SEARCH STORIES

By Marguerite Cleveland Photo by Samantha Elise Tillman Cierra Nalani Richards is one busy gal. After completing her reign as the 2018 International Junior Miss Washington she competed and won the 2019 USA National Miss Washington title. She also volunteers as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN) Washington ambassador. Q. How long have you been involved in the pageant world? What drew you to compete in pageants? Any future pageant plans? A. Only five years! I started when I was 17 for the scholarships but I soon realized I was able to reach out to and empower countless people to never give up on their goals and to find ways to give back to their communities. The sisterhood is also an absolutely wonderful gift of pageantry! The girls I have met are not like the stereotypes at all. They are kind, helpful, intelligent, community focused and highly accomplished. Pageants have given me the platform to truly make a difference. After my year of reign ends with USA National Miss I plan to compete for National American Miss and then return to Miss America for their 100th year anniversary. After that I plan to run for Miss Collegiate again (I was first runner up this past summer) and end my pageant journey with Miss USA and hopefully Miss Universe. Q. Tell me about helping to get a bill passed to get tobacco out of Washington schools? A. Yes! Tobacco 21, or Washington 21, was a bill ACSCAN has lobbied for extensively the past five years, so we were thrilled to attend the bill signing with Jay Inslee on April 5! Through endless activism, a passion for protecting kids in Washington from a lifetime of addiction to tobacco, emails, in-person meetings, phone calls, to social media posts, together we ensured our representatives in Olympia clearly understood the lifesaving impact of this bill. It wasn’t easy. We met a lot of adversity but we pushed through it all for the health of Washingtonians as we became the seventh state out of 12 so far to pass this bill. With this bill also comes the effort to move money we receive from the Master Settlement Agreement from the General Fund to cessation and prevention programs—what it was initially meant for. Q. Tell me about your work with the Cancer Action Network. A. Being an ACSCAN Washington Ambassador is actually my focus with my current title, and through ACSCAN I met with legislators and congress people, responded to and distributed Action Alerts to constituents, attended State Lobby Day (where we lobbied for T21), and provided community support for local, state and federal advocacy activity. We also are campaigning to eliminate cervical cancer globally through greater access to the HPV vaccine and to close the Medicare colorectal cancer loophole seniors face when they go in for a checkup and do have polyps. Q. Many little girls dream of becoming a princess. Does wearing a tiara ever get old? A. Absolutely not! My crown is a symbol for all I do and everyone I serve as a representative of Washington. Many people think of “Toddlers and Tiaras” when it comes to pageantry but in reality the women who compete in pageants strive for titles not for themselves but for how much of a difference they can make when they are crowned. Do you genuinely have a passion you will stop at nothing to work toward? For example, because the National platform of USA National Miss is Crown CARES (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools) I have also been able to expand my presence in schools by teaching anti-bullying lessons. My focus is on creating a healthier Washington through service, connection and care. Q. What are your dreams for the future? A. Definitely earning my masters! I’m the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree and I hope to be the first to attend grad school as well! I’ve always said I want to be Barbie, not because of what she looks like, but because she’s had every job! I love learning and traveling so I hope to do a lot more in the near future.

Surround yourself with things that elicit joy By Patty Hutchens When it comes to our homes, we like to do what we can to personalize it and make it a true reflection of ourselves. What better way to do that than through the art we choose to place on our walls? Art, in any form, can evoke strong emotions and can bring joy to our lives—whether it is a painting of a special place with fond memories, photos of our family and friends or even something as simple as our children’s artwork. There aren’t a lot of “dos and don’ts” when it comes to decorating your walls, unlike when choosing furniture and paint color. Art is a place to express yourself through color, content and texture. And remember, art is not just about choosing wall hangings; it can include sculptures and rugs as well. Before you begin, decide what “look” is most appealing to you. Do you like to display your art in neat rows? Or do you want it to be eclectic with no real rhyme or reason to how it is presented? Once you decide on the type of arrangement you would like, then you can decide upon your starting point. This will be the focal point, or the anchor, to your other pieces, so pick something that reflects a feeling you want to echo throughout the room. Perhaps it is a piece of art you have had a long time, or you may want to purchase something new. Many people choose to have one large piece of art as opposed to other smaller pieces around an anchor piece. This can make a large impact when displayed in a prominent area. Some of the best art is often the least expensive and provokes a sentimental feeling. Kids’ artwork is something that parents love to save. But what good is it if you stick it away in a box only to discover it years later when cleaning out storage boxes or getting ready to move? Preserve their artwork in a frame for all to enjoy! There are also several inexpensive ways to display your favorite photographs. Groupon frequently offers coupon deals to turn your digital photos into canvas prints. It’s a great way to preserve memories and display photos of family trips, senior pictures and photos of grandparents and other loved ones. Interior Designer Nikki Luttmann states that for gallery walls, try to group “like with like.” “Black-and-white prints look great with other black-and-white prints. Gold-framed oil paintings look great with other gold-framed oil paintings. If, however, your collection is a little more eclectic, that's OK too,” she says. But whether you choose a more formal arrangement with symmetry and a coordinating theme or an informal arrangement with an eclectic blend of artwork displayed randomly, be sure to space out the different elements equally on your gallery wall, paying close attention to how far apart things are. Nikki recommends a sure-fire way to guarantee everything will look good is to lay it all out on the floor ahead of time. “Another trick is to use blue painter's tape to mask where items go on your walls. This lets you clearly see the layout even before getting out your hammer.” Also, the right tools are important. For art hanging, you will need nails, hooks, a hammer, a pencil, blue tape, a tape measure and—most importantly—a level. “There's nothing worse than hanging a heavy piece of art or a mirror on your walls only to find out it hangs two inches too high on one side,” says Nikki. She shares that she recently learned of Command wall-hanging solutions, a 3M product, which rely on a high-powered adhesive to adhere your art to the walls. “Because you are not putting actual holes in your walls, it can feel a little less daunting to do a gallery wall if you use Command strips.” It can also be helpful if you are one who likes to change things up often. One of the most common mistakes Nikki sees is artwork that it is hung too high. “When placing your art, the rule of thumb for galleries and art museums is that the center of the piece hangs at about eye-level, if possible,” recommends Nikki. “If you are very petite or very tall, this can be a little hard to determine, but figure the center of the piece to be at about 5 feet off the ground for a professional look.” Other ways you can group things together is to incorporate a picture ledge onto your wall. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to display your art collection. Whether you opt for a single ledge or decide to group them, they're the perfect solution to fill a blank space. If you are trying to brighten up a smaller room, hanging a mirror can catch light and help “expand” the room. There are many different decorative mirrors available, allowing you to find most anything to fit the style you are looking for! When decorating your walls, don’t forget about greenery. By placing a tall potted plant next to a piece of large-scale wall art, it can help bring the outside indoors and add interest to a specific area you wish to accentuate. Whatever you choose, the goal is to find something that makes you happy. “The best way to decide if something is right for your walls is if you love it. Remember, your home is a reflection of who you are—your likes and dislikes,” says Nikki. “Artwork is very personal and evokes emotion like nothing else in your home, so by hanging art you truly love, your space will feel uniquely ‘you.’”

