Brix 25 For New Years Eve

Perfect and Close to Home!

Help Restore the Thunderbird Hull #1 Mast

and other hands on classes for 2011

Looking for something new to do this new year?  Consider taking a class or workshop at the Gig Harbor Boatshop, including a wonderful opportunity to participate in restoration of a true piece of history.

Beginning Saturday January 15th and again on Saturday February 19th participate in hands on restoration work on the Harbor History Museum's Thunderbird Hull #1.  Master shipwright Steve Helgeson will lead the restoration of the mast, sharing his expertise in wood boat repair and restoration techniques.  Work will include removing all hardware, stripping old varnish, assessing structure for necessary repairs and performing needed repairs.  Once restored, the mast will return to the museum and take its place alongside Hull #1.

Additional classes are scheduled at the Gig Harbor BoatShop this  including two Basic Navigation Classes; Creative Robe Class and Basics of Oar Making.

To register for any of these classes and learn more go on line to www.gigharborboatshop.org under the Program Information tab.  Questions gigharborboatshop@gmail.com or call (253) 857-9344.

Run For The Heroes on New Years Day

Dr. Tim is at it again.  Local Gig Harbor Chiropractor responsible for starting the now wildly successful Turkey Trot, is helping put together the second annual Run for the Heroes race on New Years Day.

Working with the Business Network International Puget So9und Business Partners Chapter, the first annual event last year was mobilized to pay respect and try to help the families of the fallen Lakewood officers.

It was a great success and so they are at it again this year with two options - a 5K or a 10K.  Cost is $20 for pre-registration or $25 day.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Washington State Fallen Firefighters Memorial - reflecting the new name of the event "Run for the Heroes" (last year it was Run for the Officers).

The race begins at 9am at Skansie Brothers Park on Harborview Drive and heads North and East along the same route that many other local runs use.  To register go to www.active.com

Great Sparkling Wines for Your New Years Celebration

Guest Blogger Steve Lynn

 There is nothing more welcoming than a glass of bubbles at a party or special occasion.  Sparkling wines are great value selections of bubbles for your special events or just everyday.  These wines are often called champagne, just as we often call photocopies Xerox or facial tissue Kleenex.  Sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France can be called champagne and all others throughout the world are called sparkling wine.  Sparkling wines are made in every major wine producing country including the US, Spain, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Australia, and France.

The world’s first sparkling wine dates back to 1531 when the monks of St Hilaire Abbey near Limoux discovered the technique quite by chance. They left their wine to mature in corked glass flasks instead of oak vats and watched in wonder as the first bubbles appeared. Soon, the ‘little white’ wine held pride of place in celebrations, toasting the return of victorious knights from far away lands.  Champagne didn’t arrive until 150 years later when another monk, Dom Pérignon, visited Limoux and brought the secret back to northern France. (http://www.frenchentree.com/languedoc-restaurants-wine/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=25191).

Sparkling wines are made from many different grape varietals, depending on the country of production, including mauzac, semillon, prosecco, xarello, macabeo, parellada, riesling and shiraz.  Sparkling wines can also be made from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot menuier grapes, the same as champagne.

French sparkling wines are easy to find and can be under $15 and a perfect complement for any occasion.  These wines pair particularly well with a wide selection of foods such as oysters, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, Chinese dim sum, soufflés, sushi, and of course caviar.  

Some of my current favorite sparkling wines are:

Le Berceau Blanquette de Limoux 90% mauzac, 10% chardonnay/chenin blanc.  A dry, creamy-textured sparkler with a fine yeasty character present in the aroma, with subtle and fresh fruit flavors of green apple and lemon and a clean finish. ~ Winery Notes

Jaillance NV Cremant de Bordeaux Rose  55% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon. The wine is cherry colored with aromas of raspberry and strawberry. Refreshing and dry this sparkling wine is great as an aperitif or with spicy dishes. ~Winery Notes

Jaillance NV Cremant de Bordeaux Brut  A harmoniously balanced and truly refreshing sparkling made of 100% semillon. Bright citrus fruit invigorates the palate while clean mineral undertones carry the vibrancy of the wine. Ideal with shellfish, sea scallops or lobster. ~Winery Notes

Louis Picamelot NV Cremant de Bourgogne Brut   Made from 62% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 13% aligote, from grape-growing regions Cote Chalonnaise, Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits. A lemon gold color, with a rich but discreet foam. There is a fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas following the ageing in the bottle; a lovely alliance between vinosity and crispiness. Enjoy as an aperitif but also with butchery or shellfishes. ~Winery Notes

More details on the production methods for sparkling wine can be reviewed at http://www.winepros.org/wine101/sparkling.htm.  If you have specific sparkling wine questions, please give me or Ty Cline a call at Water to Wine 853-9463.  www.watertowineshop.com.

