ShowCase Magazine's Best of 2023

Best of SHOWCASE MAGAZINE

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the team

robin lucas | publisher

karissa wilson | office manager

pamela holt | editing manager

cynthia boyd | copy editor

susan newsom | art director

kelly mckay | web editor

madison ford | social media manager

marcy angel | sales liaison

saundra coffen | sales liaison

natalie benson | writer

lynn castle | writer

michelle karns | writer

mary ellen psaltis | writer

amanda howse | staff photographer

11222 49th St East, Edgewood, WA 98372 info@showcasemedialive.com |

hining a Bright Light on Your Favorites! S

Our team welcomes you to enjoy ShowCase Magazine’s Best of 2023! This is our favorite time of the year as we have the distinct privilege of “shining a light” on the Best of 2023, as voted by you, our readers.

In April, we turned to you and requested your votes and feedback on 63 categories–everything from the best new businesses to services and shopping and everything in-between. Your feedback is what makes this issue possible, so thank you as always for casting your votes.

This year we are overjoyed to announce our continued growth as we have added five new categories to the Best of 2023 lineup. Thank you to our team for compiling the data and producing another expanded issue of ShowCase Magazine.

As we roll out the red carpet to “showcase” the best and the brightest in the region, we invite the organizations in this issue to pause and celebrate their success at being recognized as the best in each category. Excellence has a daily cost, and it is no accident that they find themselves here.

We are honored to present our readers’ favorites to you online, in print, digitally and on social media. Please join us in congratulating those organizations nominated here and send them your patronage. Thank you for reading and celebrating with us.

Robin Lucas

Robin Lucas, Publisher ShowCase Media

Best of

SHOWCASE MAGAZINE

RESERVATIONS (253) 319-8300

• Waterfront Views

• Beautifully appointed Guestrooms and Suites

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Timeless—Comfortable—Balanced

Spa Serein was developed to relax, refresh, and recharge the mind and spirit. Our spa therapies provide an experience that stimulates the senses with gifts from the ocean and surrounding forests.

Seasonal—Regional—Connected

Indulge in the finest Northwest flavors at Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen. Featuring handcrafted cocktails, locally sourced produce, and fresh ingredients; our culinary team presents artisan dishes that capture the spirit of our region. Enjoy an energetic atmosphere and the highest-quality dining experience along the Tacoma waterfront.

Best of

HOME REMODELER

American Dream Design Build 133 15th St SE, Puyallup

253.446.9000

americandreamdesignbuild.com

Kingdom Builders Yelm, WA

253.313.3890

kbc-llc.com

Rainier Construction

3404 57th St Ct Ste B, Gig Harbor 360.754.7010

253.858.9907

rainierconstructionllc.com

Rooster Remodels

3377 Bethel Rd #107, PMB 308 Port Orchard

253.267.8535

roosterremodels.com

HOME BUILDER

Kingdom Builders Yelm, WA

253.313.3890

kbc-llc.com

Rob Rice Homes

1868 State Ave NE, Olympia 360.754.7010

robricehomes.com

Scott Homes 3016 10th Ave NE, Olympia 360.357.9167

scotthomes.com

HOMEBUILDING SUPPLIER

Gray Lumber

3800 6th Ave, Tacoma

253.752.7000

graylumber.com

Sound Glass 5501 75th St W, Tacoma 253.473.7477

soundglass.com

CABINET DESIGN

Bellmont Cabinets

13610 52nd St E #300, Sumner bellmontcabinets.com

Cabinets by Trivonna

4444 Lacey Blvd SE #G, Lacey 360.539.5057

cabinetsbytrivonna.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Cultivating Kindness Landscape & Design

6029 Capitol Blvd SW, Tumwater 360.915.8905

cultivatingkindnesslandscapedesign.com

Olympic Landscape 12708 58th Ave E, Puyallup 253.922.7075

olympiclandscape.com

Sunrise Landscaping Solutions 602 29th St SE, Auburn 253.394.1898

sunriselandscapingwa.com

GREENHOUSES/NURSERIES

Bark and Garden

4004 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia 360.352.2955

barkandgarden.com

The Barn Nursery

9510 Old Highway 99 SE, Olympia 360.943.2826

thebarnnurseryolympia.com

Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery

6211 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup 253.845.7359

shop.watsonsgreenhouse.com

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Alinda Morris Interior Design

3016 Harborview Dr Gig Harbor 253.579.8431 alindamorrisinteriordesign.com

Calla Lily Designs

15508 133rd Ave E, Puyallup 253.988.7073

cldesigner.com

Northlight Interiors 1119 W Main St, Sumner 253.826.0339 northlightinteriors.com

Red Door Interiors

510 Custer Way SE Ste 301 Tumwater 701.335.8766

reddoorolympia.com

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Artisans Group

1508 4th Ave E Ste A, Olympia 360.570.0626

artisansgroup.com

Wedderman Architecture

2302 A St, Tacoma 253.973.6611 weddermann.com

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Evergreen Home Loans 221 Kenyon St NW Ste 201 Olympia 360.209.5740

evergreenhomeloans.com

HomeBridge Inspections 253.250.3307

homebridgeinspections.com

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ROOFING COMPANY

Rainy Day Exteriors

11010 Harbor Hill Dr, Gig Harbor 360.874.7663

rainydayexteriors.com

Roof Doctor 8120 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater 360.352.1294

theroofdoctor.com

Roosevelt Roofing Eatonville 253.318.3543

rooseveltroofingllc.com

HEATING & COOLING COMPANY

Capital City Heating and Cooling 1218 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey 804.608,8007

capitolheatingandcooling.com

Dana’s Heating and Cooling 2181 Chico Way NW, Bremerton 360.876.7670

danasheating.com

Ranger Heating and Cooling 2010 48th Ave Ct E, Tacoma 253.336.3777

rangerheating.com

WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

Renewal By Anderson 253.263.7268

renewalbyandersen.com

Sound Glass 5501 75th St W, Tacoma 253.473.7477

soundglass.com

Milgard Windows 1010 54th Ave E, Tacoma

253.922.6030

milgard.com

Tacoma Architect Named Small Business Person of the Year

a successful woman-owned business that is adding value to the community in many ways,” SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd said. “The diversity of her work, the jobs she has created, and the overall growth of her business are an impressive example of the fine small businesses we’re fortunate to have in our local community.”

