Time to Celebrate Successful Community Garden

Everyone is invited to help with a end of season clean up at the Wilkinson Farm Park Community Garden on Sataurday November 7th from 9am-1pm and Sunday November 8th from 11am - ??

Come and help build community spirt and enjoy hot cider, homemade garden soup and bread, all while putting the community garden to bed!

The "to do" list includes;

1. Remove and store tomato cages


2. Remove and store fencing


3. Remove and store irragation system


4. Shred conr stalks


5. Haul and spread manure


6. Begin composting


7. Till the garden


8. Plant a cover crop

Applications will be on hand for one of the 20 9x12 garden plots that will be available next spring.

Join the celebrtain, clean up and have some fun with your neighbors. To learn more contact Barb Carr at barbcarr@centurytel.net

Nice Fall Walks Outside of Gig Harbor

There is still a little time left to enjoy the fall color in and around the Gig Harbor peninsula area. Recently my husband and I checked out two great parks we had never been to. Both are easy to get to, easy walking, great for bird watching, peaceful and quiet and have great fall foliage.

1. Harbor Family Park

It's actually a bit embarrasing to say I hadn't been to this park, because it is within walking distance to my house. But, alas, I just had not found the time to get there until last Saturday. My husband and I tried a new running route, and while passing by the park I said "We gotta check this place out". So, we took a nice walk through the woods before continuing our run. This park is much larger than I thought, over 18 acres. It was very quiet and peaceful and as we walked the slender trails I was sure we would meet up with a bear or a deer around every corner. It really did not feel like I was so close to my home, or to busy 40th & 70th Streets. The trails are a bit rough still, and no services are available here, but there is a small parking area and an abundance of wooded silence. A great place to get lost for an hour or so. Harbor Family Park is one of the many parks managed by PenMetParks. http://www.penmetparks.org/

2. Two Saturday's ago, my husband and I drove across the Purdy Spit and onto Elgin Clifton, where we made a right on 150th AVe KPN to find the Rocky Creek Conservation Area. I had never heard of this park, until we stumbled upon it on line. Rocky Creek Conservation Area is surprisingly large - 224 acres and is managed jointly by Key Pen Parks (http://www.keypenparks.com/) and Pierce County for the public enjoyment of the existing ecosystem. Trails are rough but passable. We spent about an hour and half winding through three different trail routes and never saw another human. We did however see Fir, Hemlock, Alder, Cedar, lots of birds and two creeks. It was a surprise to find this park tucked away and we enjoyed our time there.

3. If you want to stay in the City limits and take a walk, I highly recommend three parks that many locals don't seem to ever use; Grandview Forest Park is a beautiful wooded park on Grandview Drive right next door to the Civic Center, Wilkinson Farm Park on Rosedale is a 17 acre estuary and pioneer farm in the heart of the city (and where this owl photo was taken recently), and Adam Tallman Park on Wollochet just off of Hwy 16 is an easy esturary walk that is flat and offers great bird viewing.

Don't let the clouds keep you indoors, enjoy nature this fall through out the beautiful Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula area.

Get Ready for Winter Gig Harbor

I left on vacation September 24th and it was still summer in Gig Harbor. I returned on October 12th and it was winter....I seemed to have missed fall all together in my three week absence.

So, a quick adjustment was in order, both for my body and my garden!

Winter brings a variety of projects, including preparing for snow or windstorms and power outages.

Given the wide variety of tiny eco-systems in the Gig Harbor area, each resident and business needs to plan separately. When we have snow, I am always amazed when I drive from my home on Wollochet Bay to my office on Judson Street. The elevation changes in that stretch of road are surprising, and the road conditions can vary greatly.

Planning ahead for your family, your business, and your commute based on your individual situation will make life a little easier during these stressful weather events. So, do you have a plan? If not do it now...it's November already and not too early for wind and snow!

