The lack of new businesses and the spotty support of new businesses is a well-worn topic of conversation in Port Ludlow. However, last week I represented the Jefferson Community Foundation at a “table” at the “The Chamber of Jefferson County” Port Ludlow Mixer. The event was in the patio area between Dana Point Interior Design and Cucina’s and was well attended in spite of the occasional light rain showers. In some respects an event like this brings out your old friends in the area. I talked with Kathie Sharp and John Paxson of Windemere Real Estate, Karen Best and Dana Petrick of Coldwell Banker Best Homes, Brian Jackson who came from Port Angeles and Home Instead Care, and Diana Smeland of Port Ludlow Associates who joined with me to kick off the US Flag Project the East Jefferson Rotary Club does on five holidays a year. Michael Haberpointer of Active Life Physical Therapy was there providing sympathy for my sciatica infested back. Both Kitsap Bank and Sound Bank were well represented providing pens and other “swag”. I was also pleased to meet Sharla Erich who plans to start a physical therapy business providing services in the home. BJ bought flowers from Caitlin Dietrich who grew up here and sells her flowers at the local farmers markets. Old friend Judy Courtright used her voice to enhance the live music. In addition, Port Ludlow regulars Don Clark with his daughter and granddaughter, Joe Krausman, and David Cole enjoyed the music, free wine, and free food! (Hey, so did I.)

The annual “Brewfest” fund-raiser for the “Chimacum Backpacks for Kids” is a week from Saturday, October 6 at the Bay Club, and will raise mixed emotions for anybody who knows much about this program. One of the founders and drivers of the program, Karen Jensen, recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. BJ did taxes and was in a book club with Karen and I knew her from her work with the back-packs program. I suspect the Brewfest will be rich with Karen’s spirit, along with Valholl, Slaughter County, Downpour and Hood Canal Breweries. Finn River will also be there along with a couple of bands, Steelhead and the Alternators. If you need a warm-up for the Brewfest, this Friday Karen Best is hosting her annual Oktoberfest in the parking lot by Best Homes and Port Ludlow Dentistry. Maybe Doctor Stephen Porter will serve some beer and brats!

So far we have recognized some existing businesses, highlighted a couple of new businesses, and encouraged support of a great program by drinking some beer. Of course what we really need is some grab bars in the shower! You probably already know that group flying under the radar and is known as the Boeing Buebills. It is populated by retired Boeing employees and like-minded others. BJ and I have had some back problems this summer and I have been particularly sensitive to needing a safety bar in the shower. One call to Barbara Berthiaume precipitated a visit the next day by David Parrish who installed a couple of bars for us. You pay only for the bars but they seem to be more than willing to accept a donation supporting their charitable efforts with the area’s food banks and other worthy projects.

Let us now remember a quote from George Jean Nathan. “Marriage is based on the theory that when man discovers a brand of beer exactly to his taste he should at once throw up his job and go work in the brewery.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!

NedLuce@sbcglobal.net