bight | november 2011

November 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber 1 1 Shelton Mason County Chamber November 2011

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

November 2011

In ThE loopCHUM SeaSon in MaSon CoUnty

Plan a Viewing trip to Kennedy Creek – 9

SHelton’S neon ProjeCtA Vision for a Brighter Downtown –10

MGH FantaSy ForeStStep into the Christmas Spirit –12

oaKlanD Bay ParK trail renovationS County’s Parks and Trails develops new park – 14

Get MovinG on yoUr CHriStMaS liSt A sampling of local bazaars - 17

tHe oPera CoMeS to SHeltonAnna’s Bay collaborates to raise money

for local school music programs – 21

live

work

play

November 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber 2November 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber 3

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

I read a headline on a letter to the editor a couple weeks ago that went something like, “At Oyster-Fest, We’re All Friends.”

As a Skookum Rotarian, I see the underbelly of OysterFest, the story behind the story, the sweat, blood and, yes, tears behind the great success we’ve made of the 30-year old event. My hat is off to my fellow Rotarians, and to the broader community that makes it happen.

OysterFest is just a microcosm of our Shelton-Mason County com-munity. We are still a community with a sense of community, folks who participate in neighbor-hood watch groups and churches, soccer clubs and service clubs, homeowners’ associations and a myriad of fundraisers year round. Oh, and those who attend early morning Chamber committee meetings to make decisions about

How about our new look and style for our newsletter? And yes, I know what you’re think-ing. “BIGHT??!” Is that a typo or what? Per my dictionary, it means a bend or curve in the shore of a sea or river, a body of water bounded by such a bend, or simply, a bay or gulf. That definition seems to fit Mason County pretty nicely.

I’ve been half way around the world and back in the past month. Let me tell you, there is no place on earth that I prefer to Mason County.

However, I do think that everyone should experience other cultures if only to better appreci-ate what we have. My husband and I went on a whirlwind tour of China, making way for our Chamber to go next October.

I’ll be meeting with the owner of the company early this month to discuss the details of the 2012 trip. In the meantime, I can tell you this: it will be a 10 day trip, likely in October (the weather is perfect: a comfortable

member services, marketing pro-grams, support or opposition on ballot measures? You know who you are. You are rock stars.

We participate in government, which is how, year after year, we fill elected positions in something like 11 fire districts, seven school boards, five ports, two public util-ity districts, various water districts, not to mention federal, state, city, county and whatever other office we can think of. My hat’s off to all those running for office. It’s not easy, it’s often thankless, but your courage is recognized.

And we show up. Crowds line the streets during Forest Festival and Christmas Parades, fans pack the stands for football games, Fantasy Forest events are sold out and it’s really tough to get AROUND the cars turning into the fairgrounds at OysterFest.

message from Chamber president

message from Chamber executive Director75 degrees), less than $2,500 per person (this includes ALL of your airfare, lodging, meals, ground transportation, guides & interpreters, and entrance fees), and yes you can bring a friend. Or two. Or three. Once the details are ironed out, I’ll share them with you.

What’s next: festivals, holidays and events! We have Fantasy Forest, Thanksgiving, Black Fri-day, First Friday and Christmas all just weeks away. As much as I appreciate the summer months, I love this time of the year.

To add just one more thing to the list of things I’m looking forward to, I hope that you’ll take a close look at our Novem-ber 4 event at the Public Works Building.

International leadership coach and speaker, Brad Worthley will there to tell us about “Exceeding Customer Expectations.” Brad spoke at our October member-ship meeting and was a complete hit. A few members who told me they ‘may need to sneak out a

board of Trustees

Presidentpatti Case

Green Diamond resource Company

Past Presidentlisa woodard, West Coast Bank

vice President of Marketing

kathryn kamin Hood Canal Communications

vice President of Member ServicesDrew macewenFalcon Financial, inc.

treasurer

rick verbarendse alderbrook Golf & yacht Club

Steve andrewski, eFi

Herb baze Black Star, the Strip Steakhouse

melanie bakalaState Farm insurance

kevin CronquistPrudential nW real estate

mike Gango, Quality appliance bob Houle

Houle & Goodell attorneys, llCmark woytowich,

Woytowich Design

mission StatementTo encourage and maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism and facilitate economic development.

Produced by image in action Design and the Shelton mason County Chamber of Commerce as a benefit to Members and the community. all rights reserved. article and Chamber Member announcements are welcome. For contribution guidelines & ad-vertising call (360) 427-5599.

Shelton mason County Chamber of CommerceBox 2389 |215 W railroad ave., Shelton, Wa 98584426-2021 | (800) 576-2021 FaX 426-8678

www.SheltonChamber.org

In the midst of all the work, the trials and tribulations making all these activities look easy, let’s all remind ourselves. This is fun. This is what makes community. This is what makes OUR com-munity.

I’m proud to be a part of it.Patti CasePresident of the Board

little early’ actually stayed a little late to hear all he had to say. Cost will be $55 and you can bring a coworker for only $50 more. Last, but not least: we heard you when you told us you want another option for the President’s Circle membership.

Your participation in the Cham-ber is important to us, and we hope you’ll take a look at the new option we’ve provided for you. Check out the details on Page 7. Thank you for telling us what you want!

Heidi McCutcheonExecutive Director

November 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber 2November 2011 Shelton Mason County Chamber 3 3 Shelton Mason County Chamber November 2011

message from Chamber president Tourism plan to Focus on Diverse audiences Fall has fallen, OysterFest is wrapped up for another year, the hordes have gone from Safeway and Fred Meyer, and a Satur-day morning drive up the canal on Highway 101 is

Your Chamber understands that tourists come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, and our tourism market-ing plan needs to reflect, prioritize and reach all of these audiences. As we put together the action plan for the coming year, we can use your feedback.

What are your experiences? What works in reaching

these audiences? What doesn’t?

Our goal is to put together a plan that works for our membership, bringing visi-tors to our county, keeping them happy and making them anxious to make a return trip.

We welcome your help!

Laurie’s in Hoodsport welcomes visitors with plenty of color.

bight [bīt] n. 1. A loop in a rope or cable. In logging referred to cable looped around a log when it was moved.2. A bend or curve. A wide bay formed by such a bend or curve.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Welcome Newest Members !Capitol City press

2975 37th ave SWtumwater, Wa 98512

www.capitolcitypress.com

linkTech engineeringShelton, Wa

www.linktechengineering.net

Quinault beach resort & Casino

78 State route 115ocean Shores, Wa

www.quinaultbeachresort.com

Know someone else who should join the Chamber? Please call (360)426-2021

or email [email protected].

what’s in a biGHT?The play on words is undeniable. The word evokes all types of visual images – food & fishing “bites,” computer “bytes” – doubtless you came up with a few!

I became attached to the word when I started researching appropriate titles for a cham-ber publication. The catchy words were overused – “Link,” “Insight,” “Vision,” or“Voice.” It seemed that “Chamber News,” would lose its roots when the magazine was used as an out-of- County marketing piece.

When I moved to this area with my family I was charmed by some of the things that embod-ied Mason County. First, I love that you can be in a wilderness or floating a remote waterway in minutes – literally. Second, I am enamoured with the sense of community. Hailing from a knothole in Canada and moving to a Seattle suburb then home

in Mason County– I appreciate the heartfelt greetings in the street. Finally, I love the heritage here. This community has a strong connection to its history and natural geography. We need a title that captures this area’s many layers.

The word “bight” was found in a list of forestry terms. I was almost discouraged by the phrase “caught in the bight,” but alone the word has its own life.

“Bight” is familiar to sailors, fishers, foresters, and climbers. All of which have a strong working history in Mason County.It can refer to a bend or curve, especially in the shore of a sea or river. Take a look at Mason County – every body of water is bounded by such a bend.

Bight also refers to the loop of a rope or cable. For those who use the waterways as their high-ways, this is a piece of the dialect.

Whether you want to be kept in the loop or just around the bend– I encourage you to use the Bight as part of your marketing strategy. Chamber members are invited to send in stories and pictures. We will get them out to as many customers as possible!

Suggestions? Comments? Let us know what you think. This is your Chamber newsletter. We want to capture the issues that affect you in the place you live, work and play!

