Community briefs

Gateway news services

Sunnycrest Nursery launches new Artist Gift Gallery

Sunnycrest Nursery and Floral has created a permanent Artist Gift Gallery for the holiday season.

The gallery debuted last month. The new format is intended to provide an outlet for local artists and to maintain Sunnycrest’s desire to offer only products made locally or in the United States, nursery owner Claudia Loy said.

Artists featured include Reni Moriarity’s watercolors and cards, Gary Anderson with Lakebay Pottery, Byrnn Rydel’s jewelry and beads, Krista Hallainen’s candles, Dale Loy’s pine needle baskets, Kristen Bottiger’s gourds, Robin Peterson’s cards and books, Lois Ashley’s botanical jewelry, Beverly Pederson’s hand-painted silk scarves, Dan Whited’s wood art and Pat Thompson’s Acrylic abstracts.

Three local authors — Jerry Libstaff, Scott Hefferman and Colleen Slater — also will be featured.

Sunnycrest Nursery and Floral is located at 9004 Key Peninsula Highway N. in Lakebay. Call 253-884-3937 for more information.

‘Santa Sandy’ will make area appearances in December

Sandy Elken, a longtime Key Peninsula resident, will celebrate his 55th year as Santa Claus this season. He plans to make several appearances in the area.

If the weather permits, Santa Sandy will appear at Austin Estuary Park, across the street from the Beach Basket on Harborview Drive in downtown Gig Harbor, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.

To arrange a private or neighborhood appearance, call 253-851-0271.

Key Pen Parks offering shuttle to ZooLights

The Key Peninsula Metro Parks District will offer transportation to the Point Defiance Zoo’s holiday lights display.

A shuttle will depart from the Key Center Fire Station at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and return about 9 p.m. The fee is $19 and will include transportation, admission and a light snack.

The minimum number needed for the shuttle is 25 people; the maximum is 42.

Call Key Pen Parks at 253-884-9240 or e-mail chad@keypenparks.com for more information.

Christmas Cabaret by Key Singers planned for this week

The Key Singers will present their Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Key Peninsula Lutheran Church’s McColley Hall, 4213 Lackey Road KPN in Lakebay — a new venue.

The program, which will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary music with sing-alongs, will benefit the Community House Food Bank. Guests are asked to bring non-perishable food and/or monetary donations.

Free holiday musical program offered by Friends of Library

The Friends of the Key Center Library will present a free annual Holiday Musical Program at 7 p.m. Thursday at McColley Hall at the Key Peninsula Lutheran Church, 4213 Lackey Road KPN in Lakebay.

The Helios Trio will perform classical instrumental works and several lighter selections, including vocals by Mary Boyum, the trio’s cellist. Kathy Strickland is the pianist and Paul Leary the clarinetist.

Call 253-884-2242 for more information. Donations to the Key Peninsula Community Services Food Bank are encouraged with admission.

Penrose Point to host Waterbirds Walk

A nature walk at Penrose Point State Park will help bird watchers identify and learn more about local water foul.

The park will hold a Waterbirds Walk at 11 a.m. Saturday. Attendees will meet in the parking lot near the lawn.

The park will have one scope and a few pairs of binoculars for participants to use.

The event is free, but those interested should call 253-884-5214 to register. The group size is limited to 15 people.

Nominations needed for KP Citizen of the Year

Nominations for Key Peninsula Citizen of the Year must be received by the sponsoring Key Peninsula Lions Club no later than Feb. 4.

Nominees may be of any age and should be residents of, work on or own property on the Key Peninsula.

No member of the Lions Club may be nominated. Those nominated should be considered for having rendered volunteer service on behalf of the Key Peninsula community, whether for a single outstanding contribution or for sustained contributions over many years.

Send nominees’ names, telephone numbers, mailing addresses and a brief description of why you feel they deserve to be recognized to: KP Lions, PO Box 63, Vaughn, WA 98394, or by e-mail to hmcmnp1000@centurytel.net.