Beach walks, fresh local seafood and luxurious lodging make for a perfect vacation Story and Photos By Marguerite Cleveland Cannon Beach was named by National Geographic as one of the world’s 100 Most Beautiful Places in June 2013 as well as the staff’s pick for Best Beach Towns in July 2014. With the Oregon icon, Haystack Rock, dominating the beach, it is easy to see why it earned these monikers. The village of Cannon Beach manages to have a sleepy, small-town vibe yet has all the amenities that visitors desire. Its architecture is reminiscent of East Coast island beach towns like Martha’s Vineyard. With scenery this lovely, plan your trip around time exploring the beach and coastline views, meandering through local shops, art galleries and restaurants, and throw in a day trip along the coast. There are many lodging options in Cannon Beach, but I just love a good beach house. During my stay I called the Baker Beach Cottage home, conveniently located within a short walk to the beach and Haystack Rock. Or head the other direction and you are a few houses down from town. This cute cottage offered all the comforts of home and had some fun extras like an outdoor fire pit with Adirondack chairs and a separate bunkhouse with two sets of bunk beds to sleep four in addition to the three-bedroom cottage. Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers a variety of rentals in various sizes and price points. The Beach North Coast beaches are a wonder to behold with sandy beaches speckled with rocks and cliffs. Whether you pull off at viewpoints or walk for miles on the beach, you will want to make beachcombing a big part of your trip. There are usually warning signs posted near the beach; when visiting Oregon beaches, always make sure to read the warnings about sneaker waves and tsunamis. The beaches can also be chilly even in the warmer months, so dress in layers to stay warm. Start with the almost 4 miles of beach surrounding Haystack Rock. Familiarize yourself with a tidal chart. Low tide is the best time to see tidal pools and to get a closer look at the “Rock.” From February to April, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program has volunteers that set up each day to provide visitors with printed resources and knowledge about Haystack Rock. In April you can see the cute Tufted Puffins nesting. For a great overlook of the village and Haystack Rock, drive up to Ecola State Park which has panoramic views of Cannon Beach and the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, as well as scenic hikes. You don’t want to miss Hug Point State Recreation Site, which is 3 miles south of Cannon Beach. Make sure to visit around low tide for the best experience. Enjoy the sounds of rushing water at the beachside waterfall. There are sea caves and rounded rocks covered with bright green seaweed, which make this a great place for photos. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, a short two-minute drive south of Cannon Beach, offers a long beach walk that connects to Hug Point. It is worth a stop on its own merits and provides a unique beach with great views. Food The area has a bounty of Pacific Northwest culinary delights from craft distilleries and breweries to local farmers markets. One place you don’t want to miss is the Ecola Seafoods Restaurant and Market, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. After recovering from a fire last July in the midst of their peak season, they are back in business in a beautiful space which serves as a market and restaurant. The Beckmans run a family owned enterprise with husband Jay operating two fishing boats to provide fresh, local seafood and wife Cindy who runs the market and restaurant. They succeed through word of mouth. “People come because they are getting fish from boat to table, sustainably line-and-hook caught with no gill nets. Our seafood is not farm raised and that makes a big difference,” said Cindy. It really does make a huge difference in taste. You can purchase a variety of fish, crab or shrimp to take home or order from the counter and enjoy on site. Two must-haves are the halibut fish and chips and an Oregon shrimp and Dungeness crab boat. This melding of two allows you to have both, and it is so good and fresh. You can enjoy with the Beckman’s homemade cocktail sauce but that crab with a squirt of lemon is to die for. The Village The village is such a fun place to stroll around. At the end of Taft Street (where the Baker Beach Cottage is located) sits the EVOO Cannon Beach Cooking School. This fun business offers cooking shows where you watch a chef prepare a gourmet meal and you get to eat it too. Check their calendar for availability. If not, make sure to stop by and visit their shop with a variety of cooking-related merchandise. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen is always a hit with house-made candy as well as a great selection of what I call ‘vintage candies,’ which are those fun products you grew up with. There is a local market for groceries. I always love a good wine shop of which there are two. The area is a nice easy stroll with art galleries and lots of other cute shops. You may want to drive from this side of town further north to the Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House. This cool, kitschy place is a local favorite and is known as Oregon’s first hardware store to serve beer and wine. Yes, you can enjoy a brew while you shop the aisles. This is one of those stores that have a little bit of everything. While in the area make sure to visit The Sleepy Monk for coffee. This place was recommended over and over by locals, and it is a popular joint. Road Trip Plan to take a day and drive down the coast to Tillamook to tour the cheese factory and have some of their great ice cream. Grab a North Coast Food Trail guide, which has some great suggestions for things to see and do. The little towns of Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi are so quaint and worth a stop for coffee or lunch. On my trip I drove straight to Tillamook with a stop in Manzanita for lunch and then slowly worked my way back to Cannon Beach with numerous stops along the way. Many of the marinas you will pass sell seafood and will cook crab for you when in season. A short detour from the coast is Nehalem. Stop into the Nehalem Bay Winery and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking farmlands before heading back to Cannon Beach for the sunset. If you are running late, as the sun comes down fast, there are plenty of scenic overlooks to stop at. If you are looking for a truly relaxing vacation, Cannon Beach checks all the boxes. The Specifics Visitor Information Cannon Beach Visitors Information CannonBeach.org Where to Stay Beachcomber Vacation Home BeachComberVacationHomes.com Where to Eat Ecola Seafoods Restaurant and Market EcolaSeafoods.com Things to Do North Coast Food Trail NorthCoastFoodTrail.com

Breaking down the benefits and how long the results really last By Kristin Carlson, Medical Esthetician Did you know your skin cells shed and regrow every 27 days? Sometimes skin cells need a little help during the natural shedding process; this could be due to dehydration or lack of routine skin care. The skin will look dry and flakey. This is when a facial is most beneficial. There are many types of facials. There is the facial focused on relaxation with cleansing, light exfoliation and a long luxurious massage on your face, neck, shoulders, scalp and even your arms, hands and feet. You walk out with a luminous glow and your body feeling pleasantly like mush. Then there is the facial solely focused on correction; it may feel almost clinical, using a variety of modalities, medical-grade products and even chemical peeling agents to remedy a specific skin condition. It has less “fluff” and is more results driven. Ideally, look for a facial falling somewhere in between; one offering a relaxing facial massage and even the option to have your hands or feet pampered, but the focus is results. The facial can include the use of medical-grade skin care, extractions, dermaplaning or chemical peels to ensure you and your esthetician are working toward your best skin. So, what is happening during a facial? Let’s break down its life cycle and what to expect immediately after and in the coming weeks: • Immediately post facial treatment: We have cleansed your skin, exfoliated off all the dead skin cells and debris, performed extractions if necessary, and pumped your skin full of antioxidants and hydrating products. Not only will you leave feeling relaxed, your skin will be radiating a healthy glow. There may be slight redness post facial if extractions were performed. • Two to three days post treatment: Your skin is hydrated, plump and glowing. There is an increase in blood flow from the massage and manipulation of your facial skin. This increase carries more oxygen to the skin cells resulting in a healthy, hydrated post-facial glow! The massage also stimulates the facial muscles giving your face a lifted and more toned appearance. • Twenty-eight to 48 days post treatment: This is when the real work is done. Skin cells are regenerating, creating long-term anti-aging benefits and stimulating collagen re-growth. With routine facials, long-term results can include a reduction in fine lines, lightening of pigmentation and more taut skin. • Four to six weeks: Dead skin cells are starting to build up again and impurities can clog the pores. Therefore, it's time for another facial! A few things to remember: Getting regular facials alone will not transform your skin. Just like a diet or exercise, consistency is key. Staying hydrated, eating a clean diet, getting enough sleep and a good at-home skin-care regimen all contribute to the health of your skin. These factors, along with regular facials, will maximize the life cycle of your facial and provide long-term benefits for your overall skin health. And remember: Taking an hour every four to six weeks to pamper yourself will not only contribute to your skin health but your mental health as well. You are worth it! Ask for a free consultation with your esthetician or skin-care professional to discuss what type of facial is most beneficial for you.