Call (360) 427-5599 or email [email protected]

Nautical charts of Mason County are filled with a network of beautiful “bights.” | images: NOAA

Rachel Hansen | editor

lonely and peaceful.

It’s tourist season.

Yes, your Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Com-merce is planning for 2012. We’re also planning for audi-ences that might extend their stay a day or two before or after the Pumpkin Catapult Contest, who might enjoy a fall mushroom hunt or a hike among real falling leaves. We’re looking for ways to engage those with second homes here in Mason County, or those who are renting those second homes.


Chamber takes positions on statewide initiatives affecting businessYour Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce recognizes that businesses are affected by public policy at all levels. As a service to members, the Government Affairs Committee researched and provided recommendations on several statewide ballot mea-sures which affect business. Your Board of Trustees voted unanimously to take the follow-ing positions on behalf of the Chamber:

Senate Joint resolution 8206 budget Stabiliza-tion

SUpporT: SJR 8206 would transfer 75% of “extraor-dinary revenue growth” to the Budget Stabilization Account in addition to the 1% trans-fer currently required in the constitution, forcing our state to save more in years with revenue surpluses and smoothing the ef-fects of revenue shortfalls on state operations. Just like our own business and personal financial positions, this measure provides additional fiscal responsibility at the state level.

initiative 1125 – Toll restrictions

oppoSe: I-1125 would prohibit the transfer or use of fuel taxes and toll revenues to the General Fund or other funds and for use in non-transportation purposes. In other words, toll rev-enues from one project could not be applied to another. With gas tax revenues down due to a tough economy and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, the state has fewer options for funding trans-portation projects, particularly in rural areas where tolls are not a viable funding option. Freight mobility is equally important to businesses in urban and rural areas, and flexible transporta-tion funding is critical to freight mobility.

initiative 1163 - long-Term Care worker Training & background Checks

oppoSe: Initiative 1163 requires federal fingerprint back-ground checks for all caregivers that work in the homes of their clients, and caregivers in Adult Family Homes. It also increases the number of required training hours for caregivers from 36 to 75. While on the surface, this measure might seem to protect clients in adult family home, background checks and training are already required. Instead, the measure, promoted by the Service Employees International Union, would force the state to come up with an estimated $80 million for additional programs, much of which would go into the pockets of the union which administers the training. This measure would have an additional negative impact on an already-desperate state budget situation.

initiative 1183 – privatization of state liquor stores

SUpporT: This measure would close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license private par-ties to sell and distribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regulate licensees; and change regulation of wine distribution.

In addition to privatizing spirits sales, Initiative 1183 also changes wine distribution laws, repealing “uniform pricing” laws, allow-ing for centralized warehousing of wine by certain large retailers, and allowing for “retail to retail” sales. While the changes to wine distribution laws may cause concern for certain small wineries, our Chamber was founded on the basis of private enterprise and free competitive markets. The Chamber supported previous efforts to privatize state liquor stores and this initiative fixes some of the problems with Initiative 1100 of 2010, including strength-ening enforcement of state liquor laws and providing increased revenues for local governments.

We encourage all members to research these and all election issues before cast-ing their ballots. For more information on the ballot measures presented above, please visit your Chamber website at www.shelton-chamber.org/Initiatives2011.

learN Cpr, Save a liFe CPr does save lives. that is why Mason General Hospital is offer-ing another Free adult, Child, and infant Basic life Support CPr class, thursday, november 10, 2011, 6 – 9 pm at MGH & FC’s learning Center on olympic Highway north. this class teachs how to recognize the signs of a stroke or heart attack and how to act fast in such an emergency situation.

open to the entire community, the class will demonstrate the correct technique for adult, child, and infant CPr, and go over the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Pre-registration for the class is required, as class size is limited, so please make your reservations by Friday, november 4, by calling the learning Center at (360) 427-3609. Note: This is not a First Aid class.

The mCra infield project Update

Renovation has begun on two infields at the Mason County Recreation Area (MCRA) Park. The project will improve playing fields; reduce mainte-nance costs, rain outs, and the amount of water used at the park. The county will replace dirt infields with synthetic turf, and outfields will remain grass.

The 30-acre sports complex, located at 2100 East Johns Prairie Road has sev-en baseball/softball fields and is used by multiple youth leagues, the Shelton School District, and for tournaments.

The plan also include paving park pathways, access to the bleachers and dugouts to make it accessible to people with disabilities.

The County will contribute $275,660 in cash, equipment, staff labor, and do-nations of equipment and labor. Fund-ing for this project is from a Washing-ton Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) grant administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office. Volunteer efforts are used as a “match” for the grant award.

In October volunteers from PUD 3 removed old light poles from the Mason County

Recreation Area Park.


November eventSinternational speaker brad worthleypresents “exceeding Customer expectations” Friday, november 4, 2011 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. Special 3-hour Business Builder Workshop 100 Public Works Drive, Shelton

Businesses can no longer have the goal of meeting the customer’s expectations; the goal today must be to exceed them. What does that look like from the customer’s perspective? Brad will entertain you with great stories and hilarious examples of businesses that step out of the box and find ways to “Wow” the customer. you will learn about how customers create their percep-tions of you, your employees and your business. you will walk away with actionable information with which to make changes the very same day.this session is targeted to anyone, from any industry, at any level. Cost is $55/ bring a co-worker for only $50 more.

business after Hours & ribbon Cutting Wednesday, november 9, 20115:30 – 7:00 p.m. hosted by allstate insurance Co.2215 Olympic Highway N, Shelton

monthly membership meeting thursday, november 17, 2011 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. hosted by alpine way900 W Alpine Way, Shelton WA

COUNTRY FINANCIAL

Helping you achieve financial security, no

matter where you’re starting from.

AUTO - HOME - LIFE - HEALTH

www.countr yf inancial.com

See me for all of your f inancial security needs.

102011-00628AC

Anthony Ramirez 1635 Olympic Hwy N Ste 101AShelton....................... 360–462–0086

Cover imaGe

A hISTORY BiGHtDid you recognize the image on the cover? A familiar site to many... from above... this is the view UNDER the road of the “tailrace” (the channel through which the spent water flows from a turbine) of the powerhouse located on, yes– wait for it– the bight of Hood Canal.

The powerhouse is part of the Cushman Dam project on the Skokomish River. The Skokomish is the largest river flow-ing into Hood Canal and was described by Captain Vancouver as “the loveliest of rivers” when he anchored nearby to trade for fish and clams with the local native inhabitants.

The Cushman Dam project began in l9l9 in response to the demand for electrical power following the economic expansion after WW1. Cushman Dam No. 1 was activated by President Calvin Coolidge with a push of a button at a ceremony in the White House in l926. Increased demand led to the building of Cushman Dam No. 2 and the powerhouse at Potlatch, completed in l930.

In 2008, a licensing agreement was entered into with the Skokomish Tribe restoring and protecting the affected natural resourc-es on the Skokomish River while preserv-ing the project’s hydroelectic capabilities.

The powerhouse generates 233 million kilowatt-hours

a year, serving about 16,500 homes.


Fournier insurance Solutions Collects for Toys for Tots

Fournier Insurance Solutions is working with ServiceMaster of Tacoma to take donations for Toys for Tots!

Toys for Tots is a program run by the Unit-ed States Marine Corps Reserve which do-nates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The mission of the program is to collect new, un-wrapped toys October through December, and distribute those toys in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Bring your new unwrapped toy to the Fournier office at 625 West Railroad Avenue Monday thru Friday 8:30 am until 5pm. The office will also be open on 12/3/11 during the Christmas parade to except toy donations from 5:30pm until the end of the parade.

New Culinary Director brings Flavor and excitement to maple Glen Senior living

Maple Glen Senior Living is proud to announce the addition of our new Culinary Director Steve Loyer.

Steve started cooking for his family when he was 12 years old and soon became the regular chef for his family reunions and holiday get togethers. His diverse back-ground includes 32 years at the Aberdeen police depart-ment where his assignments included being motorcycle officer, patrolman, member of the swat team, dive rescue team, Dare instructor and he ended his career as a shift supervisor. Steve continued his love for good food by cooking for his co-workers. When a fellow officer mar-ried, Steve catered the wedding and eventually started a catering business – Grapevine Catering – which his wife now runs.

