Longtime West Sound community and business leader Helen Langer Smith died on July 23, 2023, at age 94. Her 70-year tenure on Kitsap Bank’s Olympic Bancorp Board of Directors until her death makes her one of the longest-ever serving bank directors in the country. A Port Orchard native, Langer Smith entered banking in 1953 after […]
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Posted inPeople & Places
Inspirational Walks and Hikes
Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the south of the peninsula to the far north and maybe a few […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Daffodils with a Difference
There are so many reasons to love daffodils. These spring-blooming bulbs aren’t fussy about where they are planted. They come back to bloom again year after year, and are not bothered by deer, rabbits or other garden pests. But there’s also a whole world of beautiful daffodils beyond the classic yellow ones. Daffodils are available […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Neighborhood Restaurant Becomes a Destination
The avid entrepreneurial restaurateur team of Jody and Alan Davis have been the proud proprietors of the trendy Hound + Bottle restaurant in Manette for the past six years. Rock ‘n’ roll music, an eclectic decór and small but elegant menu greet neighborhood groupies and visitors who come for crafted cocktails and cuisine Wednesday through […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Five Backyard Styles to Inspire Your Outdoor Project
The backyard is an important extension of a home’s living space, so it makes sense a family’s individual style be reflected in its design. By marrying your unique design perspective with your backyard needs, you can create even greater memories with your family and friends, amping up the yard’s purpose and value. “Mulligan the TurfMutt […]
Posted inGarden
The Dream of a ‘Secret Garden’ Comes to Life as a Place of Solace
Stepping into the garden surrounding the happy yellow house on a quiet cul-de-sac, you are entering a wonderland of vignettes — a secret garden full of treasures at every turn. Blousy, full, flowering plants; miniature glass houses; displays of birdhouses; and even a real vintage bed in the garden elicit oohs and ahhhhs. Debbie’s (last […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Gig Harbor Midday Rotary Delivers $4,000 In Food Staples
The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday has a long relationship with Food Backpacks 4 Kids on the Key Peninsula and offers this local food bank ongoing support in many forms. Recently, the club initiated a project to secure extra food for Food Backpacks 4 Kids, which provides essential food items for local families with […]
Posted inGarden
Exploring Tasty Treasures of the Forest: Mushrooms
In the dead of the night, deep in the Central Cascades, Jeremy Collison navigated the dark woods, with only a headlamp to cut through the curtain of mist separating him from his prize. While others might curse the precipitation, Collison and his companions celebrated, as each drop puddling on their skin signaled a higher chance […]
Posted inGarden
Adding Color and Scents to Your Midsummer Garden
July and August are the perfect months to add more plants to West Sound gardens. Whether you are a more seasoned or a new gardener, check out the offerings at local nurseries. There are still plenty of wonderful plants to enjoy and all of the following plant suggestions are great for natural pollinators. The only […]