Today’s average per-gallon price for unleaded in Kitsap is $2.96, and that’s been pretty steady for the last couple of weeks. Seems like no one wants to close in on the $3 mark. Data from AAA.

Rachel Pritchett, 475,3783

Dow now at 10,891, down 15 points.

I’ve got a call in to corporate to see if others locally are being closed due to bankruptcy proceedings of parent company. Calls into corporate, well, you can watch a double feature and still wait for a return call.

Rachel Pritchett, 475-3783

at least for the present. Look for my story soon at kitsapsun.com.

Rachel Pritchett, 475-3783

Puget Rental Owners Association invitse the public to join it tonight for a dinner meeting with District Court Judge Stephen Holman speaking on small claims.

It’s at 6 p.m. at AA China Buffet in Bremerton.

Interested persons can call Jim Adrian at (360) 509-1717.

Rachel Pritchett

The Silverdale chamber organized this event, by the way. Rachel

By Rachel Pritchett
rpritchett@kitsapsun.com
SILVERDALE
Small-business owners told U.S. Sen. Patty Murray on Monday that banks stingy on lending have threatened their survival and frustrated expansion.
Sen. Murray, D-Wash., met with several business people at a Byron Street bakery, and said her legislation to redirect $30 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program funds to community banks would help.
The smaller banks would use the money to erase bad foreclosure debt. With the cleaned-up books and improved capital, they could start lending again, according to the theory behind Senate Bill 2867. Murray’s proposal is in committee. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has upped Murray’s amount to $50 million and is asking President Barack Obama to bypass Congress to get the money to community banks fast.
Murray sympathized with the business owners.
“The blockades that you’re facing today (are) not of your making,” she told them.
At least for those meeting Monday, they’ve been huge.
Brad Moore of Creekside Cabinets & Design of Silverdale said his business is only two-thirds of what it was prerecession. Since banks won’t lend to his contractor customers, he’s become the bank, extending them credit.
He’s had to pare staff and now fears that a mass reset of adjustable-rate mortgages coming later this year will deliver him yet one more blow.
“I don’t know how in the world we got here,” he told Murray.
Monica Downen of Monica’s Bakery & Café of Silverdale said she’s watched Old Town businesses “quietly go away.” Her bakery, too, is in tight straits. At one point, she went to a bank to see if she could consolidate her loans.
“And they wouldn’t even talk to me,” she said.
Hanah Reed of The RockIt Roost, a Silverdale boutique, said she was “humiliated” when she asked banks for startups help. They didn’t want to give her their time, and didn’t want to look at her business plan, said the former mortgage lender.
“In my situation, startups business, who’s going to look at me?” she said.
Amy Igloi-Matsuno of Amy’s on the Bay restaurant of Port Orchard said that she tried to get a $27,000 bank loan for a new business vehicle.
“And the bank turned us down,” she said.
The business owners
said they’re using Facebook, Twitter, special events, promotions and teamwork with suppliers
to market themselves through the recession.
“I’m throwing everything against the wall, and see what sticks,” Downen said.
A few also are getting support from private backers, rather than banks.
“It just seems like if you don’t have that ‘in’ with somebody who has money, you can’t expand,” Igloi-Matsuno said.
Community banks, which have less than
$10 billion in assets, make up about 90 percent of all banks and have been reluctant or unable to lend while holding record numbers of bad loans. They are under much more scrutiny by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
In 2009, lending by community banks was down 7.5 percent, according to the FDIC.
Some in community
banking were hopeful Murray’s effort might help.
“Capital is king in today’s market,” said Bill Fogarty, president of the new Liberty Bank of Poulsbo.
He said his bank — started in the recession after the collapse of the housing market already had shackled other banks with non-performing loans — still has money to lend.
John Collins, president of the Community Bankers of Washington, hoped something akin to Murray’s effort comes fast.
“Any help would be greatly appreciated,” he said.

Bloggers,

Everett-based Frontier Bank’s president is out this morning, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal:

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2010/03/29/daily13.html

A few of you have contacted me with questions whether the bank with several Kitsap locations will close.

If it happens, it happens. The bank now is under a 30-day raise- capital-or-merge order from regulators. Sometimes capital is raised, no easy feat today. So we’ll see how Frontier does.

