November 2021 Gig Harbor Living Local

NOVEMBER 2021

gigharbor

Living Living Local Local

GIG HARBOR

LIVING LOCAL’S

A SEASON OF GIVING

2021

VOTE TODAY! Ways to Say ‘Thank You’

SKI THE NW From epic resorts to the best hidden powder

Small Business Saturday Supporting Our Local Communities GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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AS INDEPENDENT

MORTGAGE BROKERS we work on YOUR BEHALF with YOUR GOALS and BEST INTERESTS in mind.

“As a first-home buyer, I was so intimidated by the process, as you probably are if you are reading this. I’m here to tell you not to worry. Get in touch with Northwest Mortgage Services. Our loan officer, Abel Hernandez, was fantastic. He made sure my wife and I were informed every step of the way, and was very responsive to my calls and questions. I was seeking a VA Loan, so I had a few extra concerns on requirements and things to consider, but Abel and his team are extremely experienced in this aspect as well. The bottom line is they care about what they do, and who they are doing it for.

The only thing I would have done differently is calling them sooner.”

- James Santos

PROVIDING QUALITY MORTGAGE SERVICES FOR OVER 33 YEARS

Abel Hernandez, Loan Officer

Jeff Carr, President

MLO#1718944 abel@northwestmortgageservices.com

MLO#102392 jeff@northwestmortgageservices.com

253.851.1687 | 7116 Stinson Ave. Suite A205, Gig Harbor, WA | info@northwestmortgageservices.com | NorthwestMortgageServices.com | local & veteran-owned

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Healthy, Glowing, Fashionable?

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Facial Rejuvination | SkinPen Microneedling | PRP | Acne/Acne Scar Treatments Smooth Beam Laser Treatment | Rosacea | Spider Vein Treatment | Laser Hair Removal Vbeam Laser Therapy | Radio Frequency Skin Tightening | Obagi® Blue Peel PCA Chemical Peels | Waxing Services PCA, Skin Medica ®, Obagi NuDerm ®, Epionce ®, Jan Marini ®

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253.756.0933

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featured content A SEASON OF GIVING

70 Small Purchases Add Up Choose local this holiday season

74 Saying Thank You Personal ways to express thanks during the season of giving

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Giving Back

Blessing others through donations and volunteerism

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

S E P T E M B E R 2021 V O LU M E 8 N U M B E R 9

A Reason to Smile.

Dr. Brian Dansie and his staff support Food Backpacks 4 Kids and their mission. This holiday season we are hosting a baking supplies drive for the 200 local families that Food Backpacks 4 Kids assists each week.

From November to December 10th, drop off your baking supplies donation to our office: Items can include but aren’t limited to: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and vanilla.

DR. BRIAN DANSIE Pediatric Dental Specialist

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! 3316 56th ST. NW, STE. 100 | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | 253.329.KIDS (5437) frontdesk@thekidsdentistgh.com | thekidsdentistgigharbor.com

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gigharbor

Living Local

GIGHARBORLIVINGLOCAL.COM

MARKETING WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Julie Reed | 253.363.8832 julie@like-media.com

EDITORIAL

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

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Darbey Russo GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Marisa Inahara GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Nicole Robitaille DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

ACCOUNTING/ OPERATIONS MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | Allyia Briggs

CONTRIBUTORS Deann Hammer, Jennifer "Taz" Vazquez, Felicia Soleil, Nancy Harris, Bri Williams, Missi Balison, Marguerite Cleveland, Tina VanDenHeuvel-Cook

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographers: In-Gear Media pg. 1, 32-33,36-37, 70, 106, Diane Fetzner pg. 14 Courtesy Photos: Deanne Hammer, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Red Mountain Resort, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Gig Harbor Basket Brigade, Sharon and John Kirry

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by Like-Media.com. If you would like to advertise with us please call 253.363.8832 or email julie@like-media.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at events@like-media.com.

Advertising Agency

We specialize in small spaces & big dreams.

compact design, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), small footprint, First consultation is complimentary.

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LICENSE # BRETTMD892QP

Living Local magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest; Gig Harbor, Edmonds, 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 by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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"Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude."

- Nigel Hamilton

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PUBLISHER’S

Note

Be Thankful, Today and Always

E

Family First offers compassionate, quality, 24-hour care in a comfortable home setting.

• Caring and experienced medical team.

• Home physician and transportation to medical appointments provided.

• Entertaining activities for residents.

• Serving Gig Harbor and the surrounding community for 20 years.

ach November, we are reminded to “give thanks” and to “be thankful,” as that Thanksgiving feast will soon make its way to our table, where we’re surrounded by our closest family and friends. Rather than expressing our gratitude just one day a year, why aren’t we voicing what we are grateful for on a more regular—even daily—basis?

Our lives are filled with the good and the bad, those ups and downs, times of prosperity and times of trouble. It is important to focus on all that we do have to be thankful for— from the very basic yet essential things like having a roof over our heads, food on the table, and free education for our children— especially during those times of hardship.

It is all too easy these days to focus on what others have and we lack, especially with social media and its ever-present access. You can often find yourself scrolling through while being bombarded with other people touting their success, whether it be that brand-new car or that “perfect” body.

Though much easier said than done, there is no time like the present to turn that focus inward, looking at oneself and your

LIVING LOCAL’S

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WINNER

GIG HARBOR

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL’S

LIVING LOCAL’S

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WINNER

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gigharbor

familyfirstafh.com julie@familyfirstafh.com

A SEASON OF GIVING

GIG HARBOR L’S LIVING LOCA

2021

VOTE TODAY!

Ways to Say ‘Thank You’

SKI THE NW From epic resorts

to the best hidden

powder

Proud To Partner

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ess Small Busin Saturday

LIVING LOCAL

Steve Russo Executive Director | steve@like-media.com

Cover Photo By In-Gear Media.

Our Supporting unities Local Comm GIG HARBOR

Make it a habit to count your blessings not just on Thanksgiving Day, but each day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

EACH SEASON BRINGS ITS OWN UNIQUE BEAUTY TO GIG HARBOR. As the leaves continue to change and fall to the ground, take in the natural splendor that surrounds us. Everywhere we turn, we can find beauty, even in the simplest things—like the vintage barn that sits along Randall Drive Northwest, which is featured on this month’s cover of Gig Harbor Living Local.

call Loca Liv ing Lo Living

253.853.2033

If you are looking to spread your blessings with others, from volunteering your time at a local nonprofit this holiday season, to sending in a financial contribution to that special organization, purchasing a Thanksgiving meal for a local veteran or family in need, or donating items to make a child’s Christmas morning truly memorable, know that your actions have an impact that extends far beyond your reach and may change someone’s life, even if just for one day.

ABOUT THE COVER

NOVEMBER 2021

GIG HARBOR

own accomplishments and blessings. A life well lived consists of so much more than material possessions and outer appearances.

Our lives are uniquely magnificent, and it is up to us to see and appreciate what we do have and continue to sacrifice so much for.

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Y R R O W E H T F O E M O S A “TAKE .

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Timothy Lopez, Agent Certified Agency in Customer Excellence Bus: (253) 858-7200 7512 Stanich Ln Ste 2, Gig Harbor tlope1@amfam.com

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, American Family Life Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2020 ~017720 – 1/20 – 14804729

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CONTENTS 22

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E S S E NTIA L S The latest tips and trends in home, garden, finances and life

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L I F E & COMMUNITY 28th Annual Gig Harbor Basket Brigade: Providing Thanksgiving meals for those in need

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GO OD NE WS

The Minerva Scholarship Fund: Local scholarship uplifts women in education

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BUSIN E S S S P OT LIG HT

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S T U DE NT S OF T HE MO N T H Recognizing the hard work and dedication of our community's youth

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LIV ING LOCAL

Dawn of A New Day Safety Training and Consulting: Offering a variety of classes for individuals and businesses

Gig Harbor Lions Club Facilitates Giving Trees: Partnering with the community to bring joy this Christmas season

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IN FOCU S Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees: A bit of holiday magic

S HOP LOCAL T HIS HOLIDAY S E AS ON Check out these local businesses for your holiday shopping needs

sneak peek into November...

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A TH AN K F U L T IME OF YE AR

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Saying Thank You: Personal ways to express thanks during the season of giving

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GIVE TO T HE COMMU N IT Y

FOOD & DR INK

Tips and informational articles about living a healthy, active lifestyle

Giving Back: Blessing others through donations and volunteerism

Your local guide to the tastiest hot spots around town

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F E AT UR E

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TRAVEL & LE IS U R E

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Ski the Northwest: From epic resorts to the best hidden powder

Spend Thanksgiving at a Destination Resort: Where the whole family can sit back and relax

A Sure Way to Warm You Up on a Fall Afternoon: Rustic Mushroom Soup

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GIG H AR BOR LOCAL G U IDE

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ART S & E N T E RTAINMEN T

Small Purchases Add Up: Choose local this holiday season

Gig Harbor's local gems all laid out for you in one place!

Don’t miss out on these events and fun community happenings

H E A LTH & L IFE STYLE

S H O PPI NG S MA LL

F E AT U R E D R ECIP E

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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Leave it to the Professionals

FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

By Deann Hammer, Broadway Design

A

s it is said, nothing lasts forever. Many homes in Gig Harbor were constructed between 1970 and 1990, which means that many home interiors are now coming to the end of their life span of 30 to 50 years and are outdated.

The best approach to protect your home investment, not to mention your optimum enjoyment while living there, is to hire an interior design professional.

I have viewed thousands of homes where homeowners have “gone it alone” and made decisions for renovations or decorating on their own— and very few of them have had a happy ending.

There are loads of things to consider during construction, and a renovation or decorating project can be very expensive. So why throw good money away?

1. Overall design theme. A designer will help you get out of your own head and see the entire project as a whole, creating continuity and timelessness. Often a client will be obsessed with one thing that they saw in a magazine 10 years ago—and it can possibly be outdated quickly, or

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kill the overall theme of the architectural style, resale value or budget of a home.

2. Scale. Designers know what size fits where and why. They draft out your construction or furniture floor plan showing where items will be placed, and attend to all of the details such as the color of your sofa legs, fabric durability, the depth of your couch, the height of your chairs relating to the size of your body, the softness of the cushion that you prefer for comfort, the color scheme, and the overall size of each piece relating to the height of the ceilings, amount of light entering the room, and on it goes. Clicking a button online for a furniture purchase or walking into a furniture store will not get you the same result. Ever.

3. Experience/relationships with furniture vendors. Wayfair is great … but only if you want to buy something under $2,000. How do you know if your sofa is made with hardwood versus particle board that will fall apart completely in two years? Quality counts.

Designers know their vendors well. They know how products are made, as they buy in volume. They have service relationships with their vendors and can remedy any problems that arise. Buy it once, and buy it right.

The best approach to protect your home investment is to hire an interior design professional.

Why buy disposable goods that keep increasing our landfills? Cheap products look cheap. You deserve better.

TRANSFORM

YOUR WORLD

We excel at listening and implementing each client’s wants and needs to successfully reach the finish line.

4. It can save you money. Fewer mistakes, less wasted money and time. If the item is measured properly the first time, it will fit through the door of your room and not be returned. It will look fantastic, and it will be made to last. Designers help you make these choices. They also have access to wholesale trade accounts that have pricing far below retail prices. Often (and this is what my firm offers) you will not pay a design fee if you buy over $15,000 in merchandise. Or many designers will charge a design fee and offer a discount on merchandise. Any way you look at it, you have an extra added benefit by hiring a pro rather than buying online.

5. Construction design advice. I can’t say how many clients want to bang away at a remodel and say they will look at furniture later. What a mistake! Where you build your walls, the colors you paint, the flooring you chose, ALL impacts how it relates to your furniture selection process. You want to make sure you have a furniture plan before you start your renovation to ensure all of your pieces will fit properly, the colors jive, and items will be delivered in a time frame that will correspond with the end of project, so you can sit in your newly renovated home rather than lying on the floor.

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

CALL DEANN FOR A FREE 1-HOUR DESIGN CONSULTATION 253.224.5133 | broadwaydesign.net

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G R AT I T U D E , AT T I T U D E A N D

SERVICE

H O W TO S H I F T A N E G AT I V E M I N D S E T

BY JENNIFER “TAZ” VAZQUEZ

H Jennifer Vazquez

Life Coaching I help you discover what sets your soul on fire ...

Rediscover your creativity, beauty and power!

Let’s create how you want to show up in this world!

ow can gratitude, attitude and service help us when we stumble to get up, shake it off and move forward?

I recently supported a community event serving veterans and first responders. As a volunteer coordinator for a couple hundred folks, there were lots of moving parts, coordination, communication and deadlines.

Overall, volunteers and participants had a great experience. Yay! So how come I felt exhausted, disconnected, and was selfcritical afterward?

I realized I’d let my inner critic slip into perfectionism mode and run amuck, leading me to ruminate on my mistakes and beat myself up for not knowing all I needed to.

I’d forgotten to implement the mindfulness tools and gratitude practices that shift our brains from a scarcity perspective to one of abundance.

After the event, I received a message from someone I respect who said, “Take some time to look at the experience with joy … it is an intense job, and at the end it got done, the sun was shining, people needed this … and you were part of giving that to them.”

His comments reminded me that when we find ourselves going down a negative rabbit hole, because our brains are wired to look for the negative (and mistakes will happen), we have an opportunity to refocus, reset, restart and move forward as many times as we need!

I was then able to shift my perspective and attitude to refocus on the present. I read people’s comments, connected to their experiences, and enjoyed their pictures and stories. I felt such joy, and the gratitude welled up!

Contact Me Today!

360.591.9256 • tazvazquez.com dancingdogs2@hotmail.com

Research shows gratitude helps us feel more positive, remember good experiences, handle adversity and build closer connections.

Gratitude helps us see beyond ourselves because we can help each other grow and learn. Gratitude even changes our attitude. As gratitude becomes a habit, it will become our primary way of being. The more we radiate positive energy, the more we attract positive experiences in our life.

Similarly, being of genuine service creates

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a ripple effect when aligned with who we are because it shapes our positive choices and intentions; thus, helping to create more positive experiences and opportunities for us, others and our community.

PositivePsychology.com shares several excellent tips to practice bringing more gratitude into your life: Keep a gratitude journal. Do random acts of gratitude.

Every time you catch yourself dwelling on something negative, remind yourself of one to two things you're grateful for. Send a thank you note. Meditate. Practice mindfulness to gain awareness of your negative thoughts and feelings to see they are not necessarily accurate (giving us freedom to respond differently in the future).

Life won’t always be smooth sailing. When we choose to practice mindfulness and reframing, over time, it enables us to learn, grow and trust in the process … so we can get back up, tinker/adjust, be present and move forward again from a positive mindset.

Now when I think of the event, I am so grateful to all the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and participants. I feel in my heart the impact we will make in the lives of veterans and first responders.

How can you get back up, recenter, begin again, and continue to move forward from a place of abundance? Practice gratitude, attitude and being of service. It will help to rewire your brain from looking for the negative to seeking out the positive.

What are you grateful for?

d. for

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checkups, d l i h sports phys c d l n i ca el s, a ls n

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Gig Harbor's Premier Pet Facility for over 40 years.

We are grateful for the chance to serve your family and to learn from you as well, as we work together for the best interest of your child.

Call (253) 857.2443 gigharborkennel.com 14520 Peacock Hill Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA

For Appointments: harborpeds.net 253.530.8328 Gig Harbor, WA

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Reluctant Gratitude N E W LY D I V O R C I N G A N D J U S T N O T ‘ F E E L I N G I T ’ ?

I

By Felicia Soleil, Attorney/Mediator

t’s that time of year again, a time of giving thanks and celebrating with the ones you love … except, what if 2021 is the year of your separation or divorce and you are struggling with gratitude and all things “celebratory”? As a long-time divorce lawyer and mediator, I am witness to this struggle each and every year as clients try to find ways to navigate through the next two months and turn the corner into the new year hoping for better days ahead.

