In a tribute to its retiring Executive Director, Larry Keller, Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) has announced that the agency’s new building project will be named The Keller House. The naming was revealed at the organization’s Annual Dinner on October 26 at the Kitsap Conference Center. Following accolades delivered by Superior Court Commissioner Thurman Lowans, and Elena Argomaniz, KMHS Administrative Associate Director, Board President Dr. Scott Lindquist announced the decision of the Board to the audience of over 350 elected officials, staff and friends of the agency. The event, also celebrating KMHS’ 30^th Anniversary, was Keller’s last Annual Dinner as the agency’s director. He will retire at the end of the year. Keller was also honored with a gift of $20,000 made to The Keller House building fund by “Friends of Larry.”

Plans are underway for the The Keller House, to be located on the KMHS main campus in Bremerton and site preparation will begin 2008. The new building will serve as a residential/stabilization facility replacing the current Burwell House which is inadequate for this use. In July, the Kitsap County Commissioners granted KMHS the land contiguous to its campus on Almira Drive as the building site. Over 40% of the $4 million needed to complete the project has been secured. Occupancy of the new building is anticipated for Spring 2010.