I clearly remember the first time I touched a computer keyboard. It was a crazy large thing, the screen was black with green font, and I was working on my second degree at the University of Washington. The year was 1983.

I clearly remember my first home computer. We spent as much as our car cost us at the time, for a Mac SE. The hard drive and monitor were all in one and the screen was so tiny. The year was 1990.

I clearly remember first getting email and internet. I really wanted email at home because I was working from home and my husband didn’t think I would really use it. I remember figuring out what a ‘website’ was and how much easier it was to find information than the phone book. It was a revelation. The year was 1998.

Twelve years later, it’s hard to imagine a day without a computer in my life. Email, website, facebook, twitter and blogging are as much a part of my day as brushing my teeth. And that is not necessarily a good thing, but at least I still find time to brush (usually twice a day).

My job as the marketing director for Gig Harbor (or your Gig Harbor Guide, my “handle”) has certainly required me to keep on top of the fast paced world of technical and social media. Not always an easy task. And often a little frightening. Take blogging for instance;

Only a little more than a year ago did I begin blogging about Gig Harbor. I was concerned that blogging would seem too self-serving, and that it might result in nasty comments or feedback that was unpleasant. Being the Polly-Anna I am, I really didn’t want to deal with any of that. But, I also felt I was missing another opportunity to tout the wonders of Gig Harbor if I did not dive in to the blogging and the social media world.

So, I took the plunge. And a year later, I can say it has been a great opportunity, one that has grown enough that we are upgrading our blog as well as our website this month.

Our blog that has been hosted on www.gigharborguide.blogspot.com is moving to www.gigharborguide.com – now officially part of our visitor website. The website is also newly refreshed and, though still working out the bugs, has some great new features and upgraded technology to keep it as the number one website for information about the greater Gig Harbor area.

Please check it out. Please comment on our blog. Please join us on Facebook and Twitter (@GigHarborGuide) and please, remember to brush your teeth!

Gig Harbor's TravelChair® Wins 2010 Good Housekeeping VIP Award

GIG HARBOR, WA- TravelChair, worldwide leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor chairs was one of 10 winners chosen from 1,650 products evaluated by the Good House Keeping Research Institute as “Best New Products 2010.” The 2010 VIP (Very Innovative Products) selects new breakthrough products that solve every day problems in new and innovative ways.

According to Holly Roso, CEO of TravelChair Company, “we were excited to be one of the 10 products recognized by the Good Housekeeping VIP Award. The scientists and engineers at Good Housekeeping Research Institute, with their state-of –the-art laboratory, evaluated our Insect Shield chair for its performance and safety, and for our forward thinking approach. It’s a good feeling when your brand is recognized for the very things you strive for as a company, which for us is innovation and performance”

TravelChair, who is known for its state of the art designs and high endurance chairs, has embedded the chair fabric with Insect Shield’s EPA-registered insect-repellent. This shield is an invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) and is deemed appropriate for use by children and pregnant women.

For more information about this revolutionary new product visit TravelChair at www.travelchair.com.

SALMONCHANTED HARBOR RETURNS TO GIG HARBOR

But look again – something isn’t so fishy this year!

April 2010, Gig Harbor Wash; Gig Harbor welcomes the return of SalmonChanted Harbor again this year beginning in May. But this year there is a new twist…those salmon look suspiciously like heron!
Organizers of the third annual art event decided to shake it up in 2010, with heron sculptures instead of salmon. The heron is a bird frequently seen in and around the waters of Gig Harbor bay and other bays and estuaries in the area. These amazing resin sculpture shells have been distributed to 15 local artists. The artists were chosen from a pool of candidates for their unique ideas to make the heron shell into a work of art.
Each artist will create a different themed heron (see list below) and each piece of art will be displayed at a different location throughout historic Gig Harbor from late May through early September. The heron will then be auctioned at the SalmonChanted Evening event, scheduled for September 18th at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club.
All of the sculptures will debut at an event at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street on Wednesday May 26th from 6-8p.m.

This year’s artists and locations are;

1. Nancy Fiala presents “Mardi Gras Heron” at The Green Turtle Restaurant
2. Nancy Keck Harris presents “The Ghost” at Simply Charmed
3. Nancy Corey presents “Stepping Out in Gig Harbor” at Gallery Row
4. Alexis St. John presents “Life Force” at Kit Kuhn, A Jeweler Designed for You
5. Kathleen Casteel & Brad Dinsmore present “Eyes of Action” at Threshold Building
6. Joan Sain presents “The Gambler” at Ebb Tide Gallery
7. Jody L. Whalen presents “Patchwork Heron” at Timberland Bank
8. Harvey D. Kolln presents “Canary in the Estuary” at Columbia Bank
9. Giorgina C. Wells presents “A Latin Heron” at Birdnest Gallery
10. Charles A. Anderson presents “Gogh Heron Gogh” at Wild Birds Unlimited
11. Laura Jacobson presents “Penny Land the Crane” at Harbor Gallery
12. Delaine Gately presents “Gig Harbor’s Peacock” at The Maritime Inn
13. Christina Hella Thompson presents “The Glass Heron” at For Arts Sake
14. Loretta J. Anderson presents “An Attitude of Patience” at Anthony’s Restaurant
15. Christina Burris & A/P Art Class Students present “Recycle for the Environment” at Water to Wine

SalmonChanted Harbor 2010 is dedicated to the memory of Pauline Winchell, founder of the event and long time Ebb Tide Gallery artist.

This year’s SalmonChanted sponsors are;
The City of Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club
Willis Marketing, Inc.
The Russell Family Foundation
Threshold Group
MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park
Timberland Bank
Columbia Bank
Lloyd M. Silver Harbor Center
Wild Birds Unlimited
St. Anthony Hospital, a part of Franciscan Health System
Anthony’s Restaurant
Walt’s Auto Care Centers
Fosberg Media Group
Eric Peavy
The Green Turtle Restaurant
The Maritime Inn
Neurosurgery Northwest
Water to Wine
Bruce and Carol Murdock

SalmonChanted Harbor is produced by the Gig Harbor Gallery Association in support of the Peninsula Hands On Art program. Learn more at www.salmonchantedharbor.org

To learn more about visiting or overnight accommodations in Gig Harbor go to www.gigharborguide.com. Gig Harbor – Washington’s Maritime Village.

SUMMER CALENDAR LOOKS PRETTY FULL OF FUN FILLED ACTIVITIES!

Gig Harbor, Wash. – April, 2010 – Gig Harbor is the place to be this summer. This vibrant and exciting community has many shops, movie theater and restaurants, but keeps it’s authentic maritime charm with fun, friendly and for the most part, free, events through out the summer season. Launching the summer season is the fourth annual Gig Harbor Street Scramble on May 29th;

May 29th Gig Harbor Street Scramble (253) 857-4842
The City of Gig Harbor www.gigharborguide.com

June 5-6th Maritime Gig Festival (253) 851-6865
Gig Harbor Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce
www.maritimegig.com


June 22nd Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 – this week Raucous Band
www.gigharborguide.com

June 26th & 27th Gig Harbor Garden Tour (253) 853-3554
Tacoma Community College Adult Literacy Program
http://www.gigharborgardentour.com

June 29th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week Soulstice
www.gigharborguide.com

July 6th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week Army National Guard Band
www.gigharborguide.com


July 9th & 10th Cinema Gig Outdoor Movie (253) 857-4842
The City of Gig Harbor Friday and Saturday nights www.gigharborguide.com
Friday’s movie at Donkey Creek Park is Airplane!
Saturday’s movie at Skansie Brothers Park is Where the Wild Things Are

July 13th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week Blackberry Bushes
www.gigharborguide.com

July 17th Chalk the Walk (253) 514-0071
Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association www.ghhwa.org

July 17th & 18th Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival (253) 857-4222
Peninsula Art League www.peninsulaartleague.com


