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Easy Ways to Volunteer and Connect to Kitsap’s Community
Want to connect to Kitsap’s community and volunteer in a fun, easy way? Helping a Kitsap County non-profit is a great way to meet new people, enjoy time with friends or family members, and even learn something new.
Volunteer in Kingston
Heronswood Garden
Run by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, this botanical paradise works to restore, maintain, and develop its unique horticulture. Additionally, they host social events, plant sales, educational programs, and tours that recognize the heritage of the garden and Tribe. Currently, Heronswood is looking for volunteers to help with operations, public plant sales, and other special events. Check out our video below to get a glimpse of Heronswood.
Kingston North Kitsap Rotary
The International Rotary Foundation does incredible work around the world, and our local Kingston North Kitsap Rotary club helps our community in many ways. To get involved, there’s an application process, and once you’re accepted, you’ll have many volunteer activities to choose from. Some examples include their “order bombing” initiative to support local businesses, helping to restore Kingston’s Scout Hall, and fundraising through their annual golf tournament (coming up in June).
ShareNet Food Bank
ShareNet Food Bank is on a mission to fight hunger in North Kitsap with meaningful programs. They have many opportunities to get involved, such as food sorting, website maintenance, and grocery store drivers. Additionally, ShareNet also runs a thrift store. They’re in need of volunteers to help with cashiering, merchandising, and social media management.
Village Green Community Center
The Village Green Community Center is home to the Boys and Girls Club and Kingston’s branch of the Kitsap Library. VGCC offers a gym/multipurpose room and meeting rooms for many organizations. The Center provides educational classes, informational sessions, and puts on great events like Kingston’s annual Pie in the Park. However, in order for the VGCC to run smoothly, they need volunteers who can help with events and at the front desk. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Linda Fyfe programs@myvillagegreen.org.
Volunteer in Poulsbo
Fishline Food Bank & Comprehensive Services
Serving North Kitsap for 54 years, Fishline Food Bank is one of the oldest food banks in the United States. Fishline offers volunteer opportunities with different scheduling options. Currently, they are looking for people to help in their healthy foods market and their thrift store.
Poulsbo Historical Society
Working to preserve Poulsbo’s history, the Poulsbo Historical Society is an interesting place to volunteer. You don’t have to know all about Poulsbo’s history to help out. You can learn on the go. At the moment, they are looking for weekly volunteers for either morning or afternoon shifts. If you happen to have a background in video editing, they are also looking for volunteer video editors to curate videos of historical programs and interviews.
Poulsbo Parks And Recreation
Poulsbo Parks and Recreation needs volunteers to maintain affordable recreational programs for the community. Specifically, they are looking for volunteers to help with special events, coaching, athletics, gym supervision, arts and clerical work. They even have a teen volunteer internship program for youth 13 or older.
Volunteer on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art exhibits the art of both masters and emerging artists. BIMA needs volunteers and will work with your schedule and interests to find a tailored role. In particular, volunteer opportunities can include docents, administrative volunteers, event support and exhibition installation crew.
Bainbridge Parks
Volunteering with Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District is a great way to learn new skills and connect with the community. Volunteers have a range of responsibilities and even serve as assistant instructors during programs. To volunteer, simply fill out an application on their website.
Bainbridge Youth Services
Bainbridge Youth Services has provided counseling services to the island’s youth for over 50 years. Teens and adults are encouraged to volunteer. Right now, they especially need volunteers for two significant events: the 4th of July Fun Run and Hope Glows.
PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap
PAWS aims to reduce pet overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. They are looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles. In particular, they’re seeking adoption counselors, event volunteers, feline enrichment team members, foster homes, and people to work in the pet food bank.
How We Give Back
Community service is one of Windermere’s core values. Many Windermere agents volunteer with and/or donate to the aforementioned organizations. Additionally, Windermere hosts an annual Community Service Day and has done so for the past 37 years. Every year, Windermere offices close so our agents and staff can spend a day volunteering to support local non-profits.
