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"All you need is love. But a little February 2014
chocolate now and then doesn't
hurt. " Charles M. Schulz |
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Greetings!
Welcome February! Have we been spoiled this winter, or what? Looking outside, at times, one may have thought it was summer. But don't be fooled. Yet this doesn't mean we aren't thinking about summer here at the City. We have been working feverishly to get the exciting Summer Sounds and CinemaGig lineup in place. Watch for them to be announced later this month. Also, the annual Gig Harbor Visitor Guide begins production this month - contact the Peninsula Gateway about being included (see article below for more info). You won't want to miss this great -once a year- opportunity. But for now, Gig Harbor is a flurry of activity to entertain and educate you and your family through the remaining winter months. Read through our Gigabyte to learn more - and always remember www.gigharborguide.com for last minute ideas -- including where to watch the big game this Sunday - GO HAWKS!
Sincerely,
Karen Scott Maria Tobin
Marketing Director Marketing Assistant
City of Gig Harbor
FEATURED LODGING SPECIAL
Celebrate Valentine's Day with The INN at Gig Harbor with a Mia Amore Package!
Stay overnight at The INN at Gig Harbor in one of their Fireplace or Jacuzzi Suites. Share in a candlelight dinner including an appetizer and dessert in the Heritage Restaurant. Champagne or wine along with a long stem rose are delivered to your room prior to your arrival and a full American breakfast awaits you the following morning. Room package with dinner, amenities and breakfast - Price: $249.00 Does not include tax or gratuity.
Subject to availability. Reservations required. Packages must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance. For more information about the INN at Gig Harbor, check out their website here.
Find more Valentine's Day lodging specials here!
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An Abundance of Events are Set for 2014
With the new year already in full swing, we wanted you to be able to mark your calendars for your favorite 2014 events happening right here in Gig Harbor!
February 15th - Knock My Socks Off! Run
April 5th - Gig Harbor Farmers Market Opens (each Saturday through September 27th)
April 5th & 6th - Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup and Expo
April 26th - Parks Appreciation Day & Gig Harbor Lighthouse 25th Anniversary Celebration
May 10th - Gig Harbor Beer Festival
May 24th - Gig Harbor Street Scramble
June 7th-8th - Maritime Gig Festival and Blessing of the Fleet
June 24th through Aug 19th - Summer Sounds at Skansie Outdoor Concerts (Tuesdays)
June 28th & 29th - Gig Harbor Garden Tour
To continue with events through 2014 read more
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Valentine's Day in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor never lets us down when it comes to good food, so consider taking up one of our local eateries for their special Valentine's Day offers.
 Sweet Melissa's- From the 1st-16th, get 20% off sweets for your sweetie at Sweet Melissa's at Uptown Shopping Center.
Brix 25- Brix 25 will be offering their ala carte menu and an additional 3-course wine paired tasting menu. Also, their annual Candy Bar tradition will continue this year featuring a buffet of favorite candy treats to take home with you after dining. Book your reservations here.
JW Restaurant- JW offers up a Valentine's Day feast for singles and couples alike in Gig Harbor. Start out with Pineapple Prawns or a Spinach Salad tossed with crispy Pancetta and move on to their main entrée which offers you a choice of Dungeness Crab Stuffed Filet Mignon or Halibut Napoléon. Finally, indulge your sweet tooth and choose from Cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse. These features will run from February 13th-15th! Find out more about JW here.
 The Heritage Restaurant at the INN at Gig Harbor invites you to celebrate this Valentine's Day with them. Their amazing menu includes a wide choice of appetizers which include: Seafood Martini, Oysters baked with Bacon and Asiago cheese, Cuban Tacos or Spring rolls with a peanut sauce. Move on to the main entrée and choose from filet mignon, Crab stuffed Halibut, Signature Crab cakes or Lobster Ravioli. Don't forget dessert with Red velvet cake, cheese cake and berry cobbler. Get more information on their full menu options here.
 Anthony's Restaurant -Treat your valentine to a special night at Anthony's on the Gig Harbor waterfront this Valentine's Day weekend! All weekend long, enjoy Valentine-inspired cocktails and specialty desserts as well as a selection of fresh, Northwest seafood! For reservations, call (253) 853-6353 or visit their website.
