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

POSTAL CUSTOMER

www.keypennews.org THE AWARD-WINNING VOICE OF THE KEY PENINSULA December 2020 Vol. 47 No. 12 Key Medical Center Plans for New Owner Dr. Roes isn’t going anywhere, but after nearly 30 years he is handing over the reins. TED OLINGER, KP NEWS

The doctor’s office on the hill above Key Center, where generations of Key Peninsula families have received medical care, is about to have new management. Dr. William Roes opened Key Medical Center in 1993. Community Health Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical provider based in Tacoma, is preparing to buy the practice and take charge. “We are on target to purchase the clinic and be ready to go by Jan. 1,” said Corey Hatfield, the CHC assistant medical director. “That’s still kind of up in the air a little bit. We’re going to be doing some improvements.” The new name will be Community Looking SW toward Rocky Bay and Case Inlet. Anthony Gibbons Health Care Key Medical Clinic. The current employees will all be invited to apply for the same jobs at the new clinic. Rocky Creek Preserve Expands by 150 Acres “We’re anticipating that the staff that is The land trust adds to its portfolio of protection. there will be the existing staff when we MATTHEW DEAN, KP NEWS through the property, with a focus on giving “Steelhead trout and chinook have been take it over,” Hatfield said. “Our inten- underserved populations a chance to expe- recorded in Rocky Creek by the Washington tion is to continue along the same lines The Great Peninsula Conservancy has rience nature. Department of Fish and Wildlife. That just of the good work that Dr. Roes and Dean acquired 150 acres of land in the Rocky The 150 acres were purchased from makes it all the more important. There’s (Shriner) have been doing all this time, Creek area for long-term protection and an out-of-state property owner for very few individuals of those species left, and to partner up with the other folks conservation, one of the largest acquisi- $900,000. GPC began negotiating and and so in order to protect them, we really that are out there.” tions in its history. securing funding about three years ago. have to protect their habitat,” Daniel said. William Roes, M.D., and Dean Shriner, The new acreage will expand the existing The conservancy The larger A.R.N.P., F.N.P. have been familiar fixtures 34-acre Rocky Creek Preserve downstream received roughly “STEELHEAD TROUT AND CHINOOK contiguous space on the KP for more than 40 years. and around the adjacent estuary. half the funding HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN supports wild- “Dean has been here since 1978,” Roes GPC plans to develop a system of from Pierce ROCKY CREEK BY THE WASHINGTON life in a different said. “I came in ’79 as a resident in training walking trails on the property to aid moni- County Conser- DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND way than smaller CONTINUED PAGE 3 toring and make the property accessible vation Futures, WILDLIFE. THAT JUST MAKES IT parcels. Daniel Dr. Roes at work. Lisa Bryan, KP News for recreation. Public access will likely be a program that ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT.” noted the tendency possible by the summer of 2022. The prop- offers grants to of unwanted erty will mostly be left as-is, although some groups doing conservation work within species to occupy “edge” spaces such as non-native forest sections will be cleared the bounds of the county. property boundaries and cleared areas near and replaced, according to GPC Executive According to Daniel, the taxpay- roads and power lines. Director Nathan Daniel. er-funded financial incentives encour- “You have a lot more edge on a smaller “It’s good for us to go in there and do aged GPC to prioritize acquisitions inside parcel as compared to interior space. From some selective harvesting of the timber,” Pierce County. The remaining balance a management perspective, it’s really nice he said. “The money that we’ll receive off was supplied by the state Recreation and to have a healthy, mature forest that’s that will go right back into the property to Conservation Board and private donors shaded and has a lot of diversity in the buy new, different species that are native to Max and Janet Laudeman. interior,” he said. this area. You can really do a lot to improve The Rocky Creek area was a priority for Once initial restoration and trail construc- the quality of the habitat by using good GPC because of the creek’s importance tion is complete, GPC intends to allow forest management techniques.” as a salmon habitat, and the chance to put the property to develop naturally. GPC After the trail system is complete, GPC a large amount of ecologically significant members will visit periodically to make also intends to run tours and nature walks shoreline into conservancy. CONTINUED PAGE 3 2 www.keypennews.org December 2020

BE KIND. BE PATIENT. BE SAFE. Here’s What I Think About That LISA BRYAN, (D) by about 1.5%. A stronger showing temptation and spending Thanksgiving EXECUTIVE EDITOR statewide for Reykdal resulted in his gatherings and the coming holidays reelection by nearly 10 points. Espi- indoors with people we love. The 2020 election was a mixed bag noza won on the KP It helps to know for Key Peninsula voters of all persua- by 104 votes out of we are not alone. I 253-884-4699 sions. We all got something but none 6,064 cast. am intimately familiar www.keypennews.org of us got everything we wanted. Referendum 90 with the descent into www.facebook.com/KeyPenNews Nationwide, over 80 million eligible asked voters to seasonal depression, [email protected] voters cast their votes for Joseph R. approve or reject no matter how hard I PO Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394 Biden Jr. to become the 46th Presi- Senate Bill 5395, try to capture a piece dent of the United States and Kamala requiring school of the joyful spirit the : Lisa Bryan EXECUTIVE EDITOR D. Harris to become the first woman districts to adopt or holidays appear to ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Ted Olinger elected Vice President in the nation’s develop age-appro- give everyone else. history, in this 100-year anniversary of priate comprehensive The very best gift STAFF CONTRIBUTORS: Krisa Bruemmer, Matthew Dean, Caleb Galbreath, women’s suffrage. sexual health educa- you can deliver people Joseph Pentheroudakis, Chris Rurik, Had the decision been left to us, out tion in K-12 public this season is a simple of 6,956 ballots from the KP, Donald J. Dave Stave, Sara Thompson schools. Of the 6,849 votes cast in KP phone call or card. Trust me here, few Trump and Michael R. Pence would have precincts, we rejected the referendum by things feel as good as hearing or reading STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Richard Miller won a second term by a slim margin of 52.16%. Pierce County voters approved the words “You matter. You make a differ- CONTRIBUTORS: Meredith Browand, 62 votes. the referendum by 52.85%, which grew ence in my life and here’s how…” Dan Clouse, Lynn Larson, Dan The incumbent presidential ticket did to a 57.82% approval rate statewide. Thank you, each and every one of Whitmarsh, Carolyn Wiley not fare as well in the rest of Pierce (See “Ref. 90 To Repeal Sex Education you who support the work of the Key County, earning only 42.61% of votes on Nov. Ballot,” KP News, Oct. 2020.) Peninsula News. Your emails, words of CALENDAR EDITOR: Stefanie Warren to Biden’s 53.76%. Statewide, Wash- In a clean sweep across all six precincts, encouragement and critical feedback [email protected] ington voters pushed the Biden-Harris KP voters helped deliver decisive wins give us all the strength to carry on in SOCIAL MEDIA: Joseph Pentheroudakis win to 57.97% with only 38.77% going for local Republican incumbents. Pierce the worst of times. to Trump-Pence. WEB EDITOR: Caleb Galbreath County Executive Bruce Dammeier won The coming holidays will be very If votes from the Key Peninsula alone a second term. In the 26th Legislative different for everyone. Be kind. Be OPERATIONS MANAGER /DESIGN EDITOR: decided Washington’s gubernatorial District, State Rep. Michelle Caldier patient. Be safe. Be together in spirit. Tim Heitzman race, newcomer Loren Culp would and Rep. Jesse Young will both return Celebrate people this year with words BOOKKEEPER: Linda Grubaugh become governor of Washington state. to Olympia to serve another two-year that make a difference. KP voters chose Culp across all six voting term in the House of Representatives. AD SALES: Deanna Hunter precincts, capturing 54% of our votes. Final election results were certified by [email protected] Goodness, Gracious. The majority in Pierce County voted counties in Washington Nov. 24. Wash- DISTRIBUTION: James Allyn, Phil Bauer, otherwise, which helped give Gov. Jay ington Secretary of State Kim Wyman (R), Mother said it wasn't polite Anna Brones, Norm Brones, Inslee a rare third term. Inslee won the who also won re-election, will certify the to brag, but we are so Bill Dietz, Bruce Macdonald, Jay county vote with a modest victory of state’s 2020 election results Dec. 3. The proud of your support: Stewart, Bob Wilkins 51.68% over Culp, who received 47.95%, results are due before the Dec. 14 meeting PUBLISHING BOARD: Sara Thompson, with write-ins splitting the remains. of the Electoral College. Any challenges 2020 will set a new record president, Bruce Macdonald, Jeff Statewide results widened the spread to the vote must be resolved by Dec. 8. for contributions! We've Minch, John Nichols, Bob Wilkins and Inslee was reelected by well over More money was spent on this elec- received 363 donations this half a million votes, ending with 56.56% tion than any prior, with conservative UNDERWRITTEN WITH SUPPORT FROM: of the state vote to Culp’s 43.12%. estimates upwards of $14 billion. year, 225 in November alone. The Angel Guild In the Sixth Congressional District, But the ultimate cost is the erosion of We are grateful for the which has not sent a Republican to civility, in my opinion, nurturing contempt NewsMatch/Miami Foundation generosity and support of Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Congress since the election of Thor C. and disrespect even between friends. Tollefson in 1963, Rep. Derek Kilmer And don’t kid yourself. We need those your independent, nonprofit Member WNPA and INN (D) won re-election against challenger relationships, including those that chal- community newspaper. Copyright 2020 Key Peninsula News, all rights Elizabeth Kreiselmaier (R). In Pierce lenge us to move beyond the idea that reserved. Financially and editorially indepen- County, Kilmer won over 65% of votes agreement on every issue is a require- Every dollar helps dent, KP News is mailed at no charge to Key to his opponent’s 34.43%. But in the ment for friendship to exist and thrive. Peninsula residents and is available at local make it better. merchants. Support your newspaper: The KP precincts, the race looked much There is light at the end of the nonprofit KP News is made possible by adver- different, with Kilmer taking only 50.86% pandemic tunnel in the form of safe keypennews.org tisers, donors and subscribers; annual subscrip- to Kreiselmaier’s 48.96%. and effective vaccination against the tions are $30 for first class mail delivery. Share It's not too late to add In a locally tight race for Washington ravages of COVID-19, but we’re not your thoughts: Send community information, your name to the growing concerns or complaints. Signed letters to the State Superintendent of Public Instruc- there yet. Public health experts warn editor published as space allows, include daytime tion, voters from the KP and Pierce the potential for continued surges in contributor list of friends phone number. KP News reserves the right to County preferred challenger Maia Espi- viral spread is expected to worsen in the edit all submissions. Deadline 15th of month. and neighbors. noza (R) over incumbent Chris Reykdal weeks ahead, after our succumbing to December 2020 www.keypennews.org 3

