Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
New Agent Spotlight: Angela Winks
We are proud to feature Angela Winks in our new Q&A spotlight series. With a diverse set of skills and experiences, Angela offers buyers and sellers a focused, personalized approach with an emphasis on clear communication, positivity, and a sincere appreciation for the areas and clients she serves. Read on to find out about Angela’s background, what she loves about real estate, and more.
What drew you to real estate?
What drew me to real estate was my passion for all things “home” and my deep desire to help others. I also have always had the desire to have and manage my own business. As a business owner, personal growth and a positive mindset are a vital part of every day and I absolutely love being in an industry that constantly requires me to learn and be more so that I can give more to my family, friends, clients, and community.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
My years of experience in the health and fitness field helped me sharpen my skills as a strong communicator and leader. As an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of a post-physical therapy exercise program, I had the opportunity to help clients and patients set and achieve their goals, not only safely and effectively, but in a welcoming and fun environment.
As a Realtor, I enjoy the same opportunities. Whether my clients need to sell or buy real estate, it’s important to have clear communication and a great plan. And, of course, it is always my pleasure to make the whole process as enjoyable as possible for my clients!
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Realtors should possess exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship skills as well as the ability to stay open-minded, focused, organized, and creative.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about those areas?
I happily serve Kitsap, Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King counties. I believe we are incredibly fortunate to live in this part of the country and Washington state. The natural beauty is astounding and the support for the communities and their wonderfully unique local businesses is second to none.
How long have you lived here?
I have lived in Kitsap County for 7 1/2 years. I came here after college because I had family scattered around the area and fell in love with the natural beauty.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I decided to work with Windermere because of their special focus on building and nurturing relationships as well as their strong presence in the community. This is a company that truly cares about people and that is extremely important to me! They also provide the latest technology and education for their agents so we can always keep adding tools to our real estate toolbelts and serving our clients at our highest level.
We are delighted that Angela Winks has joined us. We know she will be a sincere pleasure for buyers and sellers to work with here on the Kitsap Peninsula and in Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King County. You can connect with Angela through her website.
Easy, Fun Ways to Start the New Year Right
2021 is the fresh start we’ve been waiting for; it’s a new year full of hope and possibility. Want to really make it a year to remember? Here are some fun, easy ways to do just that, right here in Kitsap County.
Enjoy the View
We all get caught up in routines and sometimes that means we take things for granted, like this beautiful place we call home. Bundle up and take a walk on a trail you haven’t been on in months (or ever). Really enjoy the sights and sounds around you.
“I love feeling like a tourist in my own town,” says Cherie Kesti, Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant for Penrith Home Loans. Kesti enjoys walking along Poulsbo’s marina and through the park. Another great spot in North Kitsap is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. Broker Bonnie Chandler highly recommends it saying, “It’s a favorite beach walk of mine.” Chandler also notes that the lighthouse there is the oldest on Puget Sound. For a more expansive place to take it all in, head to Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. “I always feel refreshed and renewed after visiting the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park,” says Broker Valerie Gallagher. “This spacious park is a gift to the community with nearly 3,500 acres & 60 miles of trails!”
While you’re taking it all in, try to remember what it felt like to experience this place for the first time. Or, if you grew up here, remember the joy of sharing this place with a visitor. Focusing on those positive feelings can go a long way, boosting your mood and helping you refuel.
Actually Unplug
If your daily life involves a lot of screen time, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off your laptop, your TV, and yes, even your phone. It can be hard to do but so worth it. See what it feels like to spend time with those you love without any devices. Play a board game, write those holiday thank you notes, work on a home improvement project you’ve been meaning to finish. Whatever you decide to do, you may be surprised how often you instinctively reach for your phone throughout the day. Taking a break can help you step back and see where you really are on the usage spectrum. You may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. If nothing else, a day off from electronics will help you appreciate them more.
Share Your Love of Books
Whether you’re an avid reader or have fond memories reading childhood favorites, make this a year to remember by sharing your love of books. Dust off some old stories that others could benefit from and donate them to your nearest Little Free Library. If there isn’t one near you, start your own! It’s a fun project, especially if you have kids. They can help you design it, decorate it, and fill it with all kinds of books for the neighborhood to enjoy.
