Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
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Matchstick Lab Business Accelerator
Applications Open thru February 28, 2025
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The 2025 accelerator will double its reach, supporting 24 entrepreneurs with enhanced mentorship, training, and resources in both Bremerton and Poulsbo.
Kitsap’s small business entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to grow their ventures with the launch of Cohort III of the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, which has significantly expanded for 2025.
Executed by Matchstick Lab, in partnership with Kitsap Bank, Kitsap Community Resources BE$T Program, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Rice Fergus Miller, Spark Commons, and Vibe Coworks, the no-cost, 13-week program provides hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and an unmatched network of peers and community business leaders.
Now in its third year, the Micro Business Accelerator is doubling in size, welcoming 24 early-stage small business owners, and offering dedicated classes in both the North and South ends of the county to increase accessibility and impact.
Learn more and apply now
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Chamber: Off the Clock @ The Roxy
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 5:05 pm
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This month's Off the Clock takes us to Downtown Bremerton's Roxy Theatre for a night of engagement and community. Join us down on 4th Street where energy and connection combine in your new favorite networking night! Bites provided by Honeybee Horticulture. Tickets are $20 at the door, cash or card. | |
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February Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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Join us for our annual State of Kitsap luncheon, with special guest speakers, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler and Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters. Hear from our local elected leaders about accomplishments from this last year, and what 2025 has in store for both Bremerton and Kitsap County. You won't want to miss this informative luncheon!
This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center. Paid parking is available on the GREEN (2nd level) underneath the Conference Center.
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You're Invited: Deep-Dive Business Series
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2:00 pm
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is expanding its Business & Professional Development offerings in 2025, bringing you even more opportunities to grow and thrive.
Is this the year you take your business and professional skills to the next level?
You can—with our 4-part development series designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and dive deeper into the strategies that drive long-term success.
This series is not just another workshop—it’s a deeper focused supplement to the Chamber’s existing business training programs. Each session is designed to go below the surface of business development, equipping you with the insights and tools needed to sustain and scale your success.
What Makes This Series Different?
🔹 In-Depth Exploration – We’ll go beyond surface-level advice to tackle the real challenges and opportunities in business growth.
🔹 Learn from Experience – You’ll hear from speakers that are business owners who’ve “done it” and will share what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned.
🔹 Real-World Application – It’s not just talk! You’ll get insights and ideas that you can implement in your business.
🔹 Interactive Learning – Engage in discussions and exercises tailored to business and professional development.
The 4-Part Deep Dive
📍 Session 1 (March) - Partnering for Growth: Building Business to Business Relationships
Explore three game-changing B2B connections—physical networks, out-of-the-box collaborations, and referral partnerships—to drive business growth and success.
📍 Session 2 (June) - Cultivating Customers: Building Business to Customer Relationships
Dive into how to find and attract your ideal customers, turn them into loyal brand ambassadors, and craft a compelling business story that people can’t wait to share!
📍 Session 3 (August) - Thriving Locally: Strategies for Brick & Mortar Success
Discuss challenges of a brick-and-mortar business, brainstorm how to overcome those challenges, and how to seize opportunities for long-term success.
📍 Session 4 (October) - Diverse & Dynamic: Thriving as a Minority-Owned Business
Explore the realities of minority business ownership—overcoming challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, leveraging programs, and building networks for lasting success!
Events are free of charge, but registration is required (opening soon!).
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Save-the-Date: Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 15, 2025
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Contact Tiffany to sign up now or to secure your sponsorship! | |
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Looking for a Travel Escape in 2025?
Travel Abroad with the Chamber
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Contact Irene to learn more! | |
Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | |
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Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
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Share Your Business News in
Kitsap Business Magazine
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Spread Supplies: Cupid's Chocolate Crawl
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 5:00 pm
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Kitsap Antique Show to Benefit New Member Puget Sound Genealogical Society
February 22 & 23, 2025
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A Haven for Book Lovers and Community Connection
Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Poulsbo, Away With Words Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books—it's a sanctuary for readers, writers, and dreamers alike. With a thoughtfully curated selection of titles, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep commitment to fostering literary love in the community, this independent bookshop has become a cherished destination for bibliophiles of all ages.
