and fun for friends, all in one complete affordable package.

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www.norpoint.com 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 23

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Along with the regular promotions that are happening week to week, there are also theme nights. R Tacoma is playing host to one-of-a-kind nights meant to honor the value of our local businesses, the diversity of our people, and the beauty of our service to each other. Four nights this year, the Rainiers will play as La Familia de Tacoma, as part of Copa de La Diversion to celebrate Latin culture. Every “Copa” game, fans will enjoy Latin-inspired music, food, entertainment, and specialized gear in the Team Store. Proceeds will benefit our local Centro Latino. In August is Tacoma Public Utilities Night. $20 buys a package that includes a T-shirt, ballpark meal and a reserved ticket; $5 of each package purchased goes to local charity. Also in August is the R Back to School Day Game, First Responders Night, and Pink at the Park. The back-to-school game is held on a Sunday afternoon, so as not to keep the kiddos up on a school night. First Responders are honored on First Responders Night, and The Pink at the Park game is a partnership with Carol Milgard Breast R TACOMA IS PLAYING Cancer. During Pink at the Park, Tacoma HOST TO ONE-OF-A-KIND Rainiers will be wearing NIGHTS MEANT TO HONOR one-of-a-kind pink jerseys, which will be THE VALUE OF OUR LOCAL auctioned off live-field after the game. Proceeds will be donated for BUSINESSES, THE DIVERSITY cancer awareness and OF OUR PEOPLE, AND THE research. In September, R Tacoma has two BEAUTY OF OUR SERVICE nights dedicated to our local students and TO EACH OTHER. alumni. On September 10, Cheney Stadium is calling all Huskies to Paint the Park Purple, and on September 11 the Washington State Cougars are to Color Cheney Crimson. After the game on both nights there will be live auctions of themed jerseys, benefiting scholarships for UW Tacoma students and the WSU Alumni Association respectively.

New to this season in July, Cheney Stadium is hosting “Aces in the Outfield,” presented by the Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel. Each fan who enters the park on that day will receive a playing card displaying a traditional card suit. Prizes are then offered to the lucky fans whose card coincides with the play at hand—which means every inning, pitch, swing and play corresponds to a prize. The grand prize winner will receive a weekend getaway to Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel, along with Rainier swag and Summit Club tickets. Win or lose, it’s a gamble worth taking!

As we gradually move toward a completely open summer, Cheney Stadium has your safety in mind. All vaccinated fans will enjoy an unsocially distanced reserved seat, with more tickets available for purchase.

Non-vaccinated fans will receive extra space with their reservation and will be required to wear a mask. Regardless of your status on vaccinations, the stadium wants to make space for you and your peace of mind. Food will be served in individual packaging, and all food service employees will be required to double mask. Hand-washing stations and sanitizer will be available. The seating and service is looking a little different, but the game is the same. Thankfully, that doesn’t change.

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If there ever was a year to be taken out to the ball game, this is it. Who would have known that packing yourself in a stadium like so many sardines would be something to miss?

But it was missed. It’s not just the hot dogs or local brews.

It hasn’t just been the excitement, the screams of the fans, or the flash of the stadium lights. It’s more than that. It’s the opportunity to get out. To jostle a stranger without that stab or fear, or stress of repercussion. To just feel normal. And what’s more normal than a ball game?

Welcome back to We R Tacoma. It’s gonna be a blast.

For more information on safety details, and on specific promotions (like dates and times), there’s more to see online.

All the information on Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@Rainiersland), Instagram (@twcomarainiers) or Facebook.

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Q&A

DEAN

BURKE

PRESIDENT AND CEO TRAVEL TACOMA – MT. RAINIER

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

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“MY OWN EXPERIENCES ARE A TESTAMENT OF THE EFFORTS OF THOSE BEFORE ME. SO, I MOVE AROUND A LOT, HELPING IN AS MANY PLACES AS I CAN.”

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Q. You are an avid paddleboarder and had a close encounter with a pod of orcas. Was that a lifechanging moment for you?

A. I’ve had many close encounters with orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins and more. When you spend enough time on the water, it’s going to happen, especially in an eco-system like the Salish Sea. Naturally, it has a pretty profound impact on you. I’ve been alone many times, far from shore with no one in sight, and had whales approach me.

It’s a very personal experience. Anyone who’s been around whales will tell you, the encounters where you and the whale exchange looking one another in the eye … that’s the stuff that re-wires you on the inside.

And while those encounters by themselves have a fantastic and whimsical appeal to them, the importance of telling them is the why. For a natural whale encounter to happen, you first have to have clean access to the sea. And sometimes people lose sight of the fact that for almost a century, there was almost no access to the sea via Tacoma’s main shoreline. When people around here wanted to seek those experiences, they loaded up and drove elsewhere to have it.

