MAGAZINE
RACE ACROSS
AMERICA
Gypsy
Arts, Entertainment, Seattle Summer Concerts & More!
Road Trip
Swimming Forward Olympic athlete crafts community-focused life
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SHORT DRIVE TO PARADISE Latitude45Mag.com
JUNE 2015 1
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Contents FEATURE STORY
07 Travel & Leisure
10 RACE ACROSS AMERICA
A grandfather whose love knows no boundaries.
A Short Distance to Paradise
17 Arts & Entertainment
Let the Music Feed Your Soul
21 Living Spaces
Outdoor Living
23 Get Out There Adventure Gypsy Road Trip 26 Local Flare Swimming Forward
CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Polyakov • Julianna Verboort Timothy Acker • Alan Lemire • Jason Duchow
WWW.LATITUDE45MAG.COM MARKETING
Marketing Executive | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@gogigharbor.com
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor | Patty Hutchens patricia@like-media.com
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DESIGN
Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig
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SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENTS
Media Manager/Events | Melody Vanhorn melody@like-media.com Latitude 45 is published and mailed to targeted neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest. We’re not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.
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ROUTE 101
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TRAVEL & LEISURE
A SHORT DISTANCE TO PARADISE
Explore island fun By Sarah Polyakov. Photos by San Juan Islands Visaitors Bureau, San Juan Nature Institute and Jim Maya.
D
oesn’t a trip to an exotic island sound wonderful? I think you know the type of island I mean. It’s the kind of paradise where the pace of life is slow, the scenery is picture perfect, and all you have to do is kick off your shoes and relax. Maybe you want to head to an island where the natural world abounds, where regal wild animals grace the shores, forests and bays, but where you can always pop into town for a film and a plate of freshly prepared sushi.
The great news is you don’t have to head to Hawaii or even to the Caribbean to have a phenomenal island experience. All you have to do is head up to Friday Harbor and use it as a starting point to live out all your island dreams. Forget “Fantasy Island,” throw out your schedule, turn off the TV, and experience one of Washington State’s hidden gems for yourself.
The San Juan Islands The San Juan Island archipelago is a group of 172 islands that belong to the United States. Named by Spanish explorer Francisco De Eliza and with 300 miles
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of shoreline, the San Juan Islands are accessible by car or walk on ferry, private boat or seaplane. One year my husband and I had the opportunity to go to the San Juans via seaplane with Kenmore Air. We loved the idea of being able to take off from Lake Union in scenic downtown Seattle and land in the bay at Friday Harbor. Besides this being an affordable journey with no security check, we also loved that this way of travel provided a unique and scenic adventure. The highlight of the flights was the particularly picturesque route that was taken by the seaplane. We saw many beautiful bays and land
masses from the air, watched sailboats and speedboats below, and saw Western Washington’s beautiful mountain ranges from a new vantage point. When we arrived, we soon found that the best part about the San Juans is that one can find something for everyone. Friday Harbor, which is located on San Juan Island, is overflowing with quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. But that is where the fun just begins. Starting in Friday Harbor, there are self-led biking tours of all lengths and for most ability levels. On bike, via rented Vespa, or by car you may be delighted to see historic lighthouses and rocky bays, fields of lavender, and forests of pine and fir where gentle deer abound. If you look closely, you might even see one of the island’s many shy and handsome resident foxes. The San Juan Islands are said to be the home of the largest number of bald eagles in the United States. The islands offer many delights for bird watchers and are home to a number of shore birds such as the Great Blue Heron. But don’t forget to look for peregrine falcons, native trumpeters swans, barred owls, western bluebirds and northern harriers. Then, there are the real stars of the show: the island’s resident and transient orca whales. During the summer, you might catch a glimpse of these gentle giants with a baby in tow, lolling around the bays and feeding. Though there are commercial whale watching tours, I would argue that they are best viewed from a small sailboat or on a privately guided kayaking tour. Can you imagine kayaking in the orca sanctuary and getting up close and personal with these gentle creatures?
Farming on Orcas Island has a wonderful history. In the 1890s, farmers on the island produced plentiful harvests that fed the islanders as well as those in the mainland United States. Today Orcas Island hosts many organic farms, and visitors will be delighted to sample the abundance of organic produce, meat and fresh caught fish. Many restaurants feature farm-to-table treats that are a signature of the island. Don’t forget to catch the Saturday Farmer’s Market on the Village Green. There you will meet local farmers and be delighted with learning about their farming practices. Their passion for what they do is infectious. If you want to be in the middle of it all, several local farms also offer bed and breakfast type accommodations. Orcas Island is also the home to many talented resident artists: painters, potters, photographers, woodworkers and glassblowers. Some artists have galleries on the island, while others have home studios that can be visited during self-guided tours. Orcas Island offers accommodation types for every taste and budget: bed and breakfasts, hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, cottages and resorts. But one thing is for sure — wherever you stay on the island, you will be able to enjoy fresh, warm breezes that come from the South Pacific and perhaps watch resident or transient orca pods play in the bays.
Orcas Island The intra-island ferry system makes traveling back and forth to other islands a breeze. If you want to get away from it all, head over to the almost horseshoe shaped Orcas Island. There you will be delighted by Moran State Park and its many waterfalls, woodlands and lakes. The island contains lodging for every taste and budget as well as different restaurants. Of course, the island also offers a variety of outdoor activities, both on sea and on land.
