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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

See KP fireworks shows

▼ ▼ On air, on the KP, page 34 The voice of the Key Peninsula and events, page 14 www.keypennews.com Vol. 35 Issue 7 • Circulation 9,100

INSIDEJuly 2007 PICTURE PERFECT KPMS photography students make the big leagues

By Hugh McMillan, KP News

he incredible work of the Key Peninsula Middle School digital Tphotography students has gained fame locally, but recently, the students became famous around the country — maybe even around the world. Popular Photography

Magazine ran a story on the photography class, ▼ ▼ Official KP Fair Guide, led by teacher Mike Hunziker, on its Website’s INSIDE blog under the headline of “Most Likely to

▼ Succeed.” The subhead reads, “With arts cut in favor of standardized test scores across the Llamas on country, one small town middle school teacher champions for more photography classes…” the KP, The high-level digital photography of the page 35 KPMS kids is on view for the whole world to find Mike Hunziker shares a moment to critique some of the work of students (See KPMS, Page 29) Veronica Farley, Krista Kooker, Jessica Kahler. Photo by Hugh McMillan

Key Peninsula News Mustard Seed Project grows Community Fair Bridge ready for opening ....2 Candidate filing ended...... 7 under Franciscan umbrella Levy lid lift on ballot ...... 9 A look behind mission and ministry fund grants: It Park district’s growth ...... 13 $83,340 national grant awarded local ‘elder-friendly’ focus meets an identified community need, is the scenes YMCA opening nears ...... 16 innovative, is able to be replicated, and Volunteer spotlight...... 19 By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News promotes collaboration with other By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News Hats off to retirees ...... 25 organizations in the community,” Gale KGHP fills niche...... 34 The Mustard Seed Project, a Key Robinette, Franciscan spokesman, wrote When fair-goers enjoy the seventh Things to do in July...... 37 Peninsula grass-roots project spear- in a press release. “Supporting the annual Key Peninsula Community Fair headed by Edie Morgan, received an Mustard Seed Project and other over the weekend Out & About ...... 40 $83,340 grant from Catholic Health community-based programs helps to of July 14-17, it’s a Initiatives and the Franciscan Health advance the CHI and Franciscan pretty good bet System. (Franciscan, builder of St. mission of service and healing.” no one will Sections Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, is affil- When Morgan began investigating wonder how, why Peninsula Views . . . . . 4 iated with Catholic Health Initiatives.) available services for Key Peninsula or when this Off the Key ...... 16 The goal of the project is to create an senior residents in 2006, she didn’t have extravaganza was Community Works . . .18 “elder-friendly” community by offering a name for her passion yet. Many created. It’s all services and programs in their commu- months later, she refers to her efforts as part of the plan of a handful of longtime Schools ...... 23 nity to allow Key Peninsula residents to “aging in place.” Focused on four topics and new volunteers committed to People & Lifestyles . . .33 age in place. of particular interest and need for this making life on the KP unique, enjoy- Arts & Recreation . . . .37 “The Mustard Seed Project has the population — information and referral, qualities that CHI seeks when awarding (See PROJECT, Page 32) (See FAIR, Page 31) 2 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Tacoma Narrows Bridge ready for traffic

By Rick Sorrels, Special to KP News More celebrating A milestone is upon us. The opening If celebrating the bridge opening ceremonies for the new Tacoma day is not enough for you, the city of Narrows Bridge will be held on Sunday, Gig Harbor invites local community to July 15. a picnic on Tuesday, July 10, at the From 8 to 10 a.m., MultiCare will have Skansie Brothers Park dowtown to a 5K Fun Run (walk, run, or jog) celebrate the new bridge. The free starting at War Memorial Park in event, held from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Tacoma, going across the bridge to the includes a community picnic complete Gig Harbor side, and then return. with hot dogs and potato salad, free At 10 a.m., a 1929 Lincoln Touring hats and other commemorative items Car that participated in the opening (while supplies last), children’s games ceremonies for the older Narrows and music by Gig Harbor’s Bridge will be driven across and pay the Spelemannslag Norwegian Folk Band. first ceremonial toll, accompanied by a 1950s Washington State Patrol cruiser. get it ready for the first traffic flow. At 10:30, a memoriam for Sen. Bob Oke Those planning to attend the cere- will occur on the west side. Oke was a monies must park either at the Tacoma major promoter of the new bridge, and Narrows Airport or at Tacoma survived his cancer long enough to see Community College in Tacoma. Buses it take shape, but not long enough to will shuttle people to and from the attend the ceremony. bridge throughout the day. The bridge deck will be opened to the The bridge is expected to open the Photo by Mindi LaRose public (pedestrians only) from 10 a.m. following morning, July 16, for vehicle Jeff Carpenter, project manager for the new bridge, during a “tour” in mid-June. to 3 p.m. Organizers of the celebrations traffic and toll paying. This could be say this is a rare chance to play in the delayed, however, if the weather traffic lanes of a major highway. Officials prevents the final lane striping and Good To Go update will closely monitor the head count to apron modifications. ensure that the weight capacity for the Victoria Tobin, the Washington State The Good To Go! electronic toll collection program has already exceeded its bridge (60,000 adults) is not exceeded. Department of Transportation official goal of 25,000 accounts. Calculations (guesswork) included the following when At least four ribbon cutting stations will responsible for the opening cere- setting this goal: provide young and old alike with ribbon monies, said she was assigned to the • Daily eastbound traffic – 40,000 vehicles and scissors — and photographers — to task because she usually works “with • Peak traffic (7 – 10 a.m.) – 3,700 vehicles per hour individually document the event for opening ceremonies that have only $25 • Percentage of vehicles using transponders – 60% posterity. Digital photographs will be in the budget.” “The budget for the • Space for vehicles in queue – 150 vehicles posted on a Website for later download. Narrows Bridge is $260,000, and I • Transaction time at toll booth – 11 seconds Kids of all ages will love to get their expect it to be covered entirely by spon- • Each additional vehicle with a transponder is one less waiting in line at the “passports” stamped at stamp stations at sors and donations,” she said. “This toll booth. various points across the bridge. money will be spent on things like bus The “official” ribbon cutting will service to/from the parking areas, occur at 1:30 p.m., with Gov. Chris porta-potties, water and first aid and security. There will even be a intend this to be a memorable event Gregoire and other dignitaries present. stations, standby ambulances, barri- marine patrol boat with standby divers with the absolute minimum of negative The bridge will be cleared at 3 p.m. to cades, trash cans, litter pickup, safety in the water beneath the bridge. We experiences.”

To subscribe, please write, Executive editor: Rodika Tollefson Community pages editor: K EY P ENINSULA call or fax: News editor: Chris Fitzgerald Connie Renz Key Peninsula News Assistant editor: Danna Webster Production: September Hyde, 17010 S. Vaughn Rd. Ad sales: Karen Hale, Charleen Day, Windelena Lindsay September Hyde Distribution: Phil Bauer P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394 Staff writers and contributors: Web master: Nancy Dardarian Phone (253) 884-4699 SD Galindo, William C. Dietz, Hugh Unsolicited submissions deadline including NEWS Fax: (253) 884-4053 McMillan, Colleen Slater, Frank press releases: 17th of each month www.keypennews.com Email [email protected] Slater, Irene Torres, Mindi LaRose

Key Peninsula News is published monthly by the Key Peninsula Civic Center Association at the Key Peninsula Civic Center in Vaughn, Washington. Copyright 2007 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic contents in any manner without permission is prohibited. Annual subscriptions (12 issues) are available for $20.00 and are mailed first class. Copies are mailed presort standard to residents and post office box holders of the Key Peninsula. Single copies are available at the newspaper office in the basement of the Civic Center annex and at various distribution points located on the Key Peninsula. Approximately 18,000 people live in the distribution area. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, AND OPERATION OF THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS 1. THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS is a community newspaper, owned and published by the KEY PENINSULA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION, a nonprofit, 501-C3, corporation with main offices in Vaughn, Washington. The name, goodwill and any copyright assets that may exist pertaining to the NEWS are among the financial assets of the KEY PENINSULA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION. 2. The objective of Key Peninsula News is to support and create community by reporting news and features and providing a forum for local information. News and editorial coverage focuses on the Key Peninsula and immedi- ately adjacent areas within Fire District 16. OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS! The opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or staff. All letters to the editor must be signed and include a daytime phone number for verification. No anonymous letters will be published. Submissions are used on a space available basis and may be edited if used. THE KEY PENINSULA NEWS reserves the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Mail letters to: P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394, or email to [email protected] July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 3 Fire district loses insurance pool membership

By Irene Torres, KP News against Yanity is scheduled for July 11.) tion to District 16’s risk could result in a Lawrence Stevens, a recall proponent, “The other districts are running scared,” rerating of homeowner’s insurance said, “Fighting isn’t an adequate reason for As recall efforts continue against Fire FD-16 Chairman Rick Stout said. “They’re premiums, Taylor believes. a recall. We’re going to have to find proof.” District Commissioners James Bosch and embarrassed by what happened out here Clifford said, “In my years of insurance District minutes do not reflect growing Allan Yanity, the physical altercation and they’re afraid of a lawsuit that might experience since 1965, some in districts public dissatisfaction. Previously, the two between the two has resulted in at least one be filed for unsafe working conditions.” with bigger problems than this one, the quarrelling commissioners spent extensive adverse action: The district was voted out District 5’s minutes state, “There is homeowner and commercial insurance meeting time disputing minutes, arguing of a consortium of local fire districts currently no vehicle within the bylaws of rates will probably not be affected.” over issues, or accusing each other of sharing an insurance risk pool. the (cooperative) to allow the removal of wrongdoing. Some insiders said the An interlocal insurance agreement in a district and investigation is underway to Recall efforts continue district’s minutes were awaited by other effect since the 1990s among fire districts accommodate this process.” The consor- At a recent commissioners’ meeting, fire departments, for their comedic value. Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 16 was renewed on April tium is proceeding to request an insur- Bosch alluded that the problems in the And critical comments regarding the 9, 2007 to allow the districts to share the ance quote for only four districts: 2, 3, 5 district came as a result of news coverage, commissioners grew, as more citizens insurance risk pool and increase their indi- and 6, which leaves FD-16 to shop insur- spreading discontent in the district, and he started attending the meetings. Recently, vidual buying power. But following the ance rates alone. challenged a look into the records. Recall the decision was made not to include arrest of Yanity, the May 14 minutes of Fire The district’s insurance agent, Bob committee organizer Mike Salatino said, every comment in the minutes, however. District No. 5 reflect a decision to renew Clifford with Comfort, Davis and Blancy, “At Jim Bosch’s suggestion, we are under- There would only be a record of what next year’s insurance plan without District Inc. said, “We’ve got submissions out to taking a thorough review of the records, actions were taken. 16. The reason cited is, “due to the level of four companies. We’re very confident that meeting minutes, expense accounts and Responding to the change in the risk this district is experiencing.” District 5 we’re going to have reasonable rates and credit card receipts. Documents from the method of recording the meeting minutes, Commissioner William Jarmon cited the coverage placed by October (when the district have been requested under the Salatino said, “The district is deliberately number of small claims experienced by current policy is due to renew).” Freedom of Information Act. This will take secretive. Their minutes are an official District 16. Other districts’ commissioners Former fire Commissioner Ed Taylor time. We’re dividing up the work, and we blank (on issues of public concern). They expressed concerns about the potential for expressed his doubt the level of insurance hope to have a statement of charges ready only contain generalities like, ‘Mike larger lawsuits to be filed against the KP coverage could stay the same for the same so we can petition to put the recall measure Salatino spoke’ during the three-minute district. A Tacoma fire commissioner said price. Taylor echoed concerns of other citi- on the ballot in November.” Others will be public discussion period. There is no the decision came as a result of adverse zens who have contacted him with worries looking for potential conflicts of interest, written report of what was said. There is no publicity resulting from the altercation in that KP homeowner and commercial insur- especially in purchasing practices, nepo- record of the discontent.” April. (The trial for the assault charge ance rates will increase. Heightened atten- tism, or evidence of misappropriation of Citizens have lobbied commissioners to public monies. increase the board from three to five seats, All requested documents must be and the board recently passed a resolution reviewed under the observation of the to expand the seats on the commission district Administrative Manager, Christina from three to five. That measure will appear Bosch, one of several people whose on the fall ballot for the citizens’ vote, and if expense reports could come under approved, the two new commissioners will scrutiny during review of the state be selected by the current board. Asked if auditor’s correspondence with the district. he would be interested in one of the new Others whose expense reports have been seats, should the commission expand to five requested include Chief Tom Lique, members, Taylor said, “No… Who would Yanity and Bosch. want to sit through that?” Taylor said the goal of the recall effort is Stout, whose term expires in 2007, is “to get the district on more stable footing unopposed in a run for his seat. He said, by getting some good, new commissioners.” “The public must think I’m doing a good “It’s their job to watch and safeguard the job. They haven’t put up anybody to run district’s money,” Taylor said. “But with the against me.” added expenses like insurance and higher He said both Bosch and Yanity refuse to attorney fees… they’re spending more resign their seats. Asked under which money than they need to spend.” He also conditions he would consider resigning in has heard concerns whether the lack of order to preclude the recall efforts, Yanity confidence by the other districts would wrote to the KP News in an email: “The affect future mutual aid response under only comment I have is where are all the other interlocal agreements, on which FD- people who want a five-member board 16 has depended for years. and resignations, no one registered to run Former Commissioner Ruth Bramhall for commissioner except Stout?” Bosch said, “They’re costing the district money… did not respond to contact attempts by Mr. Yanity’s opposition to the levy lid lift the KP News. cost the taxpayers. It would have passed, One longtime observer told the KP and should have, if he had supported it. News: “Folks out here don’t seem to me to And he caused an audit (by the Public understand that the fire district belongs Disclosure Commission) that did not need to them and they should take some to be — we were doing it right. It was a interest in the events — rather than just good audit, but it cost money.” complain about taxes.” 4 Peninsula Views www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

what impact the new bridge will have on the region. Most people agree that Summer kids’ opportunities EDITORIAL despite the toll, the expected congestion relief will make the peninsula area more By Jud Morris others. Teach them to cook (all the Bridge opening could be attractive, causing big population growth. Special to KP News measuring of ingredients it takes). Since Gig Harbor has limited residential Teach them to build (“measure twice, milestone for Key Pen, too lots available, and its real estate values are So, what are we going to do this cut once”). Have them volunteer for a The July opening of the new Tacoma the highest from the Narrows to summer with our children, now that project they are interested in. Learn a Narrows Bridge will mark several mile- Bainbridge Island, Key Peninsula school is out and summer vacation is new language with them. Involve them stones for the area. The bridge has been becomes an even more attractive place. here? Educators agree that our chil- in sports (What is the velocity of the ball a dream, for some, for many years. Others Already, development has been dren’s long summer vacation (though and why? Why does a curve ball curve?). fought it profusely: The project had been booming here. Expected growth is the our children might think it’s too short) Summer jobs could help figuring wages the subject of a long legal battle before it reason Pierce County Councilman Terry is one of the reasons why children and costs. What about gardening, or got off the ground. Lee proposed creating a KP community forget some of the things they have caring for pets? Expand their horizons Construction took more than five years, plan. Lee told the KP News in previous learned the previous year, and actually and knowledge, share time with them several delays, a total of 47.5 million interviews: “You look at the Key Peninsula come back to school in September with (you are their “first teachers”). What pounds of structural steel (for bridge and all the miles of shoreline and view forgotten knowledge. What can we, as could be better, especially since most of structure and suspension system), and property — the bridge is the only thing parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles my suggestions are inexpensive or free? more than $800 million to complete. The that keeps people away… The new bridge do to positively support our children’s We say, “We want what’s best for our 2,800-foot span is an engineering marvel, will unlock the door to the Key learning this summer, and hopefully children.” We say, “Let’s give our chil- becoming the longest suspension bridge Peninsula.” actually increasing it while they are away dren every opportunity to have a better built in the United States since 1964. It The jury will be out for a long time on from school? future than we have.” So, parents, will also be the largest twin suspension what the Tacoma Narrows Bridge means We can plan learning opportunities grandparents, aunts, and uncles, let’s bridge in the world. for the Key Pen. The first bridge brought and experiences that increase their just do it. Plan with your children what For the local community, the bridge an economic boom to the entire area, knowledge and support things they you and they want to do this summer to brings a different kind of milestone: It and the completion of the second bridge have already learned (in school and increase their learning, and still have will be the first bridge in the state to be brought an influx of summer homes. Gig life). We can take them on trips lots and lots of fun. Maybe your chil- tolled in 20 years. For a Key Pen Harbor has certainly grown by leaps and (around the Key Peninsula), learn dren will have so much fun with you, commuter who works on the other side, bounds. Who could imagine that up until about local animals, fish, insects, and that both you and they will want to driving to work will cost about $450 Target opened five years ago, there wasn’t plants. Learn about the local environ- continue your activities throughout the during the first year for those who use even a place to buy undergarments mental issues we have been observers to year. Wouldn’t that be a real family transponders, and the tolls are expected locally. Now, national chains continue to this last year. Send them to camp or day learning experience worth doing every to increase in future years. roll in. No one expects Walmart to set up camp, where they can learn new things year? But the implications of the Tacoma shop on the KP — but we should expect and ideas. Give our children more Narrows Bridge go far beyond engi- a bunch of new neighbors, who find a responsibility, recognition and respect. Jud Morris is the program manager at neering records and personal finances. short commute into Gig Harbor a minor Challenge them to read more (than you Children’s Home Society/Key Peninsula Speculation has run far and wide about inconvenience. do). Have them read (and teach) with Family Resource Center.