The Windermere Foundation also invests in local organizations, supporting local food banks, educational programs, and more. A portion of every agent’s commission is donated to the Foundation. To date, our Windermere offices have collectively raised over $45 million, supporting over 500 organizations.
There’s so much we can do to give back. A few hours spent helping out locally may seem like a small thing, but all of our efforts combined can make a big difference. And, a more community-minded way of life means stronger local connections and an even greater appreciation for this wonderful place we get to call home.
Spring Gardening Tips
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we take our sunshine seriously, and we’re really looking forward to spring. If you’re new to gardening or want to step up your game, here are some helpful tips to make sure it becomes a blooming sensation.
1. Placement Matters
Be sure to plant everything in the proper place according to its sunlight or shade needs. Read the plant or seed packets’ labels carefully. Pay attention to how much sun exposure an area of your property gets before deciding what to plant there.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Before you plant, improve your soil’s condition and drainage with organic matter and compost. Organic matter enriches soil and then it can retain nutrients and moisture while also draining well. Compost gives your soil important nutrients. The best soil is easy to dig, crumbly, and a bit loose so that plant roots have the oxygen they need. When selecting a fertilizer, use an organic one to add nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.
Also, when your soil is really wet, avoid digging or planting in it. Working it can damage the soil structure. When the soil is crumbly and you can’t easily form a ball when you squeeze it in your hand, that’s when you can till or dig.
Learn more about preparing your soil and what type of soil you may have.
3. Watch Out For Garden Pests
Due to the amount of rain we get here, slugs and snails are common Pacific Northwest garden pests. So, keep an eye out and invest in some slug bait. Also, keep in mind that there are many beneficial insects too like centipedes, millipedes, and ladybugs.
4. Select Plants That Thrive in Zone 8b
If you’re new to the Pacific Northwest and/or new to gardening, you may be wondering what to plant. Here are some ideas of what will do well here in Zone 8b.
- Herbs that grow well here include lavender, sage, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Mint also does well but it can be invasive so it’s best to grow it in a container.
- If you’re wanting a vegetable garden, Zone 8b is a great climate for it. Gardeners here can plant early in the season or start their crops indoors before the last frost date for a longer growing season. Ideas for early spring and early summer crops include beets, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, kale, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, peas, and squash.
- For shade-loving plants, consider hostas, bleeding hearts, and coral bells.
- If you’re looking for great perennials, check out the video below.
Enjoy a Fun Night Out in North Kitsap
If this winter weather is getting you down, shake things up with a night out in North Kitsap. From excellent food and drink options to live music and creative activities, there are many fun things to do here. Check out these unique suggestions below.
Enjoy Wine, Food, and Live Music at d’Vine Wines
A popular place for friends and loved ones, d’Vine Wines is a great spot for a night out in Kingston. Just steps away from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, you can easily stop in for a glass of wine or enjoy it with dinner. They have indoor and outdoor seating, a wonderful wine selection, and they frequently host live music. Check out their updated menu, which includes tasty small plates like bacon-wrapped dates and flatbreads, as well as entrees like butternut squash risotto and Thai green curry shrimp.
For Valentine’s Day, they are offering a romantic brunch either on Saturday, Feb. 12th or Sunday, Feb. 13th. Additionally, you and your Valentine can enjoy dinner and live jazz on Saturday, Feb. 12th. Reservations are highly recommended. Follow d’Vine Wines’ Facebook page for additional information and updates.
Go on a Ghost Walk in Port Gamble
Grab a Pint & Watch or Play a Game at Downpour Brewing
For a casual night of fun, head to Downpour Brewing, just four blocks up from Kingston’s Ferry Terminal. It’s a popular local spot where you can watch a game or play one of their many board games. They’re known for great beer, friendly staff, open mic nights, and food truck pop-ups. They have indoor seating as well as a covered, outdoor beer garden. You are also welcome to bring in food from other places to enjoy there with your beer. Follow Downpour’s Facebook page for updates and events.