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You Knock My Socks Off Run has Something For Everyone
 Hit the pavement once again this year at this fun February event! This year's 5K run event is held on February 15th and begins at 9 am. This out and back 5K starts and finishes at 6565 Kimball Drive in Gig Harbor (across from the Park & Ride), and runs along the north portion of the Cushman Trail. They will also be holding a Little Hearts Kid's 100 Meter Dash (ages 6 & under), and a Big Little Hearts 1000 Meter Run (9 & under). Kids runs are FREE and start at 8:45 am! Learn more and register at
www.databarevents.com.
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| Happenings at the Harbor History Museum
Don't miss the special exhibit going on at the Harbor History Museum until April 13th.
Going to the Chapel: Faith, Friction, & Fellowship on the Gig Harbor Peninsula
 Another in-house created exhibit of the Harbor History Museum, showcasing the history of the early peninsula churches, the ceremonies and celebrations, youth and adult programs, and even the challenges within the communities between the different religious convictions. Artifacts, photographs, and video will tell the story of our history.
You can also look forward to this exciting exhibit due out in the spring!
Water's Extreme Journey- April 19th - July20th
Become a Raindrop, Change Your World...Developed with world-renowned marine life artist Wyland, Water's Extreme Journey takes visitors on an exciting and important adventure quest for clean water. Visitors experience the watershed as a water drop, exploring first-hand the science behind the water cycle. But it's not all wet and wild - through powerful interactives and local messaging, visitors will realize that even their daily decisions can immediately improve the watershed in their own backyard.
Also, don't forget about HHM's Tea and Tour, the third Thursday of every month which features an in-depth tour of the museum's current exhibit followed by tea and cookies.
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Coastal Heritage Alliance settles into the Skansie Net Shed
In the past couple of years, you may have seen some movement within the Skansie Net Shed; well, that was just the Coastal Heritage Alliance moving in! We thought that this was a great time to acquaint you with The Coastal Heritage Alliance (CHA) and how they benefit our community. 
CHA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works within the commercial fishing communities of North America for the purpose of advancing the sustainability of a proud seafaring culture. Their activities revolve around the persons, vessels, skills and stories of a heritage and industry that was once vital to the socio-economic life of America's coastal towns. Although still a viable occupation for many, the health of the industry continues to vary from region to region. Consequently, CHA adapts its educational activities to address local needs and concerns in a variety of innovative ways.
Coastal Heritage Alliance, in collaboration with the City of Gig Harbor, is in the midst of establishing its first permanent shore side Portal Site at the historic Skansie Brothers Net Shed. This location will become the organization's West Coast headquarters and cultural center, as well as the home port of CHA's education vessel Commencement, pictured above. Together, the net shed and the retired purse seine vessel will complement CHA's programming activities by training new crew members for the fishing industry and by introducing the public to Gig Harbor's current and past fishing heritage.
The restoration of the F/V Commencement was undertaken in 2012, and the preservation of the net shed structure is well on its way towards completion with skill training anticipated to begin in 2015. As part of the preservation treatment plan, the net shed's interpretive value will be substantially enhanced by the reinstallation of the site's original fishing gear and equipment, some of which date back nearly 100 years. Learn more about the Coastal Heritage Alliance here.
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Gig Harbor Chosen as Location of the Month by Washington Film Works
 It's no surprise to us that our gorgeous Gig Harbor was chosen by Washington Filmworks as a location for its monthly newsletter. What may be surprising, is how much exposure this provides to our small maritime village.
Washington Filmworks works to encourage the film and video production industry for the economic benefit of Washington State. By offering productions extensive support-from location scouting to financial incentives-they will help Washington State reemerge as a premiere destination for motion picture production. In February 2009, the Washington State Film Office was integrated into Washington Filmworks, creating a single organization to handle film production support and incentives statewide.
With this kind of publicity, don't be surprised to see a camera crew shooting as you are out and about enjoying our little slice of heaven. Read more about Washington Filmworks here.
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| More February Gigs
February 1st- Attend the 5th Annual Waterside Brunch and Auction. Read more
February 1st- Pier Into the Night with the Gig Harbor WildWatch at 6 pm. Read more
February 1st- GGHF Curious by Nature School Open House 11 am-1 pm. Read more
February 1st- Catch The Moondoggies with the Sherman Family at the Gig Spot at 7:30 pm. Read more
February 1st-14th- Full Moon Art Gallery is hosting a Valentine's "Cutest Dog Couple Contest". Enter for a chance to win an original painting! Read more
February 2nd- Catch the Superbowl and cheer for your favorite team at Tides Tavern. Read more
February 2nd- Watch the Super Bowl at Morso at 2 pm on the big screen or grab a growler now available for takeaway. Read more
February 4th-6th- The Downtown Waterfront Alliance is sponsoring "Essentials of Effective Storefronts & Merchandising" seminar for downtown waterfront businesses. Spaces are limited. Sign up today with Mary DesMarais at 253.514.0071
February 6th & 7th-Gig Spot will host an original Wailer for a workshop and an intimate concert. Read more
February 8th- Gig Harbor BoatShop offers a Builder's Half Hull Model Workshop at 10 am. Read more
February 8th- Mardi Gras Music Festival at the KP Civic Center is complete with a king and queen, tons of beads, New Orleans style BBQ and food, drinks and music all night long.
