Wednesday, November 1, 2023 |
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The Washington State Ferries vessel Walla Walla exits Rich Passage as it heads for Bremerton in May 2023. MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN |
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WA Ferry Fleet Loses a Seattle to Bremerton Boat; No End to Strain in Sight |
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Washington’s ferry system hit a low point over the weekend as yet another boat had to be taken out of service, leaving the fleet with just 14 working ships out of 21 owned by the state.
The Chimacum ferry, among Washington State Ferries’ newer boats, was docked Saturday morning after a rod broke in one of its engines, said spokesperson Ian Sterling. The Chimacum was the sole vessel sailing between Seattle and Bremerton due to previous service cuts; when it broke down Saturday, the route briefly had no service between the two cities.
To accommodate, WSF moved the Issaquah off the Kingston/Edmonds crossing, reducing that passage to a single boat and restoring crossings to Bremerton on Saturday afternoon.
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Gala Nears Sell-Out: Get Your Tickets Now
Thursday, November 9, 2023 | Kitsap Conference Center
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There's only one week left to purchase those tickets for the biggest night for businesses in Kitsap! Be sure to get your tickets now to reserve your place at the table for the 2023 Business Awards Gala. Join us as we celebrate the best of business in our region, with awards given out for best businesses, new business, hospitality and more. We'll also honor local businessman and civic leader, Steve Sego, with the Chamber's most prestigious award for service to Kitsap County.
Limited sponsorships are still available; if your business wants to show its support for this year's gala, contact Tiffany at the Chamber for all the details.
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November Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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We are excited to be talking about our non-profit community for this month's luncheon! Please join us for a conversation with Carol Kowalski on the importance of working alongside our non-profit community throughout the year, and specifically how businesses can create a mutually beneficial partnership with non-profits that align with their business' mission and vision. We are also excited to host a Non-Profit Showcase of Kitsap organizations; come learn all about the wonderful groups that provide so much in all of our communities. |
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Chamber Celebrates Halloween with Greater Kitsap Community in Bremerton & Silverdale |
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Chamber Survey: Workforce Development |
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The Workforce Development Committee is interested in better understanding the workforce needs of local businesses in Kitsap County so that the Chamber is able to provide more tailored support. These are the first of a series of survey questions over the next month aimed at addressing this topic.
Please respond with regards to your business or organization.
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What specific workforce development initiatives or programs would you like to see implemented in our region to support your business growth? |
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Please check all that apply.
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Continuing education opportunities
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Soft-skills training (e.g., communication, teamwork)
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Access to affordable healthcare benefits for employees
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Other (please specify by emailing the Chamber using the button below)
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Are there any particular skills or qualifications you find lacking in the local workforce that you believe could be addressed through training or education programs? |
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Please check all that apply
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Leadership and management skills
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Industry-specific certifications
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Other (please specify by emailing the Chamber using the button below)
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*Survey questions are run for 2 weeks to capture all of our readers.
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is committed to learning how best
to serve our business membership and community. Your participation
in poll questions like these help us to work better for you!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New & Renewing Members for October
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
Bremer Trust
JJM Consulting Services
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Leadership Kitsap:
20 Under 40 Call for Nominations
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Identify business leaders under the age of 40 (as of January 30th of the current award year) who are making an impact in business, philanthropy and/or in their local Kitsap County communities. Nominees should be top leaders in their organization or industry and demonstrate their commitment to the Kitsap community. Nominees must be 39 years or younger as of the awards ceremony date of the current award year to qualify. |
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New to the Greater Kitsap Chamber in 2023, Clark Construction Inc. has wasted no time in becoming one of the Chamber's most active members. Participating in events such as the Armed Forces Day Parade and the Business Awards Gala, it's no surprise that this amazing local company has been recognized by the business community as a finalist for Business of the Year.
Clark Construction Inc. headquartered on Bainbridge Island is one of the Puget Sound region’s premier construction firms. An employee-owned company, this team of highly skilled construction professionals brings experience in an impressive range of projects. With the planet in mind, they are committed to their community and to building sustainable structures that reflect quality construction, superior attention to detail, outstanding value, and customer service that exceeds the expectations of every valued client.
Congratulations to Clark Construction on their selection as the Chamber's Member of the Month! Stay tuned this month as we learn more about this community-minded company.