Starting or adding to a Little Free Library also calls for a visit to your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have to pick up something new to read to fill those empty spots on your bookshelf. We love local bookstores like Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books and Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island. If you struggle to find the time to sit down with a good book, we suggest downloading the free app called Libby. You can borrow ebooks and audiobooks on it by connecting it to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s easy to use and offers thousands of books for free.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Here’s a simple yet meaningful activity to do with your family. Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Throughout the year, you and your family members can add notes to it: things you’re thankful for and moments you enjoyed. At the end of 2021, sit down together and go through all of these little notes. It’s a great way to reminisce and regularly practice gratitude throughout the year. To get in the habit, pick a day each week to do it as a family, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it becomes part of your routine. Additionally, be sure to put it in a prominent place with pens and blank notecards so anyone can quickly jot something down and add it to the jar. The easier you make it, the more little notes you’ll have at the end of the year to enjoy.
Here’s to a wonderful new year ahead!
S’Klallam: Evergreen Strong
As beautiful and adaptable as the evergreen, The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has been a hallmark of the Kitsap Peninsula for over 10,000 years.
Ancient Landscape
The S’Klallams thrived through a seasonal connection to the changing climates. In the warm summer months, they roamed semi-nomadically and re-visited fishing holes and hunting/gathering sites. During the cold winter rains, they congregated in plank and pole longhouses to practice religious ceremonies and spend time with loved ones.
The purple region indicates the S’Klallam area. Source: Klallam Library
The S’Klallam footprint, though environmentally small, was a massive territory. S’Klallams were historically around 15 tribes that enjoyed friendly relations between themselves and neighboring Salish Tribes, like the Twana Tribe. They even shared natural resources, like the coveted Hood Canal fishing sites.
Culture, Traditions, and Conflict
The Port Gamble S’Klallams enjoyed a rich life. They ate delicious foods like smoked salmon and baked clams, created an evolving yet distinct artistic style, and a language that was once “forced to be forgotten.” These traditions continued for generations – until the first contact with Europeans.
Illness ravaged the Tribe. The Hudson Bay Company initially reported some 1,500 S’Klallams in 1845. But after diseases such as smallpox had run their course, estimates dwindled to only 400. Yet, sturdy as the evergreen, S’Klallams survived.
However, the problems from European contact were far from over. Next, disputes between Settlers and S’Klallams began drawing blood and sparking violence over resources and land. In November of 1853, the S’Klallams lost 438,430 acres of ancestral lands in The Treaty of Point No Point. It contained confusing language, inconsistencies in the agreements, and western private property concepts not understood by the communal S’Klallam. They also forced the Tribe to relocate to the Skokomish Reservation, 100 to 180 miles away from home along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal.
Recognition and Resilience
Over 80 years later, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe successfully petitioned the federal government to officially recognize their independent tribal status. In 1936, “the United States government purchased the 1,231-acre Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation.”
Despite this, settler dissent led to acts of violence: “In 1939, gasoline was poured on some of the houses at Point Julia and the village was burned to the ground. Some of the older people didn’t want to leave the spit, having lived there most of their lives. One tribal member recalls an elder who had to be forced out of her home. She sat in an old chair while they were packing her stuff out. She was sitting there crying and talking to herself and singing in Indian. It was pitiful to watch. Under pressure from the federal government, the S’Klallams relocated on the bluff above Point Julia.”
As the Tribe states, “From the time of white settlement, until their treaty rights were recognized by a court decision in the 1970s, the S’Klallam Nation faced fundamental challenges to its existence.”
S’Klallams Today
Continued fishing disputes couldn’t shake the S’Klallams, who began to develop economically into the success the Tribe now enjoys. Today, Port Gamble S’Klallam commerce thrives: Tribe owned businesses like the Point Casino, Heronswood Botanical Garden, Gliding Eagle Market demonstrate their adaptability and perseverance.
S’Klallams harvest resources in many of the same ways as their ancestors. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Headquarters sits on the Sound, just south of Point Julia. Here, S’Klallams find community, regulate Tribal business, govern, and provide social services. The Headquarters houses a vast digital library of information and traditions to preserve the community and culture for generations to come, passing on the resilience of a people akin to the evergreen trees that surround.
S’Klallam Orca at Sunset. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Shop Local: Unique Holiday Gifts Found Across North Kitsap
What better way to support our wonderful local businesses than to “shop local” this holiday season? There are so many unique, thoughtful holiday gifts you can buy right here. While it’s challenging to put together a complete list of all of the wonderful options across North Kitsap, we’ve created a collection that provides a range of ideas, many of which were recommended by locals and even some of our agents and staff.
Artistic Gifts
Arists’ Edge in Poulsbo: For over 28 years, this local business has specialized in custom framing, art products, and supplies. They also offer gift cards, military, student, and business discounts, and they have products available through their online store.