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Can you imagine kayaking in the orca sanctuary and getting up close and personal with these gentle creatures?
Today Orcas Island hosts many organic farms, and visitors will be delighted to sample the abundance of organic produce, meat and fresh caught fish.
Lopez Island
to travel far or spend thousands of dollars to find your own little slice of paradise.
Finally, you can head over to Lopez Island if you would like to have a cycling friendly vacation. A well-known custom on Lopez Island is for folks to wave at every cyclist, pedestrian or motorist with whom they come into contact. Of course, there is always the walkable and quaint Lopez village where you may spend the day reading a good book, browsing galleries, treating yourself to handmade fudge or shopping. Enjoy wine tastings at the Lopez Winery or play a round of golf at the golf course. If you prefer something more cerebral, don’t miss a performance at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts or visit the island’s beautiful library. Lopez Island is certainly for outdoor enthusiasts since you are invited to walk or cycle everywhere. There are many places to beachcomb on the island, explore tide pools or get close enough to easily observe seals and sea lions with binoculars. The San Juan Islands literally offer something for everyone. Whether you are a kayaker, a cyclist, a bird watcher, an oenophile, a power-shopper, a foodie, a patron of the arts, or you just want to relax amid stunning scenery, there is something for you. But the best news is, you don’t have
A List of “Must Do’s” in the San Juan Islands • Guided whale watching tour by kayak • Shark’s Reef Sanctuary on Lopez Island • Biking past lavender fields • Visiting the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in Friday Harbor • San Juan Sculpture Park • Orcas Island Historical Museum • Lime Kiln Point State Park and Lighthouse • Doe Bay Hot Springs • San Juan Island National Historical Park • Air tour in a historic bi-plane • Moran State Park • Zip lining • Sucia Island State Park • Visit English Camp to view eagles and other wildlife • Scuba diving • Snorkeling • Vineyards on Lopez Island • Rent a Vespa to tour the island • Rent a bicycle to tour the islands • Stuart Island State Park • San Juan Island’s farmers market
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FEATURE STORY
RACE ACROSS
AMERICA
A grandfather whose love knows no boundaries. By Patty Hutchens. Photo by Jason Duchow.
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Photos by Alan Lemire.
A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. - Author Unknown
RACE FACTS • A support crew for each team in the Race Across America typically consists of 8 to 12 people and 2 to 4 vehicles. • In the Race Across America there are 53 time stations approximately 40 to 90 miles apart. At each station, the racer is required to call race headquarters to report their location and time. • Teams typically race in a relay format with shifts varying anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours depending upon the terrain and the strength of the riders. • Collectively, all those who finish the Race Across America will travel a combined distance equal to circling the Earth at the equator seven times. • In the 27 year history of the Race Across America, those who have ridden as solo riders have ridden more than 1 million miles — equivalent to two round trips to the moon.
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f you are a parent, you know you would do anything for your children. And the same can be said for the love grandparents have for their grandchildren. But what about a grandparent willing to take part in a cross-country bike race for his grandchild? While many may find it physically prohibitive, that is exactly what 70-year-old Dave Sturgis plans to do this month as part of Team Laughing Dog in the Race Across America (RAAM), a 3,000 mile ride that is widely recognized as the world’s toughest endurance bicycle race. And he’s hoping his efforts will save his grandchild’s life. Sturgis’ grandson, 8-year-old Henry (Hank) Sturgis, was born with a rare
• Racers have come from five continents and there have been 25 countries represented over the years at the Race Across America. • The lowest elevation the racers will hit is 170 feet below sea level; the highest is more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
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disease — cystinosis. Cystinosis is a genetic disease that causes the amino acid, cystine, to accumulate in the body’s cells. As it accumulates, it destroys some of the body’s organs, including the kidneys, liver, muscles, white blood cells, eyes and central nervous system. It is extremely rare, afflicting only 500 people nationwide and 2,000 worldwide. North Idaho’s Team Laughing Dog, which has taken part in the Race Across America for the last several years, is riding to raise funds to benefit the 24Hour for Hank Foundation; a foundation started by Dave Sturgis’ son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Tricia Sturgis, in 2008. From the moment Brian and Tricia first learned of their son’s disease, they have worked tirelessly to find a cure. And while there is not a cure as of yet, there have been huge strides towards that goal.
“Hank’s health is so much better because of the new 12-hour delayed release medication…there are less side effects like nausea and vomiting. Hank learned how to take all of his liquid meds that he used to take through his tube in pill form now, so he was able to get his g-tube removed in April. It is a huge milestone for him and our family,” said Tricia who adds that Hank takes 48 pills each day just to stay alive. “The typical cystinosis patient takes 8 to 12 medications a day.” In addition, Hank must have eye drops placed in his eyes to prevent blindness. “The eye drops are supposed to be taken every hour, and we only do about three to four times a day,” said Tricia. “They are stored in the fridge so the cold solution is hard to get in a child’s eyes. With advancements, we might have a different delivery method for this drug, which would be wonderful since this treatment is not easy to be compliant with.” At the time they formed their foundation, there were only two other foundations that supported cystinosis research. “Now there are 30 families (who have them),” said Dave Sturgis, adding that 24-Hours for Hank is one of the top fundraising entities in the country for cystinosis research.
