Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | |
GKC and US Chamber Foundation Partner to Bring the 2026 National Civics Bee®
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula for the 2025-2026 program year. This annual initiative – now expanding to all 50 states in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 – invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and build trust in others and institutions through a nonpartisan, multi-round competition.
"We are truly honored that the Greater Kitsap Chamber has been selected as a regional partner and host for this year’s National Civics Bee," shared Irene Moyer, President/CEO. "Fostering an engaged, civic-minded younger generation is vital for the future of every community. The Civics Bee provides a powerful opportunity to inspire and connect with youth across our region - our future leaders who will shape and guide our communities in the years to come."
The National Civics Bee begins with a written essay and culminates in live events at the regional, state, and national levels. Finalists who advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we have a powerful opportunity – and responsibility – to reignite civic learning across the country. Our hope is that the National Civics Bee inspires more schools to prioritize civics education, equipping young people with a deeper understanding of how our government and democracy work – and the essential role they play in strengthening their communities and our nation,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
The essay application portal opened on September 8, 2025 and closes on February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST). All students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.
About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
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Federal Government Shutdown Begins,
With No Easy Exit in Sight
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Published in WA State Standard, September 30, 2025
Image: Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year — resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs and giving the Trump administration an avenue to fire federal workers en masse.
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance two short-term government funding bills Tuesday when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked for the second time this month, with just hours to go before the midnight Tuesday shutdown deadline.
Senators voted 55-45 on Republicans’ bill that would fund the government for seven weeks and 47-53 on a Democratic stopgap proposal that would keep the lights on for a month and included several health care provisions that they said were needed for their support. Neither had the 60 votes needed to advance.
Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with GOP senators on their stopgap bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted against it.
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in a memo to departments and agencies Tuesday night after the Senate vote that “affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” Vought said federal employees should report for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake shutdown activities.
The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping in the nation’s capital and across the country, where states are bracing for the impact. About 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact a day, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported. All federal employees would go unpaid until the shutdown is over.
Additionally, the Trump administration plans to lay off thousands of federal employees, which would reshape the federal workforce. President Donald Trump again vowed Tuesday to undertake layoffs and a major government employee union filed suit in federal court in advance of such a move.
Read the article here
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Support Your Local Chamber Day
Your Business, Your Chamber, Your Why
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Wednesday, October 15th marks Support Your Local Chamber Day, observed annually on the third Wednesday in October. This day is dedicated to recognizing the vital role Chambers of Commerce play in fostering economic development, building community connections, and supporting local businesses.
At the GKC, our mission is clear: Building a Stronger Kitsap. In celebration of this day, we invite our members to share their personal reflections on why they support the Greater Kitsap Chamber. We invite you to share why you support the Chamber (in 1-3 sentences), your business logo, or—ideally—a photo of you in front of your business or logo.
Your stories will be featured throughout October across our social media platforms.
Please send your submissions to kara@greaterkitsapchamber.com.
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RECAP September Member Luncheon
| At the September Member Luncheon, attendees were invited to reflect on the question: "How can I invest my passions and talents into building a stronger Kitsap?" Through presentations by Chamber committee chairs Reama Schuldt, Whitney Tatum, and Alysa Grimes, members gained insight into how their involvement with the Chamber directly contributes to the vitality of our community. The Chamber’s four core committees - Advocacy, Business & Professional Development, Membership, and Workforce - serve as foundational pillars that shape the programs, events, and resources we offer. If you are a Chamber member interested in joining a committee, please reach out to hello@greaterkitsapchamber.com. | |
KCU - East Bremerton Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 3:30pm
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Leadership Kitsap Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 4:00pm
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GKC Giving Away UW Football Tickets
| The GKC is giving away 20 tickets for the UW Football game on Friday, October 10th at 6:00pm against Rutgers. Tickets are for GKC members only and awarded on a first come first served based. Email us here with your favorite Chamber event or resource for a chance to get a ticket! | |
Deep Dive Business Series
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 2:00pm
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Pillar to Post Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 4:00pm
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:05pm
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GKC Business Awards Gala
Friday, December 12, 2025, 5:30pm
| Tickets are available for the Chamber's 2025 Business Awards Gala! Don't miss your chance to celebrate the stars of our local business and nonprofit community! | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Business Health Trust and Nice Healthcare are making it easier for businesses in Washington to offer high-quality, low-cost health care.
No more waiting rooms, no more long commutes. Nice Healthcare® is now available for eligible Business Health Trust members.
Easily book same-day care with the NICE app and access virtual primary care, mental health support, physical therapy and more at no cost to you or your employees. In-home visits are available in many areas starting in July.