July 20th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week The Beatniks
www.gigharborguide.com

July 23rd – 24th Cinema Gig Outdoor Movie (253) 857-4842
The City of Gig Harbor Friday and Saturday nights www.gigharborguide.com
Friday’s movie at Donkey Creek Park Mamma Mia
Saturday’s movie at Skansie Brothers Park Goonies

July 27th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week Freckles Brown Band
www.gigharborguide.com


August 3rd Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week Danny Vernon
www.gigharborguide.com

August 7th Gig Harbor Food and Wine Festival (253) 514-0071
TheHarbor History Museum presents this new event in downtown Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association www.ghhwa.org

August 6th-7th Cinema Gig Outdoor Movie (253) 857-4842
The City of Gig Harbor Friday and Saturday nights www.gigharborguide.com
Friday’s movie at Donkey Creek Park The Pink Panther
Saturday’s movie at Skansie Brothers Park Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

August 10th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 pm – this week Your Fathers’ Manouche
www.gigharborguide.com

August 14th Gig Harbor Rocks (253) 857-4842
Downtown Gig Harbor steps back to the 1950’s! www.gigharborguide.com

August 17th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm – this week The Coats
www.gigharborguide.com

August 20th – 21st Cinema Gig Outdoor Movie (253) 857-4842
The City of Gig Harbor www.gigharborguide.com
Friday’s movie at Donkey Creek Park The Blind Side
Saturday’s movie at Skansie Brothers Park Disney’s Finding Nemo

August 24th Summer Sounds At Skansie (888) VIEW GIG
The City of Gig Harbor- each Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm this week Island Jamz
www.gigharborguide.com

Sept 18th – 19th Open Studio Tour (253) 549-7551
www.gigharboropenstudiotour.org

September 18th Harbor Hounds Walk the Town (253) 851-1170
Gig Harbor Mid-Day Rotary
www.harborhounds.com

September 25th Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off (253) 884-9672
Gig Harbor Farmers Market
www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com

Also don’t miss – Every Saturday April – September the Gig Harbor Farmers Market at the Kimball Park and Ride from 8:30am- 2pm. And every Wednesday June – September the Gig Harbor GREEN Market on the waterfront in historic downtown Gig Harbor from 11am – 7pm. www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com

Gig Harbor has two performing arts theater groups offering a variety of exceptional indoor and outdoor performances through out the summer. From classical musicals to hilarious comedies there is something for everyone. See the line up at www.encoretheater.org and www.paradisetheatre.org

Originating from two-miles of walk-able harbor front and boasting one of the most scenic skyline views of Mt. Rainier, Gig Harbor is the first destination on the Kitsap Peninsula after crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and an ideal spot for unique, leisurely get-away. This vibrant community is notable for its maritime heritage, marinas, waterfront inns, bed and breakfasts, public parks, upscale and one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, jewelers, harbor tours, and harbor-front restaurants, as well as its eye-catching gardens and garden centers. For overnight packages, event and visitor information, please access www.gigharborguide.com or call the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center at (888) VIEWGIG.

# # #

CENSUS BUREAU ROLLS OUT NEW INTERACTIVE GOOGLE MAPS SHOWING 2010 CENSUS PARTICIPATION RATES

Washington Counties, Cities Able to Track Percentage of Households Mailing Back Questionnaires

The U.S. Census Bureau has launched an interactive Website on Google Maps showing initial 2010 census participation rates. The state’s mail-participation rate is presently at 10 percent, 10 points lower than the national participation rate. Census officials anticipate that the participation rate will significantly increase throughout March and April, as households continue to receive and mail back the questionnaires.

Currently, Lincoln County in Eastern Washington has the highest participation rate in the state at 35 percent. Yakima County trails all counties with 1 percent participation. The rate is 9 percent in King County, 11 percent in Pierce County, 8 percent in Snohomish County, 18 percent in Thurston County and 4 percent in Spokane County. At the city level the following participation rates are:
• 10% in Seattle
• 9% in Bellevue
• 11% in Tacoma
• 20% in Olympia
• 8% in Vancouver
• 3% in Spokane
• 1% in Wenatchee
• 11% in Bellingham
• 8% in Kent
• 12% in Bremerton

The collaborative partnership with Google allows communities the ability to track how their area is responding to the once-a-decade count. The Census Bureau will provide daily updates of the percentage of returned census questionnaires using Google Maps and Google Earth.

Individuals are encouraged to go to www.2010census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to monitor their area’s mail-participation rate at city, county and state levels. In addition, the map offers the ability for areas to compare with nearby communities and states.

Most households in Washington State received the much-anticipated, 10-question form in mailboxes last week. Census officials hope that households will fill out their 2010 census questionnaires and mail it back.

It costs the government just the price of a postage stamp when a household mails back the 10-question form. However, it costs the Census Bureau $57 to follow up with a non-responsive household. In 2000, the nation reversed a three-decade decline in mail rates, achieving a mail-participation rate of 72 percent.

Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census takes place every 10 years. Census Day is April 1, 2010. Census data determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts. More than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed annually based on census data to pay for local programs and services, such as schools, highways, vocational training, emergency services, hospitals, unemployment benefits and much more.

Learn more about the 2010 Census at www.2010.census.gov .

Join the Gig Harbor BoatShop for Lofting the Thunderbird Sailboat!

Dates: April 17 & 18 (weekend class)
Dates: May 1 & 2 (weekend class)
Time: 9:00am to Noon (lunch break) 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Instructor: Steve Helgeson, GHB Program Director
Fee: $150.00 (GHB member) - $165.00 (Non-GHB member) cost for weekend (2-day) class
Limit: 6 participants (per weekend) only!
Where: Lofting Room at the Historic Eddon Boatyard - 3805 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor WA
Phone: (253) 857-9344

Lofting is the first step in building a new boat. It involves drawing the design of the vessel full scale on the loft floor. Once the initial design is laid down, the lines are “faired”, a process of correcting minor errors in the design caused by the small scale in which designs are created. Once the fairing is complete, the builder uses the loft to generate all of the patterns and templates necessary to setup and build the hull.

Class participants will loft the Thunderbird sailboat using the table of offsets and lines given in the original plans. Interested participants can take the first or second session, or both - and learn the process of lofting. The loft will be preserved and used for a variety of purposes in Gig Harbor BoatShop’s on-going work with the Thunderbird Sailboat.

For more information about the program, instructor, or hotel package for our out-of-town guests (Gig Harbor’s Maritime Inn), please call (253) 857-9344 – or log onto our website at www.gigharborboatshop.org

Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Gig Harbor Celebrates Birthday with New Spring Menu, Events

Gig Harbor Local, Daniel Jackson Named Lead Captain; Adds Focus on Community Partnerships
GIG HARBOR, Wash.—(March 25, 2010)—On March 26, Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Uptown Gig Harbor marks its one-year anniversary with a new spring menu, addition of Gig Harbor local Daniel Jackson to the team, and a host of community-fostering events through partnerships with Gig Harbor organizations and festivals.

Daniel Jackson’s career began in 1983 at Triples in Seattle, and his palate and talents were honed at the acclaimed Fullers in the Seattle Sheraton. Most recently he developed the wine program at Brix 25 Restaurant in Gig Harbor, which, in turn, led him to Sip. Jackson has an appreciation for and extensive collection of Northwest wines: 98 percent of his personal cellar is comprised of Northwest bottles.

“Right now, there’s a lot happening in Uptown Gig Harbor, and I’m excited to be here, working with Robert Green and the rest of the team,” says Jackson.

Jackson has an exciting spring lined up for Sip. guests, including a recently added full bar and cocktail program, a new spring menu from Gig Harbor’s well-loved, Executive Chef Robert Green, and a series of community events.

