winter blue lighthouse 

"If you never did, you should.  These things are fun, and fun is good!"

- Dr. Seuss

 

February 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
HOTEL NEWS
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CITY
WHO'S NEW?
THE ART OF CHOCOLATE
VALENTINES DAY IN THE GIG
DONKEY CREEK OPEN HOUSE
HOTEL NEWS
 
 
 
The Best Western Plus Wesley Inn and Suites offers their "Lovers Getaway". Sneak away from the stress of daily life and unwind in a deluxe room with a King bed. Let our concierge make your romantic dinner reservation for two at Anthony's and receive a complimentary appetizer with your meal.  $118.99 plus tax or upgrade to a fireplace suite for $179.99 plus tax.  Valid through February 29, 2013 and based on availability.  Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Other offers also availability.  Ask when you call (253) 858-9690.
  
The INN at Gig Harbor offers their "Take the Elevator Home" Overnight Valentine's Package.  Stay in one of their Fireplace or Jacuzzi Suites; share a romantic dinner including appetizer and dessert at the Heritage Restaurant.  Champagne or wine delivered to your room prior to arrival with a long stemmed red rose and a full American breakfast the following morning.  $249 plus tax and gratuity and based on availability.  Call to book at 253 858-1111
  
The Maritime Inn invites you to "Be My Valentine" for the entire month of February. Enjoy time for just the two of you...They will provide an unforgettable setting and all the romantic touches including; overnight in a luxurious room, wine or champagne & chocolates in your room, one dozen roses, breakfast at Kelly's Cafe ($20 voucher).  Rates starting at $168 per night plus tax, based on availability.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
  
2012 was a banner year for City of Gig Harbor for permit applications.  See the details here.  
  
THE DONKEY CREEK RESTORATION & TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT is scheduled to begin in early March.  A public information open house is scheduled for February 20th from 4-7pm at the Harbor History Museum.  Everyone is encouraged to come.  Learn more.
  
LIFT STATION 3A REHABILITATION PROJECT
Starting in early March 2013, the City of Gig Harbor will begin construction on the rehabilitation of the City's largest sanitary sewer lift station and various manholes throughout the City.  Lift Station 3A is located directly across Harborview Drive from Austin Estuary Park at 4102 Harborview Drive.  The work will include taking Lift Station 3A offline and installing a "pump-around" system to bypass the lift station and transport the incoming sewer effluent to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Once the lift station is offline, the City's contractor will then perform the work needed to upgrade the inside of the existing lift station.  Learn more.
 
THE GIG HARBOR POLICE DEPARTMENT begins its "Safe Kids" program again this month, looking out for young kids practicing safe bicycling habits.  Learn more. 
 
Winter Clean Air Monitoring Study - Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has placed an air quality monitoring device in the park in front of the Gig Harbor Civic Center for the months of February and March as part of an Air Quality Assessment in Pierce and King Counties in an effort to assess improved air quality efforts.
WHO'S NEW?
 
  
seal
Harbor WildWatch invites you to visit their NEW website! www.harborwildwatch.org 
  
Gig Harbor's wonderful community radio station is ALL NEW this month!  We are excited for the staff and volunteers at KGHP for the complete remodel and upgrades that have been done to the station.  Check out the new clear sound at 93.7 FM or 89.9  FM and read more about it in the article to the right or at 
  
Gig Harbor Audio and Video is new and open for business at 5800 Soundview Drive.  Stop in and say hi!
  
Welcome to Tracy Patton, new Membership and Visitor Center staff person at the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce.  Farewell and thanks to our friend Tami Skanes for all her hard work!
  
Welcome to Opus Bank, now open in the Safeway shopping center.  Stop in and say hi!
  
Check out the new and improved ALLSTAR GUITAR AND MUSIC ACADEMY!  Read more about it in the article to the right and join them for a fun GRAND OPENING ON February 23rd from 4-7pm. Read More! 
  
