Community briefs (Nov. 13, 2015 edition)

Pearl Harbor Day ceremony Dec. 7, 'Nutcracker' set for Nov. 28-29, Rotarians donate $2,000 to homeless

‘Nutcracker’ set for Nov. 28-29

BREMERTON – The Nutcracker will be 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 and 2 p.m on Sunday Nov. 29 at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10-$20 and are available at BrownPaperTickets.com, CJ’s Evergreen General Store, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, at Irene’s School of Dance in Silverdale and will also be available at the door.

The ballet is based on the children’s story of “Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman.  The “Nutcracker” music is by Peter Tchaikovsky.  Choreography is after Marius Petipa & restaged by Irene Miller.

Dancers in the company range in age from 10-25 years old. Approximately 120 dancers and extras are in the production. Guest dancers from Ballet San Jose are Karen Gabay as Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy, and Ryan DeAlexandro as Snow King and Cavalier.

For information and tickets call 360-692-4395.

Rotarians donate $2,000 to homeless

On Oct. 29 Rotarian Elayne Burton presented Leanna Weaver, executive director of Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter, with a “Duck Bucks” check for over $2,000. The Duck Bucks were used to replace the shelter’s gas furnace which was beyond repair and a safety hazard to operate. With winter temperatures arriving soon, time was of the essence in returning the central heating system to operation. Rotarian Scott Park volunteered his company, Quality Heating, Electrical and Air Conditioning, Inc, to quickly complete the work funded by the Duck Bucks. The Georgia Mattson Memorial Shelter (Georgia’s House) is a local nonprofit providing women and children a safe place for a second chance. Its mission is to ensure that low-income, homeless women and children up to the age of 18, as well as those experiencing domestic violence, have the opportunity to seek out ways to better themselves without concern for shelter, food and safety.

Georgia’s House has twenty-two beds for women and children and has operated solely with volunteers for over three years. It is the only shelter taking children up to 18 in the area and the only one which intakes on a 24/7 schedule. Prospective residents are referred to Georgia’s House by the Kitsap County Housing Solutions Center in Bremerton. The Shelter is usually filled to capacity with residents being able to reside in Georgia’s House for up to 90 days. For more information, go to www.gmweaver foundation.org.

Kids theatre to perform ‘Stinky Cheese Man’

The Performance Company at Crosspoint Academy presents an Evening of Children’s Theatre. The plays “The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales” and “The Short Tree and the Bird that could not Sing” will be performed, with a brief intermission between. The theatre space opens 45 minutes prior to the curtain call. Will call and remaining tickets will be available inside the theatre when the doors open. Anyone arriving after the performance begins will be seated at intermission. Performances are held at Crosspoint Academy, Gwen Mansfield Theatre Space, 4012 Chico Way NW in Bremerton. Performances are Nov. 13-15 and 20-22. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets $5-$9. Info: Meg Dixon at 360-377-7700 or meg.dixon@gate waychristianschools.org.

Pearl Harbor Day ceremony Dec. 7

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport, will have its 22nd annual Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance ceremony 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7. The event is at the museum’s Jack Murdock Auditorium, 1 Garnett Way, Keyport. Master of ceremonies is Capt. Francis E. Spencer III, commanding officer. The event is free and open to the public. Base access is not required.

Money, politics and democracy

The League of Women Voters of Kitsap’s next community meeting will focus on money in politics and how it affects democracy. The free meeting is 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Poulsbo City Hall, 200 NE Moe St. Co-sponsors are the Kitsap Sun and Kitsap Regional Library. The discussion will be recorded by BKAT for rebroadcast on Comcast Ch. 12 and Wave Broadband Ch. 3. For information visit www.lwv-kit sap.org or contact Kim Abel, kbabel@wavecable.com, or 360-874-6774.

Learn about OC cybersecurity degree

BREMERTON – Learn about Western on the Peninsula’s Cybersecurity degree program where students will be able to earn a Bachelor in Science in Computer and Information Systems Security. The program will begin in the 2016-2017 academic year and will build upon the two-year cybersecurity degree programs at Olympic College and Peninsula College. The session is 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Olympic College Bremerton – Room T-213. Learn more at wwu.edu/Cyber.

Free chamber music performances Nov. 15

BREMERTON – The Bremerton Youth Symphony Elite Chamber Ensembles will perform a free concert of small ensemble performances 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, at at Collective Visions Gallery, 331 Pacific Ave., in Bremerton.

The three groups the concert will feature are the Elite Woodwind Quintet, The Elite Brass Ensemble and The Elite Chamber Strings Ensemble. Gallery doors will open at noon so interested persons may view the current show celebrating the 21st anniversary of the opening of the gallery.

Concert attendees are strongly encouraged to reserve a seat by calling the gallery at 360-551-7526. Learn more at www.collec tivevisions.com.

