Bremerton Celebrates Armed Forces Day
Rain or shine, Kitsap supports their military members
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A few sprinkles and the threat of a larger storm didn't keep the crowds away for the 77th Annual Kitsap Credit Union Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday. Thousands of residents and visitors alike lined the streets of Downtown Bremerton for this special day honoring our local military members. Click on the photo to view the Kitsap Sun's photo gallery, courtesy of Meegan M. Reid.
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Thank you to our parade judges and special thanks to the voice of the Armed Forces Parade, parade announcer, Silvia Klatman!
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Scholarship Winners Honored at GKC Luncheon
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The Bremerton Central Lions Club Foundation, East Bremerton Rotary Club and Greater Kitsap Chamber are proud to present the recipients of this year's Armed Forces Day Ambassador Scholarship. These five students will be honored later today at the Chamber's membership luncheon. Congratulations!
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Today: May Membership Luncheon
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Please join us for our annual State of the military luncheon as we hear from Commander Luke Kelvington, Commanding Officer of the USS Pennsylvania who will speak to us about changes to our submarine force and the economic impacts of the new class of submarine coming to our region. We'll also be honoring the five students who were chosen this year as the 2024 Armed Forces Day Ambassador scholarship recipients.
Don't forget - be sure to bring an item for the raffle benefitting the Chamber's scholarship programs.
Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss! This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center in Downtown Bremerton. Parking is available on the 2nd level (green).
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Ribbon Cutting @ Viking Education Academy
Friday, May 31, 2024, 2:00 pm
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits
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According to the Harvard Business Review, 54% of job seekers considered better health, dental and vision insurance worthy of “heavy consideration” when evaluating job offers.
If you’re competing to attract and retain top talent, just making benefits available in not enough – employees need to regularly make use of their benefits and understand what is available to them.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has put together six post-enrollment strategies to help your workforce thrive – and help you keep them happy. Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news-insights/welcome-to-the-post-open-enrollment-playbook-ensuring-your-workforce-thrives/
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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 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 Members - Welcome to the Chamber!
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YMCA Express Coming to
Marina Square Bremerton
New waterfront facility will begin operating in fall 2024
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The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties (YMCAPKC) and Sound West Group (SWG) have agreed to a 5-year lease that will allow YMCAPKC to operate a 2,067-square-foot facility in the Marina Square waterfront apartment community, beginning fall of 2024. The adult-only facility will offer state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment and will utilize nearby outdoor spaces for seasonal group classes.
“This is a very exciting and innovative way to serve the Bremerton community,” said Charlie Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCAPKC. “Residents of the Marina Square apartment community and other individuals who live or work nearby in downtown Bremerton will have a space to improve their physical fitness and become part of the bustling YMCA community.”
The facility will be open to adult YMCAPKC members. Individuals who become members at this location will also have access to the nearby Bremerton Family YMCA, which offers expanded programming such as daily group exercise classes and an Olympic-size pool.
“We are tremendously proud and pleased to share that the YMCA is returning to the waterfront of downtown Bremerton on Cary Bozeman Place at Marina Square,” said Wes Larson, Chief Executive Officer, Sound West Group. “Marina Square will have a brand-new exercise facility, a restaurant, and a market that all serve the downtown residences and businesses, including over 500 residents in Marina Square and the adjacent Harborside and The 400 condominiums.”
The YMCA facility at Marina Square will have sweeping waterfront and boardwalk views and is located near the ferry and walking distance to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the new Quincy Jones Square.