Read more
February 13th - The Muse at Morso, a monthly program featuring authors and poets, features John Davis. Read more
 February 15th- Annual Crab Feed at the KP Civic Center fundraiser from 4-7 pm, at 17010 S. Vaughn Road KPN in Vaughn. Read more
February 15th- See internationally known composer, pianist, and recording artist, Scott Cossu, at The Chapel at 7 pm. Read more
February 15th- Morso presents singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Dave Nachmanoff at 8 pm. Read moreFebruary 19th & 20th- AARP Smart Driver Class at the Gig Harbor Civic Center designed for seniors. Read more
February 22nd- Free introductory fly fishing seminar at Gig Harbor Fly Shop at 12 pm. Read more
February 22nd- Round Table Pizza will be taken over by Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One to raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Read more
February 22nd & 23rd- Family Boat Building-build a skiff in a weekend at the Gig Harbor BoatShop. Read more
 February 26th- Gig Harbor Fly Shop presents Fly Fishing Film Tour at Galaxy Theatre featuring beers from 7 Seas Brewery. Read more
Every Tuesday, attend a no-cost Freedom From Tobacco Weekly Support Group from 5:30-6:30 pm at St. Anthony Hospital. Drop-ins welcome. For more info (253) 223-7538
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Chew on This!
Restaurant News for Gig Harbor
Brix 25
 February 1st - February 14th Brix 25 will hand out their "Secret Envelopes'. Inside the sealed envelope is a certificate for either $15, $20, $50, $100 or $500. There are also several "Dinner on Us Certificates".
After receiving the card, guests may come back between February 15th and April 15th, 2014 to redeem their certificate. They then must hand the SEALED envelope to their server AFTER completing their meal. The server will open the envelope to reveal the prize and apply that certificate to their meal that evening, which in some cases means that Brix 25 will pick up the bill for the entire dinner for up to 6 guests! Each envelope has a winning certificate. February 14th is the LAST DAY to get your certificates and February 15th is the first day to redeem. Book a reservation here!
 Tides TavernThroughout the month of February, Tides will be running their annual Tapmaster event. Customers will receive a card that lists all of Tides' beers on tap for the month of February and will get the cards punched for each of the beers that they drink. Three-beer limit per day. Tapmaster encourages customers to branch out and try different beers or possibly even find a new favorite! Once the card is completed, it is turned in for a Limited Edition Tapmaster T-Shirt that is only available to those who complete Tapmaster. Their name is then displayed on the wall for the month as well. This is an annual event that is great for beer lovers! See what else is happening at the Tides.
The Hub at Gig HarborGreat news! The Hub at Gig Harbor is now delivering food! Delivery is available Monday-Friday 10:30 am- 2 pm with a minimum order of $20. Call to order today (253) 853-1585. Check out their website for details about happy hour, music under the tent and other fun events here.
Carl's Jr. After breaking ground on August 31st at 5524 Soundview Drive, Carl's Jr celebrates its grand opening on January 31st. Go by and grab a burger! |
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AWOB Presents Power Series Featuring Who, How & Why to Certify
A Conversation for Women & Economically Disadvantaged Businesses
 What does it mean to be certified as a Woman-Owned or Economically
Disadvantaged business? And why would someone want to do it?
For Julie Tappero, it meant facing a complex process to submit a
successful application. And then she did it three more times to receive additional certifications.
But it was worth it, says Julie, because that certification opened broad opportunities to expand her businesses' access to lucrative contracts with local, state and federal governments as well as government contractors. Certification is often seen as a reliable indicator of credibility that can expand a business's marketability.
