university place - the community guide sept 2009

Olympic LandscapeLandscape Design forYour BackyardVisit the Quaint Town ofUnion, WA

October isBreast CancerAwareness Month

University PlaceSeptember/October 2009

community matters4 BreastCancer

Astoryofbreastcancersurvival,programs&more

business highlight12 OlympicLandscape

ByMicheleMcGeheeLandscapeDesignforYourBackyard.

vacations close to home17 VisitUnion,WA

ByMicheleMcGeheeVacationrightinyourownbackyard.

MAGAZINE STAFF

Publisher/EditorMicheleMcGehee

VPOperationsJustinWeil

SalesDirectorKennethRussell

AccountExecutivesTammeyNewton

PatrickParish

GraphicDesignKatyJacobs

POBox4207•Spanaway,WA98387Phone:360.350.1237•Fax:253.292.3667

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3September/October 2009 The Community Guide

C o M M u N I T y M A T T E r SCM

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the

disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for early detection. In the next few pages, we highlight practitioners, organizations and one courageous woman who has survived cancer. Please celebrate with us on the advancement of healthcare and the dedication of our community to find the cure for cancer.

The American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society is the

nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and service.

Knowing the facts about cancer can save lives. With both prevention and early detection information, people can take an active role in how cancer affects them.

Primary cancer prevention means taking the necessary precautions to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Prevention programs are designed to help adults and children make healthy lifestyle choices that continue throughout life. The Society’s programs focus primarily on:

• tobacco control • relationship between diet and physical activity and cancer comprehensive school health education • skin cancer reduction • regular medical checkups and recommended cancer screeningsIn addition to taking proactive steps to help prevent the disease,

it’s important to know how cancer is found and what screening

Fighting AgainstBreast Cancer

4 The Community Guide September/October 2009

Frequently Asked Questions: BreAst CAnCer

Q. How many women are affected by breast cancer?An estimated 192,370 women in the United

States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2009, and 40,170 women will die from the disease this year. Among women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer.

Q. Is breast cancer the most common cancer among women?

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, excluding skin cancer.

Q. Can men get breast cancer?Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does occur.

An estimated 1,910 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and approximately 440 will die of the disease. Currently there is no technology to detect male breast cancer. The best way for a man to protect himself is to be aware of how his breasts normally look and feel and to discuss any changes with his health care provider.

Q. Who is most at risk for developing breast cancer?Several factors contribute to the risk of

developing breast cancer. Aside from being female, age is the main risk factor. As age increases, so does the risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, more than three out of four women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older. Family history and genetics also contribute. Postmenopausal obesity and weight gain are risk factors, as are having a personal history of breast cancer, certain types of benign breast disease and several hormone-related factors.

Q. What effect does a family history of breast cancer have on a woman’s risk of getting the disease?

Women with a strong family history of early breast cancer – two or more close relatives diagnosed before age 50 – are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no close relatives (mother, sister or daughter) with the disease, and most women with a family history will not develop breast cancer.

Q. Why is early detection important?Numerous studies have shown that early

detection – having a yearly mammogram – saves lives and increases treatment options. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent among individuals whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at time of diagnosis. TCG

options are available and appropriate. Finding cancer in the earliest stage possible gives the patient the greatest chance of survival. For this reason, the Society seeks to provide the public and health care professionals with the latest cancer resources to help them make informed decisions. Through national conferences and workshops, audiovisual and print publications, a Web site (www.cancer.org), and the National Cancer Information Center (1-800-ACS-2345), the Society works hard to reach everyone with this lifesaving information.

In addition, American Cancer Society offers support and service programs to try to lessen the impact on patients and their families. These programs cover a wide range of needs - from connecting patients with survivors to providing a place to stay when treatment facilities are far from home.

Support our local Chapter. They make a world of difference for people struggling with cancer. TCG


The Community Guide is proud tobe a sponsor of the upcoming

Making Strides Against Breast Cancerwalk on October 10, 2009in Tacoma at Wright Park.

Visit www.communityguideonline.comand sign up today!

