Washington State Ferries Pushes Back Service Restoration Estimate for Bremerton, Again
Agency pointing to "early 2024" as new target
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Washington State Ferries officials have, once again, bumped back their estimated service restoration timeline for the Bremerton-Seattle run.
The agency said in a community forum for Bremerton ferry riders this week that its estimate for restoring pre-pandemic service had been pushed back to "early 2024."
"It is coming, not as soon by a long shot as any of us would like, but we’re doing everything we can to get you there," John Vezina, the agency's director of planning, customer and government relations, said to attendees.
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Grand Opening: loanDepot
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 1:00 pm
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Join us as we celebrate the opening of new offices for loanDepot in Silverdale! Enjoy networking with Chamber members, community leaders, light refreshments and more!
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June Luncheon: Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 11:00 am
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber |
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Harris Family Holdings: Cups Espresso & Cafes
With locations in Bremerton, Manchester, Poulsbo & Bainbridge Island
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Locally and family-owned and operated, Cups Espresso & Cafes can be found in 4 communities across Kitsap County. Enjoy Espresso, handcrafted sandwiches, ice cream, pastries and more. Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, Cups Espresso & Cafes also offers in-store catering, event and performance spaces and outdoor dining when the PNW weather is just right. Check them out today for delicious food and drinks and great customer service! |
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123 Bjune Drive SE, Suite 105 | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
409 Pacific Avenue, Suite 201 | Bremerton, WA 98337
8079 E. Main Street, Manchester Waterfront | Port Orchard, WA 98366
18881 Front Street, Suite E | Poulsbo, WA 98370
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REPLAY: Ribbon Cutting at Peaks Financial |
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Congratulations again, to our friends at Peaks Financial! |
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Volunteers Needed: Kitsap Pride Festival
Saturday, July 22, 2023
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This year's Kitsap Pride Festival needs to fill 120+ volunteer shifts and is asking the community for their support! If you're able to volunteer some time to this amazing family-friendly event, please click the link below to sign up. |
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Leadership Kitsap Graduates 30th Class
Katie Walters honored as distinguished alumni
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Leadership Kitsap's annual Celebration of Leadership last week saw the 30th class of leaders graduate from the program, with six community service projects showcased as part of the evening. Former LK Executive Director and current Kitsap County Commissioner, Katie Walters, was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Several members of the Suquamish Tribe and Tribal Council, including Sammy Mabe, Irene Carper and Denita Holmes, participated in words and song as part of the presentation.
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Lisa Stirrett Anniversary Sale
VIP Event: Wednesday, June 14, 2023
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Join Lisa Stirrett and team as a VIP at her studio as she shares some changes coming to the Creative Warrior Studio! Almost everything is 50% off at the event. Check out the reduced inventory and hear a big announcement from Lisa herself on changes coming soon! |
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Port Gamble Seeks New Restauranteur |
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
U Paint
Empowering communities through art
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Meet Erik Gonzalez, the visionary founder of U Paint, an art supplies business with a purpose. U Paint goes beyond being just a store—it's a social enterprise that supports nonprofits empowering communities through the unifying power of art. Erik's passion lies in public murals, especially those inspiring and beautifying communities. He emphasizes the importance of specialized materials in urban art and aims to provide artists with the tools they need. Erik believes art can make a positive impact and bring people together. Through projects like the "One Love" mural promoting unity, U Paint is leaving a vibrant testament to the transformative power of art.
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U PAINT SPC is a Social Purpose Corporation developed to assist the nonprofit organization, Urbanists Collective. 100% of the business's income is donated to Urbanists Collective to assist the nonprofit organization with a sustainable fundraising model that helps with expenses grants cannot fund.
U PAINT SPC retails specialized art and mural materials unavailable at traditional art and hobby stores, including an exclusive line of products unique to Kitsap County.
The business creates pop-up shops that tour Kitsap County
and are looking to open a brick-and-mortar soon.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Do You Have an Accident Prevention Program? |
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Every employer in Washington State is required to create a written Accident Prevention Program (APP) to address the safety and health hazards found in their workplace. Many employers consider their APP as their cornerstone safety program.
Tips for creating a written APP:
- Involve your workers in identifying hazards.
- Educate employees and visitors on your safety and health policies.
- Know the requirements for your industry.
- Review the resources, templates, and samples provided by L&I.