The City of Gig Harbor has the following tips to help keep local residents and businesses safe during storms and inclement weather. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

1. Develop a plan for your business and contact your local fire and police with any questions you might have, BEFORE an emergency.



2. Make sure your employees and or your family are familiar with the plan.



3. Keep an updated hard copy contact list of important phone numbers at your office and at your home (not just on your computer).



4. Keep a battery operated radio and flash light with fresh batteries at your office and your home.


5. Be sure to have a first aid kit, water and non-perishable food at your home and office.


6. Know where gas, water and electricity shut off points are.


7. Don't drive unless you absolutely must. Snow removal is quicker and safer with fewer cars on the road.


8. Clean your own sidewalk - this goes for business and residents too. Sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner. If you lease your business space, be sure to have a plan in place with the property owner.

That last one causes confusion each time we have snow or ice. The City of Gig Harbor crews will be very busy in a weather emergency making sure roads are safe and keeping water, sewer and power operating. Cleaning sidewalks falls to the responsibility of property owners. The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is looking for contacts of local people who have small tractors or good solid backs who would be willing to assist in the historic downtown area with snow removal. If you want to join the snow brigade contact Mary DesMarais at (253) 514-0071.

For all the information on Emergency Prepardness contact City of Gig Harbor Building/Fire Safety Department at (253) 851-6170.

Be safe Gig Harbor!

On Tap In Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor now has a brewery and the Tap Room is open!

On Saturday my husband and I made our first (of many I'm sure) visit the 7 Seas Brewery Tap Room in Gig Harbor. Did you know Gig Harbor has its own brewery? It's so cool to be able to say that!

The tap room just opened last week, but the word is out because the tiny room was full when we arrived late on Saturday afternoon. About 15 people were enjoying the brew and each others company in the small tasting room that overlooks the production area.

The Seven Seas Brewery (Home of the Ultimate Proper Pint) is located right next to the Inn at Gig Harbor (go through their parking lot to the North side of the hotel 3207 57th Street Ct. NW). They have lots of parking. Open hours are a little funky, so check their website http://www.7seasbrewing.com/ but right now the hours are Thursday and Friday 3-9pm and Saturday and Sunday noon-6pm.

Travis and Mike, the innovative craft brew makers are excited to welcome folks to the tap room to taste what they think is an audacious, yet technically well-executed beer. The Ballz Deep Double IPA we tasted Saturday was excellent, as was the British Pale Ale. We did not have food, but food is available and will be delivered direct to the tap room from the Inn at Gig Harbor's Heritage Restaurant right next door. The Heritage is one of Gig Harbor's hidden jewels of a restaurant offering incredible salads, seafood, burgers and specials all at very reasonable prices.

Coming soon to the tap room is a winter Stout. This beer boasts massive roasted and dark chocolate notes, with a wisp of floral Mt. Hood hops and a pleasant harmonious aroma. Perfect for a Northwest winter afternoon.

7 Seas can be found on tap at several local restaurants and taverns in Gig Harbor, Tacoma and more. To see the list and to learn about the next development of 7 Seas in cans check out their great website at http://www.7seasbrewing.com/.

As always in this blog I can not stress enough how important it is to support our local, innovative and passionate business owners and 7 Seas is a perfect example. Say the word, and I'll meet you there for a pint!

Cheers!

The Great Pumpkin: Myth or Magic?

More than four generations of American kids have grown up with "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", the Emmy nominated animated special which first aired in 1966.

I have very vivid memories of watching it annually, as a child, a teenager and again with my children. Of course my experience with this and other classics like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" or the annual T.V. airing of "The Wizard of Oz" (oh those monkeys!), was at a time when there were four television channels. An event like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was highly anticipated and special, given you had one chance to see it...no video or dvd either.

Today kids are so bombarded with media in so many shapes and forms, that if desired, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" is available at a moments notice 365 days a year. It certainly takes all the mystique out of it. Technology is what it is and there is no going back. As a result, I see many young parents looking for other ways to make fall traditions (like the Great Pumpkin) part of their family experience.

