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.

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

PenMet celebrates opening of revamped Rosedale Hall

Sep 18, 2024

An afternoon mist began to turn to light rain just as a ribbon cutting ceremony wrapped up Tuesday evening to officially celebrate the extensive renovation of the nearly 100-year-old Rosedale Hall. About 40 community members gathered in the parking lot to listen as Pen Met Parks commissioners and staff spoke on the importance of preserving

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, locals share their stories and knowledge

Sep 16, 2024

Childhood cancer is rare. But Karen Caywood of Gig Harbor knows that it doesn’t seem that way when a doctor informs a parent  their child has been diagnosed. “Once you’re told that your child has childhood cancer, it’s not rare anymore. It’s infuriating, and feels so dismissive to be told that it’s rare,” she said.

Woodworker’s hobby became a vocation, then a donation

Aug 22, 2024

Doug Perry’s mother inspired him to explore woodworking. Her crafting hobbies and creations gave him the confidence to seek out a creative outlet that has now become a vocation. He retired from a career in the Air Force, then a stroke ended a second career in manufacturing management. Woodworking had been a hobby since his

Shakespeare (ish) takes the stage at Sehmel Homestead Park

Aug 19, 2024

It’s Shakespeare in the park, with some artistic license. Ghostlight Performing Arts gave its first live performance for a crowd of around 60 with a parody called “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) revised, (again)” at Sehmel Homestead Park on Aug. 10. And if you missed it, you’ll have another chance on Saturday, Aug.

New vet clinic Whisker Wellness caters only to kitties

Aug 16, 2024

Cat owners will have a unique option for veterinary care when Whisker Wellness Center opens on Aug. 26 on Olympic Drive. The longtime dream of Dr. Erin Hicks is also the only feline-exclusive veterinary hospital on the Gig Harbor side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Whisker Wellness Center will offer a full spectrum of care,