The journey of Away With Words Bookshop began with a simple yet profound love for books and the connections they create. Established with the goal of offering a diverse and inclusive selection, this independent bookstore is dedicated to ensuring that every reader can find a story that speaks to them. Whether it’s a timeless classic, an exciting new release, or a hidden gem from an indie author, the shop prides itself on providing a collection that caters to all interests and backgrounds.
Beyond selling books, Away With Words Bookshop is a space where literature thrives in a warm, welcoming environment. From book signings to reading groups, the shop actively fosters a community of readers who share their passion for storytelling and meaningful discussions.
Relatively new members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber since January of 2024, owners Bittina and Kevin Sheen have jumped into Chamber activity showing their love for local businesses and nonprofits alike. Stay tuned as we celebrate this hidden gem in Poulsbo all month!
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Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
AWB’s Government Affairs team is tracking a number of bills this legislative session. Contact Dru Garson if you’d like more information on any of the following issues.
Tax and Fiscal Policy
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Repealing revenue growth assumptions: The Legislature routinely relies on a 4.5% annual revenue growth assumption in biennial budgets. House Bill 1411 would require that legislators instead use the projections from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The bill’s sponsor and lead House Republican budget writer Rep. Travis Couture said the revenue growth assumption has obligated “the state to pay for a bow wave of policies we never had money for in the first place.” HB 1411 would help ensure budget decisions are based on realistic revenue projections, reducing the risk of unexpected shortfalls that could lead to higher taxes and cuts to services. AWB, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable raised this concept during Gov. Bob Ferguson’s transition team budget subcommittee. In his budget priorities, Ferguson also agreed with this approach. No hearing on the bill has been scheduled yet.
Housing
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Rent control: House Bill 1217 had a hearing on Monday in the House Appropriations Committee. AWB once again testified against this proposal, which would limit rent increases to 7% a year and impose other requirements on housing providers. Learn more in AWB’s issue brief.
Employment Law
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Minimum wage increase: House Bill 1764 and Senate Bill 5578, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, and Sen. Rebecca Saldana, D-Seattle, would raise the state’s minimum wage in increments to $25 an hour by 2031. It would also mandate employers provide paid bereavement and vacation time. The bill would impose significant costs on employers in the state that already has the nation’s highest minimum wage and other high employer costs. Both bills had a hearing on Tuesday.
Healthcare
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Hospital service reimbursements: House Bill 1123, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, would cap the reimbursements that the state’s public employee insurance plans pay to hospitals for services. AWB opposes this bill because it will shift costs onto the commercial health insurance market, affecting employer-provided plans. The bill was up for executive session in the House Appropriations Committee last week.
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Business & Professional Development Committee | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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SCORE: Starting a New Business in WA
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9:00 am
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This workshop will give you the following skills to take those first critical steps in starting a successful business:
- Understand the different business entities and choose the best one for your business.
- Learn how to properly license your business in Washington state.
- Select the correct insurance for your business.
- Understand the options for financing your business.
First, we review what you need to know about setting up your business with the best legal entity. Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, LLC or another entity, we will help you understand how to get the right business licenses along with understanding the state and federal taxes you need to manage.
Understanding how to protect your business and yourself with the correct business insurance is critical. You’ll learn about the various commercial insurance policies available and we’ll help you determine what’s best for you.
We’ll describe to you various financing options for your business, and then show you how to apply for the financing that makes sense for you.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Redesign Your Website for 2025
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 1:00 pm
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When did you last look at your business’s website? Or perhaps you are still trying to develop one? Websites remain an incredibly popular destination for site traffic. When you add up all of the functions and ways they can work for and represent your business, nothing works harder online than a professional website.
