We are fortunate to have been in a strong building economy for the last year, and it appears that it will continue for some time. The downside for consumers is the availability of quality contractors and tradespeople. The economic downturn wreaked havoc on many small local trades and contractors, forcing many out of business or […]
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Posted inAt Home
8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage
Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations. Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the […]
Posted inAt Home
Top Trends for the 2018 Housing Market
In the real estate market, springtime is go time. It’s the busiest time of the year for home sales, and with this year’s stable economy and low unemployment rate, the spring of 2018 has the potential to be especially active. Every market is defined by its trends, and while each year is different, identifying these […]
Posted inAt Home
3 Tips for a Contingency Plan for Your Remodeling Project
Everyone has heard a story about a remodeling project gone south in terms of budget. Cost overruns, things they could not foresee, costing more money and time. Many people might think this is limited to large-scale projects, but it can greatly affect something as simple as a re-roof, deck repairs, replacement window swap or other […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Hero — Betty Skinner
Betty Skinner has been volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club’s Bremerton Teen Center for about five years. She felt compelled to get involved with the organization due to the support and esteem-building it provides for youth. When the teen center was built in East Bremerton, where her insurance agency is located, it was natural […]
Posted inAt Home
Tips for Operating Your Generator Safely this Winter
Generators are critical during severe weather events, when the power can go out, as well as bringing power to remote job sites and in disaster recovery and emergencies. “Not having power when you need it is frustrating, so a generator can provide emergency backup power at a reasonable cost. But, it’s important to follow all […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Hero — Deborah Horn
In 2018, Meals on Wheels will mark 45 years of service to Kitsap County seniors. The nonprofit has 10 community-dining meal sites throughout Kitsap County where seniors can receive a hot, nutritious meal and social interacting, paying a $3 suggested donation. Volunteers also deliver meals to home-bound seniors. Last year, Meals on Wheels Kitsap served […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Song Sleuth with Sibley
Wildlife Acoustics, maker of the Song Sleuth bird-identifying app, has announced the launch of a birding sweepstakes. It is presented by L.L. Bean Co., maker of outdoor wear and gear. David Sibley, renowned artist and author of “Sibley’s Guide to Birds,” is the prize. The winner of the sweepstakes will have the opportunity to enjoy […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Longstanding Tradition of Charitable Giving Sustains the Local Communities
Our nation is facing many challenges and our collective dialogue to discussing these issues is, at times, divisive. But, statistics show that as a culture, we share a strong core value of charitable giving. As a nation, we privately donate twice as much to nonprofit organizations compared to any other developed nation, totaling 2 percent […]