In Gig Harbor, there are TWO Great Pumpkins for families to enjoy this Halloween week. When you see either of these giant squash you will BELIEVE.

First, the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association as a 500 pound pumpkin available for photo opportunities for FREE. The pumpkin is located all this week at the Harbor History Museum. Drop down between rain drops and get a photo of your kids, your pet or yourself with this monster.

Second , Uptown has a 1000 pound pumpkin that will be displayed on Halloween under the pavilion. This gigantic gourd will be carved at 10am on Halloween morning by renowned pumpkin carver Russ Leno. That will be a site to see...come and check it out!

So despite what Linus' advice was , "I've learned there are three things you don't discuss with people: religion, politics and The Great Pumpkin", I'm going out on a limb here and telling you, Gig Harbor is the home of the Great Pumpkin. Be a believer and enjoy it with your family.

And by the way, ABC will air "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on Wednesday October 28th at 8pm. Watch it with your kids.

A Message from Matthew

I received this email from Matthew, a Gig Harbor 3rd Grader. What a great kid. Check out his project;

Hello-

My name is Matthew, I am in the third grade at Artondale Elementary School in Gig Harbor, Washington and I am starting a Community Service Project about recycling. The purpose of my project is to educate people on how recycling can hlep the world. Did you know that there is a floating garbage area in the Pacific Ocean that is twice the size of Texas? It is called the Eastern Garbage Patch and animals are dying from eating plastic in the ocian and some of the fish that eat the plastic end up in our homes and restaurants. I have put links to a few YouTube videos for you to watch about the Eastern Garbage Patch. One is good for kids, and one is good for adults, but there are many more on YouTube if you are interested in learning more about it.

I want everyone to help stop adding to this garbage area and also help the animals stay alive. After watching these videos, I hope you will recycle more and maybe pick up garbage on the beaches or anywhere that you live. I would like to find out how many people I can get to read this email and try to get it to go around the world. If you could do two things to help my Community Service Project, I would really appreciate it. Could you:

1. Respond to me at mddoggig@aol.com with where you live and let me know what you are going to do to recycle more.

2. Send this email to everyoh you know so they can respond to me also.

Thanks for helping.

Matthew D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrVCI4N67M&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrAShtolieg&feature=related

Matthew is one example of the great kids we have in Gig Harbor. Let him know what you think of his project!!

Gig Harbor Loves Whiners (Oh I mean Wine Lovers!).

Fall is a fabulous time to taste luscious wines to warm your tummy and tempt your taste buds, and Gig Harbor is the place, especially this coming weekend! Here is a list of all the great wine events you can sample and enjoy during a wonderful fall wine weekend in beautiful Gig Harbor;

THURSDAY - Every Thursday is Ladies Night at Harbor Greens Wine Bar located at 5275 Olympic Drive. Enjoy $6 buys of Chardonnay and a piece of cheese cake. Additional wine is $4 per glass.

THURSDAY - Every Thursday Sip Restaurant, located in Uptown at 4793 Point Fosdick, celebrates Ladies Night with live jazz. Ladies receive 1/2 price on all wine flights along with a $5 hours pours all night.

FRIDAY - Harbor Greens Wine Bar has wine tasting every Friday starting at 2pm

FRIDAY - Every Friday Water to Wine, located at 9014 Peacock Hill Ave, features wines during their Friday tasting from 3-6PM. This week enjoy Wines from the Rhone Valley with Jesse Hufstader of C&G Wines.

SATURDAY - Water to Wine continues the fun on Saturday with Washington Reds from 2-4pm. This week they will be offering a few new Washington reds they have just brought into the store. If you like big, rich, full bodies wine you don't want to miss this.