New Spring Menu Additions –
• BBQ Shrimp—Jumbo shrimp, apple-wood bacon, fresh basil and housemade Asian BBQ sauce, 13.
• Fried California Roll—Spicy crab with soy dipping sauce and wasabi aioli, 12.
• Crab Salad—Fresh Dungeness crab, watercress, marinated tomato, hard-boiled egg and lemon-caper vinaigrette, 13.
• Duo of Duck—Seared breast and leg confit with cherry sauce, potato gratin, fresh daily vegetable, 27.
• BBQ Salmon—Wild Alaskan salmon, grilled and basted with housemade Asian BBQ sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, fresh daily vegetable , 23.
• Hand Cut Ribeye—10 oz. Certified Angus with housemade steak sauce, duck fat-whipped potatoes, fresh daily vegetable, 25.

Winemakers Dinner with Barons V and DeLille Cellars, April 13, 5 p.m. –
Sip. Gig Harbor’s first winemakers’ dinner will include Chef Green’s specially prepared four-course dinner paired with award-winning wines. Special guests include Gary McLean, co-owner of Barons V; Matthew Logo, Barons V winemaker; and Greg Lill, co-owner of DeLille Cellars. Cost is $80 per person not including tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information, call Sip. at (253) 853-3020.

“Sips & Tips” Monthly Women’s Networking Event –
From 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, Sip. provides an opportunity for women to meet, mingle and network in the spirit of community and learn about local businesses and organizations. Enjoy half-price glass pours, get a chance to win the door prize, and stay for a three-course dinner for just $30, exclusive of tax and gratuity. For more information, e-mail Karen Lawler at klawler@warestgroup.com.

Sip. in the Community –
A committed member of the Gig Harbor business community, Sip. is thrilled to be a partner in the Gig Harbor Film Festival and a contributor to the Gig Harbor Rotary Club and FISH food bank.

The staff at Uptown Sip. is grateful to the people of Gig Harbor for their patronage throughout their first year in business, and is looking forward to further developing their relationship with the community and its residents.


The Napa Valley-inspired Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant offers an approachable, global wine selection featuring nearly 70 by-the-glass choices, wine flights, and more than 250 bottles from the Pacific Northwest, California and around the world. The Northwest-driven food menu comforts and inspires, and is sourced locally whenever possible. Locations include 909 5th Ave., Seattle 98101 (206) 682-2779; 1084 NE Park Dr., Issaquah, 98029 (425) 369-1181; and 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 400, Gig Harbor, 98335 (253) 853-3020. For further information, visit www.siprestaurant.com.

Follow Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant online:
Website: www.siprestaurant.com
Twitter: @SIPwinebar
Facebook: Sip at the wine bar & restaurant

Countdown - Farmers Market Time is Here!

Weather like today really makes me excited about spring and summer and all the great things that go on in Gig Harbor during these seasons. And one of my favorite, the Gig Harbor Farmers market, which opens April 3rd.

I really love our Farmers Market, which has come so very far since it began about a decade ago. And, according to market director Dale Schultz, this upcoming market season is going to be event better. Dale has spent the winter recruiting new farmers and new vendors including Gradwohl grass fed organic beef farmer and Last Bite Bakery as well as Ike's Fish and Seafood.

The Saturday Gig Harbor Farmers Market opens April 3rd at the new location on Kimball Drive. Take the Wollochet City Center exit off of Hwy 16 and follow the signs.

Thanks to a sponsorship by Columbia Bank, every Saturday the market will have live music including Billy Farmer, Steve Stefanowicz and Dave Calhoun - all local favorites.

The Farmers Market has a brand new website www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com and will also be selling new Farmers Market logo wear this year! It's all new and exciting for the Saturday market.

And additional good news, the Wednesday Green Market at Skansie Brothers Park is also expanding with more vendor, more activities and longer hours - open until 7pm. The Wednesday Green Market begins June 2nd. Stay tuned for more details on the Wednesday market coming to this Blog!

And see you on Saturday April 3rd for the opening of the Gig Harbor Farmers Market!!
www.gigharborguide.com

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way!

The sun is smiling on us today and it is a perfect day to talk about Easter, that wonderful holiday that makes us all feel like spring is finally here in all its pastel glory.
Once again this year there are many great options for your family to enjoy Easter in Gig Harbor - beginning this coming Saturday March 27th with the UPTOWN EASTER EGG HUNT!
Celebrate Spring at Uptown on March 27th with their annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10am. Uptown merchants invite you to meet at the fountain for this fun, free, family event. Children ten and under can meet the Easter Bunny himself until noon. It's all your style, you Uptown. Learn more at www.uptowngigharbor.com

Join WildBirds Unlimited for their 18th ANNUAL WILDBIRDS UNLIMITED EASTER EGG HUNT, on Saturday April 3rd at 10:30am. Kids ages 0-9 are invited to come to historic downtown Gig Harbor for this wonderful, free event. Be sure to bring your cameras too because that old Easter Bunny will be there, and ready to have a photo taken with your child. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 3120 1/2 Harborview Drive. Learn more at www.wbu,com/gigharbor

Also on Saturday April 3rd from noon - 2pm is the PenMet Parks Spring Easter Egg Hunt at Goodman Middle School 93701 38th Ave NW). Kids 6th grade and under are invited to this free event that includes an Easter Egg Hunt, bounce house, prizes, raffle and of course (that very busy guy) the EASTER BUNNY!. Bring your cameras! Learn more at www.PenMetParks.org

On Easter Sunday enjoy a Champagne Easter Brunch Buffet at Brix 25. Brunch will be served from 10am-2pm on Sunday April 4th and will include bottomless glass of champagne, carving station, omelet prepared to order, Beouf Bourguignon, seafood station, dessert bar and more. $32 per person, kids 5-12 are half price and under five is free. Reservations are recommended so call (253) 858-6626 pr www.harborbrix.com

The Heritage Restaurant at the beautiful INN at Gig Harbor offers its special Easter menu on Sunday April 4th from 9am-3pm. Enjoy a special plated Easter Brunch and choose from maple glazed ham, Dungeness crab crepe, prime rib, crab cake Benedict, shrimp omelet, cinnamon french or roasted tomato, spinach & Asiago strata. Adults are only $22, children under 8 are $5. Make your reservation today at (253) 858-1111.

Enjoy celebrating spring and Easter together in Gig Harbor!

To learn about loding in Gig Harbor for the Easter weekend please go to www.gigharborguide.com

It's Garage Sale Time

As soon as the sun comes out so do the garage sales, and this weekend there is a special one you do not want to miss. The Best Western Wesley inn, 6575 Kimball Drive is holding a INDOOR GARAGE SALE, with proceeds going to The Homestead at Alder Cove.
Friday March 26th from 9am-5pm and Saturday March 27th from 9am-4pm stop by the Wesley Inn for some great garage sale items and to support The Homestead, a permanent residence for local foster children (www.homesteadcove.org).
Donations are now being accepted, but must be delivered to the Wesley Inn by Thursday March 25th. Call to arrange over sized items at (253) 858-9690.
The Best Western Wesley Inn is located .5 off of Pioneer on Kimball Drive.

See you there!
www.wesleyinn.com

GET OUT AND VOTE FOR GIG HARBOR

Sharpen up your #2 pencils Gig Harbor and get out and vote! Two great annual opportunities are upon us to vote for your favorites in Gig Harbor. A great way to support local businesses and help our local businesses to thrive!!

1. Gig Harbor has been nominated as BEST TOURISM DESTINATION in the annual KING 5 BEST OF WESTERN WASHINGTON contest. Of course, as they say, "it's an honor just to be nominated", but not fooling anyone that it would be really nice to win. What a nice boost to our local economy and all of our exceptional businesses to have this honor. Here is the link so please, log on and vote!

http://best.king5.com/contests/best-of-northwest-escapes/4764

2. It's also that time of year where the Peninsula Gateway is doing the BEST OF GIG HARBOR, voting. This annual local competition is friendly but also very competitive as local businesses position to be the BEST OF GIG HARBOR in everything from best art gallery to best romantic walk. Watch the Gateway each week for the next several weeks for your ballot for THE BEST OF GIG HARBOR awards. Announcement of winner will be in late May.

