Hey There, Harborite: Barley Bennett

This weeks Hey There is a special request brought to you by The Salty Dog in Seabrook, Wa.

Name/Age: Barley Bennett/  One and 1/2 years old

Where Do You Live: Cosmopolis, in a doggy igloo that is all my own

Profession/Day Job: Bone chewer, hole digger, and face licker

Loyal To: my wobbly kong and if you dont know what that is you must click here.

Best Harbor Moment: My grand escape from my old house to run around in the snow on Cleveland Street all morning long.

Favorite Treat: My Tundershirt that I bought from Ann at The Salty Dog, did you know that I get a treat everytime I wear it?

Favorite Local Business: The Salty Dog, they have an awesome bath there that feels so good after I play in the sand!

Grunge, Metal or Country: Whatever my mom is listening to in the car, I dont really care it is all English to me!

Beach, Forest or River: All of the above! I can play in the water at the beach and the river, there are so many fun smells in the forest and I can play fetch anywhere so just let me bring my ball and I will be happy.

Favorite Outdoor Adventure: Pacific Beach. Have you seen all the sandpiper birds at the beach? They are so fun to chase and try to catch and run after.

Define the Harbor in One Word: Huge!

If You Could Change One Thing About the Area, What Would it Be: Can we get a Dog Park up in here people, I would build it but I don't have thumbs!

Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: Its loving homes for pets like me;)

Hey There, Harborite! Kelsey Jobst

Hey There, Harborite!

Name: Kelsey Jobst

Where Do You Live: Central Park

Profession/Day Job: Middle School Music Teacher

Loyal To: Bobcats! I bleed blue & gold

Best Harbor Moment: Conducting the halftime show during the 100th Aberdeen/Hoquiam Game.

Favorite Coffee Stand: LUNCH! (Batdorf & Bronson is my favorite)

Favorite Local Business: B& B Automotive (yay Dad!)

Grunge, Metal or Country: After living in Ellensburg for five years, I have finally been converted to country.

Beach, Forest or River: All of the above! That is why I love the Harbor.

Favorite Outdoor Adventure: Ocean Shores - in the sun or the clouds

Define the Harbor in One Word: Green

If You Could Change One Thing About the Area, What Would it Be: I'd love to see more comunity involvement in the schools.

Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: School concerts! The kids work very hard and the talent on the Harbor will surprise you (and they are free!).

Hey There Harborite: Keelee Frost

Name/Age: Keelee Frost/49

Where do you live: Aberdeen

Profession/Day job: Teacher

Loyal to: Bella Fourche SD Broncs

Best Harbor moment: Coming into Aberdeen for the first time in my memory, 21 years ago, over the bluff and looking down the Wishkah river and through to the bridge.  Beautiful and wide open and GREEN! Love it still!

Favorite coffee stand: Safeway Starbucks

Favorite local buisness: Grays Harbor Stamp

Grunge, Metal or Country: None of the above

Beach, Forest or River:  Beach... then forest, then river

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip:  To the Beach! Second fav is "Rain Forest 101" up on the North side of Lake Quinault, or Clam digging.

Define the harbor in one word: Magical

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Have organizations, families, etc. adopt different corners throughout the town to beautify the whole area.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Sunset views!

Hey There, Harborite: Julie Rajcich

Name/Age: Julie Rajcich/29

Where do you live: Aberdeen

Profession/Day job: Student/Library Outreach Associate/Julie Rajcich Designs Owner & Photographer

Loyal to: Go Bobcats!

Best Harbor moment: There are many to choose from. A moment from the past that I always enjoy thinking about is when I was a junior in high school.  I was on the football cheer squad and our team was having a serious losing streak.  Well this particular night was different, we were WINNING!  It was a cool crisp night and you could feel the excitement in the air.  We made another touchdown and the crowd went wild. We might as well have been winning the super bowl :) It was great to see such great support from the community.  Even though our guys had lost the other games the stadium was full.   As the game neared an end my squad and I were nearly in tears just bursting with excitement.  As the time on the clock ran out the football team ran over, the guys beaming.  I've never seen so many happy, excited teens in one place.  After such a hard season it felt so great to see the guys celebrating after all of their hard work ;)

Favorite Coffee Stand:  I've never been a coffee, I'm more of an ice cream fan.  I love Scoops.  They're reasonably priced and it is fun to go to a unique ice cream shop.  I was enjoying some ice cream one day when a group of young boys came into the shop.  They each ordered about three scoops of ice cream with so many toppings that the dessert maker was having a difficult time finding room for all the extras.  It was quite comical watching the treats being dished up and then watching the boys attempt to devour them!