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New Member Offers Special to Fellow Members
Advertise your business to 12,000+ homes & businesses
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Special Chamber Member offer: 10% off advertising space in Tideland Magazine, the West Sound's premier lifestyle magazine. Tideland is distributed quarterly to 12,000+ homes and businesses on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County, as well as on select ferries. Each issue celebrates all the West Sound has to offer---from food and culture to parks, trails and community. Our readers are educated, influential and engaged in their communities, making Tideland an ideal avenue for reaching the most sought-after audience in the area. For rates and more information about advertising in the magazine, check out our media kit and contact Laura Liming, (206) 659-6140 laura@tidelandmag.com
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Member Education & Training Resources
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SCORE: Increase Sales and Profits with
Pricing and Distribution Strategies
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 1:00 pm
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You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. We start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop is focused on pricing, and we start by covering some pricing basics. Then we review a detailed process to determine how you can determine the price of your product. Since pricing, a service is very different than a product, we have a special section the covers the separate process for pricing your services.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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KCR's BE$T Summer Program
Pre-registration now open for July 9th start
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Kitsap Community Resources’ Business Education Support & Training (BE$T) Program is committed to providing the business training and network of supportive community services to enterprising individuals to gain self- sufficiency through small business ownership.
The 8-week Business Basics Program gives you the tools to launch and expand a new business or grow your existing business.
- Develop your business concept
- Define and understand your target customer base
- Learn about money management and break-even point analysis
- Study cash flow, pricing, taxes and financial statements
- Learn how to set up operations including legal structure
- Design a marketing and sales plan
- Develop your own basic business plan
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Startup Founders Day @ Vibe Coworks
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 12:00 pm
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Join us for a half day event organized by WTIA, Vibe Coworks, and growth marketing expert Collin Dayley! This is an amazing opportunity to get hands-on training and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners in Kitsap County. Stay until the end for a happy hour to celebrate and network with the community!
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WA Hospitality Webinar: Lending Solutions
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 10:00 am
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The number of small business owners who said they keep coming up short on funds is 66%, making them unable to take their business to the next level.
Maybe you applied for ERC funds and are still waiting to get them back to your bank account. Or maybe you’ve received Employee Retention Credit funds, and it’s just not enough to bridge the gap. Or maybe you didn’t qualify for COVID relief at all.
Adesso gets it. That’s why they are stepping in to help.
Our partner, Adesso Capital, offers lending solutions to help you get the money your business needs. In this lending webinar by Adesso, learn more about different lending options and find solutions that work best for you and your business.
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Business News & Resources
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Contrasting Economic Signals: Confidence
Dips as Consumers Stay Resilient
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Recent economic data and surveys indicate a mixed outlook for the US economy. A Gallup survey revealed a decline in economic confidence for the first time in five months, with rising inflation being a top concern for 55% of Americans. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 0.3% increase in Personal Consumption Expenditure index, while the federal Consumer Price Index showed a 0.4% rise in prices. This drop in confidence, reminiscent of levels seen during the 1992 election, suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment.
Contrastingly, the National Retail Federation's analysis highlights consumer resilience amidst economic challenges. Despite a slowdown in GDP growth to 1.6% and unexpected inflation reaching 3.4%, consumer spending remains strong, supported by a robust job market and rising wages. Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz emphasized the resilience of consumer spending, which increased by 2.5% year over year. Though job openings slightly decreased, solid job growth persists.
Despite signs of economic deceleration, NRF's analysis suggests that the economy remains in good shape, bolstered by consumer confidence and steady spending, which increased by 2.5% year over year.
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Natural Gas Regulations Could be
on WA Ballot in November
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Washington voters could decide in November whether utilities and local governments must provide natural gas to eligible customers and whether to curtail state regulations that disincentivize natural gas use.
The Building Industry Association of Washington and other supporters are starting to gather signatures on a wide-ranging initiative concerning natural gas, now that a Thurston County judge has settled a disagreement between industry and environmental groups over the initiative’s ballot description.
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Small Business Grants - May 2024
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Bacardi, NAACP team on restaurant grants
H&R Block offering $100k in small-business grants
To be eligible, businesses need to be at least 51% owned by a woman 18 years or older and living within the United States. A selection committee will evaluate submissions, and finalists must participate in a virtual video interview with members of the selection committee.