Join the fun and vote for what you love about our wonderful community. And then go out and enjoy it, because you are so lucky to live here!

April is National Volunteer Month

Gig Harbor is an awesome place for volunteers. Everyone you meet is a volunteer in some capacity, each individual finding a place to give some time and energy that focuses on something they are passionate about.
April is the time of month to stop and say thanks to those who give back with time. Time is such a valuable commodity. Worth its weight in gold, as they say. So THANK YOU Gig Harbor for all you do.
The City of Gig Harbor thanks their volunteers annually with a small but non-the-less sincere reception and awards ceremony. This year the event takes place on April 19th at 5:30-6:30pm at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. Dozens of citizens volunteer for the city in capacities such as parks commission, design review board, visitor information center volunteer and police department reserve. Each year the Mayor announces the annual Carol Gorman Memorial Volunteer of the Year award to one outstanding city volunteer, as well as the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center Volunteer of the Year and several police department awards.
If you are not volunteering in your community, we can help connect you to a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available. Here is a link that will take you direct to a page on our website that lists local volunteer activities.

http://www.gigharborguide.com/files/library/4826b39ce78f25e0.pdf

In addition several local groups we work with are recruiting now for upcoming event volunteers;
Are you interested in helping the the 2010 Maritime Gig Festival June 5&6? Volunteers are needed to assist with the Grande Parade, Kitsap Credit Union Main Stage, Children's Fair, Fun Run and more. Contact the Gig Harbor Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce to learn more at (253) 851-6865
Are you interested in history and the new Harbor History Museum? The museum is looking for volunteers to assist with their annual Basket Social Auction, the new and coming up in August Gig Harbor Food and Wine Festival and many other areas including programming for the new museum. Call (253) 858-6722
Are you interested in helping answer questions about our community? The Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center, located at 3125 Judson Street is open six days a week and needs lots of volunteers to greet guests and help them have an exceptional experience in Gig Harbor. (253) 857-4842
Are you interested in preserving the economic vitality of historic downtown Gig Harbor? The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is now the lead organization on the creation and maintenance of the beautiful summer flower baskets and planters and they need lots of volunteers to assist with that program. In addition they are currently planning Chalk the Walk for July 17th and volunteer are needed for that. (253) 514-0071
The Gig Harbor Film Festival is coming up in October, and is fast becoming one of the "signature" events for our community. Volunteers are desperately needed for all aspects of the festival. It's a great event, find out more at (253)851-1619 or http://www.gigharborfilmfestival.org/listpage.asp?Category=Get~Involved&Category2=Volunteer&Cat=Category
There are dozens of other fabulous volunteer opportunities in Gig Harbor including the FISH Food Bank, CoalitionHumane, PenMet Parks all of the service organizations, Peninsula Schools Foundation and many, many more. Check out the link

http://www.gigharborguide.com/files/library/4826b39ce78f25e0.pdf for more ideas.
And thanks Gig Harbor, for giving your time!

BE COUNTED - 2010 Census is Important

There is lots of talk now about the Census. But also lots of confusion. What is it and why is it important to our community?
The first census took place in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census also was created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew.
Today, in addition to administering the census of population and housing the Census Bureau conducts more than 200 annual surveys including the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey and economic censuses every five years.
A Census Snapshot
What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States
Who: All US residents must be counted - both citizens and non citizens
When: You will receive your questionnaire in March either by US mail or hand delivery. Some people in remote areas will be counted in person
Why: The US Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have i the US House of Representatives.
How: Households should complete and mail back their questionnaires upon receipt. Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person.
Did you know;
It's Easy - 10 questions take 10 minutes to answer
It's Safe - The Census information is 100% confidential is not shared, even with out US Departments. You do not need to fear giving accurate information even if you are an undocumented resident, have issues with the law or the IRS. The information is protected.
It's Important - For every person who is not counted in our community, local jurisdictions loose $1400 per year for the next 10 years in federal support.
Read more about the Census at www.2010census.gov
Be Counted!

It's Farmers Market Time Again

Today, as I write, I have enjoyed an interesting mix of weather outside the window; rain, snow, sun, sleet, dark, sun, snow, rain. All day long it has been curious weather and all I keep thinking is - definitely spring in the Pacific Northwest.

So, just like that Pemco Ad with "socks and sandles guy" you gotta be ready for anything around here...or you'll never leave the house. And there is too much good stuff coming up to not get outside, especially since it is almost Farmers Market time in Gig Harbor.

I really lover our Farmers Market, which has come so very far since it began about a decade ago. And, according to market director Dale Schultz, this upcoming market season is going to be event better. Dale has spent the winter recruiting new farmers and new vendors including Gradwohl grass fed organic beef farmer and Last Bite Bakery as well as Ike's Fish and Seafood.

The Saturday Gig Harbor Farmers Market opens April 3rd at the new location on Kimball Drive. Take the Wollochet City Center exit off of Hwy 16 and follow the signs.

Thanks to a sponsorship by Columbia Bank, every Saturday the market will have live music including Billy Farmer, Steve Stefanowicz and Dave Calhoun - all local favorites.

The Farmers Market has a brand new website www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com and will also be selling new Farmers Market logo wear this year! It's all new and exciting for the Saturday market.

And additional good news, the Wednesday Green Market at Skansie Brothers Park is also expanding with more vendor, more activities and longer hours - open until 7pm. The Wednesday Green Market begins June 2nd. Stay tuned for more details on the Wednesday market coming to this Blog!

And see you on Saturday April 3rd for the opening of the Gig Harbor Farmers Market!!
www.gigharborguide.com

Gig Harbor Nominated for Best of the Northwest Escape

It's time to vote Gig Harbor! We have been nominated in the 2010 Best of the Northwest Escapse contest. Voting begins on MONDAY MARCH 15TH and runs through FRIDAY APRIL 18TH., so login today and get ready to help us win!

Why do we want to win? Tourism is a "clean" industry for our community during difficult economic times. Visitors bring dollars to our community and help our local businesses stay alive and thrive. Sales tax revenue is generated which in turn pays for services you need like roads, and sidewalk and water. We all benefit from a healthy local economy, and tourism is an easy way to make that happen, while also provding for the amenties that we as residents also like.

Please help Gig Harbor rise to the top in this contest, so we can show the rest of Western Washington what makes Gig Harbor such a great place to live and to visit!

Vote on line at http://best.king5.com/gig-harbor-wa/biz/180104

City of Gig Harbor Bond Rating Increase

City of Gig Harbor Receives Standard and Poor’s AA- Rating
Bond rating increase reflects professional and conservative city finances


Gig Harbor, Wash. – March 3, 2010 – Today the City of Gig Harbor received word it has been upgraded to AA- long term rating by Standard and Poor’s. The rating increase will mean a significant saving over the years to the City and its rate payers – about $92,000 in interest savings over the life of the bonds.

The Standard and Poor’s Report justifies the rating upgrade on;
• Location in the economically diverse Pierce County service area with above –average income levels
• Track record of maintaining adequate debt service coverage (DSC) and good liquidity
• Implementation of rate increases
The reports says the foregoing strengths are partially offset by the city’s additional debt needs to fund its current capital improvement plan and near-term need to expand capacity in both its water and sewer system.
The stable outlook reflects Standard and Poor’s expectation that the city will maintain sufficient system net revenues to ensure good DSC and cash on hand; and the stability of the rating will depend on the city’s ability to pass along future rate increases and remain in line with its forecast.

“I would like to thank Finance Director Dave Rodenbach” said City Administrator Rob Karlinsey, “as well as City Engineer Steve Misiurak, and all their staff for their outstanding work in demonstrating professionally and conservatively run city finances and a well-planned capital program in order to make the case for a higher bond rating.”

