Finding Light in the Darkest Time of the Year Rachel Hansen | Fjord editor The resilience and determination of our communities is continually remarked upon. Neighbors helping neighbors with no expectation of anything in return. Volunteers working tirelessly to make sure that strangers have food on their tables and warmth on their backs. While temperatures fall and finances get tighter with each passing week of the pandemic, it makes you wonder what people are doing in the "big cities." Are they taking care of each other like the people of Brinnon do? Do they rally around a community event, like a scarecrow contest, and provide over 800 votes of support? Are they gathering around restaurants and small businesses to make a point of dining out and shopping local and leaving ridiculously large tips? I hope so, but I kind of suspect that during an especially dark winter, its good to be a part of community that looks back to lift up those that are struggling. Christmas isn't just about trees and spending too much on gifts, its about providing light when things seem the darkest. During short days and cold nights, everyone needs a little sense of warmth and good cheer. This year, let the light shine just a little brighter, we all could use it.
As volunteers and civic groups try to hang on to local traditions and festivities within the current restrictions, take a moment to realize how important every positive effort is. Lend a hand. Offer advice not criticism. Again, over the next 60 odd pages you still won't find an event schedule, but you will read about a community that is determined to bring light with creative Covid modified activities. You will see businesses that have pivoted to provide safe shopping opportunities and restaurants that have valiantly kept their doors open to keep their staff working during Christmas. All serving to remind us how important our Fjord communities are. And get outside! This fall our family bought "new to us" ocean kayaks at a university auction in Oregon. Although we stare out on the water daily, nothing beats
actually getting on the water. You gain an entirely different perspective and awareness of the beauty around you. I can't wait for a daytime tide to try Craig Romano's featured hike this issue. See page 36 for his sandbar trek to McMicken Island off Harstine.
You don't need to be socially distant to be physically distant. Get involved by gathering the family (and a whole lot of candy) to enter the Gingerbread Challenge. Explore the Christmas Tree Maze and write messages on oyster shells in the Christmas forest. Visit the beach and harvest oysters. Wherever you find your joy, let in the light. Thanks for your continued support of this magazine.
nwevent.org
ISSUE 15 | VOLUME 4
Publication is produced quarterly by IMAGE IN ACTION | nwevent.org (360) 427-5599 or email:rachel@nwevent.org PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584 AVAILABLE FREE THROUGHOUT THE NW © 2020 | no reprint without permission.
Cover Photo
Photographers Amy & Forrest Cooper capture the 2019 Christmas parade in Shelton.
SHOP LOCAL
GINGERBREAD DREAMS
MCMICKEN ISLAND HIKE
Look local to fill your holiday wishes – 5
Everything you needed to know – 21
Cross the tidal bridge to this fun island – 36
CHRISTMASTOWN 2020
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
FIVE NORTHWEST PAINTINGS
Christmas isn't canceled – 15 3 Hood a birders tour of south Canal – 26 Worthington Manor displays works – 61FJORD
