Change of watch has finally arrived to the pilot house!

The time has finally arrived to be able to sit at the helm and enjoy the view! The last few months since Tracy's departure have been a whirlwind of bricks falling from the sky, parking lots slipping into the sea, endless phone calls, meetings and many hats to wear. Oh the joys of a General Manager at a urban marina, they call this personal growth. I would like to take this opportunity and give many thanks to my wonderful team of employees, to include our NEW Marina Manager, Jesse Sherwood. With all their dedication, hard work and much Patience, they made this transition appear to be seamless, my drogue in turbulent seas. Our tenants have been most gracious as well in excepting the change in command and all the uncertainties that go along with it, thank you.

One of the first items that landed on my desk, my lap and almost squarely on my head is, the Murry Morgan Bridge project and all things associated. I will update you through this blog as info is made known to me. We will post on bulletin boards and also communicate via our facebook and email contact list. It is apparent after the past month of many complaints and concern for personal safety and noise, they have listened. The noise has toned down a bit, they are building a separate containment system for the dust, the crew yelling should have ceased completely. They have hired an outside agency, Integrity Safety Services, to monitor the air quality, noise levels and take periodic dust samples to the labs, the request was made for this by our tenants 9/1/11 at our public meeting and they responded by 9/6/11, with a weekend and holiday in between. I feel confident that this was a strong first step, we will have a follow up meeting, as soon as I have a date we will post.

Once again, thank you all, I look forward to working with everyone and for everyone, my door is always open, you will find me under the pile! :)

Lori Natucci
General Manager

Last Aloha From the Pilot House - June/July 2011

I am sorry to say that this will be one of my last blog updates. I have accepted a position at the Port of Seattle to oversee Shilshole, Bell Harbor, and Harbor Island Marinas. My last day will be July 18th.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help and support over the last nine years. When I first arrived at the marina there were three people working here and all the marina keys were in one shoebox. It's hard to believe where the marina is at now compared to 2002. We went through and accomplished so many things not just as a marina business, but as a marina community.

We have been in constant transition since 2001 trying to grow and maintain a better product than what we initially found. I am grateful for your patience and understanding during my years at the Foss Harbor Marina. It is my hope that the marina continues to grow and thrive.

At this time, I am not sure who will be replacing me. Regardless, I hope you show them as much patience and kindness as you have shown me over the years.

I will miss you, but I'm sure you will still see me every once in a while down here; Or you are always welcome to stop by the Shilshole Marina Office.

I wish you all a wonderful summer!

Tracy McKendry and her dog, Reilly.

11th Street Bridge Work

For those tenants moored around the 11th St. Bridge: Please be advised they will be working with the debris nets next week between Tuesday and Thursday. There is a possibility that debris may fall out of the nets during that time. Please take care when walking in areas around and under the bridge. Sections of dock may be closed during this time for your safety. For more construction information check out the City of Tacoma website page regarding the Murray Morgan Bridge. http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=13861

In addition, sandblasting working will begin on June 15th.

Kayak Rental - Special Deal This Week!!!

For anyone who mentions our blog this week when renting a kayak will be able to receive our 2 for 1 deal. You can rent one kayak and get the other for free or you can rent for one hour and get the 2nd hour free. This deal lasts until Friday, June 10th, 12pm.

View From the Pilot House - May 2011

The sun is out and things are starting to happen.

The kayaks are here along with the pedal boat and our stand-up surf paddlers! The tenant lounge now has carpeting, furniture, and a TV. We are still shopping for some chairs and a lamp, but you are welcome to start coming in and utilitizing this space. Pressure-washing has started on the locker buildings and will continue through the weekend. Once the buildings are clean and the weather cooperates, the painters will start painting the northern most locker building. This will be a test building to sample the colors that the owners have chosen.The fuel dock is now exclusively selling ValvTect fuel and we now have ethanol-free unleaded fuel!!!

"Salty Dock Day" is coming fast!! It's happening June 11th starting at 10am. We have the following activities already scheduled:
-Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety checks
-Boater's Education Speaker and class
-Citizens for a Healthy Bay speaking on some of the positive changes we are seeing in the area.
- West Marina Booth Display
- Survival Suit Races
- Wheel of Fortune Game
- Salty Dog contest: Dress up your dog and enter them to be the mascot for next year's poster and event.
- Tenant BBQ
- Robin Patterson to talk about the Mosquito Fleet
- Bates Boat Bldg. Program
- Remote Control Boat Pond
- S/V Odyssey
- S/V Red Jacket
- Live Afternoon Music with the Fun Police
- Outdoor Movie at dusk. We will have popcorn!

Just added!!!

Fire extinguisher certification, Metropolitan Vets to talk about pet safety around the water, Next to Nature Pet Store, Washington State Parks "Wear It!" life jacket program(rumor is they are giving out free inflatable PFD's), and much more!!!

We need some volunteers to help us pull off this event. So, if you have some time and you want to have some fun on Saturday June 11th, come sign-up in the marina office as soon as possible. Thanks in advance for your participation.