Steve’s dream has always been to run a kitchen in a restaurant. That dream has become a reality for Steve as he brings new flavors and aromas to the kitchen at Maple Glen Senior Living.

On November 15, 4:30 – 6 PM visit Maple Glen for free candlelight dinner. Please contact Kimberly Janda at 360-427-0300 for information.

The holidays are just around the corner and Downtown Shelton knows just how to kick off the season! For years there has been a joint effort between the Shelton Downtown Merchants and the Kristmas Town Kiwanis in creating two days of merriment and family activities and this year is no different.

First Friday & Christmas parade

The Downtown Merchants and the Kristmas Town Kiwanis look forward to seeing the streets packed for a weekend of fun, mark your calendars and come early and stay late to shop!

For more information please check out the Downtown Merchants at www.sheltondowntownmerchants.com as well as the Merchants’ Facebook page for updates and new informa-tion including times and additional activities.

We would like to recognize Tom Simmons. He worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to innovate and sup-port wonderful events on behalf of all downtown. Tom was the moving force behind the Shelton Down-town Merchants, coming up with events and contests to help promote hometown businesses. He is greatly missed.

It all starts Friday, December 2 with the First Friday festivities: tree light-ing, musicians, marshmallow roast-ing, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Kiddie Train Rides, art, entertainment, games with great prizes and more!

ALL THESE EVENTS ARE FREE!!

Come on downtown early to get started on your game card (available at participating merchants) or visit in the evening as holiday shopping is available until 8pm.

On Saturday, December 3, join us for the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis and Peninsula Credit Union. A favorite among many locals, the Christmas Parade is as “home town” as it gets, don’t miss it!

Steve Loyer at Maple Glen Senior Living

2010 Christmas Parade | photos Cooper Studio


Dance and have fun at the same time in the hottest exercise workouts! The Dance Shack is a GREAT alternative to the gym and a great place to DANCE! You will gain confidence, strength, mobilty and lifetime friendships!

• Kids’ Play Area that you can see from the dance floor – available at no cost!

UNLIMITED ZUMBA CLASSES $35.00 per month! – less than $3.50 per class!!! All first classes are FREE!

FREE ZUMBA CLASS SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 12TH AT 9 AM! Bring your friends and enter to win great prizes!

BRING 5 CANS OF FOOD FOR MASON COUNTY FOOD BANK AND ENTER TO WIN A FREE MONTH OF ZUMBA!! LET’S HELP OUR COMMUNITY HAVE A THANKSGIVING!!! All School Employee's, no matter the district, MGH Employee's, and Government Employee's receive a reduced rate!

Specials!November

Zumbatomic® – Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, fitness-parties packed with kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Increases focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Zumbatomic rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family experience.

Classes: 4 - 7 Years & 8 - 12 Years$25/$15 for each additional child

Belly Dancing – Stretch and tone your body while you learn this ancient and beautiful feminine art! Movements of belly dance will sculpt and firm your body, while increasing your stamina and grace, all without stress and fatigue. Belly Dance promotes weight loss by burning calories, building muscle, and stimulating your digestive system. Class includes warm-up, basic moves, techniques and choreography!

6 Week Class - $50 first person, $40 each additional

150 William White Way near the Shelton Airport off Hwy 101(360) 970-0226

Call now for info:

www.Dance-Shack.com

we heard you!New: Silver level added to the president’s Circle After rolling out the new, exclusive Platinum and Gold President’s Circle membership for 2011-2012, we heard from a number of members –you want another option!

The Chamber’s Member Services Committee and the Board of Trustees are glad to offer another option in the President’s Circle, the Silver Level.

preSiDeNT’S CirCle

platinum members

Gold members

Community Financial CenterGeneration D Computers & technology

Heritage Bankrichard C. Downing, DDS

West Coast Bank

For just $100 in addition to your annual dues, your benefits will include:• Your name listed in every Chamber email and eBlast newsletter• Your name listed on the front page of the Chamber website• Your company named and thanked at the Annual Awards Gala and the Annual Auction as a President’s Circle Member• President’s Circle Membership plaque for display at your business• Ability to advertise your business as a President’s Circle Member• Press release to local media when you join• Two tickets to the private Annual President’s Circle Banquet hosted by the President of the Board and the Chamber’s Executive Director• Your company name listed in our annual Membership Directory as a President’s Circle Member

This is an amazing opportunity to support the Chamber and market your business. For more information or to join the President’s Circle, contact the Chamber Office at (360) 426-2021 or [email protected].


Weaving a strong business foundation for the

Squaxin Island Tribe’s Future

keep up to date on

Chamber news and events!

text CHamberNewS to

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message and data rates may apply.

WorkFirst Local Planning Area Partnerships (LPAs) serve as forums for WorkFirst ser-vice providers to coordinate the development and delivery of services.

mason County lpa Sets Goals to assist low income Families in Going to work

LPAs meet regularly to share information, discuss strategies for delivering services, look at local program performance, and resolve issues. They also develop plans to improve processes and programs that help WorkFirst participants.

WorkFirst is Washington’s welfare reform program designed to help parents get what they need to prepare for and go to work. It is a partnership between state agencies and communities to work together to provide the necessary services and resources families need to be successful.

Through the LPA network, local partners stay informed as to changing WorkFirst policies, programs, and priorities. LPAs also have the opportunity to develop promising practices and learn from each other. There are currently 31 LPAs across the state.

The mission of the Mason County LPA is to create and sustain a network of people and organizations committed to assisting low income families to become self sufficient through education, job readiness, job search, and employment.

In October the Mason County LPA met to strategize local is-sues and set goals for the group.The first objective was to main-tain and increase community service group involvement in the LPA. This goal will be reached by evaluating current member-ship as to ability to support the mission. The LPA will reach out

to people and organizations in the community who could add value but are not members.

The group will encourage LPA meetings to include more top-ics of interest to community partners and host annual LPA/Community Partners events and with former WorkFirst partici-pants as guest speakers.

By maintaining involvement the group will be able to share ideas on how to support each other by creating a “How can we help” topic on the agenda. The LPA will review hard to serve cases and compare caseloads for trends. Sharing of success stories will be key to the program.

Ultimately the mission of the Mason County LPA will be to provide job readiness activities that support WorkFirst partici-pants to become self-sufficient through work, life and soft skills training opportunities.

The LPA will strive to develop meaningful family-friendly worksites with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and government agencies that support participant’s employ-ment goals. In due course, they will identify CBOs that provide these life and soft skill training opportunities.

To promote WorkFirst activities that lead families to long term self-sufficiency the group will connect families to community resources and identify each fam-ily’s individual strengths and needs.

milestones and small successes while providing support and encouragement. In this way the LPAs are able to guide families to envision life off TANF by focusing on tangible goals.

Vocational education and job skills training will be provided to appropriate WorkFirst partici-pants. The group will provide assessments to ensure basic edu-cation levels are met and help to evaluate for college readiness and refer to ABE, CSALT or vocational education, as appro-priate. The educational planning and assistance will ensure suc-cessful transition to college and completion of training goals.

The group will identify financial aid resources and support stu-dents in the application process and provide ongoing assistance to students, making appropri-ate referrals to support service e.g., tutoring, faculty advising or career center. It is recom-mended that they maintain this collaborative partnership with case managers regarding student participation and progress.

Mason County LPA strives to foster an environment of accountability, diligence and motivation to effectively serve WorkFirst participants, within current economic conditions, by providing resources and support to find and retain employment with a goal of self sufficiency and maximize the value of WorkSource resources to partici-pants in regards to assessments, career exploration, career ladders and career readiness.

For more information regarding the Mason County WorkFirst Local Partnership Area please contact Yvonne Rivera at 360-432-2023 or by email to [email protected].

By aligning each fam-ily’s goals with program mission they will create a pathway to self-sufficiency and recognize


Kennedy Creek is a small low-land stream that flows into the head of Totten Inlet. It is one of the most productive chum salmon production streams in Washington State.

The Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail is a community gem. Each year, over 5,000 people visit the Trail to learn more about the salmon life cycle and to observe their spawning and courting behaviors. The spawning salmon popu-lation can reach as high as 80,000 fish. Normally, the range is between 20,000 and 40,000. These spawning adults can produce approximately 30 million to 60 million eggs annually. On average, only 2-3 individuals will complete their natural life cycle and return to the stream where they were hatched.