Favorite Local Business: Wiitamaki's is great. My family and I have been shopping there ever since I can remember.  The customer service is always amazing and they've always been very eager to help whenever I've needed any adjustments or repairs.

Grunge, Metal or Country: Music is great for the soul.  I've never really been picky when in comes to different genres of music.  To me, anything that has a fun beat and makes me want to dance is at the top of my list.  I took dance lessons from the time I was 5 to 19 so music of almost any kind has always been a friend of mine.

Beach, Forest or River: This is what I love so much about Grays Harbor, we're close to a little bit of everything.  I love them all!  Each has such wonderful things to offer and now, as a photographer, I have learned to appreciate them even more.  They each have such a storied past and as I photograph, I find myself imagining what these areas were like in days gone by and what's to become of their futures.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Since the age of 8 I have been taking trips out to the Wynoochee Dam in the Olympic National Forest.  This place is special to me because it holds years of family memories and I love to see how it changes from year to year.  Several miles down the road from the dam I also like to visit Wynoochee falls.  The area is so peaceful and beautiful. It's a great place to go when you need a nature fix :)

Define the harbor in one word: Home

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be:   I would love to see downtown Aberdeen revitalized and the mall in south Aberdeen shut down.  The mall is in horrible condition and filled with vacant storefronts.  I really feel that moving the major stores that still exist in the mall to the downtown area would be a great face lift and would also bring more shoppers downtown to the other great shops that are often overlooked.

Grays Harbors best kept secret:  The history.  I feel the history of the area is often overlooked when really it is quite interesting.  I wish that when artwork was brought into the Aberdeen area there would have been more focus placed on the history of the area instead of fictitious creatures in cages.  There is so much to share with tourists and newcomers but I feel like they aren't exposed to it unless they seek it out.  To most Aberdeen/The Harbor is just an area to pass through on their way to the beaches...this is unfortunate.

Hey There Harborite; Jen Regan

Name: Jen Regan

Where do you live: Pacific Beach Inn, Pacific Beach

Profession/Day job: Innkeeper at Pacific Beach Inn

Loyal to: Since I didn't grow up in the Harbor, I'll just plead Mariners fan. And hope for the best.

Best Harbor Moment: Having the wedding of my dreams with the most amazing friends and family all around to celebrate with us near the Pacific Beach State Park. It was the most beautiful drizzly day, and I will remember it forever.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Hi Flyers Kite Shop. The perfect place to grab a (leisurely) cup of coffee and hear about what the whole town is up to.

Favorite Local Business: I'm a huge fan of Hometown Feed's great service, and addicted to Grays General Store for all my craft addiction needs. Closer to home, I love Voss Acres, and the small beach town feel of the Seagate Lounge.

Grunge, Metal or Country: I'll have to plead grunge.

Beach, Forest or River: I live a stone's throw from the beach, but each time I visit the forest I want to go back for more!

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: My kids and I are slowly but surely exploring our way around Lake Quinalt. I love all the secret nooks we've found so far.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Invest in sturdy rain gear.

Define the Harbor in one word: Vast

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: More connections between local businesses. I feel like the Harbor is just moments away from becoming a real destination, not only for tourists passing through, but for the local community as well.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: I know I'm a bit partial, but I think the town of Pacific Beach really has the best the Harbor has to offer. We are close to beaches for kites, the rivers for fishing, the forest for hiking and camping and less intrepid travelers usually get stopped up in Ocean Shores and keep our town a quiet place for those who know where to look

Hey There Harborite: Miriam Groesse

Name/Age: Miriam Groesse

Where do you live: Pacific Beach

Profession/Day Job: Owner/Operator Beach Avenue Bed and Breakfast

Loyal to: Hyaks and tourism.

