Alisha Harrison ~ Allyn, Belfair and Hood Canal real estate expert!

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Does that ring any bells? The bell of freedom perhaps?

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veteran's Day began as a day to honor those that served in World War I, then called The Great War. There was a temporary cessation of hostilities (armistice) on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, and on the first anniversary of that day, President Wilson proclaimed that day be Armistice Day. In his speech he addressed the nation saying, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity is has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the council of the nations..."

It wasn't until 1938 that US Congress made November 11 a national holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. However, due to the subsequent World War II, the 83^rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 to replace the word Armistice with Veterans, thereby honoring and celebrating American Veterans of all wars.

So, short history lesson aside, I want to take a moment to thank the Veterans. If not for you, I would not enjoy my freedoms. This country is what she is thanks to those who fight to defend her. Please join me in thanking the Veterans in your life, your community and your country.

To my Dad, Rob Drexler, a 22 year Veteran of the US Navy...

To my husband, Chad Harrison, an 8 year Veteran of the US Navy...

To my many friends who have served and/or are currently serving in any branch of the US Military...

A sincere, heartfelt, Thank You!

I love my community. If you have read any of my past blogs, I'm sure you knew that already. I think I live and work in the most beautiful place in the country. I also love the people, local politics and community spirit! We support each other. From Shop Local to the support of our Boys and Girls Club, this community takes care of her own.

I'd like to know what others think about their communities. What do you love about it? Why did you move there/stay there? What are you doing to improve your community? What is important to you about community? What does community mean to you?

Great news for homeowners in Mason, Kitsap and Jefferson Counties! There is an amazing program out there that offers assistance to homeowners with septic systems in need of repair, upgrading or replacement. This program was created to fill a need in our community.

The expense of typical septic repairs, let alone replacements, is prohibitive for many homeowners. Because of this, many septic systems are failing. A poorly functioning septic system is a liability to the homeowner and the community! In addition to the possibility of a nasty back-up and added expenses to the homeowner, these failing septic systems can pollute surface and drinking water, ruining the natural beauty and damaging our watersheds.

That is why the ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia was created. A non-profit lender, ShoreBank offers loans for 100% of the cost of the septic repair, upgrade or replacement. There are no hidden fees or out of pocket expenses. These loans are provided at an extremely low interest, as low as 2%, and are based on income level not on credit history. As a matter of fact, usually these loans are available regardless of applicants' credit score! Additionally, the homeowner is able to choose any certified septic professional to complete the work.

So, if you are living in Mason, Jefferson or Kitsap County and are in need of septic repair, check out their website for more information.

Alisha Harrison is a REALTOR working in Mason, Kitsap and North Pierce Counties. She is a real estate expert and an active member of her community.

Nestled between the pristine waters of the Puget Sound and the majestic shores of Hood Canal you'll find North Mason. It's a beautiful community. In addition to the amazing salt waterfronts, we enjoy many fresh water rivers and lakes as well as vistas of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier. I find myself always searching out a new place to enjoy the natural beauty. There isn't anything much more relaxing than a good walk in the beautiful outdoors. I always take advantage of the opportunity to for a nice a walk. Whether it's sunny or overcast, warm or cool, if I have the chance I take it. Luckily for me, North Mason is home to The Theler Wetlands.

Located in the heart of Belfair, just off Highway 3 at the tip of Hood Canal, The Wetlands at Theler offers something for the nature enthusiast in everyone. The Wetlands is comprised of 71 acres of salt marsh and estuary wetlands at the mouth of the Union River. You'll enjoy well groomed trails through forests and boardwalks over wetlands that meander through nearly 5 miles of nature's beauty.

Known as a haven for birding, Theler is the perfect place to view everything from the Great Blue Herons to Belted Kingfishers from Bald Eagles to Red-winged Blackbirds. One of the great things about The Wetlands is that it is perfect for not only the experience birder, but also the novice, like me. There are pamphlets with birding hints in the lobby as well as electronic bird identifiers, bird books and binoculars available from the staff in the Exhibit Building.

