Angels Needed by Irene Torres, KP News “It’S Always Exciting When Someone ﬁ Nds the Perfect Bargain

MARCH 2013

Non-Profi t First Organization U.S. Postage day of PAID Spring Wauna, WA 98395 March 20 Permit No. 2 BOX HOLDER KEY KEY PENINSULA www.keypennews.com THE VOICE OF THE KEY PENINSULA VOL. 42 NO. 2 A worthy KP cause: Angels needed By Irene Torres, KP News “It’s always exciting when someone fi nds the perfect bargain. FEBRUARY 2013 And the price is always right,” Henry said. The Angel Guild is a thrift store tucked into an inconspicuous Beal said she is surprised at the number of brand new items Online space in the Key Center Corral. received, tags intact. The impact the nonprofi t and its volunteer angels have made “It’s the mail orders that don’t fi t. They are too much trouble on the Key Peninsula is substantial. As of December 2012, the to send back, so they donate them,” she said. total of proceeds from the sales of donated items stands at Brand names like Coldwater Creek and Lands’ End are com- $1,010,458. monly found in the shop, they said. The volunteers who sort the The Angel Guild has provided monies for grant funding for donations set all prices and store policies don’t allow the clerks Sunnycrest nearly every qualifying organization on the Key since its incep- to change them. Nursery tion in 1979. Henry said that grandparents often come in with their grand- A year ago, shop hours were expanded to open on Tuesdays. kids and let them pick out a few toys for a quarter or 50 cents, Since then, the average store income has increased by $1,700 per and “everyone leaves happy.” month. With that and the aging, illness and absence of some of Nancy Korseck said she had shopped in the store so often, a their 40-50 regular workers, organization leaders have identifi ed clerk suggested she should volunteer, so she did. a need for more volunteer help. She fi nds the Angel Guild a good way “to help a lot of peo- • New arts center in the works A Saturday visit to the shop found two clerks at the counter ple.” Now she is in charge of the sorting room and works two and two workers in the sorting room. days a week researching prices, evaluating items for sale and plac- • GED classes at Home fi re station Phyllis Henry and Betty Beal, two of those volunteers, both (See Guild, Page 4) • Fire District 16 fi re reports said they enjoy getting to meet the customers and socializing.

Become a fan on Facebook Vaughn man creates wooden toy treasures Follow us on Twitter By Scott Turner, KP News keypennews.com Dale Toman headed out the door of his Inside Vaughn home and followed the beaten path to his workshop, just like he’s done hundreds of Annual KPCC times before. crab feed Toman, 69, is a toy maker, a lover of wood -- Page 24 and glue who turns pine into intricate working art –– soothing his mind, heart and soul at the same time. News He grew up in South Dakota and spent most News ...... 1-5, 8-10 of his life working civil service jobs. In 1997 he Sections retired as a Veterans Administration warehouse Op-Ed Views ...... 6-7 worker. Schools ...... 11 Toman’s fancy for wood started when his Community Pages ...... 12-13 wife, Sherrill handed him a woodcrafters cata- log back in the early ‘80s. Citizens of the Year ...... 14-18 He found a train set he wanted to build to Community ...... 19-20 help him relieve stress. For his fi rst project, he Features ...... 21 followed a detailed blueprint. “I made it and it Obituary Notices ...... 22 looked real nice. It was just taking wood and Photo by Scott Turner, KP News Out & About ...... 24 Dale Toman enjoys spending quality time creating wooden toys in his (See Toys, Page 2) Vaughn shop. 2 NEWS www.keypennews.com • March 2013 (From Toys, Page 1) He still uses blue prints, but said they gen- erally just show the basic elements of each Logging display opens at KP museum making something out of it and when I was project. done, it was a toy,” he said, smiling. “It’s precision work. I use small fi les, do The Key Peninsula Historical Society seum for perusal by members. Toman was soon hooked on a life hobby. plenty of sanding and make all the toys museum is proud to announce their new The museum is open 1-4 p.m. every The couple moved to Vaughn in 2007, from scratch,” he said, holding up and ro- “Tall Trees, Tall Men and Tall Tales” Thursday and Saturday, or by appoint- and he’s been building toys in his backyard tating the pistons inside a small truck motor. theme of the year, and are looking for ment. Admission is free; money dona- shop ever since. Toman is a diabetic, and says his labor of some community help. tions always appreciated. He’s made a variety of different toys over love is also good for his health. Photos, tools, clothing and related items For information, call 888-3246. the years, but has a hankering for making “I go down to the shop and it seems like will be on display as well as a small replica construction equipment like tractors, dump I am in my own world. It keeps my mind of a steam donkey in operation, on loan trucks and the likes. active and I’m always getting around and from the family of Dale Boquist. Corrections “It’s just pine wood and Elmer’s wood never sitting. It’s a joy,” he added. A timeline of logging on the Key Pen- In last month’s Lakebay Marina story, glue. That is all I use,” he said. He doesn’t consider his hobby a business, insula is also part of the main wall display. we misidentifi ed Kerry Jamieson as the He picks his projects at random, with each but he does sell some pieces and others he Visitors are encouraged to identify tools regional commander of the U.S. Coast one taking between one and two months to gives away to sick children. or add names to unidentifi ed photos. Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. Jamieson is ac- build. His next big project is going to be build- Tom Van Slyke of Vaughn Bay Lumber tually a former Flotilla commander of Toman is methodical and meticulous. ing a fi re engine, complete with a working Co. will give a presentation on his family’s the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. His toys have many small working parts he water pump. involvement with logging on the Key Pen- In the fi re levy story, we misquot- builds from scratch. He often goes on lo- “I got some ideas how I’m going to do insula during the annual KP Historical So- ed Fire Chief Tom Lique. He said “... cation to take photos so his toys can be as it, but I want to go down to the fi re station ciety membership meeting on March 23, at ultimately, our goal with the levy is to realistic as possible. in Key Center and see if they’ll let me go the KP Civic Center following a noon meal. improve response times. If this doesn’t “It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of fi - inside one of these fi re trucks,” he said, with Offi cer election and approval of happen by the end of 2015, I will ask nesse. It’s something that you can’t just take a boyish grin. amended bylaws will also be included. A the Board of Fire Commissioners to a bandsaw and cut out,” Toman said. Toman can be reached at (253) 884-3547. copy of the bylaws is available at the mu- stop collecting levy funds.”

Executive editor: Scott Turner Sorrels, Rodika Tollefson, Irene To subscribe, please write, Ad sales: Brett Higgins. Wendy Klevin Torres, Ted Velasquez, Danna Web- call or fax: Bookkeeper: Stephanie Buhrman ster, Steve Whitford, Dan Whit- Key Peninsula News Community pages editor: Connie Renz marsh, Tom Zimmerman. 17010 S. Vaughn Road Production: Christina Hallock, Paige Distribution: Vic Renz, Connie P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394 Nader Renz, Phil Bauer, Frank Slater, Bill Phone: (253) 884-4699 www.keypennews.com Webmaster: Brett Higgins Dietz, Kevin Reed Fax: (253) 884-4053 Unsolicited submissions deadline including press Staff and contributors: Ron Cam- Guest columnists: Deborah Allen, Email: [email protected] releases: 15th of each month prior to publication eron, Ed Johnson, Karen Lovett, Hugh Cecil Beal, Mee Yeong Saunders Photo of Mount Rainier in the masthead was taken from the dock in Longbranch McMillan, Michelle M. Mondeck, Kevin and Bill Trandum by Thomas Morgan, a KP News reader and Key Peninsula resident. Reed, Colleen Slater, Frank Slater, Rick Key Peninsula News is published monthly by the Key Peninsula News publishing board in Vaughn, Washington. the KEY PENINSULA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION. The Key Peninsula Civic center Association is the non-profi t parent organization. Copyright 2012 with all rights 2. The objective of Key Peninsula News is to support and create community by reporting news and features and reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic contents in any manner without permission is prohibited. Annual providing a forum for local information. News and editorial coverage focuses on the Key Peninsula and immedi- subscriptions (12 issues) are available for $30.00 and are mailed fi rst class. Copies are mailed presort standard to ately adjacent areas within Fire District 16. residents and post offi ce box holders of the Key Peninsula. Single copies are available at the newspaper offi ce in the OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS! basement of the Civic Center annex and at various distribution points located on the Key Peninsula. Approximately The opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily refl ect the views of the 19,000 people live in the distribution area. publishers or staff. All letters to the editor must be signed and include a daytime phone number got verifi cation. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, AND OPERATION OF THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS No anonymous letters will be published. Submissions are used on a space available basis and may be edited if used. 1. THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS is a community newspaper, owned and published by the KEY PENINSULA THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS reserves the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Mail letters to: CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION, a nonprofi t, 501-C3 corporation with main offi ces in Vaughn, Washington. The P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394, or e-mail to [email protected]. name, goodwill and any copyright assets that may exist pertaining to the NEWS are among the fi nancial assets of March 2013 • www.keypennews.com 3 4 NEWS www.keypennews.com • March 2013

Photo by Scott Turner, KP News Customer Glen Pszczola purchases some merchandise at the Key Center An- gel Guild with help from Phyllis Henry and Betty Beal, on the cash register.

