Marsha Hart

Marsha Hart is a journalist who holds degrees in Communication and Psychology from East Tennessee State University. She moved to the area after working for several weekly and daily newspapers, including the Sacramento Bee. She has worked as a reporter and editor covering news, sports, real estate, and features. She enjoys a good book, a scenic hike, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Basket Brigade carrying on and bigger than ever, even as its founder steps aside

Nov 19, 2024

More than 800 area families will receive the makings of a traditional Thanksgiving meal next week thanks to the annual Thanksgiving Basket Brigade.  This idea of helping families in need has been a passion for David and Debbie Cathers of Gig Harbor, who started the Basket Brigade in 1994 with the help of a few

Being Neighborly | Meet Miss Gig Harbor, on a mission to remove barriers to learning

Nov 17, 2024

Being Neighborly Helpers are everywhere. We just have to look for them. Gig Harbor Now wants to showcase how someone in the community — a stranger, neighbor, teacher, classmate, anyone — has helped you. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or something that had a larger impact, send it in. It could be included

Ham radio operators could be key communications link in case of emergency

Nov 13, 2024

An earthquake or a major storm could knock out traditional communications methods. That’s where local ham radio operators come in.

D-Day anniversary honored at annual Veterans Day celebration

Nov 11, 2024

The D-Day invasion’s role in changing the course of World War II was the focus of this year’s Veterans Day celebration at the Gig Harbor Aero Museum. June marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Speakers at the celebration gave detailed information about the significance of D-Day, known

Peninsula High teacher balances art and science

Oct 29, 2024

Peninsula High school science teacher by day, performing artist in her off time, Ashley Ortenzo is one of dozens who will “fling joy” in the Puget Sound Midwinter Revels show in December. Ortenzo has been a science teacher for 24 years and lives in Gig Harbor, but it’s her first year at Peninsula High School.

R.A.D. self-defense classes helps women ‘establish their power and control’

Oct 24, 2024

Some of the women who recently finished a R.A.D. (Rape, Aggression, Defense) self-defense training program in Gig Harbor have experienced some type of assault. One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, said that although she is an athlete, she wanted to take the class to learn how to protect herself. “I’m in therapy for

Relief Beds, a Pierce County nonprofit, helps people without a home find rest

Oct 10, 2024

The nonprofit founded by Gig Harbor native Scott Smalling hosts two showings of a new documentary next week as a fundraiser.

Volunteering is in Larry Bleich’s blood

Oct 07, 2024

Larry Bleich of Gig Harbor, who organized the Battle of the Badges and other blood drives, recently received the Red Cross’s highest honor.

New option at St. Anthony can help patients undergoing chemotherapy keep their hair

Oct 02, 2024

St. Anthony Hospital has a new option for chemotherapy patients who are approved to use cold capping during their treatment, which reduces the alopecia side effect of the drugs. Two months ago the hospital received its first cold capping machine, which is available to patients of the outpatient clinic who choose to use it. “The

Wingnut Metal Works makes fine art from spare parts

Sep 26, 2024

Repurposing old, rusted metal into art that is both functional and decorative has been a hobby for Ray Swift since his high school days. Recently, Swift launched a business, Wingnut Metal Works, from his shop at his home on Raft Island. He learned to weld while working for a sculpture professor at Pacific Lutheran University