Get Creative at Dancing Brush Studio
A visit to Dancing Brush Studio makes for a unique, artsy night out. Whether you consider yourself a creative person or not, we can all use time getting in touch with our creative side. Paint your own pottery with friends or a loved one either in their downtown Poulsbo studio or at home by purchasing one of their take-home kits. If you want to paint at the studio, call in advance to reserve your table: (360) 598-3800. From cappuccino mugs to gnomes, platters to wine glasses – there are so many interesting things you can paint. For ideas and details, check out Dancing Brush Studio’s Facebook page.
Listen to Live Music at the Manor House
There’s nothing like experiencing live music, and there are many shows coming up on Bainbridge Island, specifically on the south end in the Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village. This series features everything from Latin jazz to alternative rock, indie folk to classical music. Tickets range from $25 – $40. There’s a full-service bar and snacks available for purchase. The 1920’s Tudor-style Manor House is a beautiful place to explore and is near many delightful eateries and boutiques.
Watch a Movie at the Firehouse Theater
Kingston’s Firehouse Theater offers a unique movie-going experience. They have excellent movie options, popcorn with real melted butter, and staff members who introduce each movie with bits of trivia and news on upcoming events. It’s a welcoming, cozy place, and they even offer movies for just $6 on Wednesdays.
Want to have the theater all to yourself? Well, you actually can rent out this theater for your own private event! You can either rent the Back Stage theater for $99 or the Main Stage for $175 (both for 2 hours with a 50% non-refundable deposit). And, concessions are available for your private rental.
Upcoming events at the Firehouse include a free Superbowl event on Feb. 13th where you can watch the game on the big screen. On February 14th, they’re hosting a Valentine’s Day Movie and Trivia Night from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. To stay “in the know”, follow the Firehouse Theater’s Facebook page.
Fourth Quarter Market Review for Kitsap County
Looking for the latest information about Kitsap County’s real estate market? This market update gives you fourth quarter stats, an overview of the last five quarters, and some important insights from Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.
As was expected, our local market slowed down as we entered the holiday season. There are still many eager buyers in Kitsap County, but inventory remains low. As a result, sellers still have the upper hand.
A Look at Sold and Pending Homes
When looking at the last five quarters in the graph above, you can see summer’s growth trend and winter’s seasonal slowdown. Due to high demand, home prices continue to rise, and sold homes are still outpacing pending listings. Our seller’s market saw a 4.9% decrease year over year in closed sales during 2021’s fourth quarter, and we had a total of 1,291 closed sales.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Since remote work has become the focus for many people, buyers are often drawn to places that are near big cities but far enough away to enjoy a peaceful, connected lifestyle. Kitsap County offers that and much more. So, demand in our area remains strong. It’s a great time to sell if you’re a local considering a move. If you’re a buyer wanting to move here, learn about Kitsap County in our free digital guide. If you have any questions, our local experts are here to assist you.
Listing Price vs. Sale Price
Currently, most buyers are able to pay at or above the listing price for a home in Kitsap. However, demand is pushing the cost of housing even further in favor of sellers as inventory remains low. In our fourth quarter, Kitsap County’s average sale price was $613,000, an 11.3% increase year over year. While this is very beneficial for sellers, many are voicing affordability concerns.
Insights from Our Chief Economist
Looking at the broader real estate market, we have insights from Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. In his most recent Monday with Matthew, Gardner shared his market forecast for 2022: “If everything goes according to my plan, you should expect to see the housing market start to move towards some sort of balance next year, but I am afraid that it will still remain out of equilibrium until at least 2023.” This is an important reminder that the transition back to a balanced market will be a gradual shift.
While Gardner ensures us that he “doesn’t see a housing bubble forming,” he is concerned about housing affordability. There is definite cause for concern among the millennial generation as they start to settle down more and more. Millennials are currently the largest group in the generational real estate market, so it will be interesting to see where affordability and demand intersect.
In his video, Gardner concluded by saying, “demand for ownership housing remains remarkably buoyant and, in fact, it is quite likely that demand may actually increase with the work from home paradigm that will start to gain momentum next year.” In light of this, real estate continues to be an excellent investment.
Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
Selling a home can often be a confusing, stressful process. Legal jargon and selling costs can make it challenging and time-intensive for the average seller. And, mistakes made during this process can eat away at your hard work. The good news is, you can avoid these costly pitfalls so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Unaware of Various Costs
Underestimating selling costs is one of the most common mistakes sellers make. Selling costs such as commission fees, home inspections, repairs, and staging are typical parts of the process. You’ll want to calculate all those costs when researching the right price for your home. Although an extra cost, hiring a certified real estate agent to help you through the process can yield a higher return on investment vs. selling your home on your own.
Not Fixing Up Your Home Before Selling
You want to give your property the best chance on the market. Your home will lose value if there are significant issues that haven’t been addressed. Investing in repairs will help increase its value. Failing to address or even trying to hide any problems can result in disastrous consequences. If you can’t invest in repairs, be upfront and transparent about any damages or issues.
If you’re simply thinking of selling down the road, start repairs and upgrades now. Check out our article on Home Renovations That Return The Most At Resale.
Neglecting to Stage Your Home
Although staging your home may seem like additional, unnecessary costs, it tends to pay off. Staging your home will help you create an excellent first impression. Staged homes help potential buyers envision themselves living there, which can speed up the selling process. The return on investment from staging your home is typically too good to pass up. The cost of staging an average home is typically 1% of the sale price but can lead to considerable gains. A 2020 study conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association revealed that 3 out of 4 buyers saw about a 5 – 15% return over the asking price. Additionally, neglecting to stage your home could have adverse effects. Buyers may be less likely to want to tour your home, decreasing competitiveness.
Not Keeping Buyers in Mind
Selling a home is very similar to working in the customer service industry. To generate awareness of your product, you’ll need to keep buyers’ wants, needs, and schedules in mind. Professional staging, photography, and carefully crafted marketing materials all help you capture buyers’ attention. Offering open houses and private tours at different times accommodates their busy schedules. Having important information about your home readily available builds confidence and increases buyers’ interest in your home.
Not Carrying Proper Insurance
It is crucial to carry the proper homeowner’s insurance. Insurance can cover you if any accidents happen during a home tour or inspection. It’s essential to confirm that your policy extends beyond the period of moving out of the home to ensure protection. Additionally, taking steps to safety proof your home during open houses will help prevent potential issues.
Not Choosing the Best Offer
Choosing the best offer doesn’t necessarily mean selecting the biggest payout. It’s important to work with your agent to understand the full terms of the sale. Contingencies and whether the terms align with your needs should be made clear upfront. Additionally, you’ll want to vet all buyers as well. Typically, competitive buyers will get pre-approved to ensure they can purchase the home. Discuss closing costs, expectations, a proposed timeline, and deadlines to ensure you choose the best offer.
Our Community Involvement in 2021
Community involvement is one of our core values, so we thought we would share how our Windermere Kingston office has supported and invested in our wonderful community this year. By sharing this information, we hope it spreads awareness about these great events and nonprofits.
Local Events
In the spring, we helped with Community Kitchen, a free dinner provided by the Suquamish United Church of Christ. Since 2009, Suquamish UCC has been providing free meals to anyone in the community. They are now serving dinner almost every Wednesday of the year. On average, they serve more than 100 people at each meal. Different groups help prepare and serve meals and it was a pleasure to participate.
Every year, we love participating in Windermere’s Community Service Day. It’s a day when all Windermere offices across 10 states close in order for agents and staff to help local organizations in different ways. Collectively, we’ve logged over 1,000,000 community service hours so far.
This year, we volunteered to help Kingston’s Boy Scout Hall. For years, fundraising efforts have been underway, and this year we donated $4,800 to this restoration project. This past June, it was finally time to start renovating the Boy Scout Hall. Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club stepped in to restore it. On Community Service Day, we cleaned up the area around the Hall in Kola Kole Park. We also bought materials and built a woodshed. You can watch our video below to see a bit of what we were able to accomplish, as well as the work of our colleagues at our other local Windermere offices.
Another great event was our annual Shred Fest. It’s a free day where you can safely and securely shred old documents and recycle old electronics. It’s always fun to help people declutter and catch up with old clients and friends.
