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'Oh, what a day. I will make it a holiday.'
Dr. Seuss
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December 2016
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GIG HARBOR DINING
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GIG HARBOR LODGING
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December is here, and the time has come for some holiday cheer! Thanks to our wonderful Public Works crew, Gig Harbor is sparkling in a blanket of white lights -- and our tree stands proudly at Donkey Creek Park. The City of Gig Harbor Public Works crew, in conjunction with the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, provides the Christmas tree for our community to enjoy. The tree is chosen from select areas on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The City's Operations crew cuts, loads, hauls and installs the tree in one of our city parks for the holiday season. This year's tree is approximately 35 feet to the tip of the star and is illuminated by 3,350 lights.
We hope you can join us for the annual holiday tree lighting on December 3rd, at 5pm, or for another holiday celebration you'll find listed in this month's Gigabyte.
Happy Holidays,
Karen Scott & Mandy Silver
City of Gig Harbor Tourism & Communications Office
December Lodging Special
Holiday Special!
Book now through January and pay only $119 per night!
Call to book this special rate!
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Gig Harbor Lion's Club Giving Tree
The Gig Harbor Lion's Club is working in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club and FISH Food Bank to make Christmas better for those that are less fortunate in Gig Harbor. Giving trees with tags containing the age, gender and wishes off a child can be found at participating retailers. Once a tag is selected and the item(s) have been purchased, the item, along with the tag, can be returned to a participating retailer no later than December 21st to be delivered in time for Christmas. Giving trees can be found at:
7 Seas, A Prima Salon, Allovus Creative Partnership, Amadora Salon, Bank of America, Beach Basket Gift Shop, Ben and Jerry's, Birdnest Gallery and Framing, Blackwater Trading Company, Bloom, Charlie Barnes Babies/Kids/Moms, Chase Bank (Borgen), Chico's, Columbia Bank (Point Fosdick Drive), Columbia State Bank (downtown), Copy It-Mail It, Cutter's Point Coffee, Devoted Kiss Café, Dolly Mama, Dolly Mama Too, Edge Pilates, First Citizens Bank (Point Fosdick Drive), Flowers to Go, For the Love of Spice, Foundry, Gameday Sports, Harbor History Museum, Heritage Bank (Olympic Way), Heritage Distilling Company, Kelly's Café, Kitsap Bank (Point Fosdick Drive), Kitsap Bank (Pioneer Way), Kitsap Credit Union, Maritime Jewelers, Marketplace Grille, Marshalls, Massage Envy, McBeckland's Ladies Boutique, Morso, Mt. Rainier Clinic, No Dearth of Books, Rainy Day Yarns, Sea Hags, Silver Soleil Tan Studio, Sound Credit Union (Point Fosdick Drive), Sports Clips Haircuts, St. Anthony's Hospital, The Keeping Room, Tickled Pink, Timberland Bank (downtown), Van der Veen Jewelers, Waters Edge Gallery & Framery, Weathered Cottage and Wild Birds Unlimited.
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Annual Tree Lighting and Arrival of Santa at Donk ey Creek,
December 3rd
Gig Harbor's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is being held at Donkey Creek Park this year. This official kickoff to the holidays in Gig Harbor features live Christmas music! Join us and bring your friends and neighbors at 5 pm for entertainment galore and enjoy refreshments and welcome Santa on the fire truck at 5:30 pm. Santa will meet with all the kids.
Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor, December 9-11th
Shopping, hayrides, boat parade, caroling and an ugly sweater contest can all be found during this fun-filled weekend! Enjoy hayrides December 9 & 10 th from 4:30-7:30pm. On December 10th at 5pm the Gig Harbor Yacht Club presents the Lighted Boat Parade. For more information, visit here.
Hark the Harbor, December 11th
Meet at 5:30 pm at the Maritime Pier (next to the Tides Tavern) and join in the festive songs while we wait the arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship. Two fun events come together while we enjoy community caroling and await the arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship. "Get Your Ugly On" at Hark the Harbor with your best ugly sweater for prizes and fun.
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Gig Harbor Yacht Club presents the Lighted Boat Parade, December 10th
What will you be doing on December 10th, 2016 at 5:00pm? Gig Harbor Yacht Club invites you and your loved ones to a wonderful evening with the maritime holiday lighted boat parade circling Gig Harbor. Please come early and get your spot on the dock and enjoy the fun creativity our local boaters work so hard to share. You might even see Santa and Rudolph with his bright red nose.
