November 2023

Hello Central Kitsap!

I have enjoyed being in the community and supporting many important organizations and community building activities. A highlight was serving on a panel to support the Kitsap County Commission on Children & Youth and Kitsap Public Health District's 2023 Youth Forum. This is the second year the groups co-hosted a forum so youth have a platform to freely talk about their concerns, ideas, and the issues that matter to them with the community leaders who create and approve policies.

I appreciated the opportunity to show support for another organization that works with vulnerable youth in our community. I attended the opening of the new Coffee Oasis location in Silverdale. The Silverdale Express Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds from the cafe support The Coffee Oasis youth programs.

It was also an honor to recognize Kitsap County volunteers and the amazing work they do to support our county parks. A special thank you to 2023 award winners from CK, Frank Stricklin won the Legacy Award and Vic Ulsh was recognized as the CK Volunteer of Year.

In terms of key activities that remain in 2023, the County Commissioners will dedicate our November 6 afternoon briefing to set our collective priorities as a Board, and we will finalize the County's 2024 budget on December 4.

I look forward to the holiday season and continuing to engage with all of you. Please reach out with any questions or suggestions as to how I can continue to improve the type of information I share with you.

Best, Katie

Supporting our local veterans In advance of Veterans Day Nov. 11, Kitsap County buildings will be illuminated in green Nov.6-12 as part of Operation Green Light. The symbolic green lighting 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.  Kitsap County Commissioners passed a resolution Oct. 23 proclaiming our support of this initiative which recognizes and supports military veterans. We hope it will also raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and resources available to assist them and their families. Join us! I encourage everyone to participate by changing one light bulb in your home or business to a green bulb. Operation Green Light lets veterans and their families know their service matters.  We also encourage community members to join us at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 11. Kitsap County is proud to join other community partners to honor all who served. The event takes place at the Kitsap Sun Pavillion from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be speakers, displays, and music, as well as a formal ceremony from 10:30 - 11:45.

Help shape the future of county parks The Parks Department is hosting several open house events to solicit community input on the Kitsap County Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. For more information, visit the PROS Plan page. These events will include interactive exhibits, engaging discussions, updates, and creative ways to voice your ideas. Details on the Central Kitsap Open House are as follows: Date: Tuesday, November 7 Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Location: Presidents Hall (Fairgrounds) Address: 1200 Fairgrounds Rd NW, Bremerton, WA

Healthcare update presented to the Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC)  Leaders from St. Michael Medical Center (SMMC) joined the 11/1 CKCC meeting to provide an update on hospital operations and workforce, quality and access, and community support and investment. Key Highlights included: Infrastructure: $640 Million investment in Kitsap County. Includes state-of-the-art, nationally recognized medical center and new 74-bed tower due to open at the end of 2025; hybrid ED/Urgent Care Center in Bremerton to open in 2024 to include behavioral health and trauma spaces. Marvin Williams Recreation Center: $100k donation, 10-year partnership, will support health education programs that address hypertension, diabetes education, and chronic disease management. Peninsula Community Health Services: $50k donation in support of the Bremerton Medical Respite Center. Olympic College Foundation: Collaborating with Kitsap County and other community partners to garner funding for the expanded capacity and new Health Sciences Campus Center at the OC Poulsbo location. Material from the presentation can be found here. If you weren't able to attend the CKCC meeting, Chad Melton, President, St. Michael Medical Center, will present a similar update on Friday, November 17 from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the Seabeck Community Center located at 15565 Seabeck Hwy NW.

High school volunteer opportunities at SMMC High school students age 16+ can apply to volunteer at St. Michael Medical Center. Use the QR code or click here to check out the volunteer opportunities and apply. Some of volunteer roles might include: Connecting with patients while bringing items to their bedside via the Concierge cart. Supporting patients or family members at the Infusion center. Assisting staff through projects like assembling patient welcome/education packets, lab kits, or data entry. Helping patients and families navigate through the facility.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month Every November the Kitsap Regional Library celebrates the generations of Native Americans who have influenced and enriched our nation and society. Click here to explore their collection of books and resources highlighting Native American culture, stories, and achievements.

Welcome to the new Port Gamble S'Klallam chairwoman  In a special meeting held the end of last month, Amber Caldera was elected the new chairwoman of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. I wish Chairwoman Caldera much success in this role, and I look forward to our continued collaboration with the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Read more about the new chairwoman here.

Community Engagement

 Monthly Meetings and Events

• A final reminder that November 7 is the last day for you to cast your vote for candidates in cities, school districts, fire districts, port districts, utility districts, and park districts. Return your ballot to one of the county's drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 7. Click here for drop box locations.

• The Salmon are back! Join the Kitsap Salmon Tours at various stream sites across the County on November 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your family and friends to explore all things salmon with biologists, local environmental organizations, and trained docents. This FREE event offers exciting opportunities such as interactive activities through Kitsap Regional Library, guided walks at Keta Legacy’s Rhododendron Preserve, and much more. For locations and more information, visit Kitsap Salmon Tours | Kitsap County | Washington State University (wsu.edu).

• Seabeck Community Center's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair takes place on November 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and November 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for handcrafted gifts from over 40 local artisans. Learn more here.

• If you are 50+ years young, the Silverdale Senior Center members invite you to join them at their monthly meeting. The group meets from 1 to 3 pm on the last Friday of the month. Due to the holidays, meetings in November and December meetings will be held on Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. Meetings are held in the Community Room at the Kitsap Mall, located next to the entrance of Dick's Sporting Goods store. 

• Join the Central Kitsap Community Council at their next meeting on Wednesday, Dec 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters station. Representatives from the County will be presenting the County's 2024 budget, and the Council will be celebrating members whose terms are ending. The Council is looking for individuals interested in serving on the Council for the 2024-2027 term. Visit the CKCC webpage for more information including meeting dates, agendas, and membership.

Connect with the County The Commissioners' Office public service counter is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions or appointments, please email kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov or call 360.337.7080. For County services or questions, email help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777. If this was forwarded to you and you'd like to stay informed about happenings in Central Kitsap, click here to subscribe.