Learn more about benefits and eligibility from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/
Questions? Contact BHT!
(425) 201-1972
nice@businesshealthtrust.com
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
New & Renewing Members for September
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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KHS Gala Dinner & Auction
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 5:00pm
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You're Invited: Tessera Speaker Series
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 10:00am
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Tessera is excited to welcome you to our second annual Speaker Series event! This year, we’re honored to welcome Melissa Stockwell as our keynote speaker.
In 2004, Melissa became the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat. Her journey didn’t stop there. Melissa went on to become a Paralympic medalist, author, mother, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker—inspiring countless people with her resilience and determination.
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Olympic College: Annual Community Luncheon
Monday, October 13, 2025, 11:00am
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For 30 years the Olympic College Community Luncheon has brought together a community of individuals who are passionate about student access, achievement and success at OC. This year’s theme – Rooted in Community. Built for Possibility. – celebrates the powerful role that partnerships play in expanding opportunities for students. Olympic College is rooted in community, responsive to the needs of our growing region. And like the students we serve, OC is built for possibility, helping to meet our community’s workforce and educational needs.
This year, we invite you to give a lunch and get a lunch. Our generous sponsors have covered the cost of your meal, so your purchase of a ticket for the OC Community Luncheon will directly support OC’s Hunger Free Campus Initiative – donating a meal to a student in need.
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LKPI: Tactical Leadership Seminar
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9:00am
| | A one-stop shop for supervisory, management, and executive-level leadership training and educational resources available to public, private and nonprofit organizations. Leadership Kitsap hosts partnership courses including workshops, seminars, peer coaching groups, and more engaging highly vetted companies and facilitators that focus on the unique characteristics and needs of Kitsap County and the surrounding region. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! | | |
Empowering Employers
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 9:00am
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CMMC-PNW 2-Day Conference
October 27 - October 28, 2025
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CMMC-PNW 2025 is the Pacific Northwest’s most targeted event for defense contractors preparing for CMMC certification. Whether you’re just starting or preparing for a Level 2 audit, this event gives you the clarity and tools to succeed.
What You’ll Learn
- The difference between FCI and CUI – and how to handle each securely
- How to determine whether Level 1 or Level 2 certification is required
- How to self-assess, prepare for third-party audits, and avoid common mistakes
- How to implement enclave solutions and isolation strategies to reduce cost and risk
- What Rule 32 and Rule 48 mean for your current and upcoming DoD contracts
- Step-by-step walkthroughs of real-world compliance strategies
CMMC-PNW 2025 will be hosted at the Clearwater Casino in Suquamish, WA, a scenic venue offering convenience and comfort for attendees.
A limited block of discounted hotel rooms will be available to conference participants. Group rates are valid through September 15, 2025, or until sold out. Be sure to reserve your room early once booking links are released.
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Chamber Member Exclusive Opportunity
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 12:00pm
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You're Invited: Harbor of Hope Auction
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:00pm
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Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to recognize Olympic College as our October Member of the Month! As a pillar of education and economic development in Kitsap County, Olympic College continues to make a lasting impact on our community.
Where Education Meets Opportunity
Olympic College has long been a driving force in Kitsap County’s growth and success. As one of the region’s largest employers, OC provides affordable, high-quality education and workforce training that directly supports local business development. Their graduates enter critical industries like healthcare, maritime, technology, manufacturing, and public service - helping to power the local economy from the ground up.
But Olympic College is more than just an educational institution - it’s a community partner. Their programs are designed to meet the real-world needs of Kitsap’s workforce, and their commitment to student success is evident in every classroom, lab, and training center.
Local Partnerships, Regional Progress
Olympic College works hand-in-hand with the Greater Kitsap Chamber, local school districts, and industry leaders to ensure their programs align with current workforce demands. From hosting Chamber events to supporting youth mentorship and business development initiatives, OC’s faculty and staff are deeply engaged in building a stronger, more connected Kitsap.
Their customized corporate training programs and apprenticeship opportunities allow local employers to upskill their teams without sending talent out of the region — a win-win for businesses and the community alike.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
This year, Olympic College received a transformational $1 million gift from the Tim Ryan family, expanding access to scholarships and educational initiatives for local learners. The college also launched new career pathways and advocated for modernization projects like West Sound Tech, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and regional development.
Olympic College truly embodies the Chamber’s mission of building a stronger Kitsap through education, collaboration, and economic opportunity. We are honored to spotlight their achievements and continued impact on Kitsap County.
