Great Performing Arts options available in Gig Harbor. Two more weekends for these great shows;
Paradise Theatre presents 42ND STREET through May 10th. www.paradisetheatre.org
Encore! Theater presents ROCKY HORROR through May 9th www.encoretheater.org
Gig Harbor’s own Symphony Orchestra will present their final concert of the year on Friday May 8th at 7pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church. These concerts are free, but you’ll want to make a donation after you hear and see what a remarkably talented orchestra Gig Harbor has in what is essentially a hidden gem.
May 8th marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Franz Josef Haydn, father of the symphony! The program will include ;
· Franz Schubert: Overture in D in the Italian Style
· Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major – The Turkish
· Franz Josef Haydn: London Symphony No.104 with Croatian theme from “Oj Jelena, Jelena, jabuka zelena”
The concert will feature Concertmaster Joshua Friedlander, violin soloist and Dr. Nikolas Caoile, guest conductor – Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University.
Learn more at www.ghpso.org
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Downtown Gig Harbor Evening Events this Summer
And now for something completely different!
How often do you hear that the sidewalks roll up in Gig Harbor downtown at 5pm…or earlier! It’s true!
But now an effort is being made by the Gig Harbor Art Gallery Association to stay open until 8pm on Thursday nights through September and offer ART EVENING in Gig Harbor. A new Art Walk in historic downtown- Cool! This doesn’t replace the First Saturday Art Walk but is an addition to it.
Also, the Peninsula Art League will be reinstating their summer favorite “Drawing You In” an open air art program, each Thursday afternoon at Skansie Brothers Park pavilion. “Drawing You In” is a great art focused program that ties in beautifully to the Galleries new Art Evening Program.
We’re hopeful that this program will jumpstart other downtown businesses to try out later hours and to generate a warm and friendly evening shopping and strolling opportunity in Gig Harbor.
Come downtown – it’s so awesome! Tell your favorite business how you feel about extended hours. Your feedback would be helpful. The summertime provides several other reasons to come to your historic downtown including; Tuesday night Summer Sounds Concerts in the park, Wednesday afternoon Green Farmers Market, Thursday Evening Art Walk, Friday & Saturday CinemaGig Outdoor Movies.
Help keep downtown a thriving center of our community. Shop, dine, stroll…do it all this summer.
How often do you hear that the sidewalks roll up in Gig Harbor downtown at 5pm…or earlier! It’s true!
But now an effort is being made by the Gig Harbor Art Gallery Association to stay open until 8pm on Thursday nights through September and offer ART EVENING in Gig Harbor. A new Art Walk in historic downtown- Cool! This doesn’t replace the First Saturday Art Walk but is an addition to it.
Also, the Peninsula Art League will be reinstating their summer favorite “Drawing You In” an open air art program, each Thursday afternoon at Skansie Brothers Park pavilion. “Drawing You In” is a great art focused program that ties in beautifully to the Galleries new Art Evening Program.
We’re hopeful that this program will jumpstart other downtown businesses to try out later hours and to generate a warm and friendly evening shopping and strolling opportunity in Gig Harbor.
Come downtown – it’s so awesome! Tell your favorite business how you feel about extended hours. Your feedback would be helpful. The summertime provides several other reasons to come to your historic downtown including; Tuesday night Summer Sounds Concerts in the park, Wednesday afternoon Green Farmers Market, Thursday Evening Art Walk, Friday & Saturday CinemaGig Outdoor Movies.
Help keep downtown a thriving center of our community. Shop, dine, stroll…do it all this summer.
SIDEBAR - DON'T MISS DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET, WEDNESDAY UNTIL 4PM AND DOWNTOWN TUESDAY CONCERTS 6:30-8PM BEGINNING LATE JUNE.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Celebrate Gig Harbor's Lucy Goodman
www.gigharborguide.com
If you have lived in the harbor for any length of time you no doubt have heard of Lucy Goodman. And if you haven’t, then here is an opportunity for you. One of Gig Harbor’s favorite daughters, probably the one person that long time locals most have in common, is Miss Lucy Goodman.