So just how is it that Dave Sturgis finds himself as part of a huge athletic challenge? Last year Sturgis took part in the race as one of the support members. He drove one of the vans while Sandpoint, Idaho resident and biking enthusiast Mel Dick navigated. It was then Dick planted the seed for Sturgis to take part in the Race Across America as a rider. “Mel said he would love to find a cure for Henry and said he believed it could be done through Team Laughing Dog,” said Sturgis. That was all he needed to hear. With all the support his son, daughter-in-law and grandson had already received from Team Laughing Dog, there was no way he could say no. Dave started training last October and, with the help and encouragement of Dick, feels ready to face the challenge. He is grateful to the sponsors who have stepped up, especially given the fact that this year’s main fundraiser, a snow ski event which benefits the foundation, was canceled due to lack of snow. “The biggest part of that fundraiser was the pledges,” said Dave Sturgis, who shared that the sponsors who were committed for the ski event have graciously rolled over the funds to the
Race Across America instead. While the challenge would be a great one for anyone, much less a 70-year-old, Dave Sturgis has always been athletic. He played football for Western Oregon and signed with the New Orleans Saints where he played in 1968 and part of the 1969 season. He continued an active lifestyle and become more involved in cycling in 1990 when his running partner had issues with his knees. But riding across the country is something he never envisioned himself doing. “As a kid I always rode my bike to town. It was five miles, and I thought that was forever,” recalls Dave.
Hank learned how to take all of his liquid meds that he used to take through his tube in pill form now, so he was able to get his g-tube removed in April. It is a huge milestone for him and our family.
Photos by Alan Lemire.
Hank travels to the University of Washington every six months for an evaluation. And while Hank loves to ride his bike and snow
ski, Dave said his grandson does not have the endurance other kids his age have. But that does not keep him from giving it his all — a trait he obviously learned from his family.
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Photo by Alan Lemire.
“There are a lot of logistics involved with getting 16 people across the country without stopping.” Since he began training in October, Sturgis has lost 40 pounds and feels great. “Mel keeps me accountable,” said Sturgis of his training partner. The 3,000-mile race will begin in Oceanside, California and end in Annapolis, Maryland. And once the race starts, it never stops. To put it in perspective, Dick shares that the Tour de France covers 2,100 to 2,200 miles over a 21-day period; the Race Across America covers 3,000 miles, and team racers are required to finish in nine days. “And there is 170,000 feet of climbing on this ride,” adds Dick. So just why would people take part in such a grueling activity? If you think it may be for prize money, nothing could be further from the truth. There is not any monetary recognition for the top finishers. “Everyone who does it has a cause. Collectively it raises about $2 million each year,” said Dick.
The Race Across America has approximately 75 participants who are solo riders and others who are part of either a two, four or eight person team. This year’s Team Laughing Dog will consist of Sturgis; Kirk Johnson, who served as crew chief for Team Laughing Dog the first four years; Arlene Cook, a ski patrol at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in North Idaho; and Bob Robinson, a 72-year-old friend of Dave Sturgis from California who has been a huge supporter of 24-Hours for Hank. “He bikes 200 miles a week and will probably be one of our best climbers,” said Dave.
with getting 16 people across the country without stopping,” said Dick. There are two vans, each with a driver and a navigator, and an RV which carries eight people.
The support team, which consists of 12 people, is a vital part to the success of the ride. “There are a lot of logistics involved
While different teams have different strategies, for Team Laughing Dog they split their four person team into two teams,
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having two riders on the road at a time. “They switch off every 20 to 30 minutes for a period of about six hours at a time. It’s basically a sprint,” Dick explained. The RV carries the two riders who are not on their bikes up the road a distance to wait for the arrival of their teammates, who are in constant radio communication with their support team.
items include bagels, turkey and cheese sandwiches, fruit smoothies and nuts.
One important aspect of Race Across America is to be ready for the unexpected. “There have been years we have had to pull off the road due to lightning and 60 to 70 mph winds,” said Dick. But other than that riders continue through rain and other inclement weather. And then there is always the risk of vehicle or bicycle breakdown. “We have two mechanics who travel with us,” said Dick. “We have a mobile bike repair shop.”
Like any competitive event, there are rules that must be followed. There are marshals in unmarked vehicles that will make sure that not only the riders, but their support team as well, are following rules. “There are penalties for not stopping at stop signs,” said Dick who adds that vehicles are prohibited from dumping RV waste at the side of the road as well. Soon the race will be on. Riders will leave from Oceanside, California within one minute of each other and will begin an endurance test like no other. And with many things to keep track of and prepare for as
If you would like to donate to Team Laughing Dog in support of 24-Hours For Hank, visit: active.com/donate/24hoursforhank2015/ raam. To date they have raised $57,095 on the way to their goal of $100,000.
“My promise to Hank is to make his disease go away forever,” said Dave. “ It is an investment in Hank’s future and his right to a quality life.”
Photo by Lars Wanburg.