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901 Hildebrand Lane | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5450 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Small Business Cybersecurity Training Series
4-part Series Continues November 1, 2023
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Small businesses are under cyber and data-breach attacks more than ever given the current climate. Cyber attacks happen every day, and for a small business they can be very costly and cripple business operations. Having your systems and information compromised is not only a direct threat to your confidential data, it can also ruin your relationships with customers and cause legal vulnerability. It is imperative to learn how to boost your cyber defense systems.
This four-part training series was developed to help small businesses be cyber safe. The series will be a combination of cybersecurity presentation, subject matter expert panel and Q&A. Join us and become cyber safe today!
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Part 3: Systems
November 1 @ 1:30 pm
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Part 4: Implementation
November 15 @ 1:30 pm
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DOR: Business Tax Basics Workshop
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 10:00 am
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SCORE: Buying or Selling an Existing
Business, Step by Step
Friday, November 3, 2023, 9:00 am
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You want to buy a business and become a small business owner. Great!! But how do you find one to buy? How do you avoid paying too much for the business? Where can you get financing? How do you finalize the deal? If these questions are those that are on your mind, then you need to take this workshop which has the answers to all of them!
This 3-hour workshop is designed to give you plenty of practical exercises to give you, the future business owner, real steps to take away and the skills and know-how that you’ll need for:
- Finding a business to buy
- Evaluating an offer to sell a business
- Performing the necessary review and due diligence on the business you want to buy
- Determining a fair purchase price and negotiating the deal
- Understanding the various financing options available to you
- Bringing the purchase of the business to a win-win conclusion
This workshop is also suitable for existing small business owners who are contemplating selling their business in the future. It will help you understand the process the potential buyer will go through to evaluate your business so that you’re better prepared.
Workshop Fee: $55
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WA State Small Business Tech Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 1:00 pm
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The event is designed to help small businesses equip themselves with the best technology and practices available today to increase productivity and profitability and protect them against online threats.
Featuring well-known business leaders, tech experts and leading minds showing small businesses how to compete and succeed in many aspects of their business with a concentration on utilizing technology to be productive, profitable and protected.
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Business News & Resources |
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Navy Seeks Properties for Lease
to Support Shipyard Infrastructure
Optimization Program (SIOP)
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Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, in support of the Department of the Navy (“DON” or “Government”), is seeking information on available properties that can be made available to meet several requirements. The DON is also open to proposed solutions or alternative project ideas to meet the current real estate needs. Responders are encouraged to complete and submit a response to this Request for Interest (“RFI”) in support of their proposed facility, land, project renovation, redevelopment, and/or other ideas/concepts no later than November 24, 2023. The DON intends to use the RFI responses to further evaluate its best courses of action.
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Lawsuits Over Washington's New Pay Transparency Law Highlights Flaws |
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Flawed implementation: Employers warned a new state law mandating pay transparency might open the door to a flood of litigation. Now, they're being hit with dozens of lawsuits, underscoring flaws with the new law, AWB President Kris Johnson wrote in a new column in the Kitsap Sun. The law, which went into effect in January, requires businesses with 15 or more employees to disclose salary information in job postings.
The Seattle Times reported Oct. 12 that a Seattle-based attorney has filed 31 lawsuits since June accusing employers of failing to disclose the required salary information on job postings.
Wrong approach: The burst of litigation is why "private right of action" is not a good idea, Johnson continued. Private right of action gives individuals the ability to take legal action based on a law, instead of leaving the enforcement to government regulators, who first try to educate employers before moving to stricter measures like fines and penalties.
"For many Washington employers, including salary and benefit information in job postings is nothing new. They have voluntarily provided that information for years," Johnson said. "For others, it’s a change in practice that might take some time to adjust to. Unfortunately, the way Washington lawmakers chose to enact the state’s pay transparency law opened the door to regulation by litigation — and that’s costly for both employers and employees."
Concerning trend: Olympia lawmakers have increasingly attempted to attach private right of action to proposed workplace measures, including workplace safety, wage and overtime provisions and privacy protection.
Contact Government Affairs Director Bob Battles to learn more and get involved.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community.
To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits
November 7 - 9, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
This online webinar is for those using the Online Version of QuickBooks.
Cost: $109/day, or $229 for all three days for NAWA Members / $149/day, or $299 for all three days for Not-yet-Members.
