The Kitsap Community Foundation’s mission is to be “a catalyst for the greater good.” Founded in 1993 by local community leaders, the foundation partners with donors and others to invest in local nonprofits “to foster a more vibrant community for the benefit of all.” “We help every nonprofit from the food banks to the arts […]
Mary Beth Barrett
Mary Beth Barrett is an undergraduate student at Northwest University in Kirkland, studying English. When not in class, she can be found working in Student Services or reading a good book. She is currently an editorial intern with WestSound Magazine.
Posted inPeople & Places
Heidi Groothuis
Heidi Groothuis is the young owner of Heidi Lou Cosmetics inside Pink Purr Couture Lash Lounge and Permanent Jewelry in Bremerton. Permanent makeup is “using a tattooing technique to achieve some kind of cosmetic effect, like eyeliner, lipstick or eyebrows,” Groothuis explains. She does eyebrows and when she had her own eyebrows done, she saw […]
Posted inPeople & Places
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 […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Shopping for Holiday Sweets
Holidays sweets may be one of the best ways to put a smile on someone’s face. Hopefully, buying and eating the treats recommended in this article will make you, your friends and your loved ones smile, no matter where you live in West Sound. Some of these shops also sell noncandy items, giving you even […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Shopping small could be a good call for Christmas. You’ll find wonderful stores across West Sound — Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor. We feature 20 small businesses. We hope this gift guide will help you find the right gifts for your friends and family while supporting small businesses. Of course, […]
Posted inFeatured, People & Places
Christmas Collecting is a Family Tradition
Denise Harris and Margot Amestoy live on Bainbridge Island and collect Christmas treasures to decorate their homes. In addition to both of them being Christmas collectors, Harris and Amestoy are cousins and best friends. “She [Amestoy] was my best friend from birth,” says Harris, explaining that their mothers were best friends. “She was there the […]
Posted inGarden
Gift Ideas for Gardeners 2.0
Last year, WestSound Magazine’s November/ December issue published an article on gift-shopping for your gardening loved ones. The article shared nursery staff recommendations for plants and tools. This year, we’ve included some updates and new stops for your garden-related shopping. Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals This relatively new nursery has plants and local art. Co-owner […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Celebrating Hanukkah
When people think of the holiday season, Christmas or New Year may come to mind. Many overlook the glorious holiday of Hanukkah — but this holiday is “not a substitute for Christmas,” says a local resident who has researched Hanukkah. “It’s a joyous celebration … coming together, eating good food and sharing tradition,” she says, […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Dana’s on Bainbridge — A True Legacy
Dana’s on Bainbridge is a legacy and a fun store. The business has been around since 1977 and has been owned by three community-oriented people for 46 years, including current owner John Carson. He describes Dana’s as “what you would consider a traditional card and gift shop …along with things you would expect to find, […]