Livable fair K EY P ENINSULA Congrats to the Non-Profit Org. U.S. round-up, Postage Paid Vaughn, Class of 2008 WA 98394 Permit No. 2 page 7 graduates BOX HOLDER Happy Father’s Day NEWSThe voice of the Key Peninsula June 15 www.keypennews.com Vol. 36 Issue 6 • Circulation 9,000 INSIDE June 2008 Last alarm for Ross Summer activites By Hugh McMillan, KP News near-by, Special he Last Alarm was sounded for Ross Bischoff, following section T the benediction from Pastor inside Heinz Malon, on May 17. Pagers sounded from the belts of Key Peninsula firefighters stationed around the sanctuary of the Key Author Peninsula Lutheran Church. Loud- writes about and-clear came the dispatcher’s voice, the dogs, “The Key Peninsula Fire Department page 32 calls for the last alarm for firefighter Ross Bischoff. May his spirit continue to watch over us.” The dispatcher’s microphone remained open for a few seconds, a routine procedure to allow for secondary instructions or a reply. When there was no reply, all pagers were clicked closed; the firefighters Photo by Karina Whitmarsh Ross Bischoff at his farm at last year’s Harvest Fest. (See ROSS, Page 30) More photos online at www.keypennews.com News Key Pen township proposed ...2 SR-302 funding reduced...... 3 Livable fair wrap-up...... 7 Has recession Volunteer spotlight...... 21 Maritime-ready hit the Key Inside law enforcement ...... 24 KPFD initiates multi-agency water-rescue drill Fire stats ...... 28 The Genuine ARTicle ...... 34 By Rodika Tollefson, KP News and in case of USGS, a helicopter) Peninsula? Out & About ...... 40 converged on the beach of Browns When embarrassing accidents Point for an eight-hour exercise An informal review of happen, most people would want to involving theory and practice. recession and the local economy Sections fling the mishap tale to the depths of “It (planning) started out small and the sea. Not rescuers with Fire District turned into this humongous event,” says By Danna Webster, KP News Peninsula Views ...... 4-5 16. After a boat collision during routine Guy Allen, division chief with FD-16, Business ...... 9 training last year, instead of forgetting who was one of the main organizers of The question of whether or not we are Schools ...... 17 about the moment, FD-16 decided to the exercise and watched it from the in a recession usually gets the old Community Works . . .20 share the lesson learned with other shore. “This is the first time in Pierce standard answer, “Depends on who you districts. What started as an idea for a County where we had all those water ask.” When The News Tribune reporter Off the Key ...... 23 small-caliber “show and tell” instead rescue resources [together].” John Gillie asked the question last History ...... 26 turned into a drill involving 11 agencies, Those resources included Gig March, he concluded the answer Key Pen Authors . . . . .32 including the U.S. Coast Guard. Harbor’s and Tacoma’s fire and police remained open and identified the “R” Arts & Recreation . . . .34 In May, these agencies’ rescue teams (and their personal watercrafts, boats, (See FIRE, Page 35) (See ECONOMY, Page 37 2 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Township idea proposed for Key Peninsula Tax revenues would be spent locally under the proposal

By Jeanette Brown the township models found on the East park-and-ride that would help ease up Special to the KP News Coast. “We are in the early stages of congestion at the Purdy Bridge. He would researching the feasibility of a township also like to see outreach programs offered Chuck West is frustrated with his efforts The Key Peninsula does model that would allow KP residents to on the KP through the new Gig Harbor to get much-needed services and road have more local control with respect to Boys and Girls Club at the Vaughn Civic safety improvements funded and not have a voice at the the allocation of funds on the Key Center for local area youth. implemented on the Key Peninsula. Many county level or much local Peninsula in order to get the services West contacted State Rep. Larry residents on the KP know West as the “ they need and deserve and that they are Seaquist, who has embraced the idea with control over the tax division chief for Pierce already paying for,” he said. enthusiasm. Seaquist said in an interview County Fire District 16 revenue it generates. The Key Peninsula Township would start he would like to see the Key Peninsula and, recently, as the — Chuck West at Purdy and extend to the end of the “grow modern and stay rural.” “The 2008 recipient of the Peninsula at Longbranch. West recently township would build on the existing Citizen of the Year approached the Key Peninsula Business master community plan approved by the award. Now, West wears Association and the Key Peninsula Pierce County Council last year,” he said, a new hat as he lobbies Community Council with his proposal to adding that if the citizens want to proceed for more local keep tax revenue locally; his idea has been in that direction, he would be happy to representation and WEST incorporated areas of Pierce County that well received by both organizations. sponsor the legislation necessary at the recognition on the Key meet urban growth area criteria.” “KP business owners and residents state level. “It is really all about what the Peninsula by the Pierce County Council “The Key Peninsula does not have a would like to see their tax dollars put to residents of the KP want,” he said. and the Washington State Legislature in voice at the county level or much” local use locally in order to fund road According to West, a township would order to bring new services and keep control over the tax revenue it generates,” improvements and fix dangerous create revenue to support services for an existing basic services and their funding West said. “I would like to see more Key intersections,” he said. In addition, he area identified as a geographically isolated local to the Key Peninsula area. Peninsula Community Council members believes if the tax revenue stays local, it region or belt. He believes the Key After West realized the Key Peninsula attending Pierce County Council meetings could be used to build new schools, a new Peninsula meets this criteria and would was generating enough tax revenue to to promote local funding and provide local library near Lake Kathryn, and to create a like the community’s input. make the needed safety improvements to representation.” KP highways and congested intersections, He noted the county council is ignoring he addressed county council members and the basic safety needs of Key Peninsula tried to influence them to allocate the residents while approving a new $6.5 necessary funding. West said, “[I] got very million expansion of the Cushman Trail little attention from the county regarding in Gig Harbor and allocating funding for my safety concerns and found that council a new golf course at University Place. “I members were reluctant to deliver.” can’t even get them to fund a crosswalk at Once an area has been designated as an Key Center,” he said, and asserts that the urban growth area, it can incorporate into main intersection at Key Center needs a a city. He explained that, “because the Key traffic signal too. Peninsula is not a designated urban Realizing that most residents on the growth area under the Washington State Key Peninsula would like to keep the KP Growth Management Act, the Pierce rural and don’t want to incorporate as a County Council can allocate funds city or become part of an UGA, West generated from the KP’s assessed tax started to research the possibility of evaluation of $2 billion to other creating a new type of entity based on

To subscribe, please write, Executive editor: Rodika Tollefson McMillan, Colleen Slater, Frank Slater, K EY P ENINSULA call or fax: Assistant editor: Danna Webster Irene Torres, Mindi LaRose, Kristen Key Peninsula News Ad sales: Charleen Day, Debra Pierce, Karina Whitmarsh, Sharon 17010 S. Vaughn Rd. McElroy, September Hyde Hicks, Lori Colbo, Donna Smeall Community pages editor: Distribution: Phil Bauer P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394 Connie Renz Web master: Bret Nebel Phone (253) 884-4699 Production: September Hyde, Misha NEWSwww.keypennews.com Contributors: Jeanette Brown, Jerry Fax: (253) 884-4053 Gallinger Libstaff, Kevin Reed, Rick Sorrels, Unsolicited submissions deadline including press releases: Email [email protected] Staff: William C. Dietz, Hugh Jud Morris 17th of each month Key Peninsula News is published monthly by the Key Peninsula Civic Center Association at the Key Peninsula Civic Center in Vaughn, Washington. Copyright 2008 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic contents in any manner without permission is prohibited. Annual subscriptions (12 issues) are available for $25.00 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 immediately 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] June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 3 Funding reduced for SR-302 project

By Rodika Tollefson, KP News The funding was cut to $2 million this highway,” it stated. year, but went up to $2.5 million by the More information The funding reduction also created State Route 302 received a reduction end of the session. Legislative District For updates and details about the another limit: Initially, the Washington in funding during this year’s legislative 23rd Sen. Derek SR-302 corridor study, visit State Department of Transportation session, and the project will be rescoped. Kilmer said the project www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR302/ne hoped to document the entire SR-302 Officials say the study remains active, fell victim to the wcorridor. corridor, and determined that two but the funding, reduced in half, limits economy: People are separate studies should be done, one the end result. driving more from KP Highway to State Route 16 and In 2005, the state Legislature allocated conservatively or John Donahue, project manager for SR- another between KP Highway and State $5 million in “design money” for SR-302 buying fuel-efficient 302, said there is a “strong chance” a Route 3 (western portion), because the as part of a transportation package cars, which means draft EIS could be created with the two segments had “two fundamental and funded by the new 9.5-cent gasoline tax. fewer gas taxes flowing KILMER remaining funds, which would be “more separate problems. “Unfortunately, the into the state’s coffers. valuable than a corridor study.” recent reduction in the project budget Additionally, costs have gone up for To date, about $700,000 of the $2.5 now makes further consideration of this other projects. As a result, lawmakers million has been spent on the first western piece using the current project have been cutting funding for phase, which included extensive public funding very unlikely,” Donahue said. Environmental Impact Statements (a meetings and resulted in a “Study “However, by taking this step now, we final document outlining design and Existing Conditions and Problem will be able to focus project resources on other details) funding to projects Definition Report.” The report reaching our milestone corridor without allocated construction funds. concluded, among other things, that decision in the east.” “Last year, we (302) dodged the bullet,” traffic volumes on the highway and Donahue said the next step is to he said. “This year, the funding was surrounding areas will grow by 1 percent contract with a consultant in order to dropped, and the project was turned per year, or a total of 26 percent by 2030. narrow down the range of alternatives into a corridor study.” “The results of the traffic analysis identified in the first phase; the tentative A corridor study doesn’t have the indicate that the current highway timeline for completion of this step is same teeth as an EIS, and a corridor capacity is inadequate to accommodate September. “Our plan is to move study was already performed last time existing and projected future traffic forward and reengage the community the Legislature funded SR-302, in 1993. volumes at key locations along the this summer,” he said. 4 Peninsula Views www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News EDITORIAL Zoning promotes demise of KP businesses ew zoning ordinances that community plan was to support and become effective on June 1 encourage commercial businesses. Sometimes, one must take Ncontinue the attack that This goal was not only ignored, it was matters into own hands pushes KP businesses to their demise. RICK SORRELS subverted. The plan acts to extinguish Prior to 1992, Key Peninsula in its THE PRAGMATIC SOPHIST existing commercial businesses at a Key Pen resident Chuck West has been entirety was zoned “general,” which time when gas prices, bridge tolls, and long frustrated by Pierce County’s lack of allowed literally any use on any parcel population growth are demanding that funds for Key Peninsula projects. After all, of land. Every parcel was effectively existing prior to 1992; they have large more commercial businesses be property owners pay taxes here like zoned for commercial use. In response commercial buildings located on a established on the KP in response to everyone else, why is the community to the state’s 1990 Growth state highway or major arterial, and greater and greater community need. seeing more benefits? Management Act, Pierce County they will all eventually be forced out of The “big box” stores have the money Instead of complaining about it, West adopted zoning ordinances in 1992 existence due to arbitrary R-10 and legal staff to manipulate the rolled up his sleeves. He has done the that identified “commercial” areas for (residential) zoning wrongfully system to their advantage. The mom math to see how much of our taxes flows businesses, which limited the vast attached to their land. Hundreds of and pop stores are the ones that out, and how much comes back in majority of the land on the KP to other local long-standing businesses should be nurtured, not extinguished. improvements to roads and so forth. “residential” use only. Very little land face the same gradual extinction. Expensive mandatory design standards When he didn’t like what he saw, West was identified for commercial use. Rocky Bay Health Care Facility will force business owners to continue came up with a potential solution: Why Commercial businesses already requires a license from DSHS to stay in to use 80-year-old buildings until they not turn the Key Pen into a township — existing on land zoned as residential in business. By statute, that type of literally collapse around their which means retaining the rural flavor 1992 could continue to operate, but business must be located on customers. We need to encourage, not along with the taxes? And he didn’t stop could never expand more than 10 commercially zoned land. The land is discourage, new, efficient, energy- there, lobbying lawmakers for support percent. Businesses that violated the zoned R-10, but the business is saving structures. since legislative changes may be required. rules or stopped operating would “grandfathered” because the license Existing zoning ordinances act The thought is not new. Several years ago, revert to residential use. was issued when the zoning was still against the public interest in many ways. KP residents toyed with the idea of joining Hundreds of existing commercial “general.” Any change in ownership or The newly created Key Peninsula Kitsap County, or better yet, creating its businesses got caught up in the zoning business structure would require a new Land Use Advisory Commission own. Studies were done, meetings were restrictions. Many went out of business license that cannot be issued without (KPAC) needs to carefully study and held, but the talks eventually grew cold. simply because they did not know how commercial zoning. Another pending recommend changes to the Key This may be the people’s second chance to to assert their rights when challenges extinction. Peninsula Community Plan and take matters into their own hands if were made by county officials. Others Great need exists for economical implementing regulations. Citizens residents are not pleased with how their expired naturally for economic housing for our increasing older need to attend the KPAC meetings and government is working for them. We’re not reasons. Others grew, their very success population, i.e., boarding homes, voice their concerns. Meetings are talking anarchy or revolution here — just a forcing them to relocate off the KP, apartments, various kinds of assisted held on the third Wednesday of each little reorganization. because no commercial land was living. These all require commercial month at 6:30 p.m. at the Key Center Community leaders should join West to available. Very few were able to zoning. The Key Peninsula Community library. Every meeting has a block of explore the possibility. As Margaret Mead’s relocate to another location on the KP. Plan recently adopted by the county time when citizens can comment on famous quotes says, “Never doubt that a Peninsula Iron Works, Holland council fails to establish zoning to any issue. small group of committed citizens can Pump, Bottcher’s furniture factory, which might accommodate these Silence leads to extinction. Be there. change the world. Indeed, it’s the only Mountain View Towing, Minter Creek pressing needs. Let our “advocates” know what thing that has.” Auto Body, and many others were all One of the stated goals of the interests they need to represent.