W

hen Dean Burke was 4 years old, he saw a family friend’s vacation photos of Oregon and Washington. He couldn’t believe such a beautiful place existed, and it became a goal of his to live in the Pacific Northwest.

He achieved that goal and has now lived in Tacoma for 26 years with his wife, and his two sons were born in the area. For someone with such a love for the area, his position as president and CEO of Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier is a perfect fit.

Through the ‘70s and ‘80s, the Ruston Way and Foss Waterway shoreline of Tacoma had seen a shift in its economy, and in its wake, had left a toxic legacy.

Tacoma had the first EPA Superfund water site in the U.S. and then went on to claim eight Superfund water sites in Commencement Bay in total. Today, that number is back down to just one (on the Hylebos Waterway). And thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, today we have almost 9 miles of accessible shoreline with some 11 locations of access; five of those with walk-in access. For someone like me, that unlocked the potential for big wild experiences to happen. I don’t want to lose sight of those efforts it took to get here.

Q. What is it like to give a TED talk? Do you get to choose your topic?

A. TED was a really great experience. It opened a lot of doors to talk in front of some amazing audiences. I also spoke on THE WILD podcast

by KUOW/ NPR at McCaw Hall in Seattle in 2019, and a dozen other podcasts and outlets.

When TEDx team first approached me, the ask was simple: “Tell us something about Tacoma we might know, but probably forgot.” And they left it at that. I knew I wanted to tell the story of our shoreline transformation, and the idea that because of shoreline access, an everyday guy like me could have a massive life-altering experience with orcas in the wild seemed like a good fit.

Q. You describe your travel style as off-grid and at-sea. Can you have any of those types of experiences in Tacoma?

A. People invest a lot of time and money to find places where they put a little distance between themselves and the next person in the outdoors.

Having access to the Salish Sea and the waters of the southern Puget Sound sector grants access to a lot of space. It’s also 600-feet deep in the bay. The weather can get real. Whales happen. So yes, you can find yourself having some pretty big experiences while still in view of an urban skyline.

Tacoma also serves as the launching point for an epic race called the SEVENTY48. It’s a humanpowered only (no motors, no sails and no support) race from Tacoma to Port Townsend; 70 miles and you have 48 hours to complete it. SEVENTY48 is an experience that draws competitors from all over the world. So yes, you can definitely have those kinds of experiences here.

Q. What community causes or nonprofits are your passion?

A. My philanthropic and volunteer efforts mostly point toward human-powered access on shorelines.

Clean access where a person can carry their canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or just walk in for a swim.

When you create that access, lives change. My own experiences are a testament of the efforts of those before me. So, I move around a lot, helping in as many places as I can. I give time to a lot of parks boards, paddle or rowing clubs, nonprofit water events. I give talks and slide shows to students from grade school all the way up to University of Washington.

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raditionally, July marks the month when Asia Pacific Cultural Center celebrates the heritage of the Samoan people. This year’s weeklong celebration will draw on some old traditions and some new ones using in-person events that will be broadcast on APCC’s Facebook page.

Beginning on Sunday, July 25, the 11th Annual Samoa Cultural Week’s theme is Tatou Galulue Faatasi—Let’s Work Together—which will continue throughout the week and conclude on Saturday, July 31. The week will be filled with presentations on Samoan culture and include topics on spiritual guidance, self-improvement, Samoan entertainment and fashion and, of course, food.

When asked about the importance of Samoan Cultural Week, High Chief Leota passionately spoke about the strength of family. “We start with family first,” he said. “By bringing together all the youth to teach the same way of life, the Samoan way of life, they learn to respect each other, honor their parents, and make their education a priority,” HC Leota added.

One session during the week, led by local Samoan leader Lydia Faitalia, is focused on empowering youth. With University of Washington student participants, Faitalia will facilitate conversations to educate people about the varied and plentiful academic resources available to students. The session is designed to enrich the lives of the youth and promote a broad education platform.

Enriching the lives of their Samoan community is vital for many in local leadership roles. According to Faitalia, “In many ways, this Samoan Cultural Celebration is a gathering of our village. It is an intergenerational celebration used as teaching moments for our elders to hand down cultural values to our next generation.”

The building blocks of the Samoan culture is spirituality and a deep belief in God. “Our culture reminds us to be good human beings,

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and it helps us make connections to other cultures. It is healing, and it is renewing,” added Faitalia.

Samoa is a group of islands, located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand just south of the equator, with two political systems. American Samoa is under the political arm of the United States, while there is the independent nation of Samoa with a Commonwealth membership that is made up of the two larger Samoan islands.

