4-2-2004
COVER STORY
David Gitch:
Mission ‘Harrison’ almost complete
By Rodika Tollefson
   After 13 years at the helm of Kitsap’s largest private employer, Harrison Hospital CEO David Gitch plans to hang up his hat at the end of this year. He says there is nothing magical about retiring at the age of 65, which he’ll celebrate this Christmas Day. After all, retiring at 65 is sort of the old American tradition. But as he plans to leave his 40-year-career in hospital administration, Gitch says the timing is not so much about age as it is about writing new chapters, in his own life as well as the hospital’s...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
County wins Port Blakely Tree Farms bid
Kitsap County to pay $2.2 million for 622-acre tract
   Port Blakely Tree Farms LP and Kitsap County Commissioners recently announced that the county’s bid was selected for the purchase of Kitsap Tree Farm Tract No. 1, a 622-acre parcel of land connecting critical lands identified in two county studies...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
KREDC to focus on business
retention and growth
By Lary Coppola
   At the Kitsap regional Economic Development Council’s (KREDC) annual meeting, held on March 18, at the Clearwater Casino, about 200 local business leaders were told that the county does a good job of retaining local businesses and helping them grow, but still has serious work to do in attracting new businesses here...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Balance is no buzzword for the next
generation of development; it is essential
By Commissioner Jan Angel
   The scenic and natural beauty of Kitsap’s rural communities belongs to all of us. With this legacy comes responsibility. As we compete for primary jobs, not only must we provide opportunities for economical and competitively priced real estate development, community leaders must and are assuring that development is responsible and sustainable...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Gig Harbor’s Derek Kilmer
to challenge McMahan in 26th
   Derek Kilmer, business retention manager for the Economic Development Board (EDB) for Tacoma-Pierce County, has announced his candidacy for the State Legislature from the 26th District. Running as a Democrat, he will challenge incumbent legislator Lois McMahan (R-Olalla). The 26th District encompasses Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard and the South Kitsap area as well as parts of Bremerton...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Environmental
34th ‘Earth Day’ celebration April 22…
and every day
“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds. Much of the damage inflicted on the land is quite invisible to laymen. An ecologist must either harden his shell and make believe that the consequences of science are none of his business, or he must be the doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise.”
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes                 ~ Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
   As far south as Manchester, north as Kingston with points in between; the Suquamish tribe, local, state and Navy representatives have been seining the Sound to determine and document presence – or not – of all species that inhabit the nearshore and marine environment...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
EHL Insurance:
Generous participants in Kitsap life
By Bill Bambrick
   You may have met Rich Hecker on the golf course last September. He is the dynamic personality who directed the Charity Golf Tournament, which was sponsored last year by EHL Insurance and Fred Hill Materials at the Gold Mountain golf course, in Bremerton. The event attracted ninety-six golfers and raised nearly $10,000 for the Kitsap Community Foundation, of which Hecker is a board member. He hopes to make this year’s tournament bigger and better, with a goal of doubling last year’s contribution to the Foundation...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Henden announces for Commissioner
   Scott Henden has announced that he will once again run for the job of Kitsap County Commissioner from District #1. He will challenge incumbent Chris Endresen for the second time in four years...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Viking Bank donates $5,000
in grant funds to KREDC
   Viking Bank recently announced it has contributed a $5,000 grant to support the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC).
   “We are committed to the economic well-being of the communities in Kitsap County,” said Patrick Redmond, Viking Bank president. “This grant brings much-needed financial resources to promising area businesses...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Are you aware of what
your patients rights are?
By Rodika Tollefson
   Federal and state regulations in the last few years have emphasized the issue of patients’ rights, including privacy and access to physicians of choice and adequate care...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Kitsap educator honored by Senate
   Barbara Gilchrist, who was named the Washington State Principal of the Year last year, was recognized recently by the Washington Senate for her commitment to educational excellence in Kitsap...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
United Way reaches its $1.75 million goal
   Once again, the United Way of Kitsap County has reached its fundraising goal for the year. The goal of the 2004 campaign was $1.75 million. The United Way Victory Luncheon, held on March 24, celebrated the accomplishments of the 2004 annual campaign...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Sheldon named Legislator of the Year
by state’s spud farmers
   Of the five top potato producing states, only Washington has all of the ideal conditions to produce good Russet potatoes. Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, knows a thing about potato growers in the state. Because of this he received the “Potato Legislator of the Year” honor by the Washington Potato and Onion Association and the Washington Potato Commission...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Frontier Bank to sponsor golf classic
   The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Frontier Bank has agreed to once again sponsor the annual chamber golf tourney. Last year was a record success and it is expected that the 2004 tourney will continue the fun tradition...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
KITZ buys Olympia station,
extends broadcast area
   Alan Gottleib, president of KITZ Radio, Inc. announced the purchase of KGHO-AM, in Olympia, by KITZ.