Get Chummy with your chums at Kennedy Creek

LIvE,WORk & playinFo biGHT:Kennedy Creek offers salmon viewing and habitat interpretation in a natural setting that educates students, teachers, and the general public about what Washington’s at-risk salmon runs need to survive and prosper.

open: Weekends in november. also veteran’s Day and the day after thanksgiving. admission is Free Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Getting There: From Highway 101, approxi-mately halfway between olympia and Shelton, turn west at milepost 356 onto old olympic Highway. Go ¾ mile to the turn-off to a gravel road signed “Kennedy Creek.” Go ½ mile on the gravel road to the Salmon trail parking area.

information: trail Coordinator, Stephanie Bishop mason Conservation District (360) 427-9436 ext. 22 South puget Sound Salmon enhancement Group (SpSSeG) (360) 412-0808 | www.spsseg.org

The creek is accessible for salmon migration and spawning from saltwater up-stream for 2.3 miles to an impassible water fall. Since the large numbers of salmon escaping to Kennedy Creek are confined to this relatively short distance, there are extraordinary opportunities for fish viewing during the month of November.

The half-mile interpretive trail is a low-impact trail sys-tem with viewing platforms for watching the wild chum salmon.

Since its conception, the Trail has become a local and regional destination for salmon viewing. Media coverage ranges from the local and Olympia area newspapers and blogs, to regional magazines such as Sunset, and national exposure in the National Geographic Traveler.

During the week, the Trail is reserved for school groups and class-room visits. Classes range from preschool through college. Annually thou-sands of school aged (K-12) children visit the Trail with their teachers and chaperones.

The Trail is a community supported and volunteer based program. Each year over 50 volunteers donate approximately 600 hours to the pro-gram.

The Trail is supported directly by visitor dona-tions and the annual Kennedy Creek Salmon Splash fund raiser. The KCST is managed by SPSSEG and Mason Conservation District. The land is owned by Taylor Shellfish Farms, who graciously provide access to the trail.

Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail | image: SPSSEG

partners: the Kennedy Creek Salmon trail was developed by South Puget Sound Salmon enhancement Group and taylor United Shellfish Co, with coop-eration and assistance from: eld inlet Watershed Council, the evergreen State College, Mason Conservation District, People for Salmon, Puget Sound Water Quality action team, resource action Council, robert W. Droll landscape architect, Simpson timber Company, South Sound Fly Fishers, South Sound Green, Southwest Puget Sound Watershed Council, Squaxin island tribe, Washington Council B trout Unlimited, U.S. navy Seabees, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wa Dept. of natural resources, Wa Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, WSU Cooperative extension, Wa Conservation Corps, and many local teachers and volunteers.

This Fall take a weekend trip to PLAY at one of Mason County’s natural wonders! The Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail is hopping with

action in November with the return of the wild chum salmon runs. Some years as many as 80,000 fish will make this journey– all of

which you can view from the community sponsored interpretive walk.

View of the Kennedy Creek delta overlooking Totten Inlet – a popular spot for recreational fishing.

mason County lpa Sets Goals to assist low income Families in Going to work


the signs included in this project are:

• Shelton inn blondie’s restaurant 628 W. railroad ave.• ming Tree Chinese restaurant 423 W. railroad ave.• angle agency 103 S. 4th Street • Stewart realty 329 W. railroad ave• pine Tree restaurant 102 S. 1st Street

Owner of Cooper Studios, Forrest Cooper, is a local artist experienced in the lost art of Neon glass blowing and repair. While pursuing a bachelor degree from Northwest College of Art in Poulsbo, WA,Forrest had the opportunity to intern at Anything Neon in Port Orchard, WA. After graduating in 2000, Forrest obtained a position at Anything Neon as a repair tech-nician and glass artist; a position he held until October 2003.

Currently Forrest owns the building at 409 W. Railroad Ave. in which he & his wife Amy operate the photography studio, Cooper Studio.

In December of 2010, the Coo-per’s added a new “vintage” style neon sign to the front of their building. The sign was designed and built by Forrest, with the glasswork created by Chuck Hamling (owner of Anything Neon.)

Forrest is volunteering his time to facilitate the repairs of the signs with the help of Anything Neon assisting in the glass repairs.

Several local citizens, electricians, a local attorney, and numerous businesses have already volun-teered their services and labor to see this project to completion.

The Shelton Historic Preserva-tion Board has been a great help and is in favor of this project.

The Mason County Historical Society has assisted in locating history on the five signs listed and will act as treasurer for this project. To help facilitate decisions regarding this project, future projects and funding, the Shelton Neon Sign Preservation Board was established. The board includes Forrest, Justin Cowling of MCHS, and Herb Baze of The Strip Steak House.

Neon has been a part of down-town Shelton since the early part of 20th century and its glow has become dimmer in the last few decades. While researching the history of Railroad Ave. and downtown, Forrest has run across photos of wonderful signage that once not only advertised the businesses they served, but also gave personality to this classic self sufficient town.

Forrest Cooper | photos Cooper Studio

“It is important to preserve these fingerprints to the past and bring

back the glowing soul ofdowntown Shelton.”

In addition to restor-ing historic signs,the goal is to implement more new “classic-style” signs that can adorn historic store-fronts as this project inspires other Shelton business owners.

Neon A group of citizens is on a mission to re-illuminate five historic neon signs in downtown Shelton. Each sign will be repainted to historic color. Volunteers will repair the neon glass and update the electrical to each sign.

Donations are accepted by the Mason County Historical Society to fund this illuminat-ing project. MCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Sign owners are encouraged to accept donations at their location or direct patrons to the Mason County Histori-cal Society Museum. For more details on this project visit www.SheltonNeonProject.com or use Facebook to access “Shel-ton Neon Project.”

Thank you to the Shelton Neon Sign Preservation Board and vol-unteers and sponsors for making Shelton brighter!


November CHamber aND CoUNTy eveNTSNovember 1

Chamber Governmental affairs Committee Meeting, 7:30 aM

roosters restaurant Shelton

Carpe Diem String Quartet, 7:00 PM

Shelton High School Center for the Performing arts

November 3Career expo

Shelton High SchoolShelton

November 4Business Builder Workshop

8:30 aM | Public Works Conference room, Shelton

November 8Chamber ambassadors and

Member Services Committee Meetings, 12:00 PM

Steven’s on railroad, Shelton

November 9Marketing Meeting | 8:00 aM

Chamber office, Shelton

Business after Hours & ribbon Cutting, 5:30 PMallstate insurance Co.

Shelton

November 11veteran’s Day

November 14Mason area Fair Planning

Meeting | 6:30 PMPort of Shelton

November 15-19Fantasy Forest

the Pavilion at Sentry Park, Shelton

November 16Saver 7:00 aM

rooster restaurant Shelton

November 17Monthly Membership

Meeting, 6:00 PMalpine Way, Shelton

anna’s Bay Presents Car-men, Don Giovanni, Faust and the Barber of Seville |

7:30 PM Shelton High School

November 24thanksgiving Day

November 25 Caroling with annas Bay

4:00 pm, Union

PORT OF SHELTONAVIATION | INDUSTRIAL | MARINE

The number one priority for the Port of Shelton is to create infrastructure that facilitates business development that in turn creates jobs in and for Mason County.

Historically the Port’s focus has been on industrial businesses, both existing and new. That focus continues in an effort to seek companies that produce / manufacture goods or services that are sold to buyers outside Mason County.

The flow of cash into this community is what drives prosperity and creates greater opportunity for all our citizens.

Intersted on learning how the Port can help your company prosper in Mason County? Call 360-426-1151.