“Back home in Samoa, celebrations are expected,” said Isaia Vimoto, another local Samoan leader, when asked about the importance of the annual Samoan celebration.

“Now that we are away from our Mother Land, it helps us maintain our culture, and it brings our people together.” And then he added, “It is especially important for those born outside of the islands to make that connection when our community is brought together.”

The week of events is open to the entire community, not just Samoans. It allows people of all backgrounds to learn what Samoans are about and understand what their culture brings to the community. The expansion of events to span across an entire week provides even more accessibility and shows how the various cultures and generations can continue to work together.

All events can be attended in person or watched on APCC’s Facebook Live page, except Tuesday’s presentation, which is virtual only. Fun door prizes will be awarded throughout the week.

To learn more about the lineup of events and presentations featured during the 11th Annual Samoa Cultural Week - Tatou Galulue Faatasi, please visit the APCC Facebook Page at Facebook.com/AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.

Asia Pacific Cultural Center is a not-for-profit formed in 1996 with the mission to bridge communities and generations through art, culture, education and business. It serves as an interactive cultural crossroads between local and international communities. For more information about APCC, visit their website at APCC96.org.

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Health N O N - I N VA S I V E B O DY C O N TO U R I N G Tired of crunches and squats? New science delivers body sculpting without the gym

BY BRI WILLIAMS, RN, BSN

I

f hours at the gym and a restrictive diet have left you with sub-optimal results, you may want to consider EmSculpt Neo, a non-invasive device that delivers results equivalent to a 16-week workout program, all in just four short weeks.

EmSculpt Neo launched in fall 2020 and is a next-generation, FDAcleared device that combines enhanced HIFEM (high-intensity electromagnetic field) technology with radiofrequency (RF) energy in the form of heat to burn fat more effectively and build muscle.

This results in more fat reduction and muscle growth, with clinical studies showing a 30 percent reduction in fat and 25 percent increase in muscle in the treated area. Below we break down frequently asked questions and all the details on the cutting-edge treatment.

What areas can EmSculpt Neo treat?

This nonsurgical treatment can tighten, tone and strengthen the large muscle groups of the abdomen and buttocks, as well as smaller muscle groups such as the calved, biceps and triceps.

How many EmSculpt Neo sessions are required to see results?

Four 30-minute treatments one week apart are recommended.

The reduction in fat is permanent if your weight stays within 20 pounds of your treatment weight. A maintenance treatment is recommended every six months to maintain your muscle growth.

You will begin to see results after your first treatment and continue to see improvement up to three months after your fourth treatment.

Is there any downtime with EmSculpt Neo? EmSculpt Neo is a non-invasive procedure that requires no recovery time or any pre-treatment preparation. During your treatment,

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a light tapping motion is done to release the lactic acid from the muscle, which results in less soreness than you would experience after a hard day at the gym.

What does EmSculpt Neo feel like?

The treatment feels like an intense workout with a warming sensation in the treated area. You can lay down and relax during the treatment.

How much does Emsculpt Neo cost?

The cost of EmSculpt Neo varies from region and practice location.

According to Real Self, an online directory for cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery, a series of four treatments averages $3,050.

Who is a good candidate for Emsculpt Neo? Clients with a BMI up to 35—higher than most other nonsurgical body contouring treatment options—are good candidates. It is recommended that you schedule a consultation with your aesthetic provider to assess your goals and whether EmSculpt is right for you.

Contraindications to EmSculpt Neo include metal or electronic implants in the treatment area, cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted neurostimulators, drug pumps, malignant tumors, epilepsy or hemorrhagic conditions. Results are improved when combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes aerobic exercise and a balanced diet that is limited in refined sugars and processed foods.

To learn more about the world’s only FDA-approved fat-reducing and muscle-building treatment, visit BodybyBTL.com/emsculptneo or schedule an appointment with your aesthetic provider.

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Health C R E AT E A M A Z I N G , H E A LT H Y H A B I T S It’s as easy as these three simple steps!

BY MISSI BALISON

T

he beauty of summertime is that our schedules can relax a bit! With longer days we can be rejuvenated with more daylight time to do the things we love (hiking, boating, gardening). But, there can be one drawback to this relaxed lifestyle: People tend to let their good habits slip a bit.

before bed (you go to bed every day); squats every time you brush your teeth; posture check every time your phone rings or a text comes in (whatever happens often throughout your day).

Today I am going to teach you the simple steps that go into creating good habits so you can implement them this summer and not lose ground on bettering your health! Here are the three simple (and scientific) steps to creating a solid new habit!