Donations
There are a variety of important organizations to support, and this year we focused our efforts on a handful of local nonprofits. We donated $1,500 to The Coffee Oasis. A nonprofit, faith-based organization, The Coffee Oasis empowers youth escaping violence, homelessness, and poverty. They provide mental health services, job training, and short and long-term housing options, which help hundreds of teenagers in Kitsap County, including right here in Kingston.
Another great program for youth is Kids in Concert. It’s a free, not-for-profit music education program for North Kitsap students ages 6 – 18. This after-school program provides instruments, music instruction, tutoring, snacks, and concert attire. They’re “creating compassionate citizens of the world through the healing and developmental power of music.” We were happy to donate $500 to Kids in Concert. In addition to monetary donations, you can support this important program by donating gently used instruments or offering to teach kids if you’re a musician who loves to do so.
There are many in need in our community, and a food drive is another way to give back. In Kitsap County, approximately one-third of adults are food insecure and over a third of local children are in need of free and reduced lunch. We donated $2,000 to ShareNet Food Bank, which provides North Kitsap with emergency food provision, rental assistance, and weekend food backpacks for students in need.
Speaking of food for local youth, we also donated $2,500 to Kingston Cares‘s Food4Kids program. Another important nonprofit, Kingston Cares works hard to address poverty issues in North Kitsap. In addition to their Food4Kids program, they provide our local severe weather shelter program, medical equipment lending, and community meals.
There are many different ways to support and invest in our community. We’re proud of what we’ve done so far through our office’s community involvement and our Windermere Foundation. A portion of every Windermere agent’s commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation, and we’re also part of the broader Windermere Foundation, which impacts communities across 10 states. Collectively we’ve raised over $41 million to provide shelter, food, children’s programs.
If you want to get more involved in our community, we hope this has given you some ideas. We should note that our Windermere Kingston agents also support different nonprofits on their own. So, this only reflects our office-wide community involvement.
What to Examine When Touring a Home
Before purchasing a home, touring it and examining every inch of it is essential. Although it may be tempting to focus on its beautiful features, it is important to keep often overlooked aspects in mind. This will really help you in the long run.
Cracked Walls and Floors
A tiny crack in the drywall here and there isn’t too alarming. However, multiple large cracks in the walls and floors could be a bad sign. Sometimes, cracks in walls and flooring could mean serious structural damage or movement, indicating the foundation is shifting. Make sure to take note of any cracks you see while touring and follow up with your home inspector.
HVAC System
The HVAC system in the house is something you’ll definitely want to ask about when first touring the home. Is the heat functioning properly? Does it have air conditioning? Related items include checking vents and fans installed in the home. Having to fix the HVAC system after you’ve purchased the home can become costly, especially if the system is antiquated.
Unpermitted Additions
There might be an extra bathroom or even a bedroom that wasn’t mentioned in the listing. Although extra spaces or rooms are a bonus, it’s important to ask if the new additions to the home are permitted and up to code. You don’t want to deal with unsafe spaces and/or costly, unforeseen modifications.
Roof and the Home’s Exterior
The exterior of the house is just as important as the interior. Does the roof have brown moss on it? Green moss is common here in the Pacific Northwest, but brown moss indicates it’s been there for some time. Moss can damage your shingles, encourage mold and bacteria growth, create thin spots in your roof, and can allow water to leak into your home. Look for any places where the roof has been patched up and see if there are any signs of leaks or damage. When touring the home, walk around the perimeter to really get a good look. Examine the roof and the gutters to see what condition they are in. Ask how old the roof is. It might be difficult for you to spot issues, so don’t hesitate to ask questions during the tour and when it’s inspection time.
Potential Pests
A home may look incredible at first glance, but there’s always a chance that there are pest issues. So, be aware of any signs that may indicate a pest infestation or issue when touring the home. Look for mouse droppings, damaged wood, or weird odors. If anything seems suspicious during the tour, ask about it.