“presence,” not more “presents.” And your extended family and friends will forgive you if you don’t accept every invitation or make your usual contributions to this year’s social gatherings.

While my favorite “holiday coping” story involves a former client who was on the receiving end of a divorce and escaped on a whim during Christmas for a bucket-list cruise to the Antarctic via the southern tip of South America (basically, as far away as possible), this isn’t realistic for most folks, (particularly in the time of COVID). So here are some more practical tips:

So, what if one isn’t feeling particularly grateful? Interestingly, I did some research and discovered there is science behind observing the little things in your life when the big things aren’t going so well, and then writing down your appreciation for those little things to reintroduce gratitude back into your life. During this time of year, it could be as simple as observing and appreciating the seasonal scent of the fall leaves or an evergreen tree, the sound of your crackling fire in your fireplace, or the warmth of your flannel sheets. Sensory-laden little things to bring you back to what matters. And then write them down each day and say thank you.

1. Adjust expectations: I have lots of clients who believe they should try and spend “one last holiday” together as a way to ease out of family traditions, even though they may have already been separated for months. If you have a good shared-parenting arrangement with your children and co-parent, or if you have a very accepting (and respectful) extended family, this certainly can work. But really ask yourself, “What am I expecting this to feel like?”

Will your kids be confused? Will an overly imbibing relative make snarky remarks? Or what if you have no other shared relationships to provide a buffer? Really give some thought to your intentions behind another shared holiday, and are they realistic? And remember, those around you may not share your expectations. How much work will it feel like to have to put others at ease, whether it’s your former spouse, your shared children, or your relatives?

2. Give yourself permission to do less: This is not the year to overcompensate for whatever losses you feel. Your kids need your

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3. Practice gratitude: Emphasis on the word practice, as in when used as a verb and defined by Webster as “the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it.”

The more you do it (practice), the more your brain adapts to this way of thinking and eventually allows you to expand again into your more generous and grateful self in the future. The point is to allow yourself to have whatever kind of holidays you need for yourself this first year without being beholden to the expectations of others, and realizing you will always have things to be grateful for, no matter how small.

That alone is worth celebrating.

Felicia Soleil is a divorce mediator and family law attorney located in Gig Harbor. She helps her clients in achieving resolutions that foster both a compassionate ending to their union and a healthy new beginning so they can focus on moving on, rather than simply moving out. Felicia can be reached at 253.853.6940. All consultations are strictly confidential and currently conducted by appointment via videoconference or phone.

Building Better Solutions for Clients With almost 30 years experience serving families in Gig Harbor and Pierce County, Felicia Soleil provides more constructive alternatives to dissolving a marriage outside of a courtroom. In addition to her family law practice, she also provides mediation services, offering legal support, education and case management - from simple to complex - for separation and divorce, parenting plans, child support and prenuptial agreements.

Facing a divorce or separation? Felicia focuses on reducing and resolving conflict, helping you transition by moving on, not just moving out.

Felicia A. Soleil, Attorney at Law and Mediator

253.853.6940 • FamilyLawResolutions.com • 7191 Wagner Way, Suite 303, Gig Harbor, WA

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new foundation w e a lt h g r o u p

LOSING A

SPOUSE

How to make financial matters less difficult

Courtesy of Nancy Harris, CMFC, CDFA | President, Financial Planner, New Foundation Wealth Group

L

osing a spouse is a stressful transition.

And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

Notify others. When your spouse dies, your first step should be to contact anyone who is close to you and your spouse. Next, you should contact your attorney and financial professionals. You'll also want to contact life insurance companies, government agencies and your spouse's employer for information on how you can file for benefits.

BUILDING SOLID FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS We develop & review strategies, plans & solutions, as well as work to create a safe & caring environment where everyone can discuss their financial concerns, dreams & goals.

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Get advice. Getting expert advice when you need it is essential. An attorney can help you go over your spouse's will and start estate settlement procedures. A funeral director can also be an excellent source of information and may help you obtain copies of the death certificate and applications for Social Security and veterans’ benefits. Your life insurance agent can assist you with the claims process, or you can contact the company's policyholder service department directly. Consult with your financial professional, accountant or tax advisor to help you organize your finances.

Locate important documents and financial records. Before you can begin to settle your spouse's estate or apply for insurance proceeds or government benefits, you'll need to locate important documents and financial records (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, life insurance policies). Keep in mind that you may need to obtain certified copies of certain documents.

Evaluate short-term income and expenses.

When your spouse dies, you may have some immediate expenses to take care of, such as funeral costs and any outstanding debts that your spouse may have incurred (e.g., credit cards, car loan). Even if you are expecting money from an insurance or estate settlement, you may lack the funds to pay for those expenses right away. If that is the case, don't panic—you have several options. If your spouse had a life insurance policy that named you as the beneficiary, you may be able to get the life insurance proceeds within a few days after you file. And you can always ask the insurance company if they'll give you an advance. In the meantime, you can use credit cards for certain

expenses. Or, if you need the cash, you can take out a cash advance against a credit card. Also, you can try to negotiate with creditors to allow you to postpone payment of certain debts for 30 days or more, if necessary.

Avoid hasty decisions: · Don't think about moving from your current home until you can make a decision based on reason rather than emotion. · Don't spend money impulsively. When you're grieving, you may be especially vulnerable to pressure from salespeople. · Don't cave in to pressure to sell or give away your spouse's possessions. Wait until you can make clear-headed decisions. · Don't give or loan money to others without reviewing your finances first, taking into account your present and future needs and obligations.

Nancy Harris isa Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative o fEquity Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 1200 Newport Center Drive, Suite 270, Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-836- 7809. New Foundation Wealth Group is independent of Equity Services Inc. TC123499(1021)3

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

By Colin Anderson

ay s e x p e a l w ay s

ri

na

ing ent m tu r al

w al

Kelli Willson Swift Water Elementary Kindergarten Teacher

K

elli Willson gets the pleasure privileged to be a small part of students’ of introducing many young lives,” she said. children to their first school While Kelli has certain subjects that she experience. Kindergarteners has to cover, a big part of early learning is can be nervous going to a school for the just getting comfortable with the routine first time, finding their desk, making of school and recognizing and respecting new friends, and being away from home peers as well as adults in the building. She for much of the day. With 28 years in the hopes to make an impact profession, Kelli has on each student’s life, and learned what it takes to her great joy to help these young minds "EACH CHILD HAS itseebrings them do the same. get off to a great start and “Teaching is far more than have a great relationship SO MUCH TO OFFER academic. I hope that my with school and learning. students leave my class at “I thoroughly enjoy THIS WORLD, AND I the end of the year having working with students become more aware of and empowering them to themselves, others, more believe in themselves and HAVE THE HONOR OF aware of opportunities to all of their potential! Each serve, more empathetic, child has so much to offer HELPING THEM TO more thoughtful, more this world, and I have the kind, more whole-hearted, honor of helping them that they have SEE HOW AMAZING believing to see how amazing they the power to be a positive truly are!” influence in other people’s THEY TRULY ARE!” lives too!”

Kelli is at Swift Water Elementary. She’s seen Having the confidence to amazing moments big go to school every day with and small each school year that have stuck your head held high is what each teacher with her throughout her career. It can be wishes to see in their students. Showing her as simple as seeing a confident or kind kids that they are each unique, important moment, or the “I get it” moment after and cared for is something Kelli strives to something finally clicks in a young student’s instill throughout the year. “Be brave and mind. “The moments when you realize that courageous. There is no one like you in you are making a difference in someone’s this world! You have a role to play, and the life; these cause me to feel so honored and world needs you!”

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LIF

E & COMMUNIT

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2 8TH ANNUAL GIG H ARB O R BASKET B R IGADE P R OV I D I N G TH A NKS GIV IN G MEALS FOR THOS E IN N EED

By Rac hel Kelly

T

wenty-eight years ago, David Cathers began the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade in his living room. That first year, David, his wife and friends served eight families. Every year since then it has steadily grown to be what it is today: a two-day-long project that serves on average 1,300 families. In its 25th year, the basket brigade provided 1,500 baskets. Serving families that are suggested by school counselors, veteran groups and local individuals, the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade is one of the longest continuously running Thanksgiving basket initiatives in the country.

This meant that as the years went by, the Basket Brigade’s donated funds had to be allocated to a special fund supervised by a larger nonprofit.

In 2013, the Basket Brigade came under the umbrella of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Prior to that date, the Brigade was run simply from the goodness of the community. Regardless of where the funds reside, David is still the driving force behind it.

In past years, the Gig Harbor Thanksgiving Basket Brigade used

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its funds and food donations to compile baskets in various donated spaces; sometimes even using empty storefronts. More recently, the baskets have been compiled in an empty hangar at the Tacoma Narrows Airport. This has worked well, since the number of volunteers regularly supersedes 400 people. Unfortunately, 2019 was the last year that the Basket Brigade has met in person to compile and deliver the baskets for the Thanksgiving holiday. Prohibited from gathering in 2020, the brigade’s donated funds were used to buy gift cards for meals and various household supplies. Instead of volunteers en masse, volunteers have been working in a sort of train, with small numbers of volunteers writing personal notes and well wishes with each gift card, and individual drivers delivering them. This year, with the Delta variant, the Gig Harbor Thanksgiving Basket Brigade will do the same.

For more information about this year’s events, to volunteer or make a donation, check out Gig Harbor Basket Brigade on Facebook, or visit GigHarborBasketBrigade.com.

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THE MINERVA SCHOLARSHIP FUND L O C A L S C H O L A R S H I P U P L I F T S W O M E N I N E D U C AT I O N

By Rachel Kelly

INCREASING FEMALE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION CHANGES LIVES.

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“I

raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” - Malala Yousafzai

Here at home, and across the nation, and the globe, it is imperative that women have the ability to pursue their potential, but what does that actually look like?

How do we support women as they discover their potential? The Minerva Scholarship Fund would say that it starts right here, in our community. It starts with local women from all walks of life having access to higher education. With gaps in between their academic ventures and limited financial resources, it can be harder for women to access the education they need to pursue their dreams and goals. This is where the Minerva Scholarship Fund can help.

“The privilege of receiving the (Minerva Scholarship) award will allow a 44-year-old single mother to help others in a professional capacity as a psychologist, as well as allowing myself and my son to escape the bonds of poverty and live a better life,” says Betsy Baker, a recent recipient of the Minerva Scholarship.

Betsy sums up well just what’s so important about the Minerva Scholarship: Increasing female

access to higher education changes lives. Women foster connections to their families and in their communities; they make bridges. The more they succeed, the healthier the communities that they live in become.

This year the Minerva Scholarship is celebrating 30 years. What began as three local women contributing $5,000 of their personal funds has expanded to a much larger venture. In the last two years the fund has allocated $50,000 to $60,000 in scholarships to eight to nine women per year. What’s more, women can reapply for subsequent years, meaning that women who earn the scholarship once can continue to earn it the following year as they succeed in their education. The Minerva Scholarship Fund is especially unique in that they are there for their awardees. The board sends letters of encouragement throughout the year, offering support for their success.

What’s more, the fund has a strong focus on sustainability. Through smart investment, local Gig Harbor women and their partners have created a fund that does not diminish. The scholarship fund has accumulated enough in the base fund that they

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THE MINERVA SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS A TESTAMENT TO THE GREAT LOVE AND SACRIFICE FELT BY OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN OUR INSPIRATIONAL TEACHERS AND LEADERS.

are able to allocate scholarships from its earnings. This means that the fund will continue to exist and thrive long beyond its current participants. This does not, however, mean that fundraising is an unimportant aspect of the nonprofit! Fundraising shows local support, solidifies the sustainability of the fund, and grows the resources of the fund to the ever-increasing price and demands of higher education.Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula residents (and so many others) have continued to dedicate their funds toward creating opportunities for women, growing the base fund and its earnings.

Patty Nelson, the president of the Minerva Scholarship board and local educator of 25 years, put it best when she said that “Minerva is a local endeavor. A significant source of the scholarship funds is from individuals that recognize the value of supporting women who may not be able to pursue their education or career goals. Their achievements will impact their lives, the well-being of their family, and impact our local community.” This is not a fund that supports economies and people elsewhere, but here in our community. The Minerva Scholarship supports your neighbor, your mother, your sister, your grandmother, or your friend. It supports us.

“It is our honor and privilege to donate to the Minerva Scholarships. We donated in the memory of our dear friend who returned to school after an absence to receive her degree and enjoy a long career as a librarian, helping with children’s literary issues. We celebrate her courage, as well as 34

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want to support all women that will go out and make a difference,” says Tom and Kathy Chakerian. The same courage and strength that women lend our families in our lives is the same courage that is lent to our communities. Donations given are not just a monetary amount, they are a result of women who are making a difference. The Minerva Scholarship fund is a testament to the great love and sacrifice felt by our community from the women who have been our inspirational teachers and leaders.

This year scholarships have already been awarded for 2021-2022. But as we wrap up this year with our fall and winter celebrations, we look toward a new year. The Minerva Scholarship Fund will once again begin accepting their 2022-2023 applications at the first of the new year, with a final due date in April and an allocation of funds in the spring. For more information on how you can participate, please visit MinervaGigHarbor.org. Donations can be sent to: Minerva Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2705, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

28TH ANNUAL GIG HARBOR

Thanksgiving Basket BRIGADE

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DONATE VOLUNTEER THE COMMUNITY TRADTION LIVES ON! TO HELP KEEP EVERYONE SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THANKSGIVING MEAL GIFT CARDS FOR AREA GROCERY STORES WILL AGAIN BE DELIVERED BY VOLUNTEERS.

Information 253.514.6338

basketbrigade@gigharborfoundation.org

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Be Prepared

Local Gig Harbor business offers a variety of safety classes for individuals and businesses

By Jillian Chandler

Y

ears ago, Dawn Townsend vividly recalls being a part of a rescue attempt on a local drowning; the child a friend of her daughter's classmates. “I had taken a CPR/First Aid Class just two weeks prior in a large conference room with over 60 people, and no instructor watched us practice on the manikins or instructed us on the correct techniques,” shares Dawn. “For the life of me, I couldn’t remember the correct compression to breathing ratio, and nobody else on the scene did either.”

It was seven years ago that Dawn, previous nationally board certified EMT (who completed her rotations at St. Joe’s in Tacoma), was given the opportunity to receive training to become a certified CPR/BLS instructor to offer certification for Evergreen Oral Surgery and referring offices’ staff members. “I did not even let them finish the sentence and immediately claimed the position,” smiles Dawn. “After all, I was already the safety officer.”

Today, she and husband Damon, who has his master’s degree in business management and accounting, are the owners of Dawn of a New Day Safety Training and Consulting, also known as CPRdawn, in Gig Harbor.

The Townsends have resided in Gig Harbor for the past seven years, with Dawn teaching mobile safety classes for much of this time. The couple decided to open an office earlier this year to allow flexibility for their clients—individuals, students and smaller businesses—to have a local option. “I still offer mobile classes for businesses like dental, chiropractic/ massage therapy, medical, plumbing and electrical, daycares, and organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” she adds.

Dawn, who is certified to train nationally recognized CPR/First Aid classes (including American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Health and Safety Institute, Emergency Management Training Association and The Emergency Care and Safety Institute), offers her clients a blended class option, in which the participant can take the online portion at his/her own convenience and then schedule an in-person skills training class to get two-year certified. “I currently offer full course options and blended skills classes nightly five days a week and offer day classes on the weekends,” she adds.

Training is customized for each business and each person in the class, and she helps keep track of her students’ professional certifications/licenses, contacting them two months prior to their renewal date.

DAWN OF A NEW DAY SAFETY TRAINING AND CONSULTING A.K.A. CPRdawn 5711 34th Avenue NW, Suite 102 Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.358.8217 CPRdawn.com 36

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In Washington state, online-only CPR / First Aid / AED certification courses are not recognized, as it is vital to have a certified instructor train and watch you perform these life-saving skills. “I think it is so important for each of my students to practice on life-like manikins; know what it might actually feel like to compress on a victim's chest; how fast you should compress on the chest; know how to make sure the chest has complete recoil after each compression; know how to see if their breaths are effective; how to use an AED and so much more,” Dawn shares.