No#1 Priority: Business Development That Creates Jobs

• Oakland Bay Marina with access/ boat launch• Sanderson Field Industrial Park & Airport 1000+ acre campus, 5000 foot runway • Johns Prairie Industrial Park 400 scenic acres/ truck compatible roads• Large level sites ready to develop build to suit• Utilities and fiber optics with on site stormwater management and good fire flow.

www.PortofShelton.com

21W Sanderson Way, Shelton, WA 98584

Phone (360) 426-1151 | FAX (360) 427-0231

For Community Bazaars see page 17


mGH Foundation’s 2011 Fantasy Forest event – “miDNiGHT & iCe” Excitement is in the air for Mason General Hospital Foundation’s annual Fantasy Forest, November 15 -19, at the Pavilion at Sentry Park, Shelton. This year’s theme, “Midnight and Ice,” provides holi-day fun with free and ticketed events for all ages, in a wonderland of beautifully-decorated trees. The festivities begin on Tuesday, November 15, with Fantasy Laugh Factory, an adult night out with live comedy featuring come-dian and ventriloquist, Justin Ver Burg. Sponsored by Dynamic Collectors, Inc., the evening includes a buffet dinner and no-host cash bar, a balloon ex-travaganza, raffle, and gift shop. It starts with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner from 6:30 to 7:30, and the event ends at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and must be reserved in advance.

A beautifully decorated Teddy Bear tree from the 2010 Fantasy Forest tree display

Wednesday, November 16 presents a Fashion Show and Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., sponsored by Fred Finn/Finninsula Foundation. It will feature a col-lection of historic wedding dresses, a tasty gourmet lunch, raffle, and gift shop. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 for a table of 10, and reservations are required.

Following the Fashion Show from 2 to 4 p.m. is a free Community Open House, open to all, with a raffle and gift shop. The evening presents old fashioned fun and competition at Family Game Night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The whole family can take part in an assortment of games with exciting surprises, dinner, and a chance to win a door prize! Tickets are $5.00 per person and must be reserved in advance.

Thursday November 17 offers another free Community Open House – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – a full day that is open to all. Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. is Senior Day Tea, sponsored by Alpine Way Retirement Apart-ments, with entertainment, door prizes, cook-ies, coffee & tea, plus a raffle and gift shop. Thursday evening is Father-Daughter Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m., with dinner and dancing in an enchanted forest of trees. The night also includes a silent auction, raffle, and gift shop. Tickets are $30 per person, with reservations required. Cooper Studios will offer portrait packages between 6 and 9 p.m.

Friday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is Deck the Halls – A Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar is free and open to all, and features the sale of hand-crafted and com-mercial gift items for the holidays, and beyond. It also offers a no-host lunch with door prize drawings, a raffle, and gift shop. On Friday evening the weekend is launched with Dance Fever, featuring Swing Fever Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Live music, great dancing, hearty appetizers, and a no-host (cash only) bar are featured at this ‘adult-only’ dance party. The dress code is casual elegance, and tickets are $35 per person, to be reserved in advance. Cooper Studios will offer portrait packages between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19 starts off for the kids with the Candy Cane Carnival, co-sponsored by South Sound Radiology, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children’s activities and Santa are main attractions, with refreshments, surprises, a raffle, and gift shop. $10 admits one adult and one child; with $4 for each additional guest. Portrait packages from Cooper Studios will be available from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Midnight & Ice concludes on Saturday evening with the Gala & Auction, co-sponsored by Hi-awatha Corporation and Hoffman Construction Company. This black tie (optional) event from 6 to 10 features a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, a no-host (cash only) bar, raffle, and gift shop – all in the magi-

cal setting of Fantasy Forest. An Emerald table for ten is $1,500 and includes a limited edition ornament for each guest, preferred seating, and personal wait staff for your table. A single Emerald ticket purchase is $150. A Sap-phire table for ten is $1,200 and includes an appreciation gift for each guest. The single Sapphire ticket price is $120. Portrait pack-ages for the Gala will be offered by Cooper Studios, 6 - 9 p.m.

The following are sponsors of Fantasy Forest: Christmas Vil-lage; Heritage Bank, John L. Scott Real Estate, Cellnetix Pathology & Laboratory, Taylor Shellfish Farms; OAC Services Inc./Construction Management, Peninsula Credit Union, Mary Anne Munson, Skookum Rotary Foundation: OysterFest Dollars at Work, MAS-CO Petroleum, Bob and Melanie Appel, Robert W. Johnson PLLC, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Steven H. Bowers, DDS, PS.

For reservations and tickets, call (360) 427-3623, or www.Mason-General.com/2011_fantasy_forest.html. The deadline for all ticket purchases is Wednesday, Novem-ber 9. Tickets are transferable but not refundable. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is received.


loCal bUCk$ available Now

We’ve all been there: you need to get a gift and have no idea what the perfect gift should be. Should you get them flowers? A nice bottle of wine? Ah! Get them a gift certificate! Then they can choose what to purchase. But then you are faced with yet another decision: What type of gift certificate should you purchase? Restaurant or coffee shop? Maybe a gift certificate for a boutique? Our LOCAL BUCK$ program is the answer!

The LOCAL BUCK$ program encourages Mason County citizens to Shop Local with our Chamber Members. Patrons can purchase LOCAL BUCK$ through the Chamber in increments of $5, $10 and $20 bills and redeem them at all participating busi-nesses, who can then redeem them at the Chamber for their full cash value. You can purchase them for a friend, your employees or a client... anyone you’d like to get the perfect gift for. If you or your business would like to participate in the program, please call the Chamber Office at (360) 426-2021. Pick up your LOCAL BUCK$ at the Chamber Office now. For information, visit www.sheltonchamber.org/localbucks.

Thank you to participating locations!Mason County Senior activities Centernifty thrifty - your Hometown thrift Storeolympic Heating & Coolingolsen Furniture CompanyPier 101 Gift Shop & BoutiqueQuality appliance CenterSage Book StoreShelton CinemasSteph’s espressoSteven’s on railroadthe Dance ShackUrraco Coffee CompanyvanderWal’s Garage

2nd Street Design Studioalderbrook Golf Courseanchor electricangela’s Beauty BoutiqueBayshore Golf CourseCameo Boutique & Wine ShopGillis auto CenterGrapevine CateringGrove Street BrewhouseHackney Family DentistryHealthy Benefits MarketHood Canal adventuresisagenix/living Well, inc.Maple Glen Senior living

Thousands of Jumbo Trout planted in lakes in Jefferson, mason and kitsap Counties

Rainbow trout are being planted in lakes in Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap counties to boost fishing opportunities this fall and winter, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced recently.

Crews from WDFW and Trout Lodge are planting a total of 25,400 rainbow trout – each weighing nearly one pound – into Gibbs, Leland, and Teal lakes in Jefferson County; Island, Kokanee, Lost, Nahwatzel, Spencer and Trails End lakes in Mason County; and Island and Kitsap lakes in Kitsap County.

The trout were raised at WD-FW’s Eells Springs Hatchery

near Shelton, Satsop Springs Hatchery near Elma, and Trout Lodge hatcheries near Tumwa-ter.

“The lakes that are being stocked are open year-round and provide anglers a great fall and winter trout fishing opportunity,” said Downen. “Some of the jumbo rainbow trout will continue to grow and be available to anglers next spring as well.”

Information on when and where fish are stocked in area lakes is available on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov.

All anglers 15 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license.

Licences are available online as well as at locations throughout the County. Visit the WDFW website for details.


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In October the NW Youth Corps completed their work of rebuilding trails through the newly acquired Oakland Bay Park. Over the next few months Mason County Park Crews will complete the remaining work on the trails.

New walking trails nearly completed at oakland bay park

The Capital Land Trust, which partnered with Mason County in the purchase, placed a Conservation Easement on the property. This ensures the protection of one of the last areas of intact shoreline property. It will also pre-serve other natural aspects of the park property, especially those important to protecting salmon habitat.

The land is largely undeveloped and untouched which has maintained the natural integrity of the area, but it limits the functionality of the park as far as recreation and education are concerned. This has become the primary focus for park development. The goal is to increase accessibil-ity by improving of the entry road, developing parking areas, creating and improving trails, repairing bridges as well as the installing park amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, signage and park benches.

Purchased by Mason County and the Capitol Land Trust in 2005, the park totals 82-acres and contains pristine marine shore, creek, and native flora and fauna. Predominantly untouched, Mason County has begun the work to improve access and facilities at this amazing property.

Oakland Bay County Park is rich in natural beauty and represents a triumph for conserva-tionists. A prime example of classic natural features na-tive to the Pacific Northwest and specifically the Puget Sound area, the park property includes marine shoreline as well as the forested Melaney creek. The area hosts riparian (land-water con-vergence) plant life and provides important large woody debris which prevents soil erosion in and around the various bodies of water. The area is home to many birds, amphibians, mammals and fish. It is a critical resting ground for numerous species of salmon.