Riders burn over 5,000 calories a day, making it vital that they receive proper nutrition and hydration. Some menu
The sponsorships Team Laughing Dog receives cover the cost of the race, which are under $40,000, or about $2,300 per person including the support team. Other teams, however, can spend up to $250,000 to participate.
the time draws near for Dave Sturgis to get on his bike, the reality is he will start on his adventure with only one goal in mind. To save his grandchild’s life. “My promise to Hank is to make his disease go away forever,” said Dave. “ It is an investment in Hank’s future and his right to a quality life.”
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Seattle summer concerts
LET THE MUSIC FEED YOUR SOUL By Patty Hutchens
M
usic. It has a way of bringing people together, creating memories, healing broken hearts and inspiring us. John Lennon said, “Music is everybody’s possession. It’s only publishers who think people own it.” Whether it is country, rock and roll or classical music, there will be plenty of opportunities this summer to enjoy some of the best entertainers in the music industry.
On June 27, one of country music fans’ favorite stars, Kenny Chesney, will take the stage at CenturyLink Field to thousands of fans that have waited a long time for Chesney to return to the stage. Chesney’s Big Revival Tour will also highlight Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell and Old Dominion in what is sure to be one of the biggest concerts to hit Seattle this summer. While Chesney had taken a break from
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touring, he is enthusiastic about returning to the stage. He is reported as saying, “I’ve been ready to get out there for a long time. Now that we’re announced I’m fired up! This new music brings a new energy to the show, and it’s gonna take what we do to a whole other level.” If you are into some old time rock and roll, the Doobie Brothers will be performing on June 19 at Woodland Park Zoo. They first performed in the 1970s and have continued
JUNE 1-7 INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Join top directors, actors and critics and attend festival premieres and screenings by getting a single ticket or a pass. The Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF, is billed as the largest film festival in the U.S. and will take place in multiple locations throughout the city. SIFF’s mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world as they help make the community informed, aware, and alive through the art of cinema. For more information visit www.siff.net/festival-2015.
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JUNE 1-3 MARINERS VS YANKEES
The Mariners are taking on the New York Yankees at Safeco Field! Come watch the battle and make sure to attend on June 2nd for Kyle Seager Bobblehead night! It’s going to be Kyle Seager’s Mariners bobblehead debut. The first 20,000 fans will be able to take home their own 7” version of Kyle and his golden glove. Games will start at 7:10pm on Monday and Tuesday while Wednesday’s game kicks off at 12:40pm. Visit seattle.mariners.mlb.com for ticket information.
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JUNE 6-7 MARITIME GIG FESTIVAL
Get ready for music and entertainment, food vendors, historic boat displays, and loads of children’s activities. Your favorite activities and events are back in Gig Harbor, including the Fun Run, the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, the Grand Parade, the Round Rock Contest, and the Wheels on the Water Car Show. Various musical performances will take place all weekend while the Blessing of the Fleet will happen on Sunday at 1pm. This is a jam-packed weekend that you don’t want to miss! For more information www.maritimegig.com.
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JUNE 19-21 EDMONDS ART FESTIVAL
As one of the longestrunning Northwest premier arts events, the Edmonds Arts Festival provides three days of entertainment, shopping, dining and gallery exhibits to area locals and visitors alike. Set to take place in downtown Edmonds, visitors will have a beautiful setting to view and acquire original works of art and crafts all weekend long. For more information visit www.edmondsartsfestival.com.
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JUNE 13 SOLFEST This year marks the introduction of the very first SolFest music festival held in Gig Harbor at the Harbor History Museum. SolFest begins at 2pm and will run until 10pm while numerous bands take the stage to provide entertainment to everyone in attendance. In addition to these local talents, various community businesses and organizations will be in attendance to promote the Gig Harbor community. Visit harborhistorymuseum.org for more information.
JUNE 13-16 ANNUAL ARLINGTON SHOW & SHINE CAR SHOW Visit the 16th Annual Arlington Show & Shine Car Show on Olympic Ave. in Downtown Arlington from 8am to 4pm. See all makes, models, years
JUNE 6 MINI HYDROPLANE RACES Cheer on the junior racers, ages 10 to 15 years old, in their stock boats and enjoy the adult modified stocks later in the afternoon as they fly across the water on Silver Lake in Everett, Washington. The first heat gets underway at 11:45am with racing until 6pm. Trophies will be awarded for 1st-3rd place, by class combination, and will be presented a ½ hour after all events have finished. Food, ice cream and snacks will be available for purchase. There is no admission charge and families are welcome.
JUNE 19-20 FREMONT FAIR The Fremont Fair, celebrating its 43rd year, is a celebration of Fremont’s “delibertas quirkas” culture and is comprised of three free-spirited traditions: the Solstice Fair, which includes a craft market and assorted fair activities, the Solstice Parade on Saturday afternoon, and the inaugural Solstice Concert Series that takes place both Friday and Saturday on the Redhook Main Stage. Located just a skip away from downtown Seattle you’ll find many unique qualities nestled among the thriving neighborhood as you celebrate the longest day of the year. For more information visit fremontfair.org/festivalhours.html.