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28th Annual Eggs & Issues
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 8:00am
| | Join us for our upcoming Eggs & Issues with Bremerton Mayoral candidates Greg Wheeler and Jeff Coughlin at Cloverleaf Sports Bar & Grill! A no-host breakfast will be available. | | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Strategies to Identify
and Reach Your Target Customers
Monday, October 6, 2025, 10:00am
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In this Marketing workshop, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.
We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.
This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business.
Registration Fee: $10
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SCORE: Tax Savings for Small Businesses
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 9:00am
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This workshop focuses on the Federal tax saving strategies that work best for small businesses, which are:
- Electing S-Corporation status with the IRS.
- Maximizing the deduction for business use of the home.
- Demonstrating two ways you can compute the deduction for business use of personal vehicle.
- Providing you examples of 7 different retirement plans and showing you which one is best for you.
- Describing how to maximize the benefits of health savings accounts.
- Show you the difference between smart equipment purchases and not-so-smart ones for maximizing the tax benefit.
- Explain the difference between cash versus accrual accounting and let you know which is better for you.
- And much, much more!
Registration Fee: FREE
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WSHRMA October Lunch & Learn:
Civility in the Workplace
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11:45am
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Incident Investigation: Preventing Future Loss
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 10:00am
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Brought to you by Association of Wasington Business and CompWise Workers' Compensation Retro Program: Stay proactive with workplace safety. Incident and claims investigation can help uncover the root causes of a workplace incident or injury so you can focus on what matters most: prevention. With growing legal scrutiny and the fact that employees are an organization’s greatest asset, creating a safe workplace is more critical than ever.
In the one-hour webinar, safety experts will cover:
- Why investigations are key to safety and prevention
- Tools for investigating both simple and complex incidents
- How to objectively identify root causes and suspicion of fraud
- What to include in reports and follow-ups
- Resources to help reduce future claims and accidents
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SBRR: Start a Business in WA
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 1:00pm
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This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. You’ll connect with business liaisons from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor and Industries, who will also provide you information about many free or low-cost assistance programs.
Registration Fee: FREE
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WSHRMA: Fall Leadership Conference
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 9:00am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Employment Security Releases
Updated Employment Projections
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Press Release, WA State Employment Security Department, September 25, 2025
OLYMPIA – Washington state’s slowing economic growth is reflected in the Employment Security Department’s annual employment and occupation projections. The projected average annual growth rate from 2023 to 2028 is 0.97% and the average annual growth from 2028 to 2033 is 0.89%.
The annual projections, released this summer, provide job seekers, policymakers, educators and training providers an idea of how many jobs exist within industries and occupations, how the number of jobs is expected to change over time, and the projected future demand for workers.
“These projections help people make informed employment and education decisions,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for Employment Security. “We develop short, medium and long-term projections to show expected change in employment by industry and occupation.”
The updated projection reports, an interactive dashboard and the methodology are available on the Employment Security Department’s website.
Employment and occupations projections highlights
- At a sector level, the highest growth is expected in education and health services. Average annual growth is expected to be 1.95% from 2023 to 2028 and 1.19% from 2028 to 2033.
- The top three occupations for projected growth rates from 2023 to 2028 are nurse practitioners, occupational therapy assistants and nuclear technicians.
- The top three occupations for projected annual average openings due to growth from 2023 to 2028 are fast food and counter workers, home health and personal care aides and registered nurses.
- The top three occupations for projected total average annual openings are fast food and counter workers, retail salespersons and farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse.
- Employment is expected to continue to expand throughout Washington. Average annual growth for all occupations is expected to be highest in King County from the second quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2025 (1.37%). The highest growth in the medium term is expected in Snohomish County (1.14% average from 2023 to 2028), and long-term growth will shift back to King County from 2028 to 2033 (0.92%).
An interactive dashboard on industry employment projections is available for users to break down data by state and county and by individual industry sectors.
Full details and data files are available on Employment Security’s website.
| New Sales Tax on Services Takes Effect Oct 1st | |
Published in the WA State Standard, September 29, 2025
Image: Bill Lucia/WA State Standard
A contentious new sales tax on services that Democratic state lawmakers relied on to pay for Washington’s latest budget is set to take effect Wednesday.
Senate Bill 5814 is one of the biggest moneymakers used to bring in an estimated $3.6 billion over the next two years to fill a shortfall in the operating budget. This law is expected to fuel $1.1 billion in the two-year budget that began July 1, and $2.6 billion over four years. Hundreds of millions of dollars will also flow to local governments, as they get a share of state sales tax proceeds.
But a key piece of the new tax law is in question.
