Michael Murphy of Olympic TV & Tech prepares for installation of a security camera at Serenity House Store in Sequim. (Michael Dashiell / Olympic Peninsula News Group)

Michael Murphy of Olympic TV & Tech prepares for installation of a security camera at Serenity House Store in Sequim. (Michael Dashiell / Olympic Peninsula News Group)

Sequim Electronics, technician team up to support Serenity House

Secruity camera, equipment donations look to quell vandalism, theft

SEQUIM — Sequim’s Serenity House is getting some helping hands — or eyes, as it were — to help the nonprofit with issues of vandalism and theft.

Sequim Electronics/Radio Shack, a locally-owned and operated consumer electronics retailer, recently donated a security camera and supporting equipment to Serenity Thrift Store, an organization that provides clothing, household goods and other items to people in need.

For the last couple of years, the store has had people breaking into dumpsters, illegal dumping, vandalism and theft. In a mid-August interview, Serenity stores director Belicia (Belle) Muñoz said within the past year she has noticed those issues happening — and escalating — nearly every day. People have been breaking into the dumpsters and taking things, then scattering trash around the property, she said.

When Sequim Electronics manager Becky Northaven read about Serenity House’s issues, she was moved to do something about it.

“I thought, ‘Holy moly, they’re just across the street’,” Northaven said.

“I really like Serenity House. They’re an admirable nonprofit that helps the community.”

From left, Michael Murphy of Olympic TV Tech, Serenity Thrift Store director Belicia Muñoz and Sequim Electronics manager Becky Northaven meet at Serenity House Store in Sequim. Sequim Electronics donated a security camera and equipment that Murphy installed in late August. (Michael Dashiell / Olympic Peninsula News Group)

From left, Michael Murphy of Olympic TV Tech, Serenity Thrift Store director Belicia Muñoz and Sequim Electronics manager Becky Northaven meet at Serenity House Store in Sequim. Sequim Electronics donated a security camera and equipment that Murphy installed in late August. (Michael Dashiell / Olympic Peninsula News Group)

While Sequim Electronics supports several community organizations and efforts with funds, such as the junior livestock auction, Sequim Food Bank and youth activities, this is the first donation of equipment of this kind.

“It’s a chance to help the local community be a little bit better,” Northaven said.

The donated camera will link with Serenity House’s system and be supported with an accompanying 4 terabyte hard drive. The camera has very good night vision, Northaven said, and will alert a staff member via a smartphone app when it detects motion.

“Over the last five years, camera optics have improved dramatically,” Northaven said. “Hopefully this catches them in the act.”

In late August, Northaven and Michael Murphy of Olympic TV & Tech met with Muñoz to set up the new system.

“We are happy to donate our time and expertise to help Serenity Thrift Store,” said Murphy, a licensed and bonded technician with 25 years in television, internet and home security, in a press release.

“We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, and we are committed to making a difference.”

For more about Serenity House of Clallam County, visit serenityhouseclallam.org.

________

Michael Dashiell is the editor of the Sequim Gazette of the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which also is composed of other Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News and Forks Forum. Reach him at editor@sequimgazette.com.

More in News

North Olympic Library System
North Olympic Library System representatives reported in late March that drywall was going up inside the renovated Sequim Library. However, delivery delays for some windows and other elements have pushed the facility’s opening to late July or early August.
Library expansion opening pushed to mid-summer

Custom elements’ deliveries delayed

Portion of Olympic Discovery Trail closed for three weeks

The city of Port Angeles has closed a portion… Continue reading

No training flights scheduled for this week

There will be no field carrier landing practice operations for… Continue reading

Fred Lundahl, a pilot from Whidbey Island, prepares to fuel up his 1968 Cessna Aerobat, named Scarlett, at the Jefferson County International Airport in Port Townsend. Lundahl was picking up his plane Wednesday from Tailspin Tommy’s Aircraft Repair facility located at the airport. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Fueling up

Fred Lundahl, a pilot from Whidbey Island, prepares to fuel up his… Continue reading

After hours pet clinic set for Peninsula

Opening June 6 at Sequim location

Five to be honored with community service awards

Ceremony set Thursday at Port Angeles Senior Community Center

PASD planning for expanding needs

Special education, homelessness, new facilities under discussion

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Deputy Ed Bauck
Clallam Sheriff appoints animal control deputy

Position was vacant since end of 2024

Highway 104 road work to start week

Maintenance crews will repair road surfaces on state Highway… Continue reading

Supreme Court says no to recall reconsider

Sequim man found liable for legal fees

Chimacum Ridge seeks board members

Members to write policy, balance values, chair says