Individuals making a big impact in their local communities By Colin Anderson Ideas are powerful. Something as simple as a passing thought can become something huge that impacts our daily lives, or something small impacting the people in our neighborhood. When the idea is something that could positively impact a community, others are usually quick to rally behind it. There are examples all over the Northwest of how an idea can bring together people from all backgrounds and walks of life to find common ground and to better their surroundings; two of which you can be a part of and make an immediate impact. CHAFE 150, Sandpoint, Idaho, June 15. CHAFE150.org It started as a simple idea from a local accountant, pitched to a small group around a table; something fun that would help raise some funds for the local school district. The Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) is a group that looks to raise additional private funds for public schools in order to support programs that are either underfunded or wouldn’t be available with the current budget. Current board president Geraldine Lewis recalls the day board member Brad Williams pitched the idea of a bike ride as both a way of generating donations and bringing awareness to the cause. “There really were only about eight or nine of us conversing about ways to expand our group of private supporters for public education. We decided we had the right amount of elements and connections to make it work, so we decided to do it!” said Geraldine. As with most initial events, PAFE was just hoping to break even the first ride and really focus on getting the word out. A clever name, CHAFE 150, an acronym for ‘Cycle Hard for Education’, was created, and the group went to work utilizing their local connections in the business community to seek out sponsorships and volunteers. “Each of us was assigned a different task; someone in charge of the route, the marketing, the logistics, the food, and we just sort of figured it out as we went,” laughed Geraldine. The first CHAFE 150 drew about 45 riders along with several volunteer groups like local cycling clubs, Boy Scouts and other nonprofits manning the aid stations. Brad’s idea was now realized, and with the help of community members banding together, it would surely continue. More riders continued to sign up, and more volunteers offered their time to help out. The event continued to grow—and so did the support for the Panhandle Alliance for Education’s Ready for Kindergarten program; a program to help parents get their children ready to attend kindergarten from age 0 to 5. Money raised from this ride went directly to the program and benefited dozens of families in the area. After five years of running the event, PAFE decided to pass it on to the Sandpoint Rotary, who would be better equipped and well connected to manage and operate the suddenly large annual event. “The transition was so smooth, everyone recognizes the rotary name, the business support is already in place, and now it just grows and grows each year, which is great,” said Geraldine. Mel Dick is co-chair of the CHAFE 150 alongside Brad, who continues to chair the event each year. Over the past seven years, the Sandpoint Rotary has increased the ridership participation and helped bring in title sponsors Timberline Helicopter and Ting, along with many other organizations like the Lake Pend Oreille School District, Angels Over Sandpoint, Friends of Scotchman Peaks and the YMCA. “Well over 100 volunteers are involved day of the event, and our ride organizing committee works on the ride year-round,” said Mel. The Rotary also realized they could attract more cyclists by adding additional ride distances. The first few years, only a 150-mile course was provided. Organizers decided to put in an 80-mile ‘Half CHAFE’ and, not long after, a 30-mile distance. This year, three more options are available including a 100-mile ride, 40-mile ride and 4-plus mile family fun ride. The CHAFE is a beautiful and challenging course that was just named No. 3 Best Charity Ride in the United States by Bicycling Magazine. “Now the ride is a full Gran Fondo, with multiple routes and an after-ride party open to all riders, their friends, family and the community as a whole,” said Mel. When the event was handed over to the rotary, proceeds continued to be presented to the school district. Over the past six years, $260,000 was donated to programs in support of students on the autism spectrum in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. This money has a huge impact for both students and families, as told by Sandpoint resident Patty Hutchens. “When my son Brett was in first grade, he was diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction. It is a disorder that is on the autism spectrum. Although he is not autistic, he had to have some special accommodations in the classroom to help him focus and reach his full potential. The principal and the teacher had never even heard of this disorder, although it is very common. I paid for his speech and occupational therapists to come in and educate the principal and the teacher on this so they would have knowledge on the disorder and why special accommodations were needed to help him be successful. I often wondered what would happen with those families who did not have the resources to pay therapists to do that or just did not have the knowledge of their rights. “Since CHAFE 150 has been contributing funds to the program in the school district, all teachers are now aware of not only this disorder but so many others related to autism and are also educated on what they can do to help students. It has been a gift to the community.” The 2019-2021 rides will all continue to benefit the local school district, this time in support of after-school literacy programs and a new reading curriculum, according to Mel. The Sandpoint Rotary Club has also used funds for various community projects including a ‘teen room’ at the local library, a swing set and jungle gym at a playground, and funding for a book trust that funds monthly book purchases by students. Race for a Soldier, Gig Harbor, Washington, September 15. RaceForASoldier.org Born out of tremendous grief and a determined desire to help other veterans after her son overdosed in a Baltimore hotel room on March 7, 2009, just one day his discharge from the VA hospital, his mother, Leslie Mayne, decided the best way to honor Kyle’s memory and service to his country was to recruit family, friends and her community to help her create the first Race For A Soldier in 2011 in Gig Harbor, Washington. Kyle was 27 and had served as an infantryman in Iraq. This was the beginning of a movement that is bringing hope and healing for our veterans that help them make peace with their past by developing programs that foster “post traumatic growth.” The Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation’s (PTSD) other events, Prayer Breakfast, Swing for A Soldier and Pull for a Soldier, have helped to raise awareness and support for the mission. Along the way, the foundation discovered a comprehensive wellness model that encompasses mind, body and spirit for our combat veterans and now includes our first responders. It is called Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes). The goal is to build a strong foundation of leaders here in the Pacific Northwest for its own Northwest Passage wellness retreat and programs. Since 2011, the foundation has supported what it sees as effective and sustainable alternatives to the present resources offered for our veterans. The foundation plans to expand the impact and provide more of the same programs to veterans and first responders in the Pacific Northwest region. It is driven to seek and provide unwavering support for our returning warriors and first responders. Presently, the foundation runs a monthly huddle at the Heron’s Key retirement facility in Gig Harbor, conducts quarterly Mind, Body and Spirit workshops that focus on “post traumatic growth,” and has begun to align itself with the new Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Lakewood, Washington. In 2019, the foundation will continue to send veterans and first responders from this area to strength-based and proven innovative retreat programs. Leslie concentrates her energy and passion for those who serve, strengthening relationships and resources, as well as keeping her eyes open for more compassionate allies to come alongside her. The Run “After Kyle died, I felt the need to leave Gig Harbor and search for some answers and process my grief,” recalled Leslie. That road trip ended up in South Texas, and she lived with her aunt for six months, until Memorial Day weekend, and she returned. Her friend Kathy Davis Hayfield was the general manager at the Tides at the time and hired her to serve the patrons of that establishment. Knowing of her love for our military, Kathy put Leslie in charge of “Buy a Soldier a Lunch” day on October 15, 2010. It was such a hit with the community and the 70 Green Beret who showed up—all about to leave for Afghanistan—that Leslie knew, after that day, she needed to do something bigger and more impactful that would speak to the needs of our military when they return. “The Race For A Soldier was born in my heart that day,” she said. She began to hit the streets, knock on doors and introduce herself to the mayor, the city leaders and anyone who would listen to her. Sue Braaten, a good friend and owner of the Wesley Inn Best Western Suites, advised Leslie to introduce herself to Miguel Galeana. Miguel, a renowned world-class runner and owner of Route 16 Running and Walking, happily agreed to help her organize and be the architect of the first half marathon in the area. Thirty or so friends and family met at a conference room free of charge at the Wesley Inn each month, planning for a year. Their dedication paid off as almost 1,100 people showed up for the first run. In addition to the race inception, Leslie added an event called the Prayer Breakfast, always two days before the race, which allows soldiers to share their inspirational and illuminating stories of overcoming the struggles of post-traumatic stress and making peace and finding purpose. It was standing-room only the first year, and continues to be each year since. The number of runners is now close to double. “I was more grateful than surprised, and I’ve always known that the citizens of Gig Harbor and beyond are generous and caring. They live amongst our military, both active and retired. They want to be a part of the solution. We just had to find a way people could get involved in a tangible way,” said Leslie. From an initial run, the organization now hosts four annual events, each benefiting the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation. If you are a golfer, Swing for A Soldier is a terrific tournament; if you like competitive trap-shoot events, Pull for a Soldier offers that opportunity; and of course the Prayer Breakfast is the most illuminating and inspiring event of the year in the Gig Harbor area. These are the stories of two individuals with an idea; one combining a passion for cycling and education, the other a mother not wanting any other parent to go through a similar tragedy of losing a loved one to suicide. Both were inspired to make an impact on their community, and the ideas they brought to life have touched thousands of lives. Do you have an idea you’re pondering?