Touring the Neighborhood
Life happens outside of the home too. Look around the neighborhood to get a sense of what your life will be like if you purchase this home. Will this community fit your lifestyle and interests? Living near restaurants, a busy street, or a school may seem beneficial for different reasons, but you’ll also want to think about noise levels. If possible, tour the home at one time of day and return to the neighborhood at a different time of day to get a sense of what it will be like. Don’t be afraid to walk around and say hello to potential neighbors. Kitsap County is a friendly place. And, our local realtors are always happy to share information about our community. Additionally, you can use apps like Nextdoor to get to know the neighborhood better.
Virtual Tours
If you’re unable to tour the home in person, virtual tours have become increasingly popular due to the pandemic. While it’s handy to view the home on your laptop or phone, it’s challenging to really inspect everything you normally would in person. Asking questions becomes even more important since the realtor or friend viewing the home for you must serve as your eyes and ears. Thankfully, we have you covered with these questions to ask during a virtual tour.
Buying a house is a significant investment. It’s important to go into this process with your eyes wide open. Ask every single question you have along the way. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The potential issues mentioned above could mean costly repairs and unforeseen expenses. Avoid that by trusting your instincts, and using a highly knowledgeable, local realtor who will be your trusted guide.
5 of Kitsap’s New Eateries You Need to Try
In case you missed our social media coverage, we’ve been featuring great, local eateries that have opened during the pandemic. We wanted to highlight them all in one place so you can fully appreciate their unique stories. It was such a joy to chat with all of these local small business owners and we hope you try these delicious eateries.
Bigleaf Maple Bakery in Poulsbo
Photos by Leo Phillips.
What do you get when you mix an archeologist and a choir teacher? Apparently, you can get amazing French pastries! Sarah and Wendi from Bigleaf Maple met three and a half years ago while working at Pane D’Amore on Bainbridge, and became “baking soulmates”.
“No matter where you think you’ll be, life puts you in different places,” they said of making radical career shifts, and then starting a new business during a pandemic. They started Bigleaf Maple in the winter of 2019, producing wholesale items in early 2020, like macarons for Bon Bon and fresh treats for the Poulsbo Farmers Market.
The bakery started out in a rented commercial kitchen space. As their fan base grew, they offered items for sale via social media for delivery at the beginning of the pandemic. Eventually, they opened their storefront in the late spring of 2021. They both said they love being located in Historic Downtown Poulsbo, allowing them to collaborate and support all of the other local small businesses.
It’s a wonderful place to start your day. Or, pick up some incredible treats for a special occasion!
Ono Poke Too in Kingston
Photos by Leo Phillips.
Poke is a way of life in Hawaii, and Steven Ono is bringing his culture and a new fresh food option to Kitsap through Ono Poke Too in Kingston. Growing up on O’ahu, Steven would race home from school to meet his uncle’s fishing boat to help clean the catch of the day, and take it to auction.
Open since March 2021, Ono has faced challenges, but it has been well-received by the community. Being embedded in the community is very important to the Ono Poke brand, and at the end of each day, any leftover food is shared with community groups via the employees, as EVERY dish is made fresh each morning. They also proudly offer discounts to military and first-responders. A rooftop patio and surfboard storage are on the wish list for additions to the space.
Their sister restaurant in Edmonds has been open for five years and serves more than 100 lbs. of poke per day.
Just a couple of blocks up from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, Ono Poke Too makes a delicious lunch or dinner spot and they have great drink options like Rainier Beer and Hunniwater. Check it out and enjoy!
Parlor Shop in Poulsbo
Photos by Leo Phillips.
When the world opened back up in June 2020, Mike and Taylor were ready with their new restaurant: Parlor Shop in Poulsbo! Before opening, Mike and Taylor had been hard at work renovating and curating the space and pizza menu – complete with a full-service cocktail bar. Their hard work shows in the comfortable lounge atmosphere and elegant bar design.
Mike and Taylor hope to host a community space centered around great food, drink, and company. “Every single day is a new starting point, and we’re trying to fulfill what we had envisioned,” says Mike, now on his second restaurant. For Taylor, who also boasts years of restaurant experience, “enthusiastic guests and repeat customers” is especially rewarding to see.