The report from Standard and Poor’s is available at www.cityofgigharbor.net

# # #

Welcome Spring in Gig Harbor with "get out of the house" Events

(Sigh)
Spring.
Ahhhhh....
Can't express enough how much I am looking forward to daylight saving time, light, warm, birds, blooms, and mostly reacquainting with all of you who have been hibernating!!! Time to get out and about. So here are some suggestions to get your motor running over the next few weeks;

Paradise Theatre continues its run of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. This is a great show! Check it out at www.paradisetheatre.org

Encore! Theater opens ANGRY HOUSEWIVES (returning by popular demand) March 12th. Don't miss it. www.encoretheater.org

Gig Harbor Civic Orchestra presents its spring concert "Morning, Noon, and Night" at the Milt Boyd Theater, Peninsula High School on March 13th at 7pm

Get Running! Two charity runs this month include Chapel Hill's annual RUN FOR BURMA on March 14th at 1pm and KING OF THE HILL, on the Cushman Trail, March 20th at 8:00am Learn more about both of these on our calendar of events at www.gigharborguide.com.

This is just a taste of what is coming up this spring. Get ready, get set, GET GIG!!

Cushman Trail Gap Project Complete, and Under Budget!

At the end of February the City of Gig Harbor completed a multi-month project known as the Cushman Trail Gap Project, connecting a section of the Cushman Trail between Cushman Trail Park and Soundview. This project was completed under budget!

Following a request from the State of WA DOT to improve bike facilities and trails, the City of Gig Harbor was awarded a $145K Grant from WSDOT to improve the facilitied in the area for pedestrian and bicycle safety and access. The project was designed, managed and inspected in house by City Staff Jeff Langhelm, Jeff Olsen, Amy Londgren, Marcos McGraw and Terri Reed. City crews completed the detailed work removing all existing 5 foot sidewalks, realignment of the roadway centerline on Hollycroft Street and construction of approximately 1000 lf of new 10 foot wide sidewalk, curb, gutter and electrical conduit for future street light installation.

The city's work was made significantly easier by the patience of partnership of local businesses in particular the owners of the 76 Gas Station and the Harvester Restaurant. Hats off to all who helped this project come to completion.

Construction on Harborview Drive Underway

The City of Gig Harbor is replacing 330 LF of existing asbestos cement water main with 8-inch ductile water main. Construction is now underway on Harborview Drive between Soundview and Pioneer for the next three weeks weather permitting. Construction takes place from 11pm-10am daily.
Preliminary design work (locating and saw cutting the road0 will be ongoing.This work will be performed in the mornings during low traffic volumes.
The City public works crews are working hard to create as little inconvenience as possible to the public and local businesses and appreciate your patience. If you have questions, please contact the Operations Department at the City of Gig Harbor at (253) 851-6170.

Be An Apprentice For a Day!

Gig Harbor Boat Shop is offering "Apprentice for a Day" Thunderbird #2 Restoration. Initiated in February 2010, participants in the ongoing program sign up for a single day and work under the guidance of the instructor on the restoration task of the day. The historic 26" Thunderbird Hull #2 (built in 1958 at Eddon Boatyard, now the home of Gig Harbor Boat Shop) is the initial focus of this program. In the first phase, participants are working under the guidance of Thunderbird sailboat specialist Jamie Storkman and Historic Preservationist Matthew Meachem to learn how to properly remove and document boat hardware, accessories and structural pieces using the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Vessel Preservation Projects" as a guide.
Would you like to be an Apprentice For the Day? Call (253) 857- 9344 to sign up for one or all six sessions. Each session runs 10am - 2pm and costs $30 for members and $40 for non members.

Ready, Set, GARDEN

Whether you are ready or not, spring is around the corner and gardening gurus are already digging, pruning, shaping and watching as buds, birds, bulbs and bees debut their 2010 ballet. Such an inspirational time of year!

Gig Harbor is a gardeners paradise; full of gardens and gardeners alike. There is also a real sense of community when it comes to gardening in this area, and so many gardeners are turning now to water wise gardening and sustainable gardening.

To keep this new gardening interest going, several local classes are in the works. Check out this list;

1. Since the City of Gig Harbor is creating a new RAIN GARDEN at the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center I am now learning a lot more about Rain Gardens and how they are the key to managing stormwater and protecting Puget Sound. The city project is a partnership with the city and Pierce County Stream Team, and stewardshippartners.org. A Rain Garden is a shallow depression in a yard planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses that 'don't mind getting their feet wet." You can learn how rain gardens help soak up rainwater from downspouts, driveways and sidewalks while protecting our local waterways at a free Rain Garden Workshop on Tuesday April 20th 6-8PM. Registration is required so contact streamteam@piercecountycd.org or (253) 845-2973.

2. The City of Gig Harbor and Tacoma Pierce County Health Department are presenting a fun, free and informative NATURAL YARD CARE workshop series. Learn how to design and maintain a beautiful landscape the Natural Yard Care way! These workshops will address a variety of yard maintenance issues. Space is limited so you must reserve. Here are the classes being offered;
Tuesday April 13th "Right Plant, Right Place" Garden Design Smart Landscape Watering
Tuesday April 21st Building Healthy Soil, Backyard Composting
Tuesday April 27th Natural Lawn Care, Garden Pest Management
All classes will be held at Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street from 6:30-8:30pm. SPACE IS LIMITED. To reserve call (253) 798-4587 or grinehart@tpchd.org

3. Gig Harbor's Community Garden is back this year at Wilkinson Farm and it's bigger and better than ever. Managed by the non-profit group Healthy Communities of Pierce County, this effort offers both plots for locals and a demonstration garden with produce being donated to the food bank. Applications are now being taken for plots. Volunteers and supplies are needed as well. Want to get involved and learn about healthy gardening and eating as well as exercise and give back to your community? Contact Barb Carr at (253)228-0538 or ghcommunitygardens@gmail.com

4. Adopt-a-Planter Program helps keep historic Gig Harbor green. The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is once again working with the city of Gig Harbor on the downtown planters and hanging basket program. The program will create 87 hanging baskets and 20 planter boxes that will line Harborview and North Harborview. Volunteers will work with the city on design of baskets and planters and will plant and maintain them through out the summer. Currently cash donations are needed to help fund the program. The GHHWA is looking for the following assistance;
Adopt your own hanging basket or planter $75
Green Thumb $50
Green Acres $100
Green Gardener $200
Sign up to volunteer on the watering crew
Contact Mary DesMarais with the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association to learn more at (253) 514-0071 info@ghhwa.org

5. The Gig Harbor Farmers Market is back, opening Saturday April 3rd at their new permanent location at the Kimball Park and Ride. We love the market! Watch for the Wednesday Green Market returning to Skansie Brothers Park in June. Learn more at www.gigharborfarmersmarket.org

6. May 15th Plant Sale at Donkey Creek Park, sponsored by 8 local garden clubs and benefiting the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. This first time event will include plants and yard art. Learn more by calling (253) 569-1381.

7. And it's not to early to mark your calendar for the Gig Harbor Garden Tour June 26th and 27th.

Learn more about all these events on our website calendar at www.gigharborguide.com

Get Gardening Gig Harbor!