The SBA Small Business Person of the Year recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation.

“Winning this award is quite an honor,” Weddermann said. “I’ve grown this company on my own, from the ground up, with the help of a great team.”

Weddermann started her own company as an experienced architect. Following layoffs from other firms in 2009 due to economic recession, Weddermann was inspired to forge her own path forward. With the help of two part-time employees, Weddermann Architecture launched from a 500-square-foot office, working primarily on small residential projects.

The U.S. Small Business Administration recently named Jennifer Weddermann, architect, and owner of Weddermann Architecture in Tacoma, as their 2023 Washington Small Business Person of the Year.

Founded in 2010, Weddermann Architecture specializes in architectural design for residential, commercial, and community-based projects. Weddermann, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and member of the U.S Green Building Council, is committed to sustainable design principles and projects that contribute to the beauty and growth of her community.

“Jennifer Weddermann has demonstrated tenacity, perseverance and generosity as an entrepreneur, and leads

In 2023, Weddermann Architecture now employs a team of seven full-time employees, owns their 3,000-square-foot building, and boasts a diverse portfolio of public and private projects that can be found throughout the South Puget Sound region, including projects at the Tacoma Light Rail Line, Tacoma Children’s Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

In addition to leading her team on a growing list of projects, Weddermann volunteers time in her local community through pro-bono work, assisting local food banks, church groups, and as a mentor to aspiring welders and artisans.

vLYNN CASTLE

Weddermann Architecture weddermann.com

HOUSING COMMUNITY

HOME SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

eliseo Retirement Community

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1301 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma 253.752.7112

eliseo.org

Point Ruston 5005 Ruston Way, Tacoma 253.414.1991

pointruston.com

Tehaleh

19001 Cascadia Blvd E, Bonney Lake 253.205.8190

tehaleh.com

Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

13608 Valley Ave E, Sumner 253.863.0422

oldcanneryfurniture.com

Selden’s Furniture 1802 62nd Ave E, Tacoma 253.922.5700

seldens.com

Sage Interiors 2416 South C St, Tacoma 833.855.8733

sageinteriors.com

Woodshed Furniture

6127 Martin Way E, Lacey 360.491.0700

woodshedfurn.com

THURSTON COUNTY

Archibald Sisters

406 Capitol Way S, Olympia 360.943.2707

archibaldsisters.com

Belleza Ropa

101 Capitol Way N, Olympia 360.352.ropa (7672)

bellezaropa.com

Capital Mall & Promenade

625 Black Lake Blvd, Olympia 360.754.8017

shoppingcapitalmall.com

Compass Rose

416 Capitol Way S, Olympia 360.236.0788

compassroseshop.com

Courtyard Antiques

705 4th Ave E, Olympia 360.352.3864

courtyardantiquesolympia.com

Drees of Olympia

524 Washington St SE, Olympia 360.357.7177

dreesofolympia.com

Gracie’s Boutique

120-A South Tower Ave, Centralia 360.623.1586

facebook.com/graciesfashions

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

PIERCE & KING COUNTY

A Picket Fence

1006 Main St, Sumner 253.863.6048 apicketfence.com

Almond Roca Outlets

3500 20th St E, Fife 253.620.3030 brown-haley.com

Envy

3813 N 26th St, Tacoma 253.761.5531 facebook.com/envytacoma

Kent Station

417 Ramsay Way, Kent 253.856.2301 kentstation.com

Simple Tidings & Kitchen

1115 Main St, Sumner 253.863.7933 simpletidings.com

South Hill Mall

3500 S Meridian, Puyallup 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com

Tacoma Mall 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma 253.475.4565 simon.com

The Outlet Collection

1101 Outlet Collection Dr SW Auburn 253.833.1790

outletcollectionseattle.com

Throwing Mud Gallery

2212 N 30th St, Tacoma 253.254.7961

throwingmudgallery.com

Uptown Gig Harbor

4701 Point Fosdick Dr NW Gig Harbor 253.851.4557

uptowngigharbor.com

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The HeART of the Home–Cabinets by Trivonna

Cabinets by Trivonna of Lacey pride themselves on a design experience that is uniquely customized to their individual client’s dreams and wishes.

Trivonna brings to life an artful design plan built around their customer’s needs and budget. We’ve all discovered that the ‘heart of the home’ isn’t just for the cook anymore. Often our kitchen plays host not only to baking and cooking, but to children’s and adult art, science and homework projects, and even dad’s auto repair, fishing and tackle shop.

“The kitchen has become a gathering place meant for entertaining guests and gathering family alike,” states owner Amber Bevacqua. “Our clients enjoy artful and thoughtful design built around the specific and functional needs for their space.”

Navigating the myriad of decisions on textiles and design options can be daunting. Trivonna has created a design studio offering a nurturing environment that helps clients realize their best kitchen design.

Whatever your kitchen design dream, creating a work of art and functional space built for you and your family is what Cabinets by Trivonna does beautifully. Be sure to visit their creative space and showroom in Lacey and meet Rick and Amber Bevacqua. They help make dream kitchens a reality.

