Community briefs, July 8, 2016, edition

Host families needed; candidate forum; Vino and Vinyasa.

Host families needed for four week program

Host a Japanese exchange student from July 25 to Aug. 22. Experience an appreciation for a new culture and gain lifelong friendships without leaving home by welcoming teenage exchange students from Kure, Japan, Bremerton’s sister city. The students will be here to learn English and immerse themselves in American life. For more information, contact Elaine Valencia, elaine.valencia @ci.bremerton.wa.us or 360-473-5266.

Local candidate forum held July 12

At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 Sixth St., Bremerton, the League of Women Voters of Kitsap will hold a candidate forum for the county commissioner district 2 (candidates: Charlotte Garrido, Dino Dvais, Roger Gay and Chris Tibbs) and the 26th legislative district, position 1 (candidates: Jesse Young, Bill Scheidler, Larry Seaquist and Alex Matias). The forum is free and open to all. Please have questions prepared. For more, visit www.lwv-kitsap.org.

Getting started with Android devices

From 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays at 11199 Pacific Crest Place NW, Silverdale, an introductory Android class will be held. The classes will help users develop a general understanding of their device. Topics may include placing and receiving phone calls, sending text messages, adding and updating contacts, connecting to Bluetooth devices, utilizing the camera and connecting your device to a Wi-Fi network. Reserve a seat by calling 360-692-3057. For more information, visit www.vz.to/29soizE.

Vino and Vinyasa with Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run of West Sound is partnering with Viva Flow Yoga to offer a 90-minute, all-level yoga class, followed by a 90-minute wine tasting to cap off the evening. The class is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 at Viva Flow Yoga in downtown Bremerton. The class is $45; all proceeds go to Girls on the Run of West Sound. Pre-registration is required, and attendees must be at least 21 years old. Learn more or register at bit.ly/28ZlKow.

Kitsap Solar U workshop July 21

5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, 3559 Wheaton Way, Bremerton. This free educational solar workshop series covers all about how solar works in the Pacific Northwest, how it powers houses, all monetary incentives and what makes a great site at homes or businesses. Learn more by visiting www.solar-u.com/future-seminars, or call Clare at 206-297-0086.

Peace Lutheran VBS camp starts July 25

Join Peace Lutheran Church for its 2016 Vacation Bible School camp, 9 a.m. to noon July 25-29, 1234 Riddell Road, Bremerton. Open to children ages 3 through incoming fifth-graders. The theme is Barnyard Roundup; children will learn Psalm 23 through memory verses, songs and activities. The cost is $15 per child, or $25 for a multiple-children family. Learn more at peacelutherannw.org/vbs, or contact vbs@peacelutheran nw.org or 360-377-6253.

Alzheimer’s Assocation memory loss seminar

From 1-4 p.m. Aug. 1, in Silverdale, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering an early-stage memory loss seminar. The seminar provides education for those living with mild memory loss. Topics will include basics of dementia, strategies for coping and help planning the next steps. Learn from the experiences of others who understand your situation. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Katherine Painter at 206-529-3868.

Barnyard Roundup vacation bible school

From 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1-5, at Evergreen Lutheran Church, 3200 Seabeck Holly Road. Psalm 23 will be taught through memory verses, songs and activities. There may be some special barnyard guests of the four-legged variety! Open to children in preschool (3 years old and potty trained) to seventh graders. Walk-ins welcome, but registration preferred by July 29. Register at www.vbsmate.com/events/EvergreenVBS/4930. For more information, visit www.seabec klutheran.com.

Open water swim at Wildcat Lake

Join the Bremerton Family YMCA in an open-water swim, 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 27. There will be a half-mile swim starting at 9 a.m. and a one-mile swim starting at 9:45 a.m. Each participant receives a commemorative T-shirt and swim cap. Each finisher will receive a medal. Awards will be given to top finishers in each age category. There will also be a raffle and music. The event is open to the public, and costs $30 to register. For more information, visit www.teamuify.com or register at the Bremerton Family YMCA, 360-377-3741.

Patron Appreciation Day set for Aug. 16

The Downtown Bremerton Friends of the Library is hosting a patron appreciation day from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 612 Fifth St., Bremerton. This event is a thank you to those who use the downtown Bremerton library. Refreshments provided. Books will be for sale in the Book Keep for $5 a bag or half price.

Bremerton Symphony Orchestra auditions set

Bremerton Symphony Orchestra, an all-volunteer orchestra under music direction of Alan Futterman, will hold auditions for the upcoming season on Tuesday, Aug. 23, and Tuesday, Sept. 6. Experienced musicians of all instruments are encouraged to schedule a 10-minute audition time with Personnel Manager Gary Dahl by calling 360-536-2038 or emailing gdahl@bremertonsymphony.org with subject line “BSO Auditions.”

Bremerton Symphony Orchestra is a program of Bremerton Symphony Association, a nonprofit organization, which for 74 years has brought West Sound communities together sharing a passion for live music, preserving our rich history and providing educational opportunities for all.

Eighth annual Kitsap Wine Festival Aug. 13

BREMERTON – The eighth annual Kitsap Wine Festival at Harborside Fountain Park returns with a celebration of food, wine and community from 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13.

Tickets are $45 through July 31; $55, Aug. 1-12; $65 at the door, Aug. 13.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.kitsapwinefe stival.com or onsite at Kitsap Conference Center and Harrison Medical Center Foundation.