   KGHO, 920 on the AM dial, is a full-time station, which provides coverage to all of Thurston, Lewis and Pierce counties and partial coverage to Mason and Grays Harbor counties...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Tucker & Buskirk completes peer review
   Tucker & Buskirk Inc., PS has recently completed a peer review and received an “unmodified” opinion from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. An unmodified opinion indicates that the financial statements, accountant’s report and other related information prepared by the firm met all required professional standards...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
The Etta Projects now underway
   Etta Projects is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to honor the life of Etta Turner who died Nov. 25, 2002 at the age of 16. She was a Rotary International exchange student in Montero Bolivia, and was sponsored by Port orchard Rotary...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Port Orchard Chamber names Kitsap Bank
Business of the Month
   Kitsap Bank has been selected as the March Business of the Month by the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce. According to Melode’ Sapp, Executive Director, “This award is presented to a Chamber member business who has shown outstanding dedication to improving the quality of life in the South Kitsap Community through service to the chamber and the community...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Rotary Crab Feed and Auction set
   One of Port Orchard’s most well-attended community events has been set for April 3. The annual Port Orchard Rotary Crab Feed and Auction will take place at its usual location, the gym at Olympic Fitness Club on Mile Hill Drive in Port Orchard...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Boxlight introduces new XP-58z
New feature-packed projector defines traveling light
   Poulsbo-based Boxlight recently announced the addition of the XP-58z – an affordable, ultra-portable, feature-packed LCD projector to its line. Designed for the traveling presenter, this lightweight unit will project in small to medium sized venues...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
International trade networking social
   The Kitsap International Trade Development Committee invites you to attend an informal no-host “business after hours” gathering of individuals who are interested in international business on April 28 from 5 – 7 p.m...  (Full Article)
4-2-2004
Dates set for North KitsapArts & Crafts festival
   North Kitsap Arts & Crafts will stage its 45th annual festival featuring both juried and open-juried art in Port Gamble on July 23 – 25. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fri. the 23rd and Sat. the 24th, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. the 25th.
   There will be over 150 booths representing crafts, fine foods, musical entertainment, an antique car exhibition, and a special children’s section featuring interactive art, entertainment, contest and activities designed just for kids.
4-2-2004
Walker earns certification
   Sharon Walker, a massage therapist with a practice at PureHeart Massage, located at 8425 Hickory Place NE, in Bremerton has recently completed an advanced training with certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), offered by the Dr. Vodder School – North America. She can be reached at (360) 692-1480.
4-2-2004
Bremerton Social Security office relocating
   The Bremerton Social Security office is permanently relocating to Silverdale. There will be limited service, only, during the move on Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2. Full services will resume April 5 at 9594 Mickelberry Rd NW in Silverdale.
4-2-2004
Café Destino honored by Bremerton Chamber
   The Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce has named Café Destino as the Chamber’s business of the quarter for first quarter of 2004.
   Owned and operated by Cynthia and Kyle Cruver, Café Destino was recognized for making a commitment to Bremerton’s and Kitsap County’s quality of life by creating a beautiful destination restaurant overlooking Evergreen Rotary Park. Café Destino is located at 1223 McKenzie Avenue.
4-2-2004
Ridgemont Terrace earns “Perfect Score”
from state
   Ridgemont Terrace completed its annual state inspection from the State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services on March 8 and received a deficiency free survey for the fourth time in the last eight years.
   The Ridgemont Terrace campus, which includes a nursing facility, an assisted living center and independent retirement apartments, is located at 2051 Pottery Avenue in Port Orchard.
4-2-2004
New counseling practice opens in Kitsap
   Licensed therapist Jan Kerman has opened an office in Silverdale, at 3100 Bucklin Hill Rd., Suite 234, to assist those who experience impaired life enjoyment due to depression, loss, trauma, transitions or the stresses of kinship care.
   The practice will concentrate on serving children, adolescents and adult women individually and in groups.
   For further information contact Kerman at (360) 633-1066.
4-2-2004
Caron’s debuts web site
   Caron’s — The finest in coastal living,recently unveiled a new website, www.caronscoastalliving.com.
   Initially the downtown Poulsbo shop will be offering just a sampling of its best selling items that may be ordered by a printable fax form. Eventually the site will be expanded to offer a wide array of items with shopping cart capabilities.
   Caron’s may be reached at (360) 779-1717 or (888) 287-1717.
4-2-2004
Kitsap Bank promotes Svardh
   Kitsap Bank has promoted Joan Svardh to the position of Operations Officer at its Bainbridge Island branch.
   Svardh started as a teller at the Kingston branch in 1992 and was promoted in 1993 to the position of Financial Services Representative at the Poulsbo branch. She worked her way up through the ranks while assigned to Poulsbo and has served as “float coverage” for several branches when she was an Operations Assistant. She was promoted as Operations Manager at the Bainbridge Island branch in May 2002.
   Svardh has been very active in the community and is currently a member of Bainbridge Island’s Chamber of Commerce, Economic Vitality Counsel, and a chairperson on the Fellowship Committee for Rotary. Jim Carmichael, bank president, commented, “We are proud of Joan’s dedication and commitment to excellence to our team, as she is a great asset to Kitsap Bank.