As longtime residents and business owners, Dawn and Damon appreciate the community in which they live and serve. “We enjoy knowing that Gig

Harbor has so many options for everyone for community involvement,” Dawn says, “from the school district, the Chamber of Commerce, the Parks Department, and all the local organizations: The Lions, The Eagles, The Elks, The Rotary Club, The Soroptimist, The Boys & Girls Club, and so many more.”

Dawn of a New Day provides free CPR/First Aid/AED training to local church nursery/ children’s program staff members. Any church organization can reach out to Dawn to schedule a mobile class. Dawn has also volunteered at CPR Saturday/Sunday hosted by the Tacoma Fire Department, the Girl Scouts and The Boys & Girls Club. Dawn was the treasurer for the PTO at Harbor Ridge Elementary and is a member of AWOB (Alliance of Women Owned Businesses) and the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she has volunteered for the Gig Harbor Cheer Team and Peninsula High School Band Department for both of her daughters.

“The most rewarding part of the work that I do is teaching life-saving skills that anyone can learn,” shares Dawn. “You never know when you will be faced with an emergency. I also love to hear from students on how much they enjoyed the class.”

Class offerings include: Safety Training Plans, Lean Management Consulting Services, CPR / First Aid, BLS / First Aid for Health-Care Providers, Pet CPR, Babysitter Classes, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Chemical Hazards. ACLS classes coming soon! Appointments can be made via their website or by calling 253.358.8217.

Dawn, who is certified to train nationally recognized CPR / First Aid classes, offers her clients a blended class option, in which the participant can take the online portion at his / her own convenience and then schedule an in-person skills training class.

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MARY BRIDGE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF TREES A BIT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

BY RACHEL KELLY

W

elcome to the 2021 Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees!

It has been a much-anticipated yearly tradition of the South Sound community for over 30 years. This is a true festival to kick off the holiday, with events and highlights to bring our local communities together. What’s more, once again, the decadent trees will be decorated and auctioned off with contributions donated to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. The trees are gorgeous, the atmosphere joyous, and the gala celebration one of a kind. It really is a bit of festival magic, a feeling that is palpable from the moment that participants enter the room.

Last yea,r the event went virtual, and this year will continue along the same vein. However, there’s been a lot of changes and new things added to this year's lineup to encourage the community to come together this year.

To get started, there is even more fun for the whole family. The festivities start on November 28 with a virtual tree lighting in front of the Baker

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Center (316 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Tacoma). The community is encouraged to engage virtually (the lighting will be streamed live via the Festival of Trees Facebook page beginning at 5pm), but the 40-foot tree can be seen throughout the season. For the next month the community can tune in with small group-centered events. One such event is Santa’s Mailbox, which will be open to receiving letters after the tree lighting. In addition, Propel Insurance has sponsored the creation of mini trees that will be distributed to businesses throughout the community. These trees will be part of a community-wide scavenger hunt. Individuals or families can download the EventZee app, found at the website (FestivalofTreesTacoma. org), which they can use to locate and tag the trees for badges. It’s a little like Pokémon Go or geo-caching for mini trees. It’s a race to see who can locate them all first! The winner will also receive huge bragging rights.

On December 4, events reach a peak with an elaborate tree auction. Each

tree is lavishly decorated according to a theme by generous volunteers, then silently auctioned off and delivered to your doorstep at the end of the weekend. After the auction, each guest is then invited to a private concert featuring Jamie O’Neal, Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Andrea Pearson and Grammy award-winning artist Bryan White. All proceeds from tickets and tree sales will go to benefit the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Network. Last year the health network helped to decrease obstacles for children receiving care through Mary Bridge. This year the health network will contribute funds toward a stand-alone and updated hospital building. After years of sharing space with Multicare Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is getting a new home. Mary Bridge Children’s is the only Level II Pediatric Trauma hospital in Western Washington. This new hospital building will increase access to greater care. not just for hospitalized children in our community, but also to children who travel to this area for specialized health needs.

The Festival of Trees is a main event, going a long way in raising the funds needed. “I am always amazed by the spirit of philanthropy that exists in our community. People simply love giving,” says Kelly Werner, event manager, of this year's Festival of Trees. The history of the Festival of Trees certainly attests to this truth. Over the past 35 years of festivities, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and the Mary Bridge Brigade has received over $38 million in culminating funds. Last year, during the pandemic, the auction still managed to raise $1.3 million. Not only does the community regularly raise quite a bit of money, but local businesses and volunteers donate so much of their time and energy to see this event happen. From creatives to business owners, people from all walks of life come together for the sake of the well-being of our children.

The Festival of Trees has a long history, an even longer history than 35 years. The original festival began in 1887. Local auxiliaries worked GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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in conjunction with Mary Bridge Children’s to increase children's access to quality care, raising funding for needs such as transportation and other various services. Thirty-five years ago, the Festival of Trees was allocated to Mary Bridge Children’s as an official event benefiting specific health needs through the health network. But before that, the event was organized by the Mary Bridge Brigade, which just celebrated 100 years of service to the community. Originally founded by a group of Tacoma women, the Mary Bridge Brigade began with a desire to support the children’s hospital. The Mary Bridge Brigade still continues to be an active and vital partner with Mary Bridge Children’s today, a partnership that continues throughout the year organizing events that support the children’s hospital, and a true testament of partnership and collaboration that has now spanned generations, impacting children of countless families.

This year's Festival of Trees is themed “It’s a Wonderful Life,” because Mary Bridge Children’s really does make life better for children and their families. Not just today, but ensuring their health and well-being throughout their life. Health that continues on to our children’s children, and so forth. This year's co-chairs for the event are a mother/daughter duo, Charlene Richardson and Lauren Boulanger. They have the honor of following in the footsteps of chairs and volunteers before them to create a unique and lasting festival event. For over 20 years they have participated in the Festival of Trees as tree designers, and from 2005 to 2010, they managed the Mary Bridge Brigade Gift Shop. The Festival of Trees really is a legacy of the community, with some tree decorators returning every 40

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year since it began under Mary Bridge Children’s. This means that there are some tree decorators that have been a part of the yearly festivities for 35 years—and still going strong. Our community has really embraced the Festival of Trees as an opportunity for celebrating life and well-being throughout the year, as well as to spread generosity during this joyous season.

There are so many ways to get involved with Mary Bridge Children’s, from the Mary Bridge Brigade to the yearly events. There are possibilities for sponsorship, partnership, decorators, members, buyers and participants.

For more information on how to buy tickets, sponsor trees, decorate trees, or for a link for the tree scavenger app, please visit their website at: FestivalofTreesTacoma.org. Also accessible on the same website is information on the activities of the Mary Bridge Brigade and a list of sponsors.

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STUDENTS OF

BY COLIN ANDERSON

"Alongside teaching, I’ve always had an interest in following my father’s footsteps and becoming a pilot for the Air Force.

But who knows what the future has in store for me!”

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he daughter of an Air Force pilot, Gig Harbor High School junior Allison (Ally) Blackwell has seen many places. She was born in Florida, has family in South Carolina, and has moved all over the country. “Gig Harbor is definitely my favorite place I’ve lived; the community is just wonderful here,” she stated.

Through her travels, much of Ally’s schooling has been taught by her mother at home. She gives her mom a lot of credit for making that sacrifice, and being close to her has inspired her to possibly pursue a career as a teacher.

“I’m currently doing the Running Start program at Tacoma Community College and working my way toward an associate of arts degree so that I will have my foot in the door while I figure out, for sure, if teaching is for me. Alongside teaching, I’ve always had an interest in following my father’s footsteps and becoming a pilot for the Air Force. But who knows what the future has in store for me!”

Back in school and in person at Gig Harbor High, Ally has found a place she truly loves— the library. She stays late after classes to assist the librarians in getting some technology up and running and is appreciative of all they do for the student body. “Cheryl and Stacy, our lovely librarians, put so much effort into making sure the library is a place where all are welcome, and I’m so glad to be able to help them out,” she noted. “The library community is a blast; you meet all sorts of people as they pass through checking out a book, and the regulars who do their online school in the library or just hang out in the library.”

One of Ally’s favorite courses she’s taken through the Running Start program is psychology. “It’s very interesting to be able to see how the mind works, and it makes me appreciate how unique and special everyone is because no two people’s minds work alike,” she said.

Outside of school, Ally enjoys crafting including pottery and crochet. She’s also been known to don skirts she’s made herself.

She enjoys baking treats and giving them out to her neighbors—macaroons being her specialty. She also enjoys babysitting for kids in her neighborhood, which has also had an impact as she continues to ponder her future.

“Helping out with their kids has helped influence my interest in teaching. I love being around children, and being able to help future generations grow and learn is such a special thing.”

THE MONTH "She completely changed my view on school. I wanted to go to school every day, I wanted good grades, and I was excited to be in class learning."

who has been fitted with braces. “I want to be an orthodontist. Ever since I got braces, I have been interested in pursuing that career because it interested me, and it looks like something I would enjoy doing as my future job.”

COURTNEY MYERS

Peninsula High School

A

t 15, Courtney Myers already has her eyes set on doing the thing she loves most at the top level of competition. “I plan to apply to college at UCLA, UNC or Stanford and continue to play lacrosse at a college level,” she said.

Just a sophomore, Courtney has been playing and watching Lacrosse since the fourth grade and is now passing the skills she’s learned on to younger players as an instructor. She’s played for Gig Harbor Lacrosse and 253 Lacrosse, and is the captain of the Riptides JV team. In order to realize a dream of attending one of the above schools, she’ll need to continue her placement on the Honor Roll and is working her way toward acceptance into the school’s National Honor Society as well.

While she still has plenty of time to figure out her adult life, Courtney also has a career path in mind that might surprise anyone

As she presses onward in high school, Courtney recalls an instance in the seventh grade that’s made a big impact on her life.

She was placed in an English help homeroom class at Kopachuck Middle School that was run by Mrs. Wood. Courtney admits she wasn’t happy about the placement, feeling that she didn’t need the help. After just a short time with Mrs. Wood, Courtney says her attitude toward school completely changed. She would have Mrs. Wood for an additional two years in English class and credits her for helping her focus on the importance of education.

e h t d n Fi t c e f r e P ! t f i G ay d i l o H

“During the next two years, she completely changed my view on school. I wanted to go to school every day, I wanted good grades, and I was excited to be in class learning. Overall, I thank her for pushing me and allowing me to fall in love with school.”

Some of Courtney’s favorite courses are science, which she calls “never boring” and Spanish, as the teachers have made it a lot of fun.

When school is out for the day, it’s time for lacrosse, and she’s excited to see how her career continues to shape up, and to bring interest in the game to as many young players as she can.

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GIG HARBOR LIONS CLUB FACILITATES GIVING TREES Partnering with the community to bring joy this Christmas season

BY RACHEL KELLY

T

he Gig Harbor Lions Club presents the Giving Tree for the 10th year in a row! “We like to think of ourselves as facilitators of joy,” says the president of the Gig Harbor Lions Club, Ruth Peterson. Forty-plus businesses host the trees, while the community provides the gifts. Acting as a middleman, organizing the event and delivering the toys to their partners, is the Gig Harbor Lions Club. Businesses provide the place, we provide the gifts, and the Lions Club delivers. They really are facilitators of joy! We work together to bring toys to children throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. It’s a lovely partnership.

You’d think, judging from the scope and size of the Giving Tree event,

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that the Gig Harbor Lions Club would be large. However, the club is made up of only 24 members. Clearly, this doesn’t stop them from being heavily active in our community. The Lions Club as a whole was founded on the idea of providing eyeglasses and still collects, recycles and distributes them according to community need. However, the Lions Club has expanded over the years to include all kinds of community ventures, filling community needs as the members see fit. This is certainly true in the Gig Harbor Lions Club, which is busy throughout the year. With a heavy focus on service, the club has established trusted partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. This is a large part as to why they are able to achieve what they do. They truly play a vital part in bringing the greater community network that we have here in Gig Harbor together.

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The Giving Trees become a wonderful way for families and individuals to participate in bringing joy to our greater community.

This spirit of generosity and collaboration is especially apparent during December’s Giving Tree event. In previous years, before the Gig Harbor Lions began organizing the event, local nonprofits still requested gifts from the community through the Giving Tree program. However, they were usually short on volunteers. Nonprofits are easily able to talk to families to gage needs, as well as to wrap the gifts. However, transferring the gifts to and from the businesses to the warehouse was proving to be a challenge. This is where the Gig Harbor Lions Club saw a need and agreed to step in to help.

The Giving Tree process starts with three local nonprofits: the Peninsula FISH Food Bank, Children’s Home Fund, and the local Boys & Girls Club.

They are in direct access to families in need and provide a “wish list” to the Gig Harbor Lions Club. The club then approaches local businesses and requests that they display a Giving Tree full of tags listing these gifts.

There are usually over 40 listed businesses that agree to participate. Most 46

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businesses display their trees, but in some cases they choose to hang the tags without the tree. In businesses that do neither, sometimes the employees simply agree to buy a gift for one or more tags. In this way, they are still involved individually if not corporately.

This is where our community comes in! As we frequent various businesses during the holiday season, we grab a tag and buy the listed gift. Once a gift is bought, we return it to the participating business. The Giving Trees become a wonderful way for families and individuals to come together and participate in bringing joy to our greater community. In this way we ensure that no one child goes without this season.

Meanwhile, each member of the Gig Harbor Lions Club has received an envelope with a list of participating businesses that they are responsible for. Volunteers from the Lions Club then do their rounds, taking care to visit businesses often so that the gifts don’t pile up. Final gifts are bought

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TOGETHER WE UNDERSTAND OUR COMMUNITY BETTER AND CAN ENACT POSITIVE CHANGE.

and picked up on December 13. The gifts are delivered to a warehouse, where the nonprofits distribute the gifts to families on a given date.

Last year, even amid the pandemic, over 2,400 gifts were collected and distributed. That’s hundreds of children throughout Gig Harbor and the greater Key Peninsula, all through the willingness of one community, its businesses, and its partnerships. Well done, Gig Harbor.

The Lions Club is the number one service organization in the country, and local chapters are everywhere with various levels of participation. We are honored to have such an active organization that is so willing to work with the whole community. To join the Gig Harbor Lions Club, it’s not 48

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required that you own a business, and members can be as young as 12. All donations fundraised and collected are used directly for the community, with overhead expenses covered by membership dues. Membership dues are capped at $70 a year, a reasonable number that is achievable by the average person. This results in a Lions Club that is made up of community members from various points and walks of life. Together we understand our community better and can enact positive change.

If you’re interested in joining Gig Harbor Lions Club, they meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Round Table Pizza (5500 Olympic Drive, Unit H101) from 5:30 to 7pm.

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A better me

small businesses on Shop

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our W

Big Nate’s Trading Cards 3019 Judson St., Ste. E | 530.209.1249 f/BigNatesTradingCards

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JOY Boujie of crafting, dining & shopping in Downtown Gig Harbor!

