Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1

POSTAL CUSTOMER

www.keypennews.org THE VOICE OF THE KEY PENINSULA August 2021 Vol. 48 No. 8 School District Explores Options for KGHP-FM The value of a community radio station depends upon whom you ask. LISA BRYAN, KP NEWS

Kris Hagel, executive director of digital learning for Peninsula School District, commissioned an appraisal and educa- tional assessment in July of KGHP-FM to consider its options as a school district and a radio station owner. “Peninsula High School no longer offers Rendering RGA Gig Harbor classes in radio broadcasting due to a lack of student interest,” according to an email More Than a Food Bank, GH FISH Breaks Ground on New Digs from Aimee Gordon, director of commu- The Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank & Community Services center will have its own home in fall 2022. nications at PSD, sent to KP News. TED OLINGER, KP NEWS “It was incredible,” Coen said. “People “We look to the needs of the community “The study will tell us what’s needed just began jumping on board, backing and do what we can,” said FISH spokes- to support the station if student interest After decades of cramming food and us, being willing to help, just all kinds of person Lynne Demichele. increases,” Gordon wrote. “It will also help clothing into rented spaces splitting at people with incredible skills.” The staff “We try to get as much fresh food, fresh us determine the current value of the assets the seams, the secular FISH, Friends In of approximately 100 are all volunteers vegetables and fresh meats as we can,” she we have in the station. As a public agency Service Helping, broke ground on its own except for the part-time facilities manager said. “We have a wonderful relationship responsible to the local taxpayers, we want new facility at a private ceremony July 13. and the capital campaign manager. with backyard farmers who like to grow to explore all of our options with KGHP.” The 11,595 square foot building will FISH began its capital fundraising vegetables and they bring them in.” But it It is not the first time KGHP General be located at 4304 Burnham Drive, 100 campaign in August 2020 and has already has been tricky to find adequate storage. Manager Spencer Abersold has been yards from the current rented facility at collected $5.3 million of its $8 million goal, FISH also receives nonperishable food informed by the district that the local the Eagles Club in Gig Harbor. including over $2 million from the state from 10 local outlets. community radio station was at risk. The new building will house extensive Legislature with the help of Rep. Michelle “Most of the financial contributions go “I’m speaking out for the people who warehouse spaces for both food and Caldier (R-Port Orchard) and Sen. Emily toward buying things to fill in the gaps.” have put time, money, commitment and nonfood items, and will include walk-in Randall (D-Bremerton). Laundry soap, toilet paper, tampons and effort, thoughts and prayers –– everything coolers and freezers, much larger display “We have a team that has been getting diapers are especially needed. that has gone into making this radio station and distribution areas, and dedicated office some grants for us and we’ve had a lot “We have a significant elderly clientele, happen,” Abersold told KP News. space for interviewing clients. of leadership gifts, and the state has been but during Covid we’ve had an awful lot According to Abersold, KGHP was FISH assisted 4,210 families last year, very helpful,” said Amy Gartlan, FISH of families who’ve been laid off or just created when community members Keith including 1,501 on the Key Peninsula, fundraising coordinator. let go,” Demichele said. “When you can’t Stiles, Don Hoffman, Max Bice and Bill with household items and clothing and The new facility, designed by Ratcliffe get anything going and you’ve got some Boyd decided the community needed a over 210,000 meals. FISH also gave away Gagliano Architecture and to be built by hungry kids, you come here.” radio station and went to the district, which $300,000 in rent and utility assistance and Washington Patriot Construction, both FISH also distributes household goods CONTINUED PAGE 3 another $8,000 in student aid. of Gig Harbor, is estimated to cost $2.9 like frying pans, clothing and toys, as well “The idea for our own building started million. Permits, site work, furniture and as financial aid for family and student in 2014 when we expanded into another other incidentals should cost $1.8 million, expenses such as AP test fees, summer large room at the Eagles and even that with another $1.8 million budgeted for city school classes, and even shoes for a high was taxing for us trying to manage all the fees, traffic impact and taxes. An addi- school wrestler. Sometimes it’s as simple as donations,” said Jan Coen, the Gig Harbor tional $500,000 will go to an endowment getting someone a CPAP mask or diabetic FISH founder and food bank coordi- to help fund FISH services in perpetuity. supplies, or arranging transportation for nator. “We started looking for places all The balance is budgeted for contingencies. a Covid vaccination. There’s also a clos- over to buy, but it was too expensive or “A lot of folks didn’t realize all of the etful of birthday presents from Legos to unavailable.” things that FISH does, so it’s been more Barbie dolls ready to go. After researching the possibility of of a community outreach project,” Gartlan “We don’t require people to produce an building their own place, a local prop- said. “We are much more than a food bank, income statement or anything like that. If erty owner offered to give FISH a 99-year and just connecting with the public has someone comes in and says ‘I’m in need Abersold on the air. Lisa Bryan, KP News lease on a buildable lot for $1 a year. been significant.” CONTINUED PAGE 3 2 www.keypennews.org August 2021

ABOUT THAT AD Here’s What I Think About That LISA BRYAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR dishonest. Cable outlets don’t have the judge the unfiltered words of politicians “I wouldn’t think a nonprofit newspaper same restrictions and social media have and campaigns promoting themselves could print something like this.” none, creating our current pandemic knowing — as required by law — that 253-884-4699 It is a brand-new day when an adver- of misinformation, disinformation and their words, true or false, come straight www.keypennews.org tisement appearing in the Key Peninsula straight-up propaganda. from the horse’s mouth. www.facebook.com/KeyPenNews News draws so much attention on social The KP News neither endorses nor What could be more revealing? @ editor keypennews.org media that it’s picked up by another opposes political candidates or issues Being honest, without bias or favor, PO Box 3, Vaughn WA 98394 newspaper as a news story, but there brought to the voters by the Pierce upholding the journalistic standards you have it. We are in new territory. County Auditor. We also do not censor and ethics demanded of the profession EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Lisa Bryan Last month KP News printed a half- or alter the language of the political ads are the most essential elements to the ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Ted Olinger page advertisement on page 30 that we print, short of anything defamatory continued success of this newspaper. As STAFF CONTRIBUTORS: Krisa Bruemmer, inspired many complaints and comments, or libelous, or those using hate speech, long as we continue upholding those Matthew Dean, Ed Johnson, Tina including the quote calling for violence, or values, we will continue to be the inde- McKail, Kamryn Minch, Joseph above. (See Letters that may otherwise pendent, reader-supported community Pentheroudakis, Chris Rurik, to the Editor in this cause physical harm. newspaper readers like you trust, value Dave Stave, Sara Thompson edition.) And we’ve had to and in your words — love. The advertisement reject some of those : Vicki Biggs, Richard CONTRIBUTORS was a paid polit- in the recent past. Gelinas, Phyllis Henry ical spot purchased Our news articles, CALENDAR EDITOR: Stefanie Warren by three candidates features and Penin- [email protected] running for Position sula Views are fact- No. 2 on the Peninsula checked as rigorously SOCIAL MEDIA: Joseph Pentheroudakis School Board, and fully as possible. Errors WEB EDITOR: Caleb Galbreath disclosed in the ad as occur but are less OPERATIONS MANAGER /DESIGN EDITOR: required by the Washington State Public numerous than the occasional criti- Tim Heitzman Disclosure Commission. cism we get about the content of some The ad casually mixed some claims opinion columns. To be useful, those : Linda Grubaugh BOOKKEEPER about the evils of Critical Race Theory, complaints are best expressed as a letter AD SALES: Deanna Hunter which PSD does not teach, with opin- to the editor we will gladly publish as [email protected] ions about the dangers of sex education, space permits. DISTRIBUTION: James Allyn, Anna which PSD teaches using state-mandated There is a bipartisan bill that has been Brones, Norm Brones, Bill Dietz, curriculum. slowly making its way through Congress Bruce Macdonald, Jay Stewart, How could we print something like since 2019 called the Honest Ad Act that Bob Wilkins that? would require fact-checking in political According to the PDC: advertising, among other things, partic- PUBLISHING BOARD: Sara Thompson, – Statements about candidates in polit- ularly online. president, Michele Gorman, Bruce ical advertisements must be truthful. Washington state has already covered Macdonald, Jeff Minch, John Nichols, – It is illegal to sponsor a political ad, this ground. In 1998 the state Supreme Speaking of love, we’d like to Dave Stave, Bob Wilkins with actual malice, that contains a state- Court struck down a 1984 statute prohib- call out the work of staff photographer ment constituting libel or defamation, iting political ads that “the person knows, Tina McKail whose photos appear UNDERWRITTEN WITH SUPPORT FROM: or that makes a false statement about a or should reasonably be expected to above and in the upper left corner The Angel Guild candidate unless a candidate is making know, to be false,” as a violation of the of the front page. NewsMatch/Miami Foundation a false statement about him or herself. First Amendment. Judge Phil Talmadge, These beautiful violet green swallow Rotary Club of Gig Harbor – Political advertising does not include a former Democratic legislator, wrote nestlings were the only surviving swal- letters to the editor, news or feature in his dissent that the decision made lows she saw after the record-breaking Member WNPA and INN articles, editorial comment or replies ours “the first court in the history of the heat in June. “The nest was on the Copyright 2021 Key Peninsula News, all rights to editorials in a regularly published Republic to declare First Amendment east side of the barn, which most likely reserved. Financially and editorially indepen- periodical. protection for calculated lies.” saved them,” she said. An avid birder, dent, KP News is mailed at no charge to Key In other words, truth in advertising The Legislature repeatedly revised Tina, who lives in Vaughn, is obsessed Peninsula residents and is available at local merchants. Support your newspaper: The laws do not generally apply to political the statute so that by 2011 it included with photography and is always on nonprofit KP News is made possible by adver- ads, depending on the format, because detailed definitions of defamation and the lookout for wonder all around us. tisers, donors and subscribers; annual subscrip- they are protected speech under the libel, and protections for candidates We look forward to telling you more tions are $30 for first class mail delivery. Share First Amendment. about her and all the extraordinary your thoughts: Send community information, against false ads “with actual malice.” concerns or complaints. Signed letters to the Under the equal-time rule, broadcast The public platform of newspapers, people who make KP News enjoy- editor published as space allows, include daytime networks are obligated to offer ad time which cannot target ads the way social able with their contributions of time, phone number. KP News reserves the right to to all candidates and cannot deny or media does or cable news can, is a place talent and energy. edit all submissions. Deadline 15th of month. n change them no matter how offensive or where ordinary readers may read and August 2021 www.keypennews.org 3

KGHP FROM PAGE 1 FISH FROM PAGE 1 agreed to be a partner in the endeavor in DJs,” Takehara said. His time in the studio and this is why,’ then the only thing we her husband Ron, the president of the 1988. The community fund-raised to pay in 2020 was cut short by Covid, but he was have to know is that they’re in our service FISH board of directors, live in Minter, for all the equipment and the licensing, back on the air in late March and into July, area so that we’re not overlapping another where Ron grew up. and gave it to the district. hoping to return this fall. service agency,” Demichele said. “The whole idea of FISH originated in “It began as a community station,” Takehara thought of pursuing journalism “We also have a homeless population. England in 1967,” Ron said. “The whole Abersold said. “I stand on the shoulders for a while but found himself more inter- They have access to basics like Sterno, for concept was neighbors helping neighbors of giants and I want to ensure the kids ested in the technical aspects of broadcasting. example, sleeping bags, and tents when and that each group was designed for its growing up in this community have the “That’s why I like KGHP, because not we can get them.” particular neighborhood. We are an inde- same opportunities in life that I did.” only do we get to produce our own shows Before moving to Gig Harbor, Demi- pendent volunteer organization and the KGHP provides live-action radio but we also get to do everything behind chele volunteered at a food bank in Indiana. way we operate is designed to fit the needs, coverage of home football games for both the scenes,” he said. “It’s not just flipping “I always felt so sorry for the clients mindset and ethics of the neighborhood Peninsula and Gig Harbor high schools. switches and pressing some buttons. It’s because when they came in they almost we’re a part of. I think that’s one of the They cover boys and girls varsity basket- learning how to use different programs automatically hung their heads, and you reasons we’ve got the kind of support ball at home games whenever possible and and the best ways to transition this audio don’t ever see that here because there’s a we have, because we fit the community sometimes remotely at Gig Harbor High. into that audio, figuring out how different premium on treating clients with respect, and the way it thinks about itself and its They also cover high school baseball games audio files work together.” not assuming anything, not asking a bunch neighbors.” occasionally at special events at Cheney There is no question Takehara wants of prying questions. Very often our clients “After we got started, a child called and Stadium in Tacoma. KGHP produces live to continue. He said Smith was “hip to start donating once they get back on their asked us if someone would go with him broadcasts of Key Peninsula candidate the podcasting craze,” and students each feet. In fact, the gal that trained me was to talk to his parents about his bad report forums, informs the public during outages, produced a podcast as part of the class. a former client — a single mother who card,” Jan said. “It seemed unimportant but emergencies and disaster situations, and “I think there’s some crossover,” he said, came back to volunteer.” it was important, because it was that kind plays a wide variety of music. “but I still like radio more because of the Jan Coen founded Gig Harbor FISH of simple request you get when someone Abersold said the station takes in around live aspect of it and being able to interact food bank in 1976. Her grandparents doesn’t have a friend or neighbor to help. $40,000 a year in local sponsorships. on the air with people.” homesteaded the property that is now And it’s just grown. The more you do “This year we got a check from the Taco- KGHP-FM broadcasts at 89.3, 89.9 and Peninsula High School. Her dad built and the more you learn we have to help each ma-Pierce County Health Department for 105.7 with online streaming available on operated the gas station at Purdy. She and other out.” n $25,000 in addition to sponsorships from TuneIn. n Groceries bagged by volunteers ready for curbside delivery. Ted Olinger, KP News Pen Met Parks, the City of Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One, the YMCA and many others.” In the early days of Covid, KGHP went into action. A hospital needed gloves and masks to be donated, information about meal deliveries and schedules had to go out, and other resources were made available. For the first six months of the pandemic, the only people allowed in the school building were the principal, Abersold, and a custodian or two. “It was kind of creepy. There were moments it was absolutely surreal.” Abersold said. Before the pandemic, he said he thought of emergencies as fires, earthquakes, and natural disasters. The emergence of Covid delivered the message that disaster can strike in many forms at any time. He believes that radio remains the best communication tool to reach everyone in an emergency. “KGHP gives students an opportunity to learn and grow in a field they are passionate about. Maybe they aren’t a football star or a math genius … but they like to talk about things and can be entertaining,” Abersold said. David Takehara, a junior at PHS, began broadcasting his own show, “The After School Drop,” as a freshman in a radio broadcasting class with Leland Smith, who retired last school year. His show counts down the top 30 songs in the U.S. each week, takes requests, and interacts on air with listeners who call the station. “Right now, I’m one of the only student 4 www.keypennews.org August 2021 How Covid Relief Money Helped KP Residents Federal, state and county grants supported KP community organizations. And so did the neighbors.