In addition to the trails and birding opportunities, there is also 2 acres of Master Gardener Native Plant and Grass Demonstrative Gardens surrounding the Exhibit Buildings and classroom. There are 21 separate gardens that showcase the versatility and beauty of low maintenance landscaping that native plants coupled with well conceived design afford. Including over 800 native trees, shrubs and ground covers, this may well be the largest collection of native plants in a natural setting in Western Washington. The gardens were designed and planted in 1997 by master gardeners along with help from community and student volunteers. The gardens are proof of what true community spirit can create!

I had the opportunity to take one of my much loved walks through the wetlands just last week. I had a lunch appointment and then my afternoon was free, and as it was a beautiful fall day in the Pacific Northwest, I decided to load up my daughter and enjoy some rare free time! I'm so glad I did. The skies were brilliant blue, the air crisp and the trees were awash in deep reds and golds. We came upon two Great Blue Herons, along with a myriad of other birds while we were walking and the dragonflies accompanied us through the trails. Having a background in photography, I was having a wonderful time with my camera.

In addition to being a wonderful natural sanctuary, The Wetlands is also home to the Theler Community Center, hosting many community activities, events and meetings. The North Mason Chamber of Commerce holds their monthly luncheon on the fourth Wednesday of every month. You can find Karate classes, Senior Dance Socials and Family Bingo throughout the week. Check out the calendar for more info and specific dates and times. The Theler Center is also a designated emergency shelter for the North Mason community.

Theler receives no tax support and is run by a volunteer board and relies heavily on donations and fund raising efforts. Yet another example of our community spirit!

I hope everyone is able to take advantage of this beautiful asset to the North Mason community. If you are searching for educational opportunities or just a quiet place to collect your thoughts, Theler offers something for everyone!

If you decide to experience the beauty of Theler for yourself, feel free to email me or give me a call 360.649.0374. I'd be happy to offer any assistance I can. Or, stop by my office at 23552 NE State Route 3, Suite 2B in Belfair for some coffee before you go - the pot is always on and the conversation is always enjoyable!

Ok, so I admit it, I'm a brat. I'm the only child of a retired Navy Master Chief, so I guess that makes me a Navy brat. I grew up moving and travelling. Born in San Diego, I've also lived in Italy, Florida, Georgia and finally Washington State. I've seen many places. I have also made a hobby of travelling for pleasure, across the United States, throughout the Caribbean and Central America and Europe. I travel every chance I get, however I don't have any desire to move away from the beautiful Puget Sound. I love it here.

That brings me to my point. How truly beautiful Olympic Peninsula surrounding the Hood Canal and Puget Sound is. And what a great place this is to live and raise a family.

There is nothing better than waking up to a view of the Olympic Mountains, crisp and clear and capped in snow, with the Hood Canal glimmering in the foreground. Unless perhaps, it's a view of the Puget Sound with Mt. Rainier all covered in snow and glowing in pink from the sunrise. And the sunsets, oh the sunsets. Fiery orange with majestic purples swirling in the sky, causing the mountains to just ‘pop' from the horizon.

And there's more than just what meets the eye. There is so much to do here. Hiking, bike trials, mountain and marine sports, bird watching and off-roading. I can hop in my car and drive in just about every direction and run into something wonderful to do. From the Dosiwallup waterfalls to the hills and beaches of Fort Warden, mountain biking in the Olympic Mountains to the off-road trails of Tahuya State Forest, boating on any of our waterways to kayaking on the Canal or Sound, there's something for the mariner or land-lubber in all of us. Shopping and fine dining, world class resorts and wineries, PGA level golf courses - we have it all. And we are only a ferry boat away from Seattle, a short drive north of Olympia and a hop, skip and a jump away from Kitsap County.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is true... and there's MORE! Housing affordability rates are better in Mason County. An average home costs approximately $220,000, which is well below other area averages. And our area is growing. We have a new Urgent Care Center being built as I type, as well as a Rite Aid about to open. In a time that so many communities are seeing businesses close and homes foreclosed, I am happy to report that things are looking up for Belfair and Mason County.

So take a day, and c'mon out to the Peninsula. Gimme a call, (360.649.0374) I'd be happy to show you around and treat you to some lunch or a great cup of coffee! You won't regret it. You might just find yourself falling in love with the Peninsula...