People & Places

West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!

Chris Clark: COTN International President, Founder and CEO • Debbie Clark: COTN Senior Director of International Programs

Unsung Heroes — Chris and Debbie Clark

Children of the Nations (COTN)

Chris and Debbie Clark founded Children of the Nations (COTN) in 1995. A fifth-generation missionary born in Japan and raised in Liberia and the United States, Chris had worked for Youth for Christ for 10 years. Debbie, who grew up in Edmonds, worked … read more

Harbor Family Park

Harbor Family Park — Land Saved for Future Generations

Through efforts led by Gig Harbor citizen-activist Vern Young and a few other community visionaries, a 19-acre forested site was saved from becoming a housing development so that the community, as well as future generations, will have a wonderful park. Young, who died … read more

Art in Public Places — The Roller Blader
Art in Public Places

The Roller Blader

This whimsical sculpture is part of the public art collection in Uptown Gig Harbor, a destination shopping center. Southworth artist Douglas Granum made the 9-foot sculpture from steel, covered with “Ferrari red” powder coat; and etched, stainless-steel rollers. “The Roller Blader” greets visitors … read more

Artist Larry Ahvakana
Artist Larry "Ulaaq" Ahvakana

Expressing Native Tradition Through Contemporary Art

While many artists excel in a variety of mediums, it’s rare to meet a master who is equally talented as a woodcarver, jewelry maker, painter, glassblower, printmaker and sculptor. For Larry “Ulaaq” Ahvakana, that’s not even a complete list. Known nationally for his … read more

Unsung Hero — Julie Ann Gustanski

Greater Gig Harbor Foundation

Julie Ann Gustanski is a founding member (together with Vernon Young, Eric Guenther and Mike Paul, Jr.) of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. All of her work for the foundation — including, currently, as the CEO — has been volunteer service. Prior to … read more

The Gig Harbor Cooking Club

Cooking Club Brings Food and Friends Together in the Kitchen

Learn. Cook. Eat. Drink. Laugh. This is the mission statement of the Gig Harbor Cooking Club, an eclectic group of amateur chefs who have formed lasting friendships through food. The club began two years ago, after one member spent a month in Korea. … read more

A Home for Entertaining
Cover Feature

On the Level — A Home for Entertaining… and the Dogs

In the summer of 2014, when Lance and JoAnn Kahn first saw the 1970s rambler, they weren’t all that impressed. The 40-year-old house was dated and the floorplan was decidedly quirky with long, dark hallways that ran like tunnels from either side of … read more

Dream Kitchen Remodel
Dream Kitchen Remodel

A New Floor Plan and a Wealth of Custom Features and Cabinetry

It wasn’t just the bright-green Formica countertops that Tami Watts disliked about her kitchen. Watts and her husband, Brad, owner of Valley Nursery in Poulsbo, typically host holiday and birthday gatherings for their extended local family, now three generations. The long peninsula in … read more

Personalize a gift box or choose one of Boehm's prepared boxes with the shop's most popular chocolates.

The Perfect Gift — Hand-Dipped Holiday Chocolate

Hand-dipped. Carefully crafted. Family recipes. Locally made. Quality ingredients. There is nothing like handmade chocolate. Who wouldn’t want to receive a beautiful box of chocolates as a holiday treat? Candy and chocolate have always been a part of holiday celebrations, and in the … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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