Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | |
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Randall Captures 6th Congressional District
First woman elected to office in district's history
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, November 5, 2024
State Sen. Emily Randall has been elected to represent Washington's 6th Congressional District, filling an open seat vacated by outgoing Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor.
Randall, D-Bremerton, carried 57.3% of the vote in general election, as of Tuesday night. That put her well ahead of State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, who has 42.6% and trails by about 43,000 votes.
Randall, a two-term state senator from Bremerton, was the heavy frontrunner coming into Tuesday's election. Raised near Port Orchard, she was first elected to public office in 2018 representing the 26th Legislative District. Prior to her political career she worked at several nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood. She will be the first woman to hold office in the district's 90-year history.
Read full article here
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The Chamber and Visitor Center will be closed in both of our locations on Monday, November 11, 2024 in observance of Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served! | |
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November Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 11:00 am
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2024 Business Awards Gala
Chamber & community celebrates local business
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In a beautiful combination of businesses and community, Friday night's Business Awards Gala filled the Suquamish Clearwater Casino ballroom and honored dozens of Kitsap businesses for their work in and around our region. With nearly 300 attendees, the Greater Kitsap Chamber was thrilled to spend an evening "tipping our hats" to both member and non-member businesses alike. Congratulations to our 2024 winners:
Pioneer Business of the Year
Rice Fergus Miller Architecture
Natalie E. Bryson Business of the Year
Harris Family Businesses
Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year
Spiva Cooking
Hospitality Business of the Year
Kitsap Conference Center
Nonprofit of the Year
Bremerton Foodline
Stay tuned for our gala photo gallery in the coming weeks and be sure to tag us on Facebook and IG with your pictures!
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Looking for a Travel Escape in 2025?
Travel Abroad with the Chamber
Info session on November 14th
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Join us via Zoom on November 14th to learn more about this exciting group travel experience with the Chamber. Contact Irene for more information and the Zoom link today! | |
Sign Up Now: Shop Local with Kitsap Kelly | |
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Kitsap Women's Summit Calling for Speakers
Deadline to submit is November 14th
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The planning committee for the Kitsap Women’s Summit (KWS) is seeking emerging and seasoned presenters: keynotes and panelists for the Spring 2025 event, to speak on topics highly relevant to women. Our theme this year: Imagine. Empower. Rise.
Imagine the possibilities when women rise together with empowered voices, uplifting others, to create a collective force for change. To learn more and submit your speaker application, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/4v5ysAaSTL.
The Kitsap Women’s Summit is an annual half-day gathering curated for women by women. Women from all industries and walks of life come together for conversation, community, and personal and professional development, with the collective purpose of amplifying female voices and experiences in Greater Kitsap. Presented by the Greater Kitsap Chamber and Leadership Kitsap.
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Bremerton District 3 Open House
Community event hosted by the Greater Kitsap Chamber
Monday, November 18, 2024 5:30 pm
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits | |
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Chamber launches new benefit in partnership with Crunch Fitness!
We are so excited to announce this new wellness opportunity for our business community: beginning August 2024, members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber and their employees can now enjoy discounted gym memberships at Crunch Fitness in Silverdale. For more information on how to redeem this benefit, contact Irene at the Chamber.
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It’s time to get the most out of your insurance.
With Business Health Trust, you’ll have access to:
- More choices – more than 80 medical plans from the most respected carriers in the state
- More value – all plans come with mental health and virtual care coverage, plus innovative ancillary benefits to suit your needs
- More support – with concierge level customer service and comprehensive plan administration
- More savings – enjoy discounts on transit, IT & HR support, plus savings on dining, shopping, travel and more
- More peace of mind – we’ve got you covered!
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and see for yourself how BHT has helped over 1,000 businesses with their employee benefits.
