Gig Harbor Community Member

Letter to the editor: Suicide prevention requires attention, compassion and action

Sep 13, 2023

Hello, Gig Harbor Now and Followers. I am Thelma Brown, President of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition. On behalf of our Coalition, we would like to thank Mayor Markley and the City Council for proclaiming September as the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is truly an honor to be supported by our Mayor,

Fox Island open house planned to discuss wildfire risk

Sep 13, 2023

Fox Island asks the question: Could a Lahaina type of wildfire happen here? Fox Island has but one way for emergency vehicles to arrive to help their Fire Station 53 crew on the island in a major conflagration — the Fox Island Bridge.  The island also is heavily wooded, providing fuel for a wildfire.  And

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for healthy aging

Sep 13, 2023

Aging is inevitable. It may even be at the forefront of your mind, especially as your body begins to communicate it’s happening. Maybe you’re feeling pains in your knees, weakened muscles, or half the energy you’re used to. However, aging doesn’t have to be frightening. Making wise lifestyle changes today can ease your aging later

Dolly Parton wants your kids to read, and we’re here to help

Aug 31, 2023

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton came and conquered the State of Washington. By proclamation from Governor Jay Inslee, August 15 is now Dolly Parton Imagination Library Day. This program had delivered over 200 million books to children worldwide since it began in 1995 and gives over 2 million books each month! Dolly Parton dazzled an invitation-only

Gig Harbor Now and Then: Library hall used a form of lighting your insurance agent wouldn’t approve of

Aug 28, 2023

We concluded our last column with the question: What kind of lighting system upgrade was installed in the Vaughn Library Hall in 1920? Answer: Interestingly enough, the answer lies in that fun little riddle many of us memorized in childhood. For those too young to remember, it goes like this: How do you make firemen

Minerva Fund awards scholarships to nine local women

Aug 16, 2023

The Minerva Scholarship Fund introduced recipients of the 2023 Minerva Scholarships on Sunday, Aug. 6. Minerva Scholarship Chair Pat Berger presented the awards in front of a proud assembly of family, friends and members of the Minerva and American Association of University Women of Gig Harbor groups. Now in its 32nd year, the fund has

Letter to the Editor: Downtown Waterfront Alliance wants to know what you think

Aug 15, 2023

The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance is the voice and ears for the merchants and restaurants for our downtown waterfront.  We ask that you take a very quick survey in order for us to determine your shopping and dining preferences as residents and visitors.  It will help us shape the future of our downtown. Lots

Gig Harbor Now and Then: Squatters were early adopters of tiny houses

Aug 14, 2023

Our previous question asked: What was the average size of the 32 squatters’ houses on Military Reservation 23, at point Evans, barely north of the Narrows bridges, in 1916? Answer: 215 square feet. However, Lillian Young apparently didn’t have a house, so perhaps the total square feet should be divided by 31 houses. That would

Real Estate: Home prices stopped a slow skid in July

Aug 10, 2023

After five months of slowly declining monthly median home sale prices in the Gig Harbor and Fox Island communities, the median home price was flat from June to July at $819,995, according to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). Home prices, which include single-family homes and condos located between the Purdy and Narrows

Wellness Wednesday: Why you shouldn’t ignore skin inflammation

Aug 09, 2023

Your body has a smart way of communicating to you when it’s in distress — through your skin. The layers of your skin can often be a reaction to something deeper going on within your body. From diet to mental health to exposure, there are various internal and external factors that can result in your