TED OLINGER vaccinations and vaccine resistance, and the monies were spent for the intended want to serve the community. The KP has AND SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS about strengthening communication path- purposes. There were many donations been amazing,” Eaton said. ways within a community. There is always a in-kind, which helped CISP reduce its Food Backpacks 4 Kids received funding COVID-19 affected the Key Peninsula in disconnect between agencies and commu- overall expenses in a school year that saw from both CARES and Pierce County many ways: residents lost jobs and coped nities. This is about getting more accurate far more work than usual. Connected to pay for food storage racks, with isolation, illness and death. Some orga- communication in both directions,” she said. “We helped families figure out what commercial refrigerators, freezers and a nizations had to close their doors. Others The partnership’s initial goal of funding Schoology is (an online learning portal), new trailer to haul food. worked in new ways to meet increased local vaccine clinics has since evolved into where homework is posted, how you do The Mustard Seed Project received two demands as government, private founda- providing outreach and education in the remote learning,” said Executive Director PPP loans and additional CARES funding tions and individual donors stepped forward face of declining vaccination rates, including Colleen Speer. “We did many more home to support its work with community elders. to provide financial assistance. training local organizations. visits than usual for academic assistance, even The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, The Greater Tacoma Community Foun- At the other end of the scale, the Long- if it was just to sit outside and talk. There known as ARP, provided funding via Pierce dation and United Way of Pierce County branch Improvement Club did not apply was much more food delivery, and masks, County for a $1 million grant in July toward teamed up to form Pierce County Connected for any financial assistance, relying on sanitizer.” CISP also distributed donated gas construction of its assisted living project. early in 2020. GTCF provided $750,000 in rental income from the marina, but solic- and grocery cards. “We still have some of “In the last six months we’ve doubled the seed money and added a $1 million challenge ited donations to the community through those, just call the office,” she said. number of instances of service compared to ultimately raise $7.8 million. its nonprofit Longbranch Foundation. The KP Community Manager Gina Cabiddu to the same time period last year,” said Pierce County Connected sent $280,000 foundation repurposed its website to allow of CHSW said that the increased need Development Director Marion Sharp. “We to the KP, including Children’s Home Society donors to select local organizations for was exponential. “We worked with fami- continue to be amazed by this community of Washington to provide childcare for first assistance or to make donations to them lies we have never seen before. Outreach and how people support each other.” responders, the Key Peninsula Violence directly. The foundation funneled $9,200 has increased and there is a constant chal- The Key Peninsula Fire Department Prevention Coalition, the Gig Harbor & Key starting in March lenge of change.” received CARES funding through FEMA, Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition for 2020, far above “WE CONTINUE TO BE AMAZED CHSW received the Washington State Military Department behavioral health and technology support, the typical $2,000 BY THIS COMMUNITY AND HOW PPP loans and and the Department of Health and Human Key Pen Parks for Wi-Fi access and the to $5,000. Bene- PEOPLE SUPPORT EACH OTHER.” funding from the Services. The funds paid for personal Key Peninsula Partnership for a Healthy ficiaries included county through the protective equipment and increased staffing Community to provide vaccine access. Food Backpacks 4 Kids, the Bischoff $2.2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief costs related to Covid response incidents. KP Partnership Director Susan Pagan- Food Bank, the Key Peninsula office of and Economic Security Act, also known Key Medical Center received funding elli said that organizations with existing Children’s Home Society of Washington, as CARES, to pay for rental assistance, in for personal protective equipment, to connections to funders were generally more and Communities In Schools of Peninsula. addition to a Pierce County Connected cover medical insurance for furloughed successful in getting money. The Taco- CISP received two Payroll Protection grant for general program support. workers, additional computers and servers ma-Pierce County Health Department asked Program loans to retain employees and The Red Barn Youth Center did not apply needed to shift from in-person to virtual the partnership to apply for a $100,000 bring back those whose hours were cut, for any Covid relief funds but was able medical care, and software to improve grant to address vaccination rates on the and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for to rely on donations. Red Barn worked telemedicine security. The center also Key Peninsula. “We see this to be around $10,000, all of which were forgiven since with CISP and CHSW to provide a remote purchased a medical trailer to provide learning site for healthcare services students without “WE WORKED WITH FAMILIES to people experi- internet access WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. encing homeless- and for students OUTREACH HAS INCREASED ness and plans to not engaging with AND THERE IS A CONSTANT use it on the KP for the online school CHALLENGE OF CHANGE.” future health-re- model. School lated events, Bus Connects and the Peninsula School including school sports physicals and District provided transportation as much dental screening. as possible under the restrictions of the The Angel Guild was forced to close its pandemic. doors during the pandemic. CARES Act Willow Eaton, executive director of Key funding provided a PPP grant and rental Peninsula Community Services, said that assistance. The store was able to reopen its food bank demand quadrupled. The in June and has resumed its program to National Guard replaced the usual volunteers, offer grants to the community. most of whom were high-risk seniors, to The Key Peninsula Civic Center Asso- distribute food. The on-site lunch program ciation received both CARES and ARP morphed into one of pick-up or delivered funding totaling $62,500 to partially reim- meals. CARES funding of approximately burse staff and cover the loss of income $100,000 flowed through the county to pay while the building was closed to event rental. for supplies, including personal protective The Key Peninsula News operates under equipment, hiring an additional kitchen the nonprofit umbrella of the KPCCA but assistant, freezer repair, new refrigerators is financially and editorially independent. and overdue site upgrades. “The need is KP News did not receive any Covid relief still great, the demand continues, and we funding. n August 2021 www.keypennews.org 5 High Temperatures and Low Tide Take a Toll Marine animals died as natural tidal patterns and effects of climate change combined.

SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS rate depended on location. Record high temperatures and minus “I did some calculations and some of tides spelled disaster for shellfish and other my oysters were exposed to the heat for intertidal sea life in Puget Sound in June. over 10 hours, including seven hours when Teri King, aquaculture and marine water the temperature was over 100,” he said. quality specialist with Washington Sea Oysters on rocks and higher on the beach Grant, began getting calls about unusual were much more susceptible than those shellfish behavior up and down the coast on beaches that were sandy and wet from beginning as early as June 22. Temperatures local surface or groundwater. Nearly all the then were in the 80s, 15 degrees warmer cockles died, 50% of the varnish clams, than average. The lowest tide of the year 20-30% of the manilas — which are lower would be two days later, and the highest down on the beach — and 20% of the temperatures ever recorded for the region oysters overall. would not occur for another five days. Kingman keeps careful records of his Algal toxins were responsible for summer shellfish catastrophe. David Zeigler, KP News King said that the first shore life to show beds and knows now which ones are more effects were the varnish clams, sand dollars resistant to extreme heat. “Those are the Cause of 2019 Rocky Bay Clam Die-Off Identified and cockles. The clams surfaced, seeking ones I will plant first,” he said. The trip- Community science and historical data identified the cause of shellfish mortality. cooler temperatures. loids, sterile oysters SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS “Yessotoxins were only identified in 1986 Oyster, barnacle that were developed but since they aren’t a toxin of human health “EVERYTHING WAS FLAYED OPEN BY and mussel deaths in part to avoid the The cause of the Rocky Bay clam die-off concern they have usually been overlooked,” THE 26TH — IT WAS A CLAMBAKE.” followed. “Moon mushy texture of in July 2019 has been identified. Beaches King said. In the last two years researchers snails actually evicted themselves from their the oyster during the summer spawning across Puget Sound were affected by similar were able to gather samples and study real- shells,” King said. “Everything was flayed season, are usually not as hardy as the events in both 2018 and 2019. Yessotoxins, time mortality events. “We successfully open by the 26th — it was a clambake.” diploids. But Kingman said they fared as produced by the algae species Protocera- isolated cysts of P. reticulatum out of the Key Peninsula residents could smell the well as the diploids during the heat. Adults, tium reticulatum, are the culprit. shellfish digestive tract.” results along both Case and Carr inlets. ready for harvest, suffered a higher mortality Teri King, aquaculture and marine The information, together with a review Norm McLoughlin, who reported the rate than the seedlings. But, he said, “it water quality specialist with Washington of historical observations, brought a more massive algae-related clam die-off at Rocky could have been worse.” Sea Grant, was lead author of the paper complete picture of plankton-induced shell- Bay in 2019, said the smell was not as bad The last two years have been difficult for describing the findings. She recalled sinking fish summer mortality in focus. King said as it was then. The mortality rate for that the industry, Kingman said. The pandemic to her waist on the Rocky Bay beach when the final sample analysis was made possible event was estimated to be about 50%, and decimated the market, regulations are it suddenly liquefied as the tide came in through collaboration with the Northwest birds and crabs, the usual scavengers of changing, and climate change has taken when she collected oyster specimens there Indian College just as the pandemic was dead shellfish, would not touch them. That a toll. “I feel most for the mom-and-pop in the 1980s. shutting things down in 2020. was not the case in the heat-related deaths, growers. They are small family businesses “Mother nature caused me a bunch of Vera Trainer, research oceanographer at according to King. that have been around for 40 years and grief in that bay and in 2018-2019 she gave the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Kent Kingman, owner of the Minter- have found a niche. They are an important it all back by eliminating all the other condi- Seattle, founded SoundToxins 15 years ago. brook Oyster Co., said that he lost about part of the industry and may not weather tions that could have caused the die-off.” “I call it a neighborhood block watch for 25-30% of his shellfish, but that the death the storm.” n King suspected phytoplankton but algae the seas,” Trainer said. “This is one of the had never been identified as the cause of good news stories. The science is moving Mussels on a raft in Carr Inlet couldn’t survive the heat. Sara Thompson, KP News shellfish mortality in Washington. When out of the glass towers and into the commu- the toxin levels returned, the researchers nity. It is an example of a community-based had an explanation. science program, working together and They also delved into data collected as having these eyes on Puget Sound. These far back as the 1930s by NOAA’s Fisheries questions are difficult, and we need more Science Center and the National Centers people working together.” for Coastal Ocean Science and coupled it King said the next step will be to survey with recent observations from the Sound- bivalves throughout Puget Sound to quan- Toxins (sic) phytoplankton monitoring tify yessotoxin concentrations in a variety program, which includes state shellfish of native shellfish over the summer months managers, environmental learning centers, in collaboration with the Northwest Indian tribes, residents, and commercial fish and College. Washington Sea Grant will also shellfish farmers. work with shellfish farmers and toxicolo- They discovered that two phytoplankton gists from the University of Washington to species had historically been associated develop dose response curves as they relate with shellfish mortality events: the yesso- to phytoplankton abundances. This should toxin-producing P. reticulatum and a allow them to establish a real-time mapping second species, Akashiwo sanguinea, which system to alert managers and growers and produces a surfactant and has been asso- possibly allow them to harvest before the ciated with mortality in hatcheries and in bivalves are impacted rather than waiting locations other than Rocky Bay. it out and hoping for survival. n 6 www.keypennews.org August 2021 PENINSULA VIEWS no way to predict the ebb and flow of those of Shakespeare. Water vapor in the air also about the weather: take fewer trips on jet Vicki Husted Biggs strong emotional tides. All the preparation contributes to the greenhouse effect, but planes; plant trees and support reforesta- you can muster will not accurately predict its level is not changing much. Increasing tion; support companies that capture carbon A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE the paths you will tread following the death levels of methane and carbon dioxide are dioxide before it gets into the air. You can of a loved one. You muddle along until you thus the biggest drivers of the recent natural also urge lawmakers to switch subsidies feel better, and chart a new course. anomalous events such as record-shattering and tax credits from nonrenewable energy Muddling Through Today I will go to work in a new envi- high temperatures in the American West sources like fossil fuels to renewables; make Sometimes I feel like that is how I live ronment, where there is more work and and episodes of heavy rainfall, droughts, all public transit free; mandate that all new my life; just muddling through until I finally not enough workers. Four of my social floods and extended hurricane seasons construction must have solar panels; and get somewhere. Some people seem to have worker colleagues have left our staff in everywhere else. implement a carbon tax. a clear objective and a straightforward path recent months. This is a recent phenom- How can gas way up in the air worsen Richard Gelinas, Ph.D., whose early work that they do not veer from until they reach enon, part of our pandemic crisis. We weather down on the surface? earned a Nobel Prize, is a senior research scien- their goals. They move from point A to have more responsibility and less power, Carbon dioxide due to its molecular struc- tist at the Institute for Systems Biolog y. He lives point B to point C without being deterred, even over our own lives. We are collec- ture is naturally able to absorb sunlight, in Lakebay. Suggestions for further reading are sidelined or distracted. I admire that. tively muddling through changing soci- especially heat radiation. When heat radi- at keypennews.org. That has not been my experience. Often etal norms. Decisions will be made about ation comes back into the air from Earth’s when I have a destination in mind the path vaccinations, masks, travel, career choices land or oceans, it is absorbed by the carbon is winding, full of potholes and missing and changes, and a myriad of other things. dioxide and re-emitted. Sometimes the Joseph Pentheroudakis street signs. There are detours and delays. It is not clear how we will come through re-emitted heat goes off into space, but ON THE WING It’s like Google maps has sent me down the this period in our history. increasingly the heat is returned to Earth’s wrong street. It takes a while to recover my I recently read a quote by the journalist surface. That’s the problem: We are now at sense of direction. Sometimes I decide to Anna Quindlen that I identified with. “Life is the point where there is so much carbon Do Your Homework go with the flow of traffic and see where not so much about beginnings and endings dioxide in the air that it’s hard for heat I have been researching and writing about it takes me. as it is about going on and on and on. It is energy to escape back into space and our the history of our area for a few years now. For example, some home improvement about muddling through the middle.” planet heats up. The lives and adventures, the successes and projects that I estimate to be fairly simple Vicki Biggs is a longtime social worker. She It could be worse. Neighboring Venus low points of the people who managed to turn into something much more complicated. lives in Home. has an atmosphere that’s mostly carbon find their way to this remote part of Puget Changing out a screen door can turn into dioxide. Venus enjoys a surface tempera- Sound interest me, especially people whose many trips to the hardware store. I measure, ture of about 800 degrees C. This is hot stories have barely been told, if at all. I look, I shop, I watch YouTube videos and Richard Gelinas enough to melt metals like lead, magnesium Unlike the stories of well-known still the project is a poster child for muddling EMPIRICALLY YOURS or aluminum. No wonder our favorite space pioneers, who left a rich paper trail, the through until it finally comes together. cadets Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard lives of less-known settlers and early resi- Muddling through is an exercise in Branson have announced no plans to visit dents can be hard to reconstruct. To stitch persistence. Sometimes, as a single woman, Earth’s Energy our nearest planetary neighbor. together those narratives, I spend count- juggling a career and homeownership, an Balance So why did temperatures in Portland hit less hours searching through museum extra amount of determination is needed to You have probably noticed it is getting 116 and 121 F in British Columbia recently? and library collections, poring over maps, get the simplest of tasks done. One person hotter, as if the weather is out of balance. It was a heat dome — the fancy name for a examining physical and digitized archives, cannot be in two or three places at the same Earth’s energy flow is always in balance, huge thick blanket of hot air that formed leafing through yellowed ledgers, and time. Striving for self-sufficiency is a lofty but the planet-wide thermostat is now set and didn’t budge for days. The National reading newspapers of the time. Bit by goal, as it turns out. Decisions have to be to keep more heat. The energy retained on Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- rewarding bit, the stories emerge; it’s a made along the way. What things can I let Earth’s surface has doubled between 2005 tion says a heat dome forms when strong lot like working on an archeological dig, go of for now? What is necessary? What and 2019, thus the planet heats up. You can high-pressure circulation in the atmosphere reconstructing a ceramic pot from shards will I definitely need help with? These are blame the sun, if that makes you feel better, traps rising warm air from large areas of the scattered at the site. There will be pieces the questions I ask myself as I muddle but in fact human activity is the culprit. ocean, especially from the periodic influ- missing, but sometimes it’s possible to along. What if I make a mistake? What Energy comes to Earth in the form of ences from La Niña. The main trigger for extrapolate from what you have and fill if my neighbors cross the road to ask me sunlight. Earth is storing more of this heat domes is a strong gradient in ocean in the gaps. what the heck am I doing? energy in the form of warmer land and temperatures from west to east in the trop- The work is immensely satisfying and The writing process is a classic example especially warmer ocean water. This simply ical Pacific during the preceding winter. off-the-charts fun. I become a sleuth, of muddling through; I am fairly certain continues a warming trend that started NOAA explains: “The western Pacific’s pondering evidence, triangulating my mate- that other writers will agree. You begin with the industrial revolution in the late temperatures have risen over the past few rial and my sources to confirm it. Some- with an idea, work it through to words on 19th century. Sadly, because of changes to decades as compared to the eastern Pacific, times the trail leads me to new discoveries, paper. Maybe you use an outline, or perhaps the mix of gases in our atmosphere, the creating a strong temperature gradient … which may upend existing narratives. If the you start right in the middle. Maybe you planet can’t get rid of the energy that comes that drive(s) wind, across the entire ocean evidence leads to a rewrite of accepted oral write purely by inspiration. Rarely does naturally from the sun fast enough. There in winter. In a process known as convec- histories or recollections, I may risk running the writing appear in perfect form at the is a lot of water on Earth, so it’s getting tion, the gradient causes more warm air, into some resistance on the part of those first sitting. Revisions and rewrites are the warmer everywhere. heated by the ocean surface, to rise over whose past I’m excavating. I remember norm. You muddle along, as disciplined It’s simple, really. The oceans are warming the western Pacific and decreases convec- interviewing a local family for a story once, as it is possible to be, until the mission is because there are fewer clouds and less tion over the central and eastern Pacific. sharing my independent research on their accomplished and the end is reached. sea ice that would otherwise reflect the As prevailing winds move the hot air east, place and their own distant history; they Just a few moments of reflection easily sunlight away. More significantly, the levels the northern shifts of the jet stream trap were as gracious as can be, but as they would reveal periods of time where muddling of heat-trapping gases, especially methane the air and move it toward land, where it later confess that while I may have uncov- through was the only thing keeping me and carbon dioxide, are rising because of sinks, resulting in heat waves.” ered and documented events that were afloat. Experiencing the loss of a spouse is human activity. Carbon dioxide in the atmo- Here are some personal actions you probably accurate, I had robbed their history undoubtedly a time of muddling. There is sphere has almost doubled since the time can take, or at least ponder, as we all talk of its swashbuckling romance. August 2021 www.keypennews.org 7