COMING SOON -
michaels
Michaels - Grand Opening is scheduled for April 26th
  
Gourmet Burgers is working on permitting for a downtown Gig Harbor location.  Tentative date in March.
  
Lunchbox Laboratory in permitting for Safeway development location
  
Carls Jr. in permitting for location between the Harvester and Hwy 16
  
The Tides Tavern in permitting for a new float and pier
  
The Wine Studio is expanding to the space next door to their existing location.
  
FAREWELLS
Sad farewell to Season's on the Bay and all the best to owner Linda Smith who is retiring.  That business will be missed!  Check out the "Store Closing" sale on now and stop in and wish them well!
  
  
Goodbye and thanks to Sue Loiland who is leaving her position at the Harbor History Museum. We wish her all the best and she will be missed!
  
Other closures of note:  Reflections at the Airport and The Red Rooster Cafe and Collectibles.
HERITAGE HAPPENINGS
 
  
Fossil Map
HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM presents a wonderful new exhibit "Cruisin the Washington Fossil Freeway" opening February 2, 2013.  Fun for the whole family!!
  
Lance Rhoades will offer a complimentary discussion on 'American Indians in Cinema: Portrayals and participation, Onscreen and Behind the Scene" Sunday, February 10th at 1p.m. at the Harbor History Museum.  See more.
  
See History in the Making: The Shenandoah Restoration Project.  Visit the museum and see the work in progress February 1 & 2, February 8 & 9, February 15 & 16 and February 22  & 23.  www.harborhistorymuseum.org
  
  
GIG HARBOR BOATSHOP is now open six days a week, Tuesday - Sunday.  Stop in and see this wonderful hidden gem in the harbor.  www.gigharborboatshop.org
  
DON'T MISS THIS! 
 
St Anthony
 
Annual Waterside Brunch and Auction to benefit St. Anthony Hosptial Auxilary - Saturday, February 2nd.  Call (253) 858-1004
  
Jazz comes to Morso February 2nd - Featuring Steve Kim Quartet.  $8 at the door or call ahead for tickets.  (253) 530-3463 

Tapmaster is back all month at the Tides Tavern.  Join the fun and try 16 beers on tap over 28 days and receive your name on the wall of fame!  www.tidestavern.com  
  
Sharon's Spa and Boutique invites you to come in on February 2nd and order your Girl Scout Cookies from Blythe and Samantha between noon and 6pm.  Help Blythe and Samantha raise money to buy books to read at the Children's Hospital and supplies to knit hats and gloves.
  
Fox Island Market February 2nd 10am-4pm, Nichols Community Center.
  
Harbor Wild Watch presents the first "Pier Into the Night" of 2013, Saturday, February 2nd 6-8 p.m. at Jerisich Dock.
  
Gig Harbor Art Walk February 2nd, historic downtown Gig Harbor 1pm-5pm.
  
Rotary Star Awards February 8, 2013 5:30-8:30 pm at Canterwood Golf & Country Club this year honoring;
Citizen of the Year - Jean-Louise Gazabat
Business Person of the Year - Sue Braaten
Service Above Self Award -
Marla Morgan
For reservations call (253) 851-6397
  
Now through February 17th, Gig Harbor Sample Sale is back. 6521 43rd Ave Ct. NW www.samplesaleGigHarbor.com
  
  
Pancake Breakfast at the Longbranch Community Club February 9th 10am - 1pm
  
Runs
Knock My Socks Off 5K is back, February 16th at 9am benefiting the Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Register at Databar Events.
  
  
GH Fly Shop
Tickets are on sale for this year's Gig Harbor stop on the Fly Fishing Film Tour. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Native Fish Society.
The event will take place Feb. 27, with the doors at Galaxy Theater, 4649 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor, opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
This is a 21-and-older event because beer will be served.
Tickets are now on sale at the Gig Harbor Fly Shop at (253) 851-3474 for $12. You also can get them online at ticketriver.com/event/5787. If the show doesn't sell out in advance, tickets will be $15 at the door. Last year's show drew more than 250 people, so getting your tickets in advance is recommended. 
 