Julie Tappero is the founder of West Sound Workforce, a professional staffing and recruiting firm in Kitsap and Pierce Counties. She currently chairs the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance and the Olympic Workforce Development Council. She's one of the founders of the non-profit Alliance of Women Owned Businesses and serves in leadership positions for the Staffing Association of Washington and the regional chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers. She also writes a monthly article on human resources and workforce management for the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal. Read more
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 2014-2015 Gig Harbor Visitor ads sales begin soon - don't miss this great opportunity Production of the new edition of the annual Gig Harbor Visitors Guide is underway. You don't want to miss out on a opportunity to advertise in this great guide distributed to potential visitors all over the United States. Over 45,000 are distributed throughout the year. Join us once again and be a part of the official 2014-2015 Gig Harbor Visitors Guide. Contact the Peninsula Gateway for rates and deadlines at 253.358.4141.
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Look for More Happening in March!
March 1st- First Saturday Artwalk from 1-5 pm. Read more
March 4th- Celebrate Mardi Gras at Tides Tavern. Read more
March 7th-23rd- Paradise Theatre presents Angry Houswives. Read more
March 9th-11th Annual Run for Relief-Burma. Read more
March 15th- St. Paddy's Day Dash 5K Run. Read more
March 19th-20th AARP Smart Driver Class. Read more
March 20th-Tea & Tour at the Harbor History Museum. Read more
March 29 & 30th- Family Boat Building workshop. Read more
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City News
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2014 BRINGS AN INFLUX OF NEW CHANGES AND NEW PEOPLE TO GIG HARBOR
First, we would like to congratulate our new Mayor, Jill Guernsey. Fortunately for us, we have had the pleasure of working with her as she held a seat on our City Council prior to running for Mayor. We would also like to welcome aboard Casey Arbenz and Rahna Lovrovich, our two new councilmembers.
We'd also like to welcome Melinda Bouillon and Maree George on board as well. Melinda has come on as the new Public Works Receptionist and Maree has accepted the Administrative Assistant position within the Engineering Department. Welcome aboard to all of our new staff!
EDDON BOAT PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
As part of the 2008 Eddon Boat Park Clean-Up, work to restore the natural beach was completed in the Fall of 2012. Work continued through 2013, which included two ADA accessible viewing areas and pathways, improvements to the existing kayak launch area next to the pier, and public art. Although the contracted work is complete, the new lawn and landscape areas will not open for public use until the grass is well established. Upcoming work includes installation of the railing for the stairs next to the pier and the ramp at the back porch of the brick house. Watch for information about the Ribbon Cutting on February 28th.
ROSEDALE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Starting in mid-June 2013, the pedestrian access and roadway improvements to Rosedale Street from Shirley Ave to Skansie Ave will be upgraded. The work consists of the installation of a new water main, new sidewalk construction and a bicycle lane along the north side of Rosedale Street, improved pedestrian crossing at the Cushman Trail, and asphalt overlay of the entire roadway. Upcoming work includes upgrading to the flashing beacon at the Cushman Trail crossing to a rectangular rapid flashing beacon to increase notice to motorists of trail users crossing the street.
SKANSIE NETSHED STABILIZATION/PHASE II (PILING REPLACEMENT PROJECT)
The City received a $100,000 Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation work to replace the aging piling under the shed. The first phase was completed in 2012. Phase II consisted of replacing the piling under the end of the pier including the piles for the 'tide rack'. Replacing the decking at the end of the pier and the mooring piles was completed in 2013. The tenant (Coastal Heritage Alliance) will complete minor repairs and improvements throughout the winter in preparation of reopening the facility to the public. The Coastal Heritage Alliance will begin sponsoring public programming and services at the site in 2014.
JERISICH PARK FLOAT EXTENSION & PUMPOUT
Jerisich Park floats currently provide over 400 feet of transient moorage and an aging seasonal vessel pump-out facility. Replacement of the antiquated pump-out equipment will include a wrap-around float at the end of the existing dock. It will provide added flexibility for water-side transportation including pick-up / drop-off space for commercial and event-driven use. Construction to begin early 2014.
MARITIME PIER PUMP-OUT PROJECT
This project entailed the installation of a new year-round vessel pump out system with non-potable water service on the new float at Maritime Pier. All contract work is complete and the facility is open for public use.
WOLLOCHET INTERCHANGE SIGNAL INTERCONNECT PROJECT
This project includes building a physical connection between each of the existing traffic signals along Wollochet Drive and synchronize timing of the signal cycles. This work includes placing conduit, installing wires and replacing hardware in the controller cabinets. The City is currently negotiating a consultant services contract with a design company.
For more on City construction projects read more. And that's all from City Hall!
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Fab Photo of the Month - post your photos on FB for a chance to see it here!
The City of Gig Harbor staff proudly display our 12th man pride! Go Hawks!
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