Community Cafe Bainbridge

Curious about the new playground at Battle Point Park? Hear what's in store for the children of Bainbridge, and how you can help it come to pass. In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Barbara Trafton, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, and two members of the Parks District Advisory Committee and KidsUp Campaign, Curt Thomas and Stephanie Page. Together, they talk about why the existing playground needs updating. We also learn about the new design elements being considered, including a large “ferry boat” play structure that speaks to our Pacific Northwest and Bainbridge roots. This project is a collaborative effort between the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, the Parks Foundation and a citizen’s advisory committee. It is also a community effort. There are many ways to get involved. If interested, you can join the campaign committee, submit design ideas, and donate. For more information, please visit the BI Parks Foundation website or the Park

Over 40 defibrillators have been installed around our island since Islander Jack Sutherland's cardiac arrest at a Rotary meeting. Listen here as BIFD Fire Chief Hank Teran, Rotary president Robin Goldston, and Jack Sutherland describe this remarkable project: a heartwarming story for American Heart Month. Chief Teran was attending a rotary meeting when Rotarian Jack Sutherland suddenly collapsed in full cardiac arrest. Chief Teran assessed the situation, immediately began CPR with the help of Rotarian Sean Marcella, and called for a defibrillator. Aid cars arrived carrying the vital equipment, and three shocks and a helicopter transport to Harborview later, Jack was able to survive with no repercussions. But survival wasn't enough for Jack. Realizing that without the quick actions of Teran, Marcella, and the defibrillator he would not be here today, Jack spearheaded a Rotary project to spend $25,000 of auction moneys installing AEDs -- Automated External Defibrillators -- in police cars, at Parks District loc

Curious about our upcoming EMS levy? In this podcast BCB host Diane Walker invites Fire Chief Hank Teran, BIFD Finance Manager Ed Kaufman and Fire Commissioner Tim Carey to explain why the levy is needed, why it's set to be permanent, and what will happen if the levy fails. The levy, which is set to replace a previous levy that expires in December of this year, will fund not only EMS staff but also medical supplies, equipment, community risk reduction work, and training for our increasingly busy EMS squad. Partly because island population is aging, and partly because BIFD is the only organization on the Island that provides 24 hour emergency services, total BIFD call volume has increased 35% since 2012. 70% of those calls are for EMS and rescue services, and 30% of those calls are concurrent, so any reduction in staff could seriously impact the current response times. BIFD already has a permanent fire levy, but ours is the last district in Kitsap county to institute a permanent EMS levy. Though the department

The population of older adults is growing at an unprecedented pace here on Bainbridge Island. Approximately 1/4 of the people living on Bainbridge Island are 65 or older. Recognizing this, it was decided that the next five years are crucial for the development of the Senior Center at Waterfront Park.  The Board of Directors therefore embarked on a strategic planning effort to address current and emerging needs and to build organizational capacity to support and sustain the Center’s growth and success. Based on the input from a series of five community listening sessions, the plan was completed and approved by the Board at its annual meeting on January 8, 2019. In this podcast Reed Price, Executive Director of the Senior Center; Nancy Lewars, a long time board member; Ann Lovejoy, a new board member; and guest host John McKenzie, a volunteer and supporter of the strategic planning effort, talk about why a 5 year strategic plan is necessary for the Senior Center, how it was created, what has already been accomp

Curious about how our police department works? Participate in the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD) Citizens’ Academy, beginning this February. This free 12-week program lets you meet police officers and see their work first-hand; listen here to learn more. In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Carla Sias, BIPD’s Community Resource Officer, and three community members who went through the Academy: Loren Bast, Kaylie Chinn, and former Mayor Anne Blair. Together, they talk about what it was like to visit the Kitsap County Jail and participate in a mock trial at the courthouse. Participants also get to ride with an on-duty patrol officer, go to the 911 dispatch center and Coroner’s Office, and talk about a range of topics such as traffic enforcement, investigations, narcotics, criminal law, defensive tactics and identity theft. It’s a great way to increase communication between residents and police officers and, in the case of Kaylie Chinn, confirmed her decision to go into law enforc