skate night, DEF productions on you this year’s array of entertainers and Improvement Club. LETTERS TO sound, and our DJs Kip, Dr. Derek, and events. They will inspire, entertain and The fair is on July 10-13, with a teen Speedjay. may even enchant you. This year we’ll night planned again and a new Polka Thanks again; let’s do it again in have that same great carnival back and Fest. Carnival all-day ride passes are on THE EDITOR September. the entertainment line up will feature sale June 1. With every carnival pass Dream team leads to Tom & Julie Boardman “locals.” bought in advance (prior to July 9) that KP Civic Center volunteers Over the past seven years, the fair has person also get free admission! You can dances’ success grown from modest beginnings to an buy presale passes at Sunnycrest The Sound Byte dances (held at the July fair gears up event spanning four days with a little bit Nursery and Sound Credit in Key Civic Center for high-schoolers, May 3 of everything for everybody. Did you Center. See www.keyfair.org for more. and 23) were a success because of all It’s almost fair time again…. It is my know the fair is a nonprofit entity, there We hope that your experience as our the volunteers. We had a dream team of pleasure to welcome you all back to the is no paid staff or board members? The very welcome guest is a fun and rewarding people. 2008 Key Peninsula Community Fair. For fair is yours – come and enjoy it! one. We are delighted to provide so many Thank you to all who helped: the the eighth year in a row the KPCF will Afterwards, every penny the fair makes opportunities for you to meet and greet Purdy Prison guards on security, high- bring together folks from near and far to goes right back into your community, old and new friends As you will see, a schoolers on set-up, design, and enjoy and celebrate life here on the Key through its owners: the Key Peninsula great deal of planning and hard work has advertisement, our friends at Lakebay Peninsula. Our hard-working Board of Business Association, the Key Peninsula Christian Assembly, our friends from Directors has spared no effort to bring Civic Center and the Longbranch (See LETTERS, Page 5)

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. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Peninsula Views 5 Economic ‘shot in the arm’ not all that stimulating

osh, I can’t wait to get my to buy more gasoline than we usually So, assume we’re all going to absorb Shot in the Arm Stimulus buy, right? And if I pay bills that I’m the money into our bank accounts and G Package from the U.S. having trouble paying now, then the watch it melt into our monthly expenses government! What are you going to KEVIN REED money I get will go to a bank for a credit for a month or two, maybe stick some spend yours on? It’s actually a credit HERE’S SOMETHING card or mortgage, or a utility, or into savings if we’re lucky, or we take a against your upcoming 2008 tax return, wherever. What’s being stimulated? A trip and spread some money out that based on your 2007 tax return. I started bank? An oil company? Do they need way. Then what? Well, then the money’s to try to figure out if that was good or even sure who uses the term stimulation? If you can’t make money as all gone, that’s what. Frankly, I’d rather not, thinking vaguely about interest “pocketbook” anymore, but that’s pretty a bank or an oil company today, you the government keep the money and rates, dependents, and deductions, but much besides the point — thing is, it have some serious internal management pay down the $9 trillion debt (~30K per before long I got dizzy and lost my sounds good on the macro level, but issues, which, of course, many of them person). Use the money to provide balance, falling head-first into my office what will that money get injected into at do, hence the mortgage mess. targeted, incentive-based tax breaks for trashcan, lacerating my eyebrow and the household/micro level? If you want to stimulate something, the market to produce cutting-edge bruising my larynx. You’d need to ask a Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson send me $50,000! I’ll go buy a boat and technologies, so our country can grow, good accountant to get any sort of says, “You give money to people, they’re stimulate the boat manufacturing compete, lead, have something to answer, because bad accountants give gonna spend it.” Excellent point, market with my purchase. But honestly, export, and regain our stature and you worse answers than you can get by Henry; glad you’re in charge of our even with $50,000, I’d likely pay off a foothold in the international market. just making something up. money. And spend it we will. But how? bunch of bills and put the rest into Take the rest and revamp the schools so According to the Powers That Be, this Well, if you ask President George W. savings, which is exactly what we’re we can compete with China and India, “national stimulus package” is a “shot in Bush, this shot in the arm will help us all going to do with our money. Except if I before we get completely buried the arm” for the American economy. “meet monthly bills and pay for higher had 50K, I’d take my family on a technologically. In other words, we From 40,000 feet, it sounds like a gas prices,” which contradicts the point vacation someplace, as a lot of people could change our priorities and apply feasible plan. Inject 1 percent of the of the rebate. The underlying theme of I’ve asked are doing with this refund the $1 trillion it costs these days to nation’s gross domestic product, about that statement — that we are having check. They’re taking trips to Alaska, invade a country, and use that money to, $145 billion, back to consumers to “put trouble paying our monthly bills and Oregon, and elsewhere, so there’s some oh I don’t know, stimulate the economy? money into the pocketbooks of middle buying gas — shows that the money sent money going back into the economy, but If we did that all the time, there would class families,” as House Republican to middle class families may not it would be interesting to know the real be no need to stimulate anything. It Leader John Boehner stated. I’m not stimulate all that much. We’re not going numbers of what exactly went where. would already be stimulated.

Call for columnists (From LETTERS, Page 4) Fresh, original voices are wanted! gone into making this fair one of the best The Key Peninsula News is looking for ones ever. But only you can validate our guest columnists to contribute bi- endeavors — your pleasure is both the monthly columns (a total of 6 reason for and the measure of our efforts. columns) after the current guest Michael Hays columnists’ term expires later this 2008 KPCF President summer. The columns may be entertaining, Article appreciated informative, humorous or serious and must pertain to topics relevant to Key Thanks so much for writing the article Peninsula readers. Previously on Mr. Magoc. As the parent of a child published work is not a requirement with Tourette Syndrome, I appreciate for this position, which is unpaid. any publicity for T.S. and the people who To be considered, please submit: a live with it every day. Being able to show one-paragraph biography or my child a living example of someone background summary, a one- who has T.S. and still manages to have a paragraph proposal outlining your wonderful life is a priceless gift. column ideas and potential topics, Cheers and hats off to Greg and Jenni and at least two proposed columns Magoc for persevering through the (500-600 words or less). Young writers tough times, and an especially big are encouraged to apply. thank you to Greg’s parents. I know Submissions must be electronic (on from experience that it isn’t easy to disk delivered to our office at the Civic raise a child with T.S., but the joys and Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road in rewards are worth all the struggles. Vaughn, or emailed to Thanks again, KP News, for shedding [email protected]). For some light on this misunderstood questions, call 884-4699 or email. syndrome. The finalists will be selected by a Heidi Miller panel. Deadline is June 15. Kingston 6 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

Nominations begin June 16. Request forms from the Puyallup FSA office by Yanity averts jail time BRIEFS calling (253) 845-9272. Aug. 1 is the news deadline for submitting the nominations. For information, call By Danna Webster, KP News Local agro-producers executive director George R. Jaquish at “I’m satisfied with the wanted for board [email protected]. The court decision for Key Peninsula Fire Commissioner Allen Yanity is a sentence.” Agricultural producers on the Key Candidates sought for year-long suspended jail sentence, — James Bosch, fire commissioner Peninsula who would like to guide parks commission subject to two years of court supervision “ federal farm programs from the local monitoring his behavior, and a standard level have a chance to do so. The U.S. Key Peninsula Parks is seeking an $700 assessment — $200 for the filing Department of Agriculture Farm interested individual to fill the fees and $500 for the Crime Victims’ increased security at subsequent Service Agency is seeking candidates commissioner position held by Ross Fund. That was the ruling of Piece meetings is still under study. for the grower-elected county Bischoff, who recently passed away. County Superior Court Judge Vicki The jury found Yanity not guilty of committee election, Nov. 3 to Dec. 1. Commissioner Bischoff was a dedicated Hogan in mid-May. A jury found Yanity second-degree assault or third-degree The Key Peninsula is part of Local supporter of parks and recreation. The guilty in April of fourth-degree assault, assault, which are felony crimes. ”A guilty Administrative Area 2, which also position is open to residents of the Key a gross misdemeanor, for attacking decision of fourth-degree assault allows includes Mason and Kitsap counties. Peninsula who are registered to vote. fellow Commissioner James Bosch last Yanity to continue his commissioner post. Candidates are specifically sought from Commissioners attend monthly meetings. year during a recess at the Asked about the May court decision, LAA 2 for this election. Resumes will be accepted until 5 p.m. commissioners’ meeting. Yanity said, “I’m not going to appeal. In The Farm Service Agency County July 8. Commissioners will interview In July, the court will determine the words of my attorney, we were Committee is the most direct link applicants on July 14 during a study restitution fees. According to defense hoping for a home run and we got a between USDA farm programs and local session and appoint an individual during attorney Gary Clower, the state has a triple. We have to be satisfied with what producers. Agricultural producers are the regular scheduled meeting. This right to restitution to reimburse the we got. It could have been a strikeout or eligible to nominate themselves or any appointment will serve until the next Crime Victim Funds used on behalf of a single.” producer willing to serve. FSA wants to general election in November 2009. Mail Bosch for medical costs. “The Bosch viewed the decision similarly. include people representing a variety of resumes and cover letter to: Key reimbursement for medical cost for “I’m satisfied with the sentence,” he said. crops or different types of operations Peninsula Parks - Position #2, P.O. Box Bosch is not disputed,” he said. “I’m glad to have it almost complete,” he and encourages women and producers 70, Lakebay WA 98349; or email: However, the request for an $800 added referring to the impending July with different ethnic backgrounds to [email protected]. For reimbursement to the fire district for hearing on restitution. seek nomination. details, call 884-9240. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 7

Above, Lauren Littleton and Michelle Ewing man a booth for the Key Peninsula Co-op Preschool, which holds classes at Evergreen and Vaughn elementary schools and encourages everyone to join in registering their kids or seeking information for this group’s programs by calling 884-5535. Photo Hugh McMillan Below, Olive Bell Reid is shopping at the 13th annual plant sale of the Lakebay Fuchsia Society. She is a current resident and has had roots on the Key Peninsula since her father bought property near Key Center in 1937. Bottom, Willa Eisel, 5, acts silly with Kawshun D Clown. Willa was a very mature and knowledgeable helper for the Lakebay Fuchsia Society during its annual sale at the Livable Fair. More photos at www.keypennews.com Photos by Mindi LaRose Livable fair promotes community, services

By Hugh McMillan, KP News

The Key Peninsula Civic Center was filled with booths in May, with everyone from Pierce County Public Works Department to the KP Lions Club and many others in between. The occasion was the annual KP Livable Community Fair. The PC Sheriff’s Department and KP’s Fire Department displayed emergency equipment including the PCSD’s Zodiak water rescue unit. Lawns at the facility were covered with KP Fuchsia Society offerings, a master gardeners clinic and a separate booth promoting the KP Cooperative Pre-school. Those in need could buy hot food and soft drinks at the event. Classes on various subjects were available in the Whitmore Room for those seeking to broaden their reserves of knowledge. The main fair area enjoyed live music by Lorraine Hart singing with Quartet Musette. Kawshun “D” Safety Clown and KPFD’s huge “Sparky the Dalmatian” cavorted about, to the delight of squealing kids seeking a hug. A Pierce Transit small bus was on hand and, to encourage people to use the bus and leave our gas guzzlers at home, two ladies made available fabric carry-all bags to those interested. The general consensus was that the fair was another great success — judged by the sea of smiling faces of all ages. 8 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Making hay at the Red Barn BRIEFSnews By Irene Torres, KP News volunteers come forward to staff and run If you’d like to help KP fair gears up programs.” After an extended county permitting In addition to the coffee lounge theme, Individuals and businesses can make This year’s KP fair has several new events process, a local youth center project is a gymnasium with a basketball court is tax-deductible donations to “The Red planned. A farmers market is scheduled finally seeing progress. The three- planned. Adams said, “This will be a place Barn” by mailing checks to PO Box for Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 building “red barn” located just outside for all local youth — regardless of 1032, Vaughn, WA 98394. Interested p.m. in the Agri-vision area. An art show Key Center once housed a disposable- religious affiliation — to hang out, do volunteers should contact Rory Adams highlighting local artists and some camera manufacturing facility, and will homework, and socialize.” He added, at 884-1277. demonstrations will be held on Sunday. soon provide an after-school drop-in “We’re excited about it. We’re closer than New activity fun will be provided by a dunk center, including a coffee lounge. we’ve ever been before.” funding will be needed, as most of the tank. This year the beer garden will move The vision statement of the Red Barn Early in the planning, there were money was spent on the permitting near the main entertainment stage. Committee reads, “The Red Barn is a discussions with the Boys and Girls Club — process, and remodeling costs have The fair is still looking for vendors. For response to the limited opportunities but the two groups had different visions so escalated over the years. Adams estimated details on any of the events, call the fair for socializing and indoor constructive those talks did not move forward. the project to exceed $100,000 with the hotline at 884-4386 or email Sue Stuhaug recreation on the Key Peninsula… The The project will require extensive addition of the sprinkler system. He said, at [email protected]. goal is a safe and desirable location for renovations to the buildings before an “We’ve been reluctant to fundraise until Key Peninsula residents to mingle and occupancy permit can be issued. County the permits went through, but we see this Help with action plans recreate.” requirements include the installation of a as a benefit to the entire community, to Rory Adams, the youth pastor with firewall between two of the buildings as give the kids something to do. We have The Pierce County Coalition for Waypoint Church, has been involved in well as a fire suppression system. invited other churches to participate and Environmental Health Priorities will start the vision for this project for about four Pete Hedin, chair of the committee, they are supportive.” Car washes and working on action plans to address years. Adams told the KP News, “We want said, “We’re looking to find a garage sales and other fundraising events drinking water, Puget Sound, and food the facility to be used as a place where superintendent, someone who can may help fund the project. system issues. Join in the discussion June high-school youth can connect with each coordinate the work of licensed Hedin said the plan is to open the 12, 6 - 8 p.m., at the Key Center Library. other and adults. Some organized contractors and volunteers during the coffee lounge by this fall. “The process For more information go to activities will be planned, like youth remodeling.” has been amazingly slow, but we’re www.tpchd.org/ehpriorities, call 798- groups and concerts, but we will start with Initial funding was provided through motivated to get something done,” he 3823, or email mseifert@tpchd. small steps and wait to see how many private donors and the Angel Guild; more said. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Business 9

a six-month deal with the same good menu. I’ll staff it and run it,” he said. “They BRIEFS (Beach Hut owners Mark and Lori Jones) business need to do something else. This will help them out and put a dime in my pocket.” Traffic signal in the works Four O’Callahan’s staff members will be transferred to Home to run the drive-in. Lake Kathryn Village owners have an application out for the money to finance Business shows a way for the addition of a light at 94th Street and getting rid of old shoes SR-302. Lake Kathryn Village property manager Joe Rhea said at a May KP As summer approaches, it’s a great time Business Association meeting that Don to dig into your closet and get rid of those Zimmerman, owner of Cost Less Pharmacy old shoes you never wear anymore and put and primary stockholder in Lake Kathryn them to use for a good cause — so says the Village, has been told by the Department Comfort Shoe Gallery in Gig Harbor. of Transportation he is expected to put in On June 27-28, the Comfort Shoe a traffic signal. The estimated cost for the Gallery will hold a shoe drive to collect signal is $1.2 million, which includes a gently used women’s shoes for the Key four-way light, turns lanes and asphalt for Peninsula Family Resource Center. The highway expansion. “We have buildings store is located at 5125 Olympic Drive NW we’ve planned — office (buildings) and in Gig Harbor. more small-store space. We’re trying to Anyone who brings a donation of maximize whatever square space we can women’s shoes (or a contribution of $5 or occupy,” Rhea said regarding future plans. more) to the store, will receive a 10 percent discount. Beach Hut to be “The drive will help the resource managed by O’Callahan’s center’s work in supporting women who are re-entering the workplace after not Greg Calahan, owner of O’Callahan’s working for years or women who are just Pub and Grill, has leased the Beach Hut, starting out,” said Jud Morris, program Home’s drive-in eatery, for the season. “It’s manager at KPFRC. 10 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Business 11 Flexibility is key to new construction company’s success