Applications will be accepted until May 26.
eBay launches fifth-annual Up & Running Grants program
E-commerce giant eBay will be awarding 50 sellers on its platform $10,000 each as part of a bid to fuel the growth of their business. The money can go toward physical and digital store improvements, equipment, inventory, hiring, training, marketing and other expenses. The company also is offering recipients a stipend worth $500 each that sellers can use for office technology from the eBay Refurbished online store.
The application window closes June 7.
LegalZoom offers $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Winners will be announced on social media. Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards.
The window to apply closes September 13.
Jobber offers grants for home-services businesses
Applications are being accepted until June 12.
Additional opportunities for small businesses
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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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.
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Independent Contractor of Covered Worker?
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Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
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Nonprofit News & Resources
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Communities Rise: May Legal Clinic
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Communities Rise is hosting a legal clinic for nonprofits that are located in Washington state. Qualifying clients are paired with 1-2 attorneys for a free 1-hour legal consultation (at either 5:00 or 6:15) to discuss legal questions related to your nonprofit such as: start-up questions, intellectual property, nonprofit governance, choice of legal entity, etc. Please note that Communities Rise is not able to assist with matters involving litigation or active disputes. If you are interested in attending the legal clinic, please email legalclinic@communities-rise.org to determine eligibility and register.
Online
Cost: Free
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Inaugural Port Orchard Mosquito Fleet Fest Brings New Event to Bay Street
Seagull Calling Contest also set to return
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
The first annual Mosquito Fleet Fest in Port Orchard is coming Saturday, May 25, bringing two vessels that were part of the historic ferry system to the Port Orchard waterfront: Carlisle II and Virginia V.
Organized by the Port Orchard Bay Street Association, a variety of events scheduled as well so festival-goers may enjoy the town all day, according to the association.
Visitors with tickets can enjoy free 90-minute story sailings at 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. with former Kitsap Sun reporter Josh Farley narrating the history of the Mosquito fleet. Those signed up for Virginia V will sail aboard for an hour on Sinclair Inlet at 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. An additional sail with Virginia V is offered on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the association.
"This is a brand new event for us, and we intend to expand it in the future but we decided just to start simple and with one day," said Coreen Haydock of the Port Orchard Bay Street Association.
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The South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Port Orchard Bay Street Association during the first annual Mosquito Fleet Fest for the return of the "Annual" Seagul Calling Contest! This will be the 33rd year the event will be held in Port Orchard
Make sure to head on down to the Waterfront Gazebo in Downtown Port Orchard at 1:00 pm for registration and 1:30 pm for start of the event.
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Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry May See
Fare Increases in October
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid, Kisap Sun
Kitsap Transit has proposed a fare increase for its passenger ferry program starting October 1 and is looking for public comment before a public hearing to be held July 2.
The fare increase would be the first in Kitsap Transit’s seven years of service since 2017. An announcement released on the service’s website and sent on rider alerts cited “ongoing inflationary conditions and growing urgency to preserve the long-term sustainability” of the fleet and facilities as occasion for the price bump.
Full fare for a westbound fast ferry ticket would jump from $10 to $12, while an eastbound ticket would remain the same, and a monthly pass would now cost $196 instead of $168. The eastbound and westbound PugetPass would also be $432 when it used to be $360. Each respective fare price would increase again on October 1, 2025.
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Memorial Day Service
Kitsap Transit will operate Holiday Service
Effective Monday, May 27
On Memorial Day, May 27, Routed buses will operate Holiday Schedules or may not operate. Please see your route schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup tool online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
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Kitsap Fast Ferries and the Port Orchard Ferry will operate normal weekday service.
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The Annapolis Ferry will NOT operate.
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BI Ride will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Trips after 4:00 PM must be booked through the app.
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Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter and Southworth Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
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Kingston Ride, SK Ride, Nollwood Dial-A-Ride and Purdy Ride will NOT operate.
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ACCESS service will operate holiday service hours. Any recurring or subscription trips on Memorial Day will be canceled. Call ACCESS at 1.800.422.2877 to rebook your ride.
