Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | | Get Ready for November's Election at These Kitsap Election Forums | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, September 22, 2025
Photo: Kitsap Sun
General election ballots for Kitsap County voters are weeks away from being mailed for the Nov. 4 general election. This fall's races are primarily at the local level, with candidates contesting city council seats, school board positions and two mayoral races in Kitsap County, along with a special election for a state legislative position.
Several forums, some in person and others online, are planned for the coming weeks. Look at the list below to navigate your opportunities to hear from candidates on the issues before ballots are due.
Read the article here
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Eggs & Issues Candidate Forum
October 7 - October 23, 2025, 8:00am
| | Join us for the Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Candidate Forums at Cloverleaf Bar and Grill, a long-standing tradition started by the Bremerton Chamber over 25 years ago This year, the Chamber has added an additional Eggs & Issues for the Poulsbo Mayoral Race which will be held at Vibe Coworks. | |
September Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:00am
| Hear how our committees are helping grow the community, amplifying your Chamber membership and investing in the future of Kitsap. Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center. | | |
RECAP Chamber: Off the Clock
| We had a great time at Kitsap Credit Union’s rooftop in Downtown Bremerton for this month’s Chamber: Off the Clock! With gorgeous views of Sinclair Inlet, attendees made new connections, enjoyed tasty bites from Honeybee Horticulture, and won some fun door prizes. It was a great way to wind down and catch up with fellow Chamber members. | |
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! | |
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
| Help us celebrate the stars of our local business community and be a sponsor at the Chamber's 2025 Business Awards Gala! For sponsorship information contact us at (360) 692-6800 or hello@greaterkitsapchamber.com. | 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.
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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! | | |
Illuminate.Me: Bites and Insights
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:30pm
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Join us for a fun night of learning all about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)!
Hosted by the owners/providers of Illuminate.Me and Exexipel HRT expert Camie.
Drinks and appetizers will be provided. Space is limited, RSVP by calling (360)-204-5202.
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Leadership Development Workshop
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:00pm
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First Time Home Buyer Class
September 9 - September 30, 2025, 4:00pm
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Hearts for Housing Fundraising Breakfast
Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 8:00am
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2025 WAMOA Fall Conference
October 1 - October 3, 2025
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In the Same Boat: Navigating Water Loss in Educational Facilities
We’ll share real-world strategies to respond quickly, minimize disruption, and protect your school’s resources. Presented by SERVPRO® & Leavens Enterprises—because when it comes to protecting schools, we’re all in the same boat.
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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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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 Kuresman Insurance Agency as our September Member of the Month! With 65 years of industry experience, Kuresman Insurance has been a steadfast provider of personalized insurance solutions and a proud supporter of the local community. The Kurseman team brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to helping neighbors protect what matters most.
Insurance with Integrity
Kuresman Insurance stands out as an independent agency offering personalized coverage through top-rated carriers. Whether it’s auto, home, life, or business insurance, their team works closely with clients to craft policies that fit individual needs and budgets. Their customer-first approach ensures that every policy holder receives thoughtful guidance and dependable protection.
A Legacy of Service and Support
For nearly seven decades, Kuresman Insurance Agency has grown alongside the Kitsap community, adapting to changing needs while staying true to their values. Their commitment to community is evident in their active sponsorship of beloved local events, including performances and programs at the Roxy Theatre, the annual Whaling Days festival, and much more.
We celebrate Kuresman Insurance not only for their business excellence but also for their ongoing contributions to the vitality of our region. Thank you Kuresman Insurance Agency for over 50 years of Chamber membership!
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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: Tech is for Everyone - How to Make Tech Work for You and Your Business
Friday, September 26, 2025, 2:00pm
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In this day and age, technology is an integral part of every single industry, whether we understand it or not. "Tech Is For Everyone" is a course designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed in modern business, no matter where you're starting from. Join this informative and valuable one hour seminar to learn the basics about websites, networks, file storage and sharing, hardware, software, and managing employee access.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Pricing and Distribution Strategies
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 1:00pm
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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.