Fortune Bank of Seattle is vowing to raise $450 million.

In the case of Bainbridge Island-based American Marine Bay, the 30-day order similar to Frontier’s expired, then there was a period of weeks before regulators shut it down.

I believe much of that timing has to do with the availability of busy FDIC staff. Dozens have to be brought into a locale when a bank closes.

Stay tuned.

Rachel Pritchett, 475-3783

Now at 10,275 this morning, after a fall of 108 points.

Cardiothoracic
Program at Harrison
Gets High Rating
BREMERTON
Harrison Medical Center’s award-winning cardiothoracic surgery program has achieved a three-star rating, the highest category of quality, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for overall performance.
The three-star rating was for the data reporting period of July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, and puts Harrison’s program in the top 10 percent of nearly 900 hospitals across the nation.
Harrison’s outcomes are the result of advanced technology and a team of experts from board-certified surgeons to specially trained nurses who have performed more than 1,200 open-heart surgeries. Cardiothoracic surgeons R. Christopher King and William H. Reed III lead the team.
Olalla-Based
Face Painter
Opens Business
OLALLA
Heidi Bennett has opened Whimsy Face Painting, a business specializing in birthday parties and celebrations.
It offers cheek and full-face art, henna tattoos for teens and adults, glitter tattoos and prenatal belly painting for baby showers and photography.
Bennett recently won two second-place awards and one third-place award in the West Coast Face Painters’ Forum’s monthly face painting contest with her original designs. Whimsy Face Painting is based in Olalla; it serves Kitsap County and Gig Harbor.
Reach Bennett at www.WhimsyFacePainting.com.
Harrison Graduates
Its First Nurse
Residency Group
BREMERTON
Harrison Medical Center graduated its first registered nurse residency group in January, ending an 18-week training program. This new program provides newly-licensed RNs with evidence-based education and training.
The hospital worked with Versant, a nonprofit corporation consisting of expert nurse educators, nurse researchers, statisticians, and technology experts, to centralize resident training across the organization.
Each of the 13 RN residents in the first group gained clinical experience in various departments and areas to better understand the patient experience. These new nurses were paired with experienced nurses for clinical and classroom training. The program is designed for a seasoned nurse to take the lead in care as the new nurse gains confidence and valuable skills.
The new nurses also must demonstrate competency at the bedside and in the classroom.
The program is funded by the Harrison Medical Center Foundation campaign, Great Nurses for a Great Community, which supports efforts to boost the recruitment and retention of nurses.
Graduates include Sherry Marrero, Rhonda Daniels, Jillian Lewis, Dev Brierley, Lindsey Gearllach, Mike Hageman, Emily Radtke, Aubrey Loudermilk, Sara Skjelstad, Brigitte Jewell, Catherine Tatara, Rhoda Lambright and Cynthia Parker.
On the Job
• Eunice Beachy and Connie Morrison-Hoogstede, Harrison Medical Center nurses, recently passed the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner examination administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. There are less than 700 nurse practitioners nationwide who hold the AOCNP credential. Both women work at Harrison Bremerton’s Hematology and Oncology units and are graduates of the University of Washington master’s program in Adult Primary Care. Beachy also works at Harrison Poulsbo Hematology and Oncology.
• Jason Parker, president of Parker Financial LLC, recently was accepted as a member of Kitsap Alliance of Resources for Elders. The organization is a team of independent professionals who have joined to better serve the needs of older adults in the community. Members are chosen for their expertise within their respective fields.
• Dr. Sandon “Sandy” Saffier joined Harrison Medical Center in February as new chief quality and medical officer. A plastic and reconstructive surgeon by training, Saffier served for the past nine years as a vice president and medical director, and director of medical education at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, Calif.
• Ed Moydell, associate director of The Bloedel Reserve since May 2009, has been appointed executive director there by the board of trustees. He previously was associate director of the Center for Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware. A native of Oklahoma, he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in public horticulture.
• The board of trustees of Bloedel Reserve has elected new officers with Paul Kundtz, an attorney with the Seattle firm of Riddell Williams, chosen to serve as president. Also serving on the board will be Alison Andrews, vice president; Andy Maron, secretary; and Stephen Davis, treasurer. Debbi Brainerd will continue to serve as past president.
• Terry Fessner, a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, real estate investor and restaurateur, recently was honored for participation in his latest venture, as a caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care of Bremerton. He was named Care Giver of the Year for his work with the elderly.
• Casey McGrath has been named managing broker and Randy Taplin assistant manager in the Poulsbo office of Windermere Real Estate. McGrath has been with Windermere since 1991 and a Kitsap resident for a decade before that. Taplin has been with Windermere since 2002, and a Kitsap resident since 1989.
• Nathan Edwards, a graduate of Regis University in Denver, Colo., with a doctorate in physical therapy since 2009, has joined Kitsap Physical Therapy at its Silverdale office. He specializes in treatment of cervical and lumbar spine disorders.
• Shelli Cates has joined Cobalt Mortgage, a Port Townsend lending center, as a residential mortgage banker. She has more than 20 years experience in residential and construction lending, and previously was employed by American Marine Bank, now Columbia Bank, in the Port Ludlow branch. Reach her at (360) 379-6425 or e-mail her at kelley@cobaltmortgage.com.
• Peter Taafe, a financial adviser and a certified financial planner professional with Ameriprise Financial, recently was named a 2010 Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction wealth manager in Seattle Magazine. The award recognizes the top seven percent of qualifying wealth managers in the Puget Sound area.
• Dawn Leibold of the Kitsap Sun, Debbie Stewart of KPS Health Plans, Geoff Grindeland, a Bainbridge Island attorney, and Jane Woodward of John L. Scott Poulsbo have been chosen to serve on the board of United Way of Kitsap County. The board still needs interested individuals who want to become involved in the community and are interested in serving on the United Way board. For information call David L. Foote, executive director, at (360) 377-8505 or e-mail him at dfoote@unitedwaykitsap.org.
Calendar

