December 2014 Gig Harbor Living Local

DEC

2014

LIVING LOCAL

Season of Miracles Home is Where the Holidays Live Hark the Harbor!

The Two Minute Warning December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 1

SERVING GIG HARBOR

Pharmacy . Full Service Repair . Home Delivery . Exceptional Patient Care

Olympic Pharmacy and Healthcare Services has grown into a leading provider of medical supplies and equipment to the Puget Sound area. Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality products, exceptional customer service and to be an active participant in our patients’ healthcare and well being.

We believe that offering exceptional patient care is a collaborative effort. Our trained and knowledgeable staff understand that every patient is unique and strives to promote a warm and caring environment where our patients feel comfortable.

4700 Pt. Fosdick Drive Northwest Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 (253) 858-9941 . Fax: (253) 851-9942

Because We Care.

2 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

DRIVEN. PROVEN RESULTS. THE

CAROLYN WESTMORELAND

RE/MAX

THE WESTMORELAND REAL ESTATE GROUP

Fine Homes & Luxury Properties

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Chris and I experienced what every person wants when they sell their home, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING! Carolyn has the most professional approach and understanding of the market. Carolyn was flawless in her follow through and on every detail. Carolyn is a true professional and her smile made us feel that everything was as it should be. We can’t express our gratitude or thank her enough; she is a joy to work with!

—Jan and Chris Taylor You wont find a more caring and effective real estate broker to work for you. Carolyn is a true professional, with honesty and integrity at her core. Her marketing plan is incredible and sets her apart from other brokers completely. I recommend her to anyone needing a great broker worth writing about.

- Mary and Dennis Thomas WOW! does not begin to describe this organized, enthusiastic and very charismatic professional!

This was beyond our dream, and way above anyone’s expectations! We have several more deals in the near future that we will let Carolyn sail us through! If you want your real estate transaction to be prompt, prosperous and efficient, use the expert, Carolyn Westmoreland!

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Exceptional Service, Exceptional Company.

Mark Wambold NMLS ID 248580 State Lic. MLO-248580 Direct 253.225.3352 | mwambold@fairwaymc.com www.wamboldhomeloans.com This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or a commitment to lend.

Other limitations may apply. ©2014 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation FIMC NMLS ID#2289 (www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER WA. License Number MLO-248580.

“Carolyn Cares” December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 3

ommunity Community tarts with starts with eighbors neighbors ho care. who care.

That’sThat’s what our made of. of. whattown our istown is made State Farm® has a long heritage helping out of in helping the community. why That’s why State Farm® has a oflong heritage out in theThat’s community.

I’m proud to support my hometown, Gig Harbor.

I’m proud to support my hometown, Gig Harbor.

® Get to a better .

GetState to a better State®.

hman, Agent Kent J Cashman, Agent ll Drive D Drive Suite D 6745Suite Kimball WA Gig 98335 Harbor, WA 98335 1-5116 Bus: 253-851-5116 ashman.com kent@kentcashman.com

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Specializing in helping 2727 Hollycroft Street #360 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 borrowers purchase, refinance or build their home.

NMLS# 487468 & 487467.

Peter & Dawn James

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Come aboard the ACCORD for a

Luxury Experience

DECEMBER 2014

WWW.GOGIGHARBOR.COM MARKETING EXECUTIVE Julie Reed 253.273.8524 julie@gogigharbor.com

MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Polyakov sarah@gogigharbor.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

e Inquir

for Charte r&E vent details 253.370.6

658 • west shaw@aol.com

Whitney Lebsock Jessica Herbig

ACCOUNTING Kim Russo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Steve Russo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY John Towey www.johntowey.weebly.com

Watch the Lighted Boat Parade in Style December 13, 2014 Aboard the Accord’s 93 Ft. Yacht. The Accord will provide wine and Hors d’oeuvres.

5pm Space is limited $60 per person Call for reservations

Houseboats also available for a unique overnight experience

253.549.6639

8 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by www.like-media.com.

If you would like to advertise with us please call 253.273.8524 or email info@like-media.com.

To submit articles, photos, nomimations and events, email us at events@like-media.com.

Living Local Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest; Gig Harbor, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum and the Spokane Valley. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Living Local Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Living Local Magazine is produced and published

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Contents

2014 www.forzacoffeecompany.com

5275 Olympic Drive NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.858.8033

Visit our other FORZA Locations in University Place (Bridgeport & 27th or Bridgeport & Cirque), Pearl Street, Dupont and Lacey.

UPCOMING LIVE EVENTS:7-9pm

17

Family focus, tips and latest trends.

Ladies Night Every Thursday

23

Ladies Night BUNCO Thursday, December 18th!

Cost is $10 ea / please prepay at Gig harbor FORZA

HomeandEssentials

14

LifeandCommunity

Local organizations and community events for the whole family.

28

Gig HarborinFocus

All the latest happenings.

Read about your local businesses, events and more.

42

Trivia Every Wednesday

December 12th Tom Bailey & Luke Stanton December 13th Rick G. & Ike Sutton December 18th Ladies Night BUNCO! 6-8pm December 19th Shy Boys (Until 10pm) December 20th Shy Boys (Until 10pm) Wear Your Ugly Sweater!

December 27th Driving Sideways

47

ShopinStyle

Local boutiques, unique products and rare finds.

53

HealthandLifestyle

Healthy tips for a healthy you.

59

65

Food&Dining

The area’s best local eats, hidden gems and satisfying treats.

December Drinks of the Month Eggnog Latte & Peppermint Mocha December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 9

NOTE

Publisher’s The Season of Hope.

WITH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON upon us, we celebrate the promise of hope and new beginnings. It is a time to share joy, spread peace and a time where we all look forward to spending time with loved ones, friends and community.

At Gig Harbor Living Local, we are grateful for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us in the past year. We have been blessed to share with the community the wonderful things that are happening here and are appreciative of the support of residents, businesses and organizations with whom we have built a relationship.

Where children can explore, create & learn!

As 2015 approaches, you will see some new changes in Gig Harbor Living Local. No worries, we will still have the same great stories, fabulous photos and news of local events, but a new look will come with the New Year and it is one we are sure you will enjoy. In addition to the new changes, we will be launching a new publication the first of the year – Edmonds Living Local. We are excited about this new venture and the opportunity to continue to bring communities the good news happening in their hometown.

Until then, we at Gig Harbor Living Local want to wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas. Take time to slow down, relax and take notice of the little things in life that matter most.

We create community!

We connect people!

We build trust!

Steve Russo Steve Russo steve@like-media.com

Hands on Exhibits in the Museum ADA Compliant Playground Preschool

AbouttheCover

Healthy Cafe Children’s Consignment Shop Special Needs Children Welcomed Great for Birthdays!

Stop in and see us, we are located in Gig Harbor North by Albertson’s!

A LOCAL GROUP of professional singers, the Harbor Carolers, delight onlookers with the magic of vintage Victorian Christmas flare. With angelic voices, their acapella rendition of Silent Night literally stopped traffic during our photo shoot. This enchanting quartet brings smiles and spreads a joyful Christmas spirit to audiences around the greater Gig Harbor area. From left to right: Dan Engelhard, LoriAnne Mullins, Dalton Shotwell, and Katie Malik. If you are interested in learning more or hiring them for an event, please visit their website at www.harborcarolers.com.

253.858.4835

www.discovery-village.com 10 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

DEC

2014

CAL

LIVING LO

Gig Harbor Living Local is the most distributed magazine in Gig Harbor.

Season of s Miracle re the Home is Whe Holidays Live bor!

Hark the Har ute Warning Min Two The

December

Harbor 2014 | Gig

Living Local

1

THE GIFT O F WA R M T H It may be the warmest gift you give.

It’s called Project HELP. Project Help serves our members who need a hand to pay their winter heating bills. It’s a partnership between Peninsula Light Co. and Key Peninsula Community Services.

Your contributions go entirely to the fund—no administrative costs are taken. Contributions are tax deductible and Peninsula Light Co. matches every donation, dollar for dollar, so your gift goes twice as far.

We hope you will give generously to help warm the hearts—and homes— of those in need.

For more information, contact the Member Services Department at 253.857.5950 or toll-free at 888.809.8021.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GI FT! www.penlight.org

We're committed to turning your Outdoor

Space into an Outdoor Experience...

Because your experience matters.

We Specialize In:

Pruning, Tree Removal, Cabling/Bracing Stump Grinding, View Enhancement Dead Wood Removal, Wind Soil Reduction

WilliamsTreeAndStump.com

253.229.4119 253.380.7554 www.YardsByPacific.com

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 11

Living Local TEAM

julieREED Marketing Executive

sarahPOLYAKOV Editor

whitneyLEBSOCK Creative Director

Train up a child in “the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 ”

Ongoing Registration NOW for the 2014/2015 School Year.

jessicaHERBIG Senior Designer

pattyHUTCHENS Managing Editor North Idaho

MikeTRITTIN Correspondent

juliannaVERBOORT Correspondent

kristiJACKSON Marketing Executive Edmonds

colinANDERSON Advertising/Editor North Idaho

melodyKNAGGS Media Manager

kimRUSSO Managing Partner

Contact the school office at 253.858.7632 or stop by anytime during school hours for a tour.

Pre-School Through 8th Grade

steveRUSSO Executive Director

Contributors

3555 Edwards Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.858.7632 www.stnicholascs.org 12 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

bianca OTERO Correspondent

jamie SEDLMAYER Photographer

lanceBECK Photographer

lindaLANTZY Photographer

jasonDUCHOW Photographer

suki HOFFMAN Correspondent

chrisSHAFER Correspondent

theresaPESCE Correspondent

dawnMEHRA Correspondent

virginaTAFT Correspondent

christinaHEFLEY Correspondent

meridithHATCH Correspondent

annieNYE Correspondent

jani GONZALEZ Correspondent

hunterREED Distribution

johnTOWEY Photographer

Outdoor living at its finest.

Give the gift of the outdoors this Holiday Season.

Giving your backyard retreat that one-of-a-kind feel. info@pacificfiretables.com | 253.380.7554 www.pacificfiretables.com | f PacificDecember Fire2014Tables | Gig Harbor Living Local 

 13

GoodNews

Home is Where the Holidays Live

Catch this year’s Altrusa’s Holiday Tour of Homes in Gig Harbor.

By Sarah Polyakov and Nancy Hohenstein. Photos by Marv Nauman at High Sierra Productions.

DECEMBER PROVIDES A FEAST for the heart as well as the senses. Good will abounds, delightful scents of cinnamon and pine fill the air, and people have their homes colorfully decorated. Many families participate in the tradition of driving around local neighborhoods after dark so that they can view different houses with beautiful displays of Christmas lights.

Remember when you were a child, and the holidays left you breathless and excited? Did you forget what it felt like? You can recapture some of the warm, fuzzy feelings of those wonderful days by attending Altrusa’s annual Holiday Tour of Homes. What is even better is this annual tour benefits great community causes, which in turn benefit all of us.

On the tour you will have the opportunity to get a rare glimpse of the unique ways neighbors decorate and celebrate the season. Every home that is featured on the tour is distinctive in some way. Each homeowner decorates to reflect their lifestyle, heritage, and past traditions.

Each home has a unique history, a spectacular view, and each home provides an inimitable visual feast for guests of the tour.

It’s not about the size of the home, it’s about what inspires people in this special season.

Therefore, houses of all different types are represented on the tour. In past years, one home featured a total of 20 different nativity scenes. Yet another home featured hundreds of snow villages, displayed in almost every corner of each room. Still another home displayed items that reflected the owners’ Norwegian heritage, along with a guesthouse that was decorated to look like a life-size gingerbread house.

There were also homes that focused on Christmas trees. One of those homes displayed over 12 Christmas trees and each tree featured a completely different theme. The most unique tree was actually an upside down Christmas tree, hung from the ceiling!

The Holiday Tour of Homes is also a very personal event for homeowners and guests alike since many homeowners extend old-fashioned hospitality. Some offer cider, tea, and cookies to guests coming through. This tour is also a wonderful way to get to know people through their homes and possibly make new friends. Many Gig Harbor folks--and some from as far

away as Seattle, Bellevue, even California-have included this event in their Christmas tradition for many years.

The best part of this event is that proceeds go to benefit our community. Altrusa focuses on projects that benefit improve the lives of children and on educational efforts supporting literacy in the greater Gig Harbor area. The proceeds of this year’s tour will conclude a ten-year funding project. This year marks Altrusa’s last payment of $10,000 to Boys and Girls Club. Their $100,000 pledge has equipped the commercial (community) kitchen that serves children at the Altrusa also dedicates funds to the Peninsula Youth Orchestra. The foundation assisted them with their startup some 15 years ago and helped them set up their 501c3. They fund scholarships, with a minimum of $2,000 annually. ASK, which stands for Altrusa Serving Kids, provides emergency school supplies and clothing for primary level kids in the Peninsula School District. This program runs throughout the year and serves to fill in the gaps for children who move into the area after the September start of the school year.