vDANA PETHIA

Cabinets by Trivonna

cabinetsbytrivonna.com

ORGANIC PRODUCTS

Harbor Greens

5225 Olympic Dr, Gig Harbor

253.851.7911

harborgreensmarket.com

Olympia Bed Store/ Holy Lamb Organics

418 Washington St SE, Olympia 360.819.4293

holylamborganics.com

Whole Foods, University Place

3515 Bridgeport Way W University Place

253.534.4500

wholefoodsmarket.com

JEWELRY

Fircrest Jewelers

1001 Regents Blvd, Fircrest 253.732.8836

fircrestjewelers.com

Johnson Jewelers

103 S Meridian, Puyallup 253.848.1332

johnson-jewelers.com

LeRoy Jewelers

940 Broadway, Tacoma 253.272.3377

ljewelers.com

Panowicz Jewelers

111 Market St NE, Olympia 360.357.4943

panowicz.com

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

GIFTS

Almond Roca Outlets

3500 20th St E, Fife 253.620.3030

brown-haley.com

Bittersweet Chocolates

203 Columbia St NW, Olympia 360.489.1812

bittersweetchocolatesllc.com

Linnea’s Unique Boutique

6715 Martin Way E, Lacey 360.789.1112

shoplinneas.com

ANTIQUES

Courtyard Antiques

705 4th Ave E, Olympia 360.352.3864

courtyardantiquesolympia.com

Inta Vintage Sumner

1109 Main St, Sumner 253.939.4888

facebook.com/intavintage

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Proudly

Stormans Legacy of Family of Businesses Continues to Serve the Community

The Stormans family has been active in the Olympia business and community scene for the past 70 years. It’s a fourthgeneration family business that continues to serve and evolve. Whether you are hoping to fill your grocery cart with locally and regionally sourced food, needing to renew your car tabs, planning a party or an event, or requiring a prescription that needs compounding, Stormans has your back.

Ralph’s Thriftway - 1908 4th Ave E, Olympia

Ralph’s, on Olympia’s Eastside, does an amazing job for one-stop shopping. Enjoy the floral department as you enter the store. Food aisles contain produce and edibles from local and regional suppliers. Stormans Customer Service Center operates a postal station and manages auto licensing. You can stop for coffee at the newly renovated Starbucks Coffee or order sandwiches from Subway. Need wine or beer? No problem. Check out the row of handy kitchen gadgets and housewares for you or to give as a gift.

Bayview Thriftway - 516 4th Ave W, Olympia

Located on the boardwalk in downtown Olympia, Bayview also serves shoppers well. Like Ralph’s, there are specialty items like fuchsia baskets or fresh fish. Batdorf & Bronson coffee is available inside the front door. The deli can make you a single sandwich or a hundred. You can talk with a caterer about your upcoming event. Take in spectacular views of Budd Inlet, the port and the Olympic Mountains while you eat your deli goodies in the seating area upstairs.

Bayview School of Cooking

Classes are back in swing with a catalogue of tempting sessions. Schedule a date night or an outing with friends.

Northwest Remedies Compounding Pharmacy

The talented team works with customers for over-thecounter and prescription needs to prevent and treat disease

and deficiencies. They also work with your vet to compound remedies for your pet.

Celebrations

From intimate dinners to community events, Celebrations has what you need from chairs, tables, and décor.

The Community Rebate Program donates one percent of Thrift-e Rewards Card shoppers’ purchases to support the nonprofit of your choice. Sign up for the kid’s club. Discover recipes and meal ideas on the website. Keep up with activities, special sales and other news on the Ralph’s and Thriftway Facebook page.

vMARY ELLEN PSALTIS

Stormans stormans.com

Can You Really Travel When Buying and Selling a Home? This Couple Just Did

The Raaks of Kent were living their retirement dream and traveling frequently. But their travel schedule was at odds with their desire to sell their home of 35 years in Kent and downsize to a condo with a waterfront view. Lucky for them, a few years before, they met Kathy Kleber and were introduced to her concierge-level service through Team RED.

According to Perry Raak, a retired pastor, “Our experience with Team RED was very different from our recent experience with a Realtor back East selling my mother’s home. It was above and beyond what we could have hoped for.”

After finding the perfect condo for the Raak’s, Kathy became their project manager in getting updates made to the new purchase and making the adjustments needed to sell their six-bedroom Kent family home of 35 years. “She had reliable qualified contacts to help us at each step of the adventure, both in selling our home and in purchasing the condo all while accommodating our complicated travel plans,” said Perry. Kathy and Team RED (an acronym for Resourceful, Experienced & Dedicated) had responsible and reliable contacts that saved time and ensured the process moved to completion, even when the Raaks weren’t there.

“There were a lot of moving parts in this transaction, and it was with our Team RED concierge services experience and

our trusted resources that we were able to provide a beacon of light to how this could and would be done,” said Kleber recently.

“Kathy led us and explained each step of the way. What seemed difficult and confusing at times moved smoothly with Kathy’s help,” said Cherie Raak, who herself has a lot of customer service experience from working at Nordstrom, and most recently as a marketing director for an assisted living community.

Perry and Cherie Raak celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in June and now enjoy their waterfront condo, adoring their grandchildren, visiting a lifetime of friends, and working as Security at Mariner games . . . and, oh yes, traveling!

Team RED offers a complimentary consultation to help clients create a plan based on their full-service project management real estate approach. Servicing with heart, homes for all life’s seasons.

vLYNN CASTLE

Team RED

goteamred.com

INSURANCE COMPANY

Duncan and Associates

2111 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia 360.352.7588

duncanins.com

Fournier Insurance Solutions

Montesano, Chehalis, Gig Harbor, University Place, Bremerton fourniersolutions.com

Propel Insurance

1201 Pacific Ave #1000, Tacoma 253.759.2200

propelinsurance.com

BANKING

Heritage Bank

Thirteen locations in Thurston and Pierce counties heritagebanknw.com

Olympia Federal Savings

Eight locations in the South Sound 360.754.3400

olyfed.com

Umpqua Bank

Over 100 South Sound locations umpquabank.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Rants Group

724 Columbia St NW #140

Olympia 360. 943.8060

rantsgroup.com

Soundview Property Management

5775 Soundview Dr Ste 102A

Gig Harbor

253.514-6520

soundviewpropertymanagementllc. managebuilding.com

CREDIT UNION

OBEE Credit Union

Eight locations in the South Sound 800.642.4014 obee.com

Sound Credit Union

29 branches in the Puget Sound region soundcu.com

TwinStar Credit Union

Twenty locations 1.800.258.3115 twinstarcu.com

WA State Employees Credit Union

Eleven locations in the South Sound 800.562.0999 wsecu.org

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Edward Jones, Jeff Kopp

3231 Willamette Dr NE Ste F, Lacey 360.438.6637

edwardjones.com/us-en/financialadvisor/jeff-kopp

Shelgren Financial: Chambers Bay

5350 Orchard St W Ste 200 University Place 253.473.0656

shelgrenfinancial.com

Sawston Wealth 2010 Caton Way SW, Olympia 360.464.2025

sawstonwealth.com

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OlyFed Creates New Affordable Housing Assistance Fund

Since their beginning in 1906, Olympia Federal Savings or OlyFed as many people call them, has been dedicated to helping with the housing needs of the community. Their neighbor-helping-neighbor business model is how they describe mutual banking at its core and it’s why they are accountable to customers and not corporate shareholders.