These webinar series of vital QuickBooks information are specifically for non-profit organizations. From basic topics such as setting up correct accounts; entering your programs; and adding your annual budget to more advanced topics such as entering donations and grants; essential reports for the board/auditor; and printing personalized donor thank you letters directly from QuickBooks, Gregg covers all the bases.
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Advocacy Building Blocks: An Introduction
to Advocacy for Nonprofits
Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 10:00 am
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Online Webinar
Cost: Free for Members of NAWA / $20 Not-yet-Members
Join NAWA’s Policy Director for a discussion about why policy and advocacy work is essential to achieving nonprofit missions. We’ll provide an overview of advocacy, lobbying and what you need to know to stay compliant with state and federal laws.
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Port Gamble S'Klallam Chair Elected
Tribal Councilwoman Amber Caldera to Succeed Sullivan
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Amber Caldera was elected the new chairwoman of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, replacing the late Jeromy Sullivan, in a special election on Tuesday.
Over 330 enrolled tribal members voted in Tuesday's election, the most in any PGST election in the tribe's history, according to a statement from the tribe announcing the election result.
Caldera has been a member of the six-member tribal council since 2020. An election will be held to fill her seat on the council, according to the tribe.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Join the Central Kitsap Community Council from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District building, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale. Everyone is welcome and there are opportunities for public comment.
The meeting features leadership of St. Michael Medical Center, who will provide an update on clinical operations since they last met with the Central Kitsap Community Council a year ago. They’ll also touch on the timeline for construction of the second tower, new services in Bremerton, and other investments in Kitsap County.
Stay informed and engaged! Learn more about the Central Kitsap Community Council and view the meeting agenda at kcowa.us/CKCC.
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Public Works Seeks Community Assistance with Identifying ADA Barriers
Kitsap County Public Works is in the process of developing an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Transition Plan to guide when and where mobility improvements need to be made. An ADA transition plan is one of the federally mandated requirements for state and local governments under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This plan focuses on pedestrian facilities in the Public Right-of-Way including curb ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks, and signal push buttons. Through the development of this plan, Kitsap County Public Works will:
- Inventory existing pedestrian facilities
- Identify barriers and obstacles which limit accessibility
- Determine criteria for the prioritization of barrier removal
- Set a schedule for the removal of barriers.
The development of a comprehensive ADA Transition Plan requires feedback from community members just like you! Public feedback will assist the County in efforts to prioritize investments in accessibility. The public is invited to take a brief survey to provide critical feedback to County staff as recommendations and decisions are made regarding what needs fixing and how best to prioritize resources.
To complete the survey and for more information, please visit: http://www.kitsapada.com. The survey is open until November 25, 2023.
Do you have a specific location that makes travel difficult for you or prevents you from accessing programs or activities? Please use the Online Reporting Tool to notify Public Works of your ADA concerns.
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Safety Advisory: Be Safe, Be Seen!
Use extra caution with darker and rainy days ahead.
It is now dark enough in the early morning and late evening that your bus operator may have difficulty seeing you alongside the road. Follow these tips to stay safe while boarding your bus:
- Stand in a well-lit spot and use a flashlight or safety flasher. You can also use your smartphone as a source of light to be visible to the operator.
- Laser-type lights can be a hazard to the bus operator. Please use flashlights or safety flashers and shine them on yourself or on the ground, never at the bus.
- Pick up a Kitsap Transit safety flasher at the Customer Service office inside the Bremerton Transportation Center or ask your driver.
- Please board the bus with caution, using handrails where available. During rainy weather, the bus floors and stairs can become slippery.
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Suquamish Advisory Council
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 6:30 pm
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Join the Suquamish Community Advisory Council from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 2 at the Suquamish Police Department, 18490 Suquamish Way, Room 1188, on the lower, west side of the building. Parking is available off the driveway on the lower level.
The meeting features a presentation on Kitsap County's update to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, a six-year guide to managing and enhancing the 11,000 acres of county parks and natural spaces. The plan identifies the current inventory and conditions of the parks system, and addresses service standards, maintenance and management. The update will reflect the needs of local communities for places to recreate, revitalize and protect natural resources, the environment and wildlife. It's vital that Kitsap residents provide input to shape the goals and vision for the future of county parks. View the current plan at the project website. Attend the Nov. 2 meeting to learn more about how to provide input and get involved! Everyone is welcome.