Healing Through Furniture

Bill and Joelene Lemke are amazing people. Despite enduring the loss of their only child Brian two years ago when he was only 17, Bill and Joelene have turned that tragedy into a unique non-profit service for Pierce County residents.
When Brian, a Junior at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, passed away from Leukemia in November of 2007 the entire community embraced this wonderful couple and rallied around them in their loss. Brian was an outstanding young man, so full of life and love. It seemed incomprehensible that he was gone.
But so quickly did the Lemkes turn their grief into something positive in Brian's memory. A unique non-profit to "furnish hope to those in need".
Bill Lemke had spent 30 years in the home furnishing industry, working with stores in the Pacific Northwest. The idea was his to match furniture donations, new and used, with victims of domestic abuse, people suffering loss from fire and natural disasters, foster home and especially families coming from transitional housing who are trying to rebuild their lives.
The Northwest Furniture Bank was born (www.nwfurniturebank.org)
This organization believes that no person should have to sleep on the floor in a country as wealthy as the USA. And their goal has been embraced by thousands of people who are donating and volunteering including many local sponsors such as IKEA, Old Cannery, Sleep Country USA, Harkness Furniture, ReclinerLand, Selden's Home Furnishings, Emerald Home Furnishings, KMPS, Cole Sreen Printing.
As the organization grows so does the need. Now the Northwest Furniture Bank is embarking on a unique fund raising event idea. CHAIR AFFAIR is a unique event featuring local artists who have created artistic chairs and other pieces of furniture to be auctioned off to raise funds for the NW Furniture Bank. On March 4th at the Tacoma Art Museum, CHAIR AFFAIR will be a party all about chairs!
Several Gig Harbor artists are involved including Maggie Walters whose chair is pictured here (additonal photos here are artist Judy Gilbert and artist Sanne Beavin). Maggie has created a beautiful chair inspired by Mt. Rainier, one of her favorite spots on earth.
Maggie's husband Dan and Bill Lemke, along with Brian, were hiking and climbing buddies for many years. Maggie's nephew Matt Van den Heuvel is also the operations manager of the NW Furniture Bank, so the family ties are strong. Because Maggie is an artist, its seemed a perfect fit for Maggie to become involved in the NW Furniture Banks first annual CHAIR AFFAIR. If the chair fits...and it did!
CHAIR AFFAIR still has tickets available for the March 4th event. Want to join the fun? It's a great cause and a special event for a special organization, family and community/faith based organization, filling many needs for many people.
Learn more and get tickets at www.chairaffair.org
I'll see you there!

New Gig Harbor Logo Wear Now In Just in Time for Spring

The Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center, located at 3125 Judson Street, now has available new items in our line of Gig Harbor clothing. Great new colors and styles for men and women just in time for spring including jackets, fleece, sweatshirts, t-shirts (several styles), baseball caps and scull caps as well as the popular burgee. We also have the Puget Sound Wildside Book and the Gig Harbor Video. While supplies last, you will receive a environmentally friendly, reusable cloth bag with your purchase.
Come visit us and see the new stock. We are open every day EXCEPT Tuesday and Sunday.
www.gigharborguide.com

AND HERE IT IS - THE 2010 SUMMER CONCERT AND MOVIE LINEUP

The City of Gig Harbor is thrilled to bring to you once again, the hottest ticket in town, the Summer Sounds at Skansie, Tuesday evening outdoor concert series and the CinemaGig outdoor movie series for 2010.

In partnership with our wonderful sponsors - CenturytLink, St. Anthony Hospital and MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park we have spent the last two months reviewing and booking bands and movies and think we have the best line up EVER! Here it is, mark your calendar now so you don't miss a thing, because after all IT'S FREE!!

SUMMER SOUNDS AT SKANSIE

June 22nd The Rauccous Band www.RaucousBand.com
June 29th Soulstice (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band) www.thesoulsticeband.com
July 6th the 133rd Army National Guard Band
July 13th Blackberry Bushes Stringband www.theblackberrybushesstringband.com
July 20th THE BEATNIKS www.thebeatniks.com
July 27th Freckles Brown Band www.frecklesbrown.com
August 3rd Danny Vernon (Elvis) www.dannyvernon.com
August 10th My Fathers Manouche www.yourfathersmanouche.blogspot.com
August 17th The Coats www.thecoats.net
August 24th Island Jamz www.islandjamzinc.com

CINEMAGIG OUTDOORS

Friday July 9th, Donkey Creek Park Date Night AIRPLANE
Saturday July 10th Skansie Brothers Park Family Night WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Friday July 23rd, Donkey Creek Park Date Night MAMA MIA
Saturday July 24th, Skansie Brothers Park Family Night, GOONIES
Friday August 6th, Donkey Creek Park Date Night, THE PINK PANTHER (ORIGINAL)
Saturday August 7th, Skansie Brothrs Park Family Night, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
Friday August 20th, Donkey Creek Park Date Night, BLINDSIDE
Saturday August 21st, Skansie Brothers Park Family Night, FINDING NEMO

More details on this and other summer events coming soon. Stay tuned!!

Another Business Lost in Gig Harbor

Farewell to Le Bistro. A Gig Harbor Favorite. Read More.

If you really love somebody, help them get in shape!

The perfect Valentines gift for the one you love is health. Be inspirational to your spouse, significant other, kids, friends...anyone! Commit to being healthy for a long life of happiness and love. And start with a Valentines Day Run "You Knock My Socks Off" in Gig Harbor on the beautiful new Cushman Trail.

This four mile race begins and ends at Route 16 Running, located at 6565 Kimball Drive and goes North on Kimball and then onto the new portion of the Cushman Trail. Four mile begins at 8:30am and the kids dash starts at 8am.

Great prizes are in store, and all the proceeds go to benefit Healthy Communities of Gig Harbor and Pierce County, the organizer of the Gig Harbor Community Garden. Additional benefits go to the Gig Harbor FISH Food Bank.

Register ahead of time at Route 16 Running, or on line at http://www.route16runwalk.com/.

See you there! Happy Valentines Day!

Do You Want to Join Our Blogging Family?

The City of Gig Harbor Tourism Marketing office, along with our Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center, are the lead organization for the greater Gig Harbor area for promotion and marketing for the community. Our website http://www.gigharborguide.com/ is the most viewed site for Gig Harbor area information. And starting mid-March, our website will have a fresh, more colorful and much more user friendly layout! We can't wait to share it with you!

At the same time, our Gig Harbor Guide Blog will also change. No longer will the blog be hosted at Blogspot. It will be hosted on our website and be much easier to access, comment and use as tool for the community. This is another great development for Gig Harbor.

As part of these changes, we are recruiting "guest bloggers" to join our team. The new blog will provide a great opportunity to bring community members into the conversation with insight, ideas, suggestions and tips about our community.

We've been thinking about some topics we would like to have community bloggers focus on; environment, heritage, recreation, food, kids and family. We are open to other ideas as well.

So here's what we need - if you are as passionate about Gig Harbor as we are, are a descent writer, not a politician or community hot shot, just an average Gig Harbor guy or gal, we'd love to hear from you.

Of course, the blog is the property of The City of Gig Harbor Marketing Department, and so we will have some rules; all blogs must be positive. Period. No slamming businesses, or people in the community. No political statements or candidate endorsements. If you can't be positive then this is not the place for you.

All blogs will be edited and reviewed by me (Laureen) prior to posting, so if you object to editing, then this is not the place for you.

We would love to expand our blog to have a greater voice for the community. Interested? Send me an email to apply. We will be taking applications over the next couple of weeks and will let you know who we have chosen by the middle of March.

We'd love to have you on the team!

lundl@cityofgigharbor.net

TOLL INCREASE IN OUR FUTURE?

IMPORTANT! Gig Harbor and Kitsap friends! Toll increases are in our future! Do you want a voice? Speak up to the WA Citizens Advisory Committee on Tolls, tomorrow, Tuesday Feb 9th 5-7pm at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street Gig Harbor WA 98335.
We need to fill the room and have a voice regarding this issue. Increased tolls will only decrease our ability to attract new business and visitors to our community at a time when our local business and local economy need it the most. toll increase will negatively impact our community and our ability to rebound from the hits we have taken this past year. We need to say no! Please come to the meeting and let your voice be heard.

Chocolate Covered Gig Harbor this Saturday

If I were you, I would watch your diet all week...just so you can splurge with out guilt this Saturday at THE ART OF CHOCOLATE, in historic downtown Gig Harbor. This new even is a great way to shake of the winter and enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate, all while enjoying beautiful Gig Harbor and the monthly Gig Harbor Art Walk.