That gave me pause, but thankfully other would be going with them. He didn’t tell than my hurt ego and the awkward realiza- her she would not be proudly sitting beside Letters to the Editor tion that I had trampled all over that family’s Phyllis Henry him. He didn’t break his promise; he broke COAST TO COAST history, there were no other repercussions. her heart. PLAYING THE FEAR CARD I am still friends with them, and I honored As the unwed mother visits her OB/GYN The Aug. 3 primary election for PSD their story as the gateway to my own find- after two missed periods, she ruefully recalls board director is critically important for the ings. No one lost face; both stories ended Promises, Salted her lover’s whisper in the middle of the future of our school district. The results may up with a seat at the table. Romance and and Pure seduction, “I promise I’ll use protection.” have a lasting impact for many years. Three fact managed to coexist peacefully. Promises are not written in stone, or At a meeting where there are no minutes candidates (Johnson, Ader and Weinberg) There are larger, more important narra- even wet cement. They are soft and squishy to approve, everyone recalls when the have made statements about Critical Race tives, however, which may diverge and and easily manipulated into shapes that secretary agreed, “I promise I’ll have the Theory (CRT) and other education related cannot be reconciled, where there is just only slightly resemble the original. When minutes typed within a week.” issues that are simply untrue. These candi- not much of a middle ground where I Googled “promise,” the definition was When the car chugs over to the side of the dates are playing the “fear card” trying to differing views could meet. The present “make a promise or commitment.” That’s highway, the words of the spouse echo, “I scare voters into supporting their agenda. moment in our history is a good example. like saying the color blue is “the color promise I’ll fill the gas tank before we leave.” PSD has absolutely no plans to imple- There are issues like climate change or the blue.” Is that cerulean, robin’s egg blue, When a marriage culminates with a ment a CRT curriculum, nor does one pandemic and the responses to them where navy, cobalt, seafoam, sky blue? Actually, meeting of divorce lawyers, the promises even exist. It is a theoretical model that opposing sides advance arguments that can it’s whatever I mean when I use the word of the bride and groom to “love and obey” has been used in graduate-level academia be debated, at least in theory. But there are “blue” and no one else can be sure until I floated hopelessly, locked out of the room. for 40+ years, not an instructional curric- also demonstrably false narratives spread define it further. “I promise we’ll go to the zoo next ulum. Their so-called “Common Sense for purely political gain. Misinformation I know a young girl named Alice. When weekend.” “I promise to iron that shirt Curriculum” seeks to restrict education by can be remedied with honest debate and Alice was 12 years old her father promised before you leave tomorrow morning.” “I turning it into a mythology that supports a review of the data; disinformation needs that he would take her to “The Nutcracker” promise to use deodorant if that bothers their view of the world, but that has little to be rejected and those who advance it ballet the week before Christmas. Since you so much.” “I promise to call my mom to do with reality or historical facts. rebuked. her parents were divorced, Alice didn’t see every Sunday afternoon.” “I promise to In the Pierce County Voter’s Pamphlet, But how can you tell? How do you know her dad very often, and he rarely phoned stock the shelves before the store opens.” Ader disingenuously cites Martin Luther King which side to believe, whose side to take? her. She bragged to her friends about this “I promise to teach the dog not to chew Jr., twisting his words to support her cause. How do we tell the story that most closely “date” with her father. They were going your underwear.” Teaching a made-up feel-good version of matches reality? to a grand theater for the event, and she Many promises are kept. Many are not. history does not help children become crit- You don’t, unless you do your homework. was very excited. A second Google definition is “promise ical thinkers. Johnson suggests that teaching As a student of language and a writer Alice chose a dark green velvet dress, to undertake or give: I promise you my the truth will “teach them to divide people of history, I can tell you it’s not fun being had her mother buy off-white leggings, and best effort.” We need a different word by class, race and creed,” and then cites “the corrected for errors or admitting that I planned to wear her black patent shoes. for that definition. A “perhaps-promise.” American way,” whatever that is. It seems might have fallen for a piece of nonsense. Her school coat was too sensible for such A “promise with variable parameters.” A these candidates want to perpetuate the When that happens, it means I haven’t an evening, so she convinced her mother “promise but don’t get your hopes up.” A misunderstanding and hate that is so rampant done that homework. I may have missed that her green and gold wool stole would “promise that isn’t as good as it sounds?” around race and sexual identity. a source, or perhaps I misinterpreted the be warm enough. A green and gold ribbon Probably most people who makes prom- Please go to the ballot box and put the data. I’ll never forget my mortification when cascade held her curly, blonde ponytail ises expect to keep them — at least in brakes on this effort to hijack our schools. someone pointed out an inconsistency in in place. Her mother refused to lend her the way they have defined it in their own Our kids deserve better than what these a paper I presented at a linguistics confer- gold earrings, but Alice was lovely when minds. I’ve heard it said, “I’ll take that candidates offer. ence years ago, back when I was a little too her father came to take her to the musical. promise with a grain of salt.” I checked Ken Wassum, Vaughn sensitive about my own findings. That was By the time she came home, the promise with Google on that phrase too. “Etymolo- a lesson for the ages for me, especially in of a glorious night with the full attention gist Christine Ammer traces it to Pompey’s CRITICAL THINKING my current work. I am acutely aware of of her father vanished. At the perfor- discovery, recorded by Pliny in 77 A.D., Sometimes it is so frustrating listening the responsibility that comes with writing mance her father sat with the woman he of an antidote to poison which had to to the news and or reading it online. So about forgotten people and events from was dating and Alice was forced to sit in be taken with a small amount of salt to much divisiveness, anger and ugliness. A 100 or 150 years ago. My story may well an entirely different part of the theater be effective.” blessing for me has been reading the Key be the only account of their lives available, with Lucy, the dowdy 15-year-old daughter My advice is to liberally sprinkle any Peninsula News. It has become one of my at least until I or a future historian revise of her father’s date. Lucy didn’t want to promise with a bit of salt. favorite reads because of the quality of the it based on new evidence. sit with Alice; Alice definitely didn’t want Award-winning columnist Phyllis Henry writing and the array of articles. That is why I always cite my sources, to sit with Lucy. lives in Gig Harbor. However, in the July edition, I was so to give others the chance to check on my When Alice was dropped off at home disturbed by a political advertisement that work and correct any errors or omissions. after the performance, she tried very hard The opinions expressed by writers are is so misleading and full of manufactured Because this is no longer about me or my to enthusiastically talk about the great event. not necessarily those of the KP News. ignorance it made my stomach turn. ego; it’s about getting the story right. I’ve She loved the mouse in “The Nutcracker” We neither endorse nor oppose issues or “Save Peninsula Schools” was the head- come a long way since that painful confer- and the costumes were beyond anything proposals discussed on these pages and line for this ad. As a public school educator, ence. she might have imagined, even though she present these views for public information. retired after 35 years, I believe critical So, if you’re going to challenge a narra- had read about the performance before she Letters to the editor must be signed and thinking is perhaps the most important tive in the marketplace of ideas, do your left home. In the middle of her descrip- include a daytime phone number. Anony- goal of education. An informed electorate homework. It’s not about you; it’s about tion of the performance the tears started, mous letters will not be published. Letters is the foundation of all democracy. falling in love with the truth. And as you even though she tried very hard to not let are used on a space-available basis and My hat is off to the tremendous job our will discover, that’s off-the-charts fun. them be seen. will be edited for length and clarity. Mail local educators are doing. Don’t let the Joseph Pentheroudakis is an artist, historian Her father had “promised” to take her to to P.O. Box 3, Vaughn WA 98394, or email self-serving GOP lead you to believe they and avid birder who writes from Herron Island. the theater. He never told her that others to [email protected]. CONTINUED PAGE 8 8 www.keypennews.org August 2021

Join us! Community Volunteer Network Unique Gifts • Local Artisans • Décor • Gift Baskets Senior Ride Program | Key Senior Information Center | Assisted Living Project Support Groups, Forums and Classes Pop-Up Event August 12 Live music, outdoor End of Building an shopping and guaranteed fun from 2 to 6 pm SEASON Elder-Friendly Summer CLEARANCE Key Peninsula Paint & Sip with Andi ENTIRE STOCK August 26 6-8:30 pm Painting, wine and loads TREES, SHRUBS & of laughter. Beginners Sale PERENNIALS welcome, must be 21. 3O% OFF  Just in! New collection of knockout roses, GARDEN FURNITURE hydrangeas, Hibiscus and many more ART & ACCESSORIES summer bloomers  Call for delivery and 40% OFF Give a giÓ pick-up options. SELECT PLANTS, GIFTS & DÉCOR We Are like no other 50% OFF Open! Choose a one-of-a- Time to exercise, kind treasure, every socialize and live it time! Our workshops IN KEY CENTER OPEN MON-SAT 9 to 5 SUNDAY 11 to 4 253 884-3937 up at Mustard Seed! personalize everything [email protected] www.sunnycrestnursery.com SAIL from wine glasses and Stay active and coffee cups to wooden independent, locally owned. from our family to yours. independent for life signs and leather belts. Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Don’t Let Summer Get Away! 10 to 11 am Pre-register Custom gifts like no other! Personalized Grab your family and get into the outdoor summery fun with picnics, BBQ, fishing mugs, tumblers, wine glasses, leather Yoga items, baby blankets, cutting boards, and a big splash or two Wednesdays, 11:30 to 12:30 Pre-register cheese plates, customer laser maps, puzzles, tea towels, wedding items, Open Activity wall décor, wooden greeting cards, Games, puzzles, old friends and engraved stall & house signs, just to name new. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and a few! And we’ll custom-make gift Thursdays, 1 to 3 pm baskets for any occasion. Hootenanny! Calling all folksong enthusiasts. If you enjoy singing and playing, come join the fun. Third Tuesday every month, 3 to 5 pm