Get inspired this spring with Gage Academy of Art! By Joanne Levy, Director of Integrated Marketing & Community Engagement at Gage Academy of Art In art, spring begins with Botticelli’s Primavera, the large and mysterious tempera on panel painted circa 1482 possibly to celebrate the wedding of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de' Medici. For all of us who were wondering when spring would truly begin in the Pacific Northwest, this year spring began on March 20 and, for the first time in nearly 40 years, the spring equinox occurred on the same day as March’s full moon. Spring has never been more exciting to welcome in Seattle! April has arrived, and with it, the Gage Spring Art Auction & Gala, which takes place April 12. It is one of the biggest art fundraisers in Seattle, and the funds raised provide access to one of the region’s highest level of art instruction for all ages, abilities and economic means. The #GageGala is also particularly special for the unprecedented lineup of artwork featured in the live and silent auctions. Max Ginsburg has donated Tserling in Studio, oil on board. At 87, Ginsburg is one of the most prominent realist painters living in the U.S. today. For nearly 50 years, Ginsburg’s paintings have explored, with empathetic gaze, the human experience, captured the beauty of everyday life, and offered passionate commentary on class, gender and race. Marlow, by Gage’s very own Classical Atelier director Juliette Aristides, will also be featured in the live auction. Marlow is fresh and contemporary, with the conversation it establishes between tradition and present-day. Juliette, renowned artist, atelier master and best-selling author, also shares her knowledge of art in an accessible, inspiring, hands-on instructional sketchbook coming out this month. “Beginning Drawing Atelier” offers a comprehensive and contemporary twist on traditional art instruction practices. Centered on the belief that learning to draw is the best way to understand art, this book shows that artists are not only born but made. Dale Zinkowski will also be featured, highlighting his Patrick Study. Zinkowski reveals his scrupulous attention for the details, giving us the recount of real encounter with his model, rather than an idealized version of it. Zinkowski teaches at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City and was just recently a visiting instructor at Gage, teaching the workshop “Tonal Portrait Drawing.” Spring is all about looking forward, but let’s look back a moment. March 8 was International Women’s Day. Art museums were asking to name five women artists, and it’s surprising how many people can’t do it! Carol Hendricks of Gage Academy of Art wrote a blog post on “25 Women Artists to Know,” focusing on the 16th through early 20th century. Check out her blog at ArtHistoryBlogger.blogspot.com/#!/2018/03/25-women-artists-to-know.html If you are feeling inspired by all of this artist talk, good! The Spring Quarter at Gage Academy of Art officially starts April 8 and you can take classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and more! Check out these seven-week classes: Postcards From Afar, Watercolor with Willow Heath; Plein Air to Studio Landscape Painting with our new instructor Kristin Frost; Figure Drawing for Illustration with Gage new instructor, illustrator Kai Carpenter; Portraits in Watercolor with Hamid Zavareei. This spring Gage also continues to grow its offering of printmaking classes and workshops: Printmaking Techniques: Monotype with Klara Glosova, a 10-week class; and the workshop Printmaking Methods: Collagraph, Monotype & Mixed Media with Sophie Loubere. Spring has officially arrived! I can feel it, now you just have to celebrate it and capture it in living color with your art! For additional information, visit GageAcademy.org, Facebook.com/GageAcademy, email info@gageacademy.org or call 206.323.4243.

An opportunity to learn about sustainable building techniques and practices By Brett Marlo DeSantis Home's Architect by Artisans Group Photo by Poppi Photography What does “being green” really mean these days? Our modern world is loaded with urban words and catchphrases. According to urban dictionary, we must know certain words to even understand the Internet, from awesome sauce and beer me to bromance. Some of the worst culprits of modern-day jargon are: engineers, architects, designer and builders, even more so in the world of green buildings and homes. You may have heard some of the following catchphrases for energy, water, waste, nature-inspired design and small design: water conservation, energy efficiency, energy retrofits, alternative energy, storm-water infiltration, net positive waste, alternative foundations, advanced building envelopes, regenerative design, Biomimicry, the red list, material transparency, regional healthy materials, indoor air quality (IAQ), accessibility, accessory dwelling units (ADUs and DADUs), urban farming, embodied carbon footprints, living buildings, human-powered living, multimodal transportation and more. If some of these words spark your interest, the easiest way to interpret this jargon will be to go visit green projects. The Northwest EcoBuilding Guild puts on a tour of green sites every year. The Northwest Green Home Tour provides opportunities for community members to learn about sustainable building techniques and practices from the people walking the modern day talk; site hosts range from the builders, to suppliers, to homeowners living it every day. The tour takes place over the weekend of May 4 and 5, 11am to 5pm both days in the South Sound, starting on Saturday in Olympia and taking place the following day in Tacoma. It’s free and self-guided. Showing single-family homes with small to big remodels, new builds of backyard cottages, tiny-home communities to new condominiums and multi-family projects, each project features sustainable ways to live in the Pacific Northwest. This year, the Bowman family opens their home again to showcase energy efficiency through its use of a roof-mounted solar array that integrates with a ductless heat system. This Tacoma family looks forward to sharing their story and lessons learned. Point Ruston, a waterfront resort-inspired village, is opening its doors as well to show you green condominiums in a mixed-use community. And check out one of the three approved detached accessory dwelling units from the City of Tacoma’s Urban Infill Pilot Program that is going for a BuiltGreen certification. Speaking of jargon, we’ve got our own PNW urban words: mucky-muck, sasquawk northwesternus, pnw drizzle, dissnowpointment (not this year) and certainly live like the mountain is out! For more information, go to NWGreenHomeTour.org.

Recipe & Photo Courtesy of Marina Gunn Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil 4-5 chicken thighs 1 head of celery 8 medium carrots 1 yellow onion 16 oz. butternut squash soup* 1 tsp. salt 1 cup arugula For the biscuits: 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. kosher salt or pink salt 14 tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/4 cup whole milk 3/4 oz. chopped sage (1 clamshell at grocery) 1 large egg *Note: I love using the Imagine Organic brand for my soup, or you can make it from scratch if you’re really feeling excited. Method: • Turn to medium heat and add olive oil to cover the bottom of a large pot. Add chicken thighs and sauté for 5 minutes, flip and continue for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred with a fork and set aside. • Using the same pot on medium-low heat, add chopped celery, carrots and yellow onion. Add more olive oil and salt if needed, stir occasionally. Cook until the onions are slightly transparent (7-8 minutes). • Add the shredded chicken to the sautéed vegetables, stir and add in the butternut squash soup. Cover, simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add and mix in arugula before removing from heat. While the soup mixture is simmering, make the sage biscuits (adapted from Molly Yeh’s recipe). • Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands, incorporating the butter until the mixture is the consistency of oatmeal and the butter is the size of peas. • Mix in the milk and chopped sage until the mixture comes together to form a dough. I usually use my hands at this point to make sure it's combined. • On a floured surface, pat the dough to 3/4” thick and then cut out round biscuits, re-rolling scraps as needed. • Add the biscuits to top of butternut chicken and vegetables if using an oven-safe pot. If not, transfer chicken and vegetable mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish or pan and then top with biscuits. • Brush the biscuits with the beaten egg and top with salt. Bake on 425°F until the biscuits are golden brown, 25- 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Chef Troy Louis Chandler It’s the morning after, and it feels like an evil yard gnome is stabbing a lawn dart repeatedly into your skull. Your stomach is turning from the prior months’ gluttonous festivities. It’s a new year, and it’s time to get clear. Menudo. Just kidding. Let’s make … AVOCADO TOAST INGREDIENTS: 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and quartered 8 slices whole wheat baguette, toasted 1 tsp. sea salt 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil METHOD: Place one quartered avocado onto each piece of toast. With the back of a wooden spoon smash each avocado down. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil. *I like to reduce the amount of toast to one per person but add a poached egg on each and garnish with fresh herbs. Happy New Year! T I P : Add an egg anyway you like it! Poached, sunny side up, boiled, etc.

