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community matters 8 CSA’s Buy Local
By Sarah Joy Smith, LMP A local farm shares its bounty
green living 10 Crystal Voyage By Michele McGehee Shopping for the soul
down to business 14 Kitchen Remodels By Michele McGehee Advice from local experts
vactions close to home 18 Pacific Beach
By Michele McGehee Spend time relaxing at Pacific Beach, Washington
M A G A Z I N E S TA F F Publisher/Editor
Michele McGehee VP Operations/Creative Director
Justin Weil
Sales Director
Kenneth Russell Account Executives
Sherry Milczewski Patrick Parish Mallory Schultz Graphic Design
Katy Jacobs
C o nt r i b u ting W r ite r s Sarah Joy Smith
C o v e r P h o t o g r ap h y Katy Jacobs
© 2009 by Catalyst Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
All photography, articles and advertising, or any part thereof compiled by Catalyst Media Group, Inc., are exclusive property of Catalyst Media Group, Inc., and protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Catalyst Media Group, Inc. Catalyst Media Group, Inc., is an environmentally responsible company.
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PO Box 7234 • Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: 360. 350. 1237 • Fax: 253.292.3667 www.catalystmediagroupinc.com June 2009
The Community Guide
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LS L ifest y les
CSA’s I
By Sarah Joy Smith, LMP
Buy Local
4
’ve gone Locavore! It is a new name for a new movement that even the Obamas are trying. Locavore means living a local lifestyle and eating locally grown food, and perhaps even growing some things of your own. Only I have taken this one step further and gone to work for my CSA, which is a farm that sells shares in advance to people, and then provides them with a box of food every week—otherwise known as Community Supported Agriculture. For the summer season I will be down on the farm. And so far, I am loving it! You might remember me from last year. I wrote the article titled “Nutrition Matters,” in which I talk about going back to healthy food after a holiday season of gluttony. The local organic farm was one of the places I went to in doing the research for that article, after I read Barbara Kingsolver’s Book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.” Since then, I have continued to research the subject of food, only to find startling results. Without delving too deeply into all the politics and medical jargon, it is safe to say that there is a direct link between our poor diets, rich with carbohydrates and processed products, and cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Basically, we are eating ourselves sick. In The Olympian, there was a front page article about the loss of farmland in Thurston County in the last 50 years. We import more produce than we grow locally. There is a link there, too. I now work for Terry’s Berries. It was a berry farm for several years, and in 1989 the owners obtained organic certification, and became a CSA. There are now more than hundred share members throughout the year, with that number nearly doubling during the summer. Terry’s grows a diverse array of food, keeps free-range chickens and has a substantial bee hive on the property. Kerry runs a retail store at the farm that is open year round where she sells her food, food from other organic farms, eggs, honey and specialty products like fair-trade coffee and local bread. Farm fresh food is what you want to know about, for several reasons. The food that is produced locally gets to you faster than the food that comes from many miles away. That may seem unimportant, but it means that the living properties that exist in the food have had much less time to decay before they get to you. On the farm, we harvest food the day before we will need it, or the morning of, and much of the nutritional value of the food is still intact. As you can imagine, there are also many environmental factors that are affected by eating locally. The carbon footprint of imported food brought to you out of season is very high, in part because of the miles traveled to make it to your plate, whereas
The Community Guide
June 2009
food grown in your city has fewer miles to travel. By putting money into your local farm, you are supporting local business and local agriculture, therefore putting health and money back into your community. Before I began working on the farm I was a CSA member. Share days were joyous occasions where members show up, rubber boots in hand, and take time to pick up their food. Then they go to see the ducks, chickens or goats and, of course, pick fresh herbs from the field. Organic food is something that I have always advocated, but to buy food from a certified farm in your area is to buy well-loved and personally cared for produce. The process of organic farming is labor intensive. We don’t use pesticides, chemicals or industrial harvesting methods, which is why our members are so happy to be here. They know first hand about the life of their food. They can walk out into the field and bear witness to any step in our procedure if they so choose. Not to mention everything tastes like home. I fell in love with my first taste of share. It became an event and an exercise in creativity. I am proud to say that mealtime became a far more beautiful and healthy occasion, accompanied by previously missing taste, texture and flavor. You should also know that I have lost weight by eating this way. I feel great, I have more energy and I look better than I have in a long time. However, what has really driven my total appreciation home is working in the field. I sit in real dirt; I put my hands in it, I smell it. I hear the birds around me, some of them swooping in close enough for me to feel the wind from their wings. I feel the weather on my skin and in my hair. And I work. Unfortunately, I have the disposition of an experienced retail person and all too often get stuck in the store selling food to our customers. But on the days that I can, I have gone into the field June 2009