This was an innovative approach to banking 117 years ago and today it remains a socially responsible way for them to do business. The Team at OlyFed also believes in putting people above the bottom line and one way they highlight this is by dedicating anywhere from 10 to 15% of their profits each year to local community organizations.

Always striving to do more and reach out further, this year OlyFed is establishing a new Affordable Housing Assistance Fund to support the spectrum of housing needs in the community. Each time they close a new mortgage loan for a customer purchasing or constructing a home, they will be contributing to the fund in the customer’s honor.

During its first year, the fund will be supporting Habitat for Humanity, Homes First, and Interfaith Works. With each mortgage and construction loan closing, a donation will be made to all three of these organizations to ensure the full gamut of housing needs is addressed in the community. The contributions by OlyFed to the Affordable Housing Assistance Fund are in addition to their regular and ongoing support of these three housing organizations.

“We’re very excited to be able to provide additional support to the housing needs of our community,” Josh Deck, President and CEO said.

“Even better, we love that this program helps complement our existing Two Cent initiative, where we contribute two cents to a local nonprofit for every one of our customer debit card transactions. Now, both our deposit and loan customers are directly supporting our community when they do business with OlyFed. We believe this is just another way for us to demonstrate our mutual banking values and our commitment to community leadership.”

vLYNN CASTLE

OlyFed

olyfed.com

CAR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Capitol City Honda 2370 Carriage Loop SW, Olympia 360.347.1224

capitolcityhonda.com

Korum Automotive 100 River Rd, Puyallup 253.286.5213 korum.com

Olympia Nissan 2220 Carriage Dr SW, Olympia 360.754.5525

olympianissan.com

Toyota of Puyallup 1400 River Rd, Puyallup 253.286.6000

toyotaofpuyallup.com

SERVICES continued

AUTO BODY REPAIR

Boss Auto Repair 3200 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 360.915.9847

bossautorepairnw.com

Capitol City Honda 2370 Carriage Loop SW, Olympia 800.594.2956

capitolcityhonda.com

Fix Auto Puyallup and Gig Harbor 253.845.5665 fixautousa.com

LAW PRACTICE

Connelly Law Offices 2301 N 30th St, Tacoma 253.593.5100

506 2nd Ave, Seattle 206.816.3002

connelly-law.com

Henderson Law Group 1800 Cooper Pt Rd SW Ste 1 Olympia 360.943.7710

hendersonlaw.net

Ledger Square Law 710 Market St, Tacoma 253.327.1900

ledgersquarelaw.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Christine ForreyKeller Williams Group 676 Woodland Square Lp SE #122 Lacey 206.779.5401

christineforrey.com

Kathy KleberKeller Williams Group 33434 8th Ave S Ste 103 Federal Way 206.650.6113

goteamred.com

Sharon Benson 2209 N Pearl St, Tacoma 253.381.7447

kellijoandsharon.com

Virgil Adams Real Estate 806 State Ave NE, Olympia 360.352.3756

virgiladamsre.com

FLORIST Blitz Florist 909 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.572.2327

blitzflorist.com

Capitol Florist 515 Capitol Way S, Olympia 360.357.5757

capitolflorist.com

SOUTH SOUND SUCCESS STORY:

Heidi Duncan of Duncan Insurance

It could be that some superheroes come into being from a toxic spider bite, but other superheroes are just born into their roles as descendants of “do-gooders” before them. That’s the case with Heidi Duncan of Duncan and Associates Insurance Brokers, based in Olympia.

From the time she was young, little Heidi dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming an insurance agent. When other kids set their sights on becoming a doctor, professional ice skater or architect, Heidi was interested only in insurance.

Her father, Russ Duncan, founded Duncan Insurance 50 years ago. When Heidi was three and a half years old, she started going to work with her dad to give her mom a break with her newborn brother. Her first job was to pick staples out of the carpet, but that soon progressed to more complex tasks. By kindergarten she was using the office typewriter like a pro.

Heidi knows exactly when she knew that she wanted to be an insurance agent. When she was four or five, the phone rang at home in the middle of the night, awakening everyone in the Duncan household. It was a client. His house had just burned down and he was calling his insurance agent for help. Heidi’s father leapt to action.

He let his client know that he was completely taken care of and that he would be there for him every step of the way.

The superhero was revealed. Russ Duncan demonstrated to his daughter how important it is to take care of people in stressful times. It should be no surprise that when Heidi turned 18, she was one of the youngest people in Washington state ever to take and pass the insurance agent licensing exam.

Since then, she has been working diligently to help her clients. “Listening to the needs of my clients and helping them understand all the options available to them is the center of all our work,” notes Heidi. “Our agency may be small, but we have a huge range of expertise and since we operate like a family, we work to provide seamless wraparound insurance coverage.”

Being available to clients for emergencies continues to be a cornerstone of Duncan and Associates Insurance Brokers. “We are like financial first responders,” says Heidi Duncan. “We provide calm and comforting expertise for people who are dealing with major issues. We want to be superheroes.”

vHILLARY RYAN

Duncan Insurrance duncanins.com

Dental Assistant Training Now Open

Finding the right dental practice isn’t always easy, but learning more about Light Dental Studios may make the choice easier. A privately-owned company founded by Dr. Steve Braughton, Light Dental Studios has 22 locations throughout the Puget Sound offering general dentistry, orthodontics, pediatrics, and prosthodontics (dentures). According to Katie Hogan, Executive Administrator at Light Dental Studios, “We are all about convenience for our patients from being open daily from 7am to 7pm, to offering Saturday appointments and having dental specialists in house to create fulfillment of all your dental needs in one day.”