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Frills by TLB Events 3126 Harborview Dr. | 253.800.9988 Frills.fun

Green Cottage Pets 3028 Harborview Dr. | 253.851.8806 GreenCottagePets.com

Harbor Health & Apothecary 3216 Judson St., Ste. A | 253.525.1362 HarborHealth.net

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Green Cottage Pets

Harbor History The Weathered Cottage Museum Mercantile 3306 Harborview Dr. | 253.530.0818 4121 Harborview Dr. | 253.858.6722 TheWeatheredCottage.square.site HarborHistoryMuseum.org

Hop PharmExperience Taproom the JOY of craft 3216 Judson St., Ste. B | 253.525.1369 HopPharm.com

Lisa Hystek Photography 7512 Stanich Ln., Ste. 1 | 253.225.2468 LisaHystekPhotography.com

Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter 3106 Harborview Dr. | 253.858.0171 LostStarGaming.com

Lucky Dog Outfitters 3104 Judson St. | 253. 858.6964 f/LuckyDogOutfittersGH

Maitrī Movememt & Massage 3226 Harborview Dr. | 650.937 . 9642 MaitriMovement.com

Millville Pizza Company 3409 Harborview Dr. | 253.514.8626 MillvillePizzaCo.com

Sassy Bones Emporium & Gathering Space 7801 Pioneer Way, Ste. 3 | 425.243.2705 SassyBonesWA.com

The Weathered Cottage 3306 Harborview Dr. | 253.530.0818 TheWeatheredCottage.square.site

Tickled Pink 3026 Harborview Dr. | 253.858.1751 TickledPinkStores.com

Heritage Distilling Co. 3118 Harborview Dr. | 253.514.8120 HeritageDistilling.com

Waters Edge Gallery & Framery 7808 Pioneer Way | 253.858.7449 WatersEdgeGallery.com

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CUSTOM PRINTS NW

Gig Harbor’s premier shop for screen printing, embroidery, signs and promotional items. Call or email for a free design consultation today, by appointment only. When you need orders on time and looking great, contact Custom Prints NW! Gig Harbor | 2801 Hollycroft St. 253.225.7725 Jessica@CustomPrintsNW.com CustomPrintsNW.com

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JULIE REED Gig Harbor Living Local Executive Director of Marketing

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Julie Reed brings years of marketing and creative experience. She knows the Gig Harbor community, and those who live, work and play here; how business in the harbor operates; and what she can do for you when it comes to your advertising and marketing needs. Contact her today to get started!

Gig Harbor | 253.363.8832 GigHarborLivingLocal.com julie@like-media.com f GoGigHarbor

AMBROSE LOBATO DESIGN / BUILD

Our approach is to discover a design that reflects you and your way of living. We are a full service design company that can satisfy your architectural and building needs for residential and commercial products from concept through turnkey delivery.

Gig Harbor 253.303.1993 Office | 206.251.3983 Cell AmbroseLobatoDesign.com

A BLESSING TO SERVE: PROFESSIONAL CONCIERGE DRIVER

A Blessing to Serve has been providing transportation services to Gig Harbor and the Tacoma communities since 2010. Let Janet safely escort you or your loved ones with services tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s a trip to the doctor's office or dentist, errand or event, or a drop-off or pick-up at the train station, you can trust you’re in good hands.

Janet Vitcovich | janet@ablessingtoserve.com 253.307.5928 | ABlessingtoServe.com

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VALONA PAINTING COMPANY

We are your full-service painters for both residential and commercial interior and exterior needs! Licensed, bonded and insured VALONAPC853MS. Valona Painting Company is your local home painting expert! Call us today for a free estimate.

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STEVE THE ARBORIST

An ISA Certified Arborist serving the Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor and surrounding Olympic Peninsula, Steve specializes in holistic plant health care and how your trees are interconnected with other plant life on your property. Services include general tree services, tree health and tree risk assessments, consulting and recommendations, arborist reports, pre-construction consulting and tree protection zones, and eco remediation.

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TIMOTHY LOPEZ, AGENT AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Tim Lopez has been an insurance professional since 2007 and has much experience protecting customers’ dreams. American Family Insurance is an agency offering auto, home, life, business, farm/ ranch, boat and umbrella policies tailored to fit your unique needs.

You can count on this team to be honest and straightforward, and to put your best interests first.

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SLOPE SAFETY Common injuries and tips to avoid them

By Garrett Fischer, DPT

S

kiing and snowboarding is a popular winter pastime for many who live in the Northwest. As with most sports, they both come with the potential for injury. Following some simple guidelines can decrease your chance for injury, leading to a much more enjoyable and safe winter ski season!

If you sustain an injury while skiing and snowboarding, it will most likely involve your knee. Knee injuries make up 30 percent of all skiing/ snowboarding injuries. They are closely followed by shoulder, wrist and closed head injuries (i.e. concussions). Knee injuries are also more common among beginning and intermediate skiers than advanced and elite level skiers.

Although the majority of skiers and snowboards try to stay safe, unexpected

injuries still occur with improper preparation, varied snow conditions or poor judgment. There are some practical steps you can take to decrease your risk of getting hurt this season: 1. Get in shape: Pre-season training should focus on overall body fitness, balance, coordination and agility, combined with a careful warmup before venturing back on the slopes. A good program should include both cardiovascular and strength training. Many of these injuries can be avoided with the proper strengthening in key muscle groups of your legs, hips and core.

2. Select quality equipment: Improperly fitted or misadjusted gear can cause injury. Seek out expert advice when purchasing and fitting boots, bindings and skis. Dress in layers and make sure outerwear is functional

H E A LT H Y T I P

HOLIDAY HAPPILY AND HEALTHILY

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The holiday season is upon us. With the excitement this time of year brings, be sure not to let the stress of the holidays consume you. And ... don't consume everything in sight! As many people gain a few pounds before the new year hits, remember that it's okay to indulge here and there, but maintaining an overall healthy diet, filled with fresh foods, rather than baked treats, will save you much heartache—and heartburn—as you set out on your New Year resolutions journey.

Independent Family Practice Clinics in Gig Harbor Unexpected injuries still occur with improper preparation, varied snow conditions or poor judgment. (ie; made of fabric that is not only water repellent but slide-resistant). Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of head injury.

3. Improve your technique: Learning proper technique whether skiing or snowboarding will improve your body mechanics and lead to less injury risk. Injuries are most common in beginner and intermediate level skiers/ snowboarders. Taking ski/snowboard lessons will help speed up that process.

4. Warm up: Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for three to five minutes. Take a couple of slow and easy runs to complete your warmup.

5. Hydrate and rest: Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water before, during and after a day of skiing. We also tend to make mistakes and use improper form when fatigued, so make sure to take rest breaks throughout the day. Take time to acclimate to changes in altitude if you are traveling from a different area.

6. Know your safety rules: Understand and abide by all rules of the ski resort. Know general safety rules of skiing, such as how to safely stop, merge and yield to other skiers/ snowboarders. Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas.

7. Be aware: Watch out for rocks and patches of ice on ski trails. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow, powder and wet snow.

Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Make good decisions about the areas you intend to ride based on your ability level and the snow conditions that day.

Things a physical or occupational therapist can do now to increase slope safety: A therapist’s job is to analyze the body and come up with treatment plans for patients to do at home that will help them manage pain and weakness all while staying safer. This can be done by devising a personalized home exercise program. These exercises focus on increasing strength, improving balance, safety, and building endurance, so that not only may a patient feel less pain, but re-injury may be prevented and confidence may be increased.

Don’t wait until an injury occurs to seek therapy. If you think you, a friend or family member may be at risk of injury, seek a physical or occupational therapist sooner than later to begin this regimen of self-improvement.

This article was intended to provide general information only and is not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physical therapist.

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FIRST AID &

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mericans are passionate about many things—but would it surprise you to learn that pets rank at the top of the list? A whopping 90.5 million households, or approximately 70 percent of all American households, own at least one pet, and they play a significant role in our lives.

So it's no surprise that 95 percent of owners consider their pets to be family members, investing in their care, training, comfort, health and happiness.

As the seasons change, this is the perfect time to protect your furry family members from fire and carbon monoxide (CO) risks that come along with this time of year. Follow these tips to keep your pet safer as temperatures start to drop.

Install "pets inside" window clings. Attaching a decal to a window near doors and exits that indicates pets are inside is an easy way to let first responders know about your pets. In an emergency, first responders quickly assess occupants, and this helps to let rescuers know animals are inside. Window clings are available for purchase through online retailers or ask your local fire department (many make these available).

Pet-proof your home. Be familiar with common fire risks. Pets are naturally curious and accidentally start nearly 1,000 home fires each year. Pet-related fires typically involve cooking appliances, wiring, fireplaces, heaters and candles. Be sure to avoid things such as: leaving leftover food on the stovetop (where pets can jump or turn on burners), walking away from hot appliances like clothes irons (that easily tip over) or leaving lit candles in easy reach of probing paws. Also keep smoke

alarms and home fire extinguishers up-to-date and in working order.

Familiarize your pet with alarms. Ensure that your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Through positive training, it's possible to teach many pets to stay calm and head for safety outside—this could help save their lives in case of an emergency. To train your pet, check with a trainer for more information or watch a full demonstration online from Kidde featuring celebrity pet trainer Sara Carson from "America's Got Talent."

Include pets in escape plans. Assign one family member for each pet to make sure the entire family gets out. Stay aware of your pets' typical hiding spots or where they nap in case you must evacuate quickly. When you leave home, keep pets in areas near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Learn about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Like humans, pets are also susceptible to CO poisoning. According to a recent survey commissioned by Kidde and conducted online by The Harris Poll, 53 percent of pet owners aren't confident they could identify the symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets.

"Home safety planning is important for every member of the family, including your fourlegged family members," says Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator for Kidde. "With planning and the right home equipment, you can have peace of mind that you're prepared for these emergencies."

Visit Kidde.com/petsafety to learn more.

Article Courtesy of Brandpoint.

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KEEPING IT SIMPLE ONE HEALTHY HABIT AT A TIME

By Missi Balison

A

s we get ready for 2022, I wanted to share something that will help you create a game-changing year. It’s so simple, and it always works!

Have you ever noticed how successful people all have one basic thing in common? They take small, consistent actions toward their goals … and they don’t stop.

It’s like the girl who decides she wants to play basketball and sets a goal to make a specific number of shots a day, every day, no matter what. (Random fact: Many NBA players aim for 500-plus shots a day.) Or the student who goes to the library every night for 90 minutes to study. Or the writer who writes X number of words every day without fail. Or the business owner who tracks their financials every afternoon.

There’s a saying that the easiest things to do are also the easiest things not to do. And ironically enough, those are the very same things that can either drive you to your goals … or prevent you from reaching them.

It’s easy to decide to do a few stretches at night to help you wind down. It’s also easy to decide not to do them, because you’re too tired or busy. It’s easy to decide to pack your lunch for work. It’s also easy to decide not to do that, because there’s a sandwich shop next to the office. It’s easy to go for an afternoon walk to help beat the post-lunch fatigue, and it’s also easy to grab a cup of coffee instead.

More often than not, success has very little to do with a huge 10-point master plan with bullet points and subheadings. It’s small, nonnegotiable habits that help you gain traction and make real progress over time.

But here’s the thing about creating new habits … We often want to change a bunch of things

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in hopes that we will get to our goals more quickly. I mean, it kind of makes sense, right?

That is, until you look at these statistics: Creating …

One new habit at a time = 85 percent success rate Two new habits at a time = 35 percent success rate Three new habits at a time = 10 percent success rate Keep your habits simple with these simple steps: Choose the one habit. Once you’ve chosen one habit, you will then break that habit into its smallest step. For example, if you want to drink more water, focus on how much you will drink each hour or each quarter of the day.

(Break it down to 25-ounce increments from 6am to 9am, 9am to noon, noon to 3pm, 3 to 6pm, for a total of 100 ounces.)

Set a trigger. What will remind you every day to do the new habit? In the example mentioned above, it is the time of day. You can set an alarm/timer to help remind you.

Reward yourself! This is key! The brain likes to repeat what it deems as fun and beneficial.

Do a little happy dance, put a sticker on a chart, or slide a “rubber-band tracker” up from the bottom of that water bottle.

Start now, creating some simple habits that will make you healthier before the busyness of the holiday season hits. You’ll be glad you did!

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

SCLEROTHERAPY AN EASY SOLUTION TO SPIDER VEINS

BY BRI WILLIAMS, RN, BSN

T

reating spider veins can improve the appearance of the skin and help to increase your confidence. With minimal to no downtime, this safe and effective treatment is an excellent option to remove spider veins.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is an in-office treatment for spider veins, the thin red or purple veins on the skin’s surface. A provider injects a sclerosing solution directly into the vein, which irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to scar and collapse. This forces the blood to reroute through healthier veins, while the damaged vein fades away over the next two to six months.

What areas can be treated?

Sclerotherapy is an excellent option for the treatment of spider veins on the legs, torso and shoulders. Spider veins on the face are better treated with a laser, such as IPL (Intense Pulse Light).

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

A sclerotherapy treatment generally includes one vial of a sclerosing agent, which is typically enough to treat a surface area approximately the size of a deck of cards. The cost varies depending on region and level of experience but averages $400.

How many sessions are recommended?

Generally, one to two sessions, six weeks apart, are needed to effectively treat an area. Once effectively treated with sclerotherapy, the results are permanent. However, new spider veins can form at any time, due to genetics and lifestyle.

Standing for long periods of time predisposes you to spider veins. You may need additional treatments in the future.

How quickly will I see results?

The veins usually start to fade in two to three weeks, with final results visible in two to six months. A follow-up visit is recommended at six weeks to check your progress and assess whether another treatment may be needed.

How long does an appointment take?

Depending on the number of spider veins that need to be treated, your appointment can range from 15 minutes to an hour.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

During your treatment you will feel tiny needle pinches, and occasionally a slight burning or stinging sensation. Following treatment you may experience some cramping, which generally subsides in a day or two.

Is there any downtime or recovery after sclerotherapy?

Bruising can occur and can last up to a week.

Walking is encouraged. For a week following treatment, you should also avoid flying, hot tubs, saunas, hot baths and strenuous activities (like strength training and high-impact aerobics).

After treatment, compression bandages or stockings are placed on the legs to prevent the formation of blood clots; these should be worn continuously for the 48 hours following treatment. After the first 48 hours, you may remove the stockings while you sleep, but they should be worn during the day for the next 14 days.

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SKI THE

NORTHWEST FROM EPIC RESORTS TO THE BEST HIDDEN POWDER

BY COLIN ANDERSON

W

hile there are plenty of Northwest residents who yearn for the first warm days of spring, others can’t wait to see the first snowflakes hit the ground. For these folks, it’s not just winter these next few months—it’s ski season.

You’ll find the die-hards up early at Chair 1, eager to catch the opening ride up the lift for first tracks upon the previous night’s snowfall. For the avid skier or rider, it’s a better wakeup than any strong cup of coffee or trip to the gym.

Shortly after opening, you’ll find the weekend warriors, the secondtier group who spends many a weekend on the slopes but at a slightly more casual pace. They might not catch the first tracks and skip lunch to squeeze in three more runs, but they are out enjoying their time in nature with family and friends.

By mid-morning, families and the ski-school crowd fill out the mountain.

Little ones get fitted in the rental shop while Mom or Dad go off on their own for a few runs or simply cozy up in the lodge with a book and a hot drink until the day’s lesson is done.

It’s a scene that plays out across ski locations all over the Northwest— and one of the great benefits of the mountains of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and into Canada, is you can find a place and a pace that fits exactly your experience and enjoyment level. We have resorts where it would take days to hit every run, and independently owned mountains that few more than the locals ever experience. Popularity in skiing and snowboarding among youth continues to soar, and no matter where kids go, instructors are eager to get them up and confident, and usher in the next generation of skiers and riders.

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While most stick to their favorite mountains or check the morning report to see which got the most powder overnight, it’s also fun to venture out to new places and explore new terrain. Below are some of our favorites.

May your ski season be blessed with deep powder and bluebird Saturdays!

FULL-SERVICE RESORTS Whistler Blackcomb | WhistlerBlackcomb.com About 90 minutes north of Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the most incredible mountain experiences the world has to offer. Whistler Blackcomb is actually two ski areas connected by a peak-to-peak gondola, which is almost worth the price of admission on its own.

Outside the breathtaking scenery, this place is massive; over 200 marked runs, 8,100 acres, 16 alpine bowls, and even three glaciers are found within its boundaries. If that wasn’t enough the resort also offers onsite heli-skiing for those in search of untouched powder. Down in the village you can arrange snowmobile and winter zipline tours, or book a relaxing service from the spa. You can also find yourself barreling down a sheet of ice in a bobsled at the sliding center, which was utilized during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Gourmet restaurants (some 200 options) and vibrant nightlife make for a lively evening, and ski in/out lodging make hitting the slopes easy each morning.