Ready to build your benefits plan? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.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 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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New & Renewing Members for October
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Grand Opening of YMCA Express | |
Congratulations again to long-time Chamber members, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, on the opening of their new YMCA Express at Marina Square! Thrilled that you have brought the Y back to Downtown Bremerton, with the best gym view in the West Sound! Check them out and sign up for your membership today! | |
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PNWT 20th Annual Food Drive
Now thru November 15, 2024
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Noo-Kayet Investments RFP
for Traffic Consultant Services
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Noo-Kayet (NKI) is seeking to obtain professional consulting services to conduct a traffic study for Hansville Road from the road approaching south of the intersection with Little Boston Road northwards to the northern extent of PGST lands on Hansville Road (approx. .75 miles). The project is expected to be completed by March 1, 2025. Please see the RFP for the full scope.
Proposals shall include a not-to-exceed fee amount and a completion schedule. The deadline for proposal submittal is November 8, 2024.
Noo-Kayet Investments is the business arm of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (PGST), located in Kingston, WA. NKI’s mission is to develop economic opportunities for PGST and maximize returns for its Tribal Members.
For RFP questions, communications, and submissions, please contact Charles “Chuck” Wallace, Safety & Emergency Coordinator, 360-280-8278, cwallace@noo-kayet.com.
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Leadership Kitsap: 20 Under 40 | |
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Seaport Salon Hosts Holiday Event
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 5:00-7:00 pm
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YMCA Family Night @ The Roxy
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 7:00 pm
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Navy League's Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, November 11, 2024, 10:30 am
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Scentsy Fundraiser to Benefit
Central Kitsap Food Bank
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Mark Your Calendar: Friday, November 15th
Mystic Mvmnt Celebrates 5 Years
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Business & Professional Development Committee | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 10:00 am
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SCORE: Strategies to Identify & Reach
Your Target Customers
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 9:00 am
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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.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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SBDC: Make the Most of Your Holiday Sales
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11:00 am
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For many business owners, the holidays are a golden opportunity, and we are leaving a lot of money on the table if we miss it or don't plan well. In this webinar, we'll discuss how to structure your offers, headlines, ads, and landing pages for the holiday season, so as to garner more prospects and convert more of those prospects into buyers. We'll also look at how you can increase your "average unit sale" or "average transaction size" -- that is, how much each customer generally spends with you. Get your Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and December offers and ads all lined up to produce results for you. If you implement the strategies and tactics from this webinar, you’ll finish 2024 stronger and go into 2025 with momentum!
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SCORE: Starting a New Business
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00 am
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This workshop will give you the following skills to take those first critical steps in starting a successful business:
- Understand the different business entities and choose the best one for your business.
- Learn how to properly license your business in Washington state.
- Select the correct insurance for your business.
- Understand the options for financing your business.
First, we review what you need to know about setting up your business with the best legal entity. Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, LLC or another entity, we will help you understand how to get the right business licenses along with understanding the state and federal taxes you need to manage.
Understanding how to protect your business and yourself with the correct business insurance is critical. You’ll learn about the various commercial insurance policies available and we’ll help you determine what’s best for you.
We’ll describe to you various financing options for your business, and then show you how to apply for the financing that makes sense for you.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Business News & Resources | |
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WHA: How Parking Impacts Guest
Experience & Revenue
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Courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association
Have you ever decided to go somewhere else because there was no parking at the original place?
Parking is more than just providing an available space for a guest’s car. It presents an opportunity to improve a guest’s overall experience and therefore leads to great reviews and raise brand image. Parking also provides an area to see strong returns on investment, since it requires little additional spending but can generate significant revenue.
Read more here
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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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Minimum Wage Increase Leads
to Other Changes for 2025
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Adjustments to minimum wage also mean updates to the 2025 minimum salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees, the minimum pay for rideshare drivers, and non-compete clauses:
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Minimum salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees
- Changes how much executive, administrative, professional workers, computer professionals, and outside salespeople must earn in salary to be exempt from overtime requirements.
- For small employers (1-50) in 2025, the minimum salary threshold is $69,305.60/annually
- For large employers (50+) in 2025, the minimum salary threshold is $77,968.80/annually
- Minimum pay for rideshare drivers
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Minimum pay for drivers for rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber is one of the new rights and protections granted to these drivers
- For trips within Seattle in 2025, drivers must earn least $0.68 per passenger platform minute and $1.59 per passenger platform mile, or $5.95, whichever is greater.