Landscape architects create beautiful and functional outdoor areas By Patty Hutchens When it comes to designing or decorating our homes, we give so much thought to everything including colors, textures, countertops, cabinets and picking out fixtures. But how much effort do we put into planning and designing the exterior of our home—specifically the landscape? If you are like many, it is not much. Whether you are building a new home or want to upgrade your current outdoor living space, a landscape architect can be an investment you may want to make. And you may be surprised to learn that by investing in a landscape architect, you can increase the value of your home up to 15 percent over comparable homes, and that value will grow over time, unlike traditional home remodels. So, what specifically are the advantages to hiring a landscape architect? One is that they are educated to look at each landscape as a system, analyzing the overall picture and determining problem areas. They can also assist the homeowner in selecting the right materials, styles, textures and colors for the plan. Whether you want low maintenance or love to dig in and maintain your own garden, a landscape architect can help you plan accordingly. But it’s not just about plants and trees when it comes to landscape architecture. When working on residential landscape architecture, an architect can help plan for pools, paving, storm water management and more. While any project takes patience and planning, landscape design can be especially challenging, and hiring a professional can make the process much easier and help ensure a beautiful outcome. If you are part of a Homeowners Association, you may be required to present a landscape plan prior to developing or remodeling the area around your home. Also, for areas such as outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens, you will need to take into consideration safety codes, an area in which a landscape architect can provide his or her expertise. Landscape architecture is a highly regulated occupation, and each state manages its own licensed landscape architects. To become licensed, one must have an accredited degree in landscape architecture and also work for a period of time under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. They are also required to pass several technical exams before becoming licensed. Contrary to what many believe, landscape architects are the designers and planners of a project; they do not do the actual work. Instead, they partner with those doing the work to ensure that the project is done to the plan’s specifications. There are many benefits to hiring a landscape architect, some of which include creativity, budget and project management. Because of their education and licensing requirements, a landscape architect is able to help facilitate ideas that will be unique to your specific site. While you may have your own ideas, they can assist you in expanding on or making variations to that idea based on their experience and talent. While we may all look at the area we wish to landscape and think we know what may be best for certain areas, it’s not all about it being aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Taking into consideration the ecosystem of your land is vital to ensuring the design is sustainable. Of course, we all have a vision of what we would love our yards to look like, but often we think it may be out of reach when it comes to our budget. A landscape architect knows the costs associated with many aspects of the design and can design something that fits your budget but still enables you to realize a beautifully landscaped yard. They will assist in the bidding process with contractors and help you decide whether you should do your project in one year or do it in phases over time to make it more affordable. Because landscape architects work with installers all the time, they have the knowledge and the partnership with many to ensure you are getting contractors who are reliable and trustworthy. Before hiring a landscape architect, there are several steps you want to be sure to take. The first is to request proof that they are in fact licensed. Also, be sure to request references. While they may have a beautiful portfolio of their projects, speaking with someone who has employed their services can provide you with ease of mind. When it comes to creativity, this is likely what will set apart a good architect from an exceptional one. A landscape architect should be able to present you with ideas and outline the pros and cons of anything you or the architect proposes. Their experience should definitely shine through when it comes to this part of the process. Be sure to ask detailed questions and have everything in writing. What is the depth of work involved? What is the timeline for the various phases of the project? Are you being charged a flat fee versus hourly fee for the design proposal? Experts say that a guideline to follow when it comes to designing and implementing your landscape plan is to spend no more than 5 to 10 percent of your home’s market value. If you are spending more, you are likely being charged too much. Hiring a landscape architect on the journey from concept to completion will have you enjoying your newly landscaped living space in no time at all!

Tips to get the most out of your experience By Alinda Morris, Owner, Alinda Morris Interior Design, LLC Hiring a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes. They are a wealth of information and can provide much better options than box stores or your local furniture store. Designers can save you time by assisting you in making decisions quickly while keeping you within budget. Here are some tips to get the most out of your experience. Identify your needs. Interior decorators and designers are not the same. One is not better than the other, but it is helpful to identify which one will work best for you. Interior decorators can help clients decide on a style and assist with paint colors and window coverings. They can make magic using your existing pieces with a few new purchases and accessories. Interior designers typically have a degree/credentials. The education usually includes studying color and fabric, drafting-computer-aided design (CAD), space planning, furniture design, architecture and often an apprentice program or internship. They provide drawings: floorplans, elevations and 3D models. They can assist you with a large remodel or new construction and provide custom furnishings, wall coverings and artwork down to the last perfect detail. Be honest. Designers are almost like psychiatrists (and sometimes marriage counselors) because they get to know some pretty personal things about you: your personal needs, your likes and dislikes, how you live in your home, etc. If you have a budget, tell them. If you are not comfortable disclosing your budget, provide a range. Getting started - the consultation. Some designers charge for this service while others do not. If you are paying for a consultation, you can expect a working meeting. Most designers who offer a complimentary consultation won’t usually give out free design advice. This is a great time to get to know someone. If you choose to hire them, you will be spending a lot of time with them, so make sure you like them. Questions to ask. What types of projects do you typically work on? If you are remodeling a kitchen, you will want an expert. If you are looking to update your home for resale, you may want a stager. If you have an entire home to remodel, you will want a designer who can handle that size of a project with ease. Do you think my timeline and my budget are realistic? How do you charge for your services? When will my payments be due? Do you take a retainer or money upfront? How is purchasing handled? Procurement is a service. Purchasing through a designer is not the same as purchasing from a retail/online store. Trade-only sources involve additional costs. Items are sent to a receiver and inspected, then delivered again during the project installation. These services include handling all purchase orders, stock availability, claims and replacements for any damaged items and scheduling delivery. Some designers provide E-Design or room packages. Most full-service firms do not allow clients to purchase because there are too many variables that can go wrong. Clients who wish to purchase online to save money should be willing to schedule, receive and unpackaged all items, assemble any furniture that requires it, return items if they do not work and file claims if items are damaged or not performing well. Best advice: Do not begin any phase of work without a contact or letter of agreement.

Spring is the best time to visit By Marguerite Cleveland Discover 300 years of history, culture and food on a visit to New Orleans—one of the oldest cities in the United States. When people think of New Orleans, thoughts turn to Mardi Gras and the crazy party that is Bourbon Street, but there is so much more to this city than the French Quarter, and I am going to share tips on visiting like a local. It may surprise you to know that many of the iconic tourist destinations are also favorites of local Louisianans. Where to Stay If you have your heart set on the French Quarter by all means stay there, but you will pay a lot more with many hotels having parking fees of up to $50 a night. I like to stay in Metairie, which is a short drive from the New Orleans airport and about a 10-minute drive to the French Quarter. It is New Orleans’ first suburb and has many family friendly hotels. The Courtyard Marriott Metairie has a very friendly staff that makes you feel at home. The nice thing about this area is that it is quiet at night, and it is very easy to schedule an Uber if you wish to go out in the French Quarter. Things You Must See and Do Louisianans were foodies before it was a thing. A whole day can revolve around food and drink from beignets and café au lait in the morning, po’boys or a muffuletta for lunch, a gourmet meal at one of the iconic restaurants and a flaming hurricane or other cocktail to finish off the night. You might even be able to fit in a bit of sightseeing in between. Here are the must sees and eats. 1. Beignets and Coffee in the French Quarter. There are other places to enjoy this treat, but the Café Du Monde in the French Quarter is the original. Established in 1862, this local treasure is open 24 hours a day. My family always plans a visit whenever we are in town, and on my last visit, I ran into my cousin. What makes this place so special? It never changes. The menu has consistently stayed the same serving only beignets—a light, puffy square French doughnut lavishly dredged in powdered sugar—and various beverages. The café’ au lait is coffee and chicory with hot milk and complements the sweetness of the beignets. Insider Tip: The café is insanely popular with crowds queued up down the street waiting for a table. You seat yourself and it is cash only. For the best experience, get up early. You will be able to easily find parking and a table no later than 7am. The French Quarter can smell a little ripe in the morning after the partying crowd has turned in, but the delicious smell of beignets cooking cleanses the air. 2. The French Quarter. The Café Du Monde is located in the French Market, which is filled with shops perfect for souvenirs. Make sure to pick up some Aunt Sally’s Pralines. Slightly down the street from the French Market is Jackson Square, and it is the No. 1 destination for visitors to New Orleans. This lovely landscaped square with a prominent statue of Andrew Jackson, Hero of the Battle of New Orleans, serves as an open-air artist colony. For more than 50 years, artists have presented their work on the wrought iron fence surrounding the square. Watch for the local street performers and listen to some great jazz right on the sidewalks. You can spend a whole day in this area. Make sure to visit the St. Louis Cathedral as well as the Cabildo and Presbytère state museums. Once you are done exploring, hop on one of the carriages that line up in front of the square and take a tour of the French Quarter. What is unique about these carriage tours are they are pulled by mules that are more adapted to the extreme temperatures of the city. 3. Have a Sandwich. New Orleans has raised the lowly sandwich into a whole new level of deliciousness. Some vocab you need to know: A po’boy is what a sandwich is called and the favorites are shrimp, oyster or roast beef. You will be asked if you want it dressed. This means with lettuce, tomato and mayo or plain. A muffuletta is made on a whole round loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with deli-fresh sliced meats and cheeses and Italian olive salad. For muffulettas you need to go to Central Grocery, where this hearty sandwich was invented in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo. For a good po’boy ask the locals; there are shacks and bars around the city that specialize in po’boys, and usually the least appealing looking of places have the best po’boys. On my recent visit, a local recommended Bear’s Poboys at Gennaro’s, which is located right next to the interstate and collocated with a bar. On a busy Saturday, it was a constant rush of people dining in or picking up huge bags of po’boys to go. Bear’s specializes in slow-roasted beef po’boys, but we tried the shrimp and the oyster versions. They were so good. Ours were served dressed on a type of roll I’ve only had in Louisiana. It is soft but super sturdy and holds up to the sauces without falling apart. 