21 JUNE 21 MARINERS VS HOUSTON Celebrate Father’s Day at Safeco Field with the Mariners! The first 10,000 dads get a new Mike Zunino BBQ Apron courtesy of Emerald Queen Casino. The Mariners are also proud to salute youth baseball players throughout the Northwest. Youth baseball teams can participate in a special
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of cars, trucks and motorcycles while you participate in a fun day full of activities in Legion Park. Arlington’s Relay for Life team will also be holding their Paint the Town event to help raise funds for cancer research.
JUNE 19 DOOBIE BROTHERS As durable as American steel, Northern California’s four-time Grammy winning Doobie Brothers’ sound has become part of America’s musical firmament, sampled on dance records, reinterpreted on “American Idol,” and a fixture on radio formats from top 40 to classic rock. They will hit the stage at Woodland Park Zoo on June 19 at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at seattle.eventful.com/events/doobie-brothers-/ E0-001-083161121-2.
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JUNE 26-28 TASTE OF TACOMA
This ultimate summer experience includes free entry as you enjoy the 2015 Emerald Queen Casino’s Taste of Tacoma! Come to Point Defiance Park where there will be an array of amazing food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, along with craft beer and wine tasting. Local chefs will also compete in a Taste Cook Off!, where they will be given three mystery ingredients, a small pantry of basic cooking staples and leave it up to the audience to judge their final entrée. The winner will be crowned The Taste Cooks Master! Visit www.tasteoftacoma.com for more information.
pre-game parade on the field that starts at 11:30am. For ticket information visit seattle.mariners.mlb.com.
JUNE 25 FARESTART’S GUEST CHEF SPECTACULAR The city’s premier springtime tasting event has moved to Seattle Center! Join dozens of your favorite chefs, restaurants and other food industry partners who support FareStart’s training programs for a fun, casual evening of tastes, sips, music and more. Visit www.farestart.org/help/events/guestchef/ index.html for more information.
a career that spans five decades, selling more than 40 million albums worldwide. The Woodland Park Zoo’s concert series is not only a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some amazing music, but it also benefits the zoo as well. Head out to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Washington State’s oldest winery, in Woodinville to enjoy an eclectic collection of performers in June. On June 13 you can enjoy a live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion featuring the popular Garrison Keillor. On June 19 the Chateau Amphitheatre plays host to Smash Mouth, the popular band from the 1990s that has adopted retro styles covering several decades of popular music. The famed band Chicago will play to an already sold out crowd on June 20 at the winery. If you are looking to plan some great excursions to enjoy some popular bands this summer, you will want to check out Chateau Ste. Michelle’s website soon.
Many shows are quickly selling out. Looking for something a little more ethnic? On June 3 the Celtic Woman will be performing at the Comcast Arena in Everett. This all-female Irish ensemble is in its 10th year and is performing in its fourth tour in America. On June 29 Rob Thomas will take the state at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. Thomas’ career started out in the 1990s with Matchbox Twenty. In 2005 he went on to a solo career which quickly earned him recognition at the Billboard Music Awards where he won the award for Top Hot Adult Contemporary Artist in 2006. One of the great things about music is that there is truly something for everyone. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can be entertained by some of the greatest names in the industry. It’s summer; a perfect time to plan a night or weekend of entertainment. Be sure to check out all the
WASHINGTON BREWERS FESTIVAL by Melody Vanhorn Raise your glass high on Father’s Day weekend as the Washington Beer Commission presents the 10th Annual Washington Brewers Festival at King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond! Starting Friday evening and running through Sunday night, this year’s Brewers Festival will feature 105 Washington breweries pouring over 400 different beers. There will also be fabulous wine and cider tastings, great food and activities for all ages. The festival will also welcome a diverse mix of northwest bands on the music stage throughout the weekend along with the popular Brewers Keg Toss on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If you’re not into beer, there will also be a great selection of locally produced wine, cider and mead available for sampling. Cider is provided by the Seattle Cider Company, Schilling Cider and 6 Cider, while the mead is from Sky River Mead and wine samples are provided by Vessels Wines. In addition to the spectacular alcohol selection for the parents, there will also be plenty of entertainment for the 21 and under crowd including a root beer garden, inflatable toys, balloon animals and a kids’ craft tent. Visit washingtonbeer.com/festivals/ washington-brewers-festival.php for more information.
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One of the great things about music is that there is truly something for everyone. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can be entertained by some of the greatest names in the industry. great events and concerts coming to our area this summer. I guarantee you are sure to find some musical entertainment that will bring you to your feet and feed your soul.