It can also be daunting to create one with various tools and design suggestions floating around. In this workshop, we will cover recent trends in website design for businesses and other organizations. That will include the latest in content and design best practices and what tools you can use to create a site and why. But most importantly, we will cover the 10 key elements of website design that determine whether a website is just OK or great. We will also touch on submitting your site to Google for rankings and security and hosting considerations.
So, if you want to super-charge your website and make it an active resource for getting new customers, this workshop is for you!
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Summit Business Workshop
Friday, February 21, 2025, 9:30 am
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De-Escalation Training Offered at OC
March 3, 2025
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Unlock the Secret to GROWTH
an Executive Leadership Masterclass
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 8:00 am
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Business News & Resources | |
Too Many Employer Mandates, Too Little Support | |
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Courtesy of Washington Retail Association
The Legislature is considering an unprecedented number of employment-related mandates without fair notice or adequate technical support. These include:
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Allowing striking workers to access unemployment insurance (SB 5041)
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Creating a private right of action for personnel record violations (HB 1308)
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Prohibiting job applications from requiring a driver’s license unless essential to the job (SB 5501, HB 1402)
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Raising the minimum wage to $25 by 2032, along with paid time off and bereavement mandates (SB 5578, HB 1764)
Increasing Private Right of Action (PRA) without support - Expanding PRA without technical assistance will leave businesses struggling to comply, facing penalties and costly legal battles. Many mandates grant a PRA, allowing lawsuits for alleged non-compliance—even when businesses act in good faith. Given Washington’s worker-friendly courts, many employers settle to avoid prolonged litigation. With rising class-action lawsuits over job posting violations, more PRA proposals will only accelerate this trend.
WR advocates for a balanced approach that upholds worker protections while recognizing business realities. SB 5408 is a step in the right direction, introducing a “right-to-cure” provision for job posting mistakes. Retailers are resilient, but they need legislative policies that support, not hinder, their success.
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Washington Voters Oppose Tax Increases | |
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Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
A new statewide poll from a coalition of employer organizations, including AWB, shows Washington voters believe the Legislature has enough money to address key priorities and raising taxes on businesses is a bad idea.
“Voters understand Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” said AWB President Kris Johnson. “And they understand raising taxes on employers will ultimately drive up the cost of living for all of us, whether through higher prices, fewer jobs or reduced investment in communities. It’s clear from this polling that Washingtonians are really questioning how their tax dollars are being spent.”
The survey of 600 registered voters was commissioned by AWB, Washington Roundtable, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. It was conducted Jan. 13-21 by EMC Research. The poll found:
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Economy and jobs: 7-in-10 voters said they were concerned about Washington’s economy and availability of good-paying jobs.
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Cause of the budget shortfall: Prior to hearing any messaging from pollsters, 59% of voters said the projected state budget shortfall is due to the Legislature’s failure to control spending.
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Tax proposals: Two-thirds said it was a bad idea to raise taxes to pay for billions in new spending and that doing so would result in an even higher cost of living and weaker economy.
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Key issues: Voters overwhelmingly said the state had failed to make progress on key issues, from the cost of living and housing to public safety and homelessness.
The full survey results are available online.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | |
1st Quarter Webinars for Small Businesses
L&I Essentials for Business webinars cover:
- Essentials about workers' compensation, quarterly reporting, what to do if your employee is injured, workplace safety and health requirements, wage and hour laws, and contractor registration rules;
- How to access a range of L&I resources and services designed to help your business save time and money; and
- Various ways L&I partners with you to keep your workforce safe and healthy.