(From Guild, Page 1) them. He then ships the items to Third World countries. ing special items on eBay for auction or Sorters can encounter surprises, not all Amazon.com for sale. She said that some of them pleasant. “The work is dirty and items need to reach an expanded market, heavy,” Korseck said. “And those with al- outside the Key Peninsula. She recalled a lergies don’t come out here (to the shed).” McCoy cookie jar that sold for over $400 A fi nance committee meets monthly to and a box of Wedgewood pattern dishes review grant applications and make rec- that were sold by the piece and brought in ommendations. “Our greatest need is for over $1,800. volunteers who take their time commit- Marlene Miles, who does the quality ment seriously,” Treasurer Ann Nelson control from the shed behind the store, said via email. checks for soiling, working zippers, miss- The Angels only make grants to Key ing buttons, rehemmed items, rips and Peninsula organizations or activities that tears. Miles also oversees the adult puzzles benefi t the people on the Key Peninsula. and the children’s toy section and takes They do not give to individuals, religious the dolls home to clean and dress them, or political organizations. A list of grant and to fi x their hair. recipients posted next to the door inside “People are surprised at how clean ev- the store includes Mustard Seed Proj- erything is. But most of it doesn’t come in ect, KP Community Services and Food that way. It can be discouraging,” Korseck Bank, KP Civic Center, Peninsula Light, said. Boy Scouts, KP Fire District and the KP The Angels try to take in as many do- Community Council, just to name a few. nations as they can, but due to federal Store vouchers are given to the needy regulations for baby furniture and factory through the KP Community Services and recalls of certain brand appliances, those Children’s Home Society. All donation items cannot be accepted —“even if it requests must be mailed to P.O. Box 703 looks brand new.” Vaughn, WA 98394. Donations are tax- A full-time paid coordinator, Carla deductible and receipts are available for Parkhurst, runs the store. There are vol- that purpose. unteers dedicated specifi cally to testing These Angels may have retired from the sewing machines, organizing craft their paying careers but none of them has materials, overseeing the books, manag- slowed in their commitment to communi- ing the jewelry department, testing elec- ty. They all work a minimum of 12 hours tronics and equipment, testing the bread a month. All of them enjoy meeting other machines by baking a loaf and so on. women who have the same interests and Shoes and purses that do not sell in the helping with customers. “It is fun. No day store are picked up by an individual who is the same,” Korseck said. pays the Angel Guild a small amount for For information, call (253) 884-9333. March 2013 • www.keypennews.com 5

Student Transfers The deadline to request a student transfer is April 30, 2013. Special note: Purdy Elementary remains at full capacity--transfer requests with extenuating circumstances will be considered. A Request to Transfer within Peninsula School District Form must be completed annually by any student requesting a transfer. Requests should be submitted to Peninsula School District, Attention: Dan Gregory, Academic Officer K-12 Programs, 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 by April 30. To become a non-resident student in the Peninsula School District, parents must first complete the Application for Non-Resident Admission and obtain a district release from their resident school district. Non-resident transfers are granted on space availability at the school and grade level requested. Requests for non-resident student transfers should be submitted to Peninsula School District, Attention: Dan Gregory, Academic Officer K-12 Programs, 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 by April 30. To obtain a release from Peninsula School District, parents must submit a Request for Release—CHOICE form to the Education Service Center for signature. Questions? Please call Roxann Tallman at (253) OSPI Identifies Vaughn Elementary as a Reward School - Vaughn Elementary School has been identified by 530-1007. the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a Reward School for 2013-14. Vaughn was considered for reward status based on levels of student achievement. As a High Progress School, Vaughn is in the top 10 percent of Title I schools in reading and math based on the school’s performance over three years. Congratulations to Vaughn! $356,380 Check Presented to PSD - Peninsula Light Company CEO Jafar Taghavi recently presented the Peninsula School District with a rebate check for $356,380. The rebate is the result of a partnership between the District and Peninsula MARCH EVENTS Light Company to retrofit several buildings with new energyefficient lighting equipment. The rebate dollars allowed the District to expand the scope of the project and complete lighting upgrades at several schools and offices throughout the Dis- 7 School Board Regular Meeting 6 p.m. at trict. It is expected that the upgrades will save the District in both utility and maintenance costs. Minter Creek 9 Kindergarten registration begins 9 a.m. to Late Start Wednesdays - We revisit the value of our one-hour late start Wednesdays on a regular basis. The purpose of noon at all PSD elementary schools late start Wednesdays is very clear – collaboration on school improvement. Each of our schools documents monthly collaboration efforts, which are posted online at their building websites, and the District conducts school improvement process de- 12-14 High School State Writing and Reading briefs three times per year. It is not additional planning time, but is building directed collaborative work dedicated to school Testing (grades 10-12) improvement. Unfortunately, with the state budget cuts the last few years, we have lost three extra Learning Improvement 15 No School--Possible snow make up day Days and, with the salary cuts, lost an additional Professional Development Day to a furlough day. We will continue to work with our school board, principals, parents and teachers to make sure the Wednesday collaboration remains value-added. 21 School Board Regular Meeting 6 p.m. at 'LVWULFW2I¿FH