Young Lucy Goodman came to Gig Harbor with her family in 1883. They settled in Crescent Valley where father Joseph Goodman built the family home. Lucy began her teaching career in Gig Harbor’s first school house, located at the head of the bay, across from what is now Anthony’s Restaurant. She continued to teach for more than 70 years, dedicating her life to educating Gig Harbor’s children through several generations of families. Today in Gig Harbor many resident remain who were touched by Miss Goodman and her teaching philosophy.
Whether you are one of those people, or this is the first time you have heard of Lucy Goodman, you should consider being in the audience for “Meet Miss Lucy Goodman” a conversation from the past, presented by Gig Harbor High School Senior Ariana Williams. Ariana will perform Lucy Goodman as she presents “Miss Lucy” as a young teacher eager to share her knowledge.
Join in to support the past (Miss Lucy) and the future (Ariana Williams) and also have an opportunity to see the new Harbor History Museum.
DATE: Tuesday April 28th
TIME: 6:00pm
LOCATION: Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor
RESERVATIONS: Liz Pederson (253) 858-6722 (reserve free by noon 28th).
If you have lived in the harbor for any length of time you no doubt have heard of Lucy Goodman. And if you haven’t, then here is an opportunity for you. One of Gig Harbor’s favorite daughters, probably the one person that long time locals most have in common, is Miss Lucy Goodman.
Young Lucy Goodman came to Gig Harbor with her family in 1883. They settled in Crescent Valley where father Joseph Goodman built the family home. Lucy began her teaching career in Gig Harbor’s first school house, located at the head of the bay, across from what is now Anthony’s Restaurant. She continued to teach for more than 70 years, dedicating her life to educating Gig Harbor’s children through several generations of families. Today in Gig Harbor many resident remain who were touched by Miss Goodman and her teaching philosophy.
Whether you are one of those people, or this is the first time you have heard of Lucy Goodman, you should consider being in the audience for “Meet Miss Lucy Goodman” a conversation from the past, presented by Gig Harbor High School Senior Ariana Williams. Ariana will perform Lucy Goodman as she presents “Miss Lucy” as a young teacher eager to share her knowledge.
Join in to support the past (Miss Lucy) and the future (Ariana Williams) and also have an opportunity to see the new Harbor History Museum.
DATE: Tuesday April 28th
TIME: 6:00pm
LOCATION: Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor
RESERVATIONS: Liz Pederson (253) 858-6722 (reserve free by noon 28th).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
GIG HARBOR IS A HEALTHY HARBOR
www.gigharborguide.com
So there are all kinds of catch phrases right now that people are using to be or appear to be friendly to the environment and to personal health. Everywhere you go we are bombarded with FAT FREE, GO GREEN, LOW CALORIE, ECO FRIENDLY etc .
Gig Harbor is traditionally all of these things, without really trying. Of course not everyone is friendly to the environment or to their own health. But overall, we tend to be a community of conscious individuals; conscious about personal health and conscious about our local environmental health.
One sign of our community interest in these areas is the success of our Gig Harbor Healthy Harbor program, now in its third year. Healthy Harbor is a great program that provides local businesses and organizations a free tool to promote healthy programs and events to our community members. Thanks to our two sponsors- St. Anthony Hospital and the MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park – Healthy Harbor was created to bring the community together for one purpose – creating a vibrant healthy community.
The Healthy Harbor event guide is full of information about festivals, lectures, art events, classes and programs that help get our residents off the couch and out together building a healthy community. The Healthy Harbor Event Guide is now available free at locations all around the Gig Harbor peninsula, so pick one up now and start to enjoy the benefits of living in Gig Harbor – a healthy harbor.
SIDENOTE: The official kick off of the 2009 Healthy Harbor event is the third annual Gig Harbor Street Scramble, sponsored by the Gig Harbor YMCA on Saturday May 23rd with a 10am start time. This event is FREE and families are encouraged. The first 250 to pre-register will receive a Healthy Harbor t-shirt. Pick up a registration form at locations around Gig Harbor including the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center and the Gig Harbor YMCA. Or download it at http://www.gigharborguide.com/.
Be healthy Gig Harbor!
Gig Harbor is traditionally all of these things, without really trying. Of course not everyone is friendly to the environment or to their own health. But overall, we tend to be a community of conscious individuals; conscious about personal health and conscious about our local environmental health.