This part is actually the most important step of creating a new habit—so do not skip it! Every time you perform the mini step, I want you to “celebrate” your accomplishment with a little reward (not ice cream sundaes). Give yourself a fist bump, a happy dance, and air high five … whatever makes you feel happy!

Step 1: Break that habit down into a smaller step.

If drinking more water is a habit you want to maintain this summer, try breaking it down into a manageable size. For example, drinking a gallon of water can be a daunting task, but when you break the day into four sections (6 to 9am, 9am to noon, noon to 3pm, 3 to 6pm) and commit to drinking just 32 ounces every three hours, that task becomes more “doable.” Better yet, if you break that down into an hourly goal of 10 to 11 ounces every hour ... this you can do!

Step 2: Create a “trigger” for these mini steps.

Step 3: Reward yourself!

Something magical happens when you reward yourself for completing the habit. The magic is called dopamine! Dopamine is a powerful brain chemical that is produced when you do something that is exciting. Your brain loves dopamine and will want to do that “thing” again and again. Celebrating the completion of the mini step will make your brain excited for that next fist bump when your alarm goes off and you chug down that water.

Soon these mini steps, triggers and dopamine hits will culminate into amazing, lasting healthy habits!

It is key to create a trigger to remind you to do the task. Make sure the trigger is something that happens consistently without fail so there is no opportunity to forget. When your brain connects the good habit to a trigger, it will become an automatic response—and creating a new habit has just become that much easier. Basically, this takes the brain work out of the equation and serves as an automatic reminder.

Apply these steps to anything that you are either trying to create or a habit that you want to make sure you don’t slip up on throughout the dog days of summer.

If you have a mini goal to drink 10 ounces of water every hour, simply set an alarm on your phone to remind you it’s time to take a swig (or 10). Other trigger examples can include: 10 pushups

Missi Balison is a personal trainer, exercise physiologist and Certified Precision Nutrition coach.

If you want to dive in a little deeper, some of my favorite books about habits are: Atomic Habits by James Clear, Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins.

These mini steps, triggers and dopamine hits will culminate into amazing, lasting healthy habits!

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SELLING HOMES. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. Gig Harbor’s real estate experts

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

“E

stablished in 2008, Joe Sanchez & Associates of Coldwell Banker Bain have been providing high-quality, teamoriented representation for residential buyers and sellers in Gig Harbor. Specializing in waterfront, view and luxury properties, it is “the heart, integrity and dedication” of their team that is the core of their success.

Joe Sanchez, Broker, is joined by his associates Lynn MacGougan, Managing Broker; Dena Skodinski, Closing Broker; Dennis Quinn, Marketing Broker; and Lisa Veitenhans, Broker.

Specializing in negotiations, marketing and transaction management, Joe Sanchez & Associates sets itself apart from other teams in the area through four core standards: Structure: All team members are licensed Realtors, and the business is jointly owned by its team members.

Relationships: They believe it is the relationships with their clients and other real estate Brokers that are the key to repeat business and long-term success.

Shared Values: Since day one, the team has remained committed to a common value—that their job is to help clients meet their goals. Everything they do is guided by that focus and has formed the foundation for their success.

Consistency: At Joe Sanchez & Associates, they give every client quality service and great representation, regardless of their transaction price point.

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“It is rewarding when a buyer loves their house.

A home is a basic need; it is at the very core of their existence,” says Joe. “Their home is a reflection of them as an individual, a family and as members of the community. When we help them buy a home they love, we have impacted them deeply.”

Joe, Lynn, Dena, Dennis and Lisa have all called Gig Harbor home for more than two decades, each drawn by the same thing that continues to bring people to Gig Harbor: the beauty, family or employment.

“The people of Gig Harbor are diverse personally and professionally,” states Dena. “They have varied interests and backgrounds, yet the sense of community is strong. Our work as Brokers is a great way to meet so many fantastic people.”

If you are looking for a team of professionals to guide you in your home buying or selling process, Joe Sanchez & Associates will ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish.

JOE SANCHEZ & ASSOCIATES OF COLDWELL BANKER BAIN 253.853.2263 WATERFRONTGIGHARBOR.COM

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KEEPING OUR WATERWAYS

CLEAN

SMALL ACTIONS SEE BIG SOLUTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO OUR WATERWAYS

BY RACHEL KELLY

W

e live on the beach. Sand, water, sunbathing, picnics and boating ... we’ve got it all. Every summer, or sometimes all year round, there’s a rush to the waterways. The boats, jet skis and kayaks all come out to play. Which is something wonderful! Living where we live, it’s a privilege. As locals, we get to enjoy the beauty of living in the pristine Pacific Northwest all year. It’s a well-kept secret (or is it?) that we live in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. But with the pristine waters, the open space and the snow-capped mountain ranges comes a certain weight of responsibility.