Call 253 509 0760 PHARMACY 253 857-7797 M-F 9am-7pm, Sat ‘til 6pm, Closed Sun 253 884-9814 cozycountrykeepsakes.com STORE 253 857-7944 M-F 9am-7pm, Sat ‘til 6pm, Sun ‘til 5pm Office open M-F, 10 to 4 8912 Key Peninsula Hwy in Key Center COSTLESSPURDY.COM www.themustardseedproject.org just up the hill from Blend

LOWEST RX PRICES IN AREA WE MAIL PRESCRIPTIONS Follow us on Facebook Tue-Fri 11 to 5, Sat 10 to 5 August 2021 www.keypennews.org 9

evidence? we need to focus on “regaining learning” Looking at Seattle and now Tacoma, Letters to the Editor No, none of those things. after a year of closed schools. Remember anyone can deduce that turning a blind According to the ad, the way to save that the United States is lagging behind eye is not the way to solve the problem. I LETTERS FROM PAGE 7 our schools is by “pushing back on the many other countries. We must prepare would think that this would concern not are about critical thinking. Read between indoctrination of our children” in Critical our kids for what comes after graduation, only the business owners in Key Center, the lines of this ad and see the divisiveness Race Theory (CRT) and Comprehensive which is best accomplished with in-person but the entire community. and power grab for what it is. Sex Education (CSE). This is no more teaching of a standard curriculum without Nita Garnier. Yankee Clipper Barber Shop, Phil DiGirolamo, Longbranch than an attempt to spread misinformation any distractions. Surveys show an over- KC Corral Editor’s note: DiGirolamo is married to a and intolerance. whelming majority want traditional Amer- KP News board member. The board has But it is a good straw man argument for ican values taught in schools, so let’s teach no control over editorial content. extremists, though. kids how to think, not what to think. The ad falsely claims CRT teaches “chil- Many fear data will show remote classes SCHOOL BOARD LEADERSHIP dren to judge people based on skin color, were not as effective as we hoped. Our OBITUARY In 2019, 66.5% of the voters approved a not the content of their character.” What a new superintendent will need community bond measure to build four new elementary dishonorable way to invoke Martin Luther input and support. The school board must schools, including Evergreen Elementary on King Jr. CRT does not suggest that people quickly react to negative news concerning Key Peninsula, which will alleviate drastic be judged by skin color. It does, however, last school year’s learning outcomes and overcrowding and improve access and safety explore the concept that racism is a struc- work with the community to affect solutions, for our kids. More than just about anyone ture that has existed for centuries in the not “re-imagine.” We know what works. else, Jennifer Butler’s hard work helped United States and continues to affect us We’re proud of our new schools but it’s get these new facilities built. Jennifer has today in ways we might not recognize. To the community whose generosity and hard- worked tirelessly to improve our school turn our backs on the actual history and earned tax dollars deserve thanks. New and district by helping ensure adequate funding current conditions in the U.S. can only more upgraded schools were desperately needed, for important priorities like advanced place- deeply entrench divisions and violence in but the focus must be inside the classrooms ment, special education, activities, and our society. and we must continue efforts to improve school security. She has volunteered both The ad goes on to claim that CSE teaches broadband internet on the Key Peninsula in and out of the school district to help “children to be confused as to whether they in case the need for remote learning returns. improve educational outcomes and provide are a girl or a boy.” The assertion appears Our schools can again be the shining light opportunities for graduates. to be an attack on the inclusion of gender in our community, but we must keep our We are fortunate to have a school board issues, such as those related to LGBTQ focus 100% on the recovery of learning as Harold Matthews candidate who has dedicated herself to our students, in the sex education curriculum. we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harold Leslie Matthews died June 17, students and school district rather than Diversity of sexual orientation is a fact David Weinberg, Gig Harbor, Candidate, surrounded by loved ones. He was born focusing on political rhetoric and manufac- of life. About 5.6% of adults in the U.S., or PSD School Board Pos. 2 Dec. 10, 1923 in Regina, Saskatchewan, tured controversy. Rather than articulate a over 11 million folks, identify as LGBTQ, Canada to William and Bessie Matthews. positive vision for our schools, Jennifer’s and 8% of American high school students, KP’S GROWING HOMELESS PROBLEM Harold was a born entrepreneur. At the opponents have resorted to smears and about 1.3 million, are LGBTQ. Nearly 18% As a business owner in the Key Center age of 7, he began selling Liberty maga- falsehoods. We tell our kids that telling the of them report being raped at some point Corral, I have had several very unpleasant zine to the neighborhood for 5 cents each. truth is important and lying is wrong. What in their lives, they are twice as likely to be encounters with homeless people. Some will A newspaper carrier by age 12, he realized kind of example would we set for them by bullied than straight students and 30% argue that they are kind and sweet people the need for a bicycle, which he bought on electing to our school board people who attempt suicide, rates that are substantially and for the most part they are. However, credit, making payments of $1 per week. in their campaign do exactly what we tell higher than for straight kids. when their demons take over and they need While he worked at other jobs, he always our kids not to do? As the numbers suggest, there is a huge a fix, they become belligerent and down- returned to his love of the newspaper busi- It’s often said that a person’s true character role schools can play in easing the expe- right dangerous. One actually picked up an ness. Setting his own terms, he worked as is shown when no one is looking. When no riences of non-normative youth. To me, 80-pound bench and was trying to throw it an independent contractor for the Regina one was looking, Jennifer was doing every- it seems clear that lessons about sexual through my front window when the deputy Leader Post, Vancouver News-Herald, Port- thing she could to make our school district orientation and gender identity belong sheriff arrived. land Oregonian and Seattle Times. a better place for kids. That’s the kind of in any curriculum that claims to address The Pierce County Sheriff ’s Department He discovered his love for and ability in leadership we need on the Peninsula School sex education. said they have exhausted all resources for athletics early in life. Living on the prairies, District board, and I hope others join me Support schools by rejecting attempts these people, including putting them up he and his friends played baseball and foot- in supporting Jennifer Butler. to radicalize our school board and our free in motels (where they are soon thrown ball to stay in shape for the real season — Bryce Nelson, Gig Harbor community. If you want to clear up confu- out because of causing a disturbance), free hockey. He worked hard but always arranged sion, educate. rehab (that they quickly leave to return to his hours so that he had time for sports. PROFESSOR EMERITUS Felix Billingsley, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus life on the street and drugs), and free rides While sports were important, when his As a professor of education for 30 years, College of Education, University of Washington, to the edge of town only to have them make nation needed him, he volunteered to I was both saddened and alarmed by an ad Captain, USAF, 1966-1970 their way back a few days later. join the Navy. He proudly served on the placed in last month’s Key Peninsula News They clutter the KC Corral with shop- H.M.C.S. Outarde, patrolling the waters of by candidates running for our school board. SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE ping carts overflowing with sleeping bags, Alaska and British Columbia during the The ad begins with a cry to “Save Penin- COVID-19 has impacted our children’s blankets, food and water, leaving behind Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands. sula Schools.” education and I see this with my child who’s empty cans, bottles and plastic wrappers He was always all about family. Harold How are we to “save” them? Is it by in the Peninsula School District. Add to for the business owners to pick up. They moved the family to the United States in insisting that students learn critical thinking that all the political distractions and mask think nothing of shooting heroin into their 1961 for more promising opportunities. skills, improve their media literacy, receive mandates, returning to pre-Covid standards arms and legs right in front of the shop He became a proud citizen Aug. 8, 1968. first-rate civic coursework, or come to becomes even more difficult. windows and then crashing, passed out on He made time for his children and grand- understand the importance of scientific We don’t need to “re-imagine learning,” benches reserved for customers. CONTINUED PAGE 10- 10 www.keypennews.org August 2021

Two Local Teens Die in MATTHEWS FROM PAGE 9 We have qualified buyers ready to buy children’s activities and could be relied COLLECTORS' ALERT Separate Accidents upon to coach or be their loudest cheering 1973 VW Whiskey Decanter Your one & only local to be raffled on August 8; $1 tickets now STAFF REPORT section. He loved to share his life stories with all of us, creating learning opportu- real estate experts. Two teenagers died on the Key Peninsula nities, a lifetime of laughter, amazement, We cover waterfront properties, In June, Angel Guild awarded homes, acreage, and farms. When June 28 just a few hours and a few miles and shared memories. it’s time for a new beginning, $9,963 to local nonprofits apart in unrelated accidents. Harold loved the Key Peninsula, moving call the New Beginnings team, KP Community Services ...... $3,963.17 Will Huck of Port Orchard, 17, drowned in and retiring here in 1992. He and his wife your local real estate experts. KP Farm Council ...... $1,500 Horseshoe Lake at approximately 3:15 p.m. Ruth joined the Key Peninsula Lutheran www.new-beginningsre.com Caleb Wanaka of Vaughn, 17, died in a Church in 2001, taking an active part in Farm Tour Fiber Arts Show ...... $1,000 one-car accident on Bliss-Cochrane Road the church. Harold loved his church and NEW BEGINNINGS KP Community Council ...... $3,500 at approximately 9:15 p.m. Three other they loved him. Real Estate, LLC teens were injured. Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, South Kitsap paramedics responding to Ruth; children Trish (Eric) Drage, Robert call 253 858-7053 the lake found that bystanders had pulled (Lisa) Matthews and Gayle (Michael) in Key Center at 9121 KP Hwy (at the light) Will from the water and were attempting to Moeller; and many grandchildren, nieces resuscitate him. He was taken to a Tacoma and nephews he loved dearly and was Rental property hospital, where he was pronounced dead. known to tease mercilessly. professionally managed Horseshoe Lake is a 39-acre park on the A celebration of life is planned for by local experts. north end of the Key Peninsula managed Saturday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at Key Penin- Property management for owners by Kitsap County Parks. There are no sula Lutheran Church, 4213 Lackey Road and renters. We handle it all for you. lifeguards. NW, Lakebay. Looking to rent? See what we Will had just graduated from Vashon have at dkpropmgmt.com Island High School. He received several Phillip A. Johnson scholarships and planned to attend the Please join us for a memorial service University of New Hampshire to study celebrating the life of Phillip A. Johnson, sports journalism. Sunday, Aug. 29 at the Longbranch More than 400 people attended a vigil Improvement Club any time between 2 call 253 884-2076 in Key Center at 9121 KP Hwy (at the light) June 30 at Whisky Gulch CoffeePub, the to 6 p.m. Read his obituary at keypen- Open 10 to 4 Thur-Sat hours may change Port Orchard restaurant owned by Will’s news.org. Qualified renters ready to move in now Key Center Corral 253 884-9333 father, Chuck, where Will was a server. Mourners released 17 orange lanterns onto Sinclair Inlet during the vigil. Will You don’t need insurance or ID. Plan ahead and died two weeks short of his 18th birthday. Caleb and three friends were riding in save $50 a ton! the bed of a pick up truck near Vaughn It’s simple. PRESALE NOW when the driver lost control and struck a for September tree. The driver was wearing a seat belt; the It’s free. pickup or delivery four others were thrown from the vehicle. Olympus Wood Stove Caleb died of his injuries; the three injured Free vaccinations are Pellets $225/ton teens, all 16 or 17 years old, were transported to area hospitals, one in serious condition. available on the KP at Cost Speed may have been a factor but Less Pharmacy and Key there was no sign the driver was impaired, Center Medical. Or go to Complete selection of livestock feeds including XCel, Payback, Equis, Scratch and Peck, according to the Pierce County Sheriff ’s tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture. Department. Haystack and Earth First brands. Rewards bonus: Earn a point for every dollar spent, Caleb just finished his junior year at accrue 400 points, take 10% off purchase. Peninsula High School, where he was a star athlete, playing both basketball and baseball. Order online, now with bulk options He was named a first-team infielder on the  Visit website store for pickup or delivery 4A South Puget Sound League all-league team in the 2021 spring season. Trash or yard debris to the dump? PHS Principal Joe Potts sent an email Topsoil or gravel delivery? Call for to school families June 29 that read in affordable delivery, up to 5 yards per load. part: “The death of a student affects the entire Peninsula School District commu- Large animal burial service nity, and we send our deepest expressions Call for details now of sympathy to the student’s parents, family and friends.” There was also an invitation Call (253) 303-1260 www.drivethrufeedonthekey.com for any PHS student to contact the school Open Tues-Sat 11 to 6, Sun 10 to 4 Closed Mon Veteran family owned & operated counselors. at 16915 121st St. NW/Hwy 302 On Facebook @drivethrufeedonthekey A July 9 memorial for Caleb at the PHS ASK ABOUT DELIVERIES, ONE TON+ BULK PRICING AND QUALIFIED FARM BUSINESS TAX EXCEPTIONS. baseball field drew more than 800 people.n August 2021 www.keypennews.org 11

Into the WILD

Naturalist Notebook Mission for Kids:

CHRIS RURIK, KP NEWS of ingesting them. In fact, newts will climb hotter than adjacent forests on a hot day, The Best Blackberry Imaginable unharmed from the mouths of dead fish and urban areas another 10 degrees hotter Okay kids, you’ve got a real tough SNAKES EATEN, SNAKES EATING 20 minutes after being swallowed. still. But the heat wave made it clear just mission this month. You’re going to be Recently a friend asked me if there are The common garter snake, Thamnophis how important night time temperatures asked to eat dozens of delicious black- birds that eat garter snakes. A few, I told him. sirtalis, is the lone exception. Research on are when a region desperately needs to berries. It’s tough work being a scientist, Red-tailed hawks are known for making off populations across the Pacific Northwest cool. I measured different surfaces at 2 with snakes. It is always an odd sight to see has suggested that as the snakes acquire p.m., when the air temperature was around but hey, someone’s got to do it. I want a snake writhing like a strand of kelp in more and more resistance to the newt’s 100 degrees. Asphalt was 158 degrees in you to discover why some blackberries the sky. Crows and ravens eat garter snakes. toxins, the newts become more and more the sun; forest floor was 95 degrees in taste so much better than others. Go toxic — an evolutionary arms race. But They eat everything. And, I told him, I have the shade; pasture was 115 degrees in the around tasting berries from different seen a great blue heron wrestle with a garter how can the race proceed if the newt dies sun and 100 degrees in the shade; and, snake. Beyond that, I said, few birds would when a snake tries to eat it, even if the snake surprisingly, the coolest ground was the brambles. Ask yourself: Does taste be brave enough to try. dies too? More recent studies have found asphalt of a driveway under total shade, have to do with size? Color? Height Then reader Mira Thompson of Bay Lake an answer: snakes will partially swallow measuring 87 degrees. I began to wonder on the bush? Sun or shade? Nearby told me a story that blew my mind. On a newts before deciding whether or not they about not just maximum temperatures but plants? Take notes and see if you can quiet road she came upon a robin flapping are too toxic and either spitting them back the rates at which different parts of our find patterns where the best berries are on the ground. It gathered itself and took out or digesting them. The snakes, in other landscape cool. flight with a snake dangling from its beak. words, test their own resistance against the So, over the course of that evening, in found. Let me know what you decide by From 10 feet up it dropped the snake. It toxicity of the individual newt. its own right an extraordinary event with emailing [email protected].. swooped down, paused to watch the snake, The cost is high. Within minutes of air temperatures dropping 50 degrees then fluttered around to peck at it. The catching a newt, even if the snake will in less than five hours, I returned to my p.m., with the air at a merciful 72 degrees, snake reared into a defensive posture and successfully digest it, the snake cannot measuring points. the pastures and forest floor were in the the robin attacked. It pecked, grabbed the hold its head steady. It opens its mouth as By 5 p.m. the air temperature had mid-60s. The road was 86 degrees. The snake and dropped it again and again. The wide as it can and rubs it on the ground. reached 105 degrees. Yet all the surfaces shaded driveway, which was coolest at fight moved inch by inch across the road. In extreme cases, it writhes and bites itself. measured cooler than before. How could midday, was now at 72 degrees, ten degrees Finally, the snake was weak enough that Its decision to digest or not digest may not that be if the day had grown hotter? The warmer than the natural areas. the robin took it in its beak and flew off. be a decision at all; the newt might simply answer, I eventually realized, is that after That shaded driveway tells an interesting Garter snakes do some impressive eating escape if the snake is sufficiently incapac- the sun leaves its apex, much of the day’s story. Rock, whether natural or manmade, of their own. Gardeners love them for their itated. But if the snake manages to keep heat comes from surfaces rather than the can hold a lot of heat energy. Because appetite for slugs and snails. They’ll eat the newt down, the few hours it spends as sun. As they slowly release their heat, they of that capacity, it takes time to bring its earthworms, insects, frogs and small fish. a drunken wreck are rewarded with a meal keep the air temperature higher than it temperature up. The sun has plenty of raw They also eat our local celebrity, the rough- that might last it over a week. And newts should be based on the angle of the sun. power to quickly heat unshaded concrete skinned newt. This is a feat worth inves- are a common prey and easy to catch. It’s the same reason that July and August to absurd temperatures, but when it is tigating. Rough-skinned newts are packed HOW THE HIGHEST-EVER are the hottest months when maximum shaded it might actually function as a heat with tetradotoxin, the same neurotoxin TEMPERATURES COOLED sun exposure is in June. sink — for part of the day. As I saw, while that makes Japanese pufferfish so deadly. On the final day of June’s record- By 8 p.m., with the air at 90 degrees and natural surfaces cool quickly in the evening, Studies have shown that every potential smashing heat wave, I braved the oven shade everywhere, the pastures matched even the shaded concrete with its load of predator of rough-skinned newts, from outside with a laser thermometer. It’s well- the forest floor around 80 degrees. The heat energy would be radiating increased herons to raccoons, will die within minutes known that cleared land can be 10 degrees road was still over 100 degrees. By 10 temperatures deep into the night. n

It’s wild out there! Send questions, notes and stories to the KP Nature Guide at [email protected] 12 www.keypennews.org August 2021

August 2021 SUMMER TUES/WED/THURSDAY SCHEDULE www.keypenparks.com KeyPen Parks 253 884-9240 The key to your next adventure! Welcome aboard! KP BUS CONNECTS July 7 to August 12, 2021 Free bus service Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. All ages welcome. See our interactive route map at keypennews.org/kpbus

9:28 Evergreen Elementary School 4:05 Purdy Park & Ride 9:33 Palmer Lake Public Access sunny side 4:15 Lake Kathryn Shopping Center 9:34 21st St SW @193rd Ave SW shady side 4:23 SR 302 NW@4 Corners Gas Station 9:39 KPCS Senior Center/Food Bank 4:24 Wright Bliss Rd NW @104th St Ct.NW 9:43 KP Hwy NW @167th Ave Ct NW 4:25 Wright Bliss Rd NW @Hall Road NW 9:46 Red Barn @Key Center 4:27 Food Market @Key Center 9:47 Food Market @Key Center 4:28 Red Barn @Key Center 9:49 Wright Bliss Rd NW @Hall Road NW 4:31 KP Hwy NW @167th Ave Ct NW 9:50 Wright Bliss Rd NW @104th St Ct. NW 4:35 KPCS Senior Center/Food Bank 9:52 SR 302 NW @4 Corners Gas Station 4:40 Palmer Lake Public Access sunny side 10:00 Lake Kathryn Shopping Center 4:41 21st St SW @193rd Ave SWshady side 10:05 Purdy Park & Ride 4:46 Evergreen Elementary School

FREE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION FOR ALL AGES YOUTH UNDER 12 MUST BE WITH ADULT A partnership with the KP Community Council, Puget Sound Frozen II Goonies Educational Service District and the Peninsula School District. Aug 6 at Aug 13 at Gateway Park Volunteer Park

Raya Alladin Aug 20 at Aug 27 at Gateway Park Volunteer Park You’ll be hiring a community of Hire Matt resources with the knowledge and Free Movie Friday Nights experience to make selling or buying and jo. real estate a positive experience. Family fun pre-show activities begin at 7:30, movies begin at dusk. Matt Means jo jensen 253-370-0260 I live on the Key! MattMeans.com 253-988-2231 CRAFT SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR jojensen.com The Jensen Family

For the latest news see www.keypenparks.com or Facebook page August 2021 www.keypennews.org 13 How the Binghams Found Their Way Home Longtime Longbranch volunteers Peg and Larry Bingham almost left the Key Peninsula soon after arriving. TED OLINGER, KP NEWS group of volunteers cut ivy every month. and then as the We had a scout troop show up. Carolyn owner of his own Peg and Larry Bingham, age 88 and Wiley saw an Americorp group doing a company. Their 90 respectively, spent years on the move project at Camp Sound View and talked daughter Ann was pursuing various enterprises and adventures, them into working for us on their day off born in 1960 and delivering airplanes cross-country, traveling — 14 people. Oh, that was fantastic.” Peg stayed home the world, living on a sailboat, cruising to It may have been a short drive from until all three chil- Alaska and California and beyond, before SR-302 down to their new home in Long- dren were in school, accidentally discovering the KP. branch, but it was a long and winding road when she joined But it nearly didn’t happen. through life to get there. Larry’s staff. She The Binghams once owned a summer Larry was born in Shelton and Peg in also volunteered cabin on Pickering Passage in the 1960s Seattle. They met in the spring of 1952 at as a teacher’s aide and were looking for another one there the University of Washington sophomore for a school for in 1999 for retirement. carnival. “Her sorority was across from my preschool children “Highway 302 takes you down to where fraternity, so we joined together to build with special needs, our cabin was past Shelton,” Larry said. “We a stage for the carnival,” Larry said. “We served on its board were looking over there and were headed were down there trying to do things and of directors, and back to Seattle, and we had always seen the this lady walks up and says, ‘I know all was president of signs to Key Center and had never gone about carpentry because my dad’s a builder.’ the Seattle Chil- down there, so we did.” That’s how we met.” dren’s Hospital Guild, among other things. Union, and when we retired head down The result was making a new home in an “I can’t remember if it was a nail gun or “About 1974 I finally decided I’d like to the coast and do what’s called the Coconut old cabin on the edge of Filucy Bay in 2000. a paint gun or a staple gun, but I said ‘Oh, do something I’d really enjoy,” Larry said. Milk Run across the Pacific,” Larry said. “It “After two years we almost left,” said Peg, I know how to use that,’ and promptly He sold the cement company and went to didn’t work out quite the way we planned because they felt isolated. jammed it,” said Peg. the Piper dealer at Hillsboro Airport, near it. Interest rates went way up and I was in “On our road here, there was just one They started dating in September and where they were living at the time. He’d corporate aircraft sales then, and it just other house where people lived full-time,” were married one year later. Peg dropped earned his pilot’s license in high school. killed the whole thing.” said Peg. “Very nice people but I had never out of nursing school since it required her “I generally flew Pipers and Comanches They did sail down to San Francisco even been inside their gate.” to live in a nurses’ and chatted with where Larry got another job selling aircraft. Then Peg met Dick Van Cise on one of dorm. Larry grad- “OUR KIDS KEEP SAYING COME him and next thing I “Something opened up in San Diego and her regular long walks. “He was a Long- uated in 1954 as a LIVE BY US AND I THINK, WHY?” know I’m their sales that was on the route we were trying to branch Improvement Club member and he distinguished mili- manager.” make work, so we sailed down there and insisted that we needed to join. They ask, tary graduate in ROTC with a bachelor’s He sold Pipers, the Cheyenne series, lived in the inner harbor for three months.” ‘Would you do this, would you do that,’ and in business administration. Merlin aircraft, and an open cockpit biplane Another opportunity appeared in Portland, if you say yes once, you’re nailed.” The Army called Larry to active duty the called the Great Lakes, a replica of a Thir- and they lived on the boat in the Columbia Peg worked with other volunteers to week before Christmas and sent him to the ties-era barnstormer. River before finally returning to Seattle. renovate the LIC kitchen and prepare food Presidio in San Francisco. Peg joined him “He sold one to a pilot who lived in “I loved it,” said Peg. “We probably would for events. “I just sort of started doing soon after when their first son, Larry, was Connecticut and Larry and I delivered it not have moved off the boat but back in it. There are some fantastic cooks in this one month old. to him, flying at 500 feet all the way across Seattle my mother was not well, and getting area.” She and those other fantastic cooks “So, I go in and report and the commander the United States,” said Peg. “I wouldn’t her on and off the boat was difficult. And would later publish the LIC recipe book, says ‘I see here you do a lot of boating and trade those five days for anything.” she didn’t like it anyway; she thought we “Savories and Sweets, South Sound Treats.” sailing.’ Yes sir. ‘Well, I need somebody to Larry has flown float planes, single-en- were absolutely out of our minds.” She became famous for her baking and run the Presidio Harbor Craft and Marine gines, multi-engines, helicopters and gliders. In 1991 they moved ashore and sold the was something of a kitchen fixture herself, Maintenance Division: You’re the guy.’ ” He and Peg have flown all over Alaska and boat. They’d lived aboard Wind Drifter even to the extent of getting carted off in As a brand-new second lieutenant, Larry to Mexico and Florida. He’s had a flight for 11 years. an ambulance during one event. Of course, was put in charge of four 84-foot landing instructor’s certificate for 42 years. “The “I wouldn’t meet the people who bought she came right back. craft, three 50-foot passenger-freighters, best part was I taught my oldest son how it and cried for two days,” Peg said. Peg also served as secretary for the LIC a 50-foot Chris Craft sport fishing boat, to fly.” By this time Larry was selling aircraft board and Larry was president, but he and a 63-foot rescue craft propelled by “But he didn’t teach his wife,” said Peg. parts to Boeing and Peg was working for a said his most important contribution was twin aircraft engines. “We did try. I learned in a friend’s Cessna Seattle philanthropist, the jobs they would working on the trails behind the club house. “I had 75 GIs who were the crew and Turbo 210 with retractable gear and the retire from. “It all started with Rich Hildahl, when he 75 civilians,” he said. “We ran the ferries whole nine yards, then got my license at They did manage to sail in the South Seas was president,” he said. “That whole area to Angel Island, where there was a whole Payne Field.” — doing a bareboat charter in Tahiti. They behind the building used to be a marshland. battalion at the Nike missile site. We’d take Peg also said she is afraid of heights. “I rented a plane and island-hopped by air too. Jim Olson had done drawings for Rich of dignitaries and convalescing patients on had a two-story house and I had a hard time “We have been so fortunate in our lives,” clearings we could create in the woods with fishing trips. Did that for two years. What washing the windows on the second floor, Peg said. They have lived in Longbranch picnic tables and all sorts of good things.” more could you ask for?” even from the inside,” she said. “And yet I for 21 years, longer than anywhere else. Thus began 15 years of trailblazing, The young family returned to Seattle in can fly an airplane. I actually went skydiving “Our kids keep saying come live by us bridge building and redirecting water flow 1956. Their second son, Mike, was born when I was 59. It was so beautiful.” and I think, why? We’re just very lucky to in the 7-acre woodland. the following January. In 1982 the couple sold their house and have lived the life we have lived, and to “We always had more help than we knew Larry spent the next 15 years working bought a 45-foot ketch called Wind Drifter. end up here,” she said n what to do with,” Larry said. “We had a in the cement business, first as a salesman “Our plan was to outfit it, live on Lake 14 www.keypennews.org August 2021 Labor Day Dance featuringfeaturing Kim&Brian Kim&Brian KimKimArcher Archer& & BrianBrian Feist