Tracyton’s Bazaar By the Bay Nov. 21

TRACYTON – Find an extra special Christmas gift during the Tracyton Bazaar By the Bay Nov. 21. The event will feature handmade arts and crafts, a bake sale, a white elephant sale, hot soup and sandwiches. It will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tracyton United Methodist Church, 5153 Naomi Ave. Vendor tables are still available.

For more information call 360-373-6425 or email Tracyton_umc@yahoo.com.

Business showcase Nov. 17

KITSAP BE$T Annual Showcase featuring the products and services of 35 local companies will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Elks Lodge in Bremerton at 4131 Pine Road.

The businesses created by graduates of the program range from Texas-style barbecue to industrial powder coating. Info: Kitsap BE$T, 360-473-2141 or www.kcr.org/best.htm.

Lutheran Bazaar

SILVERDALE – The Silverdale Lutheran Church will have a fall bazaar 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Vendors, handcrafted items, a bake sale, crafts, bratwurst and pie lunch. The church is located at 11701 Ridgepoint Drive. Call 692-9263 for more information.

‘Pop-up’ book store coming to Bremerton

BREMERTON – Liberty Bay Books is coming to Bremerton for the holiday months of November and December. The store will be at 409 Pacific Ave., near Hot Java and the  Admiral Theater.

The store was open Halloween day (with staff wearing costumes) to hand out candy to Bremerton readers. The store will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday to start. The store could be open beyond December.

Salmon celebrated

CHICO – Watch migrating salmon and learn from fish biologists at two spots on Chico Creek in Bremerton Nov. 14.

Activities are for all ages and include informational booths, refreshments, and viewing salmon in the stream. Biologists will talk about the various types of salmon in Kitsap, the salmon life cycle and healthy fish habitat.

This free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two creek locations: Mountaineers Foundation Rhododendron Preserve and Chico Salmon Park at Golf Club Hill Road and Chico Way.

For further information and directions to the viewing sites, visit www.kitsapsalmontours.org or call WSU Kitsap Extension at 360-337-7224.

Bonsai club Nov. 20

BREMERTON – Evergreen Bonsai Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20.  Michael Hagedorn, a Japanese trained professional bonsai artist, will be the speaker, giving advice and direction on taking bonsai to the next level.

The free meeting will be held at Crossroads Neighborhood Church, 7555 Old Military Road NE, in Bremerton. Visitors welcome. Info: Ruth Anderson, 360-626-1264 or rutha33@msn.com.

Volunteer aboard tall ship Fiddlers Dream

BROWNSVILLE – Kitsap Maritime is looking for fun people who are interested in learning and working on Kitsap’s tall ship, Schooner Fiddlers Dream. Volunteer orientation is at the Kitsap Maritime office near the Brownsville Marina. Learn more at www.kitsapmaritime.org or call 360-633-7421.

Kitsap Mall’s holiday festivities

Whether you’re reveling in holiday traditions or creating new ones, Kitsap Mall celebrates the season with you and yours.

• Santa visits the mall 10-11 a.m. on Nov. 14 at the north court.

• Take photos with Santa Nov. 14 through Dec. 24. Schedule a reservation at www.mysantaex perience.com.

• Donate a new, unwrapped gift for those less fortunate at the Giving Tree located in the JC Penney Court. Nov. 14 – Dec. 20.

• Paws with Claus pet photos, 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 19. Well-mannered cats, dogs and other friendly pets are invited to spend time at Center Court with Santa.

• Jingle All the Way, Nov. 21-Dec. 20. Carols, hymns and traditional holiday music are performed by locals and school districts including Central Kitsap and North Kitsap elementary and middle schools, Northwinds, Hula and Tuba Christmas. Performances will be held at the North Court. Visit www.shopkitsapmall.com for a schedule.

• Thanksgiving and Black Friday, 6 p.m.-midnight, Nov. 26, and 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 27.

• Holiday Wrap Up community gift-wrapping tables. Free wrapping, but donations appreciated. Nov. 27 – Dec. 24.

Pfeferstein named to Columbia College dean’s list

COLUMBIA, Missouri – Ryann A. Pfeferstein of Silverdale was named to the Columbia College dean’s list for the June-August and August-October 2015 sessions. To be named to the dean’s list, a student must have completed 12 semester hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a four-point scale. Pfeferstein attends the Marysville, Washington, campus.

Ninth Annual CVG Show deadline for entries is Nov. 16

BREMERTON – Artists from across Washington State are invited to enter Collective Visions Gallery’s Show, a major state-wide competitive art exhibition that attracts top artists and has gained recognition across Washington State.

Washington State artists working in 2D media, 3D media, and photographic and digital art may obtain an exhibition prospectus at the Collective Visions website or enter the show at www.callforentry.com. Info: 360-551-7526 or write to The CVG Show, Collective Visions Gallery, 331 Pacific Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 16.

