As the Black Ball Ferry “Coho” enters Victoria Harbor following its 90-minute crossing of the Salish Sea from Port Angeles, the stately Fairmount Empress hotel — Victoria’s centerpiece — comes into view. The scene is a bit “Oz” in nature: The stunning building is so perfectly placed, it feels as if the bucolic harbor was […]
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
Leadership Kitsap Celebrates 20 Under 40 Awards
Leadership Kitsap hosted the 20 Under 40 Awards Program at the Kitsap Conference Center in January, recognizing 20 exceptional business and civic leaders under the age of 40 who are making a great impact in business, philanthropy and their communities. Carli Meurs, executive director, welcomed guests along with Rachelle Turnbull of Clark Construction and Nathan […]
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Fish, Frogs & Frolic
The Tahuya Community Club started in 1973 with monthly meetings, guest speakers and community services. Raised in Tahuya, Earl Sande was guest speaker at a recent club meeting. He discussed growing up in Tahuya and shared excerpts from his book, “Fish, Frogs & Frolic.” Sande recently retired and closed Earl’s Marine. For 19 years wrote […]
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Celebrating Community and Healing
Gig Harbor artist Mardie Rees’ statue, “Saint Anne,” was recently unveiled at the Saint Anne Hospital in Burien. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) commissioned Rees to create the likeness of patroness Saint Anne for the hospital. Saint Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary and considered to have the eternal presence of a grandmother […]
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A Boat as a Muse
Close your eyes. Think of rowing, alone, across the Tacoma Narrows, maybe to Vashon, maybe to Commencement Bay. The currents are strong, wind fierce and, well, it is midwinter and sleeting. This was life before the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Yes, there were the Skansie Brothers’ ferries, but they just went from Tahlequah to Point Defiance. […]
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The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance
The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) develops the world of Kitsap County, with the goal of uplifting the area and businesses. The alliance was founded in 1983 as the economic developer for the area. Executive Director Joe Morrison says that KEDA addresses issues facing for Kitsap County and local businesses. He explains that his job […]
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Seabrook — A Bucolic Destination on the Washington Coast
After the three-hour drive from Kingston through vast differences in topography and aged towns, Seabrook almost jolts you awake, exuding charm, fresh ocean air and a pretty, decidedly Nantucket look. The first exploration downtown uncovers immaculate streets, cute stores and smiles. As you make your first drive around the 500-plus home village, you experience the […]
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Chef Maynard “JJ” Meland
Maynard’s is like the treasured $25 bottle of wine you occasionally find that drinks like a $65-plus Grand Cru. Based on the restaurant’s food quality, cocktail offerings, service and setting, its prices are punching above its weight. An adventurous project, Maynard’s opened as “Kitsap’s Culinary Destination” in a very large, purpose-built space in 2019, only […]
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Fight Back Against Parkinson’s with Rock Steady Boxing
It’s 3 p.m. on a Thursday and upstairs at Gig Harbor’s Tom Taylor YMCA, a group of about 23 men and women are gathering, pulling up chairs to face mirrors, laughing and checking in on each other while the music of Fleetwood Mac plays in the background. Assistant Rock Steady Boxing coach Jennifer “Taz” Vazquez […]