SATURDAY - The Keeping Room, located at 7811 Pioneer Way hosts a special event "Music, Munchies and McCrea Cellars" from 6-9pm. Meet the winemaker and enjoy a party and this beautiful shop. Get a jump on your holiday shopping while at The Keeping Room. Cover charge for this event is $15 and reservations are encouraged. Call today (253) 858-9170

Whine (I mean wine) the entire weekend in Gig Harbor! Enjoy our amazing, locally owned inns and bed and breakfasts. See the entire list of beautiful lodging options at http://www.gigharborguide.com/.

Salute!

HAUNTED HOUSE OPENS IN GIG HARBOR

Are you ready to be scared out of your wits? It's that time of year again, and Gig Harbor's Paradise Theatre is all to happy to oblige again this year with the "Theatre of Lost Souls" Haunted House which opens this Friday October 23rd.

Take a tour through the Theatre of Lost Souls. Sir Archibalt and the spirits of HORROR Celebrities will rise to scare the living. More than 20 scenes with indoor and outdoor areas at Paradise Theatre's location on Burnham Drive in Gig Harbor.

This is the best one yet! And get more Boo for your Buck this year with a $27 VIP pass and come as many times as you want (ID required, not transferable)! Single tickets are $6 for kids under 10, $9 for age 11 and up.

The Theatre of Lost Souls opens this coming Friday and will run every day accept Mondays from October 23-October 31st. Hours vary; Oct 23, 24 & 30 6:30-9:30PM, Oct 28,29 6:30-8:30PM, October 31 6:30-10:30pm.

Special kids night, October 25 & 27th receive $1.00 off from 6:30-8:30pm. Free candy at the end of the tour!

Have a Happy Halloween in Gig Harbor. Learn more about Theatre of Lost Souls at http://www.paradisetheatre.org/. See a complete list of all the great things going on in Gig Harbor for Halloween at http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Fabulous Art Show is Free through November 13th

The Gig Harbor Civic Center is home to the Peninsula Art Leagues annual Juried ARts Show on now through November 13th. The best and most diverse show I have seen in all the years we have been hosting the show at the Civic Center.

A wide variety of beautiful paintings, photography and multi-media pieces are on display. The exhibit is open to the public during regular City Hall hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. The Civic Center is closed on November 11th for Veterans Day.

Free is always good, but free with this kind of quality is even better. Don't miss Peninsula Art Leagues (www.peninsulaartleague.com) annual Juried Arts Show now through November 13th at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor.

PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST IN GIG HARBOR

Okay this is new and cool. Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is taking its annual halloween activities in beautiful downtown Gig Harbor to a new level, with a great added event.

Residents should pick up a coupon for a free pumpkin at local downtown merchants (while supplies last) and then pick up their free pumpkin at the Harbor History Museum. Pumpkin pick up times are;

Thursday Oct 22 from 4-6pm

Friday Oct 23 from 2-4pm

Saturday Oct 24 from 2-4pm

Go home and make your pumpkin out of this world in what ever manner you prefer and then return it to the museum on Thursday Oct 29th from 4-6pm. Pumpkins will be displayed through out the historic downtown at "host" merchants. You can have fun trying to find your pumpkin and enjoy the wonderful local merchants while you are at it! Merchants host the annual Trick Or Treat in the Harbor from 3-6pm on Halloween.

Remember roads will be closed beginning at 2pm to provide a safe halloween event!

Learn more at http://www.ghhwa.org/. Happy Halloween Gig Harbor!

Double, double Toil and Trouble....

Howl for Halloween! I love it. Halloween is so fun in Gig Harbor. Kids and adults alike use this goofy holiday to express themselves in ways that no one can get away with the other 364 days of the year. I mean really - you can walk down the street and pass a pirate who is your dentist a dalmatian who is your doctor or a mummy who is your daddy! It's crazy and fun and nice to see people let their hair down in this town from time to time.