Nondiscrimination Statement Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, 25-26 Elementary ONLY early release 12:15 for honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical conferences disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: 26 Superintendent Forum 6:30-8 p.m. at Title IX and Compliance Coordinator is the Academic Officer K-12, (253) 530-1000, [email protected]; Section 504/ADA Coordinator is the Director of Goodman Middle School Student Services, (253) 530-1000, [email protected] 6 OP-ED VIEWS www.keypennews.com • March 2013 Peninsula Views An introduction of duty Lent, the annual Hello, neighbors. I am your new state sena- journey toward Easter tor, and I’m grateful for this chance to introduce We recently gathered myself and share some Nathan Schlicher Senator, 26th Dist. to lay a friend to rest, thoughts on the issues saying our goodbyes facing our communities in to a mother, a sister, an these challenging times in aunt –– a woman who Dan Whitmarsh Washington state. Writing by Faith For those of you I have not met, it is my someone who owes his career to a quality died much too young privilege to replace our former state Sen. public education, I know how important our after a battle with can- Derek Kilmer, who was elected to Congress schools are, and I want my children to have cer. in November. The Pierce County Council the same opportunities that I did. And Joe still grieves and the Kitsap County commissioners ap- We’re facing another tight budget situa- his wife, and Gene his brother-in-law, and not hiding from it any longer. This pointed me to fi ll the position, so our district tion, and we will have to make tough choices. and Doug his father, and we all miss is what Lent is about: slowing down will continue to be represented in Olympia However, I believe we need to be clear in the our friends, parents, spouses, children enough to name the truth about our this year. Legislature: Education reform and effi ciency who have left us. Death is too familiar lives. I was born and raised in Bremerton, the do not mean “less education.” We can’t cut a friend. That truth is often hard to bear. We son of a hospital administrator and a nurse. education at any level; we must improve it. Last month, while many were cel- lie. We steal. We drink too much. We Today I continue the family tradition as an We have a constitutional and a moral obliga- ebrating Mardi Gras and St. Valentine’s are jealous. We are afraid. We hurt our emergency department physician at St. Jo- tion to put our children’s education fi rst, and Day, another group was embracing Ash friends and loved ones. We seek revenge seph’s Medical Center. I am a benefi ciary of I am committed to making sure we do just the excellent public education system in our that. Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. on our enemies. We pillage and pollute state. I graduated from Central Kitsap High As an emergency room physician, I also It’s an old custom, one that gets play the Earth. We are selfi sh. Our bodies School and earned my law and medical de- see fi rsthand the importance of our safety in Roman Catholic and more liturgi- grow old and sick. Death is close by. grees from the University of Washington. I net. Ensuring everyone has basic health care cal corners of the world, and one that Here’s the good news, though. Lent live in Gig Harbor with my wife, Jessica, and not only changes lives, it can help us free re- is lately fi nding traction in the wider isn’t the end. It’s just a step on the jour- our two children, David and Juliette. sources for our priorities. A great example church. ney toward Easter. The end of the sto- As a native son, I know our area, including of this is the E.R. for “Emergencies” pro- Lent gets a lot of bad press, if any ry will be celebrated again at the end of the Key Peninsula, has unique interests and gram, which I helped design as a physician. at all. No one wants to speak of fast- March as Christians gather to celebrate needs. By working together, hospitals, physicians ing and abstaining in a world built on the Resurrection of Jesus. Transportation is a great example. As many and the state helped people get the right kind acquiring and consuming. Self-denial Easter is the promise that all that has of us know all too well, we share a signifi - of care, rather than coming to the emergency seems silly in a culture that worships been broken is being made new. It is cant share of the costs of two major parts of room with low-acuity health issues. the pursuit of pleasure. “Eat, drink and the hope that we shall all be reunited, our state transportation network: the Ta- That reduced emergency room visits by coma Narrows Bridge and the ferry system. state-insured Medicaid patients, increased the be merry,” said the rich farmer in the as the old hymn says. Easter is the mes- I know that escalating bridge tolls and ferry quality of care they received, and it is saving Bible. sage that, in spite of all that pain and fares, as well as potential cuts to ferry service, the taxpayers an estimated $30 million. We But that philosophy is ultimately brokenness, we are loved with an un- can make the basics like getting to work dif- can do more in this regard. empty. We celebrate and accumulate, shakeable love, and that eventually, all fi cult for many of us. I know that it is also Most of all, I want to hear from you. You only to fi nd it doesn’t satisfy, that some- will be made well. suppressing economic activity and making can always call my offi ce, or if you are in thing more is necessary. Whether Lent is a season you rec- growth in our district a challenge. Olympia during the legislative session, stop In the end, Lent is a time for truth- ognize or not, I encourage you to take I am working to keep tolls and fares down, by to talk. I’ve also been hosting weekly Fri- telling, for looking behind the masks some time for quiet and refl ection, even while maintaining our connection to neigh- day meetings across the district, inviting con- and the pretenses and lies we tell our- looking into the shattered remnants of boring communities. I believe we can miti- stituents to join me for coffee and a discus- selves. It is a time to recognize the the losses and pains of your life. As you gate the need for higher bridge tolls, for ex- sion of what matters to them. reality we’ve been trying to ignore –– do, my prayer is that you fi nd the path- ample, by holding down administrative costs I am honored to represent you and look that we’re unhappy, that we’re growing way leading through it to the hope of for the tolling program and taking a close forward to meeting you soon. look at reserve funds the bridge program is older, that we’ve hurt too many people, new life beyond. May Easter morning required to hold. Sen. Schlicher will be holding a town hall meeting that life isn’t going as we planned. shine bright and clear for all of us. While we do have unique needs in our dis- with Rep. Larry Seaquist from 2-3 p.m. March Everybody who’s been part of a re- trict, we also have much in common with ev- 16, at the Key Peninsula Lutheran Church. Contact covery group, or has gone through Dan Whitmarsh is pastor at ery Washington community. On top of that Sen. Schlicher at (360) 786-7650 or nathan. counseling or battled a disease will say Lakebay Community Church. [email protected]. list must be a commitment to education. As that the crucial part is naming the truth