Best Harbor Moment: Chairing the sand castle and sculpture contest at Pacific Beach for the last 10 years.  Making donuts for the Kelper's parade on Labor Day weekend.  It's so great to see the same people year after year, coming to see and enjoy our wonderful beaches.

Favorite coffee stand: My own. I do lattes for guests, but if I go out it's Emily's on Main Street in Pacific Beach.

Favorite local business: Beach Avenue Bed and Breakfast.  The house belonged to Josiah Stearns and he used it as his beach house.  He built it in 1905.  Stearns was a partner in the Simpson Lumber Company and owned the water company in Hoquiam.  We have lived here since 1988 and have done work to keep the house in historical shape and yet livable in these modern times.

Grunge, Metal or Country: Classic rock on KXPB radio 89.1 in Pacific Beach, Moclips, Seabrook, Aloha and points beyond.

Beach, forest or river:  Pacific Beach to Moclips has the best beaches anywhere.  Quiet, peaceful, clean.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Long walks on the beaches and a trip to the Museum of the North Beach and a hike at Lake Quinault.

Define the Harbor in one word: Unforgettable

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Better shopping in Aberdeen and Hoquiam.  It seems we lose great stores every year, the South Shore Mall is empty.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Our Northern Coast; Pacific Beach, Seabrook and Moclips.

Hey There Harborite: Kyle Pauley

Name/Age: Kyle Pauley/30

Where do you live: Cosmopolis

Profession/Day Job: Journalist at KXRO/Owner at AXB

Loyal to: Wishkah Loggers

Best Harbor Moment: Growing up I heard about Metal Church from harborites, but never had a chance to see them until a few years ago.  I've been to a thousand concerts but seeing Metal Church return and play at the NW passage before they broke up is the highlight of my concert life.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Anywhere with White Coffee.  I usually only drink my 16oz quad shot white chocolate mocha with white coffee when garage sailing on Saturdays.  Black coffee and energy drinks fill my days.

Favorite Local Business: Can I count AXB as my favorite?  This is a hard question because how do you choose?  Growing up I loved the mystery of Judy's Collectibles, but as an adult I love Pure Clothing.  I have a fondness toward Tom Cat Tatoo, Roseveers and astickymess.com.  I love any business that knows that not every person is exactly the same and you can be yourself.

Grunge, Metal or Country: Yes. Grunge will always hold a place in my heart.  My Zune is filled with everything from Hall Aflame to Kanye, Dave Matthews Band to Slipknot.  If I am working on something new I prefer Rage Against the Machine, but usually it is something acoustic.

Beach, Forest, or River: I grew up in Wishkah and was surrounded by the forest.  I would get lost for hours on a deer trail and I will always feel most at home there above the others.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: I have always loved the Jetty for the same reason I love junkyards and abandoned buildings.  I love to go out as far as possible before dropping down and crawling as far as I can through the tunnels and finding random rope and sticks.  Inside I'm still a 5 year old boy.

Define the Harbor in one word: Home.

If you could change one things about the area, what would it be: When I was in college at GHC, I was thinking of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to see, but I realized then that this is where I need to be.  I want to do everything I can to show people that this area is filled with things to do and there is so much good happening.  The fact that people still see The Harbor as a "depressed logging community" or the buzz phrase of the day is what I would like to change.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Mallards.  Whatever you are doing right now, make a reservation.

Hey There, Harborite: Cassie Lentz

Name/Age: Cassie Lentz/24

Where do you live: Wishkah/Aberdeen

Profession/Day Job: Program Officer at Grays Harbor Community Foundation


Loyal to: Bobcats!


Best Harbor Moment: Just being able to live, work, play and have amazing friends and family all within a 20 minute drive. My husband and I got engaged at Lake Quinault, got married in Ocean Shores, and now live out the Wishkah and I wouldn't have it any other way.


Favorite Coffee Stand: Backstage Espresso, they have great coffee, great service and it's always a nice quiet place to meet a friend and chat or have a business meeting. Last time I ran in there to buy tickets to a show at the D & R I ran into 4 people I knew.


Favorite Local Business: Oh my gosh there are so many! Just on the same block where I work I go to Harbor Drug and Pure Clothing constantly! Harbor Drug always has a card when I need to get one and mail it fast, not to mention that's where I discovered my obsession with Woodwick Candles. Pure Clothing has cute clothes, accessories and Jokay gives personal recommendations when I come in on stuff I would like.