Sponsored by the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. All boats welcome to participate! Just click on the Gmail link
ghyclightedparade@gmail.com and confirm you'll be joining us. Please provide your skipper name, boat name and length. Any one is welcome!
View a variety of lighted boats as they circle the harbor. For more information, visit
www.gigharboryc.com.
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Getting your pictures taken with Santa has never been easier
Breakfast with Santa at the Boys and Girls Club - December 3rd
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Do You Hear What I Hear?
Christmas music to get you in the spirit
Handel's Messiah - December 4th at LDS Stake Center, 12002 Peacock Hill Ave, 6:30pm
Festive Music at Tickled Pink - December 9th & 10th, 3026 Harborview Drive, 4:30pm
Symphony Tacoma to perform Messiah - December 15th at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church
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Step into Christmas! Fairs & Festivals
Shop local and find the perfect gift!
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Christmas Eve Services
- 9 & 10:45 am - Family Candlelight Services suitable for families with young children; childcare available
- 6 & 7:30 pm - Carols, choir and candlelight services. Childcare available for 6 pm service.
- 9 pm - Communion and bells candlelight service. No childcare available
Harbor Covenant Christmas Eve Services
- 3 & 5 pm - Family Friendly Christmas Eve Services
- 7 & 9 pm - Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
Calvary Fellowship Christmas Eve Service
St John's Episcopal Christmas Eve Service
Gig Harbor United Methodist Christmas Eve Service
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Community Harvest
The community-wide collaborative
#CommunityHarvest
campaign continues through the year!
The goal is
to raise needed food and funding to provide some 2,300 local children and  families in need a nutritious weekend meal once a week for a whole school year - about 12,000 meals.
To learn more, visit the #Community Harvest website.
Individuals, schools, businesses, churches and organizations can join to take action against hunger here at home through the collaborative #Community Harvest project.
- Your $12 donation will help feed a family in need for a weekend.
- Purchase a 2016 #Community Harvest Crockpot Recipe book for $12.
- Sponsor a #Community Harvest recipe
- Organize a #Community Harvest Food Drive (we'll help provide you all you need)
For information on sponsoring a recipe, holding a community food drive or other event, give a call (253) 514-6338 or email us at: communityharvest@gigharborfoundation.org.
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First Saturday Art Walk, December 3rd
Indulge your love of art at the First Saturday Art Walk every month along Gig Harbor's Downtown Waterfront. This free  event allows art enthusiasts to stroll through 9 galleries featuring artist demonstrations, refreshments, and displays reflecting a diverse selection of mediums and styles.
Pick up your passport at the first gallery visited and drop off at your last stop. With all 9 stamps you will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate. If you are under 21, you don't have to visit MORSO to get your passport stamped. (MORSO of course is for 21+ only). Participating galleries include Ebb Tide Gallery, Gallery Row, Water's Edge Gallery & Framery, Inc., Blackwater Trading Company, Sea Hags, MORSO, Maritime Jewelry, Dolly Mama Boutique and Harbor WildWatch.
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Volunteer Opportunity at the Skansie Visitor Center
Calling all residents who are passionate about Gig Harbor! We are seeking additional volunteers at the Skansie Visitor's Center in downtown Gig Harbor. Volunteers typically work two, 3-hour shifts each month, and help greet visitors, answer questions, and keep the center tidy. If you like talking to residents and visitors of all ages, please contact Karen Scott at scottk@cityofgigharbor.net or Becky Allen at becallen06@gmail.com.
The center will be closed for the season December 9th re-opening February 1st.
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Harbor History Museum Events
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Gig Harbor BoatShop Events
For more information on events or to register for a workshop, call (253) 857-9344, email info@gigharborboatshop.org, or visit www.gigharborboatshop.org.
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Harbor WildWatch Salmon Tours
Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun and engaging tour beginning at Austin Estuary and ending at Donkey Creek Park. Stroll along the newly restored Donkey Creek and learn about the salmon's life cycle (and look for the spawning salmon!) and their impact on local culture and ecology. All ages welcome; no reservation needed. Meet at Austin Estuary.
