Kitsap County Volunteer Program volunteers contributed more than 231,500 hours of service to our communities in 2010. Some 5,630 individuals performed service valued at $4.9 million.

Volunteers help maintain parks and roads, advocate for children in our court system, work out diversion agreements with juvenile offenders and their parents, help the sheriff’s department patrol our streets, investigate and resolve concerns of long-term care residents, mentor at-risk youth, and help residents understand their rights and options regarding health insurance and access.

Right now, there are openings on the Kitsap County Arts Board, Fair Board, Ferry Advisory committees, the Food & Farm Policy Council, Kingston Citizens Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Suquamish Citizens Advisory Council, and the Surface and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee.

The quality of life in a community is a reflection of the involvement of its residents. If you’d like to make a difference, consider serving on an appointed board or other volunteer service. Contact Rebecca Pirtle, volunteer program coordinator, (360) 337-4650 or email rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us.

There is a vacancy on the Poulsbo Port Commission. Commissioners are empowered by state law to set objectives, policies and overall direction for the port district. They can exercise the right of eminent domain, levy and collect assessments on property within the district without voter approval to provide services to the public, and issue bonds and impose excess levies for specific purposes. They have considerable influence over economic development and environmental stewardship. They are paid $100 per meeting.

If you’d like to apply for the port commission vacancy, write Port of Poulsbo, 18809 Front St., P.O. Box 732, Poulsbo, WA  98370.