Grunge, Metal or Country: Country. I listen to it all but I live out the Wishkah, I have to say Country.


Beach, Forest, or River: I have to say the view from my backyard of the Wishkah River is pretty amazing.


Favorite Outdoor Adventure or Day Trip: Lake Quinault, it's a quick drive and it can be an all-day adventure or just an hour-long hike depending on your mood. Plus it's beautiful year round.


Define the Harbor in One Word: Home


If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Does the weather count? I really don't mind the rain but I've been waiting to have a "real" summer for a solid 3 years now.


Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: I know it sounds corny but I'm going to say the people. In my job I work with a wide range of people from high school students to the elderly and they all have been so welcoming, kind, and caring. People support each other and really do care how your day is going. It's a very cool experience to know and have a relationship with every high school counselor, non profit executive, and other community leaders.

Hey There, Harborite: Larry Burgher

Name/Age: Larry Burgher/50

Where do you live: Copalis Crossing

Profession/Day Job: Digital Marketing Specialist / The Daily World

Loyal To: Grizzlies

Best Harbor Moment: The day we purchased our 17 acres of paradise at the confluence of "the city the beach & the rainforest"! 

Favorite Coffee Stand: Has to be Backstage Espresso at the D&R Theater! Love the ambiance...The fireplace just makes those cool moist Grays Harbor days seem less gloomy. I also like that they play music from the next artist/group scheduled to play the D&R.

Favorite Local Business: Any business that is locally owned, locally operated, keeps their profits local, purchases from other local businesses, donates to local causes, and does a good job of marketing/branding their business through the many avenues available in Grays Harbor.

Grunge, Metal, or Country: Call me "Mr. Eclectic" because when it comes to music I can listen to almost anything as long as it's not "angry" music or sounds like the lead singer is about to choke on the microphone.

Beach, Forest, or River: I live in the forest next to a river 10 minutes from the beach...do I have to choose? I would say the river first because if it's warm enough (outside) you can swim in it and when it's not...you can fish or drift down in a boat...or build a campfire & skip rocks...

Favorite Outdoor Adventure or Day Trip: A day with my family on the Humptulips River or Lake Quinault hiking & building a campfire & relaxing.

Describe the Harbor in One Word: Unforgettable 

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Attitude. The negativity that gets spewed out by people and media from outside of Grays Harbor can have a lasting effect on the residents. Many former Harborites bash their hometowns as if they've "escaped" or have "made it" because of their geographical relocation. Life is what YOU make of it. I've traveled many  places and without exception, every place I've been has a negative/downside that they try to hide (or not talk about) and a "jewel" that gets promoted and marketed readily. I would like to see a continued effort on the part of ALL Harborites to open their eyes to the beauty and history of this great county and share that with all your social networks! When others post negative comments then do your best to "turn that around" and find the good! (like if they complain about all the rain here, tell them "we have a perfect growing climate for gardens, forests & flowers and all these trees & plants create an abundance of oxygen and fresh air!")

Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: It would no longer be a secret if I told you...

however, one of the least kept secrets and best local "things to do" are the entertainment opportunities here in Grays Harbor:

The 7th Street Theater with their "vintage movie nights"

The Bishop Center with their amazing stage productions

The D&R Theater with their AWESOME concert venue! 

The myriad Festivals, Events & Fundraisers that ALWAYS result

in showing the amazing generosity of this community!

Hey There, Harborite: Kelly Hogaboom

Name/Age: Kelly Hogaboom, 35

Where do you live: Hoquiam

Profession/Day Job: Homeschooler / Stitcher, Tailor, Artisan / Freelance Writer / Volunteer


Loyal To: My Family


Best Harbor Moment: It's hard to pick from so many years' worth of wonderful experiences. One that comes to mind: when my then-7 year old daughter and I took a bike-camping trip from Hoquiam out to Westport. We each rode our own bikes and packed our own gear. We had so much fun and met so many surprised but supportive people on the way! 


Favorite Coffee Stand: I'm partial to Tully's in Hoquiam for the convenience. Lunch at Lunch makes the best cappucino and tea latte. And I got a soft spot for Britta at Gray's General. Having a pour-over coffee while talking craftivism - you can't beat it.