If you have any questions, please contactour office at 360-350-1237 or send an email to

[email protected]

••

Calling allwalkers!

Join our team!

A Survivor’SBy Christi Hill

StoryCan anything

good come out of something

as frightening as breast cancer? I say, “yes!” Though it was the scariest and most difficult thing I’ve ever been through, I’m stronger now than I’ve ever

been – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But it’s been quite a journey!

The week before Christmas in 2005, I went for my regular yearly mammogram. After an ultrasound and biopsy, I received that dreaded phone call announcing a breast cancer diagnosis. I was only 47. How could that be? I went through the entire gambit of emotions while waiting over the holidays for the doctor’s office to reopen - shock, anger, denial, fear, sadness.

I had two surgeries, a couple of brutal “chemo cocktails” and radiation Monday through Friday everyday for 6 weeks. Then, I received Herceptin™ via my port for a year, and will still be on Tamoxifen™ for 5 years. The fear of the unknown gripped me each time I started a new treatment. Would this one work? Would I have more side effects? I often doubted that I had the inner strength to get through.

While going through chemo, I was exceedingly fatigued. I literally could barely put one foot in front of the other! The more drained of energy I felt, the more I got discouraged. My oncologist gave me an article about exercise. It talked about the research that proves exercise helps with the side effects of cancer treatments. The list was impressive. Exercise helps minimize fatigue and nausea, regain muscle strength, even helps digestive issues and depression. There is also strong evidence that exercise can decrease the chance of recurrence by 45-65% in some cancers!

But exercise when I’m exhausted? What kind of sense was that? I knew I had to try. I began feeling stronger and less exhausted. The best part was that I had a new mind set. Through the entire process I had been told what was going to happen to me next. I felt I had little input. However, with exercise I felt empowered me. I finally had control over something in my life again. I could choose to lie in bed and focus on how rotten I felt, or I could get out of bed and start moving, knowing I would feel better. And, it worked every

time! It helped me get rid of the “victim mentality” that is so counterproductive. It helped me discover an inner strength that I didn’t know I had. It gave me hope.

Exercise changed my life. So, when I was done with treatment, I quit my job and went back to school to be a personal trainer. I want to help people get healthy and lessen their chance of getting cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And I work with my fellow cancer survivors, during treatment and beyond. My desire is to empower them through exercise, education and nutrition awareness, to offer hope, and to encouarge joy for the journey. TCG

To contact Christi regarding personal trainingor group exercise classes, email her [email protected] or 253-740-8884.


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When you’re thinking about a

landscape design for your outdoor space,here’s how a pro can help


By Michele McGehee

B u S I N E S S h I G h L I G h T BH

Olympic&Landscape IrrigationCo.

When you’re thinking about a landscape design for your outdoor space, here’s how a pro can help.

Home improvement trends show that outdoor spaces, such as outdoor kitchens, arbors, water features, patios, paths, decks, and driveways continue to be just as important to market appeal and value as gourmet kitchens and luxury bath-rooms. In fact, Smart Money magazine estimates that landscap-ing and “hardscaping” can increase home values by as much as 15 percent. If you are ready to make the plunge into outdoor living space or a yard remodel, where is the best place to start? John Sullivan of Olympic Landscape and Irrigation Company sug-gests, “Start with a solid design that holds up to the rules of good landscape design. The design is essential in creating the yard of your dreams and it provides a road map to your suc-cess.” Professional designers spend every working day solving problems most of us only face once or twice in a lifetime –no wonder they have better design ideas that we do! You will spend some money up front on a plan, but if the designers are good, you’ll get it right the first time, and it saves money in the end. With the right design, you have the opportunity to visual-ize your ideas and make sure they are going to work before you start digging, which can save you time and money! Similar to kitchen design, landscape design is about making it all work. Outdoor covered areas like built-in kitchens and fireplaces, extends our living space and should fit into the over-all design of the house. With more than 35 years of landscape experience, Olympic Landscape can help you come up with the plans that meet your needs. John continues, “The right design is well thought out and takes into consideration the lifestyle of the home owners, the current landscape, the goals of the project and the budget.”