By William C. Dietz, KP News Chris Gilliam at the quick to say that he’ll do most anything newly completed “that involves dirt.” Chris Gilliam is the kind of man who Peninsula High School Since Gilliam is willing to tackle a wide looks at a problem and sees an courtyard, which he was variety of jobs, he’s been able to keep opportunity. And that was the case with credited with making going while many construction-related the central courtyard at Peninsula High happen. See before and businesses have been hurt by the School, where Gilliam and his family go after photos online at downturn in the housing market. It also to church on Sundays. www.keypennews.com. helps that Gilliam is willing to take on According to Mindi LaRose*, who has a projects as far away as Seattle if they’re daughter at Peninsula High and was sufficiently profitable. And his strategy among those leading the effort to reclaim seems to be working. “In the first year, the courtyard, “it was a mess.” The we’ve done pretty well,” Gilliam says courtyard was flat, with areas of grass and cheerfully. “And that doesn’t usually broken concrete that would make it happen with a new business.” difficult, if not impossible, to navigate in Photo by Karina Whitmarsh When asked to describe what he would a wheelchair. But not anymore. As like to accomplish in the next five years, reported in the May 2008 issue of Key one-third of the cost. When asked why he primarily on underground utility Gilliam says, “I want to be able to pass it Pen News, Gilliam not only agreed to went the extra mile, he says, “I saw projects. He now lives on the north end (the business) on to my family if they tackle the project himself, but sought someone who needed help. I just wanted of Key Peninsula with his wife and two want it. I want to build my business on donations from local businesses and to do something for somebody. Plus I children. referrals — and not have to advertise. worked with PHS students and their knew hundreds of people would be able “I ran crews as a foreman for years,” Eventually I would like to have a couple parents to refurbish the courtyard, to enjoy it.” Gilliam says, “but I hurt my back a couple of crews that I could depend on, own my completing the project in May. Gilliam was born in Virginia, his family of times, and came to the point where I own equipment, and work mostly on this Gilliam was paid for some of the work moved to Idaho, and he grew up in Post had to make a decision. Work job-by-job side of the bridge.” but donated a lot of time as well. Thanks Falls. In 1997, he moved to Washington or start my own business.” And that’s what In order to contact Gilliam to the contribution of his company and state, where he became a member of the Gilliam did about a year ago. Most of his Construction call: 253-880-2178. the other supporters he brought on Laborers Union, and eventually the time is spent on excavation work, *Mindi LaRose is a staff photographer for board, the project was done with about Operators Union as well, working terracing, and water features but he’s Key Pen News. 12 Business www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Sailor mends sails in Longbranch

By Danna Webster, KP News For more information contact Robin Designs at 253-884-3030 or email: A sailor in Longbranch mends sails, [email protected]. repairs and rebuilds boat canvas, sews canvas covers for winches, steering wheels, and full winter-cover, and creates local day trips in Filucy Bay — around personalized canvas tote bags with trim Eagle Island and over to Anderson and handles to match boat riggings. Island — as she has concentrated on Robin Gould has five sewing machines in her sewing career. “I’ve always sewed,” her studio and between them can she says. “I started sewing my own manage most of the sewing jobs required clothes since junior high. It was always a for a boat. According to Gould, avoiding passion. I wanted to sew for a living.” specialization has allowed her to stay busy She waited to pursue her sewing passion and productive in her small community until her children were grown and gone of Longbranch. Her boat canvas work from home. She started her business can be seen on vessels moored in Filucy three years ago. Winter months are slow Bay and her tote bags, several designed but work picks up around February and by her husband, Doug, have become a March after the big boat shows. popular item around the marina. Working for herself, repairing and “I can mend everything that needs to Photo courtesy Robin Gould building boat canvas, and creating tote be mended,” says Gould, “and the bags Mending sails and building boat canvas covers are the specialty of Longbranch’s Robin bags is satisfying work for Gould. are all free-hand. Each one is a little Gould. “The canvas work is kind of a different with a hand embroidered partnership. I ask (the owner), ‘How robin on them. (That tag says) not required building a 41-foot winter continues to write a newsletter for local would you like this to look?’ It’s nice to made in China.” cover. That kept Gould under an sailors in the Port Townsend area and have a balance of working with people Gould and her trusty German-built avalanche of 68 yards of fabric, which for “48° North-The Sailing Magazine.” and working on my own,” she says. Pfaff sewing machine are a portable she divided in several pieces before Her mother, Jo Bailey, is the author of team than can work at the dock or assembling into completion. Another “Gunkholing in South Puget Sound: A aboard ship to complete jobs. In her job found her staying two days aboard a Comprehensive Cruising Guide from studio, the Pfaff’s electric hook-up is cabin cruiser off Bainbridge Island with Kingston-Edmonds South to Olympia.” bypassed and Gould operates it by her Pfaff, making several covers for the It was written for the popular Afoot & treadle, converting it to her “green” boat. Afloat Series about cruising and machine. The tension control The quality of Gould’s work is exploring out of the way places of Puget mechanism on the Pfaff and on all the enhanced by her lifelong experiences as Sound and the San Juans. big industrial machines in Gould’s a sailor. “I’ve been sailing since I was a Gould met her husband on a day studio is the major difference between small child growing up in Olympia,” when she sailed into Filucy Bay. Doug them and the typical home sewing Gould says. “Longbranch was one of our Gould was living aboard his boat. When machines These machines must be destinations.” She and her parents often she sailed in, he swam over and talked capable of feeding the strong, thick sailed to Squaxin Island in the days to her. That was the beginning of a thread required for sewing a boat’s when it was a state park and also Jarrell’s romance that culminated with their heavy man-made and natural fibers Cove. Gould’s parents are prominent 2005 wedding on a tandem bicycle at without giving out. writers on sailing and boating. Her Penrose Park. Boat canvas work has provided a father, John Bailey, retired from a For the last couple of years, most of range of work experiences. One job Tacoma News Tribune column, Gould’s sailing has been restricted to June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 13 14 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 15 Changes to Burnham exit planned

By Rodika Tollefson, KP News issues. Jud Morris, president of the Key Peninsula Business Association, attended More information Anyone commuting to the Key the group’s last meeting. “My concern is The Gig Harbor North Traffic Options Peninsula during the rush hour is familiar for the safety of Key Peninsula residents, Committee will meet on June 11 at 9 with the long tail at the State Route 16 and (for) how accessible the hospital will a.m. at Gig Harbor City Hall. To see Purdy exit: drivers having to wait their turn be,” he told the KP News. “The (KPBA) renderings of the two current options, on the shoulder (illegally) so as not to jam members are concerned because one of visit www.keypennews.com. highway traffic. Some may have even the reasons the hospital chose that location encountered close calls while trying to is being close to the (highway) exit. What is Harbor North (especially small ones) will meander in without colliding with cars the possibility of mortality issues when you greatly suffer. The other problem is for exiting from the Burnham off-ramp, a few start changing how quickly you can get to commuters from the Harbor Hill area hundred feet away. the hospital?” going east toward Purdy or Kitsap — they That hazardous meandering could get The split diamond would leave the would have to essentially backtrack in resolved — if a preliminary proposal by the westbound on- and off-ramp in place, but order to get on the highway. city of Gig Harbor goes forward. The city is the new exit would take traffic to a new Regarding the Penlight position, Dragoo working on a long-term fix for traffic road (to be built) connecting through the said either solution will cost the utility, congestion at the Burnham interchange, back of the YMCA area. Officials with the which in 2003 invested $8 million into and has narrowed it to two solutions. One Franciscan Health Systems (builder of St. infrastructure along Borgen Boulevard. He would create a so-called Single Point Anthony) say they are not making an thinks the SPUI change will cost the utility Urban Interchange (SPUI), a massive endorsement except for whatever solution hundreds of thousands, while the split overpass that is as wide as it is long that retains access to the hospital (which, by diamond could take that into millions of would help regulate SR-16/Borgen default, would imply the SPUI since the dollars. Boulevard traffic. The other, called a “split split diamond would most likely add extra The chamber’s concern is the “ingress diamond,” would close the eastbound on- commute time). and egress” for shoppers as well as for the and off-ramp, “moving” it about 4,000 feet, “We support whatever traffic solution will hospital, he said. To go around the current and rerouting traffic through backroads. cause the least interruption to convenient, exit, “I’m talking major, major minutes,” “It’s not the solution to the Purdy quick and easy access to the public and he said. backup, but it helps with the weaving Photo by Mindi LaRose emergency vehicles,” said FHS spokesman Jennifer High, Office Depot store A view of the Purdy exit backup from the problem this off-ramp (Burnham) has with Gale Robinette. “…It’s critical, it’s manager who is representing a coalition of Borgen off-ramp, which could be closed Purdy,” said Gig Harbor City Administrator absolutely vital that access to the hospital Gig Harbor North businesses, said it would off as a way of solving Gig Harbor North Rob Karlinsey. will be easy… Which one is the city’s be tough on all of them. “With the off- congestion issues. Gig Harbor has faced transportation decision. We haven’t said, ‘This is the one.’ ramp closed, commuters will have to go all issues in Gig Harbor North after a traffic We said, ‘This should be the guiding the way around us and quite frankly, study showed that even before St. Anthony the end of summer. Karlinsey said both principle.’” He would not speculate on probably just go shopping in Tacoma,” she Hospital is built, the interchange cannot options would cost about the same. “SPUIs how much extra time the split diamond said. “It’s important that the city keeps its handle the amount of projected traffic are all over the country now,” he said. “It’s would add to emergency response, saying options open — which I think they are.” increase. Interim solutions were designed to handle everything the freeway the city’s analysis should determine that. Karlinsey said the city is not officially formulated. Once currently approved traffic can throw at it. The downside is that Emergency access is not the only favoring one option for the other. “We’ve developments are built, the road it still brings everything to the same point; concern. Bob Dragoo, Peninsula Light Co. been very open and doing a lot of infrastructure is maxed up again. “We have it doesn’t distribute traffic like the split CFO and president of the Gig Harbor outreach,” he said, adding that not doing to look for a long-term fix in order for new diamond does.” Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said something could mean major long-term development to happen,” Karlinsey said. A committee of community and business not only would the split diamond require economic development loss. “This is a Two possibilities out of 15 made it leaders, elected officials and city potentially millions of dollars of power really big deal,” he said. “It will have an through two stages of a “screening representatives has been discussing infrastructure changes, but from the economic ripple effect on the region in the analysis”; the final solution is expected by solutions for Gig Harbor North traffic chamber’s point of view, businesses in Gig billions over time.” 16 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

Bryson Hunziker, 5, Hunziker’s son, enjoys a bite of pizza while sharing his mom’s table as she chats with her many friends at the Family Pizza Night fundraiser at the Lighthouse Christian School. Hunziker’s husband, Mike, is a digital photography and math teacher at Key Peninsula Middle School. Photo by Hugh McMillan Family Pizza Night spent for good cause

By Hugh McMillan, KP News be there.” Another guest, Dr. Doug Perry, displayed on stage a large, highly detailed More than 250 people gathered to 20-inch model of Shakespeare’s theater support Key Pen’s Terri Radcliffe Hunziker created when she was his Hunziker and her family at a Family Pizza student at Peninsula High School. “I still Night at the Lighthouse Christian School use it in my classes,” he said. in Gig Harbor in May. Close to $25,000 Hunziker’s mom, Lynn Radcliffe, said was raised for Hunziker to help pay for after the fundraiser, “That was certainly cancer treatment bills. quite an event, wasn’t it? We can still feel “A huge heartfelt thank you to all who the love days later and I’m sure it will stay attended the fundraiser for me. What an with us for months to come. Terri was incredible event it was,” she said, overwhelmed. It was a wonderful referring to those in attendance. “Your evening.” compassion and generosity has deeply Hunziker started the trial drug IPI-504 touched us and there are no words to at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in May. convey our appreciation.” To learn more about her extensive Hunziker expressed her gratitude to her research into the subject of cancer, visit “awesome cousin, Angie Cabe, for making www.mybumpintheroad.com. If you would it happen” and to Dr. Frank Senecal “for like to help, write Terri Hunziker, P.O. Box taking time out of his packed schedule to 752, Vaughn, WA 98394.