Whitefish Mountain Resort | SkiWhitefish.com Once a relatively small “locals” mountain, the perfect snow conditions and charming community of Whitefish, Montana, have helped grow

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the mountain into a premier resort destination in the Northwest. You can arrive by car or at the Glacier Park International Airport, or for a truly unique experience, hop on the Amtrak train and finish your journey by being dropped right downtown.

On mountain there is beginner terrain, however, more than half of the 3,000 acres is designated black or double black diamond, offering big challenges for thrill-seekers. From its peak you can see into Canada and the borders of Glacier National Park, as well as the town of Whitefish and Whitefish Lake. There are a variety of accommodations to choose from onmountain, and if you stay off property you can catch the free S.N.O.W. shuttle that makes stops throughout town and at popular hotels throughout the day.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS Schweitzer | Schweitzer.com Similar to Whitefish size, stature and terrain, Schweitzer offers excellent snow, incredible views, and a village for those looking to do more than just hit the slopes. The snow is fantastic each year, and those in the know head straight for the Outback Bowl, where there are dozens of long, smooth runs and open glades in which to explore. Two high-speed quads, and a high-speed six-pack keep the lift lines moving even on the busiest of days.

Grab lunch at the Sky House and, on a clear day, take in amazing views of Sandpoint, Idaho, and massive Lake Pend Oreille in the valley below. There are a dozen restaurants on-mountain, and Sandpoint is also easily walkable for a night on the town. Kids can enjoy tubing, and there are also snowshoeing and cross-country ski tracks in which to explore.

Mount Bachelor | MtBachelor.com The iconic mountain outside of Bend, Oregon, is the sixth largest ski area in North America, coming in at more than 4,300 acres, 100 runs, and 3,300 feet of vertical drop. If that’s not enough to lure you for a weekend, you’ll also have the privilege of saying you’ve ridden down a volcano. While trees are sparse on the peaks of most mountains, here you will find an incredible amount of wide-open bowls in which to charge hard and really dig into incredible powder.

Bachelor offers guided snowshoe trail hikes with

one of the great benefits of the mountains of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and into Canada, is you can find a place and a pace that fits exactly your experience and 62

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enjoyment level.

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Local agent 3 PUrDY Dr NW HarBor, Wa 98332 aHIKI@FarMerSageNT.CoM ://agents.farmers.com/lkalahiki Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

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professional naturalists, tubing and terrain parks, 52 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, and you can even book a dog sledding trip during your visit. After a day on the slopes, head into nearby Bend, where you will find some 30-plus breweries in which to unwind with a tasty pint.

POWDER FORWARD Lookout Pass | SkiLookout.com Idaho is indeed not all potatoes and farmland. In fact, the powder in the north and central parts of the state is legendary—including that at Lookout Pass in Kellogg.

Saddled on the Idaho/Montana border on Interstate 90, it’s about as convenient a drive-up location as you can ask for.

While most mountains are thankful to receive around 300 inches of snow each season, Lookout regularly sees totals of 400-plus, including more than 500 inches of snow as recently as 2018! While it doesn’t boast the terrain of larger mountains in the area, the light, fluffy and deep powder more than makes up for the lack of terrain.

The lodge and single bar are come as you are. Many kids from Western Montana, North Idaho and Eastern Washington get their start here at the well-regarded ski school. A night’s stay in the historic mining towns of Kellogg or Wallace offers a glimpse into the past after a memorable day in the powder.

Brundage Mountain | Brundage.com Another of Idaho’s great powder stashes, Brundage brings a few more big-mountain amenities to the game without sacrificing too much of the “local mountain” feel. With its nearest metropolitan area from which to draw—being a 2.5-hour drive from Boise—it doesn’t see the same swells of crowds that other regional resorts do. With a peak of 7,800 feet and nearly 2,000 feet of vertical drop, there is plenty to explore amongst the 67 named trails as well as an additional 420 acres of unpatrolled backcountry. Glades are also a hit here for those who like to get into the trees in search of the really deep snow.

Nearby McCall offers everything you need for a comfortable weekend stay. You can rent snowmobiles or explore miles of cross-country ski trails. Enjoy the local ice rink or even soak in one of the numerous nearby hot springs—both primitive and developed.

HIDDEN GEMS Discovery Basin | SkiDiscovery.com At first glance, the mountain doesn’t look too imposing.

The front side of “Disco” offers several intermediate and beginner runs that are perfect for those out for a leisurely day on a lightly crowded mountain. One look at the backside trail map, however, and you’ll see why serious skiers and riders from all over try and make an annual pilgrimage to this relatively small and out-of-the-way locale. The Limelight Chair puts you on top of some of the steepest chutes you’ll find without use of a helicopter. While extremely technical, when the powder is deep, it’s one of the best advanced areas in the West, and after a day of hard charging, even the most physically fit will be ready for a long snooze.

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Luckily, relaxation is not far away in the quaint town of Phillipsburg, Montana, and the serene beauty of nearby Georgetown Lake.

Red Mountain Resort | RedResort.com Fifteen years ago, Red Mountain and the nearby town of Rossland was a relative unknown, likely due to its location being roughly three hours from Spokane, Washington, and across the border into Canada. As interest in exploring British Columbia’s Selkirk Loop has expanded, so has the number of people who’ve come across this absolute gem of a ski hill.

Small hotels and bed and breakfasts once were the bulk of the accommodations, but now you’ll find a massive village with ski-in/skiout options and many of the amenities of any world-class resort destination. Red boasts five peaks and 3,850 acres to explore. Red Mountain also offers the unique experience of single-run passes for cat skiing at just $10 per run. There are some long runs here, with the max vertical drop checking in at nearly 3,000 feet. While it continues to expand, the resort does work hard at maintaining a local mountain feel. Book your trip here before even more discover it.

REALLY HIDDEN GEMS White Pass | SkiWhitePass.com Where else can you get such a view of several 66

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of Washington’s biggest natural icons while strapped into your board or skis? On a clear day, unobstructed views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier provide the backdrop for one of the truly beautiful skiing locations in the West. The views alone will bring you great appreciation for this special place. It’s a great mountain for the whole family, as there is a lodge onsite as well as childcare available (see latest COVID info for availability) for those little ones not quite ready to hit the slopes.

There is also a tubing hill and guided snowshoe tours. Once off the slopes, there are plenty of opportunities to relax, and short drives to

Where else can you get such a view of several of Washington’s biggest natural icons while strapped into your board or skis?

explore the surrounding scenery are also a great way to take in this special place.

Lost Trail | LostTrail.com If glitz and glamour and the corporate ski experience are things you loathe, you’ll find the peace and family forward experience you seek at one of Montana’s best-kept secrets.

Opened in 1938, Lost Trail is still owned and operated by the Grasser family today. Their mission is to continue to operate a small family oriented mountain where incredible snow can also be affordable. Ticket prices are half the price of most large-scale resorts, but the dry powder and conditions here are legendary to those who make the trek down Montana’s gorgeous Bitterroot Valley.

There are all kinds of unique places to stay nearby including rustic cabins, bed and breakfasts, and wood-fire warmed yurts found on the backside of the mountain. While not easy to get to, the experience of minimal lift lines, few frills and wonderful powder is something that’s getting harder and harder to come by each season, making this a truly unique experience.

There are even more gems hiding in plain sight all throughout the Northwest. Will you find a new favorite this season?

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Small Purchases Add Up CHOOSE LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

by COLIN ANDERSON

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nline purchasing has completely revolutionized how we shop and how retailers grab our attention. The mall was once the central gathering point, not just for bored teenagers, but for shoppers to find everything they needed in one location.

While some still thrive, others have gone by the wayside as more people turn to the convenience of online shopping.

It’s tough to blame them. There are no open and closing times on a website; you don’t have to battle parking or the elements or other shoppers; and your purchase eventually shows up right to the front door. Online shopping can save time and money, two things just about all families would enjoy more of.

The unfortunate side effect of this bit of convenience and few minutes saved is what it can do to a local economy. If consumers shift the entirety of their purchasing dollars to large corporations and nonregional chains, the ripple effect is felt not just by local business owners but the greater community.

Corporations tend to answer to shareholders, and the better the company does, the better compensated both the shareholders and executive team are. While this is all well and good for them, locally owned businesses answer to themselves and their customers. What they do with the money they take in is entirely up to them, and the vast majority will indeed reinvest those funds in livable wages for employees, purchasing goods and necessities from other local businesses, and sponsoring youth sports, nonprofits, religious affiliations and other organizations.

For more than a decade, Like Media has encouraged our readers to continue to utilize services and purchase goods and gifts from locally run businesses in their communities. A flip through our pages, you won’t find anything corporate, but rather highly reputable local businesses that we are proud to help support in their marketing efforts. Our staff lives and works in each of the communities in which we publish and truly enjoys getting to know these businesses and taking advantage of the many services or unique goods they offer. This partnership has allowed our company to grow and not just provide better service to our clients, but to greatly expand the amount of wonderful stories we highlight in each issue.

Over the past 20 years, despite massive growth in some major retailers, small business has continued to thrive.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics, small businesses created more than

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10.5 million jobs between 2000 and 2019. The last two years have been chaotic to say the least, but if you glance in the window of any local business, you’re all but guaranteed to see a help wanted sign, meaning even more jobs are out there than the labor force is currently providing.

Employing locals in your community not only creates opportunity for those individuals and their families, but the wages provided tend to stay more local and be reinvested back into the community. According to the most recent figure from the U.S. Small Business Association, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, $48 remains in the local economy. Purchases made at a big box store or national retailer, that number dips to just $14 out of the same $100 spent.

sustained the past two years of chaos could certainly use the boost, as can the thousands of entrepreneurs who’ve started their own dream businesses during these challenging economic times.

Not only do these dollars go to employee bank accounts but often wind up in support of the local organizations that make each of our communities so unique. Many youth sports teams have the cost of jerseys taken care of by a local business. These same owners attend charity auctions, dinners and galas, committing thousands toward organizations helping youth, the elderly or vulnerable. They also donate time, goods and services for the betterment of their communities.

Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 27. This year, skip the Black Friday chaos and instead find a few local stores you maybe haven’t been to for awhile or have yet to walk through the doors. A gift from a local shop is much more personal than a gift card or getting an unwrapped cardboard box in the mail. Even small purchases like a cup of coffee, lunch out or after-shopping cocktail helps keep those dollars close to home.

While shopping in your pajamas and hitting “click” over and over again might save you time in the long run, why not make this the year to go out and really support your locally owned businesses? Those that have

Support your local community by shopping local this holiday season; the impact in doing so is greater than most of us ever realize.

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Small Business Saturday started in 2010 by American Express as a way to encourage holiday shoppers to purchase gifts from local retailers during the holiday season. The idea has blossomed into a movement.

A 2020 survey by Union Bank found that 72 percent of Americans said supporting small businesses was more important than getting the best deal. An additional 43 percent said they were willing to spend $20 more on an item to support a small or local business.

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Paper Luxe Stationery & Gifts

Your one-stop shop for holiday gifting. Candles, jewelry, cards, and so much more can be found at the new Paper Luxe.

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Pizzeria Fondi Receive a gift when giving a gift! Get $10 back on purchases of $100 or more. Gift cards are available and are perfect for the holidays season!

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SAYING THANK YOU PERSONAL WAYS TO EXPRESS THANKS DURING THE SEASON OF GIVING

by RACHEL KELLY

hankfulness is a practice that helps us to focus on what’s going well and the things that we love the most. Much like the famous classic “It’s A Wonderful Life,” you never know what you have until you stop long enough to appreciate it. This season is just for that, a moment just to turn inward and take a look at what we have.

What brings us joy? What blesses us? Who do we love? As we move into the season of thanks, there’s much to appreciate. There are the teachers who wrangle our kids every weekday, the coaches who get us moving, the friends who remind us that everything is going to be okay, as well as countless others.

As we give thanks this year, we do so with our love, our time and our ingenuity. Here are several ways to show your appreciation for those who do the most, both near and far.

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Oftentimes the people who need to hear thanks the most from us are the people who are in our lives consistently, day in and day out—our neighbors, friends and family. These are the people who are easiest to thank, because you know best what they would appreciate. For neighbors, maybe consider mowing their lawn if you’re mowing yours, or helping them with the end-of-fall yard work or the beforewinter chores. We all need a hand now and again, and regular maintenance can be the hardest to keep up with. For others, like family, consider writing notes on their mirror with dry erase markers or making them their favorite food.

It’s especially fun giving thanks with the children in your life, because they are always down for a group cooking activity or ice cream. Also, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but kids love mail. It can be fun this time of year to set up a temporary “grateful mailbox” to fill with daily notes of appreciation. For close friends, consider having a separate friends-giving meal if for no other reason than to simply be thankful for being together. Saying thanks to those who are

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For neighbors, maybe consider mowing their lawn if you’re mowing yours, or helping them with the end-of-fall yard work

a local event. Doctors and nurses appreciate notes of thanks. Teachers might appreciate a tumbler for their morning coffee.

or the before-winter chores.

A wonderful way to say thank you may be giving to others as a group, like organizing a beach clean-up crew among your co-workers or putting together meal gift baskets as a baseball team. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities out there year-round. We’re all here together as a community, and giving thanks sometimes simply means giving. As we give thanks this year we do so with our time and with our energy.

close to us is best when it comes from the heart, and usually doesn’t take a lot of effort—just a little extra love.

For those in our lives who aren’t necessarily close to us but who contribute to our daily well-being, consider giving them something equally heartwarming but maybe not so personal. Your local barista or neighborhood mail carrier may not want your homemade lasagna for instance (no matter how good it is!). Good ways to say thanks to people that we see, but don’t always interact with in our personal lives, include cards attached to a special candy, gift cards to a local store or tickets to 76

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For giving thanks to those far and wide, whether it’s our family in another state or our insurance agent in the town over, there are a ton of fun gestures of appreciation. Everybody loves flowers, for instance.

There are edible bouquets and local goods that can be delivered right to their door. There are gift cards to restaurants near them. There are even these wonderful meal kits for making delicious dinners at home.

Who doesn’t want a good meal? This fall there are a ton of awesome new movies, with streaming services that show them at the same time as they open in theaters. Organizing a watch party is always a special

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way to help loved ones feel connected, even when they’re not around for the holiday season.

Sometimes giving thanks can be a grand gesture that encourages rest and relaxation, such as an all-inclusive spa day (sounds awesome, right?).

There are also small gestures that are equally special if they go to the right person. For instance, grandparents appreciate handwritten cards from their grandkids. There are lots of ways to connect with those that are apart from our inner circle, and all it takes is a little ingenuity.

Whether we give thanks by putting a little extra thought into our labors, or we dedicate a little extra effort to give to our neighbors. Whether we try thanking someone in a new way. Whether our friends and family are near or far. As we enter into this season of thanks, there’s nothing we appreciate more than each other. Teachers, mail carriers and neighbors. Kids, parents, friends and cousins. May we never again enter a season where we are expected to go without them. This season, sometimes the best way to give thanks is to simply enjoy the gift of being with each other. The presence of loved ones, the warmth of going through life hand in hand, is a gift worth appreciating all year.

There are edible bouquets and local goods that can be delivered right to their door. There are gift cards to restaurants near them.

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Arnold’s Home Furnishings has been serving the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond for more than 70 years.

We offer a tremendous selection of furniture for the living room, dining room and bedroom along with rugs, lamps and everything that makes a home. Known for our quality and superb customer service, Arnold’s can help you select your new furniture, mattress and home furnishings purchase on any budget.

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Giving Back B L E S I N G O T H E R S T H R O U G H D O TN IA S A N D V O U L N T E R I S M

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JILAN CHANDLER

Help make this holiday season one to remember for those in need right here in Gig Harbor. Let the spirit of love shine through by giving and/or volunteering where you can, working together with others in our community. This month, while reflecting on all you’ve been blessed with, take the time to give back for those less fortunate.