4. City Park. This 1,300-acre green space is one of the oldest parks in the United States, drawing millions of people each year to visit. There are trails surrounded by oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and many themed gardens to include two sculpture gardens and the New Orleans Botanical Garden. This is the site of the New Orleans Museum of Art, Storyland (which is a themed playground with 25 giant sculptures from your favorite fairy tales), an amusement park with a historic carousel and an 18-hole golf course and a mini golf course. There really is something for everyone, and the grounds are just stunning. Insider Tip: There is a 24-hour café called Morning Call that has been in the park for more than 142 years. 5. Eat at an Iconic Restaurant. Antoine’s and the Commander’s Palace are the Grand Dames of New Orleans dining. According to Teyonda Hamilton, a long-time New Orleans resident and assistant manager at the Metairie Courtyard Marriott who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the city, “The iconic restaurants really live up to the hype. Like most New Orleans’ families, we cook, and so when we go out to eat it needs to be not like what we cook at home. My family goes to Antoine’s or the Commander’s Palace for special occasions,” she said. Both restaurants have been around for over 100 years. Famed chefs Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme are alumni of the Commander’s Palace. Antoine’s is the oldest restaurant in the country and still run by members of the original family. This is where Oysters Rockefeller was created, and the recipe is a closely guarded secret. 6. Frenchmen Street. Located just east of the French Quarter, this is where the locals go to enjoy a night on the town and is the heart of live music in New Orleans. Enjoy lower prices than Bourbon Street on drinks and food as well as just about any type of live music. There are over 20 bars, restaurants and other venues all within a two-block area. You can experience live music seven days a week all year long. Each has its own unique experience such as the dive Igor’s Checkpoint Charlie, which is a bar, a restaurant and a laundromat. The food, the people, the history and the culture of New Orleans all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you will never run out of things to see, do and eat. If you love the cuisine, pick up a copy of “River Roads Recipes” cookbook, with its great collection of Louisiana food that has stood the test of time and makes a useful souvenir. For more information on the city, make sure to visit the official New Orleans tourism site at NewOrleans.com. The Specifics: Where to Stay Courtyard Marriott Metairie - Marriott.com Where to Eat Antoine’s - Antoines.com The Commander’s Palace - CommandersPalace.com Bear’s Poboys - BearsPoboys.com Café Du Monde - CafeDuMonde.com Thing to Do The French Market - FrenchMarket.org The French Quarter - FrenchQuarter.com St, Louis Cathedral - StLouisCathedral.org New Orleans City Park - NewOrleansCityPark.com Frenchmen Street - FrenchmenStreetLive.com

Peace Corps volunteers recall life-changing experiences By Colin Anderson Upon graduating high school we all face the same challenging question: What do I want to do with my life? One path is to continue your education at a traditional four-year university, community college or technical school. Many enter the workforce in a wide range of jobs or family owned business. Still others feel the need to serve their country through military service. And a few simply set out to explore the world while they aren’t tied down to a career, marriage or family. In 1961, another opportunity arose for young people across the country. Then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy wrapped up a day of campaigning and arrived on the campus of the University of Michigan at 2am. Though the press corps had all retired, 10,000 students were still assembled, waiting to hear from the candidate. From the steps of the Student Union Building, Kennedy issued a challenge to the assembled crowd; a challenge that would bring about a new path of service to the country once he was elected to the White House. "How many of you who are going to be doctors are willing to spend your days in Ghana? Technicians or engineers, how many of you are willing to work in the Foreign Service and spend your lives traveling around the world? On your willingness to do that, not merely to serve one year or two years in the service, but on your willingness to contribute part of your life to this country, I think will depend (upon) the answer to the question of whether a free society can compete. I think it can! And I think Americans are willing to contribute. But the effort must be far greater than we have ever made in the past.” In March of 1961, President Kennedy created the Peace Corps, and in the 58 years since, nearly a quarter of a million Americans have answered his challenge to serve their country by utilizing their skills in the developing world. Northwest resident Wayne Nishek was among the first batch to answer the president’s challenge. Wayne grew up on a farm but always wanted to see the world. He studied abroad in England in the late 1950s and was able to experience a different culture for the first time. He also recalls seeing the devastation from World War II still present in the likes of crumbled buildings and deep holes in the landscape where bombs had dropped. “I wouldn’t say I was draft dodging, but I didn’t want to go to Vietnam like my three older brothers, but I still wanted to see the world and help people,” recalled Wayne, now 78. Wayne was at a farming conference in Denver when he first heard of the Peace Corps, and it didn’t take much selling for him to sign up. Wayne and his girlfriend signed up to be part of the first team of Peace Corps volunteers to enter southern Bolivia, but first a whole lot of life needed to happen. “We decided to get married before we left, so we scrambled and made it happen. We took a three-day honeymoon and then got on a plane to Miami to begin our training,” said Wayne. Their stay in Miami was short lived however, as the night they arrived coincided with the Bay of Pigs Invasion that set the region under immense tension. The newlyweds were instead flown to Vermont for months of training that included the Spanish language and military-style survival courses. “I remember them taking us out in a raft with our hands tied behind our back and pushing us out into the water,” said Wayne. Of the original 60 or so signups only about half made it through the training. After several months of training they were on their way to Bolivia. Once on the ground, Wayne used his farming background to help with a local rice co-op which was dealing with constantly broken-down machinery. He showed the Bolivians the mechanics of how an engine works on a combine and what was needed to maintain it. He created manuals written entirely in Spanish and was able to help vastly improve their harvesting skills. Once that project was running smoothly, he moved onto helping out with local 4-H style programs where he helped the locals breed healthier animals such as hogs and chickens. What seemed like a few simple skills he had learned through his own upbringing ultimately changed and improved the lives of countless people in the region. “People say they don’t have anything to offer, but there are a lot of skills that translate in developing countries. A lot need help with simple mechanics, reading, bookkeeping and just developing plans,” he said. Wayne’s two years in Bolivia would evolve into a lifetime of service. He would spend 19 years in Africa building homes and schools in far remote villages and teaching locals how to create and patch clay stoves. He would eventually run the first Peace Corps training camp in India, where he would send new recruits out to a remote village for a week to teach them how to get by with very little. “They learned a lot about culture, surviving with almost nothing, and came back wanting to focus on learning the language,” he said. Of all the impact he made, it was one of the smallest things that might have gone the furthest. Back in Bolivia, the humidity and heat always attracted flies, and no one was using a screen door. Wayne showed them how to build a screen and, using old rubber bike tires, create a swinging screen door for a few of the homes. When he visited 15 years later it was still the talk of the town. As he looks back at his experience, he shares that he was only just trying to make some sort of contribution to the world but instead did so much to impact a community and make it a healthier place to live. It is something of which he is proud. Like Wayne, Pastor Andrew Hinderlie had studied abroad with his experience coming in Thailand. After graduating college in the Midwest in 1978, he thought he might go back to Asia and possibly teach—until he met up with an on-campus Peace Corps recruiter. “After a lot of thought, I decided to do it,” said Andrew. With not a lot of building or farming background, the Peace Corps decided Andrew’s best fit was in planning and logistics. He went through language training and was taught survival skills as well (now a less intense version than Wayne’s). He was sent to the Togolese Republic, also known as Togo, in Africa to help oversee logistics and financial planning projects for the local government. “We would supply the expertise for the local masons, carpenters, architects, planners and problem solve with design teams,” he said. Andrew’s team built schools, outbuildings and large dry-storage buildings for grains. A self-described “Minnesota nice guy,” Andrew admits to being hesitant in some of his early decision-making as to not offend locals but learned how to be a confident leader by running many projects. “We always worked as a team, and I didn’t always want to push hard, but I learned I often had to push people to really get stuff done.” Andrew would facilitate many projects across Africa, but some of his most impactful messaging came through simple conversations. While he was learning about different cultures, Andrew was also sharing with locals the ideals of American Democracy. “This would spur discussions about our system, and a lot of times the locals would ask why they didn’t have the same freedoms and democracy in their country,” he recalled. Andrew’s commitment to his faith is evidenced from his position of pastor at a Lutheran church, but he was never afraid to explore his beliefs and how they differ from those in other nations and religions. He went to all the different churches he could find and learned from practicing Buddhists as well. “I don’t see God as just in my denomination but in all places. I see God as a God that loves this world.” Wayne recalls spending time in Muslim villages as well and being treated with the same respects as the locals. “I would leave my shoes and all of my stuff on the beach when I went for a walk. When I came back an hour later my stuff was always still there. Where in America do you think that could happen?” asked Wayne. While both men specialized in different areas, traveled to different lands and had different experiences, both Wayne and Andrew came back with a similar understanding of the world and themselves. Wayne still speaks monthly with a few of the folks from his original volunteer group; relationships that have stood more than 50 years. When Andrew returned home he quickly got involved with the international community, hosting students and having welcome parties in his parents’ home. “Once you come into my home, you are always welcome,” he said. In Togo, Andrew was welcomed with a smile and, despite cultural difference, he maintains many were very similar to the Americans he grew up with. Strangers would open up their homes to serve him a meal and would often even put him up for the night, a courtesy Andrew utilizes in his own home today. Wayne recalls dining with families as well and the common theme of respect and understanding that can be shared over a meal. “Almost every country has unique things in their culture, but if you treat human beings like human beings, eat food and share drink with each other, you’ll be accepted into a family.” The impact the Peace Corps has on its volunteers like Andrew and Wayne is felt long after they’ve left. Spreading the democratic ideals of the United States has inspired people in developing countries to fight for additional freedoms and take political office. Many come here to work on college degrees or to become doctors to bring aid to their homelands. What might seem like common skills to us can be life altering for a group of people whose daily struggle often isn’t paying bills but finding enough food and clean water for their family. “I really didn’t realize the privileges I had as an American until I came home,” said Andrew. “You learn to do with what you can, and we can do so much with American ingenuity,” said Wayne. Both men share their experiences of keeping an open mind toward other cultures with those they encounter throughout the day. In a time of increasing division, both come back to sharing a meal and having a conversation. “People don’t learn how to speak face to face or to talk one on one anymore, which I hope will change,” said Wayne. “We are so afraid of those who are different, and I don’t think that’s who we are as Americans,” said Andrew. “I think we’ll grow through this because we are a country that celebrates diversity and (know) that we don’t all have to be the same to lead a wonderful life.”

