Celebrating Central Kitsap

By Darla Murker

Routinely I’m called outside the office to tend to meetings for various endeavors. On occasion, in the course of conversation I am made privy to a comment that invariably begins, “Silverdale is OK, but…” Usually the sentence ends with something about traffic or “big boxes.”

Silverdale is more than “OK.” Silverdale is more than a long traffic light(s). (For those who don’t know there are ways past and around Silverdale that mean never getting off the freeway or sitting at a long light). Silverdale is more than the sum of the myriad great retailers who have chosen to be a part of a vibrant community. Silverdale is a ‘destination.’

A community doesn’t get noticed as a “Top 100 Place to Live” without having significant merit.

Here is but a small example of what’s so great about Silverdale and Central Kitsap:

The Clear Creek Trail, Old Town Silverdale, Silverdale Waterfront Park, The Kitsap Kids Playground, Whaling Days, the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede, Thunderbird Rodeo, Corey’s Day on the Farm, the Lions Soap Box Derby, Silverdale Rotary’s Great Kitsap Duck Race, The Paul G. Linder Foundation, Clear Creek Task Force, Central Kitsap Community Council, Tex Lewis, Hank Mann-Sykes, Blaine Highfield and Nick and Coletta Corey.

Volunteers and community activists working with businesses, area service groups, and non-profit organizations create a vibrant place to live, work and play. The tireless efforts of groups such as the Clear Creek Task Force provide an incredible community asset for all to enjoy. The Whaling Days Committee brings together a fantastic weekend of family centered fun and entertainment. Nick and Coletta Corey took their passion for helping others and turned Corey’s Day on the Farm into an event that serves more than 1,000 special needs kids each year during their two-day event. Hank Mann-Sykes (Mr. Silverdale) and all the members of the Central Kitsap Community Council endeavor to make sure the interests of our unincorporated community are heard and protected. Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis groups offer of their time, talents, and resources to set the example of Servant-Leadership. Businesses of all sizes routinely respond to the many requests for support with employers providing resources, allowing employees the opportunity to volunteer on company time, and providing a spirit of customer service that keeps people coming back. Old Town Silverdale merchants work diligently to retain the original flavor of the area, offering a destination spot within the business community.

Naval Base Kitsap–Bangor’s repeated rating as the “Best Base in the Navy” doesn’t just happen because they enjoy one of the best views of the Olympics. Community spirit and the support provided service members and their families by the area surrounding the installation certainly play some part in the decision.

The Silverdale Chamber is partnering with the CK Reporter and Kitsap Mall to recognize the “Best of Central Kitsap.” Help us celebrate what makes Silverdale and Central Kitsap a great destination, a terrific place to live and an adventure in shopping. Complete your ballots, (available in the paper, at Kitsap Mall Guest Services and at the Chamber office) and then join us for a “Best of Central Kitsap Business Showcase and Awards presentation Oct. 17 at Kitsap Mall.

The Chamber also will be recognizing the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Business Pioneer, and Chamber Member of the Year at its awards gala ‘Accolades’ on Oct. 27. You are most cordially invited to attend, contact the Chamber for reservations.

Share your thoughts on what makes Silverdale and Central Kitsap such a wonderful community and join us for the celebration.

Darla Murker is the executive director of the

Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.

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