FEB KPN

Now

Volunteer mentors needed

Communities in Schools of Peninsula needs reading and math mentors to give one hour of time each week after school to help a child learn/improve skills. Mentors are guided by staff in student instruction. Programs are scheduled for fall at these school sites: Minter Creek Elementary, Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45; Vaughn Elementary, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30; Purdy Elementary, Thursday, 3:45-5:45; Key Peninsula Middle School, Tuesdays, 3-4:15; Peninsula High and Henderson Bay High, please call CISP office, 884-5733, for details.

Now

GED classes

Enroll now! Key Peninsula residents may complete a basic skills education for college entrance, employment skills, or a GED. Class meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Home Fire Station. Evening classes (6 to 8 p.m.) are available at the TCC Gig Harbor Campus. One can enroll at any time. For detailed class information, registration and orientation call Tracy Clark, 253-460-2356

 

Now

Swim for fitness
Water aerobics and open swim times are available at the Camp Stand by Me Easter Seals heated pool on Vaughn Road. Classes meet from 8-9 a.m. or 9:20-10:20 a.m. and cost $4.25/session paid monthly. Register with Donna, 884-4473.

Evening open swims on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5- 6 p.m. and family swim on Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. (children under 2 swim for free) are available. Cost is $4.25/swim or 10 swims with a punch card available for $40. Call 884-2722 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.

 

Feb. 1

Bloodmobile

The bloodmobile will be at St. Anthony Hospital in the Smalling Family Education Center Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

Feb. 2

KP Historical Museum

The free museum reopens with the main display on Penrose Park, and a photo display on KP 360 Park.
Hours are 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. See past history of the KP, browse books, mugs, T-shirts, postcards and note cards for sale. Single and family memberships available. Monetary donations accepted. Call 884-2511 or 884-5403

 

Fuchsia club

The Lakebay Fuchsia Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Key Center Library. Ginnie, 884-9744

 

Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Skate night

Friday night skate night for elementary and middle school students is from 6-9 p.m. at the KP Civic Center. Entry is $5 and includes skate rental, games and crafts. Special $2.50 entrance offered on Feb. 24. 884-3456

Feb. 4

CPR training

CPR for health care providers is taught from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Key Center Fire Station. 884-2222

 

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27

Bloodmobile

The bloodmobile will be at the Gig Harbor Albertsons from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

February 7, 14, 28

Tuesday trips to town

The Mustard Seed Project sponsors the KP School bus Connections, “Tuesday Trips to Town,” so folks may ride an off-duty school bus to local stops or connect with Pierce Transit Route 100 in Purdy. This is a free, limited schedule service, dependent on the weather in the early morning based on Peninsula School District’s inclement weather decisions. Van connection service is available for riders over age 60. Call 84-9814 for information or check www.themustardseedproject.org.

 

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Story time

Baby story time is held at 10:15 a.m. at the Key Center Library.  Preschool story playtime follows at 11 a.m. 253-548-3309

 

Feb. 7

Dance classes for kids

Various dance classes are taught by Julie Miller on Tuesdays at the KP Civic Center: Intro to Dance, for ages 3-5, is from 9:30-10:15 a.m., Beginning Ballet/Tap, for ages 5-9, is from 4-4:50 p.m., Beginning Jazz Combo, for ages 6-10, is from 5-5:50 p.m., Beginning Ballet/Tap, for ages 7-11, is from 6-6:50 p.m. and Beginning Jazz/Hip Hop/Tap, for ages 10 and up, is from 7-7:50 p.m. Cost is $28/month for first class taken and $22/month for second class taken; siblings cost $22/month for first class taken and $18/month for second class. 253-606-3763 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Key Singers

The Key Singers begin the spring season at 7 p.m. at KP Lutheran Church. All interested singers welcome. 884-5615.