What is it like for people of color to live on Bainbridge? What is race equity? And, how do we create a community where all feel a sense of belonging and inclusion? The Bainbridge City Council is setting up a Race Equity Task Force to explore these issues, and you could join. In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Sal DeRosalia of CrossFit gym, Erin Phillips of We Live Here Too, City Councilmember Matt Tirman and Karen Vargas, Co-Chair of the Multicultural Advisory Council to discuss these complex questions -- questions that the city's newly formed Race Equity Task Force will consider when it convenes in February. The City Council approved a motion during the December 4 Study Session to form a Race Equity Task Force to provide advice and counsel to the Council to ensure that Bainbridge Island serves as an open and welcoming community for all. The City is seeking seven volunteers to serve on the Task Force, which will meet once a month at City Hall. The day and time of the meetings will be de

Many of us know IslandWood for its beautiful 250-acre campus and environmental learning programs for children and adults alike. What you may not know is that this local nonprofit is also trying to address structural racism and embed equity in its operations. In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with three members of IslandWood’s team to talk about how this work is going: John Haskin is Senior Vice President for Education, Kristine Jimenez is Director of Communications, and Theresa Song Ichien is Coordinator of IslandWood’s Education for Environment and Community Graduate Program. Together, they discuss recent efforts to use a racial equity lens across the organization, from hiring and training to curriculum and fundraising materials. They speak candidly about what has been challenging, the lessons they are learning, and even some mistakes made along the way. As Jimenez says, this work is “helping us see what we couldn’t see.” IslandWood hopes that in sharing their journey our whole community mi

Wondering how to vote on our upcoming SAFE Mobility levy? Listen here as Herb Hethcote and Doug Rauh, the men who helped draft the pro and con statements for the voters pamphlet, share their thoughts with COBI's Mark Epstein and BCB's Christina Hulet. This November, Bainbridge Islanders will vote on a $15 million Safe Access for Everyone (SAFE) Mobility Levy. If approved, it would fund shoulder improvements, better connected sidewalks, trails with a focus on safe routes to schools, and other improvements to support walking and biking. The cost of the levy for an owner of a $660,000 home -- the median value on Bainbridge -- would come to an estimated $185 in additional property taxes per year over a seven year period. In this podcast, Mark Epstein, Engineering Project Manager for the City of Bainbridge, shares how the levy came about and what the process would be for selecting and implementing projects, if approved. Also joining us are Herb Hethcote, who helped draft the “pro statement” and Doug Rauh, who help

Fabulous fall colors, a fungi Walk, a floral arranging demo, a moss garden walk, a zen garden demo, Jazz with Jenny Maybee, and of course the annual Squash Scavenger Hunt: it's all part of Founders Weekend at the Bloedel Reserve, which celebrates its 30th anniversary October 20-21. Listen here as Bloedel's Executive Director Ed Moydell shares highlights from the fascinating history of this award-winning island treasure. You'll learn some little-known facts about the garden's history, Prentice Bloedel’s vision, the Reserve's plans for the future, and -- just for fun -- how the first Annual October Squash Scavenger Hunt came to be! Recently named one of the top ten public gardens in the U.S., Bloedel offers peace, well-being, exercise and entertainment for visitors of all ages.  To learn more about Founder's Weekend and about Bloedel’s activities and visiting hours, visit their website at https://bloedelreserve.org/ Credits: BCB host, Betsy Lydle Smith; audio editor and publisher, Diane Walker; social media: Je

What is the level of homelessness on Bainbridge and in Kitsap County? What's driving the problem, what kind of assistance is available, how effective is it, and what can you do to help? Listen here to learn more... In this 45 minute podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet talks with Kirsten Jewell, Kitsap County’s Housing and Homelessness Program Division Coordinator, and Maria Metzler, Executive Director of Helpline House, about local statistics, issues, services and misconceptions around homelessness. According to data from Kitsap County’s Department of Human Services and Housing Solutions Center, 530 people were without a home in Kitsap County during the 2018 “point-in-time” count. In 2017, approximately 3,200 households in Kitsap needed housing assistance and 1,200 households were classified as homeless. Here on Bainbridge, 116 households needed housing assistance and 25 households were classified as homeless in 2017. Forty of these households included children, impacting a total of 68 kids. The Bainbridge Isla