Vote for your favorite suicide prevention poster

KITSAP – Public online voting at www.kitsapsuicidepreven tion.org is now open for the Suicide Prevention Youth Poster Contest sponsored by the Kitsap Community Suicide Prevention Coalition. The five finalist posters are also on display at the The Coffee Oasis, 822 Burwell St. in Bremerton.

This is a contest for children and young adults ages 10-20 from all across Kitsap County to help raise awareness of this terrible public health issue. Voting is open through Friday, Nov. 13. First place wins $500 and a one year membership in YMCA; Second place wins $350 and third wins $200. The group received donations from Kiwanis of Greater Poulsbo, East Bremerton Rotary, Bremerton Rotary, YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and Blue Sky Printing in Poulsbo.

Donate toiletry items for those in need

BREMERTON – As the holiday season approaches, AAA Washington is teaming up with the YWCA ALIVE Shelter to provide opportunities for those in need to have a fresh start.

The drive collected nearly 600,000 toiletry items for local charities the past seven years, and distributed more than 8,700 pounds of donations last year.

“For families struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, our charity partners tell us these donations make a big difference,” said Victoria Ramirez, AAA Bremerton Store Manager.

Donations of new, full- and sample-size toiletry items such as conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes are accepted.

Donations may be dropped off at the AAA Bremerton store, located at 5700 Kitsap Way. Donations made at the AAA Bremerton store will benefit the YWCA ALIVE Shelter. All donations stay in the community where they are collected.

For more information visit www.aaa.com/SoapForHope.

Donate Christmas gifts to overseas children

KITSAP – Operation Christmas Child – the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind – will spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances,” said Greater Kitsap County volunteer coordinator Tamara Henry.

The project is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization.

Collection sites are:

Silverdale: Silverdale United Methodist Church, 9982 Silverdale Way NW.

Hours vary, but will be 4-6 p.m. on most days from Nov. 16-23. For full schedule visit goo.gl/syemIB.

Bremerton: H & K Insurance, 3105 Wheaton Way.

Hours vary, but will be  10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. most days Nov. 16-23. For full schedule visit goo.gl/syemIB.

Water fowl photo contest

Submit your best bird photos to the Adopt A Stream Foundation’s waterfowl photo contest. Photos of the following fowls are accepted: Wood Duck, Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon, Great Blue Heron, Green-backed Heron, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, and Belted Kingfisher. Email high-resolution images to aasf@streamkeeper.org with a subject line: Waterfowl Photo Contest. The best photos will be placed together on an interpretive sign next to the Water Fowl Overlook with the photographers name next to each photoDeadline is Nov. 22.  Info: visit goo.gl/u58FE9 or call 425-316-859.

‘Women in Transition’ group

A “Women in Transition” group is set to begin in December meetings 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Fridays in Silverdale. The group is for woman of any age going through a predictable or unexpected transition in their life who could benefit from support, tools, encouragement and hope. Cost is $179. Register by calling 360-509-0345.

Holiday pop-up gallery

PORT ORCHARD – Come meet artists and have a look at holiday gifts at a special “pop-up gallery” 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at 1950 Pottery Ave., Suite 130, in Port Orchard. Fused glass, pottery, jewelry, msaics and more. Call 360-519-3256 or visit facebook.com/HolidayPopUpGallery for more information.

Child care ratings online

KITSAP – The Washington State Department of Early Learning’s online resource Child Care Check will now feature quality ratings for each licensed child-care provider and early learning program in the database that has been rated.  Data includes licensing status, background check status and more.

The site is located at apps.del.wa.gov/check/CheckSearch.aspx.

Kool Kidz online radio

Child friendly music is the focus of Kool Kidz Radio. The online radio station plays favorite chart music, Disney songs and a few educational tracks. Silverdale KinderCare teacher Liam McEvilly runs the station. The playlist is child friendly and chosen by a Silverdale class. Tune in at tunein.com/radio/Kool-Kidz-Radio-s222491.

Washington State Ferries is hiring

WSF is hiring entry-level crew members to start working in the spring of 2016. WSF’s goal is to hire up to 35 “ordinary seamen” for on-call positions around Puget Sound. These crew members are part of WSF’s front line. On board the ferry, the seamen are responsible for the safety of passengers and the cleanliness of the boats; help tie up the vessel; and assist both walk-on and drive-on customers. In addition, every seaman stands by to assist “able seamen” with fire, rescue and abandon ship emergency situations. Info: bit.ly/1PXdib3.

Learn about animal careers at zoo Nov. 14

TACOMA – Students from sixth-grade through college age can see firsthand what it takes to be a zookeeper, zoo veterinarian, marine biologist or environmental educator during Career Day at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Nov. 14.

Attendees will see special animal presentations, learn how staff biologists care for animals, pick up free information and have opportunities to visit behind-the-scenes areas of the zoo.

Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with activities running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration not required, but all students must check in.

Info: www.pdza.org/career-information.