Feb. 8, 15, 22

Family time

Family story time is held at 11 a.m. at the Key Center Library. 253-548-3309

Feb. 8

Tacoma Narrows toll meeting

The WSDOT is hosting an Open House from 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by a public meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Gig Harbor Civic Center (3510 Grandview St.) This is a meeting for the public’s input on the four proposals for the new tolls. The current proposals are $4.25 or $4.50 for Good-to-Go pass holders, $5.50 or $6 for cash and $7 or $7.50 for photo tolling paid by mail. The higher tolls will begin July 1, 2012. Comments may be made online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/TNBTolling/CitizenAdvisoryCommittee (see bottom of page).

 

Feb. 11

Bloodmobile

The bloodmobile will be at the Gig Harbor Safeway from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

 

Emergency preparedness 

The Key Peninsula Civic Center, Community Council and KP Fire Department are presenting a Citizen Corps training on the operating of Volunteer Reception Centers, which help to process volunteers after a major disaster. The free training is from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. in the Whitmore Room of the KP Civic Center; register at 884-3456.

 

Second Saturday

Family members will learn art techniques and create Valentine’s Day cards at 11 a.m. at the KC Library. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Key Center Library. 253-548-3309

Lyme group

The Lyme support group meets from 1-3 p.m. at the Key Center Library.  Lyme mimics over 300 other diseases including MS, and ALS.  Positive group support for chronically-ill patients, caregivers and family members, and information and education on the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the world is offered. Local doctors and nurses, on the frontlines for rural communities, are especially invited to come and learn from patients. Lyme has four times the number of AIDS patients in N. America and is growing.

Comedy & dinner night

Enjoy dinner and comedy night at the KP Civic Center with your friends or family. Kane Holloway, feature comic, and Dean Oleson, headliner, and emcee Mike Coletta provide the entertainment. Tickets, $25, include dinner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner starts at 7p.m.; show starts at 8.p.m. 18+ only. Tickets are available at KPCC in Vaughn, Sunnycrest Nursery in Key Center, and Ellis Accounting in Wauna.  884-3456 or kpciviccenter.org

Feb. 11-12

Babysitter class

A Safe Sitter Class is held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Key Center Fire Station. Call 884-2222 to register.

Feb. 14

Levy vote deadline

The Peninsula School District Educational Programs and Operations Levy, which expires in 2012, is up for renewal on this vote.  Ballots must be mailed by midnight.

Friends meet

The Friends of the Key Center Library meet at 5 p.m. at the library.  All Friends are welcome to attend and participate. 253-548-3309

 

Feb. 14 & 16

Knit or crochet
Loving Hearts voluntarily knit and crochet hats for chemo patients and the backpack program for kids, baby items and blankets, wheelchair/walker bags, and fingerless gloves for veterans in the community. They meet from 1- 3 p.m. at the WayPoint Church. They will meet on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at the Ardena Gale Mobile Park in Fife. Yarn donations are always welcome. Virginia, 884-9619 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Feb. 16

Third Thursday forum

Mustard Seed Project of Key Peninsula hosts the Third Thursday Community Forum at 10 a.m. at the Key Center Library. This month’s free forum features Bob Riler, of Pierce County Aging Disability Resources, who will present "Family Caregiving 2012: Caring for Families in the Great Recession." All are welcome and van transportation available. Call 884-9814

Salmon group meets

Washington State Parks in partnership with the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group are in the planning stages of a grant-funded, shoreline habitat restoration project to remove an old 750-foot creosote bulkhead from the shoreline at Penrose Point State Park. Please attend an informational meeting at 6p.m.in the Whitmore Room at the K.P. Civic Center to learn how this project will restore valuable salmon habitat and improve public access to the beach. 

Feb. 19

Third Sunday jam

Bluegrass Gospel Jam sessions held at Longbranch Church (16518 46th Street KPS) from 6 - 8:30 p.m. for all acoustic instruments, ages, and skill levels. Everyone’s welcome to play, sing, or simply listen. Bring music stand, finger food to share; music and beverages are provided. 425- 492-4177

 

Feb. 21

Fire meeting

The Fire Fighters’ Association meets at 6 p.m. at the Key Center Fire Station. 884-2222

 

