HANSVILLE — Retirees aren’t the only ones attracted to the former fishing town of Hansville; younger families are also discovering the benefits and joys of living in the rural North End.

However, living in the far reaches of the county can be a bit of a strain on those who deal with a long, daily commute to Seattle for work.

Resident and local computer consultant Art Ellison has noticed this recent population change and hopes to show others how telecommuting from the comfort of their own homes can benefit their jobs and quality of life.

As part of exploring this option, West Sound Technology Professional Association (WSTPA) leaders and guest speakers will host a presentation from 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Hansville Community Center called “Making Telework Work: Keep the Job, Lose the Commute.”

Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen, Executive Director of the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council David Porter and WSTPA President Doña L. Keating will be addressing the topic at the event.

The discussion will include issues on teleworking, telecommuting, using technology to stimulate economic development and the impacts of remote computing technology on local communities.

Ellison, who is a WSTPA member, said Hansville has a growing “cottage industry,” noting that some are already telecommuting.

“It’s just a means towards saving commute time,” he said. “People want the kind of atmosphere that Hansville provides, but, of course, they need to make bucks. Some of them have to go across the water everyday. If they can save time, money and gas and spend more time with their family, I think it’s the wave of the future.”

While the WSTPA meeting is not directly related to the Hansville Futures Project it is within the same spirit. Through the project, a group of residents have gathered to research community trends in hopes of formulating an idea of what Hansville will be like in 10 years. Ellison said he views researching various types of technology, such as telecommunications, as an integral part of this plan.

“We’re trying to push that in the community, too,” Ellison said. “This is one of the things you have to consider with the vision.”