way too small. My nightmare, and prob- are out of our reach at a 10-mile radius, My family and I came upon that horrible LETTERS TO ably WSDOT’s, is that we’re going to so we feel the need to have them within accident. We stopped and my husband, have huge backups and they are going 3-5 miles instead. All I’m asking, with a police officer, took charge of traffic. THE EDITOR to try to mitigate them by metering all my heart and soul, is please, devel- I’m an ER nurse so I tended to the heavily at Purdy. And once congestion opers, new home builders, new young lady driver. She was badly broken. Bridge opening brings has started to develop, metering will not construction, etc., don’t scrape the I had someone hold her head, had toll backup worries provide any relief. earth free of every existing rhizome and another person use a fire extinguisher The bridge opens July 15, and the living molecule. We can have it all! for the engine. I used a T-shirt to dress When ramp meters were originally people of the Key Peninsula, Purdy and Allow a few of the living creatures to her right wrist that was precariously proposed, we were told the Purdy and Gig Harbor North are about to get a raw have their version of McD’s …the field dangling, and bleeding profusely, and Burnham meters would be temporary deal. The Department of of wild daisies, thistles, foxgloves. Let cut her watch to free her left hand. I cut until the new bridge opened and then Transportation needs to honor their them have a smidgeon of earth to raise her seat belt off to make sure she was used when conditions warrant. I believe original commitment and turn the their young, feed their families . . . live. breathing. She had a pulse, but was that right now WSDOT’s position will be meters off at Purdy and Burnham when Suzy Meyer unresponsive. Her legs were mangled, that they keep using the meters until the bridge opens. Wauna car’s control pedals in her shins. A child they are no longer needed. That is Mike Baum seat was in the back. It was empty, but I different than not using them until they Key Peninsula Good Samaritan still had people looking. All I could do are needed. It is an important distinc- comes forward was talk and hold her hand, call her tion as they have a “set it and forget it” Plea for wildlife habitat name, “Tammy,” and reassure her. We mindset. That has been a nagging I am writing in reference to the article called 911. I never knew the outcome. I problem with their flow control I hope I can make my plea in the right “A Life changed forever.” (Editor’s note: am elated to hear Tammy is recovering. approach. They want to set it up like a amount of words! I know that we need In the article, Tammy Richmond said My name is Heidi Malloque and I am the traffic signal and come back in a couple another Costco, and another hospital, she hopes some day to find out the iden- person who held her hand. of months to adjust it. and another Burger King, and another tity of the woman who held her hand Heidi Malloque The queue area for the toll booths is McD’s and all other conveniences that after a terrible crash until help arrived.) Lakebay

The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily those of the KP News. We neither endorse nor oppose issues or proposals discussed on this page and present these views for public information only. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Peninsula Views 5 Life-long friendships made at ‘Free Spirit Convention’

By Cassandra Kapp Special to KP News

Growing up in the area of the quaint, suburban waterfront town of Gig Harbor, it seems as though I sometimes live out my days in a routine, monoto- nous manner. Gig Harbor is a very homogeneous town, according to the U. S. Census Bureau, which states that three-fourths of the city’s population is Caucasian. It is for this reason that I have always wondered what it would be like to meet teenagers who have grown up in communities other than the Gig Photo courtesy Cassandra Kapp Harbor and peninsula area, or in Cassandra Kapp, right, in front of the communities outside Washington state. White House with the Tennessee represen- Last March, I was fortunate enough to tative, Caitlin Lindstrom. have my thoughts answered. As the recipient of the Al Neuharth hours away from civilization. Another Free Spirit Journalism Award, I traveled girl lived through Hurricane Katrina to Washington, D.C. along with 101 and had to survive on packaged meals other student journalists (one male and for several weeks. The girl from New female from each state and D.C.) to York City had never driven a car. The meet with journalists and newsmakers boy from Wisconsin would go out “cow during a conference program. tipping” on the weekends. One girl was Although the guest speakers and jour- getting ready for her debutante ball. nalism workshops taught me more than There were liberals from California and I ever could have imagined, my most conservatives from Nebraska. life-changing experience was meeting The “free spirits” and I would get in those fellow high school journalists arguments about silly topics, such as from across the country. Nearly one- what is the correct term for a carbon- third of the student journalists were ated beverage. The kids from the minorities. Northeast and California swore by The convention was only five days. “soda,” while the West and Midwest However, this was enough time for me went by “pop,” and the South referred to form a very strong bond with the to it as “Coke.” “free sprits.” These kids opened my eyes We were all so different, but yet were to the rest of the world, showed me the bound together by one thing: our love r true meaning of hardwork and dedica- for journalism and the power to change tion, and were the most multifaceted the world, one word at a time. y students I have ever met. Today, more than two months after The male representative from the convention, I am still in contact t Mississippi was African-American. He with many of the “Free Spirits.” With had grown up in one of the poorest some, I have developed lifelong bonds cities in the nation and decided to and I know I will be meeting many of develop a newspaper at his school in them later in my journalism career. order to keep himself busy and out of I urge Key Peninsula students to trouble. He described the blatant travel outside of Washington state, racism he encounters in the South. Kids whether it is for college or vacation, in r at his school accessorize their cars’ order to meet a diversity of people, rearview mirrors with mini-lynches. He learn about unfamiliar situations, and even witnessed part of a Ku Klux Klan possibly, to create lifelong friendships. meeting before he “got the heck out of there.” The other Southern students Cassandra Kapp is a 2007 graduate of agreed that obvious racism ran rampant Peninsula High School and the outgoing co- e at their schools as well. editor-in-chief of the PHS newspaper “The y One of the girls was trilingual and will Outlook,” where she won numerous awards. be attending Harvard University this She will continue her journalism career this fall. The boy from Alaska lived two fall at Northwestern University in Illinois. 6 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

Key Peninsula Middle School’s beginning and Key Pen at intermediate band perform as part of the entertainment lineup. Photo by Maritime Gig Rodika Tollefson There was a little Key Peninsula flavor at the annual Maritime Gig Parade in Gig Harbor, an event attended by thousands of people. Key Pen resident and Habitat for Humanity volunteer Bob Delaney takes a photo of the float the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Chapter of Habitat entered into the parade. Photo by Rodika Tollefson

Below, Peninsula High School’s jazz band performs for the Gig crowd. Photo by Mindi LaRose

Above, Key Pen’s Russ Humberd leads the Peninsula Athletic Association group comprised of kids and parents. Photo by Rodika Tollefson

Left,The Peninsula High School marching band (directed by Paula DeMoss) with its mascot was followed by the school’s cheerleaders. Photo by Rodika Tollefson July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 7 Fire, park, school district candidates on ballot

By Danna Webster, KP News ment. Stout analyzes the reserve fund grounds.’ There are no playgrounds on and the effects of a proposed levy lid-lift Elections 2007 KP for a parent to take their children. The filing period for the open seats for decision as he prepares a budget to buy The primary election date is Aug. 21. There are many things a park district three local public offices — Peninsula the large apparatus. While his focus is on Voters must be registered 30 days should provide, trails, ball parks, skate School District, Key Peninsula equipment and purchase, he says the prior to the election. First-time voters park, etc., but the very definition of a Metropolitan Park District and Fire other commissioners focus on equipment may obtain registration forms on the park to me is ‘family recreation’ and District 16 — closed in June, with some insurance, health insurance and risk Key Peninsula at the library, public that is playgrounds with picnic facilities board candidates running unopposed management. He supports a ballot schools, and fire department headquar- included. I have grandchildren who and some seats with two contenders. The measure that will be on the ballot this ters in Key Center. Key Peninsula will grow up on KP. I want them to have Key Peninsula News asked the candidates election year that would change the voters will select commissioner candi- local family playgrounds and picnic to provide some comments regarding district’s board to five commissioners. He dates for the fire district, park district facilities to enjoy. We have land and their sought jobs. feels that would help share the load on and school board this election season. we’re getting more land. I want to the projects, research and class atten- Since none of the positions have over continue to help develop a parks Fire District 16 dance required. two candidates, they will all appear on program for KP citizens. This takes Asked how he feels about running the general election ballot Nov. 6. On cautious prioritizing and money The six-year term for Position 1 is open unopposed, he said, “Makes me happy. I the Aug. 21 ballot, KP residents will management.” for election on the fire district. This seat take that as a compliment.” He believes ask to approve a Fire District 16 multi- Gregory Angelmyer, who was is currently held by Rick Stout, and he is that reflects he is doing his job well and year levy lid lift (see related story, page appointed to the board last year, is an running unopposed for the next term. there is no opposition to his work. “I’m 9). unopposed candidate for Position 3. He Stout is retired from the fire department happy it happened that way,” he said, chose that seat because it is a six-year after 20 years of service. He was battalion joking, “I don’t have to buy advertising term. “When you get into something, chief for Home, Longbranch and Herron signs.” the only contested race. The two candi- you get in all the way,” he said. Island. His focus as a commissioner is big dates are Bob Hicks and Bruce Angelmyer retired from a career in apparatus, specifically ambulances and KP Metro Parks Nicholson. Both candidates responded the corporate world and moved to the fire tender trucks. A firetruck tender is by email when asked why they chose to Key Peninsula two years ago. Recreation replaced about every 10 to 15 years and The park district has three positions run for commissioner. departments and the Boy Scout an ambulance about every three to five open for election. Positions 1 and 3 are Bob Hicks wrote: “The main reason I program were significant in his life years. Bids for the equipment are made six-year terms and Position 4 has two am running for parks commissioner is through his high school and college about two years in advance of the replace- years remaining in its term. Position 4 is that I wanted to have an input in the park years. “I retired to do the stuff I really district’s future. I want to be able to offer enjoy,” he said. “The world of recreation our residents more opportunities here on has changed so much, (but) I’ve got the Key for sports and recreation.” some limited expertise in my past and a Bruce Nicholson’s response was: “I good director (Scott Gallacher) to bring have been attending commission meet- me up to date.” ings since October 2006. If elected, I Angelmyer sees the job as a “chance to will work to publish a tri-annual parks save the land, create parks and do things and recreation guide including infor- for people.” He says the park surveys mation about all the really great groups, showed that residents treasure what they institutions, and individuals involved have on the KP and he wants to “help with a wide range of recreational activi- preserve and protect on one side, and ties including but not limited to horse- develop recreation programs for youth,” back riding, gardening, biking, getting them involved in “sports and get kayaking, arts and crafts, theatre and them closer to the environment.” dance, team and individual sports, scouting and camping and more. The Peninsula School District Key Peninsula Community Plan calls for a parks system that promotes tourism Four PSD terms expire at the end of and I believe a good guide would help a this year. The candidates for District 1 lot. Using public/private partnerships, are Geoff Baillie of Longbranch (incum- this guide can be done at no cost to the bent) and Matthew Wilkinson of Key Peninsula citizens. If elected I will Lakebay. District 2, a two-year unexpired work to apply for and bring home seat currently held by Betty Ringley, is grants and donations in terms of land eyed by Jean-Louise Gazabat of Gig and capital to the parks district.” Harbor and Wendy Wojtanowicz of Elmer Anderson, who was appointed Wauna. District 3 incumbent Jill last year to Position 4, is running unop- Guernsey is being challenged for the posed for Position 1, currently held by seat by Ken Roberts (both of Gig Caril Ridley, who is not running for Harbor), and the District 4 position is reelection. unopposed with Jill Uddenberg of Gig He said about his interest in contin- Harbor as the candidate. The Key uing on as commissioner: “If I were to Peninsula News will print candidate’s use one word, it would be ‘play- comments in the August issue. 8 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Settlement may be near for Powerline Road lawsuit

By Rick Sorrels grant easements to the property owners Special to KP News who are plaintiffs so that they can access and use Powerline Road legally. Property The parties to the Powerline Road owners who have not joined the lawsuit as lawsuit have reached settlement, condi- plaintiffs are not included in the settle- tioned upon the recording of certain ment. documents and obtaining access permits Asked what actions Tacoma intends to from Pierce County for where Powerline take with the property owners who are not Road (144th Street) accesses county roads included in the settlement, William at 118th Avenue and at Crews Road. Fosbre, the attorney for the city of The trial dates of June 12 and Aug. 20 Tacoma, said, “I cannot comment about have been continued until Dec. 4, 2007, ongoing litigation.” He said more infor- and June 3, 2008, with those trials occur- mation may be released in a few weeks. ring only if the settlement agreement is The city of Tacoma has claimed a lawful not finalized. right to bar residents from using 144th John Salmon, the attorney for Pierce Street. Residents along that street have County, said in mid-June, “This should all claimed a lawful easement, which is their be wrapped up in the next few weeks. only means to access their homes. It’s Ownership of the road will remain with been a decades-old dispute. the city of Tacoma. It’s just not possible This same stretch of 144th Street has for Pierce County to take ownership of been identified by the state of Washington the road, as millions of dollars would be as one of the options for a proposed needed to bring the road up to required rerouting of State Route 302. An environ- standards.” mental study has been funded to deter- Under the agreement, Tacoma would mine the future location of SR-302.