The ad hoc group of artists has been meeting for years. Tina McKail, KP News Art Walk in Key Center to Feature Local Plein Air Group A diverse group of painters gathers outdoors to capture the beauty of the KP. SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS and contemplate. If you wait, you’ll see "Kim&Bri “Kim&Brian’s level of musicianship On a given Friday in recent months a deer, eagles, herons. People stop and visit.” andexperiand experience in connecting with the audienaudience is what sets them apart crew of enthusiastic painters gathered at Brian Duncan of Home is new to the from other other live artists.” Whiteman Cove, between Joemma State group. He has painted on and off since Park and Camp Colman. The number may high school and is retired from a career fluctuate depending on other commitments as a draftsman. “I’m starting to remember and the weather, but what drew them what I forgot,” he said. “When I’m done, together is the feeling that nothing can I feel so good. But it also takes a lot out September 4th match the experience of painting outdoors, of you. It’s very therapeutic.” Saturday 8-11pm or in plein air. Delia McGinnis of Longbranch describes The Plein Air Painters group formed herself as a hobbyist. “I just love it. It’s a BROUGHTBROUGHT TO TOYOU YOU BY BY THE THE LONGBRANCH LONGBRANCH IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT CLUB CLUB three years ago when Chris Bronstad way to fortify my soul,” she said. McGinnis 4312 4312KEY KEYPENINSULA PENINSULA HWY HWY SOUTH SOUTH | ILONGBRANCH, LONGBRANCH, WA WA I W | WW.LICWEB.ORGWWW.LICWEB.ORG taught a drawing class at The Mustard is also past president of the Two Waters TICKETSTICKET $20S $20AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AT AT BLEND, BLEND, SUNNYCREST AND AND THE THE LIC LICMARINA MARINA ALL ALLAGES AGES WELCOME. WELCOME. MINORS MINORS MUST MUST BE ACCOMPANIEDACCOMPANIED BY BY AN AN ADULT ADULT Seed Project. Ray Steiner was one of the Arts Alliance, the sponsor of the upcoming participants. He and Bronstad share a love Art Walk in Key Center. of painting and hiking, and the decision to Jaqueline Hickey of Vaughn has a studio TRADITIONAL QUALITY, NEW-FANGLED TECHNOLOGY start a plein air group flowed from there. and does commission work. She started in “It’s informal, come as you are, come as oils and began painting with watercolor in you can,” Steiner said. the late 1990s. Of painting in plein air she They have met at many sites over the said, “For the color you have to be there. years: Penrose Point State Park, Longbranch Painting from a photograph is not the same.” Marina, Lakebay Marina, North Herron Myrna Binion agreed. “The beauty of the PHOTO COURTESY STAN MOFFETT Island Road and at a private rose garden. area is beyond compare,” she said. But most recently the Joemma site has Leila Luginbill, from Home, is a water- been a priority. There is a row of madrona colorist who has painted since she was a trees marked for removal as plans progress child. She did a lot of drawing as a biology for the Whiteman Cove restoration by the major and teacher and took up painting Department of Natural Resources. “We when she retired 10 years ago. “It is so want to memorialize them before they are relaxing. I love sitting out here, and I love gone,” Bronstad said. the shadows of the early morning and late The painters come from a variety of back- afternoon,” she said. grounds. Some paint professionally and have Bronstad, who paints in oils, described shown and sold their work. Others consider painting as a squall came up, requiring him themselves hobbyists. Their media choices to hold his canvas on the easel. As the range from watercolor to acrylics to oils. storm grew near, he decided to head home. Patti Nebel, who lives near Joemma, “But I got a good start,” he said. “That’s trained as a sculptor. She joined the group what plein air is all about.” He has been about a year and a half ago, when she known to stay out long beyond the time decided to expand her repertoire. “I love the others went home. Steiner remembers trees,” she said. “At some point I will be him remaining to paint a sunset and the too old to lift 25-pound bags of clay and dark setting in so that he had to use his I want to keep going.” headlights when he finally ended his day. Her husband Jerry joined recently. He The entire group will be the “featured has no formal training but has carried a artist” for the Key Center Art Walk, the Two 253 884-1838 sketch book with him for years. “It’s more a Waters Arts Alliance event scheduled Aug. 4. Paintings will be on display at Blend Wine Stan Moffett with his dad and 1937 F37 Oldsmobile touring sedan, in the family for 3 generations and still driving therapy than a passion,” he said. “With plein air there are hundreds of places to paint Shop in Key Center for the month. n August 2021 www.keypennews.org 15

Sign Up Today!

AWANA is a non-denominational Bible centered curriculum that helps kids build CUBBIES: 3 & 4 yr-olds a firm foundation for their faith. SPARKS: K-2nd grades To register or for more information, email T & T: 3rd-5th grades SPONSORED BY [email protected] or call 253-353-2745 TREK: Middle School JOURNEY: High School Starts September 8, 2021 through May 2022 $40 per child Weds 6:45 - 8:15 pm at Key Peninsula maximum $120 per family www.kpbfellowship.org Civic Center in Vaughn.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

VOTE YES FOR YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT

Paid for by Committee for HELP 16 www.keypennews.org August 2021

Smitty and Rick launch from Vaughn Bay, June 1970. Courtesy Richard Clark couple of big logs and watched the show and slept on the gravel and we were dry. That moment stuck with me.” When they reached White Rock, the boys decided not to row into town because they weren’t sure how they would be received. “We pulled in a little bit to the west, got a ride to a town in the other direction and called Smitty’s girlfriend, Betty. She came with her family’s car, which was the largest station wagon ever built on planet Earth, and we got that boat, 400 pounds probably, up there, and she drove us back. Going over the border, nobody cared.” Rick enlisted in the Navy and Smitty joined the Coast Guard. The last time they saw each other was in 1975. “My dad sent me a blurb about Smitty’s death in 2009,” Rick said. “I just started kicking myself because I’d lost touch with him, we’d been such good friends and had really good adventures together.” “The irony of it was that one of his last wishes was to see Rick and I had been searching for him online,” said Smitty’s younger sister, Tina Smith-Klahn. Smitty was diagnosed with amyotrophic Rowing for Smitty: lateral sclerosis — ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease — in 2007. From Vaughn Bay to Canada Mark Smith tried his hand at many Ten years ago six men rowed three boats 165 miles to recreate a teenage adventure, things: dairy farmer, cattle farmer, commercial fisherman in Alaska, where honoring a lost comrade and raising money to defeat the disease that took him. he homesteaded, and later in California TED OLINGER, KP NEWS Mark Smith, 1970. and Hawaii, where he said a shark once Courtesy Tina Smith-Klahn took a bite out of his boat. In June of 1970, Rick and Smitty were of joking about going over the border and Smitty and I were up on Camano, Oak “He had settled down and had a home fresh graduates of Peninsula High School. not coming back, and somehow getting Harbor was having their Fourth of July and property and a beautiful yard, then They had grown up on the Key Penin- the boat back to Ken.” fireworks and that night it poured but we he got sick and sold it all,” Smith-Klahn sula — Rick on the family homestead Rick’s neighbor, Ken Brones, offered had my dad’s big oiled tarp draped over a said. “It was devastating to me but he in Vaughn and Smitty in Minter. They them his antique double-oarlock rowboat. Vaughn Bay launch, August 2012. Courtesy Richard Clark both worked trimming trees, bucking hay, Rick said he thought their parents, or at painting barns, picking salal and oysters, least their dads, were all for it, though they and running the gas station in Key Center didn’t ask anyone’s permission. “I should on Sundays. Now they were both facing the say that during high school we were very draft for Vietnam, and the National Guard independent, pretty rebellious. But Dad had shot dead four peaceful protesters knew this was kind of a coming of age and wounded nine others at Kent State thing, and I think he was kind of proud University that May. of us,” Rick said. They needed to get away from it all, at “We had no anxieties that I can think of. least for a while. So they rowed to Canada. We had fishing rods and a little shovel for “I think we were looking around for digging clams. We had a whole lot of Carna- something to do because we knew that tion instant dry milk, we had instant oats, we were headed out potato powder, and we might not “WE WERE GOING TO MAKE LIKE pipe tobacco and see each other for a HUCKLEBERRY FINN, WEAR HICK Tang. And we just while,” said Richard HATS AND ROW AND SMOKE PIPES.” took off.” Clark — Rick — of The boys did his trip with his friend Smitty, Mark Smith. not know it would take 12 days to row “Of course, the big joke was there were the 165 miles to reach White Rock, British a bunch of people that we knew headed Columbia. “We were going to make like across the border so they wouldn’t get Huckleberry Finn, wear hick hats and row drafted,” Rick said. “A few guys, a guy a and smoke pipes,” Rick said. year ahead of us, had already come back to “We camped on beaches, caught fish, the peninsula in coffins. So, we were kind gathered oysters and dug clams. When August 2021 www.keypennews.org 17 didn’t care because those things didn’t three brothers had almost no contact matter anyway. His thing was adventure.” growing up but their dad had died and Soon after Smitty’s death, Rick told his estate needed settling. By the time the story about their row to Canada one that was over, they needed to build a third day to a group boat for Dana and of friends over “AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THIS GUY his son, Richie. coffee. “And all of SAID ‘YOU SHOULD DO IT AGAIN,’ The six rowers a sudden this guy AND THEN MY FRIEND PETE SAID launched in August said ‘You should ‘I’LL BE THE OTHER ROWER.’ ” 2012 from Vaughn do it again,’ and Bay. They received then my friend Pete Schroeder said ‘I’ll some sponsorship support from Chesapeake be the other rower.’ ” Light Craft and more from West Marine What seemed like a lunatic idea one in the form of paint and accessories, and moment became very serious the next. managed to raise $8,390 for the Evergreen “In other words, Pete was going to Chapter of the ALS Association. take Smitty’s place in the boat, in this “The way this event expanded and grew new adventure,” Rick said. “It was very just astonished us,” Rick said. “So many emotional.” people wanted to be involved, so many Someone suggested they do it as fund- people wanted to give money.” raiser for ALS research. “So that was it. The rowers reached Blaine in 11 days. First it was just me and Pete, scrounging “We redid the same route, but we didn’t Built in 1936, the Purdy Bridge is graded as “poor condition” by WSDOT. Concrete pier around for a boat.” camp wherever we thought we could get deterioration seen here at low tide is slated for repair this summer. Chris Konieczny But when Rick’s brother, Geoff Clark, away with it as with Smitty and I,” Rick heard about it, he insisted on going along. said. “That’s why we had a couple of 20 Detours Ahead for Eight-Day Closure of SR-302 “So then we were looking for two boats.” plus mile days. When we camped on Blake It wouldn’t be summer without road construction: Expect delays Rick’s nephew, Kilian Olshewsky, still in Island, we all collapsed on the grass and STAFF REPORT crews began work to remove and replace high school, would accompany Geoff. couldn’t get up.” two outdated culverts near 118th Ave. NW “First we tried to find boats,” Geoff said. When the rowers reached Canada, Multiple improvements over an 8-mile at Little Minter Creek. “We looked at a few, and they wanted 7 or instead of crossing they lined up between stretch of State Route 302 stretching from “Field biologists collected and relocated 8 grand.” The brothers wound up buying buoys marking the border. “We all said Elgin Clifton Road to Purdy, delayed by nearly 700 baby salmon and other fish to stitch-and-glue dory kits from Chesapeake something about Smitty,” Rick said. “We Covid restrictions in 2020, are back on track an area outside the work zone,” in a process Light Craft for $750 each, then taking a shouldn’t let our good friends slip into the for completion by year’s end. Construc- Moody described as “defishing.” class in Port Townsend on how to build oblivion of our memory. Stay in touch.” tion delays are expected to slow travel from “To do this, biologists set up a net to them for another $750. He was carrying a small charm containing August into September, with an upcoming prevent fish from entering the work area, Then Geoff got a call from their half- some of Smitty’s ashes, to ensure he was eight-day closure of SR-302 to install new then start walking down the creek with a brother Dana Clark in California. The there too. n culverts at Little Minter Creek just north of weighted net to flush the fish downstream, the Minter Creek Bridge. then another net is set to prevent the fish The boys from the boats at Birch Bay, The exact dates of the schedule were not from swimming back into the work area. including Rick's boat, named for his friend. finalized as of press time but the signed Next, they used a device called an Electro- Courtesy Richard Clark detour route, using 118th Ave. NW, Creviston fisher to shock any fish that remain in the Dr. NW and 134th Ave. NW, is expected creek, which they then scoop up, identify to add roughly five minutes to the drive, and count, and relocate downstream.” according to a travel notice from Wash- In a presentation made at the Key Penin- ington State Department of Transportation sula Community Council meeting May 12 Project Engineer Lone Moody. via Zoom, WSDOT Multimodal Planning Heavy trucks and oversized loads will Engineer Dennis Engel and Regional Traffic follow a different detour route to bypass the Engineer Sara Ott outlined additional work area, using SR-16 and SR-3 through Belfair coming this summer. to avoid the SR-302 closure. “Plans made to resurface the deck of the While the new bridge over Minter Creek Purdy Bridge last August were postponed has been open since last fall, crews returned due to Covid related delays on the Minter in July to complete the multi-year WSDOT Creek Bridge construction that missed the project designed to improve fish passage for window of dry weather needed for the spawning salmon. Crews will remove the contractor to complete the work,” Engel old culvert, grade the stream bed and place said. The two projects had been bid together natural debris into the channel as part of the in an attempt to save both time and money, stream restoration effort. A new guardrail a plan thwarted by the pandemic. will be installed near the bridge to conclude Upcoming work is scheduled to begin the project that began in 2019. mid-August to rehabilitate columns and Alternating traffic reduced the highway beams on the Purdy Bridge, paving of to one lane at times to allow contractors to SR-302 north to 154th NW, and removal of move equipment in and out of the work area the fish barrier on the SR-302 spur at Purdy safely, creating long delays at times. Creek; and removal of another barrier to With the Minter Creek Bridge complete, fish passage near Peninsula High School.n 18 www.keypennews.org August 2021

Considering selling your home? How much is it Prepare for worth? Searching to purchase in the area? As a Key Peninsula resident, please contact Wildfire Smoke! me to assist with your real estate needs.