We are testing out our movie equipment this evening to prep for our summer movie series. You are welcome to join us on the hoist deck at dusk.

Foss Harbor Summer Season Goes Hollywood

The Foss Harbor Marina is excited to announce a new summer feature at their Tacoma marina. Free outdoor movies will be shown on a 12’ inflatable screen every other Saturday starting on June 11th and running through September 3rd, 2011. All tenants including guest tenants will be allowed to participate in this bi-monthly event. Should there be inclement weather; the movie will be moved indoors. The marina has also added a new popcorn machine in preparation for its cinematic debut. This summer the theme for the movies will be maritime-based. Due to licensing requirements, the marina is not allowed to publish actual titles that will be showing on these nights. However, tenants and guests may call and ask for the planned movie on a particular night. Movie nights are scheduled for June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th, August 20th, August 27th, and September 3rd. Guest moorage can be reserved by contacting Foss Harbor Marina (253) 272-4404 located at 821 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. For more information about the Foss Harbor Marina, please visit http://www.fossharbormarina.com or http://www.facebook.com/fossharbor .

View From the Pilot House - April 2011

Happy Spring to all!

There is hope ahead!!! We've had a few days now without the liquid weather; if only we could turn up the heat a little faster.

In preparation for the upcoming warmer(?) season, we are making progress on several items that you might be interested in:


1.Tenant Lounge - The wall is in and painted. The carpet has been ripped up and we are on the schedule to have a new piece put in. Click has installed a cable hook-up for the 50' TV that we are getting. We have a kitchen table with chairs and we are currently searching for a couch and a couple of chairs for the area around the TV. We are also looking at changing some of the light fixtures. The room should be ready sometime in May.

2.Exterior Painting - Painting will most likely start in early May. They will be pressure-washing a building and then painting that building a day or so later. Some locker access may be termporarily impaired.

3.Kayaks - Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddlers, and a paddle boat should be arriving some time in mid-May and ready for rental shortly after. We will have hourly, two hour, daily, and weekly rates.

4."Salty Dock Days" will be on June 11th starting at 10am. We have the following activities already scheduled:
-Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety checks
-Boater's Education Speaker and class
-Citizens for a Healthy Bay speaking on some of the positive changes we are seeing in the area.
- West Marina Booth Display
- Duffy Electric Boat Display
- Survival Suit Races
- Wheel of Fortune Game
- Salty Dog contest: Dress up your dog and enter them to be the mascot for next year's poster and event.
- Tenant BBQ
- Robin Patterson to talk about the Mosquito Fleet
- Terry Payne to talk about the m/v Westward
- Bates Boat Bldg. Program
- Remote Control Boat Pond
- S/V Odyssey
- S/V Red Jacket
- Live Afternoon Music
- Outdoor Movie at dusk. We will have popcorn!

4.Esplanade rebuild - It looks like they will be doing the piling work for the esplanade next January. We are currently working out logistics for restroom & laundry room access as well as relocation for the utility runs.

5.Waterway Security - Lori is working with Coast Guard and contractors to see if we can qualify for a grant that will provide security cameras for the marina. These will not only serve to protect the marina, but also assist the Department of Homeland Security in keeping our waterways safe.

6. Movie Nights - We will be having 7 to 8 possible movie nights this summer. The movies will be on the hoist deck with a 12' screen. We will have popcorn available and will keep the store open later for goodies. Due to licensing requirements, the marina is not allowed to publish actual titles that will be showing on these nights. However, tenants and guests may call and ask for the planned movie on a particular night. The schedule will be:
June 11th - maritime title
June 25th - maritime title
July 9th - maritime title
July 23rd - maritime title
August 6th - maritime title
August 20th - maritime title
August 27th - maritime title
September 3rd - maritime title
*** This schedule is subject to change. If you would like to see a particular film, please let us know.

7. Municipal Dock Site Grant - I recently applied for a grant from the City of Tacoma for a large decorative banner to be hung from the Municipal Dock Site fence. Our goal is to try and discretely camouflage the decaying lot until such time as development takes place. If approved, we are looking to put pictures of the old Tacoma Waterfront on the banners to commemorate the history of the area.

8.Gate 2 Liveboards - It looks like we are finally getting our claim settled from the November 2010 storm. In our claim, I asked for partial compensation for our liveaboards that were on the affected docks and had to evacuate. I know it is not alot, but you will be receiving $40 credit on your account as soon as we receive the reimbursement.

9.Wine Club - I have been talking to some wine vendors about possibly creating a Foss Harbor Marina Wine Club. This would include a monthly tasting event as well as delivery of a couple bottles of wine per month. If you would be interested in this program/club, please let us know and we will begin planning.