and worked with an incredible group of women! Terry’s is 80 percent women employed, hard work and all. And it is hard. I have never worked this hard in my life! We plant and harvest everything by hand, and do a great deal in an old fashioned way that takes more time. I can often get up from the ground after crawling for what felt like a mile and wish I were a little less than thirty, but the fruits of my labor have also never tasted so good. This is the food of our heritage. This is the food of our culture. And it is the food that has brought me back to my health. Here’s to being Locavore! TCG
Sources: Kingsolver, Barbara “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” HarperCollins Publishers, May 2007. www.animalvegetablemiracle.com Pollan, Michael www.michaelpollan.com The Olympian “New type of earth-conscious farmer sprouting up in South Sound.” by John Dodge, Sunday, May 24, 2009
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The Community Guide
June 2009
B u siness h ig h lig h t BH
The
By Michele McGehee
5th Wall Maintain your roof and save money
June 2009
The Community Guide
W
hen we think of our homes, most of us consider yard and lawn maintenance, gutters and even those occasional painting jobs. Many of us do not even consider roof maintenance. Roofs protect our homes and the people we love from the environmental elements. But many times the roof is neglected until it must be replaced. This can be a costly mistake. Extreme heat and cold, UV rays, heavy rains and winds are the most damaging enemies that a roof must endure. The next time you step outside take a good look at your roof. Are there trees touching it? Do you see loose or damaged shingles? Are some of them covered with black streaks or moss? If so, your roof is well overdue for a maintenance checkup. Roof maintenance is a key component for protecting one of the largest investments in your home. Depending on the layout of your home, the roof could have more square footage than the entire blueprint. Jason McOmber from Roof Therapy explains, “I compare roofs to cars. Most people understand that car maintenance is important. For example, if you change your oil and keep the car serviced, the vehicle will last longer. Roofs require similar maintenance. If you keep the moss off and repair roofs before there is serious damage, your roof will last longer and it will save you money.� A composite roof, which is the most common roof today, usually comes with a 20- to 30-year guarantee. But that can be cut drastically if you do not protect the surface. Moss is prolific in the South Sound and can significantly reduce the life span of your roof. To alleviate this issue, remove branches that overhang or shade the roofing material and cause slow drying. Trees near buildings are beneficial because they provide cooling in the summer and a windbreak in stormy weather, but should not excessively shade roofs. You certainly do not need to remove trees for moss control; just thin branches that cause too much shade on the roof. Cedar or shake roofs are more complicated. Shake shingles are made of wood and their lifespan
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BH B u siness h ig h lig h t
can be significantly increased by sealing them. “If you think of anything wood, it needs protection. A good example is hardwood floors. They need to be protected to make them last and look good,” explains Jason. “Shake roofs can last many years if they are preserved. Shake roofs are not as common today as they were 10 years ago, but many people love the look. Keeping them in good condition can help hold the value of your home. Roof Therapy is the leading provider of shake maintenance and preservation. They gently clean your shake roof and coat it with special oil that helps reinforce the roof. This is a six year product and protects against moss growth and weathering. Roof Therapy suggests cleaning your roof once a year, in the fall or spring. Cleaning removes debris (leaves, needles, etc.) that slows drying of the roof and removes the moss plants. “If you start seeing moss, it is time to take control,” advises Jason. Just think, by the time you see the moss, it has already caused damage to your roof. In addition to maintenance, Roof Therapy also cleans gutters. “Gutter cleaning is like going to the dentist. It is some-
8
thing you know you need to do, but it is not enjoyable,” Jason explains. They can create a yearly maintenance program that keeps your gutters flowing and saves you time to do the things you enjoy. If you are buying a house, you can call Roof Therapy for a more detailed opinion on the health of the roof. It is your advantage to be aware of roofing issues prior to purchase so that so that you do not get stuck with a roof replacement. The inspection can reveal improper installation, leaks and repair needs. They can also give you an estimate on the remaining life of your roof, so you may plan accordingly.