Have you ever wondered what animals lurk beneath the surface of Puget Sound at night? Visit one of our family-friendly Pier into the Night programs and you will see what lies beneath the surface without getting your feet wet! Also, don't miss Harbor WildWatch's monthly science social series for adults in Gig Harbor,
Cocktails & Fishtales. Hosted at rotating breweries, restaurants, and pubs, attendees will learn about our local ecology from experts in the field. Ages 21+ only please.
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Arts and Entertainment Around the Harbor
There's always something happening in Gig Harbor!
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The Accidental Curator, December 1st - Get a behind the scenes look at the making of Arts & Artifacts: An Excellent Little Bay. Join exhibit curator, Joann Hale, as she shares her creative process and extensive research on brining a beloved book to life with historic objects, family stories, and painting by local artists. Reserve your seat by calling 253-858-6722 or emailing Elizabeth@harborhistorymuseum.org.
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Paradise Theatre's A Christmas Story, December 3rd - 18th, based on a motion picture, a young boy named Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. However, he is not sure he will ever make it to Christmas between his brother Randy and the school bully Scut Farkus. A classic holiday favorite.
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Gingerbread Houses at the Gig Harbor & Key Center Libraries - Make and decorate your own gingerbread house. All supplies provided, while they last. Online registration required.
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Living Nativity at Discovery Baptist, December 3rd & 4th - Christmas comes to life on Gustafson Drive as you mingle with over 200 character and real animals. Yes, you'll feel like you've stepped right back in time...right into Bethlehem. Come join thousands of other visitors and experience the real meaning for the season. Walk-through only so dress warmly. No charge. Parking graciously provided across the street by Harbor Covenant Church.
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Peter and the Wolf at Canterwood Golf & Country Club, December 4th - From the snow-covered birch forests of Russia all the way to the waterfront of Gig Harbor, Harbor History Museum is delighted to announce a special holiday season performance of the beloved Russian children's tale and symphony, Peter and the Wolf, by composer, Sergei Prokofiev, on Sunday, December 4th at 4:00pm.
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Ladies Night at The Garden Room, December 4th - At our annual Ladies Night, come enjoy what we all love best; company with our best girls, and shopping! Of course you'll enjoy the festive, sparkling holiday atmosphere with lively music, delicious food and tasty drinks, fun door prize drawings, an exciting raffle, and a ton of girly-fun! This year, expect all this and maybe a few surprises!
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A Special Muse at Morso for the Holidays, December 8th - The Muse at Morso for the December Holidays will be a very special event. We have invited many of our favorite poets and writers to join us on December 8th, to read their favorite holiday themed poems, essays or sections from their favorite books. Please join us to celebrate writing and feel free to bring your own work to share as we celebrate the holiday season with joy.
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Gig Harbor Literary Society Book & Cookie Swap, December 8th - To celebrate the holidays, Harbor History Museum and the Gig Harbor Library will host its inaugural Book and Cookie Swap on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday treats to share, as well as a book to exchange with attendees. There is no suggested reading for this meeting. Book discussion will focus on general holiday themes and the joy of reading during this season. To RSVP or to learn more about the Gig Harbor Literary Society, contact Alphild Dick, Marketing & Events Coordinator at alphildd@harborhistorymuseum.org or 253-858-6722.
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Meaningful Movies presents Sonic Sea, December 9th - Oceans are a sonic symphony. Sound is essential to the survival and prosperity of marine life. But man-made ocean noise is threatening this fragile world. Sonic Sea is about protecting life in our waters from the destructive effects of oceanic noise pollution.
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Luminary Remembrance Walk & Activities, December 10th, Haven of rest will have an afternoon of "Remembrance Activities" in which you may participate to help you celebrate the memory and seek healing as you begin the journey forward after the loss of a loved one.
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Polar Express at Galaxy Theatre, December 10 &11 - Watch Polar Express and visit Santa. Tickets are $6. Donations accepted for Toys for Tots and the GHPD Jaycox Fund.
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Santa's Boatshop at Historic Eddon Boatyard, December 10th & 11th - Children are invited to build a boat in Santa's Boatshop! Santa's helpers will be on hand to assist the little ones construct their masterpieces at this festive holiday event that is suitable for families. Reservations are strongly recommended but drop-ins will be accommodated as space allows. $10/participant. Call 253-857-9344 or email info@gigharborboatshop.org to reserve your spot.