Favorite Local Business: Taquería El Jalapeño - delicious, amazing, homestyle food at wonderful prices.


Grunge, Metal or Country: I've got a soft spot for grudge - I graduated in 1995 for crying out loud - but my musical predilicitons are most influenced by my husband Ralph, who writes and records his own. He's always bringing all sorts of stuff home. Currently listening to: CocoRosie, Florance & the Machine, Peaches, Hank Williams (the original), the Shirelles, and M83.


Beach, Forest or River: When it's hot out, I mean blazing hot, you gotta hit the river. The forest is good in any weather - perhaps best on a chilly and spooky fall evening. The beach is perfect when you're feeling a bit lonely and like you want to experience the glory of Creation.


Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: In the last week of the Ocean Crest the kids and I took a trip to Point Grenville and we ran around for the day, the kids getting to ride in the back of the pickup truck. We then had a fancy meal at the Ocean Crest while being waited on by a friend. My children were so impressed with the view and drinking water out of wine glasses, they behaved like they were wearing tux and tails!


Define the Harbor in one word: verdant


If you could change one thing about the Harbor, what would it be: Nothing. It's perfect. Our difficulties keep us busy and keep us caring for one another.


Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The most wonderful, kind, hilarious and exhilarating weirdos live here. :-)

Hey There, Harborite: Claire Bruncke

Name/Age: Claire Bruncke/19

Where do you live: Currently Portland, OR - Grew up in Aberdeen

Profession/Day job: Program Leader for Multnomah Co. Outdoor School

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever) Bobcats Grad, but I'll cheer for any Harbor team

Best Harbor Moment: Performing in Logger's
Playday Parades with the marching band, while the whole community cheers you on!

Favorite Coffee Stand: Anywhere with a familiar face!

Favorite Local Business: Jay's Farmstand

Grunge, Metal or Country: The occasional country reminds me of the county fair on a sunny day.

Beach, Forest or River: I love tall tress and waterfalls

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Quinalt Rainforest or Grayland Beaches

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Columbia Raingear!

Define the Harbor in one word: Character

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: The way people perceive it

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The view looking east from the top of the big hill in Hoquiam before you cross the bridge. You can see all the way to the Satsop towers on a clear day/night & the Miss Grays Harbor Organization!

Hey There, Harborite: Lisa Smith

Name/Age: Lisa J. Smith/27

Where do you live: Cosmopolis

Profession/Day job: Office Manager-Imperium Grays Harbor

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever) Bobcats

Best Harbor Moment: The winter storm of 2007. Almost any storm on the Harbor is a memorable moment for me as I have always been fascinated by weather. I know that some people who read this may think I am crazy but that storm was so exciting. I am always fascinated by Mother Nature's
power, it is never to be under estimated.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Coffeeman! I've been going to them for the past 5 years almost every morning!!

Favorite Local Business: Herbig Jewelers! I love going into Herbig Jewelers to shop and sometimes I swing by just to say hi and have my rings cleaned. From fine jewelry to candles, they have a bit of everything. Owner Mark Herbig and his staff have come to know me quite well over the years and I always feel like I am well taken care of by all the staff. They've even helped my mother pick out a Christmas gift for me that was perfect because they knew exactly what I liked.

Grunge, Metal or Country: All of the above, just depends on my mood. During work hours I actually listen to classical piano.

Beach, Forest or River: Forest! I'm a logger's daughter and I grew up in the forest and have great respect for the beauty and bounty that our forests provide.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: My favorite outdoor adventure is out in North River where I grew up. There is a logging road that I like to adventure out on when the weather is nice. There is a spot where I can see Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountain range, the wind turbines on the coast, the nuclear towers at Satsop Development Park, and forest for as far as the eye can see.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: I don't bother trying to stay dry! I've grown to accept the rain over the years. Getting a little wet doesn't dampen my day!

