Kudos #Shoutouts

Two gentlemen living on Fox Island truly assist the island residents and community with the donation of their brainpower and time.

Jim Braden and Craig McLaughlin defend our Fox Island lifestyle.

As “Islanders” we deal with multiple Pierce County challenges including bridge funding, park district mismanagement and a rude neighbor violating airspace rules, the airport.

Jim heads up our world class volunteer emergency command network.

Jim and Craig are so involved with FICRA & the revitalization and fun at Nichols Community Center.

Jim and Craig live our Fox Island lifestyle.

Gentlemen – We Thank you

Sending a massive CONGRATULATIONS to the students, vendors and volunteers for another fantastic Tidefest!

These dedicated students were so wonderful and supportive during these two long and festive days. Applause as well to all the merry performers who provided the lively soundtrack.

Outstanding job, Tides!! Already can’t wait for Tidefest 2026.

A great big shout-out to Handyman Concierge!

We needed a very quick turnaround on a bathroom project, and Kevin Tardif did an exceptionally good, thoughtful, and caring job.

Kevin is local to Gig Harbor and offers general contracting, maintenance, repair, and renovation services. His team was professional, reliable, and a pleasure to work with. He has earned my trust.

I’m making a list and plan to keep them busy — they were a great team. Thank you, Kevin and crew. Www.myhandymanconcierge.com

Shout out to Allyson and Jason @ Invitation Books. As a librarian here in the Peninsula School District, I want to thank you and your staff for your diverse and inclusive inventory and , for your knowledgeable advice. I’m so glad to support your small business here in my hometown.

A big round of applause to the City of Gig Harbor for the vision and leadership behind the new Doris Heritage Park at the Gig Harbor Sports Complex. I had the joy of visiting a couple of weeks ago with my grandchildren, and they absolutely loved it!

What really caught my attention, though, wasn’t just the beautiful new space—it was the life happening all around it. I saw 10–15 families gathered with their kids, laughing, playing, and connecting with one another. Parents were chatting, kids were making new friends, and you could feel a sense of community being built right there in the sunshine.

This is what great public spaces do: they bring people together. They become the backdrop for memories, relationships, and a stronger, healthier community.

So hats off to the leaders of Gig Harbor. Your vision and hard work are not only giving us parks and playgrounds—you’re helping create a place where families thrive and where Gig Harbor continues to be one of the most wonderful places to live.

An extra special Shoutout to Kendra and Kirsten at Ace Hardware in Gig Harbor! They saved my bacon! I was parked at 4700 Pt. Fosdick and when I went to unlock my car, the key fob did not work. I figured out pretty quickly that the batter in the fob was dead. I walked to Ace Hardware and found these two wonderful ladies who researched on line which battery was needed, how to open the fob, and how to replace the battery. Smart women with a real sense of customer service. This is just another reason why the Gig Harbor Ace Hardware gets my business vs. the big box store!
Thank you ladies!

This is what makes Gig Harbor special.

Today I was towing my 17.5 foot motorboat on a trailer when the chain holding it snapped and the boat literally slipped onto Harborview Drive. Right in front of Speedy Glass. I was so shocked.

Of course, the people of Gig Harbor came together for an amazing rescue. Someone started directing traffic around us and with the help of amazing people who helped lift the back of the boat and one person using the trailer winch and me backing the trailer under the boat we got it back on the trailer in less than 10 minutes. It was almost like a miracle. I am still in shock.

I shook a few hands but forgot to get their names. KUDOS. THANK YOU. You all make this town the special place that it is.

I really would like to thank those who helped me in person again.

Ali Afrassiabi MD

Gig Harbor

FOX ISLAND, WA – Nathan Kjorlien, a sophomore at Gig Harbor High School and resident of Fox Island, has been named one of only 14 recipients nationwide of the prestigious Kikkoman National Scholarship to Japan, a highly competitive, merit-based award.

Funded by Kikkoman and administered through Youth For Understanding (YFU), this full scholarship supports participation in a cultural and academic exchange program in Japan during the summer.
Nathan is the only Washington state student selected for the 2025 scholarship cohort. He will join 13 other students from across the United States in this immersive 6-week program.

Nathan currently serves as the President of the FCCLA Culinary Club at Gig Harbor High School, a club founded this fall by his Ethnic Foods teacher, Rebecca Kusche. Ms. Kusche encouraged Nathan to apply for the scholarship after recognizing his leadership and enthusiasm for culinary arts and cross-cultural learning.

“I’m excited and honored to be chosen,” said Nathan. “This opportunity will allow me to explore a culture I’ve admired and learn in a completely new environment.”

The Kikkoman Scholarship aims to support young leaders who demonstrate academic promise, cultural curiosity, and a commitment to global citizenship.

There is a “code red” shortage of blood in our area. Kudos to Windermere Realtors for being a community partner and stepping up with a blood drive on Monday, February 3rd! Scan the code to make your appointment!

The Mukilteo Way Garden Club was pleased to select Gig Harbor resident Francesca Hall for one of their $1000 Horticulture scholarships for the 2024-25 school year. Francesca is a sophomore at Western Washington University pursuing studies in agricultural and environmental sciences. Moving to the PNW from Texas as a teenager, Francesca had a love of farming but her passion with science made for a strong combination toward her dream of helping farmers sustain their livelihoods and nourish communities. She sees science and data control, DNA and gene studies in particular, as an aid in engineering agriculture to combat climate change.

The Mukilteo Way Garden Club established their annual Horticulture Scholarships in 2007 with proceeds from the first Mukilteo Garden and Quilt Tour. The Tour has been presented biennially with the Mukilteo Lighthouse Quilters since with great success. The next Tour will be presented this summer on July 20-21. www.mukilteogardenandquilttour.org. Check for the next annual scholarship information in April, 2025 on the Mukilteo Way Garden Club’s website www.mwgc.org .