Stroll and Enjoy the Businesses on Kimball

Kimball Drive � the forgotten Gig Harbor Shopping Center?

This past weekend I spent a couple of hours at Old Town Bikes on Kimball in Gig Harbor shopping for a new bike.  While I was waiting it occurred to me that, although I frequently shop at many Kimball businesses, I rarely talk about it as a great place to shop.  I seem to focus on Downtown and Uptown more.  I started to count how many businesses on Kimball I visit on a regular basis…and I found it was more than either Downtown or Uptown.

Kimball, although laid out more like a strip mall, is also a great place to park and stroll.  Something I would encourage you to try.   I haven’t had a chance to visit every store or business, so this is a list of the ones I am familiar with.  Please comment with your own favorites, or go out and support local business on Kimball – and everywhere in Gig Harbor!

Gig Harbor Dry Cleaners – I go here A LOT, but not just for dry cleaning but for alterations.  They have a wonderful seamstress who helps make all the necessary adjustment s I need.

Kimball Espresso – fabulous coffee and a great place to have a meeting

Clark’s Jewelry – not only does Clark’s have gorgeous fine jewelry but they also carry reasonably priced jewelry, hand bags, and I just bought a new wallet there.

Urban Escapes – Michael at UE has been doing my hair for more than 15 years. ‘Nuff said.

Abbey Carpets - just had new carpet installed in my house and Abbey did an awesome job!

Northwest Snowboards – used to go here more when my kids were younger…now they have to buy their own Snowboard gear!  But it’s an awesome store.

Toadilly Scrappin – even if you aren’t a scrabbooker this store has great paper and craft items for lots of projects.

Subway – love the veggie 6” for lunch

Kinza Terriyaki – another great lunch/meeting spot, a Gig Harbor Fav

Old Town Bike – Just bought my fourth bike from Old Town and the customer service was phenomenal

Great American Car Wash – well I drive a black car.  So I go here a lot!  They also change my oil every 5000 miles

Stroh’s – everything for the garden and farm – open during their major construction project!

Best Western Wesley Inn – not your Grandfathers Best Western.  A first class hotel.

Gateway to India – a wonderful and flavorful dining option in Gig Harbor.  Lunch buffet is great!

Route 16 Running – I buy all my running shoes and gear here, and so does my husband

Snuffins Catering – they helped cater my 25^th wedding anniversary party.

The Peninsula Gateway – Gig Harbor oldest newspaper, in your mailbox every Wednesday!

So if you have a Kimball business not mentioned here, send me a note about it and I will try to get in and say hello!  Let’s work together to get the word out about all the great shops and businesses through-out Gig Harbor.

I’ll see you on Kimball!

Listen to Your Heart

2011 Steppin Up Women's Conference in Gig Harbor January 22-23

 I know everyone has the holidays on their mind, but here is a quick reminder about an upcoming special event in January.  Now is the time to be registering for the annual "Steppin Up" Women's Conference at Gig Harbor's Wesley Inn the weekend of January 22nd.  Another great weekend of events is planned, all in support of  "The Homestead at Alder Cove".  Don't miss it!

This year's featured speakers include inspirational and educational women from around the region including;

• Kristen Tateishi, Miss Pierce County
• Linda Thomas, CEO of Wilcox Farms
• Dr. Mary Clement, Naturopathic Physician
• The Go Red Ambassadors, from the American Heart Association

As always the conference is held at the beautiful Best Western Wesley Inn, 6575 Kimball Drive in Gig Harbor.  Register today at www.wesleyinn.com.  General Admission is $50 per person and Group Admission (four) is $150.  Admission cost includes all sessions, optional activities, Continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday.  Make it a girl's getaway with discounted rates for rooms at the Wesley starting at only $114.99 per night.

Don't miss this chance to be inspired, learn and grow at the 2011 Steppin Up Women's Conference "Listen to Your Heart" January 22-23 in Gig Harbor.  Can't wait to see you all there!

For additional information you can contact steppinup@wesleyinn.com or (253) 858-9690

Holiday Wine to Celebrate!

Guest Blogger Steve Lynn

Wine is part of many holiday celebrations, whether given as a gift, served at a party or  your family meal.  I am often asked what the best wine to have during the holidays is or what wine pairs with a specific meal.  The possibilities are tremendous and it can feel overwhelming.  A good wine salesperson can help you select a wine that meets your specific event needs.