Will bringing Coffee Oasis to Bainbridge help reduce teen suicide on the island? Lee Moniz hopes so. Listen here to learn about Coffee Oasis and why the Tyler Moniz Project is working to bring the organization to Bainbridge. Here on Bainbridge, we have lost several youth to suicide in the last few months alone. Many others report that they struggle with depression, anxiety, bullying, and various pressures. Some are just looking for a place to connect and feel a sense of community. This is why Lee Moniz and others are working to bring Coffee Oasis to Bainbridge. Lee is the founder of the Tyler Moniz Project, a non-profit organization that she and her husband, Jeff, created after their son, Tyler, died by suicide at Washington State University two years ago. In this podcast, we learn about her hopes to partner with Coffee Oasis to create a coffee house where youth can just hang out and, if needed, get access to a variety of programs, activities and support staff. Coffee Oasis is a faith-based, non-profit organi

Line dancing? Table Tennis? Yoga? Beginning Chinese? Bridge? Drawing? Chess? Knitting? Photography? Astrology? German? Cribbage? Karaoke? Shakespeare? There's something for everyone at the BI Senior Center -- and you can help them decide what future offerings might be available! Attend one of four strategic planning sessions offered over the next week, and help our senior center plan for the future. Working with their existing members, the Senior Center's Board has come up with a five point plan for the center's future, but they want to open this discussion up to the larger community, so they are holding 4 strategic planning sessions at different times and places to make it easy to attend:   • Tuesday, September 11, 10 am-noon at Bethany Lutheran Church   • Thursday, September 13, 3-5 pm at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church   • Saturday, September 15, 1-3 pm at Island Volunteer Caregivers (behind Marge Williams Center)   • Tuesday, September 18, 7-9 pm at the Senior Center You need only attend one session, s

What is the development moratorium, why was it enacted, and how does it address growing concerns about the type of development happening on Bainbridge Island? In this podcast, BI Senior Planner Christy Carr and Planning Commissioner Jon Quitslund help clarify the issues. Beginning in January 2018, the Bainbridge Island City Council passed a series of ordinances establishing and clarifying a six-month moratorium on certain new developments. The moratorium was set to expire mid-summer but was extended on June 26 by an additional 90 days.   Listen here as BCB host Christina Hulet talks with long term islanders Christy and Jon  about the moratorium and several related topics, including the review process and design of subdivisions; the role of the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission; the Critical Areas and Landmark Tree ordinances; and the recommendations just delivered by the Affordable Housing Task Force. We also explore some of the criticisms associated with the moratorium and consider how best to

Many of us know people who are either struggling to stay in their current homes or hoping to find an affordable place on Bainbridge. Housing Resources Bainbridge is here to help: listen here as HRB's Phedra Elliot and Penny Lamping describe the services this vital group provides. Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides and advocates for affordable rental housing and homeownership options on the island. HRB also helps elderly and disabled individuals stay in their homes by providing home improvements such as accessible walkways and kitchen/bathroom modifications. Phedra Elliot is HRB's executive director, and Penny Lamping is a long-time Bainbridge resident who serves as fundraising and Communications Manager. Together they explain the growing need in our community for a broader range of housing options and some of the ways HRB is working to achieve that goal. Phedra also served on the City’s Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF), which released its recommendat

How do we go about creating a community where people who want to live here can afford to do so? In June 2017, the Bainbridge Island City Council appointed a fifteen member, all citizen volunteer group to  answer that question. The Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF) was charged with developing recommendations to improve access to affordable housing across the economic spectrum. This month, the AHTF released its final report, including proposals for our collective consideration.   In this podcast, we hear from several community members involved in the process. Althea Paulson is a long-time Bainbridge resident and Chair of the task force; Phedra Elliot is Executive Director of Housing Resources Bainbridge and a fellow AHTF member; and Jennifer Sutton is a Senior Planner for the City of Bainbridge.   Together, they help us understand why affordable housing has become an issue, why it matters, and what some possible solutions might be, including zoning changes, building on public lands, encouraging ADU's, incent