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Singin' in the Rain Jr & Disney's Cinderella Kids, December 16th & 17th - Singin' in the Rain - The "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay in Singin' in the Rain Jr. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards.
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Santa's Painting Workshop, December 19th & 201th - Get "Wiley" with Santa as we paint jolly Saint Nick on patterned backgrounds in the style of Kehinde Wiley. Ages 6 to adult. $100/per student. All materials included.
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New Year's Eve Celebration at Morso, December 31st - Morso is seating for dinner on New Year's Eve from 4-10pm. We have a special 4 course dinner option in addition to our regular menu. Additionally, there is a special champagne buffet with 5 unique grower producer champagnes to enjoy. Happy New Year!
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Dining, Gig Harbor Style
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Anthony's
Fishing for the perfect gift for this holiday season? Catch the best of the Northwest with Gift Cards to Anthony's Restaurants! Gift cards can be redeemed at any of our 29 restaurants, issued in any amount you desire and is the gift your recipient enjoys again and again at their favorite Anthony's with a truly Northwest experience! As an added bonus, Anthony's offers a free $50.00 for $500 purchased! Stop by Anthony's at Gig Harbor and pick up your gift cards today!
It's that time of year to start planning your holiday parties! Anthony's is the perfect, waterfront venue for all your special occasions. From family reunions, to holiday parties with friends, we will create a memorable experience that you and your loved ones will cherish forever!
For reservations or more information, please call 253-853-6353. www.anthonys.com
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Morso
Bubbles are just the right thing to get you into the holiday spirit. Come and try these sparkling wines from around the world. There is a $5 fee/person for this event. This fee will be refunded with a wine purchase. Any wines purchased from the tasting may be served without a corkage fee on the night of the tasting.
Our new Morso Parfait desserts are perfect for the season...they're big on flavor and small enough to have more than one. Key Lime Pie with Crumbled Graham Cracker, Maple Panna Cotta with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt, Chocolate Ricotta with Chocolate Bits and Crushed Pistachio, Marscapone Pumpkin Mousse. $4 each and all are gluten free!
For more information, or to make reservations, please visit www.morsowinebar.com or call 253-530-3463.
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JW's
JW'S is proud to announce that the 3 for $30 menu has been extended to Sundays! Now enjoy this ever popular feast every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday! You can check out the menu here.
Boat Parade Viewing Party & Wine Pairing aboard the Accord @ Pleasure Craft Marina featuring Henry Earl Estate Wines. This 4 course meal by JW Chef Douglas Kim and paired with 4 wines from Henry Earl Estates takes place on Saturday, December 10th at 5pm - arrive at the Pleasure Craft Marina at 4:45pm to board the yacht. $140/pp.
Call or email Jamie Lindsey at 253-858-3529 or
www.jwgigharbor.com
for reservations or more information.
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More Gigs
- Gig Harbor Farmer's Market every Saturday at Peninsula Gardens located at 5503 Wollochet Dr. The Gig Harbor Farmers Market offers fresh flowers, produce, plants, baked goods, food, handmade crafts, expert advice from master gardeners, a kids' tent, live entertainment, and much more. www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com
- Small Business Breakfast - The Super Business Group, a small business networking group, is open to anyone. Come and share your business battles, successes and challenges. Featured speakers weekly. The group meets weekly 7:30 to 9 a.m., Wednesdays at MarKee Café, 5275 Olympic Drive. For information, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/1604745346458777/?ref=bookmarks or email Kurt Grimmer at kurtgrimmer@comcast.net.
- Toastmasters invites you to join our mid-week oasis on Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm at Harbor Place! See how Toastmasters can help you to grow both personally and professionally in a safe and fun environment. Learn to become a better speaker, to communicate with confidence, and develop leadership abilities that can be used in every aspect of your life. For more information visit Gig Harbor Toastmasters or call 253-313-5711.
- AARP Smart Driver Class - AARP Smart Driver Class is from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm and is a 2 day class. This program is designed for the senior driver (50 and older), but any person can enroll, and will be presented with a certificate upon completing the (required) eight hours, but must meet the minimum age to be eligible for their insurance policy premium reduction. For registration and further information please call (253) 265-8508.
- Every Tuesday & Wednesday join Gig Harbor Audio for Open Turntable from 4-6 pm. Bring your album or listen to ours! Read more about what Gig Harbor Audio is up to here or call 253-228-6021.
