Book Donations Needed

Friends of Gig Harbor Library Appealing for Books

The Friends of the Gig Harbor Library, a group that has been raising money for the local library for over 30 years is in need of donations. The "friends" on-going book sale at the library relies on generous patrons who donate gently used books. The money raised helps buy "extras" not provided for in the general budget of the library. Things like supplies, landscaping, furniture and even reupholsted existing furniture are some of the ways the money has been used to help.

In addition you may have benefited in the past from speakers, authors or other programs and classes that Friends of the Library have organized and provided.

Do you want to help make sure this continues? At certain times of the year (like right now) donations to the cause often dry up. Donations of books, magazines, DVD's, CD's and VHS Tapes can be delivered to the library. If you have a large donation, back right up to the service entrance and ring the bell!

This is a wonderful group that brings a great deal of value to our community. Let's all take a look around the house and find something we no longer use, but someone else might.

Gig Harbor is Set to Become Kayaking Capital

It’s been quiet at times. But the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak team has come into its own. And it’s time for our community to get engaged in this world-class program, happening right under your nose. 2012 is the year and here’s why;

Gig Harbor’s coaches were recognized last month by the U.S. Sprint Coaches Association. Our own coach Alan Anderson won Head Coach of the Year, and his assistant coach John Sousley won Development Coach of the Year. These awards were given out at the annual USA Canoe & Kayak Coaches Conference in Oklahoma City.

It’s been ten years since Coach Anderson first started coaching our youth in Gig Harbor – he always knew it was a perfect location for what has become a model program for other communities. Anderson and Sousley have produced seven athletes who competed in the 2011 Junior World Championships, bringing the total number of athelets the program has sent to Junior Worlds since 2007 to 14. Two Gig Harbor team athletes are on scholarship at the premier college program in the United States at Oklahoma City University.

6 Weeks to a Healthier You

Healthy Harbor Program for Gig Harbor

Do you have six weeks to devote to a healthier you? Are you a local small business looking for a wellness program for your staff? Then check this out – “6 Weeks to a Healthier You” is coming to Gig Harbor and you just can’t beat the price.

Gig Harbor’s own nationally recognized wellness author Joe Piscatella is bringing “6 Weeks to a Healthier You” to Gig Harbor starting this month. Thanks to generous support from St. Anthony Hospital and Metagenics, this program is available to you for only $75 per person or $125 per couple. At this price I expect this program to fill up!

Joe Piscatella will be conducting the community wellness program with one goal in mind: to improve community health by educating and motivating attendees to commit to healthy lifestyle habits. Gig Harbor’s size and demographics, its already recreation-oriented residents, along with the participation of our own St. Anthony Hospital, and Joe Piscatella himself enhance the potential for the success of this six-week program. Joe is well known nationally for his best-selling books, PBS television program, WebMD column and numerous media appearances. An opportunity to work directly with Joe is a good one.

With A Loving Eye: The Photographs of Jini Dellaccio

Bringing Home the Art of a Gig Harbor Icon

Gig Harbor, a hidden treasure on its own, is home to a varity of other hidden treasures. From Jim Valley to Tom Torrens Gig Harbor is home to some amazingly creative people. There are many we all know about, and there are many more we do not. Jini Dellaccio is a hidden treasure you probably don't know about. Although she no longer lives in Gig Harbor, her years as a resident here are forever chronicled through her amazing photographs.

Jini Dellaccio is coming home to Gig Harbor with a selection of her masterworks of fine art photography. This exhibit will be on display at the Harbor History Museum March 31-July 29, 2012. Well known for giving Northwest rock and roll its mystique in the 1960’s, her mastery of craft combined with her genuine love of her subjects created a legendary body of work over more than six decades.

Still working at age 95 in digital photography, her loving eye sees beauty in everything from Neil Young to the common seagull perched on her balcony railing. She documented the lives of many people and families over the 30 years she lived in Gig Harbor on a bluff overlooking the Tacoma Narrows, now treasured pieces of family histories.

Dellaccio has a profound impact on people with her gracious spirit and genuine love of the art of photography. Learn more about this remarkable exhibit and the events surrounding it at www.harborhistorymuseum.org. To learn more about the Jini Dellaccio Collection, visit www.jinidellaccio.com.

Skansie Netshed Restoration

It's been almost two years since we won a grant from American Express for restoration of the Skansie Netshed and now the projectis underway. Remember when we all voted over and over to help make this dream a reality? Here's an update -

The project will be split into two phases. The first phase of construction designed by Sitts and Hill Engineers, Inc., and constructed by Quigg Bros, Inc., is to replace approximately 2/3's of the rotten and failing pilings. Completion of this work is expected by the end of February of 2012. Additional funding is needed for phase 2 to replace the outer decking and end pilings.

Due to the tides, most of the work will be done at night since access is tide-dependent. New beams/joists will be hung prior to removal and replacement of each piling. Wood piiling are being used to preserve the integrity of the historic structure. Limited access prevents the use of today's larger pile-driving equipment and barges. Instead, each piling will be hand-dug and tilted into place. This method protects the upper decking and ensures that the net shed can be saved. This work replicates a traditional method of repair used by net shed owners in Gig Harbor that began in the early 1900's.

Read more and see more photos at  http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/page.php?id=1353