The sun still shines! By Colin Anderson Over the past few years my wife and I have come to really appreciate traveling in the month of September. With summer vacations over, kids going back to school and tolerable weather around most of the country, people aren’t necessarily putting travel high on their list during this month. Residing in the Northwest and being far from pale blue and bathtub warm ocean waters, we are happy to take a beach vacation any time of year. If you do head to the southern United States, Mexico or the Caribbean this time of year, you are always rolling the dice as mid-August through the end of October is peak hurricane season. While that can certainly ruin a vacation, your chances of being stuck in a major storm are pretty miniscule and your chances of having prime beaches, easy reservations and calmer streets are all but a sure thing. This past September we decided to book a six-night trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Located on the very southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, this once small fishing village would be unrecognizable to those who visited some 30 years ago. The towns of Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas are connected via “The Tourist Corridor,” where a staggering number of all-inclusive mega resorts reside. As our friendly cab driver pointed out, there were six new massive resort complexes currently under construction. As we traveled the near hour-long (and $70) ride from the International Airport to Downtown Cabo San Lucas, we were pleasantly surprised at how green and beautiful the surrounding landscape was. The area is very much a desert but still quite colorful. The driver showed us where George Clooney’s oceanfront villa was (currently for sale) and some incredible golf courses where six-figure membership gets you through the front gate. Alas, these were not in our travel plans. Many come to Cabo San Lucas for the all-inclusive hotels. Here you’ve already pre-paid for just about everything: room, food, drinks and entertainment. While I can very much understand a vacation in which you don’t have to plan anything, leave the pool or rarely take out your wallet (except to tip of course), we are much more into exploring new places, so our destination was an older condo complex set just a block back from the beach. When we talked with several Cabo veterans about going down in September, they all told us to push the trip off until October when the heat and humidity would both drop significantly. There is no sugar coating it; September is a hot and humid month for the Baja peninsula. With Hawaiian island-like weather most of the year, many locals actually leave during August and September to take their vacations away from the heat and humidity. With plane tickets and hotels 40 to 60 percent cheaper during these months, we decided the little bit of extra heat would be OK to deal with. The Beach The main attraction to most tropical vacations is the beach, and Playa el Medano is the center of all the daytime action in Cabo San Lucas. Playa el Medano stretches from the marina up along the entire bay and is the main safe swimmable beach in the area. The beachfront is littered with casual bars and restaurants, a few expensive all-inclusives and, as like the rest of Mexico, plenty of vendors. Dressed in all white and constantly meandering up and down the beach, they are looking to sell you everything from hair braiding and henna tattoos to sombreros, jewelry and cigars. While it can be a little overwhelming at first, a simple “No thank you” or just ignoring their attention-grabbing pitch will often lead them to move on rather quickly. Vendors are not allowed inside the beachfront restaurants either, so as long as you aren’t in the first couple rows of beach-front seating, you’ll be left more at peace to take down your margarita or Dos Equis. Water sports are easy to arrange here with jet skis and parasailing easily rented right from the beach. A dip in the warm waters feels incredible after walking through the humid air. The seas are less tranquil in the fall, but you can still wade out about 20 to 30 yards with your feet on the bottom. Water taxis are running constantly to take visitors out to Lover’s Beach at El Arco, the area’s famous landmark. While still busy, there are no services here, so it’s a little less hectic than on Playa Medano, and seeing El Arco up close is also a memorable sight. The Food As you would expect, seafood is the specialty in most restaurants and cafés in Cabo. With high heat during the day, we found ourselves mostly munching on appetizers and fish tacos. We found Tacos Gardenias right behind our condo and ended up eating there several times. The fresh fish ceviche and molcajete were incredible. Fresh fish or shrimp tacos were grilled or fried and came with a tray of about a dozen different sauces, salsas and garnishes to make an awesome and affordable lunch or late-night snack. Baja Brewing Company was started by a couple of friends from Colorado and now has three locations. We frequented the one atop the Cachet Beach Hotel roof just about every day. With so few tourists around, we were able to snag the tables with the best view, kick back and enjoy solid craft beers. As mentioned earlier, many locals will take off during the humid season, so a few of the more heralded restaurants were closed for a few weeks while the owners took their vacations. I would estimate this was only about 5 to 10 percent of the restaurants, and we were able to find plenty to eat everywhere we went. We splurged one evening and went to Los Tres Gallos, which focuses on locally sourced traditional Mexican fine dining. The open-air restaurant was dimly lit, and you feel like you are eating in a 200-year-old courtyard. The meal and ambiance were incredible. The Nightlife Other than the beach, many come to Cabo for its renowned nightlife which is located around the marina and the streets directly behind it. Once the sun goes down the music goes up and loud beats pump into the streets as employees look to lure you into high-octane parties at places like The Giggling Marling, El Squid Roe and Mandala. The over-40 crowd often makes its way to Cabo Wabo in hopes of spotting owner Sammy Hagar or some of his buddies up on stage for an impromptu live set. We found a few of the smaller bars a bit more appealing like Happy Endings Cantina with its two beers and two shots for $5 daily promotion and Pochos with its open patio and views of the super yachts parked in the marina. While partying and beach going is always available, there is plenty more to do with a week in Cabo. Some of the best sport fishing in the world is found off its shores; there are horseback and ATV trips into the surrounding desert; and a day trip up to the town of Todos Santos can give you a break from fast-paced Cabo to enjoy a peaceful and artsy community where you can also visit the Hotel California from the famed Eagles’ song. There is always a reason off-season travel is cheaper, but those willing to risk the potential for less than ideal conditions often come away with an incredible experience for a lot less than they would have otherwise paid. What are you waiting for? It’s never too early to start planning your fall getaway today. #gigharbor #tacoma #washington #253lifestylemag #travel #cabo #mexico #leisure #getaway #vacation #bestplaces #offseason #tourism

Veterinarian cares for horses in Mongol Derby By Dan Thompson Photos Courtesy of Bruce Pedersen As a traveling veterinarian and a world traveler, Bruce Pedersen is accustomed to rugged terrain. He practices veterinary medicine in Watford City, North Dakota, and Butte, Montana, boom towns 550 miles and 150 years apart, and lives the rest of the time—“the goal is half the year”—in Sandpoint, Idaho, he said. He has also traveled to India a number of times, climbed to the base camp at Everest with his daughter and taken a humanitarian trip to Swaziland and South Africa. But none of those places quite compare to Mongolia. “The landscape was like nothing I’d ever experienced,” Pedersen said. “No fences. I describe it as a Galapagos experience: It’s the same that it was probably 3,000 years ago. These horses were pure, naturally selected, semi-wild, just amazing.” He was describing the 1,400 or so horses needed for the annual Mongol Derby, an event first run in 2009 that re-creates and pays homage to Genghis Khan’s version of the Pony Express, meant to send messages across the vast Mongolian Steppe as fast as possible. Pedersen, one who relishes new experiences and the personal connections that open such opportunities, was encouraged by a friend to apply to vet the race. His application was accepted, and last August, he headed to Ulaanbaatar for pre-race training and a three-week adventure along with eight other vets (for the horses), a team of medics (for the humans), about 40 riders and a host of locals. Their goal? Keep everyone healthy—most