fall wave masthead

"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."

Josh Billings

(1818-1885)
 

 

July, 2011 

In This Issue
Hotel News
Who's New
In The Know
Gig Harbor Boat Shop News
What's Happening
Multicare Gig Harbor News
Harbor History Museum
St. Anthony News
Gig Harbor Sand Spit Project

Where To Find Us 

Find us on Facebook
  
Follow us on Twitter
  
Visit our blog
  
  

Gig Harbor Hotel News

 Inn at GH   
The Best Western Plus Wesley Inn is providing a wonderful weekend package for people participating in Wings and Wheels this coming weekend, the Wine and Food Festival August 6th and the Race for a Soldier Half Marathon on
October 16th.
  
The INN at Gig Harbor and Valarie Zeeck of Gordon Thomas Honeywell present a Harrassment and Discrimination Law Workshop. This training seminar helps participants to quickly learn and apply the important elements of careful and correct handling sexual harassment issues and complaints. Read More...
Workshop will take place from 11:30am-2pm, Wednesday, July 13, at The INN at Gig Harbor.  $50 includes seminar and lunch.  Please contact Kati Wright at The INN at Gig Harbor (253-858-1111 or kwright@innatgigharbor.com) to register by Tuesday, July 12.

 

 

Escape to Gig Harbor for a fun getaway at

The Maritime Inn.

This package starts with a welcoming glass of award-winning Washington wine.  Our friendly staff

Will acquaint you with your fabulous Queen View Accommodations where comfort abounds and

A chilled bottle of bubbly awaits.

 

The second part of your Escape is to experience Puget Sound up close and personal.  A two hour DESTINY HARBOR TOUR,

Which includes The Narrows Bridge, Salmon Beach, and Pt. Defiance.  See bald eagles and seals, Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound

To cap off your day of discovery in Gig Harbor.

 

In the morning enjoy breakfast at Kelly's located just around the corner with a $20.00 voucher; try one of their great omelets.

This package is available June to August 2011. Subject to availability.

All this for $208.00 plus tax, double occupancy.

WHO'S NEW? 

 

Goodwill Grand Opening

Huge success with about 1/6th of the City of Gig Harbor's population visiting the new store in Olympic Village opening day!  Wow!  It's a beautiful store, lots of parking and full of fabulous finds! 

 

Wings and Wheels Comes to Gig Harbor this weekend!  July 3rd at the Tacoma Narrows Airport - air show and car show combined!  11am- 6pm.  Learn more at www.freedomfair.com  

 

EnviroCorp is dedicated to the development and fulfillment of volunteer opportunities related to maintaining publicly accessible lands as safe and pleasant places for people.  Their goal?  Litter Free Public Roads and Parks as well as providing you a volunteer opportunity outdoors! Find out how you can help at www.envirocorps.org

 

Brix 25 has been busy planning your summer.  From cocktail parties and wine socials to picnics in the park, we've got you covered.  And to tell you more about it, we've changed the look and feel our website.

 

Here you'll find information about our delicious Happy Hours (did you know we're blending our own spirits just for you?) and all of our special events. 

 

Take it for a spin and check out out inaugural Wine Social on Monday, July 18th.

 

 

IN THE KNOW 

July 12th, 11:30am

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Gig Harbor

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Learn more

 

 

July 14th

Donkey Creek Daylighting Project Public Meeting

6:30pm

Harbor Ridge Middle School

Learn More

 

 

Gig Harbor Summer Road Construction Projects

 

July chip seal project on Soundview from Harborview to Hollycroft and also on 38th Street from 56th to City Limits.  This is a one day project.  Date will be announced soon.

Learn more 

 

July/August Watermain Improvement and Replacement Project on Pioneer from Shyleen to Edwards.  Alternate Routes available.  This project will take approximately 45 days.  Get details here.

 

Fireworks can only be used from noon on June 28th until noon on July 5th from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.

 

 

Parks Commission Opening

 

Mayor Hunter is issuing a call for citizens interested in serving on the Gig Harbor Parks Commission.  