One sign of our community interest in these areas is the success of our Gig Harbor Healthy Harbor program, now in its third year. Healthy Harbor is a great program that provides local businesses and organizations a free tool to promote healthy programs and events to our community members. Thanks to our two sponsors- St. Anthony Hospital and the MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park – Healthy Harbor was created to bring the community together for one purpose – creating a vibrant healthy community.
The Healthy Harbor event guide is full of information about festivals, lectures, art events, classes and programs that help get our residents off the couch and out together building a healthy community. The Healthy Harbor Event Guide is now available free at locations all around the Gig Harbor peninsula, so pick one up now and start to enjoy the benefits of living in Gig Harbor – a healthy harbor.
SIDENOTE: The official kick off of the 2009 Healthy Harbor event is the third annual Gig Harbor Street Scramble, sponsored by the Gig Harbor YMCA on Saturday May 23rd with a 10am start time. This event is FREE and families are encouraged. The first 250 to pre-register will receive a Healthy Harbor t-shirt. Pick up a registration form at locations around Gig Harbor including the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center and the Gig Harbor YMCA. Or download it at http://www.gigharborguide.com/.
Be healthy Gig Harbor!
Monday, April 20, 2009
GO WILD, KAYAK EXPEDITION LAUNCH
Don't miss this! You may not be up to the task of paddling from Gig Harbor to Alaska's inside passage, but you still can participate in this exciting endeavor.
Join Phil and Apryle as they begin their 2009 Go Wild Inside Passage Expedition, to create awareness and support of wild salmon and wild places.
Bring your kayak (or rent one, see below) to Gig Harbor Boat Launch on Saturday May 2nd, 9am for a prompt 10am launch and paddle a few miles with Phil and Apryle as they embark on this quest.
Wild Salmon is their cause - in particular pink and chum salmon, once abundant in this coastal ecosystem, are now in danger of extinction. Apryl and Phil's expedition will raise money for the Living Ocean Society.
If you want to join the launch party and need a kayak, Gig Harbor Rent a Boat is offering 20% kayak rentals for anyone joining in the launch event. Call ahead and reserve your boat (253) 858-7341.
Learn more about Go Wild Inside Passage 2009 at http://www.elevatedattitude.com/
Make a weekend of it! Find lodging, dining and more at http://www.gigharborguide.com/
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MAKE IT POSITIVE MONDAY TOMORROW!!
http://www.gigharborguide.com/
Some days are harder than others, but each day I try to think what it is that is positive about life in general and my life in particular. Oh there are definitely those days where finding something positive is tough. Sometimes there are people or situations peppered through out the day that just take me to the brink. But most days I know I got it good, compared to many.
Why is it though, that everyone can't at least attempt to find the bright side? I am noticing more people who are negative about the silliest things. When I was in Ethiopia last fall, I saw things that made me shiver...people living in the street, crawling on their hands - legs deformed, no shelter, no food. Do I ever have to think about where my next meal is coming from or where I will lay my head? Absolutely not, so what in the world do I have to complain about?
Do you have anything REALLY to complain about? Or do you want to complain just to do so, or perhaps to unburden your woes onto anothers shoulders, in an effort to lighten your load. I notice sometimes that negative remarks come at me as a way of criticism, almost like jealousy. What a strange thing that is -is that fair? Of course not, but it might give a temporary source of relief and satisfaction to the one who is critical. I'm sure it doesn't last. That's when it's the most difficult to not fall into the same pattern. That's when I think of Ethiopia.
Try this - make tomorrow POSITIVE MONDAY. Think of your Ethiopia - you have one I'm sure. Give it a try and see if you can go the entire day with out saying a negative thing. And at the end of the day when you have both food and shelter to go home to, be thankful for the richness of your life.
I will be. I got it good in Gig Harbor.
Some days are harder than others, but each day I try to think what it is that is positive about life in general and my life in particular. Oh there are definitely those days where finding something positive is tough. Sometimes there are people or situations peppered through out the day that just take me to the brink. But most days I know I got it good, compared to many.
Why is it though, that everyone can't at least attempt to find the bright side? I am noticing more people who are negative about the silliest things. When I was in Ethiopia last fall, I saw things that made me shiver...people living in the street, crawling on their hands - legs deformed, no shelter, no food. Do I ever have to think about where my next meal is coming from or where I will lay my head? Absolutely not, so what in the world do I have to complain about?