B u S I N E S S h I G h L I G h T BH

When the plans are completed, the designer can provide rough budget figures for the different aspects of the site. Site prep, water features, arbors, decks and patios are broken out so that the customer can make decisions. For example, you might want a slate patio, but going with a brick patio can save a lot of money. Olympic Landscape can do projects in phases as well. If it is a large project, completing a portion of the site allows the customer to get a feel of the project before continuing. If there are budget constraints, the customer can pick and choose, allowing for change before construction has started. “Our job is to present what can be done and then help the customer decide how to proceed,” Neil Hedman explains. Once you have a design finalized, it is time to do the “dirty” work. For the do-it-yourselfer, you are now set with a professional design and can see the road ahead. You can take your designs into nurseries and lumber stores and know exactly what you need to get the job done. If you need construction help, Olympic Landscape can make your plans come to life. With a professional and dedi-cated staff, they can help you with site prep, stone work, arbors, walkways and patios, pulling from local businesses and resources to get the job done. The crew takes pride in


its creative abilities and works together with the designer to create the complete vision. “It is very enjoyable to work with a customer who gets excited. We build relationships and work with generations of families,” explains John. Olympic Landscape is naturally “green” and proud of it. The company tries to reuse as much material as possible and keep plants that fit into the new design. If it does require removal, they do their best to reuse the products in other environments. They consider every aspect of the environment and make sure there is as little impact as possible. In addition to landscape design and installation, Olympic Landscape installs sprinkler systems. A sprinkler system can help with water usage and uniformity for water conservation. With a good sprinkler system, every sprinkler makes sense and has a purpose in the overall health of the landscape and lawn. “Our main goal, besides meeting the homeowner’s require-ments as a landscape company, is to design something that is

architecturally pleasing and sound. So when you see it, it makes you feel good. The lines hold together and as it grows together, you have year-round color and special focal points. It is bring-ing it together into the architecturally pleasing and technically correct landscape,” explains Neil.

“We really enjoy working with our customers who have ap-preciation and excitement for outdoor space,” explains John.Olympic Landscape and Design is here to help you create the yard of your dreams. Give them a call for a free consultation.

B u S I N E S S h I G h L I G h TBH

olympic Landscape & Irrigation Co.4310 70th Avenue East #A

Fife Washington 98424olympiclandscape.com

TCG


Handling fee applies. Terms and conditions apply (including an administrative feeof $2.95 per month beginning in the thirteenth month after the month of cardpurchase, and additional fees which may apply) and are available at Simon GuestServices, on-line at www.simongiftcard.com, and in materials which accompanyeach card. The card can be used at any merchants that accept Visa® debit cards.

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Handling fee applies. Terms and conditions apply (including an administrative feeof $2.95 per month beginning in the thirteenth month after the month of cardpurchase, and additional fees which may apply) and are available at Simon GuestServices, on-line at www.simongiftcard.com, and in materials which accompanyeach card. The card can be used at any merchants that accept Visa® debit cards.

Located parallel to I-5 on the west side between 38th Street and48th Street in Tacoma. Shopping Line® 253.475.4565.

34206 TAC gc ad r1 5/5/09 9:13 AM Page 1

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Vacationsclose to home

uNIoN, WABy Michele McGehee Photo By Matthew Melendez Blegen

Hood Canal’s South Shore is where you will discover the picturesque little town of Union. Located 16 miles south of Belfair on Highway 106, the small shops, gourmet

restaurants and world class lodging are open to serve you year round.

There are many places to visit that are right in our own backyard. Union, WA is such a place. Tucked away on the Hoods Canal, the town is a congregation of talented artists, business owners and residents, plus some well known celebrities that enjoy the peace and solitude of the small stretch of Paradise. Wednesday through Saturday, you will find music being played in a pub, restaurant, retreat center or café.