Applications are also being accepted to join the Suquamish Community Advisory Council. Visit kcowa.us/SuquamishCAC to find the online application and position description or contact Kitsap County Volunteer Services at rpirtle@kitsap.gov.
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County Parks Hosts Open Houses
November 6, 7 or 9, 2023
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County Launches Operation Green Light
in Support of Local Veterans
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In advance of Veterans Day Nov. 11, Kitsap County announces that county buildings will be illuminated in green Nov.6-12 as part of Operation Green Light, a collaboration of the National Association of Counties and National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.
Kitsap County Commissioners passed a resolution Oct. 23 proclaiming their support of Operation Green Light. This initiative is in its second year to recognize and support military veterans – and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and resources available to assist them and their families.
County Commissioners and the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board encourage everyone to participate by changing one light bulb in their home or business to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
Operation Green Light lets veterans and their families know their service matters. The symbolic green lighting is a way of expressing gratitude for their sacrifices while reflecting on military service personnel and their transition back into civilian life after completion of their service to our country. Please join us in this special recognition!
Visit the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program at kcowa.us/veterans for information and links to resources available to local veterans and their families.
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Seaport Salon Hosts Holiday Shop & Win
Thursday, November 9, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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Veterans Days: Honoring All Who Served
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00 am
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50th Annual Christmas Lane at Port
December 1-3, 2023
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Emergency Blood Supply is Dangerously
Low in Washington State
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Local blood banks urgently need life-saving donations to meet demand
Blood banks are facing critical shortages of life-saving blood and blood products. Your donation can help save lives. The shortages are particularly severe for types O and Rh negative blood, and for platelets.
Blood donations significantly dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local and regional blood banks are still feeling the effects, as many regular donors are donating less often. Rising rates of influenza, the common cold, and other respiratory diseases are also keeping people from donating.
With fewer donations, blood banks worry they will not be able to meet the need for blood and blood products, like plasma, during a large emergency or natural disaster. Trauma patients, transplant recipients, and those undergoing cancer treatment also depend on the generosity of blood donors.
Donating blood is easy. Appointments can be scheduled at your convenience and take about an hour. Learn more details, including eligibility requirements, by visiting Northwest Blood Coalition members’ websites:
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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BCT Presents: Ring of Fire
Now thru November 19, 2023
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From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits — including I Walk The Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, and the title tune paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend.
Content Advisory: Contains some adult language, sexual innuendo, and drug references.
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Kitsap Salmon Tours
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Kitsap Salmon tours are back in person this year! Join us November 4, 2023 from 10-2pm at various stream sites across the county as we explore all things salmon with biologists, local environmental organizations, and trained docents. Learn more at kitsapsalmontours.com.
This FREE event offers exciting opportunities such as interactive activities through Kitsap Regional Library, guided walks at Keta Legacy’s Rhododendron Preserve, and many more. You can discover local salmon species, their lifecycles, and the role you play in their survival. Bring your family, gather your friends, and prepare your questions. Join us in experiencing this remarkable migration firsthand.
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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A Flock of Seagulls
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 8:00 pm
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A Flock of Seagulls with STRANGELOVE - The Depeche Mode Experience
One of the most infamous bands of the new wave era – exceptionally well known for their bizarrely teased haircuts and MTV’s heavy run of the video “I Ran” in the summer of ’82, A Flock of Seagulls joins Strangelove-The Depeche Mode Experience for an unforgettable blast-from-the-past concert event.
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Allison Russell
Friday, November 10, 2023, 7:30 pm
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Allison Russell — poet, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, activist, and co-founder of Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago — embarks upon her next chapter in The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation, Black love, of Black self-respect. Written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay), The Returner was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell's "Rainbow Coalition" band of all female musicians along with special guest appearances from the legendary Wendy & Lisa, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, and Hozier. |
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Save-the-Date: Roxy Battle of the Bands
Saturday, November 12, 2023, 7:00 pm
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The ROXY proudly presents a battle of musical proportions!
Three bands will compete in November. One band from each night, based on crowd voting, will be selected to move forward to compete in the 2023 Battle of the Bands at the Roxy Theatre.
Bands will sell tickets to their preliminary night at $30 and will retain $10 per ticket.
Prizes include the opportunity for a paid gig to open for Spike and the Impalers on New Year's Eve at the Roxy.
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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