"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast," wrote William Congreve back in 1697. The Agate Pass Threshold Choir honors that sentiment, singing their gentle music to help ease people in difficult transitions. To learn more and hear their songs, listen here. Part of a larger international organization, the local group, which currently numbers 12 members who rehearse together every Monday evening, sends singers out in pods of two or four to the bedsides of transitioning souls, all free of charge. And in bringing healing to their listeners, their families, and their caregivers, the singers find a peace and joy for themselves as well. To learn more about the Threshold Choir, visit their website at thresholdchoir.org. And if you think you might be interested, either in singing with the Threshold Choir or in having them sing for someone you know, you can contact them via the website or by emailing Judy Friesem at jfriesem@gmail.com Credits: BCB host: Diane Walker;  BCB audio tech: Chris Walker; publisher: Diane

What is the Ethics Board, and why do we have one? In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet talks with Scott Wilder, current board chair, and Dennis Willerford, a long-time board member, about the role of the Bainbridge Island Ethics Board.   This five-member, volunteer board is responsible for promoting the highest ethical standards of personal and professional conduct for all those involved with the City of Bainbridge. It trains elected officials and members of our many committees, commissions or advisory groups on the city’s core values and ethical standards, and also ensures that major contractors and city employees follow these same standards. Listen here as Dennis and Scott discuss the importance of the four C’s or basic rules of ethics--conduct of public meetings, confidentiality, compensation and gifts, and conflict of interest. They also describe the board's history and explain the two articles of the city's ethics code -- the first, which describes the City’s core values, and the second, which act

In this podcast, meet Amber Richards, Emergency Management Coordinator for Bainbridge Island and Scott James of Bainbridge Prepares. The two join BCB host Bob Ross to discuss the recent emergency preparedness survey and what the city of Bainbridge is doing to ensure resilience in the face of natural disasters. Join us for this edition of Community Cafe as Amber and Scott share their perspectives about community preparedness and the important partnerships now in place in the city. You'll hear many suggestions, insights and tips and learn how the recent Resident Survey serves as a tool to help further preparedness efforts. To look at the survey and get an idea what you need to have on hand, visit http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=491. To learn more about Bainbridge Prepares, visit http://bainbridgeprepares.org/. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

What do our youth have to say about climate change? That is what the Bainbridge Island chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby wanted to find out when it had an essay contest for local youth. In this podcast you'll meet Nilus Swanson, a 16-year old sophomore at Kingston High School, who submitted the winning essay. Nilus' passionate call to action for why we should address climate change reminds us that sometimes youth can bring clarity to an issue that eludes our broader discourse. It is, after all, his generation and those to follow that will be most impacted by the effects of climate change. Listeners will also learn about the work of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) from Bobbie Morgan, a Bainbridge Island resident, writer and one of the leaders of CCL’s local chapter. CCL has more than 480 local chapters around the country. To learn more about the one on Bainbridge, please visit: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/chapters/WA_Bainbridge_Island/. Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor: Harrison Gaushe

It would be easier to turn the page on the dark chapters of our history. But then, how would we heal, or learn, or grow as a society?  In this powerful podcast, students Evelyn Cantwell and Ethan Soltanzadeh join teacher Jim Starrs in a conversation about Sakai Intermediate School's Leaving Our Island curriculum, a study of the Japanese internment during World War II. Evelyn, a current 6th grader, Ethan, a high schooler and former Sakai student,and Jim, a 6th grade social studies and language arts teacher, share with us the many ways in which the curriculum uses stories, theater, books, and writing to bring to life the internment of Bainbridge’s 276 Japanese Americans.  It's particularly moving to hear Evelyn and Ethan talk about forum day, when those internment survivors, who were the first to be exiled in 1942, come to the classroom to share their stories with students. Listen to this podcast and be inspired by their reflections, and the lessons they draw that can serve all of us. Credits: BCB host: Christi