With many of the dentists on staff graduating in the top 10% of their class, patients are assured they will have a quality experience at Light

Dental Studios. This high-performing staff was one of the reasons behind the addition of the Central Academy of Dental Assisting, a new dental assistant training program located at their new Tacoma location on 6th Avenue. “We realized we had an abundance of talent on our staff that could pass along their current, up-to-date knowledge through an accelerated program for dental assistants,” said Hogan recently.

Through the focused course program with classes in the morning and hands-on training in the afternoon, students of the program get to work in real life, trained by people currently practicing. “We can actually get students up and running faster by doing it hands on and it allows our current staff the opportunity for professional growth.”

Bundled with the new Tacoma location, Light Dental Studios recently added a Bellevue and Lynnwood location bringing their ‘hub and spoke’ model to locations throughout the Puget Sound. Meaning, they operate a few big offices which house the specialty dentists to meet the needs of patients with more complex issues, while also operating smaller offices spread out in various communities to allow for those patients that prefer a more intimate atmosphere. “We want to be where our patients are.”

vLYNN CASTLE

Light Dental Studios

lightdentalstudios.com

Kristine Hagara Accounting Specialist

Becky Rossman Accounting Specialist Kate Rossman Media Manager

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

MultiCare Health Services

Multiple locations in the South Sound 253.403.1000

multicare.org

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Five locations olyortho.com

Providence St. Peter 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia 360.491.9480

washington.providence.org

HOSPITAL CARE

MultiCare Health Services

Multiple locations in the South Sound 253.403.1000

multicare.org

Providence St. Peter 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia 360.491.9480

washington.providence.org

Virginia Mason

Franciscan Health

Locations throughout South Puget Sound 253.426.4101

vmfh.org

PEDIATRIC CARE

Olympia Pediatrics 3434 12th Ave NE, Olympia 360.413.8470

olympiapediatrics.com

Pediatrics Northwest

Four locations to serve 253.383.5777

pedsnw.net

Sound Family Medicine

Four locations in the South Sound 253.848.5951

soundfamilymedicine.com

DENTAL SERVICES

Light Dental Studios

Eighteen South Sound locations lightdentalstudios.com

Kvinsland Dentistry

5122 Olympic Dr NW #A201

Gig Harbor 253.851.9171

kvinslanddentistry.com

SoundBridge Dental Arts

2727 Hollycroft St, Gig Harbor 253.857.4114

soundbridgedentalarts.com

Tranquil Dental Wellness

Three locations

tranquilitydentalwellness.com

EYE CARE SERVICES

Clarus Eye Centre 345 College St SE, Lacey 360.456.3200

claruseye.com

Evergreen Eye Center

Four locations in the Puget Sound region 800.340.3595

evergreeneye.com

Eye Candy Optical 4735 Pt Fosdick Dr NW Ste 300 Gig Harbor 253.432.4303

eyecandy-optical.com

Tumwater Eye Center 6510 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater 360.352.6060

tumwatereye.com

OPTICAL SHOP

Eye Candy Optical

4735 Pt Fosdick Dr NW Ste 300 Gig Harbor 253.432.4303

eyecandy-optical.com

Tumwater Eye Center 6510 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater 360.352.6060

tumwatereye.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

RETIREMENT LIVING SERVICES

eliseo Retirement Community

1301 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma 253.752.7112

eliseo.org

Fieldstone Communities

Three locations in Pierce and Thurston counties

fieldstonecommunities.com

Weatherly Inn

6016 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma 253.752.8550

weatherlyinn.com

HOME HEALTH CARE

Advanced Health Care

Two locations (Tacoma and Olympia) 800.690.3330

advanced-healthcare.com

Sound Health Options 3518 6th Ave, Tacoma 253.756.5007

soundoptions.com

Synergy HomeCare

2920 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia 360.338.0837

synergyhomecare.com

WELLNESS SERVICES

eliseo Retirement Community

1301 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma 253.752.7112

eliseo.org

Heart of Wellness

205 Clark Pl SE, Tumwater 360.570.0401

heartofwellness.org

Olympia Obstetrics and Gynecology

615 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia 360. 413.8413

olyobgyn.com

WORKOUT FOR WELLNESS

Tacoma Body & Brain Yoga 1612 S Mildred St Ste B, Tacoma 253.566.9642

bodynbrain.com

Vie Fitness

Five locations vieathletics.com

YMCA - Briggs Family 1530 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia 360. 753.6576

southsoundymca.org

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SPA

Bloom and Blossom Spa

111 Tumwater Blvd SE Ste C213

Tumwater

360.706.2674

bloomandblossomspa.com

Olympus Spa

8615 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood

253.588.3355

olympusspa.com

Serenity Spa

Tacoma and University Place 253.473.7830

serenityspatacoma.com

Seven Inlets Spa

91 W State Route 108, Shelton 360.462.1772

seveninletsspa.com

SALON

FoxFire Salon

Two Tacoma locations

253.565.7765

foxfiresalon.com

Intaglio Salon at Point Ruston

5101 N Main St, Tacoma 253.472.0359

theintagliosalon.com

Luxe For Style Salon

321 Cleveland Ave SE, Tumwater

360.754.1600

luxeforstyle.com

Mission Salon

1115 Main St, Sumner

253.470.3970

missionsalonandspa.com

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AESTHETICS & SKIN CARE

Cascade Eye and Skin Centers

Three locations 253.848.3000

cascadeeyeskin.com

Spruce Skin & Wax Shoppe

4419 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia 360.701.1380

spruceshoppe.com

The V Spa

4833 Tumwater Valley Dr SE Tumwater

360.352.3401

thevspa.com

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SCHOOLS

Bellarmine Preparatory School 2300 S Washington St, Tacoma 253.752.7701

bellarmineprep.org

Cascade Christian Schools

Six campuses in Pierce County 253.841.1776

cascadechristian.org

Evergreen Christian School 1010 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia 360.357.5590

ecsolympia.com

Life Christian Academy 1717 S Union Ave, Tacoma 253.756.2199

wherelifehappens.org

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Pierce College

Four locations 253.964.6500

pierce.ctc.edu

South Puget Sound Community College

Lacey and Olympia 360.596.5200

spscc.edu

COLLEGE

Pacific Lutheran University 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma 253.535.7411

plu.edu

Saint Martin’s University 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey 360.491.4700

stmartin.edu

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SAINT MARTIN’S UNIVERSITY GALA 2023

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Join us for the Saint Martin’s Gala as we host three special guests: Chefs Tom Douglas, Thierry Rautureau, also known as The Chef in The Hat™, and Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.