The City of Gig Harbor is looking for residents living within city limits interested in serving on the Gig Harbor Parks Commission. Persons interested in serving a three-year term should submit a letter of interest and application form by Wednesday, August 31st to the Mayor, Attn: Terri Reed, City of Gig Harbor, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor 98335.  More information 

GIG HARBOR BOAT SHOP NEWS

 Oar

 

SPACE IS LIMITED for two July workshops at Gig Harbor BoatShop. 3-Strand Rope/Line Splicing Class offered from 10am - 2pm on Saturday, July 9th, and Oar Making Workshop scheduled for weekend of July 16th & 17th.  Each class has only two spots left! For more details about each class or to sign-up, visit www.gigharborboatshop.org or call (253) 857-9344 for more information or to register. Save on class fees by becoming a member of GHB!

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Solturra - a heroic journey to personal freedom, is offering a full line up of workshops at its beautiful facility on the Key Peninsula.  Not familiar with Soltura?  Visit thier website and learn about this wonderful organization right in our own backyard.  www.soltura.net

 

Currency of Trust  - A Workshop that will change your life

Two upcoming workshops are planned for Gig Harbor, July 12th and 13th and an advanced workshop in August. Learn more about Currency of Trust and presenter Richard Himmer at http://www.pyrblu.com/   

MULTICARE GIG HARBOR NEWS  

 

multicare

Must-read tips for parents to ensure a safe summer for kids  

 

Fitness tip from the YMCA:

Now that we are starting into warmer weather it's a great time to pull out that dusty bike and take a stroll with your family. Biking is a great source of cardio and fun to boot.  However, remember to wear your helmets and if you're a little rusty perhaps some knee pads!

 

Nutrition Tip from MultiCare:

Kitchen gardens are popping up everywhere.  It is a concept worth trying even if time and space are limited.  Consider starting small by growing a kitchen garden in pots.  You will be rewarded with small supplies of daily amounts of fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the family table.

HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM NEWS


basket

 "Woven Stories: Native American Basketry of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska" opens July 9th

 

More than 200 Native American baskets will be on display in the Special Exhibitions Gallery beginning July 9th, 2011.  The museum has been fortunate to work with several local and regional collectors willing to share these beautiful woven creations for exhibitions. Special programs will include basket weaving classes, guest lectures, children's weaving activities, and more.  Be sure to check the museum's website calendar for related events as they are scheduled.  The exhibit will run through October 16, 2011.

 

Harbor Photo Hunt has begun at the Harbor History Museum.  Photographers are encouraged to submit their unique photos of Gig Harbor, capturing what defines "Gig Harbor" for them.  The first place photograph will be used by the Museum Store and in marketing efforts for the Harbor History Museum.   Hunt begins July 1st and runs through August 15th.  To enter visit the museum's website at www.harborhistorymuseum.org

 

ST. ANTHONY NEWS

st anthony

St. Anthony

Offers Freedom From Tobacco

 

If you are thinking of quitting, trying to quit or wanting to help a friend, we are here to help. Franciscan offers FREE support group at St. Anthony Hospital, on Tuesdays, from 5:30-6:30p.m.  Please call to confirm location before you attend your first group. Email heidiHenson@FHShealth.org or call (253) 223-7538

 

St. Anthony Cancer Support Group

 

On the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center, survivors and caregivers learn abaout topics related to survivorship and other important facets of the cancer journey.  they also can share experiences and gain strength from one another through the facilitated discussion by our cancer nurse navigator and other professionals.  Email jennalewis@fhshealth.org or call (253) 530-2642 

GIG HARBOR
SAND SPIT PROJECT

  Sand Spit Small
Last year's major undertaking to extend the City's outfall pipeline inito the Tacoma Narrows is now complete.  During that process the clean up on the sea floor of manmade debris such as boats, piliings and an old dry dock took place.
  
Additional requirements of the project by the Dept of Fish and Wildlife is to clean up miscellaneous debris from the sand spit at the mouth of the bay as well as remove non-native and invasive plants.
  
Local Master Gardeners have completed the clean up porotion and are now monitoring the spit to ensure growth of native Dune Grass and Silverweed and to remove any new shoots of Scotch Broom through out the summer.
  