Altrusa also sponsors book drives and cookie drives. Recently they embarked on the very

ambitious Million Cookie Challenge, which partnered with the 201st brigade at Joint Base Fort Lewis-McChord and several local organizations, sending a total of 18,000 cookies to soldiers in Afghanistan.

But there is still more work to do. Altrusa’s next major project will work with the kitchen they equipped at The Boys & Girls Club to address the issue of child hunger in the greater Gig Harbor community. Many assume that because Gig Harbor is such an affluent and compassionate community, that child hunger would not be a problem here.

However, this is not the case. Pat Schmidt, Altrusa’s President notes that, “According to our information from the school district, their latest figures show there are 2,308 students, or 27.8% of their total enrollment have qualified for free and reduced price lunches. Some school staff, however, acknowledge that a significant number of students and their families decline to apply for the program, citing the stigma of receiving the free lunches in an upscale community.”

The Holiday Tour of Homes is also a very personal event for homeowners and guests alike since many homeowners extend old-fashioned hospitality. after 9:30am on Saturday, December 13th. You can purchase tickets online at www.GigHarborHolidayTour.org, or at ticket outlets throughout the city (listed online). Tickets are also available morning of the tour at The INN.

This 20th Annual Tour of Homes is where Altrusa hopes to earn the bulk of the financing for these projects. Sponsors include: Peninsula Light, Century Link, Gig Harbor Life, Mackert Automotive, Northwest Door, Umpqua Bank, DPI Print, and Orca Design Group.

To attend the tour, meet at The INN at Gig Harbor for a map and program

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 15

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Home&Essentials THE GIFT OF FOOD

Can a front yard garden solve world hunger? By Sarah Polyakov.

IF ONE WANTS TO CHANGE the world, most of the time it is best to start in our own backyards; or in this case, our own front yards. In January 2012 in Austin, Texas, a new community enhancing and gardening movement was launched with the idea of providing a free harvest to everyone in a community and beyond.

It all began with the organizers building a small, raised gardening bed in their front yard with a sign that simply read: Food Is Free. After gaining some traction, they blanketed their neighborhood with fliers letting neighbors know that the first ten people who responded would have front yard gardens installed on their own property free of charge.

Mission Possible John VanDeusen Edwards, one of the founders of the Food Is Free project, is on a mission to create a multitude of front-yard gardens in communities across the nation and even the world. The goal is to take unused public spaces and turn them into free gardens so everyone in the community can experience the taste and health benefits of fresh, organic food. Currently, 190 cities have joined the movement and gardens can be found in neighborhood front yards, schools, churches, small businesses, and anywhere else folks donate a small parcel of land set aside for community gardens.

The underlying theme is that the food that is harvested from the gardens is free to anyone and everyone.

Free For All The most surprising and perhaps heartening aspect of the Food Is Free project is that community gardens can be set up for free. First of all, the gardens are constructed by using discarded materials that would otherwise be thrown into landfills. Volunteers construct drought-

tolerant wicking bed gardens that only need to be tended and watered one or two times per month. These garden beds are also built for free by the volunteers and seeds are provided and planted for free. The harvest that these small, urban gardens produce is truly free for all.

Imagine But, the Food Is Free project is not just about food—it is also about relationships.

The project’s vision is this: “Imagine driving down your street, where the majority of homes host a front yard community garden, neighbors come together for potlucks, establish tool-sharing and community composting programs while creating safer, more beautiful neighborhoods.” Project members are empowering members of their own communities to join together and work towards a cause that is much greater than each person in the community.

All information about the gardens is also shared freely among participants and different Food Is Free projects around the country.

Free Happiness Perhaps the best part about the Food Is Free project is that it connects others to their neighbors and to the earth. These are two types of relationships that are known to increase each individual’s happiness quotient. Plus, there is the fact that there will be a lot of full plates- who isn’t happy after a good meal? I invite you to look into starting your own Food Is Free project with your neighbors so that you can make this positive free-for-all work locally. In starting your own project, you will be part of the solution to ending world hunger. Do it for the world, your community, for the earth, and for yourself.

Contact: info@foodisfreeproject.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/foodisfree

GET THE PARTY STARTED Holiday family fun with a “minute to win it”!

By Sarah Friesen, owner of Gig Harbor Home Management.

Maintain.

Protect.

Organize.

Peace of mind strategies for home.

•

Home Cleaning

•

Home Organization

•

Holiday Preparations

LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY this holiday season and create hilarious memories with your loved ones.

Sometimes the most fun can be found in a game that is simple and free of charge.

“Minute to Win It” fits this category and these games are terrific because they are only limited by your imagination.

The idea of this type of game is to perform several tasks in 60 seconds or less with common, household items. Because these games are so simple, they can be played easily by family members of all ages.

To begin, form two teams. For each round, select one or several teammates to tackle the task. Then, set a timer and whoever gets done first or accomplishes the most WINS! Some ideas to get the party started: Tweeze These: Move as many Tic Tacs as possible from one bowl to another, using only a pair of tweezers.

String of Ornaments: Attach a string from one wall to the next. With a partner, hang ornaments on the string without using your hands.

The Jiggle Effect: Tie an old tissue box filled with ping pong balls to your waist; get

Sarah Friesen BBA

Owner & Home Management Professional

Call us today!

GigHarborHomeManagement.com

18 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

as many balls out as possible by jumping.

Jelly Nose: With petroleum jelly on your nose, transfer cotton balls from one bowl to another, one at a time, with no hands.

Eye of the Needle: Pull a thread through a needle 10 times in one minute.

Marshmallow Toss: See how many marshmallows you can toss through a holiday wreath into a bowl.

Ornamental Yard: Balance as many ornaments as you can on a yardstick (that’s resting on two paper towel tubes) without it falling down.

Nut Job: Arrange 8 iron nuts in a row at the end of a table. Using a chopstick, string the nuts onto the chopstick – but don’t use your hands! You can also change the game for kids: stack up the nuts using only a candy cane (and one hand).

Hanky Panky: See how many tissues you can remove from a box of Kleenex…using only ONE hand.

There are More Minute to Win it games to choose from that can be found online.

Read more at Buzzle: www.buzzle.com/articles/minute-to-winit-games-to-play-at-home.html

DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS Keep it simple. By Annie Nye, Interior Designer; Selkirk Glass & Cabinets, Ponderay, Idaho.

IT’S THAT TIME of year again and holiday spirit abounds. Long sweaters with leggings and boots are everywhere and the smell of cinnamon in the breezeway of every store will hold your nostrils hostage from now until we celebrate the New Year.

Speaking of overpowering scents, an important reminder this holiday season is to avoid too much “scent” when you entertain guests. There’s the smell of food, a fireplace burning somewhere, people all spruced up with various cologne or perfumes, and then the hostess lights candles for ambiance. Lighting candles for ambiance is great! Lighting scented candles for ambiance isn’t. Keep it simple, light decorative unscented candles or use the LED fake flickering candles for ambiance.

Have appetizers and drinks available for your guests and use them as holiday décor. Food can be colorful and placed on decorative plates. Use contrasting colored serving dishes from the food to make it more presentable.

Even though people are at your house to eat a big meal, providing something to drink and munch on while they mingle keeps their hands busy, gives them something to talk about, and in general, helps avoid awkward situations between strangers.

Just try to keep the appetizers bite-sized so when someone asks a question your guests

“WHERE FAMILY IS ALWAYS FIRST.”

aren’t trying to finish an awkward big bite before being able to respond.

Now, before these guests are even invited to come over, you’ve been busy unearthing your holiday décor, preparing your menu, and figuring out your holiday presentation.

Everyone has their own style. My motherin-law has multiple Christmas villages she displays. She clears space in her hutches and on her tables and replaces the “normal” items with her holiday decorations. Her villages take days to set up and are a collection of many, many years. There is snow, lights, people, and moving parts, but because she clears room for them, it doesn’t look too cluttered.

My sister-in-law takes down all her regular artwork and replaces each one with Christmas and Santa artwork. Nightlights are replaced with Christmas lights, she has Christmas dishes and silverware, and usually does a simple Christmas tree with four stockings hung on the mantle. It’s simple, yet every bit as festive as a house that’s decorated in Christmas from floor to ceiling.

Because they clear away their day-to-day items and replace them with the Christmas décor, it doesn’t get too cluttered and still looks tastefully done. Sometimes less is definitely more.

“We are committed to providing professional, compassionate assistance in a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring a life of dignity and independence for seniors in our community.”

office

253.853.2033

web

familyfirstafh.com

address 4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. #312 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 19

Are YOU In Print?!

Online? Do you want to be?

Let us help you develop your marketplace presence!

Call Julie today!

253.273.8524 Establish a customer base!

Boost your ranking on Google!

www.GoGigHarbor.com

SUMMING IT UP A year-end financial checklist to get ready for 2015 and beyond.

Article for use by Edward Jones financial advisor Erin Abrigo of Gig Harbor.

AS 2014 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, you may want to look back on the progress you’ve made this past year in various areas of your life — and that certainly includes progress toward your financial goals. At the same time, you may want to make some endof-year moves that can close out 2014 on a positive note while paving the way for a productive 2015.

Here are a few such moves to consider: • Boost your retirement plan contributions. This actually isn’t an “end-of-year” move because you have until April 15, 2015, to contribute to your Roth or Traditional IRA for the 2014 tax year. Nonetheless, the sooner you get extra dollars working for you in your IRA, the better. You can put in up to $5,500 to your IRA (or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older) for 2014. If you are self-employed, or run a small business, you also have until April 15 to contribute to a retirement account,

such as a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE plan. In addition to helping you build resources for retirement, these types of plans can offer you some tax advantages — so if you haven’t established a retirement plan yet, consult with your financial and tax professionals.

• Sell your “losers.” If you own investments that have lost value since you purchased them, you can sell them before 2014 ends and use the tax loss to offset some capital gains you may have earned in other investments. If you don’t have any capital gains, you can use up to $3,000 of your tax losses to offset other ordinary income. And for a loss greater than $3,000, you can “carry over” the excess and deduct it from your taxes in future years. If you still liked the investment that you sold at a loss, and you want to keep it in your portfolio, you could repurchase it, but you’ll have to wait 31 days to avoid violating the IRS’ “wash sale” rules.

Make Your Financial Future a Priority.

Please call for a FREE review!

Individual Retirement Accounts 401k Plans/Rollovers Mutual Funds | Stocks | Bonds Insurance | Annuities

Keep in mind that these suggestions only apply to investments held outside your employer-sponsored retirement account; you can’t take a tax deduction on capital losses in a 401(k) or similar plan.

• Evaluate your 401(k) investment mix.

You may be able to adjust the investment mix in your 401(k) as often as you like.

So when evaluating your 401(k), make sure your holdings aren’t concentrated in just a few investments, and try to determine if your portfolio is still appropriate for your risk tolerance — not too aggressive or too conservative.

Also, if your plan offers a “Roth” option, consider taking advantage of it — with a Roth, you won’t be able to deduct your 401(k) contributions from your taxes, but once you retire, you won’t be taxed on your withdrawals.

• Review your insurance coverage. If you’ve experienced any changes in your life in 2014, such as new spouse, new child, divorce, or new job, you may need to review your life insurance coverage to make sure that it’s still sufficient for your needs and that you have the correct beneficiaries in place.

By making these and other moves, you can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowing that you’ve done what you could to help bolster your financial position for 2015 and beyond.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

At Edward Jones, our business is helping people find solutions for their long-term financial goals.

Let’s work together to design and implement an investment strategy that suits your needs.

Erin R. Abrigo Financial Advisor 5727 Baker Way NW, Suite 205 Gig Harbor, WA 98332

253.858.0052 edwardjones.com/erinabrigo f / edwardjoneserinabrigo l / in/erinabrigo

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 21

MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN Last Will and Testament basics. By Richard Patrick, J.D.

KNOWING THAT THE GIFTS you want to leave behind have been securely documented can be gratifying. Wills can give us a great feeling that we have planned well. In Washington, a person must be of a sound mind and at least eighteen years of age to make a valid Will. Being of a sound mind means that the person is aware of his/her surroundings and knows what they own in this world. The person must be aware of the “treasures of their kingdom” and whom they are leaving their treasures to. The person making the Will is called testator.

Every Will must be in writing signed by the testator. The testator’s signature must be witnesses by at least two people and their signatures must be notarized. A Will should not be witnessed by someone that is going to receive part of the inheritance (beneficiary).

If it is, there must be at least two other “noninterested” witnesses.

A Will, or part of it, can be revoked by a subsequent Will that states it revokes all prior Wills. In those cases it isn’t necessary to destroy the old Will. A Will can also be revoked by being destroyed with the intent and for the purpose of revoking the Will.

A Will should not be witnessed by someone that is going to receive part of the inheritance.

If, after making a Will, the testator gets a divorce, all provisions in the Will in favor of the former spouse are revoked, unless the Will expressly provides otherwise. So we don’t have to worry about changing our Will right away after a divorce, however it is a very good idea to do so regardless.

In cases where a Will fails to name a child who is born or adopted after the Will’s execution, the child will receive a portion of the estate as provided by Statute. This is called the “omitted child” rule. The same idea also applies to the “omitted spouse.”