Announcing Salty Dock Days

The Foss Harbor Marina in partnership with Foss Waterway Seaport is excited to announce “Salty Dock Days,” a new, free open-to-the-public event on Saturday, June 11th at Foss Harbor Marina in downtown Tacoma. Held on National Marina Day, “Salty Dock Days” will celebrate all the recreational opportunities marinas provide on the nation’s waterways by offering live music; food; boater education classes, speakers, and safety demonstrations; a Saturday Night outdoor movie (weather permitting); and visiting historic vessels. A special feature will be Foss Waterway Seaport’s opening of a new exhibit, an extensive collection of maritime artifacts from the legendary, nostalgic steamboat era on Puget Sound. Guest moorage can be reserved by contacting Foss Harbor Marina (253) 272-4404 located at 821 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402, or the Foss Waterway Seaport (253) 272-2750, ext. 106 located at 705 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Public parking will be available at the Republic Parking lot south of the Dock Building at 535 Dock Street or in the Republic Parking lot south of the 11th Street Bridge on Dock Street. More event specific information will be announced as the date grows closer. Visit http://www.fossharbormarina.com/blog.html for more details or http://www.facebook.com/fossharbor .

View From the Pilot House - March 2011

Hello All,

As some of you know, I am back from my great Antartica adventure. I thought I would post a few pictures so that you could take a look at some of the beautiful scenery that was on display in the southern latitudes. Some are urging me to put together a program/talk about the trip. If I have the time, I might be able to share my experience as part of the festivities on Marina Day, June 11, 2011.

I hope you all are faring well and looking forward to the start of spring. I know I for one could use some warmer temperatures and sunny days.

It has taken me a while to catch-up with everything here at work. I don't think I'm quite there yet, but I am getting closer. I'm sure you are anxious to know about some of the things going on behind the scenes right now at the marina. We have several exciting things in the works.

1. Tenant Lounge - Alan and his handy helpers have started putting up the wall in the back section of the store. He has been putting up drywall all day today. After the wall is finished, we will be painting and then it will be on to the flooring. We have some new carpet left from our store remodel that we will be installing. After the space is finished, we hope to put in a couch, a table, a TV and whatever else we can think of.


2. Exterior Painting - It is still our intention to paint the upland buildings this spring. We haven't determined the exact color of this facelift.


3. Passport to Puget Sound Program - The 2011 Passport program has been launched. The bingo card has expanded from 16 squares to 25 squares with additional marinas now participating. There are five free spaces this year and you have the ability to get a wildcard sticker from Westmar Insurance that you will be able to put on any square of your choosing. The object is to visit as many marinas as possible on the card. Once you get one full line or a "Bingo", you win a free t-shirt. If you are one of the first 20 vessels to get a"blackout" , you may pick one of the twenty Grand Prizes worth $300-$500. More information will be available about the grand prizes after April 1st on the http://www.seattleboatshow.com/ website or www.facebook.com/PassporttoPugetSound. Pick up your card now at the marina office and get your first stamp on the Foss Harbor Marina square.


4. The Tacoma Waterfront Association is having its annual fundraiser,"Celebrating the Waterfront" on April 19th from 4:30pm to 7pm at the Foss Waterway Seaport. The cost will be $50/person. There will be refreshments, Entertainment, and a raffle. The Tall Ship Adventurous will be open for free dock-side tours from 4pm to 6pm. For questions, call 253-272-5650. You can pay online @ http://www.tacomawaterfrontassociation.org/.


5. Kayaks - We are almost ready to order kayaks for our upcoming kayak rental program. We are also looking at standup surf paddlers and paddle boats.


6. Marina Day is on June 11, 2011 this year. We are combining forces with the Foss Waterway Seaport to create a brand new event called "Salty Dock Days". They will be premiering their brand new exhibit on the Mosquito Fleet. We plan on having entertainment, food, safety demonstrations, speakers, and hopefully an outdoor movie to top off the night. Let us know if you are interested in helping or have some ideas for the event.


7. Esplanade rebuild - you will probably start seeing engineers and surveyors on site designing the next section of the esplanade. The earliest start date for the actual constuctions was slated for this fall, but I think they are running a little behind schedule.


8. 11th Street Bridge - The City will begin their 2 year remodeling project on the 11th Street Bridge this April. We will lose the parking under the bridge while the project is underway. There are building a new storm water drainage system that will filter down underneath the bridge where the current parking is.


9. Thea Foss Waterway Protection - I am currently working with a committe on the Tacoma Waterfront Association that is developing a plan to create a wave attenuator to help protect the waterway from storms, such as last Novembers. At this point in time, we are trying to find all of the potential stakeholders(USCG, Department of Ecology, WDFW, DNR, City of Tacoma,EPA, Tug & Barge traffic, ect...) so that we can properly plan. This is a long project and will take several years to come to fruition. If you are interested in such things, please contact me or the Tacoma Waterfront Association. They typically have meetings on the second Wednesday of the month @ 11:30am @ the Foss Waterway Seaport. The meeting for this April is cancelled in lieu of the fundraiser.


10. Waterway Security - Lori is working with Coast Guard and contractors to see if we can qualify for a grant that will provide security cameras for the marina. These will not only serve to protect the marina, but also assist the Department of Homeland Security in keeping our waterways safe.
    

So, as you can see, our plates are full with wonderful projects that we hope will enhance your experience at the Foss Harbor Marina. If you have any great ideas, please leave comments or talk to us in the marina office. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Stay Green.