wednesday
What: A Homebuyers Seminar will cover everything from why to buy to financing options. It will be presented by Tom Fletcher, Century 21; Gary Tapley, Republic Mortgage; Ted Benson, Lawyers Title; and Joan Cartier, Vista Financial Planning Group.
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Century 21 Anchor Associates Office, 3608 Wheaton Way, next to McDonalds.
Cost: Free.
Info: Call Tom Fletcher at (360) 551-2423.

April 6
What: The Kingston Chamber of Commerce will host Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer at its April 6 luncheon meeting. Send your questions and concerns to the Kingston Chamber to be delivered to the sheriff early, so that he can be prepared with information.
When: Noon
Where: Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
Cost: $15
RSVP: Call (360) 297-3813 no later than April 5.

April 6 & 10
What: Two no-cost homebuyers seminars, sponsored by NWHomepartners.com, will be April 6 in Silverdale and April 10 in Bremerton.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 6; 10 a.m. to noon April 10
Where: John L. Scott, 2244 NW Bucklin Hill Road in Silverdale, next to Taco Del Mar, April 6; Kitsap County Fairgrounds Events Center Training Room, downstairs and across the street from the Kitsap Sun Pavilion, April 10.
Reservations & Info: Call (360) 698-8144, (360) 698-8106 or e-mail Info@NWHomepartners.com

April 10
What: The Waterfront CPA Group is hosting a “CPA Shredfest” April 10. The public is invited to bring personal documents to the firm’s parking lot for shredding by AllShred’s new mobile shredder. The first 20 pounds are free; any amount above that will be 25 cents per pound. All shredded waste will then be used to produce compost. Participants also can also bring old computers, monitors, televisions and laptops to be recycled through Washington State’s ECycle program. The electronics will be accepted free.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Place: 9657 Levin Road, Suite 250, in Silverdale.
Info: Call (360) 692-9000 or e-mail Melinda

April 14
What: The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce will host Kitsap County Commissioner Steve Bauer.
When: 11:30 a.m. networking; noon luncheon
Where: Kiana Lodge, 14976 Sandy Hook Road NE in Poulsbo

May 20
What: The Port Orchard Chamber Business Showcase featuring the best of SK Awards and business after hours is planned for May 20 in Port Orchard. It is open for businesses, groups and associations to showcase their businesses before hundreds of consumers, chamber members and other business representatives.
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: SK8Town Event Center in Port Orchard.
Voting: The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite SK businesses. Best of SK Ballots are available at various Port Orchard locations including the chamber office, Printing Services, Port Orchard Independent and Port Orchard Kitsap Bank branches. Ballots must be returned by April 23.
Registration: $100 for Port Orchard Chamber members; $200 for nonchamber members; to register visit www.portorchard.com or call the Chamber office at (360) 876-3505.