CLINIC FROM PAGE 1 Lakebay Marina from Tacoma Family Medicine.” Dean Shriner, and then we’re adding a Sale Resurrected In 1981, Roes and Shriner started pediatrician one day a week to start with,” working together at the KP Community Hatfield said. “We’re looking at having a The latest chapter in the ongoing drama Health Center, a nonprofit that evolved family practice with OB, a behavioral health of Lakebay Marina brings new life to the from a volunteer clinic started at the Long- consultant, and we’re doing renovations to dream of preserving shared history and branch Community Church in 1974. Roes set up a small pharmacy on site.” boating opportunities for generations. began a three-year “Eventually we’re commitment there “I DON’T SEE MYSELF RETIRING going to want to LISA BRYAN, KP NEWS under the National FROM MEDICINE.” add dental care, Health Service although that’s a The Recreational Boaters Association Corp. to pay for his medical school tuition nut that we haven’t really cracked yet,” of Washington and its nonprofit Marine in exchange for working in an underserved Sondker said. “But one thing about Park Conservancy announced Nov. 7 that community. Community Health Care, if you are on the original purchase and sale agreement “When I completed that, I worked Medicaid, you can come to any of our with Lakebay Marina owner Mark Scott another three years as an employee of clinics if you’re willing to drive across has been extended at the previously agreed the health center, and they sold me the the (Narrows) bridge and get the care price of $1.24 million, plus $25,000 in cash practice,” Roes said. “Dean and I were you need. And since we provide for unin- and $25,000 deposited into escrow. The here; we were going to take care of the sured on a sliding scale based on income new deadline for closing is Sept. 30, 2021. community. That was just sort of the and family size, that goes for all services, Scott reached out to MPC President Bob mindset we had.” including dental.” Wise in the early morning hours of Election Roes built a new facility on the hill above Hatfield also said CHC is “more than Day, Nov. 3, offering a one-year extension Key Center and moved the practice there willing” to partner with The Mustard under terms the organization offered in Great Peninsula Conservancy in 1993. Seed Project in caring for residents of September before the original deal expired. ROCKY CREEK FROM PAGE 1 “I’ve been up here in this building for its assisted living campus, which is slated With the extension in place, RBAW imme- observations and ensure the property is not nearly 30 years trying to attract a partner,” to begin construction just up the road diately reached out to the Washington State being damaged or abused by trespassers. he said. “There isn’t an appetite for risk in from the clinic by mid-2021. Recreation and Conservation Office and the The lack of barriers and observable property young physicians and part of that is because “Our goal is to be a resource so people Department of Natural Resources. lines means GPC will depend on neighbors they come out with such a debt load.” don’t have to hurt every day,” Sondker said. “We had been working feverishly with and the public to help keep the property The practice serves about 3,500 patients, “Our job is to provide care to the commu- those two agencies on a ‘Boating Facili- pristine and undisturbed. “We’ve spoken the most they can afford according to Roes. nity, not to limit it to a certain patient popu- ties Program’ grant application that was with the neighbors in the Rocky Creek “I’ll be 70 in December,” he said. “I love lation or a certain insurance population. to have been submitted by DNR,” said area, and we’ve had really good responses. what I do and I You need care, just Doug Levy, the state lobbyist for RBAW They’re really good people, and I think want to keep doing “OUR JOB IS TO PROVIDE CARE TO come and get it.” and MPC. “That effort is now back on they’re happy to know the land’s going to it for a while, but I THE COMMUNITY, NOT TO LIMIT IT “Because we’re track and DNR will be the official appli- be protected,” Daniel said. need to have a plan. TO A CERTAIN PATIENT POPULATION a full-spectrum cant for BFP funding.” Norm McLoughlin of Vaughn told KP “We’ve been OR A CERTAIN INSURANCE family practice we DNR, RBAW and MPC made a presen- News he applauds GPC for purchasing talking with the POPULATION. YOU NEED CARE, get to see every- tation Nov. 17 to a technical evaluation the upstream properties. He has lived on community clinics JUST COME AND GET IT.” thing from birth to committee for boating facilities. Levy said Rocky Bay for 40 years and knows it well. and much of what geriatric,” Hatfield they received good advice and pointers for “When I first arrived, I was amazed at the they do is what we do with a focus on said. “I’m a physician’s assistant myself the application as they move to finalize number of salmon jumping in the bay –– serving low income,” he said. “The federal and I’ve been here for 19 years, and one it for January. it seemed like one every few minutes,” he government supports them, especially for of the draws is I get to see a great deal If successful, the grant would provide said. “We could almost get them to jump Medicaid. For us, that’s the lowest paying; of different types of individuals… We funding for the acquisition cost in addition into our rowboat.” for them, it’s a great deal.” work very hard trying to take care of all to planning for the improvements, phasing Decades later, McLoughlin volunteered Community Health Care is a recognized their social needs too, in conjunction with and permitting of the site over the next few as a stream monitor for the Pierce County Federally Qualified Health Center that a lot of other entities in Pierce County. years. The terms of the application stipu- Conservation District testing the east fork receives funds from the Health Resources Being part of the community itself and late that RBAW and MPC would deed their of Rocky Creek and Winter Creek. and Services Administration to provide the services we provide not only for adults, ownership of Lakebay Marina to DNR and “Over the years the runs have diminished primary care services in underserved areas. but for children, those with HIV, those work with them on the planning effort, but significantly even though in 2002 there It has been in business for 51 years and with hepatitis, those folks that are home- Levy said the most logical owner may be were over 2,000 chum recorded moving served 49,000 patients in 2019 at its five less and maybe have some drug addic- Washington State Parks. upstream,” he said. “The state and the clinics in the greater Tacoma area. Key tion problems or something like that, we “As crushed as we felt at the end of conservancy are wise to take the oppor- Center would be the sixth. provide services for those folks as well. September is as elated as we feel here in tunity to help restore the salmon runs in Russ Sondker, the CHC marketing and For me, it’s fulfilling.” mid-November,” Levy said. “Talk about a Rocky Creek.” development manager, estimated there are Roes intends to stay on the job for at wonderful, rich, maritime history –– I don’t GPC is a private land trust that manages about 5,000 Medicaid patients on the KP. least another year, “and perhaps signifi- know how you find anything more treasured properties in Pierce, Kitsap and Mason He said that adding two or more providers cantly longer than that,” he said. than Lakebay and that’s what drew us to it. counties. Acquisitions and conservation to the new clinic could provide care for an “I want to serve these people better. I “With a little bit of help and funding, to easements are funded through member additional 1,000 patients. “One thing we try want to offer more services. I’d like to be able to save it and give it to the public donations and state and local grants. Other to do is reduce barriers to care and one of spend a little more time at the beach. I’d as something that belongs to them forever- GPC-managed properties on the peninsula our strategies is to provide as many services like to do a little writing. A little trav- more –– that’s really, really appealing to us.” include Filucy Bay Preserve, Taylor Bay as possible at our clinic site for that.” eling. I don’t see myself retiring from Scott did not respond to a request for Park and Devil’s Head Wildlife Refuge. n “As it stands, there’s going to be Dr. Roes, medicine.” n comment. n 4 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Veteran PSD bus drivers Louise Wick (left) and Dee Hendrix await kindergartners and first-graders from Evergreen. Lisa Bryan, KP News PSD School Opening Plans Continue on a Rocky Course Balancing the benefits of in-person teaching and the risk of spreading infections makes decisions difficult. SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS above 200 in Kitsap County. Eatonville private schools will make the final deci- sions are made, it does not drive decisions.” resumed distance learning and other sion. They do not need a waiver, variance At least 100 school superintendents If there is one certainty about deciding districts, including White River in Pierce or written permission.” across the state, representing 40 percent how or if to open schools to students in County and South and Central Kitsap, TPCHD announced a pilot corona- of the districts, asked Gov. Jay Inslee to the midst of a pandemic, it is this: Nothing delayed plans to welcome students back virus testing program Oct. 28 to allow sign an executive order protecting them is certain. The experience of the Peninsula to the buildings. smaller rural school districts to continue from COVID-related lawsuits. PSD is not School District has been no exception. At the PSD board meeting Oct. 22, their reopening a part of that group. “Things are so fluid and so dynamic. We Superintendent Art Jarvis and board plans. The $7.8 “OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO At press time one have never done this before and neither has members debated the merits of guidance million pilot is PROVIDE THE BEST LEARNING person at Purdy anyone else. We are trying to be nimble,” from TPCHD on returning to virtual classes. funded by a Pierce EXPERIENCE WHILE KEEPING Elementary tested said Assistant Superintendent Dan Gregory. Gregory said the thought of sending K-1 County grant from STUDENTS AND STAFF SAFE.” positive (because Within one week in October, as students home, given the success of the federal CARES Act of privacy issues COVID-19 infection rates rose, so did experience for both teachers and students, funding. Testing will not replace masks, Gregory could not disclose whether it was confusion. Plans to cancel K-1 in-person was especially painful. Jarvis noted that the distancing and hand washing, which have a staff member or a student). It was deter- classes were announced and then reversed; department’s decision was based on trying proven to be critical in infection control. mined that the infection source was not at plans to expand in-person classes for to keep people safe, but board members “We hope this project will help keep Purdy and there were no further cases at the second graders were took a more stri- students and staff safer when schools school. He reported a similar outcome with put on hold. After a “THINGS ARE SO FLUID AND SO dent tone. Vice make the decision to reopen — and reduce cases earlier identified at Peninsula High few days of dueling DYNAMIC. WE HAVE NEVER President David the overall spread of COVID-19 in our School. PSD has added a dashboard with press releases, PSD DONE THIS BEFORE AND Olson said, “I communities. Rural areas can face greater an infection report to its website. and the Taco- NEITHER HAS ANYONE ELSE. WE honestly don’t challenges in accessing testing but are well There is growing evidence that chil- ma-Pierce County ARE TRYING TO BE NIMBLE.” think (TPCHD suited for this pilot,” Chen said. dren 10 and under are less vulnerable to Health Department Director Much is yet to be determined about the serious COVID-19 infections and are less announced that PSD will participate in a Anthony Chen) cares. It’s his way or the pilot — who gets tested, how often, which likely to spread disease to others. A study pilot program designed to use coronavirus highway.” Board President Deborah Krish- tests are used and where they are done — from the Washington State Department of testing as a tool to allow safe reopening. nadasan gave out Chen’s phone number and and the pilots will be tailored to each district. Health indicated that schools opening in PSD opened its doors to kindergartners encouraged parents to lobby him directly. Dale Phelps, TPCHD COVID-19 commu- regions with moderate infection rates and and first graders Sept. 28 — the only district Chen used his authority in August to nications supervisor, said they hope it will following guidelines that include masks, in Pierce County other than Eatonville to require all schools to open using distance be operational this calendar year. Gregory social distancing and hand washing can do so. COVID-19 infection rates were learning based on the TPCHD assessment said that PSD has created a stakeholders do so safely. below the state-defined moderate level of that opening to in-person learning posed task force with parents, certificated and At a recent news conference Lacy 25 to 75 new cases per 100,000 averaged a public health threat. But he explicitly non-certificated staff, and principals and Fehrenbach, Washington State deputy over two weeks. There were no outbreaks informed school leaders later that final is serving as a conduit to ensure that the secretary of health for COVID-19 associated with the in-person classes. decisions about opening classrooms were stakeholders and the TPCHD understand response, said that infection rates for Then, as had been predicted by public for them to make. each other’s goals and concerns. school staff reflect the rates in the health professionals across the nation, In a public statement, TPCHD said, “We “Our primary goal is to provide the best community, but that they are lower for the infection rate rose in October and continue to closely watch the case rate and learning experience while keeping students children. The state continues to evaluate November — at press time it was over other metrics to determine our school and staff safe,” Gregory said. “Although data, including looking at thresholds that 200 and rising in Pierce County and was recommendations. The school districts and liability must always be considered as deci- will inform future recommendations. n December 2020 www.keypennews.org 5

LEARN ABOUT OUR MATCHING BENEFACTORS AT NEWSMATCH.ORG

We all love our Key Peninsula News.

Producing the KP it in our mailbox. The wonderful News takes more coverage of local personalities than money. It takes and accomplishments, the human talent, perseverance, interest articles, along with local generosity and time. The history coverage are just the Best,” writers, photographers, editors, from Virginia Seely. production artists, sales and office There’s still time to add to the people all love what we are doing. applause and accolades. It’s not what you might expect NewsMatch will match personal from a little rural newspaper. donations received in December. But we’re hearing that it’s not NewsMatch doubles the impact only expected, it’s encouraged. of your support of independent We’ve seen comments from local news. It magnifies your readers like Dawn Rickey: gift and supports our mission “Congrats on all the awards! Very of providing free, unbiased and much deserved. Thank you independent news to everyone so much for providing us living on the Key Peninsula. with the best newspaper.” Mail your check in the And Susan Schwartz says: handy green envelope “Thanks! Keep up the good work.” or give online at Or “Truly, KP News is our favorite keypennews.org. Your donations newspaper—we read every page make the paper possible. Your and always look forward to finding comments make it worthwhile.

