-->
Feb
25
Posted by Matt Thomson
A touring theater group from Seattle will be at Gig Harbor’s Harbor Ridge Middle School next Thursday to do a performance on Cyber Bullying.
Taproot Theatre’s Road Company—the touring part of a Seattle professional theatre—travels to schools around the Pacific Northwest during the school year, teaching them how to respond to—and even prevent—bullying and harassment. They have a touring show called “New Girl” that deals specifically with cyberbullying. The shows are guided by some of the leading bullying-prevention curricula in the United States (from Committee for Children), and combine engaging stories with effective lessons. They’ll be performing “New Girl” at Harbor Ridge Middle School on March 4 at 1:30 p.m.
Share
-->
Feb
21
Posted by Matt Thomson
The Gig Harbor Police Department will be hosting a very valuable course titled “Trust in Parenting.” Below is the document I was sent describing the event.
We are excited to announce we’ve scheduled a new “Trust in Parenting” course (formerly called “Upgrade Your POS”). ”Trust in Parenting” is a 6-week course for couples who want to become better communicators and parents. The course will cover practical knowledge and skills that directly effect how you communicate both as a parent and as a spouse.
The first class is on February 23, from 6:30-7:30pm. We will hold the classes at the Boys and Girls Club in Gig Harbor.
We recommend you check out the new “Trust in Parenting” website to get more information on the course, and read the agenda for each class.
Free childcare is an option if you need, but you’ll need to contact Peggy Lowe at 253-530-1740 at least 2 days ahead of time.
You can sign up for the course online or call our offices at 253-851-0350.
Share
-->
Feb
11
Posted by Matt Thomson
A late night fire last night did significant damage to one of downtown Gig Harbor’s most popular spots–Le Bistro. The building on the corner of Harborview and N Harborview burned, but fortunately nobody was hurt.
Share
-->
Feb
02
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor is definitely a healthy community. I’m not much of a fan of swimming, but I enjoy running and biking. Well, now I just kinda jog, but I ran at one point in my life. Regardless, this isn’t about me. If you’re into triathlons, and you live in the Gig Harbor area, check out the Gig Harbor Triathletes page. Great information on local running races, triathlons, and everything associated with the sport!
Share
-->
Feb
02
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor and chocolate combined? WOW! I love Gig Harbor. I love chocolate. Can you imagine Gig Harbor full of chocolate? Saturday it becomes a reality. Read more about Gig Harbor’s “The Art Of Chocolate” this Saturday (Feb 6) from Noon-6pm.
Share
-->
Jan
29
Posted by Matt Thomson
While crime rates in Gig Harbor seem to be getting in the news (from residential jewelery heists to major copper thefts from our kids’ play fields) this crime map shows that crime in Gig Harbor actually declined 11% in ‘09 from ‘08. Below is a helpful post that I found on a San Diego Real Estate blog that gives some good tips on how to prevent your home from showing up on the map!
THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.
12.. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise.. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.
4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.
8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St.. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
Share
-->
Jan
01
Posted by Matt Thomson
The New Year’s Day 5k along Gig Harbor’s downtown waterfront was a great way to kick off 2010! Proceeds from the race registrations went to benefit the families of the four fallen Lakewood Police Officers. The race itself benefited the Gig Harbor community as a whole, bringing us together again for fitness and fun to start the new year!
Share
-->
Nov
30
Posted by Matt Thomson
This Saturday evening at 5pm, Gig Harbor will have our annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Festivities begin at 5pm down at Skanskie Brothers Park (downtown Gig Harbor waterfront). Santa, music, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Sounds like a great time to me!
Also coming this weekend…Tidefest! TideFest is a fantastic arts, crafts, music, and food display at Gig Harbor High School. If you’re planning on visiting Gig Harbor or being anywhere near Gig Harbor this weekend, you won’t want to miss TideFest. It’s way more than a winter Art Festival or craft fair. TideFest runs Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Check it out and let me know what you thought!
Share
-->
Nov
04
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor had their elections yesterday and the City Coucil winners seem to be solidified. Congrats to Derek Young and Tim Payne for their wins. A BIG thanks to Tim Payne for not only winning, but being intentional about removing all of his yard signs by midnight last night! We now have the beauty of Gig Harbor back! Well, we will as soon as all of the other candidates follow suit and get their signs up.
Share
-->
Oct
22
Posted by Matt Thomson
Halloween in Gig Harbor is a pretty fun time. I’ll admit, I’m one of those who’s not much for celebrating evil, so I’m more of a Harvest Party guy than a Halloween guy, but we can discuss that in another forum. Gig Harbor has some fun Trick or Treat activities, our favorite being the Downtown Assoc. Trick or Treat. From 3-6pm, Harborview Drive will be closed down and many of the waterfront homes and merchants will have Trick or Treating! Also from 3-6pm the Gig Harbor Uptown Center will be having their Trick or Treat festivities.
There are pumpkin patches, pumpkin decorating contests, and an 8k run as well. Check out the Gig Harbor Guide blog for a full list of Halloween activities in Gig Harbor. Friday night (the 30th) my family and I will be at the Harvest Party at Believer’s Fellowship church on Hunt St. If you know of any other activities, please leave them in the comments!
Share