LIVING SPACES
OUTDOOR LIVING Optimize your outdoor living space
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repare for fabulous outdoor entertaining this season by relying on advice from Houzz and Zillow Dig. With this collection of 2015 summer trends, your outdoor patio will be the hit of the neighborhood. Colors & Patterns: Say goodbye to warm, Tuscan colors, and give a happy hello to light, fresh lime green. Easily add lime green to your current décor by purchasing accent pieces like throw pillows, vases and outdoor umbrellas. Take a step back, analyze ways to integrate the color scheme on your patio, and observe how even a small floral arrangement can connect the dots. Excessive patterns are a thing of the past; look for solid colors that contribute peacefulness and simplicity. Lime green brings an airy, natural feel to the streamlined spaces of 2015; throw in some citrus hues, and you’ll be ready for sunshine. Gardens: With possible water shortages on the west coast, succulents, herbs and low-maintenance native plants will be popular. Planting these in trending “vertical gardens” will provide a unique sophistication to walkways and privacy screens. Vertical gardens act as excellent camouflage for undesirable views. Blended gardens are increasing in popularity because they combine beauty and food throughout the entire yard. Consider size, sun requirements and color before planting, and soon you’ll be picking dinner’s veggies alongside your rose bushes. Lighting: Creativity is at the heart of this summer’s hurricane lighting trend. Group hurricanes together on tables,
By Sarah Friesen, Gig Harbor Home Management
place a collection of different sizes on the front porch and line up along pathways. Hurricane candles create natural ambiance and intimacy as daylight fades. Furniture: According to the experts, 2015 is all about simplicity and clean lines. Some homeowners will replace intricate, detailed shabby chic and wrought iron with sleek and modern. But don’t worry if you aren’t ready to part with your favorite pieces. Many of you will find ways to bring in the new trends without having to start over on the whole patio set. Adjust your color and pattern scheme, add some new lighting and you’ll love your patio, simply because it represents YOU!
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Bring the inside out: Consider your backyard as an extension of your house, and create “rooms” for different uses: dining, cooking, playing and relaxing. Outdoor rooms create interest and encourage utilization of the whole yard. Water & Fire: In addition to contributing ambiance and relaxation, water features also provide an excellent distraction from neighborhood activities and nearby traffic. Outdoor fireplaces help extend the short summer season and keep you outside long after the sun has gone down. Plan for the summer you want to have and then make it happen. Review your to-do list and your busy schedule; consider the advantages of hiring a professional organizer to prepare the outdoor kitchen before the big party or de-clutter the guest room before extended family arrives. Schedule family gettogethers before everyone’s calendars get too full, and go make a memory! Visit GigHarborHomeManagement.com/blog for more summer-fun ideas.
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Sarah Friesen BBA
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Renovations
GET OUT THERE ADVENTURE
GYPSY ROAD TRIP Find your passion and live it!
Article and photos courtesy of Timothy Acker
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n this world of pressures, fears and even survival, the enjoyment of life can easily get lost. It seems difficult to find the time to relish in those things that truly give us joy. And in the world of technology, it becomes even more difficult to disconnect from the stresses of life. It is my hope that you will be inspired by my story. You will be encouraged to sit back and reflect on one simple question — what in life provides you with the greatest joy? Being in the outdoors, spending time with family, writing that book you have always wanted to write but never found the time? Or maybe it’s a bucket list item: skydiving, skiing in the Alps or taking a cruise. Whatever it is that brings you enjoyment, peace and fulfillment, hopefully you will find the time to do it. For me, I have found that my passion is flying. And the great part is that it is something my wife enjoys as well. Skimming through the air is one of mankind’s greatest achievements — not for war, not even for fast travel, but in pursuing the dream of man to fly and to see and experience something similar to that of the life of a bird. As a pilot, I really do get to fly! We have already had many exciting adventures and have made it our
goal to fly around the world in the next five years. When we are not working, that is. Always wanting to put safety first, I chose to fly our plane to Tampa during the fall months to avoid any potential bad weather that could come with a cross-country flight during the winter months. We later took a commercial flight to Tampa to take advantage of the blue sky flying that the Caribbean brings during the months of December and January. On one segment of our travels, we flew from Tampa, Florida to Colombia, South
Part of the joy of flying is in the discovery of new places; cities and towns we never imagined would bring such adventure. America and back —traveling through the Bahamas, Antilles and Grenadines with stops in many places along the way. Our flying machine is a bright red 1947
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Bonanza with 260 hp, round gauges, RNAV (an area navigation that provides more lateral freedom and greater use of available airspace) and an Aera 500 GPS. The plane is relatively light in weight and handles like a sports car. My wife, who is a student pilot (C-152), is my only copilot and serves as navigator and pre-flight specialist. You may not be surprised to learn that a bright red airplane attracts attention everywhere — a red star in a world of white planes! We quickly discovered that people go out of their way to comment on it. The age of the plane also makes it seem attainable to many people working at airports that pose questions such as how much it cost ($27,000) or how it flies. It also opens up a discussion for them to share about the planes they own. Part of the joy of flying is in the discovery of new places; cities and towns we never imagined would bring such adventure. Barranquilla, Colombia is one of those places, an unexpectedly cool city that should be included in any Caribbean tour. Grenada is the must-go place, but I am starting with Colombia because it was an unexpected joy. It was with a bit of trepidation that we flew there, but if you are going to be a gypsy you have to take risks.