CHARGE IT! GIVE ONLINE AT KEYPENNEWS.ORG 6 www.keypennews.org December 2020 PENINSULA VIEWS and power are left outside in the cold. company. Its lack of support was damaging tance app assigned a tow truck driver from This is further glory: Those who know the image of the local dealer, as well as Olympia — only 12 miles away (if you are Dan Whitmarsh their need will be filled, while those who, its own. For good measure I cited stat- a bird) –– and GPS led the driver to a spot WRITING BY FAITH out of fear and desperation cling to false utes requiring manufacturers to have parts about 4 miles off target. It took several gods of security, are invited to let go of available for 10 years after production and chats to redirect him to the long gravel road the charade and finally find true peace. the car in question had a few years to go. leading to our newly refrigerated rural home. A Christmas In these dark days, I long for the comfort And that is how I met Valerie, the voice We had just seen the tow truck off and I Memory of a warm holiday dinner with family and from the big corporate office in the sky. was thinking how nice it would be to renew It’s the early 1990s and we’ve gathered friends. I look forward to rich conversations She called weekly for another five weeks my contact with Brett when the phone rang. for dinner at Grandma’s house. Adults are with people from across the full spectrum to say the parts were on order and would It was an automated caller telling me that talking in the kitchen while the teenagers of life. I pray we can all do our part by be available ASAP. our new refrigerator would be delivered lounge in the back room, debating whether staying engaged, listening with humility, After 10 weeks the parts were located. the next day and I should call the store if there’s a Walkman amongst the presents repenting the quest for unhealthy power, The repairs took less than a day. The car there was a problem. under the tree. Somewhere, there’s a record and yes, even wearing masks so we’re all came home. I perceived a problem. player spinning carols by Andy Williams. still here when this is over. Meanwhile, friendship blossomed on Getting past the automation and into The Gulf War is over, Communism On behalf of the Church on the KP, I another front. a new cycle of hold music and finally a is dead, and the American economy is wish you a Christmas filled with joy, laughter, Days after the brake failure, David walked non-robot voice used up a good chunk of booming. The future looks bright. Mostly, love and peace and, if you’re so lucky, a plate into the kitchen and discovered the tell- time: It was too late to stop delivery. If we I’m looking forward to a home-cooked of yams, preferably without marshmallows. tale puddle that alerted us to the death of were not at home the new fridge would be meal after months of bad college food. Award-winning columnist Dan Whitmarsh the freezer. left on the porch. My grandfather, a lifelong Republican, is pastor at Lakebay Community Church. Armed with sketches and measurements Luckily, the delivery guys had no better said grace and we dug in. I piled my plate of our cabinetry layout, off we went to the luck finding us than the tow truck driver and with Mom’s green bean casserole, ham, and big box store to search for the right-sized delivery of a third new fridge was stayed. yams without marshmallows (because that’s Carolyn Wiley fridge. We discovered, much to our surprise, If COVID-19 confinement has you a travesty). My uncle, who we suspected that modern refrigerators have outgrown feeling lonely and bored and your options DEVIL’S HEAD DIARY was a Democrat, opened the sparkling cider our kitchen. After several stops we found for making new friends are limited, your and passed it around. one that would fit the space, and it would stuff is too new. My parents, who leaned conservative, be available at the end of December — four Award-winning humorist Carolyn Wiley lives told us about the Christmas Eve service Pandemic Distractions months and several holidays away. At the in Longbranch. at church. I, who was slowly moving left As I entered the early stages of rest- fourth big box, an identical one was located thanks to a university education, shared the less boredom, our modern conveniences that could be delivered before Thanksgiving. details of my upcoming band tour. conspired to provide distraction. Minor A helpful employee then remembered that Lynn Larson In short, we dined, we laughed, we told amusements were provided by the DIY a same-make fridge had been returned to STEPPING BACK stories, we gave gifts, and then, late that restoration of the coffee grinder, a favorite the warehouse. She took off with measure- evening, as another Christmas faded into chainsaw, the TV remote, a sewing machine ments in hand, and reported that “Yes it was history, we drove home in the warm glow and other malfunctioning amenities. there and it can be delivered within a week.” A Hatful of Gold — of familial love. When Googled info was inadequate, It arrived the following Sunday after- The Medicine Creek Treaty Will we ever experience moments like that time was devoted to helpline contact. noon. Unfortunately, the measurements Runners spread throughout southern again? When the danger of pandemic fades, Each required a series of calls and robotic she verified were only for the box, not the Puget Sound, inviting headmen from the will we gather with family and friends from options, none of which addressed my needs, hinges and convex doors. Still, the ever so villages on the Nisqually and Puyallup Rivers, across political, religious and social divides? followed by pseudo-soothing music. For me pleasant young men who delivered and the Key Peninsula and the southern inlets, As people grow ever-more segregated over “hold” became an exemplification of the installed it took on the task and would during this rainy season 166 years ago. not just political beliefs but the nature of socially distant state of mind. The result, not be stayed “from completion of their The territorial governor, Isaac I. Stevens, truth itself, will we be able to share happy once human contact was made, was pleasant, appointed rounds.” assisted by George Gibbs, a lawyer and moments with those who believe, live and helpful, brief, and worth the wait. They hauled out the old and installed the ethnologist, and Michael Simmons, the vote differently? In mid-August I entered into more new. Just one teensy problem, it stuck out first American settler on Puget Sound and At the heart of it, the Christmas story is meaningful and lasting acquaintances. My about 12 inches, and although we didn’t appointed Indian Agent, was under pres- about Jesus leaving the comfort of home husband David was off on a “can’t-live-an- have to turn sideways to walk between sure from Congress to open up the lands for a foreign land. God became human and other-day-without” Costco run, only to find the fridge and island, access to cabinets of the Northwest to non-Indian settlement. made his dwelling here, far away from the he was driving a car with no brakes. He was was blocked, and the doors could only be But first he needed to make treaties with trappings of power and glory. His mission able to roll back down our half-mile gravel opened from the side. the present inhabitants. of reconciliation was carried out by humbly road without damaging the car, the house The fridge we had originally selected was Gibbs knew the highest political authority crossing the great divide between heaven or himself. I called for a tow truck and we ordered and delivery scheduled. Although for Puget Sound Indians was the village and Earth. bid the car safe travels to the dealership. it would not be available until November, headman, and that it was not possible to Angels declared his birth to be “good The problem was identified in short order we could use the new silver monster during treat with every village headman. He solved news of great joy for all people.” Not just and we were informed that parts had to the eight-week interim. the problem by lumping all villages on a a select few, not any particular tribe, but be ordered. Delivery day arrived. David moved all river drainage into “tribes,” and designed all people, everywhere. This is the glory: And that was the seed that allowed my the vehicles that might interfere with truck all of the treaties on Puget Sound to be Everyone is invited to the table. friendship with Brett to grow. We chatted turnaround, I moved all the goodies from negotiated between these tribes and the Mary’s Magnificat — a canticle found in weekly as he reported on the continuing the monster fridge. The new installation federal government. Luke 1, also known as the Song of Mary search for parts. The dealership even offered went smoothly, but when we went to retrieve The first was the Medicine Creek Treaty. — describes just what this table looks like. to pay for them and the labor — provided cars, mine was dead. Native people were encouraged by the The hungry are fed and the humble are they could be found. Another chance to bond with a stranger! name of the creek, suggesting “power.” lifted up, while those clinging to riches I lodged a complaint with the parent The spiffy automated roadside assis- Six hundred Native people gathered at December 2020 www.keypennews.org 7 the Medicine Creek Treaty grounds near Harbor and Vashon Island where Stevens of the United States or your town’s mayor, the Nisqually River between Dec. 24 and believed they could be controlled and is important. Every single election demands 26, 1854, lured by curiosity about what discouraged from joining the hostiles. The Meredith Browand that voters show up and participate in order the “Great White Father,” as Gov. Stevens promises of feeding such large numbers of KEY ISSUES to be heard. referred to the president in Washington, Indians were neglected and many starved. “Hamilton: The Musical” ends with Eliza D.C., had to tell them, and by the promise They recalled to their descendants the hard- Hamilton singing about her husband’s legacy of gifts. Some of those who came grumbled ship of being fed rations consisting of Patriotic Participation in the song “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who that it was “salmon time,” and they should molasses, and being forbidden to visit their Since its release on Disney+ July 3, I’ve Tells Your Story.” She reassures listeners be fishing. Others, like the S’Hotlemamish traditional fishing places. been watching and listening to “Hamilton: that someone will persist in doing the work of Henderson Bay, did not come at all. The Minter Bay people and those from The Musical” on a regular basis while and telling the truth long after a political The treaty was first translated from the Wollochet Bay village were kept on anxiously awaiting the day when live theater warrior’s time is up. The same thing holds English into Chinook, the trade language Fox Island while others refused to go to is again a reality so I can see it in person. I true for this election season. History will of a few hundred words, then into Lush- the camps. Many melted into the woods was undoubtedly late to the Hamilton party tell the story of Americans who turned out ootseed, the Native language of southern behind their villages when soldiers came but I quickly fell in love with the storytelling, in a raging pandemic to cast their ballots Puget Sound, a tedious process not condu- to escort them to the camps and some the cast, the music, and the connection I for candidates and issues they believed in. cive to understanding a complex docu- took refuge in safe places such as Filucy felt between the show and the 2020 elec- The truth will be told that more ballots ment. Stevens was absent for part of the Bay. Although the Treaty Wars of Puget tion already swirling around me. were cast this year than ever before in our negotiations, allegedly drunk. Thus, many Sound were over by March 1856, many of As the musical teaches us, once Alex- nation’s history. Each vote is a reminder who were at the treaty grounds had varying those held on Squaxin Island were there ander Hamilton arrives in New York City that patriotic participation is the only way degrees of understanding about what they for as long as two years, where many died. he joins up with the collection of colonial to ensure we keep moving forward as a were to give up and what that cost would be. Stevens acceded to the demands of revolutionaries plotting to challenge King country. The children and grandchildren of those what would become the Puyallup and George and form their own country. In the Meredith Browand is a mother and an activ- who attended the Medicine Creek Treaty Nisqually Tribes at the Fox Island Council musical version, Hamilton and his friends ist who lives in Purdy. conclave handed down their understanding. in August 1856, granting them new reserva- sing “The Story of Tonight,” perfectly There was agreement that the trade-off of tions. Though the fighting was over and a capturing the anticipation and confidence of hundreds of thousands of acres of land treaty signed, there were still many Native the moment just before an action is taken. Letters to the Editor was the right to fish, hunt and gather, and people who had no intention of moving “The Story of Tonight” isn’t all that live with their families on small reserva- to reservations. The S’Hotlemamish of different from the ways ordinary citizens THANKS TO KP NEWS tions of uncertain location. The final treaty Henderson Bay followed the American took action during the 2020 election season. I’d like to thank KP News for a very bestowed additional power to the Ameri- surveyors assigned to survey the land Sure, we weren’t sitting in a tavern in New interesting edition (Nov. 2020). cans, later described by an American official around Henderson Bay, pulling up the York City plotting over pints of Sam Adams, The article “Let Us Now Praise Famous as “forced agreements which the stronger “magic” stakes. but we were plotting the best way to get Men” is so well written, I could not stop power can violate or reject at pleasure.” Most, though, found they had no choice involved during a global pandemic. reading even though I had no prior knowl- Non-Indian recollection of the treaty but to move to the reservations once settlers Volunteers worked online to register new edge of nor interest in James Agee. I also negotiations is that the treaty was explained, began claiming their village sites and all of voters coast to coast, engaged citizens wrote learned the provenance of the title — earlier each Indian placed an X at the end of the the improvements — the longhouses and millions of postcards and letters to voters audiences presumably had a much higher document, and presents were distributed. potato patches — with no compensation encouraging them to turn out, and people familiarity with the Bible. Years later, one Native man remembered to the former Indian occupants. Native burned up the phone lines contacting voters The second piece, “When Silver Salmon receiving two fish hooks and one knife; a people went to reservations where they for their preferred candidates. Canvassing Return,” was super interesting for me. The woman who went to the treaty grounds had relatives and soon people were called was put on hold for the most part but many miracle that is the salmon’s biology and then with her father treasured the piece of calico Nisqually or Puyallup or Squaxin Island of us found no-contact literature drops to the reminder of the long lasting impact fabric she received to make a dress. One regardless of their village homes. Members be a valuable way to spend election energy. of the Boldt Decision. Great storytelling. old man had a very large hat, which he of families might live on each of those Masked sign wavers stood on street corners Congratulations on the great work. expected to be filled with gold as payment reservations but — mothers and fathers, as Election Day drew nearer to turn out Jim Brennan, Lakebay for the surrender of their land and homes. brothers and sisters — would all be defined every last vote for their party. Leschi, the Nisqually subchief whose by a different tribal identity. My 20-month-old daughter has a favorite PRAISE FOR KP FIRE DEPT. title was assigned to him by Stevens, and Four of the 13 articles in the Medicine song from Hamilton and while we listen to I want to express my gratitude for the aid other upriver prairie headmen refused to Creek Treaty that were specific guarantees it on repeat via YouTube, I’ve heard reflec- crew stationed at the Longbranch fire station. sign and left the treaty grounds since their to the Indigenous people were consistently tions of both our fledgling country in the My husband had an early morning medical needs for grazing lands were ignored. It is violated: the rights of taking fish, pasturing late 1700s and the 2020 election. “In The emergency recently. For the very first time safe to say that most of the Native people animals on unclaimed lands, and hunting Room Where It Happens” tells the story of in my life, I dialed 911 and the operator departed the treaty grounds not knowing and gathering, were all restricted; the annu- Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison deciding walked me through everything I needed to this was the beginning of the loss of their ities due them were only occasionally paid; where the U.S. capital will be located. But it do until the fire department arrived — so village identities. physicians and farmers were only sporadi- is also an anthem to Americans to be part very quickly. They were calm, caring and What followed were the Treaty Wars of cally provided; and promised compensation of the decision-making process. kind to us both, a credit to their profes- Puget Sound, a series of skirmishes between for removal was not paid in full, if at all. As citizens, our most sacred duty is to sion and the KP fire department. He was the “hostiles” upriver and prairie groups Regardless of the broken promises, from vote. It’s also the best way to ensure our transported to St. Anthony Hospital where and their Yakama relatives, and the U.S. the Native point of view, the treaties remain voices are heard when decisions are made. he was tested, treated and sent home that Army and territorial volunteers. living things that will not die as long as the This year 84.14% of registered voters in same day with instructions for follow-up Native people not involved in the war rivers flow, the sun sets and the moon rises. Washington cast ballots. Each voter took the with doctors and medication. were confined to internment camps on Lynn Larson is an archaeologist and anthro- time to be part of the democratic process. When I moved to the Key Peninsula, I North Bay, Nisqually, Fox Island, Gig pologist who lives on Filucy Bay. Every election, whether for the President CONTINUED PAGE 8 The opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the KP News. We neither endorse nor oppose issues or proposals discussed on these pages and present these views for public information. Letters to the editor must be signed and include a daytime phone number. No anonymous letters will be published. Letters are used on a space-available basis and will be edited for length and clarity. Mail letters to: P.O. Box 3, Vaughn, WA 98394, or email to [email protected]. 8 www.keypennews.org December 2020

LETTERS FROM PAGE 7 moved because of the beauty of this place, Message sponsored by KP Bus Connects the quiet and the solace. Yes, I was escaping the city, the crowds and the concrete and Investing in I was marrying the Irishman who won my ESSENTIAL EXPRESS heart. But isolation means independence the future. with limited resources for emergencies, FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE especially medical help. Almost 40 years later, the KP has changed and grown. I The Longbranch Foundation have neighbors now, wonderful kind friends. was created to make strategic 48 hours before you need a ride, We have many shops filling our immediate investments that help needs, local doctors and even a hospital not call 2-1-1 and schedule free too far away. We rarely lose power anymore. improve life on the South Key And our fire department is amazing. Peninsula. transportation to essential destinations Jayne McCourt, Lakebay such as medical appointments, Our supporters choose a THANKS TO KEY PEN PARKS specific focus for their tax- grocery shopping or employment. The Norma and Tweed Meyer family wish deductible contributions: to thank Key Pen Parks Executive Director For Pierce County residents unable to access Tracey Perkosky and her efficient staff for • Elementary education transportation due to COVID-19. Rides are their quick action in logging out the huge programs evergreen tree on their property in the 360 offered from 7am to 7pm, through Dec. 30. Rides Trails park off State Route 302 in September. • Scholastic and tech must be scheduled at least 2 days in advance. The tall tree hovered across the border over school scholarships our home, completely dead and a danger Riders under age 18 must be with an adult. for coming winter winds prevailing in our • Local nonprofits, direction. especially against hunger The professional logger skillfully downed the tree, a warm and satisfying experience • Access to natural beauty for everyone concerned and a huge sigh • Stewarding our legacy Funded by a Pierce County CARES grant. piercecountywa.gov/ee of relief for us. Norma Meyer, Gig Harbor Your support helps build a stronger future by In October, Angel Guild awarded $7,100 to investing in our children, our community and our Vaughn Elementary School $1,100 wonderful Key Peninsula. Children's Home Society $6,000 As COVID-19 cases continue, our store hours may change* on Happy and short notice. Thanks for your Healthy Holidays help, we're all in this together. Wishing you and yours a warm and safe holiday season