The testator must name a Personal Representative (PR) in the Will. The PR has the responsibility to do what the Will

says must be done. The PR does not have the power or authority to make changes to the Will. Pick a PR that you believe will be responsible and follow the Will’s instructions.

There is a lot of self help Will stuff out there. If you do your own Will, without an attorney, focus on two areas; 1) clear and simple language to make your wishes understandable, and 2) sign the Will, with two witnesses, and the witnesses signatures are notarized. Be sure to put your Will in a safe place and give a copy to the PR. Then rest assured that your wishes will be followed.

Disclaimer of Liability: This information is only provided to increase awareness of issues surrounding Last Will and Testament Basics.

While the information provided is about legal issues, it is not legal advice or legal representation.

Richard P. Patrick is a local Gig Harbor Attorney. His office is located at 5358 33rd Ave NW Suite 102, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

253.858.6800 richardpatricklaw.com

Life&Community

A Heart For the

Harbor

A new full-service destination for Gig Harbor residents and visitors alike. By Sarah Polyakov.

IF YOU WERE TO PICK one thing that draws residents and visitors to Gig Harbor it would have to be our Bay. The Gig Harbor Waterfront provides a beautiful historic destination for all to enjoy. The shoreline is dotted with beautiful homes, restaurants, historic fisherman’s net sheds, businesses and marinas.

Our local businesses make up the heart and the soul of our downtown and are vital for economic growth. There are several on-going efforts, hosted by organizations like The Downtown Waterfront Alliance, continually working to enhance our historic downtown. Arabella’s Landing Marina is in the process of initiating a building project that will further this goal.

Arabella’s Landing Marina, a destination marina, caters to both permanent moorage and transient moorage tenants. Arabella’s hosts about 3,000 transient boaters a year, which brings tremendous revenue into the city. Studies demonstrate the average boater spends about two hundred dollars a day around town, which translates to almost a million dollars a year to downtown shops and restaurants.

Gig Harbor is a place where people live, work, play, shop, and explore. One local philanthropist and his wife hope to enhance our community through their efforts.

Stan and Judy Stearns, longtime Gig Harbor residents are doing their part to improve the Gig Harbor Waterfront by initiating a new project that all will surely enjoy.

The Stearns, who own Arabella’s Landing Marina and West Shore Marina, are in the permitting phase of a new project, which will become the first destination retail outlet

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 23

in the Harbor. The building located on the corner of Harborview Drive and Dorotich Street includes two retail buildings with a large infinity pool between them.

The buildings will house a full-service ships chandlery; Ship-To-Shore Marine Supply.

Guests will be able to relax, eat their lunch and enjoy the pool as well as the view of the Harbor in the courtyard area. Stan has been working hand in hand with residents who live nearby the proposed buildings.

His first concern is doing what is right for the community and hopes to fill a niche that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.

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John Moist, General Manager of Arabella’s, concurs. Recently John noted that, “Our goal is to make sure that community members understand that we will not do anything injurious to the charm, size, scale or historical aspect of this area. We believe in managed growth while adhering to City building codes and the design review manual that will help enhance and preserve our historic downtown.” When asked what will happen to the current Ship-to-Shore building, Moist replied; “We are working on a text amendment change to the Millville District zoning code to allow Brix 25 Restaurant to move into that building.”

They should know by the end of December if Council approves their request.

Moist noted that, “In addition to the Marine Supply Store project, Stan is also in the permitting phase to reopen a diesel only fuel dock, which we hope will be pumping fuel by early next summer. A diesel marine fueling station will serve about 65% of the boating community. Since Stan is all about the economic viability of Gig Harbor, he is willing to make the investment necessary to not simply sustain, but to improve and enhance our historic downtown.”

Stearns is both a philanthropist and entrepreneur. A chemist by degree, Stan owns VALCO Instruments Inc. with manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Switzerland. VALCO manufactures micro-miniature high-pressure instrumentation parts for scientific and

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AS A GUEST Guests will be able to relax, eat their lunch and enjoy the pool as well as the view of the Harbor in the courtyard area.

medical equipment. Stan also has a business in Poulsbo, VICI Metronics.

Stan Stearns also founded The Gabriel Institute, which was named for his beloved St. Bernard, Gabriel. Gabriel developed osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer. Stan was inspired to develop a tiny drill that would deliver chemotherapy directly to cancerous tumors, which could possibly spare systemic exposure to chemotherapy. Building such a device has become a reality and the outcome of this therapy has been promising in animals.

Human trials of this therapy should begin soon. Stan’s ultimate goal is to make this therapy a viable alternative for the 400 children who are diagnosed annually with osteosarcoma.

Stan Stearns is always looking for new opportunities to improve our community.

He puts his heart and soul into his efforts and the manicured grounds, spectacular water feature, and amenities Arabella’s Landing Marina has to offer exemplify this.

Those who are involved in revitalizing the Gig Harbor Waterfront are hopeful that all of Stan’s efforts will serve as a refuge for community members and tourists alike.

Thus, the improvements that will occur on the Arabella’s Landing property are here to benefit all of us and provide even more opportunities to get in touch with the water.

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253.853.2555 Home Tours December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local   25

BusinessSpotlight

Christmas Traditions It’s not always santa and sleigh rides.

By Patty Hutchens.

CHRISTMAS. A day of celebration throughout the Christian world; a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And while Christians worldwide recognize the meaning of the day, the traditional celebration will take on a very diverse look depending upon where one lives.

Although the decorations and shopping may begin long before Thanksgiving for some, throughout the United States Christians traditionally begin preparing for Christmas with advent. Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas, falling anywhere between November 27th to December 3rd. It is a time the church prepares for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent wreaths with four candles adorn the churches with a new candle being lit each Sunday in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas.

Traditions, both secular and religious, are many. Visits with Santa Claus, Christmas caroling, exchange of gifts, Christmas parties and reenactments of the nativity take place at churches and Christian schools throughout the country.

In England, children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Father Christmas. But they don’t mail their letters to the North Pole as do children in the United States. Instead, they place their letters into the fire in their fireplace, believing that their wishes will go up the chimney – the path they, like American children, believe that Father Christmas will enter their home bestowing upon them gifts and fulfilling their wishes.

While snow is synonymous with Christmas for many in the northern hemisphere, in Australia the holiday falls during the summer months. Accordingly, much of their celebration takes place outdoors. One such celebration is called Carols by Candlelight, a time when many gather outside to sing Christmas songs and light candles in celebration.

In Sweden the eldest daughter plays a significant role in the pre-Christmas celebration. December 13th, St. Lucia’s Day, marks the beginning of the Christmas season in that country. On that sacred day the eldest daughter rises early and dresses in a long white dress and a crown of leaves – a symbol of Santa Lucia, the Queen of Light. Singing Santa Lucia, a traditional Swedish song, she then wakes up the remaining family members and serves them coffee and specially made treats.

For Christians in Ethiopia, one of the oldest countries in Africa, they celebrate the sacred holiday on January 7th. This is due to the fact they follow the ancient Julian calendar.

In that country, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth is not called Christmas but instead is referred to as Ganna. The people of Ethiopia fast the day before Ganna, rising early the next day to attend mass at 4am. Unlike many other countries that celebrate Christmas, Ganna is not marked by gift giving. Instead the

holiday focuses on religious significance of the season, with feasts and games playing a large part in their tradition. The holiday season in Ethiopia does not end with Ganna.

On January 19th the Christians there engage in a three day celebration known as Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ.

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If you are in Spain, the Christmas celebration commences with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. This is the day when Christians celebrate the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of Saint Anne. In Spain there is a weeklong observance of this holy day. Places of worship and outdoor markets are decorated with evergreens. One need not look far to find musical instruments such as tambourines, castanets, and miniature guitars for sale, all adding to the lively celebrations that include singing and dancing in the streets. In Spain it is also customary for children to travel to various homes singing Christmas carols or reciting Bible verses in exchange for receiving a small instrument, toy or a holiday treat.

In Israel only two percent of the population is Christian, and for that reason businesses and shops are open and ironically there is little hint of a sacred celebration in this land where Jesus was born. But in Jerusalem one need only travel to that part of the Old City known as the Christian Quarter to find holy celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ. A mere six miles away is Bethlehem, the city of Jesus’ birth, where the streets to Manger Square are filled with tourists and security.

Manger Square is outside of the Basilica of the Nativity, which is believed to be the place where Jesus was born.

In the end, no matter if it is Buon Natale, Froehliche Weihnachten, God Jul, or Merry Christmas, the meaning is still the same as Christians around the world unite to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

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December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 27

Gig Harbor

in Focus

The Two Minute Warning. Escape the sea of retail sameness and participate in this last minute shopping event for men and their kids.

By Sarah Polyakov.

IMAGINE THIS SCENE on Christmas morning: your wife smiles happily as she opens beautifully wrapped presents that you purchased only days before. With beaming eyes she says, “Honey, you got everything I ever wanted and more! How did you do it?”

Well, that is a secret that you and several other thousand men can keep to yourselves, if you want. But, if you are anything like many husbands, completing holiday shopping in a crowded and loud mall is not exactly your favorite thing to do.

The good news is you are in luck since this year the Downtown Waterfront Alliance is sponsoring an event called The Two-Minute Warning. Since it takes place on Saturday, December 20th, it’s billed as a last minute shopping event for men…and their kids!

EVENT

Gig Harbor Yacht Club’s Annual Lighted Boat Parade Catch the annual lighted boat parade in downtown Gig Harbor.

By Sarah Polyakov.

DECEMBER IS TRULY a season of lights and homes around the area are alight with the glow of the season. But, since we are a maritime city, lights are not limited to homes. Each year, the Gig Harbor Yacht Club sponsors a lighted boat parade that can be viewed from the Gig Harbor waterfront.

Various boaters from our community decorate their vessels with festive lights and other adornments and go on parade in the bay. Kevin Baerg, the yacht club’s Commodore notes, “We enjoy spreading the Christmas Spirit to our neighbors in the Harbor by lighting up our boats on the second Saturday of December each year! People in the community plan holiday parties and celebrations for this date to see beautifully lit boats circle around Gig Harbor Bay.” This is a fun, colorful, and family-friendly display that everyone is sure to enjoy. Be sure to get there early to ensure a good viewing spot and don’t forget to bundle up. Hope to see you there!

Guys, this event is for you because the organizers will make sure all of your bases are covered this year. All you have to do is grab your kids and go! This shopping experience is tailored especially for husbands, dads, and their kids.

The Alliance took this opportunity to design it especially for them. But they wanted to make the event fun as well. Keeping with the idea of fun, they decided to name it after a football term, the Two-Minute Warning.

Here’s how it works, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! Ladies received a Two Minute Warning Holiday Shopping Playbook card in their Girls Night Out Goodie Bag. They fill out the Playbook on the back indicating the who, the what, and the where for each gift so that you can tackle the holiday shopping experience with confidence.

Additional Playbook cards are available at stores throughout downtown Gig Harbor.

Once you have finished shopping, gift-wrapping will be available by donation to Gig Harbor Relay for Life at the SandCastle Toy Store until 6pm. While waiting for your presents to be wrapped, you and the kids will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities at designated “5th Quarter” locations.

Time: 5pm Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2014

This year’s Two-Minute Warning is the first of its kind in Gig Harbor and it was originally conceived after the tremendous success of Girl’s Night Out. With this in mind, the Downtown Waterfront Alliance wanted to create another opportunity for those in our community to shop downtown during the Christmas season.

Josh Sherwin of the Downtown Waterfront Alliance notes, “The mission of The Alliance is to bring the community together to encourage economic vitality, and to preserve the historic character and quality of our charming downtown. Events like the Two Minute Warning help with encouraging the economic vitality part.”

Place: Gig Harbor Waterfront

Of course, you don’t have to have the Holiday Shopping Playbook to participateit just makes your shopping experience so much easier! On December 20th, dad and the kids are then encouraged to make their way downtown for this exciting and opportune event.

So, bundle up your kids and grab your Holiday Shopping Playbook, so that you can escape the madness of the mall and the stress of holiday shopping. Please get all the details about this very special event on the Facebook page for this event: Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor Gig Harbor.

Gig Harbor by the Numbers

336 A.D. First year Christmas was celebrated on December 25th.

Photo courtesy of of Sheila Mordue.

1818

Year the song Silent Night was written.

1,937

Number of Gig Harbor families expecting a visit from Santa.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 29

GigHarborAthletes

Zach Goddard

PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL. BY PATTY HUTCHENS. “NOTHING IS GIVEN to you. You don’t deserve anything. You have to earn what you get.” That is what Peninsula High School senior Zach Goddard said he has learned from his coaches over the years.

And it is that philosophy of hard work and determination that has been instrumental in his success as a wrestler.

WIN OR LOSE “Winning and losing is all up to you. You’re in control the whole time.”

Zach first began to wrestle at the age of four. It is a sport he loves in part due to the individual nature of the competition.

“Winning and losing is all up to you. You’re in control the whole time. Another part of the team doesn’t affect the outcome of your match,” said Zach.