Make your own box fan filter. Misty Matisons, Real Estate Broker You’ll need: 4907 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor Mobile 425-449-3038 • 20” box fan. [email protected] #mistymatisons • 20” furnace filter with 11-14 MERV rating. • Bungee cord or tape. Attach filter to back CALL FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS of fan with bungee Make sure the air flow arrows Do you have what it takes to make a difference in your community? cord or tape. on filter point to front. If you do, then we want to hear from you! Call 253 432 4948 • Use in a small room with windows and doors closed. or go to www.kpcouncil.org for an application before Oct 31 • Change filter when dirty. • Do not leave on when you aren’t in the room. Established in 2004, the Key Peninsula Community Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as a fiscal sponsor and bringing services and Sign up for air quality alerts at enviroflash.info resources to citizens of the Key Peninsula. Our Mission:We serve the Key Peninsula by working as a team to maintain Learn more at and improve the quality of life on the Key Peninsula through partnerships, tpchd.org/wildfiresmoke sponsorships, programs, advocacy, fundraising and volunteer recruitment.

August 2021 www.keypennews.org 19

A LITTLE MAGICAL REALISM FOR A LOT OF UNREAL TIMES Post-Pandemic Recovery: ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez Wherein our baffled correspondent discovers unlikely guidance after self-isolation

KATRINA HERRINGBOTTOM ting adultery (knowingly) and incest (unknowingly), and in the case of Úrsula We were about a month into this — the 200-year-old family matriarch — thing last year when I was laid up in the endlessly adding rooms onto an increas- hospital. It wasn’t Covid-related but I was ingly unnavigable house. imprisoned long enough to learn what When the family adopts an anxious that disease was doing to people, to the orphan, her insomnia spreads to the family people who seemed to love them, and to and then to the whole village in a plague the people who did what it took to care of sleeplessness that leads to amnesia, for them. which causes people to start labeling things On my way in I thought I might not be so they won’t forget what they are. They back for a while, so I grabbed a long book write “cow” on cows, “man” on men, and it happened to and “love” on be this one. Some I’D BEEN READING IT IN THE lovers. The plague smart person gave HOSPITAL FOR TWO DAYS ends only after a it to me 40 years BEFORE I NOTICED THERE WAS Buendía family ago but I hadn’t NO WINDOW IN MY ROOM. friend returns to gotten around to the village with a reading it. I figured if nothing else it would new invention — a camera — and the help me sleep. villagers photograph and catalog every- “Many years later, as he faced the firing thing they can to prove it exists, including Everyone but me had forgotten how to drive. squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to God. Crazy people were all over, masked up or remember that distant afternoon when One is tempted to assign specific mean- not, socially distancing or not, yelling for no his father took him to discover ice.” That ings to these happenings in an attempt to good reason or shunning each other entirely. is the first sentence, off at a gallop that translate them into our own reality. But I felt like I was coming home to doesn’t stop for 400 pages. our author, Gabriel García Márquez, was Macondo. n “One Hundred Years of Solitude” tells a high priest of magical realism, where the story of six (maybe seven) genera- events, objects and characters remain more “One Hundred Years of Solitude” tions of the Buendía family in the village evocative than definitive. published 1967 by Editorial Sudameri- of Macondo, founded by José Arcadio For example, an American fruit company cana, Buenos Aries; translation from the Buendía (the colonel’s father) while comes to Macondo to build a banana plan- Spanish by Gregory Rabassa published fleeing the ghost of his murder victim tation, a railroad and housing, which are 1970 by Harper & Row, 424 pages. when he has a vision of living in a city soon followed by corruption, strikes and Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014) of mirrors (or is it mirages?). He builds a massacre of the workers. The bodies left law school to pursue journalism in his a village on the spot in a jungle on a are dumped into the ocean and the sole native Colombia and became one of the peninsula somehow surrounded by water. survivor — a Buendía, of course —is most influential authors of the 20th century. The ghost pursues José but turns out to disbelieved and driven away. It then starts He was a vocal political critic, a friend of be just one of many who inhabit these to rain for five years, beginning Macondo’s Fidel Castro who admired Communism in pages and settle down to comfortable slow destruction. theory but not so much in practice, and afterlives haunting Macondo, our first This is a real incident from the history once took a Greyhound bus across the hint that running from the past means of Colombia, the author’s homeland. He South to see the land of his hero, William bringing it with you. just added the rain. Faulkner. He was awarded the Nobel Prize Over the next THERE’S ALSO A PRIEST WHO The writing is in Literature in 1982. century, the Buendía CAN’T DRINK CHOCOLATE straightforward, rich In an interview the next year, García family faces plagues BECAUSE IT MAKES HIM LEVITATE. and lyrical, easily Márquez said “I provide a magnifying glass of insomnia, mixing the ordinary so readers can understand reality better. Let amnesia and butterflies, three dozen civil with the magical. But every miracle and me give you an example. In the Eréndira wars, and a rain that lasts five years. There’s tragedy, self-inflicted and foretold, rein- story, I have the character Ulises make also a priest who can’t drink chocolate forces the solitude of the Buendías — a glass change color every time he touches because it makes him levitate. family founded in escape. Generation after it. Now, that can’t be true. But so much The book is not as baffling as all that, generation resist the truth by withdrawing has already been said about love that I but I’ll admit I’d been reading it in the further into Úrsula’s ever expanding house, had to find a new way of saying that this hospital for two days before I noticed inviting fate to follow them into every boy is in love. Mine is just another way there was no window in my room. room. of saying the same thing that has always The Buendías endure, as most of us I was halfway through the book the been said about love; how it upsets life, would, by getting drunk, leading revo- second time when I got sprung. I wasn’t how it upsets everything.” lutions, turning lead into gold, commit- gone that long, but the world was different. 20 www.keypennews.org August 2021

ADVOCATE/ REPRESENTATIVE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Buying or selling? 98% success rate since 2006 Longbranch 53 of 53 cases approved in 2020 Community Church We will take www.longbranchchurch.net MISSION POSSIBLE Come and join us Sunday mornings EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, INC. Worship Service and good care of you. 360-798-2920 Children’s Church 10:30 www.mpes.net Adult Bible Study 9:00 16518 46th St KPS, Longbranch At Windermere Key Realty, we know the local market better Helping Disabled than anyone, that’s why we’re the market leader. Clients Since 1992 253 884-9339 God’s Blessing to You - Pastor John Day Our agents are devoted to delivering personal service, backed by the largest network in the region. Selling, buying or just looking, make us your personal connection for real estate.

ONE CHURCH...TWO LOCATIONS WAYPOINT NORTH-Sundays 9am & 10:45am WAYPOINT SOUTH-Sundays 10am 2901 174th Ave SW, Lakebay Streaming live @ 9:00am on YouTube.com (search for WayPoint North) m ��� �� �� Windermere Key Realty 253-857-3304 11615 State Route 302 KEY MOMS LARGEST IN THE AREA, BIGGEST IN THE REGION waypointyouth.com High School & Middle FRIDAYS 5:45PM stay tuned for fall groups! School Students Our new board room seats up to eight and is available as a courtesy for local website - waypoint-church.org Questions? Email the church - [email protected] community service organization meetings. Call Rob for your free reservation.

T DDO R HCABNESO F i cnan i T a l DDO usnoC l R t na t HCABNESO 7 109 TODD snakS i e evA ROSENBACH DOES YOUR RETIREMENT S u i et F 012 i cnan i a l usnoC l t na t Ggi 7Financial robraH , 109 WA 9 5338 snakS i Consultant e evA ( 352 ) 7874-488 O f ecfi DOES YOUMATHR RETIREMENT ADD UP? ( 352 ) S7901 u i et 1215-313 F Skansie xa 012 Ave, Suite 210 t ddo . r Ggi l@hcabneso p l robraH moc. , WA 9 5338 When it comes to w .ww t (Gig ddo r 352 ) Harbor hcabneso moc. WA7874-488 O f 98335 ecfi MATH ADDretirement, UP? it’s all about ((253) 352 ) 884-47871215-313 F xa the numbers—how much [email protected] ddo . r l@hcabneso p l moc. money you’ll need and w .ww t ddo r hcabneso moc. When it comeshow to much you’re www.toddrosenbach.com retirement, it’s savingall about to get there. Find out your the numbers—howretirement much numbers money you’ll need and how much you’recalculat ion. With the right information, you saving to get thcanere. mov e ahead and Find out your retirement numbersNeed you r numbers? calculation. WithContac the t us today to learn more. SSecuritiesseitiruce dna and advisoryyrosivda secivres servicesdereffo offeredhguorht LPL through laicnaniF , a LPL Financial, r deretsige tnemtsevni rosivda , rebmeM .CPIS/ARNIF right informatioMKT-0607n, you0-0317 Trackin g #1-819240 (Exp. 02/22) a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. can move ahead and

Need your numbers? Oliver Lystad Contact us today to learn more. General Manager/Lead Estimator S seitiruce dna yrosivda secivres Vaughn,dereffo hguorht WALPL 98394 laicnaniF , a r deretsige tnemtsevni rosivda , rebmeM .CPIS/ARNIF KELLY JOHN “PAT” ELECT FOR BY PAID MKT-06070-0317 Tracking #1-819240 (Exp. 02/22) Patios - Driveways - Stairs A vote for me is a vote for: Retaining Walls - All Finishes • Anti-dumping and vandalism program

Residential • Adding turn lanes for Gateway Park C 253.255.7012 Commercial • Installing highway park signs Building & Remodeling Concrete [email protected] • Citizen review of park programs Flatwork & Foundation www.lystadconstruction.com August 2021 www.keypennews.org 21

Tina McKail, KP News County and Coalition Embrace ‘No Wrong Door’ Approach to Ending Homelessness Service providers are joining forces to address the unique challenge of homelessness on the Key Peninsula. CHRIS RURIK, KP NEWS

An RV and two custom truck trailers tracking system. In that environment, the said. Together with Chandra Hallam of like churches or community centers. The set up shop in the parking lot of the Key person is often ready to think positively Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church and Key county is investing in relationships with Peninsula Civic Center June 25. The first about next steps. Peninsula Community Manager Gina those groups and supporting them with trailer held three shower rooms. The second “We like to say we’re hope and dignity on Cabiddu of Children’s Home Society, Voll- resources. “We’re going to open a lot of trailer held four commercial washer-dryer wheels,” Anderson said. bracht is a driving force behind a new coali- doors,” Knight said. units. The self-contained mobile unit was Homelessness on the Key Peninsula can tion working to unite efforts to combat A new urgency was given to the county’s open for business free of charge throughout be hard to track. Recent county statistics for homelessness across the Gig Harbor and work in May, when the county council passed a hot summer day. everything west of the Tacoma Narrows Key peninsulas. a resolution requiring an emergency response Along with fresh meals and racks of Bridge put the number of households expe- The new coalition, which over the course to homelessness. Using pandemic stimulus clean clothes, tents and tables were arrayed riencing homelessness at 148, with a third of a year has gathered support from over funds, by November the county must create around the shower and laundry trailers with of them chronically homeless. This includes 100 members, seeks to raise awareness and sufficient shelter space to accommodate all representatives standing by from healthcare those who are unsheltered as well as those connect resources that are often far apart. unsheltered residents. The resolution also providers, mental health services, local food couch-surfing or living in vehicles. But the Hallam is one of those resources. She requires updates to the county’s long-term banks and shelters. statistics may be an works to connect families with housing comprehensive plan, including identifying It was the KP’s “WE LIKE TO SAY WE’RE HOPE undercount since they can afford. “A lot of people have lost reasons why people cannot afford housing first visit from the AND DIGNITY ON WHEELS.” they come from housing,” she said, describing a local family and offering solutions to prevent homeless- New Hope Mobile the county Home- that came to Communities In Schools of ness in the first place. Resources Response Team, and one step in lessness Management Information System, Peninsula for help. Although agencies were Currently that is a major concern for a collective effort to bring services to people which can only accurately track numbers if able to provide the family with enough all of the organizations. “When the rent experiencing homelessness on the peninsula. service providers enter data about the people money for a deposit and first month’s moratorium does finally go, there’s going The mobile unit is a new phenomenon in they see. And many people are never seen. rent, the only rental they could find was to be another wave,” Anderson said. “We’re Pierce County. It is the brainchild of Paula “You go where you’re safe,” said Valeri in Tacoma, uprooting the children from all dreading that.” She said that just telling Anderson, director of the Puyallup-based Knight of the Pierce County Human Services the Peninsula School District. The situa- people about the rental assistance funds New Hope Resource Center. At the onset Community and Homeless Programs. “In tion is unstable, Hallam said, because the already in place through the county for of the pandemic, she asked for a grant to the City of Tacoma, typically that’s a lit area, area lacks rentals that people can afford. both tenants and landlords will go a long deliver basic services to unincorporated sometimes on specific streets. Whereas on “Everyone has a specific trauma that way to keeping people housed. Pierce County. Five days later, the county the KP, you’re safe in a lot of places, and comes with their homeless experience,” To Vollbracht and his new coalition, the got her started. Everything in the trailers you can hide in the woods.” Knight said. “Part of what we do, and visit from the mobile unit is a promising was donated by businesses. “There are no what we’ve learned step toward a much stronger network of The county has adopted a “no wrong door” large encampments FOR THE COUNTY’S PART, THE in the last year, is to services on the Key Peninsula. By coor- approach to its coordinated entry system for (on the KP),” said PANDEMIC OFFERED A CHANCE really just listen and dinating efforts and educating commu- people experiencing homelessness. At the Bob Vollbracht, TO RESET ITS APPROACH. respond accord- nity providers, he said, those experiencing mobile unit, this means a New Hope staff chair of the Gig ingly.” homelessness will be able to get the wrap- member is in the RV with a laptop. They Harbor Key Peninsula Housing-Home- For the county’s part, the pandemic around care they need. are usually someone who has experienced less Coalition. “They are ones, twos, threes, offered a chance to reset its approach. “I won’t say it’s controllable, but it’s homelessness themselves, so when a freshly fours in isolated areas all over the place.” In the past the county attempted to potentially manageable,” Vollbracht said. showered and clothed person comes in Connections to the homeless community centralize all homeless services. Now it “We’ll build a base that can handle the looking for other services, the staff member come through the local food banks and a relies on community partners, knowing larger influx of homelessness that we can talk to them without judgment and put handful of other nonprofits. that people will turn up to ask for help know is coming.”n their information directly into the county’s “We are building a safety net,” Vollbracht in the places they feel most comfortable, 22 www.keypennews.org August 2021

eron’s Key senior living community is a natural extension of the active Northwest lifestyle you love. It’s a resident-first, maintenance-free approach that lets you focus on the things you want to do rather than the things you have to do. Plus, our innovative Your Choice Dining program gives you complete flexibility to dine when you please and only pay for the meals you choose to enjoy.