Mayor Chuck Hunter, Gig Harbor Police Chief Mike Davis, Pierce County Sheriff BRIEFS Paul Pastor, and representatives of both news Fire District 5 and Fire District 16, as well Key Pen News reporter as Lt. Dale Alexander, the commander for the new Washington State Patrol wins journalism award detachment serving state routes 16 and 302. An audience question and comment Key Peninsula News news editor Chris session will follow the presentations. Fitzgerald won a second place award from the Society of Professional KP Community Council Journalists in the annual Western Pro seeks nominations chapter competition. Fitzgerald’s award, received in the nondaily newspapers cate- The Key Peninsula Community gory, was for her in-depth series on the Council is looking for civic-minded citi- geoduck dilemma faced by the Key zens interested in running for positions Peninsula. To read the series, visit on the Board of Directors in the www.keypennews.com. council’s Sept. 29 election. Terms of office are two years. Seven positions are Safety Summit held July 12 open in four geographical areas. Candidates for the Board of Directors On July 12 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., must be at least 18 years of age and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department either reside or own property on the holds a Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Key Peninsula. Candidates’ addresses Safety Summit, an event bringing impact for which position they may run. together organization leaders respon- Individuals interested in running can sible for the safety of both peninsulas. obtain candidate registration forms by The summit will be held in the Peninsula calling 884-0557, or visiting the KP High School auditorium. Pierce County Community Council office next door to Councilman Terry Lee will moderate. the Key Center public library on Scheduled speakers include Gig Harbor Fridays, from 10 a.m. to noon. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 9 Proposed lid lift levy banks on future values By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News increase (over the previous year’s levy) static at 6 percent, tax revenues to the bonds, and four old water tankers now capped by the voter-passed Initiative 747. district would increase — until they hit the ready for replacement, with one due to Key Peninsula voters will be asked in As real estate assessment values rise, the state-imposed $1.50 per $1,000 limit. be purchased this year. Part of the August to approve a new fire levy. On May amount of taxes apportioned to a levy The district chose to begin at the revenues realized from the levy, in addi- 22, the Fire District 16 Board of Fire fluctuate. For instance, in 2006 on the Key highest allowable rate of $1.50 per thou- tion to equipment, would be used to Commissioners adopted and approved a Peninsula, the fire district collected $1.25 sand in the first year. If approved, the increase the 24/7 coverage at stations. resolution calling for a special election in per $1,000 of assessed value. An average additional levy will be 52 cents per “We currently have five to six firefighters conjunction with the state primary elec- increase in property values of 33 percent $1,000 assessed property value, or an on duty now,” he said. “We want to build tion on Aug. 21. The board is asking citi- (by fire district estimates), using the same additional $130 per year for a property that up to seven on each shift.” zens to authorize a levy of property tax levy calculations, dropped the levy rate to valued at $250,000 (assuming assessed In an emailed reply, Christina Bosch, not to exceed $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed 98 cents per $1,000 but still increase values are same). the district’s administrative manager, value, in the first year of a six-year levy revenue to the district because the cumu- Fire commissioners’ board Chairman said the major question is, “Are period, beginning in 2008. In years two lative assessed value has increased. Rick Stout says the added revenue will taxpayers willing to pay additional taxes through six, “a limit factor of 106 percent If the levy passes as proposed, and assess- permit the fire district to build reserves to the fire department to allow us to shall be used to determine the actual levy ments continue to rise, in 2009 (year two to replace aging equipment, set aside increase staffing, create a ‘savings rate, subject to the maximum statutory of the levy), using the new (6 percent) levy funds as new equipment ages, and hire account’ for major equipment rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valua- calculations, the cost to property owners more paramedic/emergency medical purchases (fire engines, etc.)? I guess tion.” This proposed tax base is called a to fund the district could be $1.38 per technician firefighters. Currently the the only way to answer that question is “lid (local improvement district) lift levy” $1,000. As assessed values continue to rise, district has four new (4 years old on to place this initiative on the ballot, and because the request exceeds the 1 percent even though the levy rate would remain average) fire engines purchased through let our voters tell us what they want!”

Last month’s article “Status Check on school safety at KPMS” referred to Mr. CORRECTION Pat, the school's custodian who visits with Effort looks at ‘Livable kids in the lunchroom and serves on the school safety committee, by the wrong name. We regret the error and wish Mr. Key Peninsula 2020’ Pat happy retirement next year. By Irene Torres, KP News missions of both groups are similar. The Community Council is not grounded in At a community meeting on June 28, promoting livable/sustainable commu- organizers Dennis Taylor and state Rep. nity principle specifically, as Livable Key Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor) asked 2020 will be.” attendees to envi- Features of a livable rural community sion the Key include a clean, safe and secure envi- Peninsula in the ronment, full school funding, recre- year 2020. ational and arts opportunities, environ- The catch-phrase mental stewardship, volunteerism, cele- “Thinking Globally, brating historical and cultural heritage, Acting Locally” is local employment opportunities, and the center point of beyond. spheres of influ- Taylor said, “Green business is an ence for this effort, SEAQUIST example of a sustainable business tied which will include to the major issues.” Livable Key 2020 the elements of sustainable economic will provide “a vehicle to promote these development, environment, affordable features,” he said. “The challenges that housing, senior services, transporta- face the KP are so large, no one organ- tion, global warming, logging regula- ization will be able to do it all. We will tions, community character, solid partner with the Community Council waste/recycling, land use/agriculture, but address issues they are not,” he and other potential issues the commit- said. “In the beginning, we will be an tees might address. education campaign to inform what An advisory committee is being estab- each individual can do to be a part of lished — to be followed by working the global warming prevention solu- committees — to review the risks of tion.” noncompliance and to develop a means The group will hold forums, work- to ensure the just-developed KP shops, and town meetings to evaluate Community Plan is followed. unmet needs and lend support to have When asked the difference between those issues addressed. Seaquist was out this and the already-functioning KP of town at deadline and unavailable for Community Council, Taylor said, “The comment. 10 Business www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Key Counseling is open for business By William C. Dietz, KP News Substance abuse facts percent. • By 12th grade, almost one out of Key Counseling is one of the newest Highlights of the “2006 Report on five Washington state students is already tenants in the Key Peninsula Health Abuse Trends in Washington State,” as a problem drinker. Center in Key Center. According to sole compiled by Don Tjossem MS, MAC, CDP: • Youth ages 12 to 20 account for 30 proprietor Don Tjossem, “Key • More than one out of 10 Washington percent of all U. S. abusive and Counseling is a state certified chemical state adult residents is in need of chem- dependent drinkers. dependency treatment service provider ical dependency treatment. • Treatment completers show that offers DWI assessments, alcohol and • There are nearly 500,000 adults in pronounced post-treatment wage drug information school, and outpatient the state who need substance abuse increases. treatment to adults and young people.” treatment. The entire report is available online at Tjossem went to Washington State • Adolescents with substance abuse www1.dshs.wa.gov/dasa. For more infor- University, where he majored in soci- problems tend to experience behavioral mation about the results of a recent ology with a minor in psychology. “But,” problems when attending school. After Tjossem says, “when I graduated I found alcohol and drug related survey of substance abuse treatment, however, I would have to go to New York or San Washington state students in sixth, the numbers of adolescents reporting Francisco in order to work in that field. I eighth, 10th and 12th grades, visit didn’t want to do that so I ended up in any school discipline problems in the www1.dshs.wa.gov/mediare- banking.” year preceding treatment dropped by 50 leases/2007/pr07030.shtm. TJOSSEM When he retired from banking, Tjossem chose to go back to school worked at the Choice Alternative School Key Peninsula resident for 20 years. open about his past. “I certainly abused rather than pursue his hobbies of in Shelton. In fact, many locals may know Tjossem substances as a youth,” he says. That kayaking, walking, and photography full- With that experience under his belt, from his 15 years with Key Bank, his stint experience helps him relate to clients. time. Having obtained a Human Services Tjossem decided to open a practice of as a fire commissioner for the Key When questioned about what people Certificate in chemical dependency, his own. But local residents will be Peninsula Fire District 16, and his tenure should expect regarding his therapeutic Tjossem went to work for the relieved to learn that his decision had as president of the Key Peninsula approach, Tjossem laughs. “We’re going Washington Correctional Center in nothing to do with the number of poten- Business Association. to plan for the future,” the ex-banker Purdy, while he pursued a master’s tial clients on the peninsula — and every- When asked if he had any personal says cheerfully. “Not sit around and talk degree from Capella University. He later thing to do with the fact that he’s been a experiences with addiction, Tjossem is about your childhood!” July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Business 11 New life, new home, new man at KC Computers