Roof Therapy is family-owned businesses who have been taking care of local homes for over 12 years. Their employees are full time, family people. Does that make a difference? Definitely. They are honest, do not cut corners and place your project as their top priority. They will be around for years to come to help you with your roof maintenance.
The Community Guide
June 2009
crossword puzzle
June 2009
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9
VacatPacific ions beach
By Michele McGehee
close to home
T
here are few places that allow you to just ‘be’, free from the hustle and bustle of the city and free from schedules and commitments. When I talked with Stephanie Rangel, owner of Pacific Beach and Beyond, I was curious to learn more about the lifestyle of beach living. I decided to investigate the story for our “Vacations close to home” feature for this issue. Stephanie explains, “Pacific Beach is a community that really cares about its members and our visitors. When we arrived from Sacramento, we knew we had found our new home. The town was small and we were welcomed with open arms.” And this is how I felt on my weekend away. Seventeen miles north of Ocean Shores, Pacific Beach provides visitors a chance to just be and a place to call home for a weekend or more. It is a small coastal town that provides a chance to step back in time and slow down your pace. The quaint cottages, beachfront homes and cliff-hugging hotels reminded me of Maine villages I explored 25 years ago. From first glance, you might feel that Pacific Beach doesn’t have much to offer. But if you look closer, you will find a myriad of options for relaxing and connecting with the locals. Stephanie is passionate about her home town. Pacific Beach and Beyond provides rental properties throughout Pacific Beach and Moclips. “We like to give our clients an experience of a lifetime, enjoying an authentic beach community that encourages relaxation and provides a sense of small-town connection.” When I met her, her enthusiasm and commitment to her community was clearly apparent. She encouraged me and my family to explore the town during our stay. We picked up the keys and headed to our accommodations. Our cottage, The Coastal Nest, was just up the street and within walking distance to the town and beach. As promised, the interior was decorated with the colors of the seascape: pale greens, smoky blues and sandy tans. From the moment
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June 2009
we unlocked the door, I felt the stress of the week just fade away. A gift basket was waiting for us and soft music from the local radio station filled the air. I felt like we had come home. The experience that Stephanie provided was exceptional. I finally made an effort to venture out of my serene environment. As I walked towards town, I watched the ocean waves in the background. The beach was calling. There is easy beach access from the center of town and the beach is spectacular. During the summer months, cars are not allowed on this stretch of beach, so you have the opportunity to walk and beachcomb the untouched sand. People are free to fly kites, children are safe playing in the sand and water and people can walk their dogs without worrying about car traffic. For those who enjoying driving on the beach, there is car access about one mile north of town. There you can drive your car, bring coolers and enjoy an extended day on the beach without worries.
