PNW Defense Symposium slated in Bremerton

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance in partnership with the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition will co-host the Pacific Northwest Defense Symposium on Aug. 17 and 18 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton.

The third annual event will focus on security and energy as it relates to national defense.

The symposium begins on August 17th with a business connections reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Bremerton Marina’s breakwater.

Demos from premier Northwest companies will be ongoing during the reception.  Demos, sponsorships and booth opportunities are still available.  To learn more and to register visit:  www.nwdefense.com.

Ground broken for Sandpiper redevelopment

The old Sandpiper building on Bucking Hill Road was taken down this week to facilitate a redevelopment planned by new property owner Barber Investments Silverdale, LLC.

The first building will be 4,500-square foot with an exterior waterfront deck and will evoke a modern northwest design. It will house Hop Jacks.

The second building will house a drive-through Taco Time owned by Ken Parsons of Port Angeles.

Once opened, the restaurants intend to employ nearly 100 people. Since both stores are new to the area, they are not relocating existing employees, but creating new jobs here in Silverdale.

Construction and permanent financing is through Brian Salva of Heritage Bank.

A link for the Clear Creek Trail will be closed during construction.

After sitting vacant for several years, the property was recently sold by the Mentor family to Andy Barber, a North Kitsap native who has developed retail centers and restaurants throughout the state.

Hospice names new Medical Director

Hospice of Kitsap County this week announced its first fulltime board certified Medical Director, Dr. Ron Nielsen.

As medical director, Nielsen is responsible for overseeing the medical care and treatment of Hospice of Kitsap County patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities throughout Kitsap County and at the Fred Lowthian inpatient hospice care center located in Bremerton.

Board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Dr. Nielsen has more than 5 years of experience providing hospice care.

As the Hospice of Kitsap County medical director, Nielsen consults with patients’ attending physicians, supervises Hospice of Kitsap County team physicians, guides staff and volunteers and serves as a resource to practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals on the benefits of hospice and palliative care for patients and their families.

New associate executive director at Ashley Gardens

New Associate Executive Director Denise Mecartea has been hired to assist with the day-to-day operations at the Ashley Gardens dedicate memory care facility on Pine Road in Bremerton.

Mecartea has a background of many years providing quality experience in senior living, most recently as executive director for a 60-bed Memory Care Community.

Mecartea is considered to have an outstanding reputation for superior service, recruiting and retaining talented team members and her committed leadership for residents and families.