Sometimes even frustration.

In between the threats and general disappointment, there’s actually a lot of ideas. Should we up the ante on punishments for litter? But then, who would enforce it?

Maybe there should be a special litter police. Or, maybe we can be more proactive in speaking out when we see someone littering. But then ... there are just so many people. Can we really be in every park, by every waterway, to point our fingers at the litter bugs? Some people are just all for giving up. It’s destroyed, might as well stop trying!

Ultimately, all this negativity doesn’t bring about solutions.

Finger-pointing feels good, but it doesn’t pick up trash. “If you love something, you take care of it,” says Weston.

“Where there’s people, there’s trash,” says Weston Cedarblom of Coeur D’Love, a conservation organization founded to help keep trash out of our waters. That’s the reality of living by major waterways: It’s the place to be.

Locals and visitors alike come to appreciate the beauty.

However, during the rush, often it’s the locals who are stuck with the backend of the pollution. It’s no wonder that we rate preservation to be of high importance around here. Pollution always ends up in the water, and here with our rivers, lakes and oceans, we can see it. It’s a shame to see something so lovely go to waste.

When it comes to the trash that often comes along with the summer season, the solution is simple. What you take in you pack out! While you’re at it, pick up a little extra. When it comes to the health of our towns, cities and waterways, there’s no time to play the blame game. We’re all in this together for the sake of what’s ours.

Comments in response to seeing trash in our waterways on social media include lots of negativity (go figure).

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And that’s just it, isn’t it? This place is ours. At the end of the day, we love where we live. It’s up to us to take care of it, a euphemism that’s easier said than done. It might seem complicated, but Weston boils it down to two common commodities: time and money. If you don’t have money, then give your time. And if you don’t have time, give your money. There are plenty of products out there whose

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profits go toward conservation. Coeur D’Love is just one such organization that sells products, as well as actively encouraging community participation.

Giving one of two basic commodities is simple enough—and something that most people can get behind.

The decisions that we make today don’t just encompass us. Today’s pollution is greater than our generation. Keeping our waterways clear ensures clean drinking water, fishing and recreation for future generations. Water is life. Without it, where would we be? To clean it up we need a game plan. This is why research-backed information to support keeping our watershed pure is so important. Research confirms a solid direction for preservation efforts, fuels advocacy, and highlights specific opportunities for community involvement.

Nonprofits like the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper provide that research, and are, not surprisingly, greatly reliant on their volunteers. Other city organizations, like the Tacoma Center for Urban Waters, also rely heavily on community support to keep our waterways clean. Just as water is connected, and knows no boundaries, so must our connections reach across barriers to ensure its preservation.

The connection between waterways is also illustrative of its greater connection to all life. Water makes up 70 percent of the Earth’s surface for good reason; through it we are all connected. In fact, we can often determine the general health of our waterways by keeping tabs on the local wildlife. The suffering of wildlife is often a precursor to what we have to look forward to. If the wildlife is healthy, we have a future of health to look forward to, and vice versa. In the Puget Sound, salmon has steadily been declining at an ever-increasing rate. Salmon is a keystone species, which is another way of saying that it is an essential part of our ecosystem. All manner of life depends on the health of the coho salmon. Orca, birds of prey, bears and seals eat salmon. In turn, a vast number of other species suffer if those predators decline. And on and on and so forth. Without salmon, the whole of the land, and all the species living in it, die or suffer. This is why the decline of salmon is so alarming.

Water is life. Without it, where would we be?

To clean it up we need a game plan. This is why research-backed information to support keeping our watershed pure is so important.

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Researchers from the Center for Urban Waters, the University of Washington, and the Washington State University published in 2020’s Science magazine an unlikely culprit for the death of our salmon: car tires. Vehicle tires shed tiny particles of rubber, which get washed down the storm drains in the rain.

Specifically, chemicals within the “dust” from the tires are causing harm to our waterways. These chemicals are, understandably, more present in major urban areas with more roadways. It’s the rubber and the chemicals from the tires that ultimately kill the Coho Salmon. Since many of Washington’s largest cities are on waterways, understanding the ins and outs of stormwater pollution is especially important.

This ground-breaking research was only just published in 2020, but the idea of preventing pollution through the protection of our drains is not.

“Prevention of stormwater pollution applies equally to all cities, regardless of whether they have a separated sewer and storm water system,” says Sarah Norber, an environmental specialist for the Center for Urban Waters. It’s not widely known that car tires specifically are a key part in stormwater pollution, but it is widely known that cars are major pollutants. In light of new and old research, using public forms of transport can go a long way in preserving our waterways.