- The Journey of Grief - Come together as a group around the loss of a loved one. This is an opportunity to share, receive, laugh, cry and begin to heal as we work through grief together. This facilitated group (maximum of 10 people) will read Alan Wolfelt's "Understanding Your Grief" and be led in weekly discussions. It will be a place where you find privacy and safety to discuss the challenge of loss. Call 253-851-9991 for more information.
- Every Tuesday, attend a no-cost Freedom From Tobacco Weekly Support Group from 5:30-6:30 pm at St. Anthony Hospital. Drop-ins welcome. For more info call (253) 223 7538.
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Did We Miss Your Event?
The Gigabyte is published monthly, with the exception of January.  While we do our best to include all events, due to the amount of time involved, we simply cannot find every event happening in the Harbor. This is where we need your help. If you have an event that you would like included in the Gigabyte, please email it to silverm@cityofgigharbor.net no later than the 20th of the month prior (don't forget the five W's and the H (who, what, where, when, why & how) in your email). Pictures may be submitted but we cannot guarantee that they will be included. Also, be sure to enter your event onto our city calendar for all to see at www.gigharborguide.com! Contact Mandy Silver at the email address above or at 253-853-3554 with questions or for more information.
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City News
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WELCOME
The city would like to welcome Gonzalo Tello as a Temporary Maintenance Technician. Congratulations, Gonzalo!
Lift Station 4B Replacement and Welcome Plaza (Jerisich Dock and Skansie Brothers Park) Update
Construction continues at Skansie Brothers Park and along Harborview Drive. The sidewalk adjacent to Skansie Park was closed the first week of October. Pedestrians are being re-routed to the sidewalk on the south side of Harborview Drive. A temporary crosswalk will be installed as part of the sidewalk closure. The Pedestrian detour along this portion Harborview Drive will remain in place until the project is completed. The restroom building has been demolished. A temporary restroom is located next to the Skansie House. Other restroom facilities are located at the Maritime Pier and Eddon Boat Park located on Harborview Drive. The Fishermen's Memorial has been temporarily moved to a secure location and will be reinstalled during the final phase of construction. Public access to Jerisich Dock will be maintained throughout the course of the project. Downtown Gig Harbor is open for business during construction and residents and visitors are encouraged to suport local businesses. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times.
Upcoming Work
The City's contractor, Stellar J Corporation (SJC) have shifted the travel lanes of Harborview Drive to the west side of the right of way so they have the room they need to install their safety shoring and to place the new storage pipe and install other utilities required for this project. The goal of this lane shift is to maintain two lanes of travel at all times and reduce the amount of time that one lane traffic control with flaggers will be used. You can expect this lane shift to be in place for the duration of the project.
Remaining Work and Timelines
- October - January, 2017 Installation a new lift station with increased emergency storage volume and improved reliability and pumping capacity to handle the anticipated growth.
- January - March, 2017 Construction of Welcome Plaza to include a new building that will consist of two family restrooms with showers, two public restrooms, and other facilities to support the boating community that utilizes Jerisich Dock.
- March - June, 2017 Construction of a new public plaza with seating, shaded areas, and open space, which centers around Gig Harbor's Fisherman's Memorial.If there are any questions, please feel free to contact the City of Gig Harbor at (253) 853-7618.
Periodic construction updates will be posted on the dedicated webpage
www.SkansieParkProject.com.
The city will circulate periodic updates by email. If you know someone that would be interested in receiving these email notices, please contact Maureen Whitaker, Executive Assistant at WhitakerM@cityofgigharbor.net.
LED Street Light Luminaire Conversion
This project involves the conversion of standard streetlights to LED lighting to reduce municipal electrical costs. The city received a grant from the Transportation Improvement Board in March, 2016. The contract was awarded in July to Valley Electric. Currently the contractor has completed work on Wagner Way and will be working in the Harbor Hill area in December. For periodic updates follow
www.cityofgigharbor.net - then click "Current Projects" under Quick Links located on the left of the City of Gig Harbor Home Page.
Follow the City's new municipal Facebook page for updates. Please like page for meeting and open house information.
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Fab Photo of the Month
Photo courtesy of Carole Abramovic Wickens. Submit your favorites on our
Facebook page today!
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