Upcoming monthly 80-minute L&I Essentials for Business Webinars:
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Nonprofit News & Resources | |
Nonprofit Fundamentals Series | |
Culvert Replacements Around Sinclair Inlet will Affect Traffic Starting 2026 | |
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, Feb. 11, 2025
Photo: MEEGAN M. REID/Kitsap Sun
Construction to replace several existing culverts that block fish migration around Gorst over the next few years as well as the addition of a roundabout nearby will likely add some temporary pressure on the regular rush hour traffic around the end of Sinclair Inlet.
The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to remove five existing culverts from creeks around Sinclair Inlet between 2026 and 2029, similar to projects that have taken place on Highways 3, 16 and 305 across the Kitsap peninsula in recent years. The culverts will be replaced with box culverts or bridges to allow fish to move freely under the highway, said Angela Cochran, a spokesperson at WSDOT.
"During construction, WSDOT and the contractor will keep access open for businesses near each location. Travelers will see temporary changes to the roadway. Some locations will have a temporary bypass road around the work zone. Others will have short-term closures with detours," Cochran said in an email.
Read the story here
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Law Enforcement in Kitsap Adhering
to State Law on Immigration Enforcement
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, Feb. 5, 2025
In light of the recent federal policy changes to immigration law, police departments in Kitsap are reassuring concerned community members that local officers and deputies will continue to enforce the state's position on federal immigration law that was established in 2019.
Poulsbo Police Chief Ron Harding released a statement on Friday that affirmed his office will continue to abide by Keep Washington Working Act, which prohibits state and local law enforcement from implementing federal civil immigration policy.
"That means any member of the community, regardless of immigration status, is encouraged to call this police to report a crime," Harding said in a statement. "Poulsbo police officers will not ask your immigration status during an investigation, whether you are the suspect or the victim. Additionally, our officers do not investigate immigration violations and are not trained to do so."
Read the full story here
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Community Resource & Services Fair
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Kitsap Regional Library Community Survey | |
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Fairfield Inn
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 5:00 pm
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WorkSource Seeking Input from Job Seekers | |
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Kitsap County Substance Abuse
Prevention & Youth Services Event
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2:00 pm
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Free immunization clinics for children
Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.
Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
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Admiral Theatre: Amy Grant
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:30 pm
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Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker.
Early on, Grant’s iconic voice became instantly recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds. Over the years, she has sold more than 30 million albums world-wide, including three multi-platinum, six platinum, and four gold. Her chart performance has also been consistent throughout her career, boasting six No. 1 hits, 10 "Top 40" Pop singles, 17 “Top 40” Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In recognition of such success, Grant has received 6 GRAMMY Awards and 26 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
New Sensation - INXS Tribute
Friday, February 14, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond Tribute
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra:
"Perfectly Romantic"
February 14-16, 2025
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Celebrate love with “Perfectly Romantic” featuring Mozart’s lively Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Prokofiev’s dramatic Suite No. 2 from Romeo & Juliet, and Brahms’ passionate Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major with pianist Alex Fang. Join us for a night of timeless romance. | |
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BCT Presents: Agatha Christie's Spider's Web
February 7 - March 2, 2025
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Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
In Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web, the charming and imaginative Clarissa Hailsham-Brown finds herself in a real-life mystery when a dead body turns up in her drawing room. As the wife of a diplomat, she’s used to spinning tales of adventure, but this time, she must navigate the chaos of a murder investigation while trying to keep her household in order. With the help of her quirky guests and the arrival of the wry Inspector Lord, hilarity ensues as they attempt to dispose of the body before her husband returns with an important politician. This delightful comedy-thriller is filled with suspense, hidden doorways, secret drawers, and Christie’s signature blend of tension and humor.
Content Advisory: Themes of murder, mystery, and deception, all presented in a comedic and light-hearted manner; some mature themes related to crime and deception, but they are handled with Christie’s characteristic wit and charm; there is no graphic violence, though the plot revolves around a murder and the comedic attempts to hide the body; there are mentions of drug addicts, but these are not central to the plot and are handled in a non-explicit manner.
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Save-the-Date: Bremerton Air Show 2025
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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