Located halfway between Belfair and Hoodsport on Highway 106, the drive to Union is a delight. Driving along the shoreline you can appreciate the display of homes, ranging from small cabins to large, multi-million dollar estates; the drive provides a perspective on the diversity and serenity of this unique community. What you miss by simply driving through this community are the unique treasures along the way and the people who are the essence of Union.

During the late 1800s, Union was recognized as a logging community. Many of the big time logging tycoons purchased summer homes in the area. Today, celebrities are still drawn to this little community on Hood Canal. The inventor of Elmer’s Glue, the Nordstrom family and Bill Gates are just a few well-known residents. Featuring small stores, a quaint enchanted village, a large resort, hillside retreats, museums, state parks and some of the best food around, you can spend a day or a weekend enjoying this charming community.

It is easy to plan a day, weekend or week-long vacation without spending much money on fuel or precious vacation time. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, camping, climbing, boating, golf, hunting, fishing, scuba diving or attending art and music festivals or cultural events, Union has it all and, best of all, it is in our own backyard. Surrounded by the Olympic Mountains, Hood Canal and Puget Sound, the activities and adventures are endless.

With Hood Canal just seconds away, those who enjoy being on the water can bring their boats and kayaks along. The crabbing, fishing and shrimping are fantastic! If arriving by boat, a small marina is available for overnight stays. If you are more


of a mountain person, you can use Union as the launching point to enjoy the bucolic beauty of the area. The Olympic Mountains and the Olympic National Forest is a short step away where you can spend the glorious fall days hiking and exploring some of the most remote areas of our region.

For such a small community, Union has accommodations to suit most travelers. In the center of Union, Robin Hood Village is an enchanted property. The story goes that the original cottages were built in 1938 by the set designer for the movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood. Only two of the original cottages remain, but the current owners, Ned Kjeldguard and Suzi Strugar have created a magical setting for weekend retreats, family reunions and intimate weddings. With cottages and RV space, a weary traveler can find a welcoming place with good food, good service and superior accommodations.

On the premises, Robin Hood Restaurant and Pub, owned by proprietor Kerry London Meyers, offers a unique dining experience. In conjunction with Kerry’s vision, Chef Mike Holbein creates appetizing meals using fresh ingredients from the northwest. Their produce is grown at High Water Farms, 5 miles down the road, and delivered fresh daily. They work diligently to assure the freshest ingredients and to provide an atmosphere of casual elegance. They work together with Ned and Suzi to plan and organize weddings, family reunions and special events. Don’t miss the open mic night at the pub on Wednesday nights.

The Bend on Hood Canal is a private 7-bedroom luxurious getaway. With a 270 degree unobstructed view of Hood Canal,

you will not be disappointed. From the radiant granite floors to the expansive cathedral ceilings, they have the perfect size accommodations for a couple or your entire family!

Located in the center of Union, Cameo Boutique and Wine Shop was nominated as best women’s boutique in western Washington. With a variety of home décor and women’s clothing, it is a treat to go in and find a treasure for your home. Attached is a wonderful wine shop, with a select variety of wines. They also hold wine tasting for local wineries. Buy a bottle and enjoy it back at your room while you view the spectacular sunset!

If you are looking for a home to rent, Hood Canal Vacation Rentals will find the right fit for your family. Houses are located


throughout the Hood Canal area and range in size and price.

Union is also home to a superb healing and retreat center. Harmony Hill Retreat Center is perched on top of a hill overlooking the water. As a vision of Gretchen Schodde, a nurse practioner, Harmony Hill is the only retreat center dedicated to providing life-giving retreats for people with cancer and their caregivers. The grounds are made up of rustic lodgings, a spacious Great Hall, stone fireplaces, extensive gardens and walking labyrinths, and spectacular views of the Olympics. The facilities are also available for company retreats and family reunions. Available for both single-day and overnight events, the facilities include fireside meeting spaces, healthy gourmet vegetarian meals prepared by their kitchen staff and use of their gardens, grounds and labyrinths.