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uring the holiday season, Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH will be holding its annual Toy Drive for ages newborn to 17. The GHPF Toy Drive is for low-income families or families experiencing financial hardship. Toys can be dropped off at the warehouse (5775 Soundview Drive) on weekdays December 1 through 17, 9am to 3pm, or at the FISH Food Bank (4425 Burnham Drive) during operating hours. Toys must be new and unwrapped. In addition to age-appropriate toys, new coats and jackets are also needed, and Christmas foods and wrapping paper donations are also appreciated. Volunteers are also needed. You can also shop online using their curated Amazon gift list, which allows you to choose from GHP FISH selections. Distribution dates are December 16 and 17. Visit GHPFISH.org/toydrive.html for additional details, to register to receive gifts or to sign up to volunteer.

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eeting the nutritional needs of hungry and food-insecure children and their families living on the Key Peninsula and in Gig Harbor, Food Backpacks 4 Kids will once again be partnering with Communities In Schools and GNOSH Food Truck to collect items to assemble Thanksgiving Meal Kits to provide to families in our community. Items needed include: turkeys, chicken broth, cans of corn, turkey gravy, cream of mushroom soup, boxes of apple cider packets, bags of dinner rolls, boxes of stuffing, cans of yams/sweet potatoes, cans of cranberry sauce, cans of green beans, fried onions, bags of potatoes and pumpkins pies (perishable items will only be collected the week prior to Thanksgiving). Donations are currently being accepted for drop-off at the following locations: GNOSH Food Truck in Key Center (11am to 2pm Tuesday through Friday); Food Backpacks 4 Kids Warehouse in Lakebay, 9127 154th Avenue Court NW (noon to 6pm Wednesday through Friday); Food Backpacks 4 Kids Donation Station in Gig Harbor (located at 6711 Kimball Drive NW in the back parking lot of the Fire Station). Those interested in bringing a certain quantity of a specific item or who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can email Tricia at triciaendsley14@gmail.com.

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oy Rescue Mission is devoted to ensuring that children of all ages in Pierce County will have something to celebrate come Christmas. While other organizations step in to provide a safe home and nourishing food, the Toy Rescue Mission works to “bring back the ‘light’ in a child’s eyes” as they see that specially wrapped gift under the tree on Christmas morning. From mid-November through mid-December, the Toy Rescue Mission will serve more than 7,000 recipients in Pierce County. The community can join in their effort by donating monetary funds or items like new or gently used toys, books, DVDs, board games, stocking stuffers and more. You can also choose to volunteer your time to clean, repair and sort the donated items and help with the distribution. Help brighten the lives of children—as well as area seniors—by calling 253.460.6711. Read more about the Christmas Program at ToyRescueMission.org/christmas.html.

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ith a mission to serve our children, Altrusa of Gig Harbor Foundation works hard to identify the needs of our children. You can help make a difference in supporting the organization’s efforts to continue to tackle projects that change lives, lift up our community, and make a difference in ways large and small. Over the past 35-plus years, Altrusans have started basic education programs, provided scholarships to students and women returning to the workplace, built a place for the children and the community to gather and enjoy at the Boys & Girls Club, and more. Each year, funds from their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser ensure our local children in need are provided healthy, nourishing food. Visit AltrusaGigHarbor.org, call 360.301.2296 or email altrusapresidentgigharbor@gmail.com to see how you can become involved and donate.

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ou can help change a life, today, by uniting with the Harbor Hope Center to help them ensure their mission that no neighbor is left with unmet needs. Contributions made to Harbor Hope Center go to help at-risk students and those experiencing homelessness. Their fall giving campaign is currently underway. The 2021 Hands of Hope Fundraiser, which brings together individuals, businesses and community organizations to raise funds for Harbor Hope Center to continue their mission-critical work, concludes Friday, November 5. For those unable to take part, there is still an opportunity to volunteer your time or make a financial donation. As the season of giving is here, a donation to Harbor Hope Center is sure to fill both the hearts of giver and receiver with gratitude. Visit HarborHopeCenter.org.

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ou can help ensure that a memorable Thanksgiving feast makes it to family in need in our community by taking part in this year's Gig Harbor Basket Brigade. Though, unfortunately, the in-person Basket Brigade will take its more "virtual" form again due to the ongoing pandemic and health and safety concerns, gift cards will once again be distributed prior to Thanksgiving to those families in need to help them when shopping for items needed for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. For up-to-date information regarding this year's Gig Harbor Basket Brigade, please visit Facebook.com/BasketBrigadeGH. If you would like to volunteer to deliver gift cards to families (or shop and deliver items to families), you can fill out the volunteer sign-up form online at GGHF.info/TBBvolunteer.

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Gig H arbo rB a

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7700 Pioneer Way, Ste. 101 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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SPEND THANKSGIVING AT A DESTINATION RESORT Where the whole family can sit back and relax

By Marguerite Cleveland By Marguerite Cleveland

F

amily Thanksgiving dinners are always wonderful affairs with plenty of good food and spending time with family. But the work that takes place in the kitchen, year after year, to plan, prepare and present these beautiful meals never ceases to overwhelm. This year, take a break from tradition—and the stress that comes with it—to head off to a destination resort for a fun holiday … and leave the cooking to the professionals.

The Ranch at Rock Creek The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana, is the priciest of the bunch, but they specialize in gatherings for families and received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for the past seven years. Luxury accommodations include farm-to-table meals and a robust year-round outdoor activities program. They will even pick you up from the Missoula or Butte, Montana, airports if requested. The ranch is nestled in a pristine valley and is a historic 19th century homestead. It is a guest ranch, but this is not a rustic experience. This all-inclusive vacation is filled with lavish amenities.

Thanksgiving week at the ranch is bursting with activities. Pick an activity each morning and afternoon during your stay including crosscountry mountain biking, hiking expeditions, horseback riding, archery, shooting, geo tagging, and even fly fishing on the Blue Ribbon trout stream. Thanksgiving dinner is served in the Granite Lodge. Chef Josh Drage takes traditional Thanksgiving fare and infuses favorites from Montana’s bountiful harvest into multiple courses.

Insider Tip: Take a horseback ride or hike to “The Top of the World” at 6,200 feet. The gorgeous views really make you feel like you are at the top of the world.

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THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND IS THE PERFECT TIME TO VENTURE OUT TO A DESTINATION RESORT.

The Alderbrook Resort and Spa This luxurious resort is set on the banks of the Hood Canal, a natural fjord, and surrounded by old-growth trees in Union, Washington. It is the perfect basecamp to explore the Hood Canal area, the Olympic Peninsula and the national park. This is the nicest resort in the area with updated accommodations and great amenities. The lovely landscaped grounds make the most of the beautiful trees onsite, and it feels as if the resort was plunked down amid a forest.

Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, is a popular activity at the resort. The phytoncides, or essential oils, found in the woods have healthful effects on your body. Pick up a brochure at the front desk and then head across the street to the network of private nature trails. You can hike for miles on these well-marked paths surrounded by huge trees. In fact, there is even a trail, the Big Tree Loop, that highlights them. There are plenty of comfortable benches lining the trails so you can sit and enjoy the natural soothing sounds of nature. The resort also offers guided fungi walks every Friday with Morgan Scherer, Alderbrook’s resident naturalist. It is peak mushroom season in the fall, and you can take home what you forage.

You can enjoy a great meal in the restaurant, but there are also unique Culinary Adventures you should try—especially if you are with a large family group (minimum of 10). The Gathering Grove experience begins with a knowledgeable guide who leads you through an old-growth forest, where you will learn about local foraging and mushrooms. Enjoy a meal crafted from the bounty of Washington state and the Alderbrook Resort’s edible landscape. Another option is to board the Lady Alderbrook, the resort’s private yacht, where you can enjoy a dinner cruise through the glacier-carved Hood Canal. The Lady Alderbrook can also transport you to the historic marina 2 miles away for a Canal Cookout at the Union City Market. The chef and team will prepare a locally sourced and season-inspired meal for you and your guests to enjoy. A truly memorable experience.

The Lakedale Resort The charming Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, Washington, is super popular in the summer months and bustling with activity. Beginning in late fall, after the campground closes for the season, things slow down, and the resort becomes a peaceful oasis to get away from it all. With 82 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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The Specifics THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK TheRanchatRockCreek.com THE ALDERBROOK RESORT AND SPA AlderbrookResort.com THE LAKEDALE RESORT Lakedale.com

acres, there is plenty of room to roam, and weather permitting, there are 40 acres of freshwater lakes to fish or paddle upon. It is a great location to explore San Juan Island.

Currently the resort is offering several Fall and Winter Packages that offer 25 percent off lodging and other amenities. For families, the darling log cabins offer plenty of space and include gas fireplaces and large cedar decks. Plan at least one outdoor meal with the grill and enjoy a roaring campfire. There is no cable, but the resort has a DVD library, and each cabin has plenty of old-school board games.

If you are looking for a more romantic getaway, try glamping at one of Lakedale’s luxury yurts. Situated in a forest overlooking a lake, this opulent camping experience will have you enjoying a private outdoor hot tub and then snuggling into a king-size bed with a warm flannel duvet. Though there’s no kitchen, there is a refrigerator and microwave, as well as an outdoor grill. The resort also has lodge rooms, though these do not allow children under age 16.

When it’s mealtime, you can cook onsite or head into Friday Harbor, the island’s main town, or out to Roche Harbor Resort for McMillin’s Dining Room’s famed 10-hour roasted prime rib—which has been a mainstay since 1958. Many local restaurants will have specials for Thanksgiving Day meals. The Coho Restaurant offers a Thanksgiving feast as well as fall wine dinners. The San Juan Island Thanksgiving Dinner is a local tradition held at the Mullis Community Center in Friday Harbor with the cost by donation, and you can bring a pie to share. The 2020 event was takeout due to COVID-19, so visit the website for the specifics for 2021.

The holiday season on the islands is just lovely with all the small towns decorated with twinkling lights beginning Thanksgiving weekend. It is the perfect time to get in some holiday shopping without all the crowds on the mainland. The Island Artisans Holiday Market takes place during the holiday weekend at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. This event supports local artisans, and a portion of the proceeds from your 86

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GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

purchases goes to the Artists to Island Artisans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which has awarded art scholarships to graduating seniors in San Juan County for over 43 years.

Insider Tip: Make sure to make a reservation for the Washington State Ferry to get to San Juan Island.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is the perfect time to venture out to a destination resort. Make sure to pick one within driving distance, as air travel for the 2021 holiday season is setting up to be quite challenging with a surge of demand and not all airlines at 100 percent capacity yet.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still a factor, a getaway to the great outdoors is much more appealing than joining the hordes of people at airports around the country.

f u l l - s e r vi c e m e d ia ag e n c y www.like-media.com

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Thank you for all the wonderful support.

IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING THE GIG HARBOR COMMUNITY 7620 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA

253.851.3550 SharonsResaleBoutique.com

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GIG HARBOR local guide

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Small City with a Big Heart

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t is no surprise that Gig Harbor is a small community with a big heart. With dozens of local organizations and nonprofits dedicated to those in our community—and beyond—whether it be children, seniors, the hungry, the homeless; our environment, our wildlife both on land and in water; our neighborhoods, our schools.

Those of us who are blessed to call Gig Harbor home all have the same goal, and that is to care for one another, our neighbors, doing our part through volunteering our time or donating resources to keep Gig Harbor a wonderful place to live and thrive for all.

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Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites 6575 Kimball Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

PRICING

MEETING SPACE

FITNESS CENTER

PETS

SUITES

KITCHEN/ETTE

FREE BREAKFAST

RESTAURANT/BAR

POOL

SPA/SAUNA

WATERFRONT

WHERE TO STAY 253.858.9690 BestWestern.com

$$$$$

The Inn at Gig Harbor 3211 56th St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.858.1111 • InnatGigHarbor.com

$$$$$

A cozy, 64-room inn that exudes ambiance and charm, combined with the adventurous style of the Pacific Northwest. Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Gig Harbor’s dowtown waterfront dining and activities.

253.858.1818 MaritimeInn.com

$$$$$

Waterfront Inn 9017 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

253.857.0770 Waterfront-Inn.com

$$$

The Westwynd Motel 6703 144th St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

253.857.4047 WestwyndMotel.com

$$$

Pleasure Craft Houseboat Rentals 3215 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.549.6639 PleasureCraftRentals.com

$$$$$

Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard Fleet Suites 3117 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253.858.3535 GigHarborMarina.com

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888.256.4222

$$$$

253-549-2524 BeachsideBB.com

$$$

253.858.3535 GigHarborMarina.com

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The Maritime Inn 3212 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Aloha Beachside B&B 8318 State Route 302 NW., Gig Harbor, WA 98329 Beachside Bed & Breakfast 679 Kamus Dr., Fox Island, WA 98333 Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard Guest House 3117 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

HEALTH & BEAUTY Sugaring NYC - Gig Harbor Rebel’tude Salon

Beauty

253.853.7847

SugaringGigHarbor.com

4779 Point Fosdick Dr. Unit 400, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Hair

253.514.6164

RebeltudeaSalon.com

6659 Kimball Dr. #B200, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Air Blowout Bar 8811 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253.514.6389 • AirBlowoutBar.com Stylish blowout bar offering blowouts, dry styling and hair treatments, as well as supporting products to help maintain your style at home. From Brazilian blowout split-end treatments and braids, to treatments to help rejuvenate, moisturize and repair your hair, Air Blowout Bar offers it all. Monthly memberships available.

Salon Rivera

Hair

253.858.2820

A Prima Salon & Extensions

Hair

Salon-Riviera.com

8809 N. Harborview Dr. Ste. 201, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

253.509.0726

APrimaSalon.net

2609 Jahn Ave. NW. Ste. F-6, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Hair

253.514.6404

HaircutMenUptown GigHarborWA.com

4641 Point Fosdick Dr. Bldg. 15, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Skin Care

253.514.6766

Hair & Spa

253.432.4219

StudioSixtheSalon andSpa.com

4779 Point Fosdick Dr. NW. Ste. 200, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Sweet Angel Sugar & Lash Studio

Lash & Beauty

206.486.6415

SweetAngelSpa.com

11515 Burnham Dr. NW. Ste. 102, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Lash Nirvana Lashes & Brows

Lash & Beauty

253.260.5031

LashNirvana.com

7512 Stanich Ln. #5, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Mia Lash • Brow

Lash & Beauty

253.313.5906

MiaLashandBrow.com

4949 Borgen Blvd. Ste. B-105, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Medical Aesthetics

253.848.3000

CascadeEyeSkin.com

4907 Point Fosdick Dr. NW. Ste. E700, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Sport Clips Haircuts Gig Harbor Aesthetics Studio Six the Salon & Spa

Cascade Eye & Skin Center

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GigHarborAesthetics.com

3226 Rosedale St. Ste. 100, Gig Harbor, WA, 98335

REAL ESTATE Joe Sanchez & Associates

Coldwell Banker Bain

Jennifer Hawkins

Hawkins-Poe Real Estate Services

253.853.2262

joesanchez@cbbain.com

253.229.1414

jennifer@key2see.com

ForJoe.net WaterfrontPugetSound.com Key2See.com

Jennie Wetter • Infinity Real Estate, LLC 5775 Soundview Dr. Ste. B202, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.225.5602 • jennie@infinityrewa.com • JennieWetter.com Gig Harbor’s local real estate professionals, led by owner and broker Jennie Wetter. Infinity Real Estate is dedicated to meeting clients’ needs, whether they are looking to sell or buy. Jennie and her dedicated team of professionals are committed to putting the client first, providing 100 percent dedication and care from start to finish.

Infinity Real Estate Team Pat Mercado Shelly Manada

Infinity Real Estate, LCC

253.693.4940

info@infinityrewa.com

TheBoutiqueAdvantage.com

Properties Northwest of Gig Harbor

253.851.2511

patrick.mercado@propertiesnw.com

PropertiesNW.com

RE/MAX Exclusive

253.313.4794

shelly.manada@remax.com

GigHarborMax.com

Gretchen L. Allen • RE/MAX Northwest Realtors 4411 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 207, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.620.0028 • gretchen@homesbygretchen.com • HomesByGretchen.com With 25 years as an experienced Realtor in our local real estate market, Gretchen takes great pride in working with her sellers and buyers consistently each and every day. Your real estate business is her top priority! She provides a clear focus combined with personal care in understanding your most important needs and with the highest level of integrity – second to none, delivers exceptional results!

