By Christina Corrales-Toy
Italene Gaddis, a 90-year-old poet, songwriter and musician, plays her autoharp in her Newcastle home in 2013.

Newcastle resident Italene Gaddis had a dream.

The 90-year-old musician, author extraordinaire wanted to join Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show” and sing her mother a song.

Almost 30 years after that dream was born, it’s still that, a dream. But if Gaddis and her supporters at KING-5 TV have their way, that fantasy will become reality sooner than later.

“You know, some things you try to do, they don’t happen right away,” Gaddis said from her Newcastle home April 23. “It don’t mean it’s not going to be, it just means it’s not time.”

KING 5 and reporter Lori Matsukawa started a campaign April 22 to try and get Gaddis an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

The local NBC affiliate, the same network that carries Fallon’s show, is asking everyone to use the hashtag #GetGrannyonFallon on social media to show their support for the singing granny.

Enhanced by her charming Southern drawl, the poet, musician and songwriter captivates with her quick wit and sunny disposition. She’s an endless source of encouraging words, uplifting songs and positive affirmations.

She currently shares her inspirational songs and poems at senior centers and retirement homes around the area. Still performing nearly every day, with autoharp in tow, the 90-year-old is hoping only to spread a message of peace, love and happiness.

“I try to encourage people. That’s really why I do what I do,” she said. “To encourage someone, well, that’s the greatest gift you can give next to love.”

Gaddis’ songs span a variety of topics, including more reflective pieces that delve into personal life experiences, as well as lighter pieces, such as one that tackles Puget Sound-area car traffic.

While Gaddis effortlessly inspires those around her, a symbol of the woman that motivates her — the one she wanted to sing to — sits delicately in her hair for all to see.

She credits much of her work to her mother, Sarah Elizabeth, who “raised her the right way.” Gaddis always dons a single flower in her hair as a tribute.

If all goes as planned, Gaddis said she would love the opportunity to share her music with Jimmy Fallon and his audience.

“My songs have something to say,” she told Newcastle News in 2013. “If I could teach the world to see with their heart and not their eyes through my music, what a better world we would have.”

Since KING 5 aired Gaddis’ interview, she’s received media requests from all over the region, she said. She recently joined an Oregon radio station to talk about the campaign and perform a song.

Gaddis said she’s optimistic that she will get her shot in front of a national audience, but until then, she is more than content with the local support she has already received through the #GetGrannyonFallon campaign.

“It’s like I’m living in heaven while I’m still on earth,” she said.

Learn more about Gaddis, and see video of her performances, at www.italene.com.

For me, and I’m sure I’m not alone, one such person is Newcastle resident Italene Gaddis.

Talking with Italene is like eating a spoonful of sunshine, in a good way, and if it was possible. It’s like preparing for an important game, getting the best pep talk of your life and just crushing the competition. It’s like playing with a litter of newborn puppies or relaxing on a nice, long vacation.

Need I say more?

Spend an hour with the 90-year-old Newcastle musician and your faith in humanity can’t help but soar to new heights.

Rarely do I get the chance to interview someone that so vitally makes me stop to examine how I’m living my own life.

Italene is all about living in the now. She’s encouraging, kind and that signature smile never leaves her face. She’s faced hardships in her life, like anyone, but she refuses to dwell on the past.

She sees the good in everyone and everything. Conflict, hate and negativity just aren’t part of her vocabulary.

Whenever I talk to her, I leave convinced that this kind woman with a pure soul could stop wars between nations. The truth is, the world would be a much better place if everyone lived with the same sunny disposition that Italene has.

I know just in my short time knowing her she has inspired me to live my life without regrets, seize beneficial opportunities and act a little kinder toward those around me; and I’m confident that she has the same effect on everyone that she meets.

In my most recent conversation with her, Italene told me of her dream to one day perform on “The Tonight Show.” That dream is closer to reality than you’d think, thanks to the support of KING-5 TV.

The local NBC affiliate started the #GetGrannyonFallon campaign on social media last month to garner public support for an Italene appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show.

I just about jumped out of my chair with delight when I first saw the @KING5Seattle tweet about Italene.

“She deserves this,” I thought. “And the world deserves to see this hidden gem that calls Newcastle home.”

So, please, join me in spreading the news, overzealously using the hashtag #GetGrannyonFallon and doing all that we can to help make Italene’s dream come true.

Executive Director Imelda Dulcich announced publicly Feb. 11 that she is resigning from the chamber to focus more on the clients of her public relations firm.