Donate now and be part of our year-end Friends Match Friends campaign

Find out more at www.longbranchfoundation.org Open* 10 to 4 or visit our Facebook page keypeninsulacommunityservices.org or call 253 884-4440 Key Center Corral 253 884-9333 When people help each other, amazing things happen. December 2020 www.keypennews.org 9

AdobeStock MISSION FOR KIDS Use sounds to learn about the world around you. Go to a place away from a road, set a timer for three minutes, and close your eyes. Listen to everything around you. What noises do you hear? When the timer goes off, open your eyes and make two lists of the sounds you heard: one for sounds you know and one for sounds you don’t know. How would a deer use these sounds? How can you learn what is making the sounds you don’t know? Try this experiment again at different times of day and see how much your lists change. And don’t forget to email your results and questions to Chris at [email protected]

Listening Like Deer

CHRIS RURIK, KP NEWS sounds. Hence the rawness. My imagination He was speaking of deer, but in the simple we must confront how little we understand is the grit that scours me; it goes to work words of his poem ––small teeth, dangling of all that is real around us. I sit in a stand of trees, screened by filbert on every breeze, priming me for something roots, scattered earth –– he might be As the light fades the deer enter the leaves, on the edge of a field in the woods. big. At one point, the wren appears on a speaking of any life in the woods. Oppen field silently, a few steps at a time, their The earth is damp and the air stirs restlessly. patch of moss a few feet away, small as a liked to claim that he wasn’t like most poets ears swiveling. They begin to feed. A buck It’s that time of year when buck black-tailed shrew. It nearly hops onto my boot. –– he did not want to rush over the subjects emerges and puts his head low. The does deer, normally nocturnal, move recklessly, Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton of his poems so that he might comment on don’t pay him much attention. Sometimes their necks swollen and their antlers crusted has said, “Silence is not the absence of them. He cared about the subjects them- their heads go up in unison at noises I with the bark of saplings. I have come to something but the presence of everything.” selves, the literal things and their presence. would not have given a second thought. watch them. Earlier this spring, at the height of the “Psalm” ends with the lines: “The small Other noises, surprising to me, they ignore. To get here I crept through sword COVID-19 lockdown, it was common to nouns / Crying faith / In this in which the I came here to watch deer. Instead, I am ferns on a back route, pausing whenever read that birds seemed to be singing more wild deer / Startle, and stare out.” attempting to perceive the forest like them. I brushed something. Deer feel comfort- loudly than usual. Researchers in the Bay In my state of readiness, questions mount. Deer can rotate their ears independently, able in this field –– no roads border it Area took the opportunity to study spar- What do the many calls of robins mean? allowing them to pinpoint the direction –– and often feed in broad daylight. But rows. They first determined that vehicle What signals am I missing? In this forest and distance of noises in a nearly complete for all my care, the field was empty when traffic noise had dropped to 1950s levels. dozens of deer are leading rich, full lives. sphere around them. But it’s not any phys- I arrived. It is empty still. And it is taking Then they found that the sparrows were Several are probably within 100 yards of ical ability that gives them such an advan- me longer than I expected to shrink into in fact singing more quietly in response, me now. Must I content myself with the tage over me in the forest soundscape. It’s place against the rotting log in the blind, and that their songs were more complex. random encounters when we startle each the fact that this is their constant environ- to convince my legs to stop shifting and To me the most startling part of the paper other and stare out? ment. They know from experience which let me pay attention. Everywhere around is in its title, which calls the COVID-19 From just beyond a thicket to my right sounds matter and which don’t. Scientists me the forest whispers with a lean energy. lockdown a “silent spring.” I wonder what comes the sound of bushes being pushed call it sensory gating, comparing it with our Is there anything so strange to us as still- Rachel Carson would think. To her, silence apart. Leaves stir as if with strides. At own ability, in a crowded room, to filter ness? As the hours pass, it’s like I’m rubbed meant a spring where birds are no longer last. But I catch a movement above. It is out most of the conversation yet hear our raw. Though I have a good view of the field, alive to sing. Today silence apparently means a giant maple leaf falling through layers name when it is mentioned. it’s the sounds that get me. Rustling across enough of a reduction in car noise that we of branches. In stillness I find the faith of which the way. Creaks. Moans. Sighs. The sudden can actually hear the birds. What are my By dusk it has happened several more Oppen wrote, faith that wrens and deer staccato call of a Pacific wren on my left. own standards of silence, that I feel so times. Fall maple leaves sound precisely –– are out here with pathways sufficient unto This is no momentary pause on a hike to humbled by normal forest noises? to my ears –– like animals moving through them. And it is stillness, too, that is my best admire a view. The world no longer acts as The wren pays me no mind and soon the underbrush. It feels raw to sit in stillness tool as a naturalist when I go beyond faith a backdrop to my exploits. The world acts. is gone. “That they are there!” exclaimed not because anything supernatural or eerie to seek a knowledge of the deer’s world. In And I cannot see the sources of the George Oppen in a poem he called “Psalm.” awaits us, but because in our own silence my own silence I begin to hear. n

How have you encountered the wild on the KP? Email stories and questions to the KP Nature Guide at [email protected] 10 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Join us! Community Volunteer Network Senior Ride Program | Key Senior Information Center | Assisted Living Project Support Groups, Forums and Classes

Building an First-place drawing, Timeless, by Angelina Cruz, PHS senior Overlapping circles show array of satellites providing low-orbit coverage over a swath of northwestern states. Starlink Elder-Friendly Internet From Above Offers New Hope for High-Speed Rural Broadband CALEB GALBREATH, KP NEWS HughesNet or Viasat. While Viasat offers could eventually include roughly 42,000 Key Peninsula plans with speeds from 12 to 100mbps, satellites. This has some experts concerned SpaceX announced plans in 2015 to HughesNet offers 25mbps for all of its about overcrowding Earth’s orbit, which create a satellite internet service, Starlink, plans. Both of these services have average could make future space operations expo- SANTA FOR SENIORS and with limited beta testing now in prog- latencies of approximately 600 to 700ms. nentially more difficult. ress, that reality might not be far away. By comparison, latency for a cable Here, on the ground, there are other The Mustard Seed Project and The goal of Starlink is to provide modem can often be 5 to 40ms; 10 to practical concerns over Starlink’s effec- the North Pole elves low-cost satellite internet access to even 70ms for a DSL modem; 100 to 220ms tiveness. Like all satellite internet services, the most remote places on Earth at speeds for a dial-up modem; and 200 to 600ms customers will need a clear line of sight are enthusiastically preparing previously only available in urban areas. for a cellular link. Data travels at approxi- to the sky to make a stable connection to Santa for Seniors 2020 SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has boasted mately 120,000 miles per second through a host satellites. Cockerill said this will likely the service will be capable of providing network, or 120 miles per millisecond. The be a challenge for KP residents in more on Friday, December 18th internet speeds of 50 to 150mbps (mega- longer the route, the greater the latency. heavily wooded areas. Bad weather can which will include bits per second) with a latency of only 20 There are several reasons for the also affect a satellite connection. a take home festive meal, to 40ms (milliseconds). SpaceX expects disparity between Starlink and existing “Starlink isn’t going to be a silver bullet latency to decrease as more satellites come satellite internet services, but the big one for the KP,” Cockerill said. “Not everyone gifts, music and more online. is proximity. Traditional internet satellites will be able to afford it, or be in the right via curbside pick-up at Latency is the delay between a user’s are stationed in high Earth orbit (HEO), spot to use it.” our office in Key Center or action and a web application’s response to which is roughly 22,200 miles from the Cockerill is exploring ways to make delivery straight to your door. that action, often referred to in networking Earth’s surface. In contrast, Starlink satel- Starlink more accessible for KP residents. terms as the total round trip time it takes lites are being positioned in low Earth orbit One idea he’s advocating to KPCC is to Call to learn more! for a data packet to travel. High latency is (LEO), only 340 miles from Earth’s surface. procure a couple of Starlink satellite dishes especially detrimental to online activities Satellites at HEO are able to service to loan residents to test the service. This ______such as video conferencing, streaming a larger area, which could allow people A huge THANK YOU to our has traditionally to decide if Star- media and online gaming. “IT’S PROBABLY TOO EARLY TO volunteer drivers (Bill, Brian, Mark Cockerill, a Key Peninsula made them the TELL, BUT THIS COULD BE A GAME link will be a good Kristin, Mike, Neal, and Scott) Community Council director who chairs its more economical CHANGER FOR SOME RESIDENTS.” fit for them before broadband project committee, is cautiously option. To provide investing in the who delivered 1,940 meals to optimistic about what Starlink could do effective service from LEO requires many equipment themselves. Key Peninsula seniors for Key Peninsula residents. more satellites. However, SpaceX has Peninsula School District already loans in partnership with KPCS “It’s probably too early to tell, but this put an enormous effort into developing several hundred wi-fi hotspots to fami- between March-October! could be a game changer for some resi- smaller, less expensive satellites as well lies with internet access challenges. PSD dents,” Cockerill said. “Of course, cost as cheaper methods of transportation to Executive Director of Digital Learning ______is still going to be a hurdle.” provide the massive satellite constellation Kris Hagel said the district would like Office Open by Appointment Starlink’s aptly named beta test, “Better required for this endeavor. to be able to provide Starlink to families Phone and Email Than Nothing Beta,” costs participants After successful prototype tests, SpaceX without internet access or cell coverage. Monday-Friday $500 for the equipment plus $99 per began launching their V1.0 satellites in “The challenge of bridging the digital 10am-4pm month. That’s still considerably less expen- November 2019. There are currently over divide in the KP will have to be multifac- sive than getting a landline to remote prop- 800 Starlink satellites in orbit, but Musk eted,” Cockerill said. He’s still collecting erties, Cockerill said, and prices are likely said this is only the beginning. data from a broadband survey distrib- to go down once the service is fully public. SpaceX expects to launch 1,440 satellites uted in early November and hopes the 253 884-9814 Starlink isn’t the first satellite internet by 2022, with plans to launch up to 12,000 results will help leverage support from www.themustardseedproject.org provider. Some Key Peninsula residents in the next nine years. Musk said that as cable companies and Pierce County. n Follow us on Facebook! might be familiar with its competitors, a fully-realized global network, Starlink December 2020 www.keypennews.org 11 KP Students Win First Place in Teen Writing and Art Contests Young local artists brings home the gold, again.