Other ways to preserve our waterways include riding bikes, fixing car leaks, using commercial car washes, limiting the use of pesticides and practicing the proper disposal of chemicals. All roads lead to water, and all drains eventually end up in our oceans.

When we analyze the challenges facing our waterways, the problem can seem too overwhelming to solve. It’s a difficult prospect to take on the responsibility for our actions, as well as those of others. Anger takes precedence over that of service. The temptation to throw in the towel and move on is understandable.

But we can find encouragement in our successes.

What we do does matter, and what we’re doing together will work. Thea Foss Waterway is just one such example.

Located in Tacoma, Washington, the once thriving Thea Foss Waterway was characterized in the 1980s by oil sheen, tar deposits and dilapidated buildings.

The people and wildlife in the area were laboring under the consequences of over a century of environmentally insensitive practices. There was even a resurgence of the Black Plague in the area in the late 1970s. Though that particular example is interesting, it may be partially unrelated. Regardless, it does highlight just how bad things had gotten. So bad that in 1983, the Environmental Protection Agency identified the waterway to be a part of the larger Commencement Bay Superfund site. This means that Thea Foss Waterway was one of the most polluted places in the nation. The kind of contamination that Tacoma, and Washington as a whole, was tasked with

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cleaning up was staggering. As a major waterway connected to the ocean, this pollution was especially distressing. What’s more, the pollution was generational. Having spanned over a century, it seemed like things would continue to go along as they always had. If it were not for a deep respect and longing for something better, things would have gone along as they always had.

However, in 1994, the city came together to aggressively clean up the waterway. This involved hundreds of soil samples to identify exactly where the contamination was coming from and resulted in the addition of several new shoreline habitats. The city, businesses, grantees and community members from all over gave their time and money, a total of $105 million in funds. Keeping the storm water drains clear of contaminants was an especially important community effort that required very little money or time, and yet has resulted in big positive outcomes. Over a decade ago, in 2006, the cleanup was completed. It is the reason that locals can play, live and work safely by the waterway today. Wildlife to the once desolate area has returned. Since 2006, efforts have been focused on capping off other sources of pollution and keeping the waterway clean. It has absolutely paid off. Later this year, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to remove the waterway from its list of Superfund sites. It’s an understatement to say that the city is heaving a collective sigh of relief. The people, and the land, are at rest.

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IT’S TRUE THAT ONE PERSON CAN’T FIX THE LARGER PROBLEM OF POLLUTION, BUT A LOT OF US CAN. THE TRUTH IS THAT WE’RE EVERYDAY PEOPLE, WITH EVERYDAY GOALS. A little bit goes a long way when we’re talking about the whole of our community. It’s true that one person can’t fix the larger problem of pollution, but a lot of us can. The truth is that we’re everyday people, with everyday goals. We just want the opportunity to jump in the water when it’s hot, raise our kids someplace where they can enjoy the outdoors, and grow old in peace. Big projects take big people, who have big connections, with big organizations, and big pockets. But those organizations, our home, is made up of us. Nothing will move, and nothing can change, if we’re not emboldened to do so. Taking responsibility for what we put down the drain is just one example of a small everyday act that makes significant changes to wildlife, neighborhoods, and the health of thousands of people.

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As a whole, we are individuals with limited means. Our acts of heroism are confined to the every day. The little acts, like picking up trash that we didn’t throw, or taking the bus, are acts of significance. The pride that we take in our waterways impacts the lives of those who live and breathe in our environment. The way that you personally approach the world affects the larger picture.

When it comes to water, our decisions flow out to bigger and bigger places. The overall problem may seem overwhelming, but the solution is straightforward. If you see it, pick it up. If you drink it, keep it clean. It’s a mindset that, if it catches on, makes a big difference. But, it starts with you. It starts with us. When it comes to our waterways, we’re all connected.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING

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July 2021

Join the ride. Make a difference.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 Registration is now open!

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BREW FIVE THREE TO-GO A TOAST TO THE ARTS IN TACOMA

By Colin Anderson

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s local musicians, dancers, directors and choreographers continue to get back to their pre-pandemic routines, fans of the arts are eagerly awaiting the live performances they’ve come to love. Putting on a full-scale show or performance takes plenty of rehearsal time, which is why the live show schedule is beginning to fill up this fall and winter.

The arts were one of the hardest hit industries during the peak of the pandemic, and it will take renewed support and appreciation to keep the Tacoma arts scene thriving and alive once more. One way to help out is through a monetary donation that, as an added bonus, comes with a few delicious beverages.