Shopping
In the central part of town, there is a little a shop that sells the most wonderful homemade fudge from your standard chocolate fudge to the creamsicle fudge (which was my favorite). It was a real treat. They also make the most wonderful cinnamon buns, croissants and yes, a fresh cup of espresso if you need a pick-meup. Stop in for your morning coffee and some fresh baked pastries to start your day. During our weekend stay, we had the pleasure of going to Nancyanne’s Attic who was having a yard sale of sorts. I sat on the chairs scattered on the small boardwalk around a cluster of businesses and watched the locals and tourists shop. The shopkeeper was friendly and welcoming and the pace was slow. I told my husband that it felt good to just sit and watch and ‘be.’ I heard a rumor that they are going to have concerts on the boardwalk. Down the street, there is a wonderful kite store. What beachside community doesn’t have a kite store? The owner is more than ready to guide you in finding the right kite for your needs. As you continue down Main Street, the 59 Main has a beach decorations, unique kitchen gifts, candles, lotions and
June 2009
jewelry. Behind the gift shop, you can sip a cup of espresso, have a bowl of soup and enjoy the ocean waves from a distance. Don’t miss the Wacky Warehouse in the center of town. I was told that the owner wears a formal coat on Fridays! The store has a little bit of everything. Up the hills at the Pacific Beach Conference Center, there is a small gift shop that is worth the walk. And of course, if you really want to shop, Ocean Shores is a hop, skip and a jump away.
Dining
For a small town, Pacific Beach has a variety of dining experiences from which to choose. For the best burger on the beach and wonderful milkshakes, visit The Falcon’s Nest, located at the entrance of the town across from the school. As promised, they had a wonderful burger and yes, I also splurged for a milkshake. Now that is living on the beach! They also offer homemade pizzas, fish and chips and salmon burgers. Paddies Perch is a steak and seafood restaurant across the street. They have the best pie in town! Like all establishments in Pacific Beach, the attire is casual but the food is exceptional. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ocean Crest, which is up the street towards Moclips, is a beautiful resort perched on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They have a restaurant on the premises and it is considered 5-star dining, featuring the freshest local ingredients and the best Northwest wines. Again, the attire is casual but experience is extraordinary. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. The Windjammer is located at the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center. They offer family-friendly dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With all the options for dining, I wish we could have stayed a week to try them all. It provides a good excuse to go back soon!
Accommodations
There are many options for accommodations in the area. Of course, my experience with Pacific Beach & Beyond properties worked well for my family. With the feel of home, the wonderful accommodations and the first class service, I would highly
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recommend calling Stephanie to see what she has available. Visit her website at www.pacificbeachandbeyond.com for more information on the homes and cottages she has available. Other options are Beach Avenue Bed and Breakfast, Ocean Crest Resort, Pacific Beach Inn, Sand Dollar Inn & Cottages and private properties (just to name a few) scattered throughout the area. You can visit our website for additional information and resources.
Day Trips
If you are in the mood for a little adventure, you have a lot of options. Just south of Pacific Beach, Ocean Shores is the number two tourist destination in western Washington, following Seattle. With go carts, shopping, golf and beach activities, large resorts and rental homes, you can explore a larger coastal community with all the amenities. The North Beach Museum is worth a stop. Though small, it is fascinating to see the history of the region. You can find the
museum just north of town on the road to Moclips and the staff is ready to share the history of the area. As a history buff, I had fun seeing the old pictures of the settlers in the area. It really does bring you back to a different time. Lake Quinault is an hour’s drive from Pacific Beach. With some of the best hiking in the Olympic National Forest, you can spend a day exploring the rain forest. Don’t miss the loop drive around the lake. Though the road was washed out in our heavy rains, the bridge still stands, allowing the visitors to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Don’t miss the Lake Quinault Lodge, a landmark on the shores of beautiful Lake Quinault. For more information on Quinault Lodge and the surrounding area, visit our website. My vacation close to home is now over. I look back at my experience and have found a new appreciation for the small-town life. With the ocean in their own backyard, a pride that goes beyond most communities and the slow pace of an ocean retreat, I can’t wait to return. I can’t wait until next time. TCG
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June 2009
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J u ne e v ents
09 The Arts
Once in a Lifetime ~ May 29th – June 21st, 2009. Friday & Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2pm. At Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood. Admission is $21.50 Adult; $18.50 Military; $15.50 Senior; $13.50 Student; $15.50 Child. For more information visit www.lptheater.qwestoffice.net/season.html or 253-588-0042 Summer Concerts in Pioneer Park ~ June 25, 2009, 6:30pm. 1700 Commercial Street, Steilacoom. The Town of Steilacoom welcomes 1st Corps Army Band. For more information, call 581-1076. Concert by Dennis Moss ~ June 27, 2009, 12PM. At Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (Rose Garden). Admission is $15 for the wine tasting. Join Dennis for an intimate solo jazz guitar performance in the Rose Garden. Learn to Decorate Fabulously! ~ June 27, 2009, 9AM - 4PM At Cottesmore in Gig Harbor. Admission is $295 (Pre Registration Required). A fun way to learn and explore the fundamentals of decorating. Lunch and Refreshments. Visit www.TheDecoratingGirls.com for additional information, dates and locations.