Other future plans include expanding and developing educational opportunities such as historical interpretation, a bird watching area sponsored by the National Audubon Society, interpretation of the highly productive shell fish industry of the area, as well as other environ-mental education applications.

This information provided by the Northwest Parks Foundation and the Mason County Parks and Trails. For more information about this park and others in Mason County, contact John Keates - Director Parks, Trails & Facilities 360-427-9670 ext. 669 or visit the County website.

The park is located at 1570 East Agate Bay Road in Shelton, WA.

NW Youth Corps workers hand carry logs into the trail areas to lessen the impact on natural habitats in the Park. Most of the logs used for this work were donated by Green Diamond Resource Company.

photos: John Keates, Mason County


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FreeSeptic System maintenance workshop

November 18 5:30 - 7:30 pmPUD 3, 307 W Cota Street

Your septic system’s health depends on you! Invest in the health of your family, your community and your prop-erty.Learn the ins and outs of caring for your on-site septic system from WSU Extension and Mason County Public Health. Every participant at this Shelton workshop will receive a free manual and coupon discounting septic services!

To register call 360-427-9670 x680 or email: [email protected].

puget Sound partnership Sets Development Goals to restore puget Sound

Ensuring that no more than 1,000 acres of forestland are developed every year and concen-trating new development in cities are two goals set recently by the Puget Sound Partnership.

The Partnership’s Leadership Council set three goals related to land development – all aimed at protecting the most impor-tant areas for wildlife and clean water. The targets will guide the work of state and federal agencies, local governments and other responsible for restoring the health of Puget Sound.

“The action by the Puget Sound Partnership marks a significant milestone for restoring the health of Puget Sound,” said Gerry O’Keefe, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “Now it’s time to make the tough decisions so that we can make sure that Puget Sound can support us, our jobs, our wildlife and our way of life well into the future.”

During the past 50 years, Puget Sound has lost at least two thirds of its remaining old growth forest,

more than 90 % of its native prairies and 80 % of its saltwater and freshwater marshes. The health of the Sound and many of the plants and animals that rely on it have declined as a result, some to the point of near extinction.

The Partnership’s Leadership Council set the following goals for 2020:• No more than 1,000 acres of forest-

land will be developed annually, on average.

• Trees will be restored in nearly 270 miles along streams, rivers, bays, and other waterways.

• Cut in half the amount of trees and bushes wiped out in ecologi-cally important areas.

“It all starts on the land,” O’Keefe said. “We should be able to sup-port working farms and forests and vibrant cities and maintain a healthy landscape.

If the Sound fails, we all lose. By set-ting these goals and making the tough choices now, we’ll make sure we have a healthy Puget Sound – for our jobs, for our economy and for our kids.”


“where’s the beef” – November Topic for allyn Diabetes Support Group meeting

A vegetarian diet doesn’t have to be a boring substi-tute for beef in managing a healthy diet for those with diabetes, and there can be some very appetizing alterna-tives.

“Where’s The Beef? – Changing the Way We Think About Vegetarian Foods” will be the subject at Ma-son General Hospital’s next Allyn Diabetes Support Group meeting set for Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Port of Allyn building’s downstairs meet-ing room. Join MGH Dietitian, Sarah Fulk-erson, R.D., C.D.E., as she intro-duces delicious alternatives to meat. Family members are also invited to attend, and learn how they, too, can have a healthier, beef-less diet, while supporting loved ones with diabetes. There will be time set aside for questions and answers.

The Allyn Diabetes Support Group is free and open to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, their friends, and family. For more information, call Sue Barwick, R.N., C.D.E. at (360) 275-8614, and ask for the Diabetes Wellness Center.

Habitat for Humanity program builds ramp for Two year old belfair boy with Sma

Habitat for Humanity of Mason County’s program “A Brush with Kindness” built a ramp in Belfair for two year old Lucas Zick who is affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2.

Lucas Zick in his wheelchair with mom, Amy Ulirg, and grandmother.

Barbara Zick photo: Habitat for Humanity

“Before the ramp I would have to carry Lucas down the stairs while dragging his wheelchair behind me,” says Lucas Zick’s mother, Amy Ulrigg. “We did think about building it ourselves, but with meeting code requirements and needing blueprints we looked to Habitat for help.”

The Zick family learned about “A Brush with Kindness” through a family member who took Lucas to the Belfair Habitat Store to apply. After applying they were contacted by Henry Biernacki, Habitat Construction Man-ager, and the 24’ ramp was built within a few weeks for less than $600 with the help of Habitat volunteers. “I view our work as successful when it transforms lives and promotes positive and lasting changes in the commu-nity,” says Biernacki.

As a volunteer ran program, “A Brush with Kindness” partners with low-income homeowners to restore their homes so they can continue to live in a safe, decent and affordable home. This program not only helps fam-ilies and communities in need,

but it helps create neighborhood stability and preserves the home values in Mason County. Since the ramp was built and having the use of a wheelchair on loan, Lucas has been able to venture outside more. “He has blossomed so much from being outside. We are trying to raise funds to purchase a special wheelchair for Lucas, so he can easily manage getting around by himself ” says Barbara Zick, Lucas’s grandmother. “We are looking at different fundraisers to raise the money.” A special wheelchair for Lucas will cost approximately $10,000.

Lucas was diagnosed at 10 months of age with SMA after he quit crawling and would fall over after sitting up for a few min-utes. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. Two new-born children are affected each day in the United States. One in every 40 people carries the gene that causes SMA. Sensation and the

ability to feel are not affected. Intellectual activity is normal and it is often observed that patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable.

For more information on “a Brush with Kindness,”volunteer, be a potential Habi-tat homeowner or support Habitat for Humanity call the office at 360-426-8134 or visit www.habitatmasonwa.org.

mGH “living well” Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics is offering a self-management workshop – a six-week class designed to help people manage their chronic medical conditions to improve their day-to-day life. The class begins November 1, and runs Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., until December 6. The work-shop is free but space is limited, advance registration is advised. The program is open to anyone with chronic conditions such as heart trouble, lung problems, chronic pain, arthritis, migraines – or any chronic disability.

For more information call Terri Gushee at (360) 427-9596 ext. 3512.

mGH Treats acute, Cronic wounds

Treatment for acute and chronic wounds is close to home. Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics’ Wound Care Coordinator, Lena McGinnis, BSN, R.N., certified wound care nurse, encourages patients with chronic, acute wounds to seek medical attention and re-quest a referral to MGH & FC’s Wound Care Services. “We have been able to help many pa-tients with their chronic wound condi-tion,” said Mrs. McGinnis.

“This particular wound care certifica-tion brings to MGH & FC the latest practice for healing wounds, as well as creating a stamp of high quality on our patient care.”

The Certified Wound Specialist credential is for multi-disciplinary wound care, and is accredited by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society – an international professional nursing organization.


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mGH Treats acute, Cronic wounds

mCSaa Holiday bazaar and bake Sale Center FundraiserSaturday, november 5, 10:00 am to 3:00 pmGifts and Goodies Galore is the Senior Center’s annual bazaar and bake sale featuring handmade items including quilts, blankets, kitch-en linens, and wall hangings, plus holiday and seasonal decorations. a variety of vendors will offer holiday baskets, beaded jewelry, leather goods, stained glass, natural lotions and soaps. exotic scarves, origi-nal artwork, gifts, raffle quilts and more. Delicious baked goods are available. lunch is also for sale featuring the very popular vivian’s Chicken noodle Soup and sandwiches from 11:00 to 2:00 pm. For information call the Senior activity Center at 426-7374.

Fire District #17 2nd annual Holiday bazaarSaturday, november 12 | 9 to 3Mason County Fire District #17 presents its 2nd annual Holiday Bazaar. your handcrafted items can earn you cash for the holi-days. enjoy lunch, a bake sale, raffle and t-shirt sales. all pro-ceeds benefit Fire District #17 at 34571 Highway 101. if you’d like to reserve a table for $25, call trudy at 877-6714.