This fall enhancement of native vegetation and introduction of new varieties will take place. Volunteers interested in working on this project as individuals or if you are part of group that is interested learn more by contacting  Peggy Fox at (253) 265-2658.
Dear   , 

 

And we are off and running!  Fasten your seatbelts and hang on Gig Harbor, we have a great summer ahead!
  
PerryAckerDon't miss Summer Sounds at Skansie - every Tuesday through August 23rd and CinemaGig Outodoor movies every other weekend begining July 8th.  Check out the amazing lineup of performers and movies by visiting our calendar of events at www.gigharborguide.com
  

Due to the high pedestrian and vehicular traffic the Tuesday night event draws in the tiny historic district, we are asking motorist not attending the event to consider alternate routes and avoid downtown on Tuesday nights.

 

Gig Harbor Police Chief Mike Davis stated, "As in years past our mission is to make sure we keep pedestrians separated from vehicles. We appreciate folks that steer clear of the congestion downtown during the concerts and pick alternative routes to get home."

 

Those who are attending the weekly event are asked to plan ahead, allow plenty of time and carpool if possible.  Attendees are encouraged to come down and have dinner in one of the downtown restaurants early, then settle in to the park for the shows which run 6:30-8:00p.m. each Tuesday. 

 

  
Something special is happening at the July 9th and July 23rd movie nights.  Read about the wonderful Empty Bowl project and come and enjoy Strawberry Shortcake at the movies!
  
Sincerely, 
Laureen Lund - City of Gig Harbor Marketing Director 
CHALKCHALK THE WALK
AND SUMMER ARTS FAIR RETURN TO THE HARBOR
 

 

The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is proud to announce the return of a favorite family summertime activity, "Chalk the Walk," on Saturday, July 16th from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Artists, aspiring artists, and anyone who just wants to have a day of fun are invited downtown to decorate the sidewalks of Gig Harbor's Historic Waterfront District with chalk art. The Waterfront Association provides free chalk for everyone, and presents awards in the following categories:

· Kids

· Family

· High School and College Students

· Adults

· Professional Chalk Artists

Chalk the Walk is held in conjunction with Peninsula Art League's Summer Arts Festival which runs both July 16th and 17th on Judson Street www.peninsulaartleague.com . "Around the Sound" transit will be available to shuttle artists and onlookers between sidewalk districts in downtown and in Finholm, as well as to the art fair on Judson. For more information regarding participating in Chalk the Walk call (253) 514-0071 or visit www.gigharborwaterfront.org  

GET OUT ON THE WATER WITH DESTINY HARBOR TOURS 

Destiny

 

It's 4th of July Air Show and Fireworks Time!  Call for a reservation on Destiny Harbor Tours and an awesome view of all the action!  253-225-6306. From Gig Harbor the tour will take you to Tacoma Air Show trip which runs 1:00 to 4:00 on the 4th.  It leaves from Rent-A-Boat at Anthony's 8829 N. Harborview Dr. Gig Harbor and cost is Adults $25, Seniors $22,  kids 5-12 $20.  Trip recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

An evening tour to Tacoma Fireworks trip from Gig Harbor runs 9:20 to 11:15 PM.  Leaving from Rent-A-Boat at Anthony's and cost is Adults $35, Seniors $35, Kids 5-12 $30.  Trip recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

From Tacoma:  Tacoma Air Show trip from Tacoma runs 1:00 to 4:00 on the 4th.  From Dock St. Marina at the Museum of Glass 1817 Dock St. Tacoma.  Adults $25, Seniors $22,  kids 5-12 $20  Trip recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

Tacoma Fireworks trip from Tacoma runs  9:20 to 11:00 PM.

From Dock St. Marina at the Museum of Glass 1817 Dock St. Tacoma.  Adults $35, Seniors $35, Kids 5-12 $30.  Trip recommended for ages 5 and up.  For Reservations call 253-225-6306.  See more at www.destinyharbortours.com  

shy boysJULY IS NON-STOP ACTION IN GIG HARBOR!