Do you have anything REALLY to complain about? Or do you want to complain just to do so, or perhaps to unburden your woes onto anothers shoulders, in an effort to lighten your load. I notice sometimes that negative remarks come at me as a way of criticism, almost like jealousy. What a strange thing that is -is that fair? Of course not, but it might give a temporary source of relief and satisfaction to the one who is critical. I'm sure it doesn't last. That's when it's the most difficult to not fall into the same pattern. That's when I think of Ethiopia.
Try this - make tomorrow POSITIVE MONDAY. Think of your Ethiopia - you have one I'm sure. Give it a try and see if you can go the entire day with out saying a negative thing. And at the end of the day when you have both food and shelter to go home to, be thankful for the richness of your life.
I will be. I got it good in Gig Harbor.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Historic Midway school ON THE MOVE in Gig Harbor
www.gigharborguide.com
The Harbor History Museum announced today that it will be moving the historic Midway School from its current location to its new home at the Harbor History Museum the morning of April 18, 2009. Currently located on 38th St. in Gig Harbor, the 115 year old one-room school is the last remaining schoolhouse on the Peninsula that hasn’t been adapted or renovated for other uses.
Built in 1893, the one-room Midway School operated in the Midway neighborhood of the Gig Harbor Peninsula (so-named for being midway between Point Fosdick and Gig Harbor) until 1941. The school was donated to the museum by Alice Murphy Doyle, whose family has owned the building since it closed.
“The Midway School will be a dynamic, larger-than-life exhibit at the new Harbor History Museum on the waterfront in Gig Harbor,” said Jennifer Kilmer, Executive Director. “We are so thankful to the Doyle family for making this project a reality.”
The Gig Harbor Rotary has committed to leading the restoration of the Midway School by providing project funding, volunteer labor and management. Rotary funding is matched by funds provided by the State of Washington through the Capital Projects for Heritage grant program.
Once restored, area schoolchildren will be invited to the Midway to experience a half-day in a pioneer school as part of the local history curriculum. Children will take part in lessons, recess and lunch in a 1900s era school setting.
The Harbor History Museum was founded in 1963, and opened a museum in 1973. The mission of the museum is to create opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities. We do this by collecting, preserving, and sharing this area’s history. The new Harbor History Museum is under construction on the waterfront in downtown Gig Harbor, located at the corner of Harborview Dr. and Harborview Dr. North.
www.gigharbormuseum.org
The Harbor History Museum announced today that it will be moving the historic Midway School from its current location to its new home at the Harbor History Museum the morning of April 18, 2009. Currently located on 38th St. in Gig Harbor, the 115 year old one-room school is the last remaining schoolhouse on the Peninsula that hasn’t been adapted or renovated for other uses.
Built in 1893, the one-room Midway School operated in the Midway neighborhood of the Gig Harbor Peninsula (so-named for being midway between Point Fosdick and Gig Harbor) until 1941. The school was donated to the museum by Alice Murphy Doyle, whose family has owned the building since it closed.
“The Midway School will be a dynamic, larger-than-life exhibit at the new Harbor History Museum on the waterfront in Gig Harbor,” said Jennifer Kilmer, Executive Director. “We are so thankful to the Doyle family for making this project a reality.”
The Gig Harbor Rotary has committed to leading the restoration of the Midway School by providing project funding, volunteer labor and management. Rotary funding is matched by funds provided by the State of Washington through the Capital Projects for Heritage grant program.
Once restored, area schoolchildren will be invited to the Midway to experience a half-day in a pioneer school as part of the local history curriculum. Children will take part in lessons, recess and lunch in a 1900s era school setting.