Jennifer Sievers Carolyn Westmoreland Tiffany Place

Sievers Real Estate

253.569.6681

jsievers@kw.com

SieversRealEstate.com

Westmoreland Properties

253.961.5596

carolyn@westmorelandproperties.net

WestmorelandProperties.info

Windermere

206.849.5425

tiffanyplace@windermere.com

TiffanyPlaceRealEstate.com

Joe Sanchez & Associates, Coldwell Banker Bain 2801 Hollycroft St, Ste A, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.853.2262 • JSAssociates@CBBain.com • ForJoe.net Joe Sanchez & Associates, the No. 1 Broker Team at Coldwell Banker Bain in Gig Harbor, specializes in waterfront, view and luxury properties. Delivering top-quality client service and expertise to buyers and sellers at all price points, this fun, caring and hard-working real estate team was voted Gig Harbor's Finest Real Estate Agents in 2020.

MARINAS & BOAT LAUNCHES Arabella’s Landing

Marina

253.851.1793

ArabellasLanding.com

3323 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard

Marina

253.858.3535

GigHarborMarina.com

3117 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Jerisich Dock • Marina 3211 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335 cityofgigharbor.net/187/Jerisich-Dock Small half acre waterfront park in the heart of downtown that provides transient moorage for boaters and features a seasonal pump-out station, water and power. Restrooms, showers and life jacket loaner station are available onsite. Boats moored past 8pm must register at kiosk. Maximum stay allowed is three days in a 10-day period. First come, first served.

Lakebay Marina Resort

Marina

253.884.3350

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15 Lorenz Rd. NW, Lakebay, WA 98349

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Eddon Boat Park • Boat Launch 3805 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253.851.8136 • CityofGigHarbor.net/535/Eddon-Boat-Park Historic boat yard listed on the Gig Harbor Register of Historic Places that includes the Gig Harbor BoatShop, a nonprofit organization that provides traditional shipwright educational classes and programming to the public as part of the city’s commitment to preserving the community’s maritime heritage. Restrooms, pier, float and kayake launch and life jacket loaner station are available for public use.

Horsehead Bay Public Boat Ramp

Boat Launch

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Fox Island Public Boat Ramp

Boat Launch

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10999 36th St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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203 3rd Ave., Fox Island, WA 98333 20001 Bay Rd. SW, Lakebay, WA 98459

Joemma Beach State Park

Boat Launch

253.884.1944

Parks.State.Wa.Us/524/ Joemma-Beach

Vaughn Boat Launch

Boat Launch

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17999 Hall Rd. NW, Vaughn, WA 98394

Home Boat Launch

Boat Launch

-

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1922 A St., Lakebay, WA 98349

Wollochet Bay Boat Ramp

Boat Launch

-

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37th St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Purdy Boat Launch Ramp

Boat Launch

-

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7726 WA-302, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

Gig Harbor Public Boat Launch

Boat Launch

253.305.1000

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8723 Randall Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Longbranch Boat Launch

Boat Launch

-

-

15603 72nd St. SW, Longbranch, WA 98351

Book Store

253.853.3355

NoDearthofBooks.com

7803 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Chalet in the Woods

Boutique

253.851.8678

ChaletintheWoods.com

9406 74th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Tickled Pink

Clothing & Accessories

253.858.1751

TickledPinkStores.com

3026 Harborview Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Treasures 4 Humanity

Clothing & Accessories

206.250.6563

Treasures4Humanity.com

7811 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Sharon’s Resale Boutique

Clothing & Accessories

253.851.3550

Ship to Shore Marine & Kayak

Boating Merchandise

253.858.6090

ShiptoShoreMarine.com

3403 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Dolly Mama Boutique

Clothing & Accessories

253.851.5113

DollyMamaBoutique.com

7700 Pioneer Way #103, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Beach Basket Gift, Clothing & Christmas Shop

Gift Shop

253.858.9639

Facebook.com/Beach BasketGiftShop

4102 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

The Garden Room & Home

Gift Shop

253.514.6033

TheGardenRoomStore.com

4729 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Maritime Jewelers

Jewelers

253.853.4579

MaritimeJewelers.com

3116 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Clark’s Jewelers

Jewelers

253.851.5395

ClarksJewelers.com

6946 Kimball Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Ken Walker Jewelers

Jewelers

253.851.6516

KenWalkerJewelers.com

4912 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

van der Veen Jewelers

Jewelers

253.514.8478

VanderVeenJewelers.com

4711 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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Facebook.com/Harbor LandingMall

3226 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

SHOPPING No Dearth of Books

Harbor Landing Indoor Shopping Mall

Mall

SharonsResaleBoutique.com

7620 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Uptown Gig Harbor • Mall 4701 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335 253.851.4557 • UptownGigHarbor.com Over 35 shops, specialty stores and restaurants all located within walking distance in a charming outdoor shopping center. Shoppers can choose from a mix of national retailers and local merchants offering the latest fashions, or enjoy a bite at a wide selection of fine-dining or quick takeout restaurants and cafes.

For the Love of Spice

Spice Store

253.858.0272

LoveofSpice.com

3104 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

THINGS TO DO 92

Gig Harbor Beer Festival

Event

Spring

-

GigHarborBeerFestival.com

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Event

Spring

-

GigHarborFoundation.org

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GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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The Season to give thanks has arrived at

dolly mama boutique New furniture, home decor, gifts, apparel & more!

Shipping • Curbside pickup • Online shopping Facetime shopping & private shopping parties

Come visit us!

our NovembeR hours are Sunday & monday: 11-5, tuesday-saturday: 10-6 & By appointment d o l l y m a m a b o u t i q u e . c o m | i n f o @ d o l l y m a m a d e s i g n s . c o m | 2 5 3 . 8 5 1 . 5 1 1 3 | Fo l l o w u s

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Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup

Event

Spring

-

GigHarborPaddlersCup.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Sehmel Homested Park

Event

Spring

-

PenMetParks.org/Parks/SehmelHomestead-Park

The Green Gig

Event

Spring

-

GigHarborFoundation.org

Madrona Links Golf Course

Golf Course

Spring / Summer / Fall

253.851.5193

MadronaLinks.com

Gig Harbor Golf Club

Golf Course

Spring / Summer / Fall

253.851.2428

GHGolfClub.com

Gig Harbor Gondola

Water Activity

Spring / Summer / Fall

253.432.0052

GigHarborGondola.com

Uptown Gig Harbor Summer Concert Series

Event

Summer

-

UpTownGigHarbor.com

Food Truck Feast At Sehmel Homestead Park

Event

Summer

-

PenMetParks.org

Summer Sounds at Skansie

Event

Summer

-

GigHarborGuide.com

Duffy Electric Boat Rentals at Gig Harbor Yachts • Boat Rental • Summer 3419 Harborview Dr. (Dockside), Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253.358.3491 • GigHarborYachts.com/Electric-Boat-Rentals.html Hire an experienced skipper or captain the boat yourself aboard one of these all-electric boats. You’ll enjoy a memorable experience on the water while you take in the sights. Don’t forget to grab a coolor and picnic basket for the ride, and head aboard with family and friends for the ultimate relaxing harbor cruise.

Lee’s SUP & Kayak Rentals Pier into the Night 7 Seas Brewing Galaxy Luxury Theatres Heritage Distilling Company

Water Activity

Summer

253.858.7341

LeesSUP1.com

Event

Winter

-

HarborWildWatch.org

Brewery

Year-Round

253.514.8129

7SeasBrewing.com

Movie Theater

Year-Round

253.851.8300

GalaxyTheatres.com/Movie-Theater/ GigHarbor

Distillery

Year-Round

253.509.0008

HeritageDistilling.com

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO

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Explore by Water

Have a Ball

Whether by sail, powerboat, kayak, SUP or electric boat, much of the city’s charm and natural wonders are best seen from the water.

Entertainment options abound, from Galaxy’s IMAX theaters or arcade games, duckpin bowling and a laser tag venue at Ocean5 to creative art classes with AR Workshop.

Support Local

Make Friends

Gig Harbor’s independent boutiques, artists and specialty shops dot the harbor—visits to the Westside and Uptown business districts are a fun excursion as well.

Events and live music are a cornerstone of the harbor’s year-round calendar. From live music in the park to family movies, fall fun runs and cultural fundraisers, there’s always a gathering to suit any interest.

Tip a Glass

Take a Look Back

Brewery, winery, distillery—take your pick. Many favorites were born here in the harbor, and tastings are a great way to preview local libations. Drop in for a cocktail at Heritage Distillery, or try a local brew from favorites 7 Seas Brewing or Wet Coast.

Gig Harbor has a rich maritime history, showcased through gems like the Harbor History Museum or guided tours on the harbor’s Prohibition days.

Share a Plate

Tee Up

Inventive eateries vary from casual grab-and-go spots to fine dining and top-rated seafood shacks.

Hit the greens at several courses, including Madrona Links, the Canterwood Golf & Country Club or the Gig Harbor Golf Club.

Walk on the Wild Side

Capture the Moment

Grab a set of wheels and glide on the Cushman Trail, which winds through the harbor and connects to the Narrows Bridge. Nearby Sehmel Homestead Park offers hiking trails, play areas and gardens to explore.

In one of America’s most picturesque towns, photography options abound—choose from an array of backdrops: a lighthouse framed by Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound, sailboats dotting the harbor, or a beach set against the Narrows Bridge.

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

Maritime Jewelers

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Featuring Montana Sapphires and Estate Diamonds up to half off of other retailers!

Master Jeweler and Graduate Gemologist Winner “Voted Finest Jeweler”

253.853.4579 • 866.346.GEMS | 3116 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm

CRYSTALS • JEWELRY • REIKI • GIFTS

HealingNatureLLC.net | 7716 Pioneer Way Suite A, Gig Harbor, WA | Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am - 6pm

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OTHER SERVICES Mackert Automotive LLC Peninsula Light Co. Coast Movers

Auto Repair

253.851.3307

MackertAutomotive.com

3416-B 57th St. Ct., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Electric Utility

253.857.5950

PenLight.org

13315 Goodnough Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Moving

888.546.6820

CoastMovers.com

3621 Hunt St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Family First Adult Family Homes • Senior Care & Family Living 4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. #312, Gig Harbor, WA 89335 253.853.2033 • FamilyFirstAFH.com Family First Adult Family Homes has been a staple in the Gig Harbor community for the past 21 years. Here you can find 24-hour care with hands-on owners, experienced caregivers, in-home doctor visits, semi-private and private rooms and family atmosphere.

PARKS

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Adam Tallman Park 6811 Wagner Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

City Park

Ancich Waterfront Park 3525 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Austin Estuary Park 4009 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Bogue Viewing Platform 8763 N Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Crescent Creek Park 3303 Vernhardson St., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Cushman Trail Borgen Blvd., Hollycroft St., Grandview St.

City Park

Donkey Creek Park 8714 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Eddon Boat Park 3805 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Maritime Pier 3003 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Skansie Brothers Park 3207 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Skate Park 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Jerisich Dock 3211 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98332

City Park

Harbor Family Park 6620 32nd St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

PenMet Parks

Narrows Park 1502 Lucille Pkwy NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

PenMet Parks

Rosedale Park and Community Hall 86th Ave. NW & Rosedale St.

PenMet Parks

Sehmel Homestead Park 10123 78th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

PenMet Parks

Gateway Park 10405 State Route 302, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

Key Pen Parks

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Passive-use wildlife park with walking trails and wetlands offering interpretive signage and viewing platforms. No restrooms. On-site parking.

Viewing platform with grand staircase leading from the platform down to a lowerlevel plaza with picnic tables and public restrooms. An ADA lift can transport those with disabilities down to the water level.

City park with a picnic table and human-powered watercraft landing access. Public trail extends under the bridge and connects with Donkey Creek Park. No restrooms.

Street parking only.

Waterfront mini-park with an urban plaza and shoreline viewing offering panoramic views of Mount Rainier. Seating and tables available for public use. No restrooms.

Street parking only.

Previously known as “City Park,” a large open-air structure with covered kitchen, play structure, swings, climbing structures, basketball and tennis courts, and baseball field with bleachers are open to the public. Picnic tables and seating available, call to reserve.

Paved 6.2-mile trail that features seating, picnic tables, restrooms and parking at points along the trail. Three trailheads are accessible within the city at Borgen Boulevard, Hollycroft Street and ​Grandview Street.

1.3-acre natural park with large grassy open area. Bordered by salmon-bearing Donkey Creek, with a trail that connects to Austin Estuary Park alongside the Harbor History Museum. Benches and restrooms provided for public use. Street parking only.

Historic boat-building park with water-access offering landing for human-powered boats, public pier and float, and up to 2-hour moorage at no fee. The brick house provides a kitchen, and there is access to a sandy beach. Street parking only.

Pier and 12 x 40 foot load/unload float for mixed use, as well as load/unload facility for commercial vessels. Year-round pump-out. Life jacket loaner station available.

Restrooms and seating. On-site parking.”

Large waterfront open space offering a covered pavilion, and featuring an historic netshed and home adjacent to Jerisich Dock that helps celebrate and preserve Gig Harbor’s maritime heritage. Restrooms on site. Street parking only.

Park includes large concrete bowl for skaters, kids’ climbing wall, play structures, benches and trails with video surveillance. Restrooms available at Grandview Forest Park (adjacent). On-site parking.

Public dock offering welcome plaza with restrooms, featuring seasonal splash pad/ water feature, and an accessible viewing deck with picnic tables. Free for day use; water and power available. Boats moored past 8 p.m. must register at kiosk.

18.7-acre wooded park open to the public and accessible via primitive trails. No picnic areas or restrooms.

35-acre park offering over 1,000 feet of Tacoma Narrows shoreline access, excellent fishing and views of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Picnic area and non motorized boat launch available. Features a gazebo, paved pathways and two viewing telescopes.

Rosedale Playfield offers a combination fenced grass youth soccer field, a grass 200-foot softball diamond, two outdoor tennis courts and a half-basketball court. Rosedale Hall is located adjacent to the tennis courts and can be rented for community and organizational events.

Large 98-acre park that includes a Boundless Playground, artificial turf soccer field, football, lacrosse and softball fields, the Boeing Mariners Care baseball field, tennis and basketball courts, a 1,500-person amphitheater and a pavilion, in addition to picnic areas and more.

72-acre park featuring plenty of parking, restrooms, play areas for all ages and a large pavilion. Trailhead to popular 360 Trails.

The tires you need and the service you can trust since 1987

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! Lube Oil Filter starting at $25.99 Call store for details

Cooling System Flush & Fill Free alignment with purchase of 4 Goodyear Tires - $125.00 Value Tire Rotation www.EagleTire.com | 253.857.5558

5500 Olympic Dr., Olympic Village, WA 102 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, WA | 1515 334th St. Federal Way, WA

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YUM

your local dining guide RECIPES LOCAL FLAVOR

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ANTHONY’S

Seafood | Curbside Pickup

253.853.6353 | Anthonys.com | 8827 N. Harborview Dr.

LOCAL

EATS

BBQ2U

Texas-Style BBQ | Takeout

253.313.5656 | TexasBBQ2U.com | 4814 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW

BRIMSTONE

BBQ | Takeout & Delivery

253.858.2709 | BBQBrimstone.com | 7707 Pioneer Way

DEVOTED KISS CAFE

American | Takeout & Delivery

253.851.0055 | DevotedKissCafe.com | 8809 N. Harborview Dr. Ste. 203

EL PUEBLITO

Mexican | Takeout & Delivery

253.858.9077 | ElPueblitoRestaurant.com | 3226 Harborview Dr.