He served as the wrestling team’s captain last year and will do so again this year. “I have been to the state tournament twice and earned a silver medal at the 145lb weight class my junior year,” said Zach of his wresting accomplishments.

But it’s not just wresting where Zach has excelled. He was an all-league safety his junior year for the Peninsula High School football team and also received honorable mention for the all-state underclassmen team. A well-rounded athlete, Zach has played baseball since the age of five and also played soccer and basketball when he was younger.

Looking back on his years as a wrestler, there are many great memories, but also many challenges Zach faced along the way. He shares that it was difficult his sophomore year when he came one match away from winning a medal, but he came back his junior year and won an upset match to get into the finals.

“Getting to the state finals match was the biggest accomplishment I have had in wrestling,” said Zach, adding that it was also the highlight of his wrestling career.

With a GPA of 3.55 and an interest in math, Zach said he plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

“Problem solving and math are my strongest subjects,” said Zach.

“I have always loved designing new things to help solve problems.”

Still unsure of his post high school plans, Zach said he has been offered a position on the wrestling team for the Merchant Marine Academy, but at this time is considering other options including Colorado University and Grand Canyon University. Whatever path he chooses, it is clear that Zach’s determination will lead to success.

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Happy Holidays

CHECK OUT OUR HOLIDAY SPECIALS!

Leahi Manthei

GIG HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL. BY PATTY HUTCHENS. PHOTOS BY DAVE MILLER, GOLAZO PHOTOGRAPHY. THE LIFE OF a high school athlete can be demanding. Balancing studies and training and still trying to fit in a social life can be difficult. But if you ask Leahi Manthei, she would advise to not let it overwhelm or discourage anyone from participating in sports. “It has been a struggle, but I have learned to never give up,” said the Gig Harbor High School sophomore.

Leahi is in her second year playing for the Gig Harbor Tides’ varsity soccer team and has been a starter both her freshman and sophomore years. This season she achieved the accomplishment of being named to the All-Narrows League first team and also ranks second in the state for most goals scored. She also competes in club soccer playing for the Washington Premier F.C. team, which requires extensive travel.

career, Leahi is bound to create many more memories with her teammates. So far, though, she said that one of the most memorable moments was when her team competed against Issaquah High School in the state tournament, and she scored the winning goal to bring the Gig Harbor team to victory.

But soccer is not the only sport that Leahi devotes her time to; she is also on the Gig Harbor track team where she broke a freshman record last year. “I lettered twice as a freshman,” said Leahi. “Once for soccer and another for track.”

While Leahi loves the competition, she also enjoys the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. “My favorite part of soccer is being able to step on the field each game with my sisters and play our hearts out, win or lose,” said Leahi.

With a 3.5 GPA, Leahi said her favorite subject is math. She would like to attend a four-year college in a warm climate and also would like to play soccer at the collegiate level. She reports that even as a sophomore there are scouts who have shown an interest in her soccer abilities.

As far as a career interest goes, Leahi said she would like to pursue a degree in either dentistry or physical therapy. “I enjoy helping people,” she said.

With still two years left in her high school

At 16 years old, Leahi said she has already

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learned a very important life lesson.

“Things don’t always go your way,” she said wisely. “You have to work hard at everything to get the results you want.”

Favorite food: Pasta and tacos.

Favorite teacher: “Mrs. Moore because she doesn’t just teach you the lesson plan, she also teaches you how to apply it in life.”

MEMORABLE “My favorite part of soccer is being able to step on the field each game with my sisters and play our hearts out, win or lose.”

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December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 31

BusinessSpotlight

van der Veen Jewelers Where jewelry is a passion. By Julie Reed.

INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE, respect, quality, selection…these are all important components for any business to have, but they are vital when that business is a jewelry store. van der Veen Jewelers understands this and strives to be known for their integrity, the knowledge, quality and selection of their product and the respect they have for their clients and their budget.

Upon arriving in their store, you will be greeted genuinely with a smile and an open invitation to explore the beautiful array of diamonds and jewelry.

Owner Gerjan Hotze (Jann) van der Veen believes in nothing but the best for his clients.

Jann’s philosophy is to maintain the best quality while remaining respectfully mindful of each client’s budget. He believes in making this symbol of love and rare beauty accessible to everyone. Jann is a GIA Graduate Certified Gemologist and master Jeweler. Therefore, he selects each gemstone by hand, personally ensuring that all of his selections are premium cut diamonds. He understands what a difference this makes in the beauty and quality of the stones and strives to educate customers how to make the perfect choice. van der Veen Jewelers offers designer engagement and bridal rings, pendants, earrings, fashion jewelry, gentlemen’s jewelry, and exclusively carries Citizen Brand watches that are eco-driven and do not require batteries. van der Veen Jewelers also specializes in custom creations and offers a full service jewelry repair shop on-site. With the majority of jewelers sending custom work and repairs to a third party, on-site custom work, diamond setting, sizing and repairs are very difficult to find. Jann has known and shared a deep respect for Kit Kuhn. When Kit retires at the end of the year, van der Veen is honored to accept his request to handle his long term clients for their jewelry needs and repair services. All of Jann’s appraisals are GIA certified and all purchases come with a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind.

Jann van der Veen.

Uptown Gig Harbor 4711 Point Fosdick DR NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.514.8478 www.vanderveenjewelers.com

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Great relationships are very important in the jewelry business and remain a key component for Jann and his family. van der Veen Jewelers is proud to be family owned. In fact, the van der Veen name has been in the diamond business for over 50 years. Jann’s daughter, Emily is a large part of the day to day work at van der Veen’s. She grew up at her dad’s side, learning about the jewelry business. It is his wish for her to carry on the family legacy by becoming the next great jeweler in the family. Emily and Jann not only work side by side, they also live across the street for each other!

Jann started in the industry as an apprentice after immigrating to the United States with his mother and three sisters from Amsterdam, Holland where he was born and raised. He began by learning diamond setting and worked his way up to management and ownership. He attributes much of his success to his mentor, Ray Schow from Portland, Oregon. Ray took Jann under his wing and taught him how to set diamonds in a pave’ style. Later in life, Ray opened the Ray Schow School of Diamond and Jewelry Design and published a book titled “The Art of Diamond Setting”. Ray was a perfectionist and only accepted the highest quality of work.

Learning from the best has proven beneficial for Jann. van der Veen Jewelers opened its doors to their newest location in Uptown Shopping Center, Gig Harbor, on September 1st 2014.

In addition, Jann has another store located in Federal Way, in the Commons Mall, which he opened in January 2001. van der Veen Jewelers is excited to announce the Grand Opening of their newest store, located on wonderful Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island, within walking distance of the Ferry.

Jann and Emily look forward to sharing their passion for diamonds with you. Please stop by and they will personally assist you in finding just the right piece for the special person in your life.

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Arts&Entertainment SHOWS/MUSIC/ARTS Now-December 13 - Annie. Paradise Theatre presents Annie Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm with a early show on Sunday at 3pm and a special dinner theater at 6pm on December the 6th. Visit www.paradisetheatre.org for more information.

Now-January 7 - All that Glitters. Taylor Reed’s solo exhibition, All that Glitters…is on display at Morso through January 7, 2015. Please call 253.530.3463 for more information.

Hark the Harbor

Join friends and neighbors for a whimsical old-fashioned caroling experience.

By Susan Hoffman.

YOU MAY HEAR some people say, “I wish Christmas was like it used to be!” Well, all of the events that the Downtown Waterfront Alliance has in store for December are going to put the old-fashioned back in Christmas by providing caroling, old-time hayrides with Santa, joy, laughter, and so much more. This is a great time to bring your family and join our community in celebrating Christmas traditions of yore. Hark the Harbor is an exciting event which will invite you to sing and listen to holiday music and familiar Christmas Carols. Join us for this fun event on Sunday, December 14th. This is the 5th year Downtown Waterfront Alliance is sponsoring this event, which starts at 5:30pm, at the Pavillion at Skansie Brothers Park.

Sharon Strearnes, who was a staff organist at Tacoma Pizza and Pipes and for many years the organist for the Seattle Mariners, is a wonderful family oriented entertainer who will inspire and nurture your nostalgia in the singing of traditional carols. The Alliance will provide songbooks and candles.

And at 6:35pm the caroling will cease in anticipation of the Argosy Christmas Ship all aglow in festive lights. The Olympia Youth Choir, Cantabile, will perform in joyous sound and music. The arrival of Santa will culminate the festivities.

There are several other events that the Alliance is involved in to initiate the

December 5-March 15 - Outside the Lines. The Harbor History Museum is proud to work with Don Snowden in sharing his talents with the community.

This unique and exciting special exhibition tells the history of the Gig Harbor Peninsula through editorial cartoons once featured in the Peninsula Gateway. Visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org for more information.

December 11 - Art Walk. The second Thursday of every month, from 5-8pm, the Art Walk will be held in the beautiful historic maritime community of Gig Harbor. Participating galleries and businesses will have artists on-site with artist’s demonstrations. For more information visit: www.gigharborgalleries.org.

celebration of Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor. On Thursday, December 11th, the Thursday “Night Out- Ugly Sweater Contest” will take place in front of the Christmas tree in Skansie Park at 6pm. Search your attic or borrow from a grandparent and wear your special motif sweater as you holiday shop in the stores and galleries which are open until 8pm.

Holiday Hayrides with Santa will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14th departing at Timberland Bank on Judson Street from 4:30- 7:30. Refreshments will be served at the bank and dress warmly as the long range forecast is predicting snow! On Friday through Saturday there is a “Where’s Santa’s Cookie Plate Scavenger Hunt” which will be in various participating businesses throughout Downtown Waterfront. If you find the cookie plate you are eligible to enter a drawing for $250 for a holiday shopping spree. Java and Clay Café has graciously donated the cookie plates.

This is the fourth year of the “Deck the Harbor-Window Decorating Contest” and everyone enjoys the talents and creativity of downtown waterfront businesses as windows are transformed into beautiful and holiday inspired decorations. You may vote for your favorite window through December 19th.

The community of Gig Harbor is dedicated to providing an old-fashioned Christmas experience. We hope to see you there!

December 11 - The Muse at Morso presents Ted Olinger. Morso presents The Muse at Morso, a monthly program featuring premier authors and poets. On the second Thursday of each month, Morso hosts prominent poets and authors to Gig Harbor then share work from the community. This month they feature Ted Olinger at 7pm. Please call 253.530.3463 for more information.

December 12 - ‘Light up the Night’. Join the Harbor History Museum from 4-6:30pm for a festive family night highlighting the Scandinavian holiday, St. Lucia, the “Bringer of the Light”. Visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org for more information.

December 13 - Stephanie Porter Quartet. Morso hosts Seattle native Stephanie Porter, an outstanding December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 35

Arts&Entertainment

LOCAL MUSIC The Gig Spot Open Mic and Trivia Every Monday 12/13 - DMP Presents, 8pm 12/20 - Stephanie Anne Johnson, 8pm 12/29 - Mystery Machines, 8pm 01/03 - The Kari Ehli Band, 8pm

Forza Coffee Company Trivia Every Wednesday | Ladies Night Every Thrusday **Ladies Night BUNCO: December 18th! Cost: $10 each, please pre-pay at Gig Harbor FORZA. Live Events 7-9pm 12/12 - Tom Bailey & Luke Stanton 12/13 - Rick G. & Ike Sutton 12/18 - Ladies Night BUNCO! 6-8pm 12/19 - Shy Boys until 10pm 12/20 - Shy Boys until 10pm Wear your Ugly Holiday Sweater!

12/27 - Driving Sideways

Morso 12/11 - The Muse at Morso presents Ted Olinger 12/13 - Stephanie Porter Quartet 12/27 - The Bobs ‘After Christmas Holiday Show’

The Hub at Gig Harbor Open Mic with Mike Every Thursday at 7pm

The Wine Studio of Gig Harbor Wednesday nights are Open Mic Night. Thursday nights are Ladies Night $2 off glasses for the ladies.

Friday nights are Meet the Wine Maker and Distributor Tastings, Saturday nights are Live Music 7:30-10pm.

VISIT

GIGHARBORLOCALEVENTS.COM

FOR MANY MORE EVENTS!

jazz vocalist with a clear, sultry tone and a bright and appealing stage presence. Her latest album, How Deep is the Ocean, is a brilliant showcase of her amazing talent as a vocalist. The performance starts at 8pm, please call Morso for tickets at 253.530.3463.

ART WALK

December 13 - Chapel Hill Christmas Concert. In the Sanctuary of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Avenue, enjoy Christmas music presented by the Chapel Hill Choir, bell ringers and orchestra. For more information visit www.chapelhillpc.org.

December 14 - Hark the Harbor & the Arrival of the Christmas Ship. Join the Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance at Skansie Brother’s Park for “Hark the Harbor” Argosy Cruise Singing Christmas Ship. The Argosy Christmas Ship arrives at 6:20pm and onboard performers will sing to everyone on shore as they herald the holiday spirit to all. Call 253.514.0071 or visit gigharborwaterfront.org for more information.