Sports sampler deadline

Youth aged 4-9 may experience a sampling of sports including indoor and outdoor soccer, t-ball, kickball, and basketball on Saturdays, Feb. 25-March 31, at the KP Civic Center. Cost is $45. Each age group meets separately and will have 7 to 20 children. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 884-9240

 

Feb. 21 & 23

Mid-winter camps

KP Parks offers mid-winter break camps for ages 6-12.  Cost is $15 session with 5-15 students per session. Sign up for as many sessions as desired. Tuesday 2/21 from 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. is Mad Science; Tuesday, 2/21 from 1-4 p.m. is Teamwork Theater; Thursday, 2/23 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is Creative Artz; and Thursday 2/23 is Teamwork Fitness. Participants must register by Feb. 14 at 884-9240 or Jessica@ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">keypenparks.com.  Kids staying for both sessions must bring a sack lunch and will be supervised during break.

 

Feb. 23

Pee wee sports sampler deadline

Pee Wee youth (ages 3 & 4) will experience a sampling of sports adapted for their age group on Tuesdays, Feb. 28-April 3, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the KP Civic Center. Every class features cooperative games focusing on teamwork, communication and problem solving. Class size is 7 to 15; cost is $45 per youth. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 884-9240

 

Feb. 25

Family fitness offered

Key Pen Parks is offering “Fit for Fun” for family members ages three and up. Large group team-building games and cardio stations are adaptable to all ages and abilities. Classes are on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-noon at the KP Civic Center; cost is $4/person.  Deadline for registration is Feb. 22. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 884-9240

 

Feb. 27

Music ‘n’ motion deadline

Key Pen Parks offers an exploration of music and movement for children ages 4-12 on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the KP Civic Center. Participants will dance, sing, play instruments, practice tumbling, discover rhythms and create a performance for the last day of class. Class size is 5 to 15; cost is $45/student. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 884-9240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFF THE KEY

 

Now-Feb. 5

9/11 Memorial Exhibit

The Harbor History Museum hosts the '9/11 Memorial Exhibit' brought from New York City to Gig Harbor earlier this year by Gig Harbor Firefighters. The exhibit is on public display in the lobby while the GH Firefighters’ Association raises funds to build the 9/11 Memorial Garden at Station 51 on Kimball Drive.

858-6722

 

Feb. 2, 9, 16

Reunion for rug hookers

A reunion for rug hookers is held Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Participants should bring an unfinished rug or start a new rug, get help for your project, or just enjoy the time to create. Fee is $5. Carlie Schulz, 206-351-7739

 

Feb. 4

Fox Island market

The Fabulous Fox Island Market is held at Nichols Community Center with free parking, admission and playground. Bring a non-perishable food item for the FISH Food Bank and shop from thousands of hand-crafted items and unique items from quality vendors. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 253-549-2701

 

Downtown walk

Join the Historic Gig Harbor Waterfront Association for the monthly artwalk; this month’s focus is the “Art of Chocolate.” Mary, 253-514-0071

 

Feb. 5

Bridal open house

A Bridal Open House from 1-3 p.m. is presented at the Wesley Inn. Le Garmache catering, the Wesley Inn, and A Greater Plan Wedding & Events Consulting sponsor this event. Enter the “Wedding Bliss Engagement Story Contest” for a chance to win a free wedding. The free wedding, to be held between 10/7/2012 and 11/30/2012, includes the venue, food, lines, tables & chairs, and planning for 100 guests. Email your engagement story, 300 words or less, by Feb.1, 2012 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Finalists must be at the Open House to win. Gina Marie Spadoni-Lillie, 253-514-3597

 

Feb. 7, 14, 21

Rug hooking class
Folks can learn to hook a small handmade rug in three sessions, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., including all aspects of creating a rug from color planning to the finishing touches. Basic Kit is $60 and includes a hook, 16” x 16” pattern and recycled wool.  Class fee is $75. Carlie Schulz, 206-351-7739

 