KRISA BRUEMMER, KP NEWS Cruz said that “Timeless” took her around ANXIETY 60 hours to complete. She found the image that BY KYLEIGH HELLAND Local students Angelina Cruz and Kyleigh Helland each inspired her winning drawing on a Pinterest Shaking, quaking, trembling, your lungs refuse to work. These won first place in the Pierce County Library System’s board of reference pictures online. thick black waves of dread are ever present, they lurk 24th annual Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art “There was so much expression behind his and out from under you, your feet they jerk. Contest, which celebrates the creative visions and voices eyes and I kept going back to the piece and it It spreads lies like a disease, causing doubt and fright of Pierce County youth and awards winners cash prizes really stuck with me, so I decided that was what but it always wins, no matter how hard you fight and publication. I wanted to capture.” and it will sneak up and extinguish your light Over 800 photography, drawing, poetry and short When Cruz first started drawing portraits in though“FIND you say YOUR you’re INSPIRATION fine, and pretend AND you’re okay story entries were submitted for the contest in spring eighth grade, she would sometimes spend a DON’T WORRY ABOUT OTHER 2020 by students in grades seven through 12. whole day drawing just eyes, or just noses. And as your mind decays they only see a fake display of a smile, notPEOPLE’S the true one OPINIONS.” of utter dismay First-place drawing, Timeless, by Angelina Cruz, PHS senior for years, she has devoted time to analyzing pictures of faces, reading art the other people say you’ll be alright, books, and watching YouTube but how much longer will you have to fight videos with tips and techniques how long, for the freedom, for light from artists she admires, such you believe these lies you’re fed as Mark Crilley and Dan up until the day you’re dead Beardshaw. and even then it still lingers, the dread “At home at my desk, I just put on music and draw,” she said. “I and you’re trapped in a dark endless hole get the most joy from drawing you’ll never find the key, the loophole portraits. It’s a very satisfying and you won’t find it until it’s full feeling when I’m finished. and its name, is anxiety “My stuff wasn’t amazing when I first started. I don’t think anyone’s different. And everyone has a completely unique expe- is. It’s definitely a matter of sticking with rience with their anxiety. So I was just trying to find a it, even when you’re not completely proud, way to make everyone relate to it even though everyone or you don’t feel completely confident, you is unique in the way they have their anxiety and the way just keep going,” Cruz said. “With my art, I that it presents itself. want to try to keep on challenging myself “The first stanza was really powerful for me. It was and pushing myself. My biggest dream one of my favorites, just talking about the dread you’re would be to be recognized by artists I’ve feeling in anxiety attacks and how it does feel like you’re looked up to for so long now.” drowning and you can’t get out and there’s no way to swim to shore,” Helland said. “I wanted to have people KYLEIGH HELLAND — POETRY connect to that, and maybe learn a bit of awareness about When freshman Kyleigh Helland, 14, how people really feel when they’re going through panic was an eighth grader at Key Peninsula attacks because it is scary and it does feel like you’re dying.” Middle School, she was required to enter Helland started writing poetry in seventh grade and a competition as part of her Advanced she is currently working on a novel, a short story, and English and Language Arts class. She multiple poems and songs. She enjoys listening to music selected the Our Own Expressions while she writes, typically selecting a playlist on Spotify contest and her poem, “Anxiety,’” won that relates to specific emotions. first place in poetry for grades seven “I use that as inspiration for the words that are flowing and eight. from my mind,” she said. “Adults downplay our emotions “It was kind of surprising to see that my a lot of the time, telling us we’re not anxious, we’re just poem won. I was really excited,” Helland worried. But it’s not healthy to constantly be told that ANGELINA CRUZ — DRAWING said. “My inspiration was my own your emotions aren’t valid. Anxiety Peninsula High School senior Angelina Cruz, 17, won personal struggles with anxiety “IT’S DEFINITELY A MATTER OF is a very valid issue people struggle first place in drawing for the second year in a row with her and some of the ways I’ve watched STICKING WITH IT, EVEN WHEN with and it’s not just worry — it piece titled “Timeless.” Cruz learned about the contest my family and friends struggle YOU’RE NOT COMPLETELY PROUD, changes your life. It gets really from a teacher during her sophomore year, and in 2019 with anxiety. My mom was also OR YOU DON’T FEEL COMPLETELY hard to do a lot of things when she took first in the ninth and 10th grade division for a big inspiration because me and CONFIDENT, YOU JUST KEEP GOING.” you’re anxious. It’s really hard for her drawing of American boxing legend Muhammad Ali. her both struggle from chronic teens struggling with it, especially, “I was trying to do a lot of things I’d never done before,” anxiety, so just being able to write something that we to find the help they need.” Cruz said. “I’d never drawn beards or facial hair so I wasn’t can both read and relate to was really important for me.” Helland’s advice for aspiring young poets and anyone completely confident with those techniques yet,” Cruz Helland went through multiple drafts of her poem, who struggles with anxiety: “Find something that you’re said. “It’s hard to get a very clean, white line. I etched changing words, editing and cutting lines to meet the passionate about and use that to cope. Find your inspira- into the paper, like, engraved into the paper, a bunch of competition guidelines. tion and don’t worry about other people’s opinions. Write tiny, small white lines, like white hairs. Then I drew over “It was really hard to find words that could describe about what you feel strongly about.” them with pencil and it left the white lines.” the feeling,” she said. “Everyone’s panic attacks are To view all winning entries, go to expressions.pcls.us n 12 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Richard Miller, KP News Sara Thompson: Doctor, Leader, Writer Dr. Thompson spent 30 years as a family physician, but retirement to the Key Peninsula in 2012 launched a new walk in life, or two, or three. CALEB GALBREATH, KP NEWS work, but unfulfilling. cine with Group Health. for seniors on the KP. At a birthday party for “I used to play with the idea of opening “She went into family medicine because Thompson’s mother, TMSP founder Edie For some, retirement is all about rest my own little sandwich and soup café,” she’s really interested in helping people,” Morgan took the opportunity to recruit and relaxation. Others struggle with their Thompson said. Cappy said. “She reminds me of our dad Thompson to the board of directors. identify after leaving a lifelong career. For She even signed up for an experimental in that way; he had a lot of energy to do “From the very beginning she brought Sara Thompson, it’s the freedom to pour college course on opening a business and good in the world.” so much focus, intelligence and heart to herself into her passions. took a waitressing job. Her dreams of a Thompson met her husband, Richard the table,” Morgan said. “It was clear we’d Thompson was born in Seattle, the cozy café faded soon after. Gelinas, through a singles ad in 1983 — found someone of great value to our work.” oldest of four children, in 1950. Her Around the same time, in the early 1970s, long before the world of online dating. When Thompson eventually became father worked in the aerospace industry her parents built a house in Lakebay and “For me it was love at first sight pretty board president, Morgan said, a world of and the family moved around occasionally moved to the Key Peninsula. much,” Thompson said. “I think I told possibilities opened to them, and TMSP’s to follow his work. After a few brief years “I came to visit them shortly after they’d my mom he was ‘the one’ a week after long-sought goal of creating an afford- in Virginia and Alabama, they returned to moved and I remember my mom asking our first date.” able assisted living campus is now close to Seattle where Thompson graduated from if I had considered going to grad school,” He was handsome, smart, and would becoming a reality. Morgan said this wouldn’t Franklin High School in 1968. Thompson said. “I told her ‘no,’ but I was keep her on her toes. Thompson said he’s have been possible without Thompson. Thompson’s younger sister Cappy thinking about it after that.” always been completely supportive of her “The assisted living project was more Thompson, now an accomplished artist, Thompson’s colleagues at her lab job volunteer work, which has been a driving challenging than we ever expected,” said Sara was a tough act to follow. encouraged her to consider medical school. force throughout her life. Morgan said. “But she dove right in. She “She’s brilliant, always has been,” Cappy She began volun- She was very was the exact right person for this.” said. “And she’s so passionate about every- teering at a local active in Franklin Eric Blegen joined TMSP two years ago IN HER CAREER AS A FAMILY thing she does.” clinic on Capitol High’s PTA when as executive director and has been amazed DOCTOR, THOMPSON HAD YEARS Thompson gravitated to the sciences, but Hill and studied her own children by Thompson’s diligence. OF EXPERIENCE CONNECTING her natural curiosity and an interest in story- for the MCATs. were in school “She’s curious, organized and thorough WITH PATIENTS AND LEARNING telling led her to write for Franklin High’s She attended and still helps run about everything she does,” Blegen said. THEIR PERSONAL STORIES school newspaper. She never saw journalism medical school at the Franklin High “There’s no challenge too big for her.” TO BETTER SERVE THEM. as a career though and when she arrived at the University of Alumni Association. Meanwhile, Thompson had enjoyed Oberlin College, decided to pursue a degree Washington and earned her Doctor of Her drive only intensified since retiring in reading the KP News over the years when in biology on a pre-med program. Medicine in 1979. Not long after completing 2012 and relocating to the Key Peninsula. she came to visit her mother. She fanta- After graduating from Oberlin, a residency program in California, she Thompson’s mother was an active volun- sized about someday writing for a local Thompson wanted a break from school returned to Washington and began what teer with The Mustard Seed Project, a paper, like she had all those years ago. and took a lab technician job. It was stable would be a 30-year career in family medi- nonprofit supporting independent living In July 2014, she attended a meeting at December 2020 www.keypennews.org 13 the Lakebay Marina about the future of decrease stress hormone levels. Researchers world — wherever there are trees; in hot McNeil Island following the 2011 closure compared mood improvement in people weather or in cold; in rain, sunshine or of the state prison there. Having not seen who walked in the city with those who walked snow. You don’t even need a forest. Once any reporters present, she thought to in nature. Nature walkers fared better. you have learned how to do it, you can write a report and send it to KP News In Japan, since the 1980s, doctors have do shinrin-yoku anywhere — in a nearby for consideration. It was published in the written prescriptions for forest bathing, park or in your garden. Look for a place September 2014 edition and Thompson but shinrin-yoku, as it’s called, is more where there are trees, and off you go!” has been a volunteer contributor ever since. than a walk in the woods. It involves a His specific advice is to engage all the Now she’s KP News’ most prolific several-day guided retreat where patients senses. Hearing — listen to the sounds of reporter and won 2020 Feature Writer immerse themselves in the forest, taking nature around you. Slow down, focus on of the Year, one of three top state honors in the color and light or dark, the smells, your breath, close your eyes and listen in awarded by the Washington Newspaper the temperature, the sounds and even the all directions for the sounds of water, wind, Publishers Association. feel and taste of the forest. and birds. Sight — observe the colors, the “(Thompson) clearly had deep, personal The Association of Nature and Forest nature of filtered and dappled light, the conversations with her subjects and Therapy, established in 2012, offers a natural patterns or fractals from branches, delightfully shows the profound meaning six-month certification program and has petals and waves. Smell — inhale the smell behind their personalities and struggles,” trained more than 800 guides worldwide. of trees, especially from aromatic conifers, wrote one WNPA judge of her work. It turns out, though, that the benefits of the flowers and of the Earth. Taste In her career as a family doctor, of being in nature don’t require a guide or — notice the freshness as you take deep Thompson had years of experience three days in the forest. Dr. John Medina, breaths. Feel — touch a tree trunk or the connecting with patients and learning a developmental molecular biologist and surrounding moss. The sixth sense, state their personal stories to better serve them. author of Brain Rules, said in a recent inter- of mind — simply be mindful and savor KP News Executive Editor Lisa Bryan view that even looking at a picture of a each moment in nature. said Thompson’s unrelenting interest in tree can have benefit, but walking outside On the Key Peninsula the opportunities humanity makes her an effective journalist. for at least 10 minutes helps lock it in. The are endless. It might be a driveway, a quiet “Spend any amount of time around her benefits, though, are additive — the more country road, the trails at Penrose State and you’ll notice how many sentences start time you spend in nature the better. Park, Maple Hollow Park, Key Central with ‘I wonder why’ or ‘how is it that’ — or depressive disorders compared to 11% a Dr. Qing Li, a Chinese physician living Forest, the trails behind the Longbranch she’s always in pursuit of the truth of year ago. Nonprofit Mental Health America in Japan, wrote a book about the topic, Improvement Club, or even a back yard. things,” Bryan said. “Sara enjoyed her said the number of people seeking help “Forest Bathing — How Trees Can Help It is easy to start, and it’s fine to start in career as a physician, but as a journalist I for anxiety and depression nearly doubled You Find Health and Happiness.” He said, small doses, gradually building on forest know she feels she discovered her most in the last year. MHA also said current “You can forest-bathe anywhere in the immersion five minutes at a time. n authentic self. She loves writing and doing mental health services can’t meet the need. this work.” The Key Peninsula has an often-unrec- Thompson joined the KP News ognized mental health resource. It won’t publishing board three years ago and is solve all problems, but it can help. It is free. now president. The board has no edito- It is best utilized in solitude. Holiday Inspiration rial role, but oversees the paper’s business It is the trees. plan. “We’ve had a lot of success in recent Human history has long acknowl- years; publishing higher quality material edged the importance of trees and nature. Destination! translated into attracting more talent and Siddhartha Gautama sat beneath a fig tree more community support, and we have 2,500 years ago and found enlightenment, DEC. SPECIALS broadened our reach,” Bryan said. “Sara’s becoming the Buddha. In 1836, Ralph REDEEM YOUR SUNNY writing and leadership has had a consid- Waldo Emerson wrote, “In the woods, we  Live Christmas trees, erable role in that.” n return to reason and faith. There I feel that cedar garland and fresh- MONEY FOR EXTRA SAVINGS nothing can befall me in life — no disgrace, cut trees  Order your THROUGH DEC. 15 no calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair.” custom-made wreaths and 30% OFF CHRISTMAS Tree Therapy centerpieces early for best There is evidence for the healing power DÉCOR AND ORNAMENTS It's not your imagination. Time spent of trees. Studies over several decades have selection  Blooming Poinsettias in the forest is actually good for you. shown time spent in nature boosts immune and Christmas cactus for holiday 30% OFF LIVE SARA THOMPSON, KP NEWS system functioning, lowers blood pressure, color  Gift Certificates perfect CHRISTMAS TREES reduces stress, improves mood, increases for any gardener available for 50% OFF SPRING BULBS This year has not been easy. A pandemic. the ability to focus, accelerates recovery pickup or we will mail for you. Unprecedented partisan divisions. And now from surgery or illness, increases energy CLEARANCE EVENT a holiday season, already fraught for many, levels and improves sleep. A 2001 Chicago AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE made more complicated by COVID-related study showed that apartments surrounded restrictions. Not to mention that the Pacific by greenery had 48% less property crime STARTS DEC 26 Northwest is deep in the dark days of winter. and 56% less violent crime than apartment None of this bodes well for mental health. buildings with no green space. In fact, a recent survey by the National Some of the benefits may be due to Center for Health Statistics, in partnership phytoncides, natural chemicals released with the Census Bureau, indicated that by trees that have been shown to improve IN KEY CENTER OPEN MON-SAT 9 to 4 SUNDAY 11 to 4 253 884-3937 40% of adults had symptoms of anxiety immune function. Walks in the woods www.sunnycrestnursery.com 14 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Lisa Bryan, KP News KP Bischoff Food Bank Forced to Move The nonprofit must be out by year’s end. Without temporary housing, suspension Great Things for a Great Community of services may be unavoidable and unthinkable for some in the worst of times. LISA BRYAN, KP NEWS tenants, until they were served. Founded in 1925, Peninsula Light is your member-owned, After appearing in Superior Court Nov. not-for-profit electric cooperative, providing reliable power Key Peninsula Bischoff Food Bank must 20 via Zoom, Miller said she was able throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. We are vacate its current location at 1916 Key to negotiate a nonjudicial compromise Peninsula Highway NW, having outlasted with the owners’ counsel and the case dedicated to continually improving the quality of life in this its welcome on the rental property it has was continued to Dec. 4. The agreement great community through system reliability, helping you called home since June 2013 based on a includes surrender of the property by conserve and use electricity more efficiently and rising to the verbal agreement with the late Jim Solberg Dec. 31 to avoid eviction. challenges of a rapidly changing industry. to pay $800 a month in rent. “There is never a good time for us to Solberg died March 28, 2016. His heirs temporarily terminate service, but right now want a final settlement of the estate. now –– we’re looking at the pandemic, huge Call 253-857-5950 or toll-free 888-809-8021 In a complaint filed by them Nov. 5 job losses, possible food shortages, middle in Pierce County Superior Court, they of winter –– it’s a horrible time,” Bischoff allege the food bank was notified in writing board member Gail Torgerson said. Open Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM March 3, 2019, that its month-to-month Miller said the food bank is currently 13315 Goodnough Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 tenancy was terminated and that failure in negotiations with a potential partner to vacate and surrender the property on organization that would allow them to or before April 30 would result in judicial lease an acre or two to build on or bring proceedings. in a mobile home or construction trailers. “We’ve known it was coming but they “If we were able to do that, I know people won’t negotiate with us,” said Kimberly will come out of the woodwork to help us. Miller, vice president of KP Bischoff There is no doubt in my mind,” she said. Food Bank. “We wanted to purchase Ben Paganelli, executive director of the the property and offered them $97,000 KP Partnership for a Healthy Community, but there was no said his organiza- communication “KIMBERLY HAS A WAY OF tion is trying to help except, ‘No, we GETTING THINGS DONE. SHE connect and coor- won’t accept your KEEPS FEEDING PEOPLE.” dinate resources. offer and we’re not “Kimberly and willing to negotiate further.’ We heard her team have an overwhelming passion nothing after that.” that is really phenomenal and goes a long The tax assessed value of the 3.8-acre way to get things done against some really parcel in 2020 was $129,100. The food tough odds,” he said. “But to the best of bank kept paying rent, but the checks were my knowledge, a proforma, a budget, a returned. Miller said she was under the capital project plan is not complete. Unless impression that the court was not hearing something like that is prepared it’s hard to any eviction cases due to COVID-19 until get money from public sources.” after Dec. 31 for residential and nonprofit Paganelli said it’s not easy to move December 2020 www.keypennews.org 15