Cable juggernaut Comcast believes the measure’s sales tax on advertising services is illegal and is suing to get it overturned. The state attorney general’s office is expected to respond to the lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court in the coming weeks. It could be months before a judge weighs in on the provision’s future.
The tax on advertising services is specifically expected to bring in roughly $475 million over the next four years. It’s unclear what would happen to collections made under the new tax if the law is later ruled invalid, a state Department of Revenue spokesperson said.
A block on the tax would throw a major kink into the $77.8 billion budget passed after months of negotiations in the Legislature. The next 60-day legislative session begins in January.
The law earns the state money by applying the retail sales tax to more services. Beyond advertising, it covers temporary staffing ($833 million over four years), security ($127 million), live presentations ($360 million) and information technology ($189 million), among others. Temporary staffing services hospitals use are exempt.
Read the article here
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Childcare Provider Listening Session
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 6:30pm
| | The Kitsap Childcare Business Development Taskforce is hosting a second listening session to hear directly from current and future childcare providers about the challenges they’re facing when it comes to starting or growing childcare services in Kitsap County. | | |
Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | |
Don't Open Your Door to Fraud
Beware of Paving Scams Ripping Off Consumers in WA
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Fraudsters claiming to be legitimate contractors have been knocking on doors soliciting paving work around the state, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), law enforcement, and the Better Business Bureau. These scammers are notorious for doing shoddy or incomplete work, overcharging customers by thousands of dollars, and then disappearing when the customer tries to follow up.
In recent weeks, paving scams have been reported in King, Pierce, Skagit, Clark, Snohomish, and Grant counties. Some consumers have been swindled out of thousands of dollars.
Many of the door-to-door pavers are not registered with L&I, which verifies registered contractors have liability insurance and a bond, and meet other requirements. Unregistered contractors leave consumers with little financial recourse if there are problems.
How the scam works
Typically, a stranger claiming to be a legitimate paving contractor knocks on doors in a neighborhood, saying he has asphalt left over from another job. He offers a bargain price to pave or seal the homeowner’s driveway.
When the contractor says the job is finished, however, the bill is thousands of dollars higher than the initial quote. Victims may later discover the paving was poorly done with cheap materials but can no longer reach the contractor.
Similar schemes promote roof replacement, chimney repairs and other home improvement jobs.
Verify contractor registration at ProtectMyHome.net
Homeowners who need home repairs should look for contractors themselves, instead of hiring someone who shows up uninvited at their door.
Consumers also should:
- Get three written bids.
- Only hire contractors registered with L&I.
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Report fraudulent contractors at Lni.wa.gov/ReportAContractor or call our fraud hotline at 1-888-811-5974.
Homeowners can verify contractor registration and get more tips at ProtectMyHome.net.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
How to Build Nonprofit Fundraising
Event Longevity and Community Impact
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Published in Nonprofit Pro,, September 29, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/LeoPatrizi
Nonprofit fundraising event longevity is often more important than the initial launch of a philanthropic event. A strong first event may spark momentum, but building on that success is what creates real, lasting community impact. Here are six strategies to help nonprofits strengthen event longevity, consistency and donor engagement over time.
1. Start With a Purpose-Driven Foundation
Before planning an event, ensure your nonprofit has a clearly defined mission. This "why" guides all decisions and communications moving forward.
Without a well-articulated purpose, it’s easy for efforts to become disjointed or lose steam. A purpose-driven foundation not only motivates your internal team, but also resonates with donors, participants and the community. When people see alignment between your mission and actions, they’re more likely to return year after year.
2. Build Relationships into Every Event Plan
One of the most underrated aspects of sustainable fundraising is relationship-building. Event execution, ticket sales and logistics matter, but lasting success comes from connections with clients, donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and community members.
Read the article here
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Community Conversations: Estate Planning
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 2:30pm
| | Washington now has the highest state estate tax in the nation — and with upcoming federal tax changes in 2026, even more families will be affected. Join us for this session to learn about the new changes to tax laws and how to navigate them as nonprofits. | | Kitsap Celebrates Navy's 250th Anniversary | | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, September 29, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
The birthday of the 250-year-old U.S. Navy is coming. And the community in Kitsap County — home to the third largest Naval shore installations in the U.S. and many aircraft carriers and submarines — has started to celebrate the legacy of the sea power with gratitude for those who served.
On Friday, Sept. 26, leaders from the Navy, the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council, U.S. Navy League, and community members gathered at the Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton to celebrate the American Navy's 250th anniversary. Speakers highlighted the sacrifices made before, warriors who contributed to the legacy of the Navy, appreciation to those who serve, and confidence to carry the legacy into the future.