The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily those of the KP News. We neither endorse nor oppose issues or proposals discussed on this page and present these views for public information only. March 2013 • www.keypennews.com OP-ED VIEWS 7 King tides, syzygy and the South Sound seiche The oceans that sur- round us would really like to leave the Earth. Only Earth’s gravitational pull William T. Trandum keeps them here. Winds, Tides & Weathers They are always seeking another gravitational pull with which to dance. Our sun and moon are both willing partners. And keeps our oceans from leaving the Earth. dance they do. Our Earth rotates around That’s atmospheric pressure. Air presses the sun, making the focal point of the sun’s down on the oceans, helping keep them from gravitational pull move as we spin. The much springing into the sky. closer moon rotates around us; the focus of At normal atmospheric pressure, a one- the moon’s gravitational pull also changes. inch square column of air reaching into the When the two pulls are in different direc- ionosphere weighs around 14.7 pounds. Yes, tions, there’s not much of dance going on and that weighs on you all the time, too. It’s about tidal differences day to day are minimized. as much as having a small car sit on you. But But when the two tug in the same direction, since it’s both inside and outside of you, it the tidal dance can be huge. Huge enough to doesn’t crush you. cause king tides. When atmospheric pressure goes down, King tide is the popular name; the name as it typically does over Puget Sound during a of the combined force that causes it is syzygy storm, its ability to hold the sea down can be (pronounced sizz uh jee). Great word, eh? seriously affected. A barometric drop from Now, add a powerful wind blowing over 30 inches of mercury to 29 inches reduces miles of open water causing huge waves to that weight and results in a general tide level build up and we get a sort of super syzygy. increase of 12.6 inches. And for us here on the South Sound, south- Add that extra foot to the syzygy the erly winds blowing up Carr and Case inlets, morning of Dec. 17, 2012, along with the along with the seiche effect of water moving gale force winds, and we had a greatly ampli- in a shallow vessel, creates conditions ripe for fi ed high tide. The normal predicted high tide tidal fl ooding. on that date measured in Seattle was just one- Puget Sound is a seiche (pronounced fourth of an inch higher than the last record saysh). A seiche is a fl at, shallow vessel fi lled high king tide in January of 1983. with water that sways back and forth. If you Just look at the damaged seawall in Purdy, fi ll a cookie sheet with water and carry it at Massimo’s restaurant, and you can get a across a room, you create a seiche. The water feel for the power of the combination of tends to slop over whichever end you tilt and natural forces. it’s really diffi cult to get it to settle down. The next king tide for us occurred the Puget Sound is no different. The gravita- morning of Jan. 14. Winds were light and tional pulls of the sun and the moon com- variable and barometric pressure was high, so bined with the rotation of the Earth provide the tides were nearly a foot lower than pre- motion for our seiche. At high tide, water dicted, and South Sound was as docile as a piles up like crazy at the far end of our two mill pond. waters at Wauna on Carr Inlet and Allyn on We live in a truly dynamic environment Case Inlet. where gravity, wind, barometric pressure, the Tidal extremes in locations not at the ends sun and the moon can change our mill pond of our seiche, for example Seattle, where the into a roiling cauldron in a few hours. tide just passes by, are about 12 feet from As every mariner knows, we must be ever lowest low to highest high. Meantime, Allyn respectful of the forces of nature. In awe. and Wauna see predicted tidal differences of more than 20 feet from -3.8 to plus 16.5 feet Bill Trandum is a retired U.S. Navy or more and a couple of feet more under captain, has sailed many of Earth’s seas in winter storm conditions. all kinds of weathers, and can be reached at But wait, there’s more. One more force [email protected]. 8 NEWS www.keypennews.com • March 2013 Herron Island turns on the faucet for new water system KP News staff report The island has two good-quality wells Water system manager that are more than 200-feet deep, she add- Judy Greinke, Heron Island On Feb. 9, residents of Herron Island ed. manager Claudia Ellsworth celebrated the completion of a new water Association members –– the actual water and Mario Villanueva, the system. users –– will pay for the new system over USDA state director of the The new system, which cost an estimated a period of 40 years. “By 2017, the entire Rural Development Division, cut the ribbon during the $1.8 million, replaced an old, leaky system system will be metered,” Ellsworth said. recent Heron Island commu- that had been in use since 1958, according One of the biggest benefi ts of the new nity ceremony celebrating to island manager Claudia Ellsworth. system is the increase in fi re hydrants. Prior the completion of their new Funds for the new system came from to the upgrade, there were just three fi re water system. The island’s loan through the U.S. Department of Agri- hydrants on the entire island, which is 1.5 community center was fi lled culture’s Rural Development Program. miles long and approximately half-a-mile with island residents and “We’ve been trying to replace the old wide. numerous off-island partici- system for more than 20 years,” Ellsworth “It’s absolutely amazing the increase in pants in the project. Photo by Ed Johnson, KP News said. “We knew it would be expensive, but protection the island now has,” said Tom board the ferry to the island. That meant translate into insurance savings for island- we were in a very favorable bidding cli- Lique, chief of the Key Peninsula Fire De- that, once they got to the island, they had ers, Ellsworth noted. “Of course, it de- mate.” partment. “When the island annexed into to fi nd a hydrant to reload from. pends on who your insurance company is, They also got a very low interest rate on the fi re district in 1984, there were only The fi re department lists the ferry “as but fi re is the island’s biggest hazard, and the loan –– 2.5 percent. three hydrants. Now there are 41.” one of our response units” Lique said. “If the new water system makes fi re protection There are approximately 400 homes on That will make a huge difference in the somebody calls us, they (ferry personnel) and suppression much, much easier,” she the island that connect to the system, in- fi re department’s ability to respond to fi res. receive a page just like our own crews do. said. cluding about 135 year-round residents. “Now, with the way our engines are set up, They tell us whether we can go directly to In the long run, Lique said, “We hope The entire island is a homeowners’ asso- we can probably use just one engine be- the dock, or if we have to wait for them to we’ll never have to use the island’s new wa- ciation, Ellsworth said. The members own cause many of the hydrants will be within clear out all the cars to make way for our ter system, but if we do, it will be a great their land and their homes, but the associa- 1,000 feet of each other,” Lique said. trucks.” help to us in putting out a fi re quickly and tion, called HMC, owns the water system In the past, fi re trucks often had to The boost in fi re protection may also hopefully saving the home.” and the ferry. dump their water loads before they could March 2013 • www.keypennews.com NEWS 9 BRIEFS Community News Local endowment fund center or directly to the Greater Tacoma in our community. plaud those people in our community who Community Foundation. The organization is a grassroots, nonprofi t are doing good things in preservation. This is gets established “A few (members) of our KP commu- made up of fi ve dedicated women on mis- a community award by people doing good by nity expressed an interest in placing the civic sion to inform people about the importance trees,” Alex said. The creation of an endowment fund has center in their personal giving programs if of trees in Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula area. The organization will be accepting nomi- been discussed for many years at the Key the center would create an offi cial and pro- According to Carol Alex, organization nations through April 5 at arbor@gigharbo- Peninsula Civic Center (KPCCA). fessionally managed endowment fund,” said president, one of the ways they make people rarbor.com. For information, call (253) 858- Those with an interest in sustaining the Bruce Macdonald, a KPCCA past presi- aware is by holding their popular contest. 8797. operations of the center and those who plan dent. “I think it is important to promote it “This award is open to anyone who lives or their giving now have an offi cial vehicle to as much as possible.” works in the greater Gig Harbor area. We are KeyFest fair moves to do so. For information, call 884-3456 or 884- looking for someone or an organization who, In November 2012, the KPCCA past 2955. last year, made some outstanding progress in Gateway Park presidents voted to transfer their entire trea- the planting or preserving trees in our com- sury (about $13,000) as seed money, and the Local group looking for munity,” Alex said. The local KeyFest community fair is com- KPCCA Board of Directors voted to set up Their last recipient was Bernie O’Brien of ing to town on July 12, 13 and 14. an endowment fund with the Greater Ta- a few good tree lovers Longbranch. He was chosen for saving trees This year, organizers are moving the pop- coma Community Foundation (GTCF). that would have been cut down on various ular event to the new Gateway Park, off SR- In operation for decades and manag- The Gig Harbor Peninsula Arbor Day Or- properties on the Key Peninsula, Alex said. 302 in Wauna. ing millions of dollars in similar funds, the ganization is currently accepting nominations Each year, the award is presented at the There will be carnival rides, games, a fi sh- GTCF protects and secures the investment, for its annual “Nominate a Tree Lover” good Gig Harbor Peninsula Arbor Day Organiza- ing pond, entertainment, a vehicle show and with only the interest earned being available stewardship award. tion’s Arbor Day celebration. This year the more. Coordinators are looking for spon- to the center. This award is given to an individual or or- event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April sors, vendors, volunteers, entertainers and Contributions to the KPCCA Endow- ganization that has made a signifi cant contri- 27 at the Peninsula High School commons. vehicle entries of all kinds. For information ment Fund can be made through the civic bution to the planting or preserving of trees “It is one way to really comment and ap- visit keyfair.org or call (253) 444-3547. 10 NEWS www.keypennews.com • March 2013 State ramping up for work on the Key Peninsula Highway By Irene Torres, KP News where vehicles can clear the roadway to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Each Another recent accident in the vicinity pullout will be 120 feet long. of the Wauna curves brought out road The state does not have the budget to crews for shoulder repairs and gave driv- widen shoulders all along the 6.23-mile ers a glimpse of major roadwork slated project, but Fuchs said the Legislature for Key Peninsula’s highway in 2014. appropriated some money because they Steve Fuchs, project engineer with the recognized the need to make some safety Washington State Department of Trans- improvements. portation (WSDOT), said the highway has “I think we have a very solid justifi ca- been identifi ed as having many accidents. tion where we plan these improvements He said the goal of the upcoming proj- based off a roadway safety audit complet- ect is to increase safety by reducing the ed in 2009 in cooperation with the Federal “frequency and severity of the accidents Highway Administration and the State Pa- by reducing congestion.” trol,” he said. “We also did a speed survey The $6.5 million “Key Peninsula High- and were able to reduce the speed from 50 way to Purdy Vicinity Safety and Conges- to 45 mph.” tion” project will be funded by the Trans- Fuchs plans to advertise the project portation Partner Account. By Ed Johnson, KP News near the end of this year, and construc- Fuchs said there are two main intersec- Last month, Washington State Department of Transportation workers made tion will start in the spring. He said it’s a tions of focus. One is at 118th Avenue some highway repairs after an accident in the Wauna curves area. Next year, one-season job and construction should and SR-302, where the state will add left- the WSDOT will commence work on a major project designed to help make be done by fall 2014. turn lanes to try and reduce some of the the heavily traveled Key Peninsula highway safer for drivers. Fuchs attends Key Peninsula Commu- major left-turn accidents. The other area nity Council meetings for quarterly up- of interest will be at the west end of the fi xed objects in the right of way –– mostly When construction delays start up next dates on state road projects. Purdy sand spit, at Goodrich Court and trees, so where we can (where wetlands year, Fuchs said he is hopeful that drivers For information, call (360) 570-6600. Goldman Drive, where they will also be aren’t present) we will remove trees so will be as patient as possible. A full project description is available at adding left-turn lanes. when people leave the roadway they aren’t According to Fuchs, there are also plans wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr302/kphtopur- “We are trying to remove a lot of the wrapped around a tree,” he said. to install six pullout areas on the shoulder dysafety/. March 2013 • www.keypennews.com SCHOOLS 11 Little Toasters building youthful confidence on the KP By Michelle M. Mondeck, KP News percent of them raised their hands when Kaylee asked to participate during regular school Scanton, left, A stream of 15 energetic Evergreen El- classes. and Ashley ementary School girls fi lled the classroom Last year, Jud Morris, Pierce County com- Roberts enjoy with smiles, laughter and anticipation. munity director for the Children’s Home a craft activity Last month, during one of their Little Society, asked Serena Carlson to become a with mentor Serena Carl- Toasters after-school gatherings, these girls volunteer “big buddy” for the growing pro- son during a gram. learned to stand up, to be proud and to recent after- speak their mind. Carlson, 14, fi rst became involved with school Little The Little Toasters program is designed Little Toasters in fi fth grade. Now in middle Toasters ses- similar to Toastmasters International, an or- school, she enjoys mentoring younger stu- sion at Ever- ganization dedicated to communication and dents involved in the popular program. green Elemen- leadership development. Carlson said she was encouraged by the tary School. The students start their activity with the leadership, had fun playing games and en- “word of the day,” a hands-on craft proj- joyed working with the kid-generated week- Photo by Scott Turner, KP News ect, followed by each girl writing her own ly topics. speech based on a kid-centric topic of the Singing in Little Toasters helped her to Lilly Hampton, 9, said she thinks the pro- Little Toasters is now offered as an after- week. overcome stage fright and speaking in the gram is both fun and educational. school activity at Minter and Evergreen El- Coordinator Debbie Fisher said the pro- classroom. She also attributes her self-con- “I like to draw, and I get to do that. It’s ementary. gram works well “because the girls have so fi dence to being involved in the program, a place to hang out with friends in a safe Fisher is working on developing the pro- much fun, they don’t even realize they’re she said. place, and it boosts up my confi dence,” gram curriculum in hopes of bringing other learning.” During the all-girls sessions, they engage Hampton said, smiling. schools onboard in the near future, she said. According to Fisher, who works for the with each other full of curiosity, imagina- At the end of each program, each stu- The Little Toasters program has been Children’s Home Society of Washington, tion and beam with pride throughout the dent stood in front of her peers and read nominated by the Association of American statistics show that teachers reported more hour-long program. her speech of the day. Afterward, each girl University Women (AAUW) for the Ellen than 60 percent of Little Toasters actually “It’s really fun. We write speeches, play was given a round of applause for a job well Roosevelt Award. learned to speak up when bullied, and 90 games and eat pizza,” said Drace Nesbit, 7. done. For information, call 884-5433. 12 www.keypennews.com • March 2013 COMMUNITY PAGES Submit calendar items to [email protected] • Deadline is the 15th of the month