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Lunchtime Lightning Talk
Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 3:00 pm
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For this last Lightning Talk, join the celebration of the conclusion of Vibe's first Microbusiness Accelerator with participants and community members. Arrive at 3:00 pm for conversation and networking. This lightning talk will begin at 3:30 pm and end promptly at 4:30 pm with light bites and drinks. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.
Speakers:
Lighting Talks are FREE and open to everyone.
Located at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo, you do not need to be a Vibe member to attend. If you ARE a Vibe member, attending the event does not use up any of your monthly access days, unless you plan to stick around to work for the day, too.
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SBDC: Money vs. Value - Claim Your Worth
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:00 am
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Let’s talk about MONEY. Did you know almost everyone has mistaken beliefs around money? And so often those beliefs can limit financial growth. In this webinar, we are diving into money blocks and how to reframe our ideas around money. Whether you are a startup or an established business, get a refresh on how to think about money. Plus, get solid examples of how to raise your pricing and create higher value for what you do. |
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Business News & Resources |
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Second Carbon Auction Shows Cause for Concern with New Program |
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The state Department of Ecology released results last week for the state’s second quarterly auction of carbon allowances. The auctions are required under the state’s new cap-and-invest program, part of the Climate Commitment Act. The second auction is projected to raise $557 million in state revenue. The Washington State Standard has a full report.
The auction sold 8.5 million credits at $56.01 each, well above the $22.20 starting price. The price was so high it triggered the Allowance Price Containment Reserve, a secondary reserve of emergency credits intended to help manage prices. In the first auction on Feb. 28, credits sold for $48.50 each, already considerably above projections.
“This program is off to a troubling start,” said AWB President Kris Johnson. “We continue to see prices coming in far higher than projected by Ecology, which not only means higher costs for Washingtonians but is also a sign of significant problems with the program.”
A main reason credits are selling for higher than expected is the lack of sufficient credits available for purchase. AWB and other stakeholders have argued additional credits were needed to keep the auction price closer to the state’s projected $30 per ton.
“After two auctions, we believe it’s time for a serious discussion with policymakers about ways to make this program work better and have more predictable costs attached to it,” Johnson said. “Our members need to see a gradual ramp up in prices to give them time to adjust and make the investments needed to comply with the law.”
Gasoline in Washington started the year 46 cents a gallon more expensive than the national average, but after two carbon credit auctions, Washington’s fuel is now $1.01 per gallon more expensive than the national average – indicating that the cap-and-invest program has increased fuel prices in Washington by 55 cents per gallon.
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Update Your Labor Posters |
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The United States Department of Labor has released a new, more user-friendly FMLA poster entitled "Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act." Get your printable copy here.
Employers should replace the prior, April 2016, poster with this new one as soon as possible.
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WA State Building Code Delays
2021 Code Effective Dates
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The State Building Code Council voted on May 24, 2023, to delay the effective date of the 2021 codes for 120 days. The new effective date for all building codes is October 29, 2023. Previously, the effective date was July 1, 2023. The Council also directed SBCC staff to convene two Technical Advisory Groups to consider stakeholder proposals to modify commercial and residential energy codes sections.
Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) will continue to accept applications based on the existing 2018 codes until 11:59 PM on October 28, 2023. A complete application must be submitted, with all necessary documentation to complete the review, to be vested under the 2018 building code.
For more information regarding the delay, please visit the Washington State Building Code Council website at https://www.sbcc.wa.gov.
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Heat Ruling Effective Date Imminent |
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While working outdoors can offer numerous benefits, it also comes with certain risks, particularly when dealing with extreme weather conditions. Heat-related illnesses pose a significant threat to outdoor workers, and it is crucial to prioritize their prevention as we enter the summer season.
In recognition of this, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed permanent rules to be effective soon, which emphasize the inclusion of a section on heat-related illness to be included in your Accident Prevention Program (APP).
It is essential for both supervisors and employees who regularly work outdoors to undergo training in the new rules and familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Also, the rule includes additional hydration and shaded break periods depending on the outdoor temperature. A template with training requirements is available here to assist with this requirement.
Remember, prioritizing the safety and well-being of outdoor workers during extreme weather conditions is crucial, and proactive measures can help prevent heat-related illnesses and accidents. The new heat rules make for a great safety meeting topic for all employees.
Our safety team is available to help members take their safety program from compliance to quality safety practices. Contact the Washington Retail Association at safety@waretailservices.com to learn more.