Heron’s Key is also the only community in the area offering true Life Care —giving you the security of unlimited lifetime access to on-site assisted living, skilled nursing care or memory care, if ever needed.

WANT TO SEE WHAT LIFE WOULD LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT HERON’S KEY? CALL 866-860-4821 FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR.

4340 Borgen Blvd. Gig Harbor, WA 98332 August 2021 www.keypennews.org 23

“ORIGINES DE LA LANGUE FRANÇOISE DE MÉNAGE” ( 1692) DEFINES “PIQUE-NIQUE” AS “EACH PICK A BIT.” KPCooks

What’s in Your Picnic Basket?

BARBARA VAN BOGART

Picnic: Originally a 17th century French 1 medium size bottle ketchup (I use Finally, a picnic isn’t a picnic without 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening term, “pique-nique,” its meaning then Heinz) desserts. From ubiquitous brownies to or leaf lard (I use Crisco) as now is a social gathering where each 1 tablespoon salt homemade pie, the possibilities for the ½ cup ice water attendee brings a share of food. For most of 2 medium onions, diced grand finale on an amazing picnic are If you are using a food processor, add us, the word evokes memories of summers 2 tablespoons brown sugar endless. Here are two long-time favorites. the flour and salt and pulse once to mix. past, perhaps as a kid with sandwiches and 1 or 2 teaspoons dry mustard Quick and Easy Add the butter chunks, pulsing five or Kool-Aid on a blanket spread out in the 2 tablespoons molasses One-Pan Brownies for a Crowd six times to break up the butter. Then backyard under leafy trees and dappled 1 pound salt pork, diced 1 cup unsalted butter add the shortening or lard, pulsing a few sun, or as an adult sitting at a picnic table Mix ingredients into a bean pot or Dutch ¾ cup cocoa powder times again, until it resembles coarse with family and friends, an array of potluck oven. Bake at 325 for 4-6 hours, stirring 2 cups sugar crumbs. Now add the ice water, puls- summer goodies before you. occasionally and adding more water if 4 eggs at room temperature ing until you have a cohesive dough. It Deviled eggs, hot dogs, burgers, potato necessary. 1 cup all-purpose flour should hold together when you press it salad, baked beans and home canned pickles Pinch of salt with your hand. Turn out onto a lightly (See “Pickles, From Sour to Sweet,” KP Over the years, I’ve tried many recipes 2 cups chocolate chips floured surface and form into two discs. News, Aug. 2020) all rank high on my for potato salad and have settled on this Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a If you are mixing by hand, use a pastry personal list of must haves, along with as a favorite. A shout out to my niece Sue 9-by-13 inch pan. Melt butter in a large cutter to mix in butter and shortening, freshly baked pie. Others might choose for sharing her method of making this saucepan. Remove from heat. Add co- adding ice water with a large fork to mix Dagwood sandwiches, fried chicken, savory summer dish. coa powder and mix thoroughly. Add well before forming into discs as above. bratwurst, watermelon, corn on the cob, Sue’s Potato Salad sugar and mix well. Beat in each egg Wrap separately in plastic wrap and brownies, cookies or other family favorite Approx. 5 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes separately, mixing well after each ad- refrigerate for 30 minutes before using. recipes, handed down from grandparents ½ small sweet onion, diced dition. Add flour and salt, mixing until Otherwise freeze until needed. Thaw out to parents and now to you. 2 teaspoons yellow mustard combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour about an hour before rolling into a pie Whatever your must-haves might be, the 3 stalks celery, diced into prepared pan and bake for approx- crust, using your favorite pie filling. Bake lazy days of August are the perfect time 1 to 1½ cups mayonnaise imately 20-25 minutes, until the brown- according to the recipe you choose. I’ve to dust off old recipes, search cookbooks 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and ies start to pull away from the side of the found one disc makes enough dough for or the internet for new ideas, all with the chopped pan. Don’t over bake. Cool and frost if a 9-inch two crust pie. Be sure to roll out goal of making time to celebrate summer Boil potatoes uncovered starting with desired. thin for the flakiest crust. with a picnic. cold water until just tender, 10 to 15 min- Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you utes. Rinse, cool, peel and cut into 1-inch I prepare pie crust in my ancient will never buy pre-made crust again. No picnic is complete without home- chunks. Put mayonnaise and mustard in a Cuisinart but you can also mix by hand. made baked beans. This is a family favorite bowl, add chopped eggs and mix, mash- Simple Pie Crust Before more of summer disappears, start worthy of any picnic table. ing egg chunks into mayonnaise. Add on- (adapted from Julia Child) planning your next “pique-nique” with Edna’s Baked Pork and Beans ion, celery and salt and pepper to taste. 1½ cups all-purpose flour family and friends, and of course include Soak two pounds of small navy beans Gently mix in cooked potatoes, being ½ cup cake flour the food that makes summer special to overnight. In the morning, simmer careful not to mash. Top with another 1 teaspoon salt you. n in water for an hour. Drain well. hard-boiled egg, sliced thin. Sprinkle with 6 ounces cold, unsalted butter, cut 6 to 8 cups of water paprika if desired. Chill well and serve. into small pieces

We'd love to feature a dish from your KP kitchen that friends and family ask for. Email the details to [email protected] with your phone number; we'll be in touch. PS: There’s a printable, shareable pdf with the complete recipe on keypennews.org 24 www.keypennews.org August 2021

PLANTING FOR A DRIER CLIMATE

The Drought Garden Seaside daisies Adobe Stock Great Things for a Great Community SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS Founded in 1925, Peninsula Light is your member-owned, Drought is the natural summer state on two growing seasons after planting, ensuring not-for-profit electric cooperative, providing reliable power the Key Peninsula. The Pacific Northwest that the entire root zone is wet. It is time to throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. We are has a Mediterranean climate, with most water again when the roots have dried a bit. rain falling in the winter when plants don’t The watering schedule can taper off once the dedicated to continually improving the quality of life in this necessarily need it, and dry summers — in plants are established. True drought-tolerant great community through system reliability, helping you fact some of the driest in the country. The plants should tolerate monthly watering or conserve and use electricity more efficiently and rising to the recent heat dome and continued widespread less, but if they begin to look marginal, they challenges of a rapidly changing industry. drought throughout the West make this a may need an extra drink. good time to think about drought-tolerant Hallet subscribes to a “tough love” gardens. approach. “When I plant stuff, I don’t dig Call 253-857-5950 or toll-free 888-809-8021 Jonathan Hallet is a landscape architect a much deeper or wider hole than needed. who recently worked with his in-laws to plan If you do that, it does give you the opportu- drought-tolerant plantings on their parcel in nity to add wood chips for water retention, Open Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM Home. Charlie Davis often visited Home but you don’t want to make it so luxurious 13315 Goodnough Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 when his parents lived on A Street. When his that the plant won’t extend its roots past mother sold the property, Davis and his wife the planting hole. It’s part of the tough Nancy Stevens kept the parcel just behind love of wanting the plant to go find water the house. They plan to build in the next few and nutrients,” he said. years but have already started landscaping. Hallet selected dozens of plants for the Hallet said that many garden plans in the Home property — some for dry sun, others northwest have traditionally come from a for dry shade, as well as shrubs that will Japanese or English vernacular — one that provide screening. Ground covers include is lush and water-dependent. “I’m interested Erigeron glaucus, commonly known as in finding native plants that are more suited seaside daisy, and several types of kinn- to this climate,” he said. ickinnick. Among the perennial selections The Pierce County Master Gardeners are Helichrysum italicum, a daisy known have a demonstration garden in Sehmel as curry plant; Eriophyllum lanatum, or Homestead Park that includes a drought- common woolly sunflower; Erigeron tolerant bed. They recommend grouping speciosus, or aspen fleabane; and Camassia plants with similar water requirements. quamash, the bulb known as small camas. Some preparation is important prior to He selected two hellebores, Douglas iris, and planting. Traditional recommendations are Mahonia nervosa or dwarf Oregon grape that the hole be two to four times bigger for the shaded areas. Shrubs include rock- than the root ball, with compost measuring rose, lavender, carpet manzanita, boxleaf a quarter of the backfill mix to allow for azara, Phlomis fruticose or Jerusalem sage, better water retention. Each individual root- rosemary, and Ceanothus, more commonly ball should be watered regularly for the first known as California lilac. n August 2021 www.keypennews.org 25

enrose Harbor offers the area’s most progressive concept in personalized care. The innovative home-like design features all-private suites with private baths. Plus, as part of the welcoming Heron’s Key senior living community, Penrose Harbor is a natural extension of the small-town Gig Harbor lifestyle.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE. CALL 866-765-8076 TO SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL TOUR.

4340 Borgen Blvd. Gig Harbor, WA 98332

SAME LOCATION! SAME GREAT PROVIDERS! Community Health Care SAME GREAT SERVICE! Providers: William Roes, MD Key Medical Center Mimi Chau, MD (Pediatrics) Rebecca Long, ARNP Martha Sandquist, MA, LMHC To schedule an appointment, call: Direct: 253-884-9221 ACCEPTING Call Center: 253-722-2161 Services Provided: Family Medical - Pediatrics Behavioral Health - Maternity Chronic Disease Management Free Pregnancy Tests

Community Health Care has been helping Pierce County families stay healthy for over 50 years. We serve over 49,000 PATIENTS patients through 7 clinics. We practice full service health care providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and other specialties. “We strive to provide the highest quality health care with compassionate Learn more at: www.commhealth.org and accessible service for all. No one is ever turned away for 15610 89th St Ct NW - Lakebay, WA 98349 inability to pay.” 26 www.keypennews.org August 2021

Buy a Brick for the Civic Center

JOIN US Support the Key Peninsula Civic Center with a for the sixth annual brick engraved with your custom message. Order online at fundraisingbrick.com/kpciviccenter or mail this form with check to KPCCA, PO Box 82, Vaughn WA 98394. Questions? Call Stefanie at (253) 884-3456  4x8 3-line Brick $75  8x8 6-line Brick $125  8x8 Logo Brick $500

Name

August 4, 2021 Address Downtown Phone Email Key Center Print your custom inscription here: Call 253 884 3456 for help or details for logo bricks 5 to 8 p.m. Line 1 Line 2

Line 3

Line 4

Check out local artists Line 5

Listen to live music Line 6 Connect with your community Don’t miss this unique opportunity be a permanent part of KP history. Order dinner at El Sombrero or Figaro’s on the night of the Art Walk and 10% of the proceeds Yoga at the Civic from your meal will be donated to Two Waters Arts Alliance. Center is back! at 8:30 am Mondays and Wednesdays New online booking at www.kpciviccenter.org/yoga.html

2-hour Skate Party at the Civic Center - only $100! Thank you to our sponsors Call to book yours 253-884-3456

Jobs Available Be a part of a Key Peninsula tradition! Skate Night help wanted! See our website for more information: www.kpciviccenter.org/skate-night.html

Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road 253/884-3456 www.kpciviccenter.org The Key Peninsula Civic Center Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, fosters and promotes the civic, social, cultural and general well-being of the Key Peninsula community. August 2021 www.keypennews.org 27

Moran’s Part-time Help Wanted, mostly weekends Will train - contact [email protected] Portable Restrooms LLC (360) 994-9544

www.moransportablerestrooms.net Open at 6 on weekdays — Key Center [email protected] Mon-Fri 6am-5pm Sat 7am-5pm Sun 7am-4pm

Call 253-358-6488 Dave the Now Handyman Open David Leger [email protected] DAVEHH*86409 Text 352-228-1100 20321 10th St. SW in Lakebay LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR #1587 7 DAYS 15 Lorenz Road, Lakebay WA 98349 A WEEK 253-884-3350 Hypnotherapy

(360) 298-6936 Robin Meyer, ma LICENSED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST [email protected] online appointments available

BROOKSIDE VETERINARY HOSPITAL If you live on the Tender Loving Care for All Your Family Pets! Justine Zingsheim-Nadeau dvm Key Peninsula, your Lisa Woods-Zabari dvm newspaper is delivered 13701 118th Ave NW Gig Harbor WA 98329 free every month 253.857.7302 253.857.7654 Fa x For those not lucky enough www.brookvet.com to live here, we have our first-ever discount offer: Call (253)851-9170 or Visit Today LLC 12615 134th Ave. NW Between KP Hwy & Hwy 302 DOWN TO DIRT EXCAVATION Residential/Commercial Grading & Excavation Subscribe for Site Prep/Clearing/Hauling Call for free estimate 253 649.9736 3 years and John Bassler Owner/Operator [email protected] Celebrating over 20 years on the Key Peninsula get 3 extra Animal Care and Friendly Customer Service Our Specialties OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED LICENSE #604203872

months free Equine, Livestock & Residential Fencing Since 1989 Warwick & Janice Bryant PARAMOUNT FIREARMS Sign up at Curators of Fine Firearms keypennews.org We buy firearms and military edged weapons Custom Farm & Fence Solutions I’ll come to you or mail $90 to KPNews, 13108 125th St NW 800-598-3374 253 993-4101 [email protected] Gig Harbor WA 98329 253-851-5494 PO Box 3, Vaughn WA 98394 www.kiwifencing.com fax 253-851-5550 Barry Bookman - licensed dealer #KIWIFCI055DA [email protected] 28 www.keypennews.org August 2021 OUT & ABOUT

The post-pandemic urge to socialize was seen at the well- attended Fourth of July Home parade, captured by staff photographer Tina McKail and web editor Caleb Galbreath (Roes band, “Other Side” and Santa photos)