At last week’s Nov 4 meeting, Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians heard from Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce President Micki Monroe, owner of D’Vine Wines, who explained the Chamber’s challenges during this time of Covid-19.  Earlier this year, the Kingston Chamber was forced to move its office because of difficulty reaching agreement with its landlord over fire department required upgrades, and a lack of volunteers.  They furloughed their Executive Director, Miacate Kennedy, for the summer months, only to learn they lost her to another opportunity this fall.  Fortunately, the Chamber has found temporary space, with good connectivity, in the Port of Kingston facility.  

    Monroe reported difficult times for the Chamber.  The pandemic has meant a dearth of volunteers.  They won’t be able to do their annual Christmas Wreath program, among others that have fallen to the virus.  They are exploring “difficult options.”

    Asked what folks can do to support Kingston North Kitsap businesses, Monroe said, “patronize them, spend money locally, Amazon doesn’t need it.”

               Club Odds and Ends, News and Notes

    Kingston Library. Bobbie Moore reports the Kitsap Library branch in Village Green Community Center hopes to re-open soon to in-person patrons.  Partitions, such as those Kingston North Kitsap Rotary donated to Village Green Boys and Girls Club, will be assembled in the lobby to expand social distancing opportunities.  

    Boy Scout Hall.  The Church of Doug held another work “party” last Sunday, at 9 a.m. Further work on interior insulation was completed, with installation of the ridge beam set for today, Nov. 9.  Next step, re-roofing.  Long time Rotarian Doug Hallock is the Club’s liaison to the Scout Troop and has been instrumental in the Scout Hall restoration. Below, Chris Gilbreath, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary's President-elect, enjoys last Sunday's "party."

Food Drive.  Kingston North Kitsap Satellite Club’s Food Drive in support of ShareNet continues.  Food insecurity, difficult in normal times, is even greater in these anything-but- normal times.  Club members who have not done so are urged to donate.  So are their friends, family, and neighbors.  Be a good soul at:  www.auctria.com/auction/sharenetfundraiser.  

    Blood Drive.  Bloodworks Northwest has set up a Pop-Up center at Village Green Community Center  Nov. 11 and Nov. 12.  Blood supplies are abnormally low.  To donate, your author found it easier to make an appointment - appointments are necessary, no walk-ins - by phone (800-398-7888), rather than online. 

    Meeting tomorrow.   Zoom in at noon for a taste of Walt’s Follies, aka how to do an entertaining meeting on Veteran’s Day.  To all our Veterans, thank you.  Happy Day.