Kevin Fisher is live at Morso as part of the Americana Music Series, February 23rd at 8 p.m.  $25.  (253) 530-3463
  
Fat Tuesday Celebration at Morso, February 12th with authentic New Orleans and Cajun Menu. (253) 530-3463
  
PARADISE THEATRE presents "Of Mice and Men" now through February 2nd.  www.paradisetheatre.org
  
Live music at Gig Harbor's Lele Restaurant every Friday and Saturday night!
  
FREEDOM FROM TOBACCO is a free, weekly, year-round support group, Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Hospital.  Drop-ins welcome! 
  
TUESDAY'S ARE TERRIFIC!
Tuesday is the new Friday in Gig Harbor!  Join the fun as many local businesses promote specials on Tuesday!
JW Restaurant 3 for $30 Dinner every Tuesday and Wednesday
Brix 25 3 for $25 Dinner every Tuesday
Moctezuma $2 Taco Tuesday (in the bar)
Galaxy Theatre $5 movies all day (must sign up for Galaxy Rewards Card)
Sweet Melissa's - all cupcakes $2 after 4 p.m. on Tuesday
 
Does your business have Terrific Tuesday deals?  Let us know and we will promote it for you!
  

COMING THIS SPRING

& SUMMER

 

Run for Burma, March 10th

 

"Splash - Art at the Museum" March 16th at the Harbor History Museum

 

Gig Harbor Farmers Market at Uptown opens April 6th

 

NEW Gig Harbor Para Canoe Camp April 16th - 19th

 

Gig Harbor Paddler's Cup and Expo April 20-21st

 

Parks Appreciation Day, April 20th

 

Police Volunteer Summit April 27th

 

NEW Washington State Little League Tournament July

 

NEW Puget Sound Regional Volleball Association Grass Tournament Aug 3&4

 

Underwater Music Festival August 10th

 

Watch for information on these and other upcoming events and activities at www.gigharborguide.com

 or "like" us on Facebook

  
  
Greetings!

I spent three weeks in Europe over the holidays.  It was wonderful.  You can't beat Italy and France when it comes to being a tourist.  The Wine.  The Food.  The Museums.  The Crowds.  The Lines.  The Costs.
  
Yep, Europe is fun, but expensive and crowded.  We can't put Gig Harbor up against major European cities as far as a tourism destination goes, but we certainly have some really wonderful things to offer visitors in Gig Harbor that they won't find in Europe.  How about free parking?  Or for that matter, parking period.
  
How about affordable lodging WITH handicapped access?  Europe is horrible for anyone with a disability.  We got that covered in the U.S. and we should be proud about that. All of our local inns have handicap accessibility.
  
As a destination, Gig Harbor doesn't try to compete with the big boys.  What we offer is a wonderful small town experience with authentic maritime heritage, a wide variety of recreation, locally owned lodging & dining and friendly locals.  All at reasonable and affordable prices.  If that is what you are looking for, Gig Harbor is the place.  Whether you live here or are a visitor, we are glad you're here.  Enjoy our community!  Learn more at www.gigharborguide.com
  
  
Sincerely,
  
Laureen Lund
City of Gig Harbor
Marketing Director
  
SPONSOR NEEDED FOR SUMMER  MOVIE PROGRAM
We are in need of a co-sponsor for this summer's CinemaGig Outdoor Movies in the park.  We have one sponsor in place, MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park, and need a second sponsor ASAP for this activity to continue in 2013.  The CinemaGig Outdoor movies run every other weekend starting July 5th on both Friday and Saturday night.  Friday night movies draw around 100 guests and Saturday movies draw 300-400. If your business is interested in learning more please contact me ASAP.  Deadline to make a decision on whether this event moves forward is February 8th.  lundl@cityofgigharbor.net   

THE ART OF CHOCOLATE RETURNS TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FEB 2NDArt of Choc

 

Just in time for Valentine's Day shopping, the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association presents the 4th annual "Art of Chocolate" - a chocolate walk offered in conjunction with the First Saturday Art Walk on Saturday, February 2, 2013.