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339,000 Jobs Created in May
Labor force larger than pre-COVID, but still short
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The labor market remains hot, making it more challenging for the Federal Reserve in its efforts to tame inflation.
- 339,000 jobs were created, while expectations were for 188,000.
Why it matters: The labor market is the most important data point the Fed looks at when gauging how its policies affect inflation.
The labor force grew by 130,000. We are now almost 2.4 million workers above the pre-pandemic participation level. But, if we had the same participation rate now as in February 2020, there would be 1.95 million more workers in the labor force.
By the numbers:
- Wages rose 0.3% from April and 4.3% annually from May 2022.
- Education and Health added 97,000 jobs; Professional and Business Services 64,000; Government 56,000; Leisure and Hospitality 48,000; Construction 25,000.
- Industries that lost jobs in May were Information (9,000) and Manufacturing (2,000).
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Help Desk Cavalry: Future-Proofing Your Business with Technology Trends |
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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for long-term success. One way to future-proof your business is by embracing technology trends that can drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. In this blog post, we’ll explore some key technology trends that can help you future-proof your business and stay relevant in the digital age.
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community. To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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4 Direct Mail Pitfalls Your Nonprofit Should Avoid |
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Photo: Getty Images by Hispanolistic
The impact of nonprofit direct mail marketing is undeniable. Direct mail delivers the best response, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) of any channel used. In fact, a "The 2023 State of Direct Mail" study by Lob and Comperemedia found that 74% of marketers agree that direct mail delivers the best ROI, response rate and conversion rate than all other channels used. Direct mail links to our desires and drives donations.
Part of the power of print is the emotional connection people have to the physical world. Direct mail marketing elicits a more substantial emotional response and is also remembered more clearly. This drives an increase in donations over other marketing channels.
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Featured Resources:
State & Federal Board Standards
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Check out these resources to help you understand the state and federal requirements for boards. Together, NAWA hopes these documents help nonprofits comply with legal requirements and also empower nonprofits to shape their boards to best serve their mission and make board service more appealing and more impactful. |
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These free resources have been translated into 10 languages, all of which can be downloaded here:
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Let's Go Legal - Online Webinar
Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 10:00 am
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Let’s Go Legal is here to help you achieve your mission and stay compliant in the process. This virtual workshop will get you started on a road to compliance by thinking of your nonprofit like a car. Just like a car, you need to register your nonprofit and know how to operate the organization. There are state and federal rules of the road to follow. Your nonprofit needs money and resources (fuel) to power the organization. The people in your car matter too, these are your nonprofit’s valuable workers. Lastly, similar to cars, every organization has a unique look and feel as well as special materials that you may want to protect. The session will also cover bylaws and how to use them to strengthen your board practices as well as advocacy and ways to grow your mission within the public sector.
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Grantwriting Nuts & Bolts
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Take the mystery out of grant writing in this content-rich course designed to dramatically improve your grant writing skills. In this half-day workshop, you’ll learn how to research potential funders, analyze their requirements, and assemble the components of grant proposals. You will gain the tools to write a compelling narrative, create a project budget, assemble attachments, and provide accurate reporting.
Mount Baker Theatre, Encore Room
Bellingham, WA
Cost: $15 for NAWA Members, $30 for Not-Yet-Members
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County Fire Marshal Issues Stage One Burn Ban
Ban will likely remain through the rest of the 2023 fire season
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The Kitsap County Fire Marshal announced a stage one burn ban on outdoor burning beginning at 8 am, Monday, June 12.
Under the ban, all burning permits are suspended. Most outdoor burning is prohibited with a few exceptions, including:
- Recreational fires in approved appliances and locations; recreational burning takes place in designated areas for cooking, enjoyment, or ceremonial activities.
- Permitted state or federal campgrounds.
"This is about a month earlier than usual. Little rain since mid-April dried fuels to a seasonal level making the ban on outdoor fires necessary and will likely remain so through the rest of fire season," says David Lynam, Kitsap County Fire Marshal.
It is important to have a shovel, a connected water hose, or a five (5) gallon pail of water nearby, and there should always be a responsible person present until the fire is completely out. Even small recreational fires can spread to surrounding areas in such dry conditions.
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Former Bremerton Lanes to Become
New Kitsap Transit Site
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Transit is zeroing in on a purchase of the former Bremerton Lanes bowling alley site off Auto Center Way in West Bremerton and has plans to demolish the old building to make way for a new transit center.