By Danna Webster, KP News ence was flat, and that kept him in the Mirenta’s business sense make them a window washing business. After the move good team. The computer store in Key Center has a to the peninsula, new friends at the local “I need Sheryl’s guidance,” he says, technician who can build a new computer health food store encouraged Lindhartsen admitting that if he were charging when given the scrap of about four old to consider computer repair and to ask customers, he’d probably ask for a box of machines. Joseph Lindhartsen didn’t Sheryl Mirenta if she needed help at her cookies. Mirenta is his mentor, and, expect to use his computer skills as a career computer store. according to Lindhartsen, working at the move, but a battle with cancer turned his One Friday, he got up his nerve and computer store and living on the Key young adult life upside down. He and his asked Mirenta if she needed help. Her tech Peninsula is a dream come true. wife, Sarah, moved from the Seattle area had left on Wednesday. She asked what he “I live in the woods, go into the little four years ago. Sarah’s grandparents are in Photo by Danna Webster could do. “I can do it all,” was his answer town, open the door with a key and hear Gig Harbor and they asked a realtor to Joseph Lindhartsen enjoys his new job. and 45 minutes later, he was on a job. His the little bell ring. Then I get to work on show them property in the area. The agent pay is computer parts and pieces. He must customers’ computers,” he says. took them to Palmer Lake. Joseph says he Lindhartsen grew up in rural Idaho, work as a volunteer until his Labor and The Lindharstens are grateful for the told the agent, “This is about as far as we where men were expected to have a strong Industry claim is closed. He then hopes to good neighbors and community support want to go.” And the agent answered, “It back and do physical work. “I can’t do that have an official contract at the store. It is a of the Key Peninsula. “We get food from doesn’t go much farther.” anymore,” he says. “My focus is on healing good arrangement for now. “I’m just a the (Lakebay Community) Church. A lot The family lives on the green belt of and fighting cancer. I’ve had my reins volunteer at the shop. Some days, there’s of people help us out with bills and stuff Palmer Lake with Emma, 2, Owen, 4, and pulled back. I’ll be battling cancer the rest too much pain to get out of bed. I want this with family. There’s a lot of community Ian, 8. Joseph Lindhartsen’s active days — of my life, but there are a lot of people with job. This is my dream job,” Lindhartsen support,” Lindhartsen says and shares that which included hanging above Seattle, much worse cancers.” says. last Christmas a big wreath was left leaning managing a six-man crew, and cleaning For years, since his computer certifica- Lindhartsen can take two broken laptops on their front door and somebody in their high-rise windows — were traded off when tion from Highline Community College, and make one that works. One night, he neighborhood bought all the Christmas terrible back pain after a tumble off a he has fixed the computers of his family walked into the shop and noticed the gifts for his children. That generosity is the ladder didn’t add up to normal. Doctors and friends. He believes if something is discard pile of motherboards. He got busy inspiration behind his next goal. ran tests, did an MRI scan and a biopsy. broken, one must fix it. He learned he was and made four computers out of them. He “I’ve got to put enough aside to buy They discovered that a cancerous tumor also good at building computers, but the says he tries to keep parts from going to the Christmas for some guy with cancer. That’s had dissolved his T-10 vertebrae. job market for technicians without experi- landfill. His computer fix-it skills and my deal with God,” he says. 12 Business www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News BRIEFS Blue Frog Nursery has Open Garden business The Blue Frog Nursery in Minter will hold an Open Garden on July 7 and 8 from 10 The Landing takes off a.m. to 3 p.m. Ornamental grass expert Jon Evers will sell specialty grasses and answer With all five suites leased, the owners questions about them. of The Landing, Ira and Alisa Spector, Russ and Miriam Smith, owners of the are very pleased. nursery, specialize in Japanese maples and “We are trying to find out what our perennials, but also grow other trees and tenants need and make a baseline shrubs. Russ Smith propagates the maples accounting to that,” says Alisa Spector. by both seed and grafts, and has many plants “We have a delightful group here. The suitable for Bonsai. tone of the building (has been set) by The nursery started eight years ago, when independent entrepreneurs in business they found a quiet place surrounded by for themselves.” trees where they could start a garden from The newest and last occupant is the scratch. Half a mile of trails wander through Pierce Conservation District, which the woods adjacent to the nursery and their gardens. moved from a tiny closet-sized back Smith, who operates a lawn service in Tacoma, sells plants at the Gig Harbor office on State Route 302 and settled Farmers Market as well as various special sales around the Puget Sound area. He into new digs during June. Erin Ewald, says Miriam is the perennial buyer and he’s the propagator. farm planner for PCD, now has space Assorted trees, such as cedar, pine, redwood and yew, shrubs such as hebe, enough to sit down with visitors to map pieris, deutzia (a low growing form), and a good variety of groundcovers are all out their property conservation goals. available at Blue Frog. First tenant to arrive was Mulberry The nursery is open by appointment only, except for the annual Open Garden. Street Marketing, a consulting firm, For a plant list, directions, or more information, visit followed by Jobehaviors, focused on www.bluefrognursery.net/id6.html, email [email protected] or call 857- software consulting, Sturdi Products, in 0127. the pet carrier business, and Titan Formworks, heavy equipment sales and In the photo: Japanese maples in an assortment of color, leaf shape and size are distributor. among the plants available at Blue Frog Nursery. Photo by Colleen Slater July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 13 Growing pains: Park district ponders future, seeks more funding Editor’s note: In April, KP Metropolitan parks are part of the quality of life,” half—$85,000 — is slated for employee improvements and no new acquisitions. Park District commissioners discussed the need Gallacher said. “The challenge is, people wages, benefits and taxes. (The next- Even without further acquisitions, the to impose a levy (which doesn’t require public say, ‘If you have all this money, why don’t biggest expenses are for supplies, nearly ongoing modernization of Volunteer Park vote) starting in 2008. The discussion was you have all these projects?’ It costs $13,000, and utilities, nearly $11,000.) alone could require a hefty investment. postponed until July. As the district undergoes money to be government because as a Gallacher, the only full-time employee, Gallacher has a wish list that shows capital its comprehensive planning process, the Key government entity we have to pay has a staff of two part-timers, whose hours improvements totaling an estimated Peninsula News is taking a look at various prevailing wages… A lot of things were collectively add to another full-time nearly $1 million, including $55,000 for issues the district is trying to solve. deferred for maintenance. This place employee. Gallacher admits that with the playground development (playgrounds (Volunteer Park) was built by volunteers, staff already stretched thin, if more parks were ranked as the second top priority, By Rodika Tollefson, KP News but it can’t be maintained by volunteers.” were added to the system, it would make after trails, by the citizens who took the Volunteer Park was built in 1976-77, upkeep even more difficult. Especially if survey). Key Peninsula Metropolitan Park following a November 1972 election to the parks sprawl all over the peninsula, In July, the KPMPD board is expected to District commissioners appear certain create KP Parks and Recreation District which means more driving time. And with bring back the discussion of whether a they will pursue a (predecessor to KPMPD). Jim Penfield, volunteer turnover, some tasks now levy should be imposed, or whether an levy starting in 2008 the first chairman, negotiated a 20-acre require expenses. He uses Home Park as advisory vote should be sought from the — which could be lease with the county at the time. The an example: Fred Ramsdell used to mow public in November. Most of the commis- as high as 57 cents district operated without a levy for several the park, and when he moved away, that sioners, however, have expressed the per $1,000 of years, and the park was a community job became paid. sentiment that the advisory vote would assessed value, volunteer effort. In its three decades of The commissioners see themselves at a only serve “to appease the voters.” In the although it’s uncer- existence, it was developed further, and crossroads: For the district to grow, more meantime, the district intends to create a tain whether volunteers continued most of the mainte- funding is needed, and as population comprehensive plan to show the public commissioners nance, often with their own equipment grows, they believe more parks will be why the money is needed. would choose the and tools. Until recently, when Fire needed to fill the community’s need. highest maximum District 16 donated a pickup to KPMPD, Greg Anglemeyer, who was appointed Next installment: A look at the Gig Harbor’s allocation the staff and volunteers even used their own to the board earlier this year and is PenMet Parks, which was created at the same district can have by law. The board says a vehicles for district business. running for election, uses himself as an time as KPMPD, and has a $2.7 million levy is necessary for the district to be able The creation of the KPMPD brought example of what Key Peninsula faces. He general fund budget as well as a $6.6 million to grow, and that the current budget steady funding for the first time to the moved out here a few years ago, in “retire- capital improvement list for 2007. (about $160,000) is only sufficient for local parks system, as zoo/trek taxes were ment,” attracted by the beauty of the area. upkeep. Even so, the budget is bare- diverted to the Key Peninsula based on “People want to retain the lifestyle we bones, according to Executive Director population count. In 2006, KPMPD have over here,” he said at an earlier parks Scott Gallacher. received close to $125,000 from that tax, board meeting. “I am your worst news: I Volunteer Park (which officially got its and $113,000 in 2005. moved out here. And other people will name back in May after being called KP “We’re pretty much doing band-aid move out here… If we don’t find a way to Sport Complex and Fairgrounds for a work at Volunteer Park,” Gallacher said. keep those trails and parks (etc.), it will couple of years) is the metro park “Volunteer Park was always on the levy take a lot more in two years to do those district’s biggest asset. KPMPD also owns system and there was a lot of deferred things.” Home Park and leases the Rocky Bay maintenance. The district is trying to take A survey recently conducted by the Conservation Area from Pierce County on a lot of those deferred maintenance district showed support for a levy, a long-term agreement. In a few years, the (issues) and fix them.” Some of the although the response from the public district’s list may include as many as six or capital improvements completed since was low (a total of 105 responses were more properties, if various acquisitions metro district’s creation included the tallied, of which only 12 percent said they that are being pursued are successful. renovation of the concession stand wouldn’t support any levy). The majority, “This community is changing — the ($30,000) and three infields ($7,000). 67 percent, said the district should new bridge, you name it… Quality of life The district’s 2007 budget is nearly acquire land and expand, while 26 is what people out here moved for, and $160,000, of which slightly more than percent felt the district should focus on 14 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Fireworks and music on the bay KGHP radio station to play Gillette, who moved to the area 13 years ‘Safe & Sane’ fireworks ago with his family, picks out the music Enjoy the fireworks and does the choreography himself. He synchronized music to 4th Guy Allen, Fire District 16 division The Purdy Sand Spit is a great received his pyrotechnician’s license chief, says the main safety considera- vantage point for the Henderson Bay of July fireworks display through Entertainment Fireworks, and tion for fireworks at home is to follow Fireworks Committee’s show. then got down to the business of putting the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Organizers urge residents to respect By Jeanette Brown on his own fireworks show, seeking dona- Minors should never be permitted to the privacy and safety of local property Special to KP News tions, renting the barge and shooting off discharge fireworks without adult super- owners and not drive to their area, the computerized fireworks display all by vision. Only fireworks purchased at which has no extra parking. Boaters For the past six years, Richard Gillette himself for the first five years. It was last local temporary stands are legal — the are advised to stay a quarter-mile away and, more recently, the newly formed year that he and a couple of his neighbors tribal stands open year round often sell from the barge for safety reasons. Henderson Bay Fireworks Committee, decided to form the “Henderson Bay fireworks that are illegal to use off Tune in to KGHP at 97.7 or 89.9 to have put on quite a 4th of July fireworks Fireworks Committee,” which also made tribal land because of their design and complete the experience with music! display for family, friends and local neigh- fundraising easier and “more official.” amount of explosive power. Anyone interested in donating money bors from a barge located off shore on the Gillette said, “I was happy to have the For tips on “Safe and Sane” fireworks for next year’s show should email Gig Harbor side of Henderson Bay. This help and last year was the first time I had use, visit Washington State Patrol’s [email protected]. year, Gillette has added a new feature to the opportunity to watch the show from information site at Other vantage points for fireworks this increasingly grand and popular show, my own deck and I plan to watch it from www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/default.htm. include downtown Allyn (at the end of which starts at 10:15 p.m. and lasts for my own deck this year, too.” Last year, he the dock) and Vaughn Bay (if you have about 20 minutes. also switched to Wolverine West, LLC, a a boat to row in). A licensed pyrotechnician and agent has been licensed in radio since 1939 and local Seattle fireworks firm. with Gig Harbor Real Estate, Gillette volunteers as the station’s chief engineer “They provide their own technicians wanted to enhance the local fireworks said, “We are delighted to do it; this show and set up the barge, but I still select the Ray Charles. Gillette said, “I like to extravaganza so everyone could listen to is not unlike the one that happens over music, the type of fireworks used, do the provide a variety of music that hopefully the music that is choreographed to the Union Bay near Ivars in Seattle… It is a choreography myself and help raise funds will not be offensive to anyone.” timing of the fireworks display. With this in credit to the folks putting on the fireworks for the event” Gillette said. The show will end with “America the mind, he contacted Keith Stiles at KGHP show and we are happy to serve the The music selection this year will Beautiful” — a perfect Independence and asked to have the synchronized music community by broadcasting the music.” include works by Kelly Clarkson, B-52 and Day ending. played over the local public access radio station so that everyone who watches the show could also listen to the music. The fireworks display, which is also enjoyed by boaters and many other resi- dents with sky and waterfront views of the bay, is very popular with the general public. People come to view and enjoy the show from the Purdy Spit area. In the past, the computerized fireworks show has been choreographed to music, but it was played through a stereo system hooked up to the computer, which could only be enjoyed by a handful of nearby residents. Gillette said Stiles “seemed very excited about being able to accommodate my request.” Stiles, A Key Pen resident who July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 15 Rattled to action along SR-302 By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News According to Razmek, he was told by documenting “traffic noise impact on noise standards, his residence falls into a WSDOT there was absolutely nothing residence near Highway 302” he person- C-1 and C-2 Noise Zone Classification, The long back deck of Mike Razmek’s they could do about SR-302 (at the ally commissioned from Seattle-based which is “normally unacceptable.” The home sits between 50 and 100 feet off Wauna curves) because of its location SSA Acoustics recently, Razmek spent Federal Interagency Committee on State Route 302 in the Wauna curves on near the spit and the historic Purdy his allotted five-minute presentation Urban Noise report states “… require a small knoll overlooking Henderson Bridge. Since there was nothing to be time in agitated commentary, often residential use… is discouraged in C-1 Inlet, not far from the Purdy Sand Spit. (or going to be) done, they had no addressing the audience rather than the and strongly discouraged in C-2 (desig- According to Pierce County tax records, funding to assist his efforts at acquiring planning commission. Razmek claimed nations).” Razmek’s study concludes he bought the property with its 1,332- peace and quiet by erecting the wall, neither the state nor county would take that, with present noise pollution, his square-foot manufactured home in April they told him. responsibility for adjudication of the residence requires a “doubling of 2003. Razmek bought it as a second Razmek told the KP News he feels the traffic noise so he could have reasonably acoustic performance” of building mate- home; since moving from California to state is “ignoring their duty to every quiet enjoyment of his home and prop- rials just to meet normal noise reduction the residence full time in 2005, he has citizen on the Key Peninsula.” “We have erty. requirements. discovered something else about his laudable plans for the peninsula, but no “Pierce County does not even acknowl- SSA’s study also lays out noise exemp- well-landscaped, nicely-maintained one is addressing the Purdy Spit or SR- edge having a noise ordinance,” he said tions in the Pierce County code home: traffic noise. Previous to 302. They are turning a blind eye to angrily, holding that document. He (Chapter 8.76), and the Washington purchasing, he says he had been shown this,” he said, and noted he found it railed against ineffective state and local Administrative Code (173-62). In an the property by a local real estate interesting that “Gig Harbor doesn’t governments, indicating he had been ironic twist, the study Razmek paid for to company on a quiet Sunday morning, have a problem getting sound walls abandoned by all, including support his case includes the following and then again a couple of weeks later, constructed.” Councilman Terry Lee, to whom he paragraph: “Pierce County section also on a weekend, during his property Razmek attended one of the May aired his grievance on several occasions. 8.76.080: Exemptions state that ‘sounds inspection. public hearings held by the Pierce In an interview regarding Razmek’s created by motor vehicles’ are exempt Last year, he filed a lawsuit against County Planning Commission regarding issue with traffic noise, Lee said he had ‘when regulated by WAC Chapter 173- Washington State Department of the Key Peninsula Community Plan. The been contacted at least twice about this 62.’ WAC 173-62 specifies the noise Transportation asking the agency to meeting’s focus was on the facilities and problem, and that he had referred the performance standards of cars, motorcy- build a sound wall. WSDOT declined, services as well as community character homeowner to individuals at the state, cles and vehicles over 10,000-lbs gross saying the noise condition was “pre- elements of the plan. Armed with a since the road is a state route. According weight. This code is designed to address existing” prior to his purchase. $1,400 “Environmental Noise Review” to Lee, Razmek was advised to take his individual vehicle noise and can only be issue to Reps. Seaquist or Lantz, or Sen. applied on a case-by-case basis. Kilmer, who sits on the Senate Therefore, the road noise impacted the Transportation Commission. If the road Razmek residence from Highway 302 is were under county jurisdiction, Lee said not exceeding Pierce County noise he could look into it; he also acknowl- code.” edged that, since the problem is with the For over a year, Razmek has been state transportation system, he “has no contacting local and state governmental clout.” agencies and representatives about Razmek’s 15-page study was conducted noise issues on the highway. He notes for 140 hours from Feb. 28 to March 6 that signs along State Route 16 both through the use of one “long-term envi- toward Port Orchard and Gig Harbor ronmental noise monitor on the prop- warn truckers that “jake brakes are erty… which recorded the hourly prohibited.” He has been unable to average sound level.” Short-term noise convince anyone with the authority to measurements were also taken during do so to place a “No jake brake” sign peak hours during that time interval. anywhere along SR-302. “(Our local The end result of the study is the recom- politicians) can’t even muster enough mendation of construction of an 8-foot courage to do that,” he says. (A jake fence across the SR-302-facing side of brake is a big-rig braking mechanism Razmek’s property, above a rock wall. It that saves brakes when the truck goes suggests maximum effectiveness would down an incline, and it creates an inor- be realized using “continuously solid dinate amount of road noise as the material with a surface weight of 2.5 engine slows down.) pounds per square foot (such as 3/4- Razmek may file a self-generated inch plywood or 16-gauge sheet metal). lawsuit against local politicians, forcing Aesthetically, the consultants suggested the issue of noise pollution on SR-302. that after construction, cedar fence He is currently challenging his tax boards could be attached to the barrier assessment, which he says has doubled in to make it more pleasing in appearance. the last year. “Would you buy this prop- Razmek’s noise pollution exceeds erty (if you saw it anytime but Sunday standard norms for those experienced morning)?” he said, then answering his by ordinary residential neighborhoods. own question, “Nobody would.” According to the Department of Knowing what he knows now, perhaps he Housing and Urban Development’s wouldn’t either. 16 Off the Key www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News The ‘Y’ aims to become a ‘third place’ for peninsulas

By Rodika Tollefson, KP News multi-purpose rooms for yoga, aerobics etc, a climbing wall, family changing The Gig Harbor Family YMCA will rooms and an indoor track are among open in August, bringing to fruition a the amenities. A teaching kitchen will dream that has been in the making for hold healthy cooking classes; an intro- more than ductory wellness center will help those two decades. For more informa- returning or new to fitness to work out in In addition tion about the Gig a nonintimidating environment for 12 to offering a Harbor Family YMCA, weeks while getting one on one staff help. variety of which is planned to MultiCare Health System will have a opportuni- open in August, visit 2,600-square-foot space for physical ties for www.tacomaymca.org. therapy and other wellness programs. Photo by Hugh McMillan members, Youngsters will be delighted to know The Gig Harbor Family YMCA gave sponsors and other invited guests an opportunity to the Y will also bring several programs one of the pools will have the popular see the facility in progress during a “hard hat tour” June 22. Key Pen resident Maureen open to the entire community. water slide and built-in splash toys; one Borba, associate director for Gig Harbor’s Y, describes the indoor track to tour guests Located in Gig Harbor North (near the of the pools is “zero entry” (emulating while Michael Ketcham, Y senior vice president and COO (and former longtime head of new Costco planned to open this fall), beach access), with warm water. Other Camp Seymour on KP), and Tom Taylor,Y volunteer chair who has promoted the penin- the 74,000-square-foot, state-of-the art kids’ amenities include a teen center, a sulas’ Y for two decades, look on. See more photos at www.keypennews.com. facility is being described as one of the “no adults allowed” drop-in zone where best YMCAs in the nation. In a bit of a teens can hang out, do homework, or departure from an ordinary YMCA, this play TRAZER games (virtual reality-type years ago, initially as a Bible study and estimates that at least 10 percent of one was designed to be a community games); a nursery with outside play- prayer program as a substitute for life members will be on financial assistance. gathering place, not just a location for ground for up to age 6; and a soft play on the streets (YMCA stands for Young “This will bring the whole community fitness activities. area for kids 2 to 10 years of age where Men’s Christian Association). Financial together, rich and poor, young and old, The design team traveled around the parents are welcome to join in the play. assistance is offered to people in need thick and thin, all races and religions,” country to look at “the best of the best” A family workout area will allow chil- who qualified, and the Gig Harbor Y Ecklund said. facilities, according to Darcy Celletti, the dren 10 to 15 years old to work out with executive director of the Gig Harbor their parents. branch. The result was a design that “We know that 70 percent of people features several gathering places, from a who come to the Y won’t be successful community room and a birthday party on their own, so we look at creating room to two lounges with fireplaces. The successful programs (to help them),” “community gathering place” idea is new Celletti said. for YMCA, Celletti says, but “it’s very The Gig Harbor YMCA is part of the intentional.” YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County, which Michelle Rogers-Moore, who works in also operates Camp Seymour on the Key the newly developed communications Peninsula and has before and after department, compares the intention to school daycare programs at many the concept of a “third place.” First Peninsula School District Schools. The coined by Ray Oldenburg in his book local Y has been in the dream stages for “The Great, Good Place,” the idea for a more than two decades, and has “third place” is to provide an opportunity received overwhelming support from for social nourishing and socializing community, sponsors and investors, outside of one’s work or home. many of whom are from the other side To put that idea to work, one of the of the Narrows Bridge. The capital programs the Y will host will be teen campaign, which had a goal of $6 nights on Friday or Saturday, free to all million, raised $13 million — more than kids regardless of membership. “It’s a way the total of $12.4 million raised over the to get kids off the street and give them 123-year history of the Tacoma-Pierce activities to do on Friday (or Saturday),” County Y. said Maureen Borba, a Key Pen resident “This is a big deal” for the Y and the and the Y’s local associate executive community, said CEO and President director. Bob Ecklund. “We couldn’t have For members, there will be plenty of dreamed so much community coming choices for hanging out, and, of course, together,” he said. engaging in health-related activities. Two The YMCA is the largest nonprofit outdoor (enclosed) racquetball courts, community service organization in the three pools, a full gymnasium, a wellness country, as well as the largest youth center with cardiovascular and strength employer nationwide. The mission- equipment, a free-weights room, two based organization was founded 150 July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 17 Tidelands ownership no straight line