The Harbor History Museum was founded in 1963, and opened a museum in 1973. The mission of the museum is to create opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities. We do this by collecting, preserving, and sharing this area’s history. The new Harbor History Museum is under construction on the waterfront in downtown Gig Harbor, located at the corner of Harborview Dr. and Harborview Dr. North.
www.gigharbormuseum.org
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Gig Harbor Peninsula Orchestra celebrates the new Jamie Fox movie "The Soloist"
www.gigharborguide.com
In conjunction with the release of the motion picture "The Soloist" the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Uptown Galaxy Theatres in Gig Harbor, will participate in Orchestras Feeding America, the first national food drive by America's symphony orchstras. GHPSO's musicians, staff, volunteers and community members will collect non-perishable food at the Uptown Galaxy Theater (4649 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Habor) on Friday April 24th from 6-9pm and Saturday April 25th from 12-9pm.
The orchestra requests the most needed items of : noodles, soups, rice , oatmeal, powdered and canned milk, cereal, canned meat, juices, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, dish and laundry soap. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
"The Soloist", starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., directed by Joe Wright, will be released by Paramount Pictures to theaters nationwide on April 24th. This beautiful film is a ture story on the relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Nathanial Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-traned string player whose mental illness landed him among the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. this film is a testament of the redemptive power of music and a reminder of connections to the most vulnerable among us.
Learn more at www.GigHarborOrchestra.org
In conjunction with the release of the motion picture "The Soloist" the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Uptown Galaxy Theatres in Gig Harbor, will participate in Orchestras Feeding America, the first national food drive by America's symphony orchstras. GHPSO's musicians, staff, volunteers and community members will collect non-perishable food at the Uptown Galaxy Theater (4649 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Habor) on Friday April 24th from 6-9pm and Saturday April 25th from 12-9pm.
The orchestra requests the most needed items of : noodles, soups, rice , oatmeal, powdered and canned milk, cereal, canned meat, juices, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, dish and laundry soap. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
"The Soloist", starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., directed by Joe Wright, will be released by Paramount Pictures to theaters nationwide on April 24th. This beautiful film is a ture story on the relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Nathanial Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-traned string player whose mental illness landed him among the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. this film is a testament of the redemptive power of music and a reminder of connections to the most vulnerable among us.
Learn more at www.GigHarborOrchestra.org
Saturday, April 11, 2009
HURRY FIRST SIX TO BOOK THIS OFFER AT GIG HARBOR'S MARITIME INN
MOTHER’S DAY GENERATIONS
Mother’s Day is a special day for our owners Joanie and Jannae who are mother and daughter. Come stay with us and book a room for your Mother and get a 20% discount. The first 6 people to sign up will also receive a $25.00 gift certificate (1 per reservation) for Brix 25 Restaurant – Awarded 2007 Best Washington Wine List award presented by Washington Wine Press Magazine – located 5 walking minutes from us. Brix 25 is offering a Mother’s Day brunch http://www.harborbrix.com/. Advance brunch reservations are necessary. Please contact us for details. http://www.martimeinn.com/
Mother’s Day is a special day for our owners Joanie and Jannae who are mother and daughter. Come stay with us and book a room for your Mother and get a 20% discount. The first 6 people to sign up will also receive a $25.00 gift certificate (1 per reservation) for Brix 25 Restaurant – Awarded 2007 Best Washington Wine List award presented by Washington Wine Press Magazine – located 5 walking minutes from us. Brix 25 is offering a Mother’s Day brunch http://www.harborbrix.com/. Advance brunch reservations are necessary. Please contact us for details. http://www.martimeinn.com/
Friday, April 10, 2009
Boutique Winery Dinner at Brix
There are still a few seats left for next week's Wine Maker's Dinner, April 16th at Brix 25 Restaurant in downtown Gig Harbor. Featuring small plates by Chef Bryce Lamb paired with wines from three boutique Woodenville Wineries, Covington Cellars, Darby Winery and Cuillin Hills Winery, Brix offers this special event for only $75 per person pluse tax and gratuity. Space is limited. Get your reservation today by calling (253) 858-6626/
Thursday, April 9, 2009
GIG HARBOR PARKS APPRECIATION
We are so lucky to have so many great parks in our city. During the time I have worked for the City of Gig Harbor we haved added Skansie Brothers Park, Donkey Creek Park, Adam Tallman Park, Gig Harbor Skate Park, the new Vollyball Sand Court, Eddon Boat Park and Wilkinson Farm Park - all now favorite park spots well used by our area residents.