“I am privileged to have worked with so many wonderful members of the community in my work as executive director,” she said in a news release. “My joy has been working with the chamber board to help our members succeed by providing opportunities to build connections, increase visibility and learn through our educational events.”

Hired in 2012, Dulcich served in a part-time consultant role as the chief administrator and executive officer of the chamber. In her position, she implemented the policies of the board of directors, administered the approved budget and acted as the chamber spokeswoman.

Dulcich played a key role in raising the visibility of Newcastle businesses through social media promotion. She also spearheaded the welcomed transformation of the Newcastle Diamond Awards into a glitzy evening affair.

During her time with the chamber, Dulcich offered valuable training opportunities for members, and made the monthly luncheons a not-to-miss event with heralded guest speakers such as U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, sports radio personality Bill Swartz, King County Sheriff John Urquhart and Q13 Fox News’ David Rose.

After announcing her decision at the Feb. 11 chamber luncheon, Dulcich received a standing ovation from the attendees.

The chamber board accepted her resignation with regret, according to the news release.

“Imelda’s unique brand of social media talents and personal touch strengthened and deepened the chamber’s role within the region,” past chamber President Peter Zevenbergen said. “Imelda leverages her insight and wisdom to make profound impacts on all her work. She will be missed.”

The board started laying out a plan to find Dulcich’s replacement at its annual retreat Feb. 12.

Sara Biancofiori, current chamber president, added that Dulcich has agreed to work with the board to provide continuity and easy transfer of work for the new executive director.

“There are many exciting things happening in 2015 for our chamber. While I’m sad to see Imelda go, I know that together with our board, we will continue to build on our successes,” Biancofiori said. “Because of Imelda, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has seen tremendous growth of our visibility in the region, and we will continue that trend into the future.”

Chamber board welcomes new members

The chamber added three new members to its board in February.

Local photographer Jackie Steinke and Newcastle Library staff members Vicki Heck and Donna Day join Biancofiori (Coal Creek Family YMCA), Zevenbergen (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation), Nick Sooy (Farmers Insurance), Mary VonRanker (CedarMist Healing Arts), Hayley Stowe (Regency Newcastle), David Uchida (The Golf Club at Newcastle), Travis Monen (HomeStreet Bank) and Karin Blakely (Waddell & Reed) on the board.

Look to the future — The city has enjoyed a few years of financial stability, but looking at future forecasts, challenges are ahead as development revenues begin to disappear. Begin the discussion now, not later, to make decisions that will ensure the city’s financial future isn’t seeing red.

Keep an eye on Energize Eastside — Puget Sound Energy’s Community Advisory Group just selected its recommended routes, and both include proposed electric transmission lines through Newcastle. The company’s Energize Eastside process, aimed at upgrading power lines to fulfill the growing demand, is far from over, though. Make your voice heard and participate in the coming Environmental Impact Statement process and any other avenues offered to share your concerns.

Do something with Lake Boren Park — It’s been more than a year since the city unveiled a series of conceptual designs for improvements to Lake Boren Park at a town hall meeting. During that October 2013 presentation, a majority of respondents supported park improvements, and even expressed a willingness to pay for it through a park levy. City leaders need to decide how much of a priority Lake Boren Park truly is and move forward with a levy process if it’s that important.

Make a long-term decision on marijuana — The Newcastle City Council extended the six-month moratorium on marijuana-related business activity within Newcastle at its Dec. 2 meeting. A moratorium is only a temporary measure, though, and a permanent solution must be reached sooner rather than later. The council has talked about marijuana numerous times and each time it does, a ban is discussed. The council should decide how marijuana fits into the city and begin laying the groundwork for a permanent solution.

Try for a city ZIP code again — The most one-sided response at the June 2014 town hall meeting was residents’ desire to acquire a unique Newcastle ZIP code. The city last petitioned for its own ZIP code in 2009, but the request was denied, as it was in 2004 and 1994. Municipalities are required to wait five years between ZIP code requests, so now is the time to try again.

Communicate with your residents — In this digital age, it’s more important than ever that a city have an online presence. Newcastle has Twitter and Facebook accounts, but they are not consistently used. Keep your citizens informed of city events and answer resident questions through these social media platforms. Just look east to the city of Issaquah for the right way to disseminate information to the populace. Newcastle City Councilwoman Carol Simpson scratches the surface with her weekly email blasts, but the city can do more. City Manager Rob Wyman often stresses the importance of customer service among his staff; well, this is part of it. It’s an easy way to be responsive to your residents.