Tis the Season

for Holiday Bazaars–

4th annual Squaxin island museum Holiday bazaarFriday, november 4 | 9 to 5 pm Saturday, november 5 | 9 to 4the Squaxin island Museum presents the 4th annual Holiday Bazaar at 150 Se Swuh-Deegs-altxw. Many arts and crafts item to choose from – handmade jewelry, wood works, basketry, carving, painting, baked goods and much, much more! admis-sion is free. Proceeds support the Squaxin island library research Center and its programs. . For in-formation, call ruth at 432-3843, www.squaxinislandmuseum.org.

Annual exhibitor, Carol Brown, at the Squaxin Island

Museum Bazaar Photo: Squaxin Island Library

and Research Center

and Great Food!

lake Cushman Firefighters Ham & baked bean DinnerSaturday, november 12 | 5- 7 pmthe lake Cushman Firefighters association invites you to join them for good food, good company and to raise money for a good cause at the HaM & BaKeD Bean Dinner . Cost of the dinner is $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for kids. located at 240 n. Standstill Dr. lake Cush-man Fire Hall.

kitten rescue bazaar & bake SaleSaturday, December 3 | 9 to 4 pmCat toys, jewelry, quilts, candles, baby gifts, baked goods, Christ-mas wreaths, crocheted & knitted items and much more! 100% of proceeds benefit Kitten rescue. if you are interested in donating items to sell at the bazaar, please contact Bonnie: [email protected] or 490-7911. 420 Se State rt 3.


Get the mushroom scoop from expert roger ryno Thursday, November 3, 6:00 to 7:30 p.mShelton Timberland Library, 710 W Alder

Learn about fall mushrooms with Roger Ryno, President of the Kitsap Peninsula My-cological Society. Ryno gave a well-received talk on spring mushrooms last April at the library. Now he’s back to introduce the ecol-ogy and amazing variety of the autumn local fungi and offer tips for successful foraging and harvesting. People attending are welcome to bring one sample for identification.

A fascination with the fungi kingdom is its only requirement for membership. The website of the Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society is www.kitsapmushrooms.org.For more information, please contact the library at 426-1362 or go to www.TRL.org.

lights of Union Caroling Celebration November 25 | beginning at 4:00 in Union Square; 4:30 Robin Hood; 5:00 Cameo Bou-tique; finishing at 5:30 at Alderbrook!

Add some light to Black Friday at the second annual Lights of Union celebration! On Friday, November 25th, spread the holiday cheer by caroling with Anna’s Bay Chorale, enjoying cocoa and winning prizes from the businesses at Union Square, Cameo Boutique and Robin Hood Restaurant & Pub! Then, head over to Alderbrook Resort to meet Santa at the Winter Wonderland! Go to visitunion.com for more information.

A recent study of a decade's worth of inspection data suggests that a visit from the Department of Labor & Industries can be good not just for a company's workplace safety, but also its bottom line.

Study Shows l&i inspections improve Safety and Save money

Researchers with the Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) program, L&I's research unit, examined L&I inspection data and workers' compensation claims from 1998 through 2008.

The study found significant reductions in claims and claim costs following a safety inspection or consultation.

The greatest impact came when an inspection resulted in at least one citation. In those cases, the research found a reduction in worker injury claims of as much as 20% over worksites that were not inspected.

"Safety is not always at the forefront of an employer's mind. But when a signifi-cant event takes place, like

washington’s minimum wage to increase in 2012The minimum wage will increase to $9.04 Jan. 1, 2012. The 37-cent increase reflects an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI W) since August 2010.

vices. Over the last 12 months the prices of most categories of consumer goods rose. The largest cost increases occurred for fuels and the lowest cost increases were for education and commu-nication services.

Washington state has the high-est minimum wage.

The CPI-W is a measure of the change in prices over time of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical work-ers. Goods and services are determined as those things people buy for day-to-day living such as food, clothing, shelter, and fuels, and ser-

The Mason County Se-niors Activities Center in-vites you to experience the amazing Holiday in Lights Festival in Coeur d’Alene that was featured on Good Morning America.

The trip departs December 7 and returns December 9. Adults 21 and older are invited to participate in the motor coach tour for a holiday trip of relaxation and delight.

You will spend two nights at the four diamond Coeur d’Alene Resort (includes

Coeur ’alene Holiday in lights Festival

breakfast); celebrate the Holi-day in Lights festivities where 1.5 million lights dance across Lake Coeur d’Alene and take a cruise across the lake for Journey to the North Pole. In the evening you can attend the GI Holiday Jukebox musi-cal set in WWII and reminis-cent of USO shows.

Mason County Senior Activi-ties Executive Director, Terri Shaw, is escorting the trip. Cost is $319/person double occupancy, $445/person single occupancy. Pick-ups available in Olympia and Lacey.

For more information call the MCSAC at 426-7374.

a serious injury or an L&I inspection, it can really get their attention," Silverstein said.

"This can lead to a greater recognition of what can be done in the workplace to reduce hazards, itself lead-ing to safer workplaces and fewer injuries."


Daniel Teuteberg has been named the Washington State University Extension 4-H Regional Specialist in Mason and Grays Harbor counties.

extension Specialist will Help Develop youth programs in mason and Gray’s Harbor County

Here in Mason County, as everywhere across the nation, kids come home to empty houses as families struggle to make a living. That’s just one of the reasons 4-H serves young people in an after school program. Here our kids learn skills from nutri-tion to arts and crafts as well as build teamwork and prac-tice communication skills.

Owing to a lack of fund-ing and even more demands placed upon the volunteers, many of the local 4-H pro-grams have been in peril of collapse.

Moving to Washington from Wisconsin with his wife and two young children has been a big change for Dan, but for the local 4-H kids the new face is a welcome sight.

Teuteberg will be responsible for working with volunteers, staff and county personnel to help reach youth, evaluate program outcomes, develop fiscal resources and expand partnerships.

Dan’s primary goal is to locally rebuild the program with the 4-H guiding princi-ples. These essential elements will assist in training local 4-H leaders and help clubs have direction on everything from handling interpersonal relation to club accounting.

“Dan’s knowledge and back-ground in 4-H, combined with his desire to make a positive difference in families and the community, will have a great impact,” said Pat Boy-Es, director WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Teuteberg served as the 4-H Youth Development Educator at the University of Wisconsin and also had positions with AmeriCorps and as a teacher, counselor and adventure camp direc-tor. With his extensive camp background, Dan looks forward to incorporating Panhandle Camp into the upcoming 4-H programs.

Dan is excited to be working with the unique programs in Mason County. The Forestry Program that allows students to work with forestry profes-sionals and learn about their environment by building trails, maintaining parks and preserving habitats is very successful.

Working for the University of WI-Extension 4-H Youth Development Teuteberg gained a great understanding of family social constrains and struggles.

Hands-on experiences taught him about the many complex social and economic issues that affect children, parents, families, and communities. His experiences have taught him the value in partnering with community organiza-tions to make a positive difference.

With his fresh energy, Teu-teberg will be instrumental in developing and leading programs that will benefit youth and families.Any boy or girl, 5 years old and in kindergarten through 19 years of age, may par-ticipate in the 4-H Program. The 4-H year begins in Oc-tober with enrollment open to new 4-H families through April each year.

To learn more about the Mason County 4-H program or to join call: 360-427-9670 Ext. 681.

Daniel Teuteberg | Staff photo


2nd Street Design Studio

Friday, December 2, 20116pm-8pm

At 2nd street design studiodrink-food & shopping

Grand Opening of Our Winter Boutique

For your shopping pleasure, our boutique will feature great gifts for

giving.! • designer inspired purses! • jewelry! • scarves! • belts! • one of a kind cocktail dresses! • hair accessories! • 25% off all hair products! • skincare! • makeup

photo: Robert Scott

Spend an afternoon or evening at one of Harstine Island Community Choir’s concerts, or better yet, join the choir and shake off the hum-drum of daily activities!

Harstine island Community Choir

Singing and performing in a choral group not only is fun and enjoyable, but it also builds community spirit in both members and audiences.

Founded in 2004 by director Elizabeth Berndt, the choir’s mission is to teach and perform choral works to interested per-sons of all ages, to partici-pate in community service activities, and to develop and maintain public inter-est in vocal arts.