By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News Looking across from in ownership from dry land to a spot on Purdy Spit, the the surface of the water.) This survey, as The recent increase in applications for seaward logs below opposed to a constant elevation line, commercial aquaculture along Key embankments on the makes it difficult to determine exactly Peninsula shorelines has prompted opposite beach may where public and private lands meet, waterfront owners, and users of public or may not be on the where shore and tidelands are shorelines alike, to ask for clarification — original meander line. concerned. whose tidelands are these, anyway? It’s Are the children Tidelands are the shores of navigable not always clear. If private waterfront playing on tidelands, tidal waters lying between the line or owners have a recorded document that or original beach- ordinary high tide and the line of says the tidelands are theirs, they may be front? If the baybed extreme low tide. Confusion about who right (and protected from waking up was dredged to build owns what tidelands, and just exactly some morning to the sound of crews the bridge footings, what constitutes the various classes of installing shellfish beds) — but not neces- who knows? tidelands, can be clouded in rules and sarily, depending on which class of tide- laws set down before statehood, changed lands the deed refers to. It’s an extremely after statehood, changed again, discon- complicated subject, and weight rests tinued, and grown murky with multiple with the private landowner to prove deed transfers, erosion, and natural ownership in accordance with shoreline changes over time. The long Department of Natural Resources and short of tideland ownership is that records. Tideland leases, and the Photo by Mindi LaRose tidelands with uplands patented (similar revenues received at harvest, are a multi- to sold) prior to statehood include million dollar income source for the and including the line of ordinary high legislative session of the new state author- ownership extending to the mean high state. water (mean high water). This soon ized the sale of public tidelands, both to water line or the meander line, whichever Originally, when Washington adopted a became problematic because Washington facilitate the already-established marine is further seaward — and both change state Constitution on Nov. 11, 1889, all is not a riparian-rights state. (If the tide- industries, and to provide revenue for over time. Uplands patented after that tidelands were publicly owned, as the new lands are not owned, no aquatic industry government coffers. Until 1969, approxi- date extend to the line of mean high state claimed its right of ownership of the may be pursued upon them, even if the mately 60 percent of state-owned tide- water, which is the average of the eleva- beds and shores of navigable waters up to uplands are privately owned.) The first lands were sold to private owners. tions reached by all high tides for a All shorelines were originally surveyed. particular area over 18.6 years. Generally, This survey is called the meander line, the mean high water line falls just and in some places today, with all the seaward of the line of old drift logs in the change that has taken place over more upper tideland area. than a century, the meander line along Today, 1,700 miles of saltwater tide- some shores may actually be well away lands, including the Pacific Coast, are from “dry land.” What this means is that, owned by the state. The Washington State if someone inherits an acre of uplands Parks and Recreation Commission and and the shoreline has shifted dramati- the Washington Department of Fish and cally, what that person may have, in all Wildlife manage some 300 miles of tide- actuality, is “an acre of water” with lands, including the Pacific coastal tide- perhaps no access to it from the upland, lands. The remaining 1,400 miles of tide- because the meander line is now some- lands are referred to as “public trust where in the middle of a bay. (Some lands” and are managed by DNR, privately-owned boat moorings have including all Puget Sound publicly- evolved as a result of this involuntary shift owned tidelands. 18 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News COMMUNITY WORKS Submit calendar items to [email protected] • Deadline 17th of the month

July 2 & other dates – and Sunday in September. Individuals July 20 – Key Supporting Members - $50, blood drive without a team may contact KPMPD to Peacemakers meeting Contributing Member - $100 (name be put on a player availability list. Cost placed on a brick walkway), Sponsor - The monthly blood drive will be held of the league and end of season tour- Pastor B.J. Beu of the Fox Island $500 (name placed on a plaque by as follows: nament is $ 575. United Church of Christ speaks at the front gate). July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 12:30 – 7 p.m. at www.keypeninsualparks.com, call Key Peacemakers meeting. Topics KP Metropolitan Park District Albertson’s in Gig Harbor; July 10, 884-9240 or email info@keypeninsula- include the role of faith in social commissioners in June voted to 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Peninsula parks.com justice, a biblical understanding of contribute $1,000 to the project. Light Co. July 15, noon–5 p.m. at Key peace, and his letter to President Bush Contributions are already at $4,500 – Peninsula Community Fair. July 7 – Volksmarch opposing the war in Iraq and unconsti- thank you! Donations receive a tax- tutional acts in the United States. deduction letter. The 18th annual Key Peninsula Friday, July 20, 7 p.m., Key Center July 5 – Fuchsia club Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Lions Club-sponsored Volksmarch Library; Dory – 884-9299 and Sunday, July 29, 1-3 p.m.; 884-3456 Join club members to learn more starts at Bud and Delores Ulsh’s home about growing fuchsias and to meet on Ulsh Road just off Delano Road on July 21 – Ashes annual Aug. 4 & 5 – Canine some fellow gardening enthusiasts. the approach to Penrose Park. The event Thursday, July 5, 7 p.m. at the Key event is open and free to the public. Agility Trials Center library Veteran Volksmarchers walking for Ashes (Firefighters Auxiliary) holds credit pay a $3 registration and credit its annual rummage sale at the Key The Gig Harbor Kennel Club will July 6 & other dates – fee. Parking is free. All walkers must Center fire station. The firemen will host American Kennel Club Agility Mustard Seed Project register at the start site and carry a cook a pancake breakfast that Trials at Volunteer Park. Running a start/stop card that must be returned morning. The station accepts dona- dog in an agility trial is the ultimate meetings to the start/stop site; without the tions beginning 10 a.m. on Friday, July game for you and your dog and is one The task groups are gathering infor- card’s return, a search will be initiated 20. of the most exciting canine sports for mation, reviewing possibilities and for those presumed lost. Saturday, July 21, 7:30 a.m. -11 a.m. spectators. In an agility trial, a dog creating options for “aging in place” Saturday, July 7, Penrose Point State breakfast, sale starts at 9 a.m.; Key demonstrates its agile nature and on the Key Peninsula. Unless other- Park; registrations start 8 a.m. and end Peninsula Fire Station; 884-3771 versatility by following cues from the wise specified, meetings are held at the at 1 p.m.; Neal Van Der Voorn at 857- handler through a timed obstacle Key Center Library. 3655, or Hugh McMillan at 884-3319 July 23-27 – Vacation course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles Senior Information and Referral Bible School and other objects. Group - July 6, 10 a.m. (This is the July 12 – Environmental Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 & 5, 9 third of three training sessions for our Health Coalition Vaughn Community Church hosts a.m. -4 p.m., Volunteer Park Key Senior Information Center volun- VBS at Volunteer Park. Registration teers.) A coalition of citizens will meet to begins at 8:45 a.m., classes end at Ongoing – Key Peninsula Transportation and Mobility for identify and discuss environmental noon. Children ages 5-11, tour craft Elders Group - July 13, 10 a.m. health issues on the Key and Gig booths, sing lively songs in the general Seniors Elder Health and Wellness-related Harbor Peninsulas. Interested citizens session, compete with their friends for The group meets at the Civic Center Services Group - Thursday, July 19, 10 will receive gift certificates to compen- prizes, raise money for our community every Thursday at noon. Mothers Day a.m., Key Center Fire Station 16 sate for their time and contributions. and meet new friends on the SOS was celebrated with a huge chicken Housing Options for Aging in Place Thursday, July 12, 6 p.m., Key Center Gospel Express. Call the church office dinner. The men voted to have pizzas Group – July 27, 10 a.m. Library; Marianne Seifert at Health at 884-2269 or visit www.vaugh- for Fathers Day. Join them for food, Call 884-3920, or email Dept., 798-3823 nchurch.org for information. Look for fellowship and a fun afternoon; 884- ediemorgan@themustardseedpro- our ad with the registration form and 5052 or 884-4981. ject.org July 14 – Roller Derby bring it with your child. lessons July 6 – Adult co-ed July 28 & 29 – Civic Summer Sports Camps softball registration Girls ages 7-14 are invited to learn to Center tennis fundraiser be Roller Derby Girls. Classes start July The Key Peninsula Metro Park deadline 14. Equipment required: helmet, A two-day tennis fundraiser of tennis District will be offering and partnering Key Peninsula Metro Park District is mouth and wrist guard, elbow and games, lessons and prizes. KPCC with Skyhawks Sports for a variety of accepting team registrations for week- knee pads and quad roller skates; no appreciates your assistance and recreational sport camps at various night coed softball. Teams will play a in line skates allowed. Call for class support through contributions and locations on the Key Peninsula for ages 10-game season plus a double elimina- prices. donations to help reach the goal of 4-14. Camps start July 16, 30 and Aug. tion end of the season tournament. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, KP Civic $10,000. All funds collected will be 13; cheer, basketball, soccer, golf and Games start the week of July 16, Center; instructor Sassy, 884-9918, or used for materials directly related to mini-Hawks are available. For costs, Monday – Thursday, with an end of coach Marisa, 265-6241 the refurbishing of the outside tennis dates and locations, visit www.keypenin- season tournament played on Saturday courts. Sponsorships are as follows: sualparks.com or www.skyhawks.com. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Community Works 19 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Text and photo by Danna Webster OFF THE KEY Lisa and George Bryan have helped KP July 11, 18, 25 – will have 150 arts and crafts booths as Fair vendors for three years. This year, they Model drawing event well as food vendors. Peninsula Art are in charge of everything that has to do Music and entertainment for children with vendors: contracts, communications, Weather permitting, live models provided. Catch the free shuttle at the followup, check-in, mapping and, of pose under the Skansie Brothers Park Park and Ride on Kimball Avenue. course, trouble shooting. Pavilion along the Gig Harabor water- Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., The president of the fair board, Ruth front for both artists to practice their Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; penin- Bramhall, says, “they are a nice couple, real figurative drawing and painting. sulaartleague.com or 265-8139 enthusiastic” and “worn to a frazzle by the Easels and art “horses” will be avail- time it’s over” because they usually volun- able for artists who do not have their July 28 – Grapeview teer every day at the fair without any relief. own equipment. The sessions Water Festival Bramhall’s appreciation of the Bryans is LISA AND GEORGE BRYAN normally consist of a series of 20- the reason they chair the vendor minute identical poses. The models The annual event sponsored by the committee. According to Lisa, she called able, you get to see all your friends,” she come from the community and are Grapeview Community Association Bramhall last year to tell her they quit. says. paid a small stipend. The program, includes free children’s activities: After a half hour conversation, Lisa hung George says, “It’s a little bit like joining sponsored by Peninsula Art League fishing derby (life jackets mandatory), up and told George they were signed up the circus for four days.” Fair time is a invites anyone would like to be a boat-building, face-painting, kite- for the 2007 fair. When George asked, magic time. “Showing up at those gates, for model to contact Douglas Michie at making, fish prints, and Mr. Friendly, “Why didn’t you tell her we quit?” Lisa said, a kid, is about as exciting today as it was for 851-7579. the Balloon Man. A silent auction will “I did. But Ruth said ‘No’.” me — you suspend all belief systems by Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25, 1 p.m. – be held of over 200 items including gift The Bryans jumped into volunteering going to the fair,” he says. “We’re not 4 p.m., Gig Harbor Skansie Park certificates, books, service products, for KP organizations as soon as they moved bringing people in to take money from landscape and garden supplies; more here about five years ago. Lisa discovered them, we want them here for the show.” July 14 – Chalk the Walk than 40 art vendors and plenty of food. the Key Peninsula when she attended a Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at wedding at Faraway and introduced the Once a year residents and visitors in the Fair Harbor Marina (on the area to George. After an exhaustive search GET INVOLVED Gig Harbor are encouraged to take Grapeview Loop Road about 3 miles of the Western states for a new residence, VOLUNTEER CORNER chalk in hand and play Michelangelo from Allyn) the couple returned to the KP and found on city sidewalks. Organized by the The Improving Care Program just what they were looking for — they Gig Harbor Waterfront Merchants needs Phone Pals. The program July 28 – Cruise the refer to the peninsula as paradise. Association, this year’s event is helps people on the Key Peninsula Narrows Car Show Volunteering began with Lisa serving on expanded to include music, a Narrows and in Gig Harbor who are suffering the executive board of the Longbranch Bridge theme, awards and prizes. Visit the Gig Harbor Cruisers from a life-threatening or chronic Improvement Club. Once they became Chalk is provided. Automotive Club’s 10-year anniversary illness by providing faster access to involved, they learned, if they wanted to Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m., corner of event. All cars, trucks, boats, motorcy- medical personnel and community see people on a social level, they had to go Pioneer and Harborview Drive; cles and airplanes are welcome. services. Volunteers listen for these “where the action is.” As a result they www.gigharborguide.com Trophies in over 30 categories; needs while establishing a phone-pal volunteer for Old Timers’ Day, the Livable proceeds support high school scholar- friendship and a trusting relationship Community Fair, and the KP Fair, where ships. Spectators free, entry vehicles over months and even years. Training July 14-15 – Judson there are “people who do far more than we $15 fee. and monthly volunteer meetings in Street Arts & Crafts do,” George says. Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gig Harbor; set your own schedule Lisa says that the fair days are full time. The annual Summer Art Show Tacoma Narrows Airport; www.gighar- and call from home (4-6 hours a “Once you’re there, you feel like you can’t organized by Peninsula Art League borcruisers.org or 577-404 month). Call Nicole at 534-7014 or really leave. Go home, shower, and sleep email [email protected]. six hours... For the most part, very enjoy- 20 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 21 22 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Schools 23 Clearcutting at KPMS sparks concerns

By Chris Fitzgerald, KP News The site of the no further cutting has taken place since clearcutting at his order to stop. He said Peninsula As one looks around the well-main- KPMS has not School District maintenance personnel tained grounds at Key Peninsula Middle been cleaned up have been authorized to get estimates to School, an area about a half-acre or so since last fall, clean the area up. Worlund hopes to between the track field and south end of leaving debris engage a parent school organization to the main building stands out. It looks like that brought partner in a beautification project. it was the recent target of illegal logging some safety Bouck stated no further cutting would vandals. Sometime between the spring concerns. be taking place, and that there was “no break of 2006 and fall school year 2007, truth to the parking use.” this swath of trees and thicket was bush- whacked after hours or on weekends. What was once a shrubby, nicely-treed island strip now is a gutted area of rutted chuckholes and branch shrapnel. The Photo by school groundskeeper found the first Mindi LaRose part of this logged stretch of forest when he came back from spring vacation last there.” Worlund said he was concerned area, the citizen stopped the new school year. This past fall, the tree cutting about students hiding to skip classes, or superintendent, Terry Bouck, during a continued, with several damaged trees smoking, and now that those woods are school event last fall and led him to see left behind. gone, the problem was solved. He said he the site, stating that this kind of activity A local citizen heard about the destruc- had a couple of other motivations to clear “would cause trouble with many of our tion last fall and asked KPMS Assistant the area: to get more seating from a tree-hugging friends — myself among Principal Thom Worlund about it. The different vantage point for the track field these good folk… once the trees are citizen said, and Worlund recently as well as more parking. He added that, gone, they’re gone!” Bouck said he would confirmed in a phone interview, that he with recent budget cuts, there was now have the cutting stopped immediately. had instituted the cutting to “make it a no money to go further with the project. In a phone interview this June, after little less attractive (for students) to go in Alarmed about the condition of the revisiting the site, Bouck confirmed that 24 Schools www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Show & Tell

Left, Dillon White holds a moon snail with a fully extended foot during a Key Peninsula Peninsula School District faculty and PSD celebrate at Peninsula High School’s faculty Middle School seventh graders’ trip to Penrose Park in June. Photo by Hugh McMillan retirement picnic at Gig Harbor City Park in June.The retirees had a total of 120 years Right, Peninsula School District Superintendent Terry Bouck with Hugh McMillan, who of service and included Kathy Connot, ’69-’74 & ’03-‘07, Jon Malmin ’82 – ’99 & ’04 was honored with the Community Leadership Award from the Washington Association of – ‘05 (PEA President 2000-04 & 2005-2007), Cathy Schneider ’82 – ’06, Bill Pandiani School Administrators. Photo courtesy PSD ’89 – ’06, Margaret Garrison ’89 – ’06, Karen Larsen ’86 – ’04, and Lee Smith ’79 – ’94 & ‘97. Photo by Hugh McMillan

Fun in the sun! Minter Creek Elementary is encouraging exercise for its students with the outdoor activity “Minter Milers.” Held at recess, runners are given a punchcard and earn “toe miles” for each lap. Amy Beth Krug, parent coordi- nator of Minter Milers, says that even though it is not a mandatory activity, most students at the school are excited to participate. Photo by Mindi LaRose Key Peninsula Middle School eighth grader Peter Sutton performs in the lead role as Milo Bravo during the performance of “Hooray for Hollywood,” a play performed by the advanced drama class under the direction of teacher Jason McWhirter. Photo by Mindi LaRose July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Schools 25 Farewell to Evergreen Elementary retirees