Fern Street Pottery: Local artist Meredith Chernick thoughtfully crafts gorgeous yet functional items like handmade, customizable mugs, serving bowls, and hanging planter pots. You can order online and she’ll ship your gifts for you or you can choose free pickup at checkout.
Mak. W Designs: This artist collective in Kingston supports the work of 23 different artists and features stunning jewelry. Their online ordering makes it easy to buy for the holidays.
Verksted Gallery: Support local artists by visiting one of the oldest cooperative art galleries in Washington state. They have a range of treasures in Poulsbo and some artwork is available for purchase online.
Gifts to Make Them Grin
Clever Gift Shop: From funny socks to retro toys, this Kingston shop has a range of items that will brighten someone’s holiday season. Check out their online store for more info.
The Curious Child: This Poulsbo shop has all kinds of fun gifts: kids’ musical instruments and toys, puzzles for teens and adults, games and much more. You can order online and they offer free local delivery, curbside pickup, and free gift wrapping.
Liberty Bay Books: Who doesn’t love a good book? This beloved local bookstore offers all kinds of literary treasures for kids and adults: bestsellers, cookbooks, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, PNW guidebooks, and much, much more. You can order online and have your books shipped or you can choose curbside pickup at checkout.
Thistle Floral and Home: While this Kingston-based shop is known for its beautiful floral arrangements, it also has a range of gifts, often made by locals. Their gifts are sure to make the recipient smile, like this new year gift that comes with a “Kiss 2020 Goodbye” lip balm, a funny pin, and a smudge stick.
Help a friend celebrate the end of 2020 with this clever gift from Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home.
Presents for Pampering
Away with Words: This sister-owned bath and bookshop in Poulsbo has a range of gifts. Many rave about their bath bombs and they also have creative self-care gift boxes, some of which include their popular bath bombs with fun book pairings while others feature loose leaf tea and/or locally made goat’s milk soap.
Northwest Sparks: These eco-friendly 100% soy candles are hand-poured in Washington by an environmental biologist and you can get little stocking stuffers , PNW-themed candles, and more.
Willow and Daisies Apothecary: From bath salts to shower steamers, these handcrafted bath products are sure to delight. This store is located in Suquamish and has an online Etsy shop.
The Gift of a Great Meal
Have a family member or friend with a favorite local restaurant? Consider treating them to a nice meal or giving them a gift card. Many restaurants have wonderful takeout menus with options for curbside pickup. Windermere Realtor Elaine Tanner highly recommends Kachai Thai Kitchen in Poulsbo. Tizley’s EuroPub is another local favorite. “The food on the menu is a delicious array of European traditional family dishes that enhance the experience of visiting Poulsbo!” says Penrith Home Loans’ Branch Manager, Cherie Kesti. Also in Poulsbo, Vietnamese restaurant Phó T & N has practically doubled in size. “It speaks to how popular it is,” says Realtor Bill Touchette, who highly recommends them. Punjab Indian Cuisine is another local favorite and recommended by Audrey Newell. “It’s owned by a local family and they make terrific South Indian food,” says Newell.
Other local favorites include the delightful Butcher & Baker Provisions in Port Gamble, which was voted Best Dessert in this year’s Best of North Kitsap contest. Kingston’s Mossback is another local gem. Our Director of Digital Marketing, Kara Wyman, says Mossback is “the ultimate farm-to-table experience.” They don’t offer takeout but they do offer gift cards.
We hope you have a healthy, joyful holiday season!
The Seahawks and Windermere Team Up Again to Tackle Homelessness
As the “Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks,” all of us at Windermere are proud to kick off our fifth season of partnering with the Seahawks to tackle homelessness.
Our Tackle Homelessness Campaign
For every defensive tackle made at a Seahawks home game this season, Windermere will donate $100 to Mary’s Place in support of their mission to provide safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness. Mary’s Place has provided resources, housing, and employment services to the homeless in the greater Seattle area since 1999.
Thanks to the Seahawks’ defensive efforts last year, we were able to donate $30,000 to Mary’s Place, bringing our grand total to $128,200 raised over the past four seasons. We look forward to raising even more this year!
The History of Our Foundation
Our partnership with Mary’s Place is aligned with the mission of the Windermere Foundation—to support low-income and homeless families in the communities we serve.
Since 1989, the Windermere Foundation has been raising funds for those in need. A portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold using a Windermere agent supports low-income and homeless families in our communities. And, in 2019 we reached a new milestone by raising nearly $3 million, bringing the grand total to over $40 million in donations raised over the past 31 years.
We are excited to continue our partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and you can follow our progress this season on our social media pages. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates. Go Hawks!