In the end of May, Gig Harbor's westside will have a new park as well when the Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated on May 20th. This park has been in the works for many years now and will bring great additional park space to an area of town that, up til now, has not had much in city park facilities. Watch for more information on this new park soon.
In the meantime, if you love parks, April 18th is a great chance to show your support. The City of Gig Harbor, PenMet Parks and the Key Peninsula Parks will partner in PARKS APPRECIATION DAY. This all day event around the Gig Harbor Peninsula provides much needed volunteer support for all parks and open spaces we are blessed with.
Groups or individuals are encouraged to get out and help on Parks Appreciation Day, Saturday April 18th. Support your parks and make a difference. Find out more by contacting Terri Reed at the City of Gig Harbor at reedt@cityofgigharbor.net or (253) 853-7640.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
GIG HARBOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB HIRES DIRECTOR
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound Hire New Director for the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center.
The Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center will soon be opening its doors wide to welcome the Gig Harbor community to a 34,000 sq. ft. facility that will offer a wide variety of community uses to be enjoyed by every age, from 6 year olds to grandparents. This multi-use facility will offer something for everyone.
In order to be ready to meet the community’s needs on day one, Jo Ann Maxwell has been hired as the new Director of the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center. Jo Ann’s extensive experience in managing facilities has prepared her well to take on the task of managing this “multi-use” and “multi-tenant” facility. The Cheney Family Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound is one of the anchor tenants along with the Senior Center, Peninsula Athletic Association, Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children and Read 2 Me, who all share the same vision of the HOPE Center. There are numerous other partners and associate tenants involved.
Jo Ann Maxwell began her career as a teacher in Aurora, Colorado. She taught K-12 physical education and community-based, functional curriculum to students with cognitive and physical delays. She also organized the local Special Olympics program in seven sports and coordinated many statewide competitions. Jo Ann moved to Special Olympics Montana to work at the state level.
She was asked by the City of Great Falls, Montana to become the first supervisor of the Community Recreation Center. At a time of great need at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Montana, she stepped in as the Executive Director. Through her administrative skills, grant writing expertise, and community collaboration ideals; the Club prospered.
Jo Ann subsequently left Great Falls to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. She has over 30 years experience in the youth development field and believes in the Kids at Hope pledge that says that all kids are capable of success—No Exceptions!!
Her educational achievements include a BA in K-12 Physical Education and an MA in Sports Administration, both from the University of Northern Colorado.
The vision for the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center and Cheney Family Boys & Girls Club is to unite the community in serving youth to find their full potential. Jo Ann is excited about this new venture in Gig Harbor and looks forward to collaborating with the community to create a safe, vibrant environment where people are supported to be healthy, knowledgeable, independent, productive, responsible and caring citizens.
The Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center will soon be opening its doors wide to welcome the Gig Harbor community to a 34,000 sq. ft. facility that will offer a wide variety of community uses to be enjoyed by every age, from 6 year olds to grandparents. This multi-use facility will offer something for everyone.
In order to be ready to meet the community’s needs on day one, Jo Ann Maxwell has been hired as the new Director of the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center. Jo Ann’s extensive experience in managing facilities has prepared her well to take on the task of managing this “multi-use” and “multi-tenant” facility. The Cheney Family Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound is one of the anchor tenants along with the Senior Center, Peninsula Athletic Association, Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children and Read 2 Me, who all share the same vision of the HOPE Center. There are numerous other partners and associate tenants involved.
Jo Ann Maxwell began her career as a teacher in Aurora, Colorado. She taught K-12 physical education and community-based, functional curriculum to students with cognitive and physical delays. She also organized the local Special Olympics program in seven sports and coordinated many statewide competitions. Jo Ann moved to Special Olympics Montana to work at the state level.
She was asked by the City of Great Falls, Montana to become the first supervisor of the Community Recreation Center. At a time of great need at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Montana, she stepped in as the Executive Director. Through her administrative skills, grant writing expertise, and community collaboration ideals; the Club prospered.
Jo Ann subsequently left Great Falls to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. She has over 30 years experience in the youth development field and believes in the Kids at Hope pledge that says that all kids are capable of success—No Exceptions!!
Her educational achievements include a BA in K-12 Physical Education and an MA in Sports Administration, both from the University of Northern Colorado.