certainly the horses—and finish the 1,000-kilometer course in 10 days or fewer. He nearly didn’t make it out of the United States. A day or two before the race he looked at his passport. Expired. So, he and Heather (his wife) drove through the night to Seattle, secured a last-minute passport, and then Pedersen boarded a plane headed across the ocean toward Mongolia. “I didn’t really explore it that much. I’m not the best at preparation,” he said this winter, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bed and breakfast he and Heather own and operate in Sandpoint. “It was like going to a movie where you haven’t seen the trailer. “I’m gonna vet the Mongol Derby,” he said to himself. “It sounds like fun.” It went far beyond pure fun, though. For Pedersen, the trip became about the relationship between a people and the earth that sustains them, and the balance between how technology is an aide but also a hindrance to the human connections that it so often seeks to foster. “Animals are a piece of our connection with the earth and what I saw in those people and how intimate their lives were with those animals and agriculture,” Pedersen said of the Mongolians. “How much removed we’ve gotten.” The Mongol Derby draws riders from across the world. The 2018 roster included women and men from 11 different countries, mostly from the United States and Australia. “The riders help each other, and that’s one of the big important points,” Pedersen said. “They call it a race, but it’s really more of a journey. It’s not as much about winning as it is about completing.” The task is daunting: Ride 1,000 kilometers in 25 to 28 stages in 10 days—this year’s winners finished on day seven—navigating with a GPS and elementary maps that show little more than peaks, valleys and the next checkpoint. At each checkpoint riders meet unique horses. If you’re first to reach a checkpoint, then you get first pick of your next steed. All the animals belong to Mongolians who loan them to the race—part of each rider’s $13,000 entrance fee goes toward paying locals for their horses and hospitality—and are then returned after a leg of the event. “There is enough value in 50 horses hired to the Derby to satisfy all their cash needs for a year. It's a game changer,” Katy Willings, Derby chief since 2018, wrote in an email. “That said, we tend to hire the horses in fives and 10s, numbers which mean we can be confident that the herders have spent time on each horse to prepare it: Can it be caught and handled, saddled, mounted, is it fit to carry an adult at speed?” No horse is ridden twice, and the horses that go well earn a financial bonus for the herder, Willings said. Pedersen’s job was to check the horses for injuries and elevated heart rates. To some extent, too, he, along with the medics, was assessing the well-being of the riders and their fitness to keep riding, especially mentally. But over the entire event Pedersen said he only assessed one penalty, and not one horse sustained a serious injury. “We had one colic, but 1,400 horses, just pretty minor lamenesses, a cut we had to sew up,” Pedersen said. “The riders were beat up way worse than the horses.” The Steppe is unforgiving. Vast and varied, the terrain tests riders’ skills in navigation and horsemanship, and also their mental mettle. Between checkpoints, riders wore an emergency SOS button that they could press if they got into trouble. That happened a couple dozen times over the course of the event, usually because a rider had been thrown from the horse and it had sped off. Other times it was for minor injuries. But this year, the majority of riders finished. Each rider wore a GPS, which, pragmatically, showed the operation center where everyone was at a given time, helping ensure their safety in an emergency. But it also ensured they followed the strict rules of riding only by daylight. A rider could either bed down at a checkpoint or stop along the course overnight, taking care of their horse and lodging with locals or sleeping wherever they opted to. They just couldn’t ride again until 6:30 the next morning. Pedersen also stayed with locals and drank his share of yak milk and other fermented dairy. Their hospitality impressed him. “It gives me a unique perspective on a working animal, and I think that’s where I’ve grown to really appreciate purpose, as in when animals have a purpose,” Pedersen said. “A sled dog, a Mongolian Derby horse. There’s a need to do something, something that drives us, to give us purpose. “Out there they are one step away from being wild.” Indeed, many of the horses still bore the faint stripes of their Zebra cousins, Pedersen said, and most were only about 13 hands tall. But they were stout, strong, fast—and they sure loved to run. Pedersen knows a thing or two about competitions like the Derby. He has vetted the Iditarod in Alaska five times—he plans to do so again in March—and has done so in other races as well. Often the events recreate some sort of historical journey of necessity: The famed serum run in Alaska, for example, is the inspiration for the Iditarod. Others, like Race the Wild Coast in South Africa, are held so that riders and horses can test the limits of their capabilities. Pedersen first worked the Iditarod when he was a young vet in Jackson, Wyoming. The parallels between the sled dog race and the Derby were many for him, especially the high level of respect for the animals. But the level of support is much different. The Iditarod ensures very quick access to primary care for mushers and dogs, but that’s simply not possible in Mongolia. “The Mongol Derby was a lot more isolated, more intimate with the way things used to be, not as much technology or modernization,” Pedersen said. And for as harsh as the Steppe was in August, it’s not nearly as treacherous as Alaska in March. Alaska wouldn’t be safe if there was less support, he said. “The Alaskan environment in the winter is so much more unforgiving.” The experience in Asia reminded him of the life-saving value of technology, most certainly. But the nights spent with people who lack so much of what Pedersen has back in the United States also reminded him of the ways that technology gets in the way. “To observe their family time was a bit enviable on the quality of those interactions. The single focus of tending for their animals, they milk yak, they lived off the land,” he said. “Modernization has infiltrated a little bit … but I still felt that it was preserved to some historical aspect of how it was.” Pedersen sees parallels in North Dakota, where, when he sees large animals as a vet, they are ranch horses. Animals with a job, a purpose, a clear connection with the land. Toward the end of the Derby, Pedersen and a handful of vets found themselves at the final checkpoint, and they had a realization: Why not ride? “We said, wait a minute, we’re in Mongolia. We need to throw a leg over a horse and ride,” Pedersen said. So, they cobbled together what equipment they had, including the Mongol saddles that were, to put it much more delicately than the saddles themselves, jostling to ride. The final leg was about 36 kilometers, and Pedersen was on it. The horse he rode belonged to a Mongolian boy who loaned it to him. “I was honored by that young boy. That’s his prized possession,” Pedersen said. “That was his horse and he let me ride it.” The horse knew how to choose a path, much better, he realized, than he did as a rider. He nicknamed it Cereb, short for cerebrum, because it was so automatic for the horse to navigate the terrain. One leg into a marmot hole—which were multitudinous and often obscured—would undoubtedly toss Pedersen and lame the horse. “These horses want to run, so they are hell bent. It’s not just a trot. At first I’m steering them, and then I realized, no, you let them have their head,” he said. “Just to be on them and feel them, it gave us a real appreciation for the riders.” They rode across the finish line and steered right into a lake. It ended with a big party, including some Genghis vodka (he brought back a flask of it). “I think among the crews in particular there is a feeling of having been into battle together,” Willings said. “So many of the challenges of the event are unbeknownst to the riders, thank goodness, and we adopt a kind of ‘game face,’ which at the event's safe and successful conclusion, is fun to take off again and admit how crazy things got at times.” Five or six days later, Pedersen boarded an airplane in Ulaanbaatar, bound for Beijing, then Seattle and then Spokane. Pedersen is still often on the move, driving to Butte and Watford City, maintaining his role in the vet practices he helped start. But he is always looking for the next adventure. He’s even considering riding in that race along the South African coast. “I might still have it in me,” he said. At the least, Pedersen has the Iditarod coming up. And maybe even another trip across the Steppe, where there is no fence in sight.