Tacoma Arts Live is putting on a beer tasting event which benefits the artists and venues the organization promotes. Brew Five Three To-Go will take place on Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll be rewarded with a selection of local or regional craft beers to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. There are several packages available depending on what you’d like to try: • The 253 Kit - Features eight cans/bottles of brews created in the 253 • Sweet Gritty City Kit - Features eight cans/bottles of ciders and seltzers • NEW! The Bold & The Beautiful - Features eight cans/bottles of bold IPAs and beautiful sours • The Sasquatch Route Kit - Features 12 cans/bottles of unique Pacific Northwest brews The Sasquatch Route Kit is $100, while the other three options are each $50. No matter which you choose, your kit comes with a commemorative pint glass as well as some other fun goodies. Also included with your ticket is a Zoom invite to a tasting with a cicerone (the sommelier of beer!) and a Q&A session with the brewers at Wet Coast Brewing. To purchase your tickets and for pickup times and locations, visit TacomaArtsLive.org.

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FREEDOM FAIR AIR SHOW

6, 13, 20, 27 FOR EVEN TS , VIS IT 253L IFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM.

/ July

ENTERTAINMENT

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With a 50-year tradition of producing the Tacoma Freedom Fair and other great events for the citizens of our region, the Tacoma Freedom Fair will present Wings & Wheels with the Freedom Fair Air Show on the weekend of Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4, 2021. Top Gun military jets and demo teams will be featured performers alongside historical aircraft for spectacular performances all weekend long. Two daily shows will be presented (a morning and afternoon performance) on both days. Air show viewing at Tacoma waterfront is limited, so get your tickets today. It’s as easy as going online to FreedomFair.com.

COMMUNITY FARM DAYS Each week, the community is invited to Franklin Pierce Farm in Tacoma for Community Farm Days. From 1 to 4pm each Tuesday, volunteers come together to help accomplish every part of farm work, from planting seeds in the greenhouse to pulling weeds and washing carrots. There is a job for everyone, so all ages and abilities are welcome.

At the end of each day, everyone is invited to take home fresh produce at the end! Email estrong@fpschools.org with any questions. The produce grown on the 2 acres is given back to the community, grown to share with students and families. Find out more at PierceCD.org.

APCC’S SAMOAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

25-31

This weeklong, intergenerational event will celebrate the heritage of the Samoan people, drawing on some old traditions and some new ones using in-person events that will also be broadcast virtually on Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s Facebook page. The 2021 theme is Tatou Galulue Faatasi—Let’s Work Together—which will continue throughout the week and conclude on Saturday, July 31. The week will be filled with presentations on Samoan culture and include topics on spiritual guidance, self-improvement, Samoan entertainment and fashion, and, of course, food. Find out more online at APCC96.org.

* Please note, as of press time, these events were still scheduled to take place as planned. Due to the current health crisis, there is the possibility that event schedules may change or events canceled completely. Be sure to visit event websites to stay up to date with current information.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE! Want your event to appear on the largest event site in the Northwest?

Submit your events to us online at Events.DirectoryNorthwest.com 24/7, 365 days a year!

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Eat & Drink

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44 NORTH C H E R R Y S PA R K L E R Recipe Courtesy of Tina VanDenHeuvel You can follow Tina @madebetterforyou on Instagram

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup tart cherry juice 1 oz. 44 North Rainier Cherry vodka 1/2 lime juiced 1/2 cup tonic water 5 oz. champagne Fresh cherries for garnish

METHOD: • In a cocktail shaker, pour in the cherry juice, vodka, lime juice and a handful of ice. Pop on the shaker top and shake vigorously for a few seconds.

• Pour into a fluted champagne glass. Top with tonic water and champagne, and gently stir.

• Garnish with fresh cherries.

Yields 1 cocktail

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Travel JAMAICA! SAFELY NAVIGATING A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

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enturing out on an international trip can be a bit intimidating amid the continuing pandemic, with testing requirements and each destination with its own rules. Once I received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and waited the requisite two weeks, I was ready to travel. I chose Jamaica for this trip due to their Controlled Entry Program Protocols. For tourists, the Government of Jamaica has established resilient corridors. You choose an approved accommodation within the corridor and then you can visit COVID-19 approved protocol-compliant attractions within the “Corridor.” There is an extensive set of measures to ensure health safety that approved accommodations and attractions have all received training on. These are a strictly ensured set of protocols and standards. The most important thing to know as a visitor is you must remain in the Resilient Corridor during your stay at your designated accommodation. You may leave your resort to visit any tourist attraction that is certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board to be a COVID-19 Resilient licensed tourist attraction.