Another concern was that the planned route coming and going was over a lot of water. Unexpectedly, we found Venezuela air traffic control willing to clear us to fly over its north coast and through the restricted areas. That enabled us to avoid flying the over water route to Aruba. Barranquilla was hazy, and we didn’t have the airfield in sight until we were within a few miles. Arriving, we were directed to follow a truck to the terminal where the narcotics police and others visited us. I speak fluent Spanish (I was general counsel for U.S. companies in Mexico for 17 years), so when the search got a bit ridiculous, I told the officials that we were flying into Colombia not out of it. They laughed and it ended the search. A woman named Claudia staffed the airport civil aviation office. She warmly welcomed us and insisted on taking us to her favorite
hotel — the Barranquilla Plaza. On the way, we took a detour so she could introduce us to her child and parents. The hotel was an unexpected pleasure, and we were grateful for Claudia. Had it not been for her guidance, we probably would have ended up at one of the rather sterile international hotels. When traveling, it is always fun, and usually more adventurous, to get the locals’ perspective. The Plaza was a local business, a tourist hotel of very good quality. There was delicious food, a swimming pool and they even provided roof top rumba dancing to a live band. We went up to the roof about midnight, danced and left before closing at 3am. My wife and I can fake anything — even the rumba, and once we got up and danced, we quickly became part of the group, which included the cute waiters and waitresses who were dressed with
DID YOU KNOW? Food tastes different when in flight: Studies show that our ability to perceive salty tastes is weakened by the cabin pressure. For example, tomato juice, which is high in sodium, will actually taste sweet to those who drink it in flight. Control towers: Because those in the aircraft control towers need to be able to see the entire airfield at all times, the glass in control towers is installed at a 15 degree angle to prevent glare and reflection. Flight attendant standards: In the late 1930s, flight attendants had to be under the age of 30 and weigh less than 118 pounds. In fact, there was even a requirement at one time that all flight attendants had to be registered nurses. Meals in the cockpit: On commercial airline flights, the pilot and co-pilot never eat the same meal. The reason for this is in case of food poisoning brought on by a certain food, one pilot will still be well enough to fly. The 24/7 industry: At any given moment, there are 61,000 people airborne over the United States mainland, with over 29,000 flights operating daily from the U.S. each day.
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stylish Cuban hats and clothes. Also at the hotel we enjoyed café con leche — hot coffee and hot milk poured from separate containers in your preferred mix — and a variety of delicious and unique breakfast food. I enjoyed fried platano, a food similar to a banana that was served with chocolate bread rolls and eggs. All of this was included in our room price, which was a mere $78 per night. Barranquilla is a modern and clean city. I encourage anyone who visits to walk everywhere within reach. For the out of reach areas, we hired a taxi driver, Javier who was a local and was very proud of his city. He gave us the grand tour! There was the tram transporting people out
When traveling, it is always fun, and usually more adventurous, to get the locals’ perspective. to the spot where the Magdalena River meets the ocean; we saw the colonial section of the city, the outlying areas, and Javier’s favorite — anything to do with Carnival, Colombia’s most important folklore celebration. It begins forty days before Holy Week and includes four days of activities. While Carnival is celebrated in many places throughout the world, Barranquilla’s celebration is one of the largest. Barranquilla is also an industrial city with a solid economic base. I was first there years ago when people had revolvers stuck in their belts — that has changed. Now iPhones are in their belts. I have to say, I missed the Wild-West feel. A fun side note Javier shared with us was the history behind Juan Valdez coffee. According to Javier, Juan Valdez is a real person who came from humble beginnings. We have all seen the Colombian coffee ads with the guy with the burro. That is Juan. His coffee venture went big, and he started the Juan Valdez coffee houses a la Starbucks style. The Juan Valdez coffee houses were nice and served good coffee, so we felt right at home since we are
Seattle area people. Good coffee, pastries, Juan Valdez coffee mugs and people with laptops connected to the Internet. If you are looking for a next great adventure, I encourage you to visit Barranquilla; it is very Caribbean and only about 850 miles from Saint Georges, Grenada, another must stop if you travel to the Caribbean. While I love adventure, when leaving Colombia it was with a bit of apprehension that I filed my flight plan to fly direct to Barahona, Dominican Republic. There were gale warnings and the marine forecast was grim — a semi-perfect storm due to 40 mph surface winds, but the sky was clear for the first 200 miles and then the satellite photos on the Internet showed 150 miles of clouds with low tops. With Visual Flight Rules — a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going — at 10,500 feet, we hit the clouds just about 200 miles out and flew around a few high tops. We had smooth sailing until my auxiliary tank went dry about 20 minutes early. I was quickly reminded that our lives depended on a running engine. Landfall near the Haiti and Dominican coast was spectacular. There were mountains and a breathtaking coastline — flying up the coast to Barahona was worth the trip across the sea. Arriving from Barranquilla, Colombia, we had four different types of officials that looked us over and wanted to look at the plane. I told them that I was honored that they knew we were coming and sent a welcome party to greet us as VIPs. I asked why the president didn’t show up. The formality ended with laughter. One of the officials even gave us a ride to a local hotel, welcoming us to Barahona. Flying is something we love to do; it is not for everyone. I encourage everyone to do things they enjoy —even if a bit risky and pushing the economic envelope. I am not saying that we should live just for ourselves — much to the contrary — we should live and do right. A part of what makes the trip through life enjoyable is to live it with at least some activities that make it fun and enjoyable. So go out and enjoy the life you were blessed with!
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LOCAL FLARE
SWIMMING FORWARD
An Olympic athlete crafts a community-focused life in Gig Harbor
By Julianna Verboort. Photos courtesy of Amanda Beard.