By Hugh McMillan, KP News Retiring Evergreen “own children so much, (she) moved on Elementary School to other people’s.” She advised, “Always Four Evergreen Elementary teachers teachers Sabra Stratford, visit a kindergarten class and sit in a small retired in June, taking away a total of 67 Dallas Presley, Gail chair to remind yourself just how much years of combined service to the school. Mitchell and Richard you’ve grown and how much you have Sabra Stratford, Dallas Presley, Gail Gudmunson share a accomplished since you were 5 years old.” Mitchell and Richard Gudmunson were bitter-sweet moment Many in the large audience at the June honored at a ceremony at the school that during their retirement celebration were former students, who— was filled with applause, misty eyes, a party in June. some tearfully — hugged the departing student-produced musical and congratu- savants. At least two of them are college latory speeches. students working to become teachers. The four represented 85 years of Photo by Hugh McMillan teaching, 67 of them at Evergreen. “Thank you for touching our future and for all your amazing years of service second, third and fourth grades, he has programs. to Evergreen Elementary,” said the inspired many students with his energetic “Dream big and know you can do what- school’s principal, Jacque Crisman. love of learning. ever you want as long as you work to get Of Gudmunson’s 32 years teaching, the “The best memories are of kids who there,” was her parting advice. last 22 were at Evergreen. “I had a U.S. were successful,” he said. Presley’s 18 teaching years found her at history teacher in high school,” he said. “I Seventeen of Stratford’s 18 years of Evergreen for 14 of them. She taught thought I should have as much fun as he teaching have been at Evergreen. “(The because she enjoys working with kids. She did, so I became a teacher.” ceremony) was very nice,” she said. feels privileged to be the one to see some Gudmunson has worn many hats over “They’ve never done anything like this of their firsts and be a part of that whole the years, from reading specialist and before.” Her inspiration for teaching: her discovery process. classroom teacher to P.E. teacher. He own children with special needs and Mitchell has been the school’s premier began his time at Evergreen in 1985 as a wanting all children to feel important kindergarten teacher since 1993, part-time Title 1 teacher while caring for and successful. Her best memories touching an estimated 280 or more little his own young children. Throughout his include turning the classroom into a rain learners with her warm, loving heart and 22 years at Evergreen teaching first, forest and watching families enjoy school gentle manner. She said she enjoyed her 26 Schools www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News PHS senior’s graduation is double feat By Danna Webster, KP News Meghan Hubble and Art projects The Peninsula High School Class of Ryan Arts were the topic of choice for 2007 graduated June 17. Most of those Wiederholt many senior projects. Another Key Pen seniors survived the ordeal of a senior are hanging resident, Amber Still, organized an art project, among other rigorous require- their work at show in April for children participating ments. The community benefited from the Ebb Tide in the Little Buddies program at the projects: Food bank shelves were Cooperative Children’s Home Society. The 18 young stocked; donations were made to schools Gallery in artists, all elementary school students, and nonprofit organizations; athletic May. had the opportunity to proudly display programs were created; music lessons their talents to family and friends at the were given; labor was volunteered; books Key Peninsula Civic Center. The show and art shows were produced. And, there featured the children’s efforts created were even some benefits for the seniors; at during Little Buddies special art the very least, they learned how to select, classes. Still, a Peninsula High School Photo by produce, and make a formal presentation senior and volunteer with the Little Hugh McMillan of a project. Buddies program for the past three For Peninsula High School student process work for him is a way of life. He helped him get supplies to paint; and his years, provided the art instruction as Ryan Wiederholt, his senior project as well has good job references already, with art teacher was “extremely helpful and part of her senior project. Over the as graduation are only part of his accom- experiences in house painting, land- supportive.” course of five weeks, the budding plishment. For the last two years, he has scaping and as a cobbler’s apprentice. “I Didn’t the senior project add weight to artists worked with colored pencils, been self-supporting, living on his own. can do practically anything that’s set in a kid with a heavy load already? “It was a paint, and other supplies. They were Part of Wiederholt’s senior project front of me. I’m willing to take a challenge great idea — but possibly because it fits encouraged to create pictures to a entailed displaying his artwork for a week and willing to figure out how to do it,” he right into my career field. I enjoyed theme. Still said she would like to thank in May at the Ebb Tide Gallery in Gig said. He is working part-time now and doing it, to display my art and reveal it to the Children’s Society for donating the Harbor. He partnered up with classmate would like to find work in an art or music community,” he said. “I’ll be doing this supplies that made this art experience Meghan Hubble, whose work was also field. He is also beginning to search for a the rest of my life, so this is just the possible. displayed. For Wiederholt, his senior new place to live because his lease will be beginning.” project affirmed his career choice: art. His up in September. show featured acrylic paintings and pen Wiederholt appreciates many and paper ink drawings. “I’m very into supportive connections in his life. The abstract art, finding new dimensions, with food bank in Home and the school natural themes, and developing my style district’s free lunch program have helped to make it as unique as possible,” he said. him; and, most importantly, he has family It is his intention to study art and music and friends to lean on. The art show and he plans to enroll for the fall semester created a new list of connections he appre- at Tacoma Community College. “I want to ciates. study different artists and different styles. I “The Ebb Tide was very generous to let want to combine them and create my me do this, very helpful and supportive,” own,” he said. he said, adding that it was important to He said about the senior project, “It state that Meghan is also a good artist. worked for me. I met a lot of people in the Ryan extends praise and gratitude to the process. Slowly but surely, I’m developing many people who helped put this show connections.” together: The Water’s Edge Gallery Developing connections and making a helped him frame and mat; the school July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Schools 27 Young chefs compete in PSD culinary cook-off By Hugh McMillan, KP News Evergreen (Ransford) and I wanted to get commu- Elementary fifth nity support for this event so we asked The kitchen, cafeteria, and commons graders Tyler local chefs and community leaders to be areas of Peninsula High School were Kreis, Chrystal our judges. Everyone we asked was very filled recently with teams of enthusiastic Wilks, and enthusiastic about participating,” said fourth and fifth grade student chefs from Elizabeth Wheeler Taylor. all eight of the Peninsula School District’s prepare a fruit The judges walked through the elementary schools. They were preparing parfait, a fruit and kitchen during preparation and helped and, where necessary, cooking, then berry salad, and a inspire the kids. During the event they displaying and serving the products of cucumber salad tasted, reviewed, and asked questions of their efforts in the first of what is planned during the compe- each candidate. They then selected five to be an annual Kids Culinary tition. grand prize winners in five main cate- Competition. Most of what they created gories. Minter Creek student Isabel was amazingly good — and tasty. Nunez was among the winners, for “Fun The program was created by Sodexho, Photo by Foods, My Healthy Spider.” PSD’s food service management Hugh McMillan “All of the contestants did a company. Sid Taylor, Sodexho’s local marvelous job,” said Taylor. “The judges food service manager, said the program in promoting the event. Kids were asked half hours to complete their recipe and had a very hard time selecting winners “was inspired by our Annual Culinary to submit their favorite “healthy snack have a “presentation plate” to display for and had to go back to each table to Celebrations event, which takes selected recipe,” the theme of the event. spectators and judges, as well as samples make their final selections.” cafeteria managers and employees from “Out of the 100-plus recipes we received, for anyone who would like to taste the Taylor added, “We felt we accom- all the school districts Sodexho manages we had to select four finalists from each healthy creations. They were given a plished our goal of helping promote in Washington state and has them school to compete in the May competi- kitchen safety orientation that included healthier snacks and created a friendly compete against each other in an ‘Iron tion,” Taylor said. “All the food, T-shirts, the importance of hand washing, food competition between schools. We are Chef’ style competition.” The PSD team aprons and, of course, chef hats were safety and kitchen safety. Each team had looking forward to hosting this year won the Best Entrée presentation cate- provided by Sodexho. All the kids needed the cafeteria manager from its school as a after year to help educate the kids in gory in this year’s competition. to do was show up and be ready to supervisor to help answer questions and healthier eating choices and to Sodexho sent a packet to each elemen- compete.” keep the kids safe. encourage them to get in the kitchen tary school principal asking for support In the competition, kids had one and a “(PSD Food Services Director) Nancy and help.” 28 Schools www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News PSD has growing number of nationally certified teachers By Rodika Tollefson, KP News Sally Gallagher, a literacy coach National Board Certified Peninsula School District is among the at Vaughn Teachers serving KP schools school districts in the state with the Elementary, Elizabeth Duffey, Peninsula High School highest number of teachers holding a gives students (2002) National Board Professional Teaching additional Billie Thorson, Peninsula High School Standards certification — a distinction reading instruc- (2003) awarded to the top teachers in the tion in a small Jodi Kimizuka, Vaughn Elementary United States based on a yearlong, group setting. (2003) rigorous peer-review process. Gallagher, who Kareen Borders, Key Peninsula Middle PSD currently has 20 NBPTS teachers, is also a literacy School (2004) of whom eight serve Key Peninsula coach at Purdy Amy D’Andrea, Key Peninsula Middle schools. In addition, 27 teachers went Elementary, is a School (2005) through the process this last school year, 2006 National Sally Gallagher, Vaughn Elementary the biggest group to date (the results Board Certified (2006) will not be known until next fall). Teacher. Tim Knudson, Peninsula High School The last “class” of PSD national board (2006) certified teachers has seven, including Brian Tovey, Peninsula High School Peninsula High School teachers Brian Photo by Rodika Tollefson (2006) Tovey and Tim Knudson as well as Sally Gallagher, who is a literacy coach at teacher’s writing, classroom videotapes credits. With 1,310 National Board Vaughn and Purdy elementary schools. and self-reflection on the effectiveness Certified Teachers, Washington ranks give up. She wanted to show students Knudson, a Vaughn resident whose of the teacher’s practices; as well as a 10th in the country. that “teachers don’t always pass either” family settled on Key Pen more than 100 knowledge test. Teachers report Gallagher said she is more in tune but it was important to be persistent. years ago, said going through the certifi- spending 200 to 400 (or more) hours with her classroom as a result. “This was “It was a joint venture with my cation was almost like starting to teach through the school year on the almost like the WASL test for teachers,” students,” she said, adding, “(The certifi- all over again. He said his teaching is program, in addition to their jobs. she said. And just like the WASL, not cation process) made me really think now more outcome-based rather than “It’s not like taking a class — it’s an everyone passes. Gallagher didn’t pass about everything I gave my students content-oriented. At PHS since 1996, assessment of what you do; you don’t get the first year, but she felt she couldn’t from that point on.” Knudson has taught geography and feedback you have in a college class,” world cultures. He and colleague Brian Tovey said. “It was really strenuous as it Tovey decided to go through the process forces you to focus on what you’re doing together, and supported each other and why you’re doing it.” He echoed along the way. Knudson’s thoughts that he couldn’t “I don’t know if I would have made it imagine going through the “brutal if Brian wasn’t there,” Knudson said. process” without his colleague’s support, Tovey, also a Peninsula High School and said that in the end, it was an graduate, teaches social studies at the “awesome experience.” school. “I was ready for a challenge and The teachers say one of the motiva- looking at different opportunities like tions for undergoing the process is the going back to school,” he said. “The support received from the district, which National Board program appealed to me has provided substitute time, equipment because it was about my teaching rather for the videotaping, supplies and other than a bunch of theory.” assistance. They also receive additional The assessment entails an extensive pay, 10-year renewal of their state portfolio that includes student work, teaching credential and graduate July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 29

(From KPMS, Page 1) Key Peninsula Middle School See the KPMS work as fascinating as we do. More than a digital photography Read the Popular Photography story dozen students’ works are displayed in teacher Mike and view the gallery at the online gallery that contains a total of Hunziker with one http://flash.popphoto.com/blog/2007/ 32 images. Some of these same profes- of his students, 05/most_likely_to_.html. You can also sional quality images have previously Kelli Davidson. view many of Hunziker’s students’ been displayed in Gig Harbor’s City Hall, photographs posted on his Website at the Key Peninsula branch of the Pierce www.mrhunziker.com. County Library and, with the June grand opening celebration of the MultiCare subjects, but also improves students Medical Park in Gig Harbor, are now overall academic performance.” hung on permanent revolving display on Seventh grader Krista Kooker said, “I the wall of a high-traffic hallway in that really love photography so I was just in new facility. That they are now on the awe that I got some of my work shown in PopPhoto Website is icing on the cake. Popular Photography Magazine. We have Hunziker is justifiably bursting with Photo by a great photography teacher. After Hugh McMillan pride at the accomplishments of his getting used to working with cameras, I students. They, too, are rather impressed grew more confident as their teacher class five years ago and has grown into really started getting the hang of photog- with the widespread recognition their helped them understand “everything five sections of digital photography this raphy. One of my best friends, Jessica artwork is receiving. about photography, light, composition, school year. Up to eight sessions are Kahler, became a great photographer but “I have learned so much in only a few and shape.” For these kids, the opportu- scheduled for fall with the addition of has also helped me by being such a great months,” said eighth grader Kelli nity to share their photos with thousands another teacher, Karen Sanom, meaning model! She, Madison LaRose and I have Davidson. “Knowing that my work is of people is a huge event. that almost 60 percent of the students will become a lot better friends from digital being shown has made me feel more To quote Popular Photography’s become budding photographers.” photography. We bounce ideas off each confident in myself and what I can do Website: “In every school there is one Hunziker, who teaches other subjects at other and get even better.” with the camera.” teacher whose classes everyone wants to the school, including math, has been an LaRose said, “The thing that is more Classmates HaliAnn Carlson, Adam take. For 7th and 8th graders at (KPMS), amateur photographer since he was a exciting than taking (photos) is seeing Hill, Michael Brewer and Jasmine Paxton that teacher is Mike Hunziker. His classes young child. He told the magazine that my work… on the wall. I feel so proud expressed gratitude for the chance to have become so popular, there are often “through teaching photography, he is when I get a compliment from random learn from Hunziker, saying they didn’t not enough spots for all the students. The able to reach students in a way that not people in the hall saying, ‘Wow, nice feel confident in their skills initially but class started as one black-and-white film only transcends other more academic photo.’ I also feel very blessed to have such a driven teacher.” Kahler, said, “It was such a shock to the brain just to comprehend that our little school’s photography would be displayed all over the Internet! I still have to take a double take to make sure that the beau- tiful displays are really my pictures hanging up all over my school and Gig Harbor.” The online story notes how some of the kids have gone on to start their own photography business, take photos for local newspapers, and become virtually professional in the use of various profes- sional-quality cameras and competent in the various techniques involved in portraiture, composition, lighting, and a plethora of computer-related disciplines. The writer endorses Hunziker’s profun- dity, saying, “I think it’s time we add a P to the three Rs.” The article quotes Hunziker saying his students “learn to see things differently and have improved their skills in art and English classes, become more self-confi- dent, independent, and responsible.” “With such a focus on state standard- ized testing, I’m worried that we are losing our focus on the whole child,” he was quoted as saying. These kids’ lives have changed forever, for the better, through photography and the man who showed them what they could do with it. 30 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

jured but chose to proceed to an ER for paper basket apparently started the blaze. further evaluation. June 12 June 5 Firefighters responded to a rear-end FD-16 STATS Paramedics responded to a road rage collision at Wright Bliss road and SR-302. assault at a Key Center business. After Two cars sustained minor damage. Both Key Peninsula Fire following too close, the two cars stopped occupants declined medical evaluations. Department rescue calls April total calls: 138 at the Peninsula Market parking lot. One Medical aid: 100 person was struck by a car that was June 13 May 24 Fires: 8 fleeing the area and sustained minor KP Fire combined efforts with Gig A medic unit responded for mutual aid Burn complaints: 13 injuries. Harbor Fire to extinguish a fire in the to Gig Harbor to transport one patient Vehicle crashes: 10 June 7 Green Tree area. Originating from burnt Weather related: 0 from a multiple vehicle collision at Purdy A Lakebay teen injured his knee after food, the fire extended into cabinets Drive and Goodnough Drive NW, the third Other: 7 falling out of a tree. He was on a limb above the unattended stove top. The fire ambulance called to the scene to trans- Mutual aid from GHFD: 2 about 10 feet up when the limb broke. was quickly extinguished, limiting damage port multiple patients. Paramedics splinted the leg and the family to the kitchen. May 29 personnel. transported the boy to a hospital. June 14 A three-car collision on the Purdy Spit June 3 June 8 Firefighters responded to a burn blocked the eastbound lane. One vehicle Receiving a burn complaint on KP A man in his 20s was taken to a rolled down an embankment, into the Highway North, responders found a large Tacoma area hospital for head wounds complaint in the Minter Creek area north water. SR-302 was closed while land-clearing fire, not contained and unat- after being cut out of his car by the Jaws of SR-302. The permitted, legal land Washington State Patrol investigated and tended. FD-16 firefighters extinguished the of Life following a crash on KP Hwy N. clearing fire was attended and compliant a tow company pulled a van from the fire with help from Kitsap County Fire The cause of the accident is under investi- with burn regulations. water. Three patients were transported to District 7 providing extra water. gation; alcohol and marijuana are being June 16 hospitals for evaluation. suspected to have impaired the driver. June 4 A Palmer Lake resident was contacted June 1 A Lakebay woman fell over an embank- June 10 after a burn complaint. The fire was found An 8-year-old boy crashed while riding ment edge and landed about 10 feet Firefighters responded to a mobile to contain materials not legal for open his bicycle to Palmer Lake to go swim- below, requiring the assistance of the Key home fire and found smoke coming from ming. He sustained extensive “road rash” Peninsula Fire Department Rope Rescue the rear of the structure. They entered burning. The homeowner was instructed from landing on the pavement, wearing Team. Team members assisted the the structure, quickly located and extin- to extinguish the fire. A report will be filed only swim trunks. His mother took him to woman to the beach below, then up the guished a small fire in a waste basket. with Puget Sound Clear Air Agency for the doctor after evaluation by Medic One stairs to her yard. She claimed to be unin- Cigarette remains tossed into a waste possible fines for illegal burning. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 31