Pre-travel Prior to your travels, get familiar with the travel requirements at the official Visit Jamaica website. When I traveled in May, seven days prior to travel you are required to fill out an online travel authorization form, which is instantly approved, and you must print and bring it with you to Jamaica. You must have travel insurance which covers medical expenses. Some resorts include this coverage. You must also have a COVID-19 test done no earlier than 72 hours prior to your flight. There is a calculator on their website to determine when you can take it. It is important to check back frequently as requirements do change. Currently a negative COVID-19 test is required to return to the United States.

When making your travel arrangements, plan how you will get this test. Many resorts offer COVID-19 tests onsite.

Insider Tips: Book Club Mobay. This service has a representative who will greet you at the gate when you arrive in Jamaica and whisk you through expedited lines through security. Well worth the expense, especially if multiple planes arrive. You can also book it for departure, in which you’ll have access to a lounge with food and beverages while waiting for your plane to depart.

Travel

I found the best way to maximize your time in Jamaica is to take a red-eye flight from Seattle arriving at an East Coast hub city such as Atlanta or Miami, and then get on the first flight to Jamaica. With all-inclusive resorts, you pay the

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same rate whether you arrive in the morning or late in the evening. It is better to arrive early so you can enjoy all the meals and activities you paid for. For my trip we splurged on First Class and felt it was well worth it—especially as on both legs of our trip the plane was fully booked. Masks are still required in airports and on the airplane.

Upon arrival in Jamaica, we were met by the Club Mobay representative.

Your temperature will be taken at the first screening point. The Club Mobay representative escorts you through the whole process, even helping with your luggage. Once through security, she escorted us to the Sandals Lounge.

You also have the option to go to the Club Mobay arrival lounge to wait for transportation to the resort you are staying at.

Sandals South Coast I chose Sandals South Coast for our visit because it is located near a nature preserve and is the only hotel on the beach in this area. It is about a 90-minute drive from Montego Bay but well worth the long drive. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt safer to be at a more isolated resort. When selecting a place to stay, make sure your resort offers plenty of amenities—since you will be spending most of your time on the resort. I was familiar with the Sandals Brand, having stayed at other properties before. When they say all-inclusive, it really is! There are nine restaurants, multiple bars, and lots of great activities and a world-class spa. There’s even scuba diving! The only thing you spend money on is shopping, spa treatments and any of the resort excursions.

To make the most of a Sandals’ vacation, spend time on the website and review everything that is included. There are 21 different types of rooms at Sandals 62 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

South Coast within three categories: Luxury, Club and Butler. All categories have access to all the resort has to offer, but some do have more perks. We opted for the new “South Seas Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary” and then fulfilled a bucket list item for me by staying in an “Over the Water Butler Honeymoon Bungalow” for one night. These stay fully booked, and we lucked out with one night being available. Our Rondoval suite was so luxurious. These round cottages sit amidst secluded lush gardens surrounded by a river pool. The deck also had a private plunge pool with a waterfall that was so relaxing. It was so nice when staying on a large resort to have this quiet space to retreat to.

This trip truly was a wonderful escape from all that 2020 threw at us. The tranquil ocean breezes, blue green Caribbean waters and white sandy beaches had my husband and I relaxed in no time. One of the things I love about the Sandals brand is the staff. They are warm and welcoming, providing incredible service. The butler experience was worth the extra expense. From the reserved lounge chairs by the pool or beach with coolers of beverages to being picked up each night and escorted to dinner, I loved being spoiled.

I felt very safe with the health and safety protocols at Sandals. The company provides COVID-19 tests a few days prior to your departure as well as the mandatory travel insurance. Everything was spotlessly clean, the staff all wore masks, and the use of hand sanitizer was required when entering public spaces.

The Over the Water Bungalow Wow! What an incredible experience. This luxury retreat sits at the far end of the resort with a private deck overlooking the sea. The sunset views were

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stunning. Once we checked into this room we didn’t leave until the next morning! The enhanced room service for these exclusive suites even had filet mignon on it. The deck was fully equipped with loungers, an outdoor shower and bathtub, as well as a box full of snorkel gear and lifejackets. Each bungalow also has a beach cabana.

We booked a candlelight dinner, which we had served on the deck while watching the sunset. So romantic and a great way to end our Jamaica getaway to Sandals South Coast.

Insider Tips: There are official Facebook groups for each Sandals resort, and it is a wealth of information from guests who have stayed at the resorts, with Sandals providing moderators to ensure the information is correct. It had been almost 10 years since my last visit to the Caribbean, and I had forgotten how truly relaxing a beach vacation is. It was the perfect antidote to 2020. We booked a visit to Sandals in Barbados for next year. If you reserve at the resort, you receive a 10 to 12 percent discount on your next visit. Sandals also offers military and first responders a 10 percent discount, which can be combined with other discounts.

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