Guests will immerse themselves in a rustic Pacific Northwest atmosphere as they savor the unique styles and flavors of these renowned guests. Enjoy cooking demos, live auction and an after party all benefiting funds for Saint Martin’s University student scholarships.

Learn more about this year’s guests and event details at www.stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366.

HANSON SUBARU

TOM DOUGLAS THIERRY RAUTUREAU DARIO CECCHINI

TRACKSIDE PIZZA

When It’s Kids’ Choice

We’ve all been there. Getting the entire family to agree on where to eat out can be a challenge. Until your kids say, “Let’s go to Trackside Pizza . . . I want to Pie Up.”

Kids love Trackside Pizza because they can watch and listen to the rumble of real trains on the tracks while they make their own pizzas. The friendly team at Trackside Pizza will bring a personalsize pizza dough ready to go, red sauce, cheese, and the child’s choice of up to three toppings out to your table. The kids put it all together however they like. And then the best part is they get to call out “PIE UP!!” with the cooks.

According to Shaun Brobak, owner of Trackside Pizza, “There has never been a bad kid’s pizza from Pie Up. Every one is perfect because they made it.”

When Brobak and his team were developing the Trackside Pizza concept more than 18 years ago, he was the parent of young children, and he knew parents were influenced on products and restaurants by their kids. “Parents always want to show their kids a good time so we felt we should create something interesting that would get kids to bring their parents,” said Brobak.

While there is a special nod to the young people in the household with the Pie Up program, the entire family will enjoy Trackside Pizza because of the high-quality ingredients they use in everything they make.

“We focus on the quality of our ingredients because we want to serve high-quality food in the form of a pizza,” said Brobak. Everything on the menu at Trackside Pizza contains the same special ingredient–exceptional food quality with no shortcuts.

After 18 years in the business, many of Trackside Pizza’s original Pie Up customers have grown up, so they continue to introduce new kids to the build-your-own pizza concept.

Trackside Pizza has a banquet room for sports teams, birthdays, or other parties as well as a Rewards Program and gift cards that can be purchased online.

There are two great locations of Trackside Pizza in Sumner and Puyallup. They are open 11am to 10pm daily for dine-in, take out, or delivery.

vLYNN CASTLE

Trackside Pizza

pizzatrackside.com

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Crockett’s Public House

118 E Stewart Ave, Puyallup 253.466.3075

crockettspublichouse.com

Gardner’s Restaurant

111 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia 360.786.8466

gardnersrestaurant.com

Well 80 Brewhouse

514 4th Ave E, Olympia 360.915.6653

well80.com

ITALIAN DINING

Aversano’s 6015 Parker Rd E, Sumner 253.863.3618

aversanos.com

Basilico Ristorante

507 Capitol Way S, Olympia 360.570.8777

ristorantebasilico.com

DINING

ASIAN INFLUENCE DINING

Chili Thai

3712 9th Ave, Puyallup 253.864.7005

chilithai.com

Indochine Asian Dining Lounge

1924 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.272.8200

indochinedowntown.com

The Lemon Grass Restaurants 212 4th Ave W, Olympia 360.705.1832

8101 Quinault Dr NE, Lacey 360.459.9511

5801 Capitol Blvd SW, Tumwater 360.705.0055

Crudo and Cotto

2717 N Proctor St, Tacoma 253.292.1120

crudoandcotto.com

Mama Stortini’s

3207 East Main Ave, Puyallup 253.845.7569

240 W Kent Station St, Kent 253.854.5050 mamastortinis.com

Massimo Italian Bar & Grill

13802 Purdy Dr NW, Gig Harbor 253.514.6237

massimobarandgrill.com

Mercato Ristorante

111 Market St, Olympia 360.528.3663

mercatoristorante.com

thelemongrassrestaurants.com

Long Beach Cafe

10114 Bridgeport Way SW Lakewood 253.565.3269

longbeachcaferestaurant.com

MEXICAN DINING

Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen & Cantina

639 Lincoln Ave E, Tenino 360.264.8226

donjuanstenino.com

El Sarape

Four locations in the South Sound elsarape.net

Matador Tacoma 721 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.627.7100

matadorrestaurants.com

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Wanna Cupcake? Opens Second Location

Wanna Cupcake? is a gourmet cupcake and specialty cake bakery in Puyallup. With a full espresso bar featuring Dillano’s coffee, as well as smoothies, Italian sodas and energy drink spritzers, Wanna Cupcake? recently added a new takeout-only location in University Place in the Green Firs Shopping Center with neighbors Trader Joe’s and Safeway.

“With our first store’s success in Puyallup more than 10 years ago, we decided to expand, and we always wanted to be in UP and serve that market,” said owner Jim Romano. "We also thought it was a good opportunity post-COVID to grow the business as well as develop employees.”

In 2011, Romano and wife Karie combined her passion for baking and heart to serve with his business acumen to create Wanna Cupcake?. Her dedication to her products, her customers and her team has made Wanna Cupcake? into a hometown favorite.

This small family-owned business features everything made from scratch each day; nothing is ever sold day-old. With more than 120 recipes, new flavors are baked daily, and the menu rotates constantly with

seasonal tastes. According to Jim, “While we do a lot of other things to meet our customers’ requests including custom wedding cakes, delicious muffins, scones, cookies, and bars . . . the heartbeat of our bakery is still cupcakes.”

With a fanatical approach to customer service, Wanna Cupcake? is the perfect combination of delicious treats in an inviting atmosphere. The Romanos' core belief of customer service is that “Every Customer Leaves Happy.” By embracing every opportunity to serve customers and exceed their expectations, Wanna Cupcake? wants to make sure fans come back time after time. Plus, their efforts in the community at large demonstrate their commitment to the people they work with and their desire “to help in any way we can.”