December 21 - Our Christmas Melodrama. Kids Drama Workshop presents Our Christmas Melodrama at Chapel Hill at 9 and 10:47am. For more information, visit www.chapelhillpc.org December 27 - The Bobs ‘After Christmas Holiday Show’.

The Bobs use just their voices and body percussion to fill a room with an orchestra of harmonious sound. Hosted

by Morso at 8pm, please call 253.530.3463 for tickets.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES December 5-7 - Gig Harbor Nativity Festival. You are invited to participate in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ through inspirational music and depictions of the nativity from around the world. This 3 day event is open to the public from 1-9pm. More information available at www.christmasnativity.net.

December 6 - Santa at Uptown. Visit Santa in Uptown Gig Harbor from 1-5pm. For more information visit www.uptowngigharbor.com.

December 6 - Holiday Tree Lighting. Gig Harbor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at Skansie Brothers Park and is the official kickoff to the holidays in Gig Harbor. Join your friends and neighbors at 5 pm for entertainment galore. See live reindeer and a special visit from “Rhubarb”, the Tacoma Rainiers Mascot, enjoy refreshments and welcome Santa on the fire truck at 5:30pm.

December 6, 13, 20, 27 - Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday from 9-3pm at 5503 Wollochet Drive, the Gig Harbor Farmers Market offers fresh flowers, produce, plants, baked goods, food, handmade crafts, and expert advice from master gardeners, a kids tent, live entertainment, and much more. Visit gigharborfarmersmarket.com for more information December 7 - 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, now the Harbor History Museum, celebrates its 50th birthday this year!

Join us at the museum at 1pm to meet the people who founded and shaped the Gig harbor Peninsula Historical Society and those who are driving the organization forward today. Visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org for more information.

December 9 - Holiday Heroes. The Jaycox-Gig Harbor Police Benevolent Fund will conduct its annual Holiday Heroes event that event allows local children in need the opportunity to get to know the Gig Harbor Police Officers, Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Washington State Patrol Troopers while Christmas shopping at the Gig Harbor Target store. Donations are still needed to make

36 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

this program a success. For more information please call 253.853.7697.

December 11 - Thursday Night Out. Over forty downtown waterfront businesses will be open featuring special offers, activities, demonstrations, refreshments and fun. Live music and entertainment is being planned at various locations throughout the waterfront. Event will be the second Thursday of every month from 5pm-8pm.

December 11 - Holiday Sparkling Wine Tasting. Morso will have a sparkling wine spectacular where you can sample amazing bubblies so you get just what you want for the holidays from 5-7pm. Please call 253.530.3463 for more information.

December 11 - Ugly Sweater Contest. The Ugly Sweater Contest will take place in front of the Christmas tree in Skansie Park at 6pm. Search your attic or borrow one as you holiday shop in the stores and galleries, which are open until 8pm.

December 12-13 - Santa’s Cookie Plate Scavenger Hunt. “Where’s Santa’s Cookie Plate Scavenger Hunt” which will be in various participating businesses throughout Downtown Waterfront. If you find the cookie plate you are eligible to enter a drawing for $250 for a holiday shopping spree.

UGLY SWEATER CONTEST

HOLIDAY SPARKLING WINE TASTING

December 14 - Lighted Boat Parade Kayak Tour.

Enjoy the beauty of the harbor and the festively lighted boats during a two hour kayak tour. Check-in is at 4pm and the parade starts at 5pm. Bring your own decorations to add to the kayaks if you like and come festively dressed! By reservation only, call 253.858.7341 for more information.

December 17 - Bunco at Morso. Every third Wednesday of the month Bunco is on in the Morso Gallery. Social hour starts at 6pm with dice rolling at 7pm. Space is limited, so be sure to make your reservation by calling 253.530.3463.

Dec 18 - 6th Annual Menorah Lighting at Uptown Gig Harbor. The Chabad Jewish Center of Pierce County invites you to see the 6th Annual Menorah Lighting in Uptown Gig Harbor at 6:30pm and will feature traditional singing and dancing, latkes, doughnuts and dreidels. For more information please visit www.ChabadPierceCounty.com.

December 19 - Ladies Night Out at Java & Clay Cafe. Join us for Ladies Night Out, an evening of painting pottery, sipping wine and laughing with friends! To Register visit www.javaclay.com, or call at 253.851.3277.

December 12-14 - Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor. The Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance hosts its annual “Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor”.

The waterfront merchants are ready to welcome you in with great holiday specials, treats, music and extended shopping hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit www.gigharborwaterfront.org for more information.

December 13 - Santa Visits the Harbor History Museum. Join us at the museum from 12-4pm and get your picture taken with Santa! Visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org for more information.

December 13 - Food Backpacks 4 Kids. Enjoy holiday music, meet Santa and support Food Backpacks 4 Kids at the Uptown Pavilion form 124pm. For more information on this program, visit peninsulacommunityfoundation.org.

December 13 - Holiday Homes Tour. Get an inside look at some of Gig Harbor’s most beautiful and beautifully decorated homes. Pick up your tour program at The INN at Gig Harbor Saturday morning after 9:30, and follow the map and descriptions to enjoy a peek at what makes the holidays special here. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.GigHarborHolidayTour.org.

December 13 - Gig Harbor Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade. Join us for the holiday festivities on the waterfront or get a front row seat at one of the waterfront restaurants while you enjoy your dinner at the Gig Harbor Bay at 5pm. For more information visit www.gigharboryc.com.

December 13-14 - Holiday Hayrides with Santa.

Holiday Hayrides with Santa will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14th loading at Timberland Bank on Judson Street from 4:30- 7:30.

Refreshments will be served by the Timberland Bank staff; dress warmly as the long range forecast is predicting snow!

December 19 - Holiday Shop Window Decorating Contest. This is the fourth year of the “Deck the Harbor-Window Decorating Contest” and everyone enjoys the talents and creativity of downtown waterfront businesses as windows are transformed into beautiful and holiday inspired decorations. You may vote for your favorite window through December 19th.

December 20 - 2 Minute Warning. Dads, grab your kids for the first annual 2 Minute Warning holiday shopping event.

December 24 - Christmas Eve Services. Join Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Avenue, for a celebration of the birth of Christ! Six services are available for everyone to have an opportunity to attend. The Family Candlelight is at 3 & 4:30pm, Carols & Candlelight at 6 & 7:30pm and the Candlelight & Communion at 9pm. Vist www.chapelhillpc.org for more information.

December 31 - New Years Eve at Morso. For late night fun, this year Morso takes it back to the Wild Wild West by converting into a western theme saloon.

Be as formal or as casual as you like for a great evening of fun, food and entertainment beginning at 9 pm for our dinner buffet. Call 243.530.3463 for reservations.

All Ages•Live Music Theater•Tea & Soda Bar•in Gig Harbor • Music Lessons Offered • Local & National Bands live in concert • Intimate Stage Seating • Great Acoustics & Lighting • Venue Rental Available • learn to sing and play with real musicians!

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UPCOMING EVENTS January 3 - Pier into the Night feature Live Dive.

Visit Harbor WildWatch’s new and improved Pier Into the Night with the new Live Dive on the first Saturday of each month through March from 6-8pm at Jerisich Dock in Downtown Gig Harbor.

6615 38th Ave NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Located by tcc soccer fields)

253.853.4188 www.theGigSpot.com

f the.gig.spot.gig.harbor December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 37

Williams Tree & Stump Removal

We have the highest quality, modern and efficient tree removal equipment that will make your Gig Harbor area tree removal job go quickly and efficiently. Because of this advantage, your tree removal project will be completed in half the time of competitor companies. Zero Impact to your property, our crews provide exceptional cleanup service. Call us today for a free estimate!

Gig Harbor, Washington 253.229.4119 WilliamsTreeandStump.com f Williams Tree and Stump

2014

Gig Harbor HOMETOWN EXPERTS “We mean business.”

Debbie’s Office Aide

Debra L. Burk, Owner. Full service bookkeeping, data entry, payroll, accounts payable & receivable, and monthly & quarterly taxes. Pick up and delivery available.

Gig Harbor—17102 141st Street KPN P: 253.884.6622 C: 253.225.0319 F: 253.884.6250 officeaide@centurytel.net debbiesofficeaide.com

Tim Lopez, Agent American Family Insurance

Looking to start a small business? Already own one?

American Family Insurance has great coverages for great rates for your small business. Tim Lopez Agency is part of the Gig Harbor community. We help the business owner have peace of mind to know they have the coverage they need to protect their dreams.

Gig Harbor—7512 Stanich Lane Unit 2 253.858.7200 | Fax: 253.858.7700 www.trlopez.com | f/amfam

THE BEST Gig Harbor’s best businesses have a proven track record and excel in customer relations.

Amadora Salon

Give one of them a call today to find out how they can help you!

Come in and purchase gift certificates for the holidays! We are offering $25 off on a gift certificate of $85 or more until the end of the year. As always, we care for your hair with chemical services without ammonia. Visit Amadora Salon’s friendly, relaxing salon in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor below Timberland Bank.

3105 Judson Street Judson Street, Suite D Gig Harbor WA 98335 253.514.6430 www.amadorasalongh.com f Amadora Salon

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Don’t replace it! Let us re-upholster it back to life!

We have the styles and colors to fit your taste and budget. Whether it’s recovering your favorite old couch or chair, revitalizing your sun-bleached patio cushions or restoring your grandma’s old rocker to like-new condition, we do it all. We also offer free estimates on all your repairs, replacements and refurbishes.

Gig Harbor—10024 Burnham Drive NW 253.858.9798 www.JudyUpholstery.com

Locally owned and operated by Tracy Hacklin Dennis (MLO-94066) with 16 years of experience!

We provide the personalized attention you deserve. Our clients aren’t just customers, they’re our friends and neighbors. Let us turn your dream into a reality. VA Home loan specialist, Jumbo, Purchase, Refi, 2nd home and Non- Owner, get your free no obligation quote.

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Are you looking for an electrician with years of experience and training? Narrows Electric, with over 26 years of experience, offers the best in residential and commercial wiring, electrical repair and other electrical services to Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas. Whatever your electrical need, call Narrows Electric today!

Gig Harbor—3509 57th St Ct NW 253.851.7077 | NarrowsElectricGH.com gary.narrows.electric@gmail.com f Narrows Electric Gig Harbor

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With four service centers, we provide a range of high-quality professional services. Tunnel Car Wash with Hand Prep and Dry, Oil Change and other Maintenance Services, Detail Center, Interior & Exterior Detailing and Do-It-Your-Self-Service, 24 HOURS – Six Wash Bays & Vacuum Facility. Get a free wash with every oil change!

Gig Harbor—6750 Kimball Drive 253.858.1888 www.greatcarcarecenter.com

Valona Painting Company

FIX Auto

We are your paint and specialty contractors that provide not only interior and exterior paint services, but also drywall repair, wood work and wood repair, stain and varnish services, furniture refinishing and floor coatings. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, call us today!

We understand the disruption an auto accident can cause in your life. This is why we offer one-stop shopping for vehicle repair - whether it’s a door ding, fender bender or major collision. Our claims experts communicate with insurers, helping you get back on the road. Remember - you have a friend in FIX AUTO GIG HARBOR the collision business!

253-858-3522 • WWW.FIXAUTOGIGHARBOR.COM Gig Harbor—2905 Jahn Ave NW #8 P: 253.858.3522 TF: 866.328.3861 fixautogigharbor.com

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Green Family Dentistry

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PAINTING COMPANY COATING AND SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR

We’re creating smiles everyday! With high quality dentistry and gentle comprehensive care, our patients’ experience is our top priority! We offer the Sapphire Whitening System, Emergency Care, Cristal Veneers and much more! Children are always welcome and flexible payment options are available as needed.

Gig Harbor— 5122 Olympic Drive NW 253.851.8151 | f Green Family Dental www.michellegreenfamilydental.com

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EDGE PILATES STUDIO

We are a specialty business offering certified Pilates Comprehensive Training, Post-Rehabilitative Training, and Nutritional Programming. The equipment based studio, through professional instruction structures programming around each individual. Athletic and functional health, sports conditioning, and rehabilitative continuance are worked with via one-on-one or duet sessions.

Veteran instructors with a minimum of 10 years in the field offer multiple training options.

Gig Harbor —5727 Baker Way NW, Ste 203 Plus Much 253.225.3469 heather@edgepilatesstudio.comMore! www.edgepilatesstudio.com

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Season of Miracles

Celebrating the miracle of unstoppable peace and the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Day Truce. By Sarah Polyakov.

DURING THE HOLIDAY season, one could say that daily miracles occur because of the giving spirit that abounds. Community members strive to reach out to those in need, strangers greet each other with smiles, family members renew relationships, and everyday life becomes a gentler version of itself. This yearly transformation that is witnessed in communities all across the country could be considered a miracle in and of itself.