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There will be no Worker/Driver service. Some Vanpools may not operate; call your Vanpool driver for information.
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Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office and call center will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Administrative Office and ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions before the holiday.
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Live Well Kitsap! Networking Opportunity
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 3:15pm
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Community Invited to Meet & Greet
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 11:00 am
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Memorial Day Ceremony at USS Turner Joy
Monday, May 27, 2024, 10:00 am
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The public is invited to commemorate Memorial Day by attending a ceremony on the fantail of the historic destroyer USS TURNER JOY. Beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 27th, the event will feature the playing of the National Anthem, remarks from a local active-duty Marine Sergeant Major, followed by the annual laying of the memorial wreath to remember our fallen.
This event is made possible by the Bremerton Olympic Peninsula Council Navy league of the United States.
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SK Public Education Foundation Open House
Thursday, May 30, 2024, 5:30 pm
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Inspire WA | Cultural Futures 2024
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 7:00 pm
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Cultural Futures is a FREE funding, policy, and advocacy workshop for cultural businesses and supporters!
This spring, we invite you to join your local partners for Cultural Futures! Cultural Futures is Inspire Washington’s annual post-State Legislative Session tour when we visit communities to share what happened during the 2024 Legislative Session. It's our job to alert you to new funding and policy opportunities.
The 2025 Legislative Session is ramping up to be a BIG one! We anticipate many new objectives for each of our sectors—science, heritage, and the arts. Without new advocates and active engagement across the state, these large funding requests will be very challenging to secure. If you have thought about getting involved in the past but haven't yet participated, now is the time! With Inspire Washington, cultural advocacy is easy, fun, collaborative, and inspiring!
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 5:24 pm
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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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The Admiral Theatre Presents:
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Ricky Nelson Remembered
Starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Friday, May 31, 2024, 8:00 pm
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A unique multi-media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs (including “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travelin’ Man”, “Garden Party”) performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew & Gunnar and includes never before seen big screen video footage of the NELSON family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson.
The show appeals to a wide audience and multiple generations and celebrates the life of America’s original ‘Teen Idol’. The year 2020 marked the 35th anniversary of Rick Nelson’s passing in a tragic New Year’s Eve plane crash. Ricky would have turned 80 on May 8th of that year.
This show stars Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the identical twin sons of Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson. When Matthew & Gunnar hit #1 on the Billboard with their rock band NELSON with their self-penned #1 mega hit “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection” it put the Nelson family in the Guinness Book of Worlds as the ONLY family in entertainment history with THREE generations of #1 HITMAKERS! With their rock band NELSON, Matthew and Gunnar have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide!
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Comedian John Caponera
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 8:00 pm
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John Caponera always knew he wanted to be in show business but in what dimension was undetermined until the summer of 1979 when John entered a talent show at a local bar in Chicago. After doing several impressions, he walked away with the five hundred dollar winner's pot and a realization that he might have something to offer in the world of comedy.
Caponera's instincts proved right and after two years working the Chicago comedy club circuit, John took his act on the road where he was immediately accepted. He has honed his act over a forty-year career performing to audiences all over the world. Caponera is considered a comic's comic, a true professional offering a mix of material from topical to impressions to characterizations to stories and one liners.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Big Me - Foo Fighters Tribute
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 8:30 pm
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BCT: The Smell of the Kill
Closing Weekend!
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Take three delicious, malicious wives, add three miserable, unloving husbands — and chill. That's the recipe of Michele Lowe's tantalizing comedy that had Broadway audiences cheering. Nicky, Debra, and Molly have tolerated one another during once-a-month dinners for years. While their unseen spouses play golf in the dining room, the women exchange confidences for the first time revealing that all three marriages are on the brink of disaster and all three women are facing the challenges of their lives.
Content Advisory: Some adult language and a gunshot.
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Save-the-Date: Make Music Day
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Bremerton Airshow Returns this Summer
August 17 & 18, 2024
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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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