 

Pick up your map at any participating businesses in the historic waterfront district.  Visit each store, find the perfect gift for your valentine, eat a little chocolate, view great art at local galleries and enter to win great door prizes.  The grand prize is a Gig Harbor getaway, complete with an overnight stay at the Maritime Inn, breakfast at Devoted Kiss, Lunch at Morso, and dinner at Anthony's, and many more prizes too!  You will receive an entry ticket for every $10 you spend on February 2nd. Children's prizes are also being offered making this a fun, family event.

 

More than forty businesses in the historic waterfront district are participating in this year's Art of Chocolate event.  Join the fun on February 2nd from Noon - 6:00 p.m..  Why not plan an extended stay in the harbor and spend the night at one of our beautiful inns?

 

The Art of Chocolate is free. Thanks to spnsors DPI Printing, Gig Harbor Gallery Association and CarrotStick Marketing.

 

Learn more at www.gigharborwaterfront.org

 

Sweet Melissa's Valentine's Day in Gig Harborheart
Love is in the air, and Gig Harbor has got you covered!  If you haven't made your reservations yet...get to it!  Here is a list of what we know is happening in the harbor as part of the "love" holiday:
  
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & DRINK
 
Kelly's Cafe and Espresso presents Valentine's Day Dinner Special Feb 14th beginning at 5:30 p.m. A wonderful menu is planned with a special appetizer, entree and dessert choices all for $53.99 per couple.  Add two glasses of wine for an additional $12.  Call for reservations (253) 851-8696
  
JW has special dinner features for Valentine's Day including Lobster Cake Appetizer, 6 oz Filet Mignon with Butter Poached Lobster Bites entreé or Broiled Halibut Filet With Fresh Dungeness Crab.  www.jwgigharbor.com (253) 858-3529
  
Join Gig Harbor's favorite band "The Shy Boys" at Gig Harbor Forza on Friday and Saturday February 15th & 16th for some added Valentine fun.  7p.m. 
  
Bella Kitchen & Home Enjoy romantic Valentine's Dining with Chef Toby Kim.  Get ready for a romantic and delicious night out with your Valentine - share delicious food, great wine and maybe even some kisses on this magical night.  $95.  Space is limited so register at www.bellakitchenessentials.com
  
Green.House Restaurant invites you to join them for their romantic Valentine specials - some paired with wines- along with their regular menu.  Reservations are going fast!  Call (253) 514-6482.
  
Sweet Melissa's - pre-order Valentine's Treats and get 20% off.  Cookies for the kiddos, cakes for your sweetie, cupcakes for your teachers! (253) 432-4071
Enjoy Valentine's Day with the fine folks at Gig Harbor's Heritage Distilling Company for a special couples evening of MY BATCH.  Learn more at http://www.heritagedistilling.com/my-batch/
  
Love is in the air at the Tides Tavern! Choose to dine at the Tides and you will receive a free taster of bubbly and Grand Marnier chocolate mousse to share - you just need to kiss to prove you are in love!! www.tidestavern.com
  
The Blazing Onion says come in for their Valentines Day Drink Specials - Smooches $6.95 and Chocolate Covered Strawberries $7.95.  Receive $2 off any burger or entreé with a purchase of a Valentine Drink on February 14th.
  
Brix 25 is ready for Valentine's Day with added candles and flowers and their annual "candy bar".  Enjoy Warm Pacific Oysters, Seared Scallops, Celery Root Veloute, Spring Trifle Mint Shortbread Cookie and much, much more.  February 14th is the final day to receive the sealed secret envelope, open on your next visit to Brix 25 to see what you have won!!
  