What began back in 2011 as vendors in local farmers markets has grown into a vibrant business as the Romanos simultaneously have franchised and will open more of their own corporate locations.

vLYNN CASTLE

Wanna Cupcake wannacupcake.com

MEAT LOVERS

Asado

2810 6th Ave, Tacoma 253.272.7770

asadotacoma.com

Ranch House BBQ 10841 Kennedy Creek Rd SW Olympia 360.866.8704

ranchhousebbq.com

Ricardo’s Kitchen + Bar 676 Woodland Square Loop, Lacey 360.413.9995

chefricardo.com

Room 188 Steakhouse 12888 188th Ave SW, Rochester 360.273.2000

luckyeagle.com

Stacks Burgers Tacoma 5061 Main St, Tacoma 253.301.2962

stack571.com

DINING WITH FLAIR

Art House Café 111 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma 253.212.2011 arthousecafe.com

Crudo and Cotto 2717 N Proctor St, Tacoma 253.292.1120 crudoandcotto.com

Green.House Restaurant 4793 Pt Fosdick Dr NW Gig Harbor 253.514.6482 greenhousegigharbor.com

McMenamins Elks Temple 565 Broadway, Tacoma 253.300.8754 mcmenamins.com

Oxbow Urban Kitchen 1105 Pacific Ave, Sumner 253.881.5111

oxbowurbankitchen.com

PATIO DINING

Swing Wine Bar 825 Columbia St SW, Olympia 360.357.9464

swingwinebar.com

Toscanos Italian Grill 437 29th St NE, Puyallup 253.864.8600

toscanospuyallup.com

HAPPY HOUR

Chelsea Oyster Bar 222 Capitol Way N, Olympia 360.915.7784

chelseafarms.net

HG Bistro 1618 E Main, Puyallup 253.845.5747

orderhgbistro.com

Matador Tacoma 721 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma 253.627.7100

matadorrestaurants.com

Octopas Olympia 610 Water St SW, Olympia 360.878.9333

octapascafe.com

BAKERY

The Cat and Rabbitt Cake Shop 2811 6th Ave, Tacoma 877. 585.1085

thecatandrabbitt.com

Left Bank Pastry 1001 4th Ave E, Olympia 360.350.0669

leftbankpastry.com

Wanna Cupcake

Puyallup and Tacoma 253.256.5566

wannacupcake.com

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History & Nature Center in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls Moves Ahead

House, is under its management. The Foundation continues to cultivate its partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the City of Tumwater. Generous easements were granted to expand the salmon hatchery and the ADA-compliant Deschutes Valley Trail, where walkers and bikers are welcome.

Plans for the History & Nature Center at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls are coming to fruition as the Olympia Tumwater Foundation accelerates its fundraising. The new 4,800-squarefoot building will feature historical and artistic displays that showcase the deep cultural and historical roots of the surrounding property. Visitors will have access to exhibit, event, and common areas, including bathrooms. With a nod to the brewery, there’s a Tasting Room for beverages and snacks. The capital campaign has secured its first $2 million and intends to raise another $5.5 million.

The park, a popular year-round attraction, is one of the most historical

places in the State of Washington. It is ancestral homeland to the Squaxin Island Tribe. The area marks the end of the Oregon Trail, and it will be forever associated with the Olympic Brewing Company. Locals and tourists are astounded by the roaring falls and spectacular beauty of walkways lined with native greenery. “It is a great experience to grow, rest, and learn,” says Lee Wojnar, President of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation.

A surprise to many, the private park is owned by the nonprofit Olympia Tumwater Foundation, not by a city or government municipality. The care and maintenance of the 15-acre property, along with the Schmidt

The new History & Nature Center is part of the ongoing redevelopment within Tumwater. Analysis indicates that the construction will create 40 full-time jobs and produce over $11 million dollars in economic impact to Thurston County. Tax revenues, employment, along with event and sales revenues will continue to support the community.

Brewery Park is open without cost to the public. The Foundation runs on the generosity of donations. “We can’t do this on our own,” encourages Wojnar. The Foundation welcomes you to participate at all levels. Explore the park, take pictures of the falls, touch stone walls, learn about salmon, and appreciate our history. Your financial gifts support an organization that keeps this precious jewel available for generations.

vMARY ELLEN PSALTIS

Olympia Tumwater Foundation olytumfoundation.org

What better time than now for hope and healing?

Through every act of kindness and every moment of human connection, anyone can make a difference in the healing of another person’s body, mind, and spirit.

Hello humankindness®

ENTERTAINMENT

Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center

31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S Federal Way

253.835.7010

fwpaec.org

Tacoma Arts Live

1001 S. Yakima Ave Ste 1,Tacoma 253.346.1721

tacomaartslive.org

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts

512 Washington St SE, Olympia 360.753.8585

washingtoncenter.org

MOVIE EXPERIENCE

Century Point Ruston

5057 Main St, Tacoma 253.752.6325

cinemark.com

Uptown Galaxy Theatres

4649 Pt Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor 888.407.9874

galaxytheatres.com

Yelm Cinema

201 Prairie Park St SE, Yelm 360.458.8933

yelmcinemas.com

ENTERTAINMENT & GIVING BACK

GOLF COURSE

Chambers Bay

6320 Grandview Dr W University Place 253.460.4653

chambersbaygolf.com

Indian Summer

5900 Troon Lane SE, Olympia 360.923.1075

indiansummergolf.com

Salish Cliffs

91 W State Route 108, Shelton 360.462.3673

salish-cliffs.com

HOTEL

Hotel Murano

1320 Broadway, Tacoma 253.238.8000

hotelmuranotacoma.com

Inn at Gig Harbor

3211 56th St NW, Gig Harbor 253.858.1111

innatgigharbor.com

Silver Cloud Inn Tacoma/Ruston 253.272.1300

silvercloud.com

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Gig Harbor Film Festival: Art in Motion

The Gig Harbor Film Festival (GHFF) is excited to be back for another four-day run on September 21-24, 2023! The Uptown Galaxy Theatres in Gig Harbor will be showcasing this world-class, boutique film festival experience for local and visiting fans of independent film.

The expanded festival now includes five screens and features over 80 indie films showcasing a blend of feature length and shorts, animation, documentaries, and Made in Washington films. Many films will have a Q&A session post-screening so you can meet the director and creative team and learn more about your new favorite film.