In addition to their own concert series, they sup-port and assist with music for events like the Shelton Tree Lighting Ceremony. They perform for local fund-raising projects such as the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Foundation and the Pioneer Christmas Giving Arts and Crafts Fair. They promote the opportunity to experience the joy of choral music at events such as Soup & Sound, Music on the Hill and the Shelton and North Mason Timber-land Library Programs. They further promote music by performing with local church choirs, with various school band and choral groups, and with community and profes-sional choirs here and in neighboring counties. They meet Sunday afternoons at the Harst-ine Community Club to

practice, except during the summer. Singers’ ages range from 13 to – well, they won’t say! Their concerts are free, although donations are appreciated. They dedicate all assets to public music education and enjoyment.

Concerts are the 3rd weekend in May and the 2nd weekend in Decem-ber, Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Join them at one of their next concerts, “Christmas with the Neighbors,” to hear familiar carols of the United States and Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies, Christmas in the Southwest, featuring guitar, harp and marimba to enhance the spirit of the southwest.

December 9th, Friday 7:00 pm, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 601 West C St, Shelton

December 10, Saturday3:00pm, St Hugh Episcopal, Allyn, 280 E Wheelwright

December 11, Sunday3:00 pm, Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E Harstine Island Rd N

For more information: www.harstinechoir.org or phone director Elizabeth Berndt 432 9940.

photo: Harstine Island Community Choir


The Anna’s Bay December 2010 performances of Handel’s Messiah | photo: Robert Scott

Carmen, Don Giovanni, Faust and the barber of Seville in Shelton! Friday | November 18, 2011 | 7:30 PMShelton H.S. Performing Arts Center | 3737 Shelton Springs Road, SheltonTickets & Info: http://www.annasbay.orgThe Bremerton Symphony Orchestra (BSO) makes its Mason County debut in “A Night at the Opera” with the Anna’s Bay Chorale and the Bremerton Symphony Concert Chorale.

Highlights from nine differ-ent operas by seven different composers will be performed to support the Anna’s Bay Center for Music’s efforts to supplement music program-ming in several local schools. The colorful cast of charac-ters on show at the Shelton H.S. Performing Arts Center will include Bizet’s Carmen, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Rossini’s Barber of Se-ville, Gounod’s Faust and Puccini’s Turandot among others.

“A Night at the Opera” marks the third year of collaboration between the Anna’s Bay Chorale and the Bremerton Sympony, and kicks off Anna’s Bay’s fifth season of programming. However, this is the first time the Bremerton Symphony Orchestra will be performing in Shelton – and only the second time in our history that a full symphony orchestra has performed in Mason County.

Tickets are $12 in advance (available online at annasbay.org), $15 at the door and a $10 group rate is available

for groups of 10 or more purchasing in advance by phone (360.898.5000). Revenue from ticket sales will supplement the in-school music at Mt. View, Evergreen, Bordeaux, Grapeview and Pioneer Elementries, Hood Canal School and Olympic Middle School for four months this school year.

Modeled on its work with the Shelton High School music department over the past three years, the nearly 200 local students in those schools who are participating in Anna’s Bay’s “Our Children’s Voices” program will receive supplementary materials and music education from January through April of 2012. At the culmination, students from all participating schools will perform together in four finale concerts along with the Anna’s Bay Chorale and members of the Olympia Symphony. The concerts will take place in Shelton at St. Edward’s Catholic Church (601 C Street, Shelton) and two of those performances will be made available for

academic achievement, eight times more likely to win a community service award, and four times more likely to participate in math or science fairs (Rich, 2000).Which is why “Our Children’s Voices” is the centerpiece of the Anna’s Bay Center for Music’s 2011|2012 fifth anniversary season. In addition to the November Bremerton Symphony concert, the Anna’s Bay Chorale will also perform Handel’s Messiah with full orchestra and soloists December 9, 10 and 11 at Shelton H.S. Performing Arts Center. (The Chorale is also scheduled to perform a program of Messiah highlights on Monday, December 19 at the Washington Center in Olympia alongside the Student Orchestras

photo: Robert Scott

free to 1,000 additional elementary students from participating schools. Two public ticketed performances will be performed Saturday, April 21 at 7:30PM and Sunday, April 22 at 4PM, also at St. Edward’s.

There is no cost to participating students (or schools) each of whom will receive a score, a practice CD, a t-shirt and a DVD of the finale performance.

Nothing fuels academic success quite like music. In addition to some wonderful memories, the students who benefit from programs like Anna’s Bay’s tend to have significantly lower dropout rates than those with low levels of arts involvement (Catterall, 1998) and to score an average of 100 points higher on the SATs (Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001). Research also shows that students participating in these kinds of programs are twice as likely to win an award for

of Greater Olympia and members of Anna’s Bay’s South Shore Chamber Orchestra.) The Anna’s Bay Center for Music is an all-volunteer organization and all ticket revenue from these special holiday events will be used to underwrite the “Our Children’s Voices” program.

Tickets go on sale for “A Night at the Opera” with the Bremerton Symphony Monday, October 24, and for Anna’s Bay’s Shelton performances of Messiah the following Monday, October 31. Tickets and information are available online at www.annasbay.org, by phone by calling 360.898.5000, at Sage Bookstore or the Cameo Boutique in Union.


Annette Cary Tri-City Herald All options were considered as the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission starts planning for a worst-case scenario of cutting an additional 20 percent of its budget.

The state’s parks system is transi-tioning to dependence on fees paid by those who visit them rather than taxpayer money distributed by the Legislature. In July, the state began requiring a Discover Pass at an annual cost of $30 or a daily charge of $10 for each vehicle entering state parks. Gov. Chris Gregoire has said that Discover passes should be the commission’s top priority and that the program has to be success-ful, said state parks Director Don Hoch. The commission has begun planning for a cut of up to $30 million of about $148 million in

the two-year budget for state parks. The state Legislature budgeted about $17 million for the current biennium to help the commission as it transitions off the gen-eral fund, but the commission potentially could receive no general fund money after that. Its reserve fund also could be rolled back into the state coffers.

The commission fears that Discover Pass sales may be less than anticipated and that be-cause of the Pass, fewer people will check the $5 donation box when they renew car tabs.

At Sacajawea State Park in Pasco, visits dropped 50 percent in the first month the Discover Pass was required.

wa State parks board anticipates Cuts

Potlatch State Park is a 57-acre camping park on Hood Canal.

The commission also has responded with proposals to cut its $17 million in general fund revenue by 10 per-cent as the state faces a forecasted $1.6 billion statebudget gap. Proposals include hiring delays and canceling an ocean beach law enforcement contract.

“No one strategy will accomplish what we need,” Sternback said. But the state must maintain an adequate number of parks to preserve public support and must maintain park service at a level that keeps people coming to the parks, he said.

Sarahlee lawrence:adventurer, builder, Grower, author of “river House: a memoir”

Wed, November 2 | 7 to 8 p.m North Mason Timberland Library, 23081 NE State Route 3

Lawrence’s life as a rafting guide, run-ning one wild river after another, was a glorious, mind-expanding, heart-stop-ping adventure until the monstrously

If the state starts closing parks that don’t pay for themselves, it would have to close 77 of the state’s 116 parks to make up the entire $30 million, which is not an option under consideration, said Mike Sternback, state parks operations director.Some agencies, including county governments, are willing to take over certain state parks. However, if the commission members consider transfer-ring some state parks to other government agencies, they first may want to consider the income-producing potential of the parks, Sternback said.

Now, about 70 percent of the state parks budget covers labor costs, Sternback said. That includes $30 million for park rangers, $12 million for park aides and $12 million for main-tenance workers.

flooded Tambopata River between Peru and Bolivia told her it was time to go home. Go home to the family ranch in Cen-tral Oregon, build a house and make a life. And write about it all.

Ms. Lawrence will read from and discuss her memoir, “River House.” In a blend of mem-oir and nature writing, Lawrence describes leaving home, adventuring around the globe and eventually returning to the ranch to build a log house, and a relationship, with her father. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Lawrence is as skilled around a backhoe and other heavy equipment as she is with a pair of oars. Her talents come in handy for ranch and community projects.

The author presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the North Mason Timberland Li-brary and will take place in the library meet-ing room. For information, please contact the library at 275-3232 or www.TRL.org.


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