Anna’s Bay Center for Music is a true gift in this community. Part community music school, part performing arts organization, they provide classical music education to under-served rural areas. They offer performances throughout the year. When you plan your trip, be sure to check their schedule. It is a delightful experience.

Don’t forget to visit Hunter Farms to find the perfect pumpkin, locally harvested meal, and overnight get-away. Wristbands are furnished for activities, which include; tractor rides to and from the pumpkin patch, the hay and corn mazes and animal viewing. Hunter Farms grows many varieties of pumpkins ranging from the small Jack-be-Littles, to the sweet Sugar and Pie, to medium and large Jack-o-lanterns, to the GIANTS. They even have white pumpkins. There is also hay, straw, corn stalk, gourds and winter squash for all your decorating needs.

If you are into gaming, the Lucky Dog Casino is only a few miles away. The latest games are featured at the Casino. They have 200+ of the most sought after titles. The Casino offers some

of the highest payouts in the State. They are recognized for their friendly and helpful attitude. They treat their regulars like family, and welcome first time visitors as honored guests. You will have to stop by to believe it. You may also wish to visit Little Creek Casino, which is a little further away. Little Creek provides a full gaming arena, world-class food and top performers from all over the country.

Take some time and enjoy the unique places right in our own backyard. Union has so much to offer and is a gateway to the Olympic National Park, Hood Canal and the Olympia Peninsula. TCG


SEpTEMBEr/oCToBEr EvENTS09ThEARTS

Metal-URGE ~ June 6, 2009 - September 20, 2009, All Day! Downtown Tacoma, Various Locations Admission is Free! http://www.tacomaculture.org

South Sound Wedding Show- Tacoma ~ September 26, 2009, 11am-5pm. The Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center 1500 Broadway Ave Tacoma Third Floor Ballroom Admission is FREE. A wedding and fashion show (Saturday only) for the South Sound! www.weddingandeventmagazine.com

Puyallup Main Street Association Art and Wine Walk ~ Oc-tober 3, 2009, 3pm-7pm. Puyallup Main Street. Phone: 253-840-2631. Go to puyallupmainstreet.com for updated details.

Fort Nisqually’s Magical Candlelight Tour ~ October 2, 2009 - October 3, 2009, 7-9:30pm. 5400 North Pearl St., # 11, Tacoma, Wa. Phone: 253-591-5339. Admission charged. Eavesdrop on life in the 1857 during Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s annual Candlelight . (253) 591-5339 or [email protected].

Mount Rainier Fee Free Day ~ September 26, 2009, All Day. Mount Rainier National Park, WA. Admission is FREE. Come out to Mount Rainier this year on National Public Lands Day and enter the park free of charge! http://www.nps.gov/mora

Selden Edwards author of The Little Book ~ September 29, 2009, 7:00 PM. 1102 Tacoma Aveune South, Main Library. Admission is free. Phone: 253 591 5666, www.tacomapublicli-brary.org

Dugan Foundation Presents Fur Ball™ 2009 ~ October 3, 2009, 5:30pm. The Landmark Convention Center’s, Temple Theater, 47 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma, Washington. Phone: (253) 572-7700, www.duganfoundation.org/.

Fall Leaves Trains ~ October 3, 2009. Departures: 10:30am, 2:30pm. Departs Mineral Washington. Mt Rainier Scenic Rail-road. (360) 492-5588, (888) STEAM-11.www.mrsr.com/specia-levents.html. General (13-61): $20, Senior (62+) $18, Military $18, Youth (4-12) $15 Child (3 and under) Free

FAMILY&FUN


Your yard,your style

4310 70th Ave East, Suite A, Fife, WA 98424 • 253-922-7075 • 206-575-4609 • www.olympiclandscape.com

Purchase a landscape design by October 15th

and Olympic will give you your choice of a shade or flowering tree, planted in your yard...for free, no kidding!Please visit our website for more details.

by design

Free Tree!

www.olympiclandscape.com

P.O. Box 4207 l Spanaway, WA 98487Office 360.350.1237 l Fax 253.292.3667

www.catalystmediagroupinc.com

university place - the community guide sept 2009

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