For Opening Night on September 21, the curtain will rise on East of the Mountains, filmed in the Eastern Washington wilderness. World-renown

and respected actor Tom Skerritt will be attending and leading the Q&A post-screening for VIP Passholders. Mr. Skerritt has appeared in over 40 films (Top Gun) and believes this drama is one of the masterpieces of his career.

In addition to the films (most shown twice) there are multiple lively events throughout the festival. The highlight every year is the Meet the Filmmakers Party held at a stunning waterfront estate in Gig Harbor.

To attend the GHFF, there are two purchase options: (1) VIP Passes include full access and priority seating to all events and screenings ($375) and, (2) General Admission Passes cover screenings September 22-24 and will be sold at the Galaxy Theatres beginning August 1 ($50 in-person only).

In addition to the yearly festival, the GHFF invites the local community to enjoy Monday Movie Nights at 6:30pm the last Monday of each month at the Galaxy. (Tickets can be purchased on their website.)

Whether it’s a one-night showing on Monday or the four-day festival, the GHFF is all about cultivating a sense of community and joining together to experience cinematic stories. Come see why the GHFF remains one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals in the world by FilmFreeway. (Very impressive considering there are over 12,000 festivals in the world!)

See you at the movies!

vPAMELA HOLT

Gig Harbor Film Festival

gigharborfilm.org

ENTERTAINMENT & GIVING BACK continued

DESTINATION

LeMay–America’s Car Museum

2702 East D St, Tacoma 253.779.8490

americascarmuseum.org

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville 360.832.6117

nwtrek.org

Washington State Fair 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup thefair.com

FAMILY FUN DESTINATION Green Trike

1501 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.627.6031

greentrike.org

Hands On Children’s Museum 414 Jefferson St NE, Olympia 360.956.0818 hocm.org

Ocean 5 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW Gig Harbor 253.857.7529

o5social.com

CASINO EXPERIENCE

Emerald Queen 2024 E 29th St, Tacoma

253.594.7777

emeraldqueen.com

Little Creek Casino and Resort 91 W State Route 108, Shelton 360.427.7711

little-creek.com

NEW BUSINESS

Accessibath

817 E Main Ave, Puyallup 866. 375.2284

Accessibath.com

Formosa 4747 Point Fosdick Dr NW Gig Harbor 253.514.6534

formosa-eat.com

Van Tuinen Art 429 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA 360.402.6517

vantuinenart.com

GIVING BACK

Come Walk With Me 5K

comewalkwithme5k.org

All Kids Win (formerly Homeless Backpacks) PO Box 5505, Lacey 360.628.8631

homelessbackpacks.org

Northwest Furniture Bank 117 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma 253.302.3868

nwfurniturebank.org

St. Francis House 322 7th St SE, Puyallup 253.770.6991

puyallupfrancishouse.org

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MUSEUM PRESENTS: Natural Remedy: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington & Oregon

Those of us who call the Pacific Northwest home typically tout the beauty of our surroundings as one of the main reasons we choose to live here. We can thank in large part the Civilian Conservation Corps of Washington and Oregon for the beauty of our national and state parks. In partnership with the Washington State Historical Society, the Washington State History Museum has curated an original exhibition to celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a time of economic uncertainty, change, and despair for many Americans. By the end of the 1930s, over a third of Washingtonians would experience unemployment, and many would lose their homes and savings to the national crisis.

In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt created a series of federal programs to restore the economy, health, and dignity of the country. One of the first programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an attempt to remedy the nation’s economic and environmental woes through public service and natural resource protection. In Washington and Oregon, the CCC restored forests, built critical infrastructure, preserved soil and grasslands, and made lasting improvements to state and national parks.

On display from September 16, 2023 through January 7, 2024, Natural Remedy will bring the CCC experience to life. Visitors will have the opportunity to investigate the Pacific Northwest’s CCC history while learning about the legacy of the many projects undertaken by these workers.

According to Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State History Museum, “Natural Remedy is an exhibition that showcases the infrastructure and park projects that connect us to the

unique beauty and landscape of the Pacific Northwest. The exhibition also delves into the daily lives and struggles of CCC members and how their work shaped the land, culture, and our appreciation for the environment.”

Through fun, engaging and interactive displays, the Washington State Historical Society partners with the surrounding communities to explore how history connects us all.

vLYNN CASTLE

Washington State History Museum washingtonhistory.org

Hope. Care. Cure. Seattle Children’s Olympia Bargain Boutique

There’s a lot to like about the Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique on Olympia’s westside. It’s fun, friendly, and filled with one-of-a-kind items. All net profits go to children’s medical needs and support the mission to provide hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.

“We have a huge variety of items donated to us,” says Manager Chris Schultz. People may be surprised to learn that 60% of the merchandise is brand new. Through partnerships with businesses such as Zulily and Western Shoes, you might find items with tags from Jessica Taylor, Ann Taylor or Louis Vuitton.

The well-planned storefront maximizes its 1,840 square feet. The store is organized to be shops within a shop. “I want go in and find what I want,” notes Schultz. Do give yourself ample time to make your way around the racks of clothes, jewelry, scarves and accessories.

The Bargain Boutique curates an impressive selection of hardcover and paperback books arranged in sections like bestsellers, history, fiction, cooking, gardening, and children. There’s even sheet music tucked in a slot. Are you looking for a game, puzzle or toy? Of course, the selection

is different every time you shop. A bowling ball and bag were waiting for the right someone. Framed art, clocks, and wall decorations are on display along with dishes, including stemware.

“We have three spokes: volunteers, shoppers, and donors,” explains Schultz. The 54 volunteers are at the heart of the Bargain Boutique. Volunteers enjoy the social aspect of their time, interacting with customers and making friends with each other.

Another reason to appreciate the Bargain Boutique is that 98% of items

stay out of the landfill.“We try hard to minimize waste,” affirms Schultz, adding, “We have worked to optimize each aspect, be efficient, and practice sustainability.”

The Bargain Boutique is open seven days a week. This location accepts saleable donations Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

vMARY ELLEN PSALTIS

Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique facebook.com/SeattleChildrensOlympiaBargainBoutique