Senior rides available this free service is provided on a first- The Mustard Seed Project has launched come/first-serve basis. Priority is given to a Key Peninsula Senior Ride Program, a lower income seniors without other collaboration with Catholic Community transportation options. Services, for seniors ages 60 and over, Persons in need of transportation must regardless of income. Transportation is sign up in advance by calling the Key provided to medical appointments, Senior Information Center at 884-9814. grocery shopping and other important Those interested in serving the seniors as destinations. The ride service depends on volunteer drivers should call Edie Morgan the availability of local volunteer drivers, so at 884-1205. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Schools 17 PHS students win awards in state competition

By Rick Sorrels discussed television news. Jeff Evans, 1996 Special to KP News PHS alumni and the current media relations director for the Seattle Mariners, The music- and talk-meisters at KGHP discussed a career in professional sports. and the broadcast journalism program at Vic Orlando, a 1971 PHS alumni and the Peninsula High School held the first-ever signature voice for sports radio KJR-AM, Washington State High School Radio discussed “voice-over” work for which he Awards and Conference on May 15. has achieved national acclaim. Other Invitations were sent to all eight high conference leaders came from Bates schools with radio stations and broadcast Technical College, PLU, KVTI-FM, and journalism programs: KGHP, KNHC in KIRO-AM. Seattle, KMIH on Mercer Island, KASB in The conference was opened by Andy Bellevue, KAHS in Aberdeen, KTCV in Harms of KNDD-FM and closed with Tri-Cities, KYSC in Yakima, and KUBS in comments by Leland Smith, the broadcast Newport. Schools submitted entries for journalism teacher at PHS who came up broadcast awards in 10 areas of with the conference idea and organized competition and winners were selected for the activities. first through third place for each category. Left to right, PHS journalism teacher Leland Smith with PHS winners Jet Moore, Julia Smith said, “Our primary goals were to PHS winners were Jet Moore, first place Stockton, Christer Bergus, Ross Martin, Jake Hohbein, Gabby Fiano and Brett Roswell give long-overdue recognition to students for Best Sportscast and third for Best during the conference. Photo by Hugh McMillan in the field of broadcast journalism, and to Individual Newscast; Christer Bergus, first raise everybody’s work standards through place for Best Public Service Jake Hohbein, Ross Martin, Lance type of presentation. broader experiences and exposure. It was Announcement Campaign; Gabby Fiano, Wallwork, Roman Popkov and Brett Prior to awards being presented, very successful. Everybody left wanting first place for Best News Feature and Roswell together won first place for Best conferences were held on seven subject more. We will raise the bar even higher second place tie for Best Public Service Teamwork Newscast. areas, led by accomplished personalities in next year. The cost to our school district Announcement Campaign; and Julia The comedy team of Martin and the field of broadcast journalism. Greg was negligible. The cost to other schools Stockton, second place for Best Public Hohbein acted as masters of ceremony Copeland, a 1990 PHS alumni and current districts was bus transport. The gain for Service Announcement. Fiano, Moore, with a well-rehearsed Academy Awards morning anchor for NW Cable News, the students was beyond measure.” 18 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Kilmer wraps up first year in Senate Funding

By Rodika Tollefson, KP News State Sen. Derek Kilmer received for reports on the last Enterprise Washington’s “Business legislative session during septic project Institute” in April recognized 23rd a Key Peninsula Lions Legislative District Sen. Derek Kilmer Club-sponsored With grant funds from the Washington (D-Gig Harbor) as a “Legislative nonpartisan political State Department of Health, the Tacoma- Business Star” for his sponsorship of forums in May.The Pierce County Health Department will legislation to help diversify and forum will continue on take a closer look at septic systems on the strengthen business opportunities in the first and third Key Peninsula. For most Key Peninsula Washington. Kilmer wrapped up his Wednesdays at the KP residents, septic systems are the only first year in Senate with a host of Civic Center at 7 p.m. method of wastewater treatment and sponsored bills. disposal available. TPCHD focus will be “Senator Kilmer has taken a on properties with the greatest potential bipartisan approach to the economic to impact streams, lakes and the Sound. vitality of our region, and made sure In 2007, the state Board of Health that economic development and Photo by Hugh McMillan implemented a regulation requiring business success are factored into local health departments to develop an legislative discussions,” said Erin approved the equivalent of 7.5 jobs and veterans in the state, so much of on-site sewage system management McCallum, president of Enterprise instead of 25. The state is also his work has focused on them. Among plan. Plans must describe methods to Washington. contracting with a private company to the veteran-focused bills was one protect public health and the Kilmer offered to meet with the KP run the toll-collection system. Asked requiring a grace period for reservists environment by better locating and News for an overview of some of the why the tolls are on the rise despite returning from active duty whose documenting septic systems and session’s highlights. those cuts, he said the initial financial professional licenses expires in the assuring proper maintenance of septic Transportation, and State Route 302 plan was to have $3 tolls for everyone. meantime. “Some people are coming systems through regulatory programs specifically, was one of the issues. Last year, he sponsored a bill back from Iraq and can’t go back to and education. Funding was cut to the corridor project appropriating more than $1 million in work because of state licensing,” he Areas bordering Puget Sound that are from $5 million to $2 million, which order to give discounts for the said. “Now the (involved) agencies will vulnerable for the greatest potential was brought up to $2.5 million by the electronic toll payers while the old come up with a grace period—it’s the contamination are referred to as Marine end of the session. Kilmer said keeping bridge was being retrofitted. Now that right thing to do.” Another bill would Recovery Areas (MRAs). The Key the funding at all wasn’t an easy task, the discount time has ended, he said create a system to give veterans credit Peninsula was chosen for MRA status since many other projects that didn’t the Citizens Advisory Commission, toward their certifications for military because of the extensive use of septic have actual construction dollars rather than going back to $3 toll for experience. systems, the presence of numerous allocated have received cuts for their everyone, elected to continue a Kilmer has also sponsored several commercial and recreational shellfish EIS (Environmental Impact discount for Good to Go users (to economic development bills, and said beaches, and because a small number of Statement) studies (see related story, $2.75), which meant an increase past that will remain a priority next year, locations have shown a decline in water page 3). “We need to keep making $3 (to $4) for cash payers. along with education and quality. An MRA project was launched to progress on this and the budgetary He said for a project to actually transportation as well as improving the build upon the health department’s situation means that at least in the receive construction funding, one of government’s efficiency. But he doesn’t existing Shellfish Watersheds Program short run, the ball will not go as far two things has to happen: Either an steer away from bills outside those and to promote a relatively new project down the field as we want, but the end already approved project falls off the list priorities. “I like to listen to my providing low-interest loan and grant goal remains the same,” he said. (maybe due to other funding), or more constituents. It’s important for elected monies to help cover the cost of About $4 million of expenses were money has to be allocated, usually officials to know who their boss is,” he repairing failing septic systems. cut during the session in costs of through gas taxes. said. “There were a number of bills I A meeting about the MRA Project will running the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Kilmer said his district has one of the sponsored that came out of calls from be held June 3 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. project — specifically, the final budget highest numbers of military personnel constituents.” at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 19 20 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News COMMUNITY WORKS Submit calendar items to [email protected] • Deadline 17th of the month

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – meeting, or call the Key Senior June 15 – Farmers for the startup market expenses, such as Information Center, 884-9814. insurance, permits, and banners. Bloodmobile Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m.: Elder market pep rally Sunday, June 15, 12- 4 p.m. The bloodmobile will be at Albertson’s, Health and Wellness Services Task Group In support of the local Farmers Market, O’Callahan’s, Key Center 11330 51st Ave NW, on Mondays from Friday, June 27, 10 a.m.: Housing Greg Calahan invites you to an afternoon 12:30-7 p.m. For other dates or locations Options for Aging in Place Task Group of music with drink and food specials in June 20 – Family see the calendar at www.keypennews.com All meetings at Key Center Library; O’Callahans’ Beer Garden. fun night Edie, 884-1205 Contributions and tips will be donated June 4, 11, 18, 25 – Lakebay Community Church presents a Toastmasters meet fun evening of board games, ping-pong, air hockey, and a movie shown on a huge Toastmasters has helped many members Dr. Penrose Guild screen. Bring family, friends and in community service activities. Using the neighbors and a snack to share. Juice, soda speaking and leadership skills developed and an evening of family fun provided. in Toastmasters, people have become Friday, June 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lakebay more active in business, churches, and celebrates 50 years Community Church, 11 Cornwall Road, service and charity organizations. Lakebay, free; Tracy, 851-4123 or church Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Key Center By Colleen Slater, KP News office, 884-3899 Library; Frank, [email protected] Fifty years ago, The Dr. Penrose Guild June 20 – Peacemakers June 6 – Pregnancy of Tacoma Orthopedic Association was host economist class starts born, with a dream to support the health care of the children from the peninsula. Join the Key Peacemakers for a talk by A free Healthy Start to Pregnancy Class Volunteers, whose sole purpose was and Peter Bohmer, who teaches political will be taught by Jennifer Baxter, is to further the interest of Mary Bridge economy at the Evergreen State College. AAHCC, instructor for the Bradley Children’s Hospital and Health Center, He will examine the fractures in the Method® of Natural Childbirth. This dedicate many hours and dollars in Photo courtesy Betty Arns economy such as inequality, recession, class educates families about how project money to see their dream come Group of members in 1982 at LIC. inflation, and personal insecurity nutrition, exercise and birth choices to fruition. Back row, left to right, Shirley regarding housing and the workplaces. impact health of families and babies. Twenty-five charter members began Marietta, Audrey Tritle, Pat Rodine; He will also cover the challenges facing Participants will be able to learn about the local organization in 1958, with front row, left to right, Pauline Finn, Americans, how a fair and healthier relaxation and the coach’s and/or Mary Carlson, Betty Kelly, Valda Beth Dowsby, Margaret Keasler, Peggy economy might be organized, and how doula’s role in birth. Young, and Jayne Palmer serving as Schmidt, Betty Arns, Vickie Hemschel. folks can participate. Friday, June 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Key officers. Their first project was a card Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. Key Center Center Library Conference Room; party at the Key Peninsula Civic Missing documents Library, free; Dory 884-9299. Jennifer, 884-7832 Center, with each member responsible for filling a table. This became an About 30 years of original records, June 21 – Beach walk at June 7 – Orchestra annual event for several years. pictures, and scrapbooks have been Penrose Point performs Smorgasbords, raffles, teas, bazaars, lost or misplaced over the years. If game nights, dessert theater, holiday anyone has such memorabilia, Betty Join the Shellfish Partners’ fourth The Gig Harbor Peninsula Civic wreaths, cookbooks and other projects Arns asks for copies or permission annual guided beach walk at Penrose Orchestra will present the final concert all provided monies to donate to Mary to make copies from them, so the Point State Park. Guided along the low in its season of dance music including Bridge. The group’s annual holiday organization may have a more tide by WDFW’s marine educator, Alan Ravel’s Bolero, Smetena’s Dance of the lunch and auction is a highlight, with complete record of their early years. Rammer, the secret lives of sea stars, Comedians, Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. nimble fingers crafting ornaments and anemones, crab, octopus and more are 1, selections from West Side Story, Leroy other items for sale or auction. Beasley Linnard Penrose, Whitman explored. Afterwards, check out the Anderson’s Sandpaper Ballet and Music One of the most memorable projects College president from 1894 to 1934. Harbor Wild Watch touch tanks and enjoy from Lord of the Dance. was a smorgasbord held at Longbranch He purchased Key Peninsula property a picnic lunch on the park’s beautiful Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m. Peninsula High Improvement Club. As the dinner and established a summer camp for grounds. Registration required. School, free; www.ghpcorchestra.com began, the refrigerator broke down. family and friends near what is now Saturday, June 21, 3 p.m. Penrose Point Quick trips took perishables and ice to Penrose State Park. He encouraged the State Park, free; register, Erin 884-9474 or June 13, 19, 27 – nearby members’ homes and the local establishment of the Longbranch [email protected] Mustard Seed meetings store, and helping husbands ferried Congregational Church, and served as items back to the dinner as needed. summer pastor there. June 22 – Farmers’ Friday, June 13, 10 a.m.: Transportation There are no charter members left, The Guild will hold its celebration Market opens and Mobility for Elders Task Group says Betty Arns, who joined in 1971, and luncheon on June 12. Membership meeting. More volunteer drivers on the claims the longest current membership. numbers about 27, with Diane Cairns as Fresh, local foods are the feature of Key Peninsula are needed. Come to this The Guild was named for Dr. Stephen president. (See EVENTS, Page 21) June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Community Works 21

GET INVOLVED VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Volunteers needed Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful Tracey Wilber Wilber has chaired the Holiday Baskets began enjoying the sport in seventh needs volunteer crews to paint Committee and Fundraising. The grade. Those who know her see her as homes for senior and disabled Tracey Wilber, age holiday baskets entail holding a food “Mother Nature’s child” — she loves all homeowners. Matches between 17, daughter of Breck drive and selecting individual families things in nature and engages in activities houses and crews are made by mid- and Donna Wilber, was with real need during the Thanksgiving that give kindness back to the Earth. June, so contact Sallie E. Shawl born and raised on and Christmas holiday seasons. Wilber’s One such activity is the Adopt-A-Road ASAP at 253-383-3056 x105. Key Peninsula and has favorite event was the Teddy Bear Tip- project, which the Key Peninsula Youth The SAVE Thrift Store, which one younger brother. Off, which involved the collection of Council took on the last two years. WILBER benefits Peninsula HS, needs Her reasons for gently used or new teddy bears for Mary PHS counselor Spencer Iacolucci says volunteers to work regular 3-4 hour volunteering are simple: “You get this Bridge Children’s Hospital. “Making of Tracey, “She is a very humble, very shifts. Tasks vary and training is feeling of accomplishment, the power to Key Peninsula a better place and more positive, awesome young lady.” Wilber provided on site. No experience change and make a difference in the of a place to be proud is reason enough was a nominee earlier this year for the needed. SAVE is open Monday world you live in,” she said. to get involved in projects like these,” KP Lions’ Citizen of the Year award. through Saturday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Wilber is a member of the Key she said. She was accepted to Western 857-2800, Peninsula Youth Council, which Wilber, who is an “A” Honor Roll Washington University, and plans to [email protected] includes 17 youth guided by adviser student and National Honor Society study psychology and to become a social Barb Trotter. The youth council inductee, plays on the PHS volleyball worker. The Key Peninsula Senior Ride participates in a variety of projects. team. Volleyball is her passion and she — Donna Smeall Program needs drivers and the KP Senior Information Center needs information specialists. 884-9814, or ediemorgan@themustardseedproject. Now – Tall Ship org OFF THE KEY Festival tickets Tall Ships® Tacoma 2008 will be held June 4 – Welcome Club June 14 – Flea market July 3-7 along the Foss Waterway. More than 30 historic sailing vessels, JUNE PUBLIC luncheon in Victor including the USCG Eagle, HMS The Gig Harbor Welcome Club hosts a Victor holds its annual flea market Bounty, the Niña and The Lady MEETINGS luncheon buffet, including a speaker with household items, antiques, Washington , have signed up for the Pierce County Council District 6, from the Tall Ships Festival, at collectibles, books, clothing, linens, event. The festival is free, but tickets June 3, 5:30 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall, Canterwood Club at 11:30 a.m. Marcia, furniture, electronics, tools, plants, and are required to tour a vessel or go 6000 Main St. NW 857-5324 great food too. The money raised goes sailing. Special viewing areas and video Fire District 16, June 10 and 24, 3 to the maintenance of building, Boys & tours will be available for visitors in p.m. at Lakebay Fire Station June 11 – Track & field Girl Clubs, and high scholarships. wheelchairs. Tickets range from $10- Key Peninsula Community Council, meets begin Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $60 for adults and kids under 11 are June 18, 7 p.m. at Key Center Library behind Victor Fire Station on Hwy. 302; free with a paid adult. Tickets may be KP Metro Parks, June 9, 7:30 p.m. at Track & field meets for ages 6 to adult Debby, 360-275-1364 purchased online Volunteer Park Annex (some meetings and masters start June 11. Individuals as www.tallshipstacoma.com or at the Tall preceded by a 6:30 p.m. study session) well as teams are welcome. The fee per June 24 – Summer Ships Tacoma Ticket Office in Peninsula School District Board, person per meet is $6 or $35 for a season Sounds at Skansie Freighthouse Square, 2501 E. D St. June 12, 5:30 p.m. (special meeting) pass (7 meets). Discount coupons available from all and June 26, 6:30 p.m. (regular Wednesday, June 11, 5 p.m. Franklin Big Hands Colvin will perform at State Farm insurance agents in the meeting) at the District Office, 14105 Pierce HS, 11002 18th Ave E, Parkland, Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor Puget Sound. 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor fees; 253-798-4177 or from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Listeners should The USCG Eagle, the only active www.piercecountywa.org/parks bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive duty sailing vessel in the U.S. military, Email public meetings to early to the free outdoor concert. will be open for free tours. [email protected].