a Guide to Green liVinG in the south sound Nearly 40% of Americans buy organic products and make environmentally beneficial choices in every aspect of their daily living. Yet, large majorities of people who identify themselves as environmentally conscious today have a limited understanding of how to actually make informed green choices and find resources in the South Sound.
South Sound Green Living features the latest information on earth-friendly living, environmental issues, product reviews and lifestyle highlights.
g Green Livin A Guide To Sound In The South
IC ATION SPECI AL PUBL G 2009 SPRIN
cominG june 2009
Brought to you by: www.So uthSou Woman • • South Sound SUMME R 2008
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St. John Episcopal Church’s annual free Summer Festival ~ Sat., July 25 Noon to 6 p.m. 11111 Military Rd.SW, Lakewood. Features the Celtic music of St. Brendan’s Relics, authentic Hawai’ian dance by Hula Halau ‘O Kealaakua Naniloa Mana’oakamai, Tacoma poet laureate Antonio Edwards, children’s author Dvora Swickle and other entertainers. Activities for children. Free Food. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the local food bank. Call (253)5846143 or email stjjs1@juno.com. Titlow Park Low Tide Beach Walk ~ June 21, 2009. 10am1pm. At Titlow Park Beach. Spend Fathers day exploring the abundant and amazing marine life on Puget Sound’s shoreline. Visit www.pugetsound.org or 206-382-7005 x 217 for more information. Northwest Job Expo ~ June 24, 2009, 11am - 3pm. Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D St, Tacoma, WA Call (253) 272-3663 for more information. Play Tacoma Community Carnival ~ June 26, 2009. At Franklin Park. Through July community parks around Tacoma take turns as carnival destinations from 5-8 p.m. on Friday evenings. Bring the camera for all the photo ops created by these fun memory making adventures for kids. All activities are free. Seasonal Fun ~ June 22, 2009 - June 26, 2009,10am-5pm. At Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Create a beautiful tissue overlay sun catcher to catch the first rays of summer. Wallup in Puyallup ~ Worlds Biggest Outdoor Car & Truck Sale- June 26, 2009 - June 28, 2009. Fri: noon - 9 pm//Sat: 9 am - 9 pm//Sun: 10 am - 7 pm. At Puyallup Fairgrounds - blue Parking Lot. Admission is FREE. Gig Harbor Garden Tour ~ June 27, 2009 - June 28, 2009, 2:30pm. At Rosedale Gardens. For more information call 253-460-2399.
Visit us online and request your copy today!
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Family & Fun
360.350.1237
The Buckley Log Show Street Fair ~ June 27, 2009 - June 28, 2009. Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-4pm. At Main St, in Buckley. This is an annual event and lots of people will be in town this weekend. Starts Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with a parade down Main Street. The Gig Harbor Farmers Market ~ April 4, 2009 - Sep. 26, 2009, 8:30 - 2:00pm. At Kimball Drive Park and Ride, Gig Harbor. Admission is Free. Ten minutes from Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge. Entertainment, Free Parking, Kids Activities and hot food.
The Community Guide
June 2009
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