Shipyard in Bremerton as a shipfitter. (From FAIR, Page 1) Have fun at the fair Upon retirement in 1982, he was able to OBITUARY travel with his wife and see most of the able, and memorable — without unduly For a list of this year’s scheduled United States, as well as spending many calling attention to themselves. events and other fair details, see this winters in Arizona. The KPCF is owned by three local month’s insert, the official Key Coburn was preceded in death by all nonprofits: KP Civic Center, KP Peninsula Community Fair Dillon Coburn five of his siblings, and lost his loving Business Association, and Longbranch Entertainment Guide, produced by the Dillon (Don) B. Coburn of wife of 62 years last July. He is survived Improvement Club. The volunteers who KP News. Also visit the fair online at Longbranch was born March 5, 1922, by his son Dean (Linda) of create the fair every year are drawn www.keyfair.org. and died on June 16, 2007, following a Longbranch; daughters Kathy (Wes) from these organizations, or are indi- brief battle with lung cancer. He grew Marson of Marysville, Wash.; Barb vidual community members giving back up in Minnesota and graduated from Coburn of Chelan, Wash.; Peggy (Mark) to their communities. looks like a fair, smells like a fair, tastes high school in 1940. Ingraham of Purdy; Terry Ingraham of Since last October’s annual fair board like a fair, it’s because a lot of people After trade school, Tennessee, and Pam (Budd) Murray of meeting at which newly elected board devoted every waking hour, vacation- Coburn moved to Longbranch; 15 grandchildren, 17 members were seated, a new vision for time and after-work time to making it Oregon and was great grandchildren, many in-laws, the fair has been taking shape. Vice happen. drafted into the Army nieces, nephews, and friends. President Michael Hays says, “This “Nobody gets paid one penny. All this Air Corps in 1943. He Celebration of his life was held on group is working very well as a team.” work is done on a volunteer basis, on married Coline Gillis June 23 at the Longbranch Community In the ensuing months, the board and behalf of the community,” Hays said. on April 5, 1944. Church. Friends are invited to view and its member affiliates have been meeting All profits from the fair, other than He proudly served COBURN sign an online memorial for Don once to twice a month for meetings some startup money for the following in WWII in the 351st Coburn at www.rill.com. lasting one to three hours. Then, the year, go back to the three nonprofit Bomb Group, based in England, and wild ride behind the scenes begins. Six owner organizations. These are commu- flew 35 missions over Europe as a B-17 To submit an obituary weeks prior to the fair, board and nity support-based groups, and each top turret gunner and flight engineer, members (by now committees with equal one-third portion of proceeds Please email it to news@keypen- earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. details in tow) meet at least once a eventually finds its way right back into news.com. Obituaries should be about After discharge in 1945, Coburn worked week, with a flurry of email, faxes and the community in the form of services. 250 words, and photos are welcome at Boeing and later Lockheed phone calls in-between. During fair And the cadre of volunteers “are doing (longer obituaries are accepted if Shipbuilding in Seattle. “week” — those days before, during and this all for the enjoyment and support space allows). We only publish obitu- The family moved from Maltby, after the event — most of these people of our community, and nothing else,” aries for Key Peninsula residents. Call Wash., to Longbranch in 1967 after he work full time or more on fair projects, Hays said. 884-4699 for details. began working at Puget Sound Naval last-minute details, you-name-it. If it This year’s fair is operating on a budget of a little more than $50,000, with expectations of a 20 percent net on those revenues, according to Hays. The first year, the fair was about half the size it is now. In an email to the KP News, Hays wrote, “The fair made money its first year and continued to do so until last year, when it broke even.” He explained that last year was a “turn- around year when the fair invested pretty heavily to upgrade the product” including the entertainment and the midway. The board expects to show a “respectable” profit this year by creating an event that is fiscally viable, and a community showcase of talent, art, and regionally excellent entertainment. 32 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

(From PROJECT, Page 1) Robinette said in an interview following the announcement. transportation and mobility, elder health With this new windfall in place, and wellness services, and housing Morgan is moving forward with her options — Morgan was using personal goals to make the KP as senior-friendly resources to bankroll the project. as possible. “We are very grateful to the She developed an area network, Franciscan Foundation and Catholic amassing documents, forms, and corre- Health Initiatives for their incredible spondence. Every contact led to some- support,” she said. “This grant will make thing else that needed yet more paper, a huge difference in our ability to move more stamps, more gas to get places that forward with the work of building an held promise to further her quest of elder-friendly KP. This is the best assisting seniors in their efforts to “stay possible news.” put” in their elder years. Financial Morgan and a core group of citizens resources were worrisome; she needed meet regularly at the library. She says some economic base that would allow they have a full set of goals to reach in Photo by Chris Fitzgerald her to continue this important work 2007, and with this new funding, can Spending a sunny morning at the Key Center library discussing senior health and wellness without having to water it down by split- begin projects they proposed for the issues for the Mustard Seed Project are, from left to right/front row: Dale Sandretzky, ting her time in half (part-time program two-year grant in their application. Charlotte Winchester, Edie Morgan, Marguerite Bussard, and left to right/back row: research and part-time work to support Training is ongoing for volunteers to Virginia Thompson, Jody Gauthier, Mary Krumbein, Rae Braun, Joyce Niemann, Kitty the effort). staff a senior information and referral Custer. Through the help of an expert on service at a Key Center site. The organi- nonprofit education and development, zation is looking for more members to Morgan developed a list of potential nonprofit, under the foundation’s guid- partner with Morgan to help her project spend time focusing on housing, well- funding resources. The Franciscan ance. It’s a large umbrella that gives her succeed. They have several grant appli- ness, and transportation issues that will Foundation was the first one she called, the ability to work on something impor- cations out, and until recently, were one day affect everyone choosing to she remembers. “I felt so foolish, so tant for every resident who plans to grow waiting to hear about, as Edie says, “the remain in this rural community through pushed beyond my comfort level,” she old and remain at home on the Key big one.” On June 22, the waiting was their senior years. Morgan invites said. Determined, she continued down Peninsula. over. everyone interested in achieving an the list, sure she was out of her league, The Franciscan Foundation grant “Supporting groups like the Mustard elder-friendly KP to join in this evolving certain no one would be interested. writer, the fund-development staff and Seed Project is all about our mission to process and be part of the Mustard Several weeks later, she was surprised its nonprofit accounting department create healthier communities,” Seed’s success. when the phone rang. Robert Krotz was at that time the pres- ident of the Franciscan Foundation. He told Morgan her idea fit with the foun- dation’s mission, and that they were interested. “The Franciscan Foundation is happy to assist Edie Morgan in her efforts to bring the Mustard Seed Project to fruition because improving health care access for Key Peninsula residents is one of her key objectives in making the Peninsula an elder-friendly community,” Krotz, who is currently the director of the St. Anthony Hospital campaign, wrote in an email to KP News. “Improving health care access for resi- dents of Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor and South Kitsap County is the primary reason we (Franciscan Health System) are building St. Anthony Hospital… Even though St. Anthony isn’t scheduled to open for another 18 months, we’re viewing our support of the Mustard Seed Project as St. Anthony’s first community- outreach project.” In March, a $10,000 grant from the Franciscan Foundation enabled Morgan to keep the project alive. The founda- tion also extended its nonprofit status to Morgan’s organization (The Mustard Seed Project is now a registered charity with the state of Washington.) This enables her to act “as if” she were a July 2007 • www.keypennews.com People & Lifestyles 33 Born on the Fourth of July ‘Indi’ is short for Miss Independence Day 2006

By Danna Webster, KP News

The Fourth of July is a big birthday for a small pony. One year ago, Bob and Breezi Peterson were waiting for Callie, their 4-year-old miniature Pinto mare, to deliver her foal. They had a list of over 100 names ready for the foal and were waiting to see if the baby was a boy or a girl. A filly was born early on the morning of Independence Day. The Petersons didn’t have time to worry about a name at first because the foal was unable to nurse. Their veterinarian had to sedate the foal and force-feed her with a tube. During the process, Breezi pointed out to the doctor that their foal, born on July 4, had Photo courtesy Breezi Peterson a star on her forehead and a strip down Born on the Fourth of July, Indi is about her nose. She considered calling her eight hours old in this photo with her Stars and Stripes Forever, but only briefly. miniature Pinto mother, Callie. The full name for the miniature filly is Miss Independence Day 2006; the She is not quite two and a half feet tall. Petersons call her Indi. At birth, Indi The couple own four horses, three of stood 18 inches tall. She has grown 10 them miniatures. They admit that Indi is inches in one year. The measurement is spoiled rotten. “They are just too much to the top of the withers, the highest fun and you just can not smile when you point of her back at the base of her neck. are around minis!” Breezi says. 34 People & Lifestyles www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News KGHP serves critical role for KP By Rick Sorrels said. “It’s an absolute jewel with amazing Special to KP News Live DJs can be reached at 857- potential. But this public relations race car 3589 if you have requests or needs some gas put in it. We need to hire The fictional “WKRP in Cincinnati” was comments, or if you want to volunteer. a general manager. We have no backup popular with television viewers, but Gig engineer if anything happens to Keith Harbor and the Key Peninsula have the The industry pretty much requires a Stiles. The superintendent and the school “real thing” with KGHP, found at 89.3, college degree to break in, but it does give board need to decide whether we are a 89.9, and 93.7 on the FM dial. the students such a great head start that ‘school education station’ or a full-service The product of four resourceful and they tend to excel. We’ve had a lot of eclectic radio station.” community-minded citizens (Stanley success stories.” Rippon, Keith Stiles, Max Bice, and Milton Julie Miller, class of 2004, is now broad- Boyd), KGHP became fully licensed by the casting live for KVTI-FM in Tacoma. FCC and aired its first broadcasts in 1988. Jessica Biber (2005) is majoring in jour- Stiles is the only founder still alive, and still nalism at Pepperdine, and is the TV serves as the station’s chief engineer as anchor for the college station. Patrick well as its heart and soul. Erickson (2006) is the radio sports The radio station is owned by the announcer for Southern Illinois Peninsula School District, with studios University, and travels with the teams. located at Peninsula High School. “Our Photo by Hugh McMillan Russell Houghtaling (2002) graduated primary transmission tower (89.9) is Alex Benzegala is “on the air” at KGHP. with degrees in broadcast journalism and located at the south end of the KP. Alex, a Key Pen resident who will be a sports management from Washington Translator towers are located at Fox Island sophomore at Peninsula High School, will State University and is now a sports radio (89.3) and along SR-16 (93.7),” Stiles said. work at KLAY 1180 AM this summer. announcer. Malissa Enfield (2001) gradu- “We can be heard in Puyallup, Fort Lewis, ated from WSU with a degree in broadcast Olympia, Belfair, Vashon, and Federal Leland Smith has been the broadcast journalism and is now a sports anchor for Way.” journalism instructor since April 1996. a TV station in Medford, Ore. Stiles said the station is a “critical and The “Intro to Broadcast Journalism” class “KGHP is an incredible utility,” Smith essential communications element in teaches all aspects of the media, and times of emergency” for the area west of students do the research, write the scripts, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. “We have produce “canned” broadcasts, and backup generators for when power goes conduct on-air operations. The “Radio out. We’ve only been taken off the air on Broadcast Lab” class has students actually one occasion. That was in 2006, when running all the day-to-day operations of trees took out our phone line carrying our KGHP-FM. The news and sports coverage signal to the primary,” he said. “We broad- aired by KGHP are student products. cast 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” According to Smith, “Other schools with High school students are responsible for similar broadcast journalism programs producing programs Monday through include Nathan Hale High School in Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, Seattle (KNHC-FM), Mercer Island High 13 community volunteers run the studio in Seattle (KMIH-FM), a school in and programming every day until 9 p.m. Eugene, Ore. (KVRS-FM), and Clover and automated programming fills in the Park Vocational Tech (KVTI-FM). rest of the time, including the summer Students cannot get a job in this media months when school is out. directly after graduating from high school. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com People & Lifestyles 35 Llamas on the Key Peninsula By SD Galindo, KP News Lovely llamas Debra Langley–Boyer has some unusual Besides working as pack animals pets: They’re llamas! She got them in 2003 and being sheared for their fleece, when they were offered “free to a good llamas pull carts; guard smaller home,” and each came with a distinct animals like sheep, chickens or goats; personality. they can be used for therapy like Carmella and Diamond live in a quarter- other companion animals; and their acre pen with two sheep. Carmella is 11 manure (which looks like large rabbit years old and she is the “alpha” llama, pellets) is a very safe fertilizer, as it meaning she keeps watch over the “herd.” is not considered “hot.” Diamond is only 8, and gets to relax and Llamas are actually more like deer eat everything in sight because she is the or a hump-less camel than a horse. herd. Unfortunately, when Diamond was In fact, they were a breed of South raised, she only had her mom, so she never American camel over 6,000 years learned “herd etiquette.” ago. They like to eat the bark off When a llama is small, he isn’t supposed small trees, salmonberry and black- to be cuddled, he is taught how to follow berry brambles, vegetables, flowers the leader, how to give personal space to all (especially roses), willow, and more. living things, and that sniffing other They have three stomachs so their bottoms isn’t nice. However, mom is the digestive systems are far more effi- one who gives love and food, and it is a Photos by SD Galindo cient than horses so they don’t need senior female who provides the training Debra Langley–Boyer is putting the rich supplements like alfalfa. and discipline. The baby is carried for 11 halters on 11-year-old Carmella before However, wise owners must make months, and takes three to four years to leading the llamas on a walk. She is sure they don’t eat poisonous plants mature. If the baby doesn’t get herd disci- training Carmela, the present leader over either! pline, a male in particular is likely to be Diamond, to respect her as herd leader. Full grown llamas are big enough to more aggressive later. If he doesn’t under- bowl you over, but are not built for stand personal space, anyone who isn’t In addition to her work with llamas, she fighting like a horse. Males have part of the herd is seen as a potential is a self-proclaimed “professional volun- fighting teeth, but most just spit up threat — even the humans who raised him. teer” with a very gracious husband. She is bile from their stomach when they are Llamas have very delicate skin, which is on the scholarship committee at frightened or on the attack (essen- why they are so sensitive to being touched. Peninsula High, where she helps kids with tially projectile vomit). They do not When a llama sits down in a person’s pres- their scholarship portfolios and works in have any top teeth, and their long ence, she is protecting her legs from being the S.A.V.E. thrift store. She volunteers bottom front teeth look like a rabbit’s touched. for the Camp Fire USA Central Puget up-side-down. Their split hooves have Langley–Boyer was trained by the Sound Council, and teaches outdoor pads on the bottom, so they are good National Outdoor Leadership in skills through several weekend commit- at running over rocky terrain. They Colorado to be a master trainer for the tees throughout the Bremerton and look very fluffy but are actually quite Leave No Trace (LNT) program. A Greater Seattle area. slim and can walk along narrow moun- teacher by trade, she loves to educate Langley–Boyer has arranged for educa- tain trails and between trees easily. people about llamas. She auctions off tional events for schools, summer camps, Because of this, they make very good “Lunch with a Llama” events for charity or just about anyone who wants to learn pack animals, and their fleece is and arranges LNT pack-trips for Camp more. However, she cautions, llamas have much softer than a sheep’s wool. Fire, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, such as a to think about things before they decide 7-mile (easy) pack-trip to the Tubal Cain to obey; sometimes even a whole day goes Mines in the Olympics. She has appeared by before they decide to cooperate, but at events like the Go Play Outside Expo in after that they will recognize the visual or Longview in May, for the Backcountry verbal command. Being petted isn’t some- Horsemen, and will be packing with Kits thing that llamas really like (remember Llamas this summer. She does the LNT the training in personal space and sensi- “test” for 100 to 200 kids each year from tive skin), so they have to be taught, or many different groups, being their “stock resocialized, when they are older. One encounter” on the trail. Her llamas can must never pet a llama’s nose like a horse, travel about 4 miles with a load, and twice or their legs, because that is really seen as as far without one. Besides her two an act of aggression (predators in the wild llamas, Langley–Boyer has a little flock of will try to bring down a llama by going for Bourkes Parakeets, which are a very pretty its soft nose or legs). Llamas live for 15 to pink and blue. She has had diamond 25 years so anyone who wants one must doves, button quail and finches in the wait until they are 3 or 4 years old, learn past, and may reopen aviaries for those herd etiquette, and plan for their long- birds at some point. term lifespan. 36 People & Lifestyles www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News A helping hand and a tip of the hat to Tee-Ball