 

Sample Sale is back June 29-July 17th 6521 43rd Ave Ct NW.

 

July 7th the Uptown Concert Series begins with THE SHY BOYS from 6-8pm.  Are you a Shy Boys fan?  Don't miss this event....They have set a goal to have 1000 people at this event...can you help make it happen?  Bring a friend...bring two!!  See the entire line-up of Thursday night concerts at Uptown on our calendar of events at www.gigharborguide.com

 

Grease at Paradise Theatre has been extended through July 9th! Tickets at www.paradisetheatre.org

 

July 16th it's party time at 7 Seas Brewing!  Join the two year anniversary celebration party with food, beer (of course) and music.  www.7seasbrewing.com

 

Friday July 15th don't miss legendary folk-rocker Peter Case playing at Morso at 8pm.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Morso, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave, Gig Harbor or by calling (253) 530-3463

 

THE BEATNIKS return to Gig Harbor on July 19th as part of the Tuesday night Summer Sounds at Skansie. www.gigharborguide.com

lavendarCHECK OUT THESE GREAT EVENTS JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN!

 

July 8th-9th don't miss the Blue Willow Lavender Farm's Lavender Festival, over an acre of lavender, lavender store, lavender crafts and workshops, music and food...and it's free!  10am-6pm.  www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com

 

July 9th Blue Frog Nursery's  9th annual Open Garden.  www.bluefrognursery.net

 

July 9th Key Fest 2011  All sorts of family fun!  Check out the updated website that is full of information  www.keyfair.com

 

Olalla Valley Vineyard and Winery invites you to its Second Annual Antique, collectible and Lavender Sale July 23rd & 24th from 9am-4pm both days.  16 vendors, food, tasting room open and much more.  Great chance to visit this beautiful winery at 13176 Olalla Valley Road SE, Olalla.  www.olallavalleyvineyard.com 

heritage sign

THANK YOU WINDERMERE 

 

On June 18th volunteers from the local Windermere office donated their time to clean Gig Harbor area heritage and environmental markers as well as our WELCOME TO GIG HARBOR signs.  Winter muck was scrubbed away and the signs now look like new.  We are so lucky to have so many great volunteers in our community who love Gig Harbor. 

 

Thank you Windermere!! 

 

archeryGIG HARBOR SPORTSMAN'S CLUB NOW OFFERS ARCHERY PROGRAM

Looking for something different to do with the Kids this summer?  How about learning Archery at the Gig Harbor Sportsman's Club?  I had a chance to visit the club and learn about this fun and inexpensive program....I had no idea this was available to the public.  I was there with a half dozen kids learning archery...and it's only $5!  How can you beat that?

 

Sure it's not for everyone....some people might be uncomfortable letting their children learn this sport.  But I would have to say that the one thing that struck me more than anything was the emphasis on safety.  Thom Halligan of the Gig Harbor Sportsman's Club heads up the program and he puts safety first, fun second.  And it was both safe and fun.

 

I have no desire to shoot a gun, but I had fond memories of an archery class I took in college so when Thom invited me up to see this program I accepted.  I think this is a great opportunity for out of town visitors to have another thing to do in Gig Harbor and for locals to enjoy and learn as well.  Both adults and children are welcome, but Thom stresses that it is not a babysitting service.  Parents must stay with their children on site and can't drop and go.

 

Cost is $5 for non-members and $2 for members and you can shoot as long as you like, but if there is a line waiting then a time limit will be imposed.  Although after 30 minutes my shoulders were tired!  I'm sure you need to build up some muscle!

 

The Archery Range is open to the public on Wednesdays from noon - 5pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm.  Give it a try!  Bring your out of town visitors and have some outdoor fun this summer!  www.sportsmans-club.org

 

WINE logoLOTS GOING ON IN AUGUST!