Define the Harbor in one word: Home

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Unemployment. I believe that higher employment numbers for this area would have a positive compounding effect on Grays Harbor.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Imperium Grays Harbor! And that's not because I work there! We have been at the Port of Grays Harbor for over 5 years now and I still have people from Grays Harbor asking who is Imperium and what do we do. And for those reading this that may not know, Imperium Grays Harbor is one of the largest bio diesel manufacturer's in the United States. The fact that we are producing a renewable fuel right here in Grays Harbor makes me very proud of where I work and what I do for a living. I absolutely love talking about what we do at Imperium as I am very passionate about my job. As our industry continues to grow, I hope we won't be the best kept secret in Grays Harbor and that our community can be proud to have such a unique and amazing manufacturer right here in Grays Harbor!

Hey There, Harborite: Don Stone

Name/Age: Don Stone / 41

Where do you live: Cosmopolis

Profession/Day job: Co-Owner, Rosevear's Music Center

Loyal to: Bobcats (but in my heart I'll always be a Cosi Termite too!)

Best Harbor Moment: Tough question. Since I've lived here my whole life there's been quite a few, but today I'll go with the day my folks took me down to Rosevear's so I could buy my first electric guitar. I started playing guitar when I was 15 and got fairly obsessed with music. I'm thankful that the majority of my professional life I've been able to be involved with music some how. I'm as goofy about guitars now as I was then, and I can still remember everything about that car ride over to Rosevear's and picking up that Strat. That was a Good Day. ;)

Favorite Coffee Stand: I don't like coffee... can we talk cheeseburgers?

OK Favorite restaurant to get cheeseburgers: well there are so many that do a great job, how can I just pick one from the group? It'd be like a parent saying they had a favorite child.

Fine... top 3?: well... it probably changes from day to day, but right now I'll say (in no particular order) Clark's, The Crow's Nest, and Humdinger (and I can't help myself here, I have to give Honor and Remembrance to my Grandparent's restaurant Stone's Cafe in Hoquiam, and Privatski's up at AHS. Best burgers that no longer exist in this world. Excuse me... *sniff* I need a moment to compose myself.)

Favorite Local Business: well for obvious reasons I'm gonna have to go with Rosevear's. Outside of the Home Team though I'm gonna have to go with Dennis Company. 

Grunge, Metal or Country: I kinda like it all. I'm not a huge fan of grunge, but if there are guitars in it, generally I can find something I like.

Beach, Forest or River: Depends on my mood on any given day. Around here they're all great!

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: taking a Jeep ride in the woods

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: finding a cozy spot to sit and play guitar.

Define the Harbor in one word: damp

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: I would love to see downtown Aberdeen get back to what it was like when I was a kid.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Viet Hoa restaurant in Ocean Shores. Best Chinese food ever!

Hey There, Harborite: Alanna Johnson

Name/Age: Alanna Johnson/34

Where do you live: Westport

Profession/Day job: TwinStar!

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever) Wildcats

Best Harbor Moment: When my beautiful daugther was brought into the world!

Favorite Coffee Stand: Starbucks..but I don't really frequent coffee stands! I can't afford it!

Favorite Local Business: Steepwater Surf.  Surf rentals in Westport, and Westport Brewery!

Grunge, Metal or Country: None of the above.  R&B and Hip Hop

Beach, Forest or River: the Beach

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Washington State Wineries

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Sit on my comfy couch and watch movies with a hot buttered rum!

Define the Harbor in one word: Glorious

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: The dark, cloudy, rainy weather

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: If I tell you it is not going to be a secret! :P

Hey There, Harborite: Sal Abruscato

Name/Age: Mr. A a.k.a Sal Abruscato

Where do you live: West Aberdeen

Profession/Day job: Kindergarten Teacher at A.J. West Elementary

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever)My Family and friends

Best Harbor Moment: Purchasing a little chunk of Western Washington heaven, where my wife and I plan to build our dream home and mini farm.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Consistent Cups, “Hi Sheena”

Favorite Local Business: The Dennis Company The only place where I can get anything I might need in one spot.

Grunge, Metal or Country: Mostly grunge but have been starting to appreciate some country. I also like the timeless hits of Motown and most classic rock

Beach, Forest or River: All three but if I had to pick one I guess river because they flow from the mountains through the forests and to the beach.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: I enjoy the area around Lake Quinault for hiking, canoeing, sight seeing, and a romantic get away too.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Good rain gear! If you let the rain stop you from going out then you are missing a lot of prime outdoor time.

