Events

AUTHOR READING: West Sound Reads presents New York Times-bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver who will do a reading of her new novel, “The Lacuna” with a portion of event proceeds to benefit the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation; Fri., Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Bainbridge High School gym, 9330 NE High School Road; free; reserved seating available. Info: Suzanne at (360) 779-5909 or Mary at (206) 842-5332.

HELP OFF THE STREETS: Benefit concert for local homeless youth to feature the bands Alpine Frequency, Ruxton Towers and Miracle Max; Sat., Nov. 21, doors open at 6 p.m.; The Charleston Theater, 333 North Callow Ave., Bremerton; $5 at the door or donate funds to pay for tickets for youth who would like to attend, but cannot afford to. Cash donations and easy open, non-perishable food items will be accepted at the door.

CHILI FOR TROOPS: Chili Cook-Off to help fund “Feeding Wounded Troops Overseas” in Landstuhl, Germany; contest entry spots still available and people also are needed to help eat the chili; Sun., Nov. 22, 1-5 p.m.; Voodiez Bar & Grill, 18932 Front St. Poulsbo. Info: www.tatubbq.shutterfly.com.

GET THE SKINNY: Lap-Band information seminar on the FDA-approved minimally invasive surgery available at Harrison Medical Center; Mon., Nov. 23 (future dates as well), 5:30 p.m.; Orchid Room, Harrison Silverdale; free. Pre-registration required: (866) 722-6363. Info: www.pacsurgical.com/events.htm.

GIVING THANKS: Members of the Bremerton Christian Science Church invite the community to its Thanksgiving Day service featuring Bible readings, words of Thanksgiving from the congregation, and prayer and hymns of praise; Thurs., Nov. 26, 10 a.m.; Fourth Street and Warren Avenue; childcare will be available; all are welcome.

NUTCRACKER TRADITION: Dance Arts Theatre of Silverdale presents “The Nutcracker” ballet; Sat., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 29, 2:30 p.m.; Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center; general admission, $12; reserved seats, $15; general seating for senior citizens, students and children 18 and younger, $8; tickets available at the door, Irene’s School of Dance in Silverdale, CJ’s Evergreen General Store, Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, Poulsbo Parks and Recreation and online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Info: (360) 692-4395.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Bremerton Holiday Bazaar to feature lots of arts and crafts, baked goods, food, espresso, Italian ice/gelatos, Avon, jewelry, collectibles, Mary Kay and Santa photos (starting at 10 a.m.); Sat., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; downtown Bremerton, 905 Pacific Ave. Info: Jackie at (360) 990-6112 or fawnmeadowfarm@netscape.com.

LESS STRESS: “Hope For The Holidays” to feature strategies for making your holiday season meaningful and less stressful for you and your family; Tues., Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.; Martha & Mary’s chapel, 19160 Front St., Poulsbo; free.

MEET THE AUTHOR: Bestselling Seattle author J.A. Jance kicks off her “Trial By Fire” book tour with a visit to Silverdale; Wed., Dec. 2, noon; Barnes & Noble, 10314 Silverdale Way NW.

HIGHER LEARNING: An informational table will be set up on how to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Western Washington University’s award-winning Huxley College of the Environment; Thurs., Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Olympic College-Bremerton, Bremer Student Center. Info: (360) 417-6521 or www.huxleyonthepeninsulas.wwu.edu.

HUMAN RIGHTS: Helping the Homeless is the focus of the 19th annual Kitsap County Human Rights Conference featuring poverty expert Dr. Donna Beegle, who will present, “Best Intentions Might Not Be Enough: Understanding How to Communicate Across Poverty, Race, Gender and Generations;” Fri., Dec. 4; Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside; $45 if registered by Nov. 23; $60 thereafter. Register: (360) 337-4883.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW: Ish Vintage Clothing & Costume is hosting a holiday art and craft show showcasing jewelry, art, photography, sewn creations and other handmade goodies from local artists; Fri., Dec. 4, 5–9 p.m.; 249 Fourth St. Enjoy food, art and sounds of the season by Espiritu el Troubadour. Info: Collette Jones at (360) 479-4755 or collette@ishvintage.com.

NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE: Peninsula Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” ballet; Fri. and Sat., Dec. 4 and 5, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 6, 3 p.m. (“Nutcracker Tea Party” 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday only); $25, reserved seating; $18, adults festival seating; $14, children, 11-18, and seniors, 65 and older, festival seating; $12, children. Info. or to purchase tickets: Bremerton Dance Center, 515 Chester Ave. Info: (360)377-6214 or www.peninsuladancetheatre.org.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE: Tracyton will celebrate its 50th annual Christmas tree lighting featuring a Victorian brass ensemble, Santa, who will arrive on a fire engine, and refreshments; Sun., Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.; the tree located in front of Tracyton Methodist Church, 5153 Naomi St.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE: Soroptimist International of Greater Bremerton Area to host a Happy Holidays Marketplace featuring gifts, food, jewelry and fun ideas for the holidays; Thurs., Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m.; Girl Scouts Peninsula Program Center, 1600 NE Winters Road, East Bremerton (off State Route 303). Info: Deborah at (360) 475-3733 or sigreaterbremertonarea@soroptimist.net.

SOUL CONNECTIONS: Spiritual discussion group discusses various topics such as reincarnation, life after death, healing and more; third Sunday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m.; Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, 19003 Front St., Poulsbo; and the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m.; Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln St. Info or topic suggestion: LoriLinda12@aol.com or (360) 830-0193.

SINGING LADIES: Kitsap Pines Chorus of Sweet Adelines host chorus rehearsals every Tuesday; women of all ages welcome; 6:30-9 p.m.; First Baptist Church, 1410 Ohio St., Bremerton. Info: Kathy at (360) 297-8414 or visit www.kitsappines.org.

Meetings

HEARING LOSS HELP: The Hearing Loss Association of Kitsap County to feature John Allen who will talk about assistive technology beyond hearing aids that help in noisy listening situations; Sat., Nov. 21, 1-3 p.m.; Iris Room, Harrison Medical Center Silverdale, 1800 Myhre Road. Info: John Allen at (360) 871-0997 or jcallen@hearingloss-wa.org.

AD/HD HELP: Group Health pediatrician Dr. Ed Fahy will discuss “AD/HD 101” to Kitsap CHADD, the local AD/HD (Attention Deficit Disorder) support group; Tues., Dec. 8, 7 p.m.; (new meeting location) Group Health Cooperative classroom, 10452 Silverdale Way, Silverdale. Info: Lynn Myrvang at (360) 779-5362 or Kerry Miller at (360) 697-3922.

NAVY LEAGUE: Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Navy League to feature guest speaker Don Green, a Pearl Harbor survivor; Tues., Dec. 8, 11 a.m. social time, 11:45 a.m. program ; Bangor Plaza, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor; $15; public invited. RSVP by noon Dec. 3: (360) 782-5500.

SPEAK PROUDLY: Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that provides a supportive and positive learning environment to help people excel in speaking, listening and leadership skills; Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.; Subway party room, 3850 Kitsap Way, Bremerton. Call or e-mail for a free reservation: Dave Harris at (360) 478-7089 or Harriscd.wa@comcast.net.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CLASSES

The American Red Cross has a number of upcoming classes offered at the West Sound Service Center, 811 Pacific Ave., in Bremerton. To register, call (360) 377-3761 or visit the Web site at www.westsoundredcross.org.

Adult CPR — Tues., Nov. 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; $36.

Adult CPR and First Aid — Sat., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $55.

Seven-hour HIV/AIDS Prevention — Sun., Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; $65.