Thanks to Our Advertisers Large and small, these advertisers financially supported our community in 2020. Thanks to them, this newspaper is in your mailbox every month. ▯ ▯ ▯ All Terrain Painting and Repairs  Angel P P

Guild  Applebys Plumbing  Armored

Locking Mailbox  Aspen Land Surveying

Bayside Animal Lodge  Blend Wine Shop P Brookside Veterinary Hospital  Michelle P Caldier  Charboneau Construction & Excavating  Close to Home Espresso Community Health Care  Cozy Country Keepsakes  Dave the Handyman  DK Property Management/New Beginnings Real Estate  Down to Dirt  Drive Thru Feed  Easy Thai Easy Go  Figaro’s Pizza Fire Dept #16  Fire Fighters Blood Drive Glen Cove Repair  Harbor Hope Center Heron’s Key  Home Excavating & Dozing It’s All Good  jo jensen Re/Max NW Josh Casey- Antiques  Kiwi Fencing KP Baptist Fellowship  KP Business Association  KP Bus Connects KP Community Council  KP Community Services  KP Parks  KP Veterans Longbranch Community Church Longbranch Improvement Club  LPL Financial  Lystad Construction  Megan Schowalter Photography  Mission Possible  Moran’s Portable Restrooms KP Bischoff board members TOP: Carol Mount Virginia B & B  Mustard Seed Larson, MID: Steve Gulbran BOTTOM: Gail Project  Pamela Lindgren Foot Care Torgerson Lisa Bryan, KP News Peninsula Light Company  Peninsula WayPoint North 7pm an operation like that on a budget that Marketplace  Peninsula Perk  Penrose focuses primarily on feeding people and Harbor  Perfect Excavation  Purdy Cost not having overhead. “But, Kimberly has Less Pharmacy  Rainier Construction a way of getting things done. She keeps Rotary: Taste of Gig Harbor  Ron feeding people.” Schillinger  Joy Stanford  Stand Up for “Very shortly we’re not going to be here,” Peninsula Schools  Suicide Prevention board member Shane Hansen said. “We’re WayPoint South 6pm really not sure where we can be. We’ve got Coalition  Sunnycrest Nursery & Floral some options we’re looking at, but all of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department those options require money.” The Longbranch Foundation  Toastmas- “We are not going anywhere,” Miller said. ters  WayPoint Church  Windermere “Yes, we have to move. We’re working dili- Real Estate  Jesse Young  Yankee gently toward a partnership and hoping to Clipper Barber Shop have more information at the food bank and on our Facebook page in mid-December.” n 16 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, our options for service are limited. Our Beer Garden and our out-front seating are open as long as the weather permits. We hope to return to normal operations as soon as possible, but that is up to the Governor and the Health department. Please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates on You’ll be hiring a community of our status. We miss you all and hope to see you all healthy Hire Matt resources with the knowledge and and happy when this craziness is over! experience to make selling or buying OUR CURRENT HOURS Tues - Thurs: Noon to 6pm and jo. real estate a positive experience. Friday: Noon to 8pm Matt Means jo jensen Saturday: Noon to 6pm 253-370-0260 I live on the Key! Closed Sunday and Monday MattMeans.com 253-988-2231 JOIN US… jojensen.com BE SAFE…MASK UP! 8914 Key Peninsula Hwy N, Lakebay WA 98394 Ph: 253.884.9688 www.blendwineshop.com Blend Wine Shop urges you to drink responsibly!

NEW SCHEDULE COMING WHEN SCHOOLS OPEN ON A FULL-TIME BASIS Stay tuned, we’ll have busses again when it’s safe 253-884-BUSS www.kp.council.org KP BUS CONNECTS FREE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION FOR ALL AGES A partnership with the KP Community Council, Puget Sound Educational Service District 253 884-1838 and the Peninsula School District. Merry Christmas from Eric, Manuella and the whole gang. Including Santa Claus! December 2020 www.keypennews.org 17

BE A PART OF OUR YEAR–END CAMPAIGN

In this time when there is so much to worry about, we’re taking good care of seniors living on Key Peninsula.

Rendering of Main Entry TCF Architects Thanks to your generosity, District Prepares for Major KPMS Overhaul Mustard Seed Project continues to Money from the Capital Projects Bond is going further than anticipated. provide support and services to our senior MATTHEW DEAN, KP NEWS KPMS. Budget space was created when PSD purchased the Boys and Girls Club friends and neighbors on the Key Peninsula. Peninsula School District is in the final in Gig Harbor to serve as the base of a stage of planning for a modernization of new elementary school. School replace- Give during the holidays Key Peninsula Middle School. ment projects also moved through plan- The current plans at KPMS would expand ning phases faster than expected, allowing so we can continue delivering… the building by eight classrooms. A new the district to outrun some inflation costs. administrative section would be constructed, Expanding the scope of work at KPMS and the current admin area would be qualified the project for the state School converted into classroom space. An addi- Construction Assistance Program, which tional four classrooms would be built on pays for a percentage of major projects. the east wing of the building. Depending Part of the construction will also include on final design and bidding, the gym may a facelift for the building’s exterior. Several also be expanded. design choices were presented at a school 1,940 The new space will help the district board study session, including options meals handle increased enrollment and provide for bolder colors and textured siding to 15,910 de volunteer livered 525 free masks more space for special education programs. improve KPMS’s front-facing appearance. 119 emergency kits miles driven “It’s just keeping up with the growth of “KPMS and Kopachuck were built in 100 Covid-19 kits the district,” said Patrick Gillespie, PSD’s the ’80s. There’s a general perception that director of facilities and capital projects. nobody likes the look of those buildings. “We’ve had some of the highest enrollment They’re not warm. They’re not inviting,” rates at the elementary schools over the Gillespie said. “It will be great for both past few years. When that bubble hits the communities to get a building that they middle schools, this will help. We’ll have can drive up to and feel welcome.” the classrooms available.” The KPMS project is currently in the Several elements of the project, including planning phase. PSD hopes to go to bid the gym expansion, are being designated as in the spring and begin construction no 2,730 alternates. Their construction will depend later than summer of 2021. Timelines are 3,936 YouTube volunteer on what kind of bids the district receives uncertain, but Gillespie anticipated one hours and Vimeo for the project. “We have a budget, and and a half to two years before completion. provided we need to stick to that budget,” Gillespie The district is currently planning with the channel views 714 front desk said. “If there’s enough dollars, we’ll take assumption that kids will be back in school inquiries those alternates.” before then, which means that work will Construction will also include updates need to proceed in phases. 193 friendly for the school’s infrastructure, including “It’s a little complicated,” Gillespie said. phone calls water, septic, lighting and fire protection. “We might need to shut down some class- Replacing the systems will create a better rooms and move some kids around, maybe experience for building occupants and elim- create some temporary classrooms to 609 bags of inate mounting maintenance costs associ- accommodate that, and work on a wing. fresh produce ated with aging equipment. When that wing’s done, work on another Benefits and services delivered Combining the projects saves time and wing, and so on.” to Key Peninsula seniors, money. “Basically, when you look at all the Updates at KPMS are part of PSD’s January - October 2020 little components that need to be replaced, it Capital Projects Bond approved by voters in adds up to a large dollar amount. By pooling 2019. Kopachuck Middle School is receiving them into a bigger project, it allows us to many of the same add-ons and renovations. do more,” Gillespie said. Artondale and Evergreen Elementary are KPMS modernization was not origi- both being replaced with new buildings, Call 253-884-9814 nally planned to be this extensive. Several and the district is constructing two new give now at www.themustardseedproject.org unexpected cost reductions in other capital elementary schools to handle increased projects freed up resources to fully refresh enrollment. n 18 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Unique Gifts • Personalized Items • Local Artisans • Décor • Gift Baskets December 2020 www.keypenparks.com KeyPen Parks 253 884-9240 The key to your next adventure! Smart shoppers start here. Shop from our one-of-a-kind collection of soaps, candles, needlework, crafts and arts from local producers, artisans and artists. Our workshops customize everything from wine glasses and coffee cups to wooden signs and leather belts. Check out our custom 3-4 pm Sunday, December 6 engraved wooden greeting cards! at the Key Center Fire Department Cozy County Keepsakes is across from the library Come by and deliver your letters to Santa in Key Center. We’re open Tuesday through and get a goodie bag! Saturday and look forward to seeing you soon. This is a drive-through only event. Your safety is important to us, so we will be wearing our masks and gloves.

For the latest news see www.keypenparks.com or Facebook page

TRADITIONAL QUALITY, NEW-FANGLED TECHNOLOGY

Shop safely at Cozy Country. Call for your own Private Shopping appointment or shop live on Facebook Wednes- days at 5. We offer curbside delivery, sanitize after each customer and follow state and CDC guidelines.

Personalized mugs, tumblers, wine glasses, leather items, wooden greeting cards, engraved stall & house signs • Custom-made gift baskets • Local artists and artisans with soaps, lotions, pottery, crochet and knits, macrame, quilts, candles, fine art, photographs, gift cards, jewelry, wall decor and much more • Gift wrapping & shipping Call 253 509 0760 cozycountrykeepsakes.com 8912 Key Peninsula Hwy in Key Center 253 884-1838 just up the hill from Blend Tue-Sat 10am to 5pm Dewer Rodman loading brush into his truck : Photo courtesy Key Peninsula Historical Museum December 2020 www.keypennews.org 19