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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In today's fast-paced and increasingly diverse work environments, maintaining civility in the workplace is more important than ever. This interactive webinar is designed specifically for HR professionals who seek to understand the critical role civility plays in fostering a positive workplace culture. Attendees will explore the latest research on civility and its impact on employee well-being, productivity, and organizational success. With a focus on the consequences of incivility, the session will delve into practical strategies for HR professionals to identify, address, and prevent uncivil behavior in the workplace. Through engaging discussions and real-world scenarios, participants will leave equipped with actionable tools and insights to promote respect, inclusivity, and collaboration in their organizations.
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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 | | |
WA Supreme Court Clarifies
Salary Posting Requirement
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Published in WA Retail Association, September 18, 2025
The Washington Supreme Court recently issued a decision interpreting the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA), which requires employers with 15 or more employees to include salary ranges and wage scales in job postings. The Court ruled that individuals do not need to prove they are applying in “good faith” to bring a claim if a posting does not comply with the law. Applicants may pursue statutory damages between $100 and $5,000 per violation, along with attorneys’ fees and costs. (RCW 49.58.110).
The ruling means that anyone submitting an application in response to a job posting without the required wage information may be entitled to damages, regardless of their intent to seek employment.
Earlier this year, lawmakers amended the EPOA to provide businesses with a limited correction period. From July 27, 2025 through July 27, 2027, employers notified of a missing salary range in a posting have five business days to correct the issue. If addressed within that timeframe, penalties and damages cannot be awarded.
This decision reinforces the importance of reviewing all job postings to ensure they meet EPOA requirements.
Read the article here
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DOR Publishes New Guidance on
Sales Tax on Services Law
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The state Department of Revenue recently published several pieces of guidance on the state’s new sales tax on services, which will go into effect Oct. 1. Interim guidance is now available for the following topics:
Additional guidance is expected on advertising services, custom software and temporary staffing.
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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 Keep Nonprofit Board Meetings on Track and Out of Operations | | |
Published in Nonprofit Pro, September 17, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/ Charday Penn
Too often, governance meetings — especially those on fiduciary topics like risk prevention and management — can feel flat and veer into operations. Board members tend to not speak or engage — whether the topic is fiduciary, strategic or even generative higher-level thinking matters.
In these meetings, staff present facts, review program results with dashboards or handouts, discuss financials and cover fundraising efforts or upcoming events. for For the senior staff presenting this information, these are vital matters that are central to their day-to-day work. For board members, however, this information doesn’t always connect to their core role of governance and oversight. In fact, such reports can unintentionally draw board members into operational details where their involvement isn’t appropriate.
The dynamic between nonprofit board members and executive staff is a delicate balance, shaped by differing perspectives, obligations and expertise. While everyone is deeply committed to the mission, engagement between the two groups often feels misaligned.
Staff grapple with complexities and details that, while essential, may not always translate into compelling material for boardroom discussion. Board members, entrusted with governance and strategic oversight, naturally want to make a tangible difference. Yet their real value lies in higher-level decision-making — risk, accountability and long-term direction — not in managing operations.
The challenge is determining how to keep board meetings engaging without letting them slip into operations. Striking this balance requires intentional effort, creative engagement and a shared understanding of roles.
Read the article here
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NAWA: Advocacy Building Blocks
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00am
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Join NAWA’s Policy Director and nonprofit advocates for a discussion about why policy and advocacy work is essential to achieving nonprofit missions. We’ll provide an overview of advocacy, lobbying and what you need to know to stay compliant with state and federal laws.
You can expect answers to questions like:
- Why do we advocate?
- What is advocacy and lobbying?
- What do we need to know to stay compliant?
- How do we talk to decision-makers about the issues that affect our communities?
- How do we take action on issues that affect our communities?
| Strategic Planning in Nonprofits | | Check out NAWA's updated Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (SPiN) Toolkit! Pulling from a variety of strategic planning approaches and resources, Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (SPiN) provides actionable information, tools, and activities to help you shape a process right sized for your organization. | |
Car Tab Increase Discussed in Bremerton
to Fund Additional Roadwork
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Published in The Kitsap Sun, September 22, 2025
Image: Kitsap Sun
The Bremerton City Council has raised the idea of increasing the car tab fee city drivers pay, a potential source of revenue to pay for more neighborhood street repairs as the city deals with a tightening budget.