Beginning at noon, pick up a passport at participating businesses to be eligible to win some wonderful prizes, including an overnight Gig Harbor get-away. Take advantage of discounts and store specials all while delighting in the arts and shopping for that special Valentine.

Here's a list of some of the special things being planned by downtown merchants;

• Gig Harbor's very own 7 Seas Brewery will be at Vanilla Bean on sharing samples of their beers during The Art of Chocolate.


• Mostly Books will feature a variety of Chocolate themed cookbooks


• In store raffles at Vanilla Bean, Simply Charmed and Sea Glass Interiors


• Water to Wine will host local chocolatier Matt Carter from 1-4pm for chocolate samples as well as wine.


• SeaGlass will have sample of gourmet chocolates, including novelty NW chocolates; halibut, slugs, Space Needle, ferry, orcas and shells.


• Bring your broken down feeder to Wild Birds Unlimited during the Art of Chocolate and receive 25% off a new one.


• Gig Harbor Gift Mall will be raffling a Valentine Gift Basket with lots of lovely gifts and of course, Chocolate


• Imagine Great Things also has a give-away basket and is serving chocolate truffles


• The Beach Basket will feature 50% off their winter clothing and 25% non-sale merchandise


• McBeckland's has a great sale on all day and will offer in store drawing.


• Continue the celebration a little later into the evening at The Keeping Room with an evening of love songs and chocolate treats from 5-8pm.

All this week the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center, located at 3125 Judson Street will be giving away candy "Kisses" to our visitors. Stop in and say hi, and be sure to join all of the merchants in historic downtown Gig Harbor for THE ART OF CHOCOLATE, Saturday February 6th noon - 6pm.

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Will You Be My Valentine Gig Harbor?

Valentine's Day comes each year at a time we all need a little boost to color our lives and get us through to spring. And Gig Harbor is just the place to do it. This year more than ever, there are so many wonderful choices of romantic and family friendly activities to enjoy for this "love"ly holiday.

Romantic Weekend? Check this out -

• The INN at Gig Harbor has a special Valentine package with dinner and Jacuzzi or Fireplace suite, includes bottle of wine and a long stemmed rose and full breakfast for $299 per night plus tax and gratuity. http://www.innatgigharbor.com/


• The Best Western Wesley Inn offer their Rekindle the Romance package in a cozy fireplace room, late check out, continental breakfast for two, wine or chocolate truffles or roses for $149 per night plus tax. Upgrade to suite and receive a bottle of Champagne and fresh strawberries. www.wesleyinn@wesleyinn.com


• Celebrate love at the Maritime Inn, enjoy time together just the two of you in a luxurious room, with champagne and chocolate, continental breakfast and movie tickets for two, all for $139 per night plus tax.


• Romance package at the Gig Harbor Beach Bay Bed & Breakfast, select one of their packages or create your own with choices including dinner, massage and more. Learn more at http://www.gigharborbeachbay.com/

Romantic Meal? Check this out -

• The Heritage Restaurant at the INN at Gig Harbor is offering its Valentine Sweetheart Dinner, a complete four course dinner for two including a glass of "bubbly" for $85 per couple plus tax and gratuity (253) 858-1111. This special is good Friday Feb 12th - Sunday Feb 14th.


• Kelly's Restaurant in historic downtown Gig Harbor will have their annual Valentines Dinner. The popular event requires reservations, (253) 851-8679


• Sip at the wine bar and restaurant invites you to a romantic dinner for two any time now through Valentines and enter to win the Sip on Romance Valentine Extravaganza. http://www.siprestaurant.com/


• The Harvester will celebrate with their two for one Surf and Turf


• Il Lucano will have a special menu with champagne and roses


• Anthony's will serve breakfast and lunch on Valentines Day until 3pm and a special dinner with all you can eat Dungeness Crab for $27.95 as well as Steak Oscar and Steak and Lobster specials. (253) 853-6353


• Check out the tasting room with your Valentine at Seven Seas Brewery http://www.sevenseas.com/


• Brix 25 invites you to a memorable Valentine's weekend with special menu items created by Chef Thad, and special cocktails including a rose petal martini and a pomegranate chocolate martini. http://www.harborbrix.com/

Performing Arts? We got that too -

• Encore! Theater production of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" runs through Sunday February 14th. http://www.encoretheater.org/


• Great Love Duets, 2pm Feb 14th at the Key Center Pierce County Library featuring opera lecturer Norm Hollingshead (253) 884-2242

Family Time? Try this -

• 1968 in America, is open at the Harbor History Museum


• You Knock My Socks Off race on the beautiful new Cushman Trail, 8am


• Encore Youth Theater presents "The Magical Land of Oz", four 2pm matinee performances on Feb 6, 7,13th & 14th

So many great ideas, why wouldn't you take your Valentine to Gig Harbor??

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Bridge Tolls: Let YOur Voice Be Heard

A Message from Rob Karlinsey, City of Gig Harbor City Administrator

Who would have thought King County would be the cause of higher-than-needed tolls on the Narrows Bridge? Whether it was in your wildest dreams or not, upcoming King County transportation projects may soon have an adverse, albeit indirect, impact on our Narrows Bridge tolls and therefore the Gig Harbor economy. How so?

Tolls for King County projects such as the 520 Bridge and Alaskan Way are on the horizon, and the State Treasurer wants to position the State in order to obtain the lowest interest rates it can get on the bonds for those King County projects. That's where we (Gig Harbor residents) come in, whether we like or or not. To put the King County projects in the best light for bond rating agencies and future underwriters, the State Treasurer wants to show that the State has a recent history of healthy financial reserves (aka savings accounts) for toll-financed projects. Because there aren't a lot of toll bridges in the State, the Narrows Bridge is the only poster child that can be held as a shining example of robust tolls and resulting large debt fund reserves.

But there's a gaping hole in this logic. Unlike the upcoming toll projects in King County, the Narrows Bridge was financed under a different debt agreement that is "triple backed" by the State and doesn't require a certain amount of annual revenue as a percentage of annual debt payments. Future King County toll projects like the 520 bridge on the other hand, will probably require revenue to debt payment ratios. Even though some officials at the State know they are comparing apples with oranges, they still want to show bond raters that the State has the political will to impose higher tolls to ensure greater reserves and thereby garner better interest rates for the King County toll payers. We're not King County -we struck our own, separate deal with the State on the Narrows Bridge years ago. (Side note: The deal we struck with the State required tolls to pay for the entire cost of the Narrows Bridge; toll-funded projects in King County will be heavily subsidized by other State funds.)

Especially in this economy, we can't afford to let King County be the cause of higher-than-needed tolls in Pierce County. The Narrows Bridge citizen advisory committee (CAC) has carefully studied this issue and is recommending a financially sound toll rate adjustment that is sufficient for the type of bond and leaves an adequate cushion. Being required to pay higher-than-needed tolls to build a higher-than-needed reserve cushion is unfair and will hurt our local economy.

Many would-be shoppers and visitors already see the Narrows Bridge as a psychological impediment. We should be willing to pay our fair share, but we can't let the State add another economic impediment by imposing tolls that are higher than necessary - Gig Harbor has a relatively small and more vulnerable economy that can't afford to take this kind of hit. Our local state legislators (Senator Kilmer and Representatives Seaquist and Angel) agree and have been working aggressively on our behalf.

If you also agree, let your voice be heard. The State Transportation Commission's preliminary recommendation to increase tolls will be sent back to the CAC in the near future, and the Transportation Commission's final recommendation to the State Legislature will be voted on soon thereafter. Send letters to the State Transportation Commission (PO Box 47308, Olympia WA 98504-7308) and attend and speak at their meetings. If you want to know when the meetings will take place, contact one of our state legislators or contact me directly at karlinseyr@cityofgigharbor.net

Sips & Tips - Celebrate Beauty and Wellness

Start February with Sips & Tips - a new year and a new you!