wonderful. Being in her class was my We have qualified buyers ready to buy favorite class, every day.” The Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences began honoring music educators in 2014. The winning teacher receives a $10,000 honorarium and a trip to the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles in early 2021. Ten semifinalists will be announced later this year. With school taking place virtually, choir practice now happens over Zoom while students repeat and do singing exercises on mute. Literally, your “It’s definitely not the same and it will never be the same online,” Marchio said. “I only local real don’t know how it would work even if we go estate experts. back to school and it’s low numbers, because Buy, sell or take a look at having a concert we’re all together on the your options. We cover waterfront properties, homes, stage, and all the people in the audience.” vacant land and farms. “I really want to be in a group setting like When it’s time for a new that again because it brings me so much beginning, call your locally joy, and it hurts that it might not be for a owned real estate experts. while that we get to do that,” Clark said. “It’s absolutely magical when you finally Indigo Clark (left) and Ella Marchio at All-State in Yakima. Emilie Marchio have a song down and you’re singing it with Local Students Qualify for All-Nationals Choir people and you’re doing a run through, and call 253 858-7053 you can feel it, almost, in your body, and in Key Center at 9121 KP Hwy (at the light) Two rising stars raise the bar. you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is so cool.’ with DK Property Management KRISA BRUEMMER, KP NEWS sparked by her teacher Lisa Mills at Vaughn You have to be in-person for that.” Bernie 253-514-0659 Brandon 253-432-2223 Elementary, where she sang fearlessly in Marchio, who sings in an indie rock Gina 253-549-5009 Two members of Peninsula High School’s every single talent show. At the same time, band in addition to choir, dreams of a Donna/Designated Broker 253-606-8480 junior class, Indigo Clark and Issabella Clark, who says she faked her early musical future in Broadway musicals. Marchio, qualified for the All-Nationals confidence, was inspired by Evergreen “I think about that daily, like, what is Mixed Choir, part of the National Associ- Elementary teacher something I can do ation for Music Education’s All-National Terry Hammon CLARK AND MARCHIO CREDIT today that will help Honors Ensembles (ANHE) program. They who started a choir THEIR PHS CHOIR DIRECTOR, me get to my ulti- are the first PHS students to be accepted. festival. ALISON ELLIS, WHO WAS RECENTLY mate goal of being Prior to auditioning and qualifying for The two girls met NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY. on Broadway,” she All-Nationals, Clark and Marchio sang with and began singing said. “I’ve been the All-State Choir in Yakima in February together at Key Peninsula Middle School singing for a very long time because with 12 other PHS students who qualified. in sixth grade under choir director Staci music is so important to me and it’s always The 2020 ANHE was originally sched- Webb, where they challenged each other in brought me so much joy. Music in general uled to take place in Orlando, Fla., in early what they now describe as friendly compe- and finding myself through singing, it’s November, but due to COVID-19 restric- tition, rather than rivalry. impacted me so much and it’s helped me tions, the program will happen virtually “Me and Indigo, we always got the solos,” grow a lot as a person too.” from Jan. 7 to 9, 2021. Marchio said. In addition to singing and schoolwork, “It’s kind of a serious thing to get into “It was between her and I in middle Clark draws a comic that she publishes All-Nationals for choir, so I was really school, all the time. If I didn’t get it, Ella got monthly, and she has started running as excited for that. I’m still excited for the it. If Ella didn’t get it, I got it,” Clark said. an antidote to quarantine fatigue. Marchio opportunity even though it’s going to be “I think it’s really cool because in middle is taking a dance class for something fun online, but I am a little bummed,” Marchio school we were the two kids, and now in to do in her free time. said. “I had so much fun with All-State. I high school we’re both in All-Nationals.” “For me, a big aspect of school is the was so looking forward to (All-Nationals) Clark and Marchio credit their PHS choir social part, so not getting to fully have because it would’ve been such a really cool director, Alison Ellis, who was recently that has been super exhausting in a way,” experience with so many other people that nominated for a Grammy, for some of Marchio said. “I mean, I love talking to feel the same way about music.” their success. my family but it’s not the same.” “I feel like the honor part of it still is “We’ve both been in the choir for three “It’s all these weird little things I miss, like there,” Clark said. “But it’s also the fact years now and she’s always been super eating ramen with people, just sitting there that it was a really nice resort in Florida supportive and encouraging. She’s the sipping your ramen broth like, ‘How was and I was really looking forward to it. So reason why we all auditioned for All-State,” your day?’ ” Clark said. “And after concerts I was pretty sad about that.” Marchio said. “She’s always on top of when you get to hug people and take photos Clark and Marchio have both been education and learning about music too.” together, I miss that. I miss literally just passionate about singing since elemen- “You get a genuine sense that she actu- standing next to someone and singing.” n tary school. Marchio’s love of music was ally cares about you,” Clark said. “It’s 20 www.keypennews.org December 2020

Free Delivery! ONE CHURCH...TWO LOCATIONS Buy one ton or more Olympus Wood Stove Sunday Services Pellets WAYPOINT NORTH 9:00am and 10:45am 12719 134th Ave NW, Gig Harbor

WAYPOINT SOUTH 10:45am 4312 Key Pen Hwy, Lakebay, Longbranch Improvement Club

Live Streaming @ 9:00am on our WayPoint Church YouTube channel & FB Complete selection of livestock feeds including XCel, Payback, Equis, Scratch and Peck, website- waypoint-church.org Questions? Email the church - [email protected] Haystack and Earth First brands. Rewards bonus: Earn a point for every dollar spent, accrue 400 points, take 10% off purchase.

Online store now open  Order online for pickup or delivery Trash or yard debris to the dump? We’re here to help KP Veterans in any way we can. Topsoil or gravel delivery? Call for Call Ray Flowers at (253) 884-2626 or write to  affordable delivery, up to 5 yards per load. Key Peninsula Veterans, PO Box 501, Lakebay WA 98349 Large animal burial service  Call for details now Call (253) 303-1260 www.drivethrufeedonthekey.com Now Open Tues-Sat 11am to 6pm, Sun 10-4 Closed Mon Veteran family owned & operated at 16915 121st St. NW/Hwy 302 On Facebook@drivethrufeedonthe key

ASK ABOUT DELIVERIES, ONE TON+ BULK PRICING AND QUALIFIED FARM BUSINESS TAX EXCEPTIONS.

We work for you, not Wall Street. Buying or selling?

Have you ever wondered who your financial advisor really works Mark Christel for, you or the firm? Our goal is your success as an investor. We Todd Rosenbach We will take 253-432-4637 work strictly for you. And we are backed by the strength and reli- 253-884-4787 www.markchristel. ability of LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/dealer in www.todd com the nation*. We focus on one bottom line: yours. rosenbach.com good care of you. LPL Financial Member Please call to learn more and schedule a free consultation. LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC FINRA/SIPC At Windermere Key Realty, we know the local market better than anyone, that’s why we’re the market leader. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2016, based on total revenue Office: 7901 Skansie Avenue Suite 210 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Our agents are devoted to delivering personal service, backed by the largest network in the region.

Oliver Lystad Selling, buying or just looking, make us your personal connection for real estate. General Manager/Lead Estimator Vaughn, WA 98394

Patios - Driveways - Stairs Retaining Walls - All Finishes

Residential Windermere Key Realty 253-857-3304 11615 State Route 302 C 253.255.7012 Commercial LARGEST IN THE AREA, BIGGEST IN THE REGION Building & Remodeling Concrete [email protected] Our new board room seats up to eight and is available as a courtesy for local Flatwork & Foundation www.lystadconstruction.com community service organization meetings. Call Rob for your free reservation. December 2020 www.keypennews.org 21

THE 19TH CENTURY LISTICLE CONTAINS 292 WORDS. YOU’LL BE SURPRISED BY HOW MANY YOU RECOGNIZE.

Chinook Jargon is not just rich in toponyms, but also in eponyms. A Boston is an Amer- The Chinook ican, and a King George is Canadian or English. The adjective pelton means “crazy” and refers to poor Archibald Pelton, a trader Jargon Pocket who was well known for succumbing to insanity at old Fort Vancouver in the 1840s. Dictionary Q Q Q Q Q Q The beginning of the Our Father translated by the Methodist missionary Myron Eels, DAN CLOUSE one of the great authorities on Chinook When you look up a word in the dictio- Jargon: nary, do you end up spending half an hour Nesika Papa klaksta mitlite kopa sagh- looking up 20 other words? Psycholo- alie, kloshe mike nem kopa konoway kah. gists have a clinical term for this. You Kloshe spose mika chaco delate tyee kopa could look it up. konoway tillikums. If you forage for words in dictio- Our Father who lives in heaven, good naries, here’s a little vade mecum you is your name everywhere. Good if you should have while you endure a long become true chief over all people. telephone hold with smarmy “Your call is very important to us” white lies and when dealing with Kenny G looping. Europeans along the Gulf Coast. It’s just six pages long and printed small Its last speaker died in 1950. enough to fit in your pocket. The little The now extinct Northwest dictionary’s 32-word title is almost bigger trade language was developed to solve portant person than the book. I’ll shorten it to the Chinook the business problem faced by Hudson is a “high muck- Jargon Pocket Dictionary. Bay Company traders, who spoke French ety-muck” and a Nard Jones, a longtime editor at the and English, and by indigenous traders good-for-nothing Seattle Post-Intelligencer, overheard phone of mutually unintelligible Native Amer- is a “cultus.” A conversations among Seattle old-timers in ican languages. sturdy structure is the 1950s like this: “Kloshe, Arctic Club, When the Wilkes Expedition explored “skookum, right?” twelve o’clock. Alki, tillikum.” Translated the South Sound in the spring and early I remember affec- into everyday Clavipeninsular English, summer of 1841 and built a base just south tionately my father- “Fine. Arctic Club, 12 o’clock. Later, pal.” of present-day Steilacoom, American in-law George The old fellow was confirming a lunch date explorers learned the local lingua franca Lund using all three in Chinook Jargon. from their guides and food suppliers among expressions. By the time Jones wrote “The Lost the Nisqually and the Squaxin. The expe- You’ll discover Language of Seattle” in the 1970s, the dition’s philologist, 20-year-old polyglot nearby place names old Gold Rush boys were gone and with genius and Harvard dropout, Horatio based on words in them nostalgia for the Chinook Jargon they Hale, mastered what his informants called the little dictionary. used in those days of yore in the Yukon. “Chinook Wawa” in an afternoon. His tour Just for a start: Alki Dan Clouse The elderly ex-prospectors were some de force report on the dozens of languages “sooner or later,” Hyak “swift,” Kopachuck Borrowed from the Nootka verb for “give,” of the last to keep alive the trade language he studied on the expedition was published “waterfront,” Olalla “berries,” Skookum- potlatch became the word for the wide- that had been used up and down the in 1846 with a long chapter on Chinook chuck “strong waters,” Tukwila “hazelnut,” spread Native American ceremony of gift- Pacific Coast by French-speaking voya- Jargon. While Capt. Wilkes was mapping and Tumwater “booming water.” giving and ritual feasting. geurs, English-speaking traders, and Native the South Sound and naming geographical The venerable watering hole in Gig When turn-of-the-century idealists in Americans throughout the 1800s. During features and waterways after expedition Harbor called the Hi-Iu-Hee-Hee is pure Europe hoped a new international language the Gold Rush of the 1890s there were members, he honored young Hale with Chinook Jargon: hiyu is “plenty” and would bring peace to people separated by 100,000 gold hunters and indigenous nearby Hale Passage. heehee is “fun.” The state ferries Tillikum their languages, Horatio Hale, at the end peoples speaking it. The Chinook Jargon Pocket Dictionary “friend” and Kaleetan “arrow” are still of his life, called Chinook Jargon a worthy Chinook Jargon is technically a pidgin. was printed for prospectors heading for the in service, while the Klahowya “hello,” precursor of Volapük and Esperanto. Professors of linguistics use the term Yukon. Surviving copies are occasionally Kalakala “bird” and Illahee “land” are One hundred and thirty years later and pidgin to refer to a grammatically simpli- listed for sale in auctions, and collectors long gone. once again there are tribes of people in fied, blended language used by people who bid hundreds of dollars for them. The High school girls in Western Washington America who do not share a common need to communicate but do not share rest of us access the book online where invite boys to Tolo dances — or at least language. a common language. There have been the scanned copy from the University of they did before COVID-19. Tolo is the Maybe it’s time to work out a new pidgin hundreds of now extinct pidgins spoken Alberta library is well known to all the jargon word for “success,” but I’ll let you like Chinook Jargon to talk to each other. by European traders and their buyers and usual search engines. explore that word story on your own. Kopet wawa. Mamook kwollan. Literally, sellers in Asia, Africa and the Americas. When you peruse the little dictionary in Long before Seafair, Seattle’s annual “Stop words. Do ear.” Mobilian pidgin, for example, was used for an idle moment, you’ll discover you’ve been civic festival was The Golden Potlatch. Be quiet and listen. Now that’s an aspi- 300 years among hundreds of tribes and using Chinook Jargon all along. A self-im- The word potlatch is pure Chinook Jargon. rational motto for 2020. n 22 www.keypennews.org December 2020 December 2020 www.keypennews.org 23

WHEREIN HOMEMADE FRUIT COMPOTE MEETS BAKED BRIE TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION. KPC KPC

This recipe is brought to you by Heron’s Key’s own, Chef Jason. Standing Rib Roast