 

The second annual Gig Harbor Wine & Food Festival (at the Harbor History Museum)  August 6th from noon - 6:00pm will feature the culinary talents of Kevin Gillespie, Executive Chef and Partner at Woodfire Grill in Atlanta.  Gillespie was recently a contestant and Fan Favorite on Bravo's "Top Chef".  www.harborwineandfoodfest.org

 

If Thirty-four regional wineries and breweries and numerous regional restaurants and food providers, guest chefs and cookbook authors and a wide variety of wine related classes was not enough to entice you to a weekend in Gig Harbor, then take a look at the huge variety of events and activities for August 4-7th ;

 

August 4th   Uptown Outdoor Concert Series features  "Common Ground"  6-8pm  www.uptowngigharbor.com    

 

August 4th Brewers Night at Forza Wine Bar. www.harborgreensmarket.com   Meet the brewmaster, try their beer and enjoy!

 

August 4-7th   Harbor History Museum presents "Woven Stories" www.harborhistorymuseum.org  

 

August 5-7th  Paradise Theatre presents "Cinderella"  www.paradisetheatre.org  

 

August 5th   The Heritage Restaurant at the INN at Gig Harbor presents Wine Pairing Dinner with The Wine Studio 6 courses with 6 wine pairings, 6pm on August 5th $75 per guest includes tax and gratuity. (253) 858-1111. www.innatgigharbor.com  

 

August 5th   CinemaGig Outdoor Movies at Donkey Creek Park features "Jaws" www.gigharborguide.com 

 

August 6th  Gig Harbor Farmers Market 8:30am-2:00pm www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com 

 

August 6th Cruise the Narrows Classic Car Show, 9:00am-3:00pm www.gigharborcruisers.org

 

August 6th  Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival  noon - 6pm www.harborwineandfoodfest.org 

 

August 6th  CinemaGig Outdoor Movies at Skansie Brothers Park features "Scooby Doo" www.gigharborguide.com

 

August 6th Grant Peeples live at Morso 8pm www.morsowinebar.com 

 

August 6th Fox Island Music Festival featuring The Beatniks www.FIYC.com

 

Throughout the weekend visit 7 Seas Brewing: www.7seasbrewing.com  (Wednesday - Friday: 3pm to 9pm; Sat-Sun: 2pm to 8pm), The Wine Studio: www.thewinestudiogh.com (Tuesday - Thursday 12-8  Friday and Saturday 1-9 Sunday and Monday Closed), Olalla Valley Winery:  www.olallavalleyvineyard.com  (Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm) and Trillium Creek Winery www.trilliumcreekwinery.com (Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm).

 

Special room rates are available at The Wesley Inn www.wesleyinn.com, The INN at Gig Harbor www.innatgigharbor.com and The Maritime Inn www.maritimeinn.com as well as area bed and breakfasts.  To see the entire lodging list visit www.gigharborguide.com 

 

Creviston Valley FarmAND THE REST OF THE SUMMER.. 

 

Don't miss out, great events through October! 

 

The PenMet Family Theater presents "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" August 5th - 21st, under the stars at Sehmel Homestead Park in conjunction with Encore! Theater.  www.penmetparks.org

 

August 6th Cruise the Narrows Classic Car Show at Uptown www.gigharborcruisers.org

 

August 5th - 21st Paradise Theatre presents Cinderella www.paradisetheatre.org

 

August 5th - 21st PenMet Family Theater presents "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" at Sehmel Homestead Park  www.penmetparks.org

 

August 6th Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament www.gigharborchamber.com

 

August 27th Family Fun Fest at Sehmel Homestead Park www.penmetparks.org

 

Sept 3rd Over the Narrows 10 mile race  www.overthenarrows.com

 

Sept 17th Harbor Hounds Walk the Town www.harborhounds.com

 

Sept 17th Salute to First Responders at the United Methodist Church   www.honoringfirstresponders.org 

  

Sept 24th Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off  www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com

 

Oct 1st Key Peninsula Harvest Fest Farm Tour  www.facebook.com/keypenfarmtour 

 

Oct 8th Donkey Creek Chum Festival  www.cityofgigharbor.net
 

Oct 8th Scarecrow Festival at Sehmel Homestead Park www.penmetparks.org

  

  

October 14th - 16th Gig Harbor Film Festival  www.gigharborfilmfestival.org

 

October 16th Race for A Soldier Half Marathon  www.raceforasoldier.org

  

 

tractorCOMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE IN GIG HARBOR

Community Supported Agriculture is a great way to have the freshest ingredients at our fingertips in every season.  And, we luckily have several local farms providing CSA to the community.