"Today, we don't just say happy birthday or 250 years with the Navy. We say thank you to those who came before us, those who stand watch now, and those who will carry the watch tomorrow," said Rick West, the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (retired) in his speech at the ceremony.
"For 250 years, our sailors have made history with every watch, every storm weather, every mission carried to its end. We are not just remembering the past, folks. We are the legacy in motion," West said.
Read the article here
| | Grant, Fundraising Aimed at Helping Bremerton Police Reach to People in Need | | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, September 29, 2025
Image: Kitsap Sun
Almost two years after the Bremerton Police Department signed a contract outsourcing some outreach efforts to Seattle-based firm Commonstreet Consulting, BPD is looking to expand in other available resources to further aid community members in need.
Their latest endeavor involves implementing a local BlueBridge Alliance program that will allow officers who are interacting with people in distress to help provide relief. After receiving a grant from the nonprofit, Operations and Patrol Captain Aaron Elton said shift supervisors and the department’s navigators will be equipped with a debit card to help purchase items like food or shelter that are needed in emergency situations.
To keep the program afloat, BPD will have to rely on public donations going forward, as the grant was a one-time gift of $1,500.
“It could be a domestic violence situation where they need some lodging or money for transportation to get to a safe place,” Elton said. “Or a kid needs food because you’re in a house and they have nothing, which happens more than you care to admit. So, it’s bridging that gap for people who need it.”
BlueBridge is an example of BPD’s growing partnerships with outreach programs since partnering with Commonstreet in January 2024. To help relieve officers from scenarios where people need help rather than enforcement, a crew of outreach specialists have conducted routine checks three to five times a week in Bremerton’s downtown corridor as well as in sites of past notable encampments on MLK Way and Broadway Avenue.
Read the article here
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Silverdale
Drivers should plan for lane closures beginning Monday, Sept. 8, as the Navy begins seismic upgrades on the Anderson Hill Road railroad bridge near the Old Frontier Road intersection in Silverdale. One lane will be closed Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both lanes will reopen Friday through Sunday. The initial construction phase is expected to last 4-6 weeks.
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KCNE Training @ Poulsbo Library
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 6:00pm
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Join Tina O’Brien of Kitsap Community Foundation for this timely KCNE training on strengthening your planned giving efforts.
Planned giving is one of the most effective ways to build long-term sustainability for your nonprofit—and National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 20–26, 2025) is the perfect opportunity to start the conversation with your donors.
In this engaging session, Tina will share how to use this national campaign to spark meaningful discussions about legacy giving. Whether you are new to planned giving or ready to enhance your efforts, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, timely messaging ideas, and ready-to-use resources to help your nonprofit maximize donor engagement this October and beyond.
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Bremerton Night Market
Friday, October 3, 2025, 5:00pm
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Poulsbo Farmers Market
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10:00am
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Kingston Sunset Market
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 4:00pm
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League of Women Voters: Candidate Forums
October 6 and October 9, 2025, 6:00pm
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Port Gamble Ghost Walk
October 2025 - April 2026
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Moondance Van Morrison Tribute
Friday, October 3, 2025, 8:30pm
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Abbagraphs Abba Tribute
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 8:30pm
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Whipped Cream @ The Roxy Theatre
Friday, October 3, 2025, 7:00
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Poulsbo Film Festival 2025
October 10 - October 12, 2025
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Phat Cat Swinger @ Admiral Theatre
Friday, Ocotber 10, 2025, 7:30pm
| | Featuring American Idol Finalist Blake Lewis | | |
BCT Presents: The Liar
October 10 - October 19, 2025
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Get ready for a whirlwind of witty wordplay and hilarious mix-ups! David Ives, the master of theatrical adaptation, takes Pierre Corneille's classic French farce, Le Menteur, and infuses it with his signature brand of dazzling linguistic acrobatics and laugh-out-loud humor.
Meet Dorante, a charming and utterly incorrigible liar who has just arrived in Paris and is determined to woo the woman of his dreams. The only problem? He's convinced he knows who she is, but he's actually fallen for the wrong girl – and he's spinning an increasingly elaborate web of fabrications to impress her and everyone else around him! With mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings, and a servant who literally can't tell a lie, The Liar is a comedic tour de force that will leave you breathless with laughter.
Don't miss this sparkling, rapid-fire romp that proves even the biggest lies can lead to the most delightful truths (eventually!). It's a comedic masterpiece for anyone who loves a good story – especially when it's completely made up!
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Francesco Crosara @ The Roxy Theatre
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:00pm
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Onóir @ The Roxy Theatre
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 6:30pm
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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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Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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