Lele's Restaurant will have live music on Valentine's Day by Rick Gonzales and Ike Sutton at 6pm.  Enjoy handcrafted, gourmet, Asian cuisine in a romantic, luxurious, candlelit atmosphere. (253) 514-6382
  
Anthony's is offering up some special Valentine drinks such as Domaine Ste. Michelle Sparkling Brut, Roasted Pear Martini, Hot Chocolate Mint Kiss and Pomegranate Drop as well as special desserts such as Olympic Mountain Chocolate Chip Cherry Ice Cream and Homemade Cherry Buckle!  (253) 853-6353
  
The Heritage Restaurant at the Inn at Gig Harbor is offering their Valentine Sweetheart Dinner February 14th with a selection of specials including - Seafood Martini, Oysters on the Half Shell, New York Strip and Red Velvet Cake (just to name a few!).  (253) 858-1111
  
Valentine's Day at Morso is Surf and Turf - a special menu for steak and seafood lovers with either a filet or Main Lobster tail for $57 or get them both for $69.  Offer includes appetizer, salad and dessert.  Reservations at www.morsowinebar.com
  
  
OTHER SPECIALS & EVENTS
  
Misty Meadow Antiques is featuring handmade Valentine cards, wreaths and specialty cones and boxes filled with gourmet chocolates!  Locally handmade by Papier de Noel!  
  
Morso presents Lipsology expert Jill Eddy on Valentines Day from 6-9p.m.  Find out what your lips say about you!
  
MultiCare MedSpa is offering several specials including Pucker those Lips - month long Juvederm special $50, Spa Indulgence Gift Card of $100 or more and get a free Seattle Chocolates Bar, and Fiszz Facial through March also gets you a complimentary Clinical Cleanser.
  
  
Tickles at Uptown is offering Valentines Day specials - $5 off Tickels signature hair cut which includes wash, cut & style.  Also, 2 for $15 or 3 for $21 on all shampoo, conditioner and detangler sets.
  
Galaxy Theatre will show the romantic film "Ghost" in the V.I.P (21+ only) on February 14th at 7:45 p.m.  Enjoy the movie for $19.95 per couple which includes 1 large popcorn, 1 large soda, 2 glasses of Sparkling Wine and 1 Red Rose.  Call ahead because this is limited seating.  (253) 851-8300.
  
Uptown Eyes is offering $20 off any pair of sunglasses on Valentines Day.  Offer can not be combined with insurance.
  
Teaching Toys Too will give you a free gift with purchase on Valentine's Day if you mention seeign this in the Gigabyte!
  
Healthy Reflections Boutique at MultiCare has a great selection for your sweetheart including jewelry, Valentine themed gifts, pop-up cards and candy. 
  
Laetitia Murray Photography- limited availability.  Book before February 8th.  Your choice of 15 min/2 digital images/8 Valentine wallets for $99 (1child) or 20 minutes, 4 digitals/16 wallet cards for $150.  Other restrictions apply.  http://lmurray1.photobiz.com
  
Clarks Jewelry has jewelry and handbags in all price ranges for that special someone.  Gentleman, come in and we will help you choose the perfect gift!  Looking for something special?  Send us an email at clarksjewelry@comcast.net
  
Mostly Books invites you in anytime between now and February 14th for special $59.99 on the Kobo Mini eReader (regularly $79.99).  www.mostlybooks.com
  
HOTEL SPECIALSfloating petals
  
The Best Western Plus Wesley Inn and Suites offers their "Lovers Getaway". Sneak away from the stress of daily life and unwind in a deluxe room with a king-sized bed. Let their concierge make your romantic dinner reservation for two at Anthony's and receive a complimentary appetizer with your meal.  $118.99 plus tax or upgrade to a fireplace suite for $179.99 plus tax.  Valid through February 29, 2013 and based on availability.  Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Other offers also available.  Ask when you call (253) 858-9690.
  