Define the Harbor in one word: potential

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: I wish people would stop dumping their trash on logging roads and other back country areas. There is nothing worse than walking through the woods and coming upon piles of garbage.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: That’s for me to know and you to find out for yourself.

Hey There, Harborite! Jason Lake

Name/Age: Jason Lake age 36

Where do you live: Montesano, WA

Profession/Day job: Employment counselor at WorkSource Grays Harbor 

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever)I was a Grizzly, my kids go to Aberdeen, my fiancée’s go to Montesano and my kids play sports in Montesano so I have strained allegiances.

Best Harbor Moment: I think there are many great moments in Grays Harbor. We’re like Stallone from Rocky 1, not too pretty and we never seem to win the championship but we keep getting knocked down and we pull ourselves back up. We pull together as a community, which we have seen with the 2007 Storm and most recently helping a community member with an aggressive cancer. There’s a lot of negativity in our community but there are major positives to build on once we band together to do so.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Heron Street Coffee Man, hands down. Though, I am pulling for my friends the Whisenhunts to get the Central Park stand off the ground.

Favorite Local Business: WorkSource Grays Harbor-I’m biased, I know, but we really do work hard to help the community of Grays Harbor. We live with the worst unemployment in the state but the jobs are there. We want to help you find them. There are plenty of great businesses in Grays Harbor. The Pasha Group, Imperium Renewables, and the D&R Theater are all very exciting for the jobs, innovation and entertainment they bring to our area. This is what we need to get reinvigorated.

Grunge, Metal or Country: All the above. I am definitely a 90’s rocker with a strong affinity to Grunge and the Northwest Scene but I truly do love most all types of music. The one exception is “new” country. Give me the Outlaws any day but keep your pop with a twang. 

Beach, Forest or River: I love the beach but not the really easily assessable ones. I don’t go out by the Shilo very often, more of a remote Ruby Beach type of guy. Though I do love the Rainforest and Quinault.  Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Like I said, taking the family to Ruby Beach is my favorite get away in Grays Harbor.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: I’m a huge movie fan, so either in the theater or on my couch sounds like a great day. 

Define the Harbor in one word: potentialful. (you didn’t say it had to be a proper word)

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: I would work to bring new industry here. We have serious infrastructure for new opportunities. The Port has been the one bright spot but it has not netted nearly as many jobs as is needed to truly turn us around. I know we have the labor force. With some true innovation with industry and local area partners working in workforce development we could create a new job market and put people back to work in family wage jobs. That is truly my biggest passion: creating opportunities for working folks to provide in a meaningful way. I know we have the potential, it’s just a matter of convincing new jobs to come our way. 

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Its people. The problem is it seems that’s a secret even to the people in this community. If we could create meaningful partnerships in the community to achieve economic and social development I believe this county could achieve a new identity. We have created Nobel Prize winners, goliaths of industry, and artists that have truly changed the landscapes of their forms. Grays Harbor has been great before and we could be again but it would take a real movement, a revolution. Viva la Revolucion!

Hey There, Harborite! Andrew Bickar

Name/Age: Andrew Bickar | 30 years old

Where do you live: Hoquiam, WA

Profession/Day job: Executive Chef | Ocean Crest Resort

Loyal to: Bobcats, Aberdeen and Montana State University...(my alma mater)

Best Harbor Moment: The day we open the new Ocean Crest Restaurant

Favorite Coffee Stand: My kitchen with a french press

Favorite Local Business: Lytle Seafoods

Grunge, Metal or Country: Depends on the day

Beach, Forest or River: River, any river

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Humptulips River

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Rain gear

Define the Harbor in one word: Bountiful

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Retaining our educated youth

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The coast



What to be featured on Hey There, Harborite? Email your answers to gogograysharbor@gmail.com! We'll let you know what date your post will be up. Please include a photo clear photo of yourself.

Hey There, Harborite! Krister Lile

Name/Age: Krister Lile, 29

Where do you live: Central Park

Profession/Day job: Artist + Designer + Ambassador of Creative Playful Living & Positive Thinking

Loyal to: Central Park Cougars + the C.P.P.