Gig Harbor's wonderful restaurant and wine bar, "Sip" in Uptown outdoor mall, is launching a new event for women! "Sips & Tips" begins February 2nd and will be offered the first Tuesday of every month.

Ladies enjoy food, fun, wine and health and beauty tips as well as networking and girlfriend time at the monthly event. "Sips & Tips" helps you start the new year in style while satisfying your soul and discovering products and services that will both rejuvenate and relax you from head to toe.

Join the owners of Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar for a great new event and enjoy business networking opportunity with style and sophistication. Bring your friends, co-workers and colleagues in the spirit of friendship, empowerment, community and charity.

The first "Sips & Tips" begins February 2nd and will run the first Tuesday of each month from 5-6pm. Each month a different business will be featured. During the event, all ladies receive half off all glass pours. Stay for dinner (with the girls or have your significant other meet you at 6pm) and enjoy Chef Robert Green's specially designed three course meal for only $30. "3 for $30" includes salad, entree and dessert.

What a great way to network, learn and have fun, all while enjoying the gorgeous surroundings of Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar in Gig Harbor.

Sip is located at 4793 Point Fosdick Drive NW in Gig Harbor Uptown. (253) 853-3020 http://www.siprestaurant.com/

LINDQUIST DENTAL IN GIG HARBOR, NO CHILD TURNED AWAY

Gig Harbor is now home to a wonderful dental office that provides accessible, compassionate and effective dental care to our area's children in need. If families are uninsured, dental fees at Lindquist Dental are based on your total family's income, on a "sliding scale", and no child in need of dental care is turned away due to inability to pay.

Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children is located as a joint collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pierce County and is now located in Gig Harbor at the new Jim & Carolyn Milgard Family Hope Center at 8502 Skansie Ave. This beautiful new facility has state-of-the-art equipment and a friendly helpful staff ready to assist parents or guardians of children in need of dental care.

Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children is a great new addition to the Gig Harbor/Peninsula region and is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to children of our community. To schedule an appointment or to talk to a staff member regarding your individual situation please contact Lindquist Dental at (253) 853-2002 or visit http://www.lindquistdental.org/.

GIG HARBOR BOATSHOP LAUNCHES FIRST MARITIME PROGRAM

Setting a course that serves the community with traditional and contemporary maritime programming, the Gig Harbor BoatShop is launching The Shipwright's Toolbox workshop designed to familiarize the participant with boat builder's tools. Using the 26" Pirouette (#2 Thunderbird sailboat) as a demonstration and teaching tool, this two-day, eight hour course is scheduled for January 23rd and 24th, 10am-3pm at the Gig Harbor BoatShop, 3805 Harborview Drive. Space is limited at eight participants per workshop. For more information about fees and registering for this unique course, call (253) 241-7432.

This first of many educational workshops and programs scheduled for 2010 introduces participants to the care and use of hand tools commonly employed by shipwrights. Under the guidance of Steve Helgeson, Program Director and Guy Hoppen, BoatShop President, course participants will practice basic construction layout as well as the cutting and shaping of wood. Using lectures, demonstrations and hand-on activities, participants will gain competency in the use of tools, measuring tools, layout and marking tools. Participants will take home an assembled small project of their own design and construction. Tools for this unique program are provided by the Gig Harbor BoatShop.

For more information about the Gig Harbor BoatShop, visit www.gigharborboatshop.org

"1968 in America" Comes to Gig Harbor

OPENING SATURDAY JANUARY 30TH, GIG HARBOR'S HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM

Social turmoil...Political assassinations...The Beatles...Flower Power. On display at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, the exhibit 1968 in America

1968 in America is coming to the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, Washington beginning January 30, 2010. This exhibition traces the tumultuous events of 1968: a single year in history that rocked the foundations of American society. From the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the Vietnam War, the extraordinary events of 1968 witnessed profound change in social and political systems and confirmed to citizens of all ages that fundamental change was both possible and necessary. The Harbor History Museum is the only scheduled venue on the entire west coast for this exhibit.

1968 in America features four major themes: the Power of Idealism, the Power of Music, the Power of the Bullet, and the Power of the Press. Visitors to the Harbor History Museum will experience a variety of artifacts including photographs, magazine covers, political memorabilia, textiles, record albums, and other sights and sounds that explore this transforming moment in American history.

"This exhibition documents a pivotal year in American history," says Dee Harris, director of visual arts and humanities at Mid-American Arts Alliance. "It's much more than a history lesson. It's a message about how the power of idealism, music, press and the bullet made fundamental changes in our nation in 1968, setting the stage for current events that affect America today." The exhibit will also highlight Gig Harbor's transition and growth during the 1960s.

1968 in America provides a "sneak peek" of what is in store for visitors when the museum opens later this year. Professional traveling exhibits like 1968 in America will be featured in the Special Exhibitions Gallery.

The exhibit will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from January 30 through March 16, 2010 from 10am-4pm. Admission is by donation. The museum is located at 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor Washington. Call 253-858-6722 for more information, or visit http://www.harborhistorymuseum.org/.

The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, dba Harbor History Museum, was founded in 1963, and opened a museum in 1973. The mission of the Harbor History Museum is to create opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities. This is done by collecting, preserving and sharing the area's history. The museum provides a variety of public programs, exhibits, and educational outreach programs.

The exhibition is organized and toured by Exhibit USA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance and funded in part by National Endowment for the Arts. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 20 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small and mid sized communities every year. Mid-America is the oldest nonprofit regional arts organization in the United States. More information is available at http://www.maaa.org/.

To learn more about Gig Harbor visit http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Shoreline Master Program Update Open House

The City of Gig Harbor has scheduled an open house for the public to learn about the update of its Shoreline Master Program on Thursday January 21, 2010 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor.
The Shoreline Master Program is an element of the city's Comprehensive Plan and regulates all development and use activity within 200 feet of the shoreline. Staff consultants working on the master program update will be available to describe the update process from the public concerning how the program will affect property owners.
For addtional information contact Peter Katich, City of Gig Harbor at (253) 853-7616 or katichp@cityofgigharbor.net

GET MOVING GIG HARBOR

It's finally here! The long awaited map that is the companion to the walk markers laid last summer in Gig Harbor city sidewalks has arrived!. This beautiful new map lays out five separate walking/running routes within the harbor.

The brainchild of Dr. Pat Hogan, this project was a labor of love of Dr. Hogan, his wife Joan and the group "Healthy Communities of Pierce County". Dr. Hogan marked and laid out all the routes, researched and purchased the weather resistant product to use for the markers, and then worked with crews from the City of Gig Harbor to lay-down the markers around the harbor last summer.

In addition, the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department came on board to help produce the companion map. A lot of effort went in to recruiting sponsors to help pay for the map. Stepping forward to help were MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park, Route 16 Running, Puget Sound Neurology, Achieve and the City of Gig Harbor.

The map provides information about the following;

RED ROUTE (3.0 miles) Starts and ends at the bus stop across from the Best Western Wesley Inn. It includes several hills.

GREEN ROUTE (4.0 miles) Starts and ends at the Old Ferry Landing and goes all along the historic waterfront

BLUE ROUTE (5.0 miles) "Uptown" this route starts at the Library on Point Fosdick and goes all the way downtown via Soundview and back up.

ORANGE ROUTE This route covers the trail in Grandview Forest Park which total 2.0 miles

PURPLE ROUTE (5.1) This loop is the new Cushman Trail route from Hunt Street (Park and Ride) to 96th NW and includes beautiful views of the harbor and several hills.

The Orange and Purple Routes do not have mile markers in the sidewalks.

Maps are available at the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center located at 3125 Judson Street, Donkey Creek Park Visitor Kiosk, the City of Gig Harbor, Route 16 Running and several other locations around Gig Harbor. Pick yours up today and GET MOVING GIG HARBOR!