KP Civic Center from noon to 3 p.m. NOW MARCH 10, 17, 24 To submit an event Tom Van Slyke, Vaughn Bay Lumber GED classes Silver cinema series To submit an event for the Co., will give a presentation on his fam- Key Peninsula residents are able to The fi fth annual Silver Cinema Series Community Works calendar, please ily’s involvement with logging on the email [email protected], complete a basic skills education for for seniors presented by The Mustard Key Peninsula. Election of offi cers will or mail to P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA college entrance, employment skills or a Seed Project and the Friends of the KC be held and the museum will be open. GED. Class meets Tuesday, Wednesday 98394. Briefs must be submitted by Prospective members are welcome. Library begins with “Stephane Grappelli: the 15th of the month. and Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at A Life in the Jazz Century.” The second 884-2511. the Home fi re station. Evening classes (6 fi lm is “Her Name is Zelda,” about a KC Library. (253)-543-3309. MARCH 28 to 8 p.m.) are available at the TCC Gig 90-year-old who remade herself during MARCH 14 Harbor Campus. Enroll any time. For middle age. The last fi lm is “Dalai Lama: Book group detailed class information, registration The Soul of Tibet.” View and discuss Ashes meet “Dance Boots” by Linda LeGarde is and orientation, call Tracy Clark, (253) the free fi lms at 1 p.m. at the KC Library. The Ashes support group for FD#16 the book discussed at 11 a.m. at the Key 460-2356. Refreshments are served. meets at 10:30 a.m. at the KC fi re station. Center Library. The discussion group is sponsored by the Key Center Friends of MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 MARCH 12, 27 884-3771. the Library. (253) 543-3309. Friday skate night MARCH 16 Knit or crochet MARCH 29 Geared for kids 5-13, skate night is Loving Hearts voluntarily knit and Pet treat hunt held from 5:30-8-30 p.m. at the KP Civic crochet hats for chemo patients and the Key Pen Parks hosts the annual free Club Cosmic Center. This is a safe place with roller backpack program for kids, baby items Pet Easter Treat Hunt from 10 a.m.-2 Club Cosmic, for teens grades 8-12, is skating, arcade games and concessions. and blankets, wheelchair/walker bags p.m. at Volunteer Park. All dogs must be held from 9 p.m.-midnight. Group games Parents are welcome to attend and visit and fi ngerless gloves for veterans in the on a leash. 884-9240. and activities, DJ battles, arcade games in with others on the observation balcony. community. They meet from 1- 3 p.m. the Whitmore room and concessions are Kpciviccenter.org or 884-3456. on March 12 and 7-9 p.m. on March MARCH 17 offered; all for $5. Kpciviccenter.org or MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25 27. Donations of yarn and needles are Third Sunday jam 884-3456. always welcome. Virginia, 884-9619 or Bluegrass Gospel Jam session is held at MARCH 30 Bloodmobile dates [email protected]. Longbranch Church (16518 46th Street The bloodmobile is at Albertson’s KPS) from 6 - 8:30 p.m. for all acoustic Egg hunt from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. KPLL parent training instruments, ages, and skill levels. Every- The annual free Easter Egg Hunt MARCH 7 The KP Little League holds training one is welcome to play, sing or simply lis- for children ages 12 and under begins for parents at 7 p.m.at Volunteer Park. ten. Bring music stand and fi nger food to promptly at noon at the KP Civic Center. Fuchsia club meets [email protected]. share; music and beverages are provided. The hunt is hosted by Boy Scout Troop The Lakebay Fuchsia Club meets at 7 220 and the KP Civic Center. Kids search MARCH 12, 19, 26 (253) 492-4177. p.m. at the KC Library. Ginnie, 884-9744. for Easter eggs fi lled with candy and Play time MARCH 21 prizes and visit with the Easter Bunny. MARCH 8 Baby play/learn time, for 0-24 months, Community Forum The troop is seeking donations for candy. Contact [email protected]. Climate change is at 10:15 a.m. followed by preschool Mustard Seed hosts a free community Gary Klauminzer presents “Climate block play, for children 3-7 years at 11 forum at 10 a.m. at the KC fi re station. Change: Why Sandy was so devastating a.m. Both are at the KC Library. (253) Edie, 884-1205. Citizen of year and what can we do about our new real- 543-3309. The KP Lions reveal the Citizen of ity?” at 7 p.m. at the Key Center Library. Words & wine the Year at a banquet, catered by Dorne MARCH 13 Webster of Mosquito Fleet Cuisine, be- This presentation is free. Words and Wine, with a featured poet ginning at 6 p.m. at the KP Civic Center. Bayshore Garden Club or author and open mic, meets at 7 p.m. MARCH 9 Tickets are available from members of The Bayshore Garden Club meets at at the Blend Wine Shop. 884-9688. Rummage sale 1 p.m. at the Longbranch fi re station. the Lions or at Sunnycrest Nursery. Dr. Penrose Guild holds its Attic Trea- Francine, (253) 569-1381. MARCH 23 sures rummage sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at MARCH 13, 20, 27 KPHS meeting the KP Lutheran Church. 884-2020. The annual membership meeting for Family story time the Key Peninsula Historical Society Family story time, for families with will be held in the VFW room of the preschoolers, is from 11-11:30 a.m. at the March 2013 • www.keypennews.com COMMUNITY 13 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS ily Resource Center offers a preschool/ munication skills. Contact http://3409. toddler indoor park program from toastmastersclubs.org or (253) 740-7891. Open walk 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the KP Civic Center. Get some exercise from 9-11 a.m. in Caregivers must stay with child. Drop- Senior Society the gym in the KP Civic Center and meet ins are welcome; stay for as long as you The Key Peninsula Senior Society new friends. Open to all ages; families wish. A $1/child donation is suggested. meets at 11:30 a.m. for a potluck, fellow- welcome. $2 suggested donation. 884- 884-5433. ship and games in the Whitmore Room 3456. WEDNESDAYS at the Civic Center. All are welcome. 884-4981. TUESDAYS Lakebay writers THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS TOPS #1325 The Lakebay Writers meet from 1:30-4 Take-Off Pounds Sensibly meets at p.m. at the Blend in Key Center. 884- KP Museum 9 a.m. at the Key Peninsula Lutheran 3931. A logging display at KP Museum, “Tall Church. Free child care, fun and support Trees, Tall Men, Tall Tales” is open at the are provided. 884-2554. Watermark writers Key Peninsula Historical Society museum The Watermark Writers present a from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Free Key Singers free writer’s workshop from 5-8 p.m. in admission; money donations appreciated. Key Singers meet at Key Peninsula Vaughn. (253) 778-6559. 888-3246. Lutheran Church, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. THURSDAYS SATURDAYS New members welcome. Key Singers are singing show tunes for May concert. Toastmasters Writers’ guild 884-5615. The Toastmasters meet from 8-9 The Writers’ Guild meets from 9-11 a.m. at the KC Library. Join the fun and a.m. at the Key Center Library. 884-6455. TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS improve your speaking ability. Toastmas- Preschool play time ters International is the most effi cient, The Children’s Home Society KP Fam- enjoyable way of developing great com-