By Danna Webster, KP News troubled him that “kids were asking their from a Navy man. “I’ve never heard of body to do something it was not made to another branch of service ever playing it,” Summer sports fans at Volunteer Park do.” he says and tells that the game was devel- are sitting on new bleachers built on top of Hassan started a new project. He wanted oped while he was serving in the military at a solid bulkhead. The volunteers from the to design a kid-friendly way to play the the Alexandria Air Force Base in KP Lions Club deserve the thanks for the game. He called it Tee-Ball. Louisiana. Its popularity spread as he and new additions, but the project got off to a He worked on the details: bats, balls, military families moved around the world slow start due to the usual culprits: so mitts, and rules. One of his ideas was to to other stations. much to do with too few people, too little replace the hide-covered baseball with a Hassan gives little attention to the other time, and very little money. The project got rubber-covered ball. The new ball could fatherhood claims. His focus is in what Tee- a boost when Dick Hassan offered to lend last an entire season of 52 games at a cost Ball has done. It is a game well known a helping hand. of about 2 cents per game. He compares throughout the United States. He believes Hassan, who lives in Tacoma, read about that to the Mariners using an average of it brought credit to girl athletes because the project in the newspaper. His advocacy five dozen balls per game at a cost of about girls played as equals with boys on Tee-Ball for the game of baseball spans over half a $60 per dozen. Because the softball bat has teams. Hassan credits the game for century. Anything that promotes the game a handle with a narrow grip, he chose that fostering continued interests in baseball earns his support. He has given some bat over a baseball bat. Then he sawed off and fast-pitch softball sports. He claims financial assistance to city ball fields; he Photo by Danna Webster three inches and made the bat lighter. A young Tee-Ball players have used their regularly officiates at college games; and Dick Hassan lives in Tacoma but has been few inches of garden hose attached to a skills to win sport scholarships to colleges. he is an enthusiastic supporter of ball active on the Key Pen. rake handle made a tee-support to hold Tee-Ball builds family relationships and the players ranging from pre-school age to the ball for batting. The new game elimi- theme of responsibility carries over to the retired seniors. “The place is tiered. It’s a work of art. I like nated the pitcher position and solved home, according to Hassan. Hassan drove to Volunteer Park soon to get things done — I put a time table on Hassan’s concern for young pitching arms. The characteristics credited to the game after reading the article. Some Peninsula it,” he says. He says the main lessons learned in the of Tee-Ball are evident whenever Hassan High School boys were playing football on KP Metro Parks Director Scott Gallacher game are responsibility and respect. Kids gets involved with a community project. a field. They showed Hassan around the credits Hassan not only with the acquisi- have to show up at game time in order for Sportsmanship, inclusiveness, respect, and park and the Lions Club project. He visited tion of the building blocks but also with their teammates to have every turn at bat responsibility are all parts of the package the park a second time at night and walked about 500 hours of volunteer work. Hassan possible. They also learn to respect the he delivers when he stops to lend a hand. the area alone. After a third visit, he made says that’s typical of how he goes about skills of teammates and cooperate with one a call to George Robison, president of the things: make an analysis of the project, another in order to win. “Teamwork Lions Club at the time. He told Robison he attend to the details and set a time table. doesn’t have an ‘I’ in it,” Hassan says. wanted to help and asked what was His system led to a hugely successful Through the history of the game, other needed. According to Hassan, they needed venture around 1955. men have claimed to be the father of Tee- 3,982 building blocks for the retaining It was the time of the great Boston Ball. A few patents and trademarks had wall. Before long, he showed up at the park Braves, Warren Spawn and Johnny Shane, been registered in other names by the with building blocks, loaded on a delivery and kids wanted to be just like them, 1970s. The Wikipedia online reference says truck, and several pairs of work gloves. He Hassan tells. As he watched kids play, he T-Ball, which is registered as Tee-Ball, has said some men were sitting in the dugout became concerned. “The kids were several people claiming to be the father of when he pulled in. He offered the men a throwing 200 pitches a game — and all the game. Hassan says he never considered pair of new work gloves if they’d help over the place,” he says. “We were asking a getting a patent or trademark on any unload the truck. kid to do two times as much as an adult.” In equipment design, let alone the game “It took only about 30 minutes to move those days, he says, the pitchers were itself. News of the claims of others came as the whole truck load,” Hassan says. That throwing 150 pitches and making a complete surprise to him. “I never heard was the beginning of his support on the $100,000, while pitchers today throw 65 of anyone else having a knowledge of the project, which was completed 16 days later. pitches a game and may earn $9 million. It game,” he says. Some of the claims came July 2007 • www.keypennews.com Arts & Recreation 37

her staff hosted a “chocolate fountain” features new additions to make this event generous grant from the Angel Guild. for patrons. The chocolate flowed for even more unique. Booths from commu- For information call 884-4807. BRIEFS almost nine hours. Vertz shopping list for nity organizations, a hay ride complete Arts Prospectus available at local post arts&recreation the occasion — all consumed in the with accordion player and a pond with offices, Ravensara and Sunnycrest daylong celebration — was “7 pounds of 350 trout for fishing contests for all ages Nursery, and at www.twowaters.org. melted chocolate chips, 7 pounds of promise excitement. Deadline for submission is July 9; call strawberries, 7 pounds of bananas, two “This represents country living at its Margo: 884-2955. bags of marshmallows, three pound cakes best” says Glen Ehrhardt, chairperson for and two bags of pretzels to dip — all cour- this year’s salmon bake. “We want to Allyn Days Festival tesy of the Friends of the Key Center enhance the participation of younger Library.” folks, as this event is tailored for the good On July 21 and 22, Allyn’s Waterfront The library is now open Mondays from of the community.” Park will be host to the 25th annual Allyn 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. A variety of free musical entertainment Days Salmon Bake & Festival. Sponsored In the photo, left to right, Beth Mears, will be offered, and an eBay silent auction by the Allyn Community Association, it Rosina Vertz, Carolyn Wiley. Photo by Chris will be held. The famous dinner features food, fun and music for all ages. Fitzgerald prepared by chef Oliver Coldeen will Booths and entertainment run from 10 include Copper River salmon, caught by a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to Library Monday a sweet hit Longbranch native Shane Hostetler, who 5 p.m. on Sunday; a dance will be held also sells his salmon to the public. Saturday at 5 p.m. Monday, June 18, was the first day Key The event is on Saturday, July 28, 2 to 6 Nearly 100 booths, food, demonstra- Center Library patrons enjoyed a major p.m. at the LIC. Tickets are $12 in tions, kids games and activities are among benefit of passage of the countywide advance, $14 at the door; children 12 and the attractions, along with remote library levy last year. Library technician under are $5, free for 5 and under. Call control model boat demonstrations and Rosina Vertz said when she went to Ruth Bramhall for tickets at 857-5184 or some antique cars. unlock the doors at 11 a.m., about a half- purchase at Charboneau Construction, Several local micro-breweries and dozen patrons were waiting. A normal Sunnycrest Nursery, Home Store, Dave Hoodsport Winery will offer their latest day logs in about 200 library card usages Ahrens Coast to Coast Hardware, or the brews, and the entertainment is incred- at the branch. On that Monday, the log Longbranch Marina. ible. For shuttle and schedule informa- indicated 107 patrons were “doing busi- Annual Salmon bake feast tion and complete list of attractions visit ness at the branch” and more than 200 KP arts event seeks entries www.AllynACA.com. people frequented the library. The 7th annual Longbranch To celebrate the occasion, Vertz and Community Church Salmon Bake “Beyond the Borders” Arts and Music Friday Movie Nights Festival featuring music, art, and food from around the world will be held on KP Metro Parks District and Children’s Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Longbranch Home Society partner for a series of Improvement Club, from noon to 6 p.m. movie nights at Volunteer Park, or in the (free admission). Ethnic music from gym at the Key Peninsula Civic Center if gypsy-jazz to Ugandan vocal and dance the weather is bad. Movies start at dusk. will be featured. Cash prizes will be Suggested donation is $1 per person and awarded in a juried art exhibit for best one can of food for Key Peninsula work with international theme ($200) Community Services. Grab your blanket, and people’s choice ($100). Art and craft a lawn chair and your favorite movie items by local artists will be for sale. Food munchies and enjoy an outdoor movie and special desserts, a beer garden, wines shown on the big screen on the following and other beverages will be available. dates: Aug. 3: “Happy Feet,” Aug. 10: The event is co-sponsored by the LIC “Ghost Busters,” Aug. 17: “Charlotte’s and Two Waters Art Alliance, with a Web.” 38 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News CLASSIFIEDS Event Rental: The beautiful Longbranch WANTED APPLEBY PLUMBING & DRAIN Improvement Club is a great place for Proposals for Janitorial Services Service, Repairs, and Remodels, reunions, weddings & parties. Reasonable The Civic Center is seeking proposals from Hot Water Tanks. 253-884-9827 rates. Call rental mgr. @ 253-884-6022. firms or individuals interested in providing janitorial services for the Civic Center. Contact the Civic Center by calling 253-884- WATKINS PRODUCTS are available, NEWSPAPER DELIVERY 3456 or stop at the office to pick up a copy call Marvin and Myrtle Keizur at Early morning delivery routes available in the of the specifications. Office hours are 1:30 to 884-3566. VISA/MC Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula/S. Kitsap areas. 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Earn $1100 to $1500 per month and much more as an independent contractor delivering Debbie’s Office Aide The News Tribune for just a few hours each HELP WANTED: Bookkeeping and Proofreading Services: morning. Reliable vehicle, valid WA state KP Lions Club needs members to continue 253-884-6622 driver’s license and insurance required. public service programs. Contact Hugh Please call Bob Cowan: 253-278-0020 McMillan 884-3319 or any other member. HOME FEED & GROCERY 1809 KPN, Home. 884-2321 Key Peninsula Law Key To Learning Childcare & Preschool: Open 8 AM - 10 PM Merry A. Kogut, Managing Attorney Innovative Pre-school program - terrific Holidays 10 AM - 6 PM (253) 884-8484; [email protected] results! Learn life skills in a loving home environment. Great friends, super play- ground, 2,000 book library. Flex. hrs., drop- For all your residential real estate needs FURNITURE REPAIR ins, Mom's day out. 27 yrs. exp., refs. 3 contact Fred Angus at Keller Williams Realty Refinishing Restoration mins. W of Purdy. Helen Macumber 253-853-2584. Please see ad on page 25. Call DAVE 253-884-4449 253-858-3460 or 253-858-3705. Call 253-884-4699 to place an ad. July 2007 • www.keypennews.com 39 Place your business card in this advertising directory. Call 253-884-4699. 40 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Out & About To see more Out & About photos, visit our Website at www.keypennews.com and follow the Photo Gallery link. See more of your neighbors out and about, Key Peninsula scenes and happenings.The online gallery features only Website exclusive photos!

At a rehearsal of Encore! Theatre’s production of the ballet Coppelia at Peninsula High School’s Milton Boyd Auditorium, the production’s director, Key Peninsula resident Kathleen McGilliard, coaches a cluster of her ballerinas before they take to the stage. Photo by Hugh McMillan

First grader Sarah Boozer isn’t too sure about holding the seastar retrieved by Erin Ewalt, a diver for Harbor WildWatch who does double duty as farm planner for Pierce Conservation District. Harbor WildWatch is a nonprofit organization providing environ- mental education in the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula areas through outdoor beach programs, written materials, and workshops. HWW has a full summer schedule of free High Tea at Low Tide is celebrated by lady Seascouts.They rowed their 38-foot gig, public events, visit www.harborwildwatch.com for details. (See more beach walk photos Verite, to Wycoff Shoals to celebrate the lowest tide of the year.Wycoff becomes an in our online gallery.) Photo by Mindi LaRose island for about two hours and the ladies hold their tea party there. Photo by Danna Webster

Hugh McMillan explains to his blushing wife, Janice, that dinner was more than the two of them but 35 of their closest friends too, filling the Green Turtle restaurant for a surprise 55-anniversary party.The couple and friends reminisced about the past 55 years and Hugh told the group how he met, married and moved around the world with his lovely wife. Photo by September Hyde Above, friends of birthday boy Elijah Left to right, Loyd Miller, Jud Brambila (right) enjoy holding a boa Morris, Phil Bauer, Rufus constrictor brought to the party by Clark, Jan-Erik Sundbom, with Scott Peterson’s Reptile Man company. Ben Thompson in front, are The birthday boy, who turned 4, cele- working on the tennis court brated on June 1 with a “Go Diego project at the Civic Center. Go!” themed party. Volunteers have new fencing, Photo courtesy of Noelle Brambila created entryways both for Right, Shalimar Dennis, 9, shows off maintenance work and players, her 1-pound, 12-ounce fish that won leveled and painted support the grand prize for the largest fish posts, and will soon have the during the annual fishing derby at Lake two courts professionally resur- Minterwood. Photo by Kristen Pierce faced. Photo by Chris Fitzgerald