This year Halloween falls on a Saturday, which opens up even more possibilities. I would suspect more private parties will be taking place along with the tried and true Gig Harbor favorites, some with a new twist. So here is a list of the things I have been able to round up happening in the harbor;

Peninsula Gardens Pumpkin Patch is open and has pumpkins of every size for ghouls and goblins of every size. http://www.peninsulagardents.com/

Patterson's Pumpkin Patch "Home of the Jolly Pumpkin" is also open and runs through Halloween with lot of free stuff for families including the bounce house, games with prizes etc. Open til 8pm every day. (253) 851-8144

Paradise Theatre opens its annual Haunted House "Theatre of Lost Souls" on Friday October 23rd and runs every night through Halloween. Hours and ticket prices vary so check the website at http://www.paradisetheatre.org/.

Uptown merchants welcome Trick or Treaters on Halloween for the second annual Trik or Treat at Uptown from 3-6pm http://www.uptown.com/

Downtown, the annual Trick or Treat in the Harbor, will take place on October 31st starting at 3pm. IMPORTANT - Pioneer will be closed from Harborview to Tarabochia and Harborview will be closed from Soundview to Stinson. Because Trick or Treat in the Harbor brings thousands of kids and their families, the road closures were initiated last year as a safety measure. This event is a great one, sponsored by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association and supported by local merchants. It's great fun, don't forget your camera!

In addition this year, the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is planning a Pumpkin Decorating Contest the week before Halloween. Creative types of all kinds are encourged to participate in this new, free, addition to downtown events. Have your decorated pumpkin showcased in a downtown business during Trick or Treat in the Harbor, and have fun finding where it is. To learn more about getting involved in this new event go to http://www.ghhwa.org/ or call (253) 514-0071.

The Tides Tavern will have its annual Halloween Costume Contest with the fun starting on the 31st at 8PM. Lots of prizes. http://www.tidestavern.com/

Brix 25 hosts its annual Halloween Murder Myster Dinnner "Teatro Macabre". Reservations are a must for this fun event with dinner and wine and muder play! http://www.harborbrix.com/ or (253) 858-6626

Our website is continuing to add events so check it out and get that costume ready for fun Halloween in Howling Gig Harbor! http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Gig Harbor Quilt Festival Benefits Local Breast Cancer Charities

"Threads of Courage", this years theme for the 9th Annual Gig Harbor Quilt Festival presents workshops, a luncheon and silent auction at Canterwood Golf & Country Club next week, October 15th- 17th.

Quilts in the invitational will focus on this year's thme "Threads of Courage" and they will be auctioned at the luncheon on Saturday the 17th.

The two outstanding workshops will take place Thursday and Friday and will include a sit down lunch with ticket purchase.

More information on all these events at http://www.gigharborquiltfestival.org/

Chumfest This Weekend -"It Takes a Fish to Raise a Village"

It's beginning to look like we will have a beauty of a day for the upcoming Donkey Creek Chum Festival this Saturday. The annual event returns and brings with it an even bigger display by local environmental groups including Harbor WildWatch, Crescent Valley Alliance and Citizens for a Healthy Bay. Family friendly events include kayak races and kids painting, not to mention CHUM BURGERS cooked up by local fisherman.

Don't miss the fun this Saturday at Donkey Creek Park, 8714 No. Harborview Drive. 10 am to 5 pm.

Fall is a beautiful time of year in Gig Harbor

I picked up the most recent issue of COASTAL LIVING this morning and what did I see? A beautiful spread on Fall and Halloween in Gig Harbor. Check out these wonderful photos of the beautiful place we call home! Way to go Gig Harbor! http://www.coastalliving.com/lifestyle/spirited-beach-bash-00400000056416/

Trick or Treat in Downtown Gig Harbor is coming up, October 31st from 3 - 6 pm. It's time to get the creative juices flowing. These photos will inspire you! More information about all Fall events in Gig Harbor on our calendar page at www.gigharborguide.com