Harbor Health and Safety Expo (10222 MARCH 14 OFF THE KEY Bujacich Rd NW) from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and also at Gig Harbor Safeway from 9 Open mic for authors MARCH 8-24 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The bloodmobile will be Gig Harbor’s 1st Open Mic for local “Cabaret” at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig authors is from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Spiro’s Paradise Theatre presents “Cabaret,” Harbor from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, Pizza & Pasta on Harborview. Wendy the Tony award-winning musical by March 10 and at the Kiwanis Club of Hinman reads from “Tightwads on the Kanter and Ebb, on Friday and Saturday Peninsula-Gig Harbor from 12-7 p.m. on Loose,” the story of her seven years of evenings and Sunday afternoon. Call 851- Thursday, March 14. sailing around the world. Local writers 7529 for information and tickets. can give 5-minute presentations from Port Orchard bloodmobile their works. This free event is presented MARCH 9 The bloodmobile is at Adventure of by The Writers Connection, Plicata Press Bloodmobile dates Faith Church in Port Orchard from 9 and friends. [email protected] or The bloodmobile will be at the Gig a.m.-1 p.m. on 3/10. [email protected]. 14 CITIZENS OF THE YEAR www.keypennews.com • March 2013 KP Lions to select 2013 Citizen of the Year The 29th annual Key Peninsula Citizen of Harbor Fraternal effectively volun- He was an assis- the Year Awards dinner will be held March Order of Eagles. teered as a mentor tant leader for Eco 30 at 6 p.m. at the KP Civic Center. He was on the with Communi- Camp, a program The Key Peninsula Lions Club invites all KP Fire Depart- ties in Schools of helper for Cinema Key Peninsula citizens and their friends to ment’s planning Peninsula at Ever- under the Stars, an attend. To confi rm invitations and reserva- committee, a train- green Elementary, assistant coach for tions, tickets may be obtained from mem- er for the Pierce helping children PeeWee soccer, en- bers of the KP Lions Club or at Sunnycrest County Emergen- overcome diffi cul- tertainment leader Nursery in Key Center in exchange for a cy Preparedness ties with reading. for Harvest Hay- $25 contribution to help cover the costs of program and an Students and peers ride, head elf for the event. active member of both the Veterans of For- love her. Santa’s Breakfast and is currently assistant Profi les of the 18 citizens nominated for eign Wars and the American Legion. Dimmer also volunteers with the Angel coach for PeeWee basketball. the honor of KP Citizen of the Year 2012- His leadership has been sought because Guild, helping to ensure that items for sale Frederick, who is home-schooled, has 13 are below. Community members submit- of his business background and his ability are properly marked and labeled and that been inspired by these activities and is now ted their nominations to the KP Lions Club, to gain consensus among group members; customers and contributors are warmly wel- pursuing more leadership training, includ- whose members will vote by secret ballot with his guidance, organizations excelled in comed. She is a real asset to the community ing becoming a junior lifeguard. He is an for the winner. The winner will be revealed their support of the community. Coffi n is and deserving of recognition for her selfl ess inspiration to all children and to his peers at the banquet. often seen driving local residents to appoint- endeavors to make the Key Peninsula a pre- on the Key Peninsula. He loves skating on ments. He is currently president of the KP cious place to live. Friday nights at the Civic Center and being MIKE COFFIN Civic Center Past Presidents’ Association, a involved with friends. Shortly after Mike Coffi n’s retirement member of KP Business Association and KOBE FREDERICK from the U.S. Army, he became a profes- is serving his fi fth term as president of the On his own volition, 14-year-old Kobe JEFF HARRIS sional volunteer. He was formerly the vice Key Peninsula Veterans. Frederick approached the offi ce of the Key After his move to the Key Peninsula in president and president of the Key Peninsu- Peninsula Park District offering to help. He 1995, Jeff Harris managed the Custom la Lions Club while simultaneously serving CAROLYN DIMMER soon became the go-to volunteer for almost as president of the KP Civic Center and Gig Carolyn Dimmer has enthusiastically and all the programs. (See COY, Page 15) March 2013 • www.keypennews.com CITIZENS OF THE YEAR 15

(From COY, Page 14) what we strive for its fourth year on He initiated and on the Key Pen- the Key Peninsula. directed a “Fri- Camera business insula in bringing She is dedicated days’ Teen Coffee near Key Cen- people together to bringing people House” at the KP ter, served as di- and working coop- together working Lutheran Church rector for South eratively as a team. cooperatively as a in an effort to Sound March of Together with team. The back- give teens some- Dimes, director Karen Jorgenson, pack program has thing safe, clean of Communities supervisor of the 50 volunteers who and fun to do and In Schools, and Food Backpacks 4 pack 468 back- then joined oth- was the fi rst presi- Kids Program, he has helped those in need packs each week. The backpacks are de- ers who had resurrected the Friday Night dent and founding acquire not just food, but household goods, livered to Key Peninsula-area schools and Skate program at the KP Civic Center. member to the Key Peninsula Community magazines, linens, new clothing, books, per- distributed to students in need of food on Since new rules were enforced and volun- Council. Because of his success building a sonal care items and many other items that weekends. teer high school kids were trained to serve strong foundation, the KPC is a recognized enhance the quality of life. In addition to quality and nutritious food, as well-respected referees, parents now liaison for the community to state, federal In 2012, 540,000 pounds of food fed the children receive new socks, hats and mit- enthusiastically support the program for and local governments and is the only KP 1,800 families on the Key Peninsula each tens, as well as school supplies and personal its safe, clean, fun activities. organization that advocates for the issues month. Much of that food is collected care items. The school year program is sup- Milles eventually assumed the leadership and concerns of the entire peninsula. three-days-weekly from cooperating busi- plemented by a summer program at the KP role. Kids love and obey him. Last year, he Harris created the Key Peninsula Travel nesses by Haugaard. Lutheran Church where children and their created a new “Cosmic” program for kids Club and coordinates its meetings and ac- He is an inspiration to more than 50 vol- families gather for hot, homemade lunch in eighth grade through high school. At tivities. He and John Biggs organized the unteers from around the KP community three days a week. Jorgenson is passionate the request of the teens, now the program fi rst and only Key Peninsula Zucchini Race who take turns unloading food from trucks, about caring for, supporting and fulfi lling is about dancing, socializing and “hang- in celebration of the 100th anniversary of picking up, sorting and distributing food six the most basic needs of the people on the ing out.” Attendance has soared and kids Home, in which carved zucchinis raced with days a week while also preparing hot soup KP and the word “mine” is not part of her have something to do that they love on the tide under the Home bridge. each Tuesday at the KP Lutheran Church. vocabulary. the last Friday night of each month.

WALLY HAUGAARD KAREN JORGENSON TROY MILLES Wally Haugaard is the director of the Key Karen Jorgenson is supervisor of the Troy Milles dedicates many hours to Peninsula FISH Food Bank. He exemplifi es Food Backpacks 4 Kids program, entering youth on the Key Peninsula. (See COY, Page 16) 16 CITIZENS OF THE YEAR www.keypennews.com • March 2013 (From COY, Page 15) sures that the programs continue MATTHEW MILLS to run at an ex- Matthew Mills ceptional level. It has provided dedi- takes many talents cated, hands-on to run a nonprofi t leadership to the organization. Niles KP Lions-spon- has brought offi ce sored Boy Scouts and people skills to of America Troop KPCS for several 220 and Cub Scout years and makes a Pack 220. Thanks huge difference in service delivery to clients. to his and other scout leaders’ professional approach to in- BENIDA PARODI spiring the kids, scouts are successful. Benida Parodi He is present for the troop’s annual Eas- has been with Key ter egg hunt at the KP Civic Center, for the Peninsula Com- setup, bussing and cleanup at the KPCCA munity Services for annual crab feed and when the troop ex- two years. She pos- pertly presents the colors at the annual KP sesses and shares Citizens of the Year Awards banquet. her compassion, Mills chaperones scouts on backpack her nonjudgmen- trips, cross-country expeditions and sleep- tal attitude and her ing in snow caves that the scouts build on integrity with cli- the frigid winter slopes of Mount Rainier. ents and volunteers. Her kindness to KPCS’ He is the consummate role model for clients and volunteers is incomparable. If youngsters who learn life skills in scouting, anyone in the community needs food bank as well as a teacher at Purdy Elementary services, Parodi is the person they want to School. serve them.