‘Damn the Pandemic! Full Brie Ahead!’ (Makes 12 10oz. servings) LORI ZEIGLER & BARBARA VAN BOGART pear and apple trees. Combining one or FOR THE PASTRY: In a large bowl or more of these with caramelized onions stand mixer fitted with a paddle, whisk INGREDIENTS While 2020 will not be a year known for and fresh herbs from the garden was a together flour, salt and baking powder. 8 lb. 4oz. prime rib extraordinary holiday parties, there is every great way to utilize them. With the mixer running at lowest speed, 3 & 2/3 tbsp yellow mustard reason to step out of our comfort zones add the butter chunks and mix in until 1 & 2/3 tbsp kosher salt and try extraordinary new recipes. With Lori’s Fruit & Caramelized Onion Spread crumbly, with most of the butter chunks 1 & 7/8 tsp ground black pepper all of us spending more time at home, the Gather whatever fruit you have on in small pieces. 1 tbsp thyme holiday season is a perfect opportunity to hand. Peel, core or pit as necessary, then Add sour cream and mix until distrib- 2 & 7/8 tsp steak seasoning reach for foods and techniques that, while cut into small pieces. Sauté in butter until uted, with the dough loosely holding to- tried and true, might be new to us. the fruit breaks down. Add sugar to taste. gether. The dough won’t and shouldn’t DIRECTIONS Such is the case with appetizers. This Meanwhile, in a separate pan, caramel- be smooth. Start by ensuring the rib roast is at recipe combines an easy fruit compote with ize a similar or lesser amount of white or Turn the shaggy mixture onto a floured room temperature. Cover roast with that classic French cheese, Brie, wrapped in yellow onions (not sweets) in butter with work surface or pastry cloth, knead it a a very thin layer of yellow mustard so puff pastry and baked until golden brown, a little sea salt. bit and shape into a rough log. Roll out the salt, pepper and herbs will adhere. something the two of us have pursued, Combine the fruit and onions and add to form an 8×10 inch rectangle. Starting Coat all sides with salt, pepper, thyme separately, and conquered together. a few fresh sprigs of thyme. with the shorter end, fold the dough and steak seasoning. Preheat oven Barb’s search for eternal baked goodness The combination of sweet and savory into thirds, like a business letter. to 275°. Utilizing a reverse searing led her to this luscious and delicate pastry, a is absolutely delicious. Storing it in small Turn the dough over, rotate it 90 de- method, place the roast on a grate, combination of layers and flakiness usually jars in your freezer should make it last the grees, and roll to 8×10 once more. Give bone side down, in a roasting pan. Roast associated with laminated doughs, and a winter and it can be pulled out to serve the dough another fold, tap it gently in oven until internal temperature good foundation recipe to master. While with cheese, on flatbreads or with pork with your rolling pin to seal it together. reaches 100° (approx. 14-15 minutes laminated dough takes up to 24 hours to or poultry. It can also be a lovely gift for Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 min- per pound) then convection bake at prepare, this pastry recipe takes about 10 friends and neighbors, or combined with utes before using. 500° until a crust has formed (approx. minutes with a rest time of 30 minutes in baked Brie as an unforgettable appetizer. ASSEMBLY: Preheat oven to 425. Cut 12-15 minutes). Insert handheld the refrigerator to let the ingredients meld. one quarter of the pastry from the fin- thermometer in the top/center of roast. Before moving to Longbranch, Lori ished recipe (as noted above) and freeze BVB’s Brie in Easy Puff Pastry Once the internal temperature reaches and her husband David lived in a much FOR THE PUFF PASTRY the remainder for another time. Roll the 125° and holding, transfer the roast warmer climate and had a sizable fruit 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour pastry on a lightly floured surface to a to a carving board, cover it loosely with orchard, including a few fig trees. As there such as King Arthur, Bob’s Red Mill 13-inch square, about ¼ inch thick. foil and let rest for 20-30 minutes. are only so many fresh figs one can eat, or Stone Buhr Place the wheel of cheese in the cen- she needed to figure out a way to preserve ½ teaspoon salt ter. Spread the compote or preserves on and find other uses for them. ½ teaspoon baking powder top of the cheese. Fold the four corners She was inspired by a recipe using 1 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut into of the pastry up and over the cheese peaches and caramelized onions to make chunks to meet in the center. Pinch the seams The best wine to pair with this a spread to accompany soft cheese. As it ½ cup sour cream lightly together to seal. delicious dish? Follow us on turned out, figs were a wonderful substi- FOR THE BAKED BRIE Place on a parchment-lined baking Facebook to find out what tute for the peaches. However, since there One quarter of above dough recipe sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake Chef Jason recommends! wasn’t a formal recipe for this spread, she One 4-inch wheel of Brie, double or for 25 to 28 minutes until the pastry is had to wing it. triple cream a deep golden brown. Remove from Fruit and caramelized onions were a ⅓ cup of Lori’s compote, or apricot, the oven and let sit for 15 minutes be- match made in heaven, bringing home a strawberry or raspberry preserves fore transferring to a platter. Serve with bit of summer during the winter months. Egg wash (one large egg beaten with warm crackers to grateful diners. n In Longbranch, figs gave way to cherry, one tablespoon water)

We'd love to feature a dish from your KP kitchen that friends and family ask for. Email the details to [email protected] with your phone number; we'll be in touch. (Don't worry, we can do most of the writing.) 24 www.keypennews.org December 2020

SAME LOCATION! SAME GREAT PROVIDERS! Starting January 1st, 2021 SAME GREAT SERVICE!

Providers: Key Medical Center William Roes, MD Mimi Chau, MD (Pediatrics) will become Dean Shriner, ARNP, FNP To schedule an appointment, call: Direct: 253-884-9221 Community Health Care Call Center: 253-722-2161 Services Provided: Family Medical - Pediatrics Key Medical Center Behavioral Health - Pharmacy

Community Health Care has been helping Pierce County families stay healthy for over 50 years. We serve over 49,000 patients through 7 clinics. We practice full service health care providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and other specialties. “We strive to provide the highest quality health care with compassionate Learn more at: www.commhealth.org and accessible service for all. No one is ever turned away for 15610 89th St Ct NW - Lakebay, WA 98349 inability to pay.” December 2020 www.keypennews.org 25

Key Peninsula Business Association Santa Claus is coming to town... 26th Legislative Democrats brought to you by the - All Around Gutters Key Peninsula Business Association, the Fire Fighters Union, Angel Guild Aspen Land Surveying, LLC Pierce County Fire District 16 and Key Pen Parks Axia Tree Service Beauty Counter Bek Ashby Special Thanks to Bell-Ahh AXIA Tree Service LLC Benla Water Heaters Blend Wine Shop for decorating the tree Bliss Manor Farm Bret Price, ARNP in Key Center Chuck West Construction, LLC Close to Home Espresso Communities in Schools of Peninsula CostLess Pharmacy - Lake Kathryn Village Custom Dentures Direct DK Property Management, LLC Drive-Thru Feed & U-Haul E&L Civil Engineering El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant Ellis Accounting & Taxes Figaro’s Pizza Food Backpacks 4 Kids Food Market in Key Center Four Winds Riding Center Frog Creek Lodge GH KP Suicide Prevention Coalition Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce Glen Cove Auto Repair GNOSH Food Truck Goin’ Postal Green Diamond Pest Control Home Excavating and Dozing Keller Williams Realty - Fred Angus Key Center Auto Repair Key Center Chiropractic and Massage Key Center Family Dentistry Key Center Pierce County Library Key Free Clinic Key Medical Center Key Pen Parks Key Pen Parks & Rec Foundation Key Peninsula Civic Center Association Key Peninsula Community Council Key Peninsula Community Services Key Peninsula Family Resource Center Key Peninsula Farm Council Key Peninsula Health and Professional Center Key Peninsula Historical Society and Museum Key Peninsula Lions Club Key Peninsula Lutheran Church Key Peninsula News Key Peninsula Technology Solutions Key Peninsula Toastmasters Key Peninsula Veterans Key to Learning Childcare and Preschool Kiwi Fencing Company, Inc. KP Partnership for a Healthy Community KP School Bus Connects Lakebay Marina Resort Linda Grubaugh Longbranch Improvement Club LPL Financial Massage Pro - Ramona Dickson New Beginnings Real Estate e made Peninsula Light Company lves hav Peninsula School District ta and his E Sant that San unce his Pierce County Fire District 16 a will leave the North Pole each night at 5:30pm. Please keep in mind a will anno Ravensara Drive-thru Espresso and Bakery ev sula. Sant ery effort es to continue his visit tot he Key Penin oods. Red Barn Youth Facility during these Covid tim the neighborh Rest Stop Adult Family Care S nd he will be cruising through at, D arrival by siren a g any stops. RH Tech . ecember 5 ion a will n t be makin Richard Kelly Bel Due to Covid precaut s Sant o e go by. Mar d ve as w Sound Credit Union Wind Please come out to the main roadway an wa er 13 St Anthony Hospital and Tid tim not possible mb Eme es *Due to Weather and Reindeer Games, exact es are , Dece Stan Moffett rald Shores Sun Sunnycrest Nursery and Floral er Lake The Mustard Seed Project S Palm The Snack Shack un, D er 11 y ecember 6 Fri, Decemb 2 Taylor Ba Two Waters Arts Alliance Letters ish Sat, December 1 8 VIA Unlimited a to Santa - 3:00pm Jackson Lake - 6pm ber 1 t the Ke ates Decem Washington State Parks y Center Fire Station Home - 7pmish Horseshoe Lake Est Fri, Westwynd Motel and Apartments Tree s 8pm rea ge Windermere Key Realty Lighting - Key Center Joemma Beach Farm Creviston Heights A Bel Rid ds he Woo YMCA Camp Colman Vaug (Dusk) Lake of t YMCA Camp Seymour hn Area - iday Lake 5:30pmish Lake Hol Minterwood - 6pmish 26 www.keypennews.org December 2020

ADVOCATE/ REPRESENTATIVE CIVIC CENTER SOCIAL SECURITY CORNER Shop Local DISABILITY Shop Unique Helping disabled clients since 1992 96% approval rate 2006-2018 CELEBRATE LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS Winter Warm Up shop safe and online at MISSION POSSIBLE www.keypennews.org EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, INC. 10 BUFFALOS ART 360-798-2920 Native American contemporary art www.mpes.net 2ND CHANCE BOTTLES 4 U The Difference is Decorative slumped bottles Personal Service to enhance your space A SMALL SPECIALTY Fresh local salsas & sauces Holiday AROMA SPICE CO. Handcrafted spice blends local delivery available BG’S GOURMET BBQ SAUCE Savory and sweet with a bite of spice, Longbranch locally crafted “Darn Good BBQ Sauce” Community Church www.longbranchchurch.net CHAR’S BAZAAR Come and join us Sunday mornings Crocheted baskets and Worship Service and Crafts pumpkins by Char Wilson. Children’s Church 10:30 Adult Bible Study 9:00 DESIGNS BY WOB FEATURING LOCAL by Water of Beauty 16518 46th St KPS, Longbranch DOLL CLOTHES BY DONNA 253 884-9339 God’s Blessing to You - Pastor John Day CRAFTSPEOPLE AND Clothes for dolls 14”, 15” & 18” by Donna Oliver PRODUCERS IN A VIRTUAL INKY QUILLS LLC Natural handcrafted soaps CRAFTS FAIR PRESENTED for sensitive skins JEANNE’S DESIGNS AS A PUBLIC SERVICE BY Cottage in the Woods: Designer pillows, quilted totes & masks, KEYPENNEWS.ORG LITTLE FOOTE DESIGNS Custom design gifts for every occasion MADRONA STAR STUDIO Fine ceramics, gifts, and classes by artist Patti Nebel MAMA’S BOWTIQUE Handmade bows, headbands and earrings NATURE GIRL SOAP CO Warming Handcrafted natural soaps, bath & bodycare PURDY ORGANIC PICKLES Shelter Fresh pickled products, sourced locally RETREAT FORWARD (Paperback) Civic Center is open when Story of adventure and transformation temperature drops below 35° for by Stefanie Warren. two days or more. Call Peggy for SHANNON HULL PHOTOGRAPHY information at 253-686-7904 Local landscape and wildlife photography SUDS AND VERSE Premium handcrafted goat milk soap SUPERTOT Practical whimsy for little kids: handmade tees, capes, baby blankets, Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road 253/884-3456 www.kpciviccenter.org The Key Peninsula Civic Center Association, a cozy baby hats, pillow cases 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, fosters and promotes the civic, social, cultural and general well-being of the Key Peninsula community. December 2020 www.keypennews.org 27

Equine, Livestock & Residential Fencing Since 1989 In Loving Warwick & Janice Bryant Memory Amadeus Custom Farm & Fence Solutions “Bubbie” 13108 125th St NW 800-598-3374 Yankee Clipper Gig Harbor WA 98329 253-851-5494 Barber Shop Mascot www.kiwifencing.com fax 253-851-5550 November 7, 2020 #KIWIFCI055DA [email protected]

BROOKSIDE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Tender Loving Care for All Your Family Pets! SENIOR FOOT CARE NURSE Share the News PAM LINDGREN, RN Lisa Woods-Zabari, DVM Home Appointments Available A very nice gift for friends and 13701 118th Ave NW and monthly at Port Orchard Eagles Gig Harbor WA 98329 and Belfair North Mason Eagles relatives not lucky enough to 253.857.7302 Online booking at www.myfootcarenurse.net 253.857.7654 Fax 360-286-8403 live on the Key Peninsula, a www.brookvet.com first-class mail subscription

is an every-month treat. KEY PENINSULA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP It's easy to send twelve sunday school 9 am fellowship time 10:15-10:30 months (or 24) of the Worship Service 10:30 coffee and treats 11:30-12 Key Peninsula News we meet at Key Peninsula Civic Center in Vaughn deacon Rick Krum 253 353-2745 www.kpbfellowship.org anywhere in the U.S. facebook: keypeninsulabaptistfellowship And it's still only $30/year You can mail the information Call 253-358-6488 with a check to KeyPenNews, Dave the PO Box 3, Vaughn WA 98394. Handyman David Leger [email protected] DAVEHH*86409 Text 352-228-1100 Or do it all easily online 20321 10th St. SW in Lakebay LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR #1587 at keypennews.org A subscription to our award- DOWN TO DIRT EXCAVATION LLC winning hometown paper is Residential/Commercial always a welcome connection Grading & Excavation Site Prep/Clearing/Hauling

to what's new and wonderful Call for free estimate 253 649.9736 John Bassler Owner/Operator here on the Key Peninsula. [email protected]

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED LICENSE #604203872

Moran’s Portable Restrooms LLC [email protected] (360) 994-9544 10% OFF JOBS $1000 or more present this ad at estimate Lic#ALLTETP862P4 Insured & Bonded Open at 6 on weekdays — Key Center www.moransportablerestrooms.net [email protected] 253-514-0997 www.Facebook.com/AllTerrainPainting FREE ESTIMATES Mon-Fri 6am-5pm Sat 7am-5pm Sun 7am-3pm 28 www.keypennews.org December 2020 OUT & ABOUT

TOP LEFT Hiding from the bucks. Tina McKail TOP RIGHT Northern flicker. Ed Johnson, KP News MID LEFT Wyatt McKail watches stormy skies at Taylor Bay Park. Tina McKail MID RIGHT Things are looking up. Dan Clouse BOTTOM LEFT Lakebay sunset. Tonia Houle BOTTOM RIGHT Holiday decorations in Key Center courtesy of KP Rotary, Bayshore Garden Club, Red Barn Youth Center and friends. Kathy Lyons