- For trips outside of Seattle in 2025, drivers must earn at least $0.39 per passenger platform minute and $1.34 per passenger platform mile, or $3.45, whichever is greater.
- Non-compete clauses
- Non-compete agreements typically prevent an employee or independent contractor from working for a competitor or starting a similar business while employed or after leaving their current job.
- Earnings must meet a minimum threshold for non-compete agreements to be legal in Washington.
- For employees in 2025, the threshold will be $123,394.17
- For independent contractors, the 2025 threshold will be $308,485.43.
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Nonprofit News & Resources | |
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The Case for Diversifying Revenue
Streams for in Nonprofits
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Published on NonProfitPRO.com, November 5, 2024
Photo: Getty Images by Teera Konakan
In the nonprofit sector, just as in many aspects of life, diversification is key. While the argument to focus solely on one revenue stream may hold appeal due to its promise of efficiency, predictability and streamlined operations, a balanced approach that embraces multiple revenue streams can offer nonprofits much-needed stability, resilience and opportunities for growth.
In fact, the potential trap that organizations may fall into is overreliance on one or possibly two primary funding streams. If, for example, your organization focuses exclusively on funding from the biopharmaceutical industry, I can guarantee that you will immediately limit opportunities for growth. Why?
Read the full article here
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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Kitsap residents and business owners are invited to attend the Nov. 6 meeting of the Central Kitsap Community Council for a discussion focused on West Silverdale roads. The meeting takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road.
Representatives from Kitsap County Public Works will participate, including Joe Rutan, county engineer and assistant director; Christy DeGeus, traffic manager; and David Forte, planning supervisor. They will share information and address questions and concerns related to traffic planning and forecasting for the West Silverdale area.
The CKCC meeting also features committee reports on planning for a community center and focusing on the Silverdale Regional Center Subarea Plan in 2025. There are also community announcements and opportunities for public comment.
Stay informed and engaged! All CKCC are open to the public. Learn more about the council and find the meeting agenda at kcowa.us/CKCC.
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Kitsap County's Annual Operation Green Light
November 4 - 11, 2024
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In advance of the Veterans Day holiday, Kitsap County buildings on the Port Orchard campus will be illuminated in green Nov. 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light, a national initiative of the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans while highlighting resources available to assist veterans and their families.
Kitsap County Commissioners and the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board encourage everyone to participate by simply changing a 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 and 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.
"It’s truly heartwarming to come together for a nationwide event that honors the brave men and women who have served our country. Veterans understand the power of teamwork, and through simple acts like displaying a green light in our homes, we unite in gratitude and strengthen our community,” said Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program Coordinator Richard Becker. “I sincerely hope that community members will join us in showing their commitment to our veterans, just as our County Commissioners have through their unwavering support of Operation Greenlight. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much.”
Visit the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program at kcowa.us/veterans for more information on resources available to local veterans and their families.
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Kitsap County: Be Prepared & Stay Informed | |
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As the winter season approaches, Kitsap County Public Works is making preparations to tackle the challenges that come with inclement weather. Our dedicated team is geared up and ready to ensure the safety and accessibility of our roads during the colder months.
To stay informed about the latest updates on road conditions and traffic impacts, we encourage you to subscribe to our County Road Report. By doing so, you will receive real-time notifications and valuable insights that can help you plan your travels more efficiently and navigate any challenges posed by winter storms. Subscribing is quick and easy! Visit kcowa.us/roadreport and sign up for the County Road Report alerts. You'll gain access to timely updates, road closures, and traffic advisories directly via text or email.
Stay informed about facility closures, delayed openings, and pertinent updates by visiting our Inclement Weather & Emergency Information page at kcowa.us/IW. Explore links to the County's snow and ice response plan and priority plowing map for details on our actions during adverse weather conditions.
Thank you, and let's make this winter a safe and secure one for everyone in Kitsap County!
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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Bike Rodeo
Saturday, November 9, 2024
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Silverdale Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 2:00 pm
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6 Tips for Staying Safe During Storms | |
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Courtesy of Kitsap Public Health District
Power outages, flooding, and sewage can create health hazards around your home.