(From EVENTS, Page 20) O’Callahans’ parking lot; Holly, 884- 1:30-3:30 p.m. Whitmore Room, Civic Sportmen’s Club, 3503 Jackson Lake 3649, or [email protected] Center; RSVP by June 20, 884-5433 Road, Lakebay, $10/person; RSVP by the Key Peninsula Farmers Market. June 20, “Lefty” Dolfin, 884-5767 Seasonal vegetables, fruits, berries, June 25 – Community June 25 &26 – Driving greens, herbs, flowers, fresh baked meeting Course June 28 – KPLC BBQ breads, smoked Alaska salmon, fresh- frozen Copper River salmon, chocolate The Key Peninsula Family Resource The Key Peninsula Sportsmen’s Club The Key Peninsula Lutheran Church confections and more. Center holds its quarterly Community hosts an AARP 55-Alive Driving Review hosts a barbecue with fun, food, music, The outside gates of O’Callahans’ Beer Advisory Meeting with an agenda Course. Participants age 55 and older games and prizes. Tickets available at the Garden will be open with food and drink including “News From Over the Back may receive a discount on car insurance door or call the church. specials and live music entertainment Fence,” “Family Successes” and “Making for attending this course. Saturday, June 28, 1-4 p.m. McColley during market hours. A Difference.” Everyone welcome. Wednesday, June 25 & Thursday, June Hall, corner of Lackey Road and KPH Sundays, June 22 -Sept. 28, 12- 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, KPFRC’s meeting, 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Key Peninsula South. 884-3312 22 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Off the Key 23

liver failure, Faith started acting Saved by Faith: concerned, anxious, displaying odd behavior and being very clingy; all this time Beasley did not understand what was Life-saving dog to be honored on new program happening until she fell out of her wheelchair. Having no verbal commands, By Sharon Hicks, KP News Faith have been on radio talk shows in Faith knew she had to take action and Chicago, South America, Japan, and went to the phone. From there the story uring the recent Pierce County England and on television with Oprah unfolded. Both Faith and Bronson have Sheriff’s Academy that was held Winfrey and Anderson Cooper. Articles training in seizure alert and response and D at the Home fire station have been in Ladies Home Journal; Faith water rescue. Most grand mal victims are through May, one of the popular played a part in Gizmos Tales, a show very sensitive to fluorescent lights so “students” in the class was Faith, who had about and for children. Faith has medical training there as well. made national and international Beasley’s seizures began 13 years Faith, Bronson and Beasley enjoy headlines a few years ago. But Faith didn’t before her grand mal. She had been in camping, fishing, swimming, and tennis get a diploma — she is a Rottweiler who civilian law enforcement when she fell ball throwing; nature walks in the woods came to class to accompany Leana Beasley. down a flight of stairs, hitting her head is a favorite for the two dogs. Bronson is Faith was one of three service dogs during on a skill saw. This caused a brain cyst deaf and blind now so his trips are this academy session, and in June, she and and in 1991 she started having epilepsy limited. They spend a lot of time on the her owner will once again be nationally seizures. Three years later, Beasley had Key Peninsula, where Beasley visits famous, to be featured on a new television another seizure that landed her in the friends often. She plans to eventually show called “Heroes Among Us.” hospital in a coma for two months. She move here. The pair are heading for Hollywood in came out of the coma with irreversible “The most amazing thing is not about June for a black tie ceremony, a Fox lung damage, and could not talk, spell getting through life but getting your life Award honoring them on the show. They or sign her name. back,” Beasley says. “I lost all; now with are allowed to bring a guest each, so Faith is not her first service dog. dogs on top of my world, I’ve gone from Beasley invited her friend, Teresa Cotes Bronson, a Rottweiler-shepherd mix, first grade to college in four years.” of Home, and Cotes’ dog, Kyeuse, a came into her life 15 years ago. He was (“Heroes Among Us” will air on FOX in German shepherd (both of whom were Photo by Rodika Tollefson the first service dog to be trained through June — check local listings for also part of this year’s sheriff’s academy). Leana Beasley with Faith at the Home fire the Prison Pet Partnership Program at date/time.) A Hollywood crew came out in April to station after receiving her community the women’s correctional center in do a reenactment at her home for the academy diploma. Purdy. He won two awards for being show in order for the audience to see just service dog of 1997, and JCP Golden Rule how Faith responds to situations. seizures and went back to Beasley, Award in 1998 with Beasley. Beasley co- The story of Beasley and Faith amazed draping herself across the woman then authored and published a book with the world and hit the media from getting under her to roll her to recovery Stephen Sawicki about how she became Richland, Wash., where Beasley lived at position. She took her nose and pushed disabled and the way Bronson changed the time, making national radio and her owner’s chin up to open the airway, her life. Bronson retired four years ago television coverage in 2004. Beasley (who then licked the fluids away until help and helped train Faith, then together now lives in University Place) went into a came. But the emergency didn’t stop they trained 15-week-old Gabriel. This grand mal seizure when her liver failed to here, as Faith was trained to let only miracle dog has been given the “real hero process her epilepsy medication. Faith uniformed people into the house. She award” for ER rescue by the American went into action without any commands ran back and forth from window to door Red Cross, the first such award given to a and dialed the speed-dial button for 911, until she was sure it was OK to open the nonhuman. barking until the dispatcher knew locked door. Faith has never been trained in liver something was wrong and sent help. Over 3,000 stories were heard from failure so when Beasley became toxic While waiting for the medics, Faith used around the world when the news hit the from medication three days prior to her her medical training for impending wire services, and since then Beasley and grand mal seizure and was going into 24 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News A fast-track look at the law enforcement system

Sheriff’s academy informs, county’s justice system. The “curriculum” chemicals, or the “take no prisoners” educates (even entertains) dipped into topics like domestic violence faces of some gangsters, and hearing real- RODIKA TOLLEFSON (did you know, according to state law, life scenarios of do or die — it was all but KP News someone must always be taken into a taste of why, so many of the presenters At first, the Pierce County Sheriff’s custody in a DV case?), constitutional law emphasized that their top priority every Community Academy sounded like a big (who knew a dry subject could be so day is going home alive. commitment: giving up Wednesday how many goodies you can get cheaply,” fascinating?), the courts system, patrol The visit to the forensics lab was a bust evening for 13 weeks, sometimes even he said. “Public safety is not a spectator’s procedures, narcotics, and on and on. since the presenter apparently got the driving to the other side of the bridge for sport… it ain’t a one way-street,” he said. Some speakers could have gone on for duty dumped into her lap (this was field trips. With three kids and as many He noted Pierce County has one of the hours — and we would have hardly especially unsatisfactory for a CSI show jobs adding up to a 60-hour workweek, I highest crime rates in the state and is one noticed. It wasn’t a PR campaign at all, fan); and we were dealt the didn’t know if it would be worth the time. of the lowest staffed and financed just a sincere desire to share how the disappointment of the century when we But it sounded like a good way to see the (anyone see the connection?). “They system works. learned we wouldn’t drive the police ins of our law enforcement system, and I (sheriff’s deputies and others) don’t have Our hosts through this intensive cruisers (something about Cheney found myself with a group of another 20- enough resources, they don’t have training were Peninsula Detachment’s Stadium’s new owners not interested in plus curious citizens filing into the Key enough time — but they roll up their neighborhood patrol deputies Jake Kreis allowing the sheriff’s free use any more Center fire station on Feb. 20 for the sleeves and somehow do it anyway. They (a Key Pen resident assigned to the Gig — if any Nick Lachey fans are reading beginning of Session 84. have tremendous heart.” Pretty good for Harbor side of the detachment) and Rich this, take notes). But other than that, for The program’s stated purpose is “to a PR pitch. Folden (a Gig Harbor resident working me personally, every evening’s two and a increase understanding between the “You’re going to have a kick,” Pastor the KP). Each is a veteran officer with half hours spent on the academy was well department and the citizens of Pierce promised. I couldn’t wait. more than a decade with the sheriff’s worth the time. County trough education.” In other Over the following weeks, we met a department. During one of the sessions, We wouldn’t stop asking questions words, a PR campaign of sorts, at least on handful of very knowledgeable and Kreis said the deputies have 10 hours of when K-9 trainer Deputy John Munson the surface. friendly professionals, most of them adrenaline ups and downs, but they get talked about his work, and then we got to On the first day, Sheriff Paul Pastor obviously very passionate about their used to it after a while and get numb. By visit with his buddy, Fox, as well as greeted us with a sort of a pep rally that jobs. It was a journey of information the end of the 13 weeks, I understood another officer and his K-9. During a put the academy into context. overload, bizarre stories and even heart- that statement. Seeing a photo of a baby demonstration, Fox, who had been as “Citizenship isn’t Costco. It’s not about tearing images — a crash course into the burned in a bucket of meth-making (See ACADEMY, Page 25) June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 25

(From ACADEMY, Page 24) Getting in on the action friendly as a dog can be, transformed into To learn more about the Pierce a ruthless attacker on command. The County Sheriff’s Community Academy, dogs, who look like ordinary quadrupeds visit www.co.pierce.wa.us. in public, would never attack without the master’s signal, with one exception: “If mom or dad looks in trouble, the dog will at what I can only describe as evil.” come out of the car and take care of the By the time we received our official problem,” Munson said. diplomas on May 14, I had come out Prosecuting Attorney Terry Lane understanding what an incredible job walked us through the reasons why some these guys are doing. Yes, we all complain cases are not prosecuted, and why plea about the slow response time, even no- bargains are so prized. “I may have three shows to minor incidents; and we cases set for trial on any given day,” he sometimes hear local stories about cops said. “If I don’t resolve most of my cases who let their job go to their head. The (through plea bargain), the whole system academy, however, helped us see behind goes to a screeching halt.” Having been the scenes. It’s always easy to criticize subpoenaed to testify in one of his from the sidelines. criminal cases the week or so before, I One of the students may have was connecting the dots. summarized my conclusion when she said Of course, we all loved the field trips. during one class, “After this class, you just The jail was my favorite (how else could Photo by Rodika Tollefson can’t walk away anymore… I’d want to do we law-abiding citizens get to see inside Jim Bassey receives his diploma on May 14 from NPDs Rich Folden and Jake Kreis (not something.” those walls?). We spent time in one of the seen). More photos at www.keypennews.com. Jim Bassey, an ex-police officer from “tanks,” not necessarily mingling with the San Jose, Calif., took the class with his criminal element but pretty darn close more than just dinner. “People [using surprised myself at how quickly I grabbed wife, Lynne-Marie. He had been to a (too close for some people’s comfort). narcotics] are from all walks of life,” said the gun and returned fire (I got him in sheriff’s academy in Gig Harbor two years The visit was an eye opener, a sad Deputy Oliver Hickman. “We’ve go the butt — not lethal, but no doubt as before, with 50 people in the class. He commentary of our society. And as much lawyers, firefighters, teachers — once you effective). For a person who’s only shot a wanted to learn more about his local as I enjoyed visiting and seeing the system get addicted, you’ll do anything to get the gun once (at the range) about a decade community, so he came back for this first-hand, coming out truly felt like an drug, even make it.” ago, it didn’t seemed too bad, even if I year’s KP session. “More people should escape from another world. While we experienced most of the did try to take a coffee break in between be involved. (The academy) is an The 911 dispatch center (called LESA) action from our seats at the Home fire shootings. excellent idea,” he said. “I think it’s lacked drama, as luck drew a slow night station, we did get in on the adrenaline The rest of the students did equally needed now more than ever because for us. But the pre-recorded 911 calls we kick once. At the Marskman in Puyallup, well: Most hit their moving targets dead there’s a loss of respect in police serving heard made up for it. We heard someone every student became cop for five on, reacting swiftly to recognize an the public.” requesting the arrest of a gay man and minutes, using the same hi-tech training ambush. Our shooting reaction and Kreis, who has facilitated two someone concerned about the aliens system officers use. The program uses precision impressed even Kreis. He later academies prior to this one, said this class setting up base (incidentally, not far from simulated video scenarios (easily said we did better than some officers. But has been his most eclectic to date — the mental hospital), among other changed by the instructor) and a the training is not about one-upmanship. three service dogs, media and Safe things. We listened to veteran 911 modified Glock with an infrared laser If our scenarios involved real guns, Streets reps, even a woman in a mobility operator Dave Lovrack describe the beam — a $90,000 videogame system flinching could mean not going home in cart. He said a lot of people are curious forever scream of a woman who just where you can have a suspect put his one piece. about what officers do, or want to see arrived to see a hanging body in her hands in the air by simply shouting at Schmitt’s narrative put the entire where their taxpayers’ money goes. This garage. I decided I could never do that him to do so. (Oh and pointing the gun.) academy in perspective. We were there to is his chance to reach out to people who job, listening to nightmares unfolding in “Firearms training is officer survival learn how the puzzle fits, but also to may only talk to him at traffic stops or real time, trying to keep cool while training. They use firearms when there is understand those men and women out calls, he said. “They get to do things summoning help. “What you hear as a no other way,” instructor Ron Schmitt there putting their lives on the line for us. people don’t get to do (like the field monotone robotic voice is our attempt to said, and warned, “Forget all you’ve seen “We hire humans first and we make trips), and that’s special,” he said. keep you as calm as possible so we can on TV, that’s entertainment. There are a police officers out of them, but they’re The department usually schedules gather information as best as possible,” lot of myths out there, a lot of dangerous still human with all the human three classes each year (fall through he said. “It we spend time consoling and myths… You’ll get an idea of what it’s emotions,” he said. “They have to put spring), and Gig Harbor or Key empathizing, we can’t gather the critical like.” And that we did. The gun recoils those emotions aside (at work) so they Peninsula get a rotation once every year information.” and sounds like a real Glock, and is can still go home at night after seeing or two. It’s unknown whether the The presentation about narcotics was accurate within 1/10th of an inch. horrible things all day long.” program will be impacted in light of far too short — at least for a mother of a Most students’ scenarios turned into Pastor, who returned to present current budget cuts but according to the teenager and a pre-teen, and for shootouts, sometimes with multiple bad “Policing the police” toward the end of program’s coordinator, plans for next residents of this area ripe with meth labs. guys. It seemed real, alright — we had to the course, said people enter the law year will be formulated soon. This information is an absolute keep all our senses sharp to make split- enforcement profession not for the When the academy is back on this side requirement for any parent, and I second decisions. I had a bit of an money, but because they have a Boy Scout of the Narrows Bridge, if you’re strongly recommend for parent groups to airhead moment when, after shooting the or Girl Scout attitude. “We’re ordinary interested in our law enforcement seek out a presenter for your schools. If first bad guy in the knee and watching people called upon to do extraordinary system at work, don’t hesitate to give up nothing else, you could learn how to him flee, I assumed the scenario was over things,” he said. “They see up close and 13 evenings. You may even get a bonus recognize the red flags in their children and put my gun down. Suddenly, the personal the worse of what people do to — I hear the cruiser driving session may or how to tell if a neighbor’s cooking “victim” lying on the grown fired at me. I each other. There are times when we look be back. 26 History www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

