Kingston North Kitsap Rotarian Doug Hallock has a reminder for Rotarians and the community at large.  After a year of Sunday work parties - or more - the local Scout Hall has been completely renovated, from the studs out.  Built in the 60's, the local hall was in need of work.  Under the guidance of Scout leadership, and with a Kingston Rotary partnership, the Hall will be rededicated Saturday, Feb 12, at 2p.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Rotarian David Winn, top image, worked the splitter, under Hallock's supervision, at one

"work party," while Club President Chris Gilbreath, reached for the rafters at another.  A number of Rotarians contributed to the refurbishment of the Hall.

     Hallock reminds everyone this is the home of Troop 555, and Pack 555.

 

     Kingston native Annie Carl "zoomed" home with her Feb 2 presentation to the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club.  Annie is a proud former student of Rotarian De' MacKinnon.

 

 

     Born with a spinal column birth defect that required surgeries at ages two and twelve, Annie Carl took to books.  She is an author.  She is a bookseller.  After working in bookstores, and owning a bookstore in Bothell, she opened The Neverending Bookshop six years ago in the Edmonds village of Perrinville.  Along the way she pivoted from a traditional bookshop inventory to one of underrepresented authors.  According their website, "Neverending Bookshop is a new and used bookstore specializing in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Young Adult and Children's books written by disabled, BIPOC, LBGTQIA+, and female authors.  We believe representation matters and are thrilled to be able to showcase writers from marginalized communities."  

     When asked about the unique trait of being both an author and bookstore owner, Carl said it wasn't that unusual, actually, and went on to point out several such author-owners.

 

     Scott Willard "zoomed" into the Kingston North Kitsap Noon Rotary Club's Jan 26 meeting.  Who's he?  The recently-appointed Executive Director of Kitsap Homes of Compassion.

 

 

     Scott reminded Rotarians the Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOP) rents multi-bedroom homes in Kitsap County, typically four-to-five bedrooms.  It then "rents" those bedrooms to folks who are, or are on the verge of, experiencing homelessness.  At monthly fees of $650-$700 per month, residents still don't cover all costs.  The goal of KHOP is to provide long term supportive housing for folks who may be employed but their incomes are such they cannot afford apartments or homes.  They currently operate 25 homes, with 110 bedrooms, including a home in Kingston that accommodates as many as five men.  

     Three needs were addressed:  volunteers, money, and wisdom.  According to Scott, "the future is to develop homes ourselves," which is why KHOP is in the process of purchasing the former Gorst Elementary, to develop it into fifty units of housing.  They have applied for state funding, etc., but the total cost will be $7m.  "Just housing is not enough, though, there is a need to provide support services, too," according to Willard.

     Volunteers are needed to work ten hours per week in various capacities.  Those interested can volunteer, or find more information, at kitsaphoc.org.