Here are quick tips for staying healthy and safe during fall and winter storms. Visit our Storms page for full information.
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Only run generators outdoors. Running a generator in an enclosed space, like a garage, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
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When the power is out, don't assume food in your fridge is safe to eat. After losing electricity, a refrigerator will keep food safe for about four hours. A full freezer will keep food safe for about two days. Eating food that's been too warm for too long can make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out!
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If the area around your well is flooded, your drinking water might not be safe to drink. If you do not have bottled water to drink, you can purify water by boiling it or adding bleach (1/4 teaspoon of bleach for one gallon of water). See our storms page for detailed instructions.
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Give your septic system a break during heavy rains. A flooded septic drainfield can cause your septic system to fail and create a smelly, dangerous mess. You can ease the strain on your septic system by using less water in your house. Simple steps like spacing out showers and laundry loads can help reduce the amount of water draining into your system.
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Floodwater can make you sick. In addition to being dangerous to drive or walk through, floodwater can spread germs and chemicals. Avoid touching floodwater and wash your hands with soap and clean water if you do have contact with floodwater.
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Hold off harvesting shellfish. Stormwater can carry pollution onto the shoreline, making clams, oysters and other shellfish unsafe to eat. Avoid harvesting shellfish after heavy rains. Always check the state shellfish safety map to be aware of other shellfish advisories.
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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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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Dia de los Muertos and Beyond @ BIMA
Now thru November 17, 2024
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BIMA invites the public for Day of the Dead festivities, and a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s expanded exhibition combines traditional Día de los Muertos themes and a participatory ofrenda (altar), with broader contemporary art from Puget Sound-area Hispanic and Latine artists.
Janine Courtemanche (Bainbridge Island), The Anniversary (detail), 2024, Courtesy of the Artist
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Admiral Theatre: Marc Broussard
Thursday, November 7, 2024
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Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock, and soul into contemporary terms. His father, Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard of "The Boogie Kings" nurtured his musical gifts at an early age, and the vibrant Lafayette, Louisiana music scene gave Broussard the opportunity to practice his craft consistently from childhood through early adulthood.
After releasing a successful independent EP at age 20, Marc signed a record deal with Island Records and made his major-label debut with Carencro. The album featured the hit "Home," which gained large success on radio and catapulted him into the national spotlight. Over the next 10 years, Broussard released multiple albums with major labels, but has recently returned to his independent roots with several acclaimed original and cover albums via his SOS Foundation (Save our Soul).
Broussard's incomparable brand of soul — an infectious mix of rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop, and soul coupled with his powerful vocals — has garnered worldwide praise from critics and fans alike.
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2024 Art in the Woods
November 8 - 10, 2024
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Art In The Woods is a unique, self-guided studio tour taking place on the second weekend of November every year. Visitors are invited into North Kitsap working studios to meet the artists, see new work and view demonstrations and purchase treasures.
Visit with talented professionals working in a variety of media. The studio sizes range from single-artist working environments to groups of artists in larger venues.
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Port Gamble Ghost Conference
November 8 - 10, 2024
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
New Sensation - INXS Tribute
Friday, November 8, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Whiskey River - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Bremerton Jazz Legends
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 6:30 pm
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KCMT: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Now thru Nov. 17, 2024
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BCT Presents: Blithe Spirit
Now thru Nov. 24, 2024
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Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward
In Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, the mundane life of novelist Charles Condomine takes a hilariously supernatural turn when a séance gone awry conjures the ghost of his mischievous first wife, Elvira. As Elvira's spectral antics wreak havoc on Charles's current marriage to the no-nonsense Ruth, the play spirals into a delightful farce filled with witty banter, eccentric characters, and a whirlwind of ghostly chaos. With Coward's signature sharp humor and clever dialogue, Blithe Spirit is a timeless comedy that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and the afterlife with a charmingly light touch.
Content Advisory: Features witty and sophisticated dialogue; ghosts and séances are central to the plot and are portrayed in a humorous and non-threatening way; some mature themes related to marriage and infidelity handled with Coward’s characteristic wit and charm; some comedic accidents and mishaps.
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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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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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