ANNE NESBIT HANNAH PETERSEN Anne Nesbit is Hannah Peters- a single mom who en is Boy Scout volunteers count- Cub Pack 222’s less hours to the “Rock of Gi- community. She braltar.” Petersen is a volunteer fi re- keeps all cubs and fi ghter/EMT of- cub masters alerted fi cer with the Key to what’s happen- Peninsula Fire De- ing with the paper- partment, an active work required of member of the scouting activities. She always works with a KP Firefi ghters Association and a volunteer smile and enthusiasm, which is infectious to with the KP Children’s Home Society. She all. She effectively deals with details of the has volunteered limitless hours with the levy pack’s relationship with its sponsor, the Key committees of the Peninsula School Dis- Peninsula Lions Club. If anyone has a ques- trict’s and the KP Fire Department. tion concerning the pack, Petersen handles Nesbit is often involved with volunteer it with timely alacrity. activities and programs at Evergreen El- ementary, where her two children are stu- JEFF SCHAAR dents. She dedicated a substantial number Jeffrey S. Schaar has been cub master for of hours during December to not only orga- Pack 222 since 2010. He works tirelessly for nize but run KPFD’s Santa sleigh. She does the pack, promoting scouting in the com- all this while holding down a full-time job at munity by recruiting families. He is a great St. Anthony Hospital, where she hones her organizer of community service by leading paramedic skills. the pack to clean up parks, build trails, serve at various community fundraisers, collect LINDA NILES food for Backpacks 4 Kids and donate to Linda Niles’ countless labor contribution to Key Peninsula Community Services en- (See COY, Page 17) March 2013 • www.keypennews.com CITIZENS OF THE YEAR 17

(From COY, Page 16) After rebuilding the stock and improving the store’s service to meet needs, it became local charities. apparent that the old structure wasn’t up to Schaar leads by the task. Stolz built a beautiful, state-of-the- example, resolves art Food Market at Key Center, supplied confl icts and it with competitively priced offerings, in- teaches the boys creased the number of employees and pro- respect for elders, vided good jobs to local citizenry. He also their surroundings gives back to the community by redeeming and for each other. sales receipts with a 1 percent of value for He helps den lead- nonprofi t organizations. ers, garners donations from local vendors to supply the pack DANNA WEBSTER and keeps expenses low. He makes sure the Danna Web- pack provides experiences to all boys at the ster has served on lowest cost and encourages cubs to par- the Key Penin- ticipate in all fundraisers to learn personal sula Community responsibility and ownership of the pack Council since its and its activities. He believes scouting is a inception in 2004. boy-parent joint adventure and encourages She was re-elected parental involvement at all times. president for 2013. She has initi- MAUREEN SIKORA ated community Maureen Sikora forums to inform moved quickly and KP residents about land use, political candi- decisively in re- dates, emergency preparedness, transporta- straining an appar- tion safety and more by getting the word out ently disturbed fe- to the community, which increased partici- male who gunned pation and interesting discussions. down customers She has been active on the farm tour at a local grocery committee, chairing the initiative from its in- store. Her action ception and playing an essential supporting probably saved role in event planning and communication. others from injury She is active in the KP Writers Guild and or death. Sikora, together with her husband, has been a writer and contributor to the Key Greg, plays hostess to people enjoying visits Peninsula News. to the annual Key Peninsula Farm Tour at Her leadership and listening skills have their Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch. made a real difference in our community. She made the media in December be- Webster has expanded opportunities to cause of a book she wrote and published understand issues affecting many residents together with her husband’s photography. through civil discourse, public forums and The book deals with an unusual symbiotic presentations by experts with differing relationship between a Canada goose and opinions, so we can learn from each other the couple’s enormous Shire draft horse. It and better understand complex issues. quickly sold out of its fi rst edition. CAROLYN WILEY DON STOLZ Carolyn Wiley’s Don Stolz has leadership and brought to our endless volunteer community a fi rst- hours deserve rec- rate grocery store ognition. that is a credit to She created its business center. the annual Long- He bought out an branch Fiber Arts existing store that Festival, which –– due to a trag- several hundred edy in the former people attend every year, and promoted the owner’s life –– had become badly stocked, annual farm tour and the kids’ Christmas in rundown condition and no longer served the needs of our population. (See COY, Page 18) 18 CITIZENS OF THE YEAR www.keypennews.com • March 2013