May 25 & Oct. 19
What: A workshop, “Business Success When Times are Tough,” sponsored by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. It is designed for small business owners and managers who need answers on how to best navigate the current economy.
When: 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Where: Oxford Suites in Silverdale May 25, and Port Orchard Pavilion Event Center in Port Orchard Oct. 19.
Registration: $20; visit www.kitsapeda.org.
Info: Call Kathy Cocus at (360) 377-0180 or e-mail cocus@kitsapeda.org
Kitsap Sun staff

The story’s below, and I appreciate your response. Rachel

By Rachel Pritchett
rpritchett@kitsapsun.com
PORT ORCHARD
DJ’s Music, for 30 years the heart and soul of music in South Kitsap, is set to close.
“I haven’t been true to this store. I haven’t been able to put my whole heart into it, because he’s missing,” said owner Diana Watson.
Those painful words were on beloved husband Donald “DJ” Watson, who died is 2008 of Parkinson’s disease and who built the business from a tiny store he opened on Bethel Road in 1979.
DJ’s is the only music store in South Kitsap, and the 13 teachers who’ve earned livings in the DJ’s studios, as well as the thousands of students who’ve struggled with lessons here, hold nothing less than grief for what looks like the end.
“It was like home,” said Renee Cammers of Port Orchard, who over the years bought reeds, had her sax re-corked and her flute repaired after her sister sat on it, all at DJs.
The South Park Village store, at this location only since 2008, does have that home feel. Waiting parents sip coffee and read at tables, almost like a living room.
Those same kids perform maybe for the first time on the DJ’s glittering stage.
High schoolers drop by to sing, passing the DJ’s signature stuffed gorilla at the door.
Diana sleeps nights at the store in snow, to make sure it stays stay the usual seven days.
“There’s no such thing as no DJ’s,” astonished customers have told Diana on hearing the news, that sentiment echoed by teachers who must find other space or teach in homes.
“Losing DJ was devastating and now losing DJ’s Music is plain heartbreaking,” said teacher Brian Lilly.
“I feel terrible,” said teacher Bill Carter.
No music store has fared easy in this recession as strapped parents cut back on frills. DJs is no exception.
But there was trouble before for DJ’s Music, when DJ fell tighter and tighter into Parkinson’s grip.
For five years, Diana took care of him at home while trying to take care of the busy store, too, then at its best-known location at Mile Hill Plaza.
The business suffered and in 2008 when DJ died, Diana forged on, moving the store to South Park Village.
“Because I had teachers who made their living …. I had employees. It was needed in the community,” she said.
She threw much of her personal money into DJ’s Music, and is in debt, she said. Her Allyn home is near bankruptcy.
DJ’s Music began after DJ, who had been working for Bremerton Music Store, spun off on his own.
The Bethel store grew fast, buoyed by instrument rentals to the South Kitsap School District.
Diana worked alongside DJ, and over the years, the store expanded to Bremerton, Poulsbo and Silverdale, where it stayed for many years.
In 1991, the Port Orchard DJ’s moved to Mile Hill Plaza.
The store’s been for sale for several months, and even in this rough economy, there’s been a bite or two.
One came from former nightclub man Scott Hlinka.
“I was actually negotiating with her to get this place,” Hlinka said.
And it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that someone else could buy the business before she closes in a few days.
But it’s not likely, leaving South Kitsap music lovers to go to Tacoma or elsewhere in Kitsap County.
Diana, 61, said she’ll spend more time teaching her Bible studies and visiting family.
“I want out because I can’t deal with the memories,” she said.
She said that when it comes to parents supporting their kids, there’s no place like South Kitsap.
“I think this is the reason I put everything I own into this store. I’ve watched parents support their children in art, and what’s it’s done for these children.”
“And that’s been the biggest job in this business, is watching the children grow up.”