The Vaughn Bay Cemetery Association Pioneer cemeteries of organized in 1915 as Bay View Cemetery Association, but changed names when officially incorporated in 1958, as a the Key Peninsula Bayview cemetery already existed in Washington. Charter officers, all buried By Colleen Slater, KP News donated one acre for the cemetery, with in the cemetery, include Frank Bill, another acre purchased later. The county Matthew Bliss, Charles Lackey, Syble Seven pioneer cemeteries exist on the needed 10 feet from the south side of the Palmer, and B. B. Sampson. Ella Maxwell Key Peninsula. The Evangelical Lutheran cemetery for a road, so the association sold five acres for $5 to Robert Irwin in Trinity Church started in 1889 with eight deeded 10 feet back to Olson, who 1894 to be used as a cemetery. Irwin, a acres donated by four men — Messrs. promptly deeded 10 feet on the north pharmacist, postmaster, and justice of the Hopfensity, Johnson, Kruger, and Simon, side to the cemetery. The first Board of peace, laid out plots and sold the property who each gave two acres. The first Control included S. L. Doolittle, William to the association for $125 in 1915. Mrs. recorded burial appears to be Evalt Sipple and Charles Wyatt, all buried Irwin took care of burials, but refused to Martin Krause in 1896, who died at about there, plus Harry Meyer. L. E. Olson, and let a Civil War veteran, Anson McClain, be Photo by Colleen Slater 8 years of age. W. R. Thrapp. buried there because he didn’t have the The Creviston stone at the Lakebay Daffodils still bloom on the grounds, The Victor cemetery was set up about $1 cost required. Henry Hansen insisted Cemetery is inscribed “Pioneers.” “Sarah which became overgrown after the 1910 on land donated by Peder G. his family had donated the land for a Bradshaw Creviston came with her church was no longer used and eventually Pederson, who is buried there. The cemetery, was angered, and had McClain parents around the horn in 1855 in the burned. State tax collectors wanted back earliest burial listed is Gertrude Laura buried on his own adjacent land. USS Decatur.William J. Creviston crossed taxes paid, so community donations were Nelson, who was about 15 when she died Lyman Freeborn covered the burial the plains in 1850. He was an Indian made, and the Key Peninsula Lutheran in 1916. costs of a Mr. Holbrook — thought to be fighter and fought in the war of 1856. Church came to be overseer. The Lakebay Cemetery incorporated in a victim of cattle rustlers — after he was Sarah and William Creviston were the first The oldest grave at Minter cemetery, 1914, with 10 previous burials on land found at Rocky Bay with his head bashed settlers at Lake Bay and so named that on land donated by the Moss family, is bought from the Thompson family for in by a rock. community. Sarah B. Creviston was the Effie Eddington in 1892. Only three $1. The property had been previously In 1920, Joseph Heiman gave land for first teacher on the peninsula.” other graves are known to exist there. It is owned by Henry Tiedeman. The first the Home cemetery to Home Grange now overgrown and without a caretaker. officers included E. H. Delano, H. No. 701. The Grange sold it for $1 to The Longbranch Cemetery Association Dadisman, Mrs. H. S. Reed, and Mrs. H. Peninsula Social Club for a cemetery. now meanders past one of the remaining was organized in 1905. Anders Olson Burke. Nine burials are recorded there. A trail headstones. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com History 27 Memories of Key Peninsula railroads By Rick Sorrels Special to KP News

Not only does Key Peninsula have a history of private airports, but a number of private railroads have also made a profitable home on the KP. One such railroad was owned and operated by the Rainier Logging Camp from about 1900 through about 1930. At least one Key Peninsula resident still retains those memories. Helen Skahan’s grandparents moved Photo courtesy KP Historical Soceity from Nebraska to the KP in 1905 with six Upper Sound Logging Co. locomotive kids in tow. They purchased a large tract works near Vaughn in 1919.The company of land where Ravensara, Charboneau, operated from 1914-1919 at the upper and Windermere (formerly Brookside end of the peninsula.The tracks ran from Restaurant) are now located. They built a near Carney Lake to the head of Vaughn large house that stood on the hill on the Bay.The railroad grade can still be north side of Little Minter Creek, back identified on some private property. behind Brookside. Skahan’s father was employed at Rainier community of Minter with Elgin. “Minter Logging; he told her stories about his life didn’t have any businesses, only a few before her birth in 1918. “My father was houses on land located farther south. working on a steam donkey when it blew Minter was named after early settlers up, causing a great deal of damage. He Minnie and Theodore Minter,” she said. was so shook up that he couldn’t go back “Minter was built on land originally to work for weeks,” she said. owned by Smythe, another early settler. Steam donkeys were very large The fish hatchery was built on Smythe stationary steam engines with large land...You can still see the grade where pulleys to reel in chain or cable over long the train tracks ran down the east side of distances to drag in felled trees to a the creek. I wouldn’t be surprised if some location where they could be transported of the rails and ties could still be found.” to a mill, usually by water. Early trees on (Her first husband, Burton, was the the peninsula were huge. Steam donkeys superintendent at the hatchery until his had their limit on how far the cables and death in 1942. chain could run, so a number of small “When the Depression hit in 1929, the railroads were constructed across the KP. price of timber dropped, and it wasn’t The donkeys would drag the logs to the cost-effective anymore for Rainier to hire railroad, the railroad would transport the the tug boats to transport the long string logs to a dock or saltwater inlet. of rafts (that contained the logs) from According to Skahan, “Rainier had a Elgin to the mills on the Tacoma tideflats,” large logging camp about where Skahan said. “About that same time, I Powerline Road and 188th Avenue are can’t remember the year, somebody forgot now located. The Rainier Railroad started to set the brake on the train engine and it up past where Glenwood School is rolled a long distance down the hill and located (miles north of the Kitsap County jumped the tracks right into the water line) up by Port Orchard, and ran down down by the Elgin dock. They got the 118th, continued south past Ravensara, engine back out of the water. I just can’t and down the eastside of Minter Creek to remember if it went back into service after a dock at the community of Elgin (where that, or if that was the end of the railroad.” the fish hatchery is now located).” With the railroad and the logging “Not much of anything is left of Elgin. company gone, Elgin went into decline. But it used to have a dock, grocery store, No businesses remain today, but Skahan feed store, school, post office, and a gas still thrives in her lifelong home across the station where you had to pump a lever by street from Ravensara. It is the house with hand to fill your tank. Elgin was our all of the carefully tended beautiful flowers community center,” she said. right next to State Route 302. She’s been She said some people confuse the there longer than the road has. 28 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News FD-16 STATS Key Peninsula Fire fire. Arriving units found power lines arching outside the residence, causing Department rescue calls some damage to the vegetation near the house. No one was injured and Peninsula April 15: Paramedics and firefighters Light restored power. responded to a vehicle–pedestrian May 3: Firefighters and medics accident after a dump truck reportedly responded to a three-car collision at the ran over a 10-year-old child in the Lake west end of the Purdy Spit on SR-302. No Minterwood community. The boy was injuries were reported. taken by ambulance to a landing zone in Gig Harbor and then flown to a Seattle May 4: EMTs and paramedics hospital by Airlift NW. responded to a collision between two bicyclists participating in the annual bike April 20: Firefighters and paramedics race in the Longbranch area. Two patients responded to an elderly male patient were treated and one was transported to thrown from his horse. The man was a hospital. Photo by Hugh McMillan transported to a Tacoma hospital for Key Peninsula firefighter/Paramedics Kaci Sun, with chainsaw, and Chris Hagen open the treatment of possible spinal injuries. May 7: A tree fell onto an occupied truck in the Lake Holiday community, wall of a Palmer Lake residence to check for extension of a wall fire blamed on faulty April 21: Fire personnel responded to a causing serious injuries to the passenger. wiring at the end of April. No injuries were reported; the home was decorated for the report of fuel leaking from a vehicle at the The patient was injured when a logger 13th birthday party of the owners’ son that was to take place that day. Home Post Office. Poorly connected fuel topped a section of the tree, causing it to Department and quickly formulated a plan May 14: Firefighters responded to a lines received temporary repairs by fall onto the pickup truck he was riding in. of action. The man was placed in a life report of a burn complaint in the Wauna firefighters. The fuel spill was picked up The driver was uninjured although the jacket as citizens and firefighters using an absorbent material and disposed passenger was rushed to a Tacoma area. Light wispy smoke was visible when attempted to free his legs. The inbound of properly. hospital for care. they arrived to find a homeowner burning tide was rising fast and was near his April 30: Firefighters responded to a yard debris. The fire was found in May 8: An elderly man was digging for shoulders when the fireboat arrived. Using residential building for two separate fires compliance with burn regulations and no clams when he became stuck in the a 1-1/2 inch fire hose connected to the in the same day, both the result of action was taken. muddy tide flats about 1,000 feet from fire pump on the fireboat, firefighters improper wiring and overloaded circuits. shore at Penrose Park. By the time pushed a piercing nozzle into the mud Damage was limited to a wall and some rescuers arrived, he had sunk down to his near the man’s feet and floated his feet personal belongings. knees and the tide was coming in. out of the loose sand. The man was May 2: Firefighters responded to a Battalion Chief Hal Wolverton requested treated for hypothermia and transported to home on Vaughn Bay for a possible house the fireboat from Anderson Island Fire a hospital. No other injuries were reported.

supervisor of the Home Gribble won Best Film in a 72-hour film and Longbranch fire competition at the Grand Cinema in BRIEFS stations; and Brent Tacoma. Their five-minute film, titled “An Adams, member since Army of Two,” is about two brothers who news January 2007, will be set out on a journey only to stumble on to KPFD promotes volunteers assigned to the Wauna trouble. The film stars Nathan and Noah fire station. Gribble, Minter Creek Elementary The Key Peninsula Volunteer lieutenants REEVES students, and Peninsula High graduate Fire Department supervise volunteer Brandon Sawaya; it is set in Point Defiance promoted four of its personnel assigned to and was written, directed, shot and edited members to the the stations. They handle by Scott Gribble. The film competed volunteer rank of training, performance against 29 others and had to contain four lieutenant. Fire Chief eval-uations, and elements including a fortune cooking and Tom Lique said that Saul monitor performance of the line “I feel like I’ve been here before.” Wolverton, member WOLVERTON members. They can also and blowing bubbles. since March 2004, will be serve as “first due” The Gribbles are Key Peninsula assigned to the Key incident commanders, ADAMS residents since 2004 and founders of Center fire station; Dean who are on the first Wonderdog Media, a production company Junell, member since arriving engine; they also take a role within located in Wauna, with additional studio June 2004, will be the command structure on extended space in Tacoma. Scott was recently assigned to the Wright- incidents. selected as the director of photography for Bliss station; Eddie the feature film “Keep Your Day Job, Reeves, member since KP filmmakers win awards Superstar,” filming in Seattle. He is also a January 2006, will be volunteer firefighter with the Key JUNELL assigned as the volunteer Local Filmmakers Scott and Olga Peninsula Fire Department. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com People & Lifestyles 29

The Key Singers are a group of Key Key Singers turn 10 Penners from all walks of life.

instrument and the capacity,” McColley Group founded on said. “We still have some of the same people, but some come and go. Over the a dream and a dare years, some were needed to be in the ‘heavenly chorus.’ We have not grown By Irene Torres, KP News dramatically, but stayed within the range of 20 to 30 members.” Someone once told Jo Sturm, “There’s The Singers “are always hoping to have not all that much talent on the Key an influx of sopranos, altos, tenors and Peninsula.” For Sturm, that was reason basses.” Several new people recently Photo by Karina enough to prove that person wrong, so joined the group, who welcomes “anyone Whitmarsh she founded the Key Singers 10 years ago. who can carry a tune, plink on a banjo, On May 18, the Key Singers presented and play clarinet or piano.” Everyone in the group has some perform at a variety of events, including a concert titled “A Decade of Song” and “They don’t have to read music,” church affiliation, so many of the songs the annual Memorial Day celebration at invited Sturm, now living in Spokane, to McColley said. “It’s a lot of fun. We hope are spiritual; but they also perform Vaughn Cemetery, the Key Center tree join them in celebration of their decade it’s listenable and entertaining.” many popular songs and Broadway hits, lighting, and the Old Timers’ Day; and as an organization. Marianne McColley, President Kathy Herold, a “lady tenor,” like “Hello Dolly!,” “Cabaret” and at nursing homes like Cottesmore, the Key Singers director and a charter sometimes wears a fake moustache when “Kids.” Ranging in age from teenagers Manor Care, and Maple Creek. This member, said, “One of the best the group sings “Ragtime Cowboy Joe” to 92, performers in the group hold two June, the group will have an extensive community efforts is that of singing. because there aren’t enough men’s formal concerts each year. One funds a music program at Relay for Life at There is a leveling effect when people get voices. Herold told the KP News, “Music scholarship to a musically inclined KP Goodman Middle School in Gig Harbor. together and sing.” McColley, a longtime is everything. It’s such a great outlet, such student attending Peninsula High Vaughn resident Colleen Slater, who music teacher, said, “The international — an enhancement to life…We are a close- School; it also purchases music, which has been singing with the group for six maybe galactic — mode of knit group. We care about each other.” McColley said is “extraordinarily or seven years, said, “Music has always communication is the language of She said the group holds no tryouts or priced.” The other is the annual concert been an important part of my life, and music.” additions. “We do this for the community. for donations to the food bank at to find this group to sing and become The group started meeting at Strum’s We sing for people who appreciate it,” Christmas. The Key Singers also friends with is a special gift.” Her church in Longbranch. “It had the she said. husband, Frank, added, “We’re a social group with a common interest.” (The Slaters are both KP News volunteer staff members.) At the May concert, Sturm presented her solo rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — one of her favorites — accompanied by her friend, original Key Singers piano accompanist Ann Craven, co-founder of the group. Sturm expressed her sentiments about the Key Singers, saying, in part: “[A community chorus] was a dream that I carried for many years. A door opened. And I found that dreams can come true with the help of others. All I had to do was walk through the door.” 30 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