During the month of December, we celebrate holidays that commemorate miraculous events that happened hundreds of years ago. Christians celebrate the gift of eternal salvation that Christ Jesus gave us, who arrived in this world, born not in a palace, but in a humble manger. Jews celebrate the triumph over Hellenism, which had all but destroyed Judaism in 165 BCE; and God showed his promise of eternal care by ensuring the flames of the menorah were lit for eight days. Indeed, this is a season where miracles occur in abundance. But, what about some of the miraculous and worldchanging events that happened within the past 100 years?

Exactly 100 years ago, on December 24th of 1914, a miracle of global proportions occurred. It happened during The Great War and came to be known as the Christmas Truce. It was a quiet movement that started with individuals on opposing sides who chose to drop their weapons and celebrate. At the time they had been fighting for only four months, but in

42   Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

The month of December affords us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on all of the miracles that abound, whether they happened just over two thousand years ago or today.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local   43

that short period of time around a million were killed. On a freezing December night, English soldiers sat in frozen trenches with frostbitten hands. They were so weary from war, but then something caught their eye.

“On December 24, 1914, in the middle of a freezing battlefield in France, a miracle happened. The British troops watched in amazement as candle-lit Christmas trees began to appear above the German trenches. The glowing trees soon appeared along the length of the German front.” (politicalvelcraft.org).

From dreary trenches, an otherworldly sound broke out as English soldiers heard a German baritone sing with conviction these simple words: Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, All is quiet. The soldiers felt as if a ray of hope had split through a nightmare as the gentle song rose over the frozen mist.

Henry Williamson, a young soldier in the London regiment immortalized this moment in his diary. Henry wrote, “they finished their carol and we thought that we ought to retaliate. So we sang The First Noël and when we finished, they all began clapping. And they struck up O Tannebaum and on it went, until we started up O Come All Ye Faithful.

The Germans immediately joined in-- this was really a most extraordinary thing — two nations both singing the same carol in the middle of a war.” (politicalvelcraft.org).

That night, German and English soldiers made a pact not to fight on Christmas Day. Instead, they shared food, wine, and other comforts of home. That day, they happily wished one another a Merry Christmas and took the time to look into each other’s eyes to see each man’s inherent humanity.

The English sang Christmas carols to the Germans and the Germans sang God Save the King to the English soldiers.

That moment peace, which was not initiated by global leaders, and in a time when communications took days to happen, demonstrates that the miracle of this season, the spirit of joining together, is so strong it can even stop opposing armies. This cease-fire spontaneously spread through a 500-mile stretch of the Western Front, all without text messages or Facebook alerts.

One German soldier summed up the event by saying: “It was a Christmas celebration in keeping with the command ‘Peace on earth’ and a memory which will stay with us always.” (politicalvelcraft.org). Indeed, it was a memory that stayed with those soldiers forever and one that provides and valuable lesson and timeless lesson that is equally relevant today.

Erma Bombeck once remarked, “To receive a gift molded from love and sacrifice, selected with care and tied up with all the excitement the giver has to offer, is indeed rare. They don’t come along often, but when they do,

“To receive a gift molded from love and sacrifice, selected with care and tied up with all the excitement the giver has to offer, is indeed rare. They don’t come along often, but when they do, cherish them.” cherish them.” That cold, awful night in the dark trenches was transformed as the sun rose on Christmas Day. Seen in the light of a new day, the opposing soldiers offered each other a gift truly molded from love and sacrifice. The palpable peace that spread through the ranks was indeed a gift so rare that they would cherish it forever.

The camaraderie that developed among these brave men who put both language and pride of country aside, calls to us through

the ages and whispers a gentle lesson. There is no situation where one can find himself completely without hope and no condition that can suppress the human spirit or override the innate kindness within each of us.

Times of conflict often give birth to some of the greatest miracles of all. As Mary held her child on that silent night long ago, little did she know that she would bring into the world the child and the man who would serve as the symbol of salvation for millions of people across two thousand years. To this day, Christmas celebrations can be found in Israel in Jerusalem’s Christian quarter and Bethlehem’s Manger Square.

The month of December affords us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on all of the miracles that abound, whether they happened just over two thousand years ago or today.

All of us at Gig Harbor Living magazine warmly extend a Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all of our readers and their families. We offer a prayer of safety and gratitude to our servicemen and servicewomen who unselfishly spend this season in defense of our country and who ensure that we remain one nation under God.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 45

Pick Up & Delivery Debra L. Burk

HELPING YOU DO BUSINESS

Newly remodeled showroom Custom beaded jewelry and repairs • In house repairs on fine jewelry • •

IS OUR BUSINESS!

WE BUY • SELL TRADE & CONSIGN GOLD • SILVER DIAMONDS • GEMS ANTIQUE & ESTATE JEWELRY JEWELRY REPAIR CUSTOM ONE OF A KIND PIECES BY MASTER JEWELER SINCE 1978 Free verbal appraisal

by GIA Graduate Gemologist

253.884.6622

Fax: 253.884.6250 | Cell: 253.225.0319 officeaide@centurytel.net

Bookkeeping | Data Entry Payroll | Accounts Payable & Receivable Monthly & Quarterly Taxes

John Towey Photography

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www.debbiesofficeaide.com 3116 Harborview Drive Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS • www.reverencejewelry.com

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CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE FUN & UNIQUE SHOPPING

Specializes in: General Photography Family Events Video Production

Seasonal special for family portraits until the end of 2014.

253.683.1212

toweyirishman@gmail.com www.johntowey.weebly.com

46 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

• Antiques • Garden Art • Collectibles • Antique Furniture Vintage to Mid-Century/Shabby Chic • Designer Handbags • Costume Jewelry • Old Luggage • Vintage Clothing/Purses

ESTATE & MOVING SALES ON-SITE BUYOUT & LIQUIDATIONS BRA LADY AT THIS LOCATION • Lingerie XS-3XL • Bustiers • Nighties & Bras • Socks & Gift Items • Call for private appointment • Liquidation on Select Bras 50% OFF while Supplies Last

3614 Grandview Open Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm

253.851.2266

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ShopinStyle Suiting It Up IMPRESSIVE PANTS FOR HOLIDAY GATHERINGS.

BY SARAH POLYAKOV. EACH DECEMBER, the question “what will I wear?” becomes even more pressing. There are so many choices, and with holiday parties the stakes are higher. We want to look photo ready while at the same time being able to navigate the worst weather conditions of the year. During the holiday season, there are so many fun events to attend and so little time. But, can it all be done in a dress?

Although there are many striking dress offerings this season, there are far more comfortable options. The most comfortable and lovely option this season comes in the form of dressed-up pants. Many local stores are offering the latest styles of slacks that have been reinterpreted for the season so that you will look your best, even in trying weather conditions.

Choose from an array of pants in sumptuous satins, sassy slim metallics, brocade leggings, foiled ponté jeggings, and velvet with a lot of verve. This season’s sassy pants can be paired with slouchy monochromatic shirts, furry sweaters, or silky tank tops. Finish this look off with a black boyfriend jacket or simple shrug. This type of holiday look is a great option for going seamlessly from your office to your office party.

Don’t forget the importance of accessories, which set the tone for your entire outfit. Many of these looks become even more chic when paired with ornately beaded clutches, faux pearl and beaded necklaces, fashion gemstones, faux crocodile bags, and spirited scarves.

If you prefer a one-piece approach, several stores are offering sophisticated jumpsuits in slim cuts and basic colors. These are great worn with paireddown jewelry in gold or silver and a jeweled, wide-waist belt to finish off the look. Don’t forget to top this look off with one of the elaborately printed jackets available this season.

Finally, we must not forget the shoes. Because of the weather conditions around the holidays, a pair of saucy stilettos might be out of season. Many stores are offering ballet flats in an array of fabrics, styles, and colors. Or, if you must wear your stilettos, it is great to wear ballet flats out and about while carrying your heels in an oversized and on-trend handbag.

It will be easy to find this season’s trends at local stores. Bring your best friend and have a fun afternoon trying on different looks together. But don’t forget that the epitome of being put together is offering a sincere smile to everyone you meet and letting your gorgeous inner self to shine through. A sparkle in your eyes and a spring in your step is going to warm those around you and make you look your best, no matter what you wear.

Home&Garden LLC

Bella Kitchen and Home

UPTOWN: 4793 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Ste 200 253.514.6924 DOWNTOWN: 3311 Harborview Drive 253.313.5268

Specializing in Cosmetic Skincare

We are an upscale boutique specializing in European, American made, and one-of-a-kind items. Choose from our selection of the finest dinnerware, stemware, flatware and linens to enhance your holiday table. We have items for your kitchen, from the latest gadgets to top quality cookware. Shop for seasonal accessories, hand blown glass, candles, pewter and unique home décor gifts. Exquisite - Enduring - Functional.

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3308 Uddenberg Lane | Gig Harbor, WA

in Gig Harbor

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Looking to spruce up your home but finding it’s not within your budget? Look no further! We have been serving the Gig Harbor area for 10 years. We have all you need to make your home feel like a brand new place. Get that designer look without the designer price. Brands of furniture include Hancock & Moore, Century, Baker, Thomasville, Henredon, Sherrill, Hooker and more. Stop in today and let us help you find the perfect furniture and home decor for you style and budget.

253.853.5994 www.ghfurniturestore.com

Karen Smith, ARNP

Stop in for our skincare products: SkinMedica®, Glytone® & Avene®

Sophie’s Touch

3302 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA

Our store is located downtown Gig Harbor. We work hard to provide quality, stylish and functional merchandise and complete, balanced, natural food and treats. We are proud to showcase many local vendors and craftsmen. Bring your pet in for free goodies! Our hours are Monday-Saturday, 10-6pm and Sundays,10-5pm.

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4221 Harborview Drive Suite 103 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.314.2618

48 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

Ebb Tide Gallery of Gifts

7809 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor, WA

Join us for 2nd Thursday Art Walk on December 11th, 5-8pm.

An art cooperative of local artists creating beautiful art and gifts.

Discover a wide selection of art, photography, jewelry, pottery, fused glass, art tiles, beaded art, and decorative painting in our beautiful gallery. All artists will be featured in December.

The image is by fused glass artist Shirley Lane. They are fused glass Christmas Trees with copper wire wrapping.

f/TheEbbTideArtGallery www.ebbtidegalleryofgifts.com 253.851.5293

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APPRAISALS

Sharon’s Spa & Resale Boutique 7620 Pioneer Way | Gig Harbor, WA

Sharon’s Spa & Resale Boutique specializes in Natural & Organic Skincare and Designer Resale Clothing and accessories. Our spa offers Facials, Body Treatments, Peels or Sugar Hair Removal and more. Shop the boutique for designer labels below retail, or become a consignor and earn cash. Spa certificates are the perfect fit for the Holidays.

f/SharonsSpaBoutique www.spagigharbor.com 253.851.3550

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Gifts, Clothing & Christmas Shops

The Beach Basket

4102 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA

The Beach Basket invites you to come explore our shop filled with gifts, Gig Harbor t-shirts, sweatshirts and souvenirs. We also carry beautiful women’s sportswear and beach themed home decor. You will be pleasantly surprised by the unique, affordable merchandise in both our gift and year round Christmas Shop.

253.514.8478 UPTOWN GIG HARBOR 4711 POINT FOSDICK DR NW • GIG HARBOR, WA 98335

f/beachbasketgifts www.beachbasketgifts.com 253.858.3008 December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 49

UniqueFinds

la vie parfaite boutique

7700 Pioneer Way Ste. 103 | Gig Harbor, WA

la vie parfaite is a NEW gift and apparel boutique for women specializing in all things fabulous! From our cashmere ponchos, apparel, local art and jewelry to our large variety of thoughtful hostess gifts! Let us wrap up your Christmas for you!

Specializing in the finest European, American made and one-of-a-kind items.

www.lavieparfaite.com 253.851.5113

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

WE BUY • SELL TRADE & CONSIGN GOLD • SILVER DIAMONDS • GEMS ANTIQUE & ESTATE JEWELRY JEWELRY REPAIR CUSTOM ONE OF A KIND PIECES BY MASTER JEWELER SINCE 1978

Reverence Jewelry

3116 Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA

• • •

Newly remodeled showroom Custom beaded jewelry and repairs In house repairs on fine jewelry

We offer 14 and 18 karat gold and sterling silver jewelry at affordable prices as well as custom beaded designs. Our in house master jeweler provides custom work and repairs.

Come see our newly added fine art, sea life bronzes and small antiques. Located at the corner of Pioneer and Harborview, we buy, sell, trade and consign! Open Tuesday through Saturday.

773938-01

Free verbal appraisal

by GIA Graduate Gemologist

3116 Harborview Drive

www.reverencejewelry.com 253.853.4579

Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS • www.reverencejewelry.com

In Gig Harbor Uptown

4793 Pt. Fosdick Drive NW 253.514.6924

Downtown

3311 Harborview Drive 253.313.5268

Sea Hags

8805 N. Harborview, Ste. 201 | Gig Harbor, WA

Sea Hags Fine Art, Gifts and Coastal Decor is a unique experience in art & home décor. With a passion for the unusual, our store is filled with artisans’ creations complemented with unique coastal and cottage décor. We focus on Fair Trade, American Made and Local Art. Stop by and see what’s new!

f/seahagsllc www.seahagsllc.com 253.691.7731

Shop Online

BellaKitchenAndHome.com Vicki Jean Bags

8805 North Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA

Vicki Jean bags are handmade leather pieces that are unique, creative and functional. Vicki Jean offers a variety of styles for every season and need. Vicki Jean shoppers are focused on comfort and convenience with an eclectic mix of funk and class.