So what is it?  Community Supported Agriculture is a form of food networking.  Community members supporting a local farming operation where the growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of food production.  Some CSA's like Peace of the Earth Farm in Rosedale offer a system of seasonal weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables and flowers.  Some CSA's provide year 'round options, such as Creviston Valley Farm and Gentle Giant which are both on the Key Peninsula and have fresh eggs, meat and produce. 

Community Supported Agriculture began in Europe and Japan in the 1960's as a response to concerns about food safety.  The idea began to take root in the United States in the 1980's and today CSA farms can be found around the country.  CSA's generally focus on the production of high quality foods, often using organic or biodynamic farming methods, and a shared risk of membership and marketing structure.  Consumers or members are often involved on a volunteer level and, as stake holders, the engagement fills all needs for successful production.

Peace of the Earth Farm, operated by Hillary Jensen-Bergren has members pre-pay for a share of the production and consumers receive a weekly delivery or pick up a box of veggies each week.  I signed up to enjoy this service this year, for the first time.  For a one-time payment of $420 I will receive a box of fresh produce each week for 14 weeks delivered right to my door.  The delivery to my door part is worth that much to me, not to mention that I will have fresh produce for my family throughout the summer....even when my tomato plants are withering or the birds eat all my blueberries!!  Last year Peace of the Earth also held a "Dinner in the Field" which was sold out and I understand spectacular!  I hear rumors that it is being planned again...hopefully!!  Even if you did not get on the CSA delivery program for Peace of the Earth this year, you can find them at their farm stand every Saturday now throughout the summer, located at Rosedale Market. www.peaceoftheearthfarm.blogspot.com  

Creviston Valley Farm is in Lakebay on the Key Peninsula and is another amazing local farm on a gorgeous property operated by Greg and Lalaine Wong.  Here you will find lots of pigs, cows, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, goats and one very old dog.  Creviston Valley focuses on fresh meat and eggs which you can purchase what has already been butchered and frozen or you can order ahead a whole pig or a turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Also on site is produce including lettuce, rhubarb and berries.  Creviston Valley Farm is a part of the October 1st Key Peninsula Harvest Fest Farm Tour.  But don't wait until then to visit!  Check it out on July 8th and 9th when you are out on the Key Peninsula for the Blue Willow Lavender Fest! www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com  

And why not make a Key Pen day out of it!  Another beautiful farm on the Key Peninsula is the Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch www.gentle-giant-meadows-ranch.com   located just off Lackey Road.  Greg and Maureen Sikora operate this farm that is home to beautiful horses, sheep and lambs, goats, and miniature cows "Dexter cows"  as well as laying hens.  Eggs and meat are available and you can pre-order lamb.  Gentle Giant also sells fertilizer (a.k.a poo) and boards horses.  Gentle Giant is also on the October 1st Harvest Fest Farm Tour and on that day they have a wonderful list of activities including a chance for kids to watch chicks hatch.  They are able to time the laying and hatching so throughout the day on the 1st little peepers will be popping out all over.

Get involved in your food.  It's easy when you have access to fabulous community supported farms like these.  Visit them soon.

safewaySAFEWAY PROJECT UNDERWAY

 

If you drive Point Fosdick you certainly have noticed all the changes at the Safeway shopping area.  Big 5 and Goodwill buildings started demolition June 30th.  The new Safeway store foundation is being poured, and underground plumbing for Safeway is currently being installed.

 

Point Fosdick re-development off-site construction begins July 5th.  All off-site work will be night work with current planned hours of Sunday 10pm-7:30am, Monday - Thursday nights 9pm-7:30am.

 

You will begin to see changes at the 48th Street and Point Fosdick intersection.  Stay up to date on road construction associated with this project by visiting the City of Gig Harbor website at www.cityofgigharbor.net