(From ROSS, Page 1) Ross Bischoff in his rhubarb volunteer firefighter with the Key garden in June 2005. Peninsula Fire Department, and was filed out and returned to duty. interviewed for the department’s added The Last Alarm is a traditional commissioner position this year. ceremony reserved for firefighters and is In 1981, Bischoff was one of two who only used when the family is comfortable survived a primary election for fire including it as part of the memorial. “In commissioner but did little to win the working with the family, they felt that it general election. On meeting the would be appropriate,” said Fire Chief person who won the election, he asked, Tom Lique whose father, Earl, served as a “Do you smoke?” He then explained he responder with Bischoff in the 1970s. knew that the other two commissioners The sea of parked vehicles smoked, as did the chief, and that he surrounding the Key Peninsula figured he would live at least 10 years Lutheran Church were evidence of the longer by staying out of the smoke- love and esteem in which Bischoff was charged commissioners’ meetings, so he held by his many friends, neighbors, and decided not to really seek the office. family members. The community leader, Neighbor Lori Deacon Boll, who was a who was friend and helper to so many, student of Bischoff’s at Peninsula High lost his battle with cancer on April 29. School years ago, said, “He was the best An estimated 250 people attended his teacher I ever had. He made me feel I celebration of life. The services were could accomplish things that I might not conducted by Malon in the church that even have attempted without his Bischoff was instrumental in designing encouragement.” and building; he was a charter member Bischoff was an honorary member of there. The sanctuary was festooned with the Stillaguamish Tribe. Shawn Yanity, quilted and paper swarms of butterflies chairman of the Stillaguamish Tribe and in memory of Bischoff’s annual Easter tribal fisheries manager, presented release of hundreds of the winged Larson a ceremonial blanket. He beauties. explained, “In our culture, gifting is an Following services, those who had important part of our ceremonies and come to honor him gathered in the custom. Blankets are one of the gifts that church’s McColley Hall, where are special. We wrap blankets on loved memories of Bischoff’s life were shared ones, guests, leaders, witnesses called at Photo by Mindi LaRose over refreshments. ceremonies, or honoring someone. Last “The Key Peninsula has lost a great fresh cider bearing Bischoff’s Lakebay beasts. “Their mink farming days came year, at my parents’ annual barbecue, I pioneer and a hands-on worker who did Farm label. Their cider, honey, jams, during the mid- to late-‘80s and I can’t wanted to share our culture and all he could to better serve his friends jellies, and pies were coveted by many imagine any of the neighbors along Hoff language of the Stillaguamish with the and neighbors in the community,” said who snatched them up at farmers Road not remembering the awful smell guests. I also wanted to honor Ross for friend Andy Isaksen. markets, the Key Peninsula Community the mink produced,” said his daughter, his friendship, leadership, and as a very Always ready to serve, Bischoff was Fair, the Renaissance Faire, and the Carol Bischoff Larson. respected elder. I spoke of my elected to the Key Peninsula Parks and Peninsula High School annual Bischoff gave his time as a volunteer appreciation for his help keeping me in Recreation District’s Board of WinterFest. They conducted tours of the with several organizations, among them school and graduating, his kindness, his Commissioners and, when that body was press room for students from Evergreen his church, the Peninsula High School’s love to teach. He helped me get replaced by the current Key Peninsula Elementary and every kid left with a free Future Farmers of America, the 4-H, Key interested in fisheries, where I have Metro Parks District, was again elected bottle of freshly squeezed cider. Peninsula Business Association, the worked for several years.” commissioner. For a time, they raised mink on their Renaissance Faire, and was involved with Yanity held the blanket and said, “I He and his wife, Joyce, who died in property on Hoff Road and earned the a number of local farmers markets. He wanted to honor him and wrap him in 2005, had a cider press in a building on displeasure of some neighbors, who was a moving force in the creation of the this blanket. The blanket is medicine Hoff Road in Home where they created were not pleased with the odor of the Gig Harbor Farmers Market, served as a for him.” June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 31 32 Key Pen Authors www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News A story about canine heroes

Local author shares ‘My Heroes Have memory. Always Been Dogs’ Dixon wasn’t ready for another dog, but heartwarming adventures Brenda felt he should have one to ease the Dick Dixon will read from his new pain. One year, their daughter, Evelyn, By Sharon Hicks, KP News book at Borders Books in Gig Harbor came home for Christmas carrying a on June 7, 1-3 p.m. He will have a shopping bag and asked her dad to hold it Key Pen’s Richard (a.k.a. “Dick”) Dixon book signing later this summer at while she removed her coat. As he took it is a gentle and incredible man of courage Mostly Books in downtown Gig Harbor. from her, the bag moved and out came the who has had at least a dozen dogs since head of a small, furry Golden Retriever childhood. Five of them were so hard decision of leaving Snake in Vietnam, with a red ribbon around her neck. It was extraordinary that he felt compelled to feeling the canine belonged with the team. love at first sight with this little AKC puppy, write a book about them. His book, “My On a sunny afternoon in 1970, Dixon soon named Chloe. Chloe would Heroes Have Always Been Dogs,” was was fishing near the Nisqually River when eventually become queen of Key recently released by PublishAmerica. he felt some eyes peeking at him through Peninsula, where Dick and Brenda moved Dixon, who has been through the the bushes. Slowly, a small ball of fur came in 2000. (He and Chris had built two jungles of Vietnam with two of those dogs, toward him, all skin and bones with ribs homes together in Lakebay.) Chloe is one started writing the book for his children. showing. He was named The Bummer on of the five heroes portrayed in the book. His wife, Brenda, urged him to find a the spot. After taking him home, Dixon Dixon has been retired for two years publisher. The book is tearful, sad, funny, discovered that Bummer was part- from a civilian career. Today he loves to go but very heartwarming for dog lovers and malamute and some wolf. Not finding an for walks with gentle Chloe and she in anyone else. owner, he took the dog in, helping him return eagerly waits for a car door to open Little Joe, a registered German heal and grow to 120 pounds. so she can go for a ride. He is currently vice shepherd, was born in Okinawa, Japan. Photo by Karina Whitmarsh Dixon was reassigned to Alaska in 1972 president for the Lakebay Improvement Dixon was commissioned as a second Dick Dixon with Chloe, his current faithful so he took his son, Chris, and Bummer and Club and keeps active in community affairs lieutenant from the University of companion and one of his heroes. drove the Al-Can Highway in record cold, — but his heart and memories will always Washington in 1961 and assigned to encountering exciting and memorable be with Little Joe, The Bummer, Snake, Okinawa in 1964. Little Joe was born at the experiences along the way. For three years, and The Raj. same time and soon became part of the became a major and schooled for another he made several transfers and in 1979, Dixon family for security purposes. year before being sent back to Vietnam as back in Alaska, was promoted to lieutenant Numerous times he saved them from the leader of an advisory team. The work colonel. He eventually moved to break-ins by house invaders. When Dixon was near Cambodia, in 2,500 square miles Minnesota, which became Bummer’s final was permanently assigned to Vietnam for of mountains and jungle. Here, Dixon resting ground. combat duties, his family had to return to befriended a dog called Snake, who at one After 20 years in the Army, Dixon went to the States, forcing Brenda to turn Little Joe time tripped a mine and barely survived. Fort Bragg and made 300 parachute jumps over to the Army for volunteer K-9 duty. Together, the two encountered and on his 50th birthday; he retired with Some months later, Dixon was watching a survived many dangerous and harrowing several top honors in 1985. Upon moving dog disembark from a helicopter and missions on land and in the air. Snake won to Tacoma, he acquired a dog from a recognized him as Little Joe. That was the an air medal for flying in combat. This friend whose AKC bred dog had just had a last time Dixon saw his companion, as intelligent dog was also very sensitive to the litter. The family named him Tacoma’s Little Joe and his trainer disappeared into enemy and would react when one was near. Proud Maharaja, or The Raj for short. Raj the jungle. He later learned that a dog This saved his master’s life several times. was a very regal pal and received a blue fitting Little Joe’s description had been Once Snake took on and fought off a tiger ribbon at age 1. He lived to be 14, buried killed in action. about to attack Dixon, saving his life once on Vashon Island, where the family moved, The author returned stateside in 1968, again. Dixon eventually had to make the with a rhododendron on his grave in his June 2008 • www.keypennews.com Key Pen Authors 33 After the world ends… Key Pen author tells story of surviving as WWII refugee

By Rodika Tollefson, KP News ‘Elonja’ Imagine a young girl who, at 7, has The book is available for sale at had to flee massacres by hiding in potato The world has come to some Gig Harbor bookstores and fields and listening to others’ scream an end, at least as far online at www.amazon.com. Author from torture. Yes, she survives — but as we knew. Elonja Blocker welcomes invitations to only to see her world turned upside “ speak to groups, and may be reached down and six years later to evacuate, in — Elonja Blocker at 857-4687. the dead of winter, while fleeing an enemy army known for raping and pillaging everywhere it went. Imagine children (two of whom are in the Gig this teenager watching babies freeze to Harbor area), five grandchildren and death while she walks for days with little one grand-grandson. She says writing food; witnessing firebombing from afar the book meant giving them their and knowing they would have been in by German soldiers, “shouting for joy.” It history and their roots. But once the the carnage had their train been on recounts the life of a newly arrived book was published, she saw its potential time; or walking through a devastated immigrant on U.S. soil, her loss” of her interest to other people. “The book has town filled with bodies and limbs. husband after 51 years of marriage, and lessons of survival when everything If you can picture some of that terror, her lifelong search for God. around you falls apart, when according you have a glimpse of Elonja Blocker’s Blocker, a 76-year-old Key Pen to your life’s securities, life has come to childhood. resident, was urged to write her story by an end,” she said. She said those lessons “The world has come to an end, at her children. But even after 60-plus still resonate true today, with all the least as far as we knew,” Blocker writes in years, it was a painful memory. “I didn’t current wars and terrorist threats her recently published memoir titled think I could dive into that,” she says. around the world. Photo by Mindi LaRose “Elonja.” “My granddaughter said, ‘You owe us Blocker and her late husband, Lee, Elonja Blocker holds her book, “Elonja,” The short book follows Blocker, born as this story.’… The emotional part was moved to the Key Pen about 10 years ago and a green tapestry, which is, to date, a German in Poland, as she and her more difficult than remembering (the when they couldn’t sell the home of the only surviving physical item from her family escape from ethnic cleansing, the events)… Things that are life-changing, their daughter, who moved to Italy. The childhood, and is mentioned in the book. brutal Russian Army and the terrors of you don’t forget them.” move is described in the book, along The tapestry was purchased by her World War II, and on to their trip to The themes of faith and God weave with her life after moving to America. mother when Elonja was 10 or 11 in a America. The book, which does start out like a red thread throughout the book. “We were a class below in Poland and Jewish “ghetto” in Warsaw from a Jewish a bit slow but becomes more gripping as “I’m a very committed Christian… The a class below in Germany. When we family selling personal items for food. the story unfolds, tells the story from a older I get, the more I blossom and [my came to America, we were equal,” she Neither Elonja nor her mother knew at possibly not so politically correct angle — purpose] becomes clearer,” she says. says. “I am, for the first time, at home — the time what “ghetto” even meant. her refugee group was eventually rescued Blocker’s family includes three adult I’m a very passionate American.” New book features Mosquito Fleet

By Colleen Slater, KP News mainly sailed the southern reaches of Retired Tugboat Association, Puget Sound, from Olympia to Seattle, comprised of people who own tugboats The “Mosquito Fleet” that swarmed Case and Carr inlets, and Vashon- retired from active duty. Many of the over the waters of Puget Sound for Maury Island. photographs used in this pictorial more than 50 years included boats of Photos and stories include the boats history of the famous mosquito fleet less than 40 feet, up to nearly 300 feet. Bernston, Elder, Harriman, Lorenz come from his own collection. Steam-powered stern-wheelers, side- and Sipple, as well as many of the boats Findlay, a Vashon Island resident, wheelers, and propeller boats, that serviced Key Peninsula residents retired school teacher and author of delivering whatever needed to be and the communities where they genealogical and birding articles, was moved by water, comprised the stopped. Jon Robin Paterson, a responsible for much of the text. “lifeblood of the community and collector of maritime history, and Jean The Mosquito Fleet book is commerce that launched the Pacific Cammon Findlay, a journalist, teamed published by Arcadia Publishing, the Northwest.” up to write the book. country’s foremost publisher of The recently released book Paterson, of Gig Harbor, a former pictorial histories. Arcadia is also the “Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Pierce County sheriff’s deputy, owns publisher of “Anderson Island” and Sound” chronicles those vessels that the tugboat “Joe” and works with the “Key Peninsula” books. 34 Arts & Recreation www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News Ex-attorney embraces adventure into art