We are located 1 block from Anthony’s Restaurant.

f Vicki’s Life & Vicki Jean Bags www.vickijeanbags.com 253.208.7210

50 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

“Family farms and small businesses are the backbone of our communities”

Our products are local and so are we!

Ray Paul Schumsky 2nd Generation Custom Meatcutter

Call Ray Today and Reserve Your Old Fashioned Holiday Ham or Prime Rib! • All natural range fed beef from NE Oregon • Gluten Free, No Hormones, No Additives • Wide variety of pork, poultry, lamb & smoker meats • Northwest natural fresh turkey

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our week ly n faceboo k!

specials o

You’ve tasted the rest...

Now try the BEST!

253.432.4241

www.raysmeatmarket.com 6702 Tyee Dr, NW #103 Gig Harbor, WA (Next to Bridgeway Market)

Since 1932 Minterbrook has been bringing fresh oysters from the pristine waters of the Puget Sound.

www.minterbrookoyster.com 253.857.5251 December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 51

At Uptown Dental we have solutions that eliminate pain, let you relax and actually enjoy your visit to the dentist.

Say goodbye to your fears… we can make you smile again!

RHONDA SAVAGE, DDS

253.857.0835

www.UptownDentalGigHarbor.com

COMPLIMENTARY ZOOM WHITENING

with New Patient Exam, Xrays & Cleaning 52 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

Health&Lifestyle

Don’t Get Caught in the Dark!

Stepping out from the shadow of diabetes. By Terri Rossi.

GAIL’S WEIGHT FLUCTUATED up and down. And, after menopause, mostly up. Recent blood sugar levels had revealed that she was just shy of being officially branded diabetic. Thoughts of an impending cascade of life changes left her dismayed and apprehensive.

Gail knew how important staying active was to maintaining a full and vital life.

Over the years, however, joint and muscle pain had steadily increased to the point where she didn’t feel comfortable enough to enjoy a few rounds of golf or daily walks in the neighborhood. She needed a way to help herself feel good enough to be active enough to lose that extra weight.

And she was determined to avoid the same path of other family members who had developed type 2 diabetes. Through their experiences with the disease, Gail knew that some drugs used to control diabetes, such as Metformin, had nasty side effects. They could impair the absorption of vitamin B12 and create myelin sheath damage resulting in walking difficulties, muscle aches, numbness and memory loss. Worse, her mother had fought and lost the battle with diabetes—first losing a leg to amputation and then her life to unchecked infections the following year. Gail was determined not to live in the fear and shadows of diabetic-related health problems.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 53

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So she took the advice of her doctor’s nurse and enrolled in a special movement program called the Feldenkrais Method®. Developed in Europe by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais and brought to the United States in the 1980’s, the program uses gentle movement and directed attention to increase the ability to make comfortable, efficient movements.

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3220 Uddenberg Lane, Ste 3 Gig Harbor WA 98335

206-713-7169 www.bestbodymoves.com

Since my session I've been "noticing shifts in my body.

Sessions are so gentle and relaxing it's amazing how much shifts and comes into alignment during and after each session.

- Krista Rosemary - Kent, WA

"

Live with Vitality Move Easier Improve Coordination Find Inner Peace

Feldenkrais helps the brain communicate better with the body so that everything works better together. This means you will be on the fast track to enjoying the healthy habits of walking and playing that you know will improve your health.

Feldenkrais movement sessions are meant to be done with a spirit of exploration — so no two sessions will feel the same—and with great gentleness towards your body.

Gail recommends wearing comfortable clothing, but don’t expect to be jumping around and sweating.

Done in small groups or in private 1-1 sessions, you start with easy movements that gradually evolve into greater range and complexity done on the floor or low training table. The Feldenkrais practitioner gives verbal directions and uses gentle hand pressure to move your body in sequences that may mimic common things, for example, walking, reaching or getting up from a chair. Practitioners also have many handouts available with tips to help keep clients on track. Find a Feldenkrais practitioner today and live in the brightness of a healthy and vital life!

Terri Rossi

MS, LMP, BCTMB, GCFP Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner 54 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

One person every 20 seconds in the United States is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

In 2010 9% of adults in the United States had type 2 diabetes; by 2048 over 33% are expected to have diabetes.

Diabetes accounts for 50% of all amputations worldwide.

United States is ranked as the 2nd heaviest country per capita; Mexico leads the way...and weight.

Just one 12 oz. sugared pop daily can increase your diabetes risk by 22%.

Periodontal Disease The pivotal importance of oral hygiene.

Rhonda R. Savage, DDS. HAVE YOU HAD your PSA checked recently? Your PSA is the prostate-specific antigen, an enzyme created in the prostate, that’s normally secreted in very small amounts. You probably think it’s odd that a dentist would ask about your PSA scores. However, PSA is secreted at higher levels in men with periodontal disease and prostate cancer than men with just one of the diseases.

if you’re not compliant with your CPAP machine.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process. When you brush your teeth and find that your gums bleed, this isn’t healthy. The bacteria that cause gum and bone disease can then circulate thru your body and cause inflammation. One of the areas that bacteria has been found is in the prostate.

Dentists help by recommending tools like tongue scrapers, antimicrobial rinses and clinically proven power toothbrushes, such as the Philips DiamondClean® brush, combined with the Philip’s AirFloss®.

Periodontal bacteria from the mouth have also been associated with heart disease, stroke, early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes. Unchecked or untreated prostate disease can affect the quality of your life. If you’re male, it’s not a question of if, but when, you’ll develop this prostate disease. As a health care provider, I recommend you visit your physician and have your PSA levels checked regularly.

Also consider having a C-Reactive Protein test. The C-Reactive protein is an enzyme, produced by the liver, that signals inflammation in the blood stream. With a simple cholesterol test, the same blood draw can be used to check your C-Reactive protein levels. C-Reactive protein levels, if high, can signal inflammation in the bloodstream, which can be caused by periodontal disease.

Get your blood pressure checked, and if you need to lose weight, consider your options. Patients that are overweight are more prone to periodontal disease, heart disease and sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea (snoring or gasping for breath at night) are more at risk for life threatening diseases.

As a dentist, I work in conjunction with a board certified sleep physician. Dentists can help patients who snore or who have sleep apnea by creating an oral appliance,

We now know that the development and progression of periodontal disease is the result of the interplay between the bacteria and the immune system. The importance of reducing and eliminating as much oral bacteria as possible is important to you and your family’s health.

The new AirFloss technology can now replace flossing. If you don’t floss, you’re not alone. In one questionnaire, when asked how often my new patient flossed, she wrote: “LOL” Another gentleman wrote, “When I’m going to the dentist, or if I have something stuck between my teeth.”

I loved their honesty! Most patients don’t floss; I’d estimate that 90-95% of patients don’t floss regularly, if at all.

Now, there are tools that can be an aid, or actually replace flossing. Much of our health issues as humans are due to our habits. Changing your habits, including visiting your physician and your dentist, can result in a happier life and better relationships.

Dr. Rhonda Savage is a local Gig Harbor dentist, a dental speaker, coach, and author. She is a past president of the Washington State Dental Association and an affiliate faculty at the UW School of Dentistry. She was also a volunteer zoo dentist for 12 years, for the Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

You can reach her at UpTown Dental, 265.857.0835. Visit her website at www.UpTownDentalGigHarbor.com

It’s not the good life, it’s the best life!

Welcome home to Harbor Place!

From morning to night, you’ve got friends to meet up with, activities to share and a beautiful environment around you.

From fine dining, to sunny courtyard lunches, our chef prepares meals meant to be savored.

Choose from a range of active living options that compliment your personal requirements and lifestyle.

Independent Retirement & Assisted Living Community 1016 29th Street NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.853.3354 HarborPlaceRetirement.com

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 55

Gig Harbor Chiropractic & Massage www.GigHarborWellness.com

Dr. Greg Messer Dr. Keri Messer

253.857.6500

11430 51st Ave NW Ste 101A Gig Harbor, WA 98332

f gigharborchiropractic&massage Visit our website to take advantage of our New Patient Special!

Massage and Chiropractic Care Healing hands can help you feel better! By Susan Hoffman.

RECALLING A BACKRUB you received from your spouse probably reminds you just how good that felt, but the healing hands of a professional can enhance and magnify the sense of well being and relief from pain and stress. Some of us might view body massage as a pampering pleasure and a luxury not affordable.

However, there is much evidence about the benefits of bodywork treatments.

“Massage therapy focuses on soft tissues like the muscles and ligaments. With a focus on enhanced healing, range of motion, and relaxation, this treatment is complementary to chiropractic care.” Massage therapy offers medical benefits in addition to receiving the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Massage therapy relieves chronic low-back pain. Most of us have experienced lower back pain whether it is from a bad mattress, hours of gardening or a fall on the ice which consequently interferes with work and our daily activities.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on hard tissue such as bones and joints adjustments to the skeletal system and massage therapy focuses on soft tissue like muscles and ligaments. When both the joints and the muscle system readjust together the muscles become trained to maintain the alignment and the person now benefits with healing, enhanced range of motion and relaxation. Massage often contributes to less dependence on medication for the pain.

Experts tell us that 90% of disease is stress related. Various studies and personal testimonies have shown that the stress hormone called cortisol is greatly reduced after a massage. Massage therapy clearly benefits both our external and internal well being. We live in a fast-paced world which can feel chaotic and turbulent.

Following are ways our body might benefit: decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation and reduced fatigue.

56 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

Peace on earth begins at birth...

Experts tell us that 90% of disease is stress related. Various studies and personal testimonies have shown that the stress hormone called cortisol is greatly reduced after a massage.

Love The Belly Midwifery & Women's Health, LLC Misty Molina, ARNP Certified Nurse-Midwife

Catching babies at The Birthing Inn

6002 N. Westgate Blvd., Ste. 120 Tacoma, WA 98406

WWW.LOVETHEBELLY.ORG Massage therapy eases anxiety and depression. The two neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, are increased by a body massage and known to reduce depression. Massage has also been beneficial to reduce anxiety before surgery and also decreases stress and depression for cancer patients.

Massage boosts immunity. Body work enhances our immunity by stimulating the lymph flow which is our body’s natural defense system and it helps the body to detox and move congestion out of the body. The lymphatic system (the adenoids, thymus, tonsils and spleen) produces the lymph which is the fluid that filters metabolic waste which includes bacteria, dead cells, fats, fluids, proteins and viruses.

A trained therapist gently stimulates the lymph nodes and enhances immune function by increasing the activity of the natural killer immune cells which fight off viruses and disease.

Massage therapy, although it may feel undeserved or indulgent, is actually a very powerful and positive addition to our health care regimen. The emotional benefits are just as vital as the more obvious physical benefits which support the goal of harmony in mind, body and spirit. The medical community now embraces the advantages of chiropractic and massage treatments and hospitals are even providing on-site massage practitioners to treat post surgery or pain patients to assist the recovery process. Your health is your investment for life and living and self care invites you to embrace vitality and vigor.

Consider massage as a piece of your health and wellness plan and find a practitioner that best meets your needs.

SUPPORTIVE

253.376.9070

Midwifery • Gynecology Perimenopause • Menopause Birth Center Birth Gig Harbor 11505 Burnham Dr. NW, Ste. 104

Well-woman care from cradle to grave.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 57

58 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

Food&Dining Scan me for restaurant locations!

Lunchbox Laboratory

Home of the world’s best burgers and shakes, Lunchbox Laboratory has 3 locations in Western Washington! High quality ingredients sourced locally. Buns are fresh baked daily, locally made and organic. Stop by for weekly rotating handcrafted burger, cocktail and shake experiments! lunchboxlaboratory.com/gigharbor 4901 Point Fosdick Dr. NW | 253.432.4061

Morso

Satisfy your palate with our amazing gourmet lunch and dinner overlooking spectacular views of the water. Gig Harbor’s best kept secret! Wine list offers a worldwide scope, craft beers on tap, fun food & wine events. Our Morso Gallery provides private dining & a unique experience seeing local & national artists. Live music events features amazing artists from around the country. Hours: Tue-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 2pm-9pm. www.morsowinebar.com | 253.530.3463 9014 Peacock Hill Ave at N. Harborview Dr.

Green.House Restaurant

The Hub at Gig Harbor

www.greenhousegigharbor.com 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 400 | 253.514.6482

www.thehubrestaurants.com 1208 26th Avenue NW | 253.853.1585

Under New Ownership! Whether it’s on the patio, in the bar for happy hour, or by the cozy fireplace in the dining room, you’re invited to try our delicious new additions and nightly chalkboard specials with Chef Scott & Gail Fuller. Offering lunch, Twilight, dinner & Happy Hour. Open M-Thrs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8pm. Try our new specialty cocktails and newly expanded wine list for the Holidays!