The fee's potential increase from $20, which does not have a date set for any potential action at this point, was raised in a Sept. 10 council study session. Councilmember Jane Rebelowski, a member of the city's public works committee, raised the concept. She said an additional $600,000 could be directed toward streets and possibly hire two employees to more efficiently accomplish needed work. Adding employees could allow the streets to deploy two daily crews to job sites, which would offer efficiency, decrease overtime or contracting out work at a higher rate.
Currently the city brings in around $600,000 in car tab fee revenue annually, but around $533,000 of that amount only funds salaries for the street crew, meaning other costs for residential street improvements like sidewalks and potholes must be found elsewhere. Increasing costs for concrete and asphalt also slow down what the city can pay for.
"There's so much delayed maintenance in the city, it's incredibly sad," Rebelowski said, highlighting a particular need for traffic-calming projects in neighborhoods. The council is expecting to receive a city policy on traffic calming needs, which could influence priorities for future streets work and offer residents a better look at what an extra $20 may buy.
Read the article here
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Open House: 6th Street Improvement Project
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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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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2025 Fall Stand Down for Veterans
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00am
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Silverdale Greendrinks @ Western Red Brewing
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 5:24pm
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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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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:
Hair Nation 80s Top Hits
Friday, September 26, 2025, 8:30pm
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REO Survivor & CO
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 7:00pm
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Fever 103 Foreigner Tribute
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 8:30pm
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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour @ Port Gamble
September 2025
| | As summer winds down, Port Gamble Bay becomes lantern-lit—no electricity required. Glide through velvet-black waters alive with bioluminescent glow aboard sit‑on‑top kayaks, guided by naturalists and surrounded by untouched shoreline and midnight skies. Each paddle stirs the water into shimmering stardust beneath your hull. Perfect for all ages and experience levels, this two-hour, guided journey is as magical as it gets. Eight dates available in September. Last tour of the season is September 20, Olympic Outdoor Center, Port Gamble. | | |
BCT Presents: To Die For
September 5 - September 28, 2025
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Step into the gothic mansion of Carla Woods, a best-selling historical romance writer whose life is anything but dull. Carla has a penchant for playing dangerous mind games—especially with her secretaries. But when a mysterious, devastatingly handsome stranger appears on a dark and stormy night, the game takes an unexpected turn.
Is this charming newcomer merely payback from a disgruntled past employee, or could it be... love's destiny? As secrets unravel and the line between fantasy and reality blurs, Carla finds herself caught in a thrilling battle of wits where every twist could be her last.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours.
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The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra @ The Roxy
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:00pm
| The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra is a dynamic and innovative ensemble committed to providing high-quality performances and music education to communities worldwide. Through a blend of concerts, workshops, compositions, recordings, and cultural exchanges, the orchestra brings people together through the universal language of music, with a special emphasis on the rich traditions of jazz. | |
Concerts at Port Gamble:
Andrew Duhon
Friday, September 26, 2025, 7:00pm
| Entertaining, sure, but when a song written by a stranger heals you, even in the smallest way, that's a connection beyond entertainment, and that is the journey Andrew Duhon sets out on from his home in Louisiana. His songs are about recognizing our story as much as they are about telling his, and his coast-to-coast pursuits have given him a clearer view of the American Landscape than most are privy to. | |
Fall Festival @ Winney Farm
September 27, 2025, 11:00am
| Save the Date for the annual fall festival at Winney Farm! Live Music, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Farm Animals, Kids Activities, Great Food, Beer Garden! Winney Farm's newly created non-profit, "Sharing and Spreading Hope" is offering this community event with no cost for admission or activities! | |
Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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Whipped Cream @ The Roxy
October 10 - October 12, 2025
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Poulsbo Film Festival 2025
October 10 - October 12, 2025
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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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