Feb. 8 &22

Knit for life

St. Anthony Hospital Knit for Life Group meets at 1 p.m. at the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center at the Milgard Medical Pavilion with beginning and skilled knitters. Instruction, yarn and needles are available at no charge. The group is free and no experience is needed. Knit for Life™ is a network of volunteers who use the healing experience of knitting to enhance the lives of cancer patients, cancer survivors and their caregivers. During treatment, recovery and survivorship, participants can attend twice-monthly knitting and support sessions in a fun, welcoming environment. Knitting helps to calm the mind, reduce pain and lower blood pressure, providing a welcome break from the stress of dealing with cancer. Jenna at 253-530-2642 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Feb. 10

Family movie night

Fox Island Alliance Church presents a free movie night at 6:30 p.m.; free popcorn and candy are available for all ages (kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult). Call 549-2831 for specific movie or foxisland.org.

 

Feb. 15 & 22
Create a book
Learn to make both an accordion-style book and a pocket book from 1-3 p.m. Bring old maps and ephemera or any small items that could tell a story. Class fee is $60 and includes basic supplies. Carlie Schulz at 206-351-7739

 

Feb. 18

“Jungle Book”

Fifty students from Harbor Heights Elementary School, along with the Missoula Children’s Theater, present “The Jungle Book” adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. The play will be presented at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Peninsula High School; tickets are $8/adults, $5/students, under 5 free. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. %20or%20skcostin@comcast.net"> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 851-7206

 

Father/daughter dance 

The 10^th annual Father/Daughter Ball is from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. Dress up and make some memories. Tickets are $30/couple and $5/for additional child. Make reservations at PAA Office in the Boys and Girls Club or www.paa.youth.org; call 858-7678 for information.

 

Feb 26
KP authors read
Key Peninsula authors Dick Dixon and Karen Lovett will hold a reading/sales event at the Peninsula Library in Gig Harbor from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. Dixon's "Dillon's War: The Weretiger of Kontum" and Lovett's "Beneath the Surface" will be available for sale, the authors will read excerpts from their books and share some of their writing and publishing experiences.

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY EVENTS

 

Tuesdays

TOPS #1325

Take-Off Pounds Sensibly meets at 9 a.m. at the Key Peninsula Lutheran Church. Free child care, fun and support are provided. 884-2554

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Preschool play time

The Children’s Home Society KP Family Resource Center offers a preschool/toddler indoor park program from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the KP Civic Center. Care-givers must stay with child. Drop-ins are welcome; stay for as long as you can. A $1 donation per child is suggested. 884-5433.

Tuesdays

Key singers

The Key Singers, the KP community chorus, meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the KP Lutheran Church sanctuary.  884-5615

Wednesdays

Lakebay writers

The Lakebay Writers meet from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Key Center Library. 884-3931

Wednesdays

Watermark writers

The Watermark Writers present a free writer’s workshop from 5-8 pm in Vaughn.  Call 253-778-6559 for information.

Thursdays

Toastmasters 

The Toastmasters meet from 8-9 a.m. at the Key Center Library. Join the fun and improve your speaking ability.

Thursdays

 Senior Society

The Key Peninsula Senior Society, aka Yesterday’s Teenagers, meet at 11:30 a.m. for a potluck, fellowship and games at the Civic Center. All are welcome. 884-4981

Saturdays

Writers’ guild

The Writers’ Guild meets from 9-11 a.m. at the Key Center Library. 884-6455

 

Saturdays

Zumba class

Zumba for ages 16+ is offered on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. at the KP Civic Center. Cost is $53 for a 5-class punch card, which is good for 2 months after purchase date. 884-9240 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS

 

KP Community Fair Association, Feb.7, 6 p.m. in Roadhouse Restaurant VIP room; www.keyfair.org

Key Peninsula Community Council, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. at Key Center Fire Station

Peninsula School District Board, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. regular meeting at district office

 

KP Civic Center Board, Feb. 9, annual holiday party potluck at 6 p.m. & meeting at 7 p.m. in Whitmore Room

 

Key Pen Parks, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Volunteer Park Annex

 

Fire District 16, Feb. 14 & 28, 6 p.m. in meeting room, Key Center Fire Station

 

LIC, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. at Longbranch Improvement Club

 

KP Citizens against Crime, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. at Home Fire Station