The agency’s board approved a purchase price of $2.5 million and relocation fees of nearly $10,000 on Tuesday morning.
The site is currently held by the corporation Evans Bremerton LLC, which is also associated with the Kenmore Lanes bowling alley in King County. The Bremerton facility, once home to a swath of bowling lanes and a casino, closed its doors in 2010.
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Smoke Ready Week
June 12-16, 2023
Wildfire smoke forecasted to impact WA again this season
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As our climate changes, the threat of wildfires looms larger every year. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to prepare now for smoke that can make air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke Ready Week, observed June 12-16, is an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family.
“We are expecting to have above normal fire activity in Washington by July,” said Kaitlyn Kelly, MPH, Air Quality Policy Specialist, DOH. “We have an outlook for below normal precipitation and that’s going to last into fall, so conditions are trending to a long fire season.”
When smoke arrives it’s important to reduce exposure by staying up to date on the forecast and air quality index, limiting time outside, and keeping indoor air as clean as possible. After several days smoke can enter homes and buildings through leaky gaps in windows and doors. Having a way to filter indoor air will benefit your health. It’s key to buy supplies in advance because they often sell out quickly when it’s smoky out.
Filter indoor air by using a:
“We no longer have smoke-free summers in Washington,” said Kelly. “It’s important to know what is in wildfire smoke and why it can be bad for your health.”
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles and gases including carbon monoxide. Exposure to smoke can cause a number of health problems ranging from minor to severe. Those with pre-existing conditions, infants and children, pregnant individuals, adults 65 and older, and people with heart and lung disease can be most sensitive to wildfire smoke. Minor symptoms can include headaches, stinging eyes, runny nose, and trouble breathing.
You can stay updated on wildfires, air quality, the forecast, and health information on the WA Smoke Blog. For more information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, visit the DOH’s Smoke from Fires webpage.
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Bremerton Community Farmers Market
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
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Femmes + Thems
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 4:30-8:00 pm
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Hosted by the Downtown Bremerton Association and Ballast Books, you're invited to a night on B-Town at Femmes and Thems Night Out! Happening spots will be staying open until 8pm with deals, steals, and even some snacks. Bring your besties and make some new ones, enter raffles, drink some bubbly, and get a tattoo!
Meet up at the corner of 4th & Pacific to pick up your swag bag (while supplies last!) and maps of participating locations. Kitsap Airporter will be our chauffeur for the evening, escorting shoppers between Downtown Bremerton, Evergreen Park for the farmer's market and Evergreen Pizza, and Life in Mauve on 6th Street.
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Juneteenth Community Resource Fair
Friday, June 16, 2023, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
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Voices of Kitsap: Webinar Discussing Issues Facing Indigenous People in Kitsap County
Friday, June 16, 2023, 10:30 am
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Kitsap Juneteenth Festival 2023
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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United Way Kitsap: Day of Caring
Friday, June 23, 2023, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Community Hike
Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10:00 am
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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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Ride the Tide
Saturday, June 17, 2023
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Kitsap Medieval Faire
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Kingston Pirate Festival
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Music Discovery Center's "Make Music Day"
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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Admiral Theatre Presents: |
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The Lone Bellow Trio
Friday, June 23, 2023, 8:00 pm
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Throughout their lifespan as a band, The Lone Bellow have cast an indelible spell with their finespun songs of hard truth and unexpected beauty, frequently delivered in hypnotic three-part harmony. In a departure from their past work with elite producers like Aaron Dessner of The National and eight-time Grammy-winner Dave Cobb, the Nashville-based trio struck out on their own for their new album Love Songs for Losers, dreaming up a singular sound encompassing everything from arena-ready rock anthems to the gorgeously sprawling Americana tunes the band refers to as “little redneck symphonies.” Recorded at the possibly haunted former home of legendary Roy Orbison, the result is an intimate meditation on the pain and joy and ineffable wonder of being human, at turns heartbreaking, irreverent, and sublimely transcendent. |
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Skinny Blue - Album III Release
Saturday, June 24, 2023, 8:00 pm
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Experience an evening of music with power trio Skinny Blue! Influenced by the sounds of the Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr and Neil Young, Skinny Blue brings their own voice to the spirit of rock n roll. The band will perform songs from their third album, and end with fan favorites from their other albums. The show will open with local acoustic rockers Porch Dog Prophet. |
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Bremerton Bridge Blast
Saturday, June 24, 2023
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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 Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism 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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