Swimming is a great activity for all ages. It’s not only fun, but it provides a great workout. Some of the benefits of swimming include the fact you are not only doing something cardiovascular, but you are doing so with minimal impact on your body. By participating in a water activity, whether it is swimming or water aerobics, you can build endurance and muscle strength and get a full body workout, working all the muscles in your body. What are you waiting for? There are many opportunities to enjoy the water! “Somehow I kept my head above water. I relied on the discipline, character, and strength that I had started to develop as that little girl in her first swimming pool.” –Esther Williams (1921-2013), American competitive swimmer and actress
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icture perfect. That is what you’d think looking at this recent transplant to Gig Harbor. She is knock-yoursocks-off beautiful, with the natural glow of the uber-fit. She’s had a successful (sometimes racy) modeling career and built a family with a sociable husband and two cute-as-a-button “littles.” And notably, this focused woman has achieved championship status as a competitive swimmer, bringing home a stellar seven Olympic medals for the USA. We have a new celeb in town: Amanda Beard.
It seems natural to view Amanda as an always-confident superstar. But in her 2012 memoir and New York Times bestseller, “In The Water,They Can’t See You Cry,” she candidly divulges depression, self-destructive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, and an eating disorder that followed her victorious 1996 Olympic debut in Atlanta. Having made the team as a petite, prepubescent 14-year-old, Amanda exceeded expectations, winning silver in the 100and 200-meter breaststroke and gold in the 400-meter relay. Then, she grew. “At 14 in the Olympics I was less than 100 lbs. In the next three years, I grew 30 pounds and 6 inches. It really affected my swimming.” As Amanda worked to adapt, she says, “Newspapers and articles talked about how I was a ‘one hit wonder’ and wouldn’t be able to compete again. I couldn’t shake
SEATTLE MARATHON It’s almost here! The Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon and Half-Marathon is set for June 13 with the start line at the Seattle Center. The event offers a chance to participate in the full 26.2-mile marathon, a 13.1-mile run and an 8K course. At the end, you will be rewarded with a post-race concert and a finish line festival. The cost to register is $85 to $150 depending upon the distance. For more information or to register online visit runrocknroll.competitor. com/seattle.
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There are a lot of young athletes who may be dealing with the same things. I wanted them to know you can push through, you can be successful.
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With kayaking, boating, diving, so many water activities, why would you not want to be confident and feel safe? those comments. I thought that I was too fat to be a swimmer, but I was not at all. Then in high school, being around a lot of peer pressure, it all really started to change the way I viewed myself.” Personal struggles plagued her into her 20s, yet she achieved success in three more Olympics and was also in demand as a model. It seems the striking photos would have squelched her body-image turmoil, yet the opposite happened. “I felt good in those moments, on the shoots, but I also saw the hours in makeup and hair styling, and then the Photoshopping, I’ve seen the distortion of the images. I knew I did not look like that when I woke up. I was constantly trying to live up to that.” Life turned around when she met her husband, Sacha Brown, on a photo shoot in 2005. Within a year, they were sharing their lives together. Sacha encouraged Amanda to enter therapy, and she began her road to recovery. Moving forward, Amanda considered what she wanted to share with the world when she was approached about writing a book. “I wanted it to be very raw and real. The reality is that I went through a lot of different things. There are a lot of young athletes who may be dealing with the same things. I wanted them to know you can push through, you can be successful. I didn’t want anyone to feel alone with what they were experiencing.” Amanda also evaluated her longer-term goals. At University of Arizona in Tucson, she had studied retail and consumer sciences. “I always knew I wanted to open my own something. I had to find out what that would be. I thought about a women’s clothing boutique, but my priorities have shifted since having kids. I feel it is important to bring something to my community.” Sacha too was ready for something new, and after years of living in Tucson, they wanted to make a move before their young son entered school.
“We came to Gig Harbor because I have a lot of family here. My parents were born and raised in Tacoma and University Place. My mom and sister are here, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, all in the area.” She adds, “We love it here. We’re starting to find our groove. Sacha and I are water people, and seeing water on a daily basis, it’s huge for us. In Tucson, we’d drive three hours to get to the closest lake!” Champion athlete, conqueror of demons, published author, wife and mother. What is next for Amanda Beard? “Now my whole focus is opening a learnto-swim school. I’ve been working with water safety and drowning prevention since I was 14 years old. I want everyone to have the opportunity to be confident in the water, to be safe, to know what they’re doing. The primary focus is going to be babies to age eight, but I will welcome and create groups for anyone who wants to become more confident in the water.” She adds that, in our area, “With kayaking, boating, diving, so many water activities, why would you not want to be confident and feel safe? I think it will be a great addition to the community. I want to share some of my passion.” Amanda is scouting locations with the goal of opening before summer 2016. “My business partner’s mom is a learn-to-swim guru. We’re adopting her methodology, and we’re very excited to bring this new approach to Gig Harbor.” As for the boutique dream, don’t be surprised if you find a great selection of swim gear and water toys at her school too. In the meantime, Amanda, Sacha, Blaise and Doone will continue planting roots in their new hometown. “Because I’m an athlete people can think I am strict with myself. People can be surprised when they meet me at how goofy I am. I like having a connection with people. If you see me around feel free to introduce yourself! But
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if Sacha is with me you’ll never leave, he’ll talk to someone on the street for hours!” Crafting a life of community connection, it sounds like Amanda Beard is here to stay.
18TH ANNUAL • 2015
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Sue Goetz, Sunday, June 28th, 2 pm, ACE (Pt. Fosdick)
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