FONDI

Italian | Takeout & Delivery

253.851.6666 | Fondi.com | 4621 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW

HARBOR GENERAL STORE American Cafe | Takeout

253.358.3241 | HarborGeneral.com | 7804 Pioneer Way

HY IU HEE HEE

American Pub | Takeout & Delivery 253.851.7885 | JPSBars.com | 4309 Burnham Dr.

IL LUCANO

Italian | Takeout

253.514.8945 | IlLucanoRistorante.com | 3119 Judson St.

LUNCHBOX LAB

American | Takeout & Delivery

toasttab.com/lunchbox-laboratory-gig-harbor/v3 253.432.4061 | 4901 Point Fosdick Dr b800

MILLVILLE PIZZA CO.

Pizza | Takeout & Delivery

253.514.8626 | MillvillePizzaCo.com | 3409 Harborview Dr.

takeout & delivery guide

MOCTEZUMA’S

Mexican | Takeout & Delivery

253.851.8464 | Moctezumas.com | 4628 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW

TIDES TAVERN

American Pub | Takeout & Delivery

253.858.3982 | TidesTavern.com | 2925 Harborview Dr.

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BBQ2U There’s nothing like a plate of pure Southern comfort. BBQ2U brings all the smoky flavors of Texas-style barbecue right here to our backyard. Patrons are treated just like family and will enjoy the unique dining atmosphere.

Open seven days a week from 11am to 8pm.

4814 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW Gig Harbor 253.313.5656 | TexasBBQ2U.com

CHECK OUT THIS

TASTY RECIPE

FLIP THE PAGE!

Gig Harbor’s home for coffee and crepes!

Located in the heart of Gig Harbor at the Franciscan Medical Building, Occasions Coffee and Crepes offers premium, hand-crafted espresso drinks, smoothies, fresh salads, hot paninis, fresh made deli sandwiches, soups and of course made-to-order crepes!

4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 109 Gig Harbor 253.851.2576 | Facebook.com/ OccasionsCoffeeAndCrepes

LUNCHBOX LAB Experience the world's best burgers and shakes at LunchBox Lab Gig Harbor. Stop in for their boozy shakes (using locally produced ice cream), hand-pressed patties, organic fresh buns and premium ingredients. And they're always experimenting with new menu items— come see their newest creations! Complete your experience with an eclectic cocktail from the full bar. Open for lunch and dinner 11:30am to close daily for dine-in, curbside and delivery; private dining event space and corporate catering are also available.

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor 253.432.4061 | ToastTab.com/ lunchbox-laboratory-gig-harbor/v3 Facebook.com/LunchBoxGigHarbor Instagram.com/LunchBox_Lab

EAT 100

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MOCTEZUMA’S

OCCASIONS COFFEE & CREPES

FRESH

Voted best Mexican Restaurant in South Sound Magazine for 2019! Since 1978, Moctezuma’s has been the favorite of those seeking authentic Mexican food and awardwinning Margaritas. Go visit their Gig Harbor location and enjoy their Tequila Bar for daily happy hour specials and an array of delicious appetizers.

4628 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW Gig Harbor 253.851.8464 | Moctezumas.com

MILKVUE HANDCRAFTED DONUTS + COFFEE Experience inspirational donut creations and the "happiest" customer service! Known for fresh mochi donuts, raised, filled, fritters and cake donuts, enjoy a variety of unique flavors including horchata, blueberry lavender, cookies and cream, maple bacon, raspberry and more! Also enjoy Italian sodas, Bubble Tea and Olympia Coffee. Takeout only. Stop in Mon.-Wed. 8am-5pm, Fri. 7am-5pm, Sat.Sun. 9am-5pm.

4901 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW | Gig Harbor 253.432.4529 | Instagram.com/MilkVue Facebook.com/Milkvue-HandcraftedDonuts-Coffee-114242959995704

eat local

Private chef • Private in-home cooking classes

Contact Sue Anderson Today

suestable1028@gmail.com • 253.651.9724 • SuesTable.com

Sue’s Table Signature Ceasar Salad Dressing Available at Harbor Greens (University Place & Gig Harbor), Local Boys, Tacoma Boys (Tacoma and Puyallup, Owens Meats, Fardell Farm’s & other grocery stores!

More exciting news to come! Gift cards available.

Birdnest Gallery & C ustom P iCture F raminG Established 2002

Downtown Gig Harbor 3202 Tarabochia St. 98335

FINE ART, HAND-CRAFTED GIFTS, HOME DECOR • A distinctive collection of Northwest art by over 70 Northwest artists • Framed Art • Prints • Original Paintings • Metal Sculpture • Bronzes • Pottery • Jewelry • Home Decor

SPECIALIZING IN INNOVATIVE CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING • Over eighteen years of framing experience. No project too big or too small.

• Custom Framed Mirrors • Canvas Stretching • Art Hanging Services • In-stock ready made frames in standard sizes • Fastest project turn-around time in Gig Harbor

BirdnestGallery.com • 253.857.6341

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RUSTIC MUSHROOM SOUP

Recipe Courtesy of Tina VanDenHeuvel-Cook You can follow Tina on Instagram @madebetterforyou

INGREDIENTS: 3 tbsp. butter 2 cups chopped onions 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced (any kind; a mix is best) 2 tsp. dried dill weed 1 tbsp. paprika 1 tbsp. coconut aminos 2 cups chicken bone broth 1 can full fat coconut milk 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ground black pepper and salt to taste

METHOD: • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 more minutes. Stir in the dill, paprika, coconut aminos and broth. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

• Whisk the coconut milk and xanthan gum together in a separate bowl. Pour into the soup and stir well. Cover and simmer for 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Finally, stir in the ground black pepper, salt, lemon juice and sour cream. Mix together and allow to heat over low heat, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve warm. Top with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy!

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GET A FREE $10 GIFT CARD r & Tequila Ba

$5

CARD T F I G $10

When you buy a $50 Gift Card!

For a limited time only, pick up a $50 gift card and get a $10 bounce back.

Offer ends 12/31/2021

Moctezuma’s Gig harbor 4628 point fosdick dr. gig harbor, WA 98335 www.moctezumas.com

Occasions Coffee and Crepes Serving Paninis, Crepes, Forza Coffee & More!

Holiday Gifts Available

By Clay & Cloth Design and Other Local Arts

Be sure to try one of our fresh made crepes.

4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Ste. 109, Gig Harbor, WA 253.851.2576 | f @OccasionsCoffeeandCrepes

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ENTERTAINMENT

gig harbor

What's happening in November!

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|| GIG GIG HARBOR HARBOR LIVING LIVING LOCAL LOCAL

PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

t s e f r e t n i W PEN

I

HOOL IGH SC H A L NSU

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Thanksgiving Weekend November 27 th- 28 th Y URDA T A S - 5 pm m a 9

Admission FIVE DOLLARS

SUND AY 11 am - 4 pm

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BODY GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER ON

THANKSGIVING MORNING THE GIG HARBOR TURKEY TROT CELEBRATES 19 YEARS KICKING OFF THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

BY JILLIAN CHANDLER

“I

t has truly been an inspiring and great experience to see family members and community members—and even the 50 percent of the participants who aren't even from the Gig Harbor area—come together and participate in such a ‘family’ adventure,” shares Timothy Holmes, organizer of the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot.

rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” which will be sung by the winner of the Star Spangled Banner singing competition. 2021’s Turkey Trot, which will only offer the 5k, will begin at 8am on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 25) at the Gig Harbor Post Office Parking Lot on Judson Street. Runners, walkers, joggers and strollers are all welcome.

The Gig Harbor Turkey Trot was introduced in 2002: As Timothy shares, “Twenty years ago, my son challenged me to run a marathon with him.

I'd never even run a 5k, much less a marathon. I looked to see if I could participate in a Turkey Trot to help prepare me for the marathon … but there didn't seem to be any locally that I could sign up for. So, I let my friends, patients and other townspeople and local businesses know of my desire to do this early morning Turkey Trot. My wife, Heidi, agreed to help (as long as I helped get the family Thanksgiving turkey meal together afterward).”

Early registration is just $15 for those 13 and older, while those 12 and younger are free to participate. After November 22, registration will increase to $30. Registration, along with additional details, can be found online at GigHarborTurkeyTrot.com.

Those who participated were asked to bring just two cans of food to be donated to the local FISH Food Bank. “It was a blast, so we decided to do it again the next year," he recalls.

Its first year drew 15 participants. The following year, the couple anticipated 50 participants and were surprised when more than 200 locals and visitors showed up to take part in the walk/run. In 2019, they had a record-breaking 3,200-plus walkers and runners!

Now in its 19th year, the event will once again kick off with a beautiful

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“We have so many to thank who are behind the scenes, such as Paul Miller of Rotary Club North, who organizes the important list of volunteers. And the members of the Gig Harbor Police Department, who give of their Thanksgiving morning to help make sure we have a successful event. The City of Gig Harbor administration has also been an important behind-the-scenes help. And to the many sponsors who have also helped with the success of the trot, we say thank you,” expresses Timothy.

Over the years, not only have thousands of cans of food been donated through the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot to help in projects such as Backpacks 4 Kids and FISH Food Bank, thousands of dollars have been donated to Peninsula and Gig Harbor high school students as scholarships for their college education.

Welcome the holidays with new furniture & decor!

THANK YOU FOR

Shopping Locally THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

New Container Has Arrived!

HARBOR TEAK

Indoor & Outdoor Furniture Wood | Home Decor & More

Sustainable, Renewable & Ultimately Biodegradable Our Teak is of the highest quality; manufactured and imported directly from Indonesia.

Our “outdoor” furniture represents some of the most popular designs, while much of our “indoor” selection is “one-of-a-kind” pieces often made from reclaimed/recycled Teak.

7520 Soundview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | 253.858.7394 I www.harborteak.com

HELPING CHILDREN ONE TOY AT A TIME Proudly serving Pierce County children in need since 1994, we are a 100% volunteerrun organization that refurbishes and recycles gently used toys.

Quality

without compromise L AD I E S APPAR EL

JE W E L RY | ACCE SS OR IES

Help us continue to serve children by donating or volunteering today, and by joining our Ripples of Hope Campaign!

SE RV I N G GI G H ARBOR SI N CE 1 9 7 8

ToyRescueMission.org | 253.460.6711 martha@toyrescuemission.org 607 S. Winnifred St., Tacoma, WA (across from Tacoma Boys on 6th Ave.)

3102 Judson St., Gig Harbor, WA 253.851.5525

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FOR EVE NTS, VISIT GIGHARBO RLIVINGLOCAL.COM.

November

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT 110

06

13

VIRTUAL WHISKEY TASTING Show your support for Communities In Schools of Peninsula by joining them for their special eighth birthday bash on Saturday, November 6.

From 7 to 8pm, participants will have the opportunity to sip and discover the journey from grass to grain with Master Distiller Justin Stiefel live from the Heritage Tasting Room in Roslyn. Tickets are $50 per person and include dessert and a champagne toast from Morso Wine Bistro, and a Heritage Distilling Company Whiskey tasting kit complete with tasting notes, cocktail ideas and Justin Stiefel live from HDC Roslyn to host the 30-minute tasting! Tasting boxes can be picked up on November 6 from 3 to 5pm at either Morso Wine Bistro or Communities In Schools Peninsula headquarters at the Red Barn Youth Center in Lakebay. Visit Peninsula.

CISWA.org for additional information and link to purchase tickets.

4TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION You can honor veterans, both past and present, by attending the fourth annual Veterans Day Celebration. Held November 11 from noon to 1:15pm at Uptown Shopping Center in Gig Harbor, all guests are invited at no charge. The afternoon event can be experienced in the convenience and safety of your car as KGHP Broadcast onsite, with Flag Ceremony Color Guard and music, interviews and speakers. And lunch is provided for those who attend. Please RSVP by visiting Bit.ly/gigharborveteransday2021.

This event is sponsored by Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor, PenMet Parks, The Meacham Foundation, Ben B Cheney Foundation, Uptown Gig Harbor, and Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation. For inquiries, email gigharborveteransday@gmail.com.

INDULGE: A SIP AND SAVOR EXPERIENCE INDULGE—live or virtually—and join in making a difference for our community's seniors. The sip and savor experience opens on November 6 with a mobile platform auction, allowing guests to bid on a wide selection of valuable auction packages, diverse experiences, art, themed-baskets and more over the entire course of the week. On Saturday, November 13, INDULGE culminates at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club with a hybrid gathering around exquisite tastes from Lora’s LeGarmache and local “makers” as Olalla Vineyards, Wet Coast Brewing, Locust Cider and Pioneer Coffee, a great live auction and a presentation. The live event, on November 13, is strictly limited to the first 100 people/tickets sold. Get yours today at GGHF.info/INDULGE2021 and join in the fun while supporting Gig Harbor's Senior Center.

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

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE! Want your event to appear on the largest event site in the Northwest? Submit your events to us online at Events.DirectoryNorthwest.com 24/7, 365 days a year!

Is there any other gift that says so much?

Celebrate all your milestones and give the gift that lasts for generations to come.

Fine Jewelry, Repairs, Custom Jewelry, Appraisals, Citizen Watches * Special financing available

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS & SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE! 253.514.8478 | 4711 Point Fosdick Drive NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98335 GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

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Are you happy with your current property manager?

WE HAVE YOU COVERED FOR ALL SEASONS

CONTACT US FOR A FREE INCOME ANALYSIS ON ANY PROPERTY GoSandpoint.com • 208.610.4416 • Jackson@GoSandpoint.com 112

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THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS, NEIGHBORS & FRIENDS

Our team of Joe Sanchez & Associates extends our heartfelt thanks for your business, support, and friendship during this past year. The relationships we share with you have sustained and inspired us during the many successes and challenges of 2021.

We appreciate each of you, and wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. May the coming months bless you with gratitude, laughter, and good health.

From all of us, Joe Sanchez, Lynn MacGougan, Dena Skodinski, Lisa Veitenhans and Dennis Quinn

Joe Sanchez & Associates Coldwell Banker Bain REALTORS® “We Sell Homes. We Build Relationships.”

253-853-2262 | JSAssociates@CBBain.com | WaterfrontGigHarbor.com

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THE PERFECT PAINT

for your space

Regal Select Interior® is a premium-quality, 100% acrylic paint and primer with excellent hide, spatter resistance and seamless touch-ups.

Visit benjaminmoore.com

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND 937 Hildebrand Lane 206.842.2227

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BREMERTON

5375 Auto Center Way 360.373.5999

GIG HARBOR LIVING LOCAL

GIG HARBOR

5500 Olympic Drive NW 253.858.6362

POULSBO

20530 Viking Way NW 360.779.6995

PORT TOWNSEND 315 Decatur Street 360.379.8025

WINTER RAIN, SLEET & WIND ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER. Is your home ready for the weather blast?

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S AT I S FA C T I O N G U A R A N T E E D - M A N U FA C T U R E R B A C K E D - FA C TO RY WA R R A N T Y- E X P E R I E N C E D T R A D E S P EC I A L I S T S R E A DY TO A S S I S T

C a l l u s to d a y to s e t u p a f re e e s t i m a te :

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O F F E R I N G R O O F I N G , S I D I N G , W I N D OW S , S U N R O O M S , PAT I O C OV E R S & K I TC H E N R E M O D E L S , W I T H WA R R A N T I E S YO U C A N T R U S T & E A S Y F I N A N C I N G . V I S I T A M PGIG ROB U I L D ELIVING R S . N ELOCAL T! HARBOR | 115

PERSONAL, BUSINESS & HEALTH INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT | NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 30

We work hard to find the best rate through all the carriers MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT | OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7 we represent, allowing us to be local agents you can trust.

This is the one time of the year when all people with Medicare and Healthcare can make changes to their health and drug plans starting in January of 2022.

We are here to help you navigate enrollment. Whether you need to sign up or make a change to your plan, SHI will be by your side the whole way.

MEDICARE OR HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE AT NO COST TO YOU - CONTACT US TODAY! 253.858.9988 | www.SoundBiz.net 116

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3309 56th St. Ste. 101, Gig Harbor, WA