Nothing comes closer to realizing their Parlor Shop vision than live music. With tunes, pies, and drinks flowing, the community atmosphere shines bright, a beacon for the future of this new addition to the vibrant Poulsbo restaurant scene. Next time you’re heading down Viking Way, make a stop at Parlor Shop. Pressed for time? You can easily order online for carry-out.
The Slab Pizza Co. in Suquamish
Photos by Leo Phillips.
The Slab Pizza Company in Suquamish may be small, but it’s certainly mighty. Originally, “the slab” was a large cement basketball court known as a hangout for local youth, and one of the “spots to be” for fireworks. Having lived in the area since the 1990s, owner Drew Bateman chose the name to pay homage to the part of town that had the same name when he was growing up.
The interior of the shop is painted in rainbow colors, not just “because rainbows are cool,” but to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Drew hopes the shop can be a welcoming place for anyone who is from an underrepresented demographic. Being in Suquamish, and being on Native land is really special, and he is proud to be able to serve the community this way.
The Slab, which offers to-go only, opened in mid-June 2021, but the building was obtained in November of 2020. This is Drew’s second pizza restaurant – the first being Bene Pizza on Bainbridge Island. His background in restaurants began at Agate Pass Cafe, which was located across the street from the Slab, and he has been working with the same crew for almost a decade. He loves working with his great crew, which he says feels just like family. Plus, his daughter Chloe, who has been working with him in restaurants since she was 14, can be found behind the counter most days. Order online or stop by for a slice and an interesting soda!
Yoko Yoko Ramen in Bremerton
Photos by Leo Phillips.
Great ramen starts with a passion for authentic cultural traditions, and James Johnson, the owner of Yoko Yoko Ramen, gained that from his time in Japan. While stationed there for the Navy, he attended the International Ramen School as a hobby, learning everything about ramen, including how to make all of the traditional ingredients, and how to open a restaurant. It wasn’t until he ended up in Kitsap that he put this knowledge to work.
The restaurant opened in April of 2021, with a bar expansion in June. Liz, the bar manager, also spent five years in Japan, and is thrilled to be able to create custom cocktails and bring Japanese ingredients to life in beautiful ways.
Johnson’s vision was to bring something to Kitsap that would fill a void for folks who have lived or spent time in Japan, a place for nostalgia and reminiscing, while also serving those interested in trying authentic dishes.
More recently, they are hoping to bring some of the “San Diego vibe” to Bremerton, to welcome families recently relocated to Kitsap with the arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Future plans include a traditional-style karaoke lounge, available for private events. They offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, so grab your friends and family for a great lunch, dinner, or Happy Hour meet-up.
We hope you’ll try these wonderful places, and we can’t wait to feature a few more local businesses soon. So, stay tuned for more on our Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living. If you know of a delicious, new place here in Kitsap County, please let us know through our Facebook page and we might feature it.
5 Fall DIY Decor Ideas
Celebrate the season by making your home feel more festive with these fun, fall DIY decor projects. Take a trip to your local craft store, carve out a bit of time, and before you know it, your home will be filled with autumn’s vibrance.
DIY Chalkboard Pumpkins
You know the drill this season: pumpkin lattes, pumpkin patches, and pumpkin everything! Have you ever created a chalkboard pumpkin? This DIY project creates an extremely versatile decoration. There are tons of ways to incorporate this gourd into your home without overdoing it. Check out the tutorial video below!
DIY Family Autumn Wreaths
Autumn wreaths can easily be made on the cheap while still providing a beautiful pop of color. And, this project is fun for the whole family. Check out Glue Guns and Roses’ fun video showing you how to make these wreaths.
Fall Accent Pillows
Accent pillows are one of the easiest ways to bring the autumn season into your home. You can easily make them at home with some fabric and stuffing. If you want to go the extra mile, consider embroidering some leaves or pumpkins on them to give them that extra personal touch.
Don’t feel like sewing? No problem. We’ve got you covered with a no-sew pillow tutorial below.