The vision for the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center and Cheney Family Boys & Girls Club is to unite the community in serving youth to find their full potential. Jo Ann is excited about this new venture in Gig Harbor and looks forward to collaborating with the community to create a safe, vibrant environment where people are supported to be healthy, knowledgeable, independent, productive, responsible and caring citizens.
LEARN MORE http://bg.clubs.com/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Easter Egg Hunts in Gig Harbor
So I wanted to blog about the upcoming Easter Egg Hunts in Gig Harbor, cause I know how much young families love these things...but I got to thinking about this bizarre tradition of a bunny being representative of a holiday. It is strange don't you think? Yeah, I know, the big guy in the red suit is also strange...but a bunny delivery eggs?
So I did a quick google search and learned the following;
"Easter Bunny History
The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. These were made of pastry and sugar.
The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.
The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country. "
I'm still confused....but I guess its about fertility. Whatever! Enjoy this Saturday in Gig Harbor with two great egg hunts.
1. Wild Birds Unlimited, historic downtown Gig Habor, annual and local favorite egg hunt is Saturday at 10:30am. Always fun and its so great to be in our beautiful downtown for this event.
2. PenMet Parks second annual hunt, Saturday at noon, takes place at Goodman Middle School.
So get out and celebrate...whatever the history!
Find out more to do this Easter weekend including great places to dine at www.gigharborguide.com
So I did a quick google search and learned the following;
"Easter Bunny History
The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.
The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. These were made of pastry and sugar.
The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.
The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country. "
I'm still confused....but I guess its about fertility. Whatever! Enjoy this Saturday in Gig Harbor with two great egg hunts.
1. Wild Birds Unlimited, historic downtown Gig Habor, annual and local favorite egg hunt is Saturday at 10:30am. Always fun and its so great to be in our beautiful downtown for this event.
2. PenMet Parks second annual hunt, Saturday at noon, takes place at Goodman Middle School.
So get out and celebrate...whatever the history!
Find out more to do this Easter weekend including great places to dine at www.gigharborguide.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
SHIP TO SHORE NEW DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR LOCATION
Ship to Shore Marine and Kayak has been a ficture in Gig Harbor for a long time, and now its even better with a new location in historic downtown Gig Harbor. Help Ship to Shore celebrate through out the month of April with lots of great specials on marine and kayak supplies.
Now located at 3306 Harborview Drive (the former location of She Sells Seashells) Ship to Shore is ready to serve you until 7pm Monday - Saturday in the month of April.
Although Gig Harbor is known as The Maritime City, few maritime businesses have called Gig Harbor home, and even fewer as long as Ship to Shore. Take advantage of the great weather we are having to get out and enjoy historic downtown Gig Harbor and while you are at it stop in and visit the new location of Ship to Shore and say Hi to this great Gig Harbor business.
Now located at 3306 Harborview Drive (the former location of She Sells Seashells) Ship to Shore is ready to serve you until 7pm Monday - Saturday in the month of April.
Although Gig Harbor is known as The Maritime City, few maritime businesses have called Gig Harbor home, and even fewer as long as Ship to Shore. Take advantage of the great weather we are having to get out and enjoy historic downtown Gig Harbor and while you are at it stop in and visit the new location of Ship to Shore and say Hi to this great Gig Harbor business.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
I returned to Gig Harbor this afternoon after six days in sunny, hot Palm Springs. Palm Springs is nice, but it sure aint Gig Harbor!
Flying in today, Mt. Rainier on the right of the plane, Gig Harbor Bay and Wollochet, Fox Island out to the left, I'm reminded again there's no place like home, especially when home is Gig Harbor.
If Gig Harbor is not your home, you should visit soon, and that is what this blog is all about...shouting the news, Gig Harbor is where it's at. Learn more about visiting Gig Harbor at www.gigharborguide.com.
It's great to be home.
Flying in today, Mt. Rainier on the right of the plane, Gig Harbor Bay and Wollochet, Fox Island out to the left, I'm reminded again there's no place like home, especially when home is Gig Harbor.
If Gig Harbor is not your home, you should visit soon, and that is what this blog is all about...shouting the news, Gig Harbor is where it's at. Learn more about visiting Gig Harbor at www.gigharborguide.com.
It's great to be home.
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