Come enjoy great local foods, wine and craft brews, and patio with live music and flat screen TVs. Watch from your table as airplanes take off and land. Monday Trivia Night, Taco Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursday’s Open Mic Night with Mike. Come enjoy happy hour on our patio! Now delivering lunch! Experience Fly N Dine for an unforgettable flight over scenic Gig Harbor and combine it with Dinner package.

Taste of Peru

Taste of Peru offers traditional Peruvian dishes as well as quinoa, vegetarian, and gluten free options. We prepare our meals from scratch and use fresh ingredients offering a lighter and healthier option without compromising flavor. Now serving beer & wine!

Recipe

www.tasteofperuonline.com 5500 Olympic Drive NW, Ste. D-101 253.313.5198

Nitro Meatloaf

Brought to you by Rib Ticklers 5515 38th Avenue NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Located inside the Valero gas station Mon-Sat 11-7 & Sun 12-6 253.858.RIBS | www.ribticklersbbq.com f/ribticklersbarbeque

Forza Coffee Company

Much more than specialty coffee! Gig Harbor FORZA offers hot breakfast sandwiches, burritos, quiche & pastries, lunch, including sandwiches & salads, dinner, including Italian flatbreads, antipasto & caesar salad and everything in between! Come in and try our amazing selection of wine and craft beer while listening to live music or enjoying trivia! Happy hour daily from 4-6pm.

Ingredients & Instructions

www.forzacoffeecompany.com 5275 Olympic Drive NW | 253.858.8033

Spice up that same old meatloaf recipe with a little not too hot when you cook it Rib Ticklers Nitro Sauce. You can use Mild, Spicy Turbo if you like, but really it’s not that hot. All you do, instead of catsup use that same amount of Rib Ticklers Barbeque Sauce. Available at Rib Ticklers Barbeque 5515 38th Avenue NW Gig Harbor.

Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant

Mix half ranch dressing and half Barbeque sauce for a great salad dressing or veggie dip.

Voted best Mexican Restaurant in South Sound Magazine for 2014! Since 1978, Moctezumas Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar has been the favorite of those seeking authentic Mexican food and award winning Margaritas. Come visit our Gig Harbor location for an exceptional Mexican atmosphere and enjoy our Tequila Bar for daily happy hour specials and an array of delicious appetizers. www.moctezumas.com 4628 Pt. Fosdick Drive NW 253.851.8464

Marketplace Grille

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8825 North Harborview Drive, Unit C 253.858.3487

Locally owned featuring 26 chef inspired burger options, salad creations & more. Fresh, locally sourced produce & natural meats, chicken, buffalo, turkey, & vegetarian options. Visit our sports lounge & enjoy local craft beer. Hours: SunThurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm.

Sports Lounge: Sun: 11am-10pm, MonThurs: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12am. www.blazingonion.com 4701 Point Fosdick Drive NW 253.514.6703 60 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

Makes a great barbeque pizza sauce or on Boboli bread, oysters, shrimp, burgers, dogs, chili or anything you can imagine.

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LOA MEAT

American cuisine with a Caribbean flair, best Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder in Gig Harbor! We are located next to Anthony’s Restaurant and offer an expansive view of the harbor. Family owned and operated. If you haven’t tried us, you are missing out!

Serving beer and wine, Take Out Menu available. Hours M-Thursday, 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm, Sunday, 11am-8pm. www.themarketplacegrille.com

Blazing Onion

Half mayo or cream cheese with the barbeque sauce also great for dipping. Especially Artichokes.

Meet me at the Hub! Call ahead & we will have your order ready for pick-up!

LARGE ONE TOPPING PIZZA & GROWLER TAKE OUT COMBO

ONLY $20!*

1208 26th AVE NW Gig Harbor, WA 99335

253.853.1585

*TAKE OUT ONLY. GROWLER JUG NOT INCLUDED. YOU MAY PURCHASE A NEW GROLWER FOR AN ADDITIONAL $5. PRICES SHOWN ABOVE DO NOT INCLUDE WA SALES TAX.

www.thehubrestaurants.com

Located at the Tacoma Narrows Airport

Voted Best Burger South Sound Magazine

4 Years Running

Discover Gig Harbor’s most talked about Restaurant Experience!

Send the Best Holiday Gift.

Dessert & Centerpiece in One

Send the Best Holiday Gift.

253-853-7848

Dessert & Centerpiece in One

Now local delivery or pick Up

Visit us at 4901 Point Fosdick Drive, Gig Harbor

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* Offer valid at participating locations shown. Expires: 1/3/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrange

253-853-7848

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Visit us at 4901 Point Fosdick Drive, Gig Harbor

edible.com

* Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 61

Dairy Delivers The nutrient-rich holiday flavor.

THE HOLIDAYS DON’T intuitively seem like a good time to worry about healthy eating, but there are tasty ways to get your necessary intake of vitamins and nutrients.

Dairy is an ideal example of a delicious but often overlooked source of essential nutrients -- making it a great ingredient for holiday cooking.

“Even when we’re not celebrating the holidays, most Americans consume too many foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients,” says Alyssa Greenstein, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Florida. “One way to lighten holiday fare is to focus on serving nutrient-rich choices from the food groups people need most. Those food groups are low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”

Research shows that the average holiday meal with all the trimmings contains as many as 3,000 calories with 225 grams of fat. This can quickly add unwanted pounds -- studies show that the average American typically gains one to two pounds during the holidays.

Science shows that consuming at least three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt every day helps people meet their daily calcium, potassium and other nutrient recommendations and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension and obesity.

62 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

During holiday cooking, substitute low-fat dairy options to get the same vitamins with fewer calories. Consider options like low-fat or fat-free cheese, low-fat or skim milk and fat-free plain Greek yogurt.

“Even people with lactose intolerance do not have to miss out on the enjoyment of dairy foods during the holidays or the essential nutrients that dairy provides all year long,” says Greenstein. “Lactose-free milk is real milk with the lactose (or sugar) removed. It contains the same nine essential nutrients as regular milk, including calcium, protein and vitamin D.” Don’t sacrifice good taste to be healthy this season. Try this holiday recipe with your friends and family for a nutrient-rich beverage: Vanilla Egg Nog 3 eggs (or 3/4 cup pasteurized egg product) 1/3 cup sugar 4 cups low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt Whole nutmeg, grated In a blender, mix eggs and sugar. Add milk, yogurt, vanilla and salt; blend until frothy.

Pour into serving glasses, and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. Get more recipes at www.floridamilk.com.

food, wine & beer

waterfront resta u ra nt with a rt ga llery

enjoy lunch, happy hour & dinner

2014 OPEN TABLE TOP 100

BEST WINE LIST in America as voted by Open Table Diners

amazing salads · filet mignon fresh fish · great wines · happy hour rotating craft beers · patio seating live entertainment · 21+ tuesday - thursday · 4pm to 10pm friday & saturday · noon to midnight sunday · 2pm to 9pm 9014 Peacock Hill Ave. at N. Harborview Dr. at the head of the bay

253.530.DINE (3463)

online reservations at morsowinebar.com

253.851.3167 Lunch & Dinner Cocktails ~ Premium Beers Extended Wine List

Lunch Mon~Sat 11am to 2pm Dinner Mon~Sat 4:30 to Close

Make your reservations for your holiday party!

2905 Harborview Drive NW Gig Harbor www.thegreenturtle.com

Enjoy endless views of Mount Rainier and the Gig Harbor Lighthouse.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 63

Let It Snow!

Winter getaway. Five mountains to tackle this winter. By Colin Anderson.

FOR THOSE OF US crazy enough to seek out snow in the winter, there is a seemingly endless list of mountains from which to choose. While the northwest doesn’t typically get the notoriety of Colorado or California resorts, places like Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood, and Whistler are right on par with other world class ski hills. While the mega resorts offer on-mountain lodging, high-end boutiques, and luxurious restaurants, often times it’s the little guys where you’ll end up having the most fun on the slopes and the most memorable experience. Here are five hills that might take a bit further to get to, but won’t disappoint when you arrive.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Sula, MT | www.losttrail.com Straddling the Idaho/Montana state line and the Continental Divide, Lost Trail offers great snow, affordable tickets, and rarely will you find a lift line. While smaller than many of the regional resorts, Lost Trail still boasts 1,800 vertical feet, a long run of 2.5 miles, and 50 marked trails, giving you plenty to explore. Adult tickets are just $40, making Lost Trail one of the best values in the west. It is also one of the few non-profit ski hills that remain today. You can book a cabin in nearby Sula, or find a hotel or bed and breakfast in any one of the towns along the stunning Bitterroot Valley.

Discovery Basin, Phillipsburg, MT | www.skidiscovery.com Another great Montana ‘Mom & Pop’ hill is Discovery Basin also known as ‘Disco.’ The front side of Discovery is a perfect spot for beginners and those who enjoy long mellow groomers.

Drop off the backside and things couldn’t be more different. Here you’ll find nothing but double black steep shoots, and if you catch a big powder day on these runs, you’ll remember it the rest of your life. ‘Disco’ really does offer something for everyone with runs marked 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 30% expert. Off mountain you can explore the mining history of nearby Anaconda, visit Georgetown Lake, or get the old west feel in downtown Phillipsburg.

Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall, ID | www.brundage.com

With an average of 320 inches each year, Brundage is almost always one of the first to open and last to close. There are nearly 50 marked runs, but it’s the bowls, glades, and tree skiing that bring diehards back here year after year. Brundage is also popular with the backcountry crowd as you can tackle 19,000 additional acres yourself or arrange guided snow cat tours on the mountain. Brundage is just eight miles from downtown McCall where you’ll find a multitude of places to stay, shop, dine, drink, and explore.

Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernice, B.C. www.skifernie.com The secret is out. With accolades continuing to pile up from national and international publications, Fernie is no longer a quaint little ski town. But one look at the trail map and you’ll soon realize why folks were trying to keep this place a secret for so long with142 runs, 5 bowls, and 2,500 acres to explore.

One day here and you’ve hardly scratched the surface. A run from top to bottom is a 2030 minute affair, and you’ll be ready for a hot tub soak after a thigh burn on the mountain.

Fernie has cross-country and snowshoe trails and Kokanee fans can visit the brewery down the street in nearby Creston. You’ll find everything from hostels to million dollar

home

Make yourself Gig Harbor Retreat $1,295,000

at

• Chef’s kitchen w/ slab granite & Viking range • Main floor 2 bdrm luxury guest apartment • 2 wet bars for entertaining • 1,490 sq ft deck + covered patio • Steel I-beam construction • Access to private & secluded beach • Minutes to shopping, dining & entertainment • 7,726 sq ft • 7 bedrooms • High bank waterfront • Expansive views of Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound and a peek into the mouth of the Harbor

But one look at the trail map and you’ll soon realize why folks were trying to keep this place a secret for so long...

Enjoy this architecturally inspired home with breathtaking views of Puget Sound & Mt. Rainier.

Luxury defined!

GigHarborRetreat.com

homes and dive bars to five star dining, the Fernie experience is ultimately up to you.

Red Mountain, Rossland, B.C. www.redresort.com Another great stop along Canada’s Powder Highway is Red Mountain. Located just across the Washington border north of Spokane, Red Mountain is also picking up awards and praise from all across the country, but has yet to see the enormous development like other mountains in the region. Red added even more terrain over the past year making almost 3,000 acres accessible by lift. While not ideal for beginners, advanced skiers and riders will find plenty of glades, chutes, and other challenging terrain. There are also cross country trails, cat and heli-skiing, and with one of Canada’s best ski towns just a few miles away, you’re sure to have a great time at this unspoiled regional resort.

Janet Lee & Brenna Harrington, Brokers The Lee Team | LeeTeam@Windermere.com Janet 253-851-7653 | Brenna 253-514-9169

www.welcome2gigharbor.com f / GHLeeTeam

Over 36 years combined experience. We’re your full service team.

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 65

Harbor|HomeConsignment “Designer Look Without the Designer Price Tag”

Hancock&Moore Century Baker Thomasville Henredon Sherrill Hooker

in Gig Harbor

10 Years (253) 853-5994 3308 Uddenberg Lane | Gig Harbor, WA 66 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

www.ghfurniturestore.com

December 2014 | Gig Harbor Living Local 67

U YO N! O T S SO ISHE EA W S M WAR AY OLID H S I TH

Helping Make Gig Harbor Your Home

3 Time Five Star Professional Realtor Award

Sandy Jones, Realtor®

Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor - Downtown 3111 Harborview Drive, Ste 200 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.514.1988

www.sandyjonesgigharbor.com sandyjones@windermere.com

Trust Sandy Jones as your Premiere Real Estate Expert!

Debbie Mishko

NMLS 1102863 7191 Wagner Way, Ste 203 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335

68 Gig Harbor Living Local | www.GoGigHarbor.com

P: 253.858.3899 | C: 360.239.1942 www.evergreenhomeloans.com/DebbieM dmishko@evergreenhomeloans.com