By Jerry Libstaff dyeing wool, weaving clothes, creating schedule includes creating art books that tapestries and producing beautiful rag she binds with natural materials. Britta Brones is one of the most prolific rugs. She paints in acrylic watercolor and Since October, Brones has dedicated artists on the Key homemade natural inks. In addition, her time to a 12-month project that Peninsula. Her Brones makes silver jewelry, leaves of captures the seasons. She creates daily entire home is copper and art from peeled branches drawings using acrylics, watercolors, dedicated to her art. that she combines with her other colored pencils, markers and a Several rooms are creations. She makes stenciled art from homemade ink from mushrooms. She studios devoted to nature and carves blocks for printing on says, “Every day, I draw a simple picture of specific media. both paper and fabric. She says, “Nature nature.” On the back of each drawing, Paintings and is my main source of inspiration for the she conveys her feelings about the piece. tapestries adorn prints: trees, leaves, birds and flowers.” At the end of each month, she binds the every wall in the There is also a large collection of photos work into books with different covers in home she and her The Genuine she has taken. Much of her work features the same format. Six books have been husband have ARTicle water scenes. completed thus far in the series. painstakingly built. Photo by Jerry Libstaff In addition to her many other projects, When Brones talks of her art, a About 39 years ago, Brones, an attorney Britta Brones is versed in a variety of Brones is a published writer. She and a radiance surrounds her. Her love of from Sweden, met Norman, an exchange art media. sister were contracted to do a book in nature is apparent in everything she does student from the United States. Two years Sweden titled “Väva Kläder” or “Weave as she points to a favorite quote that later, they married and moved to his “We actually dug the foundation of our Clothes.” The book highlights their inspired one of her remarkable family home on the Key Peninsula to be first house by hand.” Her multistory clothing designs. As Brones was about to paintings, “Art is a glass bottom boat over near nature and the mountains. Her home started as a 20-foot by 24-foot give birth to her daughter, much of the the subconscious.” She says, “I love doing husband’s uncle, who owned the local cabin. clothing didn’t fit her, so a third sister it all, but in the end, it’s the process more hardware store, is honored for the Six months after arriving, Brones modeled for the book, although Brones than the result that thrills me.” After a donation of the property where the Key attended a weaving class and became is featured on a few pages. thought, she continues, “I am so lucky, Center Library stands. Here, they found enamored by artistic creation. Over the She says, “I love to write and I do what just think, I could have been a lawyer in their ideal piece of property and years, she has become extremely well I can in my spare time,” but she finds Sweden instead of this amazing continued their adventure. Brones says, versed in several media, spinning and there is limited spare time. Her busy adventure I am on!” June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 35

(From FIRE, Page 1) From left to right, Fire District 16 water- departments; fire departments from rescue drill participants McNeil Island, Browns Point, Anderson Saul Wolverton, Mike Island and South King; Pierce County Riegal,Tim Davis, Hal Sheriff’s Department; Puyallup Tribal Wolverton, Zack Police and USGS. Planning took a good Johnson,Tony Carr, six months, with more and more agencies Robert Fisher, with Gig jumping on board. Harbor’s Scott Brown Eight water rescue technicians from on the right. See action FD-16 participated in the drill, which photo online at included practicing rescue of www.keypennews.com. unconscious and conscious victims and transferring them to a boat. Photo by Karina Whitmarsh After receiving some instructional time, the rescuers watched each other fun and a bit …well, tight. “I didn’t know rescue — and that’s what this drill helped perform the rescues. “We learned new the basket was actually that small,” he says. improve. One result of the drill planning techniques the other agencies are using,” “It was like being in a rainstorm, with was getting linked into marine channel says Tim Davis, an FD-16 firefighter who pellets hitting you in the face. It was great 21A, which will serve as the Puget Sound participated in the drill. to feel that, so you know what it’s like.” marine search and rescue channel. “It’s a They took turns playing the victim. The exercise was designed to help the much more effective communication Later in the day, some also got to be agencies work better together and be aware tools and use of resources in the long “rescued” by the Coast Guard in a basket of each other’s resources. Some already run,” he says. that was lowered from the helicopter, as respond to the same rescue operations, and The drill was funded through a teammates stood in the water nearby to this gave them the opportunity to learn Homeland Security training grant get a taste of what it’s like to have a who all the players are countywide and spearheaded by Browns Point Fire chopper blasting air and water at them. develop an element of trust. “The best part District. Asked how successful this event “It’s like being in a hurricane,” Davis was the chance to meet all the different was, Browns Point Assistant Chief Cliff says. “The wash is kicking up the wave, and agencies that may be responding to a South McCollum, who served as the you can’t breathe.” FD-16 firefighter Tony Sound event,” Carr says. operations chief for the drill, says, “It Carr drew the short straw to play victim, Allen says the district’s accident showed was fabulous. Turnout was excellent. It whisked up in th basket, which he found communication is a major point of a met all our goals, plus.” 36 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 37

(From ECONOMY, Page 1) year ago, things started slowing down,” he wet weather, along with the price of gas, he said, mentioning marketing said. “I think it (business) will build back has been bad for yard sales,” said Ann techniques of three-day and one-day sales word as a national economic storm that up when consumer confidence builds Larson, Key Peninsula resident and Angel and “Hot Buys.” He was uncertain delivered its punch unevenly in South back up. It all works in cycles. I think the Guild volunteer since 2000. As an Angel whether the opening of Costco had Sound. “That storm has most severely hit weather is going to change things, too.” Guild worker, she has observed that “the affected his stores. “We are exhausting all businesses with high energy costs or close Weather is a major factor on business at downturn of the economy has been good avenues to get special deals and pass them ties to the home-building industry. Other Sunnycrest Nursery, according to co- for the thrift stores.” on. Just to spark people to stay on the businesses say they have yet to see a major owner Claudia Loy. When she was asked Receipts are also up for Key Center’s peninsula,” Bonds said. change in the economic weather,” he about recession and the Key Peninsula, pub and grill, O’Callahan’s. The regulars Business is on the upswing at the Lake wrote. she said, “I feel that it’s seasonal. Once the are still coming in, and gambling is Kathryn pharmacy, Cost Less Yahoo News reported that NBER (the sun comes out, we’re so busy, we can’t actually up, reports owner Greg Calahan. Prescriptions. Pharmacy owner Don National Bureau of Economic Research, a keep up. My concern is the cost of fuel. When he was asked about the cold, wet, Zimmerman credits the gas price nonprofit research organization), which How expensive will it get? It’s not what I’d weather factor, he replied, “Bad weather? increases and the fact they have “the typically declares start and end dates for call a recession. I think it’s inflation from I don’t really see it in my business here. lowest prices in the state of Washington” U.S. recessions, has not officially declared fuel (costs).” Loy doesn’t see her business I’ve seen a change but I attribute it to for keeping people on the peninsula and the country in a recession. But, the as providing basic needs. “We are a luxury other things.” He attributes changes in his supporting his business. “Last week was president of the NBER group, Martin business. Life will go on without it. We are food item sales to the new “restaurant on the most prescriptions ever filled in the Feldstein, said he personally believes the not the grocery where you buy bread and the hill (Roadside).” store,” Zimmerman said, referring to the economy has been sliding into a recession milk. I don’t see the recession — not at Calahan says his business requires quick first full week of May. “It was the busiest since December or January. this juncture. But if the fuel prices rise, we business adjustments, regarding labor number of prescriptions in 38 years.” Not finding the answer in those news will feel it — (then) we are all going to and food, on a monthly basis. In early When asked about recession and the sources, the KP News turned to some local have to make major cutbacks. What’s May, the pub was overstaffed but the extra Key Peninsula, Zimmerman shared the businesses for a recession analysis. bothering me is the weather. (It) has to staff was needed because of two major views of some of his customers in real Are businesses on the Key Peninsula warm up,” she said. changes for the business, the addition of estate sales who feel that Gig Harbor experiencing a recession? When the weather is cold, the sweaters the beer garden and a new agreement to and the Peninsula area have been hit The questioning began by asking the go quicker at Children’s Home manage the Beach Hut. He believes the less hard than many areas of the nation. local Key Center bank. A written Society/Key Peninsula Family Resource success of Key Peninsula economy He has seen the effects of a housing response from Sound Credit Union CFO Center, reported Program Manager Jud depends on businesses supporting one recession from his son’s personal Russ Gowrylow stated, “We have Morris. He said he had an interesting another and community patronage. experience last year, but his observed a moderate slowing in the pace conversation recently, at the KP Livable “There’s opportunity all over this place. philosophical approach to handling of loan growth, both consumer (auto) Community Fair, with an employee of the It’s how the community, as a whole, takes recession is different from the norm. “I and real estate. Along with that, we are electric company and was told, “This has care of business — or not,” he said. advertise more in recession,” he said. beginning to see the impact of rising been one of the coldest quarters in a long, This year, Peninsula Market reduced its “Some (owners) cut back, cut hours, prices due to a small increase in the long time.” “Usage is down. People are store numbers on the Key Peninsula from don’t pay raises. I go ahead with number and amount of loans being paid turning the thermostat down and putting three to two. The Bridgeway Market in increases. A lot of nice people work late. On the positive side, we are on more clothing,” he quoted. Purdy was sold to a new private owner, here. And the community has accepted experiencing great interest in our It is Morris’ view that while some people John Lee, on April 4. The store is being us here. There’s so many doggone nice certificate product offerings, since are lowering their thermostats for remodeled and the food service has people (involved). We’re just thankful members are keen to lock-in higher environmental concerns, it is not a changed from barbecue to teriyaki and for the support of the community.” rates on risk free investments.” philosophical question for others. “They Chinese takeout and dine-in. Recession is defined in the New Since some news reports said home- can’t afford to be warm,” he said. “It’s Plans for a new building and parking lot Webster’s Dictionary as a period of building businesses are being hit hard heat or eat.” at the Key Center Peninsula Market are reduced trade or business. When KP economically in South Sound, the The CHS served more clients this year waiting on the slow process of county News asked, “Are businesses on the Key question was addressed to Birch Electric than last year. “People are suffering approval. “We have our plans. The plans Peninsula experiencing a recession?” owner Kevin Canavan. It is his opinion more. They have less money. They have have been submitted. But as far as all the the eight businesses answering gave a that the Key Peninsula has been pretty more needs. A year ago gas was $3 now legalities — it takes so long with the split decision. Energy costs (gasoline lucky economically and he believes that it’s $3.85 in mid-May. Bread, milk, flour, county,” Operations Manager Kip Bonds and utilities) and residential financing the bottom has been reached on the and rice [prices have] gone up. All these told KP News. It is a new experience for were named as common culprits in the slowdown. “Once we get past the election, things that are essential for people to Bonds to go establish a grocery store from economic downturn. Seven of the eight and the interest rates stay low, we will live on have gone up. They must buy the ground up. “I’m excited. We need it. businesses offered a positive prognosis move on,” he said. less,” Morris said. The community needs it,” he said. for the near future. Fifty percent of the Canavan said that while residential Key Peninsula residents can buy more The first couple of months of this year KP businesses blamed the recession work experienced some decline this year, for less at the Angel Guild. One Angel were real tough for the Peninsula Market, trend of the last few months on the commercial jobs were up. “We are not as Guild volunteer included weather as an according to Bonds. “People just didn’t cold, wet, Northwest winter rather than bustling and busy as we were. Probably a economic factor for their sales. “The lousy have extra money. We try to be proactive,” the economic weather. card here. Put your business Call 253-884-4699. 38 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

Call 253-884-3456 or ~ Just $2.95 a line CLASSIFIEDS [email protected]

Window Washing Handmade jewelry, bookmarks, and more! LOST: Wedding ring at Volunteer Park on & Yard Work Special requests are accepted. 5/20. Please call 853-1928. Reward! Hard worker – Non Smoker Support your local artist: CM Designs No questions asked. Jake Towey (253) 459-5140 http://1337art.etsy.com

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WATKINS PRODUCTS are available, Lavender Plants Sale - APPLEBY PLUMBING & DRAIN call Marvin and Myrtle Keizur at Sat, May 31 & Sun, June 1 9AM-4PM - Service, Repairs, and Remodels, 884-3566. VISA/MC $6/gal, $4/small pots • 884-1201 - Hot Water Tanks. 253-884-9827 12008 138th Ave KPN, close to Shell station Good housekeeper looking for more work. Debbie’s Office Aide $15.00/hr. Refs. 253-884-9738. Key Peninsula Law Bookkeeping and Proofreading Services: Merry A. Kogut, Managing Attorney 253-884-6622 (253) 884-8484; [email protected] HOME FEED & GROCERY 1809 KPN, Home. 884-2321. Brought to you by Jennifer Baxter, AAHCC, Open 8 AM - 10 PM. For Sale NordicTrack C1900 Treadmill with Instructor for Bradley Method® Classes Holidays 10 AM - 6 PM hi/lo fans. 2003. 10 mph. Internal and Starting in June on Sundays. Classes are for internet programs. $300. Excellent Aug / Sept Due Dates. Classes include condition. 253-884-0777 pregnancy exercises, nutrition, coach ROOM TO THINK: Professional office in preparation, choices in childbirth, ect. Accept renovated historic building. 245 sf- $395 DSHS, Medicad and Flex Pay Opts For Teen mo. STORAGE AVAILABLE TOO. Excellent housecleaning $12.00 an hour. Moms, Singles, Married Couples. 12 wks - The LANDING, Key Center, 253-857-7259 References. 253-884-7916.VV 30-36 hours of total class time. Contact Jennifer Baxter 253-884-7832 or [email protected] for more info To place a classified, call 253-884-4699 or email [email protected]. card here. Put your business Call 253-884-4699. June 2008 • www.keypennews.com 39 Place your business card in this advertising directory. Call 253-884-4699. 40 www.keypennews.com • Key Peninsula News

Some of the state’s top riders competing in Out & About the Washington To see more Out & About photos, visit our Website at www.keypennews.com and State follow the Photo Gallery link. See more of your neighbors out and about, Key Peninsula scenes Championships and happenings.The online gallery features only Website exclusive photos! for Men and Women on KP Highway in Lonbgranch.

Photo by Danna Webster

Key Peninsula residents (right to left) Aiden Krug-Norem, Max Norton, Cannon Norton and Mason Hyde get excited and dance to the music at the Peninsula Athletic Association’s Mother-Son Mac Stewart stands in his front yard where he Dance at the and his family hosted the Second Annual Sam Best Western Stewart “Hug Fest.”The event was sponsored Wesley Inn in by the Stewart family in memory of 14-year- Gig Harbor old Sam, who two years ago lost his battle May 10. with leukemia. A photo of Sam and his younger brother, Joe, can be seen on the right Photo by side of the photo. The money raised will go September Hyde toward a PHS scholarship and to purchase a game system for Mary Bridge or the Children’s Oncology Clinic where Sam spent some time during his illness. Donations can still be made to The Friends of Sam Scholarship Fund c/o Peninsula Seahawks, P.O. Box 283, Wauna, WA 98395. Insert: Balloons are delivered for the “balloon release.” Photos by Mindi LaRose

The length some people go to harvest the succulent and reportedly delicious geoducks.This Port Orchard family had a good time at a Longbranch beach.

Photo courtesy Mark Runions

In May, Key Peninsula Middle School honored Students of the Month (for March and April) with a brunch sponsored by the PTSA. The students pictured here were nominated by teachers and honored for their “Positive Attitude and Effort.” Each student received a pin, bookmark and a Certificate as seen in the photo. Two new hard- back books are also donated to the school’s library with each Student of the Month’s name printed on the inside cover. Photo by Mindi LaRose