Dotted by net sheds and home to a small commercial fishing fleet, Gig Harbor’s downtown has preserved its designation as a working waterfront. This is where third- and fourth-generation Croatian families still continue their ancestors’ fishing trade that was once a booming part of the city’s economy. But fishing is not the only part of […]
People & Places
West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inPeople & Places
Artist Interprets Color Through Polymer Clay
It’s easy to get distracted when first encountering Susan Hyde’s work. The Bremerton artist — who’s quick to say she’s really just a designer — has a signature way of creating an explosion of color in three dimensions. Your eyes may dart from one small piece of her work to the next, appreciating their vibrancy […]
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Unsung Hero — Kol Medina
Kol Medina has been serving as the executive director for Kitsap Community Foundation since 2012. Though his fingers are on nearly all the activities of the small organization, his primary role is to lead the nonprofit and serve as the spokesperson, develop partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits and businesses, grow and steward the donor […]
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An Oasis in the Middle of an Urban Development
When people think of Silverdale, many immediately see it as a large shopping center, massive parking areas and lots and lots of traffic. It’s hard to believe that in 1841, Capt. Wilkes sailed into a bay from Puget Sound and named it Dyes Inlet. Emptying into that bay was a productive salmon stream we now […]
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Harmony Hill Retreat Center — 30 Years Young
On a sunny day, the walk leading to Harmony Hill Retreat Center’s Great Hall offers an expansive view of Hood Canal, framed by the Olympic Mountain range. Standing before that vista, it’s easy to fill one’s twin cups of humility and inspiration while at the retreat center. Yet, Elaine Baker arrived at Harmony Hill, located […]
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Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival — Growing into a Regional Destination
The strains of music waft on the gentle breeze in mid-July as thousands of visitors stroll down Judson Street in Gig Harbor to peruse the high-quality offerings of professional artists and artisans who participate in the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival. Now in its 32nd year, the festival has become one of the largest and […]
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Grass-Roots Community Efforts Make Sure No Child Goes Hungry
Every week during the school year, dozens of volunteers are working in small teams to sort, pack and make food deliveries throughout West Sound. They do it on different days and as part of different organizations, but these small volunteer armies have one goal: to make sure that kids from Gig Harbor to Belfair to […]
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The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
Located on Bainbridge Island, not far from Winslow Way downtown, is a memorial site that reminds us of a dark day in American history and also honors those who endured years of suffering. The site is called the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. On March 30, 1942, 227 Japanese Americans who were residents of […]
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Kountry Korners Krazy Kreatures
You can’t get to Kingston without passing the trolls! Folks from around the area aren’t certain about the history, but it is believed Mickey Whitbeck, who once owned the Kountry Korners store, recruited a carver from Forks. Whitbeck set him up next to the store with a stand to make chainsaw art for tourists. It […]