The INN at Gig Harbor offers their "Take the Elevator Home" Overnight Valentine's Package.  Stay in one of their Fireplace or Jacuzzi Suites from February 14th-16th; share a romantic dinner including appetizer and dessert at the Heritage Restaurant.  Champagne or wine delivered to your room prior to arrival with a long stemmed red rose and a full American breakfast the following morning.  $249 plus tax and gratuity and based on availability.  Call to book at 253 858-1111
  
The Maritime Inn invites you to "Be My Valentine" for the entire month of February. Enjoy time for just the two of you...They will provide an unforgettable setting and all the romantic touches including; overnight in a luxurious room, wine or champagne & chocolates in your room, One dozen roses, breakfast at Kelly's Cafe ($20 voucher).  Rates starting at $168 per night, based on availability. (253 ) 858-1818.
COFFEE WITH ORANGE SHERBERT orange sherbert  
Join the fun February 2nd at MOSTLY BOOKS to meet local author S.E. Shell and artist Mary Elizabeth Smith who have produced a new children's book "Coffee with Orange Sherbert." The two will be autographing books at the store.  Read more about "Coffee with Orange Sherbert" here.

DONKEY CREEK RESTORATION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 20THDonkey Creek graphic

 

The City of Gig Harbor invites the public to an Information Open House Wednesday February 20, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at the Harbor History Museum (4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor) regarding the upcoming Donkey Creek Restoration & Transportation Improvement Project.

Scheduled to begin in March 2013, this project will restore Donkey Creek between the Harbor and Donkey Creek Park, provide widened sidewalks and a new pedestrian trail, and improve traffic flow along Harborview Drive, North Harborview Drive and Austin Street. Those who live and work in the area are encouraged to come, as is anyone interested in this long-awaited project.

Funding for this project is provided by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grant, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Neighborhood Initiative Grant and local City of Gig Harbor funds.

 

PHASE 1 March to June 2013 (subject to change)

  • Austin Street - Closed for 2-way upgrades
  • North Harborview Drive - Temporary closure for sewer work
  • Harborview Drive Sidewalk- Closed during road repaving

PHASE 2 June - Fall 2013 (subject to change)

  • North Harborview - Closed for bridge construction
  • Estuary escavation and walls
  • Pedestiran trail connections (Donkey Creek to Austin Park)

The final construction items include work on Austin Street to reconfigure it for one-way traffic, installation of the final lift of asphalt, and permanent signing and striping. As this work is scheduled to occur after Phase 2 is complete, the chance of weather delays is increased. The project is scheduled for final completion in March 2014. STAY UP TO DATE on this project at www.DonkeyCreekRestoration.com

STAFF CHANGES AT THE CITY OF GIGcity logo  HARBOR
  
After many years of no job openings at the City of Gig Harbor we have had a flurry of activity this past month;
Farewell and Congratulations to Karen Scott who has moved from being the Marketing Assistant for the past 8 years to the Community Development Assistant in the Engineering Department.
Maria Tobin, who was working part-time in the Engineering Department has joined us in the Marketing Department as the part-time Marketing Assistant. Planning Director Tom Dolan will retire on March 1st and Senior Planner Jennifer Kester will become the new Planning Director.  Interviews are underway to fill Jenn's Senior Planner position.
  
After many years without a Public Works Director we are excited that Senior Engineer Jeff Langhelm has been named the City's new Public Works Director.  Interviews are underway to fill the Senior Engineer position Jeff vacated.
  
Welcome to Peggy Wright who has been hired in a newly created receptionist position and to Melissa who has joined us temporarily to fill in for one of our staff who is out on medical leave.
  
A newly created Human Resource position has also been filled.  Mary Ann Gillespie will start with the City of Gig Harbor on February 6th.
  
Finally, the Gig Harbor Police Department is currently recruiting to fill two positions as well.

OLDER THAN AMERICA

The Gig Harbor Film Festival, in collaboration with the Harbor History Museum and Humanities Washington, present two well known and respected authorities on Native Americans. 