Many of my most memorable holiday favorites are sparkling wines, whether it is Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, French Cremant or Champagne.  When bubbles are flowing you know it’s a party and you can find several quality ones under $15. The crispness of sparkling wine makes it a great complement for many appetizers, pan-pacific spicy dishes, deep fried foods, salty foods, and yes even potato chips!  

White wines are certainly a perfect holiday wine with Viognier and drier-style Gewurztraminer's great complements to roasted poultry, particularly turkey. Flavorful red wines such as a McLaren Vale Australian Shiraz, with its sweet concentrated fruit, are a nice match while very tannic wines can make your beautiful bird taste very dry.

Rebuilding Together South Sound

Guest Blogger Drew Carrigan

The holidays are a time when we reflect on the year that is winding down and coming to a close. Here at Rebuilding Together South Sound, we are thankful for the amazing support we have received from the community this last year. We also know that this year has been challenging for many of our neighbors who are struggling to provide for their basic necessities this winter.

Rebuilding Together South Sound is a non-profit organization that provides free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners who are elderly, disabled or families with children. Founded in 2001, we have completed home repair and modification projects that have allowed hundreds of families and individuals to remain safe and independent in their homes. We complete major home repair projects once a year on National Rebuilding Day, a volunteer work day at the end of April. We also complete work throughout the year, and are excited about expanding our services.

Rebuilding Together South Sound is happy to announce that we are now accepting applications for emergency repairs. Emergency repairs are now part of our year round program which also includes home modifications for increased accessibility. We plan to complete 70 projects through the year round program this year. We have seen a great need in the community for emergency repairs and now we are stepping up to fill this gap.

We are hoping that the community will support us and help us make this program a success. We need skilled volunteers who are willing to help us with these news projects, which can include actively leaking roofs, major plumbing leaks, and loss of heat. Plumbers, roofers, electricians and HVAC professionals are needed! Your skills can help keep someone stay in their home this winter, what a wonderful gift.

We are excited about this new service we are offering to address the need in our community for warm, safe and dry homes for low-income homeowners. Many in our community that have been touched by the economic downturn or personal crises are worried about making it through the coming winter; we are here to ensure that they will. We feel that everyone deserves a safe and healthy home, regardless of income, and that is what we have been providing for 9 years. For more information on volunteering or to request an application, please call 253-238-0977 or visit www.rebuildingtogetherss.org.

Watch Gig Harbor's Lighted Boat Parade

The Waterfront Inn Invites You!

Gig Harbor's only waterfront Bed and Breakfast, the Waterfront Inn, invites you to enjoy the annual Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade right from the comfort of your own room.

This great special was just announced for this coming weekend.  Space is limited so check it out now!

Take advantage of the two-night special to experience the true Gig Harbor holidays.  Watch the twinkle of the lights as the yachts float majestically over the water on Saturday December 11th.  The festivities can be viewed from the comfort of your room, just 20 feet from teh water while the fire crackles in your in-room fireplace. 

This two-night special runs from $280-$350 per night and includes special holiday treats.  Learn more by contacting the Waterfront Inn at (253) 857-0770 or www.waterfront-inn.com

Harbor is full of Holiday Cheer this week

So much to do in Gig Harbor!

This week is crazy!  But in a Christmas kind of way!  There is so much going on in Gig Harbor this week.  Get ready, get set and celebrate the holidays.  Here is a list, but also be sure to check out www.gigharborguide.com because it is changing constantly!!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 9TH Second Annual Hark the Harbor event at Skansie Brothers Park along with the Argosy Christmas Ship!  Fun starts at 7:30pm! 

FRIDAY - SUNDAY DECEMBER 10-12TH It's Candlelight Christams in the Harbor, downtown Gig Harbor, lots of entertainment, refreshments and holiday specials through out the historic waterfront area!!

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, last weekend to see "Annie" at Paradise Theatre!

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11TH LOTS TO DO!

• For Arts Sake 3rd Annual Holiday Open House
• Gig Harbor Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade
• Chapel Hill Church Festival of Christmas Concert
• City of Gig Harbor Eddon Boat Pier Dedication
• Fox Island Holiday Gift Bazaar
• Altrusa Holiday Tour of Homes
• AND MORE

So, don't sit home this week, get out and enjoy the spirit of the Harbor!  Put a little Ho, Ho in your Harbor!

www.gigharborguide.com for more details and information