Best Harbor Moment: Kayaked out into the harbor around summer solstice, so it was like 9:30 or 10pm and still bright out. Hit it at a lowish tide so we found a massive tree stump poking through the surface of the water, tied the boats off to it and went swimming in bright orange warm sunset water.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Northern Coffee Co.

Favorite Local Business: La Vogue Bike Shop

Grunge, Metal or Country: Bach, Cobain, Traoré, Peyroux

Beach, Forest or River: Here on the coast, where they all meet. It's magic.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: sea kayaking or outrigger canoeing the harbor or exploring ruby beach on foot

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: reading a great book, woodworking or cooking/eating with friends

Define the Harbor in one word: Storied

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: People would live in downtown Aberdeen + Hoquiam

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: the waterways as seen by Kayak. Get out there people.

Hey There, Harborite: Erin Worth

Name/Age:  Erin Worth, 29

Where do you live: Aberdeen ,WA

Profession/Day job: Chef/Owner of Lunch

Loyal to: I bleed blue and gold baby....Bobcat all the way

Best Harbor Moment:  I was sitting in Starbucks with Callie Pratt and Krister Lile talking about the harbor and how we should change it or even if it was worth sticking around.  Suddenly we were talking about what we wanted on the harbor and within two hours I had been talked in to starting my own cafe.  It was the seed that over the course of six months turned in to my place Lunch.  It all started with a simple hypothetical question.

Favorite Coffee Stand: When I was younger I was very loyal to Coffee Cat.  But I have worked at the local Starbucks and now I serve Batdorf and Bronson coffee and Lunch so I just drink my own espresso when I get to work in the morning.

Favorite Local Business:  There are several.  I love Waughs because Trent is there and he keeps me informed about all the latest and greatest Washington Wines, but I'm alway pleasantly surprised when I go in the Country Closet.  The owner has so many cute items along with the season/holiday trend and I can't wait to see what she has for Valentine's Day.

Grunge, Metal or Country: I'm a little Country I have to say.  I was lost when Big D and Bubba left the air but now they are on the Big Foot County on the Harbor and they are the only people I can tolerate in the morning because they play quite a bit of music too.

Beach, Forest or River:  Beach.  I love the beach in the middle of a storm and I love the beach in the summer.  Westport is diverse with many things to see.  You can go to the Jetty and watch the surfers and then go walk the docks and buy fresh seafood right off the boats.  I wish more businesses were open year round but it's a nice afternoon adventure.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip:  I love the drive up the Quinault and walking the Big tree loop and then either having lunch in the Roosevelt room at Lake Quinault Lodge or driving over to the coast and having lunch at Ocean Crest or in Seabrook.  It's a nice loop even in the winter with newly paved roads and very little traffic.  When I have people come to town who have never been to the harbor I always do this with them.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days:  Stay at home with a good book and a fire or drive up to Walter Dacon in Shelton and see if there are any new wines and developments and have a chat about small business with Andy.

Define the Harbor in one word: supportive

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be:  I want to revive downtown.  We all talk about wanting independent stores and a beautiful downtown area that we can be proud of but when we look at our bank statements and in this economy we all flock to the super stores like Walmart for the discount products and best deals.  We watched so many great places close over the years due to the fact that they can not compete with the slashed prices.  It's devastating to see 75% of the down town un-occupied and torn up.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret:  My Place!!! Lunch is growing but I'm still looking for more.  Once the spring hits there will be outdoor seating and homemade gelato.  I'm excited for the future of Lunch and everything it has to offer the public.

Hey There, Harborite! Stephen Poulakos

Name/Age: Stephen Poulakos

Where do you live: Seabrook, WA

Profession/Day job: Director of Town Development | Seabrook Land Company

Loyal to: Grays Harbor, WA…..Period.

Best Harbor Moment: Our company(Seabrook Land Company) winning West Coast Community of the Year by Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC)in San Francisco--2011

Favorite Coffee Stand: 59 Main (Pacific Beach, WA)

Favorite Local Business: Seabrook Cottage Rentals

Grunge, Metal or Country: Grunge--Nirvana, Kurt Cobain

Beach, Forest or River: All (3) + Mountains of Olympic National Park! ;-)

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Curl up in front of wood burning stove in Boxwood Cottage

Define the Harbor in one word: Resilient

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Loss of Historic Buildings

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The Coast & its growing tourism industry!