(From COY, Page 17) CINDY WORDEN Cindy Worden event. A member of the Friends of the KC was recently re- Library Board, she is tireless and imaginative elected to serve in her duties as program chair and brings another term free music and entertainment to the com- as president of munity. Key Peninsula’s This year, Wiley was the major supporter Citizens Against in raising more than $35,000 needed for ad- Crime and con- ditional equipment for the library remodel tinues to lead the –– a feat she accomplished in only four organization in its months. Her volunteer spirit in numerous role as extra eyes and ears for the Pierce other areas is contagious, making her an as- County Sheriff ’s Department. set the KP needs. Worden brings a wealth of experience from her previous, similar volunteer role in University Place. Thanks to her encouraging personality and organizational abilities, the group’s monthly meetings are well attended and frequently involve advisers from the sheriff ’s department. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and present information and requests for CAC involvement in helping to inhibit local crime activities. She has sponsored the group’s annual picnic, where Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor and his offi cers share experiences and advice with CAC volunteers. March 2013 • www.keypennews.com COMMUNITY 19 LIC searching for recipes and a name for new cookbook By Karen Lovett, KP News organization. His famous culinary delight has already been submitted. Longbranch Improvement Club (LIC) All recipes will be tested and proofed. has long benefi ted from numerous superb Gearhart and Doat will be spearheading the volunteer cooks who serve up wonderful testing phase. meals for the public. Many are famous for The book will include a history of the potluck specialties that have become popu- LIC prepared by historian Lynn Larson. lar local favorites. Submitters’ names will be printed with the Longtime LIC member Peg Bingham is recipe and the index will be itemized by con- well-known for delectable sweets including tributor as well as by category. sticky buns, apple crisp, baklava and almond Printing will be done by the cookbook delight –– an English toffee that rivals a fa- division of Morris Publishing in Nebraska. mous Northwest name brand. The book will have a hardcover with three- Bingham began baking at age 8. She said ring binding and is expected to be in print her mother taught her to make lemon me- sometime this fall. ringue pie, her father’s favorite. After bak- Photo by Karen Lovett, KP News Longbranch Improvement Club members, from left, Sharon Gearhart, Barba- Proceeds from book sales will benefi t the ing a lemon pie every day for fi ve days, her ra Van Bogart and Barbara Floyd, were spotted cooking at the club’s recent LIC. father asked her mother to teach her how to pancake breakfast. The three are part of a committee putting a public recipe The Name the Cookbook Contest has an make another kind of pie. Over the years, book together. April 1 deadline. The winner will receive a she modifi ed and perfected family recipes, gift basket fi lled with all kinds of goodies. baking a dessert every day for her daughter The book will have hardcovers on the She will be taking a few recipes from a May 31 is the deadline to submit favorite and two sons. Now she is in charge of the front and back, and at the beginning of each cookbook published by Longbranch Com- recipes to be included into what promises to LIC kitchen, where products of her baking of eight sections will feature a watercolor of munity Church in 1973. be an exceptional cookbook. ability are frequently tasted. a historical location on the Key Peninsula. As a LIC member for 73 years, Del Leaf Send recipes or cookbook names to P.O. Many people have tried to get Bingham to Local artist Melissa Haumerson, who has been providing potluck participants Box 345, Lakebay, WA 98349. For informa- divulge her prized recipes, which until now grew up on the KP, will do the paintings. plenty of opportunities to sample his corn tion contact Barbara Floyd at recipesforlic@ she has been unwilling to share. The background history for each location pudding, the most requested recipe from the yahoo.com or 884-3796. Bingham said there are lots of good will be included by local historian Connie cooks in the LIC organization. Hildahl. “People kept asking why LIC didn’t have Members are hoping to get 100 recipes a cookbook. I agreed to put my recipes in as a month until the May 31 deadline, or un- soon as they’d do one,” she said. til the goal of 350 recipes is reached. They Bingham asked Barbara Floyd to head the said they have more than 100 so far and are six-member committee, including Bingham, hopeful that donors explain the background Barb Doat, Sharon Gearhart, Connie Hil- behind the recipe accompanying the sub- dahl, Karen Johnson and Barb Van Bogart. mission. All members are volunteers donating time “This is a community event, but we want and effort to the successful production of it to be as expansive as possible involving this book. the entire Key Peninsula and beyond. We “I thought it would be fun. It will be more welcome good recipes from outside the than a cookbook,” Floyd said. area,” Van Bogart said. 20 COMMUNITY www.keypennews.com • March 2013 Dancing of the Robes brings Native American dancers to KP By Colleen Slater, KP News thing unique in weaving. Samuel will teach three-day beginning, There’s a whole lot of dancing about to intermediate and advanced weaving class- happen on the Key. es at the Longbranch fi re station in early Two Waters Arts Alliance is sponsor- March. ing a presentation by Cheryl Samuel on Samuel, born in Hawaii, has been given the Ravenstail Revival, followed by native many names. Nanilei, her Hawaiian name dancers with various woven robes from 1 from her parents, means “a necklace of to 3:30 p.m. on March 9, at the Key Pen- beautiful fl owers.” Alu Sumti, “Mother of insula Civic Center. Lightning,” was received by a Tshimshian Haan Dei I Jin (Take my hand) of the basket weaver in an Alaskan potlatch. Ad- Native Alaska Tlingit People, as well as opted into a village of the Chilkat Tlingit, the Seattle-based Tsimshian Haayuuk, will she received the name Saantaas, “Ancient participate in the Dancing of the Robes. Photo courtesy, Seanna O’Sullivan Photography Threads,” for the teacher of the last his- There were no Ravenstail robes in use A robe, handwoven by Kay Parker toric Chilkat weaver. A Haida native gave leads a Ravenstail fashion show in on the Pacifi c Northwest coast in the ear- her the name Nang xaay7u7ad tll xaynan- Juneau, Alaska. Two Waters Alliance ly 1980s. Today, they are the pride of the is hosting a special presentation at gaa, “The one who lovingly kept alive the people who make and wear them as they the civic center March 9. weaving fragments.” dance in ceremony and potlatch through- Her paintings, weavings and wood turn- out the area. wrote a book about the art. ings are in private and museum collec- It takes a year or more to weave one Called Northern Geometric Style Weav- tions in Europe and North America, and of these robes. Samuel, a scientist, artist, ing, the robes, some mere fragments, were she has woven regalia commissioned for weaver and author, will bring one of her studied in Burke Museum in Seattle, St. ceremonial use. robes, and weaver John Beard plans to Petersburg, Russia, London, Vienna, Co- Tickets for the event are available at bring three of his to be danced. penhagen and Dublin. twowaters.info or at the door. Adults, $20, Samuel traveled across the globe to see, Samuel taught descendants of early students and seniors, $10. For informa- touch and photograph ancient robes of robe weavers in Alaska how to weave the tion, contact 884-3959 or visit ravenstail. native cultures, then wove a new one and intricate designs, including circles, some- com. Feb March ruary 2013 • www.keypennews.com FEATURES 21 Spring Fling returns with juried show, music and more The 10th annual event sup- delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts. A determined by problem solving skills,” ports Artists in Schools pro- no-host wine, beer and cocktail bar will be Bauer said. gram for Key Peninsula kids. available. In addition, TWAA sponsors a variety “Two Waters volunteers begin planning of events for children and adults every this event at least six months in advance. year, as well as providing other programs KP News staff report Our hope is that all people interested in and support for artists and art enthusiasts. their community will attend this visu- The juried art show is open to all TWAA Spring Fling, the annual signature event ally delightful, entertaining and fun-fi lled members but membership is waived for hosted by Two Waters Arts Alliance, will event in support of local schools, local students. There is no entry fee and the bring a celebration of local arts and artists artists and local kids,” said Kathy Bauer, deadline for submissions is March 15. to the Key Peninsula on Saturday, April TWAA vice president and one of the For more information about TWAA and 6. The elegant affair is a fundraiser for Spring Fling organizers. about the art show entry, go to twowaters. Two Water’s highly successful Artists in The main focus of Two Waters Arts Al- org. Tickets for the gala, which will be at Schools program, which brings working liance is on the Artists in Schools program, the KP Civic Center, are available online artists to the four Key Peninsula schools, which matches up teachers with local art- and will be for sale at Blend Wine and as well as after-school art to Key Peninsu- ists who provide hands-on activities that Sunnycrest Nursery. Cost is $30. la Middle School and programs for home- complement the curriculum. Additionally, schooled students. homeschooled students can participate in The event, in its 10th year, will show- The Voice of the Key Peninsula arts activities and Key Pen Middle School case local artists in a juried exhibit, open students can sign up for a weekly after- to adults and young artists alike, as well school arts club. The program is support- as a student exhibit featuring art from all ed by funds raised through Spring Fling, KEY PENINSULA the Key Pen schools. Silent and live auc- grants, memberships and donations. tions, live music by harpist Genevieve “The arts teach children specifi c modes Picard and art awards including People’s of thinking that are essential to problem NEWS Choice are part of the program. Key Pen’s solving. Success, both at home and in the Amy Shaver and Denise Hays will provide workplace, regardless of career, is largely 22 OBITUARY NOTICES www.keypennews.com • March 2013 Susan Ruth Purrington Blakemore Reed Ruth Blakemore, 89, died Jan. 24. Blakemore, had been a Gig Harbor-area Susan Reed, 53, died Feb. 17 near Gig resident since 1988. She was a retired reg- Harbor with loved ones by her side. istered nurse who loved working in labor She was born Dec. 27, 1959 to Helen and delivery. She enjoyed making quilts, and Channon Dean Hupp in Parkersburg, crocheting afghans and making pillows WV. and dolls for her grandchildren and great- Reed’s professional career included 3D grandchildren. animation, graphic art (such as our Key As a faithful member of the Church Pen Parks logo on the wooden signs), of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she marketing, search engine optimization, and her late husband, Don, served many business ownership and volunteer work. missions during their retirement years. She was known to land jobs with cre- Blakemore served as president of the Key ative cover letters, and was a keen ob- server of personalities. Reed admired design and style in all of their forms, es- pecially when added to exemplary crafts- manship. Peninsula Seniors group, and in her later Her love of life and sense of humor years was part of the Key Center Ward will be missed, along with her caring and humanitarian service group. gentle philosophy. Reed is survived by her Blakemore is preceded in death by her husband, Kevin, son Jeremiah, daughter husband, a brother and a grandson. Surviv- Nicole, son Jaden; two brothers, two sis- ing family members include three children: ters, nieces and nephews. Her full obitu- Bruce Blakemore (Louise), Janice Lodholm ary can be found at edwardsmemorial. (Harry), Sandra Wurtz (Paul) and 15 grand- com. children and 30 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at the Funeral services were held Feb. 2 at the family’s home in Lakebay. LDS Church, Key Center. March 2013 • www.keypennews.com 23 Call 253-884-4699 or e-mail [email protected] Place your business card in this advertising directory Place your business card in this advertising

KEY PENINSULA CARPENTER “Fire Up The Diesel” All Phases of Carpentry & Painting Nimrick’s Bulldozing Small & Large Jobs Owner/Operator Land Clearing Free Estimates/Same Day Call Back Call for Site Prep License - Bonded - Insured Free Rock Walls Estimate Roads CALL STEVE Logging 253-884-6693 Gravel [email protected] 15406 92nd St. KPN Jeremy 253 365 8887 Gig Harbor, WA 98329 Randy 253 606 3088 Steve’s Home Repair & Remodel Lic # STEVEHR064J2 Serving the community for over 32 years 24 www.keypennews.com • March 2013 Out & About To see more Out & About photos, visit our website at www.keypennews.com and follow the Photo Gallery link. See more of your neighbors out and about, Key Peninsula scenes and happenings. The online gallery features website exclusive photos!

Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News Above: The Key Center Pierce County Library held its gala reopening event on Feb 16. The community came out in force for a day of fun, refreshments and entertainment. The library had been open since Feb. 4, following some 10 weeks of closure for remodeling and renovations. Here, Jeff Evans performs some card tricks to the delight of Nicholas and Grace McDonald, and Natalie and Eliza- beth Pierson.

Right: Volunteers Pat Medveckus, center, Claudia Jones, rear, are ﬂ anked by Denise Smith and Julia Jones in the KP Civic Center kitchen showing off some of the hundreds of Dungeness crab savored by more than 250 hungry event sup- porters at the annual Photo by Ron Cameron, KP News KPCC fundraiser. Whitehorse Mountain, Three Fingers and Mount Pilchuck peaks rise above Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News Von Geldern Cove last month.