 

Filmmaker Georgina Lightning and Lance Rhoades of Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau will present "American Indians in Cinema: Portrayals and Participation, Onscreen and Behind the Scenes", Sunday February 10th at 1:00 p.m. at Harbor History Museum.  This is a complimentary discussion.

 

The Gig Harbor Film Festival will follow up with a special screening at 4:00 p.m. at the Galaxy Theatre of the film "Older Than America" with filmmaker Gerogina Lighting providing a question and answer session following.

 

Tickets for the Film Screening are $8 for adults and $6 for Seniors, Military and Students and are available for purchase at the Gig Harbor Film Festival office, located next door to the Galaxy Theatre. 

 

Contact the Harbor History Museum at (253) 858-6722 and the Gig Harbor Film Festival at (253) 851-FILM.

  KGHP Is All New & Better Than Ever!Spencer
  

In 1922, Thomas Edison said the radio craze will not last.

Well, Ol' Tom was generally ahead of his time on most things, but I think he had it wrong about the radio and Spencer Abersold, General Manager of Gig Harbor's community radio station KGHP agrees.

KGHP is a hidden gem in our community, one that is going strong today, thanks to a major remodel and equipment upgrade over the past few months. What's that you say? You didn't know we had a local radio station? Well, KGHP has been broadcasting to our community and surrounding region for more than 25 years now. If you live in Gig Harbor ,you can find it on your radio dial at 93.7 FM and if you are on the Key Peninsula you can check it out at 89.9 FM. And you will be surprised at what you find; unique and diverse and often breaking the rules - just like the community it represents.  Continue reading ... 

ALLSTAR GUITAR AND MUSIC ACADEMY
  

Few things are more inspiring to me than a small locally  grown business that finds it niche and becomes a great success. One such business that knows its product and its customer is Gig Harbor's Allstar Guitar and Music Academy.

Dan and May Wilson are well known in Gig Harbor by those in the music industry. Since 1994, they have operated Allstar Guitar, for most of those years in the Harbor Landing Plaza. Over the years, they have piecemealed the shop together using several small spaces at Harbor Landing Plaza. But all that changed this month when Allstar doubled their space and moved to a fabulous 4000 sq foot location in the former Gig Harbor Gift Mall above Spiros. This location, also the historic former Gig Harbor Hotel, is the perfect layout Allstar Guitar and Music Academy.

 

The Wilson's dream of expanding the music academy can now be realized with the new enlarged space. Although the bread and butter of the business is and has always been the service center, this fabulous location has opened up expanded academy space where Dan and May expect to go from 200 to 400 students.

 

In addition, to the guitar academy, the new space brings a brand new emphasis on wind instruments. The larger academy will include instruction for piano, guitar, electric guitar, banjo, base, mandolin, all wind, drums, cello, ukulele, violin, voice and more!

 

Dan is particularly excited about some local, and well known, musicians who will be bringing their expertise to the academy including; members of Abney Park, Teddy Dortch of the Blues Brothers, Jho Blenis of the Randy Oxford Band as well as Chris Meadors of the Ventures, Jesse Savage of Rokkerbox and Kregg Mattson who has been with Allstar from day one! Kimberly Gunn, also continues as the piano instructor.

 

The Wilson's hope to help every child and every person to have a musical experience. "Every kid should have something in the arts and something in sports they can enjoy." Wilson said. "We are trying to make music available."

 

Allstar Guitar and Music Academy continues its retail efforts, service center and also offers rentals for students. The added room also expands the retail area for stringed instruments from ukulele's to cellos, including Dan's handmade "FLYING W" guitars. The store is open Monday -Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 11am - 6pm and Saturday 11am - 5pm.

 

Stop in and see the new location, located at 3110 Harborview Drive and mark your calendar to be a part of their GRAND OPENING, public invited, Saturday, February 23rd from 4-7pm. During the Grand Opening, visitors will receive discount coupons for future purchases and there will be a drawing for a free month of lessons and guitar rental!

 

I'm so happy for this business and their success! Stop in and say hi! Learn more at www.allstarstrings.com