Homemade Fall Candles
A cozy autumn household needs to smell like fall too. Grab a simple candle-making kit with some essential oils. Cinnamon, pumpkin, and nutmeg scented candles can create a warm ambiance. Check out this article from Danielle Williams on Stampington & Company. It gives you step-by-step instructions and includes 8 autumn scents.
Photo by Stampington & Company.
Homemade Gratitude Tree
This is a fun way to get the family together and talk about what you’re grateful for, turning all that gratitude into a piece of art! It could even become a family tradition. And, if you have young children, it’s a great activity to show them the importance of reflecting on meaningful moments and expressing thanks. For more project details, check out The DIY Mommy.
Photo by The DIY Mommy.
5 Excellent Playgrounds in Kitsap County
Kitsap County is home to so many great playgrounds. Here are some of our favorites to check out with the little ones in your life.
KidsUp! Playground, Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Kitsap’s new place for fun, this playground, centered around a ferry boat-themed structure, opened on September 4, 2021. Replacing the ever-popular wooden playground built in 2001, the new design is meant to better withstand the PNW elements. The main attraction is the custom-built, 47-foot long, two-level ferry boat structure that has a “tricycle track” in the middle. Surrounding the ferry are orcas, a lookout pier, and a sandy beach for digging. This inclusive playground was designed to be used by children of all abilities, and also features some of the aspects of the original playground, reimagined.
A multi-year project, more than $500,000 was raised by Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation for the playground’s remodel, with the cost of the project totaling more than $600,000. Battle Point Park encompasses 90.3 acres and has a multi-use trail, sports courts, multiple sports fields, a horse area, and picnic shelters.
Another great accessible playground on Bainbridge Island is Owens Playground at Rotary Park.
Kitsap Memorial Park, Poulsbo
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Located on the Hood Canal, Kitsap Memorial State Park is a great family-friendly spot. The playground equipment blends into the scenery with a brown and green tree and boat theme. Here you will find multiple slides and climbing structures as well as swings.
Rounding out the park are multiple fields, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Enjoy the park’s trails, beach access, ramada and facility rentals, and campground.
Village Green Park, Kingston
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Part of the Village Green Community Center campus, this park is a wonderful spot for kids with playground equipment suitable for younger children including swings, a play structure with slides, a rope/web climbing structure, and large fields for playing. There is a reservable ramada as well. There’s also a free little library. The Billy Johnson Skatepark is also located nearby.
On this campus, you’ll also find the North Kitsap Boys & Girls Club, and Kingston’s branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. The Community Center is also home to various programs and has multiple reservable rooms.
Evergreen Rotary Park Inclusive Playground, Bremerton
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Kids will love this park’s swings, slides, climbing structures, and ropes, as well as musical panels, a merry-go-round, and spinning seats. The first inclusive playground in Kitsap, this accessible playground opened in August of 2014. Fundraising and grants helped to fund the $523,000 revamp of the prior play structures. It’s now a playground for kids of all abilities to enjoy. Special anti-static materials were used for the equipment, making it safe for children with hearing devices. Also, artificial turf makes it easy to maneuver for wheelchairs.
Additionally, Evergreen Rotary Park is the site of the Kitsap 9/11 Memorial and the Bremerton Farmers Market on Thursdays from April to October.
Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area, Suquamish
Photo by Leo Phillips.
One of the newest parks in Kitsap, this nature-themed playground pays homage to the Suquamish Tribe. It features a pod of orcas to climb on, rope bridges, a spinning basket, a small slide, and a large boulder with Tribal art. You can find Lushootseed phrases on the walkways with English translations printed below. There is a picnic area and public restrooms with changing tables. The park was part of the Tribe’s first phase of development on land returned to the Suquamish people in 2018, after a 50-year lease expired.
From this park, you can access most of the cultural sites in Suquamish, including Chief Seattle’s gravesite, the Suquamish Museum, the Suquamish Veterans Memorial, and the House of Awakened Culture.
Additional Information: Our Guide to Kitsap
If you’d like more information about our area, check out our free Newcomer’s Guide to Kitsap County (below). It has videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our communities, schools, daycares, recreation options, coworking spaces, housing prices by city, and more.
